Glamorgan Free Press

IVJustard and Cress. + We wish to heartily congratulate the Hooligan Band on the last addition to their rank and hie. The aristocracy of the Cemetery road ware at the ir wit's end endeavouring to explain why tnej exhibited such antics at their performances, but their sell-convicting evidence of reclining aCt- misMon tc "Relative," while admitting the miss- ing link," coupled with that fact well-known to «rventi«t3—that everything attracts its own kind—"Birds of a feather flock; together,"— clearly explains why they displayed such fpn- niosities. "Relative" docs not grieve at the loss of the- uniform contract ,inasmuch as he does not emplov qualified tailors to enable him to guarantee "fit and style" for the aborigines of mankind. The "love-sick lover," while not wishing to refute the assertion that he was "disturbed and "disappointed," proudly asserts tnat it such an incident as an "overflow of tears' should happen on the part of any member of the Hooli- gan Band, probablv nothing would b? left but empty suits of clothes going homewards after the oucasion. Amongst the successful candidates at the preliminary Law Examination of the Incor- porated Law Society held on tlxe til °l11 instant, we observe the name of D. Hid Lewis, son of Mr David Lewis, Caerphilly. Some folks have a notion that any of gossip will do for "Mustard and Cress. But we are most particular ,and especially on all pars that are of a personal character. We have had a couple sent us this week from tne Upper Rhondda. One refers to a young man inviting his sweetheart to do his house-keeping because his parents have gone to Builth Wells. The other is about a married man going m for mild flirtations. We do not care to say more, but ask our correspondent to writo something more edifving in the future. It is only truth that did we insert what he sends our lives would not, be worth many days. The Rhondda Cymrodorion have decided to make a presentation to Mr Tom Davies in re- cognition of his many years' fidelity as secre- tary to. the society. There can be no denial of tho" fact that Mr Davies has been most diligent in furthering the interests of the Cymrodorion of th3 Rhondda. The occasion of his marriage has therefore been taken as a suitable opportunity to give expression to the appreciation which has out-grown his labours for the Cymrodorion. We lic&rtilv wish the movement the success it de- c,ei-ves. Mr E. H. Davies, J.J., Pentre, is chair- man; Rev E. W. Davies, Ton, treasurer, and the genial Mr Yorath (Eos Hafod) secretary. The subject is good ,and with such leading officials -we expect a most successful issue. Mr W. Evans, the Miners' Agent, has been most successful in his busy efforts for the Ma- bon's Fund. It is surprising how men of every shade of opinion agree that Mabon is the right man in the right place. He is admired by op- ponents for his fairness and moderation in pro- moting the principle most dear to the men, but in doing so he acts consistently with the best eanona of procedure. The Eglwysilan School Board had a row at their last meeting, but the storm was anticipated and our reporter was asked to suppress the de- tails of the rounds that were fought. It is a pity, for we could do with a few sporting pars very well,though we confess it is a point gained when the Board is conscious that some of its doings are better suppressed than otherwise. We have hopes yet of Caerphilly School Board, for Mr W. Davies has told us tkat he means education—"codi'r hen wlad yn ei hoi"—in all that he does for Caerphilly. Very good, the sooner the better pleased we shall be. Perhaps we may as well warn the Board that any future scenes of this description will be fully described. Ald. W. H. Morgan, our respected townsman, and the elected Liberal candidate for South Gla- morgan, presided over an Eisteddfod held at Cadoxton-Barry, on Bank Holiday. He was accompanied by Mrs Morgan. We regret to find that Mr William Davies, junior, of Court Villa, Tonypandy, is not in the best of health, and that it has been neces- sary for him and his wife to take a trip to the Antipodes for the benefit of it. We sincerely trust that he will return fully recruited to his native heath. Mr Davies has spent the last few years in London pursuing his medical studies. The lastest news to hand shews that he is getting on very steadily, and we join in hoping that the improvement will continue. They say that Trealaw requires no news papers, and that the deficiency is supplied by a certain retired fraternity who, finding time hanging heavily on them, do the -newspaper business by daily visitations round the district. They make good story teller, we are told, and we also hear that they spin and spin until the original is almost in obscurity. Well, we are not offended, but as long as they follow the maxim of "Y gwir yn erbyn y bvd," we shall not interrupt the even tenour of their gossiping ways Colonel H. LI. Grover, clerk to the Ponty- pridd District Council, attended the Local Gov- ernment Board enquiry at the Council Chamber on Thursday. This is the first appearance the galianfe colonel has been able to make since Christmas, and on all hands were heard expres- sions of delight at the improvement which has taken place in his health. We sincerely trqst that it will not be long betore he will resume his familiar seat during the Council's meetings. His genial and ample form has been greatly missed. A:-bil,ion should we not say "h-ambition?"— in the police force is a very desirable quality, but it may sometimes be overdone. Recently an aspiring "boy in blue" was transferred from a local village to a busy centre in the Rhondda. Anxious to see the fact chronicled in the "Free Press" he buttonholed one of our reporters and hinted in a very seductive manner that he should like to see a little par. about the event. He didn't want a mere bald announcement, but was hopeful that the much desired "par." would be of a very complimentary nature, similar to the one leferring to his predecessor's removal. Reporters meet with a; good deal of bounce in their daily work, but this "modest" request fairly stageered our man. Apparency, some people have the idea that newspapers are insti- tutions existing for the purpose of airing the virtues of certain jvublic officials, or, if there are no virtues to air, to make a few for those who would like to possess them. The young man in question is a very meritorious officer, no doubt, but when he gets older he w-, probably find he must wiia, his spurs before be can wear them. The "Shop Assistant" for August savs: "There are signs of an awakening in the Rhondda Val- ley. The assistants in the numerous towns and villages of the clsh Coalfield are beginnin7 to enquire about the rules and objects of the Na- tional Union, and a meeting has already been held at Tonypandy with a view of forming a central branch. I hope tueir efforts will" be successful." We rejoice to find, from tnis month's "Shop Assistant," that even sleerv,\ conservative, re- main-as-we-are, Aberdare is being stirred b the early closing movement. Surely, the millenium is at hand! The Town rings with the news that FRANK THOMAS ("My Hatter,") sells the best 3/9 Hat. 283o PHOTOGRAPH STANDS.—New patterns just ar- nved. Artistic and inexPeusive.-FoaREST AVD SONS, Cambrian Studio. 2871 The chief characteristics of G, P. HACKER'S Photo- graphs are Fidelity and Artistic Finish. Samples may be seen at his Studio—12 and 13, The Arcade Pontypridd. 32eot For freshest of tinned goods and richest of jama. Go to T. Harris for primest of hams, Central Stores, Taff street. 1341

