The Pontypridd Chronicle and Workman's News

THE LLANTRISANT SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION. To the Editor of the "Chronicle SIR,—After the sensational County Council Election, we are nearly face to face with another which promises to create quite so much interest in this parish as the one we have just gone through. There is, according to rumour, a good batch of Conservatives arraying themselves for the battle, and are prepared to fight tooth and nail in order to secure seats on the next Board, consequently we hope the Liberal fraternity will be awake to a sense of their duty; to be up and doing, to lose no time in making their selections, and putting their men in the field at the earliest possible convenience, so as to prevent our opponents from, in any way, stealing the march. There will be at least four vacant seats, as the result of the retiring of his Honour Judge G. Williams, Mr Stewart, Mr Jno. Davies, and Mr Ishmael Williams, Dinas. The last named gentle- OHin, we are sorry to say, is compelled to resign in consequence of advanced age and failing health. He has been a member of the Board for a con- siderable length of time, during which period we can venture to say, he has been one of the most faithful and untiring of its members, and that the straightforwardness and broad-mindedness which have at all times characterised his actions thereon, have won for him the esteem and affection of those whom he has represented. We look at the resignation of a gentleman of -such sound counsel and strong intellectual powers as an inestimable loss, and sincerely hope that the great services rendered by him in the interests of education will not fail to meet with some public recognition by the people of the Dinas district. Whilst deploring the loss of such a man, our first and present duty is to strain every nerve to secure a good strong Radical Board at the next election, a body of men who are in sympathy with us as Liberals and Nonconformists, men that have the educational welfare of the children of the parish at heart, and are prepared to discharge the functions of their office in a Liberal spirit. We .are sorry to say that the present Board does not bear the highest reputation in this respect, but for 'strict partiality and individual protection we must admit it has secured a high degree of popu- larity at the expense of causing perpetual injury to the children of those whom they have pretended to serve. It is a pity the public has been so long in coming to a recognition of this fact, and that they should have allowed so much double dealing to be indulged in by the custodians of their interests, and that to the obvious detriment of the advancement of education in the parish. However, better late than never." I am glad to know that this business is to be arrested, that the constitution of the new Board is to be entirely different to that of the old, that there is to he a preponderation of principle, which we are sanguine will have most satisfactory results. We are glad that Dinas (the Athens of Rhondda Valley) intend bringing out three sturdy Radicals in the persons of Mr Wm. James, carpenter, Mr Obadiah Williams, clerk, Dinas colliery, and Mr William Richards, grocer -men of means, of irreproachable character, of deep convictions, and strong mental capacity, men that have the courage of asserting that which is right without fear or favour, and who, if elected, will discharge the duties required of them with credit to themselves and to the electors of the parish. We understand that men of the same stamp are to be brought out by other districts, and what we entreat every Liberal and every Noncon- formist to do is to rally round the men of their faith, to be true to their convictions, and record their votes in favour of those from whom they can expect sympathy. If this principle be strictly .adhered to, we are positive we shall see the pre- dominance )f the good of Liberal principle on the next Board, and that thereby the starvation of education in the parish will be averted. Yours, &c., CYMRO.

THE GREAT WESTERN COMMITTEE AND MR W. W. PHILLIPS. To the Editor of the "Chronicle." SIR,-The most striking case of audacity I have over heard of haq lately been brought to notice with regard to the Llanwonno School Board Election. About sixteen persons bitting as a committee, and bearing the same of the Committee of the Workmen of the Great Western Colliery, which number over 1,000, passed a resolution asking Mr W. W. Phillips to withdraw from the contest in favour of Mr David Thomas, checkweigher. Now, Mr W- j\ ■ Phillips having so faithfully served them on the different Boards naturally took this as an insult. But never- theless he actually offered to stand a preliminary election by ballot, and if rejected he would withdraw. But they refused the offer. Now, I call this a very fair offer, and the Great Western Committee have -shown themselves cowards in not accepting it. I A RATEPAYER FROM HOPKINSTOWN.

ILLEGITIMATE USE OF A BRICK AND RABBIT SKIN AT FERNDALE. At the Rhondda Police-court, on Monday, (be- fore the Stipendiary), Thomas Denning was charged with assaulting Jane Jones, at Ferndale. Prosecutrix was a woman of 35, and her assailant an old man of 70. On Friday the former saw the latter screwing a chicken's neck, and she repri- manded him for his cruel conduct. An altercation ensued, as the result of which defendant hurled a brick at the woman, and afterwards smacked her on the face with a rabbit's skin. He also struck her on the breast with a stone. Defendant contended that the prosecutrix had thrown a cabbage stump at his head. Fined E2 15s 6d, including costs.

