Glamorgan Free Press

Porth-Thursday. Before the Stipendiary, Mr J. Ignatius Wil- liams, Drs. Ivor Lewis. and N. Davies. Unfit to Drive. For failing to appear at the previous Court Charles For:, a Dinas brake-driver, was brought up in custody and charged with leav- ing his horse brake unatten,led at Pen- rhiwfer on the 7th mst. mi<Ld<ay. A constable told tin- Bench that wnilst defendant was at an L drinking several young men and a woman v.ere misconducting themselves in the brake. The Stipendiary observed that defen- dant u-is unfit to 'oe a driver, and that his license should be stopped. Superintendent Cole replied that this had been ■! -i: A fine of 15s. was imposed. "Cham pion Boxer of Aberdara Eii Hanbury. a Cilfynydd collier, was charged with being drunk and assaulting P.C. Dolby on the evening of the 20th. P.C. Dolby said defendant came on to him when he was on duty at Cilfynydd Road. Cilfynydd, ¡ and enquired the nearest way to Howell street. Almost before he had time to reply Hanbury said rhe was the b- champion boxer of Aberdare, and thereupon landed him one until he was in the middle of the road. Hanbury now said he did not remember say- in th;s. He was fined 10s. The wandering Boy! An old woman named Emily Taylor, of 14. Mary street, Cilfynydd, charged her son Sydney (24), with stealing from her house a trousers, two vests, and a coat on the 4th inst. It appears defendant lodged with his mother up to this date. when he was induced by his companions to leave the district, and he took the above* garments with him without having received permission. Mrs Taylor- explained that the clothes had belonged to bar lodger, but he had been obliged to leave them behind because he could not pay his lodgings. Stipendiary: Did your son take all his own clothes ? No, he left them behind in the box. Defendant: I will pay lier for the clothes if she likes. Mrs Taylor: No, I want you to come home and be a good boy. The case was dismissed. Careless Brakedriver. Dennis Wiltshire, brake-driver, Bleicn- clydaeh, was fined 5s. for leaving his horse and break unattended near the Glyn Hotel. Blaenrhondda. on the 6tb inst.

«. Ystrad—N[oqday. Before the Stipendiary, Mr Ignatius Williams, Aldermen Richard Lewis, and W. Morgan, Councillors Rhys Griffiths and E. H. Davies, Mr J. 1). Williams. M.F.H. Tradesmen exposing Explosives Thcs. Murgan, grocer, Giifach, was sum- moned for a breach of the Explosives Act. inspector Hoyle said lie visited defendant's premises on Saturday, 18th inst. In a small stores at the back of the house, which was registered, was s&red 25 lbs of gunpowder. Am a cupboard at tie shop was found a quan- tity of safety fuse, 3 lbs of compressed powder. 3* lbs of gelignite, and two boxes of detona- tors. The Stipendiary asked defendant why he had not stored the explosives found in the oapboard at his registered store. Defendant replied that he thought the cupboard was 68 safest place to keep them. The Stipend- iary said he considered the course he had adopted was a very dangerous one. Keeping detonators m a desk would very likely have eansed an explosion had they came in violent contact with each other. A fine of JE2 and costs was imposed. R. T. Jones, ironmonger, Treherbert, was also summoned for a breach of the Explosives Act. Inspector Menhennick deposed that on visaing defendant's shop premises he found 10 lbs. of gelignite powder in a wooden box on a Aelf. There was also a quantity of smokeless pawder and one hundred detonators in a fire ffroof safe. The place was not registered for the purpose of keeping explosives. Defendant was fined 20s. Unfit Brewery Horse. Francis Thomas, haulier to the Rhondda Valley Brewery and Bottling Co. was sum- moned for cruelty to a horse on the 21st inst. P.C. Rees Davfes, Pentre., deposed that he met defendant in charge of a horse and dray at Pentre on the date in question. Upon examining the animal a wound two inches ir length was discovered at the top of the collar with matter oozing from it. The surface of tfce wound was covered with mane and clotted matter. Defendant said he only started that Say. and his master had sent him out with the horse. A fine of 10s. was imposed. Dishonest Pedlar pedler named. Samuel Wakeford, of Gelli, was summoned for paddling without a license oa the 25th. He was asked to pay the coste of the case. Housewives Beware. A Treherbert married woman named Mary Jones was fined 10s. for throwing a bucket of rubbish into the Rhondda river on the 21st inst. The proceedings were instituted -:jy the Rhondda Urban District Council, for whom Mr Nicholas, solicitor, appeared. Wounding her Lodger. Margaret Thomas. A Ystrad married woman was charged with wounding her lodger. Saml. Jenkins, by striding him on the hend with a poker on