Glamorgan Free Press

"WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?" WE feel that it is cruel to prick bubbler, for such in truth were the sensational paragraphs which appeared in the Cardiff papers this week anent an election incident in which we figure very prominently. The substance of the Mail paragraph was the usual diatribe—those unscrupulon;- Hndicals" and even the South Wales has ventured to gossip upon very insufficient data of the real facts of the incident. As the Soptlt Wales Daily Tew8 says, u For some weeks past a placard announcing the sale of the latest literary success, What would Jesus do ?' has occupied a conspicuous position in our shop window." This, however, is not all the placard. Here is an exact copy and its arrangement likewise. zn

— ? n ■ 6' STEPS. } V < 1 Iv t i.oth led.

It is quite true that having supported the candidature of Mr Watkin NVilliams another placard inviting votes for him was, on the morning of the election, posted just under it. The charge oi rank blasphemy and scandalous election method which shocked the purity of the Western Mail would be difficult to repel if the sequence were direct and we logical. Are "ie not, however, entitled to the reading of every word in the two placards before anyone is justified in charging us with blasphemy, particularly when ALL the type was almost as bold as the words What Would Jesus do ? There was also a Very decided interruption of the Sequence of the question and the alleged I answer. If the correspondents who saw it had correctly read it and without bias they could not by any possible logic have perverted it in the way they did. That the incident was innocent of the Sca&dalous interpretation attributed l's obvious to all but sensation- :mongers. Mr J efIery, the Conservative Agent, saw it, and with the Straightforwardness of an upright oppon- L- eilt, acknowledged the transparent innocence of the coincidence. But since we have been accused of such desecration of good taste, we are bound to say that we are absolutely free from Such unrighteous intention. And if OUr contemporaries had used the para- graphs in their tit-bit columns, provided they claim one, we should have enjoyed the joke equally with themselves for appreciation of incongruity is not foreign even to Pontypridd. The heralding of it as serious news and as it Were with unctious .eyes and np- turned hands of Pharisaical scorn and Contempt is an imputation which we repel with tha scorn and contempt it deserves. We d i s c 1 a i m the Charge of blasphemy laid at our door. Directly it was poirted out to us that such a corrupted inter- pretation was possible, the placardi was immediately removed—a few hours after its fixture. We are sorry for the Occurrence, because of the travesty Blade of it. It is still more deplorable to think that the reprobation and the hastiness of its nature are so inconsistent With what, we think, Jesus would do if he were asked to pass judgement on the incident.

Mustard and Cress. + Rev R. Thomas, Penrhiwceiber. is to preach during the Ea6ter session at Brynscion, Dowlais, and Talybont, near Aberystwith. An irate correspondent says tJ¡;;t the organ recital at Porth was noted for "its" talkee- talkee" and speechoe-speerhoe," and if concerts and musical gatherings Are going to Regenerate into blab-blab-blab," the posters should announce "Blab-blab Concerts," This is not intended to be taktii as j&w-kular." A grand conversazione will be held at tit. Paul's Schoolroom, Porth, about the end of April by the National Union of Shop Assistants, -hen an excellent programme con- sisting of numerous songs, duets aud addresses by prominent members of ii,() Union will be Contributed. All shop assistants are cordially in- cited and asked oa no account to miss this grand treat. This is the last treat of the seasoa prior to their annual midsummer outing. It is full time that the practic., of defendants Sending t.eir wives t') the police-court to answer for them should engage the attention of our lool mngistrates. Dr. Hunter, at the Pontypridd Court characterised such conduct as being most cowardly. In one particular case 1rbich came before him, he ordered a warrant to be issu-d for the arrest of the offender. Why should a wife come to court to answer for her husband being being druuk ana disorderly, he asked—and a very wise question too. You <.an see with half an eye" that FKANK *Homas ("My Hatter,") sells the best 3/U Mat. For Dancing and Dres< hoPf3 cf -ill Iescritition go to Davies. Free Pt-ess Bud-lings, 23, Taff btreet, Pontypridd. 4539 Tea. Tea, Tea.—Why js t Harris' lea like e British Army ? Because ic cannot b" "Caten Try it. 4540 # The Pontypridd Coachbuilding Compauy (prize winners for carriages) are now doing and »*e prepared to undertake the best class of work the trade; carriage trimming a speciality, goowrooms are now open.—Carriage Works, street, Pontypridd, 4520

