The Merthyr Express

Rhymney Valley Echoes. j tBy "RECORDER."] One more of St. Lubbock's whirligig festivals has passed; and the children in arms, and the am children in perambulators, and the children who have had to trudge "there" and wait "here," and then go somewhere else, are right glad to be home again. Only three times a year, how- ever; that is something to be thankful for. Like pills, everybody takes them, and nobody likes them. We have had poets who have sung to us of the woodlands, the meadows, the river, the flow-■ era the mountains, the village and the town— but the Bank Holiday poet can't find a quiet spot to pen his immortal lines in celebration of that great festival. b The Rhyumey Eisteddfod was attended, as usual by a very large number of people. The quality of the singing struck me as rather in- ferior to that of last year, and the test pieces were not so attractive. One dare not say a critical word concerning these Eisteddfodau, as they are now run without incurring the risk of raising a storm of execration; but, as one ra'1 who has some faith in the world's progress, I may be excused for thinking that in less than a century aiiead the present order of things will be looked upon as rude and uncouth. I have hed.1d several remark on the excellent Toices, which seem as plentiful as pebbles on the beach in these parts, but at the same time they have added a rider to the effect that the "soul of music" is not in the present, generation bf Welshmen, speaking generally. If I judged the matters entirely by what I Bee and hear at Eisteddfodau, I should cer- tainly think the same. To render a natural in- terpretation of a piece of vocal music one must be thoroughly in sympathy with the words and sentiment of the piece sung. It is possible to get such a thing as an artificial interpretation —indeed, this is what the Eisteddfodau very ably give us (but the behaviour and speech, which one cannot help seeing and hearing, are evidence enough that this excellent music is only a beautiful veneer, and that the voices singing selected pieces from sacred oratorios will be uttering blasphemies and profanities al- most as soon as their owners are off the stage. I have done the deed, and said enough to raise a storm. But I am quite comfortable in a storm with truth at the helm. i One word of congratulation on the sports- manlike way .,n which the competitors and choirs take their defeats. This is a good feature in the sport^-for, after all, as at present run, the Eisteddfod is a sport. I do not believe it to be identified with betting—which also is another good point in the sport—but it is pleasant to see the sportsmanlike spirit referred to,

Mr. A. M. Singer,. the well-known race- r £ rse owner, and M. Jacques Faure. balloon cj' who ascended from Battersea on Saturday, Sr* a thrilling adventure and narrowly ^^Ped falling into the North Sea.

•HOW* EVERY WOMAN. -lid two stamps for our 32 page Illustrated *«frnla plaining valuable information how all Jr- od Or r.ti anii Obstructions may be entirely avoid- emi e0, by simple means. Recommended by nine R PhYsicians as the only Safe Sure, and Gcn- •■iah emedy Never Fails. Thousands of Testimo- (.Iaremon"t tahlished 1862. Mr. PAUL Blvxchard- rlt 110use. Dalston Lane, London.

