The Pontypridd Chronicle and Workman's News

ALLEGED BIGAMY AT TREALAW. AN APPEAL FROM THE FIRST LOVE. HOW AN ILLITERATE MAN WAS TRAPPED. IT WAS NOT HIM-IT WAS HIS BROTHER. prisoner COMMITTED FOR TRIAL At Ystrad police-court, on Monday, (before the Stipendiary), David Chappel was charged with committing wilful and corrupt bigamy. Mr J. Phillips defended. P.S. Hoyle said he held a warrant for the arrest of defendant. He produced a certificate of the marriage of David Chappel, or Chapel, with Ann Jones, at Aberpergwm Church, in this county, on the 14th June, 1884, by the Rev. John George, vicar. The witnesses of the marriage, as appeared by the certificate, were Ann Thomas and Richard Chapel. He compared the certificate with the register of marriages solemnised in the parish church on Thursday last. The certificate con- tained a true copy of the entry in the register. He arrested defendant on Tuesday at Pontypridd. Read the warrant over to him, and he said "Yes, that is true; I was married before I married Emily Watkins, but she knew I was a married I man before we were married." He also said "Was it you were over looking for me at Aberdare." Told him it was. He then said "As soon as I heard of it, I went and gave myself up to Inspector Thorney at Aberdare last Sunday night. Defendant's wife lived at Aberdare with another man named Brindle, with whom she had been living about two years. Ann Davies, wife of Thomas Davies, of Glyn- Neath, said her maiden name was Thomas. She recollected the marriage of defendant with Ann Jones about five years ago. She was present at the marriage, and signed her name, Ann Thomas, on the register. Richard Chapel, brother of defen- dant, was the other witness. Emily Watkins said she was 22 years of age. She knew defendant two months and a fortnight before being married to him. They were married on the 14th of February, 1887, at the Register Office, Pontypridd. He passed himself off to her as a single man. She remembered the the gentleman who married them asking them if they were both single, and defendant answered "Yes." After the marriage she lived with him as his wife up to about a fortnight ago. About six or seven months after their marriage a letter came for defendant from Aberdare to his old lodgings. She received the letter from the landlady, and gave it to defendant when he returned home from work. He could not read it, but his brother Robert read it before them both. That letter was from his first wife, and she asked him to take her back. That was the first time she discovered the truth that he had been married before. She had heard people say he was married before that letter came. Heard it before the marriage, and told de- fendant so. He said people had made a mistake between him and his brother Edward. That was not him. He told her not to take any notice of the letter; that he had a divorce from his wife, and that she would never trouble him as she was living with another man. She believed this. They lived comfortably together until about two months ago. He then began to keep bad hours, different to what he had done before. She left him a fortnight last Saturday, because she heard he was going back and fore to his first wife, and that he was going to have a bill of sale on their furniture. Since ap- plying for the warrant she took his wages from the colliery office. She-had £1 17/ his wages last Saturday week, and with that had paid his debts. Committed to the Assizes, but admitted to bail, himself in £20, and two sureties of JE10 each.

VESrRY MEETING AT LLANTRISANT. An ordinary parish vestry meeting was held on Friday evening, when there were present the fol- lowing ratepayers :-Mr William Rees, farmer (chairman); Messrs W. Thomas, Llanverech farm, W. Llewellyn, grocer; D. Jones, carrier; T. John, farmer; Ebenezer Davies, carpenter; T. Morgan, grocer; T. Morgan, Horse and Groom; — Carter, Butchers' Arms; David Richards, farmer; J. Llewellyn, grocer, Tonyrefail; J. P. Gibbon, manager of Glyn colliery; and the two overseers; with the collector, Mr John Morgan. It was proposed by Mr Gibbon, seconded by Mr William Thomas, and carried, that JE50 should be given to the collector for making a new supplemen- tal list instead of £60 paid in previous years. Proposed by Mr Gibbon, seconded by Mr Thomas Morgan, Horse and Groom, and carried, that a letter be sent to the assessment committee recom- mending them to have the list made every three years, instead of yearly. It was proposed by Mr T. Llewellyn, grocer, Tonyrefail, seconded by Mr Gibbon, and agreed to, that all future vestries be held at 6 o'clock, so that the working men may be able to attend. The meeting terminated by Mr Morgan, Horse and Groom, proposing a vote of thanks to the chairman, which was seconded by Mr Carten.

