The Pontypridd Chronicle and Workman's News

TO TIE READERS OF THE "fifiROHICLE" The extraordinary statements of General W. F. Nuthall, Captain J. Paige, Rev. C. G. Sqairrell, Rev. James Brierly, M.A., J.P., and other prominent men that have appeared in these columns in the past, have not only attracted mneh attention, but nave awakened doubts in the minds of some as to their genuineness. they were, however, correet in every particular, as the following local statements amply confirm:— Cardiff, February 25th. A friend of mine who was ailing for a long time at last was taken very, very ill, and could not eat any- thing, was sick and faint, and felt ill all over the body. His water was thick, and filled with deposits. I gave him three bottles of "Warner's Safe Cure," and before he had taken half e. bottle be was mneh better, and when he finished the third bottle he was as well as ever. J. G. MILES. 22, Harriett Street, Cathays, Cardiff, November 8. Some six months ago I began to take "Warner's Safe Cure," and I am now proud to say the reanlt which it has given. Before I could not walk up stairs without loss of breath, and now I can walk ten miles without feeling fatigae, a result no man coald believe if he had net known of the case. JFUSS PBICH. Llanthony Abbey, Abergavenny, February 8. Oar Reverend Father bids me say that he wanted "Warner's Safe Care" for a dear neighbour of oars, to whom, we are very pleased to state, it has done great good. „ „ BBOTHEB WILLIAMS, OX.B. Navigation Station, Taff Vale Railway, Wales, Jaly Slut. Having for years raftered from kidnev troable, which ended in abscess of that organ, resulting from, inflammation, with a copious flow of pas, Iparchaeed abont fifteen bottles ef "Warner's Safe Cure," the contents of thirteen only of which I have taken. It brought away about two ounces of stone; the pus has ceased to appear, the paiu has vanished, the urine is now clear, and I believe it has effected a complete care. I have long and fairly tried some of the ablest medical men in Soath Wales, bat they failed to treat the came successfully, one of them remarking that medical acienee had failed to And a remedy for con- firmed kidney disease; but I believe "Warner's Safe Cure" to be a thorough specific for derangement of those organ a, and I have every reason to conclude that it will do all that is claimed for it. J. HIBCOCK, Station Master. Statements like the foregoing are certainly con- clusive evidence of the wonderful merits of this remarkable medicine. No better verification of its purity and power can well be asked. The above tes- timonials are not from unknown and obscure persons residing in distant parts of the kingdom, bat are the voluntary statements of neighbours and friends living in your own locality, the truth of whose assertions can he easily verified. Are not such proofs sufficient 1 We can show thousands of similar testimonials from people all over the world. Shake off prejudice. Use the favourite remedy- Warner's Safe Cure-and enjoy health. For sale by all medicine vendors throughout the world, at 48 6d per bottle, or can be had direct of H. H. WAKSEU AND Co., 86, Clerkenwell Road, Lon. don, E.C.

A MODERN PATRIARCH AND HIS "DEAR SWEETHEART." ASSAULTING A HUSBAND AT TON. At the Rhondda Police Court, on Monday, (before the Stipendiary and other magistrates), Isaac Pate was charged with assaulting Rees Watkins. Complainant said defendant on Good Friday even. ing insulted him and his wife. They were coming from the train together, his wife being two yards ahead. Defendant put his arm roand his wife's waist. She told him to let her go, bat he squeezed her tighter, and said "My dear Bweetheart." He (complainant) said "Let her go; she belongs to me." Defendant seized him by the collar, and complainant seized hiji in return, asking him to turn bis face to the light. Defendant struck him five or six times, making a mark on bis eye and lip. Someone kicked him on the hip, but that was not defendant. Another man seized him behind, and defendant in front, and they almost choked him. John Pugh came on, and then they let him go. Margaret Cecilia Watkins (the personified "My Sweetheart,") said defendant caught hold of her round her waist. Her husband came to her assistance, and defendant struck him several times. She did not know I defendant before. It was not accidentally that he, caught hold of her. Defendant said he was coming out of tbe public heuse and accidentally came in contact with the woman. The husband struck him, and he struck him back, and then they fought it out. All this was denied by complainant and his wife. John Pagh said there was a gang of people on the road, and he saw the two men struggling together. Defendant sailed Joseph Brown,"Who said defen- dant accidentally came in contact with the woman. The husband seized defendant by the callar, and tried to get him to the light. Could not say which struck the first blow. Fined 33s 6d, including costs.