LIFE IN BARGOED. [By GIRAIJJTJS.J RECORD III. Continuing the journey northwards from Hen- goed, and passing through Pengam, we entered Bargoed. This busy human hive standeth on a hill, and, even as a city set on a hill cannot be bid," so likewise is Bargoed conspicuous. Nought had we seen like it before. Hero the agriculturist's art is idle; there are no pleasant gardens, and there is no design in the streets and buildings. There is much money in this town, and some few arc generous therewith and give to the poor. Others arc known for their many words, their conceiving of great ideas, which, however, they leave to others tocarry out. Many talk much and loudly of enterprise, but the enterprise is not theirs but others. Many, too, aspire to greatness, but even as a man cannot add a cubit unto his stature," so neither can he make a great mind out of a little one, nor a generous heart out of a shrivelled Iz, one. The Arehbishop saw and nearct much, but said little, for he was grieved to see the place so rent and torn by sectarian heresies and schisms, and rivalry amongst the religious houses. Moreover, there was much laxity in the obser- vance of the rules of the various orders of friars, and the novice had as much weight as the voice of either bishop or abbot. Moreover, the excommunication power of the Church was openly laughed at, because if ore priest excommunicated, another would gladly welcome the offender. Division was also rife on the affairs of State, and it was no longer the welfare of the country, but the success of a party about which men exer- cised themselves. r- In its local affairs, too, the city was vexed with a sore vexation. Its annual flower show had been abandoned, and disappointment ranlded in the minds of some because a hospital was to be built" there" and not "here." Everything was in confusion: there was no unity except in one thing, and all continued as it were with one cry Great and mighty is Bargoed; what city is like unto it? Blessed be Bargoed:" But when one man proposed a thing to be done, another said, Nay not that, but this and a third would say "Ye are both fools thus and thus should it be." Nevertheless, there were some great souls in Bargoed; although to be great in the city was an affiic tion-for as a cask of sugar attractcth flies and wasps, so also do waspish people swarm round him that is sweet and good in his nature. Now, seeing the divisions of the people, the Archbishop would not enter any of the religious houses, but determined to stay at the Junction Inn. "This, indeed," he said, "seemeth to be the only place of the city where there is a sound of unity." Howbeit, the resolve of the Archbishop to abide at the Junction did offend a section of the religious, a part of whose pro- fession it was to refuse wine and strong drink, even after the custom of the Nazarites and the sons of Jonathan the son of Rechab and on no account would they be seen to enter an inn, and there was much division on this matter. When Archbishop B- heard what was being spoken, he said: My answer to your con- demnation shall be a question answer it to yourselves each day Whence came the Christ, and did he come to the world because it was good ? Is not an inn with peace better than. a religious house with the strife of tongues?' The archbishop visited none of the many chapels of the city, lest it should occasion more strife and jealously. He rebuked also many of the priests for their easy lives and their neglect of providing reading rooms for the young men of the city and urged upon them the need of providing sisters of mercy to visit the homes of the suffering and poor ana institutes for training the girls in needlework of pleasant devices, and lace-making, as well as in domestic matters. He also referred to the dirty homes of many and the way in which young children were neglected, and the profaneness of speech lie had heard' For Archbishop B- was very observant, and yet he appeared not to observe, and things which we had almost forgotten, and had never thought that he had observed them, he would speak about a long time afterwards. It is a useful and wonderful" aift, this power of observation. I knew a man once, who, with one rapid glance, was able to tell me all the things in a shop window. The Archbishop had this wonderful gift. And in the same way he seemed to see the very thoughts of the men who approached him. I asked him how it was lie could observe things so rapidly, and he said: Brother Giraldus, we shall have one day to give account for the use we make of our eyes. They were given us to observe with, and if only the Church made use of her eye. more than she does, her affairs wolild be guided with more discretion. A mediocrity in a supreme place is a stumbling-block to the laity. There are men in humble parishes who ought to have the pastoral staff, and there are mitred prelates who have obtained their power through the influence of wealth. These things are crippling the influence of the Church, and I know myself that Stephan Langton, bad he bis rights, would be in the place forced upon me." The power of observation," he continued, may be cultivated, and should be cultivated, but the man who will use it to effect must take an interest in everything; and it is that in which we are the most interested that we remember best." # When .Archbishop B- had remarked on these things to some of the chief men of the city, some of the religious caid these evils were caused by drink. Very possibly," said ho, and where it is so put it away but is not much of it due to yourvain and foolish system of educa- tion ? Think over the things you leave undone in it, and spend less time in complimenting p 11 one another about the unnecessaries in which it excels. I Just before our departure from this city, the representatives of another order came before the Archbishop. They called themselves the Holv Order of Outsiders, who told his Grace that their Church had the sky for a roof, the emerald meadows for aisles, the mountains for walls that its altar lights were the stars, and its priests the wise, the good, and kind-hearted among men. I know the Church well." said the Arch- bishop. "but many of its aisles are slums, and beneath its roof all manner of evils are perpe- trated. Think of this and set to work to get it cleansed; neither think yourselves so much wiser and better than others who worship in buildings of stone. For the first step to heaven is humility' and every step upwards is attended with more humility, and to enter its gate you must STOOP AND BE SQUEEZED. After this we went northward to Rhymney, of which an account will be found in my fourth record.

