Glamorgan Free Press

CAERPHILLY: 1\ Fresh Field for the Speculator. Very naturally, the remarkably high prices realised last Thursday at a sale of Caerphilly property have attracted the attention of specu- lators to the rich field which the ancient town affords them. The sale was attended by a number of financiers who were prepared to advance what they believed to be very con- siderable sums for the various lots, but the fact that nearly £ 13,000 was bid for property which was acquired, within recent years, for less than X5,000, is only faintly described by the term sensational." At the same time, cur readers must banish from their minds the idea that the figures which now silenced the auctioneer's hammer is any criterion of what other house and shop premises in the town would fetch, be- cause it is an open secret that the purchase of these particular properties is only a step in the fruition of Lord Bute's plans for the beautifying of the surroundings of the picturesque castle. This notwithstanding, evidences are not wanting that there has dawned upon the town and district an era of great prosperity, and that in the near future Caerphilly will be a centre of great COMMERCIAL A%D INDUSTRIAL activity. In the opinion of mining experts the district is rich in coal, and it is this valuable commodity which will be the principle factor, though not the only one, in producing the golden harvest which undoubtedly awaits the enter- prising speculator. fhe Aber Valley, at the lower end of which Caerphilly is situate, has without doubt a wealth of mineral resources, and the steps already taken to relieve it of that wealth have met with gratifying success. The Universal Colliery Company, whose enormous taking is at the extreme end of the Valley, some six miles from Caerphilly, have, it is true, been confronted with certain minor difficulties. But though these difficulties are of greater signifi- cance to the technical than to the lay mind, they are being rapidly surmounted, and there are not lacking indications that soon this colliery will be in a MOST FLOURISHING CQNBITION. If circumstances remain as at present, this undertaking will prove as remunerative as any in the history of the South Wales Coalfield. As stated, the company's taking is a very large one, the portion of it within the urban district alone extending over 1,700 acres, and its development must of necessity mean the migration thither- ward of a huge population. Excellent building sites have been secured, and others are obtainable, in the neighbourhood of the works, and already the little mining town of Sen- ghenydd resembles a hive of CEASELESS ACTIVITY. A couple of miles lower, at Aber, now a pretty little rural retreat, is the taking of the Windsor Colliery Company, and here sinking operations have already been commenced at a point about a hundred yards north of the Aber Station. This undertaking, also, is likely to assume immense proportions, and the employment of the large number of men necessary will mean the erection of a considerable number of houses. A journey of another mile or so in the oirection of Caerphilly brings us to Peurheol, and we find that in this neighbourhood, also, a LARGE SLICE OF LAND is to be prospected" upon in the near future. Rumour hath it, too, that this taking is also in the hands of the Windsor Company, who will probably sink at a point near the Bowles' Arms. Half a mile lower down, at a place familiarly known as Whitegate, we find the Watford- Llantwit Coal Company-of which the guiding spirit is Mr Thomas, a former manager at Energlyn-in full swing, carrying on sinking operations on Watford Facli Farm. Some of the house-coal here was worked several years ago, but a great deal remains, and a trial shaft is now being sunlr with a view of REACHING THE STEAM COAL. It is anticipated that this taking will yield a very remunerative supply of the valuable car- boniferous product. Then, again, it is not too much to expect that colliery operations will be carried on along the Bedwas side of the town, whilst great hopes are centred in the develop- ment of the operations commenced at Rudry. Another source of revenue to the town, and an enterprise which is already exercising a very quickening and stimulating influence upon local trade, is the constructicn of mw EXGIXE-SHEDS for the Rhyinney Railway Company. The Company have taken a large area of land, many acres in extent, near the junction of the railway leading to Machen with the main line to Cardiff, and the work is being pushed forward with all possible speed. Temporary lines have been laid, stationary and locomotive engines and other machinery are at work, and employment is given to hundreds of men. When completed these sheds will mean the location in the town of some 500 workmen, and that, to estimate on accepted lines, will mean a permanent addition to the population of about 2,000 men, women and children. In order to provide for this large increase, new houses will have to be erected Admirable sites for this purpose are to be found on land near the Sheds, as well as on the Van- road, where, in fact, several plots have already been let. And we find that SPECULATIVE ENTERPRISE is taking even another direction. We have it on good authority that Messrs Showell have taken over the Caerphilly Brewery, and that-it is their intention to spend at least XIO,000 in extending the premises in order to meet their iequirements. Within a short distance of the town is the mining locality of Llanbradach. The colliery there is being developed on scientific lines, and the output is gradually in- creasing, with the result that the population is perpetually being added to. Building societies and private speculators have been busy in anticipation of a great demand for house pro- perty but the SUPPLY OF SUITABLE SITES has not been exhausted by any means and it is easy to predict that the next few years will witness a remarkable development. At present there is about a mile of the road lying between Caerphilly and Llanbradach which has not been built upon but of necessity houses will be erected upon that portion in order to meet the increased accommodation required. Surrounded, as it is, by thriving localities, which will in a few years be thickly populated, the FUTURE OF CAERPHILLY is already assured. The approaches from the outlying centres of industry are even now well- made, so that easy and convenient access to the town is afforded the colliers and their families. The train service from these places, and es- pecially from Senghenydd, is excellent, and it is whispered that even this will be supplemented by an efficient brake service along the Aber Valley. The main road between Senghenydd and Caerphilly is ADMIRABLY SUITED for such a service, as the District Council have recently expended no less than £ 2,000 in widen- ing and improving it. With its picturesque situation, attractive scenery, and bracing air, Caerphilly is a favourite spot for the erection of suburban residences, and in this direction also there will be considerable development. A few handsome mansions and several pretty villas have already been erected in the neighbourhood of the railway station, and that secluded retreat will probably be much sought for in the near future. A fairly large farm in the vicinity is also to be let in plots for building purposes. Circumstances, then, seem to conspire to aid in raising Caerphilly to a position of considerable impartance, and the prospect is certainly a BRIGHT AND ENCOURAGING one. In viewing the town with the eye of a speculator, one naturally desires to know the position of local administrative affairs. The public bodies entrusted with this important work are, for the most part, composed of repre- sentative and progressive ratepayers, who deserve praise for the manner in which they are endeavouring to cope with the increasing needs of their district. One of the greatest drawbacks with which the Council have been faced is the inefficient state of the WATER SUPPLY. But the Council-and the members for the Town Ward in particular-have grappled deter- minedly with this difficulty, and gradually their efforts are being crowned with success. A temporary addition to the main supply is being provided, and, more important still, negociations are now being pushed forward which, when successfully completed, will result in the pro- vision of an AMPLE AND PERMANENT supply. Another question is that of the rates The continued development of the district will have a most salutary effect in the way of raising the rateable value, and thus, with unrelated watchfulness on the part of local governing bodies, tho somewhat hifjh rates will, in the rear Uri,ir, bf r-ru 'ed to n. T, ft/utl'. 1 .A huV tt ( | LIST OF IMPROVEMENTS which the future seems to hold in store. As already intimated, the purchase by Lord Bute's agents of the property which changed hands last Thursday is not regarded locally as a com- mercial speculation. The deep affection enter- tained by the noble Earl towards the magnificent pile which represents the past grandeur of the dear old castle is well known and it is con- fidently asserted th&t the Marquis has acquired the shops and houses in the vicinity in order to remove all barriers to beautifying the surround- ings of the historic ruins. Of course, the Bute people "-a comprehensive and significant term that—are not in the habit of proc aiming their schemes aloud but, at the same time, present indications strongly CONFIRM THE RUMOURS that great changes are contemplated, and that a few years will find the scenery around the castle fully worthy of the stately old ruins. Floreat Caerphilly