SUnDAY TIPPLERS 'AT TBE RHONDDA ■ POLICE COURT. At Ystrad police-court, on Monday, (before Messrs J. Davies, D. W. Davies, and T. P. Jenkins), Thomas Henry, Enoch Williams, Charles Old, Sidney Palmer, Thomas Caradog, Walter Attwood, and Lewis Law- rence were all charged with representing themselves to be travellers at the Tynewydd Inn, Porth, on Sun- day, the 15th inst. Cases proved by Inspector Jones and P.C. Weeks. Williams, Old, and Lawrence fiDed 20s each Henry and Carbdog, 159 each Palmer and Attwood, 10s each, Joseph Jones and Thomas Davies were charged with a similar offence at the Graig Ddu Inn. Case proved bV P.C. Llewelyn.— Fined ifia each. Thomas Davies. Llwynpia, was charged with a like offence by Sergeant Hoyle, at the Trealaw Inn, on Sunday, the 8th inst., and was fined 10s. Thomas Jones, Ynyshir, charged with a like offeree at the Butcher's Arms, Wattstown, by P.C. Llewellyn, wet's fined 15i.

Rhondda Police intelligence. MONDAY.—Before the Stipendiary, Messrs J. Davies, D. W. Davies, and T. P. Jenkins. DRUNK AND ASSAULT AT TKEA £ AW.—James O'Neil was charged by P.C. Weekli with being drunk and assaulting him by striking and kicking him.- Christmas Evans, Dinas, said he saw defendant and Weeks at eleven o'clock on Saturday night. P.C. Weeks asked defendant's name, which he refused to give.. He saw defendant strike the constable on the nose.—Fined 15s. THE DRUNKARDS' LisT.—Thomas Howells, Ty- newydd, was fined 5s; John Kingdom, 10s; Hannah William&Ss; Rees JoueB, Penygraig, 5s; Sarah Roberts,1 Trealaw, charged by P.C. Lewis, was fined 12s 6d; Charles Johnson, Pandy, charged by P.C. Lewis, ficed 15s; William Samuel, Ynyshir, charged by P.O. LeWie, fined 10j y Henry Birch and Gwilym Mellifont, Ferndale, charged by P.C. Francis, were fined, the termer 10s, and the latter 153 Alice Lloyd, Clydacli ValA, charged by P.C. Thomas, was fined 15s. ALLEGED BEEACJT OF .PEACE AT ilAiiDY.—William Anthony was charged with a breach of the peace. P.C. Lewis saitl on the 19th instr. he saw a crowd in a field at T.onypandy. On approaching he saw Anthony with his coat and waistcoat off, bleeding. He "Raid the other fellow challenged him to fight. Defendant did not appear, and a warrant was ordered to be issued for his arjyfcheiision. NEGLECTING TD MAINTAIN AT TINEWYDD.—David Thomas and Charles Thomas, Cwtch, were charged with neglecting to maintain their fathsr.—David Jones, relieving officer, said defendants were colliers. The lather was 62 years of age, and In receipt of 39 6d a week from the Union.—An ordar was moe iqr 3s (5d a week between them. WORRYING SHEEP AT CWMPARK.—William Martin was charged with letting his dog worry sheep.- Griffith Llewelyn said'lie had five lambs killed on the 27th of March dy defendant's dog. They were worth 10s £ acb>-rRicbafd Clayton #iid. he .¥$W defendant's dog with a lamb in its mouth. He saw the dog kill one, and saw several lying dead.-The Bench valued the lambs at 7s each.—Fined 36s, and 10s costs.

