Pontypool Free Press and Herald of the Hills

ROADS AT PONTNEWYNYDD. To the Editor of the Free Press. # Sir-I would call the attention of the ratepayers, direct and indirect, to the neglected state of this district. Remember that in the near future we shall have ae election. Then see that you are properly repr seated, and not return men who sit on the eard like dummies, but those that will have their say and have as much done for their dis- trict as members of other districts get done for theirs. The state of the roads from the Osborne Bridge to the Royal Oak is simply disgusting, and our surveyor should be ha over the coals, and the question asked him why is it that a narrow thoroughfare like George-street, through which so much traffic passes, cannot be kept as a road and not a slough. I am, &c., RATEPAYER.

INFANT BAPTISM-IS IT SCRIPTURAL? fro the Editor of the Free Press. Dear Sir,—The divisions of my paper on the above subject which was read at Mount Pleasant, Pontypool, have been correctly reported by the Rev. J. Ll. Jones, Abersychan. I have read the let- ters whieh have appeared on the subject in your columns, and it would seem that your correspon- dent Boanerges is really becoming excited, and that the speech of Demetrius at Ephesua is still echoing in his ears—the craft is in danger. But let me assure him that it will take more even than a Son of Thunder to frighten me from the advo- cacy of a practice which I believe to be approved of and commanded by God. I have no time to spend in responding to anony- mous scribblers, and shall not therefore take .Qny further notice of the writer who signs himself Boanerges," unless he has the courage to subscribe his proper name and address. The Rev. P. D. Morse has given him excellent advice in his admirable letter on this subject, and if he will take it, and write an article above his own name, on that side of the question which he holds to be the truth, I, .for one, will have much pleasure in taking up the gauntlet, and defending my own views in the same magazine or paper. Thanking you for the insertion of this letter, I am, dear sir, Yours very faithfully, Cwmbran, Dec. 30th, 1891. S. JONES.

THE BURNING QUESTION. To the Editor of tlte Free Press. Dear Sir,—As it is essential that statements appearing in your widely circulated paper should be correct and not misleading, I beg- to furnish the following figures as the prices charged per 1,000 cubic feet for gas supplied by the Abersyehan Gas Company. 350,000 c. feet per annum .3s. per 1,000 c. ft. Local Authority-public lamps. 3s. 6d. „ „ Private consumers. 3s. yd. „ „ Meters are rented at a nominal charge. for imtance-2 ligM, 9d. per quarter; 3 light, Is. per quarter, and so on, in ploportion ta size, which, I think, after enquiries, bear favourably with any fi gas eompany in the kingdom, who make a eh#rge for meters. One of the causes of so great a distinction in the neighbouring companysT charges has been so often mentioned in your columns by old correspon- dents. Messrs. P. Eckersley and John Williams, that it may be considered superfluous, but not out of place, to repeat that only one item of the Pontypool Company's annual transactions must act pre- judically to the consumers and unfortunate share- holders alike. Years obediently, December 26,1891. AROTISv ( Correspondence continued on page 3.) Correspondence continued on page S.) --p-

