Glamorgan Free Press

DIST RICT I COUNCIL. The fortr.iglnly meeting of the Pontypridd District Council was held at the Council Offices, Taff street, on Tuesday, the chairman, Mr R. T. Richards, J.P.. presiding. There were also present Messrs H. Rowlands (v-co-ehairtnan). James Roberts, v. Gowan, T. Taylor, J. E. Spickett, W. Jones-Powell, R. L. Phillips D. R. Evans. Hopkin Morgan, H. Brrmwell, with the clerk, Mr M. Grover, and t'.e surveyor. Mr Edward Rees. ¡ A lcn^ discussion took place witi; regard to some drain connections being made in Gelliwas- tad. In reply to Mr Joues-Powell. the surveyot said the Council was bearing the cost. Mr Powell objected to this, as he and other ratepayers bad been obliged to pay for connect- ing their premises, and it was only fair that all should be treated alike. Other members objected, and the matter was referred to the I Public Works Committee Inspector Rowlands reported 14 cases of j diphtheria. Three cases had proved fatal, one at No. 2, Woodlands, Llantrisant road, one at 14, Fountain Terrace, and one at Tanyrallt Honse. Llantrisant read. I The Surveyor reported having seen Mr John I Lewis. Top Hill, with reference to the pro- posed widening in front of the Corn Stores go CoedpenmaeB road, Mr Lewis J would only allow half of the wall to be built OI his ground. The Public Works Committee was instructed to visit the spot. The Surveyor submitted a plan and estimate of the proposed widening of Gelliwastad bridge, sent to him by the engineer of the Taff Yele Railway Company. Mr George Sibberin,&The plans were rsferred to the Public Works Com- mittee. Mr Rhys Morgan. M.A.. secretary of the Gelliwastad Institute, appied for another gas ) lamp near the Institute. The matter was r» ferred to the Lighting Committee. j The Clerk of the County Council wrote asking if the Council were disposed to contract with them for the removal of mud and dust from It the Toads in the district. The Surveyor was asked to give his opinion at the next meeting. Mr Roberta called the attention of the Coun- to the fact that the houses on Wood road were without water during nearly the whole of Monday last. He asked that a letter be sent to the Water Works Company on the sub- ject. and this it was agreed to do. The British Electric Traction Company wrote saying that the questions put to them by the Council were somewhat difficult to an- swer, and they required a ittle time before doing so. They thought an interview with the Clerk would be an advantage, and if he went to London to see them they would be glad to defray his expenses. The Council thought if tho Company desired an interview they should come to Pontypridd.—The letter was referred to the Public Works Committee. A letter was read from Mr E. C. Spickett acknowledging the receipt of the Council's >t- ter. and stating that the question of re-assessing the railways would have their attention. Mr Roberts: I must say we are not much I "forrader. The Clerk: Mr Phillips told me there vis ing to be a re-assessment very shortly. A circular was received from Lord Wantage secretary of the Central British Bed Cr.si Sooetv, asking for assistance for the society. Mr Jones-Powell thought the least thing they could do was to ask the chairman of the Coun- cil to call a public meeting to carry owt the suggestions contained in the circular.—Mr R. L; Phillips seconded. The Chairman was of opinion that th* Ile. sorvists should be included also, and he as afraid the Red Cross Society would dash with that. It was decided to hold the public not- ing The Fire Brigade Committee recommended that the resignations of the Fire Brigade 1 e accepted, and the clerk read the following let- ters, which had been received from the secre- ttry of the Brigade, "33, Taff street, Pontypridd, Oct. 19th, 1899. ( "Dear Sir,—At the weekly meeting of the members of the Fire Brigade held at the star tion on Wednesday, October 18th, surprise was expressed that no opportunity had been given the men to state their grievances (through their representatives on the Brigade Committee), which the firemen' thought could be remedied by discussion. The resolution passed at the meeting on October 4th was to the effect that the brigade would send in resignations to date after November 1st if the conference is not satisfactory.—Yours, etc., W. S. Leslie, hon. secretary." Pontypridd Fire Brigade, Oct. 10th, 1899. "Gentlemen,—I am instructed to inform you that the whole of the members of the Ponty- pridd Fire Brigade at a meeting summoned on Wednesday, October the 4th, it was resolved unanimously in 28 days from this notice to tender you their resignations, unless m the meantime you shall have carried out the pro- irises from time to time made by you.-Yours, etc.. W. S. Leslie, hon. secretary." Mr D. R. Evans said he had seen one of the members of the Brigade who had told him the letter of October 10th was sent without autho- rity. Mr Powell stated that one of the men had informed him that they did not deny the let. ter, but it was not intended to be sent in that way. Mr D. R. Evans: And being the letter was sent without their instructions they called on Pr Leslie to resign. itr R. L. Phillips said there seemed to be lIOÍne misunderstanding with regard to the Fire Brigade, and he did not think the resignation* should be accepted. Mr Roberts wanted p letter to come from He Brigade denying the intention of the letter. 