Glamorgan Free Press

Theft by a Publican's Son. A NELSON COLLIER CHARGED. Before Dr W. W. Leigh, Mr E. W. M. Corbett and Dr Maurice G. Evams, sitting at the Caer- philly Police CourE on Tuesday, David Edwards, collier, Nelson, was charged with stealing 9s 6d, ,.4&e owgjwxty of William Potter, 16, Dynevor Terrace, Nelson, on the 3rd inst. Prosecutor said that he went to the General Picton Inn, Nelson, on the 3rd September with two other men, and called for a quart of beer. Me banded Edwards, the defendant, who served him, half a sovereign. Defendant left the bar, .and as be did not return for ^out ten minutes, witness sent his daughter to fetch him. When Edwards reutrned witness asked him for his -change, but defendant asked "What change?" Witness replied "The change from the half sover- eign." Edwards then said he would go and see his mother (the landlady), and witness was called into another room, where defendant's mother And brother were. Mrs Edwards said that if she had half a sovereign in her pocket it was not .hers. She turned out her pockets, but there was no half sovereign there. Frosecntor then said that Edwards had taken the half sovereign from the table, but the latter said that the coin Iw had picked up was sixpence. Subsequently 43efendant asked witness to settle the case. George Spiller and Joseph Spiller, colliers, gave evidence to the effect that the coin which Potter had placed on the table was a half sov- ereign. When arrested by P.S. Williams and charged defendant said it was sixpence he had picked up, and this he had given to his mother. After retiring the Bench found defendant guilty of the offence, andL said they would like to know if he was prepared to refund the money. Defendant said he was. H ewas then fined zEl, with the alternative of II days' imprisonment.

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Pontypridd Free Library. At the meeting of the Free Library Manage- ment Committee on Tuesday, Mr James Roberts presiding, Mr Key moved, and Mr William Jones, Gellideg House, seconded: "That in fu- ture the Reading-rooms of the Library be kept open to the public on all Bank Holidays, except Christmas Day." After discussion, Mr Key's motion was carried. A very interesting report by the Librarian, Mr George Hughes, of his visit to the Library Conference, will appear In our next week's issue.

RHONDDA SCHOOLS TELEPHONE SYSTEM. To the Editor. Sir,—I had fully intended to take ne notice whatever of Ystradyfodwgian's letter, as long as he lacked sufficient courage to append his propel name to his effusions. But since his letter in last week's issue contains so many omissions and gross mis-statements, I feel reluctantly com- pelled to deviate from my former reolution. Your correspondent states in his first and se- cond letters that it is the interest of the public he has in view, and that he simply writes for the "benefit of the ratepayers." This is truly magnificent devotion to the public interest, and the pity is that the writer should be lost to pub- lic appreciation by the modesty of anonimity. His solemn and grave association of the Duke of Ncrfolk, with the sub-postmaster of Trealaw, conclusively proves that he has failed to dis- criminate the difference between an argument and what was intended for a joke, whilst his re- ference to horses and carts to hedges and ditches are so utterly absurd as to make me think that my anonymous friend is mere of the farmer than the electrician. But before I proceed to analyse his communications, perhaps I had better re- capitulate a few principal facts which lead to this controversy. On the 14th of March last, the Board adoptei a recommendation of the Finance Committee to accept a tender submitted by the Post Office authorities for the fixing of telephonic service between the office and 30 of their schools for an annual sum of JE150. All the members, with the exception of Mr Jenkins, Ystradfechan, were present, and each member voted in favour of in that recommendation. Notwithstanding this unanimity of decision, my friend, Mr Williams, of Treherbert, on July 11th, brought in a mo- tion, which was tantamount to a vote of censure on the Finance Committee and the Board for adepting that recommendation. In response to the Chairman's call, Ireptie d to Mr Williams' speech, who, at the request of the members, with- drew his motion, stating at the same time that more mould be heard of the matter after my figures appeared in the press. In the "Free Pressi" dated July 23rd, Ystradyfodwgian's first letter appeared, in which Mr Williams' cour- age was highly commended, and my innecent speech, in my humble opinion, unjustly criticised. In the issue of August 5th, I stated that not- withstanding Ystradyfodwgian's lamentable want of statistical accuracy, it was not my intention to reply to his anonymous production. On Sep- tember 3rd, your correspondent's second com- munication appeared, in which he charges the Board