The Merthyr Express

<T All B ]Es3' work* <f: :>j.- fl'm Puritan Soap, the only household olive oil soap. Popularity hasn't spoiled me and I'm if| j| not going to let it. I've some things to be proud || P of, though I say it "as shouldn't." I've got a §| E pedigree. It goes back 164 years next, month, so I §1 f| reckon Thomas of Bristol (my makers) mu.st know ll H a little about making soap. Of course it was & lucky g| El idea when they hit upon olive oil. Don't confuse B 9 me with a baby food advertisement when I say it's 1| H the olive oil makes me what I am. j|l It I'm a worker, not a shirker. I'm happiest || H where there's most work to be done, for I know || ■ there's good stuff in me. || R I met a fellow the other day, nice looking B too he was. He was as downhearted as I'm II H raerry. "I tremble to think," he said, "of the Si || day they put me in the wash tub, for I shall || 5 just melt away and disappear. I shall waste away, gl ■ I know I shall." "Don't cry, old chap," said I, |l ■ "or you'll disappear before you get to the wash El B tnb—I'm Puritan, the olive oil soap," said I, "and 11 S they put me into a suit of armour before I came fl B out into the world" (meaning, you know, the || B hardening process which Thomas of Bristol use). 11 B He's there still, the other chap—on the shelf. || B Pm just ready notv to come and do your washing, H B and if I harm a single gar- 3 B ment—spoil one bit of linen Q1J £ g B or woollen—send what is *5 2 S B left of me back to Thomas, 11 B Bristol—and they will return FULL POUND S ■ your money. Of course, PURITAN SOAP § B you'll not send me back c §1 B to Bristol, for I shan't Soap that || ■^s^harm—I can't. CANNOT HARM 11 t, I o;<i3?uritan 'i:> ,'@Wé mishap ■ Mr. E. T. Davies, F.R.C.O., Conductor Merthyr and District Choral Society, Honorary Examiner and Local Representative Royal Academy of Music and Royal College of Moaic, Member of Council of the Incorporated Society of Musicians. Local Secretary Trinity College, London; Music Master Merthyr County School, etc., etc., GIVES LKSSONS IN Singing, Organ and 'pianoforte Playing, Harmony, Counterpoint, Orchestration, &c. PUPILS PREPARED FOR THE R.C.O., R.A.M., AND ALL RELIABLE EXAMINATIONS. Recent mcceases of Pupils inclade:-A.R.C.O., L.R.A.M. (2), Advanced Honours Associated Board &A.M., R.C.M. Senior and other Certificates Trinity College, London; First and Special Prizes Royal National Eisteddfod, &c., &c. on= Lessom given oii Fine 3-Manual Organ. ZST CARTREFLE, MERTHYR TYDFIL. MR. W. J. WATKINS, F.R.G.O., L.R.A.M. (PIANO) (Organist St. John's Parish Church, Conductor Dowlais Male Voice Party, Member Incorporated Society of Musicians, Solo Pianist and Accompanist), « GIVES LESSONS IN- Singing, Organ and Pianoforte Playing, Harmony, Counterpoint, Musical Form, &c. Engagements accepted for Organ Recitals, Concerts, Eisteddfodau, &c. for Terms apply 18, MORLAIS STREET, DOWLAIS; or at BURR'S MUSIC WAREHOUSE, MERTHYR. Abercfnoa visited Mondays—3, Mountain Ash-road. I Burr's Music Warehonse, Merthyr, Tuesdays «irp ttt T T1WTQ (Organist and Choirmaster Market Square Church, villiJv. V* • JJ JU W iw. Local representative: London, College of Music. College of Violinists and late Conductor of the Merthyr Orchestral Society.) GIVES LESSONS IN Violin, Organ and Pianoforte Playing, Theory, &c. JOB TERMS APPLY— • — —— Mr. W. Lewis, 35, Thomas Street, MERTHYR. D. 1M. DAVIES, F.T.S.C., A.R.C.O, PIANIST, ORGANIST, CONDUCTOR AND ADJUDICATOR, ORGANIST OF BETHANIA, DOWLAIS (Successor to Mr. HARRY EVANS\ TEACHER OF THE PIANOFORTE, ORGAN, SOLO SINGING, HARMONY, COUNTERPOINT, INSTRUMENTATION, &c. Pupils Prepared for all Merthyr Vale, Mountain Ash and Keliable Exams. Rhymney visited Weekly. Address GLASFRYN, PENYDARREN, MERTHYR iT RICHT ACROSS THE BACK u !*» Nurse James's Pills I take the PAIN OUT. | ISV Ti And Cure Debility, Nervousness, Anaemia, Hysteria, Headache, Ej M Wr Constipation, and Female Ailments. Take no Imitations. B n 1/li, 2/9 and 4/6 per box, post free. | I From HENRY^M. LLOYD, J J CHEMIST, MERTHYR | .> -q- I MERTHYR TYDFIL TDRIISH BATHS Hot and Cold Water Baths SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS have been made for an experienced trained Nurse to be in attendamce on Tuesdays (ladies' day).. Mr. JOHN PORTER has had over 20 years practical experience at some. oNe best establishments HI the country, and is making arrangements for the Naupein Treatment in addition to Sulphur Brine, Pine, Sulphur Vapour, Pine Vapour and -Plain Vapour Baths at reasonable charges. LADIES' DAY, TUESDAYS. Note Address- BelowParlsll Church. HOOPING-COUGH i t E —— CROUP c 9 The Celebrated Effectual Cure without ■ v H Internal Medicine. D 2 I ROCHE'S I I HERBAL EMBROCATION. I n B Will also be found very efficacious in Ej I BRONCHlTIS/LUMBAGO, and 1 d B RHEUMATISM. 1 £ ■ Price 4s. per Bottle, of all Chemists. H y ■ W. EDWARDS & SON. 157, Queen Victoria U Street, London, Eng. n 7 -< CLARKE'S B 41 PILLS are warranttd to euro, in fi either sex. all acquired or constitutional Discharges 0 frem the Urinary Organ?: Gravel, and Pains in the back. Free from Mercury. Establishe-d upwards of 30 years. In boxes 4s. 6(1. each, of all Cheroists and Patent Medicine Vendors throughout the World. 01 n sent for sixty stamp? by tllp, makers. The Lincoln aR t Midland tlflti Cfpeafljr. Liawlfti a

