Glamorgan Free Press

War Begun. According to a. "Daily Telegraph'" report,, Laing's Nek has been saized by the Boers, Majuba Hill was about to be occupied, and the -A-et had, therefore, been actually begun. The British were retiring-

Pontypridd, Harris' celebrated creamery butter reduced to is. per ib.-T. Harris, ro, faff Street. L4'04 The harvest festival will be held at Wesley Church, Pontypridd, on Simaay next, *hen the •fficiating minister will be the Rev J. D. Lamb, B. A. On the following Tuesday a public meet- ing will be held in the church when addresses will be given by the Rev W R- Maltby, Car- diff the circuit ministers ana others. Special anthems, solos, and hymns will also be Tendered by the choir. For your Boots and Shoes go to Davies, FREE PBBSS Building*. -3. Taff Street, Pontypridd, and ask for Tiadiug Stamps. 4,0b The Cilfynydd Welsh W elSkya u Sunday School hekl its quarterly meeting at Seion last Sunday, when the children and adults were examined in the Maes Llafur for the ensuing year. Addresses were delivered in the evening by representatives from different places in the Circuit. The next meeting will be held at Abercynon. H. H. Gibson, the new Watchmaker and Jeweller in the Arcade, Pontypridd, has had Birmingham and Cardiff experiences, and can do the right goods at the right prices. 4980 We are pleased to hear that Miss Thomas has further extended her generosity to Pontypridd in promising to Mrs W. Jones-Powell the rent of a house for the Young Women's Christian Association. Mrs Jones-Powell has been for- tunate in securing for that purpose a house lately occupied by the Misses Llewelyn- in Gelli- wastad Road. The association is making good progress, and the friends hav<, soured the ser- vices as secretary of Miss Mould. The prospects for the season are very encouraging. Mrs God- frey Clarke hus given £10 subscription and a tio donation, and promises tlie furniture for the house. Harris' celebrated creamery butter, reduced to Is. per lb.-T. Harris, 75, Taff Street. [4704 Our friends at the Trallwn Mision Hall have feeoii successful to have a lady worker, who is alIke- to visit and address the children and conduct a class meeting and preach the Gospel. The preachers ar this place for last- Sunday Were: In the morning, Mr W. Davies, of Pwll- j gwami; and in the evening, Mr Charles, Mr Harries, of Hafod. will conduct the service next Sunday morning and Mis-, Hickman in the evening. NUBSKKI -Alit-IIASNPrOmotes the growt of tbe hair and keeps it free from nits, &c. 6d per bottle, or post free 9rf.—Key, The People's Chemist, Pontypridd 4225 A public meeting under ihe auspices of the j Free Church Council was held in the Tabernacle Clt«pel, Pontypridd, on Wednesday evening., The Rev J. R. Jones occupied the chair, sup- ported by several local ministers. An interesting instructive lecture was delivered by the | «ev John Matthews, of Swansea, who dwelt chiefly on the Education question. The facts Which he stated showed plainly enough that if chiefly on the Education question. TOO facts Which he stated sliowed plainly enough that if reforms are needed in the Transvaal they are 'Oot less urgently needed in our own country. Forrest & Sons' Photographs are meeting with renewed appreciation this seaon.Cambrian Studio, Pontypridd. 2871 The services were conducted at, Eglwysbach J Jfamorial Chapel hist Sunday, in the morning, ~y Rev Thomas Jones, superintendent, and in the evening by Mr E. Humphreys, of Aber- J*ynon. The service •will be conducted next Sunday by Mr E. Ash ton. of Pontypridd. Your Naders wil! be delighted to know that our con- gregations at our new chapel are increasing f £ ery Sunday. Although some of our hearers used to visit the Town Hall so regularly 9xo not so often to be seen in the new chapel, hope that it is generally understood by this wme that all the seats are free, up and down, and we give hearty welcome to a comfortable Home to them that have not made their home «lse where. Harris' celebrated creamery butter reduced tO ls. per lb.-T. Harris, 75, Taff Street. [4"04 ladies and gentlemen desirous of joining the Pontypridd A Amateur Dramatic Society may «0 so on applying to Mr J. H. Howe. 48, Sta- tion Terrace, Hafod, late of Mis3 Maude Ogli- VY's and Forteseue's Companies. London. Re- spectability essential. Applications will receive prompt attention. "You can see with half an eye" that FRANK THOMA« (" My HaTer.") sells tne best 3/9 Hat. 2838

Treforest. On Thursday last the sixth annual demonstra- tion in connection with the Treforest and Jthydyfelen section of the Band of Hope Union look place. The children, to the number of 500, paraded the streets prettily attired, and carry- ing the banner presented to the Taff and Rhon- dda Band of Hope Union by Mr Alfred Thomas, M.F., and other bannerettes, formed a most pleasing sight. In the evening a meeting was field at Saron Chapel, presided over by Mr Thomas Morgan, grocer. After a. prayer, iffpred up by Rev R. A. James, Rhydfelen, an excellent programme was gone through, viz. Reciiaiioiis, Miss Lucy Williams, Miss Rosy Ifills, and Miss Nellie Tetsill: solos, Miss Blodwen Thomas, Miss Muriel Jones, Miss ttatif, Thomas, and Miss C. Davies. Two very fcterrsting items, which were well received, --re an action recitation and an song by a party of cnildren, con- .t.x¡ by Mrs Rhoderick. Addresses were de- UT-ered by Rev Evan Lewis. Calvary, and Mr Jaaries Richards. The choruses were of a choice Select ion (amongst them being one composed by David Williams), and capitally rendered, Conducted by Mr Evan Hopkin. Rhydfelen. Accompanist, Miss M. B. Jones. Rhydfelea.

