Pontypool Free Press and Herald of the Hills

AT the last meeting of the Mon- Technical mouthshire County Council, which Education. was, recently held, an extremely valuable report of the Technical Instruction Committee was read and unani- mously adopted. We have already published, a lengthy summary of this report, which outlined a scheme that will undoubtedly have a very powerful influence upon practical science teach- ing in all parts of the county. The necessity for technic' not need pointing t h out it is evident to every thoughtful mind. England has, for a generation at least, been far behind some of the Continental nations— notably Germany and Austria—as regards really practical Education. Tn English middle-class and higher schools, boys have been kept to the old-fashioned mill-round of the Claries, long after our neighbours on the Continent hid elabo- rated and adopted a practical system of Com- mercial Education, from which the classics were altogether excluded, or, if taught, were consi- dered to be quite secondary. to the main purpose —that of fitting the students for the wor\ they would be called upon to perform. Boys who left English schools and colleges to enter a mer- chant's oince or any oih-v place of business as clerks, were continually finding, to their chagrin,- that their previously acquired knowledge was of little or no use to them they had to acquire new ana cuter upon new studies. or be passed by others who happened to have been more wisely educated. Loud have been the complaints that English boys and young men were being supplanted, as clerks, by German youths. It was true enough, but there was a good reason for it. The merchants of London and other seaports found that they could get their work better done for less money by Ger- mans than by their own countrymen. The young German came fresh from school already well prepared for his duties—he had the commercial geography of the world at his fingers' ends, as it were he knew almost as much about the pro- duce and requirements of various countries and ports as if he had beea all bis life in a mer- chant's office; his arithmetical results were arrived at by short and easy methods and he had the advantage of thoroughly understanding a couple of Continental languages, while his English rival knew nothing conversational but his mother tongue. In short, the German boy had been well grounded in knowledge that he would be using every day, unlike the English boy, whose time had been wasted in acquiring a great deal that was practically of no use what- ever. In the same way, the English handi- craftsman has, in many trades, been passed by the foreigner, whose training has been more thorough and purposeful than his own. The inventive faculty of the present day appears to be for the most part developed by the Ameri- cans, Germans, or French. Though the Patent Laws of England are so framed and adminis- tered as to become hindrances rather than helps to the would-be inventor, the principal reason for the fseeming lack of initiative or inventive power in Er^ir-raen be sought elsewhere. A crude iJ, vry occur to anyone, but it is necessary that a man should possess something beyond mere ideas or fancies if he would place a new process or machine before the world in workable fashion. For many years the acquisi- tion of the technical knowledge that would enable him to do this has been impossible to the average English working man. But it is satis- factory to find that active measures are being taken for removing the liabilities under which the sons of Englishmen Lave laboured, and that Schools for technical instruction are being established and fostered in various parts of the county. In this desirable work, it is evident that the authorities of the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire and the Mon- mouthshire County Council have fully deter- mined upon taking an active part. The County Council appointed a Technical Instruction Com- mittee, whose scheme, as reported to the Council, recommends that, in conjunction with the University College, arrangements should be made for the establishment of schools for in- struction- in modem languages, commercial arithmetic, correspondence, and geography, shorthand, book-keeping, political economy, and the history of commerce. For girls, domestic economy, cookery, dressmaking, needlework, and laundrywbrk. Agriculture is also amongst the branches of education included in the scheme, embracing dairy farming and the manufacture of butter and cheese with the cultivation of fruit and vegetables the foundation of agricul- tural scholarships is also- recommended. The Committee propose, in addition, that courses of lectures shall be delivered in* various parts of the county. Though the scheme or report is obviously introductory and not by any means conclusive, it is certain that much care and thought have been bestowed upon it, and what- ever course may be eventually decided upon, it must surely form the basis on which technical education will be conducted in the county. If the subjects mentioned are only efficiently taught, as there is every reason to believe they will be, under such management as is indicated, a grand Result may be anticipated in the near future. All will depend upon the students, and they should be numerous and earnest.