-n- -=' HEALTH OF MERTHYR. DR. DUNCAN'S ANNUAL REPORT. LOWEST DEATH RATE ON RECORD. Dr. Alex. Duncan, the medical officer of health for Merthyr, has ju-st issued his report on the sanitary condition of the Borough for the year ended December 26th last. From it we make the following extracts:— The estimated population of the Borough in ths middle of the yea.r IGOo was 77,219. This is the estimate of the Registrar-General, and is arrived at by assuming that the annual increase during the decade is the same as during the la-t intercensal period. This figure is blcw that obtained by estimating the population from the number of inhabited houses, but as the matter has been referred to in previous reports, I will not dilate on it at present, more especially as the birth and d?ath rates are ha-(-,d on the R-egistrar-GineraFs figure The ndundin- crease of the population, that is, the excess of births over deaths, amounted to 1.291, a corn. pared with 1,134, the increase riven by the Registrar-General. Thi.> method of estimating tho population is, however, fallacious, a-s no account is taken of loss or gain by emigration and immigration respectively. Births: Num- ber registered: 1903. 2.736. 1907, 2.727: 19C6. 2.714. Rate per 1.00C inhabitants: 1903, .55.4: 1907, 35.8: H'tG6. 36.2. The total number of births registered in the Borough was 2,7^6— 1,378 males and 1.358 females. The births were distributed as follow: Uppe.r Registration Dis- trict, total. 1.46^ (males. 748; females, 720): Lower Registration District, total, 1.268 (malf* 630 females 638). The" birth rate for En-riand- andr Wales for tho year 1907 was 26.3 per 1,000, and was the lowest on record, so that we are 9.1 per 1,000 ahov" that. figure. Whether, in view of our large infantile mortality, th's is a matter for coniratulation may be doubted, as the Registrar General has cited evidence to show tha.t moderate birth rates associate with low mortality among the children, are more effective in the upkeep of. population than are high birth-rates as-ociated with excessive child mortality. The' birth rate for 1901 is 2 2 per 1.000 less than that of the decennial mean, so that the decline which affected the whole of Ensrland and Wales is manifesting itself with us, though, so far. to a much less degree. Sixty- five illegitimate births were registered during the year. compared with ninety iast year. This givs a rate of 23.7 per 1.000 births comnared with 39.4 for the whole of England and Wales for the year 1907.

MERTHYR TOWN COUNCIL. CYFARTHFA CASTLE GROUNDS. ARRANGING FOR PICNICS. PROPOSED GRANT TO BRECON-ROAD SOUP KITCHEN SECRETARY. The monthly meeting of the Merthyr Town Council was held ot the Town Hall on Monday night. The only members absent were: Coun- cillors A. W. Houlson (ill), W. Lewis (Tre- harris). Ed. Edwards, N. F. Haneky, and David John (who had an important engagement in connection with the Oddfellows). Two whole hours were occupied in going through and con- firming or otherwise the minutes, by which time many members of the Council had left, and by 9.30 only eleven remained in their seats. CYFARTHFA CASTLE AND PARK. The Cyfarthfa Castle and Lands Committee reported having visited the Castle, and recom- mended that the quadrangle and the rooms abutting thereon be specially appropriated for the purpo.-es of picnics, and instructed the Town Clerk to make inquiries and report as to arrang-ements and charges for similar accom- modation in other towns. The Committee in- structed the Borough Engineer to report as to tho appliances and alterations necessary for such provision. The Committee inspected the gardens with Mr. Oswald, and decided to ad- vertise for tenders, and instructed the Borough Surveyor to prepare a plan showing the plots available for letting. The Committee recom- mended that the plot of land and glass house ad- joining the north wall in the top garden be a!