with incompetency, and submits his pro- mised "estimate of cost for a separate service." It is not my intention to follow Ystradyfodwg- ian through the chaotic ipasages of his be- wildered imagination, but will confine my re- marks to those principal points which will best assist the ratepayers in arriving at a fair, just, and honest decision re the action of the Board in this particular instance. Ystradyfodwgian states that the National Telephone Company "positively refused to ten- der for such an unsatisfactory system as the Board wanted and got." It is possible that in 1891, when the late Mr Pritchard, of Clydach Vale, first suggested the adpotion of the system, the National Telephone Company, amongst others, were asked to tender, but no particular system was even suggested by the Board. Since that time, I have it on the authority of the Clerk, that this company were never asked to tender for this or any system whatever. But sometime about January, 1897, a representative of this firm called at the office and filled up the company's printed form offering to connect the office only with the Pentre Exchange for an annual charge of RIO. The Board have 30 con- nections, which, if multiplied by 10, would give an aggregate total of R,300 per annum. Assum- ing this company would reduce their charge in consideration of having to fix 30 connections, it i3 hardly credible they would be able to compete with the Post Office, which would necessarily mean a clear reduction of 50 per cent. or more for them. And I may state that subsequent to this the National Telephone Company competed with the Post Office authorities for the District Council work, but lost through their tender being higher. For the information of Ystrady- fodwgian I may add that the Board received a tender from Messrs J. B. Saunders and Co. in March 1897. This tender nearly doubled that of the Post Office. But assuming they were about equal, the simple fact that the Post Office Tele- phone is the people's telephone is a sufficient justification for the course adopted. Let it be distinctly understood that my only object in refering to the tenders of these various com- panies is to convince the ratepayers that their representatives on the School Board, by accept- ing the Post Office tender, did what they then honestly thought, and what they still .,Pelieve,to be the very best thing in the public interest. My friend Mr Williams, of Treherbert, according t) his motion, wanted a separate communication made between the office and each school, and it was to this point that my remarks at the Board meeting were chiefly directed. I said then, and I now repeat that if each school is to be inde- pendently connected with the office, separate connections would be required to bring 60 wires (i.e., the two end of each loop) into the Clerk's office. If your correspondent is, as he professes to be, an electrician of many years' experience, and understands anything about electrical en- gineering matters, let him deny this proposition over his proper name. Any intelligent person will readily see that the cost of such a system would be very much more than that of having one loop to connect a group of schools to the nearest exchange. For in the former case we should require a separate wire from the office to each school, whereas now we have only one wire from a group of schools to the nearest exchange. No doubt, all intelligent readers who carefully read your correspondent's letter, feel the same difficulty as I do, and that is, to find out what really does he advocate! For after writing ovei a whole column—submitting to the editor two special sets of diagrams-preparing an "approxi- mate correct" estimate of a "private line," all for the benefit of the already long suffering local ratepayer," he coolly turns around, disclaims his own pet-offspring, and says "Bear in mind, I am not advocating the above A paternity who can disown its own kith and kin, is indeed cruel, and wisely hides himself from public iden- In my former letter I stated that Ystradyfod- wgian in his first letter betrayed a lamentable want of statistical accuracy. This I repeat, and the following facts will prove that in his letter now under notice, he endeavours—wilfully or otherwise-to mislead and gull the public. The following lis Ystradyfodwgian's "estimate" of what he calls the "cost of a private line: :"— Estimate for Schools—Rhondda Board. P. s. d. 30 miles of Mangam copper at 25 per mile 150 0 0 30 two cells batteries at 6s 9 0 0 30 Pony Johnston, microphone, with induction coils, automatic switch- es, ringing keys, lightning arres- ers, in walnut cases complete (Post Office pattern) 45 0 0 Line stores, exclusive of above, at jM per mile 120 0 0 Switch boards 3 10 0 2,800 yards of leading in (insulated wire) 5 8 0 Staples and insulating material 5 0 0 6 intelligent workmen, three months at 3s 4d per day 72 0 0 1 working electrician, three months at 5s per day 