POSTfPRlDD AND RHONDDA TRAMWAY COMPANY. At Ystrad police-court, on Morday, (before the Stipendiary), in connection with the case of the Ystradyfodwg Local Board against the Ponty- pridd and Rhondda Tramway Company, for non- maintenance of the roads between Porth and Hafod, the magiatrates' clerk (Mr J. Stockwood) read a letter from Mr S. R. Pollard, London, the solicitor to the Tramway Company, statjjig that provisions of the 87th section of the Pl hlic Com- panies Act, 18G2, expressly enacted that when an orderjhad been made for the winding-up of a com- pany, no suit, or action, or other proceedings should be proceeded with, or commenced against the company, except with the leave of the court, and the magistrates had, therefore, no jurisdiction to deal with the case in the present moment. It was not true that he (Mr Pollard) had acted for the company until the winding up. No one could represent the company until the liquidator was appointed. Mr Rhys, solicitor, Pontypridd, (who appeared on behalt of the Board), doubted the contention of Mr Pollard, and suggested that tjhe case be ad- journed until Wednesday. '< The Bench expressed a wish to hear some of the evidence in support of the summons. Mr J. W. Jones, surveyor to the Board, was then called, and deposed to having examined the tramway from Potth to Pontypridd on the 21st of Jc -;t month, and also on the 5th inst., and found —. several places the rails from two to three inches above the level of the road. Mr D. W. Davies, sanitary inspector, said he examined the road on the 1st of February, and found the same gangers tg vehicular traffic, the rails in various places being from an inch to three inches above the surface. His Worship agreed to adjourn the case until Wednesday, at Pontypridd. At Pontypridd police-court, on Wednesday, (before the Stipendiiry and Dr Jones), Mr Rhys applied for a decision in this adjourned case. All he wanted was a conviction He did not care what penalty was in- flicted. His Woraip said there was Mr Pollard's letter' statins tbatbhe company was being wound up. Mr Rhys: There is no legal evidence. His Worshp No; but Mr Pollard is a respectable man, and wold not tell a lie. It would hardly be courteous toiim to ignore his latter. Mr Rhys :tVfr Pollard should have sent legal evi- dence. I 4 not see that any consideration should be shown twards the company, for the trams are a perfect nuiance, and very dangarous. His Woihip feared Mr Pollard would think it hardly corneous, but as there was no legal evidence he would envict and impose the same fine as in the previous coyiction, 96 for the offence, and JEi a day, in all JS17.

LLANWONNO SCHOOL BOARD. The last meeting in connection with the old Board was held on Wednesday last at the Llan- wonno Vestry Hall, Pontypridd, when there were present:—Messrs J. W. Jones (cuairman), Mr Idris Williams (vice-chairman), liev. B. Lloyd, Messrs LI. Llewellyn, R. Mathias, M. H. Thomas, Watkin Williams, W. W. Phillips, H. Abraham, and W. John with Mr. S. Shipton, clerk. THE PROPOSED NEW SCHOOL AT HOPKINSTOWN. The Clerk read a letter from the Education Department enclosing a communication received from the Vicar of Llanwonno protesting against a the action of the Board in preparing for the erection of a school at Hopkinstown, when there was a National school thereat, which provided the necessary accommodation for more than was at present in attendance. The Clerk said they had not decided to erect a school, but simply to obtain a site in order to provide a school in the future. Mr. Llewellyn said the point of the letter was that Hopkinstown was to remain stationary. Mr Idris Williams said in his opinion the place would double in less than twelve months. He did not know what the accommodation was. The Clerk-150, I believe. Mr Idris Williams—And how many are there in attendance ? The Clerk-About 60; there is room there, of course, but people will not send their children there. I think our reply should be that the Great Western Colliery Company are sinking a new pit at a spot only 200 or 300 yards from the proposed site of the school, and before long, in the Board's opinion, there will be a very large population. Mr Phillips- And there are a lot of infants now walking to Pontypridd. The Clerk said they had already pointed that out to the Education Department. Mr Idris Williams proposed that the matter be deferred for a month, so that the new Board might deal with it. Mr Phillips seconded, and the motion was agreed to. The School Attendance Committee reported that