.A, -f PONTYPRIDD. TRALLWN WARD. The defeat of Mr Watkin Williams in Tra- llwn by such an overwhelming majority has upset the calculation of the most astute stu- dent of the fluctuating history of elections in this district. Both candidates were returned as Liberals, but there is no question which of thj two has show.ii the most aggressiveness in the past. In such a contest the Tory vote plays a most sympathetic part, always pursu- ing the policy oT "chosing the lesser of two evils," they undoubtedly went for Mr Taylor. Even a Tory contemporary gave Mr Williams the classification of Radical, as against the more mild form-the Liberal. Mr Tay- lor had. therefore, all the Tory votes. No- thing delights them more than to create a "divided house" in the home of the opposition. Again, another element of adversity to Mr Williams was the recent division anent tha management of the Liberal Club. We under. stand that the senction of the Liberal army who take the non-compromise attitude on the drink question, have been greatly offended by Mr Williams and Mr Tom Rowlands for tlit sanction they have given to the introduction of alcohol into the Club. This question of a domestic disagreement has come with a heavy hand upon the two candidates, and the com- bination of opposition accounts for the great diC'ereiiee in the relative poll of the candidates All reasonable people must recognise the strength of the coalition. The Liberal Party to-day in the House of Commons has been rele- gated to the seclusion of non-official life by the character of coalition, bemuse a ''house divided against itself" will not stand. We have no reason to be discouraged with the result of the Town Ward. Mr Rowlands had to fight against a strong interest backed by a popular candidate, and likewise, though a total abstainer, he was excommunicated from the favours of his fellow-teetotalers, because his creed was not extreme enough, and because he had not withheld his patronage from the new management of the Liberal Club. Adver- sity reveals strange bed-fellows, and Mr Row- lands' first couch with public life, is one that will ever impress him. we feel sure, that the iileal legislative period is a long way from com- ing, because political comrades glorify isolated platforms, regardless of general aspirations. When it is considered that lie had to fight al- most single-handed.he has done well against such a formidable rival. But at the Trallwn there was a clear issue of a. local character. This vote has settled the attitude of the Ward with respect to the New Railway. Trallwn does not require it, and, certainly, Mr Tay- lor's hands will henceforth be absolutely un. tied to support (he opposition of the Taff Vale Company. If it be so. we accept ifc as a demo- cratic fiat. The Ward has lost in Mr Williams a most energetic, if somewhat impulsive, re- presentative. His heart has always beet. riebtly located when the interests of tb- people were concerned. He is not the kind to sulk in adversity. If in a minority to-day, lp will not give way to despair, and Watkin V illiams is a man of such grit that sooner or later a conversion to a majority is bound to come -+-

PONTYPRIDD, On Tuesday, Mr Montague H. Grover, the returning officer, announced the results of the elections in the Town md Trallwn Wards. The figures are — TOWN WARD, j R. L. Phillips 350 T. Rowland 193 TRALLWN' WARD. T. Tctyloi- 464 Watkin Williams 514 After the poll was declined, Mr Williams I thanked the electors- for the support accorded ] him. and added there was only one thing he was sorry had taken place during the election. He referred particularly to what was in the "Western Mail" that day. It was dis- graceful that a journal with such a circulation would stoop to such a thing. It alluded to the advertisement in that (Free Press) window. He trusted they all tried to follow in some measure "in His steps," and asserted that it was a credit to that firm--to which he be- longed—that they had it in their window. The I iirm made something by that book, and adver- tised it. As to the advertisement, it had been in fhe window for about two months. "You," Mr Williams concluded, "can see the black- guardly and dastardly way they deal with it." +