18 0 0 1 working engineer at L130 per year 130 0 0 557 10 0 Sundries, £ 12 10s 12 10 0 Tetal 570 0 0 For what Board pays for hire for five years 750 0 Balance, £ 180. First of all, 30 miles of Mangam wire evident- ly would be insufficient to connect all the schools by means of one loop, but assuming for a mo- ment that it would suffice, what would this mean? It would mean that all the schools would be on the same wire, and by calling one school the 30 would be rung up simultaneously. But let us pause fer a. moment to consider how this wire is to be laid! Your correspondent does not provide for any poles in his estimate! And this is the most expensive item, necessitating an outlay of at least 16s per pole without the cost of carriage, and each mile would require 26 poles. Thus, even according to his own mileage the poles alone would cost at least JE624. Surely, an "experienced electrician" and an economist who writes for the "benefit of local ratepayers" should not have omitted this enormous item from his "approximate correct estimate." But per- haps Ystradyfodwgian desires to forestall Signor Marconi in Eis efforts to establish wireless tele- graphy. I am inclined to believe that it would have been better for your correspondent to have taken his tffl. before making his "estimate"—an estimate, be it remembered, he cannot and does not advocate! Then, again, 30 Pony Johnson's at 30s each. I a mtold that the cheapest nistrument now in use at the schools costs 50s, and that anyone de- siring to buy would have to pay S4 each for them. "Pony Johnson," as he calls it, I am in- fcrmed, would necessitate a man travelling from school to school almost every day to keep them in order. Is Ystradyfodwgian a cyclist? "Line stores." What is he going to do with them without poles ? If he intended to hire the, National Telephone Company's poles, why did he omit the rental charge in his "estimate?" "Switch Board at 70s!" Tfiis must be a re- cord price for cheapness, for I am credibly in- formed that a suitable Switch Board would cost at least JW. But perhaps the most glaring and astounding of his omissions (or commissions) is to be found in the next item— "One working engineer at 9130 per year £ 130 0 0 It will be seen that whereas he computes what tie Board pay annually for five years, be only takes into his "estimate" the salary of a work- ing engineer for one vear, thus omitting four years, or P.520, salary from his calculations; and he then sets down a spurious balance of P-180 in favour of his estimate at the end of five years. What balance would he show if he had honestly given the cost of the poles (£624) and the JS520 (salary of the engineer) for the other four years ? I put this question to a Standard III. boy at- tending a certain school in the upper portion of the Rhondda to-day, and his reply was £ 964 in favour of the Board at the end of five years." Good boy, I said, my electrical opponent might do well to cultivate your acquaintnce, especially when preparing his estimates. I ask the public to form their own opinion as to your correspondent's questionable methods, and motives. In view of these glaring omissions is it to be wondered at that your correspondent declines to advocate his "estimate" and to fur- nish his proper name? When commencing I intended to dissect much' more minutely this wonderful "estimate," but my letter has already run to such a length. I hope I shall not again have to take up your valuable space in replying to anonymous scribblers, wnos& motives, read between the ines, are so apparent. Hastily yours, Trealaw. DANIEL THOMAS. September 7th, 1898.

Theft of Coal at Pwllgwaun, HEAVY PENALTIES INFLICTED. The Stipendiary and other magistrates bad before them at the Pontypridd Police Court on Wednesday, a case in which James Jones, and John Gowry, labourers, Pontypridd, were charged with stealing coal, the property of Messrs Phillips and Mogford, Pwllgwaun Col- liery, on the 10th September. Mr John Phillips, one of the proprietors, stated that a number of trams of coal were left standing on the colliery siding on the 9th inst. The following morning, while the trams were being conveyed to Treforest he noticed that a quantity of coal had been taken away. Thomas Jones, 2, Rhondda Road, gave evi- dence that on Saturday morning he met the two defendants on the Tramroad between Pontypridd and Pwllgwaun. They asked him to help them to carry bags of coal, which they had in the wood. He refused, and on going up by the Barry bridge, he saw them carrying two bags of coal from the wood to the Tramroad, and then proceeded to Pontypridd. He afterwards saw them taking another two bags. P.C. David Evans arrested the defendants, and Jones told him he had taken the coal and sold it, and Gowry exclaimed, "It's of no use denying it." Superintendent Cole put in a previous convic- tion against Gowry, who was sentenced to one month's imprisonment, and Jones was fined jBI, or 14 days.

