The Pontypridd Chronicle and Workman's News

Notes so Passing Events. CASUAL AND THE PL A Nlf BED. In the House of Commons the other even- ing, Mr. Alfred Thomas, \P. for East Glamorgan, asked the Pre-ideut of the Local Government Roard whether it was true that no casual paupers in the metropol s were any longer required to lie upon plank beds whether casual paupers in any union ward in Kngland or Wales were still required to lie on piank beds^ and, if so, what was the name of the union or unions, and whether the Local Government Board would take immediate steps for abolishing them.—Mr Ritchip, in reply said In the casual wards in the metropolis there is no union in which wooden beds are used for the casual paupers. The question of the use of these wooden beds in casual wards has been receiving the atten- tion of theLocal Government Baard, and they hare obtained information from their inspectors on the subject. These beds are in very general use in some of the districts in England, and especially in the north, and their use is defended on the ground that they are more cleanly than mattresses. It would appear that the question whether or not there is any hardship attending the sleeping on these beds must depend ou the number and the thickness of the rugs which are supplied to the inmates, and on which be can lie and I am assured by the inspectors that although vagrants show no iudispo- sition to complain to them when they con- sider that they have cause, no complaints are made as to the use of these beds in cases where these wooden beds are used; and it appears to the inspectors that there is not any ground for complaint as to the insuffi- ciency of the rugs. The attention of the guardians will be drawn to the matter. -0: MB GLADSTONE AND THE CHURCH OF WALES IN ENGLAND. In his speech on the Disestablishment in the house of Commons, on Friday, Mr Gladstone disagreed with the wording of the motion of Mr Pritchard Morgan. His objection was to the words "Church of Eng- land in Wales". It would be almost as accurate, said he, to spe ik "tthe "Church of Wales in England". This statement involves a suggestion vbieh is contrary to fact, viz., that the Welsh Christians assisted Augustine and his missionaries in the con- version of Pagan England to Christianity. So far is this from the truth that the British Christians declined to hava anything to do with Augustine. They would not, accept his propositions, nor acknowledge the supremacy of the Bishop of Rome. The British ministers believed in the perfect equality of all Bishops. When consenting to hear the proprositions of the Pope's missionary, the Abbot of Bangor, not au Archbishop, was the spokesman of the British Church. The refusal to comply with the request of the Roman;sing Missionary brought upon the Welsh the slaughter of twelve hundred unarmed Christians, who came to sue for peao and to pray God for deliverance. As to the re-conversion of East Anglia, itis only afirst example of the sin of Simony in the English Church, for the King sold to Wina. ti.e Bishopric of London. MrGladstone, after all, "has been born dogain" on this question and gave his sanction to the motion. Another step again would be desir- able, viz that he should espouse the cause of Wales as he has done that of ireland. The fact that only a majority of 32 was found against this Welsh measure prophesies a complete victory in the near future. -0: MR RAIKES SAYS THE WELSH NATION IS EXTINCT. What will the Welsh people think when they are informed by Mr Riikes that the Welsh nation has become extinct. For more than a thousand years have the Eng- lish conquerors attempted the Anglicising of the Cymry. But it was left to Mr Raikes to see the idea realized, and there were 203 M.P's who still acknowledge the existence and grievances of the nation whose extinction is pronounced by Mr Raikes. The tantalising remarks of Mr Stanley Leighton that the real reason of the motion was found in the decline of Nonconformity in Wales does not deserve anything more than ailent contempt. Pity that this gentle- man does not make a flying visit the Morfil or Llanychlwydog, or other Pembrokeshire Churches As to his insinuation that Noncon- formists covet the money of the Churcb, its absurdity proves that there are many in the House of