'The committee would then be justified in ask- j ing the Fire Brigade to reconsider their deci- sion. Mr Gowan movf>o:! that the report of the ("m. mittee be adopted, and Mr Bramwell seconded.. The Brigade could then write asking to be re- appointed. Mr Phillips thought the report should net be adopted. The Brigade was purely a volun- teet affair. Mr Bramwell thought there was not so much of the volunteer about it. It coot the Council about, £500 a year, and the men were fairly paid for their services. They had been collect- ing to pay themselves, and now the Council pail them they thought they should do the col- lecting. The Chairman said he had seen the Supt. of Police, who said that if the Fire B^'gale re- wfIned the was BO alternative but for the to take iL uri. The superintendent spoke highly of the Fire Brigaaw men, who. he said, were an excellent, body. After gome further discussion the recommendation of the commit- tee. was adopted, it being understood that if the Brigade applied for re-instatement their application would be considered. Mr R. L. Phillips thought the Council should write to the Board of Agriculture with a view to getting the muzzling order revoked. There was now no rabies in Pontypridd, t. r -n tr.e county. Mr Jaines Roberts seconded if only for the sake of "his little dogs, and other little dogs." (Lauxhter). It was decided to write to Mr Long. Mr Jones-Powell asked the Council to try to cut down the cost of the new Isoaltion Hospi- tal. not to make the buildings things of archi- tectural beauty like the Lan Wood schools at a huge cost. After a long discussion, it was decided to seek the permission of the Local Government Board to erect only one block con- taining ten beds, instead of the twenty ordered.

LIVELY TIMES AT THE MOUNTAIP ASH COUNCIL. A FLARE UP ON THE GAS QUESTION. MEMBERS AND jS.URVEYOR QUARREL. At the ordinary meeting of the Mountain sh District Council heJd on Tuesday under the chairmanship of the Rev J. F. Williams, J.P., according to a notice given by him at the previous meeting, Mr Morgan Morgan proposed that the resolution passed a month ago for re- ducing the price of gas to 3s 6d per thousand be rescinded. He felt sure that when that re- solution was submitted to the Council all that might have been said about the matter had not been said. From what he had heard he be- lieveil that the proposal for the reduction was chiefly based upon certain figures in the Gas Report entered as "profit." But he maintained that the entry was misleading. Before any amount could be set down as profit there were several payments which by their Act had to be provided for, such as establishment charges, the clerk's salary, and other items. But these had not been provided for, so that the so-called profit was delusive. Supposing, however, there was a profit. That profit would have been de- rived from the community at large, and there- fore his contention would be that the communi- ty at large should reap the benefit, and not, as was now claimed, only the consumers. The gasworks were not conducted for the benefit o" consumers, but of the public- in general. The ratepayers bought the works and were responsible for the co-r. and therefore they ought to reap the benefit. The consumers reap a double benefit, for the trade part of the town is far better lighted than the back streets. Do you, as consumers, wish to enjoy this ad- vantage at the cost of the ratepayers? While rejecting some kinds of Socialism, there still was a Socialism in which he believed, and he put it to them whether it was consistent with true Socialistic principles for them to put money into their pockets and take it out o' the ratepayers; to take it fron the hard earned wages of the poor ccl- j lier, and the scanty pittance of the poor widow struggling to keep a roof over her head? He maintained that it would be immoral on ibe part of the consumers to benefit themselves at the cost of the ratepayers. He moved that the ¡ resolution passed a month ago for reducing the I price of gas be rescinded. Mr Gray had much pleasure in seconding tl e motion. If gas consumers claimed the right to 1 appropriate any profit made for their own bene- fit, he did not see why water onsumers should not do the same thing. He was quite opposed to the resolution which was passed a month ago. for reducing the price. Mr Powell begged to move an amendment. Somthing had been said by Mr Morgan about Socialism. He did not wish particularly to en- ter into that view, although from the position hi held he was ready to support the principles of Socialism. But he thought the question as to the reduction in the price of gas bad been too hastily dealt with considering its great im- y portance. He was not present when the motion j for reduction was made, but from what had been stated it appeared that the motion was chiefly supported by the contention, that a cer- j tain amount of profit had been made, and that the consumers ought to reap the benefit of that profit. On the other hand, Mr Morgan had told them that what was set forth as profit was Ed, correct, because certain payments under the Act had not been accounted for. Now that convinced him that the members of the Council were not in a position a month ago to discuss the question, neither were