R H ON D D A. The Rhondda District Council elections have gone, and the results are fairly indicative of a general opinion that men with knowledge of the work should have a preference. Of course this mental attitude has not governed the elec- torate of every ward. We can, however. ciaim that the Council has been re-inforced with several men, who appear to have previous- ly undergone an experience in their ordinary wcrking-day, which will be valuable to the administrative work of the Council. There were contests in six wards. The unopposed returns we have, dealt with in previous issues. At Trcherberl, the old member, Mr Morgan Llewelyn, who is the prospective favourite for the chair, had a clear and distinct mark of approval by receiving a majority of 119 over Alderman Morgan. The supporters of the veteran went through an anxious ime, but the voting clearly shows that a great deal of it was unnecessary. Mr John David is new to tte Ward, but polled a clear lead on Messrs J cileries and Wutkins, who ran an almost dead heat. We have every confidence in Mr David's ability to sustain the distinction with honour and credit. It is unfortunate that Mr Jefferies has gone out of court with the elec- torate. There is no denying him the credit, that he is a sound parochial man, and holds clear and precise views on the finances of the parish. Mr Watkin is a young man. but evi- dently popular. His time will come, and in him Tynewydd will not miss a champion, when the veteran Mjrpan decides upon retirement from public life. --0- No. 2 Ward gave m a surprise when it re- vealed that Mr Jenkins had such a run wi'.h Mr E. P. Davies to retain his seat. With one accord outside the Ward, the opinion prevails that it would be a loss to the District Council ts be deprived of his services. But in public life opinions fluctuate. 11(1 such a thing as gratitude for past work seldom intluences. Mr W. Jones' success is most striking, and fully reflects his financial se ^iees, and his personal pcpuidiily. Mr Samuel, after his galltiit fighi. against Mr Wight a cut; pie of years ago, had pron-jscd prominence in the public life of his •ij-uh He h.o. achieved the entry, and we h.r/e cor.lenej t*a'. ht. will confirm the pro- phecy. 4 In No. 3 Ward we have had practically a scramble for three seats. The one prominent note is that Mr Richard Morris has failed to commend sufficient force, when there was so much distribution of other forces, to secure a place. Most of the knowing ones have been upset by his defeat in tlr calculations, and now ask: Is this Icliabod ? Mr Thomas Da- vies and Mr David Treharne ran together, and that the younger man was loyal to the veteran "Gloran" is demonstrated by the poll. Both will make good representatives. It is univer- sally felt that Mr D. Morgan, builder, would have been an acquisition, and the expert strength of the Council is less in consequence of his failure to win the electorate. We cer- tainly think that Mr D. W. Jones had good promise, but since the law is represented by M/ Treharne. that phase of a practical exper-. ience has been provided. Mr Edward Jones, the Librarian of the Ton Institute, did well in coming third, when there was such a demand fo-- iht- third seat. -(r- Mr Thomas Thomas holds the palm, we should say, for popularity as a tradesman in his own immediate locality. It is not often we find the manager and doctor in a Ward taking second seats to a candidate who has only a business connection to sustain his popularity. But in No. 4 it is so. Mr Evan Morgan's ill. css must have greatly retarded his success, ar.-I we liuv* 1." doujfc :;ut that he would have higher La-' ho been able to move among the people in the election crisis. Though with such individual rivals in the field, he could scarcely hope to win a position. Lhvynypia and Clydach Vale people have once more informed Mr T. L. Evans that his services can be dispensed with, while they have the choice of such men as Messrs Evan Wil- liams, J. W. Gilmour, and Rhys Griffiths. They havo spoken, too, with an emphasis which is expressed by a very large majority—the largest indeed in the polls of all the Wards. This Ward will contribute strong expert strength to the Council in Mr Rhys Griffiths—the late chairman—and Mr Cilmour. they will find two men who will not miss any detail of construc- tion in the work of the Council, while Mr Wil- liams, though less expert, has a store of sound native sense, which will complement the ex- perts. Indeed, this Ward has been fortunate both in escape and possession. Mr Thomas Griffiths is still king of No. 8 Ward, though Mr Thomas Rees polnl excel- lently as his second. The fight in this Ward was clearly between Mr Brooks and Mr Powell. It was a keen one, but the push and energy which have characterised the business success of Mr Brooks have triumphed. Mr Powell had strong support, and a follow- ing which will command respect for him from every aspirant in this Ward. Doubtless, if his supporters had not violated the best canons of election conduct, and had not assailed Mr Brooks in directions outside his qualifications as a Councillor, it is not unlikely that Mr Powell's success could be proclaimed to-day. Still, Mr Brooks is to be congratulated. -v- WARD NO. 1. "MorgHnDewelyn 640 -William Morgan 531 • John David 4 5 NOT ELECTED. William Jeffreys 409 Evan Watklhs 408 WARD NO. 2. ^William Thomas Jones 868 John Samuel 624 "Winiam Jell kins 514 NOT ELECTED. E. P. Davics 505 David Morgan 332 WARD NO. 3. Thomas Davies 542 D. L. Treharii,, 462 Edward Jones 371 NON-ELECTED. David Morgan (builder) 36 Daniel W. Jones 3215 David Morgan (grocer) 365 James Rees 263 Richard Morris 257 Thomas Heatley 77 WARD NO. 4. Thomas Thomas 706 oW. D. Wight 65!1 0:-1,"1. E. Thomas 624 NON-ELECTED. Evan Morgan 306 WARD NO. 5. Evan WilEam 886 John Gilmour 827 S. Griffiths 816 NOT ELECTED. Thomas L. Evans 493 WARD NO. 8. ifTbomas Griffiths 93r) Thomas Rees 860 Joseph Brooks 735 NOT ELECTED. David Powell 693 Denotes old members