Senghenydd Miqers and tfyeCambrian Association. SPEECHES BY MABON, M.P., AND COUN- CILI.OR DARONWY ISAAC. On Saturday evening a meeting of the miners of the Universal Collieries was held at the Gwern-y-Milwr Hotel, to consider the question of joining the Cambrian Association of Miners and also to hear addresses by Messrs W. Abraham, M P., and Daronwy Isaac upon the objects and constitution of the organization. It appeared at the outset from the chairman's remarks that the majority of the workmen were already members of the Cambrian Association, but the colliery, as a whole, had not joined. Mabon said that it was to the interest of every colliery to become united together. He explained the advantages that collieries in the Rhondda Valleys and in other districts had derived through being members of the Cambrian Association. A list of prices would have to be adopted with respect to the seams which were now being opened out in the Universal Collieries. and it was essentially Hecessary that they should have the assistance of a substantial organization in deciding the question. The association had rendered substantial aid to thousands of work- men since its formation, and its magnitude was still increasing and extending into districts far outside the Rhondda Valleys. The association had unquestionably done admirable work in maintaining old customs advantageous to colliers and other underground workmen when attempts were being made to abolsh them by the management of some of the collieries. In important litigations concerning claims for compensation for injuries or loss of life, the association had also been a boon to many workmen, widows, and families. It was only after every reasonable conciliatory effort to settle disputes had failed that strikes were jnstified by the association. Mr Daronwy Isaac gave numerous instances of the excellent work accomplished by the Cambrian Association of Miners. The speakers were accorded a most hearty vote of thanks for visiting the district.

A Wretched Honeymoon. PITIFUL STORY AT PONTYPRIDD. William Harris, collier, Pontypridd, was sum- moned by his wife, Delia Harris, at the Pontypridd Police Court on Friday-before Dr R. C. Hunter and Alderman Richard Lewis—for desertion. Complainant, a young and attractive looking woman, said she could not live with her husband because he "offered tochoke her.' Theyhadonly been married for eight weeks and she had left him for five weeks. Defendant had been drinking ever since they were married. On one occasion he struck her in the face because she spoke to him about the drink. In answer to the magistrates' clerk, complainant said she had known the defendant two years before she married him. Defendant said he had given his wife 30s. out of his first pay, and 25s. out of his second when he only received 293. She went about the public houses trying to find out how much he had received. Dr Hunter said he did not think the complainant had tried to live with her husband. It was a disgraceful thing coming to the police court after having been married only eight weeks. He suggested that the parties should go into the adjoining room and try to make matters up, but the defendant declined, whereupon the Bench dismissed the case. 4

Rhondda Wards. The amended ten-ward scheme came before the Rhondda District Council on Friday. The boundaries were, after a long discussion, con- siderably altered, and it was decided to have the re-amended scheme before the Council again on Wednesday of the present week. The scheme will have to be submitted to the proper com- mittee of the County Council before the 16th of next month.

Common-Sense Advice to Consuniptives. The time to shake off a tendency to Consump- tion is during the warm months of summer, for if a cure cannot be effected when climatic con- ditions are most favourable, what hope can there be in the cold winter months f* Take all the open-air exercise possible, care being taken not to over-fatigue. This will do you more good than medicine, though medicine is necessary to effect a radical cure. The medicine needed should act directly upon the lungs, and at the same time, pronote appetite, aid digestion, build up the health and strength, and assist nature in expelling the germs of disease. Nothing will do this so effectually as Angier^s Petroleum Emulsion, the Food-medicine. Unlike cod-liver oil, it is pleasant to take, and even in the hottest weather, agrees with the most sensitive stomach, aiding digestion instead of disturbing it. Petro- leum, too, is antiseptic, thus tending to destroy the germs of disease, while, at the same time, it heals any inflammation of throat, lur-gs,stomaeli and intestines. Angier's Emulsion is prescribed extensively by the most eminent lung-specialists in the kingdom, and is in da.ily use in many of the principal hoapitals. Of chemists, 2s. 9d., al d 4s. 6d. Ask for Angier's Emulsion and accept no imitation. A sample bottle sent free on recoipt of 3(1. to cover postage. Angier rwn-iv Ltl, ;5:J\, Snow