Church Village. On Saturday the deatl. oeourred of Mr Lewis :LeWis, Maesteg Farm, Church Village, after a protracted illness. The fumerat took place on I Thursday at Bryntirion (C.M.) Chape?, Church I Jtiilage. y

Pentre. I Mr Dan Thomas, who recently retired from tlte Pentre Hotel, and moot to live at Cardiff, latertds returning and takiag uphif5 residence at Crawshay Villa, Ton.

Dinas. On Tuesday the body of a child about seven Months old was discovered on the riverside neai %c old Dinas Bridge, Diane;, Rhondda, by a dumber of little b,ys who were playing there. The rern-auis had apparently been- deposited Ulere during the night. Dr Llewelyn, Peny- t, im graig, made a pot-t-morteiM oxa-mioation, and tie body wns conveyed to the Red Lion Hotel, Ðina". to await an inquest,

Treherbert. We fed sure that Mr Gwilym CJiarles, dis- !>e«s<r to Doctor Warfwrfcon, Treherbert, who t¡8 left for London to finally qualify himself, \as the good wishes of his mnmerous friends at Treherbert.

THF HUSBAND'S BOOK should he read by »11. Author, a TMired r*t 'Vcu'iaw. i^nd I *t orr<> for this Complete Guid-* for th<* Married. Post Free. Six Stamp*.— Wuirpw Wl.it". 30, e'WOUtle.ltreet, StraaO, London. 4826

Rafed. On Sunday last the Sunday School quarterly meetings were held at the Bethel Chapel Vestry Hafod, when the ground covered during the preceding quarter was gone over, and a sacred concert and varied entertainment, strictly in accordance with the religious principles im- bibed into the Sunday School scholars, was en- tered into. The Rev John Williams, paator, and Mr John Evans (schoolmaster), the Sunday Sah<x>l superintendent, had the arrangement in kajtd. Songs, speeches, and recitations were furnished by Messrs John Isaac, William Henrj Morgan, Master Morgan Williams, Mrs Daw- kins, the Misses James, and others. Hymns wera aJso sung, and a very enjoyable afternoon was spent and appreciated by the audience, which was a faylri large one. On Saturday afternoon last the first of the Science Classes, viz., mathematics, was com- menced at the Hafod School, under the tutor- ship of Mr John Howells, of the Hafod Board School, the attendance being a very fair one. During the current week classes will also be commenced in theoretical music, under the able and experienced teacher, Mr Obadiah Edwards, of Porth, and in Geology and Elementary iMn- ing under the conductorship of Mr T. G. Nash, of Coedpenmaen, Pontypridd. Between the evening continuation classes and the science classes the young men of Hafod cannot compkiin of the want of opportunity for study, and we trust they will make the most of such a glorious chance as this, which is now offered them. I An application is to be made for the removal I of the licence of the Farmers' Arms to an hotel which is proposed to be built at a cost of from £ 4,000 to jESOOO on the site of the old post office, Hafod, locally known as John Morgan's shop, which is at present used as an "off-the-pre- mises" ale house. A tough fight is anticipated, but we think on this occasion it is odds on the temperance party. If the removal is granted, there is a rumour that the Barry Railway Com- pany, who own the Fanners' Arms, and which iE situate at the junction of the Barry and Taff railways, will convert the building into station premises, and do away with the necessi- ty of using the Taff station. There are many pros. and cons, of course, if the licence is necessary, and the issue is awaited with con- siderable interest.

Porth. On Sunday and Monday, the anniversary ser- vices were held at Tabernacle English Baptist Chapel, Porth, when- the Revs A. Ambrose Hop- kin,, Caerphilly: and D. Davies, Maesyrhelem, Radnorshire, officiated. The congregation was good and very attentive. The cause here, is in a very prosperous condition under the ministry good and very attentive. The cause here is in charge of the Rev Mr Princ. The congregation is large, most of the hearers being young people. There is an air of spirituality surrounding the pulpit, and the audience seem to feel this. When lie was commencing the meeting on Sun- day afternoon the whole congregation seemed to be pervaded with Q heavenly unction. We hope they will be brought into still closer union —a more sympathetic union with the grand object of the Christian ministry. Let it bo realised not as the sermon of man, but as the Word of God. Hannah stroet. Porth, bears the same busi- ness relation to Porth that Oxford Street does to the Metropolis. Indeed, all the business of Porth seems to be transacted at this famous business street. Mr W. S. Williams has been forunate in securing premises near the Station Road entrance, in which he has opened a splen- didly stocked Gentlemen's Mercers' Shop. He has styled it the "Don," and one glance at the tastily dressed window will convince all and sun- dry that the style merits the title in every re- spect. His new style 3s 9d hata are a "knock- out," and should be seen by all intending pur- chasers of head-gear. Inspection of his new season stock is respectfully invited, and Mr Williams feels sure that in all lines thorough satisfaction in style and fit will be given. Mr Williams also wishes past and prospective patrons that he still intends conducting his hair-dressing business at this premises, and has made elaborate preparations in view of same. 4996