last Saturday. Jenkins alleged that he gave pnsoner 20s. about a fortnight ago to buy some stockings and other things He since ceased to lodge wiCh her, and went last Saturday to receive the balance of the money. When he demanded the change a quarrel ensued, and the prisoner struck him on the head with a-pobr causing an iDcised wound 11 inches long and one inch deep. Prisoner said that complainant came into her louse and laid hold of her bodily and threat- ened to throw her into the fire, and dbe was consequently in bodily fear of him. The Bench thought that this statement was krdIy consistent with what transpired. Her sereams would probably have been heard by the neighbours who would have come to her assistance. A fine of £ 1 and costs was im- posM

Caerphilly —Tuesday. Messrs W. Rees, E. Edwards. Dr. M I'ITV* r., Evans, and Major Lindsay. J F," neglectinr tc -end then children regu- fori schr I fhe following were tineiI: -Wm. -)Ili-r- Thomas Gorman, quarry. tn3! John Crawley, quarryman: Dd. John, collier; Ht Ary Edmunds, collier; D1. Jones, ccTHer: John Jones, quarryman; Thos Lewis, collier; Bernard Williams, collier; Thomas Churches, collier: David Jengins, quarryman: all of LlaUbnadach, and Albert Edwards, collier. Llanfabon. For being drunk and disorderly Dd. Jones, haulier, Llanbradach, was fined 10s.; Hy. James, collier, Pontypridd, 10s.; J. Brewer, labourer, Pontypridd, Ll; James G. Wynn, collkjr, Pbntypridd,, jEl: Dafvjd Williams, sinker, Senghenydd, 10s.; Annie Bond. Aber, 10s. and costs: Thos. Lewis, collier, Sen- ghenydd., 10s.; and Robert Jones, collier, Senghenydd, 10s. George Gale, butcher. Rhymney, was fined 2s. 6d. and costs for driving without lights on the 17th ult. John Thomas, collier, Ynyshir, was fined 10s. for assaulting a police constable on the 18th ult.. and a similar sum for being drunk and disorderly. Wyndham Morgan, was charged with steal- ing coal, value one penny, the property of the Llanbradach Colliery Company on the 23rd nif, and was fine(I 2s. 6d. -+-

Pontypridd—Wednesday Before the stipenmary, Mr Ignatius Williams, Dr. Hunter, Councillor 1". Gowan and Aid. Richard Lewis. Not Fond of Work. A tramp named Alfred Price was summoned fc' refusing to do the prescribed work at the Pontypridd Union that morning. It ap- peared that defendant had been admitted to the casual ward the previous evening, and when asked to break the usual three cwts. of stones he absolutely refused and caught hold or the shovel and broke it in a half. The Master of the Union asked their worships to make an example of the case. and defendant was acordingly sentenced to a month's im- prisonment with hard labour. Assault at Ystrad Police Court. Charles Davies, a collier, living at Ton, Pentre, was brought up in custody charged with assaulting his wife at the Ystrad Police Court on the previous Monday. When the assault was committed Inspector Menhenick, who was present, took the assailant before the magistrates who were then sitting, but owing to his being under the influence of drink the case was adjourned. Prisoner's wife now said that her husband struck her in the face twice, after having had some words with his brother in the lobby of the Ystrad Police Court on the previous Monday. He had beaten her many times before, but he was art right if his family kept alWay. The case was adjourned for three weeks in order that the police might report upon prisoner's conduct in the meantime. Daring Theft at Tonypandy. David Lewis, a Maesteg collier of smart appearance, apparently about 22 years of age, was charged with stealing a seal skin jacket, valued at £35, together with other dress material from a bedroom at the Dewinton HOtel. Tonypandy, on the 22nd ult. Miss Catherine Jane Davies, barmaid at the Dewinton Hotel now identified the articles as being her property. They were stolen from her bedroom on the night in question. Miss Jenet Davies, barmaid at the Cross Keys Hotel, Tonypandy, said that prisoner brought the seal jacket into the Cross Keys Hotel on the night of the 22nd ult., and offered to sell it to her for 10s., stating that he had bought it for his sister in Newport. It was left there and afterwards given to the police. When arrested by P.S. Thomas. Tonypandy, prisoner sarl he knew nothing about the affair. Prisoner was further charged with stealing a pair of pants, valued at 5s., the property of the landlord of the Dewinton Hotel, and also a dress belonging to a nurse at the same hctel. Replying to the Stipendiary prisoner said he had nothing to say. It transpired that ha had previously been sentenced to a term of three months with hard labour at the Swansea Sessions for the theft of a telescope bag. He was now sent for trial to the coming Quarter Sessions on all the charges.

