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,-PUBLIC MEETING OF RATEPAYERS…
PUBLIC MEETING OF RATEPAYERS AT THEFOREST. FORTHCOMING LOCAL BOARD ELECTION. THE REV. D. W. WILLIAMS, M.A., TO BE RE-ELECTED WITHOUT OPPOSITION. SPIRITED ADDRESSES. THE CHAIRMAN ON WORKING MAN REPRESENTATION. On Friday evening a public meeting was held at the Oddfellows' Hall, Treforest, for the purpose of taking into consideration the matter of selecting a candidate to fill the seat which will shortly be- come vacant for the Treforest Ward on the Pont- ypridd Local Board. There was a goodly atten- dance of ratepayers from Treforest and Rhydfelen, and the chair was occupied by Mr F. Judd. The Chairman, in opening, dwelt in suitable terms upon the treatment of Treforest by the Local Board for the last 15 or 20 years. It was at one time difficult to obtain any concessions, in the way of lights, public improvements, &c., from the Board, but since they had been more actively represented by such men as Messrs Roberts and James they had been more fortunate in this res- pect. He invited all present to give expression to their views freely and fairly upon the question they had come together to consider. Mr John James, one of the members of the Local Board, said it was not a new thing for them to meet in that way. Similar meetings had been held before in connection with the candidature of himself and Mr Roberts, so that there was nothing exceptional in what they were doing that evening. He did not wish to say a word derogatory or other- wise of the Rev. D. W. Williams. He should like to have seen Mr Williams present, and he had -asked him the previous day to attend, but perhaps the lateness of the hour prevented his being pre- sent, as his health did not permit him going out at night. That was a ratepayers' meeting, and, as the chairman had remarked, he hoped that not a word would be said against any member, but that they should approach the subject in a fair spirit, and, at the same time, not be afraid to give due utterance to their views. Mr John John said he was going to ask a ques- tion. He should like to know if the retiring mem- ber, the Rev. D. W. Williams, Fairfield, had been any obstac'e 'n the way of any improvements in the place. He had never heard so. Mr Williams had been a member of the Board for many years, and if he was a man who was against any good work in the interests of the ratepayers it would be but right forHhem to see if they could replace him by another gentleman. However, as Mr Wil- liams hadjbeen a member of the board for many years,he fought they ought to re-elect him. (Hear, hear.) A ratepayer asked if Mr Williams would stand. 'They (as ratepayers) did not know whether, or not, he was prepared to do so. Mr John He will stand. Mr R. T. Richards: Yes, he will stand; he said SO yesterday. Mr John Morris, Treforest, thought it would be right for them to consider the question of the ad- irisability of infusing fresh blood into the board. As had been stated by the chairman, Treforest had been greatly neglected for many years. He remembered that 17 or 18 years ago there were scarcely any improvements made at Treforest. The question then was who were the persons that were looking after their interests ? If there had been neglect, he did not know whether it was their members who had been neglecting their duty to- wards the ratepayers. He was sa) ing this to show that it was quite possible that the older members of the ward thought more of Pontypridd than Treforest. He did not know whether they should not have asked Mr Williams to attend that meet- ing. Other members had attended, and had given ) tlJem an account of their stewardship. Hedid not j 1!ay anything against Mr Williams, but he should like to have seen him present. They had persons, perhaps, who could represent the ratepayers as well as Mr Williams, and the ratepayers had a per- fect right to put whoever they liked to look after their interests, and if they nominated a gentle- man that evening against Mr Williams they would only be acting consistently with their rights. '(Hear, hear.) There were persons in the room be- fore his mind's eye who were at the disposal of the ratepayers, and were willing at any time to look after the interests of the ward. He did not think there was one in the room who would say a disres- pectful word in regard to Mr Williams, but before they made any proposition he should like to hear others speak. (Cheers.) The Chairman did not winli the question to be discussed outside the room, but let them do it in- side. (Hear, hear.) Let no one be afraid to speal I their minds. The question was one open to every- one, and they had a perfect right to name as can- didates as many as they thought proper to repre- sent them. Mr James Richards, Treforest, remarked that when he saw the notice convening the meeting he was highly pleased that the ratepayers were called together respecting the election, or otherwise, of their present member or members. He thought much good could be derived from such meetings, Thev were all human, and when they saw that the ratepayers were looking closely after them, they might depend that their members would do their best for them. (Hear, hear.) He was of opinion that they should have meetings of that kind, not only in connection with sanitary boards, but the board of guardians and other bodies as well. They should have those meetings very often. As had been said, Treforest was neglected and Pontypridd received all. The ratepayers drew attention to what was required, and the answer the local mem- bers gave was—"They are too strong for us." But the time arrived when they sent proper members to represent them, and