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. Porth-Thursday.
Porth-Thursday. Dr H. Naunton Davies, Mr Thomas Jones, and Dr T. W. Parry. Refusing to Quit Manuel Roberts, haulier, Maerdy, was sum- moned for being drunk and refusing to quit the Uaerdy Hotel, Maerdy, on the 10th inst. P.C. P.O. Radford proved the case, and defendant was fined 10s. Licenceleas Dogs John Davies, haulier, Williamstown, was summoned for keeping a dog without a licence and was ordered to pay the costs of the case. Joseph Leach, collier, Pontygwaith, was simi- larly charged, and was ordered to pay the cost of the licence and costs. Drunk and Disorderly The following were fined for being drunk and 4disorderly on various dates:—Daniel Griffiths, collier, Tonyrefail, 10s; Edward Davies, col- lier, Tonyrefail, 5s; Timothy Coleman, collier, Pontygwaith, 5s; John Davies, haulier, Peny- graig, 10s; George Podger, collier, Tylorstown, 10s; Thomas Jones, collier, Ferndale, 5s; Thos. James, haulier, Ferndale, £1; John Morris, collier, Blaenllechau, 5s; Joseph Harris, col, lier, Ferndale, 10s; Thomas Morgan, collier, Perndale, 15s; John Evans, haulier, Maerdy, 10s; and Itees Owen, collier, Maerdy, 10s.
Poi|typridd —Friday.
Poi|typridd —Friday. Before Dr R. C. Hunter and Mr P. Gowan. Refusing to Maintain their Father Thomas Hampton and Daniel Hampton, col- liers, Pontypridd, were proceeded against by Mr Ack Llewellin, warrant officer of the Ponty- pridd Union, for a maintenance order for the support of their father, 51 years of age, who is in the Workhouse unable to work owing to -paralysis. Thomas Hampton said he could not afford to pay the Is 6d per week asked for; his other two brothers were willing to support their fa- ther. Mr Llewelyn replied that the brother was not -willing. He produced certificates from their employers, shewing that the average earnings of Thomas were £ 110s 3d per week, and Daniel 18s 3a per week. An order of Is 6d per -week was made agaiast each of the defendants. Furious Driving Richard Howells, milk vendor, Coedpenmaen, appeared on a warrant charged with furiously driving a horse and trap in Taff street. The evidence was given on Wednesday last in the absence of the defendant, who was now fined Ss and costs. Absconding from the Cottage Homes A lad named William Rowlands was charged with absconding from the Cottage Homes, Llan- iwÍt, and was ordered to be taken back. Theft from a Cigar Shop David Millar, Hopkinstown, was charged with stealing a pipe, cigar case, and a cigarette case, value 19s 6d, from the shop of H. and F. Gage, Tkiff street, Pontypridd, on the 20th inst. Evi- dence was given by Miss Rahael Evans, who said she saw the prisoner in the shop at about nine o'clock on the evening in question taking his hand from the window. Miss Maud Saintv ..said she followed the prisoner, and came up with him in Market Square, where she taxed 3iim with the theft, which he denied. He went Track with her to the shop, and was handed over to the police. Prisoner pleaded guilty, and asked to be allowed five or six weeks, in -which time he would be able to pay for tEe articles. He was too drunk on the evening in question to know what he was doing. Millar, who bad been previously convicted for stealing billiard balls, was fined £ 1, with £ 1 costs, with the alternative of a month's imprisonment. A Domestic's Troubles Thomas Henry Payne, a married man living -at High street, Pontypridd, was summoned by Sarah A. Wiggins, domestic servant, to shew cause, etc. Mr D. Rees, solicitor (from the office of Mr W. R. Davies.) appeared for the complainant, and Mr James Phillips, solicitor, Pontypridd, defended. The evidence of the complainant was to the effect that the defendant was the father of her child. In October, 1896, she went to Mrs Payne, Coffee Tavern, High street, and soon aftRr the went there her mistress's son, the de- fendant. commenced teasing her. In June, the defendant, called her upstairs to look for his studs, tnd tried to seduce her, but on this ■occasion he failed. It was part of her duties to take tht defendant a cup of tea before he rose in rhe morning, and on the 8th July, 1897, when doing so, he conducted himself improperly with her, and again on a later date. A child was born on the 29th April Cross-ex imined • She had no means to take ,out a summons earlier. He was after all the .girls, and would not leave any of them alone. (L&ughjter). She informed the defendant's sweetheart (now his wife) as to his conduct. She fin. i been out five times with Bill Payne, and Sid. Viner was her young man. "Bill" had given 'her half a sovereign on one occasion to buy a present which he "had promised her. -f;id,hfLd been to see her while she was in bed. Amelia Ann Edwards said she entered the service of Mrs Payne on the 5th July, 1897. She witnessed the offences complained of. The de- fendant's wife had asked her to give false evi- dence against Wiggins if proceedings were taken against her huslaand. Sidney Tiner said he was going with the com- plainant now, .and had never misconducted him- self with. lier. Mrs ftassen stated she had stayed at the Coffee Tavern in July and August last year na Bill Payne was courting the complainant then. Mrs Payne said she had seen Wiggins on one occasion in Bill Payne's arms, The case was dismissed for want of oorrobora- tive evidence. On hearing the decision Wiggins became very excited, and made a rush for the defendant, when leaving the court, hut was prevented by the police.