Commons who know nothing of the principles of Nonconformity. What good would aecrue to the Nonconformists, as such, from the money of the church ? The prin- ciple of Nonconformity is that enforced pay- ment undermines religion. The Church of England in Wales has been embarrassed by its riches, and the same would be the fate of auyotherbody who would become the receip- tient of such aids. We would have no objection to accept the verdict of the "Daily Telegraph" that Disendowment would not be of any pecun- iary advantage to any individual. It would and could not be any advantage to the people as Nonconformists. For not a halfpenny of the money could ever be applied to religious purpo es without undermining the whole system of Nonconformity. THE RHONDDA WATER SUPPLY. Another prosecution of the Ystrad Gas and Water Company, for supplying impure water to the inhabitants of the district which it has undertaken to serve has been decided upon. The proceedings will be instituted by a consumer who has paid his rates to the Company on the understanding that he should have as his quid pro quo a pure and unpolluted water supply. The actual prosecutors will be the Local Board who have instructed their clerk to prepare the case. At this preliminary stage it would of course be unfair to make any corn-, ments reflecting upon the water company but we feel constrained to express the opinion that in the face of the reports which are being constantly submitted to the Local Board by their medical officer the question oannot be allowed to remain untested any longer, The Board have decided to appeal for the intervention of the Local Govern- ment Board and we cannot see how the ap- peal can be resisted. I THE MAINTENANCE OF THE CLOCK. The future maintenance of the clock in St. Catherine's tower was the subject of a lively discussion at the ratepayer's associa- tion on Tuesday evening. The question as to whether the clock should or should not be maintained at the expense of the rate- payers, has for a long time agitated the public mind, but until Tuesday evening no opportuniay offered itself of testing the feeling of the public. Dark hints had been thrown about that the maintenance of the clock by the Local Board was objected to on sectarian grounds, but that the fact that the mover and seconder of the resolution which was lost at Tuesday night's meeting, are both of them Liberals and Nonconformists will, we feel assured, serve to remove any false impression of that nature. The oppon- ents to the proposition submitted to the meeting by Mr Coombes contended that the clock only benefitted a comparatively small portion of the community and, what they considered to be more important still, it had, whatever the intention of the generous donors might have been, become the pro- perty of the owners of the spire in which it was placed, and could not therefore be re- moved elsewhere even if the town so wished it, without the consent of the owners of the freehold. This position is unassailable. No reasonable man would for a moment con- tend that it would be fair to saddle upon the rates the cost of maintaining what is private property.

ST DAVID'S DAY CELEBRATION.—It is proposed to celebrate the anniversary of the patron saint of Wales this year by a dinner, to be held at the Maltsters' Arms Hotel en Monday, March 2nd. Mr R. 1. Jenkyn and Mr Evan Williams are the secretaries of the movement. SOXMBB Danre, SUMMER BUIHK.—Mason's Lewis ud Bason's Maid Berbs, 6d battle for 4fcd., Is ljd battle sfar Od Lime juire Cordial, le per bottle P*tarabaa unfermented Fruit Wines, Is. pint bottles. is.-A. Harris', 75, Taff Street, Pontypridd. DIAF AND DUMB MISSION.—A public meeting to urge the claims of the Glamorgan Mission to the Deaf and Dumb, was held on Sunday afternoon at the Penuel (C.M.) Chapel. Mr R. A Lewis, (Bristol and West of England Bank) presided, and interesting addresses were delivered by the mis- sion's hon. sec. (the Rev E. E ProBert), the hon. treasurer (Mr L. G. Lenox. J.P.),.the Rev W. I. Morris, and the Rev W. Lewis The missionary (the Rev E. Rowlands) also addressed the mutes present in the sign language. At the close a sub- stantial collection was made. Jams, Jams. Jama, the very best quality of pure Raspberry, Strawberry, Black Currant Plnm and Apple Jam only 6d. pot, at Jones Town Supply. FIRE.