they had made their voices heard. (Applause.) By being properly repre- sented they might expect to have their share of improvements. Respecting the Rev. D. W. Williams he should not like to say anything against him. They could not get a better man to represent them, and it would not be wise at present to bring an opponent against him. (Hear, hear.) They were safe in the hands of the present mem- bers, and considering the high position and age of Mr Williams, he hoped they would let matters stand as they were. H i (Mr Richards) would speak his mind, and tha was his opinion. (Ap- plause.)' They were met together as ratepayers, and all had a perfect right to state their views. (Renewed cheers.) Mr Christopher Rees, Treforest, claimed that Mr- Williams was an old and useful member. Pontypridd had all it needed, Treforest had the same, but there was no sign of Rhydfelen yet. Mr R. T. Richards, auctioneer That will follow. Mr Rees (continuing) said he would be very sorry to see Mr Williams thrown out of the ward. Let him have fair play. They had two good members in Treforest, therefore let Rhydfelen have Mr Williams so long as he was able to serve them. (Cheers.) Mr James Roberts, Taff Vale House, (another member of the Local Board), said the question be- fore them was one which appertained to the rate- payers as a body, and he was glad to. see so many present. It showed that they felt an interest in the Local Board. He was also there as a ratepayer, and not to support or oppose anyone. He was there to take his part with them m the nomina- tion of a member to represent them. The days of "one man, one all" were at an end. It was their place, as ratepayers, to nominate and elect anyone they thought proper, and not, as in former days, allow persons to be nominated and elected behind their backs. (Hear, hear.) Let the decision of the majority be the decision of the meeting. Mr D. Evans, butcher, Rhydfelen, said as a rate- payer he had been thinking of the matter which they had met that evening to discuss, and the con- clusion he had come to was this, that they had had sufficient contests at present, and the ratepayers -would have to "pay the piper." (Hear, hear.) Let them not find too much fault with the Rev. D. W. Williams. He believed, as to Mr Williams, that, considering the position of influence and honour which he had reached, it was a wonder that he was as good as he was. (Applause.) If they were placed in the same position as him, they might not be SQ effioient in the discharge of their duties towards the ratepayers as he was. He was heartily of opinion that the Rev. D. W. Williams should be re-elected member of the Board for the next three years—(cheers)—and, in order to avoid a contest, if possible, he would propose a resolution to that effect. They had two members already in Tre- forest let them, therefore, keep Mr Williams for Rhydfelen. (Continued applause.) Mr Christopher Rees, in seconding, said he saw no fault in Mr Williams. The Chairman invited an amendment, or dis- cussion on the resolution. For his own part he should like to have bona fide working men as members of the public boards. This was practi- cally the case in many parts of the country. He thought working men could represent them effi- ciently and creditably. The Pontypridd Local Board was not, however, educated up to that yet, and there was still a certain amount of prejudice against working men being elected on such bodies. Some people were in the habit of looking down on working men, and thought that if a working man was placed upon a board he would turn matters upside down. (Laughter.) He had lived long enough in the world to know that a man with a ragged coat was possessed of brains. (Applause.) It was not always gold and broack acres made good business and public men. (Hear, hear.) Since the doors of Parliament had been thrown open to working men their voices had been heard with ad- Vantage to the nation, and he was of opinion that on the public boards and magisterial bench the presence of good, sound, common-sense working men would be particularly useful. They would oftentimes make better justices than the aristoc- racy,because they were practically acquainted with the ins-and-outs of the working classes. The aris- tocracy were more used, perhaps, to fishing rods and following the hounds. (Laughter, and hear, hear.) He hoped the day was not far distant when not only 'squires, but genuine working men, should sit on public boards. He was certain there were men of the latter stamp living in Treforest, Rhydfelen, and Pontypridd. (Hear.) He did not doubt that in years gone by the Rev. D. W. Williams had done good work in the district, but as they had stated old age was coming on. His days, they might say, were numbered. He did not think they should look upon the question from the light that because they had two members at Tre- forest they should have one for Rhydfelen. It did hot matter where the member lived so long as he had the interests of the whole ward at heart. He did not think they had to thank the Rev. D. W. Williams for the lights at Rhydfelen. They were indebted to the two members for Treforest for the many improvements they had in Rhydfelen. Mr Roberts and Mr James had worked nobly and well—not that they had yet gained to perfection. There were many needed improvements yet, and he hoped they would bring pressure to bear upon the Board to have Wood-road widened. The traffic in Wood Road was very different now to what it was twenty years ago. The streets were narrow, and children had to pass along the road to and from school. There was no pavement, and the road was very dangerous. He thought it could be widened very cheaply, and