Glamorgan Free Press

PONTYPRIDD DISTRICT COUNCIL. The fortnightly meeting of the Pontypridd Council was held at the Council Chambers on Tuesday, Mr P. Gowan, J.P., presiding. The attendance included Councillors James Roberts H M. Rowland, W. Jones-Powell, F. G. Ed- wards, Edward Williams, H. Bramwell, W. Lewis, W. T. Leyshon, R. L. Phillips, Watkin Williams, W. H. Gronow, Hopkin Morgan, with the surveyor (Mr Edward Rees). A letter was read from the Pontypridd ? chamber of Trade asking the Council to fix swing gates on the Graig Helfa pathway past Hendre Prosser Farm. The matter was re. fcrred to a committee. The Taff Vale Railwuy Company replied that the work of improving High street Bridge was not being delayed through any fault of theirs, and the work would be usbed forward f1, rapidly as possible. The Overseers replied to the Council stating that they had increased the assessment of the Recreation Ground (People's Park). Mir W. H. Rees, science master at the County School, wrote saying that he had had a case of diphtheria at his house, and on the 28th February the Sanitary Inspector visited the premises and condemned the drainage. On enquiring he founj. that, no notice had been served upon his landlord until Saturday lest, the 13th inst. This had caused him great in- convenienoe, and it appeared to him to be a serious neglect of duty. Mr Rowland, the inspector. was asked for au explanation, and stated that the contractor bad been engaged to carry out the wcrk. Mr W. Jones-Powell: What about the delay in serving the notice from February 2Sth to HOW? Mr Rowland: The thing is not so very ser- ious as all that. Mr Jones-Powell: A case of diphtheria is Serious at any time. Mr Rowland: This is a very mild cas*. Mr Powell: Mr Rowland seems to think when instructions are given him at a Council meeting that it will do if notice is served a day before the next Council meeting. Mr Fred Edwards: Personally, I think it is better to err on the other side, and serve a notice the day before the meeting when the Case warrants it. The Joint Sewerage Board gave notice that iDr Friday their precept would be issued for a rata of 2Id. in the £ for the half-year. On the motion of Mr James Roberts, secon- ded by Mr Fred Edwards, the seal of the Council was fixed to a petition to Parliament in favour of the rating of ground values. The Surveyor reported having accompanied the County Surveyor over the Rhondda Road "ith reference to a contribution from the bounty Council towards the maintenance of that road. Mr Edwards was satisfied as to its Condition, and asked him (the Surveyor) to Submit plans to the County Council. He suggested that an application be made to the Merthyr and Aberdare Sewerage Com. mittee for the land required for the approach to the proposed footbridge over the River Taff ■at Cilfynydd.—This it was decided to do. The Surveyor also reported that the seats On the Common were constantly being damaged four of them were now past repair, the cast- 'ings being broken and the wcodwork taken away. Mr James Roberts would like to see a man engaged to look lfter the Common. It only required the lat s;raw to bring down the large rocks OVl rhanging- the public road. They should be pinned and made safe. If a pathway Were made on the verge of the Common, it would be acceptable to many people who went that way for a walk. The appearance of the Common could, be improved, and the whole place could be kept in proper order if a man were engaged to look after it. Mr Jones-Powell suggested that the Public Works Committee should visit the place, and report to the Council on the matter.—Mr R. L. Phillips seconded, and the motion was agreed to. Sanitary Inspector Rowland reported that he had not been notified of a single case of infectious disease in his district. The five cases Of typhoid at the People's Park were now practically convalescent, and the instructions given by the Medical Officer had been carried out. At present there was no further out- break cf the disease reported. He had visited the fish frying premises adjoining the Colliers' Arms, Mill street, and found that the most im. proved appliances were used for the business, and he received no complaints. Mr L. G. Lenox wrote asking the Council Dot to delay the work of making the road for carts through his field to the old ford. This Was referred to the Public Works Committee. The driver of the steam roller was, on his application, given an increase in bis wages. Mr James Roberts reported that the Fire Brigade called their attention to the fact that the telephones of the Fire Brigade were con- siderably interfered with. The wires had been taken down and put back improperly. The Telephone people refused to listen to any remonstrance on the part of the officers of the 'fengade. The firemen fcad been called up several times owing to the carelessness of the men in relaying the wires, and on other occa- sions the wires were out and left so overnight. This was a very serious matter, and might be the means of causing a great deal of trouble. He moved that the Clerk write to the Tele- phone "people" on the subject agreed to. The Public Works Committee reported that Mr W. Jones-Powell had refused the offer cf the Council for the alterations to Mr John ■Evans' (draper) shop), and they bad therefore deferred the further consideration of the mat- ter. Tenders were rrm, ved for the construction Of a cabstand in Market Square, and that of Mr William levies, Hopkinstown, at £ 65 15s W63 accepted. Mr W. G. Gale's (Pontypridd) tendor of £23 2s for 44 yards of iron railings for tho Trallwn Bridge on the overflow on the canal. as accepted. Tenders were also received for corrugated '*ÏJ'On rocfmcy for the retort and other 'hou i-It the Gas Works, and that of Mr W. G. Gale at L25 2s was accepted.