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) The World of Pastime. ♦ By "The Sporting Scribe." With the advent of another busy season of the "leather king," preparations are being made in every direction in establishing various teams, and with a view of making the composition of various organisations a certainty, the executive bodies are fully engaged in this important capa- city. Football in the Rhondda has thus early in the season already demanded a serious amount of attentions from the patriotic devotees of the game; for with the interminable practice games, and in many instances, inter club matches, the "kick-off" is announced, and ffieach club is busy in its earnest anticipation for the lengthy fray. By Saturday week, all the local' teams will be in full swing, for then the season proper com- mences, and according to various reports to hand at present, it may be taken for granted that there is every prospect for even a more spirited season than heretofore, for the magnanimous efforts made by some clubs will surely not result in minimising the interest and attention in the favourite winter pastime. --0- TREORKY FOOTBALL CLUB'S PROSPECTS On Saturday the Treorky Football Club opened their season with a match under the auspices of the Glamorgan Football League, the visitors being Pontyclun, the latest members of the latter body, having been admitted recently. The game, which resulted in Treorky netting the first couple of points, afforded an appropriate opportunity ef witnessing the form of the home players, and enabled the committee to gauge their ultimate decision on the form of the play- ers, for future engagements. --0- It was a gratifying fact to notice nearly ell the old players in "harness," manw of whom had been in strict training, and showed repeated glimpses of true form. Practice games during the past week also brought forth a big array of recruits, some of whom showed fair promise to develop into usefifl men, and decided acquisi- tions to the team. For the post of custodian, it again seems that there is only one reliable can- date in the person of M. L. James, who has held that position during the last few years, and upon whom there could hardly be suggested any im- 119 provement. James, though of a remarkably ,Iimunitive size, is still always to be depended upon, and there is hardly his superior on the defence in the Valley. The only drawback evi- dently is Sack of power in kicking. But still he showed a vast improvement in this direction last Saturday, and we have only to hope he will practice this art. --0- Reverting to the three-quarters, there are hopes of a better quartette than heretofore. It is in this position that Treorky have always ex- perienced the greatest difficulty, the third he being generally weak. With an improvement here, the team could be made to hold its own. There is no plethom of candidates, -and the selection is very confined. The certainties are D. C. Davies (the captain), T. R. Thomas, and J. Wheeler; while the other place is still to be permanently filled. Davies and Wheeler-a new comer by the way-will do all right on the wing, both being strong runners and capable of hold- ing their own with any opponent. Thomas, though young and light, is nevertheless a clever player, and with a little gameness in his defence, can be considered safe. The other vacancy at three-quarter will be difficult to fill, but a sug- gestion thrown is that Harry James, last year's vice-captain and half-back, who retired early last season, be tried in that position. He is said to be willing to don the jersey, and as he pos- sesses the necessary qualifications, it would be deemed advisable to give him a trial. With that quartette, things should progress favour- ably. At half Treorky can be on good terms with themselves, for no smarter pair of halves could be obtainable than Johnny Lewis and Tom Jones, who so ably acted in that capacity last year. Both are small in stature, but for nimble- ness of attack, as well as stability of defence, they cannot be beaten, and the home supporters entertain a very high opinion of the happy pair, who are great favourites with the crowd. -0-- Forward, the Treorky team, will rest satisfied with a good selection. All the old players are available with the exception of last year's cap- tain. M. Falcon, who .according to the daily reports, contemplates playing for either Cardiff, Llwynypia, or Mountain Ash. Jack Thomas (vice-captain), Jack Evans, Alby Thomas, Ted Jones, W. Gibby, and Tom John, of last year's forwards, are available, and they played last Saturday. Other acquisitions are found in the persons of R. Chiney, of Ferndale, who played a brilliant game last Saturday, and who intends playing regularly; J. Vaughan, who also figured for the first time and promises well, while in addition to above, may be mentioned S. Haw- kins, Rees Jenkins, etc., who, it is to be hoped, will join the ranks, and thus making Treorky stronger forward than they have been for years, though this has has always been tlheir forte. It will be thus seen that the committee have a better field for selection than they have previous- ly experienced, and it will only require to secure another strong centre to make the