trusted the local members would take the matter up. Mr John James said that Mr Roberts and him- self had already brought the matter before the Local Board. He considered Wood-road was now only an ordinary footpath. Plans had, however, been drawn, but they had two parties to deal with —the owners and the lessees. Mr William John, Llantrisant, as one of the owners, was willing to arrange terms with the Board in the matter, but Dr. Lewis, Cymmer, had so far deferred giving a reply. He hoped now that the county council was established, that body would take up the matter, and show that it had a duty to perform towards the public. The Board was willing to pay for the land required to widen the road, but the parties could not come to terms. If they could arrange with the owners, he thought there would be no difficulty with the lessees. Mr Roberts remarked that the school board were prepared to give of their property in Wood-road about six feet of frontage to the board. That might induce others to do the same. (Hear, hear.) They should look after the children of the rate- payers, but there were difficulties in the way. He advised the ratepayers to show that they felt an interest in the work of the board, and if the rate- payers would show that they had their eyes open it would strengthen the hands of the Board. Mr F. Hill was glad to see the two members present, more especially as they could feel them- selves safe in their hands. In years gone by it was dangerous fora member to do anything for particu- lar portions of the district lest it should be said that favouritism was shown. As to the Rev. D. W. Williams he respected him on the grounds of his old age, but he should not like to be left at the tender mercies of that gentleman. It was good for them th it they had two other members in the locality. Mr Williams appeared to him to be a gentleman who was quite unapproachable, and he was seldom to be seen in their neighbourhood. At the same time if Mr Williams chose to exercise his abilities he could be of service to them. There would soon be a large amount of money spent by the board, and he trusted that Mr Williams would do his best to regulate that expenditure. Mr 1. Lyle, Treforest, made a remark as to the closing of an old footpath by Mr Crawshav and proceeded to advocate a change of membars on the board. When old age advanced, he was of opinion that young blood should be introduced. Mr R. T. Richards said comment had been made as to old age and it 3 failings. They should, how- ever, bear in mind that Mr Gladstone was advanced in years, but as he grew older he grew more able and active, so that he was now as enei-getic as any statesman in the house. (Hear, hear, and ap- plause.) Mr T. Brown, Treforest, thought if Rhydfelen people were satisfied with Mr Williams, let Tre- forest people be satisfied. i Mr James Hiscock, Rhydfelen, said Mr Williams I was evidently doing his best on the board. Let Rhydfelen people, then, have the man of their choice. (IJear, hear.) Those present that even- ing from Rhydfelen styid nothing against Wood- road being widened, but they would have to pay their share of the eosts. (Laughter.) Mr John Morris, Treforest, said he did not in- tend proposing an amendment, but perhaps the remarks'which had already been made use of that evening would stimulate Mr Williams to a due sense of public duty. The rumour would go out that they had men ready to be nominated against Mr Williams, and that might have a good effect, not only upon Mr Williams, but upon other mem- bers as well. Mr D. Evans, Rhydfelen, was in favour of work- ing man representation, but under the present re- quirements of the Act, workingmen did not possess the necessary qualifications. In those circum- stances he hoped that Mr Williams would be ac- cepted with the unanimous approval of the meet- ing. (Cheers.) Mr J. Roberts, referring to the public improve- ments at Rhydfelen, said Rhydfelen was very sin- gularly situated. The main road belonged to the County Roads Board, but the by-streets were the property of the Local Board. These and other difficulties prevented the latter board from doing at Rhydfelen, by way of public improvements, what they otherwise would have done. As to the state of the main road he would do his utmost to induce the county council to see to it as soon as the road came into their hands. He hoped they would be able to avoid a contest at this election. They had had enough contests already. (Hear, hear.) He was ashamed the other day to sign a cheque for Y,70 to pay Ms Spickett's bill for the late school board election. (Cries of "Shame.") Let them, therefore, put their heads together to avoid a con- test. The resolution as to the re-election of Mr Williams was then put to the meeting, and it was carried unanimously. The Chairman suggested that a resolution be passed calling upon the Local Board to proceed with the matter of widening Wood Road. After a few remarks, a suggestion by Mr James Roberts to defer the resolution until a special meeting had been called to consider the matter was agreed to. Mr Christopher Rees suggested that Mr Williams be asked to assist in getting up a reading room for Rhydfelen. Mr James Richards would like these meetings to be held annually. They, as ratepayers, wanted to be taught. In this way they would avoid con- tests. In such small places as Treforest and l Rhydfelen, they could not afford to make enemies. They should live as amicably as possible together. He was proud of the noble spirit which had been shown that evening. Votes of thanks to the chairman for presiding, and to the members (Messrs J. James, J. Roberts, and R. T. Richards) for attending, terminated the proceedings.