BAKSNGI COWDEKi 4OH s

OVERSEERS AND COUNCIL. A Retirement and Appointment. At Tuesday's meeting of the Pontypridd Dis- trict Council, the following report was received frcm the Pontypridd Overseers:- "Parochial Offices, Pontypridd. March, 1899. To the Chairman and Members of the Ponty- pridd Urban District Council. Gentlemen,—The period fer which we werv re-elected overseers is about to expire, and we would respectfully bring to your notice some of the leading features which have arisen dur- ing our renewed period of office. The year opened out ominously, for we were brought face to face with the calamitous strike, which brought in its train so much that very materially interfered with the industrial life of our district. For five weary months the disturbance para- lysed our district, and we were not without much anxiety that considerable difficulty woula have to be experienced in making provision for the large calls made upon us. We are glad to 63 able to record that we have been able to meet the demands set forth, and to state that, notwithstanding that the rateable value of our parish has been considerably affected, we have been in a position to arrange without an in- creased rate; and we may say that we hope that a rate at sixteen pence in the pound will suffice to meet the expenditure of public bodies during the coming harf-year. We submit the following figures: — Half-year ended the 29th September, 1898. Gross, ;E!9,525 6s; ratable, £ 166,076. Half-year ending 25th March, 1899: Gro&s, L184,765 17s; ratable. E158,292 15s. Half-yoor ending 29th September, 1899 (ap- prox): Gross, £ 178,656 14s; ratable, £ 153,422 5s, Since the strike the nett decrease in assess- ment has been: Gross, E15,669 2s; ratable, 912,4-42 10s. CALLS PAID. School Board: During the half-year ending 29th September, 1898, £ 3,500; ditto ending 25th March, 1899, £ 3,500; total, £ 7,000. Guardians.—During the half-year ended 29th September 1898, £ 5,400; ditto ending 25th March, 1899. £ 6,000; total, £ 11,400. Burial Board.—During the half-year ending 29th September, 1898, £ 600; ditto ending 25th Ma-ch, 1899. £ 600; total, £ 1,200. Estimated expenditure during the half-year ending September, 1899: School Board, £ 3,500; Guardians, E6,000, Burial Board, E625 10s; total, ;cio,im, 10s. RATE. Poor rate made 26th April, 1898 Is 4d in the £ ditto 28th October, 1898, Is 4d in the £ estimated poor rate for the coming half-year, Is 4d in the E. The influence of the strike on assessment has not yet been fully met, for the next rate will b affected, though in a lesser degree. PAROCHIAL OFFICES. We submit copy of an order issued to the overseers of the Parish of Pontypridd by the Local Government Board under date 16th April. 1898. Parochial Office, Pontypridd Union, Parish of Pontypridd, 16th April, 1898. To the Overseers of the Poor of the Parish of Pcntypridd, in the County of Glamorgan, and to all others whom it may concern. Whereas the Population of the" said Parish of Pontypridd. according to the last census, exceeds four thousand persons. And whereas the Urban District Council of Pontypridd (acting under the authority of the Order of the Local Govememnt Board dated the 17th day of January, 1898, transferring to the Council certain powers of the Vestry of the Parish of Pontypridd) at a meeting held on the 8th day of February, 1898, passed a resolution consenting to the provision by the overseers of the parish of Pontypridd of Par- ochial Offices for the Parish of Pontypridd, and to their holding the present parochial offices of Pontypridd for the purpose of an office for fiho transaction of the business of the parish, and also to the provision and hold- ing of the furniture therein And whereas application in writing has been made to us, the Local Government Board. to issue an order to give effect to the Resolution above referred to. Now, therefore, ;n pursuance of the powers given to us by the Parochial Offices Act, 1861, all,1 by any other Statutes in that behalf, we do, by this Order, under our seal, signify our consent to the holding by the Overseers of the Poor of the said Parish of Pontypridd, of the premises referred to in the said resolution, of the Urban District Council of Pontypridd,such premises to be appropriated for the purpose of offices for the transaction of the business of the said parish. Given under the Seal of Office of the Local Government Board, :this sixteanth day of April, in the year One thousand eight hundred and ninety eight. HenryChaplin, President. S. B. Provis Assistant Secretary.' During the year the Overseers of Pontypridd have made a claim upon the overseers of the Parish of Llanwonno and Ystradyfodwg for payment of a fair share of the expenditure of coal, gas, rates, etc., incurred in the mainten- ance of these offices. No rent is, or has been charged for the joint use of these offices (in accordance with agreement) but the overseers regarded it as manifestly unfair and unjust to burden the Parish of Pontypridd with this additional expenditure when the benefit and advantage was not exclusively that of the Par- isb. The overseers of Ystradyfodwg favourably entertained the claim, and paid the amount then duo. but the overseers of Llanwonno de- nied liability, and left us no alternative but to prosecute our claim in a court of law. The matter came before his Honour Judge Gwilym Williams at Mountain Ash County Court, who decided that tho overseers of Pontypridd were entitled to claim, but his final decision as to the amount to be paid was postponed. The total claim entered against Llanwonno was for M 14s Id, which was based (pro rata) to the ratable value of the parishes or sections of parishes using the offices. OPENING OF OFFICES ON SATURDAY In our last report we referred to this matter. A copy of letter from the Local Government Board gave us their final resolutions in refer- ence thereto. (COPY). 