upon the application of Mrs Rees, mistress of Porth School, they had appointed her husband (Mr Rees) as temporary substitute during her absence through indisposition. The Board, after some conversation, confirmed the recommendation. Miss Dawkins was appointed mistress of Mill- street Infant's School in succession to Mrs Spence. DYFFKYN SCHOOL JOIXT COMMITTEE. The Chairman said the Rev. B. Lloyd and him- self waited upon Lord Aberdare in respect to the management of Dyffryn School. His Lordship received them most courteously, and they laid their case before him, contending in effect that as the children from the Llanwonno portion of the district attending the school were in a great majority the Llanwonno Board should have a majority of members on the Joint Management Committee; in short that they should change places with the Aberdare Board — that the financial part of the work should be carried on by this Board instead of Aberdare. His Lordship seemed to favour their application, but could not suggest anything until this Board made a proposal to him, and that proposal they could lay before the Joint Committee, when the Aberdare gentlemen could be in a position to give their views. Mr John-O, if Mr Rhys goes against it, it will be no good. You remember he said before" if you try until eternity. (Laughter). Rev. B. Lloyd, in a brief speech, bore out the remarks of the Chairman. Mr Idris Williams moved that this Board take over the Dyffryn school from Lord Aberdare, and that the Aberdare Board be contributory to this Board and have a minority on the committee. Mr Phillips seconded. Mr Llewellyn suggested that the matter be deferred. Mr John—Are you afraid ? Mr Llewellyn-No, I am not afraid. (Laughter). Mr Idris Williams—Well, I am, you see. That is why I want to move it. (Renewed laughter). The motion was agreed to. DANCING IX PORTH SCHOOL.-THE "CHRONICLE" REPORT. INTERESTING DISCUSSION. The Clerk read a letter from Mr W. Thomas, Porth Shop, re dancing in board schools. He said-he was very sorry after reading in the "Chronicle" the report of the last meeting of the Board to be obliged to infer that the members of the Board almost implied doubt upon the accuracy of his letter. He had personally witnessed what took place, and he was rather surprised that that the Board did not deal with the matter at their last meeting. Mr Idris Williams said he had made inquiries of some of the teachers, and Miss Edwards, the infants' mistress, who was said by Mr Thomas to be there, con- tended most strongly that she was not there. The facts appeared to be that some of the teachers met at the school—some girls and boys, he supposed— and one of them acted as teacher of the boys and girls how to shake their heads, and this was a kind of rehearsal for this all-night business. He had seen Mr Thomas, and no doubt he felt in the matter, and he (the speaker) understood there was if great deal made out of it, and it was one of the charges made against him at the present election; whether he would be danced out or not, he did not know. (Laughter). Mr W. Johu-You ought to be if you allow these things to go on. (Renewed laughter). Mr H. Abraham thought a letter ought to be written to the teachers not to allow the schools for any such purposes as dancing. Mr M. H. Thomas agreed, and seconded. Mr Idris Williams remarked that the school in question was not let for dancing. It was lent because Mr Phillips' son was about leaving. They did not tell him that they were going to dance,and if they did he would not object, provided they closed the school before the 11 o'clock train. Mr Abraham—It appeared to me that they had been in the habit of it, because they could not see the harm of -it. ,1' Hev. B. Lloyd moved ^s amendment that the matter be still left.lib' tHeJ}6roi'&^bers.- Mr Llewellyn secott'lfed'.oT •' Mr Idris et hard, because young peoplfef ^iust'_y6»'febmewh^re/' have children myself whjsP'kiMre1 ttifrVfer -3dhc&qL hut I would never close a schocfl^Sgtiifilt' VBfe"ciphers. If you really want to close tHe! school £ agttiftst their enjoying a dance, or playing f o r f eftf,Vthing of that kind, I would never vote for it. ,T Mr M. H. Thomas—But suppose those girls were so fascinated with dancing as to form classes, and engage teachers ? Mr Idris Williams—Then we would interfere. Mr Thomas—But this does not prevent us giving the schools to them for other purposes. Mr Abraham—We gave them some holidays recently because they were too hard worked. Now it seems to me they are not worked enough. Mr Llewellyn—Our