Pontypool Free Press and Herald of the Hills

BLACKWOOD POLICE COURT. FRIDAY. Before the Rev. J. GRIFFITHS in the chair) and Mr. T. P. WHITE. THE ABERCARN COLLIERY CASES. Mr. T. S. Edwards mentioned the charge pre- ferred by the United National Collieries, Ltd., Abercarn, against 33 hauliers, of breaches of con- tract by leaving work without notice, and ap- plied for a remand for another month. He un- derstood that his friend Mr. J. H. Jones, of Cardiff, who appeared for the defendants, was in favour of that course being adopted.-The Bench granted tht; application. THEFTS BY A BRISTOLIAN. Samuel Cambridge (in custody) was charged with stealing a shovel, a pick, and three masons hammers at Cross Keys, the property of Wm. Cox on the 6th inst.-Prisoner said he took one Ditching tool, worth about 6d.-William Brown, labourer, said that on the morning in question be- tween 8.30 and 9 o'clock he missed the tools from the bank near the quarry, and nobody passed the quarry but the prisoner.-Supt. Bosanquet said prisoner appeared to be a man of weak intellect and not fit to be at large. He would steal any- thing that was not too heavy to carry away He said he had been convicted several times at Fish- ponds and Bristol of stealing clothes. &c. He had written to both places From Bristol he was informed that the police knew nothing agairst him. From Fishponds he was told that there were no convictions against the man,whose wife worked at the police-station and was a re- spectable woman, and worked hard to maintain herself and two children but nothing could be said in prisoner's favour. The coat he was wear- ing he had stolen from the coke ovens. Money had been collected to send him back to Bristol, but he had spent it.—The Bench committed pri- soner for 14 days hard labour, and he was advised to go to Bristol as soon as possible. THE EFFECT OF A BAD CHARACTER. Charles Williams was charged with using threats towards Ellen Beecham at Mynyddislwyn on the 4th inst.-Def endant was represented by his wife, who said he could not attend, as he was very poorly.—In reply to a question, Supt, Bosanquet said there was a long list of convic- tions against defendant, who was fined 20s. on the 4th August for assault, and bound over to keep the peace for three months.-Under these circumstances the Bench issued a warrant for defendant's apprehension. AN UNLICENSED DOG. George Williams, Fleur-de-Lis, was summoned for keeping a dog without a licence on the 28th August.—Mr. B. M. Johnson, supervisor, New- port, prosecuted, and Mr. T, S. Edwards, New- port, was for the defence.—The offence was admitted.—Mr. Johnson said there were some special features in this case. Defendant was licensed for a dog last year, and on the 28th of February a printed form of notice of renewal was sent him. On the 12th May the a call on the defendant, who then said he had no dog. Subsequently some information was sup- plied to him upon which he acted, and going to the back of the premises he found a big mastiff chained up in a shed. The ownership of the dog was admitted when he could no longer deny it, i and he asked the officer not to go into the case and he would take out a licenc e.-rr. Edwards If my friend is going to proceed in the lyincae- tive SDirit in which he has opened the case, he had better call evidence.—Mr. Clarke, excise OIN gave evidence bearing out the opening statement —In cross-examination witness said he could not inform the Bench whether the dog was alive or dead now, as the only time he saw it on the pre- mises was the 28th August. Defendant had a licence last year, but he did not know whether it was for the same dog or not.-The Chairman: Is defendant here?—Mr. Edwards: No, sir.-The Chairman He ought to be here.—Mr. Edwards thought it was a case in which the very smallest penalty might be inflicted.-The Chairman said the Bench had given the case careful attention, and cousidered that it was a very serious offence. Defendant would be fined 20S. and costs (2os. 6d. altogether). ILLEGAL STORAGE OF POWDER. George Williams, the defendant in the last case, was next charged with keeping 25-lbs. of powder in unregistered premises at Fleur-de-Lis on the 29th ult.-Mr. T. S. Edwards defended.-Supt. Bosanquet I don't know whether you d bear the caae in defendant's absence.—Mr. Edwards He admits it. It was an oversight, and I'd ask you to take it now. I don't suppose it's a case in which you'd impose a very long term of im- prisonment.-P.C. Lawrence said that at 7 p.m. on the 29th he called at defeadant's shop and asked him if he kept powder for sale on his premises. He said he did so to oblige a few cus- tomers who worked, in the steam coai-at TREDE- gar, and that he kept from 20-its, to 26-lbs. at a time. On the 4th inst. witness called at the shop and asked to be shewn the quantity of powder he kept in stock. Defendant went upstairs, and brought down what appeared to be a biscuit-box in which were packets of Dowder, the weight of which was 17J-lbs.—Mr. Edwards said that defen- dant could keep that quantity.—Supt. Bosan- quet: For his private use, not for sale.—In reply to questions, witness said defendant stated that he was ignorant of the law. The powder was kept in the first room over the shop.—THE Chair- man said they did not think defendant acted in- tentionally, but in ignorance of the law, which, however, was no justification. They would take a lenient view of the case, and fine him 2s. 6d. and costs (9s.) INCREASING THE FINE. Thomas Daisies was charged with being drunk and incapable at Argoed on the 2Gth ult.—He pleaded guilty.—P*C-Lewis said that at 12 p.m. on the 5)TH he found defendant lying down helplessly drunk on the road at Argoed. Witness assisted him to walk to a farm, where he re- mained for the night.—Defendant, who had been fined 5s. in April for a like offence, was now ordered to pay 10s. UNFIT THROUGH FITS. Wm. Bartlett, Pontllanfraith, was summoned for not sending his child to school.—Thomas Williams, attendance officer under the Mynydd- islwyn School Board, gave evidence to the effect c that the boy had only been present SIX times out of 40. —The mother said the child was unfit to go to school He had had fits ever since his birth, and the officer knew it.-Witness This is the first time you told me of it.—The Chairman said the medical certificate produced satisfied the Bench that the child was not fit to go to school. The case would be dismissed, but the mother must be careful for the f uture.-Witiiess Does the medical certificate exempt the child for the period for which he is summond?- The Clerk: Yes; he's been ill for a long time. R R PNRRV was similarly summoned at the IN& of the Mynyddislwjf School Board.- Williams said in this case there had been no attendano»roat d 40. The child was 8 years of age, and only in Standard I.;—A fine of 5s. was imposed. HE'D BEEN TO THE FAIR. Silas Sheppard, Pontypridd, was charged with being drunk whilst in charge of twe horses and a cart at Maesycwmmer on the 26th inst.— Defendant said he had had some drink.-P.C. Lawrence said that at 11 p.m. on the 26th he was on duty on the Y strad road, where he found two horses and a cart drawn right across the road. On looking into the cart he found defendant and another man lying down helplessly drunk. Wit- ness remained with defendant for about half an hour before he went off with the cart.-Def end- ant said he had been to Abergavenny fair, and was returning when he fell off to sleep.—The Chairman said it was a very serious gff&qce, and one which wao-bbmoatfpd inaU'parta of TM dis- trict. It was a source of great danger to the public, and must be put a stop to. He Would be fined 20s., including costs, or 14 days hard labour. DRUNK ON LICENSED PREMMES, James Griffiths was charged with being drunk on licensed premises, the Tredegar Arms. Inn, Fleur-de-Lis, on the 20th uit.—Mr*. Griffiths appeared, and said her husband could not leave his work that day.-The offence was admitted. —Supt. Bosanquet said defendant had been summoned five times before, the last time being in June, when he was fined 20s.—He was now fined 20s. and costs. .¿'>