taey in a position to do so at the present time. What they wan- ted was to have before them a statement set- ting forth clearly and fully all the facts and figures bearing 6n the subject. After con- sidering such a statement they would see what amount of profit, if any, had been made, and they would be in a position to decide whether a reduction in the price of gas could be fairly made. He did not believe any present wished Lo reap an unjust benefit. He would move, therefore, as an amendment that the Clerk and Surveyor be asked to prepare a statement such as he had indicated by their next meeting. Mr Howell said it was he who proposed the resolution for reducing the price of the gas,and he did so because he considered the price charged too highr Mr Morgan had charged them with committing an immoral act in mak- ing a reduction. They knew what weight to attach to Mr Morgan's statements. While professing to advocate the cause of the rate- payers generally he was really a special plead- jer on behalf of the collieries. (This Mr Mor- gan denied). Mr Howell said he had not in- terrupted Mr Morgan, and he must ask that gentleman to do the same by him. Lord Aber- dare was not a, great ratepayer in the district although he ought to be. He ought to pay a tax on his Royalties, and on other sources of profit which he derived from the district. (Mr Morgan again made some remarks, and Mr Howell -ag-ain protested against his doing so). Continuing, the speaker said at Aberdare the price of gas wis on!y 3s lad; the same at Pontypridd. and in other neighbouring dis- tricts. Why should they be made to pay a higher price ? In respect to the profit, which had been disputed, lie had obtained certain j figures from the surveyor's office. As soon as Mr Howell began to give some figures the Sur- veyor in a very excited manner denied that they crme from his office. Mr Howell: I tell you that they did. The Surveyor: And I say that they did not. Mr Howell: Then you mean to call me a liar. The Surveyor: I don't call you so. but I do deny having supplied you with those figures. Mr Howell: I didn't say you did. What I "aid was that I had them from your office. The Surveyor: I never gave any authority for any oue to furnish them, and I know nothing about them. Mr Howell: I again say I got. them from your office. But I appeal to the chairman to pre- vent. my being interrupted like this. The Chairman. said the Surveyor only wished in to be known that ho had nothing to do in supplying the information. Mr Howell: I protest against an official of the Council taking part in our discussions. He had no right to do so, and I call upon you, as chairman, to prevent it. Proceeding to quote the figures the Surveyor again very excitedly denied their. authority. Mr Howell said as he was subjected to such interruptions he would say no more, and sat down. Mr Rogers said by reducing the price of gas the number of consumers would increase. In many mall shops smoky lamps giving a very poor light were used. If the gas was cheaper, no doubt many of these would gladly exchange their lamps for gas. He thought this ought to be considered. Mr W. S. Davies did not consider that the prices charged. in other districts was conclusive evidence that their charge was too high. Each district had to take into account its own spe- (;al circumstances. He was in favour of Mr Powell's suggestion to have facts and figures submitted so as to enable them to see how the case stood. The resolution a month ago had ccme as a surprise to some of them, as the ques- tion had not been on the agenda for that meet- ing. The Chairman said be was sorry to see such i division of parties in the Council. As to the resolution having been brought on without notice on the agenda be wished to explain. It was not the custom with many public bodies, but it always had been the custom with them that when a notice of motion once appeared on the agenda that notice was considered to continue good until it had been dealt with. He protested against the idea that they as consu- mers were anxious to benefit themselves at the cost of others. Many had spoken to him wiah- icg to become consumers, but for the high prioe of gas. In answer to the chairman, Mr Morgan con- sented to -withdraw his motion. Before Mr PoweU's motion was put to the vote Mr Davies wished to add to iflhat the clerk and the surveyor be requested in furnish- ing the statement to express their opinion as to the desirability or otherwise of making a change in the price. k Mr Powell strongly objected, as did also many members. Upon the vote being taken, Mr Powell's motion was carried by a majority of one—8 voting for it and 7 against. WATER FITTINGS. Mr Howell hurriedly submitted the motion ICf which he had given notice for revising the chafges for water fittings. In several details b* contrasted the charges by the Council with those of outside tradesmen. The latter was considerably lower. He moved that the Coun- cil should charge 9d. per hour and the retail price of goods. This being seconded Mr Morgan said when the subject was discussed upon a former occa- sion the principle was laid down that the Coun- c I should not compete against outside traders. He moved as an amendment that prices re- nAin as they are. This was seconded. In the result 3 voted for the amendment and 10 for the resolution.

