Glamorgan Free Press

"Y Gwir yn erbyn y Ryd.Kymrie Prowrb. U Give me, above all other liberties, thf liberty to know, to utter, and to argue freely, according to conscience."—John Milton.

NOTES AND COMMENTS. +. What a surprise it was for us to receive from a Pentre lady, one day this week, a letter fix- ing the 19th of November as the date upon which the British flag will be hoisted in tihe Transvaal, and especially to learn from her let- ter that the editor of the "Glamorgan Free Press"—who is supposed to be a man of peace —had offered a prize of 925 to the compet'tor who would successfully predict the date of such an event! The offer was really made by the edator of "To-day," and not by the man who guides the destinies of the "Free Press," so the letter had been sent to the wronz place, even if there were any probability of the pro- phooy being fulfilled. If the Pentre lady really means to enter the competition, she had better send on to our friend, the editor of "To-day," who knows our advertising rates, and will doubtless act upon this gentle hint. Undoub- tedly, "the Press" is a power in the country "To-day."

« Lady Aberdare writes: "Will you allow me to call the attention of your readers to a work which at this moment needs only to be known in order to enlist the Sympathy of every one of our oounrtymen. The work I refer to is the Soldiers' and 'Sailors' Families' Associa- tion, which is formed for the purpose of assist- ing the wives. and families ef our soldiers and sailors, who are now on active service, and of those belonging to the Reserve Forces. Assist- ance answering to their need will bj given to all of those whose husbands and sons are fight- ing for m. Under ordinary conditions, when a country is at war, a small part only of its in- habitants can take part in the actual struggle. Now the sympathies of all of us are on every British battlefield, and a peculiar feeling of brotherhood inevitably arises with those who are ready to die and many of whom will die, for us. To these personally we can give no direct assistance; but assistance invaluable, though indirect, we can all of us give by our co-operation. We can assist those who have been called upon to surrender to their country's service the husbands or sons on whom they de- pend. I believe that the claim of these women and children on us will not be urged in vain. In order to carry out the work of help in ques- tion, an Association has been formed under the presidency of the Princess of Wales, a branch of whach has been established in every county, aad each county has been divided into districts. Subscriptions in this district, which includes Merthyr, Aberdare, Rhondda, Pontypridd, Caerphilly, and Llantrfaant, may be paid in at any of the load banks to the account of Xrø Williams, Mwtaa Manor, Pontyclua, treasurer for the district, ar sent direct to her or to me. —el am, eta., Constance Aberdare, President."

« An illastra&iaa of the value of seUU Mr has been furnished by the miners of Dor- lam County in the PMASM of free homes for sub members of their order as from age and ether causes are incapacitated for work. The mcvemeat has been in progress for some time, I a has sow reachad & successful issue by the aojuialtyft of the village of Haswell-oaoe « prospermia oofliety centre, but now abandoned In the industrial warn. Here over a hundred oottages have been acquired, at cost of £ 2,500, I and with the exception of £200, the whole of tUs amount wtm raised by the miners them- selvaa. The homes were formally opened on Saturday last, aDd there was some Interesting1 sprech-making on the ocoewon by the Bishop Of Durham, Mr John Wflson, M.P., and othmr. (For (remainder of Notes and Comments see plge 6).

J SJIOP ASSISTANTS' CONVERSAZIONE AT MOUNTAIN ASH. Thia report Is unavoidably held over for a week owing to the pressure upon our space.

-11_ THE WICK SENSATION. lire Heyter, who was charged at Bridgen with having caused the death of her husband, at Wick, is (although committed for trial) like- ly to be released at the Assizes without any evi- denoe being offered against her, as the post- mortem examination (relieves her of the possibili- ty of such a charge being sustained. She is now on a visit to her brother-in-law at Ystrad.