LOCAL NEWS, THE LICENSING QUESTION.—We learn that the Pontypool and Pontnewynydd Temperance Associations intend opposing applications for new licences at the forthcoming licensing session, and that the latter society will be repre- sented by a solicitor. MUSICAL COMPETITIONS.—The musical com- petitions, in connection with the Sunday School Union, which had to be abandoned on account of the ram on Bank Holiday, are to be resumed on Thursday evening next at Mount Pleasant Chapel. Particulars will be found in an adver- tisement. PERSONAL.—Amongst the limited number of Fellows of the Royal Geographical Society, whom the Council of the International Society of Literature have invited by special resolution to become members, appears the name of the Rev. H. Beresford Robinson, F.R.tS .S., F.&. Sc. WESLEYAN CHAPEL.—Services in continuation of the anniversary will be held on Sunday next at the Wesleyan Chapel, when sermons will be preached fey the Rev. Peter Mackenzie. Mr. Mackenzie will also lecture on Monday evening on Nehemiah." The preacher needs no recom- mendation to our readers, and the services and lecture will no doubt be attended by large audiences. FREE EDUCATION.—The managers of the Pontypool Town School desire to inform the public that they have accepted the proposals of the Education Department contained in the Elementary Education Act, 1891," and that in consequence no fees will be charged for scholars attending the school on and after September 1st next. The school will re-open after the holidays, on August 31st. TEMPERANCE.—The weekly meeting of the Presbyterian Chapel Temperance Society was held on Monday evening, under the presidency of Mr. H. Davies. Owing to the unfavourable weather, the attendance was not as large as had been anticipated. The following took part in the rendering of the programme :—Messrs. I. Corradine, E. Jones, J. Fay, Wm. Palmer, R. Mason, and J. Davies. THE POLICE SUPERINTENDENT'S HOUSE.— The tenders handed in for the erection of a house for the Police Superintendent at Ponty- pool were as follows :—Messrs. John Burgoyne & Son, 1850 Messrs: Morgan & Evans, X902 Messrs. Moulton and Brownscombe, 1923 Mr. John Linton, £ 950; Mr. T. G. Diamond, £ 985. As stated in another column, the tender of Messrs. Burgoyne was accepted by the Standing Joint Committee. The estimate of the County Surveyor (Mr. William Tanner) was £873. RAILWAY ACCIDENT NEAR CWMBRAN.—On Friday afternoon, whilst a train of iron ore trucks was being removed at a siding above Llantarnam Station (towards Cwmbran) on the Eastern Valleys branch of the Monmouthshire section of the Great Western Railway, one of the trucks left the inetaffe and ran across the line cutting up the way for some short distance. A breakdown gang was soon at work at the spot, but all traffic on the road communicating through to Pontypool (Crane-street) and on to Blaenavon was blocked. Some of the trains, however, were worked through on the main North line, via Pontypool Road. Between seven and eight o'clock the whole of the obstruction had been cleared and the way was open again, though the delay with the trains necessarily caused incon- venience. TIIEFT OF A RABBlT.-At the Police Court on Thursday, before Mr R. Greenway (chairman) and Mr. W. L. Pratt, Henry James, a man having the appearance of a -arm labourer, was charge l with stealing a dead rabbit, value Is. 4d., the property of George Hale, George-street, on Wednesday. — Prisoner pleaded guilty. — Mrs. Temperance Jobbins said she lived just above I prosecutors shop, and OB-Wednesday afternoon I say; prisoner standing at the door. Having vr hooked the rabbit, prisoner walked away with it,:uter which witness gave information to Mrs. Hii-i.—Prosecutor deposed to following the prisoner, who denied .having the rabbit, though witness could see il hanging out of hi? pocket.— P.C. Foxall proved arresting the prisoner, who on the way to the station became very violent, and had to be handcuffed.—Supt. James said that lust before the theft of the rabbit prisoner had been seen handling a piece of b^con in another Bhop in a very suspicious manner.— Sentenced to a month hard labour. another shop in a very suspicious manner.— Sentenced to a month hard labour. SUNDAY SCHOOL TREAT.—The annual treat to I the scholars attending the Pontypool Church Sunday School was given on Thursday week. At 2.45 p.m. the scholars, to the number of about 200, and headed by the Rev. C. E. T. Griffith, M.A. (vicar) and Mr. W.Wood (superintendent), walked in procession to Pontypool Park, which had been kindly placed at their disposal by Mr. J. C. Hanbury. Various games were indulged in, after which tea was partaken of. Subse- qumitly the senior scholars and a number of visitors were admitted, and cricket, foot races, tugs of war, &c., were fought out, prizes being Sven by the Vicar and Mrs. Griffith, and the ev. G. G. and Mrs. Williams. Messrs. H. Fickling, A. A. Coles, R. Harris, and Morgan were very assiduous in making the necessary arrangements. At the tea table, Mrs. Lee and the Misses Neath, Jenkins, Allen, Birdwood, and Hall presided with very satisfactory results. At dusk, Mr. Wood moved votes of thanks to Mr. J. C. Hanbury and Mr. A. A. Williams, and alfio to the Vicar, whom he said he was very pleased to see amongst them for the first time, and only hoped it would be the first of many. Thanks were also accorded to the ladies and teachers who had assisted, and in closing the children gave hearty cheers for Mr. Hanbury, Mr. A. A. Williams, Mr. and Mrs. Griffith, and Mr. and Mrs. G. G. Williams. The National Anthem having been sung, all wended their way home well pleased with the day's amusement. THE RECHABITES AT LLANERCH EXPLOSION. -At the High Moveable Conference of the Rechabite Order held at Cardiff Bro. Fred W. Brett, of South Monmouth District moved the following resolution (No. 197 on the digest) That the action of the board of directors in ignoring the appeal of the 1 South Monmouth' District on behalf of the widows and children of the Rechabites killed in the Llanerch Explosion, whilst voting £ 5 5s. from Order funds to the general fund, promoted by the Mayor of New- port, is much to be regretted." Bro. Brett said much feeling had been caused in his district and South Wales generally by the way the board had treated the appeal, which was not even acknow- ledged. The action of the district was justified by the way in which the Order generally re- sponded to the appeal, no less than ilOO being received. No objection was taken to the gralis to fthe Mayor of Newport's fund, although it was questionable if the board had power to vote money for non-Rechabite pur- poses but under any circumstances the distriet appeal should have-had first consideration instead of being treated with contempt. Bro. Billam (Manchester) seconded the motion, and several delegates took exception to the board's action in the matter. Bros. Wardroffe and Dimond, on behalf of the board having offered explanations, Bro. Brett said he was satisfied with the discus- sion and the general sympathy expressed, and would now let the natter drop. The resolution was then withdrawn after a somewhat heated discussion. CLOTHING CLUB SUPPER. By the kindness of Mr. D. Reid, the members of the Old Furnace Clothing Club were entertained at supper at the Finers' Arms Inn on Monday evening. Mr. and Mrs. T. Jeremiah had prepared a first-rate spread, which was much enjoyed, by all present. —After the removal of the cloth, 'Mr. T. Jordan was voted to the chair, and, after opening the meeting with an appropriate speech, called upon Mr. W.Williams, High-street, Pontypool, to pro- pose the toast of "The Future Prosperity ot the Old Furnace Clothing Club."—Mr. Williams, who upon rising was received with loud applause, stated that he had a good feeling with, regard to the Old Furnace for various reasons, to two of which he would now refer. In the first place, he lived there for the first three months after he came to Pontypool and, secondly,ne had reason to thank the inhabitants for the sup- port he had received from them since he had been in business. Proceeding, the speaker dwelt upon the importance of working people cultiva- ting habits of thrift and economy, which they did by joining clubs of that sort. Every satis- faction had been given to the members in the past, and he had no doubt that would be the case in the future. He had pleasure in propos- ing the toast, with which he coupled the name of the proprietor, Mr. D. Reid.—Mr. Reid returned thanks in a suitable speech.—Mr. D. S. Davies, Lion Hotel, Abersychan, also added a few words of encouragement to the members.-A number of songs were rendered at intervals, and a very enjoyable evening was spent. SHOP ASSISTANTS' OUTING.-The annual out- ing of the employees of Mr. Evan Jones, Man, Chester House was held on Thursday week Weston-super-Mare being the selected rendez- vous. The party, which included a few friends, left Crane-street station by the 7.45 a.m. train to Newport, where they embarked on board the "Earl of Jersey." The weather was fine, the sun shining brightly, but a strong wind ruffled the surface of the channel, and the party were treated to a little tossing, though, fortunately, not sufficient to cause any of the pleasure seekers to require the aid of the steward. On arriving at Weston, the party quickly dispersed in various directions, some favouring the many pretty drives in the neighbourhood, and others making for the beach, with all its fascinations in the shape of donkey rides, nigger minstrels, and the hundred and one amusements ot the "sands." Fun followed fast and furious, until the form of the genial employer was seen hurrying over the sands with the welcome intelligence" dinner at Huntley's." Here a good spread wa.s provided, to which the appetites, sharpened by the sea breeze, did full justice. Dinner over, more don- key riding, tricycling, drives, indulged in, the only drawback to a fine y being the wind, which carried clouds of s*11 ^to the pro- menade, and filled the eyes, ears, na noses of the gay promenaders. Weston wa °king quite at its best, and the very large IlUI? honday makers to be seen everywhere te J-hes to the popularity of this rapidly-irnproving Watering place. To return to the party, the next Item of importance was tea, at which the party full,, maintained the reputation gainei e earlier meal. Tea having been dispo^ or, the pier was sought for, and here for a jjjort time the folk enjoyed the numerous Until the hooter 'r of the boat warned them « vs-as time to get on board. The wind had .y this time greatly increased in strength, and ^ie passengers viewed with some little apprehension the surg- I-- ing of the waves against the roelll- £ -«-v, was gener rally expected that they were roiling, and they were not disappointed (.) The spray swept across the bow to such an extent that no one cared to sit there, and the stout little boat pitched and tossed, causing a sensatlolllike that of the switchback railway. As a consequence, the majority of those on board were with mal de met-, and the anlOnt or attention bestowed on the ladies by theIr cavaliers was touching to behold. Fortunately" the troubles did not last long, and by the tinie the boat reached Newport landing stag i Were revived, and evidently none the worse tor their shaking. Pontypool Road was reached at iu :i5 p.m., and here the party, through the roresig^t of their employer, were m: t by a which conveyed them to town. Su per ha^ug been partaken of, the party retired fo the having one and all had a most enjoyable day, int whole expense of which was borne y tueir generous eiupioyer. j