Ystrad.—Monday
Ystrad.—Monday Befo/a Mr T. P. Jenkins, Mr E. H. Davies, Alderman Richard Lewis, and Mr J. D. Wil- liams. Stealing Coal Alfred William Broome, a lad, was charged with stealing a sack and coal, value tenpence, from the Pandy Pit of the Naval Colliery, and was fined 2s 6d. Brake Unattended Joseph STaddocks, brakedriver, Ystrad was summoned for leaving his horse and brake un- attended at Ystrad on the 14th inst. He was Uned 2e 6d, Obstruction Four lads named William Madby, Edward Stephens, Morgan Davies, and William Morris, were summoned for causing an obstruction on the main road near Ton Schools on the 12th inst. They were playing about, and knocking against pedestrians. Defendants had been pre- viously cautioned, and were now fined 2s 6d each. Bogus Bona Fides Griffith Williams and Thomas Jones, of no fixed place of abode, were charged wtih falsely representing themselves to be bona fide travel- lers at the King's Head Hotel, Pontypridd, on Sunday, the 23rd inst. Both defendants said they had slept under a hedge the previous night. P.C. Davies said the defendants' clothes were perfectly dry, and as it had been raining heavi- ly on the Saturday night he would have expec- ted to find them wet had they slept out. Evi- dence was given to prove that defendants had slept in a lodging-house in Pontypridd the pre- vious night, and they were now asked to pay a fine of 5s each. Assaulting the Police Stephen Jones, labourer, of no abode, was summoned for being drunk and disorderly on the 22nd October, and with assaulting P.C. Adams while in the execution of his duty. There were 32 previous convictions against the defen- dant, who was now sentenced to six weeks' hard labour.
Caerphilly -Tuesday
Caerphilly -Tuesday Before Alderman Henry Anthony, Dr Maurice G. Evans, Mr E. W. M. Corbett, and Mr Dd. Davies. Absent from School William Richards collier Rudry was fined 2s 6d for neglecting to send his child to school. Stealing Coal Robert Kidward, collier boy, Gilfach, was charged with stealing 56 lbs. of coal, value four- pence, on toe 10th inst., ana was bound over to come up for judgment when called upon. Drunk and Disorderly The following were fined for being drunk and disorderly on various dates: —Wyndham Rees, collier, Bedwas, 10s; John Lewis, haulier, Seng- henydd, 10s; Elizabeth Clark, a married woman, Energlyn, 5s; James Gerry, mason, Caerphilly, 5s towards-the costs; Daniel Mack, collier,Llan- bradacb, 20s and costs; and William Hopkins, labourer, Senghenydd, for being drunk and re- fusing to quit the Universal Hotel, Senghenydd, on the 10th inst., was fined 10s.
Pontypridd-Wednesday.
Pontypridd-Wednesday. Before Dr R. C. Hunter, Alderman Richard Lewis, Mr P. Gowan, Alderman W. H. Mathias, Mr J. -1). Williams, Mr Edward Edwards. Refusing to Quit Thomas Goodman, labourer, Pontypridd, was summoned for refusing to quit the New Inn Hotel, Pontypridd, on the 22nd inst.A con- stable said he was called to the New Inn to eject the defendant ,and there- he saw him with his coat off and sleeves rolled up. He refused to leave when requested by witness, and became very abusive. Defendant was fined 5s. Breaches of the Licensing Laws Rebecca Plummer, landlady of the Rickard's Arms' Inn, Treforest, was summoned for selling intoxicants alter Tiours on the 8th October. Mr James Phillips, solicitor, Pontypridd, de- fended. P.C. Stibbs stated that at 25 minutes to 12 on the "right in question he saw a little girl named Mary Hegan enter the Rickards' Arms, and the door was closed after her. Some time later she came out, and witness found a bottle containing beer under her jacket. He took her back to the inn and saw the landlady, who said she supplied the girl before eleven o'clock. Mary Hegan told him in the presence of Mrs Plummer that she (the landlady) told a little girl to go out to see "where Stibbs" was. The landlady expressed a hope to him that he would not take proceedings over such a trifle. For the defence, Mr Phillips contended that the beer was served and paid for before eleven o'clock. The little girl then went to a neigh- bouring shop and returned about 11.30 for the bottle. Several witnesses gave evidence to this effect, but Mrs Plummer was fined 10s and costs. Thomas Barnhouse, landlord of the Taff Vale Hotel, Pontypridd, was summoned for keeping his house open for the sale of intoxicants during prohibited hours, and Harry Wlftkinsand Jake Rowlands, Pontypridd, were also summoned for being on the premises. Mr James Phillips, solicitor", Pontypridd, defended. P.S. Thomey stated that when passing the Taff Vale Hotel at midnight on the 10th inst., he saw fhe door partly open. He went in, and saw several men inside, who were Jacob Rowlands, Harry Wat- kins, 14, Station Terrace; Alfred Hockaday, Treharne street, Pentre, and Aneurin and Elma Evans, Pentre. Rowlands told him he had just come in to look for his cousin, who had been in a "row" outside. The other men, with the ex- ception of Watkins, said they were staying in the hotel overnight. Cross-examined, witness said he did not see Rowlands passing about five minutes before he entered. Rowlands and WaflHns were quite so&r. For the defence evidence was given by Rowlands ancl Watkins, and Professor Desmane, the latter of whom, said Watkins had often served him when he went to the Taff Vale. The landlord was fined £ 2 and costs, ana Rowlands and Watkins 10s each. Theft of Colliery Materials Thomas Harris, collier, Pantygraigwen, Pont- ypridd, was charged with stealing planks and tools from the Tymawr Colliery on the 21st inst. P.S. Evans stated he found the planks and tools in addition to 17 washers and four pieces of brattice cloth, on the defendant's premises, the value of the articles being eight shillings. Wm. Williams, engine-driver, 97, Middle street, gave evidence of missing the planks from the engine house of the colliery. Defendant said he found most of the materials on the Sp. He had worked at the Great Western for 14 years.