'Local Government Board, Whitehall, S.W. 10th June, 1898. Sir,—I am directed by the Local Govern. meat Board to advert to your letter of the 27th of April last relative to your proceedings as collector of poor rates for that part of the parish of Pontypriidd, formerly part of the Parish of Llanwonno. The Board have given the matter in dispute between yourself and the Overseers of the Poor of the Parish their careful consideration, and they direct me to state that they are of opin- ion that the Order of the Overseers that the office should be kept open on Saturdays for the receipt of rates between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. is a reasonable one, and must be obeyed by you as collector. With regard to the question as to whether you should institute and attend proceedings against defaulters, the Beard direct me to state that it is open to the Overseers to direct you to institute and attend to the proceedings in the cases mentioned, and that if they do so it will be your duty to carry out such direc- tions. I am to add that the Board understand that though the Assistant Overseer has custody of the rate book it is kept at the parish offices, and is available for reference by you when re- quired. I am, etc., W. E. KNOLLYS, Assistant Secretary. Mr Wm. Phillips, Collector of Poor Rates, Pontypridd.' PAROCHIAL OFFICES. We, as overseers, are still stubbornly denied certain claims in these premises, to which we are advised we are justly and exclusively en- titled, and we regard it as incumbent that these rights should be acquired in the interests of the Parish. ASSESSMENT OF PARISH RAILWAYS. We have been mindful of this matter, and have made recommendations to the Assessment Committee in this direction. We have reason to believe that the importance of the subject wili secure early and adequate consideration at the hands of the committee. REGISTRATION EXPENDITURE. We have to state that the average expendL ture in our parish for the last three years has been £80 18 2d, ascompared with JS208 18s in the year 1895. COUNTY COURT PROCEEDINGS.— DECISION. We have to report further that his Honour Judge Williams has to-day given his decision in favour of the Pontypridd Overseers for £ 21. Signed,— W. JONES. t. JOHN LEWIS. FREDERICK HILL. MORGAN THOMAS. Overseers of the Parish of Pontypridd." Mr James Roberts proposed that the four Ct%erseers bo tre-elected. There were several reasons why it was desirable to ask those gentlemen to continue. The work done had proved to the Council that the Overseers were men of much capability in dealing with paroch- ial matters. They had experienced a great deal of trouble one way or another, but what- ever they undertook they carried out success- fully. They did not know how soon further trouble might arise, and on that account ne strongly felt that for the present year at any rate the same men should be re-elected. The re-assessment of certain properties should bo taken up, particularly railways. Railways had had quiet for many years, and some of them had actually been quadrupled. Those that formerly had two lines now had four, and the carrying power had been enormously increased. Tho traffic at Cardiff shewed a growth of a million annually. He was not aware of any increase at all in the ratable value for many years. The Barry Railway, when it was star- ted, had a carrying capacity of about two mil- lions, now it was between'five and six millions tons of coal, and up to the present he did not think the Barry's ratable value had been in- creased. He, therefore, thought the men who had that matter in hand should continue in office. They had served them well and effici- ciently for the last four years. The Chairman read a letter from Mr John Lewis, one of the overseers, stating that he did not seek re-election as overseer. Mr W. Lewis seconded Mr Roberts' proposi- tion, and added that Assessment Committee dealt with the assessment of railways, which they had valued by experts. The Assessment Committee placed very great reliance upon the valuations of the present oversears, and they very rarely altered them. Mr W. T. Leyshon proposed Mr John Ley- shon, Graig, an old overseer, in place of Mr John Lewis, who had resigned. Mr Edward Williams seconded. Mr Watkin Williams did not altogether agree with all Mr Roberts had said. A deal of good might be said with regard to the pre- sent overseers, but the Council bad called their attention to the Mill Field and the Taff Valo. They should have seen to that matter them- selves. He thought it was desirable in the interests of the ratepayers that they should make one change in the place of Mr William Jones. The waterworks had a big value in the district, and they knew his connection with it, and they could not say he was unbiassed. He thought it desirable, therefore, to have a man whose position would not make his so biassed as Mr Jones might be. He proposed Mr John Evans in his stead. Mr Jones-Powell said Mr John Evans would not act. Mr William Jones held the position of being one of the most unbiassed men in the town, and he had done his duty to the satis- faction of all. Mr Fred Edwards seconded Mr Watkin Wil- liams' motion. The voting resulted: Messrs Morgan Thomas 10; Frederick Hill, 10; John Leysbon, 12; William Jones, 8; and John Evans, 4. The first-named four were, therefore, declared elec- ted.