Extraordinary Meeting. SCIENCE INSPECTOR ATTENDS. On Monday afternoon last, an extraordinary meeting of the Ystradyfodwg School Beard was held under the presidency of Mr T. Bevan, to consider the question of provid- ing additional accommodation for Higher Gradb education in the parish. After partly dis- cussing the question at the ordinary meeting of the Board held a fortnight ago, it was resolved to call a special meeting to go into the matter thoroughly, and also to afford an opportunity for the attendance of the Science Inspector, Mr D. E. Jones. Amongst the members present were the Rev. W. Morris (vice-chairman), Revs. W. Lewis, R.D., W. Charles. M.A., Miss Ada Jones, Messrs T. Williams, W. Jenkins, J.P., W. W. Hood, M.E., D. Williams, D. Thomas, D. R. Jones, U. Rowding, J. Davies, together with the clerk, Mr W. G. Howell, and the deputy clerk, Mr T. G. Jones. Upon the agenda appeared the following motions: (a) In the name of the Rev. W. Lewis, "That steps be now taken to provide new buildings for the Ystrad Higher Grade and Science School, and that it be an instruction to the Building Committee to take the matter in hand forthwith." (b) In the name of tre- Rev. W. Morris, "That for the purpose of Higher Grade and Science Schools the Rhondda Fawr be divided into two districts, to be called "Upper" and "Lower" districts. That new buildings for the upper district be erected in the centre of the same, and that immediate steps be taken to establish a new school in the lower district." (c) In the name of Councillor D. Williams, "That for the present no new premises for the Ystrad Higher Grade Schools be erected, and that with the view of relieving the pressure on the accomodation of the school, standards VI and VII Be amalgamated, and central classes for them be established in connection with the following schools, viz., Porth, Tony- pandy and Treherbert, and that (specially qualified teachers be provided for them and j a, 1 under scale A." In addressing the meeting at the outset Mr D. E. Jones, science inspector, said he took it that the Board had really two matters to consider, one which the chairman had mentioned viz., the present building of the Ystrad Higher Grade School and the School of Scienoe with which he was concerned, Another question which he had heard men- tioned in the neighbourhood was whether they should build one school or two schools, one at Treorky and the other, lower down. The education department had a stiff back with regard to Science Schools and would not recognise a Science School unless it was fully equipped with laboratories and apparatus etc. He had complained in his last report about the unsatisfactory condition" of the building of the Ystrad Higher Grade School and the apparatus, and regretted to find nothing had been yet done in the matter. He had not come there to lay the law down as to what they should do, he was not in a position to advise them as to the Higher Grade School, that was a. matter for the Education Depart- ment. Whether the neighbourhood was a fit one for the establishing of two Schools of Science was a question which their .action in the past should guide them in the future. A good deal required to be done at the present | school at Ystrad before it could be regarded as being properly equipped. The best way, in his opinion, to improve that school was to knock it down altogether. It was unworthy of being a Higher Grade School or a School of Science. Higher Grade Schools and Schools of Science seemed to depend very largely for their success on the way the pupil teacher question was treated in the neighbourhood. This was a very important problem in connec- tion with Higher Grade Schools. At Cardiff, with regard to the kind of school he was dealing with, he certainly could not promise two or three years warning to get ready. Mr Jones then quoted attendance at the Higher Grade School and Science Depart- ment, and suggested that in view of so few remainiag for the 2nd and 3rd years at the Science School that scholarships should be offered, subscribed for by the workmen of the neighbourhood if possible, (similar to ifhat was being done at Festiniog. The conclusion he arrived at was that it would be better for them to continue one School of Science in the interests of education, well equipped in that district of Ystrad, rather than run the risk of having two ill-equipped schools. He wished further to say that they were rather proud in Wales of what they were doing with regard to Higher and Intermediate education, and were too fond of telling what really clever fellows they were. (Laughter). He 'would very much wish them to go and see what was being done with reference to Higher Grade Schools An Birmingham or Sheffield. They might also go to Leeds and find much in their schools to astonish them. They appeared to b3 years ahead of what they were in Wales. In the matter of the buildings or staif there was a feeling in the working of the schools that the School of Science should contain the best of arrangements. The mechanics were con- tinually employed in malting apparatus for the school under the guidance of the teachers, the result being that better and more suitable workmanship was secured. With regard to the appointments of pupil teachers he did not believe in the present mode. It was unfair to those who trained the pupil teachers that good material should be drafted out of the class and wasters allowed to remain. The pupils in the Cardiff Higher Grade were encouraged to remain in school by the Board knocking off a year of their pupil teacher apprenticeship or by increasing the salary. Pupils were thus encouraged to remain in school and to receive a higher and better course of education. At Cardiff each year a dozen or more pupils were passing the matriculation examination from the Higher Grade SchooL He feared that certain Boards took advantage of the lerjency of the Education Department. One very important point with regard to organised Science Schools was the fact that the Education Deportment insisted upon having a fair pro- portion of the first year's pupils to remain for the 2nd and 3rd years. He was told that the accomodation at the Ystrad Higher Grade School WA4 fm. 297, ani there raa actually an average attendance of 330. The total on registers waa 390—one hundred above the accomodation. There "were 46 pupils in the