-L I THE SUNDAY CLOSING ACT. A Glaring Violation. A RHYDYFELEN PUBLICAN'S LICENCE ENDORSED. On Friday, at the Pontypridd Police Court- before Dr. R. C. Hunter and Alderman Richard Lewis—David Jenkins, landlord of the New Inn, Rhydyfelen, was charged with keeping his house open for the saio of intoxicants durina- prohibited hours on Sunday, the 8th inst. ° P.S. Stibbs stated that in consequence of complaints he had received, he, in company with three other constables, watched the defen- dant's premises from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on the day in question. At seven o'clock three men, named William Morris, Richard Webber, and John Nicholas Evans, came down the road to- gether, when Jenkins was standing on his front door. The men stood by the railings opposite the house, and the landlord walked into th., house closely followed by the three men. At four minutes pa?t seven Morris came outj and then Webber and Evans, and the three went down the Cardiff road together. At 16 minutes past seven the landlord came out, locked the door. and walked down the road. Soon after- wards he returned in company with Morris and Webber, and stood talking in front of the inn for a little while. Jenkins then went into tho house, leaving the two men leaning against the railings. At 7.35 the defendant again came out, Webber and Evans then crossing the road and going in with him. As he passed the land- lord Webber put something into his (defen- dant's) right hand, which he placed in his right hand trousers packet. Morris remained inside about half-a-minute and Webber a little time longer, both afterwards going down the road. At 7.50 a man named William John, tin-worker, 2, Chapel street, Rhydyfelen, came down the road and had a conversation with the landlord on the door, soon afterwards going into the inn and leaving the defendant on the door. At 7.53 he came out and went away. Some time later Morris, Webber and Evans, returned, the landlord then being by the door speaking to a milk-boy. The three men walked straight into the public-house, and about five minutes later they came out, Morris carrying a hand-bag CO taining something bulky, and walked away in the direction of Treforest. At 8.27 Jenkins had a few words with his wife, who was on her knees washing the passage, and rose his foot as though he would kick her. At two minutes past nine a man named Price Thomas, living next door but one to the New Inn, came out of his house, and, speaking to Jenkins, walked into the New Inn. The landlord remained on the door speaking to :two other men. At 9.14 David Rees. grocer, Rhydyfelen, came from his house, a few doors away, and went into the inn after having a conversation with the landlord. Soon after Thomas and Rees came out together, and a quarter of an hour later Rees a^ain went into the New Inn, followed by the landlord. A minute later they both went in, and came out together at 9 33, walking down the road and going into Rees' house. Jenkins remained there about three minutes, and then went home. At ten o'clock the officers left their hiding places add entered the New Inn On being asked how he accounted for the large traffic he had been doing that morning, defendant replied, There has been no one here this morning; what I do. I do straight with bona file i." Witness informed him that he would report him f^r keeping his house open, and defendant said, You can do as you like." The floor and tables of the inn were quite wet, and there were dirty glasses about the place appearing as though a large trade had been done that morning By Dr Hunter: He was sure that all men who entered the premises were from the locality. He had known them for many years. Defendant admitted serving Morris, Webber, and Evans with two pints of beer each, one on going and the other on returning. Dr Hunter characterised the offence as being a most glaring violation of the Act of Parliament. There were five previous convictions against the defendant who was now fined L3 and his license endorsed.

FOUND IN A VAT OF BEER. Sad End to a Brewer's Workman. 1HE INQUEST On Friday Mr E. B. Rees and a jury, of which Mr J. Williams was foreman, held an enquiry at the Queen's Hotel, Trallwn, touching the death of one George Doel, 10, South street, Trallwn. who was found drowned in a vat of beer, at the Rhondda Valleys Brewery on Thursday morning. The first witness called was tne widow, Mrs Martha Doel, who was greatly affected when giving her evidence. She said her husband, who was 30 years of age, was employed as a tun-room- mau at the Rhondda Valleys Brew Company, Pontypridd. He left home at ten minutes to six on Thursday morning and was brought home at 8.20. Mr Albert James Matthews, manager of the brewery, said the deceased's duties coii- isted in looking after the heat of the beer when in the fermenting state in the vats. After the beer had been boiled and cooled it was turned into the vats, and the deceased would then have te test the heat with a. thermome'vr which hung in the round. There were three vats in the top fermenting room-where the accident took place—two of wnioh would hold from 70 to 80 barrels, and the third from 35 to 4). Deceased commenced work about six o'clock on Thursday, but witness did not see him although on the premises. The two larger vats contained beer at the time, but the third was empty and Doel's first duty wonld be to test the heat of the beer. The method of getting at the bet-r was by means of the steps and at the top of the vat was an yeast-board to brevent the yeast from spilling over when fermenting. In these boards was a man-hole, about 2ft. Oil. wide by 2ft. 3in. op- posite the steps which wns closed by sliding boards and' through which the deceased would test the beer. The beer-which had been skimmed would be about fourteen inches below the top of the vat, and was of a depth of about seven or eight feet. B-tween half-past six and seven witness went round to view the vats himself, and on coming to this vat he saw the manhole open. He went up the steps, and on looking through the manhole lie saw the deceased floating on the- beer. He shouted for help, and caught hold of him. Some men then came and pulled him through tho manhole, but Doel was quite dead. Witness sent for Dr Leckie, who said deafch had taken place about an hour. The temperature of the beer was about 6G degrees Fahrenheit. When the yeast began to form on the top of the round it would be the deceased's duty to skim it with a skimmer, which was a wooden instru- ment with a cross piece attached to it, aud which was kept inside the vat. But the beer had then reached a sfcage when scarcely any head formed, and there was no necessity for him to touch the beer with the skimmer. Beer gave off a carbonic acid gas, but the beer in this vat had reached that stage of fermentation when it gave off practically no gas. Witness thought he must have had a fit or faint, for there was every proof that lie had made no s?ruggle, as the surface of the yeast remained unbroken. Had Doel been conscious when he feH in he could have saved himself by catching hold of the pipes which ran around the interior of the vat and so escaped, or have held himself up until assistance arrived. Witness had known the deceased for eignt or nine yoirs. He was a very weak man, but lie had never known him to have a fit. He was of sober habits. Mrs Doel stated that h 'r husband was quite well when he left home that moraine, and he had never had a fit. Mr Matthews added that there was no one in the room with the deceased, but there were workmen on the flcors above and below him who would probably have heard him if he had shouted. Aaron Gifford, cellarman, said bo saw the deceased a few minutes after six o'clock on Thursday morning. He afterwards went up- stairs to the top fermenting room, And some time later he heard Mr Matthews shouting and went to assist him to get deceased out of the vat. His opinion was that the deceased must have fallen in and got drowned whilst in a. fainting fit, because the slight blank t. of ye lit on the top of the beer was not broken. The jury returned a verdict of *tal'.y drowned by falling into a vat of beer." THE FUNERAL, The funeral of the unfortunate man, George Doel, took place on Monday afternoon,, the re- mains being interred at Glyntaff cemetary. Th curate of Glyntaff officiated. The co:fin was followed by a number of mourners, and al-io by Mr Albert Matthews aud a number of officials -ind employees at the brewery, who attended to mark their regret at the loss of their respected comrade.