PONTYPRIDD POLICE-COURT Pontypridd--Wednesday. Before the Stipendiary (Mr J. Ignatius Wil- liams, Dr Hunter, Alderman R. Lewis, ana Councillor P. Gowan. SHEBEENINQ AT HAVOD. Edward Matthews 0%), a collier, residing Havod, was summoned for selling beer with- out a licence on Saturday night, the 11th nist. Mr James Phillips, solicitor, Pontypridd, pro- secuted on behalf of the police. P.C. Gwilym gave evidence. He said that in company with P.C. Lucas he watched the defendant's house from 12.30 on Saturday night until 2.50 on Sunday mo-ning, concealing them- selves about 25 yards fium the house. During that time they saw 27 nen and women enter and leave the house. Tuey afterwards raided the house, and found the defendant, his wife, and three men in a rooi i. The defendant was very drunk, and his wif.\ also; she was in the act of drinking at the me. The men found on the premises were J'hn Harris, a man liv- ing at Havod; Evan Da vies, Concrete Houses, Dinas, and Aaron Davits, Cymmer. A quart ju* was found nearly ful of beer on the table, and a half pint measun' full. There was also a 4-& gallon cask on tap half full. Matthews, in reply to the officer G dlym, said, "We have clubbed together for the cask of beer." Harris said, "Tell the truth, Tèod." Evan and Aaron Davies then said, "We have not clubbed any. Witness further added that defendant was a collier. He had four !le children, and sel- dom did any work. v P.C. Lucas corroborated the evidence given by Constable Gwilym Defendant did not call any witnesses on hi: behalf, but elected io give evidence himself. He said, I have never rold a jug of beer in my hfe. All it is I had a little cask because it was a cheaper way of having beer. There was no row in the house. John Harries gave me 4s 6d to fetch the boer from Leyshon's Brewery, and I met the other met. in the Britannia Hotel on going home, and they clubbed together also. Mr Phillips produced a list showing that defendant had had eleven 4t casks and three nine gallon casks from. Mr Leyshon's Brewery since Christmas. On Boxing day he had had a nine and a 4 gallon cask. Complaints had also been made that defen- dant's bouse had also been used for immoral pui poses, young men anct women frequenting tliv place. The Stipendiary told defendant that hb would find it mu:h more p .ofitable to carry on hi. work as a collier than to carry on this illicit trading in beer. He would be fined J5 and costs, or go to priso for a month with hard labour. TIRED OF THE ARMY. Frederick Daniel, a young collier bailing from Ferndale, was charged with desertion from the 41st Welsh Regiment. P.S. Ponytz stated that shortly before 7 o'clock on Tues- day morning, he arrested accused at Tylorstown In reply to the charge he admitted the offence, an(' stated that he had ten days' furlough last January, and that he had destroyed his uni- form. P.C. Stibbs, Treforest, said he saw the defendant at the Treforest Railway Sta- tion on the 11th January. He was carrying a parcel. The next morning he (the constable) was called to a coal-house, -There he found tht defendant's uniform and overcoat. Superin- tendent Cole explained that the defendant had not been gazetted, and the Bench remanded him in custody for seven days. A COLLIER IN TROUBLE. Evan Ganfield, a young collier, now of Fern- dale, but formerly of Havod, was charged with obtaining, by means of false pretences, the sum of jE7 7s 6d on the 4th of February last from the offices of the Lewis Merthyr Navigation Colliery Company at Havod. Hopkin Priest, fireman at the colliery, said prisoner was em- ployed at the Trevor Pit, Havod, on the date in question, together with a partner named Joseph Small. Charles Oatridge, overman at th colliery, said he was engaged giving out pay tickets between one and two o'clock on the afternoon of the 4th February last. Pri- soner came to the window, and called out 2008, and he handed him a pay ticket for that number. It represented L7 7s 6d. Later in the afternoon a man named John Lloyd came and called out the same number; then he dis- covered that he had already given out the ticket. Joseph Small, the man referred to as prison- er's working partner, said their pay number was 208. On Saturday, February 4th, prisoner brought £1 7s 6d to him at the colliery and said he had risen the money. He went to get change, and when he returned prisoner had gone. Cross-examined by prisoner: He did not tell him to slip it. When he counted out the money he found out that he had received more money than was due to him. When arrested by P.S. Richards and charged with