School of Science but of that number there were only seven in the 2nd year, and seven in I the 3rd year. He attributed that to the fact that the schools were not properly fitted up, and if ihev expected to have children 15 and 16 years of age attending, the building should I be made more comportable. This fact should guide the Board in deciding whether they should rebuild the present building or build two new schools. His idea of a good teacher was a person who spent his leisure hours in th: interest of the laboratory and not a man whe confined himself closely to the rules and regulations of the Board. (Hear, hear). Replying to the Rev. W. Morris, Mr Jones sii l that it did not of necessity follow that t'1' organised science school should be attached to the Higher Grade School. Rev. W. Morris: Do you think there ara sufficient children in the Rhondda to warranf having two Science Schools? Mr Jones: I am not a prophet. The Rev. W. Charles poinLed t it Jit owing to the lack of Higher Grade Schools i't the Valley 830 children were lost to Higher education through insufficient accommodation. The Chairman of the Board proposed a vrte of thanks to Mr Jones fo his able ."J 'rr.-s and for his kindness in attending. This was seconded by the Rev. W. Charles. Ir Mtknnw ledging Mr Jones said that he was anxions about the Ystrad Higher Crude School. If two schools were erected t..I(v would inevitably collapse. There shoull be friction between their Higher Grr..de S: o and the Intermediate School at Po«-h. After the termination of the discussion, s deputation from Porth, headed by Mr Mil ? (agent to the National Collieries) apear J before the Board in support of the claim Por'h to a Higher Grade and Science School. Mr Miles, addressing the Board, stated that after holding several meetings at Porth to consider the question of school accommodation it was unanimously resolved to urge upon the Board the desirability of establishing a Higher Grade School at Porth. The Board had decided to have a new school of some kind, j then why not make it a Higher Grade School, additional accomodation could the be pro- vided for the pupil teachers in connection with this school, and the 6th and 7th standards drafted from Ynyshir and Cymmer. The cost upon the rates for the maintenance of a Higher School would not be more than for an elementary school. The only argument used against them having a Higher Grade School was that they already had a County School. Mr Samuel, the head master, had stated that he didn't anticipate the slightest interference if a Higher Grade School was erected. No better centre existed in the Valley than at Porth, and a Higher Grade School was never more necessary. Mr Davies and the Vioar of Porth, members of the depu- tation afterwards addressed the Board in a similar strain. REV. W. MORRIS MOTION. In moving his motion the Rev. W. Morris said that it was well known that a charge had been brought against ,him of having attempted to remove the Ystrad Higher Grade School from its present position. He would like to say that no one rejoiced at the success of their Higher Grade School at Ystrad more than he did, and he was certain that no one on the Board had done more for that school and fought for its retention even when some who were now leaders in the agitation when sitting on that Board had said that the Hgl. er Grade School was a 1-ixury, and that there was no reason in providing a luxury for the children. He bad no intention in state- ment or action to injure Ystrad Higher Grade School or lower its status from being a model one. Still it was important to treat all districts equally. He would like to say that he proceeded with that motion on the assump- tion ihftt the Board were' content with their new child at Ferndale, and considered it worth nursing. In the first place he would have the Board consider the educational area in their jurisdiction. Having established these schools and having considered the educational area ur.der the jurisdiction of the Board it was at once conclusively proved that the supplies for these schools were drawn from their im- mediate neighbourhood. It was evident, that for these two facts the Fern- dale supplies came from the Rhondda Fach, and the Higher Grade at Ystrad from that immediate locality or from the lower portion of Upper Rhondda. No provision was made for the immense district below. He was quite open to be convinced by arguments or reason by the deputation appointed some time ago. On the ground that they were ratepayers they demanded the retention of the Ystrad Higher Grade School. He would be pleased to kfaow exactly who paid the rates of the parish. It seemed that Llwynypia paid no rates (laughter), and as to the deputa- tion's reasons and arguments they were con- spicious by their absence. They were also told by one of the members of the deputation that another Higher Grade School and Organ- ised Science School was impractable, nay im- possible this word impossible he thought was only to be found in the dictionary of fools, but it seemed that ft was also to be found in the dictionary of a solicitor. The statement that two Organised Science Schools at Swansea had been a failure was also misleading as he ascertained by writing there. It was unfair to compare the Rhondda Valley with large towns such as Swansea and Birmingham, they did not run on parallel lines. No scholarships were offered in the Rhondda, and landlords who had their pound of flesh in the shape of royalties there did not contribute a penny towards education. Adverting to the claims of the lower district from Bodringallt down to Hafod he was surprised that. the represen- tatives of the population had been silent so long; the claims of that district were incontrovertible. The Ystrad Higher Grade was located Vhere because they had the build- ing and not because it was a centre for the valley or district. Now it seemed that the accommodation was too small by one hundred. I If they moved, additional accommodation would have to be provided for. Then the claims of the lower district became strong and appealed t, a sense of duty in the matter. The upper Rhondda drew its pupils from that district, if they looked at the figures they would find that 33T pupils attended from Ystrad Rhon- ada to Treherbert. The greater. number of pr.pils attending the Ferndale Higher Grade School