Glamorgan Free Press

"Y Gwiryn orbyn y Byd."—Kymric Proverb. "Give me, above all other liberties, the liberty to know, to utter, and to argue freely, according to conscience."—John Milton.

NOTES AND COMMENTS. Squiredom, after all, has not attained its full ambition. The Squire of Fair- field has been unsuccessful, and the Squire of Ystradmynach has been told in very decided language that if he pursues landlordly ways without some regard to the people's rights and in- terests he will have but scant electoral sympathy at the end of his new term of office. His majority of three years ago has grown beautifully less. Mr Edward I Edwards has shaken the very citadel of I the position which was supposed to be held by Captain Lindsay. We have nothing personal in our antagonism to any of the Squires. Our comments are on grounds of policy, and we have in us the faith that, if there are any represen- tatives on our various representative bodies truly and verily self-interested, it is the class who enjoy so much of the monopoly and privileged legislation which has been accumulated upon the landlords ef this country. Our opposi- tion has, therefore, been in what we conceive to be the right position for the people to take. And we shall always be found in that frame of mind. The people should govern, and not the few. When the people realise the power they hold, and clearly see how its exercise can remove the inequalities in the social economics, then the brighter days will be with us. "0 na wawria boreu hyfryd Jiwbili." In the Graig Ward Mr Sam Evans has been successful, and, we openly confess, much against our wish. The Graig and Treforest elec- torate have by a majority of 57 returned Mr Sam Evans and dismissed Mr Roberts. The old workman, and ad- mittedly a good one, has been turned out for practically a novice. Let the three years tell their tale. This we know-that Mr James Roberts had no axe to grind," no self interest, other than his share as one of the people, to seek in going back to the County Council. We know that Mr Sam Evans has thrown in his allegiance to the party of the Classes, and we know what they mean to do in our County Govern- ing Bodies. They are steeped to the lips in class interest administration. We are, however, not despondent when re- viewing the results. One Squire de- feated and another severely and per- manently wounded out of three is not a bad record. The winner, Mr Sam Evans, is irresistibly popular as a personality and this element in his character played a stronger part than politics. Hence, we turn up smiling once more, and feel after all that life is worth living, if only to wake the people to active, intelligent municipal interest. It is coming to that, and then broad principles and not persons will decide the battles of our public life.

We are glad to find that the Rev. Silas Charles has been the chosen of the r. rerndale Division. The remarkable demonstration which was spontaneously carried out and which followed the news of the result, clearly indicates the popularity of the public verdict. It was unusual even for enthusiastic Ferndale and Maerdy, and must express the gratification of the Division at the com- plete reconciliation of the Liberal forces in the district. We have no misgivings as to the future. The rev. gentleman's ardent sympathies and services for the people are well-known. He is the product of the best aspirations of the people. His traditions as a working- man and his sacred calling as the guide of the people to a higher and nobler altitude of righteous life, point to the genuine missionary spirit with which he will further the muchdesired advancement of the home and social conditions of the people. He will be found a tenacious advocate of their betterment, and un- yielding until the conviction of his heart has had its legitimate and in- evitable issue. No man will be found truer to Ferndale and Maerdy people, and, what is equally important, he will not lack the courage to face those who will try to minimise their rights and privileges. +