DISTBIOTJTEWS. A33EB$YCHAN. ALPINE CJIOI^7^u Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings last Professor Andre s j Alpine Choir ^aVmVCOncer^s in the Abersychan Board School.. were very good atten- dances every 111 even standing room being occupied, and n5" People having to go a'vay- The choir, which last visited this.place about 2- years ago, £ UA^ ^'ntamed its previously -• acquired reputation tor the excellenc}* o v s singing, etc., company, which consis.-s,; -tc et! 11 young ladieSj looked very pretty in-then v.jvj- gatsd dresses, and the taste ana prey's .oa dis- played by -was exceedingly P;l:4't r'o to the audience. 1 here were some little omas u-ophes during the evening, such as the string or some of the instruments breaking, but oil the wnole everything passed oil very smoothly anu to the satisfaction or a) t present. The todowiug was the programi^c :—Choral trio, Souno tr;e loud tiiflkrei' solo and chorus, p-ut song, 0 er the limpid azure solo, The better land part song, duet and pi" I j L me bay V-t -er' part, bong, Good night'; solo, 1 "drean&d a dream' selee- i.oii on autohaips duet, 4 I'd rather uoi,' ion on mandolins and guitars; aius-cal sketch, 'The new governess ;_«on|^ Very nearly'; selections on the dulohnor n*6lo, 'The Swiss boy'duet on the zither aid Alpine violin Tyrolese chorus,4 Ubcr Berg imd Thai gipsies' chorus recitation, k The factory chimney' vocal waltz, The mill stm-.m' song and chorus, 'I love my little baby'; glee, 'Blow, gentle gales solo and chorus, 'He never told a lie'; finale, Swiss chorus. Therei were various addi- tions to the programme, ecnsi?ting of songs, solos, and choruses. A mosfi enjoyable concert was brought to a close by ¡,"ifa singing of God save the Queen.'

BLACKWOOD. BANKRUPTCY EXAMINATION. -A* ba*H ruptey court on Friday, John Hardjv«?rpenter, joiner, and contractor, of Blackwood, umlerwec 11 his public examination before Mr^' 32 ^sgistrar Shepard. Mr. Edwards, of Newport- ^Jtesented j certain of the creditors. The debt<A^wkted that his liabilities were £ 812 i5b., and his^iesets £G5 13s. 9d. He discovered three years th%t be had not sufficient property to py bis debts ín full, but he continued to trade in the bope that 1 the contracts which he undertook would pay. I Instead of that, however, they He had been unable- to eosaplete tbe jast .-oii- tract into which he entered for tuelgii&iir i« <rf: the new English Baptist I and the work had been taken J committee. The examination waa eveniuaHy ] adjourned until the 25t'Vof Septeuileer. "1

CROSS KEYS. I HOPE BAPTIST CHAPEL. — The friends at this chapel are to be congratulated on again securing the services of the Rev. Archibald G. Brown; the popular pastor of the East London Tabernacle. It appears that the rev gentleman will conduct a three-days' mission on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, August 31 and Sep- I tember 1 and 2, Thiswili be the third visit of Mr. Brown to Cro-^s Keys, and if, may be mentioned that this is the only district in South Wales which he has visited. It r~ay not be known to some t}zàt Mr. Brown is regarded ar" perhaps, ¡ pt next to Mr. Spurgeon, tho most popular preacher in London, the congregation of the latter being the only larger one than his in London.

EBBW VALE., DEATH OF AN OCTOCI-ENARIAN -Mr. Thomas Prosser, Bridge Cottage» Ebbw Vale, peacefully passed away on Sunday last at the advanced age of 80 years. The deceased gentleman was bora at Rhiwgan, Llangynider, Beconshire, in the year 1802. When scill a young man he removed to Ebbw Vale, where he was employed as a mineral agent under the Ebbw Vale Steel, Iron and Coal Company. He also acted in the same capacity under the same company at Pontypool and Abercarn. At the latter place, in the year 1865, he was made the recipient of a massive gold watch subscribed for by the workmen and others. The office as mineral agent was occupied by the deceased for 60 years, until, in fact, old age com- pelled him to retire.. The deceased gentleman maintained hi3 faculties until the last, and up to a month ngo was a regular attendant of Nebo Baptist Chapel. On Sunday, surrounded by his sons and daughters, be Painlessly passed to his rest. »