BARGOED. RECORD PERFORMANCE. A record perform- ance was accomplished at the Bargoed Col- lieries of the Powell Duffryn Pits on Thurs- day night and Friday morning. Shortly after six o'clock on Thurmay evening, after the day men had been brou t out, the usual examina- tion of the winding sheaves of the South Pit was made, when it was discovered that one of them had been cracked. Mr. J. M. Greenhow, the chief mechanic, was at once informed of the circumstance. Mr. Greenhow, with Mr. T. M. Evans. his assistant, with several men, took the repairs in hand. By four o'clock on Friday morning they had succeeded in lowering the broken sheaf and replacing it with a now one, thus enabling work to be resumed by the day- men as usual. This performance of lowering a sheaf of over seven tons weight, and replacing it with another at such a considerable height I and in so short a time, is a record performance of workmanship. The night men were not 1.1 any way interfered with, as they were lowered through the north shaft. _h_-

EAST OR WEST-BERRY'S IS BEST. I

I< ) Miners' Sub-Agent for Rhymney Valley. As reported in our last issue, the result of the ballot. for miners' sub-agent was made known on Thursday afternoon at the Federa- tion Offices, Bargoed, which showed a major- ity of 769 vote; in favour of Councillor AlbeTt Thomas, New Tredegar, over all his oppon- ents. Mr. Albert Thomas was born at Fleur-de- lis, 38 years ago, and was educated at the Pengam Council Schools, under Air. D. Wil- liams for a. tim", but, on his parents remov- ing to Deri, he was sent to the Deri Schools, then under the late Mr. E. A. Duck. ulti- mately winning a scholarship at Lewis's School, Pengam. He was then offered 1.11" choice of preparing for the teaching- profession or of taking up the scholarship To his own great regret to-day, ho chose the former, for he soon grew tired of this, and then went to work as a collier. Ever since he has worked with and on behalf of his fellow-workmen. He has been in various public positions- elected to them by the workers of the Rhym- ney Valley. He is a member of the Bed- wellty Urban District Council, and of the Rhymney Valley School Managers. Once, as chairman of the Bedwellty Council, he had a seat on the .Bench. He i" a member of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, is a local preacher, and an eloquent platform speaker. He married the daughter of the late Mr. J. Evans, of T.redepar-road. New Tredepar, an assistant at the New Tredegar Town Schoo's, who is a devoted helper in her husband's public work. No more popular ballot is re- membered in the valley. When asked for his views on the Labour questions of the day. Mr. Thomas said he was convinced that if the country was to improve, or even main- tain its position, then there must bs a mutual recognition of each other between Capital and Labour, and a more intimate and kindly relationship established between th two. As an elected leader, it would be his I object to direct his efforts to this end.