DEATH OF m THOMAS PHILLIPS PONTYPRIDD. It is our melancholy duty to have to record the death of Mr Thomas Phillips, The Avenue, Pontypridd, which sad event occurred on Thurs- day morning. The late gentleman, who was 6'i years of age, had been ailing for some years, and was confined to his bed during the last cure weeks. The cause of death was septicemic and exhaustion. He was for a number of years engaged in business at Tonypandy, and on his retirement, three years ago came to reside at Pontypridd. Much sympathy is felt with Mrs Philips, the bereaved widow, as well as the children—Mr Edgar Phillips, Aberdare; Mr T. x5. Phillips, Brighton (fcrrYi^rlv se^fetnrv to Mr w Hood); Mrs T. D. John, Dinas Schools, Mr Percy S. Phillips, fcrmerlv sub-editor o. the "Free Press." The funeral,* which will be private will Probably tak- nlpr; cn JkTondav a: -.e-Jriuu Coortcry. i

Fer?\da!e Athletic Sports. These annual sports enme off on Monday on the Atiiietic Grounds, Ferndale, in beautiful weather, but before a most meagre attendance, not more than 1,000 being on the field. The Ferndale Prize Band, under the conductorship of Mr John Bailey, gave a magnificent programme, the whole crowd dividing their attention equally between the races and band. The arrangements were complete, while good handicapping kept the excitement well up. The haudioappers were:—Messrs J. & R. Cording, Adare Hotel, Llwynpia the starter being Mr Geo. Walters, Ferndale; secretary, Mr Wm. Ilowells trpafeurer, Mr J. M Green, Commercial Hotel. The results were as follows 120 yards boy's ra'ce—final st, F. R Davips, Ferndale, 22 yards 2nd. James Jones, Ferndale, 2 yards 3rd, W. Hopkins, Ferndale. 2 yards. 120 yards opon)-Entl 1st, R, England, Clydach Vale, 12 yards 2nd, J. Martin, 'erndale, 9 yards 3rd, R. Jones, Ferndale, 6 yards. 440 yards (t)pfn)-fipal R. England, Clydach Vale, 30 yards; 2nd, C. P. Evans, Treorky, 16 yards 3rd, E. Edwards, Ferndale, 18 yards. One mile flat (open)-final 1st, H. Williams, Ynyshir, 20 yards 2nd, W. Hail, Ferndale, 30 yards; S. C. Syms, Ferndale, -10 yards. For a watch, presented by Mr Williams, auctioneer, to be run for by any one on the field 300 yards. P. C. Martin, scratch, came in an easy winner. One mile trotting mat c,i, under 13 2-final 1st, Little Lily, R. Llewellyn, Daswonno, scratch; 2nd, Bess, T. Jones, Ferndale, 30 yards; 3rd, Little Maggie, D. Owens, Caerau, 120 yards. Two miles trotting match, under l'i.2-final 1st, Barmaid, W. Evans, Ynyshir, 300 yards; 2nd, Little Lily, H. Llewellyn Darwonno, 70 yards; 3rd, Bess, T. Jones, Ferndale, SO-yards.

"HANDS ACROSS THE SEA." Re-opening of the Royal Clarence Theatre. ANOTHER DRAMATIC TREAT. The Clarence Theatre was re-opened this week after having been invaded by a vast army of decorators and cleaners, whose weapons, in the shape of threatening-looking brushes, have worked beautifying marvels in the pretty play- house. We all wondered what the new season had in store for us, but few expected that Mr Tom Jones, the astute manager, had such a sur- prise up bis sleeve. The boards of the increas- ingly popular Clarence are occupied by one of the most talented companies touring the pro- vinces-Mr W. D. Forsdike's No. 1 Company, in their grand revival of the late Henry Pet- titt's thrilling play, "Hands Across the Sea.' Presented by skilful artistes of wide dramatic experience, in a series of vivid, realistic scenes, the cleverly written drama enchains the inter- est from start to finish, and the appreciative plaudits with which the auditorium rings night after night must be regarded as a sure indication that the piece has everything to commend it to popular favour. The cast is so large that in- dividual mention of the artistes is now im- possible, but one cannot help referring to the vigorous, manly style in which the hero, Jack Dudley, is impersonated by that, gifted actor, Mr Henry George, to the infinite charm and captivating grace with which Amy Sangster pourtrays the brave heroine, Lilian Melford; and to the consummate villany of Bob Stillwood as depicted by clever Mr Lionel Thompson. The remaining characters are adequately represented To all who desire to witness a healthy, invigorat- ing, soul-stirring play, our advice is-Pay a visit to the Clarence this week. "THE MAID OF THE ALPS." Every reader of the "Free Press" now knows that "The Maid of the Alps is to be with us next week, and everyone knows that the piece is well worth seeing. Then why say more? The fact that this will be the fourth visit of the play to the Clarence is sufficient proof of its attractiveness, and we have no doubt that next week, as on the three previous occasions, full houses will be the rule. It must not be for- gotten that Mr George M. Marriott will repeat his wonderful impersonation of the old hag, Mother Polard-one of the best bits of char- acterisation yet seen in the provinces.

THE CHURCH REVOLT AT CLYDACH VALE. -0-- APOLOGY TO THE REV. J. D. JAMES (VICAR) & THE CURATES OF ST. THOMAS' CHURCH, LLWYNYPIA, GLAMORGAN. -0-- In our issue of July 10th we published, under the title of "The Church Revolt at Clydach Vale," a paragraph alleging that instead of trying to heal the breach the local clergy bad endea- voured to widen it by burning a number of Welsh books in use at St. Thomas' Church, and that considerable indignation was felt amongst the Church folk and Nonconformists alike in the district at the burning of the Sunday-school books and also the hymn books given by Canon Roberts, and that before the climax was reached, the Vicar of Llwynypia repeatedly expressed his sympathy with the Welsh side of the dispute, but that the profession and practice did not tally. We are informed by the Vicar's solicitors that the local clergy did not burn or order to be burnt any Welsh books." As stated in our issue of July 17th, we are glad to accept this assurance. Welsh books were burnt, but not by them, or by their orders. We, therefore, freely withdraw all statements made in those issues of our paper in any way reflecting on the Rev. J. D. James or any of his curates we apologise to these gentlemen for having erroneously concluded that what was done was done by their orders and we regret exceedingly that any pain or annoyance should have been caused them by our unfortunate error.