GARNDIFFAITH. ACCIT ENT TO A COLLIR.-Op. Saturday last a collier named John Guilifor-d met with a serious accident by a heavy. fall of coal and rubbish at Golynos Colliery. His usuries consisted of com- inated fracture of leg, dividing the ankle joint, and will probably result in permanent lameness owing to stiifness resulting fr0m inflammation, He also sustained general injuries to head and body. He was carried home, and promptly attended to by Doctors Verity, who had been sent for in readiness. BENEFIT kSoClp-on Saturday last the members of te "Pride of the Valley Lodge Benefit Society Iriet at the house of Bra. James Thomas, Collars Friend Inn, for the pur- pose of celebititmg. their anniversary. The dinner, winch was ot a very superior character, and served in excellent style, reflected the highest credit oil ^°rthy host and nostess, and ample justice was done to it by upwards ot 40 members. Subsequently a convivial meeting was held, when the secretary, Bro. Waddy Llewellyn, very lucidly detailed the position of the society, together with its excellent manage- ment during its short period of existence. The society bad been progressing beyond what they anticipated, and present in a very flourish- ing state. Bro. J°sepb Jarman also spoke in suitable terms in praise of the society. Various ,toasts interspersed with very excellent songs were. during tne evening, Messrs. William GriSiths, George j LewIs, Lewis Price, Isaac Evans, Charles Edwards, and others adding to the enjoyment of the proceedings. Mr. N. Huichins?, pontypool, ,yas the harpist, and, assisted by Mi'- Williams greatly enhanced the evening's pleasure. The health of the host and hostess drunk with musical honours. On Saturday ^ast' the B Company 3rd Vol. tks Drill Hall, and, after preliminary »n "J' Sergt.-Iflstr. Frost, pro- eeeded under the command of Capt. D. R. Jones to where they were joined by the G Company, under Lieut. D. S. Davies. Headed by the excelled k&nd of the Garndiffaith ,Com- oany, under BaneH^ygt. W. Jones, and led by Drum-Major • H; 'Holmes, the combined companies i»ar<Wie(^ to a field at the Freehold Land, where they were drilled in strict and ehicie'nt form by Capt. Jones. The marching f 1*1. and other manoeuvres were exceedingly \VL.U performed- The companies were afterwards 1'1)ut through the nvwiual and firing exercises, a|tsr which they niched to Pontypool. stuppao-e was made at the Clarence Hotel, where tho men were regaled with refreshments, Mr. and Mrs Bunting being very assiduous in serving the men. The men returned home by train, after an having had a useful and enjoyable afternoon's drill, for whioli ah t-V.e officers are to be highly j commended. The number of men 011 parade were B Coirtpu&y, t captain, 1 staff inspec- tor, 4 sergeants,-ar4d 74 rank and file; G' I Company, 1 lieusenarit, 3 sergeants, 1 bugler, and ) 51 rank and tile. Some unpleasant remark^, iiaye appeared in local papers which had a te^jency to degrade the crecut^ble position of +;Qe 3rd V.B. w are pleased to be blpay th. 'j the statements by oyr amfceir^r^ar,< entirely unfounrled. and no eioub* emanate fiom some enviable person or jers&na.

USK. DROWNING FATALITY.—On Sunday evening a sad drowning fatality was reported to the police at Usk. William Jenkins, aged nine years, and son of Mr. Jenkins, of Prioress Flour Mills, left his parents and the rest of the family at tea, and was subsequently found dead in a standing posi- tion in the millpond, there being about six inches of water covering him. It is supposed that in endeavouring to cross the tender that regulates the supply of water to the wheel he slipped and fell in. Deceased T. as not absent from the house more than a quarter of an hour.

SOUTH WALES MINING NOTES. The series of meetings which were announced to be held in connection with the Monmouth- shire Miners' Association (and of which the Cwmtillery and Blaina meetings were published in these columns last week) was resumed on Wednesday evening week at the long room of the Black Lion Hotel, Brymnawr, when Mr. Brace and Mr. Woods addressed the miners of that district. The large room was packed almost to suffocation. The honour of presiding was conferred upon Mr. Joseph Pope, of Blaina, who opened the proceeding with a lively address. Mr. Brace was then introduced to the meeting, and n rising said the subject which he pro- posed to discuss was the termination of the Sliding Scale, and what appeared to him the object the employers had in view in giving notice. In the first place, they would have a disadvan- tage in fighting the question in the winter, and to attempt to fight this one-sided scale, under the circumstances, would very greatly weaker their position. Then again, there was the small coal question, which, there was no doubt, was the cause of the employers' action, so that if any further scale was obtained, the advantage of the Law Courts would have to be given up, or the standard of prices so altered *as to bring the price of the coal to what it now is, which practically meant giving up the test case altogether. The question he wanted io put to the meeting was, Were they prepared to do that ? If they, as miners, desired to be jus tip treated, they should join the National Federation, which would protect them in the time of trouble, for in his opinion justice and right could be better maintained by the principle of a National Federation than by any distriet sliding scale. At this point Mr. Wood was introduced to the meeting, and met with a good reception. He stated they were met that evening to discuss miners' questions. The benefit of discipline was fuliy realised among the English miners when they gave the fourth no; ice for a 10 per cent. advance. Previous to this notice the employers had federated together and stumped down one million pounds for the purpose of defeating the miners' object in getting the fourth advance. Nevertheless, the leaders knew the miners were entitled to the advance. The mandate had gone forth, and the miners had not learned the principle of retreat. Therefore they were pre- pared to stand or fall by. their mandate, and to use a phrase of the Times newspaper (which had scarcely a good word to say in favour of the working men), The leaders of the miners had only to hold up their hands and out came 300,000 miners, and as soon as they put their hands down they ail went in again." That shewed that even the Times valued the leaders of the men. That was true discipline, and after four days' play the employers gave in all along the line. Their federation and the money at their back were useless and why ? Because there was unity of action; and if such could be accomplished by one I half of the miners of this country, what could be ) ►donfc if the other half were connected ■toot Th<jT. misers last year produced 18CLGUli,QQll tons of «oai, whijeb bad greatly 1 added to the wealth of the country and surely they, as miners, had a perfect right to demand a fair share of its prohts. The object of the National Federation was, not only to bring the whole of the miners in the "country under its wing, but to put an end, once and for all. to the principle of the employers in lighting'each dis- trict or county single-handed; and while one district was on strike for its rights, the other parts of the country were filling or supplying its trade. That was the very point on which they had always lost, and there was not the least doubt but the employers had contemplated doing the same thing on the last occasion but when they found they had to deal with 300,000 in a body, that frightened them, and while they so acted' loyally together there was no fear of the employers taking advantage of them. The speaker further stated that the National Federation had done more in the last two years to protect the miners' rights than all pre- vious umons put together and if the men of South Wales could see their way clear to let the present Scale terminate at the end of the year and join the National Federation, many of the wrongs that existed in South Wales would be put right. He had every confidence in the Fede- ration, and that the first thing that would be attempted was the small coal question, "jvhich the law courts had decided was mineral con- tracted to be gotten and the sooner this system of "Billy Fairplay" and the deductions of 25 per cent, were taken in hand, the better for South Wales miners, which would mean a good advance to them on the present system of working. Sliding scales, as a rule, gave regular work but low wages. The English miners, through their Federation, held out the right hand of fellowship to South Wales, and he hoped, for the sake of themselves and the miners generally, that when 1892 came they would be prepared to march forward with the general federation, and help to remove the many grievances that at present ,stood in the miners' way, -Several questions were put to Mr. Woods and satisfactorily answered, among them being, did he consider Air. Onions beaten the previous night at Blaina. The reply to that was that Mr. Onions was informed on July 30 that he would have an opportunity to comply with his challenge and debate the questions at issue, but he was not prepared, and of course they must draw their own conclusions.—A resolution to support the National Federation, with votes of thanks to the speakers and Chairman, terminated the pro- ceedings.