—A fine of j58 was imposed. Sued for Rent Henry Tucker, labourer, Pontypridd, was sued by Mr Edward Crockett, Pontypridd, for £ 4 11s arrears of* rent. Mr Crockett said the defendant had left the house since the end of September, and had not given up the key. De- fendant's wife pleaded poverty, and said her husband who was employed as a labourer at the Albion Colliery, only earned £ 1 per week. She had seven children, the eldest being 12 years, and she could not possibly pay more than a shilling per month. An order of two shillings a month was made, and Mrs Tucker was ad- vised to give up the key. Various For throwing nreworks at a passing horse and cart, James Bird, collier, Cilfynydd, was fined 13s. Annie Reach, a married woman, and William Simon, sinker, both of Cilfynydcl, were fined 5s each for being drunk on the 15th inst. David Charles Hurley, haulier, Cilfynydd,was fined S-s for driving without lights on the 12th inst. i I Wilful Damage Ed. Watkins, collier, Treorky, was sum- moned for doing wilful damage to a door, and with assaulting P.C. Davies on the 25th inst., an3 was sent to prison for 14 days for the second oeffnee, and ordered to pay 22 damage for the first, with the alternative of 28 days' hard la. bour. Grants of full Licenses Mr Edward Williams .solicitor, Pontypridd, applied for a full licence for the Gordon Hotel, Gelli. A provisional grant was made at the annual licensing meeting, and afterwards con, firmed. The house was now complete in every respect. The application was granted. The licence was then transferred, on Mr Williams' application, from the present holder, Mrs Thomas, to Mr Rees John George. Mr G. Treharne, Pentre, also applied for the full licence of the Park Hotel, Cwmpare. This house was also completed.—Application granted. The licence of the Red Lion Inn, Pontypridd, was transferred from Mr ISchard Taylor to his wife, Mrs Ann Taylor.
Cycling Notes. ♦
Cycling Notes. ♦ A TOUR IN SOMERSET AND DEVON. The following notes are contributed by Mr 'F. W. Gibb"V, one of the two gentlemen who accompanied Mr Littlejohn, Ferndale, on a cy- cling tour in Somerset and Devon. -0- The popularity of Erie bicycle, since the intro- duction of the safety style of wheel, has become so evident, that one wonders if the railway com- panies find any appreciable difference in their passenger traffic. The eductions of the coun- try lanes and quiet old-fashioned villages were so great that three of us, of the male persuasion, succumbed to their attractions in preference to the indeviating railway track. Starting from a colliery district in Shropshire, we, or a por- tion of us, made for the meeting place at Car- diff. We journeyed through Tenbury to Leo- minster, passing a favourite hop country where the hopyards were just beginning to ring with the exuberance of the hoppickers, who, liberated as it were from the Black Country for their annual holiday, contrived to combine pleasure with work. --0-- Having started before sunrise, the crisp morn- ing air made one quite ready for breakfast at Leominster, after which a 13 imle spin over a good road brought us to Hereford, just before reaching which place, we were attracted by the novelty of a tower in a churchyaf3 standing detached from the church. This was at a place called Holmor. The necessity of reaching the rendezvous that day precluded an inspection of this ancient city (Hereford), and its cathe- dral. Monmouth was the next town on our route, but despite its attractions we paused not, but resolutely pedalled away through Mitcham, Troy, where a fine specimen of village stocks is yet to be seen, and Raglan, with its castle, to Usk, where the heat of the September day,com- bined with the presence of an inviting looking river, induced one to have a refreshing swim. Mounting once more we pushed on to New- port, and through Caerleon to our destination, for that day, the metropolis of the gallant prin- cipality, having left 97 miles behind us. Early next day (the party complete) we resumed our journey, and the flying stieeds being ignomi- niously baffled by the Bristol channel, we had perforce to make Weston-Super-Mare by le paquebot a vapeur. On terra firma again and away for Bridgwater for luncheon and Taunton for tea, after another delightful dip, this time in the Tone. Then proceeding through Welling- ton till darkness drew 011, we put up in a quiet country village, Sandford Arundel, to enjoy the peace and solitude of a rural