REPRESENTATION OF NORTH MONMOUTHSHIRE. MR. R. McKENNA AT BLAENAVON. Mr. Reginald McKenna, the adopted Liberal jcandidate for the representation of North Mon- mouthshire, commenced a three weeks campaign in the constituency on Monday evening, when he addressed a crowded and enthusiastic meeting at the Town Hall, Blaenayrn. Mr. H. M. Davies, the president of the Blaenavon Liberal Associa- tion, occupied the chair, and supporting him on the platform were the candidate (whose appear- ance was the signal for loud applause), the Rev. W. Rees, Mr. and Mrs. C. White, Councillor W. Edwards (Newport), Messrs. W. Bryant, T. Jones, J. Aston, J. Howells, G. Bartlett, E. Rees, W. West, J. Magness, T. O'Hearne, &c. The Chairman, in commencing the proceedings, said he was quite in his element in presiding at that meeting. It was, however, no part of his duty to deliver a political speech advocating the Erinciples of the association to which he had the onour to belong, but to conduct the proceedings of that meeting as fairly as he could, and to introduce to them Mr. Reginald McKenna as the Liberal candidate of the North Monmouthshire Liberal Association. Mr. McKenna paid them a visit on the occasion of their anniversary, in company with Mr. Fisher, in June last. Previous IOUs to that he was a stranger to them, and they had no authentic information of Mr. Price's decision to resign his seat; but having heard his able advocacy of Liberal principles, and knowing, that evening, Mr. Price's decision, enquiries were made respecting him. Such being highly satis- factory, the Blaenavon Liberal Association at the proper time nominated him as a fit and proper person to be elected a candidate for this division in Parliament. After referring to the highly satisfactory services rendered by Mr. Price the Chairman expressed the belief that Mr. McKenna would sustain the high reputation of North Mon- mouthshire representation. He was possessed of all the requirements which went to make an ideal member of Parliament, viz., thoroughness and progressiveness of political views perfect conformity with the political views of the majority in the division loyalty, on all cardinal points, to the head of his party, William Ewart Gladstone—(cheers)—ability to publicly advo- cate his views as well as vote in favour of all good measures and as a representative of North Monmouthshire co-operating with the Welsh partv in all movements tending to the welfare of the Principality. (Loud cheers.) Mr. McKenna, who met with a most enthusi- astic reception, then addressed the meeting. lIe said Once before I have had the pleasure of standing upon a. Blaenavon platform. I cante before you then as a stranger, yet I remember you gave a very kind reception to the principles I advocated. I do not come before you as a stranger to-night. I have come to stop-(ap- plause)-an,d with your good-will, your enthusi- asm, and your known devotion to Liberal princi- ples, to encourage me, I hope, to maintain as high as ever the Liberal flag, a flag which your Eresent member has so well and successfully up- eld since North Monmouthshire was first entitled to fly independent colours. The kindness with which you have received me now leads me to look forward to a long and happy connection with you. (Cheers.) I want to say something to you to-night on the subject of Labour. In times gone by the struggles of reformers have been divided towards securing political liberty and political equality for the masses of the peo- ple. I don't think much insight is necessary to discover that the struggles of to-day are directed, and the struggles of the future will be more and more directed, towards securing mate- rial liberty for the wage-earners. So long as the supply of labour is in excess of the demand, and so long as the wage-earners, being excluded from the means ef production, are left to sell their labour under conditions of unbridled competi- tion, which leaves the ignorance and selfishness of masters and men alike without control, so long must it De saia that tne wage-earners can- not in practice enjoy material liberty. Now what has been done to secure better conditions of life for the working class, to obtain a larger share of the produce of labour for those whose hands are engaged the work ? And further what is it possible for legislation to do ? A good many people will tell you, and not a few philosophers, eminent lawyers, and wise men amongst them, that all legislation which interferes with perfect freedom of competition is a mistake that every person is the best judge of his own business they call such legislation grandmotherly and they will cite you many instances from our own and foreign history to shew that no good can be accomplished by legal enactment. Every person the best judge of his own business Yes, no doubt; but the difficulty is, that every person free TO CHO<JSI F.WKAT for MOR- sel f. (Hear, hear.) It is perfectly obvious to the philosopher in his chambers that every man can judge best for himself at what price he should sell his labour; but suppose the only alternative is to sell his labour at a price which somebody else fixes, or to starve. There is not much opportunity for judging what is best then, not much freedom of choice needs must when the devil drives, and hunger is a very driving devil to have behind you. When freedom of competition is talked of, it is forgotten that the men who compete are themselves not all free. There are always some to enter into the compe- tition who are on the verge of actual want; and a starving man is not free-he is a slave to his belly's needs. When men are in fact free to contract, we will respect that freedom; but it is a piece of grim, philosophic humour ro pretend that a workman is a free party to a contract for the sale of his labour, when he can only secure such freedom by being prepared to accept starva- tion as an alternative to the contract. (Cheers.) And when the philosopher cites his historic failures and sneers at grandmotherly govern- ment, he forgets that the laws to-day are not imposed upon the people by a benevolent but mistaken body of men. acting on their own re- sponsibility but the laws are the creation of the will of the people, the expression of their ideas and their wants, and any restraint imposed upon the people by the laws is a restraint to which they consent to subject themselves. If there be anyone here who doubts of the good effect upon labour of judicious legislation, let him look at the results produced in the cotton industry by the Factory Acts, and in the mining industry by the Mines Regulation Acts. An examination of the operation of these Acts shews that they have neither destroyed the indepen- dence of the men, nor injured the prosperity of the industries, whilst they have undoubtedly improved the well-being of the workers. (Cheers.) I don't think a better test of the in- dependence of the men can be found than the position and strength of their trades' unions Whereas, prior to the Factory Acts and Mines Regulation Acts, the condition of the textile oreratives and miners was such that at no period in our history could there be found such misery amongst the- aliouring population as was their habitual lot; at no time were actual wages so low at no time was the prospect of the workmen so hopeless. Yet, after the passing of these Acts, textile operatives and miners have shewn more than the average power cf forming successful unions, have enormously improved their material position, and have shewn themselves in the van of the Labour struggle for a larger share in the profits of their industry. (Cheers.) Now, if we turn to consider what should be done, we cannot fail to notice inat, speasing generally, the best organised trades, those which have the strongest unions, are the highest paid, and as the union gets weaker, so does the wage diminish, until in wholly unorganised trades, which, in- cluding women, are much the greater proportion, waees veiy NEARLY touch the starvation minimum. Moreover, the worse A trade IS paid the longer generally are the hours worked. Now, a trade in which long hours are worked is very difficult to organise. Continuous labour not only exhausts the body, but dulls the intelli- gence and weakens the moral fibre. I have already instanced the effect of shortening the hours of labour in the textile and mining trades, how organisation among the men became pos- sible and how as is matter of common knowledge wages became raised in those trades. The law was then invoked in favour of the women and children, but its effects were felt immediately and directly by the men also. (Hear, hear.) Suppose A similar law should be invoked openly 0OW in favour of the men. I want vou to re- member whence the danger to the higher grades I of industry comes it is from the unsparing competition of those who have previously been earning a lower wage. I don't ask that the lower grades of industry shall be restrained from com- peting with the higher. I don't wish to prevent any man from rising in the world, far from it. I would wish to see every road of promotion thrown open. i would close the gates or nope to no man. But what I ask is that the workman who has attained to a certain standard of living shall not be thrust dewn by the competition of less skilled men willing to aocept a lower level of life. Let the new man at least be limited to the same number of hours as were worked by the man he wishes to supplant. Don't let men working ten hours a day, doing good work, which they could continue for- very many years, be driven to submit to lower wages by the com- petition of men willing to work 12 or 14 hours, who perhaps for a short time while their first pe ps