For freshest of tinned fcoods and riohst of IwrtL ar t«0 T. B* 'tor t-ntriest of b&ms, Central I&3 fttreet* trti

CQRISTIAPITY AD PROGRESS I To the Editor. Sir,—I have read with considerable interest the correspondence which has appeared under the above headin" and reall-- I feel that we, the readers of the "Free Press," should express our thanks to you for the space which you have sac- rificed from week to week for the discussion. We readily give the sceptic a patient hearing, but why this confusion, this "stage-storming,' this iingle of tenpenny words? The basis of scepticism, is reason. Give us rryison, then. -v reserve it ? Mr Lewis complains that he is not answered. There is a good reason why. A fair reply to his last effusion would. I am ana id, take up the greater part of the "Press." It is highly amusing to follow him through the great maze of blunders. Let him destroy the mad courser that is running away with him. One "Battle of the Spurs" is enough for all time. Some of us Christians have very little reason, and Mr Lewis does not help us. He makes no difference between Christianity and Christians; no difference between the Church of Rome and the ideal church of the New Testament; no difference between Christ- ianity and Mohammedanism. What follows is the patented Lewisian logic: He calls this a "Christian land," and yet vaunts that "Whit- taker's Almanack" a few years ago stated there were between six or seven million sceptics in this country." But I fear I am catchin" his disease, for now I fail to find a difference be- tween "Mr Hammond's crass ignorance" and Mr Lewis's gravel blindness. Still he goes on. The bundle on poor Christian's shoulders was heavy enough before, but Mr Lewis makes him bear both his own sins and those of the great world besides. Well, sir, if I could not split a plain 10" I would never attempt to split hairs. But I will be brief, and as most of the arguments of the other two gentlemen are timeworn and threadbare, I pass them by in silence. In conclusion, why all this deliberate mis- representation? I question whetner anyone gwiltjr of such designed shuffling can lay claim to morals or reason. And why all this bitter- ness ? To treat Mr Lewis to a dose of his own wormwood would be more in the line of the blackguard than logician. We are not such bad friends after all. The proverbial exteremes will meet again some day. Reason is good, but let a little sympathy be added to it. I reasoned with a drunkard the other day. and he owned I was right. Next dav he was drunk again. But one evening his little one climbed to his knee, twined his two thin arms round his neck, and said, "I love you, papa. Why do you drink, and make mamma cry?" He is another man to-day. Yes. sir. our hearts, as well as our minds, are needed in this sad world. If we, Christians, have gone wrong, it is not wilfully. Will the sceptic kill us before he tries to cure us? We love Truth as much as anv and our history shows we will follow it at all hazards. We have many faults, but we still hope and struggle on. We "grudge no sceptic his existence or Ids opin- ion. Christianity never has bewailed her trials and never will. Here is our repose "Gc,d is in his heaven— All's right with the world." I am, etc.. JOHN JONES. To the Editor. Dear Sir,—I wonder what is the object of cois correspondence on "Christianity and Progress?" Is it to show that Christianity has been a foe to progress? Then why do not your correspond- ents on the one side prove this? They simply and audaciously assert that Christianity has done absolutely nothing for the progress of humanity —an assertion that surely demonstrates nothing but their own moral obliquity and natural in- sanity. "Nothing--absolutely nothing!" A person who can write such nonsense as this knows surely absolutely nothing of Christianity. It is obvious that the progress of humanity de- pends upon the character of the individual. The gist of the matter lies here-Does Christianity exercise a beneficent influence on the individual ? It looks like it when we find that by far the great majority of the best and greatest men of the present century have been confessedly Christian. and we have no need to go to America to look for them! I know, Mr Editor, that there are those who despise majorities and refuse to"count noses." All the same, it is singular that such are so fond of that precious maxim—"the great- est good for the greatest number." It is a eomnwnplace that the Christian nations of the world are the pioneers of progress. Of course, their splendid position and power, their enthu- siasm and enterprise, are due to "the progres- sive principle of humanity"—of course! The personal character of the man of Nazareth, to- gether with the ethical code of the sermon on the mount-, counts for nothing. The programme of Christianity as given in the Gospel of St. Luke. chapter iv. verses 18, 19, is anti-r>regres- sive, of course. But, of course, no truly sane man believes anything of the kind. Your cor- respondent's long-spun epistles may be likened unto the fruit trees of the present season—much foliage. I mean, verbiage—but little fruit, I mean, facts. Here are facta to be "under- standod" by the common people. In every town and village of Wales there are those who cnce were openly wicked,dishonest, drunken, impure. To-day they are in our midst sober, pure, indus- trious" They, themselves attribute this change to the benkm and saving influences of Christ- ianity. And they ought to know. Their united, unwaverin7 testimony is incontrovertible, and gives the lie to the mendacious statement that Christianity has donn "nothing—absolutely no- thing"—for the progress of the ra(-e.f an., etc., TRE FO REST A RI AN. To the Editor of the "Froo Press." Sir,—Mr Lewis must excuse me for finding so many "mare's nests" in his articles; were they Hot there, they could not be found. I acknow- ledge. also, that our opinions are a matter of complete indifference, the indifference being mutual, but Mr Lewis must remember it is the readers who judge. In his last letter he prac- tioally admits the correctness of the quotations. I gave previously from his own authorities, and he has carefully avoided any mention whatever of the points therein; evidently he has had enough of the "force of Christianity," and. con- sequently, we can proceed with something else. Mr Lewis, on his own confession, has been suffering from a bad attack of "lapsus scribendi," this has "evolved" into "lapsus memorife;" both diseases generally chronic with men of lus school. There is such a "jumble of incoherencies" thrust upon us, such complications of terms, that it become^ difficult to get anything tangible out of 6hem. However, as Mr Lewis complains that no one has taken note of his definition of "progress," to oblige him we will turn to it, viz., "any- thing that will elevate the community morally, phvsicaljv, and intelIecUiaIIy."Passions, body,and wiiad. Unhesitatingly. We assert, that the only temliino:, force, or elevator," in society ,ble to accomplish fhis trinity of good is "Christianity." "An ounce of evidence is' worth a ton of asser- tion" (vide T. L.' Martin).' What js Christiani- ty? Christianity is not Mahommedanism, as Mr Lewis infers. Then what is it? It is the moral el' and spiritual teachings" of Jesus, the Christ. Evinc as to the "elevating" power of Christ- ianit.v can readily be adduced from the over- whelming testimonies of its enemies. Josephus in his "Antiquities" writes: "Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise" man, if it be law- ful to call him a man, for he was a doer of won- derful works, a teacher of such men as received the ti-tith with pleasure (mark that Mr Lewis), and th<J.fcri)je of Christians, so named after him, subsists to this' time. Very much so. Pliny, Governor of Bit.hynia, writing to the Emperor Trajan,. A.D. 107feaysi Christians) met together on a stated dav, before it. was licrht, and addressed.of prayer to Christ, as t(1 a djyinibv.binding.yiernseiyes bv a solemn oath, not for 3ffl.y .wfelted purpose, but never to }]A guiitv of theft, robbery, or adultery, never to falsify their werl nor to a pledge- commit- ted to theq> vtj&n- cajlert ur>ph return it, and it is a disgrace to the Pagans to"drifegard those of their oven religion, while Christians do kind offices ta. strangers and enemies. Renin, one of Mr Lewis' favourites, writes: "This Sublime Person who daily presides over the destiny of t-h-s world, we may call divine, not' in the sense that Jesus absorbed all the divine, or was ade- quate to it. but in the sense tha't Jesus is the individual wAo *ba-s made his species take the great-e^^tep towards the ^divine: Jesu'3 is the highest of the. pillars that show the man, whenc^ hgj comes, an<| whither he ought to-' bend. in him Is coijdjen?ed all that is good and exalted ip ovr,hatur6." SDr?vus4 wriic^ that "in 1 every'respect Jesus stands i'i fno first I'tte 6f those who have de- veloped the Meat of hufrtaill^r,v' -aiid "by embody- ing it iri -T.sj .owrt oerstfrt has <ri*en- it the living warta-li. -wh:1c the stcifft-t tbsit proceeded from him. has far thwr ideal the widest re- eepticn.amon^s^ mankind." Mr J. S. Mill writes, "Tn This pi^itfinent genius is combined the the greatest moral reformer and martyr to tltat mission- (religious) who eve-r existed uticn earth religion cannot bo said to hava made a baA choice in pitching upon this