quartette com- plete, and make the Treorky team look a formi- dable lot. Indeed, the prospects are distinctly more rosy than in past years, and it is to be hoped that the players will rally around their new general and unite in the effort to establish the name of the team ort the high standard that it has once enjoyed, The management of the team this season is generally believed to be under "the right men in the right place." This appears to be true, and already the new com- mittee (which only includes one of last year's governing body) are zealous in their work, and go hard at ft, anticipating a successful result, which we hope will be theirs. A little exertion is needed, and things will sail smoothly. --0- There is universal rejoicing at the election of D. C. Davies to the important post of captain, for surely there is no individual in the locality with that patriotism towards athletics in general, and no one more closely associated with the players than "Davie," as he is called. Indeed, h:s taking the captaincy is calculated to bring a revival in the annals of the team, and early de- velopments already predict that ultimate awakening shortly. "Davie" takes an interest in his men, and with Jack Thoma that brilliant forward, as his vice, will surely justify the con- fidence reposed in him by players, committee, and spectators. The advice towards success is: Strict and pure training, and obedience to the captain, and then "we won't be long." It is to be hoped that the public at large will generously give their support during the year, for every effort is made to place the team on an unapproachable tykrtiog. There is ft fixture lit attractive enough to demand patronage, on the list appearing such teams as Bath, Aberavon, Morriston, Neath, Ebbw Vale, Bridgend, Llwyn- ypia, Mountain Ash, Pontypridd, and other league teams, with the probability of games with { Swansea and Llanelly, and maybe a tour Easter time. Taking a general aspeat of the present state of affairs, Treorky will still nse to the emergency and create many a surprise, as they did last year. TREORKY v. PONTYCLUN. The football season commenced at Treorky on Saturday, when Pontyclun, a smart_and rising organisation that have been recently admitted to the League, were the visitors. Previous to the commencement of the game, speculation was rife as to the probable constitution of the home team, but when the team appeared on the ground there was a general feeling of gratification at the appearance of several old warhorses that have done a lot for the team, and also the greater part of last year's players. There was a great deal of interest taken in the encounter, and the crowd were very enthusiastic on occa- sions. The Treorky team as played was as fol- lows:—Back, M. L. James; three-quarter, D. C. Davies (captain), T. R. Thomas, T. White, and J. Wheeler; half, Tom Jones and Jack Lewis; forwards, Jack Thomas, Alby Thomas, J Evans, J. Gibby, Ted Jones, T. John, J. V&ughan, and R. Chiney. The game itself was very good, when taking into consideration the fact that it was the open- ing match of the season. Both teams were more or less "fagged" towards the end, but there was sufficient spirit effused into the contest to keep the bulk of spectators satisfied. The game re- sulted in a win for Treorky by one goal and one try to nil. J. Wheeler, the latest acquisition to the team hailing from Cardiff, opened the .score register for the season by notching the first try, the out- come of a smart bit of work initiated by T. R. Thomas. I The other try fell to the lost of Johliiy Lewis the nippy little half-back, as a result of a fine bout of passing. Tom Jones converted one try out of the two attempts to majorise. -0- Taken through and through, the homesters displayed fairly good form, but it was evident that seral players carried an abundance of superfluous adipose, which will wear off by con- stant practice very shortly. The Treorky for- wards distinguished themselves greatly, and they fairly surprised the onlookers by their dash- ing play. Chiney and Vaughan, the two recruits, were always prominent,and it is almost safe te say that both will be retained. Of the "old 'urus," J. Evens was in fine form, showing the result of ardent training, while the others were never leaking. It is early to erlticise and pass com- ment as yet, bufr next Saturday should afford an occasion appropriate to individualise. -0- The backs were not very brilliant, with the exception of the halves and full back, who showed glimpses of true form, James in partiou- lar shining. The three-quarters will neverthe- less with strict attention to training, and the art of combination, develop into a smart lot. The Pontyclun men were a smart lot, and their inclusion in the League cannot be considered lamentable. Notwithstanding their first calami- ty at Treorky, they will surely improve. On Saturday next Tondu visit Treorky, and there should h. a good game. ABERCYNON. The annual general meeting of the Abercynon Football Club was held on Thursday night,when Mr Jack Aust presided over a good attendance. The general tone of the meeting augured well for a successful season, and provided the public give the club a fair measure of their support, this