The Merthyr Express

JOHN JONES & SON, MANCHESTER HOUSE. Special Show of New Goods and Novetties FOR THE COMING SEASON O. Now on Show all the LATEST DESIGNS and CHOICEST PRODUCTIONS in Trimmed and Untrimmed Millinery. Dainty Styles, Copies of the Latest Parisienne Models at Strictly Moderate Charges. Charming and Stylish Novelties in LADIES' BLOUSES in all the Newest Materials. New and Original Styles and Designs in COSTUMES in all the Latest Shades. A Splendid Collection of Exquisite Novelties in Made-up and Piece LACE GOODS. Newest Shades and Styles in LADIES' GLOVES. All the most reliable makes in Lace, Lisle Thread, Kid, Suede, &c. All the Latest Productions in BLOUSE AND DRESS MATERIALS. All the Newest and most Charming Effects and Colours in the Fashionable Fabrics for the Coming Season. A Choice Assortment of LADIES' UNDERSKIRTS in Silks, Moiretts, &c. LADIES' & CHILDREN'S LONGCLOTH, NAINSOOK FLANNEL & FLANNELETTE UNDER- CLOTHING a Speciality. DAILY DELIVERIES YOU CAN ALWAYS DEPEND VISIT OF OF UPON SEEING THE INSPECTION NEW GOODS. NOVELTY OF THE MOMENT. WILL OBLIGE. 102 & 103, High Street, Merthyr Tydfil SOLID SILVER and ELECTRO PLATE FINEST of QUALITY and DESIGN* A grand selection of Solid I LARGEST Silver and Silver Plated cpt rrTTnv \Y Articles, suitable for Wed- 5ELBCT1UN VV ding Presents and Presenta- IN THE lions now shown in windows. DISTRICT. tt 'NEWEST ONLY DESIGNS. ONE QUALITY— BEST; ',PRICES RIGHT. ^c'?iSIS^Sdd. 49, PONTMORLAIS CIRCUS, MERTHYR. TeL P.O. 4a. nr "wi SETS (Upper and Lower) From £2 2s. Ode up to £10 10s. Ode 2/6, 3/6, V and 7/6 per tooth according to material selected. In Merthyr and District ALFRED N. Nathan depends on tjie recommendation of eacli patron. There is no more complete place of the kind in Wales, and no place where Lower Charges are made. ESTABLISHED IS YEARS. ESTIMATES FREE. ATTENDANCE 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Daily. 9 Thursdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. giftedugMm OPPOSITE ST. DAVID'S CHURCH. 112, High Street, Merthyr. FOR SHOP-FRONTS & FITTINGS. I Geo. Couzens & Sons, I i COMPLETE SHOP-FITTERS, I pity Road Worksf I m'iS'; Cg>.jE»ci.iL:fiE» § HOWFIELD & SON, The Merthyr Confectioners, FOR BAKESTONE CAKES IN GREAT VARIETV ALSO, FINEST ASSORTMENT AND BEST VALUE IN Toffees, Chocolates, and Sweets OF EVERY DESCRIPTION, WHOLESALE AND RETAIL. HIGH STREET, MERTHYR TYDFIL. I r:- WIRE BLINDS H THE BEST AND CHEAPEST HOUSE IN THE TRADE FOR B WIRE BLINDS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION IS I W. K. LEE & ] 89, Cardiff Road, Aberdare | 8 ESTABLISHED OVEn o" YEARS. B ] | PIANOS. ORGANS. MUSIC. THOMPSON & SHACKElL, Limited, |> 114, HIGH STREET, MERTHYR, I And. at Cardiff, Swansea, dec. || SOLE AGENCY | FOR MOST OF THE FOLLOWING CELEBRATED MAKERS: ]> || SOLE AGENCY | FOR MOST OF THE FOLLOWING CELEBRATED MAKERS: ]> ], Bcchstein, Brinsmead, Broadwood, Collard & Collard, '[ Challen & Son, Erard, Reed & Bach, Hooff & Co., J. & J. Hopkinson, Ernst Kaps, James & Co., Gors & i> Kallmaun, and the Estey Organs. COTTAGE PIANOS FROM 10/6 MONTHLY ON THE |! ]! NEW HIRE SYSTEM. (' j (l LARGEST DISCOUNTS FOR CASH OR EASY TERMS ARRANGED. 11 All Pianos warranted and exchanged if not approved. Old Instruments taken in exchange. | (I TUNERS sent to any part on the Shortest Notice. (| < N.B.