PIGEON STEALING AT NELSON. At the Caerphilly police court on Tuesday Georga Teague, and William Johnson two youths residing at Treharris, were summoned for stealing four pigeons, valued at 6s., the property of Thomas Phillips, Nelson. The prosecutor said that he missed the pigeons from the cot on the 28th ult., and defendants were seen on his premises on the night mentioned. P.S. Williams arrested the two defendants, who when charged pleaded guilty. The conviction book showed that Teague had been previously convicted for stealing money, an I Johnson was implicated in a fowl stealing case from Nelson, but was set free on his giving evidence for the police. Defendants were now fined £1 each, with the alternative of 14 days' imprisonment.

Yon can say what you like, bat I know weU T. Jgarriies groceries none can excel. I The Central Ttcre,, TAl tz1)î U

Cycling Notes. 4. By Pedalphast. I Lamp-lighting time: August 6th, 8.57 p.m. August 7th, 8.35 p.m. .August 8th, 8.33 p.m. August 9th, 8.31 p.m. August 10th, 8.29 p.m. August llth, 8.27 p.rn. August 12th, 8.2b p.m. Tr^forest Cycling Club runs: August 7U, Cardiff 3.30 p.in, August 9th, Impromptu run, 8 p.m.; August- I2th, Aberdare, 3 p.m. -0- Three members of the Treforest Club caiiied out the annual tour to Monmouth via Hereford on Saturday. Sunday was spent in Hereford and Monmouth reached on Sunday night, arriv- ing home on M mday. The roads and weather were purfect, and a pleasant time was expe-- ienced. --0- The cycle races at thB Pontypridd Football Club sports on Monday were keenly oontestea, and very exciting finishes were witnessed, par- ticularly in the final of the three miles handicap. Coming into the straight that sterling rider, John Osman, had the lead, closely followed by Hopkin Davies, and from here to the post was seen one of the most desperate struggles, the result being a dead heat. --0-- The judges' decision was anxiously waited by the largf- crowd, but opinion amongst the spec- tators was divided as to who won. Both com- petitors were asked to run off the tie, and to this course Davies agreed, but Osman would not do so, declaring that he won. The upshot was that the conimitteci had no course open to them but to lump the first and second prizes together, q and divide them, each taking four guineas worth. --0-- D. Davies, Llantwit, experienced hard lines in falling immediately on taking the lead in the three miles. Had this not occurred possibly the result of the race might have been different, for at the time he was riding well, and making the pace exceedingly sultry. --0-- Osman seems to have a partiality for close finishes. In the novice race he ran J. R. Evans, the winner, to a few inches, and was picking up ground rapidly. Again in the final of the mile handicap he had a close shave for third place, anl his finish in the three miles is now a matter of history. --0-- H. L. Jenkins, Pontypridd, made a brilliant show in the Harlequins'sports on Monday. He easily accounted for the 880 yards' handicap, and ran third in too five miles. With more opportunities for training this promising young rider will, undoubtedly, develop first class form, and already he has impressed reliable critics most favourably. His style of riding is wonder- fully neat and pretty, and he possesses a large amount of (lash-an essential quality in a sprin- ter. Jenkins is one of the few riders who do not rely upon his legs alone; he uses his head to a great extent, and that his judgment is not at fault was plainly shewn on Monday, when he took a first and third prize on his third appear- ance on a track, and that in good class com- pany. I have received the following letter from John Griffiths Cycle Corporation, Ltd., on the question of the present alleged "slump" in the cycle traxle. Dear Sir,—In view of the erroneous opinion which is likely to gain ground as the result ot ludicrous statements made by the more sensa- tional section of the press, we should like you to allow us the opportunity of demonstrating that these inspired (!) publications are speaking "without the book" when they are prompted to speak of "A Cycle Slump," because one or two firms discover that their machines fail to fetch certain prices on the market against others which experienced buyers have found to be better value for money. Speaking as a firm admitted to be the"World's Largest Cycle Dealers," we have so far this season done a larger volume of business than at any time in our history. We might give strong evidence in support of this, but a much better criterion of the present state of the cycle trade is afforded by the recent speech of the chairman of the Dunlop Pneumatic Tyre Co., Ltd. (Mr Harvey da Cros, sen.)' at the ordinary general meeting of the Company on the 21st instant, when handling a balance-sheet showing almost ona million profit in eighteen months. As is well-known. 90 per cent—if not more—of English made cycles are fitted with the Dunlop tyre, so that it will be readily understood how well qualified the chairman of this concern is to pro- perly pronounce as to the true state of affairs in the cycle trade. We quote that portion of Mr Harvey du Cros' speech which deals more particularly with the subject of this letter: "Now, ladies and gentlemen, it may interest you if we look for a moment at the cycle trade with which this company is very intimately con- nected. A great many people are writing about the cycle trade just now, and I think some of the gentlemen who are writing do not quite ypderstand the subject. (Applause). The cycle trade is a great English industry—an industry which has been extending for years, and will extend for years. People are talking about a slump in cycles. I do not know any- thing about cycle finance. There may bs a slump in cycle finance, but in the cycle trade there cannot be a slump. The history of the cycle trade is simply this, that it started in a very small way, but with the advent of to pneumatic tyre, which made riding a cycle a luxury, it began to expand, and it does expand each year. But the cycle trade, by reason of the seasons, is sometime subject to a temporary check in connection with the output, but that check is purely temporary, and it is more a question for the agent than for the manufac- turer. It is my opinion tnat in the cycle trade very large profits have been made during the year 1897, and I think it only remains for those at the head of these businesses to deal with their profits in a proper manner by paying reasonable dividends and building up large reserves; and those engaged making the great brands of ma- chines should be careful to make their expansions gradual, as I believe'they always have done, and are doing. I think I can illustrate my view of the cycle trade by an incidnt which happened yesterday. There was a very interesting meet- ing of the Swift Cycle Company. The directors were complaining of a very ample interpretation placed by their managing director upon the fifth Commandment, and the managing director gave the directors a photograph and some figures. I have not got the photograph, but I have the figures. They show that in the year 1894 the turnover of that company was £50,000, in 1896 £200,000, and for ten months of this year £ 225,000. I happen to know something about this company, and all that E225,000 worth of machines has been sold, and they are all to be paid for. Now, you will observe that there is an expansion from one year to the other. and that is where the possibility of a season's check comes in. This £ 225,000 worth of machines have been made and sold, but that manufacturer now holds his hand, and if the agents want more machines, they shall have them, but if they do not want more, then the works shall re- main idle. That is the extent of the slump in the cycle trade. If it is a good season, they make a/"great expansion; if it is a bad season, the expansion is limited. I think that is the true position of the development of the cycle trade."