energy lasted would be able to do more work in (he longer hours, but whose strength would be- -eome speedily exhausted until, worn out pre- maturely by over exertion, they would become a charge upon the ratefe. Limit the number of j hours worked, compel the new man to work under the same conditions as the old. If this be done through all trades you will raise the whole standard of living, you will break the back of reckless competition among wage-earners, and you will have rendered their organisation univer- sally possible, the first step towards that com- plete solidarity 9f labour, which is necessary to ensure the lasting prosperity of the people. (Cheers.) I do not suggest a universal eight hours day by law there are such variations of skill, energy and vigour required in different trades that uniformity in hours worked would involve great unfairness. Nor do I suggest that men working for themselves, that is, not wage- earners, should have any limit. They are now at liberty to decide how long their daily toil shall last. But where men are working for wages, bound to accept iules as to hours in the making of which they have had no hand, I would give to the men a liberty they do not now possess, the liberty of the majority in any trade to decide how long the members of that trade shall work. (Cheers.) Once men had that power I do not think I should have much difficulty in convincing you that in most cases a reduction of hours would be highly beneficial. Already the overwhelming majority of the miners in the country are convinced that eight hours labour a day underground is fully sufficient; the railway servants think that 10 hours for them should be a maximum but there are still numberless trades in which the toilers are alarmingly overworked and shamefully underpaid. From them comes that competition which ever tends to lower the con- dition ,of the higher grades of industry. Help them to better themselves, and you will be ren- dering the highest service to all classes of labour. (Cheers.) There are other directions in which legislation may be highly beneficial to labour, but it is upon matters on which nearly everyone is agreed, at least in theory. I will not in this connection do more than mention the subject of local government. It is quite clear that every measure that raises the independence of the rural population will lead to an improvement in the condition of the agricultural labourer, and once that is secured, the miner, the ironworker, the factory hand, the railway man will be spared the worst of the competition he suffers under now, or at least the competition would commence on a higher level of wages. Then there is the Employers' Liability Bill, the case for which is a foregone conclusion. Thetheory will in all human probability be turned into practice in the course of the Autusin bession. But I regret that on two subjects, jects, ground rents in cities and mining royalties, it appears we shall still have to content ourselves with having all the common sense on our side, while all the profits remain on the side or tne monopolists. If there is one kind of property specially fitted, one could almost saj by nature, to bear the burden of national expenditure, it is that great national asset, the land. But of all kinds of land values—the increment ot ground value attaching merely to increase 01 population, and the subterranean wealth, which appears as an exceptional bounty of nature over and above the fertility of the soil-these two peculiar land values are more than others markei out as the proper subjects of State appropriation Monopoly, though often unavoidable, is always objection- able but these two are the refinement and essence of monopoly, and I conceive that the prosperity of the nation would not be endangered by their total destruction. (Cheers.) But apart altogether from legislation, there is another direction in which Government may increase a beneficent influence upon labour. There is the administrative as well as the legislative side of Government. As an employer of labour, there is much that can be done by Government, and I am glad to say there is much being done by the present Government. The simple formula of the trades unionists is: An eight hours day in all Government wage-earning employments, and trades union rates of wages. The formula is short, but comprehensive and to the point, and to my mind highly satisfactory, Through Government we all become employers of labour, and it behoves us then to see that the men we employ should work only so inany hours a day as we think reasonable, and that they should be paid such wages as are current in their respective trades under the best conditions. Except at Woolwich and Deptford, the lowest class of labour in Govern- ment dockyards receives a wage of 19s. a week, which is an increase of Is. a week made by the present Government. At the two places I have excepted the minimum wage is j61 a week. I have no hesitation in saying that this wage is in- sufficient. (Cheers.) A 48-hoors' week at 6d. per hour would give a wage of 24S., and with that as a minimum the Admiralty could insist upon a full day's work from the men. They would get the first fruits of the men s daily energy, and they would not have to tolerate, as is now the case, that the men should do two or three or "arorfc for A JWVVIIIG tor before commencing their rk at the dock- yard. I feel confident that the increase of energy displayed by the men would more than make up for the increase of wages. A compari- son of the cost of output-that is, a comparison of the amount paid in wages in producing a given quantity of any material in various countries has shown again and again beyond dis- pute that high wages mean cheap labour: that with good wages, which mean good food, health, skill, and vigour, men work »o much better and quicker that the highly-paid labour becomes actually cheaper than the poorly-paid, while the men themselves and their FAMILIES are able to share a little in material prosperity and comfort. (Cheers.) There is nothing to appal- ling to contemplate as abject povertfin the midst of luxurious plenty. Were all alike struggling with a too-niggardly nature for a bare existence, if human suffering were no less, at least we should feel it to be inevitable; we should have the content which springs from ignorance of better things. But when we look around us and see that Nature is gentfous when we see her storehouses so richly filled-that there is enough to feed all the hungry and clothe ,in a all the naked, and still enough left for that magnificence which is the spur of ambition when we see that only the idleness of habit, the prejudice of custom, and the ignorance of selfish- ness stand between us and the prosperity and contentment of the people, then if tiiere is any manhood in us, we must break through the trammels of idleness and prejudice and struggle and strive for our nation's happiness. (Cheers.) eaS I have already taken up so much of your time with the subject of labour that I have very little left to speak on matters of what might be called pure politics. Blaenavon has the reputa- tiop, and I believe deservedly, of being very in- structed, advanced and enthusiastic on political subjects I take it that what vou chiefly require to know is that I am right on the measures of reform which find favour in the sight of THE sound Radical. (Cheers.) When 1 was here before, I spoke at some length on the Disestablishment of the Welsh Church. It is a subject which, if dealt with at all, deserves the fullest and most comprehensive treatment. The more it is con- sidered, the stronger does the case against Estab- lishment become. (lboucl applause.) The Eng- lish Church in Wales claims to be the church of the nation, but it is the church of the minority. It monopolises the national funds devoted to religious purposes, while the religions work is mainly carried on by others. I existence 115 a denial of freedom of conscience. Its exclusive control of national property is an injury to the great majority of the people, who do not accept its ministrations. Happily the case against the Welsh Church is passing beyond the region of platform argument. It has" entered tueBill in Parliament stage, and shortly, I trust-my anti- cipation is next year-it will have become the subject of historical disquisition. A gallant band, sword in hand, with whom I hope one day to be enrolled—(loud cheers)—are fighting the good fight and, thanks to the courage perseverance, and splendid unanimity of the Welsh constituen- cies, that gallant band will be able to force a way through the obstructive pressure of Parliament- ary business. (Cheers.) It is pleasant to remember that if Welsh Disestablishment must have rivals for immediate attention, these rivals should be the Reform of Local Government by the insti- tution of Parish and District Councils, and the Reform of Registration and Election Law. The Disestablishment of the Welsh Church ? too big a measure to carry through in an Autumn Ses- sion, but we may look forward to the emancipa- tion of the rural districts from the swav of the squire and parson before the close of the year. If their protestations are to be believed, the Tories are willing to accept the proposed' reform of Local Government. 