—A Beautifully Illustrated Catalogue Sent Free on Application. i> A DOUGLAS MOTOR CYCLES ARE SECOND TO NONE. Sole District Agency- ARTHUR DANIEL, TROEDYRHIW. Also RUDGE WHITWORTH and other Cycles. NEW GRAIG LEVEL. best-house COAL A TRIAL ORDER SECURES YOUR CUSTOM. PER 18S. TON DELIVERED. Send Postcard to- WATKIN MOSS, EASTFIELD TERRACE, PLYMOUTH STREET, MERTHYR. GREAT OFFER WONDERFUL OFFER JggSS,. THE STAR PORTRAIT CO., MERTHYR will at the Dowlais Market every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 D.m. also at the Merthyr Market from 10 a.m. Daily, ss LIFE-LIKE PORTRAITS ggS™B- 20 x 16 Solid Oil-Painting for 30zi. Usual Price 659. 15 x 12 Solid oil-Painting for 25s. 503. 20 x 16 Black and White for 21s. 50:i. The above framed in Masai VQ Solid and Well Polished Oak and Gold Flat inside Glass 4Ain. Wide. 20 x 16 Black and White for 15s. 6d. ■ • worth 30s. In Best Dark Carved Mouldings and Gold Flat, 4jin. Wide. 20 x 16 Black and White, Framed 2-in. Solid Oak 12s. 6d. 20 x J6 „ « 3in. Black and Gold 12*. 6d. 12 x 10 „ on 20 x 16 Mount, Framed ■ 3in. i0a. 6d. 12 x 10 „ „ li-in. Oak 10s. bd. Best Work only and done from any old Copy. We are a Local Firm, and do your work without delay. SATISFACTION GUARANTEED. P7.AT) THIS TESTIMONIAL Merthyr Tydfil, Feb. 3rd, 1909. To the Star Portrait Co. Please accept my best thanks for the Black and White Portrait you did of me gome time ago. I am very pleased with it, and also the Oil-Painting both of which I consider are very life-like and to have been exceedingly well executed.—I auj, yours faithfully (Rev.) B. G. BARKER.' Send Post Card to CHIEF OFFICE- 16, GWENDOLINE STREET (hospital,B ), MERTHYR, Dr. Lever's MADE' KING OF TONICS. ^PHOSyiTA REMOVES MZNTAL DsPREssioN, WANT OFTovE AND NERVE PowER. 1/9 and 2/9 per Bottle, post free. -0 Sole for Wales- F Henry M. Lloyd M.P.S., Dispensing Chemist, VICTORIA STREET, MERTHYR TYDFIL. (OPPOSITE MARKET DOOBS.) YOUR CLOTHING NEEDS Can undoubtedly be best supplied by the BESPOKE TAILORING I 01' MORGAN BROTHERS, 136, HIGH STREET, MERTHYR TYDFIL. This is our Buiest Season of the year and we satisfy every want in Fashionable Materials for Spring and Summer. SUITS TO SUIT MEN WHO ARE DIFFICULT TO SUIT THAT IS WHERE THE ART OF TAILORING COMES IN. A HOLIDAY SERGE SUIT from 50/- A SPRING RAIN COAT from 35/6 LADIES' TAILORED COSTUMES. You can select the Style of HAT or CAP you need from our large Stock. That is one reason why this is a good place to buy SHIRTS, TIES, COLLARS, GLOVES, &c. Sole Agents for J. PRCK & Go's Outfitters, Specialities for Butchers and Provision DoxierL- Agents for ROVFtt AND HUMBER. 24, w 10 C7 I iL. 0 0 PURCHASE i I K I- I Or CASH. THOMAS BROS Merthyr Tydfil. I

I LOCAL INTELLIGENCE ONE SHI 11 INS bottle of JENKINS'S Lunx Mixture completely took my cough away. J. T. DOCTON. Plumber. Gasfitter. House Decor- ator, Paperlian^ing Warehouse. 138, lligh-street, Merthyr. All Repairs attended to at the shorte.st 1I0tiC. A Staff of Experienced Workmen regu- larly employed. Estimates free. Fapcrhaiigings from 2d. per piece; numerous job lots greatly under cost price. GET rid of that backache to-day !>I AKING JENKINS' Is. Backache Pills. FOR indigestion and wind in the stomach, there is nothing like JENKINS' Digestive Pellets. —Is. Tins.—Address Chemist. Ponimorlais. Ax INTERESTING DISPLAY.