Perhaps the most significant victory is that of Mr E. H. Davies in the Pentre Division. We had been led to believe that Mr Richard Morris, in a single- handed fight, was an unconquerable opponent. But the belief has been exploded the hero of many and strange contests has been overwhelmed, and that in a most emphatic and decisive manner. Mr Elias H. Davies has a fine record of public service to justify his victory over Mr Richard Morris. As a Guardian he holds the prominent honour of the vice-chairmanship of the Board. As a parish expert versed in the detail of its financial incidents, and intimate likewise with its many perplexing ramifi- cations, we have no one in the Rhondda that can go one better than Mr Elias Davies. Ystradyfodwg will benefit greatly in this respect by the acquisition of Mr Davies among its County Council representatives. We have no desire to say anything un- generous of Mr Richard Morris. All will admit his ability and his grasp of matters parochial, and his eloquence we have always recognised. But the people by his rejection have clearly and seriously declared that technical ability alone does not suffice from a public representative. They have expressed the dictum that a representative should reflect something more than mere natural ability, and the dismissal he has re- ceived at their hands solicits his wider recognition that the people expect from their representatives and their leaders a broad comprehensive catalogue of quali- fications. The absolute refusal of the people to entrust him with representa- tive duties should lead him to serious reflection and if the solution of the why and wherefore is rightly considered, he may, in the end, be found to be the most thankful for this last rebuff of the people. We are glad that his successful rival isnotrevellingin ignoble expressions of triumph. Strong and victorious causffi are magnanimous, and this is the line which we are pleased to note is pursued by Mr Elias Davies. 0

Mr D. W. Davies has scored very heavily over his opponents. Mr Law- rence, the candidate of the Party which would not support Mr D. W. Davies, has had his first experience in municipal contests. He is young, and personally has every promise of coming at a future time into representative honours. He was unfortunately on this occasion linked with the assertion of tactics which did not find favour with some of the leading spirits in the parochial politics of Mid-Rhondda, and a sus- picion, rightly or wrongly, lurked in the minds of a large number, that opposition to Mr D. W. Davies was not entirely free from a spirit of personal hostility, These facts in combination and the general bitternes of the campaign against him sent Mr. Davies into the County Council. Martyrdom is a useful electioneering agent. The blood of the martyrs, we are told, is the seed of the Church. This is a truism which can be applied everywhere. Mr Davies had stood to the constitutionalism of selection right to the end of the story. He never withdrew his name from the nomination; therefore, since he had been true to tae spirit of constitutional organization tenets he was fairly and squarely entitled, from those who had preached organisation authority so much n the past, to a generous interpre- tation of its dogmas in his favour. Mr D. W. Davies was helped, and helped to some purpose, by the methods of his opponents. We trust we shall never see their repetition any more. One and all can rest assured that Mr Davies will make a good Councillor; he will not relapse into negligence in the discharge of his duties, and we therefore hope that 11 the hatchet will be buried," that conciliation and goodwill will be found supreme powers in Mid-Rhondda once more. 0

The unopposed returns in the Rhon- dda have been numerous. The return of Daronwy was expected as a Labour representative he stands pre-eminently in the front rank. Workmen should recognise the serious handicap in which a man in the social con- dition of Daronwy is placed by the item of expense. If any man deserves subsidisation this is the man. Mr Cory is unquestionably popular and a fine fellow, but we desire to point out to Mr Cory that if there is one matter supremely vital to securing for him the title of a Councillor to perfection, it is that he should go for Pontypridd and its County Offices" claims. We trust he will give this matter his reconsideration. If lie believes in Home Rule then he must believe in County administration by a parliament of Councillors within the county area. This is Home Rule in mi nature, and we sincerely trust that he will be found with the Rhondda. and Pontypridd Councillors in this aspira- tion. Mr D. Williams, Treherbert, has again proved that he is a man right in 0 the hearts of the people. His un- opposed candidature proves a remarkable unity of appreciation of his public services in another direction. His nomination, also, by Mr Davies, Bryn- fedwen, shows that while he is still unalloyed in his Radicalism, the opposition recognised his claims as a conquering force, a fact creditable to his merits and to their intelligence also. Mr James Evans also comes into County Council honours unopposed in an area where there arc several strong men. It was anticipated that Mr T. P. Jenkins would have entered the field, but his supporters were disappointed. We con- gratulate Mr Evans upon the honour which lie now proudly enjoys. There ate others, like Mr Matthias and Mr Morgan Williams, who were returned because there could be no disputation as to their past services and fidelity. Mr Mathias is an expert who has saved thousands of pounds to his County, while Mr Morgan Williams stands in the honoured position of being idolised by the working men whom he has served so ungrudgingly and so unsparingly in the past.