LLANTRISA.NT SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION- PROSPECTIVE CANDIDATES. A correspondent sends us the following list of the probable candidates on the above Board for the ensu- ing three yearsDr E. N. Davies, Penygraig; Rev. Hugh Jones, Ffrwdamos; Rev. D. Williams, Baptist Minister, Hafod Messrs Edgar Phillips, Penrhiw- fer; Obadiah Williams, cashier, Dinas; Thomas Lewis. Post Office, Tonyrefail; J. P. Gibbon, Glyu Colliery; R. Mickly, cashier Gilfach Goch • Q. A. Cook, Llantrisant; David Davies, Llantrisant; and John Llewellyn, grocer, Tonyrefail. It is rumoured that the two last-named will withdraw in favour of Mr T. Lewis and Mr Gibbon, and it is hoped that au arrangement will be arrived at which will avoid an election.

MEETING OF GREAT WESTERN COLLIERS. A general meeting of the Great Wester Colliery workmen was held on Monday at the Castell Ivor Hotel, Hopkinstown, Mr J. Kemp presiding, when matters concerning tbe district were discussed. It was decided that the president of the district association, be elected in the same as heretofore, and that he be not paid for his services A resolution was also passed pledging the meeting to support the oasdidatuie of Mr P. Gowan for a seat on the Pontypridd Local Board. No resolution was sabmitted with reference to the agitation for an advance of wages- The following statement v as handed to the press for publication:— We beg to acknowledge with thanks the follow- ing reoeipts from the different oollieries towards the 60 men out on stiike the New Seam or Jubilee Vein, Great Western Colliery, since December 12—Great Western Colliery, £ 11 Xa 9d. Albion Colliery, 28 13s; Coedcae Colliery, £2 17s 3d; Great Western, JU4 19s 3d; National Colliery. U; Havod Colliery, 2s 9d; Standard Colliery, Ynyshir,jE3; Maritime Colliery, Al 12s Id; Albion Colliery, ES 5a lodl Great Western, 4115 3s 3d National Colliery, JB4; Standard Col- liery, Ynyshir, AS; Clydaoh Vale Colliery, £4. 19s 6d; Cymmer Colliery, f4 78 2d; Havod Colliery, 22 16s 3d; Ton Colliery, Ocean, 485; Mardy Col- liery, £ 4,; Great Western, £ 15 15s lOd; National Colliery, £ 4; Havod Colliery, £ 4; Abergorkey Colliery, £ l 10«{ Cymmer Colliery, £ 4 3a lid; Oelly Colliery, £ 6; DareOoean Oolliecy, £ 6. » ■ tf -f|'> 1 »*■« ,a'"t,