JOCAL NEWS. PONTYPOOL OPERATIC SOCIETY.-Ithe mem- bers of this society are requested to meet at the Park-terrace Schoolroom on Tuesday evehing next, at 8 p.m. BAPTISM. A baptismal service was held at Upper Trosnant Cfeapel on Sunday evening, a large congregation being present. After an im- pressive discourse, the Rev. D. Thomas adminis- tered the ordinance to two candidates. ST. JAMES'S CHURCH CLASS,. ROOM. We understand that the order for the erection of the iron class-room in connection with St. James's Church has been secured by Mr. C. Running, ironmonger, &c., Commercial-street, his tender being the lowest. CANTATA.—The popular cantata* Christmas at School," was repeated at Upper Trosnant Chapel, on Christmas night, under the leadership of Mr. B. George. There was a capital audience, despite counter attractions, and the performance of the cantata passed off very successfuvy. FIRE BRIGADE DINNER.-The annual dinner given to the men of the Pontypool Fire Brigade was held at the Sir Garnet Hotel on Tuesday week, and proved a very enjoyable affair. On Christmas Eve the distribution of Christmas! beef took place to the members of the Brigade. TABERNACLE SUNDAY SCHOOL.—Tbequarterly meeting of the Tabernacle Sunday School took place-last Sabbath afternoon. The attendance of parents and friends was unusually large, the body of the chapel being nearly full. Mr. J. J. Gwatkin shews admirable zeal as the super- intendent. FREE TEA.—On Wednesday a free tea was given, under the aupices of .the Women's Temperance Society, at Crane-street School- room, to a number of poor women, who thoroughly enjoyed the repast. After the tea,, appropriate addresses were delivered by Mrs. G. Udell and Dr. Edwards. TRINITY COLLEGE, LONDON.—At the recent examination in connection with the above college,. held at Newport, the three pupils entered py Mr. S. T. Roderick, 23, CJommereial-atreet, Pontypool, were successful. Senior honours, Miss A. JEL Hillman; junior, Miss L. M Edwards primary, Master L. Dauncey. FORTHCOMING BANQUXT.—In another column an advertisement will be found giving details of the banquet to be held at the Crown Hotel to celebrate the selection of Pontypool as the site of the West Monmouth School. As the banquet is fixed for Thursday next, those who intend being present are requested to make early application for tickets to the hon. see., Mr. T. Williams, Trosnant Wharf. EXAMINATIONS IN PIANOFORTE: PLAYING..— Miss Lillie Marsh, Griffiths town, and Misst Lucy Banner. Pontypool, both aged 11 years, passed with 75 and 69 marks respectively, in the primary division of the Trinity College local examina- tions of pianoforte playing, held early lastmonth at Newport. Their teacher is Mr. W. Protheroe,. A.T.CJL. The. full list of names of successful candidates we insert in another column. ENTERTAINMENT. A thoroughly pleasing entertainment was held on Christmas night in Tabernacle Chapel, under the presidency of the pastor. The Misses Davies, Hopkins,, Marian Edwards, Lilian Edwards, Nellie Joy„ Messrs. LI. Gunter, J. Roberts, E. Saint (vocalists)* Misses Edith Fisher, Nellie Price and Hannah Seaborne (reciters), quite ably took their respec- tive parts, and were well applauded by the Luge audience. CHRISTMAS SIERVICF.S.