COMPETITIVE MEETING AT CWMPARK. At the Park Hall, Cwmpark, on Saturday evening, a competitive meeting was held under the auspices of that lodge of True Ivorites meeting at Cwmdare Hotel. The chairman was M Richard Meredith, and Mr T. Morgan, Park Schools, was conductor. The adjudicators were: Music, Rev W. Evans (Asaph Cynon), G. and L., Blaenycwm; literary, Mr D. Phil- lips (Briallvdd), Treorky. Mr James Evans, L.C.M., 'Cwmpark, accompanied. The secre- tarial work of the meeting was efficiently car- ried out by Messrs H. Prosser and G. Maclean, while Mr John Davies, acted as treasurer. Ap- pended is a list of the successful competitors: To the schoolboy who would write beet the 27rd Psalm, Master David Evans, Cwmpark, pioved successful out of 20 competitors. Alto solo, "Dim ond deilen,' six combpetitors, divi- ded between Misses J. Lewis, Cwmdere, and A. Btaddook, Treberbert. Recitations for children tinder 12, "The best that I" can," between Gertie Pugh, Cwmdare, and John Pugh, Cwmdare. Solo for sopranos, "Y 'Deryn Pur," prize was awarded to Miss E. A. Lewis, Cwm- dare Winner on essay, "Balaam," Mr W. Pugh, Cwmpark, whose paper was adjudged the best out of five sent, in. Tenor solo, "I Bias Gogerddan," five competitors—winner, Mr Ben Evans, Pentre. Impromptu dialogue, sub- ject, "Which is better—being married or single?" the prize was divided between the two pi rties that contested. Bass solo, "Arm, arm, ye brave," five competed, winner, Mr James Jones, Treorky. Quartette, "Mae D'eisiau Di Lob awr," Mr W. Butler and friends were deemed well worthy of the prize. The chief test piece, "Hyfryd Ganaan," for parties not under 30 in number, brought to the contest three parties. A prize of 30s was offered to the best, a handsome chair to the successful con- ductor, and also five shillings to each unsuccess- ful conductor. The first party was led by Mr Som Evans, the second by Mr Ieuan Jones, and the last by Mr W. Butler. The second party, led by Mr Ieuan Jones, was declared the winner. The result was hailed with vociferous cheering. The meeting from every standpoint was highly successful. Success may also stand in this instance as a criterion of the energy and assiduity of Mr Prosser in his capacity as sec- retary. The lodge itself, too, is in a flourishing condition, and has made immense strides in the past few months. Out of the 33 lodges of True Ivorites which are included in the dis- trict, the Cwmdare Lodgfe stands third in nu. merical strength. It numbers among its hon- erary members, Mabon, M.P., Mr David Mor- gan, Wattstown; Mr T. Morgan, Cwmpark: Councillor W. T. Jones, Treorky, and a host of others. Mr Howell John, its energetic sec- retary, has his whole heart in the work of the ledge, and its members now number over 250.

I MOUNTAIN ASH DISTRICT COUNCIL. The usual fortnightly meeting of this Coun- cil was held on Tuesday at the Town Hall, Mountain Ash. The following members were present: Mr J. F. Williams (chairman), Messrs W S. Davies, F. N. Gray, Gwilym Jones, Et. Morgan, William Phillips, W. Lewis, Thos. Edmunds Morgan Morgan, John Powell, D. W. Howell, Adam Clark, T. Be van. William Evans and David Rogers. A SUMMONS SERVED. The. Clerk (Mr Linton) announced that he had been served with a summons on behalf of the Council, from Mr E. C. Spickett and Sons, for the payment of £ 29 claimed by George Davies for damage to his horses and wagonette on the first day of August last, alleged to have been caused by reason of negligence on the part of defendants cr their workmen, in negligently opening and filling a, certain sewer or opefiing on the public highway at Ynysybwl. A resolution was passed authorising the Clerk to defend the action, and to call such witnesses as might he needed for the defence. CRAVING WATER. The Clerk reported that the Water Commit- tee had had an interview with the Clerk, Sur- veyor, and Committee of the Merthyr Tydfil Water Works Company to ask upon what terms three hundred thousand gallons of water per day would be supplied for the three dry months in the year? The Merthyr same for three dry-months as it would be for a like supply daily throughout the year.It would be necessary to lay down a new main from some point at Dowlais to the boundary of the Coun- cil's District above Abercynon. That main would also be available for supplying Trehar- ris, and other parts of the District. As the Merthyr Committee had not yet stated the terms, but had promised to do so with as little delay as possible, the matter aws allowed to stand over. OUT OF THIS COLD BERTH! Mr Kenshole wrote to the effect that his Honour Judge Gwilym Williams said that the Town Hall, at Mountain Ash, where he had held the County Courts, would be very cold during the winter. He had gone over the new Institute buildings and had found rooms there, which might be used for his Court. If the Cc uncil had no objection he intended asking the Registrar to communicate with the Trea- sury with a view to these rooms being used. It was stated that the payment for the Town Hall rooms was only ten shillings a sitting, so that the proposed removal would involve no serious loss. The Council had no objection to offer. SURVEYOR'S REPORT. Mr Williams, the Surveyor, reported as fol- lows: Water Supply.