ABERGWYNFI. There is little to chronicle this week save the doings of the various parties concerned in the above election. Probably no election for many years, if ever, has created such intense feeling among the public in this parish. Meet, ings were held by' one or oilier of the contend- ing parties every night last week. The forces of Mr John gathered at Caersalem on Wednes- day night,, when the chair was occupied by Mr John Roberts. Mr Williams, of Treher- hcrt. spoke in favour of the candidature of Mi John, and declared him eminently suitable for the position of District Councillor. Questions were asked, but some of these were, according to the chairman's ruling, cut of order. On Friday evening, the supporters of Messrs Evans and Richards assembled at the same edifice to hear the views cf their nominees. The chair was taken by Mr Isaac Davies, who appealed to the electors again to relnrn Mi Evans and Mr who had so long, so continuously, and so faithfully served them. Captain Morris, chairman of the District Council and School Board, also spoke on then behalf, and testified to the harmonious man n?r in v.h-'ch the proceedings of the Council were carried on. He warned the electors not to be led awmy by statements oc those whom the Council had citHe.] upon to comply with the Sanitary Laws, but to return once more their devoted servants, Messrs Daniel Evans and David Richards. The result of the poll is as follows — Mr Lewis Davie,; (schoolmaster) 398 Mr IIowel John (colliery manager 362 Mr DI. Evans (County Alderman) 309 Mr David Richards (grocer) 277 Mr John Howells (colliery manager) 270 Idris Waters (cheekweigher) 148

MOUNTAIN ASH. MOUNTAIN ASH (MISKIN WARD. Only one ward was contested in this election. Immcly th above. The result is as follows:-I Clarke Adam 290 James James 189 Majority 101

Compensation Act at Penygraig. This Act is carrio oa with great success at the NA, al Colrer", Peny, riie. ?h°y have a Compensati in Committee, the secretary being Mr Tom Evars, c!.ec'<weigve-, and great credit is dm <o tiem for hiyiug d a number of cases witho t havirg resort to the law courts with their mevi'abl^ weight of costs and the raanageiifnt are aho to be highly complimented on the conciliatory spirit with which they deal with the caset-, and the promptness with which they pay the claims. This is quite in keeping w th the peaceable inanner in which all matters are arranged between them and their workmen. Verilr peace hath her victories, none less renowned than war. The following cases have been dealt with during the past fortnight, Mrs Johnson, C175 10s. Mrs Morgan, Mrs Burt, £179 8s. Mrs Harris, JE257 8s.

LOCAL PATENTS. This Weekly List of applications for patent* I is compiled hy William J. Mdndkn, of 7.1 Chancery Lane, London, W.C., Editor of I iie Inventor's Assistant. This journal is the on!v one published ere. tirely in the interests of Inventors. Ic is issued monthly, price One Penny or "IX months' sub- scription, post free, Ninepence. 5,407, March 12th, William James Waters, Llantarnam, Monmouthshire. Improvements ia v heels and axles for carts and carriages. 5,636, March 15th, William and Henry Hard- ing, I, Mirador Crescent, Uplands, Swansea. Groove tongue and peg mould.

-=- I j ■ o grounis in Sjmingto ? s i Edinburgh Coffei Essence- Always oi' one standard quality- lure and strong. From Grocers everywhere. 4435

Letters to ths Editor. The Editor, while welcoming letters on >:1:; public topics, does uoi uaii LJjutdi resp-j.i si hie for the opinions contained therein. Con tributors must wnto on. one side of th*; only, and letters brief and to the point have preference f() insertion. All communicr. must be aceoujj nnied by the correct, name address ot the f- not neeessarilv for pub- lication, bur, as a guarantee of good lai.ii,