POHTORIDD LOCAL BOARD. The fortnightly meeting of this Board was held on Thursday afternoon, the 12th instant, at the Board's offices. Pentypridd, when there were pre- sent :— Messrs D. Leyshon, M. Cole, J. Roberts, John James, W. W. Phillips, D. Rowland, H. T. Wales, H. Hopkins, and G. J. Peon with Mr H. LI. Grover, clerk; M r J. Sprague, deputy clerk; and Mr E. Bees, surveyor. Mr Leyshon was vated to the chair, and having read the ofBoial declaration of the result of the election, it was resolved, on the motion of Mr James, seconded by Mr Koberts, that Bridge-street and SMon.atreet.Treforeat, be deolared highways. Mr Hopkins asked whether the proportion due from owneis of property for private improvements had been paid, especially in the oaae of Qelliwaetad road, which items were long needed. The Deputy Clerk replied he could not say. THB COM HON AS A a-CREATION GROUND. Mr Penn reported the result of the interview which a committee of the Board had with Sir William Thomas Lewis, representing the Marquis of Bute, in regard to the discontinuance of quarry- ing operations on the common. Sir William could not hold out any promise that the request of the Board would be granted, but all quarries that required protection should be seen to at once. He would, however, communicate with the Board the definite views of Lord,Buto as soon as he would have an interview with him. Mr Hopkins remarked that he was not sanguine that Sir William would recommend the closing of the qnarries, but understood that he would give the matter further consideration. Mr Phillips said he distinctly understood Sir William to say that the quarries would not be closed. Mr Hopkins- Unless the Board will suooeed in having the quarries closed, the public outside will take up the matter. In connection with the application to the Local ( Government Board foraaactioa to obtain a loan 1 for the erection of the fro& l^br^ry^he Deputy Clerk <taid noTepIy.haa yet been received* THE KHONDDA TBAMWtT. A letter was read from Mr S. B. Pollard, secre- tary of the Pontypridd and Rhondda Tramway Company, asking permission to rtin the cars on Sunday. The company also wished to know if the Board was prepared to enter into an arrangement for the repairing of the road over which the line ran. Mr James moved that no arrangement whatever be entered into with the company, and that the company be held responsible for any damage done by them. Mr Roberts seconded with great pleasure, and the motion was carried unanimously. Mr Phillips then proposed that no permission be given to work the line on Sunday. It would be a reflection upon the pablic of the district to allow such a thing. The tramcars would only be used by persons of low character coming down from the valley to get drunk. jHe was sure that if the inhabitants of the Rhondda Ward were appealed to on the matter, they would be unanimous against the application. Seconded by Mr Cule. Mr Hopkins moved as an amendment that per- mission be given to the company to run four journeys each way an Sunday. He did not think it would become tbesa as representing the public not to allow the line to be used on Sunday, and to refuse the application would be to inflict a hard- ship upon the working classes. Mr Roberts was of opinion that Sunday was a day of rest for both man and beast, and the appli- cation should be refused. Messrs James and Rowland agreed with the latter remark. Mr Phillips-The people who would use the line are the lowest of the low. Mr Hopkios had no consideration whatever for the interests of the Rhondda Ward in moving the amendment. (Laughter.) Mr Hopkins-I do so in the interests of people that are not here to-day. Mr Phillips-So do I. Mr Roberts-A very large majority o^the publio are averse to the tramway at all. Mr Penn—I cannot conscientiously support the amendment. The amendment finding no eeoonder, it fell through, and the original motion was carried with a single dissentient. A DISPUTED RIGHT. A letter was read from Mr J. W. Jones, surveyor, to the effect that no rent was paid by the Board formerly for a certain stone depdfc near the Great Western Colliery, and that it had been repaired by the Board. Mr Wales said tblkt. the Great Western Colliery Company had no desire to stand in the way of the Buaad using the depot. They only wanted to obtain proper access from the road to a new ohed close by. At the same time the company paid ront for the depot to Dr Morgan. Mr Penn—Dr Morgan has no right to receive rent for the deput. It is public property, Mr Hopkins Agreed, and proposed that they instruct the surveyor to retain the same on behalf of the Board. Mr Cale also coincided with the view that the deptt was pnblio property, and thought the company were only defying the Board in the action they(haa taken. Mr Phillips said it was wrong of Mr Hopkins to stand up for a strange company, and then oppose another company that paid nearly one- fourth the rates of the district. Mr Hopkins-Principle, Mr Phillips. Mr Phillips—Principle, indeed, (Laughter.) Mr CuI. (to Mr Phillips)-Yon should not come here as a representative of the Great Western Colliery Company; you should come here as representing the ratepayers generally. Mr Hopkins—He*r, hear. I still maintain that it was wrong