1 hope it does not show an unworthy spirit if I say that I should not attach much credence to these protestations, but for the fear of the rural vote being upon the Tories. But there is one quarter from which strong opposition may be expected—I mean the Church. The Bill proposes to give to the Parish Council, the control of all charities which are not eccle- siastical. Now there are innumerable charities throughout the country which are not ecclesias- tical in their original foundation, having been left to the village or other community but inasmuch as the Local Government of the country has been in the hands of the vestry, and as the vestry for all practical purposes has meant the parson and his good friend the squire, these chanties have, in fact, been administered as Church charities. Under the Bill, the parson will have to surrender his control. But the parson doesn't like surrendeirng one of his means of importance in the parish, and the parson is going to fight. Already the Church has beat the big drum. lean understand, though I dislike and coftdemn the struggle-jof the Chutch to -< .it H > preserve her endowments at least, these endow- ments are legally in the possession of the Church as the law now stands. But I think this clamour to retain the control of funds which legally are not hers, passes even the ordinary tenacity of the Church in her struggle for self aggrandise- ment. (Cheers.) Ido not by any means bring this charge against all Churchmen many Church members are as grieved as you or lean be by what they recognise as the mistaken policy of their leaders but there can be no doubt that now again as on so many past occasions, the general authority of the Church will be used against the emancipation and independence of the people. I have already detained you too long—(no, no,)—and I will do no more now than refer to the rest of our programme. We have to secure the shortening of the period of qualifica- tion for the franchise to three or six months,and the register should be made up twice a year, or better still immediately before any election. We should have one man one vote, the duration of Parliaments reduced to three or four years, and the payment of members. As part of the principle of full Local Government, I would establish Local Option in relation to the sale of intoxica- ting liquors, and, need I add, that I am strongly opposed to the payment of any compensation by the State on the non-renewal of a licence. TV hat compensation is necessary should, to my mind, be paid out of an insurance fund, formed by the brewers and publicans themselves. (Laughter and applause.) I have not referred to Home Rule for Ireland, because the vote of the Liberal party in the House of Commons has made Home Rule a foregone conclusion. We are all Home Rulers, and I don't think the less so on account of the opposition of the House of Lords. As for that Chamber of Prerogative, I must admit it is a subject on which I am a fanatic. I do not see any advantage to be gained by mending the Lords we shall not have true representative government until their existence is ended. Surely this is a programme worth striving to carry out. It will establish complete political equality, and strike a death-blow at privilege in the State it will deepen our interest in the community in which we live, and strengthen the bonds which hold society together. The old Romans were famous for their devotion to their commonwealth. Under its inspiring influence. a single city grew into a world empire but their patriotism was disfigured by a too close adhesion gu to class interest. Let our patriotism be sullied by no such stain. In the face of the enemy we have ever shewn ourselves possessed to the full with the old Roman love of country, but we would have our love something higher and better than theirs. Let it be a love which cares as deeply for the welfare of our poorest countryman as it does for the glory of the State let it be a love intolerant of class distinctions and class privileges let it be a love so all-embracing that it will not rest until it has developed ail the powers for good in the State, and has secured to rich and poor alike an equal share in all the benefits which can be derived from the possession of the common name of Briton. (Loud ap- plause.) Questions having been invited, A Working Man rose in the body of the hall, and asked Would Mr. McKenna resign his seat if the constituency asked him to do so—that is, if he did not vote according to their wishes ? The Chairman I don't know exactly whether that is a fair question to ask. (A Voice No it is not.) The question should be put in another way. Who is to decide whether he should resign or not ? (A Voice The Liberal Association). The central organisation, is that it ? (Yes.) Mr. McKenna I quite agree that a member of Parliament sits as the representative of his constituency, and when he ceases to represent his constituency be should resign. (Cheers.) Another questioner asked Mr. McKenna if he was in favour of the abolition of the House of Lords. (Laughter.) Mr. McKenna: i have explained already, I thought, that I am a perfect fanatic on the subject, (Cheers and laughter.) Mr. C. White then proposed the following re- solution "That this meeting desires to express its hearty approval of the selection, by the North Monmouthshire Liberal Association, of Mr Reginald McKenna, considers him a fit and pro- per person to represent North Monmouthshire in Parliament, and hereby pledges itself to use every legitimate means to secure his triumphant return at the next election." (Cheers.) He said he was sure, after the very lucid, compre- hensive, and democratic speech to which they had listened, the resolution would meet with a very hearty reception. He was glad that the Liberal Association had determined to select the best candidate regardless of his nationality. (Cheers.) Seme of their friends were desirous of having a Welshman as their representative. As an Englishman living in the eonstituency for nearly 18 years, he had thrown in his little weight with what he conceived to be the pro- e present a Radll first and an Englishman afterwards. (Cheers.) He did not know Mr. McKenna's nationality, but they had had sufficient evidence that evening that he was a sound Radical. He (the speaker) saw nothing peculiarly Welsh in the programme of theWelsh party. If the disestablishment of the Church was a good thing for Wales, they might depend upon it it would only be a stepping-stone to the disestablishment of the Church in England. Mr. W. Bryant, in seconding, referred to the injurious effect upon labour of the land laws and mining royalties. The Rev. W. Rees said he never stood upon that platform with greater confidence, or plea- sure than he. did that evening in support of the resolution. When he first heard Mr. McKenna speak on that platform he liked the ring of the man. The address had the ring of a true man, a man of calibre and culture, a gentleman, and a good sound Radical. (Cheers.) That evening they had heard his programme-a. marvel of succinctness, compression, and comprehensive- ness. To that programme he subscribed in every item and what he asked them now was to. put forth their best efforts, and to continue to do so until they had the actuality of Mr. McKenna as M.P. for North Monmouthshire. (Cheers.) They wanted at the next election to increase their naajori.y, and to give Toryism such a thrashing that it would never be heard of in the constituency again. (Laughter and applause.) The resolution was also supported in appropri- ate speeches by Councillor W. Edwards, Mr. J. Magness, and Mr. G. Bartlett, and on being put to the meeting was carried with much enthu- siasm. Mr. McKenna, in acknowledging the vote, said he should always regard Blaenavon as his poli- IC tical birthplace in the constituency. He should always remember that the fact of his addressing them that evening as their future candidate-and he hoped as their future member-was due to his introduction to the constituency at Blaenavon, and also that it was through the support of the Blaenavon Association that he was enabled to win the majority on that famous day at Ponty- pool. (Applause.) With regard to the question of nationality, he was a Welshman to the core in political feeling, and he would not betray the trust that any body of Welshmen might have put in him. (Loud applause.) On the proposition of M.r. W. R. West, seconded by Mr. J. Howells, the Chairman was heartily thanked for presiding, and the proceed- ings terminated.