CORRESPONDENCE. [We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions of our correspondents.] MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT CLASSES. TO THE EDITOR OF THN CHRONICLE." Sir,-There is one thing which very much astonishes me, and that is the indifference with which the people of Pontypridd treat mutual improvement classes and debating societies. To my knowledge three mutual improvement classes have been started in town during the winter sea- son all have most ignominiously died a natural death. Such a state of a town that can boast of so many young men and women is, to say the least of it, simply disgraceful. Although we have now compulsory education, we surely do not for a moment suppose that the rudiments of know- ledge imparted to us during childhood are suffici- ent to carry us through life ? These are only the seeds planted, which must be carefully nourished and cultivated during after years to produce sound and wholesome fruit, and where can we find better opportunities of promoting the growth of these seeds than by attending mutual improvement or debating societies ? Some clever people, however, finish their educa- tion in school. They leave no room for further improvement. I remember some time ago asking a young gentleman to attend one of the classes in town, which was then about to be opened. By way of reply I was told that no person who went there were capable of writing a respectable paper, and that he could learn nothing but what he knew before. While I envied that young man his superior knowledge, I was, at the same time, inclined to think that he valued it rather higly, as well as mistook the real object of a mutual improvement class. Most likly that young man's idea of a respectable paper was a collection of high-sounding words, the half of which he could not understand, but that is not what is wanted at a mutual improvement class. The more simply and concisely the matter is put, the better it will be appreciated. Certainly good composi- tion is a recommendation, but let it be in a style that every member can understand. A mutual improvement class is not intended to be a meet- ing in which to demonstrate our knowledge of vocabularies, but our knowledge of the subject on which we write. As to knowledge, I never yet heard a paper-however simple—read at a meet- ing of the kind, from which nothing could be learned. All men's ideas on abstract subjects are not alike, neither is their information on general subjects always obtained from the same source, so that there is always something new to be learnt from individual views on any subject. But it is not on the paper that we depend for all the information; in fact, it is only a matter of secondary importance, opening up the question for the other members to enlarge upon it, and give their respective opinions, and it is from this interchange of ideas that the real knowledge is derived. Here, then, our young friend could ease himself of a little of his superfluous learning, and benefit others by sharing it with them. Man aims at universal progress, and his end can only be attained by imparting his knowledge and experience to others. If, therefore, we can learn nothing ourselves at a mutual improvement class, we may help those a little whose knowledge is not so extensive as our own, and thus fulfil one of the the principal objects of our life here. Could our young people think so, we would have classes in Pontypridd, that, for attendance and interest, would bear comparison with any town in the kingdom, and surely a spare evening hour could not be more usefully employed than in cultivating mind and brain. Such classes do not interfere with business, in reality, the relaxa- tion will strengthen and renew business abilities, tion will strengthen and renew business abilities, no matter in what direction our duties lie. Pontypridd people ought to be ashamed of their own indifference when they note the extraordinary headway made by the Llwynpia Debating Society. Its membership is rapidly increasing; while the subjects taken up are both interesting and profitable, embracing all political and social matters which are at present engrossing the public attention. Perhaps one of the principal reasons of its success is that most of the influential men in the district take an active part in the proceed- ings. That is what we want here. Very few of our prominent townsmen take any personal interest in classes of the kind. They urge the younger generation to attend, perhaps, but fail to show them the way by example, and example is always better than precept." If they would try to appear occasionally at the class meetings, it would encourage the younger members to attend regularly, because they would naturally think should men of social standing go there, there must be something worth going for. But surely the young people of Pontypridd require no stimulus to encourage them to work for their own benefit. Their own sense of independence, and desire for mental and moral improvement, should enable them to rely upon their own resources in such cases. Let them join heart and hand to promote knowledge, and en- courage general progression, and the next mutual improvement class started in town will be a decided success. Rumour asserts that St. David's class is wound up now for lack of members, despite the fact that such men as Messrs H. S. Davies, R. A. Lewis (the Bank), and Charles Morgan were down for papers in this session's programme. This shows that example is not everything-that there is a feeling of indifference amongst the younger people themselves. Let this apathy be shaken off, and next year will find the class attended by 100 strong. NEMO."

LLANTRISANT SCHOOL BOARD AND THE VICAR. r To the Ed. tor cf ibs "Chroaicle." SIR,—According to a report of a recent meeting of the above Board, it seems that they found themselves in some difficulty respecting the Cymmer school. I thought then to say a word on the matter, but at that time your valuable paper was overcrowded with County Council intelligence. Now that struggle is over, in the interests of the public, please allow me a small space in your valuable paper in order .to raise a few questions of public interest. As to the report referred to, the members found themselves "helter skelter" owing to their neglect to give a written notice to the Vicar that they were going to give up the said schoolroom. The reason is that the Vicar claimed rent for a certain time though he had the schoolroom in" his own possession, and made use of it. Now, these are my questions-who are the right owners of the said schoolroom ? The Vicar or the public ? and who are the right custodians ? the members of the Board or the Vicar? Was not the said room built for the sole purpose of a public elementary school, and did not the Government give grants to build the said room ? If so, I believe the room is the property of the public, and the School Board members are the right custodians of it. It is to be hoped that the Llantrisant School Board will move in this matter, and find out who are the owners and rue custodians of the room. If the Roard needs assistance, I believe that the Rev. Aaron Davies, Pontlottyn, will be the best man to help them. Being now on the eve of the Triennial Election, it will be very well for the ratepayers to assist in these matters. If the room is the property of the public, I beg to suggest that steps should be taken at once to start an intermediate school in the same, which will be a great boon in a locality like Porth and Cymmer. WELSH PEASANT.