- lotted' to Mr. Oswald at a nominal rent of Is. per l annum as a consideration for his services with regard to the gardens proposed to be let to var- ious tenants. The Committee recommended that the four small ponds at the rear of the Catlebo drained as a preliminary to cleaning. With regard to the lands, it was resolved that the existing tenancies bo renewed to the 31st December next, subject to the Council reserv- ing to themselves- the riftht to construct such roads or other works as they may deem desir- able. The Committee decided that the tenancy of the plot immediately in- fYont of the Castle, let to Mr. Probert," which expires on the 30th inst., be not renewed, and that the land be re- served for the us-e of the public. The Town Clerk was instructed to communicate with Mr. Williams, the tenant of the land near the south- west of the post, for the purpose cf ascertaining whether he would consent to the construction of a pathway leading from the Castle grounds to Bryn Cae Owen Pond; It was also resolved that tenders be invited for the right of provid- ing and letting boats for the use of the public on the Cyfarthfa Castle Pond. The Borough Surveyor was instructed to obtain quotations from manufacturers for the supply of 5ts to be p'aced in various portions of the grounds. Coun. Ifaac Edward- said tho summer was fast approaching, and he thought the Commit- tee should be given power to spend a sum of £ 50 upon providing conveniences for tea par- tips, such as boilers, etc.—It was agreed that £ 25 be spien^.—Coun. Dan Thomas .caid that thirty offers had been received for o-arclens, and as time for planting had arrived, he thought the plots should be let without delay.—Aid. "rr- "-[lid that Mr. Craw,),av objected to the Council letting the land until the purchase was completed.—The report was adopted. LAND IN THE WALK. With regard to the proposed open space at The Walk, Merthyr, the Public Works Sub committee reported having considered the letter of Mr. J T. Vaughan, and inspected the plot of land proposed to be handed over to the Cor- poration, the area bsing 1,278 square yards. The Committee recommended that, provided the area is increased to 1,930 square yards by including the footpath between the Park Bap- tist Chapel and the north end of the plot, the proposal be agreed to, subject to the land being conveyed to the Council free of all restrictions and charges. The Committee were of opinion that the land might be adapted with advantage as an open sp^oe for children of tender years. A lengthy discussion ensued.-Coun. F. S. Simons said the giving up of the !-no would be to get rid of a great public nuisance. The lane was used for purposes of immorality, and was not much used by other pedestrians. He. therefore, moved that the offer of the Bolgoed Estate be accepted.—Coun. J W. Lewis secon- ded.—Aid. Berry moved the adoption of the report. The land which the Council sought to retain, he said, had been in the occupation of the public from time immemorial, and if they gave it up, Major Morgan would be having a very big advantage over the Council.—Aid. T. J. Evans seconded the adoption of the report.— Coun. Dan Thomas supported Coun. Simons, as he contended that the land to be given up would be developed, built on, and rates would go into the Council's coffers. Coun. J. W. Lewis said that Coun. Thomas was perfectly right. To give up the little piece of land sug- gested would be to do away with an intolerable nuisance. He was surprised the Labour Party went against the report.-Alcl. D. W. Jcn-ac said tho Committee did not think it advisable to give up the land in question unless they had a "quid pro quo." He thought it would be better 10 refer the matter back to committee.— Aid. Berry said the committee vis'ted the srround. He did not know whether. Coun. Dan Thomas went there.—Coun. Thomas: Before you came to Merthyr.—Coun. D. Phillips: The committee who visited the spot were unani- mous.—The Mayor: And Coun. Thomas was not there. He turned up at the Town Hall when the report was drawn tip.-Coun. Dan Thomas: I didn't go there because I didn't care much for the company, sir (laughter).—The re- port was referred back to committee. PROPOSED NEW BYE-LAW. The Public Works Committee reported hav- ing considered the following resolution propos- ed by Coun. Isaac Edwards, and recommended that no action be taken"That the Council apoly to the Local Government Board for sanc- tion to add to their existing bye-laws relating to the construction of roads and lanes in the Borough, provision enabling the Council, when In its opinion such a course is advisable, to ap- prove of roadways other than main thorough- fares being constructed to a width of not less than 16 feet of macadamised surface, and Janes to a width of not less than 9 feet, always pro- vided that the minimum distance between the house fronts in new streets 6hall be at least 36 feet." Ccrun. Isaac Edwards again moved that the resolution be passed, and urged that it would not mean less fresh air or open space, but would agree with the rules adopted in the case of garden cities.—Coun. F. S. Simon-s seconded.— Aid. Morrell said that while he agreed with Coun. Edwards, he thought the Council should see that a 36ft roadway was shown.—x\ld. D. W. Jones agreed that in suburban parts of the Borough it would be nioe to have the land, or road space, laid out as suggested, i.e., grass plots in front of the houses, at the same time retaining a distance of 36ft. between the houses. —Coun. Edward.3 said the resolution did not reduce the air or ground space.