the offence, prisoner replied: "Yes, I re- ceived the money, but I gave Joe (meaning his partner) some of it afterwards. He said I gave him a ;Cl, and again corrected himself and said it was 25s." Prisoner was committed to take his trial at the Quarter Sessions, bail not being allowed. ALL ABOUT A RUNAWAY DAUGHTER. An elderly married man named Isaac WaL lace, of Havod, was summoned by Mrs Mary Jane Lewis, of 4, Llewelyn street, Havod, for assault on Saturday, 11th inst. Mr James Phillips prosecuted; defendant was not legally represented. Complainant in evidence, said that defendant came to her house on the date in question to enquire after his daughter, who had run away from him. He was told that his daughter was not there, but be persisted in saying that she was. Complainant's husband then appeared upon the scene, and defendant went up to him and said, "Are you a man?" In a scuffle which ensued between defendant and her husband defendant deliberately kicked her on the hip, causing a big bruise. He also attempted to kick her a second time. A neighbour named Mrs Aerial stated that she saw defendant deliver the kick. She bad also seen the bruise caused; it was black and blue. Defendant, who had no witnesses to call, swore on oath that he had not kicked com- plainant; she must have received the bruise by falling down. He admitted seuffling with the husband, but it was he that had struck him first, and his wife came on to scram him, and he pushed her away. He could not swear that she fell by the blow. The Stipendiary aid that the Bench highly disapproved of such conduct as he had been guilty of. Be would have to pay a fine of JE2, including cost«, or go to gaol for a month with hard labour.

Presentation to Dr. Roberts, at Ystrad Rhondda. An event which had been looked forward to with unusual interest came off at Ystrad Rhondda, on Thursday evening last, that being the farewell meeting to Dr R. E. Roberts upon his departure to take up an important practice at Portmadoc, North Wales. Dr Roberts had only been a short time at Ystrad Rhondda, but during that time he had proved himself to be a man, once known, always admired. He al- ways appeared the same towards the poor as the rich; made no distinctions, but served everyone well and faithfully. lIe had ample opportunity of proving what he was made of, during the late epidemic of typhoid fever, which was at its worst in his district, and the manner he worked then drew praise from all. On Thursday evening a dinner was given in bis honour at the Gelligaled Hotel, when about 50 sat to a splendid spread prepared in their usual manner by Host and Hostess Morgan, When justice had been done to the toothsome viands, and the tables cleared, Mr David Lloyd, Ystrad, took the chair and filled it to overflowing, as is his custom. It is sufficient to say he was in good form. He spoke of the loss the district sustained by the departure of Dr Roberts, and hoped he would prove as valuable to the Portmadoc folks as he had done here. Dr W. E. Thomas, M.D., of Llys- ygraig, spoke in his capacity of late employer of Dr Roberts, and said that to know him was to love him; a better and more faithful assis- tant he had never come across. His first con- sideration always was his duty, and he thought the Portmadoc people had been very lucky indeed in securing him. Mr Thomas Thomas, merchant, said he could not allow the occasion to pass without paying his compliment to Dr Roberts; he had found him to be a. young man that went straight to your heart when you met him .and he wished him every success in the future. The Chairman called upon Mr Mor- gan Davies, under-manager, Bodringallt Col- lieries, as chairman of the committee, to make the presentation of a beautiful gold watch and chain to Dr Roberts. Mr Davies said: Mr Chairman and Gentlemen,—It has fallen to my lot to hand over this present to Dr Roberts, the committee having decided to confer this honour upon me as their chairman. I hope you will sympathise with me, as this is my first attempt at speaking in public. I had pre- pared a short speech suitable for an ordinary class of audience, but when I look around I see some well-known puplic representatives here that would soon transfer my little effort, to eternal oblivion, although it had taken me a fortnight to prepare it. ("No, no."). So I will abandon it. ("Go on."). Dr Roberts, on behalf of the committee and subscribers gener- ally I ask you to accept this gold watch and chain, with appropriate inscription and mono- gram engraved, as a slight token of our appre- ciation of your