PONTYPOOL POLICE COURT. 1 SATURDAY. Before Col. BYRDE (chairman), Mr E J. PHIL- LIPS Mr A. A. WILLIAMSJMR. W. P. JAMES, Mr. W. IF P^TT, Dr. J. M. MULLIGAN, and Mr. L BUTLER. DRUNKENNESS. Bendigo Jones was charged with being drunk and disorderly at Garndiffaith on the 2nd Oct.- P.C. Jones proved the offence, which was of the asual character, and defendant was fined 10.. Typhinia Challenger, who was summoned at the last court, but did not appear, and for whom rwarrant WU issued but not executed was charged with being drunk and disorderly^ Talywam on the 27th September.-Defendant said she supposed she was guilty.—P.C. Jones said that on the 27th of last month HE SA^-MIJ Challenger in Commercial-road, Talywam, drun S verybad language. It was sometame before he could get her to «° mto tlt» |OUSE, ^Defendant, who was convicted ot a similar offence in January, 1891, was fined lOs. John Henry Jones was, for being drunk and disorderly in Crane-street on the 1°^ t., fined IRK, PC Wilson gave evidence, proving tne offence,' which was that defendant was drunk and wanted to fight on the street. George Holmes, whose wife appeared, was charged with being drunk the Griffithstown. on the 7th OCT-P.C.™ said that as he was on duty near Sunny Bank on the date in question he saw defen A y ng down on the road, very druuk. b He got him home. Defendant was a stonebreaker in the employ of the Local Board-Fined 10s. A CHIMNEYSWEEP AND A POLICEMAN. Thomas Williams, landlord of the Six Bells, Garndiffaith, was charged with supplying drink to an intoxicated person on the 2BTH I3EP Defendant did not appear and Mr. Webb wfco was for the defence, explained that defenda thought it best that his wife should APPEAR, AS she was in the house at the time the offence was committed.-P.C. O'Donnell said that on the day in question he went into the tap-room of the Six Belis beerhouse, and there found Thomas Murphy, A chimney-sweep, sitting at the table with a freshly drawn pint of beer before HIM, and a sixpence lying by the side OF it. Mrs. L Williams came in at the time, and he drew her L attention to the man's state. She replied that P she had not served him with any drink, but that it was her little girl. She then said that she thought something was wrong with the man, ana took the pint of beer from him and returned the money. The man then left the house and stag- gered down the street, and as she watc she said she could see he was drunk -Cross examined • He had had complaints about STES 'before. On the day referred to F Dr. Verity sent for him, and pointed out the man, who was at that time going down the road, saying that he thought he ought O P taken care of. Witness followed the ma the road, but lost sight of him after a bit. On going down farther, however, he saw his bag and brushes outside the Six Bells and it was that which caused him to enter. He was that t the sixpence he mentioned was on the tab e an | net in-Mrs. Williams' hand. The beer had not which caused him to enter. He was ffmo that t the sixpence he mentioned was on the tab e an | net in-Mrs. Williams' hand. The beer had not I been touched. Mrs. Williams told witness that she wa3 at dinner when the man came in, and J that she sent the little girl to see who it was 9 The little girl was about 11 years old.—Mr. Webb E gaid that his client's statement differed from that E of the constable's in one particular. He said the p gixngucB was on the table, while she said that it F was in her hand, and was put down on the table after the constable entered. As he was instructed, the facts of the case were that the man came in as Mrs. Williams was at dinner, and she heard him knock on the table. She sent the little girl in and she served him with a pint of beer, and brought her 6d. to change. She went towards the cellar door to get the change and just at that moment the policeman came in. He made some observation to the man which she thought was to the effect that he thought he had told him to go on home. He (Mr. Webb) thought that there was no evidence to shew that defendant was failty of anything but indiscretion, and he oped the magistrates would see their way clear to dismiss the case upon the payment of costs. There had been no charge against the house before, and he hoped therefore that their wor- K ships would take a lenient view of the case.- Mrs. Williams,wife of the landlord of the house, was then called, and gave evidence bearing out Mr. Webb's statement.—The magistrates retired to consider their decision, and on returning in- flicted a fine of 20s. including costs. The licence was not endorsed. t A WARNING TO COAL STEALERS. Florence Powell, Mary Crimes, and Mary Bill were charged with stealing coal, value od., the T property of the Tranch Colliery Company, OR the 10th October.—Mr. A. H. Watkins APPEND for the prosecatitm.—ROCIMAP admitted taking the coal, but the other two defendants denied the offence.-Mr. Watkins said that people went in < very large numbers to pick coal from this tip, and the Company were obliged to take those proceedings as much in the interest of the people themselves as that of the Company. The worst feature of the case was the great personal danger those people incurred. They swarmed about every tram that was going up the tips, and IT a breakage should occur there would be a massacre on a small scale. A large amount of coal of considerable value was lost to the Company in that way, but it was really for the sake of the people themselves that he pressed for a penalty sufficient to make coal stealing an unprofitable occupation.-P.C. Stephens said that, on-the Monday before, he was on duty near the Tranch Colliery, when he saw the defendant Powell Sicking up coal on the tips and putting it into a ag. He went up through the wood and met defendant as she was coming away and examined her bag. She had about a quarter of a hundred- weight of coal in it. He charged her with steal- ing it, and she said she did not think it was any harm and begged him not to mention it. At 1.30 p.m. the same day he saw the other two defend- ants, Crimes and Hill, picking coal at the same place. He got within five yards of them when Mary Hill dropped the coal from her apron, ana ran away. He caught Crimes and found that she also had coal in her apron. He charged her and she said she did not think it was any harm, as others were doing the same. "ter on he saw the girl Hill in her own house and charged her with stealing the coal. She made the same reply as the other defendant.—A fine of 5a. each was imposed. A DBAJt THREEPENNYWORM. George Jone.s- vu olulrierd with stealing a quantity of coal, value Si from Mr. W. S. Lamb, at Pontymoil, on the 12th October.— Charles Humphreys said he saw the defendant go to a truck on Mr. Lam 8 siding at Pontymoil, and take some coal from it. He was it away, when witness stopped him. He thensaid'he had no coal, and did not think it was any harm to take a lump. Defendant said he was very sorry; he had no fire in the house, and as he had done no work for some time past, no money to buy coal.—There was nothing known against the defendant, and he was fined 10s. ARREARS OF RATE. Poulton, Pontnewydd, was charged with non-payment of rates amounting to ^28.—De- pay iting fendant did not appear.—a £ r_ E. Francis,assiatant- overseer, gave evidence shewing that the defendant was in a fairly good position and well able to pay. Some time ago he had made I an arrangement by which h^ was to pay £ 1 per I month towards clearing the arrears, but after paying for a year he discontinued that, and had paid nothing sizice.-The Bench reduced the [ t)er mouth; ix he arrears to 114 on condition that defeadant w-Rued f an agreement to pay 1:1 2s. 6d. per month a he did not a distress warrant was to be issued.