SPORTS AND PASTIMES- -+- By the Sporting Scribe." [CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 ] To the Editor. Sin,Vr Thomas says I have had plenty of time to prove my statement chat Dinas did not win their match versus Tylorstown, and which 1 say ended in a draw. Now, Sir, in my opinion, and in the opinion of every mn capable of judging, I have proved it before, but as I said in one of my previous letters, ''There are none so hard to make believe as those who will not believe," and I think Mr Thomas is one of the latter. To substantiate what I say, if Mr Thomas will send his statement to Mr Henry Perkins, secretary of the M.C.C I will do the same. and the Club which that gentleman de- cides in favour of to take the sovereign (if he is agreeable). Appended are the full scores, and he cannot deny but they are right :— DINAS. C J Thomas b Allen 14 W Fitzgerald run out 11 B Thomas b D Morgan 4 P J Thomas b J Allen 0 J W Fell run out 0 E Beale b J Atlen 3 A King b J Allen 0 Kerslake c F Priday b C Priday 3 Jos Lingford b F Priday 10 A Chant not out 9 G Davies c Williams b F Priday 0 Extras 9 Total 63 TYLORSTOWN. F Priday c Chant b Fitzgerald. 7 R Williams b Fitzgerald 1 D Morgan not out 12 Fk Priday st Thomas bFitzgerald 2 C Priday run out 0 J Allen c Fell b C Thomas 0 R Davies run out 6 J Edwards b Fitzgerald 1 O'Brien c Kerslake b Fitzgerald 3 B Owen did not bat J Davies did not bat Extras 7 Total (for 8 wickets) 39 By this score I think I have proved once more my former statement. I remain, Sir, yours, etc., F. J. PRIDAY, Hon. Sec., Pontygwaith. Tylorstown C.C. To the Editor. Sir,—Having seen the correspondence in your valuable paper between the secretaries of the Tylorstown and Dinas Cricket Clubs, I wish to correct Mr Thomas's report in your issue of June 19th, in which he says I was out for 0. I wish to state that neither myself nor Mr Joseph Davies, who was playing for Tylorstown,batted, in consequence of expiration of time. Thanking you, Sir, in anticipation, I remain, yours, etc., Pontygwaith. B. OWEN. This closes the correspondence on this subject, and I must absolutely refuse to allow the dis- cussion to be re-opened in these columns. The Sporting Scribe." CHATS WITH THE CHAMt'IuNS. Mr Fred E. Bacon, the champkyj athlete, was interviewed on Tuesday evening oy a "Free Press" reporter. Mr Bacon is the very embodi- ment of affability, but it was, all the same, a difficult task to "draw him out," as he is not prone to much talking about his own achieve- ments. I gathered (writes our representative) that Mr Bacon is now in his 27th year, and is a native of Boxted, near Colchester, in the county of Essex. Touching the beam at 5 ft. 9* in., he weighs 9 stones 41bs. in his running costume. It was in the year 1890 that he first competed in a race. This was in a sports at Macclestield, when he came in third, running against such a formidable opponent as C. W. Davies, of Stoke, who was scratch man. Since then Mr Bacon has been gaining palm alter palm, and has pretty well covered himself with distinction and medals. Asked --tL. as to which race he considered his best, said he thought it was that in which he beat George Crossland in a four miles event. By the way Mr Bacon is open to run any man in the world from one to ten miles, and for any sum of money which his opponent cares to name. In October he w ill probably attempt to lower the ten-miles world's record, now held by W. Cummings, and in the same month he will have a smack at the one. mile record of 4 min. 12 sees, held by W. G. George, of Woroester. On the 23rd of this month he meets Bredon on -he Catford track, and later he will match his speed powers against those of J. Muller, Belfast, the Irish champion, in a four miles race for £100. Later he will appear in an exhibition race of five miles against time at a meeting to be held in his native town of Colchestcr, and subsequent to this he will have another contest with Bredon on about the 18th September. To-day (Saturday) he appears in a one-mile and a two-mile handicap at Bridge- of-Allen. "This is your first visit to Wales, Mr Bacon,' I enquired. "No," was the reply; "I have visited Cardiff, and was well-received there, but the reception given me there was not nearly as cordial as that which I received at Pontypridd. I have been really flattered by the way in which you Ponty- priddiaris have treated me. Everywhere have I met with the greatest possible kindness, and it has been a source of much pleasure to me to meet with some of the enthusiastic old sports to whom I have been introduced. They are jolly fellows, and are just the stamp of men who are doing so much for our national pas- times. And I should here like to express my thanks to my capital host, Mr Ack Llewellin. He has proved a thorough gentleman, and I shall not soon forget the pleasant hours spent in his company. Mr Harry Watkins will, I am sure, bear me out, because too much cannot be said in praise of Mr Llewellin's hospitality." "vVhat is your opinion of the Football Club's sports?" "Well, I think it was a very well managed little meeting; and I can give every praise for the way in which they work up ihese meetings here. All I hope is that they will improve the track, and that I will then have another oppor- tunity 01 visiting you. Naturally I found it extremely difficult to run on this track in its present uneven condition; but if it is improved and I come down here again, I'll show Ponty- priddians a little bit of what I can do." "I believe I am not wrong, Mr Bacon, when I say that you were on the park in a sort of dual calacity--a competitor and an interested spectator. Would you niind saying what you think of our local racing talent?" "There's any amount of splendid and promis- ing1 talent here. I was particularly pleased with younq, Eli Joseph, and have no hesitation in saying that, if properly trained, lie will soon shine in the 100 yards." "ifou are a cyclist, aren't you?" "Yes, I ride a great deal; in fact, have fol- lowed up the pastime for years." "What were your impressions of the local wheelmen in the cycling events on Monday?" "Why, I was struck at finding you had such an abundance of talent in this department also. The riders on Monday were a plucky lot, and on that particular track oould romp away from many a champion I know. It's quite remarkable the way you people in Wales shine in football and cycling. By the way, talking of Welsh and cycling reminds me of a very intimate acquaint- ance, E. W. Parry, a well-known Welsh fithl-te. Up till recently he had confined his attention to pedestrianism, but though a comparatively new rider he is pushing ahead in the cycling world." This concluded our little chat, and with mutual good wishes we parted, each expressing a hope that the time was not far distant when the champion would once more enjoy the brac- ing air of Pontypridd. It was late in the same. evening that 1 dropped across the Southern Counties champion, Mr Harry Watkins, and a little informal chat was the result. Mr Watkins hails from Coven- try. and is 26 years of age. Of sturdy hi! he is 5 ft. 7 in. in height, and in his running cos- tume turns the scale at 9 stones 31bs. His racing career dates back to 1890. His first event was a one-mile handicap, in which he secured second place. Since then he has won several mile championships, after which he mir,e I to London. On the first occasion on which he ran in the Southern Counties cross-country cham- pionships he came in ninth, and, not long after, he made his first attempt in the National cross- ona country championship of England, when he came in fourth. In the next year, however, he pulled off the Southern Counties championship, and was placed second in the National. In 1894 he won the 10 miles championship, doing the dis- tance in Ih. 5min. 40secs. against very gcod mrTJ IT r.-+ TV'IV yn forjn. »n:I -? 1.^ awhile, but he is keenly anticipating a meeting with Crossland in a ten-miles event, which will probably come off in about two months' time. His last amateur race, by the way, was at Bury two years ago, when he won, doing two miles in 9niin. 32secs. on a grass track, whici was onl- just a little behind the grass record. Ho joined his friend Mr Bacon in testifying to the kind treatment received at Pontypridd, as well as in the hope that he will ere long pay the town another visit. ♦