Penygraig. A very interesting meeting took place at the Turberville Arms, on Saturday evening, Sep- tember 30th .under the banner of the "Star of Rhondda." lodge of the Grand United Order of Oddfellows, for the purpose of initiating Drs Wirchart and Llewelyn as honorary members. The pleasing ceremony was performed by Bros. Thomas Llewelyn, P.D.M., Pontypridd; James Fraddball, D.M., Llwynypia; Evan L. Parry, D.D.M., Llwynypia; and a very interesting address was delivered to the two worthy gentle- men by P.G.M. Hill-Male, of Pontypridd. Amongst those who were invited to witness the. ceremony, along with the lodge members, were Bros. Gomer Evans, Gilfach; William Evans, Williamstown; Jacob Jones, Plymouth; Ebenezer Davids, Tonypandy, and several brethren from the adjoining lodges. After the ceremony all the brethren sat down to a splen- did dinner prepared by Host and Hostess Evans, The cloth having been removed, the ohair was occupied by P.G.M. Hill-Male, when a most successful meeting and concert was held. All the arrangements were entrusted to a committee, presided over by Bro. Thomas Griffiths, and assisted by Bro. Lewis Lewis, the district secretary. Too much praise cannot be given to Host and Hostess Evans for their able assistance at all time to the cause of Oddfel- lowship-

Tylorsfowq. Special services were on Sunday held at the Queers Hotel, Tylorstown m connect^ with the Unitarians of the Rhondda Faoh. The Rev T. J. Jenkins, Gellionen, Pontardawe, delivered an excellent sermon in Welsh on Salvation ami the Incarnation." In tie afternoon Dr W. Grifiths, Ph.D., Pontypridd, delivered a stir- Grifiths, Ph.D., Pontypridd, delivered a stir- ( rincr and impressive sermoTj on "Christ s I>is- cipleship." There were splendid attendances at both meetings, and the Unitarian cause is pro- gressing favourably in the Ehondda Fach. Unitarian Christianity.—The Unitarian Chris- tians of Tylorstown and district held special ser- vices last Sunday, October 1st, at their usual meeting place, the Friendly (Society Hall, ?ueen's Hotel. The preachers were the Revs J. Jenkins, Gellionen and Dr Griffiths, Ponty- pridd, the former in Welsh, his subject b^ine- "Salvation," and the latter in English on "Christian DiscipJaship." Rev T. J. Jenkins again discoursed to a very attentive congrega- tion in the evening on "The Incarnation." Or- dinary services are hekl on alternate Sundays, in the afternoon at 2.30. dinary services are held on alternate Sundays, in the afternoon at 2.30.

Senghenydd. The linotype again! The printers' devil, who used to get the ffekult for all sorts of errors oc- curing in the printed matter, has disappeared from this earthly sphere, and his place is being taken by the linotype machine. All the sins o* the printers' devil are now visited upon ii-s successor, on which we must throw the whole of the responsibility-far the mistake which cropped into last, week's report dealing with -the Sen^henvdd and Aber Debating Society. The honorary president rs Mr Alfred Thomas, M.P., president, Mr Dan Lloyd; hoa. vice- presidents, Mr R. T. Rees and Major Lindsay.

Ynysybwl. Jerusalem Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Church held their "cyrddau blynyddol" on Sun- day and Monday last, when the Revs D. H. Williams, Casnewycld-ar-Wysg, and J. E. Thomas, Llanymddyfri, officiated. There was a large attendance at the afternoon meeting on Sunday, the other Welsh churches in the locali- ty having, according to their wont, closed the schools for the day. The singing at the ser- vices were conducted by Messrs Edward Wil- liams, Evan Evans, and Emanuel Llewelyn, Miss Jones, Ty'nywern, was the organist. The Rev J. D. Jones, pastor of the church, an- nounced that fairly good collections were made. The annual tea party of Zion Chapel, -which was held on Monday last, proved, as usual, very successful. Upwards of 400 persons partook of the good things provided under the superin- tendence of Messrs Thomas Bonad, senior, and J. Merriman (signalman), the following ladies presiding at the tables: -Mrs T. Bound (sen.), Mrs T. Bound (jun.), Mrs T. G. Dearson, Mrs T. Instrell, Mrs L. Jenkins, Mrs Protneroe.Mass Jenkins, and Miss Annie Evans. In the even- ing a miscellaneous concert was held under the presidency of Mr John Hopkins, when a pro- gramme, arranged by Mr Peter Jones, was gone through. Songs were given by Mr Gwilym Ro- berts, Mirse M. A. Bound, Alice Meredith, and Parson. 1iisscss Edwards and Maud Pol- lard contributed pianoforte solos. Professor D W. Davies presided at the piano with his accustomed ability.