summer evening by starlight. Resuming again while the morn- ing was yet young, we soon crossed the boun- dary into Devon, and rode through Tiverton, our objective being a spot made famous by Blackmore in Lorna Doone, namely, Racken- ford and its neighbourhood. Here we were re- ceived with generous hospitality at Worthey Farm, and let me say in passing, that one was struck everywhere in Devonshire by the ex- treme kindness and unaffected eagerness to ad- minister to one's creature comforts that is shown by its people, and nowhere was this ex- emplified more than at Rackenford, and by the genial occupiers of the Worthey Farm. Here we rested the remainder of the day, shooting, and making acquaintnace with the Devonshire apples and cream, not forgetting to visit the district connected with the memory of John Ridd. After being comfortably provided for at the Rackenford Bell, we early sought our horses and gaily made for Tiverton once more, en route for Exeter. Before reaching the city, however, we again availed ourselves of a con- venient river at Stoke Canon for another dip. A short view of Exeter Cathedral, and the ex- ceedingly picturesque and ancient Town Hall, which drew forth our admiration, had to suffice; and having fortified the inner man we rode on for Dawlish, where we had our first sight of the sea since leaving Weston, if we except when passing through Star Cross we could see across to Exmouth. Arrived at Dawlish we duly ap- preciated a whiff of the briny, and also the view of the rugged and somewhat comical look- ing rocks. We were amused while enjoying a swim at seeing how the trains popped in and out of the short tunnels like rabbits in a warren. -0- Leaving again, a short ride in view of the sea brought us to Teignmouth. Here we halted not, for night was approaching, and Torquay had to be reached. Over the Teignmouth and Shaldon -bridge (which we were informed is The longest bridge of its kind in England), we at once had to climb, and soon found that we had need of all the energy imparted by the Devonshire cream at Dawlish in order to sur- mount !the almost precipitous hills between there and Torquay, which we reached after eight miles of hard labour1 toTallmg 51 miles for the day, as registered by cyclometer. But the beauty of the town and bay repaid us for our toi\ but being so well-known needs no descrip- tion here. Up again somewhat later than the lark, and Plymouth had to be gained that day, so we proceeded through lovely Paignton and quaint Totness, also Ivy bridge and Plympton, till 35 miles unbroken running landed us there. —o— It was decided to go on to Drake's natal town, and skirting Dartmoor we entered Tavis- tock, where is a replica of that hero's statue on Plymouth Hoe. We soon crossed into Corn- wall, to sleep by the beautiful Tamar, another 50 miles from where we last pitched our tents. This brought us to Saturday, and we availed ourselves of the running of a market steamer to Devonport, in order to witness the charms of the Tamar Valley, which are renowned. We were fortunate in seeing some of the defenders of England's shores in the shape of a number of torpedo boats, as well as men of war IJ¡d the framing ship Impregnable, lying in Plymouth Bound. The three continguous itowna> Ply- mouth, Stonehouse, and Devonport, were ex- plored, and an ascent of Smeaton's lighthouse made. Then a siesta on the historic Hoe, and of course a dive into the Channel, and we re- turned by our little steamer to Calstock, a little old world place on the Cornish side of the Tamar. Sunday was quietly spent in a spot, tiM scenery of which it would indeed be difficult to beat, Gunnslake by name, an eminently pioua neighbourhood and out of the beaten track of the touring cyclist. Morwelliam and Newqoay we saw, which, although busy in byegone day, now sleep nestling at the foot of well wooded hills, and embracing the unsleeping Tamar,know not the rush of the modern scorchers. Leaving these sylvan scenes with regret, we called at Launceston (otherwise Lansun after the native pronounciation) and struck due north through Holsworthy to Bideford. Then Barn- staple was viewed, and a last run of twelve more miles brought to a close the day's run of 80 miles, and deposited us in Ilfracombe. In- viting as this place was for a stay, yet time in- excrably flew on, and we could not sojourn, so in the grey light of early morn we set our faces eastward, and were soon in Coombe Martin, recently immortalised by Marie Correlli in thfc "Migfity Atom,' 'and whose favourite character, Ruben Dale, the old sexton, this year died, and we visited his grave. -0- A wretched road of 18 miles, and we got to Lynton and Lymouth. Feasting our eyes on the beauties of this earthly paradise for a while, we climbed the cliffside en route for Minehad. The road was still bad for another 18 miles, and took us through Exmoor to Porlock, a snugly hidden little town, where we were in Somerset again. All good things have an end, and so had our tour. Weston was reached, and here we diverged again, better in health, stronger in ,limb, having been fortunate in weather, ex- periencing the hottest period of the summer, and only one puncture the whole time to divide amongst us.
