The Pontypridd Chronicle and Workman's News

CHRISTMASTIDET 9 This it the month, and this the happy men, WWein the Soa of HeavenEternal King, Of wedded maid and virgin-mother born, Our great redemption from above did bring; For so the holy sages once did sing, That He our deadly forfeit should release, And with His Father work us a perpetual peace. So wrote the immortal Milton on the early morning of Christmas Day, 1629. The festival in memory of Christ's Nativity falls this year upon the Sabbath day, so that the religious services will probably be more largely attended than is usual either on Sundays or Christmas Days. Saint Chrysostom states that in the primitive times Christmas and Epiphary were cele. brated at the same period of the year, pro- bably from the belief that the rising of the star in the east and the birth of Christ were simultaneous. The separation took place at the Council of Nice, A.D. 325. The Armen- ians, however, continued to make but one feast of the two as late as the thirteenth century. The actual date of the Nativity has long been a {subject of doubt and dis- cussion. Some have fixed it at the Passover; others at the feast of the Tabernacles; and it has been observed that if the shepherds were watching their flocks, when it occurred, in the field by night, it could scarcely have happened in the depth of winter. Be this as it may, the 25th of December has been the day most generally fixed from the earliest ages of the Christian Church. Sir Isaac Newton, in his Com- mentary on the Prophecies of Daniel" has a chapter on The Times of the Birth and Passion of Our Saviour," in which accounts for the choice of the 25th December, the winter solstice, by showing that not only the feast of the Nativity, but most others, were originally fixed at car- dinal points of the year; and that the first Christian calendars having been so arranged by mathematicians at pleasure, without any ground in tradition, the Christians after- wards took up with what they found in the calendars. So long as a fixed time of com- memoration was solemnly appointed they were content, and, as we have said, that date has now for ages been regarded by all classes in this country as a. great festival' while, indeed, our ancestors looked upon the days between Christmas and Twelfth Night as a Season for throwing care to the wind; and the sole potentate whose edict ran much chance of being attended to by them was that merry despot, the Lord of Misrule, alias King Christmas, and the Abbot of Unreason. So that mirth was there, and hospitality, and such show of religion as the age afforded, lord and vassal were alike content, and feasted noisily and merrily until the great holiday of the year was over, and the work of the world had once more to be taken in hand. Burning the Yule Log, going about with the" Maori Lwyd," and even carol-singing may now, however, be almost altogether reckoned as things of the past, for as time rolls on, and men and their surroundings change, old customs die. The Festival itself is as rigidly observed as ever, but as the English are not a musical race the holidays succeeding it are not spent by them in any kind of public festivities. Keats, in some of his most smoothly flowing verses, laments that songs and laughter no longer rouse up the echoes of his native woodlands, that the merry morrice-dancers have danced off into the land of shadows, and the face of England wears a much more sober aspect than it did when Robin Hood was king of outlaws and Richard Plantagenet of law-abiding men. But with us in Wales, though the fairies of the green have, like their brethren across Opha's Dyke, danced off into shadowland, the ghosts of the old Welsh minstrels seem to be particularly active about this season of 'l the year, and, from Pen-y-pump-ych to the foot of Eryri Wen, Chriitmastide is spent in courting the muses and making the hills resound with long," and the term their name is legion may well be applied to the Eisteddfodau of the present Christmas. Thousands will thus spend Monday indul- ging in the national love of music. Others will, doubtless, visit friends. Many wil spend it as a day of quiet enjoyment; yea, and we trust, will remember in charity those who have not the means of enjoying it. Whichever way our readers may choose to spend their Christmastide, we bring our remarks to a close this week by heartily wishing each and every one of them A MlRRT CHRISTMAS."

SKITS AND SKETCHES. BT OUR BOTUfG ARTIST. I am informed, "on good authority," as the newspapers say, that the attendance at the police- court on Monday, was very small, and that the business was very dull." Are the drunkards saving up for Christmas ? If so, then look out for squalla after the holidays. # # # I see that the Treherbert people have set the ball rolling" on the question of forming a Chamber of Trade for the upper part of the Valley, and the movement bids fair to be a great success. # # # One matter which it is said the tradespeople of the Rhondda are agitating for, is a County Court of their own. Porth claims that honour as well as Ystrad, and the appointment of a new Judge just now renders this a fitting time for the agitation. *#* It is stated that a man deserted his wife and family at Aberdare some years ago, and went to j lodge at Ferndale. Se died tins week, ead so ,-V- despised was he by the inhabiants of the place, that it is said no one would go to his funeral without being paid. V What a conglomeration of accidents have oocurred at Llantwit, according to one of the daily papers. The carts, carriages, and people were so mixed, that one could scarcely know 'tother from which."