vice-chairman gives a direct contradiction to what the writer of this letter has said. Mr Williams—There was dancing in the night, Mr Thomas was there, but it was simply prepara- tory to this party. The Chairiiimn-I believe dancing took place, but are you going to prevent it. Would it not ba more sensible to limit the time as the vice-chair. man suggests ? Mr W. John-I beg to second the Rev. B. Lloyd's amendment. The Clerk—It is seconded. The Chairman—I don't believe in dancing up to three or four o'clock in the morning. Mr Abraham—They were there until five or six. Mr Williams—-Well, they could not go sway. The matter was then put to the vote, when jhere were seven for the amendment,and for the m(tion, three, namely Messrs H. Abraham, W. Willams, and M. H. Thomas. THE LADY CANDIDATE FOR THE SCHOOL BOARL The schools management committee recom- mended that Mrs Spence, whose resignation o her post as mistress of the Mill-street Infant School, bad been accepted at the laat meeing, should be immediately released, in order that she might become a candidate for a seat on the Board. Mr Idris Williams—I hope she will be retursed, nd move that she be released. & Mr W. John seconded, and the motion vas carried unanimously. t VOTES OF THANKS. Mr Idris Williams—We have been here now for three years, and have been presided over by our chairman, who has done his work admirably, I except in one or two cases, where his oratorical I powers made him forget his position, but taking I him all in all he has done his work remarkably well. It has been a custom to move a vote of thanks to the retiring chairman, and if not a custom I would have great pleasure in doing what I now do, namely, proposing a vote of thanks to the chairman, and in wishing one another farewell, let us hope we shall meet here again a month hence. I think we all deserve to be returned, but it is becoming the order of the day now that those who deserve the most get the least. Mr W. John-I have very great pleasure in seconding the motion. Carried unanimously. The Chairman—I am very much obliged for your vote of thanks, aud may tell you that from the outset I have done my best to conduct the business of the Board firmly and fairly. I must say that you have considerably assisted in this. Your attendance has been remarkable throughout the term, and I have received the greatest courtesy at your hands, and the greatest assistance in carry- ing on the business of the Board. I beg to thank you in return. THE ILLNESS OF MR T. EDWARDS. Mr Llewellyn proposed a vote of condolence with Mr T. Edwards, Mountain Ash, in his illness. When able to attend he was a very useful member. Mr Phillips seconded. The Chairman fully endorsed all that had been said of Mr Edwards, and added that those who sat with him for a number of years at the Board could fully appreciate the services he was able to render when his health was such as to enable him to attend the meetings of the Board. The resolution was carried unanimously, and the proceedings terminated.

THE VACANCIES H THE RHONDDA VALLEY- CANDIDATURE OF MR D. THOMAS, CHECKWEIGHER. ENTHUSIASTIC MEETINGS OF SUPPORTERS. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday even- ings this week highly enthusiastic meetings were held at the Board Schools, Ton Siloh Chapel, Pentre and Treorky respectively in support of the candidature of Mr David Thomas, check- weigher, who was selected by the Rhondda Labour and Liberal Association to fill the vacancy In the No. 2 Ward caused by the elevation of Mr W. Jenkins, Ystradfechan, to the position of alderman. The chair was occupied on the occa- sions by Mr Oliver Cromwell, Mr W. Abraham (Mabon), M.P., and the Rev W. Davies. At the meeting on Tuesday evening the speeches delivered were of a stirring and hearty descrip- tion, full of confidence that Mr Thomas would be returned, if not unopposed, certainly with an overwhelming majority, and that he was singul- arly well fitted to represent the labour interests of the Rhondda Valley. The Chairman having roused the enthusiasm of those present with his opening address, i remarks followed by Mr John Rees and Mr Rees John moved the following vote of confidence in Mr Thomas :— That this meeting considers Mr D. Thomas a fit and proper person to represent labour on the County Council, and pledges itself to use every legitimate means to secure his triumphant return in the forth- coming election. (Great applause.) This was seconded Mr Jacob Ray, manager, Ton, in a neat speech. Mr Alderman W. Jenkins, in supporting, spoke