BURGLARY AT LLAKWOHKO. .--
BURGLARY AT LLAKWOHKO. At the Glamorganshire Spring Assizes, on Fri- day, before Mr Justice Grantham, David Thomas, 19, collier, and William Evans, 27, collier, were indicted for burglariously breaking and entering the dwelling-house of David William Jones, and stealing therefrom three pieces of cloth, his proper- ty, at Llanwonno. There were two other charges —that of breaking into a building of Lord Aber- dare's, and stealing three guns, nine nets, and one ferret, the property of Lord Aberdare, at Llan- wonno and also with stealing a garden syringe, the property of Mr Thomas George Dowling, at Llanwonno. Mr Howell Jeffreys prosecuted, and Mr David Lewis defended. The cloth case was first proceeded with, and the prosecutor identified the cloth produced in court as his.. The Mountain Ash Police Sergeant proved find- ing it at the house of the prisoners. On being brought to Cardiff, the prisoners made their escape at Aberdare Junction, and it was some time before they were found again. For the defence Mr David Lewis called a witness named John Thomas to prove that Evans had gone on a three day's excursion to Carmarthenshire on the 18th of August, whereas the robbery took place on the 20th. His lordship subjected witness to a long cross-examination as to how he remembered seeing Evans and the date. He knew the date by Carmarthen Fair; that was held the previous Monday. His lordship turned up Whittaker, and Mr David Lewis turned up "Old Moore." The latter bore out witness's statement as to the fair. Hugh Powell was also in the excursion and saw Evans. The jury, after a minutes' deliberation, found Thomas guilty and Evans not guilty. The second indictment for stealing a garden trowel and syringe, the property of Mr Thomas George Dowling, at Llanwonno, in July last, was next proceeded with. Mr Marchant Lewis prosecuted, and Mr David Lewis defended. Prosecutor, who is the head teacher of Duffryn School, Mountain Ash, identified the articles, which he missed in July last. Police-sergeant John deposed to searching the house of Evans on October 31st. He found the syringe in a drawer, and Evans said it was his, and had belonged to his father and mother when they were in business. Morris said he knew no- thing at all about it. The jury, in this case, returned a verdict of not guilty against Thomas, and guilty against Evans. The third indictment was not proceeded with. Thomas had been previously convicted of felony. and his Lordship said, though he was only nine- teen years of age, he had begun life badly, and un- less he turned over a new leaf he would be sent to penal servitude. Prisoners were both sentenced to nine months' imprisonment with hard labour.
THE JUBILEE YEAR
THE JUBILEE YEAR Is already, and yet will be, celebrated by the cure of hundreds of thousands of poor sufferers from various Blood, Skin, and Nerve diseases, which are most mar- vellously affected by the use of the world's renowned remedy, viz :-Hnghes' Blood Pills.
RHOKDDA JOTTINGS.
RHOKDDA JOTTINGS. (BY RAMBLER.) Clydach Vale is rapidly growing in importance. Doubtless a short history of its rise and progress would interest the readers of the "Chronicle." It is situated within a mile and a half of Tonypanjly, Houses almost line the streets on each side of the road, and this change has taken place in a few years. The number of inhabitants reaches nearly 5,000. It has swellad during the last two years with wonderful rapidity. It is a heavy task to reach the top of this place, for almost invariably it is an up-hill aclivity. Foot passengers suffer untold inconvenience in consequence, and traffic is very much impeded. I seldom notice travellers visiting the neighbourhood for the reasons stated. Anyone going to this place can content themself with a tiresome journey, and much tim. inevitably occupied. There is a Board School here, and I am informed that over 600 children are being 8 vacated thereat. The head-teachers are Mr W. Glynfab Williams, Misses Thomas and Collings. An excellent con- cert was held by the scholars attending this school a few weeks since. There are several places of worship here. En- glish Wesleyans hold their meetings in one of the school departments, and a number of Welsh Bap- tists have engaged another part of the school. The Welsh Wesleyans have a chapel of their own, and is mostly filled with members and adherents. The sacred* edifice is built near the Ffynondwym Farm, and is a neat building. Again, the Welsh Baptists have their Calvaria, and many hundreds attend this place of worship. The Rev. Davies is the pastor. Zoar Chapels belongs to the Welsh Congregationalists, and the Rev T. Willioms is the resident minister. Several hundreds worship here also. What about the Methodists ? They have no Jerusalem. I cannot very well understand this, because Bethania Chapel, Llwynpia, is the only one available for the residents of this locality. # I should like to hear of a Methodist Chapel being built at Clydath Vale. I am rather sur- prised at this oversight on the part of staunch Methodists. I hope some friends will adopt measures to secure a place of worship for those having attachment to this denomination. # # The coal trade is brisk here. Many hundreds are employed at the collieries. The colliery owners have promised 7 per cent. advance in the wages of their workmen, and the desirable con- cession of weekly payments. A large quantity of coal is being raised daily from this pit. Mr W. Pritohard is the principal manager, and his efforts are highly spoken of. Near the present colliery the proprietors have resolved to sink an- other pit. So everything tends to show that Clydach Vale is only in its infancy. I Blaenclydach Level is the property of Messrs Perch and Co. Many scores are regularly em- ployed here. Mr Thomas Charles is the manager, and I am told he has filled this capacity with tact and skill for many years. Mr Charles is a native of Pontypridd. I would like to say much more of this place, and I shall no feel content without adding more facts in a future issue, for many other items would, no doubt be of interest. o # # Mr Hannah, late manager of Ton Collieries, has been apyojnted manager of Ferndale Collieries. In a few days hence Mr Hannah will receive an excellent testimonial from the Ton folks. Mr Rhys Davies, of Llwynpia, has succeeded him as manager of Ton Collieries. Mr Davies, has by dint of energy, secured this important place of trust when oomparatively young. I wish to com- pliment both gentlemen upon their success. They must have been very diligent to prepare them- selves to undertake such responsible positions.