PONTYPRIDD BOARD OF GUAR- DIANS. THE NURSE'S RESIGNATION AGAIN. PROPOSED DIVISION OF LLANWONNO WARD. The fortnightly meeting of this Board was held on Wednesday, at the Union Workhouse, when there were present: Rev. D. W. Williams in the chair). Messrs J. Lewis, A. Cule, W. Davies, E. H. Davies, R. Jenkins, E. Evans, D. Leyshon, E. Thomas, W. Jeffreys, H. Jackson, D. Davies, H. Anthony, D. Jones, J. Morgan, C. J. N. Grey T. Bevan, and E. Davies. PRIVATE IMPROVEMENT APPORTIONMENTS. The Clerk (Mr Spickett) said he had received from the Portypridd UrbanSanitaty Authority notice that the cost of paving, &c., the street in front of the Workhouse had been £119 10s, and the Sur- veyor had apportioned the amount payable by the Guardians in respect of the part of the road in front of the Workhouse at £ 101 9s. The Clerk added that it seemed to him rather strange that their portion should be £101 9s. while all the other owners together had only dEl7 lis to pay. Some conversation ensued, some suggesting that a Surveyor should be asked to check the account, others sug esting that a member of the Board should see the Surveyor of the Urban Board; while the Clerk thought it w.s purely a matter of apportionment, and offered to go to the office to see the schedules. The Clerk's offer was at once adopted. THE NUBBE'S RESIGNATION. The Chairman said tknictesent nurse had been spoken to, and was willing/io rewain for a fort- night beyond her month's notice, so that the Board might have time to get another in her place. The question of advertising having cropped up, Mr T. Morgan suggested that the Board might leave it to Mr and Mrs John to get a proper person, and so save the expense of advertising. The, Chairman No, there is too much of a clique here now, I think. What we want, is, to have the officers of this house on such terms as not to be fighting nor favouring one another; but each one to do his duty fairly and honestly to the Board. (Hear, hear.) Mr E. Thomas agreed with the Chairman. Mr Morgan said that Mr and Mrs John could, perhaps, get some person who would suit the place very well without the expense of advertising. He knew nothing of this aff-.ir, but nntil the last nurse came everything seemed to be going on peaceably. He knew nothing that had occurred to reak that peace until this affair, which ended in the resigna- tion of that nurse, and he did not wonder if there was as much fault attached to the nurse as to anyone eUe, and perhaps more than to others. Mr E. H. Davies considered that the Board should keep the appointment in their own hands. He knew the present nurse, and had known her for years, as a respectable, industrious aDd sympa- thetic woman, and his opinion was that if she did not suit Mr aud Mrs John, the master and matron could not find one that would please the Board. Mr Morgan said of course, he did not want to have an appointment made without the Board's approval. After some further discussion, it was resolved, on the motion of Mr Thomas, seconded by Mr E. H. Davies. to advertise for a nurse, and accept the present nurse's offer to go on for another fornight. APPLICATION FOR AN INCREASE OF SALARY. Mr D. Jones, relieving officer, Tonypandy, asked for remuneration on account of the extra work devolving upon him as inquiry officer under the Board in making inquiries as to the circumstances of people requiring tLQir oUildson's school foes to be paid. The Clerk stated that the only other officer who did that kind of work now was Mr Howell Davies Llantrisant, who was paid dElO a year for it. The matter was adjourned for consideration during the next fortnight. RESCINDING A MOTION. The resolution passed at the last meeting to send a boy from Treherbert to a dtaf and dumb institu. tion at the cost of the Board, was now rescinded, as it had been discovered that the family earned 24 a week. NOTICE OF MOTION. Mr E. Evans gave notice that at the next meeting he would move that Llanwonno be divided into three wards, as Mountain Ash was at present able to swamp the parish. Then they would go in for a new GLardian for the ward. There was no other business of importance.

ANOTHER EXPLOSION AT WIGAN. On Monday, another explosion "resulting in the death of upwards of 40 men occurred at the No 4 pit of the Abram Company, at Wigan. The men belong to a Permanent Relief Fund, so the necessity for an appeal to the public in aid of the widows and orphans is done away with.