-The rains of the last week have been sufficiently copious to largely replen- ish your store of water, and since the 28th inst. you have furnished an unrestricted supply of water to the whole of your district. The per- iod during which you have been obliged to re- strict more or less has extended from the 27th of July to the above date, being in all ninety- four days. As the Committee are already tak- mg active measures to increase their supply, it is not necessary for me to pointr the lesson of your recent experience, which has so fully con- firmed the anticipations which were made known to you in previous reports. Nazareth Chapel Drainage.—This drain has been exposed and traced as instructed. The probability is that at one time it had an outlet into a drain of the Great Western Railway Ccmpany. The alterations made by the com- pany have resulted in making the discharge as formerly impossible. It is suggested by the chapel authorities to construct a cesspool, which will be accessible for cleansing, and I think that under the circumstances this arrangement may be approved. The plans for several new buildings have been received, but some of them do not comply with the bye-laws. I have to report that a. house at Abercynon belonging to Messrs Pugh and Davies has been occupied without the same having been certified as completed. It was agreed that the proposed cesspool suggestion should be adopted. Three or four of the plans for new buildings, though not strictly complying with the bye-laws, were passed, and the others refused. A summons was ordered to be issued for occupation of house at Abercynon without the required cer- tificate. INSPECTOR'S REPORT. The Inspector of Nuisances reported several parties upon whom he served notices for the abatement of nuisances. The back lanes on the Ty'rarlwydd Estate, the houses in which are being inhabited, are in that uneven state that the scavengers are unable to remove the de- posited house refuse. He had attended to the medical officers' instructions as to notified cases of fever in the district, and had removed one patient into the hospital. Of the eight pa- tients therein, as reported the previous fort- night four had been discharged. He had in- spected the slaughterhouses, and had found all to be in a satisfactory condition. The scaveng- ing in the district had been properly done. It was decided that the usual notices should be served on those reported by the Inspector to abate the nuisances forthwith. Notice also to be served on the proper parties to clear the back lanes, otherwise the Council would have i' done and charge them for the work. MEDICAL OFFICER'S REPORT. The report of the medical officer, which only occupied about two lines, would seem to indi- cate a welcome decrease in contagious cases. He only reported one fresh case of scarlet i fever. TENDERS. I Two tenders were opened for curbing in Pen- rhawceiber Road, viz., Morgan Davies, JE60 I 13s 4d, and Thomas Taylor, jE47 13s 4d. The tender of Mr Taylor was accepted. NEW INSPECTOR. The question of the appointment of a new inspector was postponed until the beginning of r.ext year. LET HIM HAVE A BELL. The Chairman said the man whose duty it was to warn the people when the water was fabous to be shut off, wanted to have a bell for the purpose. The members laughingly said, "Let him have a bell by all means."

Pontypridd Cachbuilding Co. (Priz. Wiiiners fiir ('Itrriitgea), ARB npwofferi-in » Jflrce number of Trap# and Carriages of vari>i>i»de«cri{itlnr)3 Ht. the v»ry lowe*t prices. Large Show Kooma the vry lowea;, prices. Large Show Kooma new open- CARRIAGE WORKS, MOROAS STBKKT. PONTYPSIOD. -J

MEMS ON MEN AND OTHER THIPOS. BY THE MYSTERY. It is some time since I had the privilege of listening to a debate hi the Disu i.■«; Coiiiictl. but on Tuesday I called in casually, and the proceedinys were, to say the least of it, some- what lively. The supbject under diteeussion was an application for a licence to produce a professional stage play in the large Town Hall. Mr T. Davies was the applicant, who, one would naturally presume under the circum- stances, was a theatrical manager. Possibly he is! It is difficult to tell who we are or what we are nowadays. Be that as it may, it ap- peared to me there was a certain animus in the matter, which might be summed up thusly as to whether the people who paid rates, employed labour, and endeavoured to promote the best interests of the town, were to be subjugated by another section invested with a little "brief authority." The proceedings are fully reported in another column, but I would like to call attention to one or two remarks made during t.he somewhat spirited altercation, which may be of use pos- sibly on the platform when the next election takes place. Mr Tom Jones, on behalf of himself and his co-proprietor, objected to the granting of the licence on the ground that he had in every way tried to make the Clarence Theatre a place of entertainment worthy of the town, and in this he was well supported, except by shareholders in another concern, and their friends He fur. ther called attention to the fact that he was a large payer of taxes, and in this respect, no doubt, considered himself entitled to a hearing, having for some years conducted his theatre to the satisfaction of the licensing bodies, and shall I say itP-Yes, it was whispered to me -with credit to himself. Possibly the appli- cant for the licence for an extended run of three days will benefit by his experience in that