—HOW "K" Boots arc made, and what they arc made 01. We are exhibit- ing in our windows a choice selection of fine skins or black and brown leather, as used in the manu- facture of "lv" Boots arid Shoes. Note, Address, W. It. WILLIAMS, 51A, High-street, Merthyr. For Motor (Joggles, Shooting Classes, Field Glasses and the special "Territorial" Telescope. at lowest, prices, go to HENRY M. LLOYD. Chemist aild Oph- thalmic Optician, Victoria-street, Merthyr (opposite Market Doors). GOOD NEWS for Working Men of Merthyr and District. E. SIEDLE & SON. 31 High-sfreet, Mer- thyr, has just rccoived all their new goods for the season at all the old prices. Just call and see their fine show on Saturday next. New Suits. all colours, men's, youths, and boys. Finest house in Wales for Working Clothes. They arc making a special show for Whitsun, so if you have no money call and see their goods. You can put any article one side until you get the money. Don't forget next Saturday. The topic of the day is Mr. Lloyd George's Bud- get, but what we want the topic to be is the Mar- vellous Value we can offer you in Watches. Chains, Rings, and all kinds of Jewellery. Men's, Women's and Children's Clothing, Bedding, Boots, and other articles too numerous to mention. Wedding liiizii and Keeper Rings at very low prices. Call and see our windows at E. SIEDLF. & SON. Pawnbrokers and 25. Pontrnorlais. Merthyr. We also lend most money qn all kinds of Watches Jewellery, Clothing, and other valuables. Spccial contracts made to suit customers' convenience. TnE BLACK MARIA."—Merthyr's Black Maria," or prison van. was used for the first time on Monday morning, and a large number of people assembled to witness its trip from the police-station to the railway-station. The driver was Police-Sergt. Percy Botting (Brecon- road), who is a good horseman, having seen much service as a sergeant in the Lancers, while the door was guarded by P.C. John Davies. OUT-OF-WORK SCHEME.—A private meeting of the miners of the Merthyr district was held at the Theatre Royal, on Sunday afternoon, Mr. John Evans, chairman of the district, presiding, when a resolution was passed unani mously approving of the out-of-work scheme. The chairman announced that this was the fourth meeting held in the district to discuss the matter, and no opposition had been raised. —Mr. Winstone delivered an address on Labour topics. RADCLIFFE HALL.—A cantata, entitled The Little Captain," was performed at the Radcliffe Hall, Penydarren, last Thursday. It was preceded by a miscellaneous concert, and all the parts were taken by the children of the Church, who had been trained by Miss May Lewis, Dowlais, and Miss Evans, Dowlais. The story was read by Miss Nellie Hughes, and the chair was taken by Mrs. Weatherley, London. Mr. Arkhurst and friend manipulated the lantern. A very enjoyable evening was spent. Proceeds go towards Church funds. DR. BAP.NARDO'S HOMES.—On Saturday night a concert was given at the Drill Hall in aid of "L Dr. Bamardo's Homes, and the bioscope WAS used to illustrate the good work carried on aZ those institutions. The Mayor presided, and solos and duets were rendered by Miss Pickford, Miss Carrie Price, Mr. Wilton, Mr. W. Morgan, Masters Stenner Evans and Horatio Dtvies. Mr. E. R. Rainer, of London, told the audience all about the good work done at the Homes, his remarks being illustrated by views. On Sunday evening a similar concert was given at the Temperance Hall. RATEABLE VALUE OF THE UNION.—The half- yearly abstract and list of paupers, placed in the hands of the Merthyr Guardians last Saturday. showed that on March 27th last the rateable value of the several parishes was as follows Merthyr, E275,440 12s. 6d., and £4,316 was contributed in rates to the common fund of the Union; Aberdare, 1:200,680 10s. (3:3,134) Gelligaer, C136,930 10s. ( £ 2,140); Penderyn, Ell,326 15s. ( £ 160) Rhigos, £ 7,612 15s. (EI13) and Vaynor, £ 9,381 (E137) total ratebale value of the Merthyr Union, £641,fí2 2s. 6d., and £ 10,000 was contributed to the common fund. THE USlJAL PLACE."