We can almost say that the publica- tion of the balance sheet of the Pruden- tial Assurance Company, Limited, is a national event of very general expecta- tion. This Assurance Company is the most colossal of all the Companies that appea1 to the people to provide for the proverbal rainy day. When a Company can boast, of Assets to the tune of Y-30,438,337 9s. 8d. it is only a mild prophecy to anticipate that in proportion and magnitude it will, at the present rate of progress, rival even the Budget of the country's Chancellor ot the Exchequer. We need rot have any hesitation in admiring the working of this <_n-e.it institution, its stability and solidity, its explicit business way of conduct. Last year, again, progress has been its watenworu. In t>he Ordinary Branch the number of policies issued was 65,893, representing an assured sum of £ 6,698,755, and adding a new premium income of £ 365.996; making the premium receipts of the year amount to £ 2.774,264. The Company paid in assured claims no less than < £ 70,763, which was paid to the surviving issues of 5,038 deaths. We find also that 656 Endowment Assurances were matured. Numbers appal us in the examination of the doings of this Company, even in the Ordinary Branches in which payments are made, either annually or quarterly, as the case may be, and when we look over the Industrial Branch, the mag- nitude is simply overwhelming. This branch is the working man's, who has the privilege of making his payments weekly. In this branch the claims of the year amounted to XI,823,338, and payment made on the deaths of 192,359 persons. There is one feature in the record of this Company which is a very encouraging to assurers, and that is the provisions made to issue Free Polieies to those who, having paid for five years, are unable to keep up the payments. This department makes impossible any absolute loss to the policy holders. It is too true that many of the provident among our industrial classes are overtaken with domestic difficulties which baffle the continuation of the best prudential intentions. At any rate, this Company makes a generous return to such failures by the scheme of Free Polices, and, therefore, tending assistantly to the attempt C, y to provide for dark days of adversity. Our columns give the annual statement and we would recom- mend our readers to give it their most careful and serious perusal. If they do, we are convinced this Company will commend itself to their confidence in every way. Genial superintend- ent Williams at his office, Pentre Road, Pentre, will be very glad to give every information verbally to satisfy any app- licants. We should like to see the day coming when every responsible member of a family has made this very desirable investment.