NEW TOWN HALL, PONTYPRIDD. "The Geisha," Is one of the most highly popu- lar of operas at ptrssent performed on the stage, and it is pleasing to note that Messrs Morreli and Mouillot's company has been engaged by Mr Will Smdthaon to play io at the New Town HiaS on ..Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, of oeru week. TStat its performance will prove a big attraction there can be no uoubt, as the company, who will produce it, is one of stand- ing, and considered to be the best company seen in tbis opera. Three weeks ago, at the Theatre Royal, Cardiff, they scored heavily. The Company includes charming voices and clever dancers, and a local lady, in the person of Miss Usatrioe Edwards, of Cudiff, who is most suocttBSfal aa "0 Minooa San."

-OP. PONTYPRIDD'S AMUSEMENTS. THE DISTRICT COUNCIL AND THE NEW TOWN HALL LICENSE. LETTER FROM THE AGENT OF THE "GEISHA" COMPANY. Last week, t'he Pontypridd District Council Last week, t'he Pontypridd District Council granted' Mr Will. Smithson an occasional li- cense for the performance of the "Geisha" at the New Town Hall, and we have received, the fol-lowing letter from the manager of the Com- pany dealing with the remarks made by tain of the members as to the status of the Company who will perform it: Pontypridd, Nov., 8th, 1899. Sir, Under the head of Pontypndd amusements in your issue of the Free. Press" of November 4th, I notice in a discussion at the District Council tneetine re the licensing of the Town Hall for a performance of The Geisha," a. ser- ious reflection cast on the merits of this opera. As the representative of Messrs Morell and Mouillot and Mr Ben Greet, who at great ex- pense are bringing "The Geis'ha" to Pontypridd, I cannot allow certain remarks to paas un- challenged. Messrs Afore4 and Mouillot have, at present, five first class companies playing "Tbe Geisha" iu various toarne of Great Britain. We bring to the Town Hall on November 16th one of our companies, numbering thirty artistes. Mr Powell stanes, "We are not satisfied that this is a first class company," and certain dis- tinctions are also drawn between "fit-up" and "theatrical companies." All I can say is, that Mr Ben Greet, who is responsible for two visits of "fit-up" companies in "The Sirn of the Cross" to Pontypridd, once 10 the Town Hall and once to the Theatre Royal, is responsible for Che coranv visit of "The Geisha'' to the Town Hall, and I must leave the public to derido n-sxt week as to tha merits or othervneve of the com- pany -Yours faithfullv. TERRERS KUYNETT. Representing "The Geisha."

CORRESPONDENCE. PORTH INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL. To the Editor. Sir,—As a parent, kindly allow me space to refer to the sad state of affairs in the above school. The dismissal of the master has been confirmed by seven votes to four. What we are concerned with is, why has the headmaster baeb dismissed P Has the school done badly? Is the character of the master unsatisfactory ? To each of these questions, we can answer with- out hesitation: The school has done remarkably well, scoring some remarkable successes, and lus character is above suspicion; he has done Lis work conscientiously. Why, then, has he been dismissed? The Act certainly gives the Governors power to dismiss without assigning reasons, but I think few Governors would care to shield themselves under this clause. Surely the public ought to be told why this extreme step has been taken. The headmaster evidently does not seem to have had the tact to keep in the good graces of the manager, but is this a sufficient reason to dismiss him? The Act gives the headmaster full power to appoint and dis- mass any of his assistants, and the action of the Governors in trying to get the power of appointment and dismissal into their own hands is proof of the wisdom of those who drafted the Act. I had hoped that the Gover- nors would have accepted the golden bridge of a deputation to withdraw from their position when so many parents (if not all) appealed to them to reconsider the matter favourably. There is yet one other way out of the diffi- culty. When the appointment is going to be made let the Governors re-appoint the head- master, and let us hope that it will be a lesson for both master and Governors in the best in- terests of the school, to co-operate in a kindly spirit.—Thanking you beforehand, I remain, yours, etc., PARENT.