r Death of Mr. David Davies, Pontlottyn. r BLIND FOR FORTY YEARS. This week we have to record the death of a familiar figure at Pontlottyn in the person of Mr. David Davies, one ot our most respected citizens. Deceased, who was 74 years of age, had been ill for about ten we-oks, and for the last three weeks had been confined to his bed. His death occurred on Monday last. The late Mr. Davies was a native of Whitland, Car- marthenshire, and in 1846, being then eleven years old, he, with others, migrated from the country district to "The Hills." choosing Aber- dare as his new homo. There he remained for about ten years, and at the age of 21 he set- tled at Pontlottyn, where he became employed as a coal miner. A short time before this he was married at Sarcn Chapel, Tredegar, to Miss Margaret Hopkins, of Aberavon, but in 1894 he had the misfortune to lose his helpful partner. This sad stage in his life occurred whilst residing at Troedrhiwfuwch, whither he had removed from Pontlottyn. It was 40 years ago, on the 10th of this month, that deceased suffered an irreparable loss, being de- prived of his sight. At that time he was a stone quarryman at Troedrhiwfuwch and dur- ing some blasting operations, was unfortunately subjected to a severe aocident-boih eyes be- ing destroyed, beside having his face and arms bruised. He, however, recovered sufficiently to undertake work, and although blind, continu- ed as a coal miner at Joseph's Level, near Tir- phil, for about 20 years. Eventually ho relin- quished his post at the coal level, and opened business in the grocery trade at Troedrhiw- fuwch. This shop flourished, but the loss of his wife, already referred to, led him to transfer the business to his son, and he removed about twelve years ago to Pontlottyn, and resided there until his death with his eldest eon—Mr. David Davies, Tynewydd-street. One cannot but admire the dear old man and his wife for their perseverance in rearing a family of six sons and a daughter under such adverse condi- tions. Both parents must have laboured assidu- ously to provide for the children, all of whom are now worthy citizens and useful members of society. As a member of Nazaroth Congrega- tional Church, no one more faithful could be found. He was, at the time of death, the se- nior member ajnongst the men, and had been a deacon for the last 29 years. His discourses in the church meetings were always worth lis- tening to, for he spoke as an experienced mem- bor, who had suffered much through his sad affliction. His loss to Nazareth Church will be great, for a more regular attendant one could not wish for. Never did he miss a Sun- day school service The funeral took place on Thursday at Craig, Rhymney.

Bedwellty District Council. DUST NUISANCE AT NEW TREDEGAR. A DANGEROUS WALL. The ordinary meeting of the Bedwellty Urban District Council was held on Thursday afternoon at the Council Offices, New Tre- degar, Mr. D. Phillips in the chair. Present: —Messrs. r. Jones, P. Coleman, L. Watkins, J. Williams, H. Pope, S. Godwin, W. But- ton, Dr. R. T. E. Davies. with the Clerk (Mr. T. J. Thomas) and the Surveyor (Mr. J. H. Le-wis). The Collector reported that his total col- lections for the month had amounted to £1,446 Is. Id., and £4,424 15s. 4d. to be still outstanding. The Sllcyor reported that 150 tons more of basalt macadam were required for com- pleting the metalling of the road between Duffryn-terrace to James-Street, New Tre- degar.—It was decided that 150 tons of Welsh granite b3 supplied to complete. It agreed to accept Messrs. W. Wil- liams and Sons' estimate for a new stone and iron water-box cabinet under the White Rose Station Bridge to replace the existing one, which was irreparable. The Surveyor stated that he had ordered a 200 gallon water cart from Messrs. J. T. Whittomo and Co., of Tavistock. A letter from Mr. Hann, with plans, were submitted showing available sit&s for propos- ed fire station and stores.—Mr. L. Watkins suggested the site proposed in Commercial- street- ..The Surveyor said there was a front- age of 60ft.. and the estimated ground rent would be jB4 10s. a year, and was instructed to apnlv for terms for this site. The Surveyor reported that the new foot- bridge nea.r Glanyrafon had been completed. Mr. Alden's terms, together with plans, for a fire station and stores at Pengam were sub- mittee, which were JE5 per annum.—It was agreed to accept these terms, and an agree- ment to be drawn up. It was reported that a special committee had met on the 5th of May, and accepted the foUowing estimates and tenders: — 3in. cast iron water pipes, Messrs. T. Spittle and Co., Ltd., Newport; excavating -round and laying 3in. main at Hollybush, Messrs. Vod- j den and Lee, Blackwood; for providing house and man for water cart with steam roller and hauling to and from William-street, Mr. Tom Jones' Gordon-road, Blackwood; repair- ing fencing of New-iroad, Tredegar, to Ar- goed, Mr. Aaron Jones, Hollybush.