The Editor is not responsible for the opinions of his Correspondents. Every communication mast be accompanied by the name and address of the writer —not necessarily for publication, bat as a guaran- tee of good faith. We cannot nadertake to return rejected communications. No eommanioation can be inserted if adapHoate is famished to any oihei ptpee. f t r 11 <; t i j- • it>t t ri

A FOOTBALL CORRECTION. To the Editor of the "Chronicle." Sir, In your issue of the 22nd ult., appeared a letter under the above head, purporting to cor- rect an error" in the paragragh which appeared in the Chronicle of the previous week in relation to a football match which was played between the Pontypridd Juniors and the Lilywhites. It is a pity that the writer of the letter did not attempt to "correct an error" in some other way besides adding another error (or series of errors) to it Possibly his only object was to see his own name n print, What vanity there is, surely, amongst puny sprigs of humanity. We contend that the paragraph published of the match in your paper was quite correct in every particular. The state- ment in the letter that "the match did not come off is absurd. The facts are these :-Fourteen of the Liliputians (0, no, Lilywhites") turned up, and we readily supplied the deficiency. The match was played, with the result (as reported) of a victory for the Juniors. The statement that there was a misunderstanding and that the weather was unpropitious is absolutely false. In support of our statement, we might add that negociations are now proceeding for the playing of the return match between the same teams. We cannot countenance the spirit in which the letter was written-it wa.s not such as to encourage a feeling of friendship and decorum amongst con- tending teams. May the writer in future Look twice before he leaps once." "THE JUNIOR TEAM." Pontypridd, March 5th 1889.