—Shortly after mid-day on Sunday, Mr Mayberry Williams discovered the premises next door to his establishment in Taff-streeet, occupied by Messrs Masters and Company, clothiers to be on fire. The alarm was at onoe raised, and soon the police arrived on the scene with the hose and reel. The outbreak was found to have taken place in a corner of the shop, between the ceiling and the top of the fixtures, and it is supposed to have been originated by a spark from the grate in the room above. Mr W. Jones, captain of the volunteer fire brigade, and several of his men, most ably assisted the efferts of the police, and, in a short time, the conflagration was completely extinguished. A large portion of the stock has 1 been considerably damaged, but so far no estimate has been made of the extent of the loss. Ag nts to the best Ceylon Tea Company. Sole agent for P ntypridd nd district for the Tower of í Londün B JOUS Tea Company. Grand selection of presents. Give ft c^ll- addiess -T. • Jones, Town Supply Stores, 76, Taff-street. ROYAL COMMISSION ON MINING ROYALTIES.—The royal commission on mining royalties last week, took evidence from among others Mr W. Evans, Pontypridd. To GROCERY BUYERS.-Before you purchase your Grocery call and inspect the brge stock of Grocery and Previous at t'te Town Supply, b=st quali y in town fit the very pwest prices; variety of Tio G oia, B coshes, &c., very eheap. For Te", you cin h- ve your own choice of fi st class Blends prices. 1/2, 1/4, 116, 2/ 2/6. DIORAMA, OF SCOTLAND.-As announced in another column, the above diorama will occupy the Town Hall, Pontypridd, during the first thrse nights next week. We advise all who have not seen it to pay it a visit. In addition to the diorama, the entertain- ment includes singing and instrumental music, and among the artistes are the names of Miss Griselda Wess and Mr. Thomas Birrell, thereby ensuring a musical treat of a high class. CYCLOPS AND VULCAN AT PONTYPRIDD.-— These two strong men gave exhibitions of tr.eir extraordinary strength at the Towo-ballon Friday and Saturday evening. The first part of tae pro- gramme was taken up by a variety company, an ] in the second pirt "Cyclops" and ''Vulcan appeared. They were attired in the ordinary stage tights, and had their massive arms and legs bare. The gigantic proportions of Cyclops and Vulcan created much wonderment, aod the au ii- enoa marvelled still greater when they saw the manner in which they .) eld aloft heavy weights, which an ordioary mm w nld have (nma diffic tity in moving at all Tne breaking of a rong steel ohtiins by the sheer exercise of muscles w 's per- formed amid great applause. The entertainments were really extraordinary ones, and we gladtj say they W3re wall attended. FATAL ACCIDENT ON THE RAILWAY NEAR PONTY- pMDD.—On Wednesday Mrs Woray, residing at Graigwen, Pontypridd, was accidentally killed on the Taff Vale. Deceased was crossing the when st.e was knocked down by a mineral train and sustained serious internal injuries, from the effects of whioh she died as she vas being conveyed to the Cardiff Infirmary. Later in the day, Mr E. B Reec coroner, held an in quest on tne body at the Cardiff Infirmary, when a veedict of "Accidental death" was returned. FORMATION OF A LADIES' LIBERAL LEAGUE. An influential meeting of ladies was held on Monday night in the reception room of the Liberal Club, to take steps to form a Ladies' Liberal League for the town and district. Miss Maud Roberts pre- sided. Those present formed themselves into a league, and a committee-consisting of Mrs W. Spickett, Mrs James Spickett, Mrs Alfred Lewis the Misses Williams, and Mrs W. Jones; Mr W. Spickett and Mr Gwilym Hughes were appointed 11 to formulate* sode of rules. Miss Alice Evans, B.A., and Mids Maud Roberts were appointed secretaries pro tern. It will be seen from an advertisement in another column that a public meeting to establish the iaew body will be held on Monday evening next at the E iglish Congrega- tonel Vestry, Gelliwastad RJad. CoULjclUo. James Roberts will preside, and draft, rales wil be submitted for adoption. All ladies interested- in the movement are cordially invited to attend, and lend a helpiag hand in placing the association on a firm and permanent basis.