also were drawn from the immediate district and not from the lower portion. This lack of accommodation showed the provision for the districts. Mr Morris then submitted statistics establishing the claims of the dist- ricts in respect to area and population, and urged that they had no right to a monopoly at Ystrad. The two districts in question were quite as entitled to Higher Grade Schools and Organised Science Schools. They were supposed to be there to do justice to the whole and besides, they had only recently received ar. additional 4,500 pupils from the Llanwonno and Llantwit School Board. With all the compliments of mtes and taxes. What were they going to give them in return? Even on that score they had a right to a school in the lower part. In his opinion the supply was ready. When they started the Higher Grade School at Ystrad the great cry then was where are you going to get the supply? But the answer was a crowded school. When they appeared before Lord Swansea in reference to the Intermediate School at Porth they were then asked if they could guarantee a supply of 100. What was the answer?—a crowded school. And if the same question was asked ir. regard to lower Rhondda he guaranteed it would be filled the first day. The educa- tional supply would create a demand. They were reminded that they had an Intermediate School at Forth. He said emphatically that the Intermediate School had^no constituency. Higher Grade Schools provide for a locality, Intermediate Schools provide for a whole district. Higher Grade Schools simply touches the segment of the circle. Intermediate Schools swept the whole circle. With regard to the whole question they were now living in the most eventful pcluod in the history of Wales. They were too ready to acquiesce and acknow- ledge that they were behind The want of self-reliance was now predominant. As to the question of expense the was not insensible to it. He was an insignificant ratepayer him- self. (Laughter). It was a matter of wonder to him that the grumblers for ever grumbled when seven or eight millions were spent for education, but they gloried in spending 40 nil millions for the army or navy. Was it right and just, to do justice to that district which had so long been neglected. If it was right to spend £ 4.500 in Ferndale, it was right to spend £ 6*000 or £7.000 at Ystrad and the lower Rhondda. He submitted they ought to do their duty honestly, fearlessly and impartially. Some may protest here and there not knowing the facts, but when they were put before them they would readily admit that the case'was quite clear. Mr W. W. Hood observed that he agreed with every word the vice-chairman had said, except that it-i his opinion, he had not gone fa. enough to give fair play in educating the children under their charge. It was, in his opinion, necessary to consider a greater scheme. Why could they not have a Higher Grade School in every district in order to make these schools a sectional success and to give every child an equal advantage in educa- tion. They would not then, even. be risen on a par with that which existed in Scotland, Switzerland, Germany and Belgium. If It was necessary for the welfare of the children to be educated, what was worth doing was worth doing well. He had, for some years, been disappointed with the results of their system of education. It was not sound enough. It did not go far enough. If they wishe 1 to educate the children propel/ it was necessary to go further than the scheme proposed by Mr Morris. The time had come when they must tackle the question and give the children equal advantages for them to hold their own with other nations of the world. He pro- posed "that the question of Higher Grade and Organised Science Schools and pupil teachers' instruction be referred to a committee with a view of more equally providing education to meet the demands of the district as a whole, and to report to the Board upon their recom- mendation." The Rev. W. Morris then intimated that he was prepared to withdraw his motion in favour of this proposition, as it more than embraced what he was in favour of. The Vicar and Mr D. Williams also with- drew their motions, and a committee consisting c the Chairman, Vice-chairman, the Vicar, Miss Ada. Jones and Mr D. R. Jones were appointed to consider the matter.

The careful prooess by w hiohSymingtt\n'f' BiKnbnrgi Coffee Essence is ma:e elimin- I ates all nnple .°a^t properties. Anyone can drink it. From Grocers everywhere- a m XT^OR Pleasure Traps, Business Carts, -T Floats, Drays, fee, of the best ualfty, and &t nvwfc reasonable prices, call at the CARRIAGE WORKS, MOR- GAN PTRRET. PONTYPRIDD, when you will find one o the largest stock" in the principality. 4887

Pontypridd Cycling Club, Om Tuesday, the adjourned annual general meeting of the above club for the election of officers etc. for the ensuiag season was held at th- White Hart Hotel, when a good niimb, put in an appearance. The secretary (Mr G. L. Morgan; presented the balance sheet for the past season showing a small balance in hand which was considered to be very satisfactory when it ia remembered that the strike commenced within a month of the. forming of the club last year. Mr Edmund J. Leyshon, Tygraig, was elected president for this year., whilst the list of vice-prtndents is as follows:-Mem- ueo. Evans., Plasy- dderwen; J. G. Jones, Qlenview; P. Qowan, J.P., Hopkinistown; W. E. Kenard, Cardiff; Thomas Jones, Glenview; M. Wayne Morgan, Maesycoed; Morgan James, Barry; John Phillips, Treforeat. The following wer» ap- pointed officers:—Saturday section: captain. Mr James Evans; vioe-oaptain> Edward Yeo; buglers, Messrs J- l>reeoe Talesiiv Yeo; buglers, Messrs J- Preece. and Talesiiv Davies; Thursday section: captain, Mr David Hunt; vice-captain. Mr T. Lake; buglers, Messrs H. R- Hughes and Ernest Jenkins; trmmner, Igr Geo. Partltt; secretary, Mr Harry Jenkins in the place of Mr G. L. Morgan, who resigned; committee, Messrs G- L. Morgan (chairman), J. R. Brans. D. James. T. Knott, H. T. Thomas, J. Thomas, T. Gowan, and olgctals. The elub has become affiliated to the N.C.U. A list of runs for both sections has been drawn -up. and on Good Friday the openmg ran of the season will talee place. About 40 members have al- ready been enrolled, which speaks very well for the success of the club during the eosuinjp season.