LLYWNPIA DEBATING SOCIETY. SHOULD THE STAGE BE PATRONIZED? NEGATIVE PAPER. The Rev. Daniel Davies, who was received with cheers, said-Mr Chairman, this is a question of vital importance, as the time we live in is marked by a rapidly growing love of pleasure. The hours of manual labour are being gradually curtailed, so that more time is given for recreation than in former times. Now, there are many reasons why we should answer the question in the negative. Granting there are some advantages connected with the nrafttir.fi. vøt. urø -m,n"n *1, _I:_ I I 1 J uuau line UiD* advantages are far more numerous. This should not be the practice of the people, for the reason that the amusement of the theatre is evil in its nature. It must be looked upon as an institution that stands in opposition to the Christian Church, and consequently on the side of the powers of darkness. It is well known that the comedies which appear on the stage, and most of the tragedies too, have no design to set religion or virtue in its best light; nor to render vice odious to the spectators. In many of them piety is made to look ridiculous virtue is dressed in the habit of folly; and the sacred name of God is taken in vain if not blasphemed. The man of notorious vice is the fine gentleman, and must be applauded at the end of the play. This is true of the theatres. We confess that there are theatres and theatres. At the same time every theatre is an evil institu- tion, though in the most refined the evil cannot be perceived so glaringly as in some of the lowest and most filthy theatres that visit the small towns and villages of our country. (Cheers). Some of the actors connected with them are so immoral as even to dare to caricature the servants of the Most High God, when they stand between the living and the dead, pointing the way to eternal bliss. One poet, who well knew the evil qualities of the theatre, writes thus of it:— It would be endless to trace all the vice That from the playhoase take immediate rise; It is the unexhausted magazine That flocks the land with vanity and sin." The theatre is also degrading in its influence. Nothing will pass on the stage that has not the mixture of some amorous intrigue. Lewdness itself reigns and riots in some of their scenes. Sobriety is quite put out of countenance, and modesty is in danger there. Thus we do not hesitate to pronounce the theatre one of the broadest avenues that lead to destruction. Fascinating, no doubt, it is, but on that account more delusive and dangerous. Let a young man once acquire a taste for this kind of entertain- ment and yield himself to its gratification, he is in great danger of rushing upon his ruin, for vice in every form lives, moves,and has its being there. (Loud cheers). Yes, myriads have cursed the hour when they first exposed themselves to the polluting influences of the theatre. But some will say— Should we not attend the theatre for the sake of the refined language that is heard there, and see the fooleries of life that are exposed there?" To such we would say- If you are anxious to improve in knowledge of the world and its manners remember that whatever may be gained, there is much more to be lost among the perilous and enticing scenes of vanity. (Cheers). The risk of losing virtue and serious impressions can never be recompensed by the learning of a few fine speeches, or the correction of some awkward and unfashionable piece of behaviour. This is the same as if a man were to plunge headlong into the sea that he may wash a little dirt off his coat, or to venture on poison to cure a pimple. Again, would we say there are no other places, other purer means of obtaining this informatfan ? We answer yes! No man is justified in doing evil that good may come, consequently the theatre should not be frequented by any class of people, because of the dangerous influences which it exerts on the mind. Besides there are special reasons why Christians should not patronize the stage. This practice is prohibited by the highest authority on the Christian's mode of living-the Bible. It speaks in the imperative mood to Christians Wherefore come out from among them, and be separated, saith the Lord." Again, Be not conformed to this world, but be trans- formed by the renewing of your mind," &c. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world." From these quotations we see that there is a conformity to the ways of this world which is not to be practised by Christian people. The danger in the present day is rather in the direction of excessiveness than austerity, and this sign of the times must be taken into consideration in judging the path of Christian duty. It is always safer to err on the side of excessive caution than on the side of excessive presumption. When a man has denied himself an innocent gratification, he has committed no sin, but if the gratification be hateful in its influence this cannot be said if he indulges in it. Besides, the New Testament lays down the principle that to pursue any course, the propriety of which is even doubtful, is sinful, and when we are quite convinced of its lawfulness ourselves, still if a weak brother be grieved or stumbles by our conduct it is our duty to abstain. The rev. gentleman then gave particulars as to where these particulars were to be found. Another consideration that condemn this practice is the unfavourable estimate that is formed of this conduct by the people of the world themselves. (Cheers.) When they know a pro- fessor of religion who frequents the theatre, they do not regard him as a serious Christian imbued with the importance of eternal realities. They place him among the inconsistent ones, because they know that religion demands a different life, and they are convinced that the theatre is not a proper place for a member of a Christian Church. As an evidence of this is it not a fact that people of the world refer to the inconsistencies of Chris- tiams as the barrier that hinders them from be- coming Christians themselves. Are these not some professing Christians, they will say, who on the sabbath are all seriousness and sanctimoni- ous, but during the week will attend theatres and other places of evil amusements, and join in them with as much joyousness as if they never heard of Gethsemane, of Calvary, or of Heaven. It not this important fact of itself, independent of the argument adduced, a sufficient reason to show that members of Christain Churches should not frequent the theatre, whether it be the Lyceum of the metropolis, or the wooden shed of the town, and when the milennium will dawn, that period when all men will live lives that will conduce to adorn their humanity, this evil pratice of attend- ing the theatre will be reckoned among the prac- tices of the past. (Loud and continued cheers.) On the vote of the meeting being ttken, a majority veted on the affirsofetive side. i

A CHIPEL SCANDAL IN THE RHONDDA YALLEY. EXCITING SCENE AT A SERVICE AT BLAENCWM. THE BUILDING CLEARED BY THE POLICE. The Rev. Mr Pritchard, Blaencwm Baptist Chapel, Treherbert, having accepted an invitation to remove to Newcastle-Emlyn.wasto have preached his farewell sermon on Sunday morning. When Service commenced the rev. gentleman was called upon to make an apology before proceeding for something he had either done or said. He, how- ever, went on with the service, but had not pro- ceeded for many minutes when the Bible in the pulpit was seized. An indescribable scene ensued. The minister and his friends, although in the ma- jority, ultimately left the chapel in the possession of their opponents, who then made speeches, in which some strong language was used. As matters were getting critical, the police were sent for, and Inspector Thomas, with Acting-sergeant Bryan, soon put in an appearance. The chapel was then cleared by the officers, who closed the place, locked the doors, took the keys, and dispersed the crowd outside.