WrkDNkBDAV. Before J)J:J. W. MULLIGAN. STEALING BEDCLOTHING. Caroling Isaac* was charged with stealing a quantity of bedclothing, the property of Mr. Bevan, Pontypool, The proceedings were turely formal, only sufficient Evidence being taken to justify a remand-—P.S. Ash gave endence,—A "«a*and was granted until Saturday.

Shocking case of absence of mind on the part of Sandy Gunn, of that ilk, who went out the other evening in his wife's striped petticoat, thinking it was his kilt. Great amusement of Scotch lassies. THROAT IRRITATION AND COUGH.—Soreness Sd drynes|> tickling and irritation, -inducing ugh and affecting the voice. For these symptoms •isfe Epps's Glycerine Jujubes. In contact with the glands at the moment they are excited by the act of sucking, thb vnycerine in theee agreeable confections becomes actively healing. Sold only in boxM.}„ t^n? If lid., labelled "JAMES EPPB «U^0onio&oPathic Chemists, London." Dr. Moore, in his work on Nose and Throat Disease,1* B £ £ S: "The Glycerine .Jujubes pre- pared by' James Epps and Col are of undoubted service as curativ^ or palliative agents," while Dr. Gordon Holmes Senior Physician to the ;kd infirmary, writes "After an extelclbd(- found your Glycerine Jujubwr pfr considerable benefit in 0 KR R1

LLANHILLETH. On Tuesday evening, Mr. McKenna addressed a meeting of his supporters at the Baptist Chapel, Lianhilleth. There was not a large attendance. Councillor W. Thomas presided, and was sup- ported by Mr. McKenna, the Rev. J. Lloyd, tne Kev. J. B. Rees, Councillor S. N. Jones (Aber- tillery), Mr. S. Mills, &c. The Chairman at the outset said they had assembled to see and hear their future member, for such Mr. McKenna undoubtedly was. (Hear, hear.) He had intended giving him a word of advice, but after making a speech he had deli- vered at Blaenavon, he felt that his advice was unnecessary. (Hear, heat.) The Rev. J. S. Rees proposed the following resolution:—" That this meeting renews its con- fidence in the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone and the Liberal Government, rejoices at the solidity manifested by the supporters of the Government during the recent trying session of Parliament, when the classes were routed on all occasions by the devotion to duty of the people's repre- sentatives, and hopes that the session of 1894 will pass into law the other measures of much- needed reform contained in the Newcastle pro- gramme. This meeting further protests against the action of the House of Lords in rejecting the measures passed by a majority of the House of Commons. He believed Mr. McKenna to be the right man in the right place in the con- stituency, and he hoped they would de all in their power to return him as their representa- tive. (Cheers.) Mr. W. Lewis, in seconding the proposition expressed his belief that Mr. McKenna would adhere to the programme of the Welsh party, and said they could boast that in that district three-fourths of the population were followers of the Grand Old Man. (Cheers.) Mr. McKenna then supported the resolution in an exhaustive address, and expressed his opinion that with the support he was receiving and would receive in the future, the result of the next election would be eminently satisfactory to them as Liberals. (Hear, hear.) Dealing with the question of Disestablishment, rthe speaker said he had recently read with considerable interest the utterances of the present Conserva- tive candidate, Mr. Hume Williams, ahdhis pre- decessor Lord Ll&ngattock, upon the subjeck 4 U.O01.11 /F Lord Llangattack said, "They talked about disestablishing the old Church, but that was only to please the Welsh people and secure their votes." Was not that a true House of Lords spirit that a measure whieh had pleased the people was therefore a bad measure ? He further stated that "he looked upon the Church of England as a great heritage handed down from feneration to generation. So was the House of <ords and they did not want any more of that either. (Laughter and cheers.) They did not want to destroy the Church as a religious body. There was a great difference between destruc- tion and disestablishment. (Cheers.) Mr. Hume Williams said the advocacy of the Disestab- lishment and Disendowment of the English Church in Wales was teaching the poor that by voting for the Radical Government they could get what belonged to other people without work- ing for it." He would only just point out there as a parenthetical observation, that as.a rule the People who worked in that world were Radicals, and that the strength of the Tory parry came from those who did not work. (Laughter.) Mr. Hume Williams was constantly alleging that the Engijgh Church in Wales was the national church :but surely if the church was the national church, a part of the nation, connected with the national Government, the property of the church was national properly, connected with the nation and part of the uancm. They could not distin- guish between the church and its property from that point of view. (Cheers.) The speaker dealt in detail with the measures embodied in the Newcastle programme, and resumed his seat amid loud applause. On being put to the meetina the resolution was adopted with unanimity. ° The Rev. J. Lloyd then proposed t'he follow- ing resolution That, this meeting aeartily approves of the action of the North Monmouth- shire Liberal Council in selecting jytr R. McKenna as the Liberal candidate for th%. representation of the Division in Parliament and pledges itself to secure his return at the next election by a triumphant majority." (Ap- plause.) The resolution having been seconded by Mr. Mansel Edwards, and supported in an able speech by Councillor S. N. Jones, was after- wards carried with enthusiasm. Mr. S. Mills proposed the following :— That let this meeting of the Aberoeeg and District Liberal and Labour Association tenders its hearty and sincere thanks to our esteemed member, Mr. T. P. Price, for his past and present services in the House of Commons, and especially for the devotion he has displayed during the long and trying session just closed. (Applause.) Mr. W. Evans seconded the proposition, which was unanimously agreed to. On the proposition of Mr. McKenna, a vote of thanks was tendered to the chairman, and the proceedings then terminated