of the company to interfere with pablio property with such impunity. It was then resolved that the Board should visit the spot, to see what could be done to meet the wishes of the company. It was also resolved to grant the Great Western- CoUiery Compauy the right to erect a certain superstructure contiguous to the road,on payment. of a nominal rent annually. ° An application from Mr Superintendent Mat- tbews for a fire escape apparatus was ordered to* beseentoatonce. AN ALLEGED ENCROACHMENT BY THE mnyw r COMPANY. The Deputy Clerk read a communication ftom the Pontypridd Chamber of Tiade with respect to an alleged encroach mem: by the Market Com- pany, by permitting the erection of show tents, standings, &c., in Mttket-street, and other places on Easter Monday. The letter went on to suggest, if the practice was legal, that the company 1,e requested to clean the streets afterwards. The Surveyor explained thq. two men and a cart were employed to clean the streets fortwo days atter the late fair. < Mr Cule said the company had a right to levy toll for each standings on fair days. After furtber conversation, it; was decided, on the suggestion of Mr Roberts, to refer the matter to the consideration of the clerk, who was also ordered to write to the Footpath Preservation Society, for advice on the point raised by the Chamber of Trade- Several dangerous spots in the district were reported, and ordered to be remedied. THE LOCAL GOVBBNMEHF BILL.. A circular, bearing on the above measure, was read from the Turnpike Abolition Association, and having for its object the abolition of turnpike taUf in South Wales. Mr Penn moved that a memorial be sent to the President of the Local Government Board, praying that a clause to that effect be inserted in the bill, and thua. place Wales on the same footing as Enghud, as at present the position of affairs wdtifd be-a very anomalous one. Mr Hoberts suggested that a public meeting Mt held" to donaiJer the question. Mr Penn differed, as there was no time to be lost. I The Chairman thought a manorial from the Board would have the same effect as from a public meeting. They were the represauWtives of the ratepayers. Mr Hopkins seconded the motion, and proceeded to address the meeting, when, seemingly, he was interrupted by a conversation taking plaoe between Mr Cule aad Mr Roberts, and he thereupon angrily ejaculated Deawoh ymlaen a rhywbeth yn briodol. boed a fyno!" Continuing, Mr Hopkins said it was full time to take the roads oat of the bands of the Countv Roads Board. They were a self-constituted bbdy, and were responsible to no one for the money they spent. During the last few years they had spent over £ 3,000 in law ex. penses alone, and that without consulting the ratepayers in the least. o' The resolution was then pat to the meeting, find agreed to. The Clerk having expressed his opiuion that Long-row was a private street withid the meaning of the J&Oth tection ef the Aet, it was decided to request the owners to pat the same in proper repair forthwith. TB8 SOTK DOCJU BlLIi. The Clerk reported that at the special meeting of ratepayers repently held. a resolution -was unanimously passed agreeing to the action of the ,Board with the view of opposing the Bate 'Doeks Bill in relation to the clause affecting the oon- eervancy of the rivers Taff, Shondda, Clydach. Ac. In the ooorse of a subsequent discussion, Mr Hopkins said that as so many boards aad ooai- panies intended opposing the Bate Doeks Company on the same point, they coald well afford to 'fre»t on their oars, anel let them fight the matter oat between them. The Board considered this a most absurd pro* poaal, and passed a resolution that anless the Yftradyfodwg Local Board would ce-operate with them they would carry on their opposition angle- handed. MISCOLLANROUS. f MtPeoa suggested that a wicket-gate be plaoed in Taff-street, at the end of the gaily leading thereto from Market-street. A. fatal aocident ooearted tbefe lately, aad something should be done at the spot to ensure the pnblio safety in future. It was felt that a wicket-gate would be imprac- ticable at that spot, and a small iron railing at the side of the pavement would be dangerous to those passing there, at night especially- The Surveyor reported that Mr Edwin Phillips had encroached by excavating under the pavement in front of the site of tne old toll-house in Taff. street. it was felt to be unfair to allow Mr Phillips to encroach in the manter explained, and, on the motion of Mr W. W. Phillips, seconded by Mr James, it was resolved to serve a notice npon him to abide by the terms of the purchase agreement. The Surveyor was orderii(i to procure estimates for a new. water-cart for th* Treforeat Ward. A HDJfWIOENT GIFT. Mr John James said he had much pleasure to in handini? 6ve^, atf a free' gift to the public, a piece of freehold land, thirty or forty yards in extent, situate near his residence in Wood-road j for street-widening purposes. (Hear, hear.) Mr Roberts remarked that such exemplary and generous conduct should be made known to the public, and he hoped that the press would note the fact. The Chairman agreed, and a cordial vote of thanks was passed to Mr James for his liberality. This terminated the public business.