TJfcCE HERBERT. WANTED Correspondent for CkrciicU.Address Edit jr. LLWYNPIA. NEW CHAPEL.—On Sunday and Monday next, Libaus new Methodist Chapel will be opened for religious sermons. The pulpit will be occupied by the Revs W. John, Bridgend, D. Phillips, Swansea, and Lewis Lewis, pastor of Bethania Methodist Chapel, Llwynpia. Mr W. Glynfab Williams, B.F.A., Clydach Vale, will preside at the harmonuim. There are over 200 member already belonging to this new sacred edifice. Du JONES.—We are glad to state that Dr Jones, I*» is progressing s&tisf&ctorilj towards recovery from his serious illness. PORTH. WAXTED Correspondent for Chronicle.—Address Editor. YSTRAD. A WARNING TO PARENTS—On Monday at the Police Court, and on the strength of the evidence tendered by attendance Officer Lewis, John Jones, aged 10, and having passed no standard, and the son of Jane Jones, Ynyshir, was sent-to Plymouth Truant School for three years. Surely, this should serve as a warning to the other parents, whose children are in the habit of mitchin* from school.—At the same Court Ofticer David 'I Yorath supported 22 summonses, and W, Thomas 3. The cases were all proved, and the usual amount of fines imposed. I REFORM SOCIETY. -At the last meeting of the Ystrad Reform Society, the following officers were re-appointed for the current year :-Chairman, Mr D. Lloyd; vice-chairman, the Rev T H Williams; treasurer, Mr D. Ware; secretary, Mr D. Yorath, with Messrs T. Llewellyn and E. Richards as auditors. This Society has done creditable work since its formationfour years a"o If only to secure postal facilities now enjoyed by the inhabitants, the object of establishing this Society has been amply rewarded. STREET IMPROVEMENTS.—On Friday an influ- ential deputation consisting of the Rev T H Williamb, L. t- t aptain Istance, Messrs IT. R. Edwards, L. R. Phillips, Primrose Hill; D. Ware, and H. Collins, waited upon the Ystrad Local Board re street improvements, <fcc., in this locality. A pavement is much needed on Tyntyla road. It is hoped the boon asked for will ere long be conferred upon this district. TREORKY. POSTAL APPOINTMENT.—Mr Prothero, Phar- maceutical Chemist, who has lived in the dis- trict for several years past, has just been appoint- ed postmaster of the locality. Mr Prothero has had considerable experience in the various branches of postal and telegraphic departments, and is there- fore well qualified for the post. TAFF'S WELL. PRESENTATION.—On Wednesday evening, at the Taff's Well Board Schools, a meeting was held for the purpose of presenting a testimonial to Mr and I Mrs John Jenkins, late head master and mistress, on the occasion of leaving the neighbourhood for Cardiff. The testimonial cons sted of a beauti- fully illuminated address and a purse of gold. The room was densely crowded, and a consider- able portion of the audience had to remain standing. Among those present was the Rev W. Rees, Glandwr, who presided and made th3 pres- entation. FERNDALE. WANTED correspondent for Ghron'cle.—address, Editor. ANTRA OF A SON AND HEIR TO MR F. L>. DAVIS. —Much rejoicing was occasioned hereon Saturday when the news arrived that a son and lieir had been born to the high-sheriff of the county. The select Brass Band turned out and paraded the principal streets. SUDDEN DEATH.—The Rev E. Jones, minister of Nazareth Baptist Chapel, Blaenllechau, was found dead in bed on Monday morning. Deceased was out on Saturday about his usual duties, and seemed to be in his normal health. It is but a fortnight ago that 2iPrs Jones (deceased wife) was buried. Both were much respected in the neigh- bourhood. THE FERNDALE COLLIERIES.—The directors of Messrs D. Davis and Son, Ferndale Collieries, have decided to recommend the distribution of a dividend at the rate of 10 per cent. per annum, and also to pay off five hundred £ 100 debenture bands. The cohipany was formed in May leg and has oarried on the business since the 19th of that month. Its capital is £ 45u,000 in ordinary shares, and £225,000 in 5 per cent. debenture bonds. It will, therefore, be seen that the com- pany has had an extremjiy psosperous sevjn months of working, and we understand that the estimate of profits given in the prospectus, viz., £10U.000 per annum, has been considerably ex- ceeded. It was estimated that the output for the year 1890 would be 1,075,457 tones, and we have every reason to believe that but for the stoppage of the collieries, caused by the strike in August last, that estimate would have been fully borne ont. By the conditions of the prospectus, deben- ture bonds have to be repaid by annual or other drawings of £105 for each 100 bond. Therefore the sum to be appropriated for the redemption of 500 bonds will be £ 52,500. The contracts which the firm have made for the current ear are on favourable terms, so that there is good reason to expect that the next distribution of profits will be on a similarly favourable scale. It will thus be seen that the future of the Ferndale proprietary bids fair to exceed even the magnificent results of past years, andjthat un.4erthe new company these collieries, whose records are unsurpassed in the Welsh, if ifideed in any other coal district are likely to still hold foremost places. The dividend recommended is the maximum. The articles of association provide that until all the debenture bonds have been redeemed, all surplus profits be- yond 10 per cent, upon the ordinary share capital must be applied in redemption of debenture bonds LLANTRISAtfT. BURIALBOARD.