past services. Your stay among us was very short, but during that short stay, you endeared yourself to all. Your unflagging energies, your strict attention and devotion to duty, called forth the praise of all, and besides that, your pleasant conversation and your genial countenance, was as good as medicine to me and many others. As I said before, your stay was but short, but before you had been here three months, many of us had come to the conclusion that we should not keep you very long, as a man of your calibre, character, and many abilities, could never be expected to fi 1 a subordinate position for long. So our sorrow was mingled with joy when we heard that you had attained a higher and better posi- tion, and we hope that you will attain still higher ones, as we consider you worthy to fill any position of honour and responsibility that your noble profession could bestow upon you. I shall not say much more in that direction, fearing you may think I am flattering you. I am not doing that, and if flattery were needed I would at once call upon our worthy chiarman <o do that part, which lie could do with such credit. We hope that in whatever part of the world Providence will place you, when you look at this watch, you will remember that you have true bosom friends at Ystrad Rhondda, and should anything ever crop up between you and the people of North Wales, tell them -it. once that the people of South Wales are waiting with open arms to receive you back at any moment. May heaven bless your future career, and our hearts' desire is that you may live long. have good health, and every pros- perity. (Hear, hear). Dr Roberts very briefly returned thanks, his remarks being hardly audible through emotion, He said he always tried to do his duty tho- roughly and well, and if that had been the cause of his receiving these beautiful presents, then he felt more grateful still, He would never forget the impressions of good feelings he had heard that evening. Songs were given by Mr Idris Williams and Mr Dan Llewelyn, and Mr L. Lewis officiated at the piano.

Distressing Death at Aber. One of the most distressing deaths occurrec. at Aber on Saturday morning last. The vic- tim was Alfred Tottle, a haulier about 40 years of age, and residing at the Mill Row, r.ear the Schools. Mr Tottle had been in the err.ploy of Mr Winnell, Aber, for about nine years, and on Saturday morning last got up at 4.30 a.m. as usual with the intention of pro- ceeding to his work. On getting out of bed, he complained to his wife of severe pain in the region of the heart, and soon afterwards fell in a kneeling posture by the side of the bed. Seeing the case serious Mrs Tottle ran for medical assistance, but on her return found hr husband already dead, and by the position of the body it was evident he had suffered an agonising death. It is presumed that death was due to heart disease, for Tottle was a ro- bust man and of a healthy constitution. Great sympathy is being extended the widowed wife and four children left to mourn his loss.

A Book for Ladies. The information contained in this book ought to be known by every married woman, and it will not harm the tinmarried to read. The hook is conveniently divided into twelve chapters. The nrft chapter treats on womanhood. The second chapter treats of marriage from a doctor's standpoint; points out the best age for marriage, and furnishes useful information that one can ordinarily get only from an intelligent doctor. The third chapter treats of the marriage of blood relations and condemns such marriages as a rule. Certain people believe that women should bring forth in pain and trouble, but the hygienic physician nays that confinements can be made comparatively easy if certain rules are obeyed; these rules are given. The tenth chapter tells how to treat the mother till she is up and about again. The bonk is full of useful information, and no book ia written which goes so thoroughly into such matters. Some may think too much is told; such can acarcely be the case, for knowledge is power and the means of attaining happiness. The book can be had in envelope from Dr. T. R. Allison, 2M Box, 4. Spanish Place, Manchester Square, London, W., in return for a postal order for la. M. 4394

Letters to the Editor. The Bditor, white welcoming letters on all public topics, does Dot ookl hmielf 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 foj insertion. All communications must be accompanied by the correct DAme and address of the writer, not necessarily for pub- lication, but aa a guarantee of good faith.