-Services were held on Christmas morning as usual at Trevethin and St. James' Churches. In both cases the churches were very prettily decorated by the lady mem- bers of the"congregations, the princ%al features being holly,, evergreens, and scriptural mottoes. Special music was rendered by the choirs, and sermons appropriate to the occasions were preached by the Rev. C. E. T. Griffith, M-A., and the Rev. Joshua,Evans. SALE OF W OH.K. sale of work, organized by the Primitive Methodists of Pontypool, for the purpose of reducing the church debt, was held in the Schoolroom, Park-terrace, on Mon- day. The sale was largely attended, and the stallholders were well patronised. The pastor, the Rev. Jesse Wilson, opened the proceedings with a short address, in which he explained the object of their gathering, stating that they hoped to raise 150, as they did the previous year. Great praise is due to the following ladies and gentlemen for their labours in connection with the sale ;—Mrs. Maclean,. Mrs. Burton, Mrs. James, Miss Murphy, Miss Read, Miss L. -Law- rence, Messrs. R. James, Tanner, Newman, Lewis, and Jones. The proceeds amouuted to £ 48, including adonaton ef ;E5 by Mr. E. B. Ford. YOUNG PEOPLE'S CHRISTIAN UNION.—A meet- ing in connection with the above was held in Crane-street Schoolroom on Christmas night, Mr. Henry Thomas presiding, when the following programme was gone throughPianoforte solo, Miss J. fSrunn sacred song, Sunday School Choir reading, Me and Jim," Miss Exnily Davies song, Boy Blue," Miss A. Sumner reading, That, dog," Mr. W. Hobbs recitation, Turning the points for the down express," Mr, Alfred Thomas sacred song, Sunday School Choir. The programme was rather shorter than u-ual, through several friends who had pro- mised assistance failing to put in an appearance. However, the entertainment was of a high-class character, and the audience thoroughly enjoyed it, Mr. Alfred Thomas and Miss Emily Davies receiving special approbation for the spirited manner in which they rendered their pieces. Next week, ladies' night. ST. ALBAN'S C.Uulzcli -Thish,hw,, nicely decorated for the Christmas festival, festoons of ivy and evergreens being suspended from the roof. The crib was, as uaual, an object of great interest to the congregations A number of fine palms were kindly lent by Mr. E. Fowler, and were placed near the crib and in the sanctury. Upon the altar 78 candles were placed, the ettect of the illumination upon the foliage being strikingly pretty. The task of decorating the church jhis year principally devolved upon the Rev. FAaher Degan, who was assisted by Miss Carpenter and Miss Hogan; of the Schools. A large congregation assembled at the midnight mass on Christmas Eve. The service wa& con- ducted by the Rev. Father Degan, and the sermon, which was of an appropriate character, preached by the Rev. Father Looneyv Services were also held at 9 and 11 a.m. on Christmas Day, the sermon at the latter being delivered by the Rev. Father Degan. CHRISTMAS DAY IN THE "WORKHOUSE.On Christmas Day each inmate was supplied with roast beef and vegetables ad libitum together with a plate of plum pudding. Tobacco, snuff, I, and oranges were liberally distributed. Toysf provided by Mrs. Mitchell, and a hamper of apples sent in by Mr. Knipe, made glad the I hearts of the children. There were great and marked manifestations of satisfaction and plea- sure expressed by many, and everything passed off quietly. There was a departure unorthodox .in there being no beer allowed, which destroyed oM associations in the minds of a great many. But this was in some way compensated for by an e xtra meai of hot coffee and a pound of plum cake t>n Boxing Day. The dining hall had been tastefully decorated, and presented a pleasant appearance. Several entertainments are antici- pated during the winter. We are requested feo say that the .Master will be glad to receive parcels of newspaper^ periodicals, or magazines for the use of the infirm.