Tonyrefail. "ffan(- Tonyrefail a'r Amigylcbocdd, a:u Dynion Hynod, yn ng-hyda lluniau rai," Pris Is Id. Anfoner stamps at Morien, Treforest. À/.1./1 4997 C163

Ystrad School Board Election. LIST OF NOMINATIONS. The following were, on Monday, nominated for election to 15 seats on the Ystnadyfodwg School Board:- Henry Abraham, Glanyravon House, Brit- I tannia, Porth, colliery manager; Thomas z, Bevan, Gwawrfryn, Ferndale, colliery cashier; William Charles, Glanyravon, 66, Regent street, Treorky, Congregational Minister, M.A., (Lond), David Davies, 2, The Parade, Porth, late dra- per; John Davies, 112, High street, Cymmei, qwaiTyman; Timothy Davies, 19, Duffryn street, Ferndale, retired collier; Tom James Davies, 1. Brook street, Treorky, printer and publish- er; William Walker Hood, Glvncornel House, Llwynypia, mining engineer; Thomas James, Penybank, Ystrad Rhondda, colliery cashier; WTilliam Jenkins, Ystradfechan, Treorky, min- ing engineer: Ada Jones, Maindy, Ynyshir, spinster; Daniel Richard Jones, Fernhill House, Treherbert, mining engineer; John Edward I Jones, Hendrefadog House, Tylorstown, gro- cer: William Lewis, Ystradyfodwg Vicarage, Pentre, Clerk in Holy Orders; David Lloyd, William street, Ystrad Rhondda, grocer; Row- land Morgan, Brynteg House, 31, Cornwall Road, Williamstown, Calvinistic Methodist Minister; William Morris, Glyn Villa, Treorky, Baptist Minister; Jonathan Rees, 24, Bodring- allt Terrace. Ystrad Rhondda, surface over- man; David Roberts, Royal Hotel, Blaenclvd- ach, innkeeper; Thomas Stephens, 10, Queen street, Pentre. commercial traveller and choir conductor; Daniel Thomas, Liverpool House, Post Office, 47, Miskin Road, Trealaw, grocer and tea merchant; David Williams, 111, Bute street, Treherbert, saddler and harness manu- facturer; Thomas Williams, 1, Marian street, Clydach Vale, Congregational Minister; Thomas Williams, Tyntyla Farm, Ystrad Rhon- dda, farmer. dda, farmer.

Rhondda Scholastic Races For the Entries, Description of Horses Points, and Prospects, see this week's "Ponty- pridd and Rhondda Chronicle," published on Saturday, and further particulars in next week's "Glamorgan Free Press."

--==- ROYAL CLARENCE THEATRE. The patrons of the Clarence Theatre, Ponty- pridd, are, this week, having a rare turn by the production on its boards of Mr Henry Rutland's Company in "The Woman in Black." and judg- ing by the crowded audience of Monday night they are not slow in appreciating the managers selection. The commodious, comfortable, and well-filled pit contained a very attentive and interested auience, and no wonder, the play was one to interest any crowd or class of people. The theme treats skilfully upon the trials and tribulations of a young man named Frank Edenbridge, who, during the period of "wild- oat," sowing falls wilfully, merely for the sake of excitement, into the company of Nihilists at St. Petersberg. Being called upon to perform a task not to hi^ liking, viz., the "laying low" of some autocrat, he clandestinely bids adieu to the Brotherhood, and sails for England. He hears nothing of his adventure for some years but on tbe very morning of his marriage the spies of the society track him out and appear on the scene just as the marriage ceremony has been performed. Everywhere he goes he is, shadowed. But although he has violated his vows to the Brotherhood he still has one friend among them. This friend is the "Woman in Black," who, notwithstanding the fact of his marriage, persists in thrusting her unwelcome love upon him. He consents to visit once again the meeting place of the Brotherhood. On his arrival at the meeting, he finds the society ah ready deliberating on his fate, and on being asked for an explanation of his desertion of the cause, he boldly denounces the society and its modes of regeneration. An uproar ensues, and the leader of the Nihilists, "Pierre Duval," draws his pistol, and a sensational struggle begins. The hero, however, comes scatheless from the wrestle, and, although in true English fashion he despises using any weapon, freely makes the most of his fists, and eventually es- capes. The play goes on to unfold the many troubles lie and his young wife have to fight against in freeing themselves of the fetters of this hideous society. The play is very sensa- tional, and in some parts sentimental. The situations are both humane and natural. "Frank Edenbridge" is well represented by Mr Cyprian Matthews; "The Countess Zolinska, the Woman in Black," is admirably played by the celebrated actress Miss Ellen Beverley, and the chief Nihilist, "Pierre Duval." with l'accent fmncais, is faithfully imitated by Mr Henry Rutland, and the Company without personal reference, is an admirable one well suited to the piece to which one and all do ample justice. Next week the Pontypridd playgoers will have an opportunity of seeing "No Man's Land" at Pontypridd.