COMPENSATION ACT OASES AT PONTY. PRIDD. A WIDOW'S AGREEMENT. Judgel Gwilymi Williams, sitting as arbit- rator at the Pontypridd County Court on Mon- da.), heard two important cases under the work- men's Compensation Act. Mrs Catherine Davies, 199, Hafod Road, Hafod, claimed JS170 from Messrs Insole's Col- liery Company Limited, at whose Colliery her husband met with a fatal accident. Mr W. P. Nicholas (Messrs Walter Morgan, Bruce and Co.), instructed by Mr D. Morgan on L h«lf of the No. 1 District of the South Wales Miners' Federation, appeared for the claimant, and Mr A. Bertram, instructed by Mr Vazie Simons, for the respondents. It seemed that upon deceased's earnings the ix W, amount of compensation would have been jenO, but Mr Thomas Griffiths, J.P., the Com- pany's manager gave evidence that he offered cletimant ;91W, pointing out that deceased had only worked for six weeks at the colliery. She however, replied that she was entitled to 91W, and in order to avoid any possible bother Mr Griffiths agreed to pay that amount in fpll satis- faction of the claim which the claimantaocepted. Claimant in her evidence totaly denied having entered into the alleged agreement, and ex- plained that the only offer which Mr Griffiths made to her was P-100, and 95 afterwards. Further witnesseas were called, and His Honour stated that the evidence was entirely in favour of the respondents. It was possible that the claimant, in her grief, misunderstood the amount. offered, and he came to the con. clusion that there was an agreement between them. Judgment was given for the company, and Mr Bertram stated that they did not ask for costs, and that the 9150 had been paid into court. SERIOUS WILFUL MISCONDUCT PROVED. The widow of Robert Roberts, who was killed at the Daranddu Level, Ynysybwl, claimed £ 2S0 compensation from the company for the loss of her husband. Mr Sankey (instructed by Mr D. Jcnes, Pentre, on behalf of Mr Ben Davies, agent of the Pontypridd and Rhondda District) appeared for the claimant, and Mr S. T. Evans Y.P. (instructed by Messrs Downing and Han- cock) for the colliery. Deceased and Evan Davies, another collier, were walking out of the level on the 7th of July, when the deceased was killed by a journey of trams, which were worked by an endless rope. Roberts was on the left hand side, where there was no manholes, and the width between the wall and thetail rope was only nine inches. A rider named Baynes was stationed in the level, and when a journey inwards and outwards we started it was his duty after the rope became taunt to signal that everything was all right. Haynes stated that when the men reached the spot where he was stationed he told them they had better stop. They, however, went on, and after they had gone about 50 yards the rope was pulled taunt, and he shouted after them asking if they were alright. The reply was "Right hol" but at that time the rope was in motion. If deceased had stoped where witness stood the accident would not have happened Evan Davies, cross-examined, said he knew the danger he was running and risked it, and admitted that if Roberts had stopped where Haynes had told them, the accident would not have occurred. Hie Honour held that deceased had been guilty of serious and wilful misconduct, as he had been warned. Judgment wa* given for the defendants who did not ask for costs.

CAERPHILLY DISTRICT COUNCIL. I The fortnightly meeting of the Caerphilly District Council was held at Bryntirion, Caer- pi illy, on Tuesday, the obairman, Mr William Tiwmas, J.P., presiding. Others present were: Councillors Eli Jenkins (vice-chairman), E. W. IIL- Corbett, H. M. Lindsay, T. Gregory, John Evans, James Powell, Evan Anthony, and Ed- mund Evans; the clerk (Mr W. Spickett), medi. -1 01licer, Dr T. W. Thomas, and other officers. Mr Bli Jenkins drew the attention of the Council to a damaged manhole at Nantgarw. The Surveyor was instructed to see to it. Mr Beasley, general manager of the Taff Vale Railway Company, stated in a letter that the inconvenience caused to foot passengers travel- ling from Nelson to Llanfabon Uhurch was remedied as soon as his attention was called to the matter. The Taff Is Well Gas and Water Ccmpauy wrote agreeing to extend their mains to Mill road, Tongwynlais. An application was made by Mr James Harwood, Nantgarw, for permission to lay down a tramline across Heol- ybwnsi road near his colliery. Permission was ghen, a nominal rent of Is per annum to be paid. Messrs Richards and Blosse wrote stating V-z.t they cold not advise the Trustees to grant a lease for an Isolation Hospital near Ystrad- mynach. Messrs Whitcombe and Haines, Bristol, also wrote that they would inspect both other sites j after which they would write to the Cwncil. An application was received from Mr Enos AN. APPEAL TO CORRESPONDENTS. While thanking our correspondents rJ>r the spreudid way in wliich they are aidiiAg efforts to make the "Glamorgan Free j Press" a thoroughly representative district nflWS- paper, we feel constrained to appeal t a the"* to send their "copy'' in as early in th e wee* as possible. Matter arriving on W nefldaJ and Thursday comes with such a I a we axe constantly obliged to "hold ovvr what otherwise would appear the samei -THE EDITOR. (