DISTRICT NEWS. ABERBEEG. ACCIDBWT TO A RAILWAY EMIXOYBE. — Off Christmas Eve, Mr. G. Jesset, who was engaged as pilotman on the railway, accidentally slipped off the gmfer of the railway bridge near the station, and fell into the road trade? neath, receiving severe wounds to his head and llngh. ACCIDENT TO- MR. S. MILLS.- W e regret to report a serious- accident to Mr. S. Mslls. the much-esteemed general secretary of the' morefchshire Miners' Association. While Jeturn- ing- home on the night of the 23rdr he accideatally fell and broke hie collar-bone, and at the same time put his right arm out of Joint. Dr.Willia-insir his medical attendant,, feels certain that at least two or three weeks are needed before Mr. Mills will again be able to, perform his1 ordinary duties. We wowd convey oar deep sympathy with lr Mills, and hope that he- will be convalescent at a- very early date.

ABEHCISLRN. BOXING Dxy.-NotwithEttanding Hie very dis- agreeable weather on Boxing Day- crowds of people left here for Newport and other peaces, every train being packed, I.O.G.T.—A temperance meeting wash held on- Sunday night last at the Ftoblic Hall. Hr. Berry took the chair. The Rev. E. Audrey, Mr Edward Jones,. delivered ablie addresses,- after which a song was sung by Mss Games, and Hr. W. E. Beachaia gave a recitation. Thefiall;waa, crowded. ENGLISH BAPTISM CHAPEL.. --The RlJv: E- Aubrey (pastor) delivered a powerful sermon to- an exceedingly large confferegatioit on S-anday, night last, recapitulating the worlt oi the church during the last 12 months, and emotionally referred to the loss of four active sisters* viz;. Mm. Jane Phillips-,Elizabeth PkinvA<2ice Davies-, and Mary Jane Courtney. WtDOTNS. A wediSng took pl at the English Baptist Chapel, Abercarn, on Boxing: Day, the contracting- parties being MfiBs M. A. Morgan, adopted daughter of Dr Albion Morgan, contractor, Celynen Colliieriesy and Mr- Abbott, collier, Newbridge. Both parties are well-known and respected in the iieighbourhood, and a great number of the- inhabitants of Aber- cam were present at the ceremony. The Rev- E. Aubrey (pastor) officiated. The happy pair- then took train: to Bat& for their bsneyiaoon. CHRSSKTMAS has once. again come and gone- joyous for some, sad for others. Alae.! for a great many in Abercarnv as well as other places, it has been anything bub a festive season.. Death, the terror alike of high and low,, has visited many a Eappy home during: the lastr few weeks, and stolen away treasues-ah I how dear and priceless ean be known only to the sorrowing" jelativesy. left behind to' mourn for those who will never again gladdem their hearts with their presence in tlrifJ world of heart-crushing trials and tribulations.. Amongst the younger portion,, indeed, pitSessly has the grin sickle played its- part. Scores of little ones, whose innocent prattle and; joyoas, beaming eyes have been the light and soarl of the homestead, have been ruth- lessly cut dbwn,. bo be shut away for ever from the eyes. of the heart-beoken parents beneath the clods of the cold, colql eartkr--EYmBRiiGmr. WORKMEN'S- INSTITUTE. — The Recreation Rooms were crowded on Thursday evening,. December 24th,. to witness the final billiard com- petition for a. beautifully finished ebony butted cue whfub-Mr. John Green, the manager of the- Tin Woris,. put up for competition some few weeks age, Over 4Q entered,, and on Wednesday week lass the namber same down to two, viz. Mr. Livingstone Bowen and Mr. Tout Main war- ing, both at whom. are beginners, the latter hav- ing had the honour of beating some of the u. crack flayers in Abercarn. Young Maiuwar- ing, who- it may be- mentioned is only a, boy, caused nraieh arn-jaemeint at the opening of the game by the display of an enormous chain and appendages, dangling fisom a two to one bar one sammer vest, looking like a peripatetic jeweller s- shop. The two played pretty evenly only leading one another by two's and Bowen had scored 49, only having one to go when Mainwariaig, who had scored 47, wi4" phenomenal screw off the red into a pocket, the game. The result caused a general eiatbur" of cheeximg.

ABERCTAYENNT. TECHNICAL EDUCATION.-As the result of an examination held at Newport by Mr. Evan Smallv a County Council Scholarship will be awarded to V. Daniel, of the Abergavenny Grammar School, who eame out first in the examination^ The scholarship, which is tenablp for three years, entitles the holder to a sum w £ 40/a year and instruction at University Collegia Cardiff, free of charge. Two of the five County Council scholarships wili now be held by pupife from the Abergavenny Grammar School. CHRISTMASTIDE.—Christmaa Day at Aberga- Tenny passed off very quietly, there being noth- ing to attract the attention of laeasure-s eekers- The churches, which were befittingly decorate41 for the festivei season, were well attended at tba morning; servies, but at night the attendances were very small. At Trinity Church, the choir J was so. small in the morning that the anthem had J to be left oat, and the Psalms were read at the J? evening service. The various ponds m the neigh- f bourhood were crowded with skaters during thd morning and afternoon, and Christmas Day has evidently been the closing day for this healthy exercise i(at least for the present), as thfe frosi broke up very early on Saturday, and a steady downpour of ram commenced at aboht ten Vcloc £ » effectually putting an end to outdoor amuse* ments. The poor, as usual,were well ilooked after,, some-31 o deserving people being sennet with splendid dinners of hot roast beef, coWtable4 and Christmas pudding, and from twelve o'clock until two Mr. Evan Jones, of the Imperial Tern* Perance Palace, was kept busy serving the Christmas fare. The offertories at the churches "were devoted to a fund for providing the dinners, and private subscriptions were raistd for- the same charitable object, so that all vho presented tickets had an ample and excouejlt Christmas dinner. A number of tramps sdsa "had dinners given to them.