If i —. DEATH OF MR WILLIAM GRIFFITHS, THE HAFOD VIOLINIST. The many friends of Mr William Griffiths, the Hafod violinist, especially the musical por- tion will, no doubt, be shocked to hear of the unfortunate gentleman's death. The deceased, whose age was only about 25, has for some time been confined to his house a.t Morgan street, Hafod by an attack of typhoid, which unfor- tunately proved fatal. He had made a host oI friends, and of late years had come much to the front a", a musician, taking part in many of the concerts and musical functions generally bold in the neighbourhood. leaves a wite ajid child and widowed mother, besides a great. many friends to mourn his loss. Great sym- pathy is felt for the youthful wife in her sad bereavement.

TRAMCAR ACCIDENT AT HOPKINSTOWN An accident, which might have bacn attended with very serious results, occured at an earlv hour on Thursday last at Hopkins town. The workmen's car loaded up with aa many colliers and others as it would hold left Pontypridd at about 6 a.m. All went well until the hill abut- ting Distillery Road was reached, when without warning the axle broke and the car leant sadly towards the ground, quite unable to proceed any further. The passengers suffered nothing and others as it would hold left Pontypridd at about 6 a.m. All went well until the hill abut- ting Distillery Road was reached, when without warning the axle broke and the car leant sadly towards the ground, quite unable to proceed any further. The passengers suffered nothing more serious than severe shakings, and the necessity of having to walk the remainder of their journey.

[ Pontypridd Solicitor Fined for Drunkenness. SIMIARITY IN NAMES. MAGISTERIAL COMMENTS LOCAL SOLICITOR REPLIES. At the Pontypridd Police Court on Wednes- day the magistrates (Dr R. C. Hunter, Alder- man Richard Lewis, and Councillor R. T. Rich- ards) had before them a case in which Thomas Phillips, solicitor, Pontypridd, was oharged with pn •drunkenness near the precincts of the Court on the previous Court day. P.C. Walkley, in giving evidence in the oase, told the Bench that on the 27th ult. he saw Thomas Phillips outside the station staggering about in a drunken condition with a large crowd of people around him. He was waving an umbrella, and came to the Court several times and wanted to be admitted. When he was told he could not do so and advised to go away, he became very abusive, and tried to force an entry. He was taken outside, and asked to go away again, but he only told him (witness) to go to h- -Ultimately he was locked up in the cells. The Chairman (Dr Hunter) were intimated that they had received a long letter from Mr Phillips, in which he endeavoured to explain that he had been knocked about in a sale. This, he said, accounted for his "excitability." As chairman thfre that day Dr Hunter said he wished to call the attention of the representa- tives of the Press to the fact that the similarity ir names of Mr Thomas Phillips and Mr James Phillips, a very respectable and well-known solicitor at Pontypridd, had caused considerable annoyance to tJie latter. Mr James Phillips had received letters from all parts of Wales asking him rather pointedly if he was the "Mr Tom Phillips" referred to. For Mr Phillips' cake, he hoped that notice would be taken of this, and he was very sorry that Mr Phillips had been subjected to such annoyance. MrJames Phillips, who was present in Court, then rose, and, in addressing the Bench, said he wished to thank Dr Hunter for his kind re- marks, and assure them that not only had the similarity affected him, as their worships were well aware, but also his brother, at Aberdare, with whom he was in partnership, whose name, unfortunately, was Thomas Phillips. A large number of their friends knew the difference, but there were other business men and clients who believed that it was himself or his brother. Not only his friends had mistaken him (the speaker), but even his own mother-in-law bad written to moke enquiries in the case. He again wished to take the opportunity of thank- ing the Bench for their kind remarks. Dr Hunter said his colleagues and himself had determined to fine Mr Phillips £1. -=:

MOUNTAIN ASH DISTRICT COUNCIL. The fortnightly meeting of this Council was held in the Council Chamber at the Town Hall, on Tuesday afternoon. Present: Rev J. F. Williams (chairman), Messrs William Lewis, Wm. Phillips, F. M. Bevan, D. W. Howells, David Rogers, Thomas Edmunds, W. S. Da- vies, G. Jones, Evan Jones, Evan Morgan, F. P Grey, and Mr Lmton, clerk. NEW RATE. A. discussion took plcuia upon the qusetion as to the figure for the new rare-whether one shilling and sevenpence or one shilling and eightpence in the £ The full rateable value of the district was zC72,875 10s. The total assessable value, L17,157 2s 6d. A penny rate would give £ 394 14s lOd; a shilling rate, L4,736 17s lid; a rate at Is 7d inthe £ would yield £7,105 6s lid. The estimated expenses amounted to £7,688 14s 5d, so that a Is 7d rate would leave a deficiency of el88 12s 8d, but on the other hand, a Is 8d rate would give a surplus It was decided to reduce certain items in the estimates equal to the amount of the deficiency, and to fix the rate at one shilling and seven- pence in the zC. I AT IT ALL NIGHT. Richard Jones, of 9, Commercial street, Abercynon, complained that his neighbour, who is a butcher, does not use the public slaughter- house, but late in the evening begins killing in a building on his premises, and continues at it all night, thereby disturbing his neighbours. It was decided to take proceedings against any who slaughtered on unlicensed premises. SURVEYOR'S REPORT. The Surveyor reported as follows:- Water Supply.—The amount of rain recorded during September was 3.50 inches; the record for the corresponding month in last year was 2.6 4inches. Your instructions respecting the supply of water by means of delivery by cartage have been carried out. Your storage is slowly increasing, but up to the present the improve- ment is not of such a substantial character as to warrant any great alteration in the hours of the distribution. Proposed Adoption of Streets.—Consequent on your receiving memorials from the owners and occupiers of several new streets on the Glynyr- ogwy estate praying that the said streets be adopted as highways repairable by the inhabi- tants at large, I was instructed to report as to their condition. They are as follows: (a) Ex- tension of Bailey street, (b) Consort street, (c) Victoria street, and (d) Brook street, together with (e) the secondary road from Victoria street to Albert street. The drawings submitted for these streets have been subsequently conformed to, except in respect to road e. This was shown a foot wider than it is. The discrepancy arose from an error as to the width of the opening left in Victoria street, and I do not think that the difference named would have prevented the approval the Council have given. Having re- gard to the practice of the Council in the past, I do not think there are any structural objec- tions to these streets being adopted. Contm.et.s.The period for which you have contracted for smith's work and ironmongery goods baa terminated, and it is necessary for arrangements to be made for future supply. In answer to a question the Surveyor said he thought, two days would be sufficient for doing the work at Abercynon. Instruction was given that proper notices for closing the road ill question should be given. The contract for ironmongery provoked a discussion. It was stated that the practice had been to advertise for tenders for Mountain Ash. and then to include in the accepted tender Pen- rhiweeiber and Ynysybwl. The inhabitants of these two places thought this unfair to them. Mr Rogers proposed that a seperate tender should be required for these places, but the vot- ing was in favour of the old system. It was decided ,4° take over the streets named in the Surveyor's report. MEDICAL OFFICER'S REPORT. The medical officer reported that since the last meeting of the Council, 9 cases of enteric fever and 1 of scarlet fever had been notified. The Clerk said he noticed in tha report of the medical officer of the County Council a statement that an epidemic of influenza pre- vailed in the district in February. If that was so he (the Clerk) tbowgfct it. was not reported to the Council. INCREASED STIPEND. The Chairman said at the last meeting he found the Council had agreed to an advance of 5s a week to the assistant surveyor's salary, making it £ 104 per annum. He deserved that rise three years ago, and if it was due to him then more than that was due to him now. He found the stipend was lower with the addition than that paid to similar officials in neighbour- ing districts. He proposed it should be raised to j6120 per annum. This was agreed to.

——— ■■ ATHLETICS. A football correspondent writes cQmplaining of the Treherbert Football Committee's conduct last Friday. A local player offered his ser- vices to play against Poiityclun, notwithstand- ing the fact that he had been chosen to play for Aberavon at Leicester. The committee politely informed him when it was too late for him to oblige Aberavon that his services were not re- quired. -0-- At the Taff Vale Park on Tuesday, a 75 yards sprint for a stake took place between the two Pontypriddians, Jack Llewelyn and Charie., Hooker. Although the weather was pretty bad, great interest was taken in the event. Jack Llewelvu won by a yard.

RHONDDA REVISION COURT. Mr H. Lushington Stephen, barrister-afc-law, attended at the Porth Police Court on Monday U. revise the lists of voters for this division. Mr Morgan Thomas, agent of the Southern j Division; Mr W. Evans, agent Rhondda Par- liamentary Division, and others represented the Liberal side, while Mr R. J. Richards, Conserva- tive agent, Porth, and others, represented the Conservatives. There were a large number of olaims, chiefly from the Liberal party. High testimony was paid to tbe assistant oversaer, Mr David Jones, for the accurate; way in which he bad prepared the lists.