—At an occasional court, on Monday, several men were charged with being drunk and disorderly between the town and Dowlais on Sunday night. In each case the defendants had bottles containing spirits in their possespiol. Where did you get the drink ?" asked -the Mayor.—" The usual place-at Rhymney, in Monmouthshire," replied the accused. Fines of 10s. and costs in each ease were imposed. One man was drunk that he fell through the glass door of a I coffee tavern, doing considerable damage, but this was not made the subject of a charge. SUDDEN DEATH.—On Monday morning, Mr. R. J. Rhys, district coroner, held an inquest, at the Merthyr police-station, upon the body of Ellen Jones, a widow, aged 66 years, who died suddenly at the house of her son-in-law and daughter, No. 4, Lower High-street, Merthyr, on the previous Thursday.—MR. and Mrs. Stewart gave evidence. On the previous Thursday Mrs. Jones, it was said, complained of feeling unwell, and an hour or two later vomited. Her daughter ran for some warm water, and upon returning found her mother upon the floor, apparently dead. Dr. Ernest Ward was called in, and he found life extinct.—The jury returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes. Ax ANCIENT INN.—The Star, Merthyr Tydfil, has a fame far exceeding the majority of wavside hostelries in Wales. It datos from a remote; time than the Commonwealth, and is believed tojjbe linked with pilgrims' rests and shelters when Wales was the resort of travellers on their I way to St. David's. In the Puritan days Star was the office of the agent for Cromwell, and it was there that sales of impounded effects were carried out. It was then that DURING the marriage ceremony of someone in authority the old church was used as a stable for the horses of bride and bridegroom. In the time of Nelson, our naval hero was feted there when on his way to see Richard Crawshay, and a memento of the visit is stili preserved. MUSICAL.—In connection with the Associated Board of the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music, the following successes, at the recent local centre examinations, in the Merthyr Tydfil Centre, are announced :— Advanced grade.—William J. Morgan, pupil of Mr. E. T. Davies, F.R.C.O., pass certificate in singing. In rudiments of music.-Etliel M. Clarke, pupil of Mr. E. T. Davies, F.R.C.O. Rees B. Jones, pupil of Mr. Gwilym Lewis; Linda M. Lewis, pupil of Mr. D. C. Williams Edgar J. Reynolds, pupiJf Mr. Gwilym Lewis Arthur Vyce, pupil of Mr. D. C. Williams; and William J. Morgan, pupil of Mr. E. T. Davies, F.R.C.O., pass certificates. BIRTH AND DEATH RATE.—During the four weeks ended 24th April there were 222 births in the borough (114 males and 108 females), or a rate of 36.9 per 1000 of the population, as compared with 275 and 34.7 per 1000 in the corresponding period last year. During the same period the deaths numbered 112, or a rate of 17.9 per 1000, as compared with 150, or 20 per 1000, in the same period last year. The age incidence was :-Under I year, 23; 1 to 5 years, 10; 5 to 60, 58; over 60, 21. Of these 16 died at the Union Infirmary and 4 at the General Hospital. The following died from zymotic disease :—Whooping cough, 2 measles, 1 scarlet fever, 3 and diphtheria, 2. During the four weeks there were notified 60 cases of scarlet fever, 2 of enteric fever, 2 of erysipelas and one of puerperal fever. During the month 52 patients were admitted to Mardy Hospital, 48 were discharged, and 52 remained. NATURE IS ARRAYED in all her glory. Follow her example and array yourself in smart spring attire purchased at the Emporium of Fashion, R. T. JONES & Co-'s, Market-square, Merthyr Tydfil.