Advertising
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ITALES TOLD
I TALES TOLD BY MY GRANDFATHER. TWM Y GOF AND THE ROBBERY ON THE CARDIFF ROAD. A CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY. [By LLEWBLLYN LLOYD.] A very strange thing has happened this week. Grandfather has received a letter from his brother John who went to Australia forty years ago. He is coming back to the old country to end his days. The mail that brought the letter carried also Grandfather's brother, and I had only just finished reading his letter when we heard a knock at the door when I opened it, and there stood before me a hale and hearty looking old man,with a smile on his jolly red face, he walked in without ceremony, and sat opposite my Grandfather. "Well," said the stranger, "Havn't you a word of welcome for your brother John?" It is impossible to describe my grandfather's expression. His joy was unbounded. He laughed like a child, and the next minute cried,like a baby, I was going to say, but no, the tears were manly enough, and came from the well of honesty and truth. "And who is this?" asked the brother, pointing to me. This is Llew's eldest boy," said grandfather. "He is a good fellow, too, and clever," continued the old man proudly, and I, being of a very retir- ing disposition, blushed at this piece of flattery from my grandfather, blushed as every good young man should in the same circumstances. "What is he?" asked the jolly old man, I mean what does he do." An actor," replied my grandfather. "What!" and grandfather's brother jumped from his seat 'as though a wasp had stung him. "An actor? How could you allow one of our family to go so far astray," he said, angrily. Here was an opportunity to defend my profession, but as my father,and dear old grandad had taught me to respect old age, I remained silent: besides, I found consolation in the fact that if grandfather's brother is not a gentleman, that was no reason why I should forget I am. And here is an oppor- tunity, if I chose to avail myself of it, to prove that an actor can be a gentleman, and I was about to add a Christian,but the terms are synonymous. My readers, of course, have different opinions on the matter. So taking advice from the old couplet, Convince a man against his will, he is of the same opinion still," I remained silent. "He writes stories, too," said my grandfather, thinking to mollify his brother,but this only made him more angry. From bad to worse. Why didn't you give him a trade, so that he could earn his living honestly." "Because," I answered, rather warmly, "Nature has given me very good tools to earn my living with." "What kind of tools?" "Brains, sir." "Young man," said my grandfather's brother, "Of our family, once numerous, there now remain only my brother, you, and 1. I have done pretty well, and to whom can I leave my money but you, I will do this if you will quit this profession, this mountebank business of yours, and write no more stories to please the sickly, sentimental boys and girls of the present day." "I am much obliged for your offer, air," I replied, but I will try to get on without your help." So, my dear readers, by writing stories for your amusement I have lost a nice little fortune. Grandfather's brother, apart om his objection to my profession, is not a bad old fellow. He was very much astonished at the change in the old town. When we took him down to Cardiff and showed him the magnificent buildings there, he was still more surprised, and, after a great deal of persuasion, we induced him to visit the Theatre Royal, where Mr Wilson Barrett's Company were playing. I introduced him to Mr Fletcher, the lessee (a thorough gentleman, and worthy in every way of the success that has followed his spirited management), then to genial John Sheridan, who, under every circumstance, and in any society, has the happy faculty of seeming the right man in the right place. The old man was dumbfounded with astonishment. When we came home that night, grandfather's brother spoke in a kinder tone about my profession, and when we all filled our pipes and sat around the fire, grandfather told me this story "Twm y Gof bore the reputation of being a very good man. Seldom, indeed, was he to be seen inside a public house he was the first man in chapel, Sabbath, or week days, and his Amen" and "Felly mai" were heard abovi all others when our good old preacher thundered and thumped out some point from the pulpit. His voice was heard ringing clearly as he led the sing- ing. He differed from many other chapel-goers, by always looking cheerfully happy, and he regarded it as no sin to laugh (and lie laughed heartily too). There was no cant or hypocrisy about him, and he was a great favourite with the young people, but the old ones shook their heads and murmured against the new religion the young fellow was gradually introducing into the village. Y Parchedig Evan Evans was the shepherd of a flock who, according to their idea, and the shep- herd's too, had never wandered from the fold. They gathered each Sabbath day,aiil the Reverend Evan would sing the old song he had sung without variation for the past twenty years,would preach the same doctrine, and picture God the Divine One, as a grim, merciless God, who,for the most trivial sin, would punish the doer with the most horrible punishment which the mind of man could conceive. They never talked of mercy, but held that only a chosen few could enter into the blessed light of heaven. The Rev. Evan and his flock bore the imprint of their religion on their cold, hard, pitiless faces. Small mercy did they show a backslider. Little effort did they make to bring the wanderer back to the fold; they had threatened him with the wrath of God, and the foolish one knew the consequence of his sin, and if he did not come back and most abjectly show his repentence, the sin could not be purged away. Sighs and groans bore' no part in young Twm y Gof's arguments. He did not lash his listeners with their former sins, he did not threaten them with the bottomless pit. His text generally was "God is love," and then he would picture heaven with the brightest words at his command. His