limi- ted period, and make further requests for cater- ing for Pontypridd playgoers. It turned out, however, that a man from Merthyr was practically the instigator of the short municipal war of words, a man who, as was pointed out by one of the speakers, spent nothing in Pontypridd, but apparently came over occasionally with a view of collecting a few bits of filthy lucre to take back with him, tc spend no doubt in charity. Charity beoom- eth all men, but-aud its a very big but—let it begin at home and stay there. --0- A right, honourable member from Treforest, who in the abstract objects to dramatic enter- taimnents, by some sudden concrete concentra- tion of disconnected ideas, stated that he was of opinion that amusements of any description should not be curtailed in the town, a kind of ict them all come" sort of argument, whether they starve or not! What is the use of work- i g I thought. Let us enjoy ourselves at the expense of tne ratepayers as long a? their riK»ney lasts. Mr Spickett, who, I belive, represents the v.'trd where the Clarence and Empire are situa- I ed, deplored the fact that he had to go to Cardiff to find healthy recreation for himself and family, at which a sympathetic sigh went rcund the room. He went there recently with his children to hear an opera, which has not yet visited Pontypridd, and as I have a trust- worthy theatrical friend who supplies me with information I will tell him the reason why. -0-- Where a successful piece or opera is pro- duced it usually "runs" in London a certain time, to give it a commercial as well as an ar- tistic stamp for reproduction in the provinces, and everywhere, where the English language is spcken. Of foreign matters I have nothing to I say, being foreign, so to speak, to the subject, hot in Great Britain an author takes a per- centage (if, that is, he does not sell his rights for a given sum), of all moneys taken at the doors of the place of entertainment, where the emanation of his brain is made public. The country is sub-divided into sections ac- cording to the dramatic author's list. There are No. 1 towns, such as Manchester, Liver- pool, Dublin, Birmingham, Cardiff, and others, and the rights of performance in these large centres, where the population admits of levia- ttan receipts, are reduced in the small towns according to a list prepared by a recognised society. —o— The last rights of all are what are termed The last rights of all are what are termed "fit-ups," which pay the least percentage; in fact, in most cases, a certain sum is given per week. Pontypridd has grown so rapidly that H is not yet recognised as a theatre town, al- though the Clarence has been in evidence so long. Why? Because the local authorities allow "fit up" companies to visit it, and thus prevent it being placed on a proper footing. JVf Spickett goes to Cardiff to see a perform- ance which he might see at home, but for the tact that he with others prefer to maintain the some order of things in Coalopolis as existed before enterprise erected in the town what the "Western Mail" once described as "one of the prettiest and cosiest theatres in the Principali- ty." -0- To be more explicit, "fit up' 'towns are those where no recognised theatre exists, and the proprietors of a travelling company are com- pelled to carry all they consider requisite dur- ing a hurried visit to give a performance, and fit up a temporary theatre of their own. They are here to-day and gone t<>-morrow, whereas a resident theatre manager has to weather" all stcrms, keep an efficient staff of employees, a band, pay heavy rates and taxes, put his hand i.i his pocket for all sorts of local matters, and i)is expenses practically only end at night when lie goes to bed, to be resumed with consider- able energy the next day. -4-- I am sorry Mr Spickett had to go to Cardiff to see a performance, which he may by his vote and eloquence have an opportunity of witness. ing again on a small scale elsewhere. The end of the matter was the licence was granted, four councillors voted for and four against, the chairman, together with shareholders in the Tt wn Hall Company, abstaining in the 6rst instance from voting. He, however, changed Irs mind. and gave a casting vote, which was a proceeding resented by more than one member present. --cr- There will be another election some day,when ihf question of ratepayers versus shareholders jT public companies will possibly crop up. I wonder what the result will be? That remains like a great many other tangled webs of fi- n,ve;al importance. THE MYSTERY, j

Money in Your Pockets. A penny saved is a penny gained. We do not wish you to buy our pills unless we feel sure they will do yold good. Without one Shadow of Doubt you can know whether to take them or not. WRITE to us a description of your ailment, and we will tell you honestly if Dr. Williams' Pink Pills for Pale People have cured similar ailments in other people, OR NOT. We will be absolutely frank with you. Dr. Williams' Pink Pills for Pale People are selling so fast that with all our efforts we can hardly keep up with the demand which their Merit and Merit alone has created. We have no interest to induce you to buy if they will not cure you. We do not want to have a failure: people who use our pills recommend them. Address in absolute confidence, Dr. Williams' Medicine Company, Holborn Yiaduct, London.