—This wa= confirmed. The following houses were approved as fit j for habitationOne house on the east side of Cefn-road, Blackwood, the property of Mr. Hugh Caldwell, Blackwood; two hou-es at Coedymoetli Common, Cwmsyfiog, the pro- perly of Mr. James Ward, Travellers' Rest Inn, A bar bargoed; nine houses on the west side of Garfield-street, Blackwood, the pro- perty of 2the Garfield Building Club, Black- wood two houses and shops and a lock-up shop on the south-east sida of High-street, Blackwood, the property of Mr. John Lovell, Blackwood; two houses at Woodvilie-terrace, Argoed, the property of Messrs. S. and J. Bowditch, Twyn Simon Farm, Argoed. The following plans were approved and passed:—Temporary schools at Blackwood; a vilia. west of Bloomfield.terrfice, Blackwood, for Mr. Owen Edwards, Schoo'house, Black- wood si* houses on the south side of Bridge- street, Blackwood, for Mr. C. W. Ebdon. George Hotel, Blackwood; a house, adjo'n- ing Grove Cottage. Cwm Gellv, Blackwood, for Mr. George Berry, of the same address; thirty houses, Cefn Hill. Blackwood, for the Park View Building Club, Blackwood; stable pnd stores at the rear of 174. Commercial- street, Aberbargoed. for Mr. George Mason; warehousû and stable at the roor of Station- terrace, Blackwood, for Mr. M. A. Walters, of the same addre-e; one house at the south end of New-road, Argoed. for Mr. Arnold Jones. Argoed: two houses, north of Ar.go-ed Schools. New road, for Mr. Woosman, Ar- goed; two houses in the New-road, Argoed, for Mr. D. Thomas, Argoed. On the motion of Mr. T. P. Williams, seconded by Mr. L- Watkins, a vote of sym- pathy was pâ with the Medical Officer of Health (Dr. Evans) in his continued illness. A deputation was received from the New Tredegar Chamber of Trade, introduced by Dr. D. W. Price, who asked the Council to direct their attention to mitigating the dust nuisance, which was proving very detrimental to the business of the town, particularly in Commercial-street. Mr. Price said that the street had been made up with small material on the top of small material without any solid bottom being laid, and now the dust caused tradespeople to close their doors against cus- tomers. it would, he said, have been far more economical to have laid down wooden blocks, in the first instance, as now in some places the entrance to the shops were three f«et below the kerb. Mr. Price urged that, the Council should experiment with tar sprinkling.—The Chairman said the Council had already decided to buy two street-sweep- ing machine1<t.-The Surveyor said the com- plaint with respect to Commercial-street hitherto had been that the water stood in I pools, and they had endeavoured to put a proper back to it.—Mr. Price said it was im- possible to water the district with one cart.— Mr. L. Watkins said that in future the Conn- oil had decided to use a harder stone which. v.*cu'd make less du-^t — M>- I. 1 J"ó saId that in cnn"e"t¡r.nc? "f th" naJiJ., ou complaints of the state of the street?, j u, Â II he was almo3t ashamed of being a member of the Council.—Mr. W. Bufton said that it wouid be well to experiment with the tar would be well to experiment with the tar 1 sprinkling, of which he had always been in favour.—The Surveyor said that this could not bo cone on the top of the dust, and they had better try the sweepers fir_>t.—Mr. P. Coleman moved a resolution to this effect, which was carried. Mr. W. Bufton complained strongly about the neglect of the Council to deal with the dangerous state of the retaining wall by the side of the road on the top of Argoed hill on the way to Bedwellty. He ,h<d, he said, been coming to the Council for the past two year-s and could get nothing but snubs and sneers. —The Chairman: But you have not been treated so to-day. What suggestions have you to make?—Mr. Bufton: The thing can- not be tolerated much longer.The Surveyor said that prices for the work of raising this wall had been submitted to a previous Coun- cil meeting and thrown out.—Mr. Bufton said that six years ago a County Committee had met at the spot, and recognised the need of this work. The Blackwood people were ig- nored.—On the motion of Mr. Colman it was decided that the Blackwood members meet as a committee, and make recommendations in regard to the work. The Council confirmed the term. arranged with the Tredegar Council in regard to the water supply to the Mynyddisiwyn district. By this, the control of the water will be entirely in the hands of the Tred?gar water manager..—Mr. Godwin said that the Mynydd- islwyn people would be pleased to hear of this understanding having been arrived at.— It was decided to advertiso for tenders for making a new main road between Aberbar- goed and Cwmsyfiog.