SHOCKING RAILWAY FATALITY AT TREORCHY. At about 9.30 on Monday evening, an accident occurred on the Taff Vale Railway about a hun- dred yards above the Treorky Railway Station, whereby a man named James Davies, a batcha- lor, about forty years of age, residing at 8, Howard street, Treorky, met his death. It ap- pears that the driver of an up passenger train noticed the body of a man, badly mutilated, lying near the metals. On the arrival of the train at Treherbert, Mr Davies, station-master, Treorky, was telegraphed to, and in company with some of his staff, proceeded to the spot indicated, where they found the body in a shocking state. The deceased's head was liter- ally smashed, and the brains were scattered about the place. His right leg was completely severed from his body, and his arm was in a mu- tilated condition. It is conjectured that de- ceased intended to make a short cut across the railway and river to get home. It is not known whether he fell across the railway, or whethei he was sleeping. It is also not clearly known as to when he was run over, as three passenger trains passed down just at that time. The second train stopped at Treorky, but the other two trains ran through. No information has been elicited from either of the guards or drivers. In a few minutes after the body was found hundreds of persons assembled on the spot. It appears that at about 8.45 deceased was seen on the Taff field conversing with some young ladies. Deceased was one of the oldest workmen in the Ocean Collieries, having been in Treorky for 25 years. He was a native of Cardiganshire. Deceased \1 to a little time ago,was one of the most faithful followers of the Treorky (Royal) Male Choir, who attended his funeral, which toek place on Thursday. — 0

A Bridgend Girl Snatched from Death. FULL DETAILS OF A MARVELLOUS ESCAPE. Night was closing over Bridgend (writes a representative of the Bridgend "Chronicle,") when I was asked to interview a young lady living in Meadow street, about whom many reports were current, respecting her miraculous escape from death. Having ascertained the whereabouts of Mea- dow street, I wended my Steps, in that direc- tion, and in response to my knock at the door, a ruddy-faced boy appeared, who in reply to my question said that his mother was in. Mrs Powell, for that is the name of the young lady's mother, bade me enter their homely abode. "I believe," said the reporter, "that your daughter Jennie has recently escaped almost, as it were, from the 'jaws of death?" vn 1 MISS JENNIE POWELL. exclaimed Mrs Powell, "It is quite true," and being begged by the reporter to con- tinue, Mrs Powell stated the following facts: — "My daughter is the fourth child of a family of 16; and my husband (Richard Powe- i is well known in the district, being emnlovoo as a car- man on the Great Western Railway (Bridgend Station). Up to the age of 14, Jennie was a fine rosy-cheeked bonny lass, and with the exception of a bilious attack occasionally, never knew what a day's illness was. In the month of April, 1892, my daughter seemed to lose the colour from, her cheeks, complained of pains in her stomach, nasty rising in the throat as if she would be choked every moment. Her appetite failed her, and a bad cough supervened, and the girl gradually grew low-spirited, although she had hitherto been of a very lively dispos.on "Fearing that something unusual was wrong with her, I consulted my husband, and a doctor was called in, who examined, and prescribed for her, and said that she was in a decline, that her blood was poor, etc. He continued to attend her for twelve months ,and after that lapse of time Jennie did not appear to get any better, but gradually grew worse. I asked the doctor straight out if there was anything he could do for her, but he replied, I am doing all I can for lior, but I cannot draw blood from a stone.' "Feeling somewhat depressed in spirits at such unconsoling words," said Mrs Poweil, "I resolved to get fresh advice for my poor gill. I sent her to the Porthcawl "Rest," but she had been there only a few days when the matron became alarmed with her illness, and sent her home in a conveyance, in a worse condition than before. I began to think, as also did my neigh- bours. that she could not last much longer. She complained of pains on tho right St-e of her head, and in her stomach, her appetite was completely gone, and everything that she took was brought up. Her breathing was short and hurried, and in fact, she was perfectly helpless, and had to be fed and washed like a baby. My neighbours who saw her can bear out my statement. Then I was informed that there was a clever doctor living up the valleys, and to him I resorted with her. The doctor gave her a searching examination and prescribed for her, and the medicine seemed to do her good while. taking it, but as soon as it was gone she was as bad as ever. This doctor's report was anything but encouraging, as he stated that with a little excitement Jennie might'drop down dead at any- time. About this time, and that is about two years ago, I read an account in one of the newspapers of a marvellous cure of a woman (who MORS in every respect in a similar state as my daughter), by a wonderful medicine called Dr Williams'' my husband, and acting on his advice I pro- Pink Pills for Pale People. I mentioned it to cured a box from one of the chemists in the town. My daughter had only taken three ( ores (and she will correct me if I am wrong) when we began to see a change in her. Her eyes looked brighter, and her appetite returned, and before the first box was finished you would not have taken her for the same girl. "Perhaps you would like to see her," said Mrs Powell to the reporter, "she is at present in service close by ,and will be pleased to see you." "I should certainly like to see your daughter, and have confirmation from her," replied our reporter. A messenger was despatched, and shortly afterwards Miss Jennie Powell came tripping lightly in, a in cheerful and u.icrht manner said she never felt better in her life. "Era I had taken three boxes of Dr Williams' Pink Pills," she exclaimed, "I was able to go about my work with comfort. I could eat and sleep well, and my spirits returned. It is just on two years," said she, "since I first tried them, and since then I have not had a day's illness, I never have the pains now, and in fact I feel altogether a different person. I would not like to be without, these pills, though for the last month I have not needed to touch them." The reporter adds, "Miss Jennie Powell is at present in the town where she has to work hard but at the same time enjoys perfect hea. and is altogether a happy and changed person, and she attributes the change wholly and solely due ,Pr Wdhams Pink Pills. "Anything I can t' s»!(1 illss .P°^eI[' to enhance the reputa- tion of these pills I shall be only too pleased to do my utmost. rlcS H story, of Mrs p°well and her daughter told in a plain unvarnished manner in order that other sufferers may benefit to an equal extent. In conclusion Miss Powell stated that her acquaintances, since her recovery, have often phed her with questions as to the cause of the remarkable change in her appearance, tellino- her that she is no longer "a living skeleton." and nH«r'n" •Sr<ft a,sk)nishnient at the pleasing alto, ataon in her health. It is needless to re- mark that Miss Powell is enthusiastic about i'le C'use < f !« r,;n i(,rf..i rr"—Tr sr-l <V«- -itr iriciius accordingly.