I>lforn\atiof) by Returq Post A SUFFBRER'S QUESTION ANSWERED. AT the quaint Kentish village of Bethereden, between Ashford and Tenterden. Mr. A. Beale was questioned by a Kentish Rrprew reporter respecting hÍR extraordinary cure. In March 1898," tiaid Mr Beale, I was pol- ing hopbines, when sciatica at- SCIATICA, tacked me in the hip. It then flew into my ankle, rendering me helpless. I tried several things, including an embrocation which burnt me, but neved touched the pains. I had a doctor for three weeks without avail. I kept getting worse. I had only the use of one leg, and for eight weeks I was like that. One day I read an account of a man suffering for several years from sciatica who had been cured by the use of Dr Williams' Pink Pills for Pale People. His case waq so like mine that 1 wrote to Dr W illiams' Medicine Company for advice, and obtained it by return pose. 1 then bought a box of the pills, and, acting carefully on the directions, afcer taking them three days I began to feel the blood circu- lating in my leg. That week I was able to go away for a change, When I left I could notget my shoe on, but when I wrote te my wife and told her I had got my shoe on and had walked four miles she chuld not believe it. After taking the third box I was able to start work again bean- hoeing, which is pretty heavy work. Since then I have stood work well, and it has not hurt me. it's like a miricJe." Mr. Beale has recommended the pills to several friends, including Mr Possee, who took Dr Williams' Pink Pills for rheumatism and gout, and obtained great relief. Mr Possee's daughter- in-law also has been cured of distressing head- aches. do

I little Advice leads to a great I Cure. THE GIRL WHO WAS WATING FOR DEATH NEAR the pretty village of Marem-le-Fen, Boston Lincolnshire, lives Miss Mary Buttery. at a spot locally designated "Catch Water Bank." A Boston Independent reporter was there intro- duced to Miss Buttery, and found her a charm- ing young lady of twenty-five. She explained that at the age of seventeen her health broke down. She stated "I was keeping my brother's house in Canterbury, and, although attended by two doctors, I was time after, tirue obliged to come home. Consumption was feared, follow- ing upon anaemia, though my doctors would not tell me my complaint. 1 came home at last expecting to die, and my CONSUMPTION friends looked upon me as FOLLOWING already a corpse. I could ANiEMIA. hardly walk, and suffered I so from palpitation of the heart that several rests were necessary for me to get upstairs. 1 was racked with pains in the left breast, was short of breath, and at length could scarcely apeak." -I She was all skin and bone, poor thing interrupted Mills Buttery's mother. The neighbours had never seen such a distressing sight." -,Mother is right," said Miss Buttery. "I never expected to live, and wished that I was really dead. Life was a periect misery, and in my melancholy moods it made me mad to see others happy. I was in despair, when some friends persutdad me to give Dr. Williams' Pink Pills a trial. Peeling doubtful, I wrote to the Company for information, and received a kind letter of advice. I felt encouraged and com- menced the pills actually before I was halfway through the first box I had already increased in health. By the time I had taken three boxes i was as well as ever I had been in my iife- I6 was Dr. Williams' fink Pills that saved my lj*e» and you may puolish my statement fo» 6 ie benefit of other sufferers."

Two Cures from a Single Letter., THE MARTYRDOM OF A MOTHER AND BER DAUGHTER. MRS. KIDMAN, the wife of a Dry Drayton farmer, hats related a remarkable story to a representa- tive of the Caithbridye Independent Press. Mrs. Kidman and her Husband have been at. Pry Drayton for quite ten years, "and even before that time," ahe said, 111 suffered severely from indigestion; in fact, I always suffered. I At times I was quite forced to give up my work. After my last baby was born I had a severe attack. I was very weak I could not retain my food, and the pain at times doubled me up. A doctor said it was general debility, combined with indigestion, that made my Jife a martyr- INDIGESTION, dom; my liver also was DEBILITY, sluggish. The doctor bLUGGItiH gave me only temporary LIVER. relief. ShorWy afterwawfe two little pamphlets came into my hands deal- ing with the cures brought about by Dr. Williams' Pink Fil's for Pale People, and I determined to try the pills. I wrote to Dr. Williams' Company, stating the symptoms of my disorder, and in their reply they showed how similar cases to mine had been cured. Acting on their advice, I tried a box in all I took three boxes, and was then effectually cured, and have now a becter appetite than I have ever had in my life. It is no temporary relief, but a permanent cure. I am perfectly well now, and can eat anything I fancy, with- out discomfort." Mrs. Kidman has a daughter who was very weakly, and she tried the effect of Dr. Williams' Pink Pills upon her girl. 41 The child is aged nine," EFFECTS said Mrs Kidman, "and OF has suffered terribljr from POOR BLOOD. weakness, showing itself, among other symptoms, in her eyes. Last Summer she was unable to go to school. She had severe headaches, a very poor appetite, and altogether was weakly. I gave her half a pill at at a time, and she \<úJ now recovered her appetite, like myself. Before this her eyes were closed with inflammation. due to poor and bad bloor-1; now the inflammation is gone, and my girl is able to go to school."