Pontypridd. The total rainfall registez-ed at Maesderwen, Graig, during February, was 3.01 inches- Dur- me the oorrespending period last year it was 6.02 inches. The Rev Richard Roberts, of London (ex-pre. sident of the Wesleyan Methodist Conference) will preach at Wesley Church, Pontypridd, on Tuesday next, the 15th March, at 7.30. Father Rees occupied the pulpit at the New Town Hall on Sunday, the occasion being his eighty-eighth birthday, and he delivered a stir- ring and audible sermon, which extended over half an hour. Is PONTYPRIDD A PROGRESSIVE TùWN?- What our title would Imply is, Are our tradesmen well to the front, and do they cater well for the require- ments of the inhabitants of this important district ? With such enterprising Firms as the Pontypridd Furnishing Company, who justly claim to have the largest Show-rooms in Wales or the West of England, well-stocked with every household requirement. They are thoroughly up-to-date and sell at lowest prices, and do an immense trade on what is known as the Easy Terms system, or better described as the Little-at-a-time system, which has proved such an advantage to thousands of their customers. They simply require a small payment at the time of select- ing the goods, and a small amount either fortnightly or monthly. Their immense and increasing trade is sufficient testimonial to their business-like and straightforward method of business. Our readers who have not already given them a trial shoulfl do so. 3B71 Last Sunday evening at Sion, Mr Ted Lewis tastefully rendered "Arm, arm, ye brave." Miss Evelyn Morgan accompanied on the organ. Mr Lewis possesses a voice of higihi quality, and is, under the tutelage of Mr T. Rees. G.T.S.G., de- veloping into a first class singer. Next. Sunday Mr Tom Griffith* will sing. ANY Photograph enlarged and finished in Black and White, Crayon, or Oils by THos. FOBBEST & SONS, Cambrian Studio, Pontypridd. 2871 Mrs Oralis ton Chant,, the popular lecturer, will deliver her interesting lecture on "The Old and the New Woniall" this (Friday) evening. Mrs Ormiston Chant is corning to Pontypridd under the auspices of the Free Library Commit- tee, and it is hoped the lecture will be a creat I;aleess. The large Town Hall has been secured, and the prices of admission fixed at a shilling and sixpence, so that the lecture may be in every way a popular one. The proceeds are to go to the purchase of new books an object which should command the support of all those inter- ested in the valuable work of Free Libraries. Mr Hurrh Bramwell will preside, Madame Penn. R.A.M.. will sing, and Mr E. P. Mills. L.R.A.M. will play a selection of music. E. P. MILLS, L R.A.M. (Professor of Music). Address-Ceridwen Terrace, Pontypridd. 3925 The Wesley Guild met as usual on Tuesday night in the Wesley Schoolroom, when Mr R. Houghton presided over the meeting. The mem- bers had mustered up in larger numlvrs than usual in order to hear a paper given by Mr H. Poreher, who chose as his subject "Similarities of the prophecies of the Bible and the works of Shakespeare." Mr Porchier dealt with the sub- jeet. in a masterly manner, and the reading of the parr was listened tp with rapt attention by all present. Following the reading of the paper the aftermentiohed members spoke on the sub- ject, viz., the cliairntaii, Messrs Chappel, A. J. Singer, Cook, F. Woodward, and Miss Paynter. A hearty vote of thanks, carried with acclama- tion. was accorded Mr Porcher for his excellent paper, and then one of the most interesting and insiructive meetings of the session was brought to a close in the usual manner. WHY go to Cardiff for your Fish or Poultry, when FENELL, 12, Market street, t'ontypridd, can supply you ? (Opposite the. Post Office). During the past fortnight the Town Hall at Pontypridd has been throllg-ed night after night by easier audiences, which had eathered to hear the Rev W. T. Lee. of Cardiff, deliver his elo- qn-cnt lectures on the evidences of Christianity. Mr L- is an able speaker, a wonderfully clear reasoner, and a. passionate believer in the truth v-.lei) he so ably expounds. It is proverbial that a,luiences are not easily gathered in Ponty- pridd to listen to lectures. Yet in Mr Lee's cafe h Town Hall hi- been much too small to apeo'vmo-Ute thecrowils who have flocked to the n-^c-Hngs. We hear ifca-t much good has been done, and tlint some clonb'ers have been convinced of the truths of Christianity. The ministers of all denominations gave their active S'mrort to Mr Lee in his work at Pontypridd. It is hoped that Mr Lee will visit the 'own again. Ho has kindly promised to deliver a lecture on '• T.-av? to citch flies" next, month for the benefit of th., I?cqf and Dumb Mission. The annual soiree in connection with the Pontypridd and District Liberal Club was held at the New Town Hall on Thursday, and a very successful event it proved. There was a very large attendance, and the excellent arrange- ments left nothing but enjoyment possible. The refreshments were given by members of the Pontypridd Liberal Women's Association, and amonsrst the ladies who took charge of the tables were Mrs Mayberry Williani- Mrs Row- lands (Ty'r Bont), Mrs Hopkins, Mrs Delanev, Mrs Hopkin Morgan, and Mrs T. Jones (Coed- penmaen). A capital programme of dances was gone through, to the strains of an efficient band. conducted by Mr Roberts, Cardiff, the M.C.'s *i, 'nUineJ',T' Schcnteil, and Ivor kf h^d lyeen very effectively de- wrated for the occasion. The Nonconform^ Chure'cs c< Pontypridd have united to hold English a ;d Wrlsh preach- ing services for the week coinmenciiig Monday NIP lift instant, in Penucl Chap >1. Wel^'I sermons will be delivered by the Revs Tho* Davies. Treorky; R. S. William- Dowlais; nharl«<! r)a-ipq, rardiff. Th•• Er~'bh minict-rs will be the Revs Seth Jos' ua and Elwrn Thomas, Newport Rev W. r. L;,i', Cardiff. Services will commence at 7.30. Se> posters — [ADVT ] 3961 The town rinss with the n ws tint FRANK raoMAs ("My Hatter.") sells the b^st 3/9 Hat. 2838 iiLKormc TEA is always great in strength and full f flavour-la 8d, 2s. anti 2s 4d. 2873