ACCIDENT to the Rev. 0. WALDO JAMES, HIS HORSE FRIGHTENED BY A COW. TBE FAMILY THROWN OUT OF A TRAP. The Welsh American Drych oontaios an acoonut of an accident which has just beftllen the Rev 0. Waldo James, the popular Baptist minister, who for many years was the pastor of the Welsh Baptist Church at Aberavon. It seems that when Mr James, with two of his children, was junrney- ing in his trap frem Wilkesbarre to Edwardedale a cow came into collision with the horse. The animal at once bolted off at a terrifio rate, and Mr James was thrown over an embankment, with the result that he broke one of the bones of his leg,1 and also seriously damaged his ankle. The chil- dren, luckily, escaped unhurt. The reverend; gentleman will not be able to resume his ministe- rial duties for about a month. V

HR, A. THOMA-S, M.P., ON CLUB PROSECUTIONS. QUESTION IN PARLIAMENT. REPLY BY THE HOME SECRETARY. In the House of Commohs on Monday evening, Mr Alfred Thomas (member for the Eastern Division of Glamorganshire) asked the fellowin r qaestion respecting the club appeals at Cardiff 1 beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department., with respect to the reply contained in his letter of the 29th ult., that the four club appeals determined by certain Glamorgan county magistrates in quarter sea,sions were entirely heard and determined upon the merits," and bar- ticularly that in the case cf the New Tredegar, Club. II the court was of opinion that the club "dB. properly constituted, and that there was no evi- dence of illegal sale of Jiqaors," and in the Ellesmere, that the court could not distinguish it from the usual local clubs used by the upper classes," and consequently allo Ned the appeal, if he will cause farther inquiry to be made upon the fotlowini? points:—Whether, in the case of the New Tredegar Club, the court, through the chair- man ;(Mr Fowler), refused to decide the case upon its merits, by finding, as a fact, that the club in question was either bona fide or not bona, fide,- whether the court, after first stating that the onus cf proof of "Sona upon "tne appellants, subsequently threw the on^s of proving that the club was not boria,'ftde upon -the respondent; whether this deoision was in accordance with the law; whether the evidencelof on§,.witness, Jarrett, who had only boen connected with the club during I a short part of its e*i*fc*noa» was the only evidence upon which the court gave its decision, "allowing the appeal," with oosts; and whether in the oase of the Ellesmere Club the proprietor has been finoe, viz., on the 2# £ h ult., prosecuted by the Inland Revenue, and convicted of three separata offences, viz., selling spirits without a licence to an officer of Inland Revenue, and fined jgoO and costs, or three months' hard labour; for the sale of beer to the same efficar, JE20 and costs, or.one month; and for the sale of tobacco, d620 and costs,, or one month,all upon the so-cilled club premises? Mr Matthews: I have asked f6r and recaivedr a further report from the chair.n m of ths G.Aal ir- i ganshire magistrates this morning. iiii informs, me that, after hearing tho evidence on both side* the court,decided the Case-on its tn^ritsr, and oame to the conclusion that the New Tredegar'Club; was bona. fide club, properly ppaautated, There was lorneèlistmssion as to the burden of proof, but. the' question did not,'in .the opinion of the court, become material to the decision. The respondent was heard first, and the court the-i cilled on the appellant to give further evidence. The court waa composed of foar .barristers and the chairman* who is the stipendiary,ongistcate of Swansea. I see no reason to question the vitality of their deoiMoo. Jarrett, who hid baen treasurer since April, 1887, was the onl/Witnesft called for tbe appellant, but-tlie aradenje for the respondent bad already established facie case for k s^Jcempiioo.-Tbe ohaifttn'n inforhw me that hifc has seen in a local paper tilt statement referred to ia the last paragraph, bu: tsiat there WAS no evidence to this jffect before ihe court.