Pontypridd Police Court. WEDNESDAY-Before Mr G. Williams, Stipendiary. ALLEGED THREAT AT LLANTRISANT. — Thomas Edwards, was summoned for threatening P.S. Tatecplin at Llantrisant, but owing to the sergeant being laid up, and unable to attend, the case was adjourned for a week.. BOUND OVER.—Thomas Jones, collier, Tylor's- town, was bound over to keep the peace towards all Her Majesty's subjects during the next six months. A COSTLY RIDE.. Lewis Rogers and William Rickets, labourers, were fined 10s each and costs for riding on loaded trams on an incline at Fern- dale, contrary to the colliery rules. A PENICOEDOAE FARMER'S CoW-SHEB.—EH<M Gronow, farmer, Penycoedcae, summoned by Superintendent Matthews for' keeping a dirty cow-shed, was let off on payment of costs. THE FERNDALE WOUNDING CASE.-As the Fern- dale wounding case, reported by us last week, appeared to have been a family affair, and the parties were now very anxious not to proceed, the Stipendiary allowed the case to be withdrawn on payment.of costs. THE ALLEGED ROBBERY AT DINAs.-Thomas Cummings. bailiff, and Charles Napper, haulier, Dinas, were charged on remand with stealing 8s from John Evans, of Britannia, near Dinas Colliery stables on the night of last Monday week. Mr W. R. Davies appeared for the prisoners. Thu magis- trates committed the prisoners for trial at the ensuing Quarter Sessions. ALLEGED FRAUDULENT REMOVAL OF GOODS.— George Noyes was summoned by Morgan Edwards to show cause why he should not be committed for fraudulent removal of goods from a house of which he was tenant. Mr W. R. Davies, appeared for Edwards, and Mr W. Williams for the defen- dant. It appeared that the defenpant's furniture were removed from the plaintiff's house while the rent was left unpaid. The magistrates, instead of commiting the defendant, ordered him to pay, and a notice was issued to him to that effect, but he said he had not received it. Mr Davies put in a certificate from the defendant's employer showing that his earnings as a collier at Nixon's colliery, Mountain Ash were 20s a week, but the defendant swore that he did not earn more than 15s. The Stipendiary ordered him to pay the money due by instalments of .£1 a month. SCHOOL BOARD CASES.—For not sending their children to school the following were summoned William Jenkins, Tafarn-y-Coed, fined 5s; Thomas Morgan, Llantwit, fined 5s; James Davies, Llantwit, fined 58j John Roberts, Tre- forMt, dismissed; Daniel Powell, fined is. Casts against David Rowlands, John Lewis, and Isaac Thomas, Rhydfelen, were adjourned for a month, to see how the cbildaan would attend in the meantime. ROBBERY FROM THE PERSON.— Ellen Arnlod, a. woman of loose character, living at Llangaana, was charged with stealing E2 from James Davies, a mason, living at Fountain Street, Ferndale. Prose- cutor met the defendant at the Cross Inn, on Monday night, and; went with her to the house of Zorobabel Proger, %-hich was near. Mrs Proger went out for a quart pf. beer, and the prisoner, it was alleged, robbed the prosecutor. Sergt. Jenkins apprehended prisoner and found some silver in her possession, but no gold. She pleaded not guilty, but was sent to gaol for 14 days' hard labour. BREACH OF COLLIERY RULEs.-Thomas Richards, a collier, was charged with a breach of the regula- tions at Pen rhiwfer colliery, on Friday, the 9th inat.-Thomas Williams, fireman at the said col ieiy, said that having had orders from the manager to search the pockets of the men on the day in question, he went to the defendant's stall, and asked him if he was willing for him to search his pockets. Defendant said he was, and went with witness to where his coat was hung. In one pocket a pipe was found, and witness said he was very sorry to find that. Defendant said he, too, was very sorry. Witness then stopped defendant and sent him to the lamp-ststion, and sent for the manager. Mr Stewart, the manager, said the defendant, when spoken to, apologised for his conduct, but the ether men were very indignant. Defendant said he must h ve forgotten to take the pipe out of his pocket that morning. The Stipen- diary fined the defendant 20s.-J ohu Williams, a cdllier of the -same place, charged with having a match in his pocket, was fined 20s. The Stipendiary said that in the face of all these explosions he considered it would be his duty to enforce neavy penalties in cases of second conviction! It was no excuse to say thnt they had forgotten, or did not know that a pipe or a match might be in one's pocket, for it was their duty to search their pockets before going to work. CHARGE OF THEFT AGAINST A COLLIERY WATCH- MAN.—A case which excited considerable interest was one in which John Hollway, a watchman, who has for 6 years been employed at the Great Western Colliery, was charged with stealing a duck, the property of Morgan Llewelyn, Hopkinstown. Ft om the evidence adduced, it appeared that the prisoner was seen driving a duck before him along the road from Hopkinstown towards his house, which adjoins the office of the colliery named. The duck, afterwards found in his possession, and now produced in couit by Sergt. Johns was identified as the property oftMorgan Llewelyn. When Llewelyn heard that the'&-i=>oner had been seen driving the duck along theajkoad, he went to him, and the prisoner said hlfhad bought the duck for Is from a collier on the road. He did net know who that collier was, but he was black going from work. Mr Rosser, solicitor, who defeuded the prisoner, put in a letter from Mr Harrison, the manager of the Great Western Colliery, stating that during the 6 y ars Hollway bad been employed at the colliery, nothing had been known against him; ho. was attentive to his duties, and honest; Mr Harrison had left the key of his own house in charge ot the prisoner, and when he returned, missed nothing. Mr Rosser added that he could call a witness to prove that the duck had been offered for sale for a shilling on the road by some collier, as the prisoner said, and that witness would swear that he saw the prisoner buy the duck. The Stipendiary sai4 there was no doubt a prima facie case against the prisoner, and he ought to take warning from this to be very cautious in the future. Ducks were worth more than a shilling, and the prisoner might have known'ifcat there was something suspicious about the transaction. However, the prisoner had hitherto, it appear. d, borne a good character, and the best flan would be, not to enter into the case further and bolster up a defence by calling wit- nesses, but to discharge the prisoner, as the magistrates were of opinion that he had no intention of stealing the duck.