Pontygwaith, The Pontygwaith evening school has been well attended this session. There were 6* present at the beginning, and of these over 50 attended to its close. Forty of that number took algebra and mensuration, the rest taking arithmetic, reading and composition. We think it is very creditable to such a small village as Pontygwaith possessing so large an evening school. The section taking mathe- matics were highly praised by the master for their regularity, punctuality and perseverance most of them doing second stage work. At the beginning of the session Mr Davies formed a chess and draughts club among the pupils, and they are likely to be heard of in the future. During the session an illustrated lecture on "A lump of coal" was given by Dr. T. H. llorris-Mr J. E. Jones, our local member being in tee chair. This was a rare treat and our sincere thanks are due to the Doctor who gave his lecture free. Later we had a treat wth the Gramophone, kindly lent by Mr G. Davies. Mr Harris; the schoolmaster ably presided. The school closed on January 26th. On January 27th a social tea. was held to wind up the session. The following ladies superin- tended at the tables:-Miss B. Davies, Miss M A. Jones, Miss A. Jones, Misa C. Jooes, Miss Hughes, Miss Matthews, Miss Roberts, Miss Millard and Miss K. Williams. Tea over, i varied and entertaining programme was gone through. Mr Stephen Williams presided while Mr Pritchard took the vice-chair. Songs were rendered by Messrs E. J. Harvey, H. Jones. and J. R. Thomas; dialogue between Masters Gwilym Jones and Robert Jones, while-Master J. T. Jones sang the Kanellaiae in French. Many entertaining gamee were conducted by Mr Williams, while Mr Davies and Mr Wil- liams gave us an explanation of thought read- ing. Amongst those present we noticed Rev. W. Williams and E. Edwards, evening school visitors: Mr T. Harrfe, checkweigher; Mr Theo Thomas, and Mr Parry. Ferndale. A thoroughly enjoyable evening was spent. L-

LOCAL PATENTS. This Weekly Uat of apo''>on* for in compiled hv WtrLiAM Y -Mvvf)rli. 0 7r. Oh*no<»rv Lane, ljondon. wr- R-lftnr < f ;f ,tff7tt This journal i*. the nvilr (\'1.0 fin. tirely in t,l,- intpresta of fnve rt is issued montlilv. price One Penn- •rvnn^h*' --ih, wription. post f. 3331. 15th February, William Frederick Richard?, Christopher James, Thomag Puls- ford Sims, and WiltiamTerrill. 42. St. George street, Swansea. Improvement in the manu- facture of artificial fuel. 3357. 15th February, David James and Alfred Pearson. Machine House, Henelys, near Newport, Moo. Safety spike for sus- pending underground safety lamps.

Unregistered Lodging Houses at Pontypridd. BREACH OF PUBLIC HEALTH ACT. At the Pontypridd Police Court, before the Stipendiary, Messrs Richard Lewis and W. H. Mathias, Evan Lewis, labourer, of High Street, Pontypridd, was summoned for keep- ing a. common lodging house without being registered within the intent and true meaning of the Public Health Act, 1875. Mr Thomas Phillips defended. Sergeant Rees gave evi- dence as to visiting the house in question and went upstairs, and in four beds he saw two men in each bed, in one small bench bed were two men, in the kitchen were two women. Sixteen persons were found on the premises besides the family. In the cross-examination by Mr Phillips, Sergeant Rees said he had no warrant to enter. Lewis was cursing and swearing and became very abusive. On all other occasions he had been courteous to the police. Mr Phillips contended Lewis could not have the control. Although he was nominally a tenant, he was drunk and could not control a lodging he use. There was no Lord Rowton system in Pontypridd. There were only two common lodging houses in so populous a place, and he asked their worships not to extend the mean- ing of the term common lodging house to lodgers who were weekly tenants taking tea and potatoes and such like by the eek. Lewis' wife had the control, and was the keeper. The Stipendiary observed that this case was a very Bad one and a fine of 12 and costs was imposed. James Churchill was also charged with' violating the provisions of the Public Health Act, 1875, with keeping a common lodging house at Graig Tecrace, Pontypridd, without being registered. Mr Thomas Phillips defen- ded. Police Sergeant Rees visited the houses, Nos. 23 and 30, Graig Terrace, and found several persons in bed. Churchill showed him about the house, and one man said that ht paid eightpence for two nights, and came there the day before. Cross-emmined by Mr Phillips, he said some were weekly lodgers. Two men came from Cardiff, and another man said he came from sea. The woman said she looked after No., 30. Mr Phillips contended that Churchill had no control over No. 50, and the other house was let to weekly lodgers who paid 3s. 6d. per week, receiving as privileges tea and potatoes. (Laughter). The others paid 12s. weekly for board and lodgings. Churchill was not a keeper of common lodging houses within the meaning of the Act. There was no evidence of any daily takings except one man who was probably sent as a spy by the police. He urged their worships not to extend the meaning of the term common lodg- ing house, there being no such accomodation as Rowton's House in Pontypridd. His, Worship, the Stipendiary, in delivering judgement said the Bench were satisfied they were common lodging houses frequented by migratory people. The houses should be registered or the practice given up. A fine of 10s. in each case was imposed together with costs.