G. W. R. EXCURSIONS. Colwall Races I Monday, May 10th, 1 DAY TRIP to HEREFORD, COLWALL, B MALVERN WELLS and MALVERN LINK. Leave Aberdare, 8.56 a.m.; Mounta.in Ash, 9.6; Merthyr, 8.57; Pontypool (Clarence- street), 9,58; Pontypool Road, 11.7; Aber- gavenny, 11.25 &.m. Not to Hereford. For details sec bills or send postcard to stations or offices. | JAMES C. INGLIS, General MANAGER. 1 ■ wwwww II I II I -Jj

Merthyr Man's Pluck. WILLIAM POWELL, HAULIER, WANT ED. About two months ago several members of the Merthyr borough police force went to Bethesda-street to arrest several men who had made a desperate attack upon the Cambrian Inn, wrecking nearly every window. A large crowd collected, and the police were in fear of being overpowered, when William Powell, a haulier, who happened to be passing at the time, sprang upon the assailants and assisted the officers to get them under control. In tha melee Powell's hand was severely bitten by the prisoners (who were afterwards sent to, gaol) blood poisoning set in, and he was unable to follow his work for three weeks. A few weeks ago Chief Constable Wilson, at the. request of a deputation of officers, headed a subscription list in order to show appreciation of Powell's conduct; nearly every officer in the force contributed his mite, and about JE3 10s. was subscribed. This money is now in' the police-station, but the police have so far been unable to find their gallant rescuer to givo him his reward. We therefore publish these particulars in the hope that Powell's friends "ommunicate with him.

The Merthyr Murderer. William Joseph Foy, who will be executed at the Swansea Gaol to-morrow (Saturday), is reported to be taking his meals regularly and heartily, and enjoying several cigarettes daily. He listens attentively to the ministrations of it-he prison chaplain. .i it T I't: W ill. J I\ F

J". J. | BEAUTY & HAPPINESS. B If beauty brings happi- B ness, what a lot of happiness the world owes to "Erasmic." U The Dainty Soap For Dainty Folk." 4d. per tablet, lld. per box of3

HIGH-STREET BAPTIST CHURCH.—Preacher next Sunday, Mr. H. Dyche, of Cardiff. Services at 11 and G o'clock. How TO REACH PLEASURE RESORTS.—Mr. J. Lever, Post Omce Chambers, has been appointed local agent for the Barry Railway Red Funnel Line of steamers, sailing from Barry Dock to pleasure resorts in the Bristol Channel. and will make any arrangements necessary for school and club outings, pleasure and tourist parties, to Barry Island, Weston, Minehead, Tenby. Ilfracombe, Clovelly and other places. MR. KEIR HARDIE AND THE BUDGET.—Speak- ing at Birmingham, on .Sunday night, Mr. Keir Hardie said the Right-to-Work Bill had been defeated by a combination of Free Traders and Tariff Reformers, but the Labour party would continue to insist that if the State could organise an Army as it was doing, it could also organise industry so as to put it within the reach of everyone to work for a livelihood. He regarded the Budget as a fairly courageous effort to meet the situation. It made beginning for which many people other than Labour men had been longing for many years, and the end would come when every penny which was not the result of the honest labour of someone should be absorbed by the community for the good of the community. The only alternative was Tariff Reform, and if this was likciy to benefit t,hewori(ing classes, the dukes and earls at present at the head of it would be found a long way off. (Laughter). But for the presence of the Labour party Mr. Lloyd George could not have introduced so democratic a Budget. NATIONAL UNION OF CLERKS.—The monthly meeting was held on Monday at Ollin's Central Restaurant. In the absence of the president, Mr. D. W. Prothcroc was elected chairman. Two applications for membership were received and approved by the executive. The secretary, as branch delegate to the Bristol Conference, was instructed as to voting on various matters. The arrangements for the outing to Gilwern, on Whit-Monday, are being pushed forward, and full particulars will te availablp by the next meeting. The time of meeting was changed to the first Tuesday in the month, at 7.30 p.m. it is hoped that members will make a special effort to attend the half-yearly meeting of the branch, which will be held very sthorly. The The Town Council has promised to place the organ of the Union, The Clerk," regularly in the various reading rooms throughout the borough. G.W.R. TEMPERANCE UNION.