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Things Theatrical. .■+i'
Things Theatrical. + ROYAL CLARENCE THEATRE. This week, as we predicted, the old Rhondda favourite play 21,000 has drawn crowded houses. It is in every respect worthy of the attendance, and we should advise our readers to avail themselves of the opportunity of seeing the production during the last two nights of the company's visit. VISIT OF A CELEBRATED ACTRESS TO PONTTPKEBD. Mdlle. Gratienne will make her debut to t Pontypridd audience on Monday next, and dur- ing the week will present a series of standard plays. She Tilings her full company with her as in London, the costumes being magnificent and faithfully represent the period in which the plots are laid. During the week, "Dr Barnes of Newlork," "Esther Sandsaz, "A Bunch of Roses," and "She Stoops to Conquer," will be staged. Local playgoers are not slow to appre- ciate sterling merit, and "The Clarence" will place another record to credit we anticipate during the engagement of the talented lady. THEATRE ROYAL, TONYPANDY. During this week, this commodious theatre has been packed to excess, to welcome the ad- vent of Colonel Bruce's "Arizona Joe Company" in the "Belle of the West" to the town. The company introduced one of the most beautiful plays of West American life ever produced. The reality was made doubly certain by the appear- ance of splendidly trained dogs and horses,upon the stage. A great attraction was the fact that Colonel Bruce has just returned from the Span- ish American War. The leading parts were taken by Colonel Bruce as "Jack Edwards," the new sheriff, and "Belle" by Hiss Ivy Dene, the parte allotted to these suited them admirably, and the acting was splendidly performed Mr Stanley Grovesnor as "Frank Crossby" did very well and exhibited a true commanding nature in his play as leader of a gang of horse thieves Mr E. Wallace took the part of "Jack Aberle," a {prospector. Mr Frank Galway, "Michael Hooligan;" Mr Charles Williams, "Ike Billings,' and Mr John Lambert, "Tom Williams," and did themselves credit by their splendid perform- ances. Mr Frank Galway sang one ditty, "An Irish one," in such a droll and rollicking fashion, as To cause the audience to be convulsed with laughter. Of all, mysteries I think this was one of the most unsolvable. We must not for- get Mr Harry Beaumont as "Jeff Washington," which part suited him down to the ground, and also Miss Dora Pass as "Pauline." Miss Pass put much dash and reality into her part, and was appreciated, her role as "One of the gang," suited her down to the ground, and success amended her efforts, as far as her aating up to real life was concerned. The dogs are really worthy of mention2 the clever acting performed by them speaks of the amount of labour expen- ded on them to secure such perfection. In the last scene is introduced one of the greatest sensation witnessed upon a public stage. A bridge 15 feet in height is treacherously trapped, and as the horse, and its rider are passing over the bridge gives way, and they are pre- cipitated to the depths below. The play, taken upon its merits, is very good, and portrays the Western American life to perfection. Next week we anticipate a treat in the great sensational drama, "A London Mystery." THEATRE ROYAL, CARDIFF. Large audiences have attended the Theatre Royal, Cardiff, to witness the performance each evening of "The Geisha," by Messrs H. B. Morell and F. Mouillot's company. This de. lightful Japanese Opera, brimful of light and wholesome fun, could hardly have had greater justice done to either in setting dresses, or bril- liant acting, than by this splendid Company. Mjss Muriel Chester was a charming O'Mimosa San, and sang and acted very cleverly. Miss Betty Hertzfeld, as the French girl, and Miss Carrie Kavanagh, as "Blossom," are a great success. As "Reginald Fairfax" Mr Harold Thorley played with great effect, and the inimi- tably funny performance or"Wuuhi," the tea- house proprietor, must be seen to be apprecia- ted. Mr George Sydenham, as the "Marquis Lilian, was excellent. Next week, Mr George Alexander's Company will appear at this Theatre in the new play the "Tree of Knowledge."
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i Letters to the Editor.|
Letters to the Editor. The Editor, while welcoming letters on all public topics, does aoi iiold 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 aa a guarantee of good faith.
Tylorstowt) ftoq-Burial Case.