SEVERE GALE. A HOUSE BLOWN DOWN AT BRISTOL. A .gal?.ofjeonsi^^ over Sonth Wales and the West of England on Monday and Tuesday. At Pontypridd and the Rhondda Valley no serious damage was done, but at the first-named place a slate was blown from the spire of St. Catherine's Church through the window of Mr T. Williams' house, on the opposite side of the road. At Bristol, on Tuesday evening, a house on the Narrow Plain, St. Phillips, fell, in eonseqnence of a chimney stack being blown down on the roof. The house was let out to six families, and about 20 persons were buried beneath the debris. A body of constables, assisted by the neighbours, set to work to clear the rubbish, and it was then found that two children, named. Bryant, had been crushed to death, and 15 other persons injured. Most of the cases were so serious as to necessitate the sufferers being detained iu the infirmary.

THE ALLEGED BOX-HAT ARMY AT TRE- FOREST. SIR,-I see in your paper of the 17th inst., a paragraph with the heading :—" Disgraceful conduct of a landlord—Box-hat army at Treforest," from an esteemed correspondent who was ashamed to give his name. It is well known by all in Tre- forest who the certain landlord is, as some three or fnur Christmases ago, on Boxing-day a good number of men turned out for fun, and called themselves the Box-hat Army. At that time there were no such people known as Salvation Aimy in Treforest. Now, I must in the first place,tell you that the whole of the article in your paper is nothing but a tissue of fal ehoods from beginning to end, as far as I am concerned. The esteemed correspondent first says, "through the Salvation Army's arrival there is a great cry from the landlords owing to theit trade being at a very low ebb, through the conversion of most of their customers;" that is a falsehood, for I am thankful to say mine has increased. In order to regain the loss, this certain landlord has raised an army to interfere with the good work. Each member's dress consists of a red coiit, white trousers, and a box-hat, and it is called the Box-hat army Now, I am sorry to have a. ain to inf, rm your esteemed correspondent that this is another most wicked and wilful falsehood, as I knew nothing of the army rei'e>red to until I saw it in your paper, and therefore it could not be got up by me; again I say positively, I know nothing about it. As to the Old Castle, and the reserve police from Pontypridd, I knew nothing of that also until I saw it in the same paragraph. I should consider that Superin. tendent Matthews bad more common sense and reason in him than send down a reserve for the whimsical fancy of a. few who seemed to be troubled with a nightmare about the Box-hat Army. I see your esteemed correspondent has accused me of threatening to choke the conductor. I never spoke to him in my life, and as the man never did me any harm, or I him, I cannot see what 1 could possibly wish to choke him for; he has my best wishes for the cause, as my motto is, let every religious body enjoy their own opinion and do the best they can for the cause. If this conductor has seen that paragraph ,and not contradicted it, I say he has not one spark of Christian feeling. The next charge brought against me is, throwing a quantity of rockets among the children; this ia another falsehood brought against me. I never threw a rocket in my life, much less throw them among children. The truth is, I happened to be at my door, and a dozen of others by me seeing the body of children go by, when a boy from the crowd threw one squib amongst the children. A woman that was standing by caught the boy and threatened to box his ears. All this can be proved by plenty in Treforest, so you see I have contradicted the whole of the disgraceful conduct of a landlord at Treforest, and must ask you to send me the name and address of your most amiable and esteemed correspondent, as I do not intend to let this drop, as it is a wicked libel agains,. me. Therefore. I shall see further about it as soon asI receive the name and address. I am, Sir, A LOVER OF TRUTH AND JUSTICE. Deo. 19th, 1881.