sw tfie ideal representative and guide of humanity: nor even'now would it be easy for an "inbeliever to find a- better translation of the rule of Vi,-tiio from the abstract to the concrete than to fendeavour so-to* live that,Christ. would -apt)rove our life." • These are quotations from learned thinkers, w! li'V'h ,1;1 j !:e f .T vr-) social, and nioral teachings. What better testi- mony could we have to prove the "moral" ex- cellence of the Christian code? But Mr Lewis claims that "Infidels are the pioneers of moral progress," etc., consequently wo must hear and examine the "evidenco" of a few of the "Lewis- ian school" on 'the point of morality, and the reader can compare them with the foregoing testimonies, to say nothing of the New Testa- ment. Bentham writes: "Vice may be defined to be a miscalculation of chances, a mistake in esti- mating the value of pleasures and pains. No man has ever had, can, or could have, a motive different from the pursuit of pleasure or the shunning of pain." Is this true to facts? Is it not a iibel on humanity? Who by this principle can explain the lives of Martin Luther, John Wesley, John Howard. Dr Livingstone, Gen. Gordon, and a host of others? A Continental writer says: "Enjoyment is good, and frenzy and love are good: but; hatred also. Hatred answers weM when we cannot have love. Truth is good, as long as it -ive-, us pleasure; but, good is lying also, and perjury, hypocrisy, trickery, flattery, if they secure us any advantage. Who by this "immoral" stan- (lard can explain the self-sacrificing lives of Mrs Fry, Grace Darling, Florence Nightingale, Kate Marsden, and a host of others? Leslie' Stephen writes "Nature wants strong, big, hearty, shrewd human beings, and would he "rossly inconsistent if she bestowed her brightest. reward of happiness on a bilious, scro- fulous, knock-kneed saint, merely because he had strong bbjections to f^lultery, murder, drunkenness, and robbery, an utter absence of malice, or even highly cultivated sympathies." According to him Nature's finest models are big, strong, human animals, capable of indulging in the lowest passions without getting dyspepsia. Is this Mr Lewis' definition of "morality?" Let the "Free Press" readers compare these teachings with those of Christ in the New Testa- ment, and then, "How long halt they between two opinions?" Mr J. C. Morison, in his "Service of Man," devotes eighty pages, endeavouring to prove the immoral tendency of Christianity; and yet can ive us only one instance from the Testament, that of the "penitent thief; thus we may take it for granted that the "morality of Christianity" is perfecr when such a bitter enemy as Morison can find nothing more immoral than a poor sin- ner receiving mercy in his last hour. Can anyone refer us to a better, or fuller, rule of life than "Do to others as you would they should do to you ?" Is there a higher or nobler "morality?" It is a morality that finds an out- let in active, self-sacrificing service for the bene- fit of others. Remembering the utter worthless- ness of our opinions, we must ouote those of other people. In the nreface of Mr de Liefde's standard work on "The Charities of Europe," we read, "I have always been of oninion that nowhere could a better proof of the Divine origin of Christianity and of the truth of the Gospel be found, than in the story, simply told, of some charitable institution. Whatever the Christian religion may apparently have in com- mon with other religions, this much is certain, that true, self-denying charity, which seeks the lost, loves the poor, and consoles the sufferer, is exclusively its own. There never were such things as charities known in heathendom, how- ever civilized; nor wore they even knov;n in Israel before He appeared, who taught His people to love. tiieir enemies, and to exercise charity towards the harlot, the publican, and the sinner." These are the words of one. who, having made a special study of the subject, is entitled to re- ceive, and will receive, careful consideration by all open-minded persons. Maybe, Mr Lewis, not thinking my words of any weight, and being "completely indifferent" to my opinions, will resr>ect the utterances of one of the greatest thinkers a.nd speakers this country ever bred. I quote from "Carlvle's Past and Present:" "Deep—hidden under wretchedest God-forgett- ing cants, epicurisms, dead sea-apisms; for- gotten as under the foulest fat Lethe mud and weeds, there is vet. in all hearts born unto this God's world, a spark of the Godlike still slum- bering." Snace forbids our dealing with the "intellectual" uplifting tendency of Christianity in this issue, but in conclusion let me relate an anecdote, and mv relating of surrounding facts will carry conviction of the truth thereof, even to the nearly truth-proof mind of Mr Lewis. I was in Maerdr on a certain day; business necessitated mv calling in a certain house.where I noticed handbills announcing tint, "Jim C0n- nell of London" would lecture; subject, "What we want.. and how to rret it." Conversation re- vealed the fact that the head of the house was an Infidel, and as we argued and disputed. pro. and con., his child about seven vears of age was sinking "Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so." I dared him to stop the child and tell it that what it was singing was utter1.v wrong and wicked; but he. would not, and has not, dared vet,! This is one of the places where Infidelity breaks down. T im, etc. North Road, Portii. JAMES BAKER. CHRISTIANITY v. UNBELIEF. To the Editor of the 'Tree Press." Sir,—The controversy which has been running its course in your valuable paper under the heading of "Christianity and Progress" has be- come so marked in its characteristics of attack and defence that I have ventured to alter its title to that of "Christianity versus Unbelief." It appears from Mr Lewis' letter that he ad- mires the scriptural injunction to "prove all things;" but with a woeful lack of consistency he avoids giving proof of the assertions which he makes so much at random, and finds it con- venient to overlook the argumentative portions of my letters. He" says: "These Christians will glorify the Reformation with their lips, while they abandon the very principles they eulogise." We are not discussir the ''Reformation," but Christianity and its influence for good, as opposed to In- fidelity and its influence for evil. Mr Lewis has referred to Jolm Stuart Mill, and, therefore, the following quotations from that author might interest your readers. On • -^es 9, 10, 25, and 26, of his work John Stuart Mill says: "Actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness.. By happiness is intended pleasure and the ab- sence of pain; by unhappiness, pam and the privation of pleasure. In the golden rule of Jesus of Nazareth we have the complete spirit of the ethics of utility. To do as one would be done bv. and to love one's neighbour as one's self, constitute the ideal perfection of utilitarian morality." Your correspondent proceeds with the sim- of a child who undertakes to prove that as "All vegetables "-row, and an animal grows, therefore it is a vegetable." With this kind of reasoning he proceeds to shew that as Christians believe in a divinely revealed religion, and Mo- hammed.ans claim a like authority for their Koran, therefore the atrocities of the blood- thirsty Turk are the atrocities cf the Christians, and they must take the blame for it! Mr Lewis should learn to think before he attempts to write in the public press. His arguments are simply absurd. He states that "Robert Moffat, the mission- ary, said that when ho first preached the doc- trine* of Christianity to the Bechuanas they listoned in utter amazement and incredulity;" and lie interjects the following remark, viz., "And well they mivht; the intellect must be perverted indeed that can revive without ques- tion the fundamental doctrines of this super- natural religion." For. the benefit of your readers I Wid quote a recent work which thus speaks of the labours of Dr Robert Moffat: "In 1820 Moffat and his wife settled at Kuruman among the Bechuanas, and in spite of immense difficulty and danger they succeeded. in winning the confidence of the na- tives' and in introducing Christianity to them. Bv his teaching and example, the people were induced to resign their savagery, and to adopt and practise the arts of civilised life, and when after fifty years' labour as a missionary he ad- dressed the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland, he, was able to speak of churches and missions scattered over the whole of the Bechuana country, from the Zulus on the east to the Damaras on the west, having 40,000 communicants and 45.000 pupils." Does Mr Lewis contend that if Dr Moffat had preached the "Providence of Science" to the Bechuanais it would have enabled the Doctor to' induce these wilfi sons of nature to forego their savagery and adopt and practise the arts or civilised life? Your correspondent'says f-hat "Breastworks of Bibles have to bo ereotintered and overcome before social reformers can go onwards on the raihof human progress." These enemies of the cdl themselves "social refoliners," haye got a formidable ta-sik to perform before thev can hope for any measure of success in their attemnt to dead mankind to destruction. One can fancy-them, as Milton did, sitting in con- clave with Beelzebub at their