Bedwellty Council and Glamorgan Water Bit:. At the Bedwellty Urban District Council heid on Thursday, a letter wa.s read from the Akercarn Council stating that they had passed a resolution requesting the County Council to publish a detailed statement, of the expenditure incurred in connection with the County Water Bill.—Dr. R. T. E. Davies did not think the County Council would do this.—Mr. S. Godwin said he had heard of one witness being paid five guineas a day, who had not, so far as he knew, given a word of evidence.—Mr. P. Coleman said it was only..right that the public should have a detailed account of how their money was spent, and he would move that the Council support 1:h"" resolution of the Abercarn Coun- cil.-—This was seconded and carried. The Clerk reported that the Glamorgan Water Bill had pas:-ed the House of Com- i mons, and said that in the event of the Bill passing the House of Lords, the Bedwellty Council could not be made a constituent authority without the consent of the Mon- mouthshire County Council; and as the Mon- mouthshire County Council were intending to promote a Wat-er Bill of their own in the near future, the Bedwellty Council were in a peculiar position but his own private opinion wa^ that the Glamorgan Water Bill would not pass the House of Lords if the opposition were strenuously carried on. — Mr. Bufton asked what, their own position would bs if it did pass.—Mr." L. Watkins said they could not compel Bedwellty to join the Board without th consent- of the Monmouthshire County Council.—Mr. Coleman thought they were radically wrong in opposing ther-e water com- panies, SN.ng that they were without an ade- quate supply of water as it was. and having regard to the large developments so rapidly taking place. It was like spending money to keep awa.y a better supply.—The Clerk: But the Glamorgan Water Bill does not I!U!Hantep- any extra supply for the Rhymney Valley.—It was decided to adjoutm further discussion of this matter then, and to call a special meet-inrr of the Council for considering it.—The Finance Committee reported an over- draft at the bnnk of £833 7s. Id.

HENGOED POLICE COURT. FRIDAY.—Before Mr. E. Edwards, in the chair, and Alderman D. Prosser. ASSAULTS.—Wm. Watkins, 28, haulier, Bargoed, was summoned by Win. Henry Dynoclc for assaulting him on the 16th May. —Mr. Tom Phillips appeared for complainant, and said he had evidence to show that this was an untirely unprovoked assault.—The com- plainant stated that he and the defendant talking about a letter and defendant struck him down and kicked him. and in con- sequence of this he (complainant) had been laid up nine days. Afterwards defendant threatened complainant's wife, which had also had serious consequences.—Leonard Parry said that he had heard Watkins ask Dynock whether he had had enough.—Vi m. Watkins, the defendant, said that his own and complain- ant's wife had been having some words together and when he (defendant) arrived home Dynock was waiting for him on the doorstep and assaulted him, and he (defendant) retaliated, He had struck complainant in self defence. In cross-examination, defendant admitted taking complainant by the throat.—The Bench im- posed a fine of 20s. and costs.—Thomas A. Fowler, 29, Bargoed, was summoned by David Davies for assault.—Complainant stated that the assault took place on the 7th May, as he was walking along the street with Mr. Wendon Edwards. There had been no provocation on his part, and he was struck without receiving any warning.—J. Wendon Edwards said he was walking with complainant, and defendant came across and asked him (complainant) something, and then struck him.—P.C. Thomas said that complainant had called at the Police Station and told the police of the assault. His mouth was bleeding and swollen.—Fined 40s. and costs. LANDLOKD ASSAULTED.—Richard Fritchard, 30, haulier, Bargoed, was charged with assault- ing Thomas R. Giddings, landlord of the Han- bury Hotel, Bargoed, on tho 21st May.— Defendant admitted the charge.