—The monthly "leeting of the Merthyr branch was held in 1-,he general waiting-room at Merthyr station, on Sunday. The chairman (Mr. J. G. Lucas) presided over a lan/c attendance. After the singing of a hymn and prayer, the president read the 3rd chapter of I. Corinthians. A solo was then sung by Miss Lewis, after whih Mr. Sutton, of FepycLarren, addressed the meeting, taking his text from St. John's Gospel, and basing his remarks on Sonship, and our rcLationshin to the Father." Miss Robins played a mandoline solo, the congregation joining heartily in singing the chorus. The secretary, Mr. Robbins, who attended the annual conference of the G.W.R. Temperance Association, held in Birmingham, afterwards presented a report, which was very encouraging to all. Reports from all divisions, he said, showed that good work was being done the Society. Mr. Tamplin also attended the conference. On behalf of the branch, the hairman thanked all who assisted them in the meeting. Before leaving, the secretary said they must convey the best wishes and heartiest 3ongratulations of all to their chairman and his wife, who were present at this their first meeting since their marriage, which took place on Easter Monday. SOCIAL EVENING.—A very pleasant evening was spent at Bethel Baptist Church, George- town, last Monday, by Mr. Samuel Williams (tea-her) and his class of young ladies, namely —Misses Maggie Richards, Sarah Griffiths, Gv.ladys Morgan, Lizzie Davies, Lizzie Jones, Tetty Jones,- Sarah Griffiths, Gwladys Lewis, Maggie Parry, l'IfaJgie Jones, Maria Griffiths, Maggie Williams, Lizzie Bowen, Lily Nicholas, Charlotte Edwards. Catherine Peters, May Evans, Li/zie Harman, and Annie Jones; also Mrs. Dinah Jones. Addresses having been delivered by the Rev. J. Nicholas, pastor of the Church, and Messrs. J. Lloyd and J. Griffiths, superintendents of the Sunday School, tea was partaken of by the members of the class, as well as by invited friends. The tray bearers, were:—Mrs. John Griffiths, Mrs." Samuel Williams, Miss Sarah Ann Griffiths, Miss Ctvladys Morgan, and Mrs. Dinah Jones. Mr. William J. Griffiths amused the company with his gramaphone, and Messrs. T. D. Griffiths and Willie Jones discoursed excellent music on the organ. HIGH-STREET BAPTIST SUNDAY SCHOOL. Anniversary services were held on Sunday, April 25th, when large congregations listened to aiile discourses by the Rev. Evan Williams, Dalston Junction, London. Mr. Williams' first visit to Merthyr has undoubtedly left a good impression on the minds of those who listened to him. In the afternoon the meeting was opened by Miss Annie Davies, and an interesting address was given to the teachers, parents and scholars by the preacher. The chair was occupied by the superintendent of the school, Mr. J. H. Williams, and solos were given by Miss Flossy Pickford, Master Ivor Pickford, Messrs. W. E. Snow, J. I. Griffiths and recitations by the Misses Annie Franklin, Bessie Owen and Muriel Davies. In the evening the chapel was crowded. Tha preacher's subject was 11 Come and See." Special hymns and an anthem, 'lit is a thing most wonderful," were rendered by the aug- mented Sunday school choir, under the leader- ship of Mr. J. T. Owen. Madame Grocutt Thomas ung the aria, With Verdure Clad," from Creation." The church organist. Mr. W. T. Powell, presided at the organ. Col- lections on behalf of the Sunday School funds I were most liberal. PRESENTATION.—At Zion Baptist Vestry, Tvvynyrodyn, on Thursday night last, Mr. T. Morgan Jones (precentor) was presented with a handsome gold watch and chain (suitably inscribed), as a recognition of his gratuitous ° 0 services as preccntor of the singing at the chapel. The chair was occupied by the Rev. \V. A. Jones (pastor), who referred in eulogistic terms to the excellent services rendered to the Ciiurch and various branches connected there- with by Mr. T. Morgan Jones. The presentation was made by Mr. Thomas Williams (deacon), a former precentor of the Church. His retro- spective remarks regarding the various leaders of the Church, from the early forties, were very interesting. He said that although thirteen conductors had occupied that position, no one filled it with greater ability than did the present occupant (Mr. T. Morgan Jones).