statement will be more than warranted. The president for the ensuing season is Mr Henry S. Martin, Dowlais-Cardiff Colliery; while the vice-presidents are Messrs William Jones, Albion Colliery; Daniel Lewis, Dowlais Cardiff Got- liery; Dr Griffiths, and Jack Aust. -0- The election of captain of the first fifteen was unanimous, Mr George Paget being the honoured one, and a more judicious and efficient person could not have been chosen. We feel certain that his capabilities and experience will have a marked effect on the players, and their style of play. A strong committee has been chosen, and we hope that those elected will endeavour to dis- charge their duties faithfully by attending the meetings, and also the matches, in order to ren- der assistance at the gate, etc. --0- The second stringy designated the "Abercynon Reserves," will be captained by Mr Jaek Row- lands, and we look to him to get together a good team. A practice match will be held next Satur- day, when all those desirous of joining the club should ptt in an appearanoe. A Pontyclun correspondent writes as follows with reference to the Treorky v. Pontyclun match: Pontyclun played their initial match at Treorky on Saturday. They arrived by the 2 o'clock train, yand the Treorky men did not put in an appearance until 5.30. After loafing about all this time several of the players were not very fit to play. Had it not been for this drawback I have no doubt but that they would have come off victorious. The field, too, was in a wretched condition, and the members of the League committee ought to see to it. Glass, stones, pieces of wire, are strewn about in all directions. The ground i& also used as a show ground, and the ruts caused by heavy carriages are very dangerous. One of the Pontyclun Backs fell on one of those, and cut his knee open. Such was the Pontyclun team's experience in their first League match,' and it is to be hoped they will meet Aberavon on Saturday under more favourable circum- stances. --0- On Monday night a general meeting of the Mardy Football Club was held, at the head- quarters (Royal Hotel). There was a good at- tendance, and a good deal of discussion ensued. Mr D. Roberts was voted to the chair. Mr Am- brose Thomas, late hon. secretary, then read the balance sheet. The financial aspect of the c!ub was shown to be very rosy indeed, among the latest gifts received being that of one guinea from Mrs Davies, the genial hostess. The elec- tion of officers resulted in the following being elected —Captain, Mr David Stuart Jones; vice-captain, Mr D. Roberts; hon. secretary, Mr. Ambrose Thomas treasurer, Mr W. J. Jones. It was decided to have a practice match next Thursday, and the following Thursday to engage Pontypridd, away. The M-ardy Thursdays have a long fixture list to work through, and I sin- cerely hope they will keep their untarnished record of last year.

Cycling Jllotes By Pedalphast." Lamplighting times for week :— P.M. Sept. 16 7-10 17 7- 8 18 7- 6 19 7- 3 20 7- 1 21 6-59 22 6-56 CLUB RUNS. Club. Destination. Meet. Saturday, Sept. 17- Caerphilly Miskin 3-30 Windsor Pontypridd. Pontyclun 3-30 White Hart Treforest Ystradmynach. 3-30 Bush —Ladies 2-15 Lane's Ynysybwl Ponty.-lun Windsor Tuesday, Sept. 20- Treforest Impromptu run 7- 0 Bush Wednesday, Sept. 21- Caerphilly St. Bride's 3-30 Windsor Tref. Ladies.Impromptu run. 8- 0 Lane's Thursday, Sept. 22- Pontypridd. Quaker's Yard. 2.30 White Hart Treforest Peterstone 3- 0 Bush -Ladies Cardiff 2-30 Lane's Mr Gwilym Lewis, Maeidy, sends the follow- ing final instalment of the account of his trip in France On Tuesday morning we left France, that gay sprightly land of mirth and social ease and embarked at 9 o'clock on board the rt Lydia for St. Helier's, Jersey, where after a very rough though short passage of 40 miles we landed at noon. We made straight for the Royal Hotel, and there partook of luncheon which restored our shattered nerves. As we only intended staying one night on the island, we determined to start at once to see the great point of interest hereabouts, viz., Mont Orgeuil Castle at Goery, 5! miles distant. We followed the coast road, and the view of the rocky shore was very fine. All round are Martello Towers at regular intervals of about half-a-mile. There are a few sharp curves in the road, and two mishaps befel us. My friend Parry rode into a stone wall, and further on I dashed into a gate at a level crossing, landing on my head on the gate-post. I thought my riding was over for the day, but I escaped better than I had expected. It was a very dangerous spot, and the porter told me that several accidents ocaur there every week. --v-- Further on, we found the soldiers' annual shooting competition taking place on Grouville Common, where we rested for half-an-hour while looking on. Then, after skirting the bay, we sighted the castle perched up high above the sea. A short stiff ride brought us to the castle gate where we left our 11 bikes," and started mounting the innumerable steps. We were pleased to find that a royal visitor was there that day in the person of the King of the Belgians. He was on a cruise in his yacht and had just arrived from Southampton. He is an old man with a silvered beard and weak