[PUBLISHED BY SPECIAL [PUBLISHED BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT.] BOOKED THROUGH. BY J. R. HUTCHINSON. [COPYRIGHT.] A miner sat on a hills de—a big, burly fellow, wfio looked every inch a ruffian, but carried a heart beneath his coarse shirt as tender as a babe's. heart beneath his coarse shirt as tender as a babe's. Above him, on either hand, towered the psaks of the Californian Sierras in solemn grandeur. At his feet lay a gulch of considerable depth, with a number of rough wooden shanties huduled together in the bed of it. It was a Sunday afternoon; the sun hung low over the western hills, and never a pick clinked in all the guloh. Only, at intervals, a sound of drunken merriment came floating up from Griff's saloon. As the miner listened to the sound h's lips curled in a smile of contempt. God knows what his past had been, but whatever its history it had left him gloomy, taciturn, unsociable. His miner chums had nicknamed him Gentleman Jim but in spite of his solitary habits they respeeted not less than they feared him. Where's kid off to now, I wonder. he said, looking about him as in search of some- one, L'me see.ihe was pouting downhill last time I set eyes on her. Come, old hoss, let a go'n' look her up." The child of whom he spoke was the only one in the diggings. Her mother had never been seen in those parts, and her father was dead- a victim to a bit of vengeful revolver pract ce on 'the part of a haH-t'.psy chum. Anything more unlike the rough and ready fre- quenters of the mines than th:" daughter cf the diggings could not well be imagined. The worst g U gi men ha,ve something good and tender in them still; and drinking, knife-using, lawless crew though the miners were, in the presence of "the lass" they became as docile as lambs. They fa. riv worshipped her. A, for Gentleman Jim, he had const'tuted himself her special protector. Tho two were mutually drawn to each other, and many a happy hour did 'the morose, solitary miner spend in the society of the tiny prattling ■ma.d. Now .that she had strayed from his side he rose abruptly, and strode down the slope, looking to right and left for s-onie s. gn of the truant. Ju-it bolow the group of shanties a deep eifth- outting roamed the hillside like a monster gaab. It was the starting-point of a branch railway which, when completed, woild connect the dig- gings with Dracon Oity, the nearest point of the groat trunk-lir.e, some four miles further down the gif.oh. The rails, as a matter of fact, were alra.idv' laid, and the diggings would ere this have bean in toudh with the outer world had not a tremendous freshet swept away a portion of tEvo railway embankment only a few weeks before. ITp-tn the hillside outtins the miner e saw lingered doubtfullv. On the track at its bottom there stood, he knew, a number of hand-enrg or trolleys, and on these he had once found the child playing. He had forbidden her ever going thers again, for the trolleys were prevented fron starting ff in a mad career down the teep track by a. mere block of wood placed under the front wheel of each. No," he said to himself with a shake of his shaggy head, she wouldn't go nigh them if I told her not." So, dismissing the thought from his mind, he directed his steps towards the ghanties. As he neared them he caught up with a couple of miners who were coming from the direction of the ralway. Seen anything o' the lass, mates?" he asked. The miners stopped. One of them was some- what unsteady on his legs, the otfiier fairly sober. The latter made answer: See her just now play in' on one o' them thar trolleys." On the trolley, did you say mate?" That's what I said," replieed the other, and don't you forget it!" Gentleman Jim did next seem likely to forget it. On the contrary he set off towards the rail- way lilt a run. Looked rayther skeered," remarked the more sober of the two miners to his companion. Guess I'll run back an' see what's up. And with that he hurried after Gentleman Jim. Two minutes sufficed to bring the latter to the edge of the cutting. Fifty feet below, at the bottom of the cutting, and in the lowermost of the line of trolleys, knelt the lass." grasping the crank-'handle of the car with both hands, and sing-ing- softly to herself as she worked it back and forth. At a glance Gentleman Jim saw that the crank was beginnng to revolve. Th<e trolley was in motion. He shouted, and the child, raising her head, looked up the s cpe. As she did so the he.vy Th<e trolley was in motion. He shouted, and the child, raising her head, looked up the s cpe. As she did so the he.vy iron crank swung sharply round, struck (her i'p sti the temple, and ft lied her to the bottom of the car, which, released from the restraint of her hands, began to move rapidly down the sloping track. Gentleman Jim cleared the bank almost at a bound, but he was too late to stop thetrolley. Kicking the wedge from under the wheel of the next in the line, he was about to set it in motion when the miner who had disclosed the lass's" whereabouts came sliding down the bank to his side. Tumble in, mate," shouted Gentleman Jim. The lass's off down the track in yonder trolley! Then I ain't sich a fool as to foller her," retorted the other, coolly. Reckon ye know the big dump's washed .out? Ay, I know it well," said Gentleman Jim, between his teeth; and we've got to catch that trolley afore it jumps the rails into the wash-out. Will ye come?" Durned if I do! was the dogged reply. Gentleman Jim stood holding the trolley back with one hand. With the other he seized the fellow round the waist and swung him upon the car. The trolley was fitted with double cranks. One of these Gentleman Jim seized. Take t'other," said he to his unwilling companion, or I'll chuck ye over the first trestle we come to!" The other sullenly obeyed, and the light car, impelled by their united strength, shot forward with a. velocity that made the wheels fairly sing upon the metals. The runaway trolley had now passed out of sight, round a bend. Presently, however, it re- appeared—the line forming a continuous zigzag in its descent of the precipitous gulch—a full quarter of a mile ahead. And the wash-out was but two. With such a start, could the runaway be -overtaken in time? Gentleman Jim heaved at the crank until the great knots of muscles upon his arms seemed like to burst beneath the strain. Again the runaway sped, out of and leapt into view. The child could now be seen clinging to the side of the car, her hair streaming in the wind. She had recovered from the effects of the blow. Gentleman Jim thought of the wash-out and groaned.- Better if she'd never come to, he muttered, "better far!" Then, with a sudden, fierce energy. 