voice, sonorous as a boll, would ring forth and tell of love and hope, of everlasting peace and joy, and then rising to the musical pitch of eloquence so telling on a congregation of Welsh people,he would speak of God as the Divine One, above the petty weaknesses of mankind. His strongest weapon for vengeance, he said, was "Forgiveness," and men, being set so noble an example, should use the Omnipotent's weapon one to another, should coax the straying lamb back to the fold, and hold no threat to make the wanderer's life a fear, but should tell him how God and his angels rejoiced that he had come back.. The "unco guid," as the Scotch call them, opposed this young fellow's doctrines of love and peace, and he was no longer allowed to preach in "y capel," so Twm and his followers worshipped and praised God on the Common, and many a grateful prayer was breathed to heaven from th:, Rocking Stone, which in the days long long gone by had been the scene of so much cruelty and bloodshed. Twm was about to be married, and to as good a girl as could be found in Pontypridd. The marriage was fixed at an early date, and Twm had gone to Cardiff to buy some clothes for himself, and a present or two for his intended wife and some friends. When he returned these presents were found to be more costly and beautiful than a man in his position could be expected to afford. "God will forgive a little vanity on my part," he said, "and it will please Gwen and my friends; besides, the money has come to me unexpectedly. I have plenty more." Who could have given Twm y Gof so much money was the question that agitated a great many good people. Twm was liberal enough with it, always buymg something for the old and poor. For sometime previous to this the farmers returning from Cardiff market had been met just below Rhydfelen by a man on horseback. They could not see his face, as it was masked. The man levelled a couple of pistols at them, and told them to place all their money in a canvas bag he carried strapped to the saddle. The man shifted the scene of operation with every robbery, sometimes appearing below Taff's Well, another just below Upper Boat, in fact, no one knew where or when he would pounce upon his next victim. Scarce a market night passed without someone being robbed, and this man came to be regarded as a terror to all the district. One night two sturdy fellows were coming home, and the unknown highwayman was the subject of their conversation, they arranged a plot carefully, if not to capture the robber, at least to see his face. They had not proceeded far before a couple of pistols were levelled at them,and a voice demanded their money. That's right, knock him down from behind," said Griff. Vaughan. The highwayman turned, and the two men closed on the robber, but he was a powerful fellow, he freed one arm from their grasp and fired, wounding Griff. Vaughan in the arm, but not before Griff, had torn the mask from his face. To be Continued ifn, o".r next.
Rhondda Police Coart.
Rhondda Police Coart. Monday.—Before Mr Ignatius Williams (stipen- diary), and Mr T. P. Jenkins. THE DRUNKARDS' LIST.—Henry Harris, Treorky, was charged by P.C. Harford with being drunk and kicking a constable on the way to Treherbert police station; also with breaking a bucket in the station. He was fined 20a, or 14 days.J ames Wbite, James Jones, Morgan Roberts, and Edward Wells, Tylors- town, were fined 5s each, on the information of P.C. Williams, for being drank on the 3rd inst. Afterwards they threw snowballs from their bedroom window.— William Evans was fined 10s for being drunk and behaving indecently on the 6th inst. Jesse Davies, Tylorstown, was fined 53 for being drunk on the 6th inst. P.C. Williams found him lying on the road in a depth of snow. -Johu Powell, Tylorstown, was charged by P.C. Williams with being drunk, using profane language, kicking his hat about, and chal- lenging to fight ou the 9th inst., and was fined 5s. Llewellyn Lewis, Britaunia, was charged by P.C. Weeks with being drunk and wanting to fight oa the 11th inst.—Fined 5s. William Falconer, Heolfach, was fined 5s. for being drunk on Sunday. FIGHTING AT PENTRE.—Thomas Lewis and Mortimer James were charged by P.C. Allen with being riotous on the 9th iast. Lewis was stripped to the waist,and James had his jacket off fighting. There was a large crowd about. Lewis was drnnk.-J a.mes said he went into the Griffin with a friend, and Lewis pushed his fist in his mouth; also struck him, and challenged him four times to fight.-He was discharged. Lewis was fined 10s. HE WANTED TO FINISH Him AT TON.—William Duggan and William Lack were charged with being drunk.-P.C. ttichards said on the 9th inst. he saw defendants in Gelli-road straggling. They were both drunk. He saw Lack strike Daggan. Told him I to go home, but he said he would not till he had finished him. Daggan bled in the face. There were previous convictions against Duggan. Witness siid he did not think Duggan would have made any noise if Lack bad not interfered with him.-Daggan was fined 59, and Lack lCs. THE SUNDAY CLOSING ACT.-William Wood and Benjamin Crossby, Traorky, were charged with falsely representing themselves to be travellers at Tremans public house, Cwmpark, on Sunday. They said they came from Pontypridd, but P C. Danks found they lodged at Treorky. Having been locked up, they were fined 10s. John Thomas, Hafod, on a similar charge at the Greyhound Inn, Pontypridd, on Sunday, was, on the information of P.S. McDonald, fined 15s. DESERTER.—Charles John Greenstock was charged by Police Sergt. McDonald with being a deserter from the Royal Artillery.—Ordered to be detained' awaiting the arrival of an escort. Defendant deserted on the 30th April last, and surrendered him- self at Pontypridd. REFUSING TO QUIT AT TREHERBERT.—John Jones, stocking seller, was charged with being drunk and re fusing to qait the Smiths' Arms public-house on the 14th inst.—P.C. Poyntz said he was called in by the landlord to turn defendant out. Defendant refused to leave. He put him out by force, and defendant struck him on the back with his walking stick, break- ing the stick. Did not hurt him much.—Fined 10s for the asaault.