THE TAILORS. I GOMER THOMAS, Breeches 14akiqg a z SADI)LEa AND HARNESS AKER Speciality. yn.L STREET, rad,Ui PONt Y PRIED. • Costumes 4- S a" wool. J tickets. f'r Trousers rC* r from 10/6, all Wool. A Sp id Assortment of Wire Cage /Z Style, Fit and Dog .'u'n-zhs, /Jress Baskets, Gladstone y Satis/action Guaranteed. an(^ ^a9s> &c. f ^Pwllgwaun Rd., PONIYPHSOD. THE BEST W^PLAY IN TOWN OF NEW- .191i MARKET LEATHER LEGGINGS. 4938 ENGLISH Fi; KsTl A Nl) -if: F 1 I-I 'T \'i- Ji:J..l FORK ION J. ..LJ ,L. BYKRY .\1 r. J 'IV e .==- t.; \1. FRUIT. J! ^1 A Y. Fruiterer and Fishmonger Free Press" Buildings, Taff Street, P ONTYPR I D D. 4813

MEMS ON MEN AND OTHER THINGS. BY THE MYSTERY. Have you ever thought, as you applied a match to your gas jet, notwithstanding the apparent simplicity of its supply, what a wonderful amount of concentrated thought and chemical knowledge must bo brought to baat before you can make use of such an everyday commodity? I suppose not! Men become so accustomed to things, they forget one discovery as another still more marvellous crops up, but there has certainly been no more useful factor in developing the progress of the present cen- tury than what is commonly known as "gas," of the gases which go to make the constituents of this well-known one I have nothing to say here. ) When the electric light became a rival with it, people who held shares in the gas companies had a scare, especially the weak-knoed ones, and speculators made a nice little pile when t,l'e slump in the market was over, and the pub- lie gradually became aware of the various uses to which coal gas might be put. --0-- Desirous of information I called upon the respected manager of our local gasworks. Mr H. Barker, a day or two ago, with a view cf having a short chat on the subject, and although both his own time and my own were somewhat limited, he spared me half an hoier to show e hurriedly through the Pontypridd Gasworks. -&- "First of all," he said, "let us run over to the siding bn the P.C. and N. Railway, whic i is connected with the works. Here all coal is delivered, weighed and checked before under- going any process. It is brought to Treforest in the Council's own wagons, specially built for the purpose, hoppered on the most -appro,ed system, and being brought into position a load is automatically discharged, saving a great deal of labour. The vehicles are not "turned mipt-r I aiway,' but loaded with coke, brought up to the level by an elevator, and sent to all narfcs cf the world." If you go to South America, and it happens to be a chilly night, you may warm your toes by a stove heated by a product mani- pulated on your native heath. 0 Next we visited the retort house, and as the process of converting the ooal into gas was explained to me, I could not help thinking of the days when I "borrowed" long clay pipes, put coal dust into the bowl, covered it over witl clay, placed it in a fire, and made my own gas, lighting it at the end of the stem. There have been improvements in its manufacture since then, but the principle is practically the ¡ same. In all there are 64 retorts in work at Treforest. A fierce coke fire burns in the bottom, of—what shall I call it? The first retort I Coal is placed in another reeepfacle above, the heat extracts the gas, and it passes away to the condensing towers to oool after its severe roasting, bringing it to a normal temperature preparatory to an introduction by aid of a steam engine to the washerwoman called a scrubbing and washing tower. Here ammonia and tar are extracted, and then it has another scrub down in a "scrubber washer," and is ready for its gaseous career to the purifying house. "Here," said my guide, "are four puri- fyers at work, twenty-feet square, which are lifted by hydraulics." "What do you use as purifiers?" I asked. "Oh, well! we liave two agents, lime and hydrated peroxide of iron." The lime removes carbonic acid and sulphura- ted hydrogen; the oxide making the latter gas its particular enemy. The peroxide is economi- cal, as it can be used several times. By con- tact with air it regains strength, and makes several charges, whereas the lime is knocked out in the first round." —o— There only remains now for the manufactured article to be measured up, and passed on to the holder either at Treforest or transmitted by a system of valves to the gasometer at Ponty- pridd. In both depots there is a machine which shows at a glance how much is being utilised by consumers. Let us trust the register is as accurate as the common domestic gas meter. Don't smile! Now to revert to the commercial value of gas. "Do you think, Mr Barker, tbet acety- lene, or carbide of calcium, will be a rival to you as an illuminanfc?" "It may be," be said, "in small towns or in railway stations in coun- try places, but the cost is much too heavy for general use. The difficulty of making a burner suitable to it has been partially overoome by an American invention, but even then, if once turned down (by a system of faR economy) it will smoke and be unpleasant. As to its danger, the carbide light will sometimes explode spon- taneously if subjected to a certain heat." -+- "Now speaking of cost," I said. "one often bears the remark that gas is very dear in Pont- ypridd. considering the town is in the heart of a coal-field," Mr Barker smiled at my inno- cence. "We are noted in South Wales for steam ooal, which is not at all suitable for our purpose. True, there is better coal in Lancashire and Yorkshire to be had, but the expense of transit prohibits ita purchase However, as regards price, we can compare favourably with our neighbours on equal grounds. Our price is 2s lOd to 3s 2d per 1,000 according to the amount consumed. Cardiff, 2s. lOd; Newport 2s 8d to 3s; Swansea, 3s; Bayry, I- 4-bd: Aberdare, 3a 6d to 3s 9d; Mertbvr, 2s 6d to 3s: Neath, 38 2d. The expense of production is regulated by consumption. The price in Man- chester is 2s 3d, but remember Cottonopolis has 112,000 customers; in CoalopoHs /we have 11,700; ltither a vavi difference, eh?"' Just a word about the penny in the slot sys- tem. It works splendidly: and cooking stoves? Ask anyone using them, and I do not doubt you will be told that for cleanliness, convenience, and economy. they are appreciated wherever on hire. I could see several men furtively try- ing to catch the eye of their chief, and taking the hint, I thanked Mr Barker for his courtesy and he generously saw me safely off the pre- mises. Whils, on the subject of chcmistry, a curious event, occurred at Pentre a day or two ago, We have heard of th provrbial bull m the china shop, but a cow varied matters up there by entering a chemist's shop, inspected all the various meat extracts, and looking in vain for a relative, went sorrowfully away again, and the proprietor says that bow the animal found its way amongst the bottles and cases without breaking anything is to him THE MYSTERY.