VISIT OF MR J.. R. CASSIDY'S COMPA^ TO PONTYPRIDD. The boards of the Clarence Theare are tjjjt week occupied by Mr J. R. Ca^sidy and1 able company in "The God of War." The which was written by Mr Charles Whitb^ had a very successful run at the Surrey Thefl-tr^ London, and since being on tour its succe^T judging by the display of talent at the Claret has anything but diminished. This is this C° L patty's first visit to Pontypridd, but the in which they were received by an apprecia^i audience augurs well for another visit. scene of the play is at Cuba, it deals witbr £ late Cuban insurrection, and shows that cio," the Cuban ringleader, had, during One has raids in the early part of the rebellion, .ti"e tured tbe Governor's wife. Whilst a she gives birth to a son, and almost at tih0JJ5L.. time, Marcio'a wife gives birth to a dau^rCy The captive dies, leaving her child at tb° of the Cuban, who, to gratify a grudge the Governor for an old outstanding Sends his own daughter to the Palace and Governor's boy. Tbe baby girl im a tkmably taken «s the Governor's child, and brought up as such, and the boy is adopted a wealthy Spaniard who gives him his "Carlos Armardo." Various complications sue, but ultimately the tangle is unravelled, the boy, now a man, becomes re-dnstated proper sphere, but owing to his having in love with his fair usurper, she is not from the palace, but becomes a'partner if firm for "better or worse." The play is romantic situations. Not only is it rouøø it -is also mirthful in the extreme. The 1 is in -,a continuoiz ripple whenever Donovan," "Dolly Daly," or "Dr Maxim^ly' mez Rogerigo" happen to be on. "Dano^ humorous Irishisms, "Dolly's" breezy and utterances, and the "Doctor's" aaffirs, bring forth roars of laughter. jf R. Cassidy himself takes the rote of Donovan,' 'whilst Miss Lilian Clare ittfPer-1) 4 ates "Dolly Daly," the American IheirefiS; manner which is trul* American, and Mf lentine Cooke plays the "Doctor Maxim0 Rogerigo," an three, and, indeed, the company, acquit themselves of their roles admirably. Mr Cassidy also sings songs of has own composition, entitled pri- day"ll be a Sunday by and bye," and 'ifpfaliy tish Hero," the last named being good. During an interval between the al- Cassidy also recited! a portion of ijt ready famous poem, and afterwards neat little speech that on Friday e'venlng ded third of the entire takings would be of over to a fund for the widows and orpna the soldiers fighting in the yj- was receivedl with approbation. ana all J ing in cheering him and his coinP^y tor afr- benevolence. It is to be !hoi>ed that agooo^ tendance will result on Friday evening a benefit got up for such an excellent puiT° VISIT OF THE NEILSON OPERA. COMPANY. Tbe N«H«>* Opera Company, which has achieved suo<*«s all over the country of the various Spe3T'n«^i e return visit ;TlJ?rvT theatre, Pbntypridd, to d'they did hands of fu i' a rer^ hearty receptip11 p^nty j, the lovsrs of good paging io to P this district we are Sfflging by choirs and parties ordinary standard, but it is questionable ^0 Pontypridd could have a better treat o" resp«ct than will be given at the ing .this company's visit. Mr Neileon, the F^ prietor of the company, is a gentleman of accomplishments, and' is a baritone of 0 quality, and extensive range, and in addition^ a pure production and an artistic style- Neilson possesses what must be consider?0 rare gift of being able to sing with elocuti^^ effect. The company includes such i|is$ artistes as Miss St. Bride, Miss GilfiHan, Nellie Moore, Mr Boyd ((principal tenor}, F. H. Wood (one of the most popular °Pe^tK baritones in the Provinces), All of then*, the exception of one, figured at the Cja Theatre during their last yisit, and satisfaction. Miss St. Bride was prima donna. in Valentine Smith's a,get1 and, Mr Boyd has been for sohme edØ as principal tenor in "Ln Poupee at the trr of Wales Theatre, Lomlon. Miss Moore, if we have not had! the pleasure of seeing, recently joined the company as principal tralto, and one other who W1™11 prominently in the operas is Mr Marshall cent. Mr Neilson has chiefly acted as °c7LO0e tor, but in future he intends to appear otYfji0 on the beards in his favourite partS'J^ Jis{i repertoire includes tbe following attra*?"1 aSSo* of operas, with which hi,s name has be^11 wflt ciated for the last four years, and wnic be produced at the Clarence week:—"Maritana," "The "The Daughter of the Regiment," /L tore," and "Faust." There will be a n"1 and an augmented orchestra.