A LICENCE REFUSED .AT CAERLEON. The Caerleon Licensing Sessions was held on Thursday, the magistrates present being Major Mansel and Mr. F. J. Mitchell.—Supt. Bosan- quet objected to the renewal of the licence of the King's Head Inn, Caerleon, on the ground that the house huu been badly conducted and was unnecessary.—Mr. Gardner (Newport) appeared for the applicant. Albe--+ Sr.dler, and urged that he she; > trial, as there had been no complain l the time he had had the temporary tranter.—Mr. H. S. Lyne opposed on behalf of the poiice, and after hearing the evidence of Supt. Bosanquet and Sergt. Lewis, the Bench decided not to renew the licence.

SHOCKING DOMESTIC TRAGEDY. A shocking domestic.tragedy has been enacted at Twickenham, resulting in the death of one child, the attempted murder of another, and the suicide of the mother under peculiarly painful circumstances. Mra, Beresford, wife of the steward of a local club, her husband having gone to a.neighbouring doctors to fetch some medicine, at about noon suddenly attacked her younger son sg-ed about ten and cut his throat from ear to ear. She then attacked her other son, about two years older, but he succeeded in escaping from her, and rushing downstairs, pursued by his mother. Meanwhile the injured boy, despite his seriout wound, managed to leave and run.across the road *0 a ^jveetstuff • shop opposite. His path was marked by a trail of blood, and aTriving at the doorstep, he fell exhausted, and died immediately An alarm was at ce given, and the feusbsmd, re- turning with a policeman and a doctor, was horri- fied to find his wife lying dead upon the stairs from a gash which she had inflicted in her throat No cause can be assigned for the sad occurrence beyond the statement that, her husband was undei notice to leave his sitnatiwi, and this is said tc have preyed on her mind.

Enormous damage has Deeu gone by forest-fires in Cumberland County, Nova Scotia, and lwmber camps aud buildings lyiag ia the path of the flame-z have been swept away. Aumir; 1 Hoskina, commanding the British Me literrune.m Squadron, gave a dinner at Kaples the other uight in honour 4 the Italian Admiral and officers there. A cablegram from Springfield states that Zimmerman, of New Yorlr racing r £ a-y,s* time bis lowered the bicycle record for hai* a miu covering the in Imin. IQ The International Ge°r F;„r,bieal Co-ugre, Ber. e h:vs concluded it(» **v^6'Ur» having pr' -ji ,a de-die! in favour ;,f, Londoner the P, d r'OUSIY. meeting .J --ext annual -outh Jersey com- v «*at they haveibeen def r,n.lej and ,:eiu ie1 °y the Hirssh trustee. x'hey allege that thm were promise 1 e:npIoyj^eat. b-ac, are starring. The interment of the late Mr. James Russell Lowell has taken fJlace at Sou it Auburn. wheme toe remains of Longi'eliow also lie. Dr. Oiirei Weaned ^oUiiv-s was one of the p Jd-bearers.

To the Editor of the Free Press. Sir,—It is with marked interest that I have watched the progress of the correspondence that has taken place in your valuable paper during tha past few weeks in connection with the visit of Mr. T. W. Boyd, the chief secretary of the above associa- tion. Being a member of a Friendly Benefit Society, I have always endeavoured to advance its cause in •very legitimate way, and, consequently take a little interest in matters of this sort. It was my pleasure on that memorable evening to be present at the Abersychan Board Schools, as one of the audience, to hear Mr. Boyd deliver his address. Like the greater portion, I think, I was highly pleased with the lucid account he gave of the society he represented, and also with the straight- forward manner in which he tried to advance the principles of the society. Someone who has styled himself An Old Friendly Society Worker," evidently not having been satisfied with the utterances of Mr. Boyd, or perhaps with a jealous ambition to try and frustrate the remarks of Mr. Boyd, has deemed it necessary to try and do the society an injury. I take it, sir, that "An Old Friendly Society Worker" may possibly be an Oddfellow, seeing that he has placed Oddfellowship at the top of the tree, and with reference to that society I will en- deavour to make a few brief remarks. I am sure that anyone who heard Mr. Boyd speak, or who may have read his speech in your paper, would, with a very amount of discretion, admit that he spoke of no one "Society system" more than another. He spoke of every society in a respectful manner, and urged upon those that were not mem- bers of any society soon to join the ranks of a society, and thus help to build up the grand institu- tions friendly societies had set forth. Old Friendly Society Worker refers to the Government Blue Book, in which it states that the Rational Society is shewn as having a deficiency of capital o the tune of 1281 per cent., or that it stands N o. 23 out of a list of 40. He has omitted to state that t.hia return was made in 1885, some 6 years ago, SMK^ further, he cannot be aware of the progress of the society smce that date. In looking through the yearly reports issued by the Rational Society, I am convinced that their de- ficiency has occurred through the lack of energy on the part of the society in its earlier history, by not establishing its branches more freely and advocating its objects to a larger extent, which would have en- abled them to increase their funds materially. Further, it appears that the Rational Society has always paid each and every just claim since its for- mation, upwards of CO years. There has never been a lack of payment, neither has there been heard that despairing cry that the sick payments had been reduced by nearly half of the' original payment, as is the case with some lodges of Oddfellows, in addition to being severely levied. In some cases we have heard of the box being closed, and eventu- ally the lodge has become a total wreck, not only ts sick payments being reduced but we can hear of its funeral benefits being also reduced. Then I would ask how would the Oddfellows Society of to- day stand had they paid out the demands whicn they engaged to pay ? We often read of its boasted capital, which, to a certain extent, is a locked-up fund, and of which they, have a golden treasury of :t7,OOO,OOO, but alas to be of very little service to our neighbouring- Oddfellows. If such is not the case, why allow lodges to go, as it were, tottering to the ground in a state of insolvency ? Manj mem- bers of these lodges perhaps have contributed, tor a period of 30 or 40 years, with an idea of having something to rely upon in the time of necessity, and thigs save the ratepayers of the district being burdened with their lot. But still such is the society hat we hiar boasted of with its lare surplus of funds. Again and again we hear many an Oddfellow who has acquitted himself honourably to the lodge he belonjp to, by doina- all in his power for the benefit of the Order, disdaining to acknowledge himself as one of the Order. Why does not such an Order maintain its position in payments, and pay out the claims they set forth when persons become members of their society Then!say, Young men, do not allow yourselves to be belauded as An Ola Friendly Society Worker' stated in his letter last week but Jook well to your own interest and get the largest amount of value for your money, and do not De led away by such men as Old Friendly Society Worker.' but support the cause you can de- tiflnd unon. Then when the days of old age come upon you you can look back upon the society you have been a member of with pleasure." I will now leave the matter in the hands of the public to give their decision as to which of these two societies actually deserve the '• red herrihg referred to in "An Old friendly Society WorkerV' letter of last week. I remain, A MEMBER OF A FRIENDLY BENEFIT SOCIETY.