highly of Mr Thomas as member of the Ystrady- fodwg School Board, and expressed an opinion that no one was better qualified to represent the working classes in the council. He should like all classes of the electorate to be fairly represented —alike the interests of the landlord, the capitalist, trade, and labour. The Chairman had no sympathy with the land- lords, because they only took money away from the district, while they paid absolutely nothing towards the rates. (" Shame and "Hear, hear.") Councillor R. Morris, Pentre, also -addressed the meeting in a forcible Welsh speech, dwelling upon the duties of the council, and pointing out the advisability of the Rhondda Valley members being thoroughly united, so that the district should be fairly represented on every committee. He regarded the future district committees as of great importance—as much so perhaps as the council itself. It behoved them to buckle on their armour in connection with that particular elec- tion, because they did not know what the wary Tories might be doing. The resolution of confidence was put to the meeting, and carried amid deafening applause without a single dissentient. Mr D. Thomas, the candidate, on rising to I deliver his address, was well received. He said.- We are called upon to select another person on the County Council in place of Mr W. Jenkins, who has been elected to the Aldermanic bench. I Much has been said of late as to the duties of the council. Some of the speakers have been com- paring the council to an infant born in a Tory I workhouse others to a huge locomotive novelty brought out of the fitting shop, &c. (Laughter.) The principal duties of the council will be the discharge of the administrative duties hitherto performed by the magistrates. Those duties will now be in the hands of persons elected by the public. These duties have been carried on by a few magistrates, appointed by the Lord Lieuten- ant, and that a great deal too privately, but to- day it is in your hands to elect whom you please, as you did in connection with the late contest, and I stand here before you as a working man, a collier. (Cheers.) It is in your power, to return me, and I have no doubt that you will do so. I daresay it is asked in the minds of some people why I should seek a seat on the county council. I am not ambitious for the honour I wanted some other workman to stand, but now that I am elected by you so unanimously on the association, I shall stand against all comers, and I promise you this—that I shall attend to the duties to the best of my ability, without fear, or favour. I think my political opinions are well known to you all. Some seem to say that the county council is not the place for the exercise of poli- tics, but I think I can say on the authority of Cabinet Ministers that the voice of the country will be expressed in these councils. The questions of taxation of royalties and ground rents, and also the grievance under which we, the working classes, are suffering with regard to leasing land for building purposes, deserve most serious considera- tion. These matters -yill come before the council in due time. Our member, Mr Abraham, in one of his speeches in the House of Commons, if I remember rightly, said that there was a cer- tain colliery he knew paying more per ton of royaly to the landowner than what was paid tQ 1¡he collier for cutting that ton of coal, and per- haps even more than the capitalist had. (Shame.) I do not make any rash promises, but if I do not come up to your expectations then you can oust rfie at the next election. (Hear, hear, and great cheering.) The meeting terminated with votes of thanks to the chairman for presiding, and to Alderman Jenkias and Councillor Morris for their ad- dress.

LAUGH AND GROW FAT!If your faculties are in any way risible read Mari Gruffydd'a amus- ing contributions on the British People, which ap- pear weekly in the CHRONICLE. The Editor is not responsible for the opinions of his Correspondents. Every communication must be accompanied by the name and address of the writer -not necessarily for publication, bat as a guaran- tee of good faith. We cannot undertake to return rejected communications. No communication can be inserted if a duplicate is furnished to any oihat paper. I

THE JUBILEE YEAR Is already, and yet will be, celebrated by the core of hundreds of thousands of poor sufferers from varions Blood, Skin, and Nerve diseases, which are most mar- vclloasly affected by the use of the world's reoownsd remedy, viz :—Hnghea' Blood Pills.