legs. The latter fact accounts for his going no further than Queen Victoria's Gate." However, he enjoyed himself immensely and was much tickled on finding that his 11 incognito was revealed to us. He rode away in his carriage and left that evening for St. Malo. -1)- When we arrived at the top of the castle we had a lovely view of the sea. There were three torpedo-boat destroyers anchored about two miles off, and far away we could see the coast of France running southward mile after mile till it was lost in the sheen of the silvery sea. Mt Orgeuillwas the stronghold of the De Cartaret family, and is full of historical interest. It is in good condition, and the crypt of the chapel there is well worth seeing. -0- We returned to St. Helier's in time for dinner at six o'clock and we spent the evening at the "exhibition" there. We each bought a cabbage-stump ready mounted and polished as a walking stick. Next morning we embarked on board the Frederica for Southampton. The passage of 120 miles across was very pleasant but uneventful. The boat called at Guernsey. In passing through Spithead we tried to get a glimpse of the royal yacht Osborne on board of which at present is the Prince of Wales, but failed. We sailed up Southampton water, where we saw Netley Hospital on our right. Close by was the battleship "Australia" guarding the harbour. Having landed about 4 o'clock we harried to our hotel. We were twice stopped on the way by policemen, once, at the Old Bar Gate for wheeling our cycles for a few yards on the pavement to avoid going through the gateway where a tram had stopped, and a second time for leaving their cycles outside against the hotel wall. The bobbies in Southampton are wide awake and the bye-laws are very strict. -0- Next morning we commenced our sixty mile ride to Bath and in two hours reached Salisbury. The cathedral spire 404ft. high leads one like a magnet into the city. After a light refresh- ment, we resumed our journey. Old Sarum was a surprise I had fancied it a town, not a mound, a spot literally. Where Troy once stood, and now where nothing stands." I could hardly believe that this expanse of smiling cultivated green was the vast, lonely, grisly" Salisbury plain I had read about. The road consisted of a sequence of steep rises and falls as it crossed the chalk Downs. It will at once lie apparent that the word U plain" as generally understood is a misnomer, the country being far from level. We passed the spot where the soldiers were being concentrated for the manoeuvres, the field telegraph leading us to it. There were about 17,000 soldiers there at that time. We reached Bath in the evening, and after dinner walked round the interesting town. Next morning a twelve mile ride brought us into Bristol, and after spending an hour in the neighbourhood of Clifton bridge we took the steamboat for Cardiff and arrived there about six o'clock. After tea, we started for the Rhondda our machines going with all the energy of a good horse that feels its nose towards ho:ne. -0-- I shall conclude by appending a few remarks which my prove useful to a cyclist visiting the Continent Join the C.T.C. before you start. Don't fight or bribe the cus,ous officers. Observe the rules of the road and tha laws of the land. If" you wish to enjoy yourself, don't insist upoo those things which you have been accustomed to at home, but take what the natives give you. If you can't understand them, it is your fault, not theirs, because you have not gone to the trouble to learn a little of their language. you happen to get into a scrape, you will probably find that you will be proved to be io the wrong, and that you will have no redress for it. Treat the natives as gentlemen, though to your eyes they may not look it. If you heed some of these warnings, and remember a fe" facts with which these notes are encrusted, then, if you have a good machine, above all if you have good weather, it seems to me it will be your own fault if you do uot enjoy yourself and come home a wiser, broader, stronger, healthier man or woman. 1 AYLIFFE & SONS. Cycle Manufacturers & Repairers for High Grade Cycles. Daisy machines still lea. onj riay ;,or,Ji«htness and finish. Our 1898 Ladies JM Umts Machina are still the local favourites, bend tor 1898 catalogue.—Daisy Cycle Works. Para- dise place, Queen street, Cardiff. 4221

Attempted Suicide at Treorky. Considerable sensation was cause on Wednes- day morning at Treorky by the news of an at- tempted suicide. Investigation elicited the fact that a woman named Ann Rees, wife of SaJØ Rees (Ap Rhys), oollier, and a once famous sing- er, residing at 2, Senghenydd, street, Treorky, had attempted to hang herself. The ghastly deed was first detected by the daughter, aged about nine years; on returning from school to her home. The poor woman was found on tho kitchen floor, having attempted to commit suicide by Hanging herself with a silk handkerchief to » hook in the ceiling. This had apparently snapped, and the chief mischief had been due to the fall resulting in a fracture of the skull. SeT- geant Lewis was on the spot, and Dr P. Jt. Armstrong rendered medical assistance. Lite was found not to be extinct, but there is little probability of her recovery.