CWMPARK EISTEDDFOD. To the Editor. Dear Sir,—Allow me a little space in your valuable paper to make reference to the ad- judication on the choral competition in con- nection with the competitive meeting held at Cwmpark on the 25th February. The report alipeared in your last week's issue, and the prize was awarded to the Cwmpark Choir, conducted by Mr W. Butler. As one of the audience present on the occasion, I am desir- ous of pointing out the apparent inconsistency of the adjudicator, Mr Theophilus Thomas, Pontvgwaith, whose decision in favour of the Park Choir was as unpopular as it was unde serving. Three choirs sang, the Cwmpark Minstrs, Cwmpark United, and the Treorky Musio Lovers, in the order named. When the competition was over, there appeared no hesitation whatever regarding the ultimate winner. The unanimous opinion prevailed that the latter choir, hailing from Treorky, were clearly the superior on all points. They gave a better rendering of the test piece "Dyddiau dyn sydd fel glaswelltyn." They appeared to have sang all the movements as demanded by th. copy, in excellent style, and the singing was characterised with all requisite touches. Th< rendering of the choir that secured the prixe would hardly bear favourable comparison with that of the Treorky Choir. The award of th adjudicator came, therefore, as a great sur- prise, and as an unbiassed and impartial read- er, I would feel obliged if -r Thomas,through your columns, would state the reason for his peculiar decision. Fairness and justice is equally as important in our small competitive meetings as in a National Eisteddfod, and Mr Thomas's explanation, whatever he has to give, should be given publicity, and that with de- tail. Thanking you tn anticipation.—I am, etc., JUSTICE.

♦ "ENGLISH" IN EISTEDDFODU. To' the Editor. Dear Sir,—In a local Eisteddfod which was held last Saturday, tue adjudicator, in his general remarks on the Male Voice Competi- tion, referred to the fact that the test piect had been sung by one of the choirs in English, and attempted to ridicule it, saying "that there was too much English in the Eisteddfodau ot today, and that what we required was more Welsh; in fact, his tone gave us the impres- sion that this choir, by singing in English had committed a grievous error. This was a state- ment made in a strictly bi-lingual Eisteddfod, and he himself spoke in English in delivering his adjudication. Some of the Welsh at this gathering reminded us of the following state- I ment announcing the result of a preliminary contest: t':Mae'r adjudicator wedi selecto dau competitor i appearo ar y stage." Now, Sir, I wish to emphatically protest against such narrow-minded ideas concerning the position of Welsh and English in the Eisteddfod. Every person of ordinary knowledge knows that the chief language of Wales to-day is the English language. In discussing this point, a Cardiff contemporary says "No one in his senses can find fault with the use of English on these occasions. Mr Tom John, Llwynypia, speak- ing at Penarth, also gave it as his opinion that the Eisteddfod should not be strictly bound dcwn to the Welsh-speaking part of the com- munity. A large number of the competitors on Saturday evening were English-speaking Welsh- men, who did not understand many of the re- marks made. We can excuse fads in old people, but when young men go on in this fashion, it makes a mock of true patriotism. I am a Welsnman, and love my country and my tongue, but I Sail to see why we should ex- clude our English friends from our National Welsh institution. Let the Eisteddfod re- main Welsh in its ideas and customs, but am Eisteddfod conducted only in "yr hen iaith" wculd he a very poor affair indeed.—Thanking you in anticipation, I remain, yours truly, ILLTYD.

Working Men's Crubs. To the Editor. Sir,—My attention has recently been drawn t. the raid made some time ago by the police on the Tylorstown Workmen's Club and Insti- tute, and the result of that raid ought to make ail the members of similar clubs unite for the purpose of mutual defence, 10 check the ar- bitrary exercise of the power possessed by the police, and to appeal to higher courts when tlii magistrates support the police in their un- warrantable interference with the rights of workmen. The club referred to provided ex- cellent literature, harmless enjoyment, and reasonable recreation for those who wished to joi i it. It was registered under the Friendly Societies Act, and ita accounts were ao&ited bv one of the best known public auditors in South Wales. There being no public library or reading-room in the locality, a large numbers of persons gladly availed themselves of the well-stocked library and reading-room of this useful and generous institution, which, it may be mentioned, gave away last year upwards of forty guineas towards Cardiff Infirmary, Porth Hospital, Porthcawl Rest, and similar organi- sations. Even since the unfortunate raid, and notwithstanding the great cost entailed there- by, the club has bem able to send further donations of five guineas to each of the above- mentioned institutions, as well as a contribu- tion to the Society for the Prevention of Cru- elty to Children. No one has a higher regard than I have for the admirable police force of this country-a body of men who are the envy of Continental countries. let, as a lawyer of several years' standing, I am reluctantly com pelled to admit that sometimes they break the very laws they ought to enforce, and interfere with the very nghts they ought to safe-guard. The magistrates who convicted in this case are gentlemen of the highest standing, and are probably members of clubs themselves- but as men of the worla Iley know perfectly well that n) club or any other human institution is at. ways carried on with mathematical precision anJ unerring accuracy. Some of the rules of tho best clubs in the land are violated or i ncred every year, gimply because imperfect humanity cannot frame perfect rules suitable for unforeseen contingencies. How, then, can either the police or the magistrates expect to find that perfection in a body of uneducated working men, which is missing in those aristo- cratic clubs, which are never raided by the police? I have yet to learn that either a might irregularity in the method of electing a committee, or an error in the accounts, has the magic effect of turning a workmen's institute into a shebeen or an unlicensed drinking shop. Neither do I know of any law wtich inflicts a peralty upon a registered Friendly Society for inadvertent non-observance of rules. In con- clusion. I strongly urge all genuine clubs either to combine or to lay aside a part of their pro- fils, for purposes of self-defence.—I am, etc., BARRISTER-AT-LAW.