Llanwonno neh oil Board Election. j TO THE RATEPAYERS OF LLAN- WONNO PARISH. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, JU I venture to appeal to vou for support at the, forthcoming School Board election, feeling sure that many years' practical acquaintance with, school work is a sufficient ajjology for my offering you my services. If elected, no effort on ray part will be wanting to secure the efficiency of the schools, and the comfort of the scholars, aud I shall endeavour to have this done with the least: possible expenditure of the public money. Lady members now sit on some of the largest boards in the kingdom, aud I trust that the first Welsh lady who aspires for School Board honours in this district will be returned triumphantly. I am, Ladies and Gentlemen, Yours faithfully, ELIZABETH A. SPENCE. 28, Mill Street, Pontypridd, February 7th. IS89. Llanwonno School Board Election. TO THE RATEPAYERS OF LLAN WONNO PARISH. T ADIES AND GENTLEMEN. I l Having served you for twelve vears as mem- ber of the above Board, I beg to offer myself for re-election. If you do me the honour of returning me, will serve you faithfully and honestly. I beg to remain. Ladies and Gentlemen. Your obedient servant, IDRIS WILLIAMS. Brynglas. Porth, February 5th, 1389. LLANWONNO SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION. TO THE RATEPAYERS OF THE PARISH OF LLANWONNO. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, On the 18th of this month you will have an opportunity of electing Members to represent you at the above Board. In response to the earnest solicitation of many Ratepayers, and in compliance with a resolution unanimously passed at a general meeting of the Workmen of the Great Western Colliery, I beg respectfully to offer myself as a Candidate. It is needless for me to state that I am well known to most of you, having resided in the town of Pontypridd for upwards of thirty years, during which time I have always taken considerable interest in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the Working Classes. Should you do me the honour of electing me, I shall always endeavour to represent you faithfully, and will conscientiously perform the duties that may devolve upon me. I am, Ladies and Gentlemen. Your obedient servant. DAVID THOMAS, Checkweigher. Pwllgwaun, Pontypridd, February 8th, 1889. Llantwit Fardre School Board Election, 1889. TO THE ELECTORS OF THE ABOVE PARISH. T ADIES AND GENTLEMEN. The period for which you did me the honour, three years ago, of electing me as member of the Llantwit Fardre School Board is about to expire, and, in response to an earnest appeal on the part of a numerous and influential section of the Electorate. I have decided to again place myself before you as a Candidate for your suffrages. It is quite unnecessary for me to dilate upon the manner in which I have served you. but I can assure that my highest aim has always been the protection of your interests as ratepayers, conso- nant with the educational welfare of your child- ren. Respectfully soliciting a renewal of your votes and interests, I beg to remain, Ladies and Gentlemen, Yours obediently. FREDERICK JUDD. Treforest, February 9th, 1889. Llantwit Fardre School Board Election, 1889. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. L The Triennial Election of the above Board ia at hand. I venture to appeal to you for the third time for the honour of re-election. I have endeavoured to serve you faithfully and impartially in the past, and, if again returned, will continue to watch over your interests to the best of my ability and judgment. Thanking you very much for the confidence you have hitherto reposed in me, I remain, Ladies and Gentlemen, Yours very obediently, JAMES ROBERTS. Taff Vale House, Treforest. BRISTOL AND WEST OF ENGLAND BANK, LIMITED. HEAD OFFICE-BRISTOL. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a BRANCH of this Bank will be OPENED at PONTYPRIDD on WEDNESDAY, the 13th inst. By Order of the Board. G. J. PICKIN, General Manager. Bristol, 11th February, 1889. DON"T BE DOWNHEARTED !!—Those who suffer from seriousness and melancholy cannot do better than take a weekly dose of Mari Gruffyddlr, anti- dote to low-spiritedness. See the CnECNir-M: every Week. Sold everywhere, with all the news of the week, for the modest sum of one penny. LoOK OUT! LOOK OUT!For Mari Gruffydd's racy Weleb-English articles on popular subjects, see the present and future issues of the CjJRONicidB*

I LLANWONNO SCHOOL BOARD. ) To the Editor of ih■■ "Ch^Oiiicle" Sir,-This election is exciting very great attention in the parish. Mountain A-b will again return a triumphant quintette. They have a kappy knack of coming to an understanding, and never allow, meta- phorically speaking, their throats to be cut by too phorically speaking, their throats to be cut by too kc!cn rivalry for School Boa.rd honours. The candidatep also are fairly representative, and from a sectarian equation point, tuey arc fairly representa tive. The question why so many Baptist ministers are frequent candidates for public honourc provokes a considerable amount of inquiry. In this election we have no less than three, Revs. J. Howells, Edward Jones, Llanvabon, and Morgan Humphries Jones, Wattstown. I am not inclined to allow pre-eminent superiority on their part to the ministerial representa- tion of other denominations. I think the contentiou is especially reasonable in this instance. These gentlemen may be distinguished lights in the