11 Faster mate! faster; or I'll chuck ye over the dump! His companion gave him a, malignant Icok, but redoubled his efforts. On and on, down and down, as swift as a mountain eagle on the wing! Was the distance between themselves and the runaway lessening? It seemed so. And now, borne back on the wild rush of mountain air, came a sound like a wail. The child was singing: — Jesu, Lover of my soul, Let me to Thy bosom fly." Gentleman Jim gave a great gulp as 1 caught the words. Ay, flying's the word for it, he m fcered, "straight for Kingdom Come. her for'ard, mate—for'ard, for all > The quivering trolley fairly leapt. Again that wailing note floated to their ears. Other refuge have I rp^ >. Hangs my helpless ?oul on Thee;> ♦ ?Z "m "'There ai^t no The. -therX^pe to help 'cept me and my mate ^Ille words vere still on his lips when the trolley stot out into mid-air upon a dizzy trestle- bridge whioh here spanned the gulch. Hundieds of feet below a mountain torrent foamed. A few seconds—only so long as it took to draw one deep fearful breath—and the chasm lay behind them. But to Gentleman Jim these few seconds brought a swift revelation of his own powerlessness. In tha.t other trolley the child sat motionless, looking neither to right nor left, singing still, with face upturned:- All my trust on Thee is stayed, All my help from Thee I bring; my defenceless head With the shadow of Thy wing!" Gentleman Jim looked about him quickly He almost expected to see the swift, hovering wings then and there. Certain it is that I.e heard them. The lass is right and I'm a fool! he said, reverontly. \Vhen it comes to this God A'migMty's all a chap's got to look to. God help us!" With renewed hope andfstrength he bent to the ci-.ink. Whi-ii rext h" looked up it wnr. to J.0:. t the L: ..xv L;vV.Oia tc jjjmjn jaHrfvi by U.0 mat's,- iw saio. his voice thrilling with iOTj re gaining on her—we're getting eirei, "Nearer to the wash-out," replied the Qther, with an oath. "Look on the left!" To the left, a short half-mile away, appeartJ a k;ng\ ragged break in the dump. With tha.t yawning gap in vipw the margin of life or death must be measured by seconds. Desperately the two men strained at the craliki the car shot forward with the velocity of the wiqd. At every turn of the handles the distance between pur- suers and pursued grew perceptibly less; but so also did the stretch or track between the run- away and the fatal gap. Ye don't oalkilate on follerin' the gal into Kingdom Come, do ye, mate?" growled -he man at the other crank. "Ay, if need be," said Gentleman Jim. —— if yer a-goin,' to yank Pete Cope land a,long with ye then," muttered the other. The trolley., were now but a few yards apart, the gap but a stone's throw ahead. Gentleman. Jim sprang to the front of the car, whipped out his revolver, and took deliberate aim 3t liis com pa n ion. f Whicvi'll y*> take. he demanded, sternly; "your chance, jerking his thumb in the direc- tion of the gap, "or this?" glancing signifi- cantly at the weapon. "lifle chance," said Copeland, sullenly. Ihen listen. Take a hand off that crank and you're a dead man; but-mark well what I y- the instant I turn my back, slow the car down for all you're worth." You kin bet your bottom dollar I will," -re- plied the other. "And say, pard; let's zlee that purty back o' yourn as Eoon- The remainder of the sentence was lost in an involuntary cry of astonishment and horror. Gentleman Jim, leaping upon the low boxwork nich surrounded the car, balanced himself Uiere tor an instant, as though calculating the 'lce noT* reduced to perhaps ten feet— which separated him from his beloved "lass;" then with one tremendous bound he cleared the space between, and alighted square upon the runaway trolley, which, in another moment, he had brought to a standstill on the very brink of the gap. At an early hour on the morning following this incident "the lass" was playing before one of the shanties, when she was startled by the sharp report of a pistol. The sound came from that part of the gulch above the shanties where the claims were located, and where most of the miners were now at work. A row among the men," she said to hertelf, divining the meaning of the shot with ready in- stinct. I'd better go'n' look after my Jim." She set off at a run in the direction of the sound, followed by such of the miners as were not at work. Rounding the end of the row of shanties, she saw whence the report had come. Fifty yards up the gulch a group of excited miners swayed, and jostled, and shouted about a man who was struggling fiercely in their midst. Close beside them lay another man at full length upon the ground. At sight of the child a sudden hush fell upon tho thjpong, several of whom stept auickly in front^pf the man on the ground, as if to hid* him Jrom view of the child. But she had already seen and recognised him. "Jim! oh, they've killed my Jim!" she cried, pitcously, struggling to force her way through the line of men. One of these, a lanky New Englander, Long Zeke by name, whose ohin and grey goatee were dyed a dirty yellow with tobacco ju:oe, hastily ught the child up in his arms, and bore her off to the saJoon, where, with a few whispered words, ,?io mad* her over to the keeping of Griff, the proprietor. This done, he strode back to hie companions. 11 Tote that cusg for'ard, mates," aaid he, authoritatively, I I ontil we hear what 4,8 bob to say for himself." Copeland was led to the front, where the body of Gentleman Jim lay. long Zeke fixed him with his keen grey eye and said: Now, pard, let us hev the rights on it. Air this here a case of squar' shootnn', or air it not? What 'ud he done to rile yetf" Done? Made me risk my life on that dnirned trolley yesterday," replied Copeland, sullenly. That'.i excuse enough for dr&win' a bead on him, I reckon." Long Zeke pat copiously. "You whitad'vered ouss! saiid he. to go'n draw a bead on him be- cause he totod you along to help save the liss! Boys, this way! Fetch a rope, someone. Leading Copeland in their midst, the miners followed the lanky New-Englaader down the gulch to the railway cutting and the trac-k, where the trolleys stood upon the rails. Beside t-he iMt in the line they paused. Tie him on to the trolley, pardg," snid Long Zeke. He'll hev just a.bout time to say his pra'rs on the wav, I reckon." The cowering wretch was lifted upon the car and bound hapd and foot to the woodwork. He made no appeal for mercy, knowing it to be useless. "Stand back, thar." said Long Zeke, when all was ready. He k:ckod the block of wood from t>eneath the wheel and (pave the trolley a push. It sped down the track. A few minutes later the sound of a distant crash echoed up the gulch. First passenger by the Big Gulch an' Dracon Oity line--booked through to etarnity." said Long Zeke. "Boys, s'posin' we go an' liquos tip?" The End. w —- 1 111 >i ■■ « v