—The com- plainant,- represented by Mr. Jenkin Evans, Bargoed, said the defendant had tried to take another man's pint, and ho (eomplaindnt) ordered him off the premises. Defendant returned, and when ordered out again rushed at him and struck him.—Mr. Evans said that complainant had a very difficult house to manage and had been assaulted again since this summons by another man, and wished the case to be dealt with as a warning to others.—Fined 20s. and costs. MOTHER AND DAUGHTER-IN-LAW.—Elizabeth Horler, 48, widow, Bargoed, was summoned by Clara Horler, her daughter-in-law, for assaulting her on the 24th May.—Mr. Tom Phillips, who prosecuted, said this was as sad and sordid a case as had ever coin" before the court.—Com- plainant said her husband was the son of the defendant, and left her (complainant) a month ago. He had been to Yorkshire, and had only just returned. He had left her without money and had since sold up the furniture and broken up the home. Defendant came to her and said she knew where her husband was, but he would never come back to her—not even for forty policemen. Defendant then assaulted her badly and beat her on tho ground, and pulled her about by the breasts.—Madeline Griffiths and Mrs. Lewis gave evidence as hearing the noise and seeing thecomplainantcoverea with bruises, and her blouse torn about,—Defendant went into the witness box and denied the whole case, and wanted it adjourned in order to call witnesses. —The Bench considered the case proved by two independent witnesses, and fined defendant 10s. or 14 days. "A STATION PEST." -Thomas Lewis (21), a Bargoed collier, was summoned for loitering on the Rhymney Railway premises, on May 5th. —Defendant pleaded guilty.—P.C. Williams said this was a. common occurrence every Saturday, when defendant played a mouth organ and drew a crowd who sang and danced. Defen- dant was a thorough pest, and when ordered off went away but came back again.—Fined 10s. and costs. A NOTORIOUS STATION.—Morgan Price (21), a collier, Tirphil, was summoned by the Rhymney Railway Co. for disorderly conduct at Bargoed station, on May 10th.—Defendant pleaded guilty.—Sidney Morgan, booking clerk, said he saw defendant and another man creating a disturbance.—Inspector Hughes said that Bar- goed station was becoming notorious for such disorderly scenes.—Fined 10s. and costs. PITCH AND Toss.—-Bertie Hill (14), Wm. Hill (15), David Davies (14), Thomas Toombs (14), Charles Bert (15), colliers, of Penpedairheol, were charged with playing pitch and toss,on the 16th May, and, pleading guilty, were fined 2s. 6d. each- DOG LICENSES.—The following were fined 7s. 6d. each and costs, for keeping dogs without licence :■—Wm. Phillips, 30, Gilfach; Harry Williams (32), Bargoed David Burke, Bargoed Thomas Morgan, Penpedairheol; Joseph Noakes, Pengam.—Thomas Morgan found that the fact of his dog being now on the Monmouthshire side—at Mutton Top—did not exempt him from liability. FIRST TIME.—For using indecent language, John Thomas (45), bill-poster, Bargoed, was fined 5s., this being the first offence.—Defendant admitted he made use of one word, but did not I recollect the others. He was inebriated at the time. FIGHTING.-r-W. O'Brien (29), and James Selby, (28), rag and bone collectors, of Gilfach, were fined 10s. each for causing an obstruction by fighting in the street on-the 11th May. BARGOED BOOKMAKER FINED. Harry Burrows (38), Bargced, described in the charge sheet as a bookmaker, was charged mith citing in the street, on the 20th May.—Mr. Trevor Griftiths, of Blackwood, appeared Î c, defend.