FOOTBALL. PENYGRAIG v. CARDIFF HARLEQUINS. This match was played at Penygraig. The Harlequins did not arrive until 5.20, and so full time was impossible, much to the chagrin of the home players. Penygraig kicked off, A. Davies returning into Rosser Evans' hands, who sent the ball well into the visitors' ground across the touch-line. After some lively play *on both sides, M. Rees and Prosser headed a strong rush, and Lloyd obtaining possession got a beautiful try. Rees failed to convert. After the kick out Penygraig soon forced the play. Kingscote and Davies defended well. Eventually the Harle- quins were forced to touch down, which they did twice in succession. T. Jones, by a tricky run evaded all his opponents, and scored a try, which Rosser Evans converted. Penygraig were the better team all round, and won by 1 goal, 1 try, 3 minors to nil. The Harlequins were minus Ym8' KeePmgs> Nichols, and Gorman behind, an -turner, Roderick, and Fergusson forwards. PENARTH v. PONTYPRIDD. Penarth journeyed to Pontypridd on Saturday The home team were not fully represented, and the visitors were without their usual three-quarters, viz., Radly and Joe Williams. Soon after the kick-off Hayes dashed over the line and scored a try. Hutchings shortly afterwards crossed in fine style, whilst Spear further adding to the visitors' score by getting over after a run cover- ing nearly half the length of the ground. Im- mediately after half-time the home team kicked a goal from a penalty kick. Penarth, however continued to have the best of the struggle, and Garrett, scooping up the ball, finished up the run of the day by scoring between the posts. Fol- lowing the kick-off, Brien got over again, and just before the call of time Garrett made his mark close to the 25 flag. The kick was entrusted to Lawday, who kicked a grand goal. Final result: -Penarth, 3 goals, 3 tries Pontypridd, 1 goal. FERNDALE v. PONTYPRIDD JUNIORS Played on the Ynysyngharad Grounds, Ponty- pridd, on Saturday afternoon, in the presence of a number of spectators. Ferndale won the toss,and W. Hague kicked off for the Juniors. Play was spirited, but Ferndale showed a decided superior- ity over their opponents, and in a few minutes se. cured a try through the instrumentality of C G-Alexander failed to convert! although he made a very plucky attempt. In the second half a Ferndale forward scored another try for that team, but Alexander again was unable to show the Greatness" of his ancient patronymic m the attempt to convert into a goal. Eventually, Ferndale won by two tries and six minors to nil. It is but right to state that some of the best players of the Juniors were absent. The following were the teamsFerndale—Back, F. Richards; three- quarter backs, OSamuels, A. Cook (captain), H. Thompson, and W. Williams; half-backs, Gomer Alexander and D. Thomas forwards, Turner, Cook, Jones, Austin, Thomas, Daniels, Griffiths, and Thomas. Juniors—Back, N. Fletcher; three- quarter backs, I. Howells (captain), W. Wilkins, 4" Wilhams, and Leo. Jenkins; half-backs, G. Williams and D Harris; forwards,D. McLaggan, K Hopkins H John, W. Menhinnick, D. Dalies! W. Hague, G. James, and M. Gale. Umpires, J. Jones and A. Horwood; referee, I. Edwards.

PONTYPRIDD LOCAL BOARD. THE COUNTY COUNCIL AND THE PRO- POSED EXTENSION OF THE DISTRICT. •^ie fortnightly meeting of the above Board was held on Thursday last, at the Public Offices, Pontypridd, when there were presentRev. D. ™ W^iams (chairman), Messrs D. Leyshon, W. W. Phillips, John James, B. Jones W V RAAS TdtR' ^?iCrhaods; with H- il- Grover! clerk; and Mr J. Sprague, deputy clerk. THE TRAMWAY. The Clerk read a letter from the Board of Trade asking if the Board were prepared to defray the cost of the inquiry asked for under sec. 42 of the Tramways Act, 1870, with reference to the Ponty pridd and Rhondda VaUey Tramways, as such an inquiry involved an investigation into the financial condition of the promoters; and for this reason the Board of Trade, as in a previous similar case, did not think it right to appoint as referee one of their railway inspecting officers unless the expenses of the gentleman appointed were defrayed by the local authority making the application. ° After some consideration, the Clerk was directed to submit the matter to counsel's opinion. PROPOSED EXTENSION OF THE DISTRICT. The Clerk read a letter from the Local Govern- ment Board, returning the plans submitted by this Board showing the proposed extension of the district, and stating that any proposal for altering the boundaries of the district should be submitted to tke County Council, under the 57th section of the Local Government Act, 1888. It was agreed to defer further action in the matter until the County Council came into actual operation, on the first of April, when they take over the management of county affairs. THE JOINT SEWERAGE SCHEME. A precept was laid before the Board by the Clerk from the Ystradyfodwg and Pontypridd Joint Sewerage Board for the payment of f?«9. 6d, being this board's proportion on xl,463 6s 2d required by the board named in order to defray expenses. THE FORTHCOMING ELECTION. On the motion of Mr Rowland, seconded by Mr Phillips, it was resolved that as the Rev. D W Williams (chairman) will be one of the retiring members at the forthcoming election, Mr H. LI. Grover (the clerk) be appointed to exercise the powers and duties vested upon the returning officer at such election. On the motion of Mr Phillips, seconded by Mr Leyshon, it was agreed that the Board again subscribe a guinea towards the funds of the National Footpath Preservation Society. The monthly report of the Surveyor (Mr E. Rees) was read.