Tylorstowt) ftoq-Burial Case. To the Editor. Sir,—Kindly permit me to make a few re- marks in reply to Mr Thomas' letter in your last issue. 1, With reference to the grand- father's liability. Will Mr Thomas tell me how long is it since grandfathers have become lia- ble for the burial of their grandchildren. I don't think they are, nor will I believe it, till Mr Thomas produces more proof than merely his word. The one pound granted him from the office was for another purpose, if Mr Thomas will take the trouble to make inquiries. 2, As to the father. Does Mr Thomas know that it was an illegitimate child. How many fathers of such children will voluntarily contribute to- wards their support, much less undertake their burial expenses, unless they are compelled to do so by the law. Yet Mr Thomas speaks as if this father was an exception. As I am writ- ing, Mr Editor, I have a case in front of me at Brynmawr, where an unfortunate girl made an application to the relieving officer for a ticket for the lying-in ward, and was granted it, but on her way to the workhouse was confined on the roadside. Could not that relieving officer have said, "Stay with your parents, we can't spend the ratepayers money on you." But he didn't and I am glad to think some officials of Boards can discern the real from the sham. 3, Mr Thomas states that what he has said are facts; they are not facts, and if Mr Thomas wishes to know the facts of the case I will state them, and I sO say, as previously, that this family had not the means to bury their child. Is it reasonable that any human being, however depraved or degraded, would allow a dead body to remain in their house until it reached such an advanced state of decomposition? Could any relative stand and see the condition of that child, much less bear the intolerable odour, if they had the means, as Mr Thomas states? The circumstance itself will answer the question, without any outside evidence, of which there is plenty. Again I say that the Guardians did not do their duty, or else they would never have left the corpse to get into that condition. I do not commend public officials or Boards to spend the ratepayers money haphazard, but I do expect them to be able to know when and when not to grant relief, by thoroughly investigating the case, which, I still say, was not done in this instance. Assuming, for one moment, Mr Edi- tor, that this family did have the means, and would not bury the child, was it the duty of the officfals of the Board to stand aloof and let the corpse become, as it did, a public danger? Will Mr Thomas answer the question. I think if the assumption was true thatr they ought to have seen the child properly buried, and claimed the expenses from the family. That I think, was one of their "duties, winch they neglected. But why didn't they or Mr Thomas do so? Simply because there was no means to claim expenses. In conclusion, I beg to say that I am fully acquainted with the whole of the facts of the case, the condition of the body, the bacon-box coffin without a cover, the refusal at cemetery, etc., afitr I am fiilly persuaded if readers of the "Free Press" knew the whole story, their heartfelt sympathy would be readily extended towards the faimly. Trusting you will insert this,—I am, etc., A SYMPATHISER.
♦ East aqd West.
♦ East aqd West. To the Editor. ffir ;-Since my last letter appeared in your valuable paper these two words have become very popular in a certain place not a hundred miles from Hendreforgan in the parish of Llan- trisant. In fact, they have become proverbial, and the people salute each other as Easterns and Westerns. My letter caused quite a stir in the place, and has bega nto bear fruit; the ever- closed gate for the outlet has been thrown open to all. The strike is over, and we are all glad of that; but it appears to me that some mana- gers wanted another strike; at least, they did their best to get one. A deputation of the workmen went to a certain manager to ask would there be work for them the next day. H. told them to tell all the men io meet him at the pit the next morning; one of the first things he told them was, "You have had your laugh at me; it is my turn now to have my laugH at you," and sent all home with the excep- tion of a few favourites. Even if he thought so, it would have been much wiser for him not to have said it at such a time, and he can de- pend on it, that some of them will have their laugh at him'again some day. Nearly all the men that had anything to do with the Work- men's Committee were told to go to the East to work and live. It was a pity to see some of these after the five-months7 strike, workless, homeless, and moneyless,; they had not a penny to buy food nor move their furniture. But if the men of the West were like the men of other piaces, they would not have worked a day till these men had had'their work back. Some of the best men have been sent away, and the good were very scarce before, but the law of retribu- tion is still alive; it has not been thrown into the river, like Billy,Fair Play. I was told of one man meeting a manager and asking him to go with him to the master; but the reply was "No! Go to your work to-night!" I am told of a man going to a certain manager to ask him to sign for the release of Dai or Nant. The manager said: "Do you think I am a fool?" The man said "Ro Ithink you are a wise man, and that's why I want you to sign your name with these wise men." But I suppose that he roared liKe- a lion, followed him to the gate with a stick over his head, and like Saul "breathed out threatenings and slaughter," and as soon as the work began after the strike this man found he was hot "wanted" in the West. There is a notice now that all men that live in the East musf-move to the West in less than a month or leave the work. Is this legal, Mr Editor? It must be remembered, as I said before, that the majority of the houses referred to are not the property of the master, only that the rent is kept in the office. Query: Who gets the commission? The houses on that side are nine per cent. or ten per cent. per month dearer than the houses on the other side, and the wage i* starvation wage; not much better than parish I relief to strike pay, and with the soup the men were better off at the time of the strike. Al- though some boast so much of "our" this and that, it is very poor "our." As my quiver is full of arrows, I shall call myself SECOND INSTALMENT.
Uantrisant School Board.