— AT the last meeting of the Llan- trisant and Cymmer Joint Burial Board votes of condolence were, upon the motion of Mr J. Thomas, passed with the families of the late Mr Josiah Lewis, Ty'nycymmer, and the late Mr William Davies, Coedcae, who had been members of the board for many years. PENTRE. PENTRE BREWERY COMPANY.—The annual meet- ing of David 'ohn and Co. (Limited), brewers, Pentre Rhondda, was held at the Pentre Hotel, Pentre. Mr Evan Evans, of Cardiff, chairman of directors, presided. —The directors' report and balance-sheet having been adopted, the Chairman moved that a dividend of 12 per cent. on the ordinary shares be be declared, and iA the course of his remarks explained that, after making a provision of JBl,500 for d preciatiou of leases and increasing their bad debt fund to £ 1,715 6s 9d and their reserve fund to EJ,550 (which the directors had resolved to invest outside of the company, so that it could not be used for busi- nesa purposes), they had still a b lance of £ 179 17s 2d to carry forward. The report was adopted, and the retiring directors, Messrs. T. Morgan and E. Edwards, were re-elected, as were also the retiring auditors, Messrs W. and S. Hern. HAVOD. MEMOBIAL STONES SERVICES, The Beptist ChilI ch in this place was not possessed of an extra amount of speculation when they started the cause They took care not to have any great attraction in the Bmall and unpretentious building they er«ct'id. Althongh the oause has been very pros perona, they remained sstiafied with their place of worship until 'lately. Now, however, tbe.eiaa splendid edifice in course of erection, and the ceremony of laying the memoiial stoues will t ike place next Thursday, when ministers and other gentlemen will address the aidience, which, we hope, will b., a lar^" Pro-iolii' g <vice will also ue held in the evening at Bethel Chanel, kindly lent for the ocoasion.

PONTYPRIDu POLICE COURT WEDNESDAY.—Before Messrs J. Ignatius (stipendiary), Mr T. P. Jenkins, Mr W. Mar chant, and Dr d. N. Davies. COOL THEFT OF BOOTS.- Ma.ry Bevan, Hill-side Terrace, near Ynyshir, was charged with stealing a pair of boots belonging to Messrs Cash and Co., at Porth, on Saturday night. Morgan John stated that he was the manager for Messrs Cash and Co., Porth. The boots produced were placed outside the shop. About 7 o'clock witness missed them. He had seen them there a few minutes previously, when prisoner was in theaiop. He followed prisoner, and found the shoes under her shawl. He told her she had taken the boots from his shop, and she said, I fully intended coming back to settle for them." He gave her in charge to a constable. The boots were worth 6s. lid. P.C Lichrosse deposed to arresting the prisoner, who said she had intended paying for the boots. Fined 15s. or 7 days. TRESPASSING IN PoRscrr OF GAME.—John Hughes was charged with trespassing in pursuit of rabbits on the 5th inst., on Tynycymmer land. A witness named Edward Howe deposed to seeing the defendant on the land with a grey- hound bitch searching for rabbits. The defend- ant set up an alibi, and the cast was adjourned to enable him to called witnesses. ASSAULT BY A PcHUCAN.—John Perkins, collier, Rijkftrd.nireet, Pontypridd, charged John Thomas, laDrilord of the Wheit S .eaf Ion. Pontypridd, wi h assaulting hioi. Mr James Phillips appeared to defend. Oornolai" vnt said thit on the 2nd inut he went to the Wieat Sheaf and called for a quart of beer, at the same time throwing a six- pence on the counter, which defendant picked up. In a couple of minutes afterwards defend *nt asked him again f 'r the six. eoce- Witness said he bad paid it, whereupon wrangle ensued, defendant ultimately striking him on the jaw, felling him to the grouud. For tin defence it was alleged that the sixpence was not paid, that complainant used had language, and that the defendant merely pos- ed him. Tne Bench ordered the aocased to pav the costs, amounting to £1 5d._8d. SUNDAY CLOSING.—For falsely representing bim- self to be a traveller, in contravention of the Sunday GosilJK A;t, Isaac Gibbuo, Pontypridd was fined 5s. and costs. P.C. Davies proved the case. The same defendant "a: also charged by P.C Perkins wicu riotous conduct, and was aned 10s. aDd costs for Sun lay drinking

THE LLWYNYZJELYS COLLIERY DISPUTE. TO THE EDITOR OF THE CHRONICLE." Sir,—I shall tnaiik you to insert in your paper under the heading of "What are the Llwyncelyn colliers striking for." I should like to impress upon the workmen of the above collie-y a few facts concerning the prices paid to the colliers. The workmen being not s itisfied with the present state of affairs, have been offered the same existing prices paid by the late Mr Edmund Thomas, namely Is 8d per ton standard and every other item exactly the same as in other collieries in the district. The miners' agent has brought a new list entirely into operation. Yours truly, LOVER OF PEACE.