—Councillor David Phillips also referred to the manner in which Mr. Jones had discharged his onerous duties, and trusted that he would long be spared to be of good service to the cause.—Mr. E. R. Williams (Tabernacle) also spoke as to the ability of Mr. Jones, and his various successes at cisteddfodau in the district, and bore ample testimony to his sterling worth.—Mr. T. Morgan Jones suitably acknowledged the gift.—Mr. Richard Davies (Tabernacle) recited a poetic effusion of his own composition, and his humor- ous recitation of Thomas Morgan's Trip to London created roars of laughter. Verses had also been composed for the occasion by Mr. Evan Price (Cynog). The violin selections by Mr. Joseph Williams were highly appreciated. Mr. David Williams (organist) was the accom- pan ist. MERTHYR AND DISTRICT NATURALIST SOCIETY. —At the monthiy meeting of this Society, held at Zoar School-room, Mr. Kenny, president of the geological section, read a paper entitled Geology from the point of view of a Merthyr County Borough Naturalist." The attendance at the meetings of this new society is increasing, and, in this case, the number present was encouraging.—Mr G. Fleming, the president of the society, took the chair. Some of the chief points dealt with in the address were :— The relation that interest in an object bears to observations upon it; how all persons may te- come naturalists, though it may be but few who can aspire to the title scientist; that dwellers in Merthyr and its neighbourhood have numerous mineralogical specimens brought under easy notice; the genesis of a stratified mountain; the geological formation of the Principality the importance, in knowledge and in use, of the carboniferous beds around Merthyr; the special favour confeiTed by nature on South Britain in variety of formation how our slag heaps may bo recognised by posterity as monu- ments of ignorance the 4th July, 1908, ramble, geologic and archajologic, on Cilsanws; the function and spirit of that limestone stump the question of the sufficiency of basic materials the circumstances when experiment should replace mere thinking the means, close at hand in town and country, for democratising geology. Specimens were shown and demonstrations given and interesting questions were asked at the close of the paper. Each science has a way of its own. In geology, it was said, the members I are advised to make a special study of limestone. Encyclopjedias and text books are easily accessible to all; limestone walls and copings abound in Merthyr a good deal of finest marble comes into town Morlais Castle and Cilsanws are healthy, invigorating rambling places; our clear streams carry limestone invisibly to sea; we have kilns near, and doubtless, there will be shortly a central Merthyr Museum worthy of the County Borough. Those who condescend to study common limestone will enrich their minds with ideas that are by uo yieajis couuaon I or Ciutfjy. .8 SNOW ON 1ST MAY.—The inhabitants of Merthyr and district awoke on the 1st of May to find the town and hills covered with snowj The warm sun, however, soon melted the snow, and by noon the white mantle had disappeared. GOIXG TO CANADA.—At Ebenezer Baptist Chapel, Mr. Daniel Rees Owens, who is leaving for Canada, has been presented, on behalf of tIAm Sunday School, with a Teacher's Bible. BAPTISM.—At Zion Baptist Church, on Sunday night, seven candidates were baptised by tha Rev. W. A. Jones (pastor), who delivered an impressive sermon on the ordinance of baptismw There was a large attendance. GLORY FOR ME."—On Monday two casual visitors arrived in town from the direction of Swansea. One.had only one leg, while the other was armless. They picked up a few coppers in Nantygwenith-street by singing the well-known hymn Glory for me." SMALL WHISKY, 4D.-On Tuesday, a private meeting was held of the members of the Merthyi Dowlais and District Licensed Victuallers^ Association, and it was agreed to follow CardiiT in the increase on the selling price of spirits, but not to alter the price of beer until after tha conference of brewers of South Wales, which will be held shortly. CYFARTHFA DISTRESS.