BLAENAVON. CYCLING. During Bank Holidaitt week, a young man, living in London, made a iournev from "the big city to Blaem von, via Bristol, on a bicycle. The journey to and fro, with a three-days' visit to relatives residing here, occu- pied six days. RE-OPENING OF THE BRiTisW SCHOOL.—This school was re-opened oa Monda f s.Alter a month's holidays. A large number of s6Iu&l;irs attended. In the afternoon the annual tre»was given to the children. It had been ar ihat a -de- monetratioa should take place headed by the United Choir, a the town; but owing to theunfig^fegnSjfetber, amid much regret, this pwrc had to be abandoned. Early i^fcs^ternoon, the scholars met at the ditfet3i^^|lo^impi3is stad were regaled with a plentiftiSisiejply oF«ake and tea. The worthy ffchoolmastj|Olr. Jenkins, and the officials connected with fjchoolb, did all in their power to make the jte&mles happy under the disappointment that ocitostd in regard to the looked-f or outdoor amuge Only one school in the town has been favafered with fine weather for their out-door sura garrkc, viz., Broad-street Baptist Sunday School. t CUP COMPETITIONS.—The competition amongst ji the members of the A Company 4th Battalion S.W.B., for Mr. Howard Kennsrdii valuable I prize, was closed on Saturday, and was won by s recruit of this year, Private R. Cmoki'' rThe con- ditions were J rounds each at 200 yards and 000 yards respectively, the prize to beoeizu? the pro- perty of the winner of most competitions. The competitors were handicapped, the vfjlt13$having had 7 points in each competition cou<2 £ v.u*to him. —The contest for the silver cup, 10s., presented by Mrs. Jones, Prince of f £ ptel, was concluded on Monday, and wa^vn^ Cor- poral T. Protheroe. condafti$h.were 7 rounds each at 200 and 500 yarddW^Btively, the highest aggregate in the six c<4nniiiOI1> to be the winner. Corporal Prothe gate was 360.—Owing to the grouse shoiSng imng is for the present suspended at the Kiiie £$nge. The members are, however, very anS$*V5\ mence shooting for Mr. R. W. Kennird's silver cup. It should this year be &ron By an outsider, as the cracks of the are very heavily handicapped.

rnrefe men from Notting-hin have been lor trial at Uxbridge, on a charge of to a hayrisk at Harefield. They were m I bf a party of bean-feasters. It is stetel that the War Office authorit considering the advisability of substituting ar.Iibry ranges t Shoebuyness new ones a where there Is abundant space for long ran T! .p. general order and despatches, describ of the Slanipur field force wfc, s'i- 1 i" the o.>3Upition of Maniunr OA A last, have bean published in Zstftdon Gas,