Parish Council of Llantwit Fardre. On Monday evening in last week the annual meeting for the election of Parish Councillors tcok place at the Board School, Church Vil- lage. Rev T. Richaras was voted to the chair, and Mr D. Chubb. Graig Board Schools, Pont- ypridd, and Mr T. Williams, Church Village, were chosen as "tellers, Mr H. S. Davies (clerk to the Parish Council) and Mr J. Phil- lips (deputy-clerk), were present. There were 13 candidates for 11 seats, and the voting re- sulted as under:— ELECTED. 1. Rev John Jenkins, Vicar 22 2. Mr W. Chubb, Schoolmaster 2u 3. Mr T. Williams, Railwayman 19 4. Mr Evan Griffiths, grocer 18 5. Mr E. Coleman, Blacksmith 17 6. Mr Roderick Lewis, Collie 16 7. Mr Edwin Morgan, Farmer 15 8. Mr Lewis Williams, SohooL master 15 9. Mr Thomas Dunstan, Clerk 14 10. Mr Edward Jenkins, Commis- sion Agent 12 11. Mr Thomas Rees, Grccer 12 NON-ELECTED. 12. Mr R. Williams,Railwayman 11 13. Mr Rosser, collier 6 Messrs Thomas Rees and R. Williams "tied" for the 11th seat, with 11 votes each, and the former secured election by receiving the cast- ing vote of the Chairman. The new Council- Icrs are Messrs E. Coleman, T. Dunstan, and E Jenkins.

Funeral of Mr Evaq John, Yqyshir. On Thursday the mortal remains of Mr Evan Jchn were interred in the family vault at the historic graveyard of Groeswen Chapel. The deceased was 53 years of age, and was connec- ted with several of the families at Ynyshir, being brother to Mrs Thomas, Brynawel, and to Mrs Moses Powell. The funeral cortege, consisting of hearse and about 20 carriages, wended its way to Groeswen. The mourners included Mrs Thomas. Brynawel; Mr W. J. Thomas, Brynawel, and the Misses Thomas; Mr and Mrs Moses Powell, Master Emlyn and Tommy Powell, Miss Lala. Powell, Mrs Thomas, Cross Farm, Cardiff; Miss Thomas, Mr William John and family, Pantglas; M* Thomas John and Mrs John, Mr and Mrs Jen- kins, Rhydfelin; Mr David John, Rhydfelin; Mrs C. Jenkins, Mr W. Jenkins.and the Misses Jenkins, Mr and Mrs Jones, Mi* Thomas, Waunrhydd, Miss Thomas, Mr Thomas, Tyny- bryn. Amongst the general public we noticed Dr H. N. Davies. J.P.; Mrs Mathias, Green Meadow; Mr James Mathias, Navigation; Mrs John, Berw Road; Mrs Lewis, Berw Road; Mrs J. Thomas, wife of Mr J. Thomas, M.E., and Mrs Thomas, Mount Pleasant; Mr Lough- or, Mr Williams, grocer; Mr and Mrs Thomas, Canton; Mr and Mrs Hughes, cashier; Mr Leysbon and Miss Leyshon; Mr J. Abett and family, Mr S. Howells and family, Mr and Mrs Evans, Ynyshir Hotel; Mr W. Evans, Mao. chester House; Mr J. Price and Mr Evans, butcher. The singing was under the direction of the veteran Mr Gwilym Thomas. The fol- lowing rev. gentlemen officiated: Rev E. C. Dftvies, Yhyshir. pastor of the church, of which deceased was member; Rev E. O. Hughes, Rev T. C. Thomas (Groeswen), Rev D. G. Evans, Rhvdfelen; Mr Thomas Davies, Ynyshir, read the burial service of the Ancient Order of Foresters at the grave. The Rev E. C. Davies bore testimony to the upright, re- tiring, and modest demeanour of the deceased, who was extremely popular with his fellow- workmen.

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