head, discussing how they may encompass the downfall of man. The Fqrl of Rochester on his death-bed laid his hand upon the Bible* and said. "There is no argument against this book but a bad life." Dr Cairus says "the pride which finds the Gospel lemedv too htirnblin,tli, ivorldliness which finds its references to the future too cold and shadowy-—tho love of sensual nleasure which finds its restraints too stem and irksome—these are in-'most ca«es the great stumbling blocks to the unbeliever:" They indeed "love darknesss rather than light because their deeds arc evil." As vn'ir ^v ir»-sr- w'11:r11 is to this effect: "The Atheist is a shal- low man and not capable of being penetrated by a profound thought." In referring to Copernicus Mr Lewis omits to state that the learned astronomer was a clergy- man, and held a canonry in the diocesan church of Frauenberg. His studies did not interfere with his religious convictions, and we are told that after his removal to Frauenberg "he spent the retot of his days in a threefold occupation— his ecclesiastical duties, his gratuitous medical practice among the poor. and astronomical re- I searches." Copernicus died in 1543 and since his day Newton, Galileo, Herschel, Laplace, and Sir Robert Bail have lived and revolutionised the Copernicus system.. As a matter of fact, Atheists get their science from Christians, which accounts for the difficulty your correspondent finds in producing an authority who can by any streÜfh of the imagination be made to appear as a supporter of unbelief. You will find science classes in abundance among Christians at their Young Men's Christian Assocfai ion rooms, Liter- ary Institutes, and Public Schools; the only place where they are neglected is among unbe- lievers. These are the men who talk about sci- ence being their ''providence." Christians have notliing to fear, but rather to hope for, from the discoveries of science, for the more we become acquainted with scienca the more we shall be able to appreciate the wisdom of God. The old argument still holds good. that- whatever ex- hibit.s marks of design must have had a designer, it must be the product-of a designing mind. If a man picked up a watch who had never before seen one, he certainly would not class it among the specimens of geology with which it was sur- nmded. He would observe tue mechanism. the wheels, springs, etc., with which it was fitted, and the fact that the front part was covered by a substance distinct from the metal portions of the contrivance. And he would conclude that it was so made and covered with glass that the face of the watch might be seen. He would consider that the watch had been designed by an intelligent mind, and that the markings on the face of the watch would convey the infor- mation to an observer which was intended by the contriver when ho thought out in his own mind the whole scheme. And it might be said that that watch existed in the mind of the con- triver before he converted the various metallic or other substances into the form of a watch; and presuming that iø the course of its existence it evolved another watch equal in the perfection of its parts and its working- results, it would not in any way detract from our admiration of the wonderful genius of the inventor, neither should we be inclined to deny that he was the inventor of the second watch as well as the first, al- though ho brought into use the agency of the original watch to produce the second one, and the same would apply, however much we may reason backward or forward. Now, sir, as in the illustration given of the watch, so it is with man; but suppose we take the eye and the ear as examples? When we consider the ear, its wonderful construction, its nerves, its drum-like apparatus, and its power of conveying sensations to the brain; or the in- stance of the eye, the remarkable fact of its position relative to the body, and that a portion of its substance is different to that found in any other part of the body; its wonderful adapta- bility to the purpose intended; how the image is first thrown upon the bottom part of the eye, and then reflected on the retina, we must admit that there is a mechanical contrivance, and therefore an author of that contrivance. Jf eye and the ear, we shall be obliged to admh, we consider these two organs alone, viz.. the the evidence of design, and since there is a do- sign, there must have been a designer. There is a distinct purpose for which these orgins were made—the ear to convey sounds, wheth-r of speech or music, the volcanic warning < r t1. sound of the earthquake your correspondent fears so much. Then. as regards the eye, besides serving its purpose in enabling us to provide for the wants of the body, it conveys to our mind a sense of the beauties of nature. But each of these organs may be misapplied or perverted from ministering to our welfare, and, in the case of the ear, convey to our mind the foul oaths which too often pollute the lins of mankind, or the blasphemy of the unbeliever. While the eye may convey impressions which would have a degrading effect upon our livess. Your corres- pondent has apparently used his senses of sight and hearing for the perversion of -his mind or it may be that he is like the Emir who wore a glass eye and could not understand why he could not see with it as well ai with the other, until it was explained, that he could not expect to see so well with it at. first as the other, which had been so lonr in the "habit" of it. He no doubt turns his glass eye (if lie possesses one) to all the evidences of Christianity which are mentioned in this correspondence. He endeavours by false reasoning fee support his fictitious position, and speaks of slavery as though it was supported bj Christianity, when he knows as well as every schoolboy that it is detested by Christians, and that Christians are every year carrying on the warfare against, slavery at the cost of blood and treasure. Now, Sir, with regard to evolution, the first and most natural objection is the absence ot evidence of a transitional state, and it may also be noted that scientists of eminence maintain that the human mind is a special work of crea- tive power, and ii has been pointed out that Dar- win simply makes evident a great scheme of law and order and development under which crea- tion has come to be what it is, and that he does not banish or lower the Creator by unveiling the mode of His working; rather, he raises our ideas of Him by shewing a far reaching wonder- ful system. Mr Lewis may be interested to know that the above quotation is taken from one of Dar- win's books. Does it not occur to us as contrary to reason to suppose that whereas animals known and described in the most ancient times are still in existence, exhibiting to this day the same char- acteristics as of old? The oldest geological evi- dence shews that certain classes of animals have been superseded by others; but that geological research has not yielded the infinitely many fine gradations between past and present species re- quired in the theory is, Darwin admitted, "the most obvious of the many objections whieh may be ur-ed against it." Mr Mivart points out that "the mass of palse- ontological evidence is indeed overwhelming against minute and gradual modification" and ho thinks it increditable that "birds, bate, and pterodaotvles should have left the remains they have, and yet not a single relic be preserved in any one instance of any of their different forms of wing in their incipient and relatively imper- fect functional condition." So much for evolution. Although it is evident, from what has been stated, that if true it would not militate against our belief in God, still your correspondent takes evolution as the foun- dation on wliieh he builds his mythical system of scienoo as our providence, instead of acknow- leding the Creator who gave scientists their being and their reason which has evolved the sciences. Mr Lewis, in dealing with the question of slavery, gives credit to one class only for the payment of the slaves, although in the follow- mg paragraph he tells us that "none are ex- empted from the pavmwit of taxes." I suppose we must consider this as the eccentricity of genius. With regard to the number of sceptics or free- thinkers in this country, I challenge Mr Lewis to prove his statement. He refers to Whit- taker's almanac as his authority, but on refer- ring 1!0 two editions for reaent years, I fail to find any mention of Atheists, sceptics, or free- thinkers. Such, then, is their insignificance. Mr Lewis is, of course, an authority in himself, and he tells us there arc between six and seven millions of sceptics in this country alone, which I say is absolutely untrue. Poor, injured man, he tells your readers that it is due to my "crass ignorance" that I asked whether he could tell us where their schools may be found: and yet he has to go to "Pliiladelphia" before he can find one. Your readers will note the significance of this. I have endeavoured to trace the exist- once of this "noble institution," but liewe so far failed in the attempt. But, then, we all know the fame of Philadelphia! Mr Lewis shirks the question of hospitals, for he is unable to prove the existence of any built and maintained solely by infidels, neither does he tell us how much or how little they coint-ribute to their organisation.—I am, etc., Pontypridd. JOSEPH HAMMOND.