An Anxious tyother Writes. HER CHILD IS NOW A LIVING womEØ" AN astounding recovery wai disclosed to a Cardiff Times reporter when he called to see Mrs Weiss, of 100, Broadway, Cardiff (the wife of a seafaring man), concerning her little daughter Lily, tight years old. The mother stated "Lilly is a living wonder. For three years she never put her foot to the ground, being affected with running wounds in her legs and hip. She also had a large lump at the base of the spine. We think in was the result of an accident A littie girl took her out ip a bassinette, and by some means she had a fall. Later on she began to ail and got worse, and two years after she became a complete invalid. Doctors said the disease was in the hip. They did every- HIP thing they could, but all this DISEASE. time she was wasting away to a skeleton. The doctors despaired of her life, for she couldn't take any food." How do you accouut for the change ? I happened to read an account in the papers about Dr. Williams' Pink Pills for Pale People,and I wondered whether they would suit the child. So 1 wrote to Dr. Williams Medicine Company asking whether they thought the pills would do her any good. On the strength of their advice, I at once bought a box 01 D1". Williams, Pink Pills, and gave them to her. With the second box we found ,nS relief. She wanted her tea, th^ showed the pills were creatine an • several boxes we were indeed tbanktul that we tried them. They are a wonderful medicine. You would never have thought she could have lived. One doctor asked me, with hesitation, whether the little girl ha £ »0Be,' and he was greatly surprised to hear that she was still living. Another doctor asked how I had managed to keep her alive, and I said—' Well, credit where credit is due: Dr. Williams' Pink PiUs have done it The neighbours are all astonished at her recovery. WHAT THEY CUBE —Dr pink Pills for Pale People cure paralysis, locomotor ataxy, rheumatism, and sciatica, and all arising from impoverishment of tin blood, scrofula, rickets, chronic erysipelas, consumption of the bowels and lungs, anemia, pale and sallow conrolexion, general muscular weakness, loss of appetite, palpitation, pains m the back, nervous headache and neuralgia, early decay, all forms of female weakness, and hysteria. These pills are genuine only with the full name, Dr. Williams' Pink Pills for Pale People, and are sold by chemists, and by Dr. Williams Medicine Company, Holbom Viaduct, London, E.G., at two and ninepence a box, or six boxes for thirteen shillings and nine. PiUs sold loose or from glass jars are not Dr. Williams' Pink Pills, -T"

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF WALES, ABERYSTWYTH. THE WELSH LIBRARY COMMITTEE. I A meeting of this committee was held a.t the college on Thursday evening, when the Rev D. H. Davies, M.A., Vicar of Cenarth, occupied the chair. The Librarian read the list of donations made to the library since the last meeting, by Prof. At.wyl, Aberystwyth; Messrs Godfrey L. Clark, Talgarn, Llantrisant, Glamorganshire; David Davies, Cilsane Mills, Llandilo; John Francis Davies, Madras, -formerly of Dclcara- dog, Machynlleth; Johii Glyn Davies, Aberyst- vyih; Principal Edwards, D.D., Bala; Messrs J Henry Silvan-Evans, M.A., Llamvrai; J. Herbert James. Vavnor Cottage. Bear Merthyr Tydfil; Brynmor Jones, M.P., Mrs Kyffin Jones, Llansantffraid, Mechain; Mrs Jones, Tanhouse, Llanfair-Caereinion; Rev R. J. Jtnes, M.A., Aberdare; Mr James Jones, Swansea, the High Sheriff of Cardiganshire; Rev John Morgan, M.A., Rector of Llanilid, Bridgend; Mr J. Lloyd Morgan, M.P., Miss Talbot, Margam, Glamorgan; Rev Thomas I Thomas, Green Park, Llandyssul; William Williams, M.A., M.D., Penarth, medical officer I of health for Glamorganshire. On the pro- posal of the Principal seconded by Mr J. Gwenogfryn Evans, the best thanks of the com- mittee were accorded to the donors, and also to Mr D. Lleufer Thomas for the deep interest he takes in the Welsh Library. Sir Lewis Mor- r'6 intimated his intention of sending to the library a large number of Welsh manuscripts that related to his ancestors.

HBADMASTEltSHIP OF RHONDDA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL. It was expected that a meeting of the Gov- ernors of the RJhondda Intermediate School would have been hekl\ at Porth on Friday evening to consider whether the decision to dismiss the headmaster should be revoked. The meeting had apparently, however, been a^" journed, for the board room was found by representatives of the press to be in darkness. Printed and Published by the Proprietors at the U Glamnrgltn Free Pte^ Printing Work* 22. Taff street. Pontrpridd, Pariah of Ponty* pridd, County of Glamorgan. SiTl HDAY, NOVEMBER 4, JØ,