PONTYPRIDD LOCAL BOARD ELECTION. TO THE EDITOH OF THR "CHRONICLE." Sir,-Shortly the electors in. the Pontypriod Local Board district will be called upon to exer- cise a right that is vested in them, viz.. to elect persons to represent them on the above Hoard. It behoves every voter to weigh well the qualinca tions of each candidate before he makes up his mind who he is going to vote for. In the Rhon- dda Ward we have two candidates in the field, Mr W. W. Phillips, builder and contractor, Hafod,who has been one uf the ward's representa- tives for the last six years, and Mr Horatio HQ Rowlands, Holly Bush Inn, Hopkinstown. Mr Phillips by his practical experience has rendered the Board invaluable services, especially when the Sewerage Scheme was under consideration. And to try to oust Mr Phillips is baseingratitude. The ward has now as one of its representatives a publican, and here is another of the fraternity an aspirant for a seat in a high place. I do not object to Mr Rowlands because he is a publican objection is based on the fact that he has nothing like Mr Phillips's qualifications to make a mem- ber of a Local Board. Mr Pkillips by his prac- tical knowledge, and sound judgment, has won to himself a name as a "good and faithful servant," and his reward will lw "elected by a thumping majority, as a protest against a. clique in the "liquor trade" for thrusting the ward into the turmoil of a contest. Electors be on your guard. Be firm, and vote for Mr W. W. Phillips, our old and tried servant. I am, &c., AN HOPKINSTOWN VOTER.

PONTYPRIDD BANKRUPTCY COURT.—On Tuesday the public examination of Frederick Jenkins, butcher, 23, Taff Street, Pontypridd took plaae before Mr Registrar Spickett, at the County Court buildings. The debtor in reply to Mr W. L. Daniel, the official receiver said be had carried on business at Enoch Buildings, Salisbury Road, Cardiff, before he came to Pontypridd. Accord- ing to his sworn statement of affairs his liaili- ties were £ 148 lis 4d and the only assets he had belonging to him at the date of the receiving order were to the value of JE1. He had kept no books of account. He had lost about ze60 in catering refreshments in connection with two athletic sports and a flower show. His business had not yielded any profits. He continued to trade notwithstanding, hoping that things would improve. He had sold the business to his consent. In answer to Mr W. R. Davies, who appeared for creditors the debtor admitted that he had been a little addicted to gambling and drinking. The business was not very prosperous when his brother bought It.-The examination was adjourned until the 24th prox., to allow of inquiries being made as to certain accounts The examination of Morgan Williams, painter Berw Road, was also adjourned, the debtor not having filed certain financial particulars which he had been o; dered to do.