LLA X TJl TS A N T RC ROOL BOARD. The monthly meeting of the Llantrisant School Board was held at the Llantrisant Parish Offices on Monday, Mr Rhys Davies (chairman) presiding. The members present were Dr Naunton Morgan (vice-chairman). Rev E. Stephens. Messrs Gomer Evans. W. E. Da- vies, G. T. Davies, with the clerk, Mr J. Co!enso Jones. The Clerk reported that after that day's pay- ments there would 00 a. balance of £ 559 in hand at the bank. Mr Gomer Evans considered them- selves more fortunate than the Pontypridd School Board. (Laughter). Mr W. T. Davies, clerk to the Governors of the Porth County School, wrote say'ng that owing to the bankruptcy of Mr Daniel Thomas, the Llantrisant School Baord's representative en the Governing body, there was a vacancy, and he asked the Board to elect a reprosentive in his stead. The Clerk sa.id it was first necessary to de- clare that Mr Thomas was not a member of the Board. This was done, and it was decided to appoint a representative on the Porth Govern- ing body at the next meeting. The report of the Inspector dealing with Gil- fach Evening School stated that the scholars were very industrious and the teaching was con- ducted with satisfactory results.. The Clerk submitted his estimate of the ex- penditure for the half-year ending March. 1900. and on the motion of Dr Morgan it was decided to issue a precept on the overseers of 91.200. This is equivalent to a rate of ninepence in the £ The Clerk submitted a record of attendances of the scholars at the various schools: At Beddau, 13 scholars had an. attendance of 94- per eent., and one 99 per cent; Miskin mixed, 27 above 69, and two 100 per cent.: Miskin in- fants, 10 above 94, and one 100 per cent; Ton- yrefail mixed, 35 above 96, and two 100; Ton- yrefail infants, 13 above 96 and one 99; Pen- rbiwfer, 8 above 96, amd two 100; Gilfaeh mixed. 23 above 96. and five 99; Gilfaeh in- fants, ten above 94 and four 99. It was decided to present books to all the children who had attended 96 and more per cent., and handsome medals in addition to those whose record shewed an attendance of 99 and 100 per cent. Messrs Owen, T. A. Arthur, and R. L. Jones, head-masters respectively of Gilfaoh, Tonyr- efail, and Miskin schools, wrote asking the Board to refund the ajocmnt of grant it had deducted from them. It appears that the Board some time ago passed a resolution to the effect that when the grant earned at the schools was satisfactory, the head-teachers would be paid one-fourth of such grant, but only one-fifth when it did not readi the proper standard. For the last school year the three head-masters had only been given one-fifth, and they now asked the Board to make up the one- fcurth, masmaeh as the fault in failing to ob- tain the htboa grant was not theirs. They contended that the schools had not been suffi- ciently staffed, aad that they had been worthy under difficulties owing to lack of teachers. They were supported in this view by Messrs Gomer Evans and W. B. Davies, the former moving a resolution that the difference be re- funded. The Board should first properly staff the sdxx#k, and if after that the teachers did not obtain satisfactory results they would bt justified in punishing them oy reducing their share of the grants. After a desultory discussion it was decided in the cases of Messrs Owen and Arthur to re- fund the differwioe.

Death of Mr. Panial Griffiths, Pontvpridf. We regret t* announce the death of Mr rnieJ Griffiths. grocer and butter merchant, of Coedpenmaen, Pontypridd, who died on Mon- day at the private hospital of Dr Lynn Thomas, Cardiff, where he bad gone on Tuesday last intending to undergo an operation for an inter- nal cancerous growth. Tbe deceased gentle- man. who was 63 ymrs of age, was a native of- Pontypridd, and a prominent member and dea,mm of Penuel Wekh Calvinistic Metho- dist Church. He was one of the founders of the great Welsh Calvinistic Methodist musical festival held at Pontypridd, and had been secre- tary from its inception. For 15 years he acted ai treasurer of the Pontypridd Reehabite Tent, which body, when he resigned, presented binu with a life-sine portrait of himself. He was. highly respected in the town, and news of his death has been received with deep regret. He leaves a. son, namely, Mr Griffith Griffiths, icashier of the Capital and Counties Banl:, Pontypridd; and three daughters—Mrs McTa- I vish, Pontypridd, and two unmarried daughters, l who lived with their father.