-r, fjnondda Urban District Ccuijcil Election. NO. 9 WARD. To the Editor. -Will you permit 1::e, in the first place to thank you and your two correspondents for your courteous and kindly references to me ii. your last two issues. I should not, however, trespass on your space in reference to this election if the letter signed "Elector" in vcur last issue contained accurate information. The writer argued, that Tylorstown and Pciuy. gwaith are entitled to two members, because 'their voting power is 1,000 strong, while th" voting power of Yny.-hir and Wattstown i> about 600." itis aiad otlie, el(, formation, I append the figures taken from the official iists of voters in each Polling Dis- triet in this N-ViirC, This clearly proves that, even after counting Stanleytown with Tylorstown 8.11:! Pentv- gwaith, these three places only numb; r about half the total electorate, or 97 more voters than Ynyslnr and Wattstown although thev claim, and now possess, two-thirds of the re- presentation. It also proves that your state- mciit (whif-ii-Elcctoi-" aeain.-t and denies) is not without reasonable four.rlaf.ion. When, moreover, it is remembered that Tvlors- town, as well as Ynvshir, has representatives on all the other local authorities, viz.. the County Council, School Board, and Board of Guardians, while Wattstown h-is no repre- sentation on any local authority, it was (erro- j neously, however) imagined that Wattstown might have been allowed to pick np "a crumb from the rich men's table" by nominating cn<* repiesontative for one Oonncil, cspc^KilIv i iilg the large number of workmen living :t P(.iitN Igwa:L]i and Yny-hir. who are crooioved at Wattstown, and that some representation i" popularly supposed to follow taxation. I will say nothing about any little public ser- vice I have tried to render locally in an un- j official capacity as I do not wish to refer to the personal aspect of the question, neither i* ;t neces-sary to say that, if elected, I would have endeavoured, in co-operation with the other members, to effect some saving in th^ heavy interest charges new paid on District i Council loans. As you say, Sir. "It is net to be. The reasons for my withdrawal ate not of sufficient importance to be of local publie interest, except that I distinctly de-'ared at the cutset that I would be no party to an unnecessary contested election, nor place mv- self in competition with, or opposition to, a long tried and experienced public servant like Alderman Mathias, and seeting that the avowed object of increasing the number of wards and members wis to secure a fair re- presentation for each district in each ward. I kept my word—hence my withdrawal. As to why, and whose fault. it is that the "ideal represenfation" (is you expressively termed it) has not been secured in this T you, Sir, and your readers and the electors to judge. I am, Sir, yours faithfully. Wattstown. JAMES MILES. 27th March. 1899. To the Editor. Sir,—With your permission, I should like to say a word or two on the strictures that you have deemed expedient to pass re^ardin^ the representation of the above ward. In your issue of the 13th inst., you accused Ty- lorstown of being "over-grasping" in retaining two member?. It is useless to ;iss any com- ment upon this, since your correspondent "Elector" in your last issue proved conclusive- ly that Tylorstown and Pontygwaith are fully entitled to two members, according to the pro- portion of voters. In my hunibb opinion the v.-ard is very equally divided. IIr D. Smith for the upper part, Mr P. Rees for the centre, and Mr Mathias for the lower. In all I believe the representation is an "ideal" one; it ought to please the most fastidious person- even the editcr of the "Free Press." Also, you take upon yourself to know, which of the two first-named gentlemen is the most popular. I think it is very unbecoming en your part to condescend, and attempt to try. to make the distinction between the popularity of certain cardidates; a thing so irrelevant to the quali- fication necessary to become n good District Councillor. If it was required the locality it- self ought to have the freedom to exercise its own discretion, which I believe every locality is quite able to do. without, the assistance of outside indivirnfials. With regard to your cor- respondent "Ratepayer's" letter, he is tarred with the same brush. The electors themselves would find out the qualification-, of various can- didates without advertising tli-i through the medium of the public press.—T m, etc.. CYFIAWXDER. 25th March, 1839.