WANTED, LADIES WHO CAN KNIT, DO EMBROIDERY, CREWELS, 4c., to send tneir Name and Address to the Providence MiU« Spinning Co., Bradford, when they will receive Gratis. Post Free, a Ipleødid set of patterns of WOOLS A SILKS, and particulars showing the in the Shilling, in some eases more) by dealing Direct with the Scunners.—Mention this [ W*' „ • » iii h i' i i

SMUL TEA MEETBG AT CARIEL BAPTIST CHAPEL, PONTYPRILD. THE PASTOR'S ANNIVERSARY. PESENTATION CEREMONY. evening a social tea party was t>? £ the above place of worship to congratulate S.LS^t' Probert on his twelve months' pastorate among them. The attendance was good. 1 he tables were presided over by the following:— ^w;Tr/Swr?°pkli1S' Mrs W- Harris, and Mrs Edwards (Wood-road); No. 2, Mrs W. Jones, Mrs m'/L+r5' ^Mlss Paul; No. 3, Mrs Griffiths (Brynteg), and Miss May Williams; No. 4. Mrs wiS' ^°;,5' Mrs D- Rowland and Miss vvnite. i he tables were amply provided with cake, and a great variety of pastry and fruit gave to this social gathering a distinction not generally observed in such assemblies. The edible depart- ment was presided over by Mrs W. Edwards, Mrs ^•Williams, and Mrs J. Mansel Edwards, assisted by Miss Jones. After the majoritv had done justice to the good things provided,a meeting Ir? different character was held, when iur L). Rowland was voted to the chair. In his opening address he explained tip object of the meeting, which was to do honour to their worthy- pastor, the Rev. E. E. Probert, and Mrs Probert, and to congratulate them at the end of the twelve months ministry in the place. He said that the people of Pontypridd were not considered, as a. rule, to be very enthusiastic and warm in their reception of a new comer, but they improved upon acquaintance; and he could now testify that after twelve months' fellowship with their esteemed pastor, their attachment to him was increasing y\/r a few further remarks, he called upon Mr W Edwards to speak upon the "Benefits of the Sunday school." In the course of his observations Mr Edwards said thev had come to show their appreciation of their minister, who was a thorough advocate of the Sunday school,and con- ducted a Bible class with a view to prepare the the teachers in the lesson for the coming Sunday, and this was very efficiently done. He (the speaker) held the position of superintendent of the school at present, which he considered a greater honour than being a chairman of the County Council. (Laughter). He attributed to the Sunday school the great improvement in the morals of the people of Wales. Two years ago our forefathers delighted in cockfighting and bull baiting, even on the Lord's day, and in this both priest and people joined, but these dis- graceful practices have now been driven out of our country by the light of the Sunday school. Literary talent, pulpit eloquence, and respectable positions in life were the results of the training given by the Sunday school in Wales. This was followed by a song, "Friars of Orders Grey," by Mr W. Gimblett. Mr W. Harris gave an address on "The Praise of the Sanctuary." The speaker urged the members generally to join in the singing, so that their example might innuencethecongregatton.and that all might unite in the praise of the sanctuary. Mr J. Edwards spoke of The benefits arising from the weekly prayer meetings." The apathy and inefficiency of the churches was the result of inattention to the weekly services. A church could never be in a flourishing condition till the members generally were brought to attend the weekly prayer meeting. A new departure from the general routine of these social gatherings was the distribution of oranges, apples, and other palatable varieties among the audience, by the ladies in charge of the stock, during the performance. The next was a song" For His love is ever the same, by Mrs G. B. Jones; followed by au address by the Rev. B. Davies on the Preach- ing services of the Church." He gave a brief sketch of his own impressions under the ministry of their esteemed pastor. In prayer, which was the grand secret of a minister's strength, Mr Probert appeared as one very familiar with the Great Master, entirely