pulpit, but there are others who I know are equally so, if not considerably more. Then if it is asserted that the Baptist community has not an extensive lay talent, then to that contention I must certainly demur. I know many such laymen, and doubtless if the inordinate ambition of the ministers were not an obstruction probably ws should see some entering the field. I will admit the Rev. John Howells many good qualifications for the post. He has excellent traits and is certainly superior in linquistic and scholastic capacity to the average member ot toe cloth. I have yet to learn what are the claims of the Rev. Morgan Humphrey Joaes to the position of an educational guardian. I would ask the ministerial i s jirants to ponder over the following words from the Banker of last week-" The pulpit has lost its sacredness. Some ministers have lost the seriousness which formerly characterised them. What an amount of time is now wasted by our ministers over useless matters, such aa boards of health, school boards, &c., instead of visiting the sick and the widows in their affliction," and more could be added —the maintainance of pure gospel, and a non-down- grade tendency. While there are sinners to be, saved the ministers should never cease from working but the tendency to secular occupation is fast bring- ing shame and disgrace upon the reputation of the gospel of Him who came to the world to save sinnsrs to repentance. Personally I have every respect for the reverend fraternity, but I venture to say that for the sacred calling of the minister of the gospel to be constantly dragged into secular warfare of elections is not con- ducive to inspire the world and mammon with the deference due to its exalted mission. Llanwonno has laymen in plenty who are capable of executing public trusts. This is undeniable and equally irrefutable is the assertion that the.a3 clerical candidates, Con- formists and Nonconformists need never be in want of a direction for their superfluous energies while drunkeness an t its kindred evils reign rampant and dominant in the land. Let them bear in mind the accumulating revulsion of feeling which is felt against church interference in the secular and political life of the people. The return of Mabon in the Rhondda, Randell in Gower.and Prichard Morgan in Aberdare, prove the direction of public feeling. In the dark ages when the priests alone were educated it was well, but in these days when congregations are quickening to intelligence by the surrounding educational advantages, it behoves the minister and preacher to concentrate his power and energies in maintaining a pulpit status that will command universal respect. I shall vote for the laymen who are, in my opinion, fully capable to discharge the duties of the Board with ability and success. CYMRO.

THE RECENT CONCERT AT SARON CHAPEL, TREFOREST. I To the Editor of the" Cluonicle." ) SIR,-In your contemporary of the 1st inst. I find that a correspondent has been greatly dis- pleased with nearly all the persons who took part in the concert, the only exception being Miss Frizzie Phillips, who according to his opinion, kept the concert from getting flat. Such learned remarks as these, of course, are only worthy of this talented critic. This young man, no doubt, went to the concert in bad humour, purposely to find fault with some of the ladies who took part, particularly the accompanist who did her part so ably. We presume by his remarks that he knows nothing of music, unless it might be the Lost Chord," the only piece, evidently, he is acquainted with. And we also presume that he is for ever a Lost Chord to some who took part in the above-named concert, and who acquitted them- selves so ably, to the satisfaction of all, except the Lost Chord." We are glad to find that the concert throughout was a decided success in every respect. Great praise is due to Mr Davies, the conductor, for the very able manner in which the choir under I his care did their part,' and his good taste in get- ting up such a splendid programme. MUSICIAN.

I YSTRADYFODWG LOCAL BOARD. I The fortnightly meeting of the above Board was held on Friday afternoon, at the Public I Offices, Pentre, when the following members Pfesent -'—Mr V- Evans in the chair, Messrs L. Wilhams, G. H. Llewellyn, J. Davies, W. H. Mathias, E. W. Lewis, W. Lax, and E. Evans with the clerk (Mr Alderman W. H. Morgan.) PRIVATE IMPROVEMENTS AT POBTH. A deputation, consisting of Messrs. W. Thomas (Porth Shop), James, and Edwards, Porth, waited upon the Board, and urged that a gravel path instead of the proposed pavement would answer the purpose in iilary Street. Porth. and also suggested that the expense of private im- provements might be reduced by the acceptance of the lowest tender for the work, or else oy al- lowing the owners to do the work themselves. Mr Thomas spoke first, and said he appiied on behalf of the executor of the late Mrs Evans. He might say that the executor did not know any- thing about the notice until now. ile was "ore- pared to do the work to the satisfaction of" Y'le Board. The Chairman, in reply, said the usual notice had been given, and great complaints had been made by the School Board as to the condition of Mary btreat, which was really a disgrace to the board. The owners had had an opportunity to do the work. Now it was too late to complain, because tenders had been obtained and accepted. As to the acceptance of the lowest tender, the Board had found sometimes that it was more costly to accept