Uantrisant School Board. To the Jiditor. ^lr, lakmg the motto which appears in every issue of your paper as an mdicauon of its policy, viz., Give me, above all other liberties, the liberty to know, to utter, and to argue freely, according to consicence," I venture to take this liberty of claiming a smail space in your paper to endeavour io reply to the attacks which you have thought proper to level at my- self, with no higher mouve, I presume, than of attempting to maintain the tenure of some of the officers of this board, irrespective of any other consideration. At the commencement of your first article, you desire to warn the elec- tors of Llanirisant parish, with all the gravity at your command, as to the urgency, and serious necessity, of at once considering the temper and fitness of their local administratom of the Edu- cation Acts. As it happens that I have taken perhaps a more prominent part in this question than any other member, I will take it that youi remarks are meant for me ,and to make use of a hackneyed phrase, "I shall wear the cap." I am not one of those people who like to obtain power without also taking the responsibility connected with the same. I think the one should not be taken without the other, and in this case I am prepared to take this responsibility even ac the expense of incarrmg the displeasure of the Editor. One would naturally expect to find a criticism composed and written in the tran- quility of the editorial sanctum free from all bias, prejudice, and partiality, but judging from the tone of your epistles, they are indeed very highly flavoured. In discussing the tone and temper of a member, one would have thonght and expected in fairness to find some reference to the tone and temper of some of the board's head-teachers, especially so after such a dis- tinctive and prominent display of them as we had at our last meeting. You state: "Rural School Boards have gener- ally been deplored on acoount of their inepti- tude." With your statement we are in perfect agreement, and because it is our deep oonvic- tion that there is no reason whatever why the Llantrisant School Board (rural though it is) should be satisfied to remain continually indiff- erent to educational reform. We are convinced, Sir, that the electors of Llantrisant Parish should not rest satisfied with the old state of affairs,and remain content and say "such it was in the beginning and ever shall be." Yet, be- cause we are endeavouring to arouse the parish from this ineptitude, we are found fault with by the Editor of the "Free Press." You say that the judicial instincts, and not tha personal, should reign supreme. I am glad to be able to agree with your contention there again, and no one deplores the personal element which is introduced into this question more than myself; and I am convinced that had you been present at the last meeting of our Board you would soon find out where the passions and personal hostility reigned supreme. You state "That the practice of hauling up teachers because they have 40 secured the high- est grant obtains favour only in few instances in the district." I respectfully ask the Editor, Why? Is it not because the schools that happen to fail to obtain the highest merit grant an very few in number compared with those that do succeed in gaining it? I think that is the correct explanation, and the Editor knows far better than I do, that each find every head- teacher under such an extensive Board as Ys- tradyfodwg has to come and offer his or her explanation as to why they fail to obtain the highest grant. And is it anything but right and correct that they should do so? I take it that a far more important meaning is attached to "popular control" than merely making a grand display at election times, and go to the various board meetings simply to have the honour of signing cheques and issuing precepts. Further, I should like to know whether Ys- tradyfodwg or Pontypridd School Boards would tolerate the state of affairs which we, in Llan- trisant, have to put up witjlt Would they rest satisfied with no higher state of efficiency than to merit a grant of 17s and 18s per head, and that continued for over twenty years at the same school, year after year, though this "Rural Board" pays the same rate of salaries as the boards of the surrounding districts? Yet, for endeavouring to obtain an improvement in this state of things, we are told from the Editorial Chair of a paper which professes to promote progress and educational reforms, that it is a great pity that these poor teachers have to accept "gafferdom" at the hands of these "rural Educationists," and for the want of better argu- ments, the public are asked to- believe that we are only actuated by personal hostility, simply because one of the aggrieved persons has said so. No doubt, from the standpoint of some, it was petty interference on our part to step in and prevent the flagrant; violation of the law, when labour certificates were granted children certifying them to have passed the exemption standard when they had not done so. No doubt, it was a disagreeable find indeed, and perhaps the Editor of the "Free Press" will term the interference as simply "badgering" and constant "show bigl' of myself as a member. You state that this Rural School Board large- ly leave the staffing of their schools to appren- tices. From that remark, it is evident that you have not taken the trouble to make enquiries upon that question. It is not at all fair to in- fer because Mrs David found herself, owing to circumstances over which she had no control, in the position of having no one but apprentices to work with, that it is the policy of the Board that such conditions should be allowed to re- main. In that case, we wouTd be worse than the Egyptian tyrants of long ago. We will take the staffing of Tonyrefail Mixed Department as an indication of the Board's basis in staffing their scEools. For an average of about 260, we have the head-master, assistant-master (certifi- cjfted and trained), assistant mistress (certificated and trained), one ex-P.T., (male), one ex-P.T. (female), one Article 68, two Fourth Year Pupil Teachers—extended apprenticeship, one of whom is, I admit, in a very indifferent state of health. The staffing of this school, notwith- standing its being under a "Rural Board," com- pares