-The matter was referred back to committee for the details to 00 gone into. CARPENTERS' WAGES. The General Purposes Committee reported having received an application for increase in wages from Owen and Evan Jones, carpenters 1 employed by the Council, and recommended j that the application be not entertained.—Aid. T. J. Evans said that the men received wages at the rate of 7«d. per hour, whereas the Trade Union rate was 8jd.. and he therefore moved | that 8id. be paid.—Coun. H. M. Lloyd secon- ded.—Coun. Simons said the men had a weekly wage, were not paid by the hour, except over- time. and were employed all the year round.— Aid. Morrell said he was surprised to hear some ( gentlemen speaking against Trades Unionism. Coun. F. S. Simons: We have not got a ] Union rate of pay.—Aid. MorTell: What about the Merthyr and Aberdare Law Society? (laugh- j ter).—Coun. J. Davies: Yes, at five guineas a 1 day.—The amendment to pay Trado Un:on f wages was carried. TREHARRIS BUILDERS ANNOYED. At a meeting of the Public Worlos Commit- tee, the Surveyor submitted the offer of Mr. f Henry "Protheroe to provide the mortar and to < do all .abour in building.the wall alongside the j public road near Woodlands School, Treharris, at 9.5. per cubic yard.—The Committee recom- mended that the offer be accepted.—Aid. Row- land Evans said the builders at Tr-e.h&rris were up in arms owing to this decision, as they con- sidered the work should be given to a local man.—The Surveyor -Aid it was only a small j job, and he asked Mr. Protheroe for a price as he was already on the spot.—Coun. D. Jonea also thought the local contractors should be asked to do the work.—After the Surveyor's explanation, the report was adopted. Coun. Dan Thomas asked the Labour gToup why they did not give the tender for the Penywern houses to a local fi,-rA.Coun. Isaac r Edwards: And why did you send a Merthyr ° man to repair Dowlais Police-station?^—Aid. D. W. Jones: In this case it was convenient, and i vou cannot alter it as the work is being done. g BRECON-ROAD SOUP KITCHEN. The Finance 'Committee recommended that the Council pay 15s. a week towards the ex- L rKMiseii of the secretary of the Soup Kitchen Fund. Aid. D. W. Jones asked the reason why.—Aid. T. J. Evans replied that over 200 children were fed daily. The secretary, who Collected money and attended to all details of the work, had to lose a lot of his valuable time, and this iiiini was proposed to be -voted to him to pay assistants whom he had to call in to do his own work.—Aid. Jones said he did not think the ratepayers should be asked to pay the mon,-v.Coiui. Dan Thomas: What- will the Auditor sa *v?--Ald. -f. Harpur said the sec- retary of the funci had devoted considerable time and attention to the duties. and th? work was increasing.—Coun. J. W. Lewis testified to the good work being done by the secretary and to the fact that he bad to employ others to do his own work.-Ald. T. J. Evans: You must have somebody there who knows the people, or else there would be imposition.—Aid. D. W. Jones: Let the committee pay him. I shall be pleased to subscribe to a fund.—The report was adopted. TRAMS TO CEFN. The Town Clerk submitted a notice received from the Merthyr Traction Company of their intention to apply for a further extension of time for the construction of the light- railway beyond Ugia Bridge, d alao of iotaation

f THE FASHIONS OF SPRINC 1 For Whitsuntide the Latest Designs in Suitings ARE NW vJEING SHOWN BY T. C. PALMER, THE CASH TAILOR. Our Exclusive Ideas can be seen in OUR WINDOWS this week, and your choice made from The Suit to measure. The New Lounge Worsted Suit 59l WITH LONG ROLLED LAPELS. IN THE NEWEST SHADES OF GREEN, SEAL BROWN, AND MOUSE SREYf I The Double-Breasted London Reefer Suit 42/* AS NOW BEING WORN, IN STRIPED WORSTED OR TWEED, WITH TWO BtTTTONS. VERY SMART. The Cambridge Suit 55/- BLACK MORNING COAT AND VEST, WITH FLAT BRAIDED EDGES; GREY STRIPED TROUSERS. CUT IN THE LATEST LONDON STYLE. f The Palmer Indigo Serge Suit 35/« (SPECIALITY). TO STAND SEA. SUN, RAIN. THE IDEAL HOLIDAY SUIT. WILL WEAR FOR TWO YEARS. "NSPECTION INVITED. T. C. PALMER, THE CASH TAILOR, 67a, High Street, Merthyr, Also at QUEEN ST., CARDIFF, & CASTLE ST., SWANSEA. 1

NURSERY COUGHS and Babies' Bronchitis. The Safest Cure is \lENO'S LIGHTNING COUGH CURE. Mrs. A. Wilson, 25, Henry-street, Rochester, £ ent, writes:—"My two children, aged 12 nonths and 6 £ years, suffered dreadfully from very severe cold and cough, which developed tronchitis. I had a great deal of medical ad- ice without good result, but at last I tried /eno's Lightning Cough Cure, and now I am lad to say they are quite freed from their ery nasty touch of bronchitis, which might ave been more serious if I had not given your wonderful medicine." Veno's Lightning Cough Cure is safe for the oungest child, and is the ideal remedy for 'hooping cough, bronchitis, asthma, nasal atarrh, and all chest and lung troubles. Price id., Is. lid., and 2s. 9d., of all chemista.