REVISION COURTS. On Friday Mr Howell Jeffreys sat at Llantri* sant and Porth. Mr R. C. Griffiths looked aftet f the Conservative interests, and Mr Morgal Thomas appeared for the Liberals. The result of the day's work showed a clear gain of 72 fo< the Liberals.

Theft of Clothing oq the Craig. A CHARGE OF WOFNDING. Before Mr J. Lgnatius Williams (stipendiary), Dr R. C. Hunter, Alderman Richard Lewis, and Mr P. Gowan, at the Pontypridd Police Court on Wednesday, William Lewis and George Elley, labourers, Graig Terrace, Pontypridd, were charged with stealing and receiving wearing ap- parel of the value of Dt 3.0;, the property of WIlL Cameron, tailor, 31, Graig Terrace, Pontypridd on the 26th August, 1897. Mr G. Bruce defended. Prosecutor said that en the day in question be left two coats, two vests, and two pairs of brolk sers on the sofa in his front room, and the fol- lowing morning he missed them. He reported tra loss to the police. The articles now ptO" duced were the ones he had visaed. Kate Elley, sister-in-law to the defend Elley, said that in November, 1897, Lewis lodged with her. He owed her money, and as i»e nothing with which to pay her, he gave her ft coat to pledge. In December he again gave her a waistcoat to pawn, which she did. Lewis told her they were his own, but witness had never seen him wear them. By Mr Bruce: Her brother-in-law had worll the clothes about the streets openly. William Lovell, tinman, stated that pe co- habited with the landlady, Mrs Marsh, of th house in which the defendants lodged. lIe heard a conversation between the defendants One Sunday, when Lewis said he had found the clothes inside Mr Cameron's door. Witness asked him if he had not better make enquiries about them, and give tfom Back, but no reply was vouchsafed him. He had seen one of the suits on Elley, who came to borrow his (witnew) boots, and he had never seen the boots since. (Laughter). Elley came to him and asked how ho looked in the clothes and boots. (Laughter). Witness asked him, "Aren't you afraid to wear them?" The reply he received was, "No, Cameron won't know them when it is dark." Cross-examined by Mr Bruce: Witness did not wear any of the clothes until the week before last after Elley had thrown them away. If be had given information about the clothes before very likely he would have been killed, instead of half killed as he was now. (Laughter). Hit had a row with Elley on Thursday night, and if he had not had this row very likely he would have said nothing. Mr Bruce: Then it was purely out of spite that you brought this case? After some hesitation, witness laconically an- swered "Revenge, sir." A pawnbroker's assistant, with an unpro- nounceable name, gave evidence as to the pledg- ing of the articles, and P.C. Griffiths proved tb& arrest. When arrested Elley was wearing some of the clothes at the time. When charged Lewis said that he was alone one Sunday morning wheø he saw the clothes by Mr Cameron's door. Ha- teok them with him to 12, Graig Terrace, and as the coat and waistcoat would not fit him ho gave them to Elley. Eltey said the clothing was given him by Lewis. Mr Bruce asked the magistrates to deal with tha prisoners under the First Offenders' Act,and Elley was then discharged, and Lewis, who pleaded guilty, was bound over in the sum of £10 to come up for judgment when called upon; and ordered to pay the costs. Lewis was then charged with unlawfully cut- ting and wounding William Lovell, tin-smith, a witness in the last case, on the 10th inst. Mr Bruce agai.i defended. The evidence of the prosecutor was to the effect that while standing at the bar of the Park Hotel on Saturday night, Lewis spoke to him about the clothes, and struck him on the back of the head, his forehead coming in contact with a pane of glass, which was broken by the blow. He bled profusely, and was taken to a doctor. Since Saturday he bad been in the infirmary. Dr John Roach, assistant to Dr Howard Da- vies, described the injuries, and P.C. Griffiths stated that when he arrested the defendant the latter said he hit Lovell with his fist through the window. Mr Bruce asked that the charge be reduced to one of common assault, and Lewis was fined 308 or 14 days' imprisonment. Priafed MM published by the Proprietorgottw "QbuaorgM Free Press" Printia* Work* 83, Taf-street, Pontypridd, Parish of POSW pridd. Gouty of Qbworiu. SATUSEAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1