FREE EDUCATION. The following paper was read by Mr Joseph Davies, master of the Graig Board Schools, PODti. ypridd, before a meeting of the Glamorgan and Carmarthen School Teachers' Association, held at Swansea en Saturday. the 31st a ltino Free or gratitoas education, or more correctly speflking. the abolition of the direct payment of fees by those immediately responsible for tne edu- cation of the young, is a subjeot which receivas a very large amount of attention in these days of politioal advancement. The word "free" carries with it a oertain degree of pleasure, and what is regarded as justice in the miads of a large aamber of people of more or less democratic tendencies in matters political. But is it not a mistake to sup- pose that eduoation can be absolutely free, that it will be possible to have sohools without contribu- tions being made te them by the great mass of the people, even if the abolition of fees was brought about ? Oar schools are now supported and main- tained by local ratee, school fees, voluntary can- tributions, and government grants. It is calculated that a proportion of three. fourth. or four-fifths of the expenditure conneoted wbh eduoation isdrawn from a source other than the "fee." It has been computed that taking the average for tb. whole country the edneation of each individual ohild means an expenditure of one shilling per week. Of this the parent contributes two or three pence on an average, and other sources provide the remain. ing nine or ten pence. If the achoot fee be abol. ished, the local rates consequently will he Ie to be increased, or the voluntary purse strings will re- quire extension, or the government subsidy must need* be augmented. Is there not considerable misoonception with rsferenoe to the payment of local rates, and also with regard to the production of imperial grants ? .AI--ny people seem to be under the delusive impression that the local rates are en- tirely and exclusively contributed by district owners of property or the holders of property of a high rental-farmers, innkeepers, whopkeepera, Ac. And does not the fallacy exist that the grants made from imperial sources for educational pur- poses are taken from an inexhaustible store of seif-adjnsting resources, into which the govern- ment effioiats can always dip. and feel thkt by spontaneous magical conjuration mysterious de- velopment of equitable readjustment will take plaoe without any human arrangement, contrivance, or interference whatever. It ought te be fullv recog- nised and appreciated and understood by the many, as well as by the few, that no extra grants or con- tributions can be made either from local or im- perial sonrses for educational purposes, except by the exaction of increased rates. taxes, or duties, to the production of which all olassess of society mast direotly or indirectly contribute. The local rate-collector, tbe unwelcome tax-gatherer, and the vigilant caatom hoase officer must have their de. mands recognised and responded to, and no evasion, or equivocation, will ward off their demanded im- posts. The advocacy of the establishment of a system of free education has been mainly brought intn prominence by the adoption of oompulsory powers for tbe inducement and furtherance of edu- cational progress. It is protested that to enforce attendance without conceding free admission is a serions injustice. Undoubtedly great care and discrimination ought to be exercised by those upon whom devolves the onerous responsibility of faithfully carrying out the provisions of the Edu- t,lation Act, so chat all semblance of harshness, or injastioe, may be dispelled, and if the payment of school fees by parents be found by praotioal ex- perience to be a burden or hindranoe to the due advancement of edaeational progress, then it will become the daty of educationists, aDd the commu- nity generally, to remove the diffionlty, and to establish alternative means. The unsatisfactory state of attendance ia recognised by the advocates of free eduoation as evidencing the necessity for free admission into schools. Oat of every l,000of the population of England and Wales, it is com- puted that 237 are children between the ages of 3 and 13, acd experience has further determined that one-seventh of these will receive their eduoation in other thin elementary schools, and it is con- ceded further that out of every 200 names on the register, 33 will be absent owing to illness and other unavoidable causes; then the attendance will reach, or should reach, 167 for every 1,000 in the population, or a proportion of one te six. Tak- iog these figures as a basis, the aggregate number of children attending schools between tiree and thirteen years of age should be 5,699,595. The actual number on regiaters between tnese ages l,tat year is given as 4,355,576, or something like 77 per cent. Computing in the same way that the calculated average attsndanoe reaches 4,64-5,097. but the actual average reached was about 3.300,000 or 71 p^r cent., so that there were 1,300,000 odd children absent from school over and above the number whose absence was recognised as justifi. able and reasonable. To what extent the demand for payment of school fees is the hindrance and impediment to securing the attendance of these absentees it is difficult to estimate, but it is asserted by those who favour the "free" system that a very large proportion of these could be enrolled, and a corresponding increase in average attendance be secured, if the abolition of fees were brought about. What the RducationzZ Report says.