GRIFFITHSTOWN. Mr. McKenna addressed a third meeting at the Board Schools, Griffithstown, on Wednesday evening, when there was a moderate attendance. Councillor D. Jones presided, and was supported by Mr.W. Sandbrook, Mr. G. H. Daniel, Mr. H. Orlidge, &c. The Chairman, in commencing the proceedings, expressed his regret that Mr. Price's connection with the constituency as their representative was about to be severed but be was glad that they had such an admirable candidate as Mr. McKenna, who came to them with the highest credentials, and who would no doubt prove himself worthy of their support. (Cheers.) Mr. McKenna then delivered an eloquent address on current politics, his remarks being frequently warmly applauded. Tne Rev. J. Rees next proposed a resolution approviag of the selection of Mr. McKenna as Liberal candidate for the representation of the Division. The speaker said it afforded him great pleasure to he there to hear Mr. McKenna. It was a critical time in the history of a constitu- ency when they had to part company with an old and tried member, but he thought from the address they bad heard that Mr. McKenna would prove himself a worthy successor to Mr. Price. He hoped the great Liberal majority of the past would return on the occasion of Mr. McKenna's first election. (Applause.) Mr. W. Sandbrook, in seconding, said he did so with the utmost pleasure. Mr. Price had served them splendidly in the past, but having decided to resign they were glad they had so admirable a man to succeed him. They had formed a good opinion of Air. McKenna from what they had heard of him, but now that they bad heard him for themselves their opinion had been fully confirmed. (Applause.) The Rev. D. M. Davies, B.A., who supported the resolution, said that in Mr. McKenna they had an ideai candidate. They rejoiced in the fact th&t HFC was. A t-but XC. such a UOIIHTITUENEV was a matter of importance. The Rev. T. Williams also supported the resoiution, which was then carried amid enthu- sif-STIC APPLAUSE. Mr. McKenna expressed his gratitude for the splendid support accorded him, and said be would do his utmost to prove himself worthy of the confidence they had resposed in him. On the proposition of Mr. McKenna a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the Chairman for presiding, after which the meeting was brought to a close. PONTNEWYDD. Mr. McKenna also addressed a meeting at the Primitive Methodist Chapel, Pontnewydd, on Thursday evening, a report of which will appear next week.

MR. CLIFFORD CORY AT CWMBRAN. Mr. Clifford Cory, the adopted Liberal candi- date for Sonth Menmouthshire, made his first appearance before the electors of Cwmbran on Monday evening. He was accorded a very enthusiastic reception. The members of the Cwmbran Brass Band met him as he drove into the village, and escorted him to the place of meeting, the Llantarnam Board Schools. There was a crowded audience. The chair was occupied by Mr. D. Roger Evans, of Lianrarnam, who was accompanied by Mr. Clifford Cory, Mr. D. A. Thomas, M.P., Alderman Parfitt, Councillor John Parry, Rev. D. Bevan Jones (Caerieon), Messrs. T» Llewellyn Evans, John Stanley, and J. Mum- ford. The Chairman introduced Mr. Cory amid cheers. In doing so, he said that Mr. Cory had provisionally become their candidate, because he had desired the matter to be referred to the various associations throughout tne district, in order that he might be himself satisfied tha.t he was generally acceptable to the constituency AI large. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Cory, who was received with cheers, opened by expressing his thanks for the very kind and enthusiastic welcome ghen him. lie regretted the distress which had prevailed in tb& district of late, and trusted South entered on a season of prosperity, ioclwJing. ^he district of Cwmbran. He believed the subject still occupy- ing the mind of the country generally was Home Itale. For six years the ocuntry had considered this question, and then sent a majority to Parlia- ment in favour of Home Rule. In 1886, the majority of members returned against Home Rule in England was about 200: in 1892 that I majority was reduced to 71 against it, or 144 constituencies reversed their decisions in favour of Heme Rule. In Wales there was an increase of from 18 to 26, and in Scotland of. from, 14 to 30, while in Ireland there was a decrease of 10 —five seats had changed owing to disunion among the Nationalists. Therefore, they would agree with him that there had been a larger increase in favour of Home Rule in Engand than in any other part of the United Kingdom. (Cheers.) Parliament took 82 days to discuss the Bill, but, after spending all this time and labour, the House of Lords shewed so little respect to the expressed wishes of the country that they disposed of the matter in four days. The House of Lords, he believed, was the only hereditary body in the world, so, however much they prided themselves on forward movements, they were more behind in this respect than any other nation in the world. To shew how Englartti had treated the wishes of Ireland, he mentioned that about 40 years ago only six-days public- house licenses were issued in Ireland, but the then Chancellor of the Exchequer insisted on seven .days licenses, and they were granted against the will of the (people, and had been in full force ever since. He believed it would be a great advantage to have Home Rule for all parts of the United Kingdom—(cheers)—with .one Imperial Parliament to deal with Imperial ques- tions, to which the colonies would be admitted, because, if they were not admitted, he doubted very soon it would be a similar case with them as with America—we should lose them. Unites they were admitted to a share in the manage-; ment of the empire, they could not be expected to take the same interest in the empire. Mr Cory > then proceeded to deal with the subject of Dis- establishment. They were pleased, he said; to see from Mr. Gladstone's speech in Edinburgh that this was likely to become the primary measure of 1894. (Hear, hear.) They had been in hopes of seeing it take a more prominent part within the past Session, but they must trust to those geod members, such as their friend, Mr. Thomas —(cheers)—to see that the wants of Wales were recognised. He had not altogether lived without feelfugthai because one was a Dissenter he was more or less looked down upon by Churchmen aa ^more or less o pale of society. :1 (Laughter and cheers.) He had been ptctic* lirly interested in the Places fof Worshif Enfranchisement Bill, to enable places of worship to buy the leases of the land on which they wers built. This Bill went up to the House of Lords, by whom it was so mutilated that it was practi- cally worthless. (Shame.) In November next, when Parliament met, he believed it was the intention of the Government to deal first of all with the Employers Liability Bill. H. quite agreed that an employee who risked his life should be protected in every possible way. (Cheers.) The next Bill they expected to deal with was the Parish Councils Bill. Mr. Cory explained the