Treforest. The Treforest Male Voice Society gave a sacred concert at Wesley Chapel on Sunday evening, when the Rev A. D. Smart presided over a. very large attendance. The proceedings opened with the singing, by the entire congregation, of "Aberystwyth," after which a most interesting programme was contributed. The Society, ably conducted by Mr D. Davies, F.T.S.C. rendered several selections, including "The War Horse,' "Destruction of Gaza," and "Martyrs of the Arena," which were much appreciated. Mr John Thomas gave an admirable recitation, and musi- cal items were given by Messrs N. Morgan, M. E. Roes, B. Thomas, Janet Hughes, L. Rees, Messrs D. J. Williams, Miles Jenkins, and J. Spry. Th3 accompanist was Miss Bella Thomas, who as usual acquitted herself with credit. Finest Dairy Butter-Lxwzs BROS., Taff Btreet. 3770 Finest Tinned Fruits—LEWIS Bnos., Taff street. 3770

Penygraig. On Saturday the funeral of Mrs Jenkins (late Miss Alice Brett) took place. The concourse showed how highly she was esteemed by her many friends. Great sympathy is felt for her husband and parents. The young couple only having been married but a few months makes the incident all the more trying io all concerned. The Rev D. Davies (English Baptist) officiated. A wreath was sent fromi London, and one from Cardiff. The first coach contained Mrs Brett (mother), Mrs Jenkins (motlier-in-la^w), Miss Jenkins (sister-in-law), Mrs William Brett, Miss Edith Brett (nieoe); 2nd coach, Mrs Walter Brett., Mrs E. Jenkins (Cardiff), Mrs Grey Car- diff). Mrs D. Davies (Trealaw). Mrs J. Howells (Tylaoelyn). There were several other vehicles. The male relatives very reverently walked after the coffin. A memorial service will be held at the English Baptist Chapel on the 20th, con- docted by the minister of that place.

Toq. On Thursday evening the Court Stanley Juve- nile Lodge of Foresters held their annual meet- ing and dinner at the Bridge Restaurant, Ton, about 60 to 80 being present. Letters were read from the Rev W. Lewis, R.D., Ystradyfodwg, and Mr Jacob Ray, Treharris, who were unable to be present. After a capital repast, prepared by Host ami Hostess Edwards, the chair was occupied by Mr J. Raymond, who delivered a stirring address to the youngsters. Addresses were also given by Mr Joseph Voyle, the treasur- er, and Mr Edward Davies, the secretary who also submitted the annual report and balance- sheet, which showed the lodge to be in a highly satisfactory financial position. Amongst the members and visitors present were: Messrs Rich- ard Lloyd, J. Worthington, John Griffiths. T. Griffiths, Tom Davies, Ocean Officee, and Grif- fith Howells.