PRESENTATION AT Miss M. A. Buckley, headmistress rhiwfer School, who left for the j^ndsOTfj Board, was the recipient of a vel?n/.Kers afi* silver tea and coffee service by the te friends as a token of their great |ocalifc3f 17 years of service amongst tliem. Glamof boastful of «evera.l pits worked by heitf gap 'Coal Company, tbe first acbooj^ W under their itmnjtgeroent, but aA\cP been transferred to Llantrrfa Botard.

WiMiams, 19, Ffrwd Terrace, Llanbradatich, for the loan of L150 for the purpose of a house now in course of erection at Llanbradach. He undertook to live in ilt and applied for the loan under the Small T)w01" lings Acquisition Act, 1899.. Mr J. Powell: We can't refuse. The Clerk pointed out thatae loans for tbio purpose must not exceed a penny rate, and tbil £ 150 would practically absorb the penny ratf. The Council could only grant four-fifths of thØ value of the house, and must satisfy themwillat as to the value. Mr Corbett: The total loan must not exceed a penny rate? The Clerk: No, and then you can't grant aD1 loan for five years. The consideration of the application was 4W ferred a fortnight.. A letter was read from Mr Llewelyn, toorganshire Canal Company, Cardiff, saybtf he was glad the Council had at last to carry out the work they proposed in conog& tion with the Tongwynlais brook. He woulo co-operate with the Council's surveyor in cartf ing out the work. The further consideration of the water tfJY ply of Caerphilly was again deferred on tW suggestion of the chairman. Complaints were made by several member with regard to breaches of byelaws on the paf* of builders in the district, and it was decide ;0 prosecute all offencters in future. The Surveyor reported that the top portiOD of the Aber Valley Main sewer from SengbeJJ" y io to Aber Mill was now complete and reaiV to be taken over by the Council. Dr Thomas reported 13 cases of diphtheria several of which had taken place in J™ Mr T. Gregory moved a resolution askiw the Council to negotiate with the Council to approach the Rhymney and Aber Valleys G* and Water Company with a view of the whole of their undertaking. He though the present an opportune time to do so. 1"^ Valley waa yet in its infancy, and one of tbeSt days they would be asked to take over tbeS works. Tha Chairman said that he had made certain figures and found them very satisfy tory. He would be pleased to get 8om&& else's figures on the question. After furt consideration a. committee was appointed to fut tber consider the question.