AMALGAMATION OF BUSINESS AT FONTYPRIDD. THE Pontypridd Coaehbuilding Company, Jt Morgan Street, have taken over the business lately carried on by Mr Howard Williams, as Wheelwright and Coachhuilder at Mill Street; also the business carried on by Messrs John Doxey & Sons, as Coacii Painters and Trimmers, at Rhondda Road, Pontypridd. Havmg taken over all hands engaged at both the places named, they beg to announce that they (the Company) are better able to comply with the requirements of the trade, and to accommodate their customers at the Steam Carriage Works. Morgan Street, Pontypridd.—The best and largest of its kind in the principality. A large stock of all kinds of Vehicles always ready. I Ali r<*nnc?=«cnrq ",Hh ds envt !»{rrnf». r:1'F at Ce&tx&l fct.rcs, fcr t;-LavIiu t&

Correspondence The Editor, while welcoming letters on all public topics, does not hold himself respon- sible for the opinions contained therein. Con- tributors must write on one side of the paper only, and letters brief and to the point have preference for insertion. All communications must be accompanied by the correct name and address of the writer, not necessarily for pub- lication, but as a guarantee of good faith.

PONTYPRIDD PUBLIC PARK. To the Editor, "Glamorgan Free Press." Sir,—Without joining with either side in this controversy, may I make a suggestion through your columns ? It occurs to me that, inasmuch as Pontypriddians were the main instruments in getting the Cardiff Railway Company's scheme passed, Lord Bute might be induced to waive his rights to quarry the Common. This would stop any more of the people's land being takeu away. The gaps caused by past quarrying might easily be filled up with town's refuse. Does this idea meet with the approbation of the District Council ? I sh, uld like to know.—I am, &c., YNYSYNGHARAD. To the Editor of the "Glamorgan Free Press." SIR,-The excellent letter of Graig Collier in your last issue has led me to wonder how many ratepayers in the Graig Ward take any interest in the Park question ? Very few, I fear. Many to whom 1 have spoken think the Ynysyngharad site would suit our ward best; but, if acquiring this land means a big outlay, they would certainly prefer the Common.— I am, etc., OLD TOLL-GATE.