Pentre. Tlw, annual eisteddfod in connection with the Parish Church of Ystradyfodwg was held on M-vr.d'i v the Church Schoolroom, Pentre. 1 Thvu-e i. very larie attendance, and this years .n$again was a huge success. The president, ior the day was the Rev W. Lewis, R.D., Pepire; conductor, Rev D. B. John (Per- iander), Llwynypia; adjudicators—music, Rev D. Thomas,. A.C., Llwynypia-, literary. Revs J. Rees, Ferndale .and D. Lewis (Ap Ceredigion), Treorky; prize bags, Mrs Pritchard (Ton), Miss May Lewis (Pentre), and Miss Armstrong (Tret- orkv); accompanist, Mr D. Joneq. organist of St. Peter's Church, Pentre. Appended is a list of the results: Solo, for boys, J. Jones, Fern- dale soprano solo, divided between Mrs Bird, Ystrad. and Miss K. Thomas, Treorky: recita- tion, for competitors under 12 years of age, Miss H. E. Jones, Ton; recitation, Mr T. James. Ys- trad essay, divided between Mr J. Williams, Ton,, and Mr M. D. Morgan, Ferndale; solo for girlii under 12, Miss A. Griffiths, Pentre (pupil of Madam Edwards); Children's Choir, St. Da- vid's, led by Mr A. D. Collier; impromptu rent- ing. Mr Tf. D. Morgan, Ferndale; pianoforte solo, Master J. Williams (nupil tf Mr T. Davies, Pentre); recitation for children, under 12. Mis- ter A. Edwards; Ferndale; tenor PO'.C, divided between Messrs Tom and Jonat'i u Jones, Ton; chant for choirs, Parfsh Church Choir, led by the Rev J. M. Raymond; best pair of stockings, prizes awarded to Mrs Jones (Ton,, Mrs Herlieit (Ton), Mrs H. E. Jones (Ton) bass solo, Mr Tjm Royal, Pentre; recitation for children i,y det, eight. Master E Edwards, Ferndale, Miss G. Nedall, Ton; Miss E. A. Williams, Ystrad; '•fiss E J. WtDrams, Ton; duet (tenor and bass), Messrs Tom and J. Jones. Ton; prize bags. Mrs L\ M J( i' ,(-s, Pentie; bavHon« o,.fo Mr Tom Royal, Pentre pcct-v, Mr M Thomas Fern- tÏlc; soio for CO "tti"lrs ov r 4D ionrs of age Mr J. Vole, Ton; love-letter, Mr Jenkin Thomas, Ferndale; Male Voice contest, Ferndale Minstrels, led by the Rev Charles Evans; im- promptu speech, Mr J. Williams, Ton; alto sole, divided between Miss H. E. Jones, Ton,and Master D. James, Ferndale; speech on "Total Abstinence,' Mr Isaac Owen, Tonypandy; chief choral. St. Stephen's CQioir, led by Mr T. Royal, Ystrad. The treasurer was Mr Parry Edwards, Pentre, while Mr John Davies had charge of the secretarial duties, which were discharged satis- factorily.

Treharris The ordinance of baptism was performed at Brynhyfryd Welsh Baptist Chapel on Sunday evening, when three candidates were immersed". The Rev W. Jones officiated. The Quakers' Yard Gas and Water Company have just distributed a 5 per cent, dividend to their shareholders. The Philharmonic SoGiety has been resuscita- ted, and now bold their meetings at the Central Coffee Tavern, under the conductorship of Mr J. H. Morris. All young men are earnestly in- vited to join. Mr J. Grady, of Bolton, Lancashire, attended at the Navigation Assembly-rooms on Tuesday evening, and delivered an address on Socialism before a fair attendance, Mr Seth Lewis. Mer- thyr Vale, presided. A grand organ recital was given at Brynhy- frvd Welsh Baptist Chapel, on Monday evening by Mr Alfred J. Silver. F.R.C.O., organist of St. Peters'. Carmarthen. Mr HicharJ Edwards. Quakers' Yard, presided. The following well- known artistes also took part: Miss Eleanor Joaes. Mr Todd Jo^es, and Mr G. Williams. A general meeting of workmen was held at t.he Public Hall on Monday niorinin, to consider x lie Sliding Scale question, when the following was unanimously agreed to:—"That no scale be adopted unless such scale be an improvement on tho existing one, and that the auditors should be changed annually, but if recommended they can be re-elected." Delegates were also selected to atten the forthcoming conference.