free from religious display, and yet enjoying a very close access to the Father. The sermon was characterised by plainness and simplicity, the Saxon element of the English language being so much at his disposal, and all technical terms generally avoided, that his sermon would be understood and appreciated by the most illiterate in the audience. Another imnression felt under Mr Probert's ministry was that his knowledge was always at his service in the pulpit. There were some very intelligent preachers, good divines, and well informed in many respects, vat, all appeared to forsake them when they entered the pulpit. The sermon was cold, common place, and pointless. But the pastor of Carmel had such command of the books he read that a person might think in listening to him that he was engaged in compiling a book of selected quotations. One very rare characteristic of the sermon was the power of the preacher to deliver the truth without any compromise, and yet without giving offence. Being recognised by the audience as a man of God, full of love, and conscious of a heavenly embassy, no barrier was left to break the connec- tion between the truth and consciences of the attentive assembly. The preacher forgot himself and the hearers forgot the preacher, and they all stood face to face with the eternal reauties of the gospel. air D. McGregor spoke of the Financial state of the church." In referring to the selection of Mr Probert as their minister, he said that the first time he heard him preach he thought he was the riglit man for Carmel; the second time he heard him he was fully convinced of this; and the third time he was quite certain. The same was his conviction now, after twelve months' labour among them in the ministry. Mr McGregor considered punctuality in their contributions of as much importance as their attending the service. The audience was highly gratified by the singing of "Jesus loves me," by Miss Frizzy Paul, a child from three to four years of age. At this stage of the proceedings a presentation was made to Mr D. R. Lewis, the former leader of the singing in Carmel. In conveying the present, consisting of Elliott's commentary on the New Testament, in twelve volumes, the Rev. E. E. Probert said Mr Lewis had come there to do good. The token which they were about to present to Mr Lewis was in no way a kind of payment to him for the faithful services he had rendered. Some three years ago they were left without a leader of the singing. Some of the members intended asking Mr Lewis to take to the task, and it was ultimately agreed that they should do so. Mr Lewis, after a little consultation, consented to do his best until some one could be found who would be more able than himself to undertake the task. A short time ago, Mr Harris, the present leader, having joined the church, Mr Lewis thought it was advisable for him to resign, and Mr Harris was consequently appointed in his place. Mr Lewis was even now working as hard as anybody to support Mr Harris, which was a proof of his faithfulness. He (Mr Probert) was glad to present Mr Lewis, on behalf of the members, with 12 volumes of a valuable com- mentary on the New Testament, the first number of which bore a suitable inscription. Mr Lewis returned thanks in suitable terms, expressing his willingness to do his best to assist Mr Harris again. He was only to glad too see Mr Harris coming there, and taking his post. Mr D. Phillips was an able accompanist. A vote of thanks to the chairman, together with those who took part, and the ladies who attended to the tea, &c., brought the meeting to a close. S======^aB v A 't

SHOCKING ACCIDENT IN THE PEN. BHIWCIsIBER COLLIERY. A WORKMAN KILLED. On Saturday, in the above colliery, a terrible accident happened to Dennis Hennessey, of 24, Napier-street, Mountain Ash. Hennessey, who was a rider, was sitting on the tail end of a "jour- ney" that was prooeeding down a deep, when the journey was overtaken by two trams running wild. One of Hennessey's legs was smashed to pieces, and after he had been carried home he died whilst under an operation. He was a respectable work*, ma% and leajes a widow and two ohUdrea. 7 I