as favourably as the majority of schools under the Ystradyfodwg or Pontypridd School Boards. You also sfate that you think we should re- sign. I should like to know on what grounds I am asked to resign? Have I in any manner wrongly applied the trust reposed in me by the electorate? If not, why should I be called upon to resign ? Let us examine my position closely. Last November there was considerable agitation throughout this Parish respecting educational efficiency, and another matter which I have previously touched upon. A public meeting was held at Tonyreafil. At that meeting, which was very crowded, I made a lengthy statement, but I endeavoured to argue the question and uot uae personalities. Throughout my statement I never made the slightest personal referenee to the head-master. But, how were we treated by the head-master? Simply by personal and vira- lent attacks from beginning to end (which were served up for repetition again on Monday). Tise meeting broke up in great disorder owing to the rowdy character of those that were brought there, as one exclaimed, "that they had gathered them even from all the public houses to that meeting" (hence the reason for its rowdy char- acter). In January and February of this year, we were busy preparing for the forthcoming election in March; and never before was there so much interest ifianifested in any local elec- tion as this one, on account of educational effi- ciency occupying such a prominent part with the majority of the old Board. Conspiracy after conspiracy was invented for no other por- pose, as it leaked out, but that of "keeping that Dan Thomas out." I held three public meetings at Tonyrefail, one at Gilfach, and a joint meeting at Uantrisant. At each of these places, and in my election address, the question that occupied the foremost position was eduea- tional efficiency. Upon that I appealed to the electorate of Llantrisant Parish, and to the ad- vocacy of that policy I was pledged, and was returned without influence of church, chapel, or colliery, with an increased majority over the previous election of or three hundred. Yet, in the face of such placid confidence of the electorate, the Editor of the "Free Press" feat the audacity to call upon me, through the med- ium of an editorial leader of his paper, to resign. I ask in conclusion, Why should I ?-Yours, ote., Tonyrefail. DANIEL THOMAS. To the Editor. Sir,—In last week's issue of the "Free Prese," I notice a letter above the name of Mr Gomel Rees. As there is a proper tribunal to settle this matter, I decline to enter into a newspaper controversy with a member of my staff, although his letter consists of nothing but misrepresenta- tions and even false statements. I am greatly surprised that he should have rushed into print after what occurred at iNe recent visit of one of the Inspectors. From some expressions (well-known in Tonyr- efail) used in his letter, Mr Rees is obvionsly acting under the influence of some of the most malicfoous agitators in this district. I am tdid that even youtts in the street only credit Mr Rees with'the grammar of the letter I am, etc., Tonyrefail. T. A. ARTHUR. October 24th, 1898.
Llantrisant School Board aqd…
Llantrisant School Board aqd its Teachers. To the Editor. Sir,—The proceedings of the Llantrisant School Board have been now for some time weil rubbed into the consciousness of the local put- lic, and the man, woman, or child, who knows nothing about this board is thick skinned in- deed, and of the earth so earthy, that he might as well be living in the Fiji Islands. Every body who takes the smallest interest in educa- tion must necessarily know something about the board, and has passed judgment on ita doings, either condemning it or the teachers. Matters have lately come to such a pass that it is impossible for any one of the numerous read- ers of your full reports of the board to be neu- tral; either the board is severely, censured or the teachers are looked upon as negligent or inefficient. Now the question is, which of the two parties deserve to be censured and which deserve to be credited with -doing its duty fairly on the one side to the ratepayers and on the other to the children. The ratepayers can re- cover and survive the mischief of loss in rates, but the children, if the teachers are guilty of negligence in educating them to the best of their ability, suffer a loss which in most cases will be irreparable. If a child is not well trained during the very few years he has for kis training to fight the battle of life, he will suffer on that account throughout his life, and no one knows what chances to succeed in life they may meet; while their inability to grasp the advantages thus presented to them cannot but be attributable to the neglect of His teach- ers in the execution of their duties. Mr Editor, it is unnecessary to explain to you thaf the children as a whole do suffer already, bllt who is to blame is the question at issue. Ths teachers blame the board, the board blame the teachers, and you took the sid" of tbe teachers, and no one will blame you. Nevertheless, the public should be put in possession of sufficient facts in the case whereby they may be able lo judge for themselves. You may have plenty of evidence, but the public have not. Now to assist to find ouT which of the two parties fail to do their duty to the ratepayers and children, I Beg to make the following Ruggstion: -Give instructions 'to your reporter to make note and publish the following items from the monthly reports of the teachers. (1), The number of child- ren in each class, and the qualifications of ita teacher, if there is a teacher for each class; (2; the average attendance for the month »■? each department; (3) the number of negligent parents proceeded against for neglecting t'' send their children to school. If the public can have these facts end figures before them for tw,) or three months, "the party guilty of nc doing their duty will be found out, and within a year the present unsatisfactory state of mat ters will be rectified.-I am, etc., HFDDWCH [We sEould be very pleasea if this suggesticr; could be brought- about. The root of a minlstrative evils could then be easily r tested, but we are afraid it is conaderab too Utopian for Llantri-nt.-Ed- G.F.P.
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