In connection with the Budget, the augges- on is made that ten shilling notes should be isued against silver. The marriage of Lady Rosemary Cairns and Ir. Wyndham Portal, of the 1st Life Guards, )Ok place in London on Tuesday. Two bodies have been discovered in the sea ear Brighton within the past three days. On ne the linen was marked "D. D." 1

JBtA A AW MERTHYR RAI Billposting Co. LIMITED, Williams' Square, Glebeland Street, If yon-want your Bills properly posted come U us, we keep experienced workmen. Wo have the GREATEST NUMBER of Hoardlip the LARGEST Hoardings, and the BEST Hoardings In the District No Hoardings in Side Streets. v NAT. TELEPHONE 223.; TAFF VALE Billposting Co The Borough Billposters, re the Largest in the Distriot, and are Pis prietors of over 100 STATIONS Builb on the Latest) Modern Principle, and occupying the Moat Important) Positions, including all the Railway Stations and Eleotrio Tram Routes in Merthyr Tydfil, Dowlais, Caebarri?, Cefn, Pentrebach, Abercanaid, Troedyrbiw, Merthyr Vale, Aberfan. Aim at Brecon, TalyUyn, and District. 0\1 Orders receive Prompt and Person Attention. Experienced and Efficient Staff. Handbills Distributed by Reliable-Mm* Sandwich Boards, &at SupgUecL Kindly Note Address 14, Glebeland Street, ■ I-— Telegraphic Address—Boillton, Mertbjy Nat. Telephone, No. 122. Dead & Disabled Horses & Cattle PROMPTLY IUSMOYHD. JL J. Boulton Sons, LICENSED Horse Slaughterers, TREBEDDAU FARM, MOUNTAIN HARE, MERTHYR. BEANCHKS AT Sirhowy Inn Stables, Sirhowy, AND Castle Inn Stables, Aberaman. LADIES SHOULD KNOW | BlaiiM Apiol & Steel Fills I hbvo -obtained tiba largest of medici.no for B WoOQcp. Merit; alone made ttria record possible. fl 1/1A prr box froiA nil Chem**i £ or prut fw, fl £ LeslieBaft,vn,Ltd.34Dalston-lane,London m JSE BERRY'S BOOT POLISH-. 'SilSTA I N I N G 4 0 10 & 1 O-C ,OP* F r -o m-, I CAI;' ",ON I

MEASLES, FEVER, DIPHTHERIA. Deaths from zymotic diseases numbered 241; death rate. 3.1. These figures show the deaths from the seven principal zymotic diseases, of the Registrar General: Small pox, measles, whocping cough, scarlet fever, diphtheria, fever, and diarrhoea. "Lasc year the rate was 2.5, and the increase is due to a larger number of deaths from whooping cough and diarrhoea. Measles: Deaths, 24; rate per 1,000..31. Last year there were 65 deaths, with a rate per 1,000 of .85. Age distribution: Under 1 £ ear, 6; 1—2 years, 9; 2—3 years, 4; 3—4 years." 3; 4—5 years, 1; 5-6 years. 1. From this table, it will be seen that 19 of the deaths were of children under 3 years of age, that is, below school age. and this bears out the experience of former epi- demics that invasion of a school by measles is of more consequence to the children who re- main at home than to the children attending school. It also shows the necessity of trying to prevent measles epidemics in infant schools, as if we can postpone the attacks till the children grow older, a number of lives will be saved owing to the lessened fatality in older children as compared with infants. The difficulty, as in former years, has been to get sufficiently early infownation of cases to make school closure effective. The teachers are, however, now more alive to the necessity of reporting the first cases that occur, and better results may be anticipated in the future. Whooping Cough: Sixty-five deaths were reg- istered, as compared with 21 last year. Thirty of the deaths were of children under 1 year of age, while 33 were between the ages of 1 and 5 years. The number of deaths indicates a very extensive prevalence of the disease during the year. and all the wards suffered, though in Plymouth there was only one death. Scarlet Fever: Notifications, 306; deaths, 6: death rate per 1,000 of the population, .07; case mortal- ity, number of deaths per 100 cases notified. 0 1.9. Last year there were 307 notifications with 11 deaths. The Town Ward suffered most severely with 97 notifications, while from Dow- lais there were only 3. One hundred and eighty six of the cases were removed to hospital, a much larger proportion than in previous yeara. The difficulty in getting pati-ents removed oc- curs mainly in connection with the lower wards, whfch are some distance from the hospital, but we have succeeded to a large extent in over, coming the prejudice that formerly existed in connection with Pant Hospital. Since the autumn, there has been an extensive prevalence of this disease, mainly in the Penydarren. Park, Town, and Cyfarthfa Wards; and. unfortunate- ly. a number of ca. were notified after the rash had disappeared and when peeling. Al- though, owing to t late recognition, and the non-recognition of mild cases, hospital isola- tion in a district like this, which is mainly work- ing class, may not be effective in stamping out the disease, yet the hospital has proved a great boon to numerous families, where home isola- tion could not be carried out, thus allowing other children to return to school in a few days and adults to go about their everydav affairs. Two return cases were notified as occurring within a week of the return of patients from the isolation hospital. The-se patients had, owing to the hospital being crowded, been de- tained only five weeks, as peeling seem to be completed, and there was no aural or nasal (I s- charge. One of the patients seemed, however. to have developed an aural discharge immed- iately after reaching home. while in the other case "fresh peeling seems to have occurred after discharge. Diphtheria: Notifications, 80; deaths, 9: death rate per 1,000 of population..116; case mortal- ity per cent.. 11.2. Including membranous croup, 80 cas^s were notified, with 9 