Aber Ward Election. "To ibe Editor. Sir,—Considering that owing to (I lack of space, my letter was curtailed, and delayed for a week, thereby marring id cl-jectn. I ai-,i, I ju,tified In a-kiii, of a little space to reply to the mass of sophistry from the pen of ti,at sublime genius, the Aber corres- pondent. Ill* clumsy epL-tle is but the natural oif P 'iug of his chaotic iuteilect. 1 am really amused at the swash-buckler Fityle Ly ititii. His c'wl audacity .n maintaining tha.t black is white and is black, and b*re-fac.-d eifrontery in claiming that erery a of his opponent is rubbish, while his own hits the blJlïs-eye and rings the bell every time, clearly proves the exalted opinion he holds of his cwn powers and caj abi- lities, but as a specimen of that class of corres- pondents who !-peak to the galh ry, who evade plain arguments, who cram their ieiter., with clap-tr; p vi rbiuge-, our correspondent is an extreme example of the genius. ILt tliis, liis his latest edition, be outshines all his i th^r attempts. His letter stripped of it., copious mass of superlative adjectives ami • jaculatory exclamatinns amounts to nothing. lie, has indulged in blackguardism which will not strengthen Ins case, nor will a superabundance of adjectives hlind the public to the barrenness of his literary efforts. 1 have sufficient con- fidence in its common sense, and in its ability to I discern between g;iset.-us vapouriugs, and the iair cf one who has justCf at heart. i 1 (,t;, p-.etty strong with his | notes vf t.t.lmu«tion and amazeu ent, but I an: I | f"r ilis furiie a*"ti=inpt to rectify his biuud) rs. Indeed, I had feared Le would smash a jd pu; v (-rise But it is far from it, instead ot solid s' ots it. is p.l; gas. l can jmagie how big he bit bf io:e he let it off. let, er when analysed proves to be compos d of nothing oti er than a conglomeration of utter!v irrevalent j sta'i irii"i!s. ttith Mu en- of a nuble lord he ;S \Pf!' II' tl e mi:Ü[..¡,t tplhJfènries of his "m-! '.v n ice]. He expresses surprise on dis- ir,d to er,,)wn his it fcr iiiin to consult, a .Modern Liciionary in order to rem! a letter written in "plain every day a tt;k L,v an average scl.ooiboy..Srtiic'a Simplicifas This frnnJ d man ('pI rll-tí'( wiu¡ tll f'rJucaticn of some cf the rising generation, this from one of tliao nonie body, the scholastic profession. • e, tj.is iroto cue who noses a» a coirespondent ot an j,)ur..Pi at the end of the ii'.tH-teert' !t century. S"r}t:' (,f tLt. ra::h :t?,'(UJr,ts I:JDce vy him are calculated tc make sri, H' ¡b shudder, and the iioiuor! al nn-n who discovered the gases "laughingly described by him. turn in their grave. fchades of Priestly and Seheole! "heard ever such nonsense f" L, t this rising ji.ivy c.tieiui in his study cf the science e-st, in his igin ranee he will someday be blown iet ) space aud lost to the world for ever, t'iere;>y depriving the community of a valuable ci izen. lie showers his eulogies and credits me with m?-i J<< d wbriom, ;t!: the remit that I have felt a proud emotion swe:l within and were I to Correspondent on the s'leet I would make him an elaborate how, aud doll my hat in humble submission to his sublime intellect. I will not uw( 11 longer with this little Gamaliel, not that I am naturally timid, having lived too near the wood to be irightemd by an owl, but If-st ti at in roy noctural dreams I i-,iiiv be haunted by this supernatural individual whose hfib'tat is with the Ghouls and Vampires. lb uc» 1 bid hita farewe'l with a lictle advice, kindly intetued, to le more chaiit&ble, ghiDg rs si me cu-dit i«..r knowing a little. He is that ihi-se lain.hie mortals assail- d by him will compare iavouiaLiy with that illus- trious personage—himself, and are, therefore, er.titled to the coustesy due from man to man. Let, him look before he leaps into the arena of ;h^ press. l!;s exit fr> m the stage reminds me •veiy forcibly of thratsi. al plays, in which the Uete.t"d .-tage buh'y disappears .midst a blaze of fireworks. Yours truly,