objects of and the benefits to be derived by country districts-from this Bill, and remarked that he had observed their present member, at a farmers' dinner at Magor. had said he was in favour of the Parish Councils Bill, when amended. They knew when the House of Lords had amended the But what it would be worthy and when it had been dealt with in this vvay Colonel Morgan would be in favour of it. ( ugnter.) Aiter a brief reference to the Local Veto Bill, the speaker ,aid that Sauth Monmouthshire had been for a long time practically a pvcsel constituency, controlled by one family. Caràdï for a long time had been in the same position, where Lord Bute had swayed the destines of the town. The people ia outh Monmouthshire, he believed, were really all Literals at heart, but the Tredegar infiuenoe was suen that it overpowered all other interests a,ud feelings. It was this influence which their leaders were trying t-o bring to an end, and if they had been able to do ir in CarJilt. surely they could do it in South Monmouthshire (Cheers.) He trusted they would aii do their utmost to bring such a thing to pass, because if he was adopted as their candidate, he did not wish to waste time and money in fighting a useless battle. It was under pressure that he "ad been i iduced to consent to become their candidate J,lJd if he had made sacrifices. he wanted every I nsan and woman present to give aid in gaining tin's great and grand victory. (Cheers.) It mighTi be said that political salvation was being offered Viem in South Monmout hshire r if so, it was for tUem to accept ie. It was for them to accept it. it was for the working men's benefit to xurther Literalism in ev.ry way they could, and they would nave the opportunity at the next election of returning one wM would further their interests in exery way they could. Col. Morgan at Chepstow had said if he ceased to re- present the people South Monmouthshire they were not to preseh^ with a ustimonial. tie nafc. heard they were up a testimonial, and-he would recommench (JoL Morgan, if he wished to be conscientious, L. 1.0 accept it, for ne Knew that right down -.tt to ace Liberals, whom he knew, had been asked b% subscribe to this testimonial. (Laughter.) Mr. Stanley then proposed the resolution, as underpin doing which he made a joke at the Colonel's expense by remarking that the Trede- gar family had offered them a nut to Cl"fl,ck. inside of which they would find the It was for them to say whether tnis kernel was a good or a bad one. The resolution was:- That this meeting of Liberals, representative of the Cwmbran polling district, hereoy approves of the selection of Mr. Clifford J. Cory as Parliament- ary candidate for the Southern Division of Mon- mouthshire, and hereby pledges itself to use all legitimate means to secure the return of Mr. Cory at the next Parliamentary Election for the Divi sion. Mr. John Parry seconded. A telegram was here read from Dr. Garrod Thomas, Newport, regretting inability to be present, and hoping they would have an excel- lent meeting. Mr. D. A. Thomas, M.P., on rising to support the resolution, received a hearty welcome. He said as president of the South Monmouthshire Liberal Association he some degree of responsibility in bringing forward Mr. Clifford Cory. They did not manage such things like the Tories they believed in the people approv- ing of their own candidate, aud not letting a few tailors of Tooley-street do it for them. (Laughter.) They would like to see a few more men in Parliament who represented industry lie Mr. Cory-(cheers)- men who had nothing to gam. whom Govern- mnt could do nothing to please men who were independent. In addition, they had in Mr. Cory a local candidate. Col. Morgan voted Tory, but he never told the reason why. Down here he went about to agricultural meetings- farmers' dinners. He liked to go to them him- self. They were social meetings, and he had always thought it bad taste to drag politics into these meetings. If Colonel Morgan wished to talk about politics why did Le not call together a political meeting. He had said at uieLia&taraaa farmers' dinner that it wa, no eaay matter to- please both parties, and no one had experienced the truth of this mv-re than himself. By TBN i Vic {t- Thcssat) in.ft J.i v«* --tiwi jC years Col. Morgan had fc- er. iu the House of Commons lie had been endeavouring to please both sides—to run with the hare (or. as he might prefer, with the fox) and hunt with the bounds. (Laughter.) W he a the Colonel came to address them, he would probably talk a great deal about gag. He did not know whether any one had attempted to gag Col. Morgan. He did not think much gag would be needed there. (Laughter.) He had looked carefully through Hansard, which recorded every speech made in the House of Commons for the last 20 years since 1874, and the onlv time Colonel Morgan hadever opened his mouth at West- minster was on one occasion for three minutes. That was some years ago, and he had never opened his mouth since. (Laughter.)- And still he said he represented a constituency with more varied interests than any other in the country. If that was so, surely he must have discovered some subject on which he could have said something, or some interest in South Mon- mouthshire which required representing in the House of Commons. He himself believed the prospects in South Monmouthshire were becoming more hopeful every Gay, and hoped they were going to wipe out this black pot-tbe only Tory seat existing out of the 20 in South Wales. Alderman Parfitt and Mr. G. H. Gwyune also addressed the meeting, the latter remarking that 3.000 voters had been added to the list since last election. A humorous recitation, composed for the occasion, was given by Mr. Prior, secretary of the local association, which took very well. Tee resolution was then put and carried un- animously, after which the meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to the chairman, on the motion of Mr. Cory.

BICYCLES! BICYCLES BICYCIESIII CLEARA^OI SALE. LXiMAR'K & QO. YTRFI now Oiferiug their Remaining STOCK OF BICYCLES AT LESS THAN* COST PRICE. No Reasonable Offers Refused. £ s. d. GOOD SOLID 15 0 GOOD RACER 2 15 0 { PREMIER CUSHION 2 15 0 Rover CUSHION 3 10 0 Rover PNEUMATIC 6 0 0 Hobart Racer. 9 10 FT F I R E W 0 R K S. A Large and well-selected Stock of the abovest Wbolesale and Retail Prices. HANBURY ARCADE, PONTYP^L. JOHN yomw, I" AUCTIONEER, HOTEL AVO GENERAL V ALGER it HOUSE, LAND. AND E¡iATB AGENT. -I- BRACH ,IÍ'FICE WINNING jil RO-,E HOTEL, PONTYPOOL; And at IMPORT and Barry Dock. IMPOWp$T TO CYC LISTS FOR RICKARD BROS., l ATHLETIC GROUNDS, NEWPORT, h THE GSEAT CYCLE PROVIDERS, Have about OA New and Second-hand QA OU SAFETIES, PNEUMATIC OL/ ROAD-RACERS, and every other description of Cycle, which are being almost Given Away. .Nrowl,s the time to buy a good cheap Bicycle for the Spring. Any pattern machine built to specification, on the premises. Solids converted to Cushions from 38s. 6d. Enamelling and Nickel-Plating executed I Repairs a speciality. Cash or easy terms.