_m"_4_ --w ]¡I 1"7!1 CAl.liPidiu ihi <J i' UUUlsCiL. The fortnightly meeting of the Caerphiily ■Mi^u'ict Couiiciii 'wias held at the Council OJJices on Tuesday, Major T. H. Duwdeswell, presiding. There were also present Councillors Wm. Thomas (vice-chairman), E. W. M. Corbett, Major H. M. Lindsay, Thos. Gregory, Lewis Williams, Dd. Thomas, J. P. Charles, D. E. Jones, Henry Anthony, and Eli Jenkins, with the clerk, Mr W. Spickett. Mr Charles complained of the dangerous state of a quarry at Llanbradach, from which, during blasting operations large stones fell through the roofs of houses, it was danger- ous to life and limb. Mr Eli Jenkins also re- ferred to a similar case at the new Barry Railway works at Taff's Well. A few days ago a large stone weighing about three pounds fell into a garden within a yard of a lady who was standing there, and this was at a distance ol 200 yeards from the scene of operations In the former case it was clecitleé1 to write the County Council on the matter, and in the latter to call the attention of the railway contractors. The Treasurer's report shewed that there was now an overdraft of £ 666 13s. lOd. against the Council at the bank. A memorial was received from the inhabi- tants of Nelson asking the Council to erec i a footbridge across the Mafon brook at Nelson It would be a great convenience as the foot- path was a "short cut" to Quakers' Yard, Treharris and Aberdare Junction. The Chair man explained that all that was necessary would be a railed plank at a cost not exceed- ing :£5. Messrs J. P. Charles, E. W. M. Corbett. and Major Lindsay objected to the application being granted. When a similar bridge was required at Llanbradach the inhabitants had to subscribe to pay for n., The application was refused, the voting being five to four. Mr Thos. Jones, the assistant overseer for Eg'wysilan Parish, wrote enquiring when the Council's new offices would be ready so that hu couTd prepare his demand notes for the new rate. Mr Corbett said the building would have to be extended if offices for the overseers were required. They could not go to that expense until the overseers agreed to lease such office accommodation for a period of years. Mr Corbett proposed that the surveyor see the assistant overseer to ascertain the require- ments of the overseers, and to prepare plans and estimates for the next meeting, with a view to giving them terms. This was agreed to. The C' "f Constable wrote stating that he had no objection to the police sergeant at Tongwynlais taking charge of the fire applian- ces at that place, and suggested that the sergeant be paid a remuneration of £ 2 per annum. The Council resolved to pay this amount. The manager of the Rhymney Railway wrote informing the Council that there would be no objection to 'the Council carrying out the sewerage works across the ground of the rail- way at Senghenydd on condition that the Council pay the Company £ 5 5s. for dis- turbance and easement in addition to any amount which they might be called to expend on behalf of the Council in the course of the execution of the work. He further stipulated that the work should be kept in repair by the Council who should, from time to time, repay the Company any expense that might be in, curred in the execution of such repairs and in ,tahme, snperintendeinoe, and the like. Also, Til case the company should at any time require it, the Council should make any neces- sary alterations in the position of the sewer and works at their own expense and thereafter maintain it. The Clerk did not consider that the Council were bound to accept any of the above con- ditions. The Council had the right to carry their sewers across 'the IrailwaYl- It was decided to reply stating that the Council in- tended carrying out their statutory powers in the matter. The County Surveyor wrote stating that there was no necessity of writing him about the culvert at Llanbradach, as the fencing of it had been ordered since the 27th of last month. In a letter to the Council the Ystradyfodwg and Pontypridd Main Sewerage Board stated that the flooding back in Rickard's Terrace, Taff's Well was caused through the Caer- philly Council not putting a valve to prevent this occurring. They now called upon the Council to put a valve on the sewer at once. The Surveyor thought it was not their duty to fix this valve as the drain was a. private one. The Council took no steps in the matter. The Clerk of the County Council, Mr Mansel Franklen, wrote expressing his surprise at the refusal of the Council to print the annual report of their Medical Officer. There was no other Council of equal importance that treated their medical officer in that way. (Laughter). Several members thought they were saving the ratepayers' money 1>1 not. printing the report. Mr A. O. Harpur; the surveyor, reported that the road from Aber to Eglwysilan had again got into a very bad condition due to continual excessive haulage of quarry stones for building purposes at Aber. He pointed out thai the road was exceedingly narrow, had a poor foundation, and