Wattstown. 'I] of tl,e late John Mandry, fireman at the National Collieries, took place at Lledrddu Cemetery Tiie deceased had been sufforiii; for some time past from an internal disease. 'Uw choir of Saron Church. Ynyshir. sang appropriate hymns en-route. The officiating minister? were Res. E. C. Davies, E. O. Parry, Rogers,, and S. Jones.

Tylorstown The. Tvlorsto*vn'working club, at their annual mooiin* decided to contribute 20 guineas towards charitable purposes. The sura is ap- portioned as follows:—Porth> Cottage Hospit-.il. f.5 5s. Cardiff Infirmary. £5 5s. Porthcv,vl Rest, 95 5s. ami Abernant strikers. E-5 5

Ynyshir. We congratulate. Mr Tcm Kemp, the son of J Mr John Kemp, Yivsiur, ii-son his latest success in the musical world. Mr Tom Kemp has passed honourably She 1st and 2nd steps in harmony and analysis- He was the pupil of Mr O. Edwards, Porth. We wish him further success in com- pleting his A.C. certificate.

COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTIONS. The Voice of the People." LIST OF LOCAL RESULTS. V frY great interest was centred in the Coun- ty Councd congests in the Pontypridd and Tre- forest divisions, as the campaign against the sitting members, Councillors H. S. Davies and James Roberts, was being pushed forward with remarkable vigour by the supporters of Dr Ham. len-Williams and Mr Samuel Evans. Polling took place on Monday, and though there was not much exc-.ement displayed, it was evident that the results were awaited with considerable anxie- ty. The deputy-returning officer was Mr Wil- liam Grifnihs, solicitor. Town Hall Chambers, The following booths were very conveniently ar- ranged, and the presiding officers were: Hop- kinstown, Mr Morgan Morgan; Pwligwaun, Mr C. Edwards, solicitor; Town, Mr William Grif- fitbs, solicitor; Graig, Mr Joseph David- Tre- ,Mr Rcherts-Rosser, solicitor; Upper Boat, Mr John Bryant, solicitor. When, at about 9.30, Mr William Griffiths announced the results, a very large and enthusiastic crowd had assembled before his chambers in Market square, and the figures were received with mingled cheers and hooting. Speeches were subsequent- ly made by the candidates, and until a late hour the streets presented a scene of animated excite- ment. PONTYPRIDD IVISION. Here the retiring member retained his seat, t,L-e being:- Mr H. S. Davies (L.) 692 Dr T. R. Hamlen-Williams (I.) 605 LiberaJ majority 87 This division included the urban wards of Pontypridd. Town, and Rhondda, the voting strength being- Hopkinstown 809 Pwilgwaun 259 Town 621 1689 The number actually I)oflf-d was: Hopkinstown 615 Pwligwaun 209 Town 478 There were five spoiled votes. Previous elections resulted as follows: — 1892. H. S. Davies (L.) 752 W. Jones-Powell (C.) 630 122 1895. H. S. Davies 478 R. L. Phillips 381 P. Gowan 320 Liberal majority 97 TREFOREST DIVISION. In this division the sitting member was de- feated, the figures being:- Mr Samuel Evans (C.) 671 Mr James Roberts (L.) 614 Majority 57 The division embraces the urban wards of Graig and Treforest, the voters being divided as follows: Graig 786 Treforest 853 1639 In this case the numbers noiled were— Graig 627 Treforest. 662 There were four spoiled votes. The previous elections have been a series of somersaults on the part of the electorate, as the following results indieste:- 1889. James Roberts (L.) 481 D. Leyshon (Ind.) 383 Liberal majority 98 1892. W. Spickett (L.) 576 D. Leyshou (Ind.) 534 Liberal majority 42 1895. David Leyshon (Ind.) 684 W. Spickett (L.) 520 Ind. majority 164 1897. (Bye-election). James Roberta (L.) 701 Firbank Kint (C.) 311 W. V. Rces (Ind. L.) 74 Liberal majority 324 CILFYNYDD DIVISION. In this division there was no contest, Mr W. R. Davies (Liberal and Cong.) being returned unopposed in place