BRITISH AND FOREIGN BILE SOCIETY. MEETING AT PONTYPOOL. The annual meeting of the Pontypool Auxi- liary of the British and Foreign Bible Society was held at the Town Schoolroom, Pontypool, on Wednesday evening last There was a very large attendance, amongst those present being the Rev. C. E. T. Griiiith, M.A., vicar of Tre- vethin the Kev. Joshua Evans, Incumbent of St. James's tho Rev. G.'T. Williams the Rev. Norman Jones, Panteg the Rev. J. Langiey, formerly the superintendent of the Wesleymi Mothodist Circuit, Pontypool; M r. A. A. Williams. J.P^Mr. R. Greenway, J.P., Mr. L. E. Webb, Mr. W. Collins, Mr. W, Wood, and a number ol well-known Nonconformists. The chair was taken by the Rev. C. E. T. Griffith, M.A., whoT in addition to the gentlemen named above, was supported by the Rev. J. Cynddylan Jones, DJDL, the deputation from the parent society. A hymn having been sung, and prayer offered by the Chairman, the Treasurer (Mr. W. Coilins) was called upon to read the annual statement of accounts. Mr. Collins said the receipts for 1891 amounted to £ 78 17s. 6d., made up as follows :—Free con- tributions, £ 21 3s. 9d. sales at depository, £ 22 14s. 6d.; collection at annual meeting, £ 2 14s. 3d.; collection at Trevethin, X2 12s.; subscriptions,1 f24 9s. The collections at St. James's and the Tranch were to come later on. The receipts for 1890 were f60 Os 7d.; therefore they had a good increase,and he though jibe subscriptions last year beat the record. (Applause.) Last year they found they were going back a little. They sent up to the parent society £ 40, but they had rattier pledged themselves to send up £ 45 this year. Mr. Greenway, who was chairman at the last meeting, very kindly promised to go around and see if they could not beat up a few new sub- scribers, and in addition to that Mr. Greenway doubled his own subscription. (Applause.) The efforts they made resulted in their obtaining new subscribers to the amount of J;9 3s. 6d.-(hear, hear)—and hb thought that would enable them to send up the amount promised. The expendi- ture was as follows :-Paid to parent society, 9M for Bibles, JE21 158.; depositary's commis- sion on sales, 13 8a. printing and incidentals JE2 Is. 8d.; advertising, t6 10s.; carriage of books, 13s. 3d; Monthly Reporter, 15s. Id. Tne balance last year was £46 12s., and this year 1:50,- 8s. lOd. The stock on hand last year was £ 11 5s. 8d., and this year £ 10 6s. 2d. (Applause.) Mr. A. A. Williams, J.P.. aid he would like to add that 310 Bibles were sold last year-a con- siderable increase on the previous year, and 504 Testaments as against 409 in 1890. The Chairman said: My office as chairman this evening appears to be a very simple one, and it is as Drier as it is a pleasant one. It is. to welcome you here, in the first place, to this meet- ing, and to ask you to renew vour acquaintance with two very old and familiar friends. I speak of the British and Foreign Bible Society and its representative, Dr CynddylanJ ones. (Applause). If I spoke at any length about the first of these old friends, I feel that I shall be detracting from what is really the prerogative of the representa- tive of the society. I will only say, therefore, and I hope that it will be of some assurance to the representative ot the society, that I am sure that we here in Pontypool, who belong to the Pontypool Auxiliary of this society, have very much at heart the interests of the parent society. (Hear, hear.) I think that is very sufficiently proved by the statement of accounts which has just been read to you, which shews a decided improvement all along the line, and which I think may be characterised as in every way: -atis- factory. We are told that'this year, instead of sending f40 from this branch to the parent society, it is proposed to send £ 45. In these days, when j associations and objects deserving or ebaity am- multiplying, I think this is indeed a very satisfactory and wholesome sign. There is one j feature about these meetings which I should like to mention, or rather to recall to your recollec- tion, and that is that there is this very pleasant characteristic attending the society itself and also its meetings, viz., that in the greatness of the truth which the society serves, smaller differences upon which some of us are unhappily divided, are for the time at any rate forgotten or foregone—(applause)—and here at such meetings as these we do meet with one heart and one mind and one soul to further the cause which we have both as a nation and as individuals so close to our hearts, namely, the dissemination and the preservation of the great truths contained in the Bible. (Applause.) With regard to the repre- sentative of the society, who is here to-night, I for one, for the first occasion in this town, am very glad indeed to welcome him here. I nave known Dr. Cynddylan Jones for some time personally, and before I knew him personally and in the flesh, I felt I knew him very well through a somewhat caustic pen which he wields from time to time. (Laughter.) However, perhaps Dr. Jones is really less a stranger in this town than I am myself and needs very little introduction from me. I will say this, that 1 for one was very glad indeed when I knew that the interests of the parent society had been oommitted to his charge in this district, and I am sure I •hall not be the only one who rejoices over the appointment, for we feel we have in Dr. Jones a personality congenial to Churchman and Nonconformist alike- (hear, hear)—and like the book of the society he serves, he is capable of forgetting in the great truth those minor differences which unhappily sometimes rend us. (Hear, hear.) I will now call upon the Rev. J. Langley, who I believe is known in this town, to move the first resolution. (Ap- plause.) The Rev. J. Langley said he had little idea of being on that platform that evening. Ponty r>ool was not quite unknown to him, and he was very pleased to find himself in association with one of the greatest societies on the face of the whole earth. (Hear, hear.) It was exceedingly gratify- ing to learn tnat the Bible Society was so much in their hearts, that they were going on from point to point, whilst there were multiplying elements calling forth the contents of their Socket as well as their sympathy, and yet they ept before them that good work, the dissemina- tion of the Bible amongst their fellow men.' He 0 e (the speaker) felt in thorough sympathy with the movement. It had been his privilege to dwell in foreigh lands, and to see the results of the app ication of scriptural truths to the dusky minds, and the enlightening of those minds, and bringing them back to Christ. (Hear, hear.) He had great pleasure in moving the first resolution-" That the sum of f45 be sent as a free contribution to. the parent society, and that the accounts for the past year be printed and circulated "mong the subscribers." (Ap- plause.) The Rev. Joshua Evans, in seconding the potion, said they knew that the Bible was the — .ie ground of the present age. It was the bone of contention between infidels and sceptics and Christians, and when these several parties' discussed the genuineness or authenticity of the Bible, the Bible Society came forth and afforded by its very success positive proof of the inspira- tion of the Bible. He ventured to say that the Bible Society could never have succeeded to aio extent it had, if its Book had not been of Divine authority. (Hear, hear.) He would not dwell upon the historical origin nor the general pro- gress of the Bible Society. He was permitted to occupy more of their time that evening than he expected to have allowed him. He mast tell them candidly that he did so at the special re- quest of the deputation. Therefore, he w jS?, to point out one remarkable and commendable feature in the society, namely its uniqueness. was a unique society, standing Jtself, and different to every othor society* Everything about their religion was B»Sjue. Cnristiamty was a unique system. Oflrist, the founder of Christianity, was a uniqøe person. The Bible, the record of that founder, was a unique book, and so was the society 0^ that Bible, or the Bible Society. It was true that the society, like the moon from the sun, derived its warmth and light from the Book, anj the Book itself from Christ the Son of Rignte°^snf>ss; (Hear, hear.) Now, the uniqueness of the society would at once ap- pear if they conSIdered the special object of the society. It w»s atale more than twice told, that the object of I^ble Society ^as the cireula- tion of the Bible, and nothing but the Bible. Therefore they might rest assured that when they contributed their money to the kind friends who go around on behalf of the society, that all the money woulq be .went ic. the circulation of the Bible, and the Bible alone. The society again el in the comprehensiveness of its constitlon, It was a society which belonged I to all,, ancl yet belonged to no one. They all lad I ia i a p»rG ln it, and yet none of them Cp,"Sid call it tteeir own society. To give them an idea of the extensive work of the society, he would just i men non thar, nee \is <">lsric«noemerrt, 73 years | ago they had print^i m,m,m Bibles. Four | million Bibles were pointed within the last year, and every book was sold so ch-:ap t'vzx iis was under cost price. The obj ,f the committee of the society was to draw llible as much as possible out of the usual vha r^i of coiL".netee, & give it. as far as fsossib e h; t ?,«• free i | gif that iney must reeeive fi-et ciWitrihTitic^ts, i he (the speaker) was wry pleased t» Hid that they in Pontypool were i¡,cea.'ijT]g their free lie was :01,1 the r.t};er day. IJY vy good jnttige in othe. !.hiQ, thai "tha Bibie )ciety has liad its day. ivow,l;e hoped -aid never think of >np.i. There were 1.50500 peopte oil this the Bib., -vit had been printed were ou v ?5t').iK'X),000. Thcu wore of heathsMS, and Mohi-iiiiiifcdiins. Between that thore were '\)¡i)' 19 or 20 mitiions of h oh,- Still what been done was an encouiij >« 'it, and was a pivphecy to theai of what iij< r iv was goii > (o iu a very shsrt time. Le; < then, ôi vjiCourageiuent,. look fonn.it- n faith throuyij he gloomy bear ,of darkt t1 the g.osii s i .ai lay beyoncL Were nor~j loriec :,nmli.,iq. to "inspire tliem. ju the v.v»>-Known Wurus 01 one who drank deeply at i-ite t of iufpir:*AH>n of one whose l was oev ted to away the darkness-of Leatht n lands of ouc v t.oik- spirit was Low amongst the >in^elg of iitfev. c-;>—Bisnop Heber ? CApiviausej In the tnat beautiful hymn, let f .^m say :— Waft, waft, ye winds*. His story, And YOU. ye water'j,; relL Till, like a sea of glory, It spreads from ¡,ok to pole. tio list, vation oh, salvation The joyful sound rroclaim, Till each remotest nation Has learn'd Messiah's Eame." (App.it ust.) The Chairman submitted the proposition, wbici wa» unanimously carnisd. Di. C)-laddylan Jones, who was greeted with appiau-e, said he came there that evewuater- aiint-6 liot, to detain them very long, for hib had been a .d essing t fit-m year after year for five years 0;; behalf of the British and foreign Bible Society, and knowing that they had good mends of tne society living in the town wiio were also able and eloquent speakers, he detenu-nea to put nie buriien upon their shoulders that evening— (iaugnter)—and he was quite sure they thought him i t ry wise and prudent man for so doing. In a puli.ic meeting in America on one occasion, it wa" proposed t-liafc all the speakers should be confined to ten minutes e.ich Th. pt inkers natural y objected to this but a \S\. r 1 man preset;: in the meeting stood on his.-Cet; -isaid, "Mi. Chairman, if a man cannot strike oii in ten minutes; he had better give ll) boring." (L-u;g ter.) He (the speaker) knew right well that lit,- friends who were to speak t'^ro that etevi.r.g knew how to "strike oil," am' so he was. very bftXiOOS that they should take nxj much time as tuey thought proper. He v very bappy to see such a large congregatlcl, present. He tuought Mr. Williams, their faiir-f secre- tary, as rather afraid that the at euuanoe vou.ú be scanty but he (the speake- > ..ought it was the largest congregation he In ven in Pontypool during the five years thai i; e.apsed since L-is appointment to o&ce, and, lur .Ur than that, .W larger than any congivjgtition be had seen during tbe three years or his residence in Pontypool over 20 years ago, when t'Aat very abie and eloquent man, Dr. Phillips,, of Hero- ford, u.ed to visit them Oil behalf of this grand and noble institution. (Applause.) It was cer- tainly a pleasure to get away from what their reverend Chairman and Mr. Langiey cabled their minor diirerences, to shew that they were agreed concerning the fundamental truths of Hoiy Writ. They all believed in the inspiration of tiie bible, in the incarnation of the Son of God, in the atoning sacrifice on Calvary; in the resurrection and the ascension on the right hand of Majesty on high. Thfasewere the great f undamentalsk>fth«*Christian Akgioo, and he for one had no sympathy with tbma «ao laid much enaphaais -go what ha £ been called their minor differences. He remembered that the gifted author of "Gulliver's Travels" told them, in his very interesting hook, of two nations that year after year waged expensive camgaigns one against the other and w.iat did they think was the cause of the wiuis'r Because the two nations could not agree wheoher the broad end or the narrow end of the egg should be broken first. (Laughter.) He thought they would parden him for saying that a gre^i ueai of the divisions in matters between the dilierent sections of the Christian Church were concerning which end of the egg should be broken first. For his part, he cared not whicn enu, so that they broke it and got at the meat wltÜin- (laughter)—and he hoped that the Bibie Society meetings in this and other town wo i t be the means of drawing the different sectk i.s nearer and nearer to each other, by drawing them nearer and nearer to God's word. (Applause.) The Bible Society took not into consideration those minor differences, but shewed its readiness to help every section of the Christian Church. The Church of England required the Bible in about 70 languages, and it was obliged to go to the Bible Society for the Bible in 60 of those languages. The Wesleyans needed the Bible, he understood, in about 30 languages, and they were wholly and entirely dependent upon this Society for the supply of God's word i-kewise the Independents, who. required the Bibie in about 20 languages,and so in respect of the other churches and denominations. Therefore he hoped they would all co-operate heartily in doing all they could to suppiy the society in London with the necessary funds to help their missionary societies in the four quarters of the world and in the islands of the sea. Now, the Bible Society, as they bad already heard, circulated about 4,000,000 copies of the Bible annuaII3,-13,000 copies of God s Word every day from the beginning of January to the end of December, Sabbath days only cxci pled, and even working on that day when the codiers of Monmouthshire and South Wales would not work, the day dedicated to the modern saint. (Laughter.) He knew they would be very so. ry v to hear that there was a very large deficit in the funds of the society. The free contributions had gone up-they went up last year £1;)2. (Hear, hear.) He was sorry, however, to tell them that the funds had declined in the legacy item. That was an item which ai ways varied, and the sum received in legacies last year was smaller than usual, which, added to tne deiicit of the previous two yearshad thrown the society into a debt of £ 40,000. Now, they appealed to their Christian honour and taeir Christian chivalry to do all they possibly could this year to wipe out that debt, to help forward the circu- lation of the Bible, the only Bonk that taught the way of salvatior to men. (Applause.) He begged to propose, That the nearly thanks of the meeting are due and are hereby accorded to the Ladies' Association for their valuable ser- vices to the auxiliary during the past year. and they are requested to continue their valuable aid. Mr. L. E. Webb seconded the proposition, and expressed the hope that others would come for- ward to fill the vacancies. The proposition was carriea v itli acclamation. Mr. W. Wood asked to be allowed to state that some friends who were nuable to attend that evening had kindly sent their contributions to him- (Hear, hear.) In response to the Chairman. Mi". Greenway ifqer sucl1 heart-stirring speeches as they bad had, he was sure they dio. not want one from him, and he thought it better that the col- lection should be taken up wl-iL-t their nearts W<n6 ;\am- (Laughter.) Tyi- proposition of Mr. Fickling. seconded a hearty vote ot thanks wr.s ac- Gprded to the chairman for presiding, to which tne Chairman briefly responded. A hymn having been sung, the Ciiidrmar. pro- nounced the Benediction, and proceedings terminated.