no hazzard at either side for conveying away surface water. H had employed team labour for the purpose of hauling stones and the road was being scraped. The ruts had been filled in and metalled tothe best advantage by the Council's roadmen, but it was impossible to thoroughly make good this road until it was widened. A small committee was appointed to inspect the road. The Surveyor submitted illustrations and prices of verious systems of the incandescent lighting of street lamps. It was decided to experiment with two of the systems described. The pUana, stections (tad details of the Cardiff road improvements, prepared by the Surveyor, were ordered to be sent to the Local Government Board with n fiew to borrowing a sum of money to carry out the work. M!r Harpur also reported that the con- tractors had now (completed the work of converting Bryntirion House into Council offices. The only thing now remaining to be done was the decorating and furnishing. This was now left to the local members. Dr. T. W. Thomas, the medical officer, in his "monthly report stated: "From the 31st January to the 28th February, I have received J5 notifications of infetJtious diseases, viz., four scarlet fever, one erysipelas, and ten of diphtheria. THe cases of scarlet fever all occurtred at Senghenydd, thkee at No. 5, Kingsley Place, and one at 2, Station Road, t found on enquiring that the cases at No. 5, Krngsby Place, had suffered from diptheria It days before Christmas; that the drains were all right, and that they had obtained their milk from The case at Station Road is not far from the former, and possibly may have arisen from contagion. The soktary case „[ occurml Q »de Nantga™. of curred at Part Terrace, Co.^e.ci.! S:„ th. Huts Stanley St., and Station Terrace. SeM- Wdd; and Queen Aber. The tab,My of milk being „Mns of pr(T mg L"e dlsease 1 hav« already direcetd your attention to, and I would only here mention that I fear it had something to do with the production of the disease in some of the houses mentioned above. At 9, Queen Street, Aber, I am unable to account for the disease. The case at Cardiff Road. Caerphilly many have arisen from offensive smells said to have emanated from the drains at the luck of the house. Strict isolation as far as practicable o" other precautionary measures were advised and I hope we shall soon see the disappearance of this much drcaded and fatal disease. The returns from the registrar shew that about 20 deaths and 4i births w, re registered during January, giving a death and birth rate 0 15.7 and 34-.5 per 1,000 per annum respect- ively." Captain Lindsay said that in spite of all that had been ;cid in the press and by the Council, not a single case of disease had been reported from Llanbradach for. the last two months. Mr W. Thomas proposed that the Council adopt, part 11 of the Public iloalth Acts Amendment Act, 1890, to come into operation 01 the 8th April. By adopting this Act the Council acquired the power to make bye-laws with regard to the laying of tel<raph wires in the district. The motion was carried. Mr Lewis' Williams proponed that the num- ber of polling clerks sanctioned at the last meeting be reduced, but his motion was defeated. The tender of Mr Thomas Kossiter, Caer- philly, at £ 12,603 was accepted for the construction of sewerage works in the Aber Valley. Owing to the rearrangement of the wards some confusion seems to exist among the elec- tors as to the polling districts, and the Clerk, for the information of the ratepayers had prepared particulars of the boundaries of the different wards which we -.ppend:- Ystradymynach Ward This is the old ward, and at the rearrangement there was added to ii, the portion in the Parish of Eglwysilan as far as the old turnpike gate, Pwllypant. Thenco down to the Rhymney river, and up to Penheol-las Farm,taking in the Ystrad ward only the east side of the road from the Rhym- ney river to Penheol Laa, and the north side of the rood from the turnpike to Rhymney river. Aber Ward: This ward took a portion of the north west portion of the Town Ward, the boundary line being the road from old Furnace to Ton-On. Everything to the west of that road. except Sloper's ecttages, Penyrheol, which were specially sanctioned to be included ii the Town Ward. L also took a portion of Taff's Well Ward. the adjoining portion going to the Town Ward. The boundary of the above ward from the Town Ward there- fore is the road from Old Furnace to Groeswen the northern side being the boundary. All houses on that road are included in the Town Ward. Town Ward: The tfiew Town Ward is almost the same as the old Town Ward. The boundaries already given as between Ystrad- mynach and Aber shew the boundaries at those points and as between the present Town Ward and the present Taff's Well Ward. The boundary is the road between Rhiwbina and Black Coek, thence from Blackcock past Penrhos to the Nantgarw road at Tyfri and up to Groeswen road to the point where- it joins the road for Eglwysilan. The whole of the houses on this road are included in the Town Ward. 1