Opening of a New Organ at Portfy Ou Thursday evening, the 13rd instant, a grand organ tecital was given at balem Chapel, Percb, on the occasion of the openiDg of a new < rgan, built by W. G. Vowles, Bristol, which coutaius a. great orsian of 8 stops, swell organ of 10 stops and pedal orgau of 3 stops. which. with the couplers tctals £ 5 stops. It has pitch pine front with plain pipes, built to n"it design, and is fixed in chamber behind the pulpit. The chapel has been renovated throughout and fitted with electric light. The organist was Mr Harry Evans, F.R.C.O Dowlais, assisted by Sladarn" S. J. Thomas, Lb.ueily, soprano; Mr Richard Thomas, Llaweliy, tencr and the Salem choir conducted by Mr Rhjs Evans. The president was T. Gr.fEths, Efq, J 1' Penybryrt, Cymmer. Programme Overture, "William Tell"' (Kossini) by "Ir Evans in his usual style; sorg, "The Good Shepherd" (Barri), by Mr R. Thomas, who possesses a remarkably Cue voice fantasia on Crug bar composed and played by Mr Evans. The old tune has been treated in a free manner by Mr Evans wi',h variations for flutes, original harmonies for celeste and soft btops recitative and fugal exposition, and concludes with the ineioiv accompanied by a runnin" bass for full organ needless to say, it was well played song, Hear, ye Israel (Elijah), was f xcelleutly rendered by Madame S. J. Thomas, which was loudly applauded the choir s:mg chorus •' Lead, kiudiy Light." conducted by 5Jr Ilhvs Evans, and accompanied on the organ by tbf> composer, Mr Evans. Mr Kichards, Llwyncebn, during the course of his remarks, congratulated the church ou the possession of so fine an instrument. ong, The Heavenly Song," by Mr Richard Thomas, which was well sung and loudly applauded by the audience; organ solo (a) Cantilene Nnptiaie —Dubois (b) Iriperial Nlareli-Eigar- by Mr Evans, followed by a duet, I Love Divine (Stainer), surg by Madame Thomas and Mr R. Thomas, this beautiful duet was splendidly sung by both artistes and much enjoyed. Mr Talieein Hopkin .Iso complimented the church at Salem on their new organ and made a few remarks which it would be well for the church to remember; the hymn tune, "Ellacombe" was sung by the whole audience; grand fantasia, 1; torm" (Leuimens) by Mr Lvans, which was skillfully rendered. itt-cit. and air, I will extol thee Cota), Madame .Thomas over- ture, "ltuy Bias" on the organ by Mr Evans s -In, I- My hope is in the Everlastiug" (Stainery, by Mr K. Thomas; chorus, *'Bv Babylon's Wave" (Gounod), choir organ solo, Andante in G (llaptiste), marc;, and chorus, ilail, bright abode" (Wagner!. by Mr Evans song, "The Holy Light" (Davies', by Madame Thomas; hymn tune, Yr lien Ganf«d" concluded the concert. It would be well in fut ure in such concerts to prevent undue speech making as it encroaches too much on the concert, asul causing many who h id to go home eaily, to have only just half the concert. We ar,, I hat so many Nonconformist churches have now gone in for organw. We hope the next st"p will be to have orchestral baud? attached as well to supplement and aid, but not t,) supersede the congregations in hymns of t praise. I

•jp O P PING AND F I X D L E R I (HAKD.VWAY A.TOPPING). FLUSIUNG. II O L L A N D. en v AND Sr'-UKSXX. CHESTER GKEiT Jt'BlLEE .TAKES, DEIWY, &c DOCBLE AND TREbLE EVENTS >S P. ACCUMULATORS, & 'TO; Sptirtttiioi |-iub!i«hM fvsic- cl.tily dm >"•; M.-a-or, market ntevemen'R ou :>bov«-ami all important rac s, free on ri-ceipt of ad cress. TnI-: OtDKfT K*TABMSUFI» AND WosT l?XTK*s-.m Tokf Commission' A«kncy is THK Would. I A'! Ittltrs to he addl"t'<_e'¡- TOPPING SPINDLER, Fi.r>DisG, Hot t AND. 4401

The World of Pastime. ♦ By The Sporting Scribe." Good Friday will witness the opening of tb cycling season, and in a few weeks' time the püstime wiÏJ be freely indulged in by the nu- merous nders of the district. Will club secre- taries kindly send in their hst of fixtures as early as possible? -(¡- The Treforest Cycling Club start the season with a ride to Peixoed cn Good Friday, when they invite all cye lists to join their.. Refresh- ments, both liquid and solid, will be provided et the Railway Inn. and in the afternoon a gymkhana wiil be held. Handsome first and stc-oad prises will he awarded in each of the events, which are open to members and intend- ing- members. -:> The Quadrant Cycle Company. Lid., of 35, Castle Street. Cardiff, informs us that they have decided to trade with the public direct at manufacturers price, throughout South Wales. thus enabling purchasers to obtain a High Grade machine for £ 10 lGs, This reduction in price is due to the Quadrant Company not appointing any agents in South Wales, thereby giving the Public the advantage o: agents' pro. fits. When a firm oi the Quadrant reputation decide on trading on the a.bove lines it certain- Iv means a very great advantage. and no doubt- will be thoroughly appreciated by riders. The machines arc- cf a very neat and pretty design, and at the above prices can be built to riders' own specification. -c- A visit to the Depot will convince intending purchasers of the benefit in purchasing a Quad- rant. and an inspection 9f the machines and parts both in the rough and finished state, will prove to the most sceptical that the material and finish of Quadrants are as liear nerfect as possible.