—The EGn-, cational Report of last year countenances tbe statement that the attendance has not reached a satisfactory state, for it seeks to instil into the, minds of those whose duty it is to enforce the com- pulsory powers of the Education Act the appre- hension of the necessity for increased vigilance and effort, and says that there rai,,ht be half a million more scholars on the registers of rate-aided schools, and a nther large increase in the average atten. dance. Cost of the establishment of free schools.—If fees be abolished in Board Schools, of necessity they will have to be dropped in voluntary schools as weil. There are in this oountry over 16,000,000 persons who live in p irishes with elective Sohool Boards, Wbile there are abont 10,000,000 populat- ing districts where no School Boards exist, and where, consequently, there is no rate made for educational purposes. If it be recognised and arranged that the state shall bear the extra oo-t of elementary education, then tte 16 millions in School Board districts would have to bear the burden of maintaining their own sohools by local rates, and also would have to contribute largely to imperial taxation to perpetuate the exclusion from rates in those parishes where no School Boards exist. Again, t.) free education iu Board Schools, and to continue the payment in voluntary schools, would create an injustice to tbe ten millions who) live in districts where no rate is levied. If this plan of free eduoation were adopted by School Boards in areas where voluntary sohools supply accommodation, then the latter would have to pursue the same tactics, or become emptied sooner or later. In the face of the letter contingency the 130 rd Sohools would be overcrowded; new arrangements would have to be made; the ques. tion of accommodation would have to be considered; and possibly, if net probably, a very large expen- diture would have to be incurred in providing fresh seats. The amount collected last year by school fees was .£1,812,911, of which about one- tlird was paid in Board Sohocla. If the expecu* tions of the Blue Book were realised, by IOU iD- creased average of half a million, we may venture tjpreaiot that the fees would amount to £ 2,000,000 io round DumbafS. To this amount should be aided Lhe SUM contributed by suhsoribars, which reaches a total of M7M,000, and which sum is mainly expended in making provision for edaea- tional w"rk in voluntary or denominational sjhq^ols. Fhe subscriptions are included because iu tue event of the abolition of fees bding determined, it ia z.1. most certain that these contributions wilt be dis- continued, for it can hardly be exoected that the sacrifice will be made whe i a very considtra'il i drain upon the resources of tbe oontrlbmtor. willbd made in another direction. We gather then thit by the Voluntary principle there is aggregated a sum of fully two millionp in support of Merntnt iry schools, and (a further sum of batween Sve and six hundred thousand pounds is obtained by means of fees in board schools, and this suia -Yiil increase naturally with icaprovej a.eaJt''oe under t.h • present system, so thai, in lien of fees a-id c >i ri- butions now provided, a sum cloj<iy approach in ^t upo% three Billions will have to be eonniej cessities ^0C*1 •ocorfing to praeentMi^j Accommodation in voluntary schools in its beu- illS on the oast of Free Education—It is compute*. I I" •ooommoiatiou ia voluntary school* for 8,4&2,787, and 8ohool Boards have m >de pr*_ vi*OB for 1,692,505. We glean, then, from thee» figures, that more than double the acoomm'»dati<m is supplied in voluntary sohools. Supposing tw for suSoient or insufficient reasons, the managers of voluntary sohools wet-* to disoontiuue the noa tug of their sohool, it would ivevitably become tS» duty of School Boards to supply aooommod itio» adequate to the deficiency which would thereby b* caused. The debt contracted by School Bjard* i« pal down as between 19 and 20 millions stertia« Should the necessity cited, and were School g,iardw to provide at the same proportional coet, the* general building debt would be swollen to nearly 60 millions sterling, with a corresponding inoreas» of interewt. The two chief difficulties ia the way of the intra*- auction of the system are recognised by its ac1"- oates to be (a) the extensive expenditure, (b) t8ae,. objection to giving additional publio money ta. schools which are under private or denominational control. The former is regarded as a serious, yet a Barmoqntable, obstacle, while to meet the latter- difficulty it is strenuously urged as a condition of the payment to voluntary schools of equivalent funds to feas and subscriptions front losal or ito- penal souroes; that there shall be direct represen- tation on the management, in order that mobowei may be partly subject to publio control. Objections to the system.—Having stated briefly the views and opinions of those who favour th* ijitso, and referred to its estimated c Jet aooord- ing to present conditions, I will now endeavour tG-, oite some of the objections arged by those who are- tteopponeate. Besides what is looked upon as an almost insuperable diSeetty—the eost of the abo- lition of fees—there are several other potent 01.- jections made by those who view the scheme with., disfavour. The plea is urged of the direct respoo- sitnlity of parents, that, parents have a solemn, daty to perform towards their children in an edu- cational direction that it is as muea the daty of parents to pay directly for the eduoation of their children as it is to inoar expenditure for food, clothing, comforts, ana necessaries of life; that the, payment of fees tends to inoulcate and culti vate a healthy recognition of parental responsibility, M an incentive to tbe exercise of self-denial xnd sacrifice for lofty and dutiful conceptions. f.)8t.er. and evidences an aoceptanoe of Diyine trust, en- courages thrift, fortifies the home, and, through it. the nation, by generating feelings of respectial obligatioa in the minds of the children, tenls t<» cherish a consciousness of dignified independence, and forbids state and pnblio to usnrp a parent's- authority, or tm trespass on a parent's provincs.' Irregular attendance.