deaths, compared with 72 notification:; and 18 deaths last year. Only 18 of tho cases were removed to hospital, but this was chieflv owing to the limited aoccmraodation there. There is no diph- theria pavilion, and the cases were isolated in the observation block, where only six patients can be accommodated. Another circumstance was that a number of cases occurred in hour-es where home isolation could b? carried out. On 25th January there was the first, notification in connection with the outbreak at a private school, and on the 27th three more cases were notified. On the 27th I visited the school and advised its closure for a fortnight, in order that thorough disinfection might be carried out. No drainage defect could bs discovered, but as the school was carried on in one room of a private house, th-3 children, of whom there were 18, were rather overcrowded. Three more cases were notiaed a few days later, making a total of 7 out of 18 who suffered from the disease. One of the cases proved fatal. The mother and sis- ter of one of the patients were afterwards noti- fied as suffering from the disease. This was the only inr-tahce of a definite school epidemic, though Edwarsville School, Treharris, was un- der suspicion at one time. There was one rase notified from the Truant School, Tref'.arris. the patient was promptly rr'!OV..HJ te hesmtai. axLd etliejj cafjs dfi.Yejogedi -=- ENTERIC FEVER AND PHTHISIS. Enteric fever: Notifications, 76; deaths, 11; death rate per 1,000 of population, .14; case mortality per cent. 14.4. La-st year there were 57 notifications, with 10 deaths. Fifty-six of the patients were removed to hospital, and ;n the other cases satisfactory arrangements to isolate them at home were made. Dowlais, Penydar ren, Park, and Cyfarthfa were the wards that suffered most severely. In some houses more than one case was reported; thus from one house in Taff-strrwt, Caepantywyil. which has since beer, condemned as unfit for human habit- ation. three cases were reported. Diarrhoeal Diseases: Deaths, 126; death rate per 1,000 of population, 1.6. La-st year there J¡ were 69 deaths, and a death rate of .9 per 1,000; and this low rate was attributable to the large rainfall that we experienced in the autumn months. Last fall we had less rain, and in con- sequence an increased number of deaths from this disease. One hundred and five of the deaths were of children under one year of age, while 20 were between the ages of 1 and 5. and one wa. over 65. As usual, the great majority of the deaths occurred in the months of August. September, and October; thus in August there were 37 deaths, in September 28, and in Octo- her 17. Penydarren Ward suffered most severe- ly, with 32 deaths, and this excessive prevalence is no doubt due to the circumstance that house refuse is still tipped in this ward close to the houses. As long-as this goes on, a high death rate from diarrhoea will inevitably result. In previous reports it has been pointed out that to escape the ravages of this disease, it was neces- sary to have a high standard of both municipal and domestic cleanliness, bi -it as regards the former, no advance ha.s been made, as tipping instead of destruction of the refuse is still go- ing on. In. the matter of'domestic cleanliness, an improvement may be expected from the visits of our health visitor, and I think that some- advance has already- been made since she was appointed a few monihs ago. In. her visits she is able -to point out, the great advantage of breasfi feeding, as it is well known that tne dis- ease is much commoner in bottle-fed. than breast-fed '.infants. Tubercular 'Diseases Ninety-one deaths jrom phthisw were registered during the year, equiv- alent to a death rate of 1.1last year there w^re 73 deaths, and a death ra-te of -9'7. I orty-two deaths were registered f^om other tubercular diseases, so that including the deaths from phthisis there were* 132 deaths from tubercular diseases, equivalent to a death rate of 1.7. There is no system of notification in force within the Borough, and the only action ta-ken is to disinfect tho house, bedding, etc.. after a death. At the Union Infirmarv there is pro- vision for advanced cases to the extent of 33 beds, and there are also 4 outdoor shelters*, one of whioh is double for incipient cases. Those are all the provision for the Union, which in- cludes Aberdare, Gellvgaer and Rhigos, atid Vaynor and Pend-Tvn. with a population 0; about 75.000. in addition to thnt op Merthyr. The Guardian- are c^ntemr.latinT buddinrr a sanatorium. Dr. Ward has constantly to refuse ea-rlv cases of phthisis, where gr-^at b-nefit mi edit be derived from sanatorium treatment, and it is to be hoped that there will be no de ay in pushing on with the scneme. INFANTILE MORTALITY The deaths of children under one year of age amounted to 482, compared with 420 last year. As noted under the heading of diarrnceal dis eases, there were 57 more deaths from these diseases than in the previous year. so that the greater infantile mortality is thus accounted for by the greater number of deaths from diar- rhoea. Thirtv-threa per cent. of the tota. deaths were oi children under one year of age, and calculated per 1,000 births, amountes to lit) per 1.000. The average for the 10 years 189. 