THE NATIONAL PRIZE-WINNERS. To the Editor. SJR,-I heartily endorse the opinion ex- pressed in your last issue that in a few weeks a concert should be held in which the winners at this year's national festival should take part, Pontypridd's representatives at the National Eisteddfod are a body of singers who do the town immense credit, and their performances at such a concert as proposed would undoubtedly prove a huge treat I trust the admirable idea will not be lost sight of, but that after the holiday period is over arrangements will be made for the holding of such aunique,almost historical, gathering. In concluding, I should like to thank the FREE PRESS for the manner in which that journal recognises, and thus encourages, local talent in all branches of life.—I am, etc., COEDPENMAEN.

TH3 WELSH NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD. To the Editor of the "Freê Press." Is the National Eisteddfod of Wales really a Welsh Instituticil or not? If it is, then I would certainly express my opinion that we as a na- tion shou Id be considered a multitude of broken hearted, unsettled, and changeable class of human beings. I am more especially treating with this matter in respeot of the eisteddfodic musical competitions. Why, at Newport, this yea^s National Eisteddfod appears to have developed itself into the most unsatisfactory shapes and contorted forms. It would be a far distant from my desire and wish to hint in the slightest direction at any inability on the part of the pre-eminent Sir A. C. Mackenzie or Pro- fessor W. Macfarren. Such two authorities, by name and reputation, are ample satisfaction to the general public and competitors who entered the great field of competition on this renowned occasion. The style of singing in Wales is very much more impulsive, and, indeed, more dramatic, when wanted, than that of the English people. This is not only my own opinion, but that cf other able authorities also. This being a Welsh National Eisteddfod—I have, of course, every due respect and courtesy towards our next door neighbours, English, Scotch, and Irish-I would here venture to ask a somewhat important ques- tion. Looking at the matter in a general sense, can an Englishman, Scotchman, or Irishman ex- press himself explicitly in the English and Welsh languages as can a Welshman? I feel wishful- pianissimo—to be silent, but, murmuring still more silently I am inclined to exclaim, Certainly not! Still, all due respect to each mentioned tongue in its own way and mannerism. In a commercial direction I certainly believe that the English language figures pre-eminent, and surpasses all others. The Welsh is a most sub- lime and poetical language, as witness the Welsh translation of Holy Writ, etc. I again discover that there is a great amount of inconvenience squabbling, contentions, and abuses arising from conductors and choral societies entering various competitions, through trespassing on the condi- tions set forth and thoroughly explained by eisteddfodic and other musical committees, and such trespassers are the very first to lodge com- plaints as to the great injustice they suffer from the adjudicators and others who establish such competitive meetings and institutions. They always return home grumbling and seriously complaining of gross injustice done to such com- petitors. What a farce! As an instance, a choir went from Pontv^ndd w the last Crystal Palce Temperance Competition. They were dis- qualified. Why? Because it was, strictly speak- ing, a Temperance Demonstration. How many were there included in this body not strict ad- herents of temperance in its right meaning. If there was one member among the constitution who imbifed one small glass of intoxicating liquor the conditions were immediately violated, and that one member would defeat success. How many members were there of this class in the choir? The same choir again attended the Na- Ir tional Eisteddfod at Newport, and returned home minus the prize. Whv? Some dispute amongst themselves caused this misfortune. A lady was to have accompanied the choir on the piano, and a young man was to accompany on the organ. The latter leaped at once, iitce a flash of lighting, to the piano; the unfortunate lady had to take to the organ. At this instance she became indignant and pouted; the organ consequently had the pleasure of enjoying a solemn and quiet rest. Where was the able con- ductor who should organise matters and see e, that everyone was qmite ready to start at his work ? In next week's issue will commence my first series of letters on the important subject of musical conductors, their abilities and duties. My sole object in these letters will be to im- prove and instruct and attain perfection in this important art which every musical conductor should be well versed in.—I am etc.. CRAIG-YR-HESG.

Frozen Milk. The sources from which the British purvevor draws his supplies seem almost illimitable. The enterprising grocer looks with interest on any new line that, is likelv to be included in his future price-lists and which has the slightest prcba.- bility of adding in any small degree to his profit. There are many things that a grocer can handle with benefit, to himself an'! with advantage to the public. But fresh milk has, up to the pre- sent, been such a delicate commodity that gro- cers have onlv been enabled to deal in condensed kinds. Now there is a chance of them being able to add frozen milk to their stock. Some Swiss and Danish dairies are turning their atten- tion to the preservation and transport of fre?h milk. Their method is get a large quantity of m, it and pasteurise it at a degree about 75 centi- grade, and t!i-n fteeze-it bv rapidly reducing it to ten degrees below zero. It can then be placed in strong, tdcrht fir-barrels of a capacity ex- ceeding double the quantity of the blocks of frozen milk. Theu space is filled up with steri- lised milk, and the barrels are then hermetically sealed. In this fashion the milk can be kept "•col fer ncr" ihln twerdv davs, and dn be o-h -v-Uv :t:1:: a re? —'T (Vc-*rs Z.nJ> 1 ly.

SUDDEN DEATH AT TREFOREST. A Man Falls Dead on the Road, THE INQUEST. On Monday afternoon, about 6.45, a man named William Reynolds, 44 years of age, living at 9, Castle-street, Treforest, and employed as a labourer at the new Barry railway station, was proceeding homeward from his work, when he suddenly fell down on the road, near the Taff railway bridge. He was observed by a fellow labourer named William Park, who immediately ran back to his assistance, only to find that life was extinct. At the Commercial Hotel on Tuesday, the deputy coroner, Mr Evans, and a jury, of which the Rev Samson Jones was foreman, held an inquiry into the circumstances attending the death. The first witness called was the widow, Mrs Elizabeth Reynolds, who said her husband went to work, as usual, at 5.30 on Monday, and came home to dinner, after which he returned to his occupation. He did not make any complaint to her as to his health. He had had rheumatic fever no less than three times, the last of which was three years ago. Ho had recently suffered from his heart, and had to go to the doctor about a fortnight ago. John Park, a labourer engaged on the Barry railway, stated that at about quarter to six on Monday evening, he passed the deceased near the Taff Vale railway bridge on his way home from work. After he had passed him a few yards, witness turned round and saw that the deceased had fallen. He went back to him and raised his head, but the deceased only gave three moans and then expired. Dr R. C. Hunter gave evidence as to seeing the deceased after the occurrence. Hisopionion was that death was due to heart trouble, the result of rheumatic fever. It might have been of long duration, probably from the time when the deceased first had rheumatic fever. Anyone who had had this fever on three occasions was almost bound to suffer from the heart. A verdict in accordanc3 with medical evidence was returned.