Porth Cottage tyospital. The matron returns many thanks to Mrs Thomas, Cemetery-road, and to Mrs Morgan, Ilbondda Hotel, for bath chair and volume of "Casquet"; also to Miss Jones, Maindy, and Mrs Trotman, Birch Grove, for cut flowers; Mr Goodfellow, Hafod, for vegetables, for the benefit of the patients at the Porth Cottage- Hospital.

Pitiful Tale of Married Life. DOMESTIC TROUBLES OF A TRA.LLWN WOMAN. NO FRESH MEAT FOR FOUR MONTHS. At the Pontypridd police court, on Wednesday, David Evans, collier, Trallwn, was summoned by his wife, Sophia Evans, for using threats towards her on the 29th ult. In giving her evidence, the complainant, who was a respectably dressed woman, stated that on the night in question the defendant came home and pushed her about. He wanted to take some of the household goods away in order to obtain drink, but she would not allow him to. A fortnight ago she had had her home sold up. Her husband had not worked a full week since Whitsun. She had a comfortable home when she got married, and nearly all the goods belonged to her. She had been married 17 years, and had had eleven children, of whom there were only three alive. Her husband wanted all he could get to drink, and a short time ago the children went to Creigiau with the Sunday schools. This only cost her fifteen pence, but her husband begrudged that money. On one occasion her little boy, who belonged to the Band of Hope, went to look for his father, and the latter then tried to entice him to drink out of the pint with him. She wanted a separation order; she could not live with her husband as he would not support her. She had not tasted any fresh meat for four months, and that morning she had only had bread and water for breakfast. Her husband spent all his money in drink, and on Saturday she only received three turns from him for a month. Defendant stated that he was unable to work regularly as he was asthmatical, and his "place" at the Great Western Colliery was a very poor one. The Stipendiary advised Mrs Evans to go to the relieving officer, who would relieve her, and the latter would then take proceedings against the husband for her maintenance. He would adjourn the case tor a month.

Praised by the People.—Dr Williams' Pink Pills are praised by all classes of people, from the lowest to the highest in the land, for the way in which they have cured paralysis Iccomo- tor ataxy, rheumatism, and sciatica; also all diseases arising from impoverishment of the blood, scrofula, rickets, chronic erysipelas, con- sumption of the bowels and lungs, anaeniia, pale and sallow complexion, general muscular weak- 'Onj ness, loss of appetite, palpitations, pains in the back, nervous headache, early decay, all forms of female weakness, and hysteria. These Pills are a tonic, not purgative. They are genuine only with the full name, Dr Williams' Pink Pills for Pale People, are sold by chemists, and by Dr Williams' Medicine Company, 46, Holbornt Viaduct, London, E.C., at 2s 9d a box, sis hoxes for 13s 9d. Pink Pills sold loose or from glass jars are not Dr Williams' Pink Pills which cured a Bridgend girl. as reported this week; accept them only in the genuine wrapper as above described. Printed and published by the Proprietor* nt tttl "Glamorgan Free Press" Printing Wo-k% 22, Tail-street, Pontypridd, Parish of Pottv pridd. Conrtr of Glnmortran. ¡ L: '¡, ALolior 7, 183..

Alleged Poaching at Hudry. At the Caerphilly police court on Tuesday, Thomas Lewis, a Rudry collier, was summoned for trespassing on the property of Lord Tredegar in search of game. Evan Spooner, gamekeeper, gave evidence and said that on the 23rd ult, he saw the defendant on a field belonging to Danygraig Farm. Defendant had a double barrelled gun under his arm. When witness approached defendant, the latter put tha hammer of the gun down. Wit- nefs asked defendant, what lie was doing on the field with a gun under his arm. Defendent replied, that lie was looking for a rabbit. Witness then said that he would report him to Lord Windsor and Colonel F. C. Morgan. Defendant denied that he was in search of game and said that he was on his way to Machen where he had had permission to shoot. His gun was not loaded, and if he wished he could have shot several ralJbit., as he had sufficient opportunity tt do so. The Bench dismissed the case. 0