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ISUNDAY DRINKING AT PONTYPRIDD.
I SUNDAY DRINKING AT PONTYPRIDD. DISGRACEFUL SCENE ON THE "TUMBLE." "TUMBLE." DESPERATE STRUGGLE BETWEEN THE POLICE AND A PRISONER. SERGEANT MC.DONALD KNOCKED DOWN THREE TIMES AND KICKED. At the Rhoudda Police Court, on Monday (before the Stipendiary. aid Mr T. iJ. Jenkins), John Smith, a navvy, was charged with being drunk and fighting on the "Tumble" on Sunday afternoon last. Police Serjeant McDonald requested him to leave,he refused to go away. His "Duttey." Tom Smith said he should not be taken to the station. The Sergeant was knocked down three times, and Smith kicked him on the ground. Some young fellows rendered assistance, and both were locked up. Johu Smith was fined 20s, or 14 days, and William Smith was discharged with a caution.
T MEETING- OF THE SLIDING-SCALE…
T MEETING- OF THE SLIDING-SCALE (10IMITl'EE. SETTLEMENT OF THE DISPUTE. SATISFACTORY ADVANCES GRANTED. REVISION OF THE SCALE TO FOLLOW. A meeting of the joint committee of the Mon- mouthshire aLd South Wales Collieries Association was held at the Angel Hotel, Cardiff, on Monday, wheu tliere were present on the owners' side Sir W. T. Lewis (in the chair), Messrs Jtidwara Jones, U. J5. Holland, Archibald Hood, Edward Martin, William Thomas, and W. Gascoyne Dalziel (secretary), and on the warkmen's side Messrs W. Abraham, M.P. ("Mabon") iu the vice-chair; Isaac Evans, Philip Jones, Daniel Jones, Morgan Weeks, T. Griffiths, David Morgan, and Ltwis Miles (secretary). Mr David Morgan attended as the newly-appointed member of the sliding-scale committee on behalf of the steam coal workman. The secretary has handed us the followiug official minute, which was entered on the books of the committee:— "All notices given to the employers in the Mon- mouthshire and South Wales Collieries Association are withdrawn. The workmen to abide loyally by the arrangement, and proceedings of the Sliding-scale Committee, and the owneri concur in the application to re-consider the terms ot the Sliding-scale arrange- ment. The audit is to be taken for the three months ending 31st of March, and the result is to take effect from 1st of May next. That in the meantime an advance of 7 per cent. in wages be given to the workmen in the Monmouthshire and South Wales Collieries Association as on and from the 1st of April, which is to be increased to 10 per cent. on the 1st of May for the term of the audit whether the result of the audit jastifies it or not, and whatever additional increases may be w urranted by that audit, that also will be given to the workmen. that also will be given to the workmen. Signed, W. Thos. Lewis, Chairman. W. Abraham, Vice-.chairman. W. Gascoyne Dalziel, Joint Lewis Miles, j Secretaries."
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._,A GENERAL'S ESCAPE. ,
A GENERAL'S ESCAPE. The following remarkable experience of a well- known general was given to the writer a few days ago. Besides the usual matter of mine which it contains, it will be found most readable and. interesting:— "For thirty-six years previous to 1875 I had been a resident of India. During the period tha performance of my duties frequently exposed me, for months at a time, to the malarious and poisonous emanations of the jungle and the fevers and diseases incident to a hot, moist climate. These repeated exposures finally resulted in a. chronic disorder of the kidneys and liver, so common to the inhabitants of that country. This was some twelve years ago, when I finally became so seriously ill that I was obliged to return to England. Upon my arrival I took to my bed, enduring untold agonies. My medical attendant was puzzled as to the nature of my ailment until I commenced to pass small stones. From this I secured temporary relief, but relapsed from time to time, having the most distressing spells of sick- ness imaginable, with high-coloured water, fickle appetite, bad taste in the mouth, and completely prostrated at frequent intervals, with the most agonizing attacks from congestion and the passage of gravel, obtaining but transient relief from talented medical men. I was completely broken down physically, and firmly of the opinion, which was shared by my friends, that I should never regain my health, as during my long residence in India the kidneys and liver had become so diseased that I was beyond permanent relief. While in this desponding condition, I was ad- vised to take Warner's SAFE Cure.' I decided to try the medicine, and procured it at once. The first dose gave me relief, and under its continued use I rapidly improved. In ten months I fully recovered my health, and am to-day in its full and perfect enjoyment, never having had a particle of trouble since my remarkable recovery. As this was five years ago, I can safely say that the wonderful cure was permanent, and that it is all to be attributed to I Warner's SAFE Cure,' a medicine which I consider has no peer for all diseases of the kidneys and liver. It has given me a new lease of life. It is a remedy, I think, particularly designed for climates such as that of India, and I hope soon to hear that steps have been taken which will enable the inhabitants of that country to receive benefits from its use. Yours faithfully, W. F. NUTHALL, General. 10, Edith Terrace, Edith Grove, Brompton, S.W." The remedy which cured General Nuthall can be procured of all chemists and medicine vendors in the United Kingdom, at 4/6 per bottle, or direct of the manufacturers, H. H. WARNER AXD Co., 86, Clerkenwell-road, London, E.C.