—The number of chil- dren attending the tea at Panttywyll this weele slightly fell off. Last week a record attendaw* was established, when 190 sat and enjoyej themselves, as compared with 173 this week. The promoters wish to acknowledge with thanks, six loaves of bread from Messrs. Prie. Bros., Plymouth-street, and six loaves of bread from Mr. Benjamin Jones, grocer, Erecon-road.. YOUNG PEOPLE'S GUILD.-Tlio weekly meet. ing of the Guild, connected with Zion Baptist Church, Twynyrodyn, was held at the Vestry, on Tuesday night, Mr. Job Williams (president) in the chair. The subject chosen for discussiou was, Should Women have Votes V Tha affirmative was taken by Mr. Morgan Jonesw whilst Mr. Thomas Jenkins defended the negative. Addresses were given by Messrs* J. Evans, W. Griffiths (jun.), Rhys T. Richard W. Alban Williams, G. McNaught, Miss May Griffiths, and the chairman. On the vote being put to the meeting, the affirmative secured the majority. OLDEST POSTMAN IN MERTHYR.—Mr. IVJ Edmund Docton, the senior postman in the borough, this week retires on a pension, aftef 34 years' service. In 1869 Mr. Docton joiner the Royal Naval Reserves, and served five years with the colours, and it is hoped that h& will get that period to count for superannuations When he joined the local post-office staff there were only three postmen in the town and three deliveries, whereas to-day over twenty men are engaged, there arc four ordinary as well as special deliveries, as well as the parcel-post. Mr. Docton has served under three post masters —Mr. Wilkins, Mr. Phillips and Mr. Gay, the present chief of staff. Mr. Docton has been a loyal and dutiful officer, and a few friends are desirous of organising a testimonial to him on his retirement. WELSH METHODISTS' CYMANFA GAXU.—On Monday, the C. M. Churches of Merthyr, Dowlais and district held their 35th annual Cymanfa Ganu at Pontmorlais Chapel, when the large edifice was filled to overflowing at every service. The committee, under the presidency of Mr. J. Carston, Caeharris, with Mr. J. Francis, colliery manager, Troedyrhiw, as vice-chairman, ar- ranged, as usual, an excellent programme of hymn tunes, chants, anthems and choruses,- viz. :—" St. Michael." Belmont," Steggall," Fei-idi,edi, Iesu" (J. T. Rees), True- hearted." Roche Abbey," "Priscilla." "Cefn Bedd," "Penlan" (D. Jenkins), "Pa beth a wnaf i gael byw." Doif or," Questa Tomba" Engedi." PlIrdcb" (J. R. Jones), Mamre," Nashville," Gardd Gethsemane," Awn ninnau i'r nefoedd," Llangeitho," Peny- dyffryn" (D. Jenkins), and Llanllyfni." Chants Nos. 7, 22, 42, from C.M. tune-book; anthems, Gwnaed Concwest ar Galfaria fryn" ( J. T. Rees), Mewn tawel hedd" (Tom Price); choruses, Awn a meddianwn y wlad" (D. Jenkins), and" 0, cadw ni" (Storm Tiberias, Tanymarian). The singing throughout the day was exceptionally good, clean and precise, and with a good amount of feeling. Special mention should be made of Llanllyfni, Gardd Gethsemane," Engedi," and Penydyffryn." The choruses, having had special attention during the last few weeks, were sung in the spirit in which they were composed, under the veteran conductor and composer, Mr. D. Jenkins, Mus. Bac., Aber- ystwyth. His remarks during the services, too, were exceedingly edifying, and proved beyond doubt that since conducting this Cymanfa some years ago, spiritual influence has played its part well on him.—The presidents during the day were :—Mr. D. Jones, Pontmorlais; Mr. C. Fenwick, Libanus; and Mr. J. Carston. Caeharris and Mr. J. Bosher Jones maninulated the organ. The prizu-j, inner for the best hymn tune proved to be Mr. J. R. Jones, Dowlais, who was also successful last year. This com- poser being young, much may be expected from him in the future. The conductors of rehearsals, during preparatory work, played a prominent part in bringing about the success achieved at Monday's gathering, viz. :-Mr. J. Lewia, Pontmorlais; Mr. J. T. Evans, Cefn Mr. Dan Daniels and Mr. J. Rees Williams, Hermon. In the days of the late Ieuan Gwyllt, the founder of the Cymanfa, great features at these gatherings were attention to conductor and solemnity during service, which have been practically lost of late years but it was pleasing to notice at these meeting a decided improvement in thiq direction.