1907 is 197.4 per 1,000 births, so that there is some improvement, though we still compare badly with the whole of England and Wa;es, where the death rate for the year 1908 is 121. Sixty-nine deaths, or 14 per cent.. occurred in the first week of life, while during the first month there were 129, or nearly 27 per cent. In the first quarter there were 226 deaths, or 47 per cent. in the second quarter there were 113 deaths, or 24 per cent.; in the third quarter there were 81 deaths, or 17 per cent. whi!e in the fourth quarter there were 62 deaths, or 12 per cent. It is not to be expected that the im- provement in the sanitary surroundings will greatly lessen the number of deaths occurring in the first month of life, as antenatal condi- tions must be held to be largely responsible for them. Premature birth accounted for 50 deaths, 37 of which occurred in the iirst week of life, and 46 in the first month. Congenital defects were the cause of 25 deaths; one was from in- jury at birth 6 from want of breast milk, whne there were 64 from atrophy, debility, and mar asmus. Diarrhoea was the cause of death in 126 instances, and reference has already been made to this disease. Convulsions was the cause o death in 76 cases, while bronchitis and pneu- monia accounted for 75 deaths. Of the common infectious diseases, whooping cough accounted for 31 deaths and measles for 6. Four hundred and fifty-three deaths were of legitimate and 29 of illegitima-to children. Per 1,000 births, the death rate of illegitimate children was 346, compared with 170 among legitimate children. Last year the illegitimate death rato was 200 per 1.000 birthe. When we attained the status of a county borough in April last, the Council appointed a health visitor (Nurse Thompson), who al-o acts as superintendent of midwives and to facilitate her work, the Notification of Births Act was put in force in July. We are thus informed of a birth within 36 hours of its occurrence, and the health visitor is enabled to visit at once where there is no medical man in attendance, and advise the mother as to the proper methods of feeding and clothing to be adopted, laying special emphasis on the necessity for breast- feeding. Since the Act came into force, there have been only 13 omissions to notify, and Nurse Thompson has been able to make 1,383 visits, giving the instructions alluded to above and leaving at each house a pamphlet on the hygiene of infancy. In 64 instances, for various reasons, re-visits were made. but owing to the extent of the district, and the amount of her work in other directions, it has not been possible to develop this part of the work to its full ex- tent. In four instances it was neowsarv to call the attention of the Inspector of the N.S.P.C.C.j and on six occasions the midwives were instruc- ted to call in medical assistance owing to the condition of the children's eyes. In connection with the Notification of Births Act. I may men- tion that 42 still births were notified since its adoption. As a further aid towards reducing infantile mortality, there are now three Jubilee nurses at work in Merthvr, Penydarren, and Dowlais respectively, and their work cannot but be beneficial in this direction. INQUESTS. One hundred and nineteen inquests were held during the year. Accidents underground were the cause of death in 17 instances, while 11 per- sons died as the result of injuries received in the ironworks. Eight persons died as the result of accidents received elsewhere than in the ironworks, or collieries. Five persons were kill. ed on the railway. Ten children died from clothing taking fire or accidental scalding. Con- vulsions was the cause of death of 16 children. Other causes of death were:—Heart disease or cardiac syncope, 13; suffocation by the fumes of a burning tip, 2; epilepsy, 1; accidental drowning. 4; found drowned, 4; suffoca-ted when drunk, 1; exposure to cold, 1; pneumonia, 2; swallowing poison, 1; lock-jaw following in- jury, 1; blood poisoning following injury, 1; premature birth, 1; chronic bronchitis and syn- cope, 3; kidney disease, 2, apoplexy. 4; non- expansion of lung, 2; suicide. 1; over-lying, 2; manslaughter, 1; embolism following fracture of leg, rupture of aneurism, 1; peritonitis, 1; found dead, 1; embolism after child-birth, 1. ISOLATION HOSPITAL. During the year 282 patients were admitted to hospital; of these 262 came from the Bor- ough, while 20 were admitted from Cefn, 17' suffering from typhoid and 3 from scarlet fever. Last year there were 180 patients, eo that the wcrk during the past year -has been much heavier than formerly. The cases were distri- buted as follow: Scarlet fever. 189; enteric 73; diphtheria, 18; and erysipelas, 2. The scarlet fever patients remained in hospital on an average of 41 days. and there were 4 deaths, giving a case mortality of 2.1 per cent. Last year the case mortality was 1.9. A number of the children suffer from enlarged tonsils and adenoids, and when -the parents consent it i" now the practice to cperate durinrr their stay in hospital when they are convalescent from the fever. The average stay of the typhoid cases was 36 days. As in previous years, several of the patients were admitted late in the disease, so that their stay in hospital was a comparative- !y short one. There were 4 deaths, thus giv- ing a case mortality of 5.4, compared with 14 last year. Diphtheria: The average stay of the diphtheria patients was 29 day, and they were discharged only after a l>acteriological examin- ation proved negative. There were 3 deaths; one of the deaths was of a patient moribund on admission, while the other two occurred 011 the fifth and seventh days respectively after admission. In all three cases the parents had not recognised the gravity of the disease, and had postponed callin-g in medical assistance for several days. As mentioned in last year's re- port, there is no diphtheria pavilion, and the Council had decided on building another pavil- ion of the same size and design as the two x- isting ones. The contract has now been given out, and I expect that a beginning