claims in full that for the past fifty years or more have been only partly paia, and then to issue a balance sheet showing to the world the honest position they are in. What right, Mr. Editor, has c An Old Friendly Society Worker to speak of the solvency of an order that has allowed so many scores of lodges to die insolvent? First of all pay your past and present claims "in full," get your members out of the. workhouses, and those that you are paying a paltry six or eight shillings per week in case of sickness. Pay them their full amount as the Rational Sick and Burial Association has done. then talk about your solvency. Those returns that "An Old friendly Society Worker" a notes from were made six years ago; they are not tie returns of to-day. The Rational Sick and Burial Association is in a far better position to-day than they were then, as the increased worth per member will show. When a member joins the Rational Sick and Burial Association he joins an order that guarantees his claims to be paid in full as long as he complies with the rules of the association, and if at any future period the contri- bution tables are found to be inadequate to meet the demands, instead of the benefits being lowered the contributions would be raised to meet it, which is by far the most honest and straightforward way of doing business but from the time of its commence- ment, 54 years ago, it has been found adequate, and, as I have said in my former letter; every just claim has been paid in full with a surplus of over £ 200.000, and the worth per member is £ 4. We do not allow our funds to be dwindled away in beer aad banners and such like. Why, Mr. Editor, the management expenses of some of the local lodges of those big" affiliated orders are something enor- mous, which partly accounts for them not being able to meet their claims. "An Old Friendly Society Worker talks about" true friendly society principles." I fail to see any principle in a society that allows its members to become paupers when the benefits they have been paying for all their lives are refused them by the able-bodied members of a local lodge having the power to pass a resolu- tion that the box be closed." That is drawing a "red herring "across their path with a vengeance. Principle, indeed; not much true-friendly society principle about that, Mr. Editor. The boasted millions is all moonshine." To them it will not bear the light of the sun. Talk of well conducted and financially sound societies" the old adage is that a tried friend is better than a host of false friends. The Rational Sick and Burial Association has proved true to its principles, and as a result the young men of this neighbourhood are leaving the big societies that An Old Friendly Society Worker" boasts so much about and joining the Rational Society by scores and hundreds. Why, not long ago, Mr. Editor, a lodge of Oddfellows left the Unity and paid a sum of f500 to become mem- bers of the Rational Sick and Burial Association. That's a nut for them to crack. Should An Old Friendly Society Worker desire to carry on corres- pondence any farther let him sign his name as a matter cf principle." < I remain, sir, yours faithfully, ? Abersychan. WILLIAM SMITH.