BLAENAVON. TEA MEETING. On Christmas evening the King St. Baptists held a tea meeting in their schoolroom. Ine Christmas trees, sale of useful and ornamental articles, a magic lantern, &c., drew large numbers of young people together. On Saturday evening the spacions schoolrooi* was again opened for the clearing up of ttib numerous articles not disposed of on Christmas day. CHRISTMAS MEAT SHOW.—Messrs. T. Neln^s & Sons made a splendid show of meat for including 6 yearling wethers, bred and fe« by Mr. J. A. Rolls a prime fat heifer, bred and ted by Mr. J. A. Rolls 2 prime oxen, bred ana. fed by Mr. Davies, Red House, near Monmouth a prime fat hsifer, bred and fed by Mr. Bro\?Bj Monmouth 6 dairy-fed porkers, bred and fe» by Mr. Taylor, Skenfrith Mill, near Monir.outn 5 and 2 prime oxen, bred and fed by M.r..Ala.- James, Pandy. SALE or WORK.—On Saturday evening Primitive Methodist Schoolroom presented most attractive appearance, stalls, for the sa of fancy goods, &c., being very rjcely set out the ladies connected with the Chapel. All 8 j cleared out. A refreshment stall also did 900 trade. The string band in. connection with t chapel gave some music at intervals. Not. iw least among the attractions were some artier from New Zealand, exhibited by the pastor- ft model waxwork show and a temperance ,6 proved very successful. The proceeds oi evening reau^e^ £ 26 in aid of the

aStrtbs, Jtliuuaacs. and Deaths. "t. MAEEMFIESK BUTLER—HERBERT.—On Tuesday,. Dec. 22nd, at Trevethin, Church, by Reir. C. E. T. Griffith, M.A., vicar,. Benjamin Goodread,. only son of Benjamin Butler, of Pantes to Mary Matilda, third daughter of ex-P..C. Thomas Herbert, of Pontypool., STOKSS—My«ETON.—On Dec. 26th,. at the Primitive Methodist Church, Pontypool, by the. Rev. Jesse "Wilson, Joseph Oliver Stokes, to, Annie Elizabeth Mcsreton, of Pontnewydd, MOEL. DEAIIIS. Dec. 24th at, 9, North-street, Blaenavon, aged 69 years, Ann, widow of Mr. Henry Jenkins,, engineer. Dec, 24. at 36, Percy-street, Garndiffaith, aged 63 years, Mary Ann, widow of Mr. Enoch Reach,, coal miner. Dec. 25, at Trosnant Villa, Hanbury-road, "s&typool^ aged 75yeajcs, Mr. Joseph Mergaji, campr. Dec. 25, at the Blue Boar, Talywain* aged 76 Sears, Sarahh widow of Mr. John Gwilym, gar- dener. Dec. 2", v. jar the National School, Sebastopol, a?e4 4.2 ytkrs, Frances Jane, wife of Mr. Tnos. Wassail, tjnhouse superintendent. Dec. 27, at Percy-street, Garndiffaith, aged 51 years, Mr. John Owen, coal miner. ( Dec. 28th, at Mountain Yiew, Garni I diffaith, Sarah Ann, wife of Mr. ^dwin Greece, aged 51 years. Deeply ^gretted.