Annual Coqferenco of tht3 Rational Uniorj of Teasers. The thirtieth annual conference of the National Union of a body which now numbers IS district unions, 4 local associations, and 40,4S2 members, will be held at Car bridge during Easter week. 'I l,e proceedings are to commence crt the Monti?y afterrocn with a reception by the Yice-C"hat.celior < f the Univer- sity, the Mover, and other representatives of the University and Corporation. ruring the first session, Mr T. Clancy, president-elect, will deliver hi" address, and speeches will be mao;, f I by representatives of educational or^arisations from Scotland, Ireland, Prance, tier many, Belgium and Holland. A peace resolution will be Bubnr.tted an English and in French) affirm- ing that tbe duty oi the international teachers is to inculcate in schccis the promotion of peaceful Hibitramei ts and manifestations of good-will betwetn the nations represented. riie annual meeting of the Teachers' Provident Society will be held on Monday evening, and a reoeptiun at Newh;im College wiil afterwards take place, ancl aiso a g'.theriog of teachers from rural schools. On 1 ursday morning the National Temperance League will entertain many of the representatives &t breakfast. During the second session the Lord Mayor and other members of the York Corporation will invite the conference to mf t at York in 1900. A number of questions affecting women teachers will then be discussed prefaced by an addres3 from Mrs Bryant, D Sc. Professor Jebb, M.A.; wiil ne-xt read a paper cn "The relations of primary and secondary education." The Con- ference will theu consider a motion affiiming that "the time has come when the whole of the finances npcessary for public education should be provided from public sources and be expended subject to public control." On Tues- day afternoon honorary degrees will be con- ferred on the President and Secretary of the Ui-.ion, and the Yice-Chancellor will hold a reception in the Fit3wiliiam Museum. In the evening, the Conference dinner, a concert at the Guildhall, and a gathering of Voluntary School teachers will take place. On Wednesday the questions of school attendance, the Volun- tary School Act, JS97, the tenure of the teacher's office, half-v-ime and children's labour, religious instruction examinations, etc., will be con- sidered. In the evening a Bohemian concert, and conversazione will take place. On Thurs- day, the annual meeting and recptian of purses for the Benevolent ar.d Orphanage Funds wiil be held, and aiterwtrds, the con- ference ball. Another session will be held on the Friday morning. Excursions to local places of interest, visits to the Colleges, receptions, re-unions, and other fixtures are arranged for Good Friday and the foilowing Saturday, as well as during the week which ends with ex- cursions on Friday and Saturday.

Presentation Meeting at Cwmpark. On Thursday evening, the 23rd inctajit, the members of the Loyal "Edward" Lodge of ti.e Manchester Unity of Oddfellows held a special summoned meeting for the pleasing purpose of presenting two of its most energetic members with handsome presents as a sign of their appreciation of their valuable services and also to enrol several local gentlemen as honorary members. Dr. Barrett, the genial assistant medical practitioner of the Ocean Collieries kindly consented to preside, while Mr W. Lewiq Vice-Grand of the Tetrad Rhondd i district acted in the capacity of lecture master in the absence of Mr W. Powe'-I, C S., Cemetery Lodge Treorky, who sent information tha" he wa.s unable to attend owing to a severe cold. After an able opening speech had been delivered by the chairman, Mr Tom Evans treorky, gave a spirited retid ring r f '♦ lSaner ein gwlad. M; Le-wis wps t' en called upon to perform the duty oi enrolling four local g-fitlenieu as houorarv members, ( he secretary xfterw-rds read letters four other ^ei;eu.mi lio em:I-\se j clieque-i tl,(ir :a hil il.v to a;t nd owiri- to unloii-sf-ii ami unavoidable circumstance>. Mr John Phillips then favoured the audb-uc w i* ,i i t son Z. Tlte chief event of thf evening- was no a' ;.r ivfd ar. nan ely, tr, pr- sent Mr ilavid Jones, firem-tn, and Nlr J. di^-gon, I'O '-I proprietor, with iiiiii4;boikie pres*- ta tor their erieigy a» d pre,j-ia;ic- in in.Teasing the membership of tn*- by collecting m-w members. Air Tom i)--r-an in a very appropri- ate speech i resented \lr i>avid Jones with toe lir-t pri7.- a. gold chain nd Mr David Thcmas followed by pr, Mr .1. Miggon with toe second p-iz- a se: of cutlery. After ti- r^cipienvis tad mii&bly ri-f-p-niied, Mr W. Lewis d<4iv-r>-<i a m'st. IIhJ.. ami ►doqu-nt address on "Friendly 3o.e:i.-s," wf icli "As fully appreciated ngs W"Te ag in t-xceli-n rendered by M)s-r& Evans <u.u i'nilhps. while Mr Tom Kutler placed Ins instrumental ,I,t splendidly. The duty of accomi ani-sr, devolved upon Mr James Elias, wh" discharged tllar. duty, as usual, in a most creditable iiitl u It is very gratifying to not" that the "Edward" Lodge is the largest and r,i-». Friendly Society in the locality w.m membership exceeding 325 and funds ov.r .L.6