= CIIIT CHAT. I .5 new kind of soup. A oorrespondent writes that*'1*3* r*6 are ftre c*>arming; so I thought 7? change, I would invent a new soap. two *inlt °tt9rs that had DdunUlmafce1^ don« t0 death wer» £ m!bj a conotry lad, and I bought them for the sake of their beauti-ul skins, which I thJtansCof V1'1 had Boup n feet I V5 V^° aD.lmal3' a»d excellent it was. ail SOOD nn ► qQlte a,9 Pa<a<*ble as any ox- ailsoap. Otter-tail eouy! Well, I never. T«aDCepWuelL a maQ intend8 publish a to f f *e rst thiaZa h- finds necessary n ° Mke 0,DS 'wsons. There is no mZ editor *■ 80 J080*1 as a newspaper editor, and t,e b«e of this life are those people who h .ve pecnlitr ideas ai to what kind of items a newspaper requires. Not long since a gentleman to The ed^r6 8'AT'TL °f 4 TeXaS P8P^ and Baid item* T» b ire> y°a mise a heap of live items. Im on toe street all day. I'll come up SRISonve 1Q-l WHI!RAODPOSFCYOU-' 'A11 N f y,oar lfc ms» bat remember Wi want news.* Next d.y he came up, be^in^al! over. I Wot wld' r 7T vYou know fch»* Vernal, bow- gged gorilla of a brother-ia-law of mine who was in business here with me?' 'I believe I ra- member such a person,' said the editor, wearily. Wei I ve jnst got news from Nebraska, where Wnri1V1>f' 18 g0iRg to rnn for the Legia" fh • J°at ?ive a blast. Lift bim out Th« 'i. ln. 6 8Pare °Q my account.* ,!head'and the news-aatherer retired. Next d*y he came up agdn. 'My little item was crowded out. At least, I didn't see it in the paper. I ve brought yon some news' and he handed in an ice n about a cat, as follows• A Remarkable Acitnal—The family cat of our wortby and distinguished fellow-townsman. Smith, who keeps the boas grocery store of Ward No. 13 (beer always o, tap), yesterday oec&me the mother of five ■ingnlarly m,rked kittens. This U not the first time tbw unheard-of event has taken plao«. dnokftf3 Smith is being favourably spoken of as a candidate for Alderman.' The Si 1D- hlS 8pirit as he h&hts a ci8ar with Dot 3cnS before he hears that PhT^01ug*a:°"nd 8a-vi.DS that he has made «nonah fn <T flu 18' ^Qt no* ^dependent enough to suit the publio. Many readers wi<l say Sil di J" °7 rdrawn' bat thousands of COUDtr-v wiU Vlh UP their hards J J Per?OQ,1,r acquainted with 7 Par y* To those interested in the quesl V 887 tbat if >?Q faope for eterna- naw'a r» r ap JDsible for the running of & newspaper. 6 Women s Suffrage submit as one e r chief arguments that interference in politiss nna«,88ifMM rC8 in uasexin« that most import- ant part ol the commuuity whose presence. as Cowpor 80 admIrably puts it, operates in civilizing ? 1 ani Dot to argue that poiut-althoogfi am ectire1)- opposed to the contention—but there cannjt be no douot that women tho Piav1D8Tn,m-nt lmP°rtant part in the politics of the day. The Conservatives have Ion* had their Primrose Leagues, aDd the Primrose dames have an(i energetic in promoting the interests of their party. Liberal dames are also beginning to take a lively interest in partv politics, and already there are many ilourishing Giadstonian Leagues composed entirely of Liberal ladies. On Fndaj last, at Pontypridd, a league of this kind was formed, and much gUI)d IDa-v be anticiplI.ted as a re- salt of their efforts io aid ot the graad old cause of Progress and Freedom Their badge will be « The Hatche., and they intend to use this effectively in the hewing down of the false and pretentious principle ot Toryism. More power to them, say I. The Pontypridd Ratepayers" Association is rattling up ttuugs at Pontypridd in a most lively manner. Ihe meetings have lately been marked by the most animated and emphatic discassions that it has ever been my lot to hear. I am glad to see the towns- people taking so active an interest in local affairs. The town of Pontypridd is daily becoming too im- portant to rema;n tied down under the old happv-go- lacky regime. It tunst now throw off its shackles of inertness and apathy, and come forth as a healthy, robust, and vigorous township. I can commend my readers to the reports ot the proceedings at tile Assosashuu." They are pleasant reading. The decision of the Rhondda Steam Coal Miners and tbprailwaymen not to come out in support of the Gaidiii Docks strikers is to be commended. Itisim- poitant, no doubt, that the principles of Unionism should be upheld, but there are many considerations which would have to be well weighed before the step snegested by Mr Tom Mann could be taken. The strike lias now to ail intents aud purposes narrowed itself down to a fight between Sir W. T. Lewis and the Dockers. We have received for review The Banrv Do k Time Table and Year Borh t Ir 1891. It i" a ad- micable lit,,ie production, and-ives a nn,asof ter- esting lniormatiou relntiv.