THE CRISIS IN THE RHONDDA…
THE CRISIS IN THE RHONDDA COåL TRADE. DELEGATE MEETING AT ABERDARE. SIXTY-FIVE THOUSAND MINERS REPRESENTED. THE WAGES QUESTION REFERRED TO THE SLIDING-SCALE COMMITTEE. Saturday's delegate meeting at Absrdare was, as might have been anticipated, very largely attended, and it was evident that the workmen fully realised the importance of the occasion. The conference was held at the'Bute Arms, and some idea of the interest taken in the proceedings by the miners may be gathered from the fact that there were present 168 delegates, representing 180 collieries, and that the total number of workmen represanted was 64,553. The room in which the conference was held was crowded at half-past ten in the morning, and no time was lost in opening the business. Mr David Lewis, of Brynmawr, was elected chairman, and Mr T. Daronwv Isaac, Rhondda, vice-chairman. Among those present were:—Messrs W. Abraham (" Mabon"), M-P-, Philip Jones, Morgan Weeks, Isaat Evans, Thos. Griffiths, and Daniel Jones (members of the sliding-scale committee), Lewis (secretary of the workmen's section of that committee), John Lewie (secretary of the conference), and D. Mor- gan (miner's agent, Aberdare). After the election of chairman and vice-chairman the usual question was put, whether representatives of tie press should be admitted, and on a motion and amend- ment, negative and affirmative being put to the meeting, there was a large majority against admitting the reporters. It was afterwards ex- plained that two reasons were adduced for the exclusion of the press, viz., that the employers conducted their meetings in private, and that the men were actuated by a sense of injustice done them through misrepresentation in the press, without (as they put it) mentioning names. It was, however, decided to give at the close of the proceedings a summary of the b asiness transacted, so that it might be made public. From the con- densed account thus furnished it appeared that at the outset the chairman took upon himself to protest on behalf of the meeting against the insinuation contained in the employers' manifesto that the two meetings previously held were not representative, and he wished the public to know that those meetings, like this one, fairly repre- sented the opinion of the workmen employed at the various collieries throughout South Wales and Monmouthshire. He dwelt upon the importance of the conference and the necessity for the exercise of wise discretion, seeing that half a million people (including the families of the workmen) depended upon the result of their deliberations. Mr W. Abraham ("Mabon"), M.P., Mr Isaac Evans, Mr Philip Jones, and Mr Thomas Griffiths gave the conference an explanation of the course taken by the workmen's representatives in the proceedings between them and the em- ployers' representatives at Cardiff on the previous Saturday. The explanations were deemed satis- factory, and the vote of censure passed upon the sliding-scale committee was withdrawn, the parties who had passed it now expressing regret that it had been passed. However, the great question before the conference was whether.seeing that the employers had given to their representa- I tives absolute power to settle the wages dispute— I similar power should or should not be given to the representatives of the workmen, and. after a lengthy and animated discussion, the matter was put to the vote, the roll being called with the following result:— For giving the power 38,019 Against 9,868 Neutral 16,667 Another matter dealt with by the conference was the appointment of a representative on the sliding- acale committee. It appears that Mr William Walters has resigned, and now Mr David Morgan, Aberdare, was elected to fill the vacancy.
REY. JOHN PUGH ON MR JUSTICE…
REY. JOHN PUGH ON MR JUSTICE GRANTHAM. THE WELSH SUNDAY CLOSING ACT. IS IT A FAILURE? „ On Sunday afternoon, speaking at the evangelistic meetings in the Colonial Hall, Cardiff, the Rev. John Pugh refeired to the remarks of Justioe Gran-uaut condemnatory of the people of Wales and o< the Sunday Closing Act, and said he considered tbem to be a libel on the Welsh people. Ha strongly objected to be told by publican papers and outsiders what are the requirements of the people of this part of the country. If the Sunday Closing Act is a failure the people themselves will ask for its repeal, and not allow the publicans to do it for them. All honour was due to Councillor E. Beavan for the trouble he had taken and the noble stand he had made against great and powerful opposition, and he deserved and Deeded their prayers. It would be time for peapl f.am r.Io. +,, aame down and talk to .h Welsh people about speaking the truth when their grcaW oracle in London bad set a better example. v