the lowest than another which was reasonable in price, inasmuch as the con- tractors sending in the lowest tender failed some- times to finish the work, for the Board had to go to save expense to dring the work to comple- tion. Mr Thomas But the contractor can give security. The other members of the deputation having spoken, a lengthy conversation ensued between members of the Board, but it was felt that no alteration could now be made in the contract, and the deputation retired. BODRINGALLT BRIDGE ALTERATIONS. The Clerk read a letter from Messrs Davies and Son, Ferndale, offering E40 towards the altera- tion of Bodringallt bridge. Mr Lewis did not consider that that met the case. He moved that the surveyor prepare a sketch, with an estimate of the approximate cost necessary to be incurred in improving the bridge Im and its approaches at Bodringallt. The Chairman asked whether the Board would reply to the letter, and say whether they accepted the offer, or not. Of course, if they did not. per- haps the company would say that they would not allow the Board to widen the bridge at all, be- cause it suited their purposes, although he did not say any obstruction would be thrown in the way. Mr Mathias said an iron top would materially improve the bridge, but C40 was very small to- wards it. The Chairman said of course the company had to keep the bridge in an efficient state of repair, but they could do so without putting an iron top, for instance by putting balks of timber, and for this 1:40 would go a long way. Mr J. Davies seconded Mr Lewis' motion. The Chairman asked whether they would also write to Mr Davies to say that they considered the offer too small, as that seemed to be the feel- ing of the Board. Mr Mathias Yes, it will be the best, and that we have the matter in abeyance until we receive the surveyor's estimate. This was agreed to. THE SEWERAGE SCHEME.—PLANS NOW READY. The Clerk read a letter from the Local Govern- ment Board asking when they might expect an application for sanction to the loan for the sewer- age works in the district. The Chairman asked how the plans now stood. The Surveyor (Mr J. W. Jones) I think the plans will be ready this evening complete, but I don't think I shall be ready with my estimate until the end of the month. The Chairman Better reply to that effect. Agreed to. THE MEDICAL OFFICER'S REPORT. Dr. J. R. James, the medical officer of health for the district, reported that during the month of January there had been 150 deaths, nearly half of which were those under five years of age. The The births numbered 137 males, and 126 females. representing a total of births of '263. The death rate was 20-4 and that of births 34-08 per annum. A case of small pox had been discovered at Ton, and the patient had been removed to the cottage hospital, where he was now becoming convalescent. The case was a very mild one, only three spots having been discovered upon the man. The medical officer went on to suggest that information ought to be obtained as to the storage capacity of the reservoirs of the water- works company, so as to prepare for the coming summer. Last summer, although threatened with a drought, was not a dry one, and did not test the supply. The Chairman proposed, Mr E. Evans second- ed, and it was carried, that the surveyor ascer- tain the capacity of the water company's sup- ply. FINANCE. Mr W. Lax presented the finance committee's report, which showed that the board now had £ 7,500 in the treasurer's hands. Mr E. Evans thought they should ask for some interests on that money from the bank, because it was as good as £500 to tGOO to the bankers. The Chairman thought they must bear in mind that the sum was only high when the collection was going on rapidly, immediately after the rate was made. Mr E. Evans We must look after the rate- payers' money as well as our own. The Chairman They must have some sec- urity. Mr E. Evans I could put my name to some securities. It costs nothing. The matter then dropped. The Surveyor read reports of the inspectors of nuisances. Mr John Evans (district No. 1) re- ported a case of scarlet fever at Blaenrhondda. In the No. 2 district, Mr David Evans reported three fresh cases of typhoid, and one of small pox, as already referred to by the medical officer. Mr W. Davies (district No. 3) wrote that a new gang of gipseys had invaded the old colony near Porth, and the neighbours complained to him about it. The Surveyor reported that he had received a bill for 913 19s 5d for the lamp and column re- moved at the Strand, Ferndale, after having been erected by the ratepayers. He explained that the lamp and column had been removed by him, and he did not know who to send it to, so that it was still on hand. The Chairman They better have it back. A COMPLAINT. A letter was read from Mr 1. Williams com- plaining as to the state of the road in the neigh- bourhood of the Dinas Colliery. He said that one portion of the road, over which children were going to school, was almost impassable. He was also surprised that the board showed such leniency I to tlw company, and could not account for it un- less it was fgr the fact that two members of the Board were in one way or another connected with the colliery. The Surveyor sfaid as far as the Board was concerned, they had nothing to oomplain of. Mr Mathia.s said there was danger that some ■portion of the read would slip, and the company had taken steps to prevent it doing so. This was the most important business trans- acted.