will bo made shortly, BQ that it will be ready by next, winter. shortly, so that it will be ready by next winter. The working expenses for the year amounted to 21,554 9s. 2d. As there were 282 patients for a period of 10,920 days, this works out at 2s. lOd. per patielit per day. As further reduc- ing the actual cost to the Council, there is the contribution from the Guardians of L225 and 27 6s. 4d. on account of the maintenance of pauper patients. At Mardy Hospital there is an equifex disinfector in which all bedding and clothes from houses where there have been patients suffering from infectious disease are infected. On referring to the Inspectors' table, it will be seen that 365 premises were disin- fected during the year, and bedding and clothes were removed for disinfection from these houses. Further extracts from the report will be given next week. To Mothers.—Mrs. Winslow's Soothing: S.vrnplias been nsed over fifty years by millions of mothers for j. their children w!i:!e" teething, with perfect Tt will relieve the noor iirerir immediately. It i pleasing to taste: it nrodnces natural fluid slefp, i-v j re'irveintr the c'ii!(l from pain, and the little cherub awakes "as brijrht as a button," Of all chemists, Ls 1i4, sec bftttl*. i

to apply for a variation of the Order so as to permit of the abandonment of so much of vhe railway as lies between the Morning Sun Inn and the Rising: Sun Inn. Cefn.—On the motion of Coun. Dan Thoma', the Town Clerk was in- structed to strenuously oppose the application as far as the abandonment of any portion of the line WE,> concerned, it being pointed out that considerable inconvenience and hardsh-'p would be caused to the inhabitants of the Bor- ough and to the villajrers of Cefn if the applica- tion were granted.-The Council expressed the opinion that the Company should be required to fulfil their obligations as set forth in the Order authorising thr construction of the light railway. VARIOUS MATTERS. Coun. J. Davies (Dowlais) asked whether the Merthyr Traction Company had power to charge passengers twopence per mile on Easter Day. He understood the company chai-ged peo- ple fourpence frotn Merthyr to Dowlais, instead of twopence.—The Town Clerk replied that the company should charge a penny per mile, un- der a penalty of ;620.Tlie Town Clerk was asked to confer with Coun. John Davies, ob- taining any information ws to excessive charges, and report.. The Public Works Committee recommended I that tenders be invited for making Edwards- villa sewer. Ald. Rowland Evans moved that the work be done by direct labour, as he said there were many unemployed down there.— The amendment was carried by 13 votes to 11. A letter was read from the Rev. B. G. Bar- ker with reference to the appointment of a police-oourt missionary, and the Town Clerk was instructed to report. The Watch Committee reported having con- sidered the petition of local ironmongers asking the Council to make an order for closing iron- mongers' shops at specified times, and recom- mended that the necessary steps be taken by the Town Clerk with a view of complying with the request.—It was stated that it would cost about £ 40 to put the Order into force.—Coun. 1. Edwards thought the local Chambers of Trade should be asked to discuss the matter and get other trades into the Order, so as to save ex- pense. He moved that the matter be referred back to committee with this object in view.— The Mayor said that a number of people came into the town and sold ironmongery, etc., In disused shops and in tents up to a late hour, but if this Order were enforced, they would not be able to do so.—The question was referred to committee. The Watch Committee recommended that a sum of 3d. per day be allowed to etation-keep- e era for the maintenance of stray dogs.—Coun. F. S. Simons said that the Board of Guardians only- charged Is. 6d. a week for a child, but the Corporation were going to pay Is. 9d. a week for a dog.—The report was adopted. The Cemeteries Committee recommended that the wheel bier at Pant Cemetery be re- moved, as it was not used.-Coun. Isaac Ed- wards said people did not know that a bier was in existence there. or it would bs very often used.-Coun. Dan Thomas: Show it off in the May-Day Show (laught,er).-Aid. D. W. Jones said the s-jxton had told the Committee that the bier was never used, though he had over and over again made known its existence. There was a strong prejudice against using the vehicle.—The report was referred back to com- mittee. The Parks Committee recommended that a sub-committee be appointed, with plenary powers, to give instructions for any small works bo be carried out at the Thomastown Recrea- tion Ground.—Coun. Thomas Williams moved, tnd Ald. Rowland Evans seconded, that the re- commendation be struck out.—Coun. H. M. Lloyd supported, and showed that during the last three- months, no less than L617 9s. 7d. had been spent upon the grounds, irrespective of the JB82 received from the Local Government Board.The report was, however, adopted by 11 voteg to 9. The seal of the Council was affixed to a gen-. sral district rate of Is. 8d. In the £ for the six nonths ending 30th September next.—Coun. Dan Thomas said the rates for the next half- vear would be 4s. 4d. in the £ whereas every- body thought they would be lower. There would be an increase without any justification ror it. Miss Elizabeth Davies. Caepantywvll, and MMg Gwendoline Morris, Mardy TTospital, were appointed probatione" nurses at that hospital. The Council passed a resolution authorising ipplication to be made to the Local Govern- nent Board for sanction to borrow E12,900 for he erection of workmen's houses at Penywern.