- to ;»edistrict «ith waich it deals. In addition to t :is an excellent Oiograr.^ r of Mr John Robinson, M. Inst., C.E., together with well-executed portraits of commercial gfntlemen interested in the docks appear on its pages. The volume has been compiled by Mr Lewis Lewis manager of the Barry Dock Newe. The Stra/id Magazine for February is a marvellous sixpenny worth. It is most tastefully illustrated, and coKtains a collection of high class literature. The first part of The Life and Times of Qaeen Victoria" (.vith presentatiuu portrait) has oeen published by Messrs Casseli .1Ild Company (Linnred), price 7d. J adding from the first numuer w e tlln e no bestitation in saying that the work will realty be what the prospectus describes, A graphic -eccitl of pen and pencil of the domestic and public life of Her Majesty." Messrs Cassell and Co. have also published this month Part 1 oi Cassell's Storehouse of General Information." It is intended that in its pages shall be found crystallised all the most important facts respecting every subject of general interest set forth in a manner which is calculated to fully satisfy the inquirer. I would commend it to all in search of information. ARIEL.

RH0!»DIM STEAM COAL MINERS. The monthly delegate meeting of the Rhondda Steam Coal Miners' Association was -.dd a Monday at the Windsor Castle Hotel, Tcn. when forty collieries were represented. A resolution was passed urging the workmen in the seven-foot seam of the Pentre Colliery to sign without delay the list of prices already agreed upon betwesn employers and employed. The Bodringallt Colliery workmen were admitted members of the district. C\RRPHILLY POLICE ICOURT. At the Police Court on Tuesday, David Lewis, of'Quakers' Yard, a member of an old benefit society at the abjve place, summoned Gomer Price, William Davies, and Edward Morris, trustees of the same club, with having excluded him from the club in July of last year. It appears that it was a clear off" night at the above date, and that complainant owed two months' contributions, which he did not pay, according to the bye-laws of the society, as he did not pay the "feasts" expenses at the following club meeting, he was peremptorily excluded. However, there was a clause in the rules specify- ing that if a dispute arose on any matter apper. taiHing to the club it was to be settled by the arbitration of two justices of the peace. Ultimately the Bench decided that the com. plainant was to be reinstated a full member entitled to all the benefits in the club, and that each party pay their own expenses.

CORRESPONDENCE. The Elitor is not responsible for the opinions of bis Correspondents. Evory communication must be accompanied by the name and address of the writer -not necessarily for publication, but as a guaran- tee of good faith. We cannot undertake to return rejected communications. No communication can he inserted if » duplicate is furnished to any Onher paper. —— COMPLAINTS FROM TONYREFAIL. TO THE EDITOR OF THE "CHRONICLE." Sir, -Kindly allow me to draw the attention of the Pontypridd Rural Sanitary Authority to a few very important matters affecting this rapidlv rising village. In the drst place we can legitimately complain of the Guardians' neglect in not fulfilling their promise, made two or three years ago, to improve our water supply. It is really too bad that the inhabitants, during the summer months, should be obliged to frequent the springs as early as dawn, and as late as midnight. I hope this matter will be attended to without further delay. Io the second place, it is very desirable to have a thorough overhauling of nuisances, especially as regards W.C.'s and pig-styes. This is by no means a substantial matter, as last year, we had a fulljshare of typhoid fever. In the third place, we urgently need the num- bering of houses. It is not an unusual circum- stance to find letters going to the wrong parties, opened, and read by them. It would be marvell- ous, were it not to occur, there being so many hearing the same names. I am, Sir, Yours faithfully, HEALTH. Tonyrefail, Feb. 24th, 1891.

ALLEGED OUTRAGE AT YSTRAD. David Barson and Joiui Evans, colliers, Tre- orky, were charged at Ystrad Police Court on Monday with attempting to outrage a woman named Annie Morgan, Ton, on the 8th inst. Mr James Phillips appeared for the defence The charge was reduced to one of common assault, and Barson was fined C,4 and Evans 92.