of Councillor Henry Lewis, Tynan t, wihb resi-ned the seat. RHONDDA DIVISIONS. The polling for the Rbondda divisions took place on Monday. In the Pentre division, Mr Richard Morria. the representative for the past nine years, was aguin in the field, while he waa opposed by Mr E. H. Davies, J.P., Pentre. Hbs latter's campaign had been admirably worked, there being a large staff of workers from all the collieries, while members of the Chamber of Trade (of which Mr Davies is president) worked assiduously. Mr Richard Morns' cause was weaker on this occasion than ever before, aDd it was a foregone conolusion on Monday after- noon that he would be defeated. There were about 1500 voters in the ward, and there were but two booths in the division—one at. the Tre- orky Schools and the other at the Pentre schools It was considered a big disadvantage to both candidates that there should have been no booth at Cwmpark. as it was thought that the Cwm- park electors would not come down to Treor- ky to record their votes. There was much ex- citement attached to the contest, and there was a large crowd outside the offices Wb.?D the result was made known by the deputy-returning officer, Mr Edward Williams. The figures were: E. H. Davies, J.P. 643 Richard Morris 457 186 Spoilt votes, 14. The poll was a very heavy one, which told in the successful candidate's favour. The figures also show that ex-Councillor Morris's supporters at the last election remained true to him again at this election, for he polled Marly the, same number of votes. But on this occasion his oppo- nent, beine much better itnowa, polled heavier than his predecessor at the last election. TONYPANDY DIVISION. It was about 10.30 when the result of the Tony- pajidy division contest was declared. The deputy-officer.. Mr E. Llewelyn, announced the figures as follows:—■ Mr D. W. Davies, J.P. 570 Mr W. Lawrence 392 Majority 178 I On iufsday evening a congratulatory meeting was held ;It tir.s Ti-ealaw Schools. Mr J. Mor- gan pre?;led ov<~r a large attendance, which in- cluded the successful candidate (Mr V. W. Da- vies). Mr P. Phillips (the a:r!'nt). Messrs D. G. Simpson, D. S. Hiomas, J. Jones. J. W. Jones, Thomas Evans. Tom Evans. W. Griffiths, and others. Addresses congratulating Mr D. W. Davies on his brilliant victory werp given by Messrs J. Williams (land agent), Evan John, Ystrad: Thomas Evan", W. Richards (chemist), Isaac Bowc-n. James Griffiths. D. G. Simpson. J. John ibutter merchant), and Mr D. W. Davies. It, was also hoped, by several ot the speakerm that the association would now rc-umte. and that the 'haUu.d would be buried. and that they and their opponents would be none the less friends. Mr Tom Evans, elw ok weigher, who had been one of Mr Lawrence's workers, then addressed the meeting, and congratulated Coun- cillor D. W. Davies on his success, and hoped that tbey would be none the less friends. A song was rendered by Mr E. Morgan. Ystrad, and "Hen wlad fy Nhadau," by the audience, the solo being sung by Mr J. Evans, Trealaw, concluded a very enthusiastic meeting. FERNDALE DIVISION. Rev Silas Charles 778 Mr T. Samuels 629 149 Si>eilt votes. 4. CAERPHILLY. Captain (C.) 846 Mr Edward Edwards (1, )843 Majority 3 l the last election Cap;ain Lindsay majori- ty was- 555.

Maerdy. A spier ,;d rendering of the cantata "The Ship of Life" was given by the Welsihi Baptist Choir a.t, David's Hall on Wednesday and Thursday before crowded attendance?. Too mticl, i-annot be said in praise of the singiii" of the choir, and the solos of Mr J. Michael. Miss Charlolte Bond, Miss Lily Griffiths, and Mr George v ho were accorded the applause which they woll de- served. The f-,b-iirni,i, were i-. Mr Miles. nmr.irf. and ihe Fe: J. Eva us. tile < u- ductor being Mr Duggan.