—It is deemed by the ob- jectors that irregular attendance is mainly due t) the obligation of payment of fees. It is asserted to be tho outcome of careless indilferense and absence of parental oontrol. Practical evidence Is adduced to corroborate this statement, and to show that nit only is irregularity not confined to those who habitually pay fees, but that it is most conapioe ously demonstrated in the attendanoe of tb. whose fees are remitted. Again, it is seriously asked, fCqanfreê education, if the principle be ad tp- ted,be oonfined to schools of the elementary el ins ?" If it be applicable to the elementary school, w tt it not be followed up in the higher schools by th ■ as- tablishment of a higher system of eduoation, sup- ported by the public funds ? Will the adoption "f the system not-mean aa onormonaiaoeease of taxa- tion, and will not our whole system of education, be completely revolationMed ? The labouring Classes, generally speaking, will not be able to ay Ait: themselves of theit opportunities of free education beyond the age at which their children, are en- titled to claitt total exemption, henoe, if the prin- ciple be carried on to the higher edaeational p afc- form, comparatively few of the children of th» lower olasses oan participate in the advantages, while their contributions to local or imperial t x a.- tion will proceed, notwithstanding that by forak,. of circumstances they are unable to lay b. 11 of the bsnefits accruing to their more fortunately circum- stanced neighbours. lience if these demands be mads,-and free education beoome the rule from that lower to the higher steps in the educational Udder, it' is regarded that an injastioe would be done to the working olasses by a system origin lly pre- oonoeived to be to their advantage. An eminent pjlk- tician. and one who is well to the front in all mat tars which interest the labouring olasses. "Possibly the advantage which will aocrue to tho working classes from the abolition of fees in made to appear more than the gain is likely to be. Thst ablest statistician of the age (Prof L^oue Le ri) baa- determined bf oarefu! calculation that the grosa earnings of the working olasses of this Obaoir^ and the interest of savings invested in vftrioa* ways, amount to something like £'lO.OOO,OQ\). Acoepted this calculation, he deduoes towtt tfeSk eaving by the remission or abolition of fe'et woMttth be about 8 per iJlOt. Bat withont doubt thr*. most powerful antagonism to the establishment 6f a free system of education arises from the extremo aad absolute importance which denominationalists^ as managers ana supporters of voluntary schools* attach to systematic and distinctive Religious teaching. The whole machinery of the voluntarjp 9 1 r system is propelled by this guiding principle/ Tire-; deep conviction in the minds of denominatiou^listst that distinctive religious instruction ought to be at prominent and indispensable subjoct in the, cv* rionlnm of the elementary sohool is recagai^d oft both s>des as the most formidable barrier- to. to* introductioaatn system of free education. tVh'et&ar this difficulty can be amicably tided over, the future* has to disclose. Such, briefly, are the objections tea the system. 1.1' Reverting to the question of oost, we frp^hehfty bear expressions of great surprise at the ahabhJhfc of money expended by this country for eda^t^oetal purposes, while on the other hand we obaet4b i&frp little dissatisfaction with ths enormoaa spent upon armaments, war equipments, tary matters generally :— V* Li*a t* Armamoat*. Sdamfcipfrq. It) -'i £ ii ;>> £ ■, :($ England n. i vi 28,900,000 France-* 35,000,0^0 8.3}t;(¡()() Germany 20,000,000 r'. oi^9QA,QQ(b Russia 33,000.000 i i/ .IsOO^OOfch Austria 13,400,000 Italy > 18,900,000 toolom Spain GjSOO,000 tyftOejOg* Other Euros »-jtI ir pean states 8,300,000, <> ';0'; in £ 163,8^,000 «24t,085.O(*a! United States.. 9,400,030 lS,$6t>,0»tf The ratio of money spent by America on £ re% education is ia splendid and startling contrast tik chat expanded by H aropa. America isj' Hie only couotry whi:h spends more on educating Sep than on her war preparations. England^uap!$ £ rs four times as miph on vwar prep iratiopa^ spsnds iu eduoi^iog her children for thdjJoaifctji^c* daily life. America reverses the prdoas$tM^l spends on tbe educi'ion of her sons ana^d^pfbjfirai twice its much as sae does for military,, pMffyj^ps. Au American writer says;—"The pub|v*.§ohWiJ» ace supported mainly by direot ta*atiaju an4 .»no tix is so willingly paid as the school, tax,. 161 millions were raised for sohool8-trfaur-?4 £ fcha by direot tax, the Other one-fifth beiag-.derifei, from rents, or sale, or pmoeeds of seabed'-taadfli* latly has Lonfisliow written— '-i' -'•'iV* Wevelialf the power tha.t fills the world with terror Wjra \yeaith bestowed oa camps-4^^ courts, ¡ Gi VoJll to fatbern the human mind from ftfrot' There were no need of arsenals or forts'; '■ <;t?- Tbe warrior's name would be a name abbotveif And every nation that should lift again Its liand against a brother, on its forehead i Would wear for evermore the Curse of Caifl#.v I 1 RNI

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