—P.C. D. Williams stated that at 12.25 | a' companied by P.C. Thomas, they saw i defendant walking up Bridge-street, Bargoed, with three other mcr. At one o'clock he re- turned and met another man, named Hamilton, and spoke to him for two or three minuter, and, when he left him, was joined by three other men who handed slips to him. For a time defendant was out of their sight, but at 1.27 another man was seen to hand him a slip. Defendant was not seen again until 2 o'clock, and then he was seen again, and shortly afterwards two men —" one a long man and the other a short man —were seen to hand slips to him. At 2.25 j defendant was at the corner of the bridge, and a tall man was seen reading a telegram, which, he tore up and threw away, and then walked straight up to Burrows and handed something to him. Burrows then pulled out a pocket book and appeared to write something in it, I and whilst doing so another man approached him, handed him something, and walked away. Burrows then came in the direction of witness and was taken into custody. Witness told him he would be charged with street betting, and defendant replied: "Well, it can't be helped. You won't find much on me; but quite enough to convict. I daresay." On the way to the police station defendant said: "You ought to have waited till Derby day, and you would have had a lot more." At the police station, witness continued, nine betting slips, relating to the running of 33 horses, were found on him. Most of these were for the Doncaster races. Also two pocket books, shewing extensive betting transactions, and a sum of £ 4 13s. in money, .consisting of one sovereign, two half-sovereigns, r seven half-crowns, seven florins, twenty shillings, J two sixpences, one threepenny piece and three pennies. Witness said the police had had a | lot of trouble in regard to defendant many times, I to protect him from others. He kept a barber s shop, but was there very seldom, and left it to an assistant. He was approached by about eighteen men whilst under observation.—Mr. Trevor Griffiths said that, on behalf of his client, he must admit the offence, for there was no doubt he had been ensnared by this fortunate letting. It was, however, a very •<:>t'I amount, and part of the sum found upon i ,i was, no doubt, his own iKoney, and distinct rom any bet. He was a married man with a family, and he would give the court the assurance that this would be his last offence of the kind. —The Bench imposed a fine of £5, and 3s. 6d. costs, and ordered the books and papers found upon the defendant to be confiscated.

HENGOED. CONVEXTION.—A two days' convention for the deepening of the spiritual life of Christ- ians" was concluded at Zoar Chapel, Maesy- cwmmer, on Wednesday evening. The morn- ing and afternoon meetings each day were held at the Tabernacle Chapel, Hengoed, and the evening meetings at Zoar Chapel, Maesycwm- mer. The speakers were the Rev. J. Gregory Mantle, of London, and the Rev. E. L. Hamil- tcn, of Bath. SERVANTS can easily be obtained by the use of a small Want Ad. in these columns, State your requirements. and you will be sure to got suited at once.

Cymanfa Ganu at Pontypridd. The twenty-seventh singing festival in con- nection with the Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Churches of Pontypridd. Treharria, Nelson, Caerphilly, Ystradmynach, Senghenydd, Tre- fore.'t, Coedpenmaen, Hopkinstown, Upper Boat, GyfeilHon. Bryntirion, and Hafod was held at the Town Hall, Pontypridd, on Mon- day. The singing at each service was excel- lent, under the conductorship of Mr J. T. Rees, Abervstwyth. Mr. Jenkin Jenkins, Tre- forest. presided "at the morning service, which was opened bv the singing of "Whitburn, after which tho Rev. J. Vardre James, Ystrad- mynach, read a portion of Scripture and offer- ed prayer. The following hymn-tunes were •Ming:—"Sarah," "Freyburg." "St. Peter," "Mi garwn fod yn Gristion," ralyllyn," "Alice," "Nannie, and "Moldavia." The hall was well filled at the afternoon service, which was presided over by Mr. Rcss Jones. Tre- harris. The -hymn-tunes sung were: D(,za.n- wv," "Talvllyn," "Yr Hen Ganfed," "\Vhit- burn," Agor i Dy Geidwad Mawr." This was the favourite of the day. The anthem, "Mawr yw yr Arglwydd" (J. T. Rees) was well rendered. The Rev. Pumpsairit Jones. Troharri-, followed with an address, after which they suntr the tunes, "Bow Street," "Y Wlad Well" "Wirksworth," "Anwvl Iesu." and "Trefdraeth," and the chorus, "Ye Na- tions" (from the "Hymn of Praise"). In the evening, the hall was vrowded long before the time for commencing, and the vast audience could not refrain from an outburst of song. A great deal of religious fervour was shown, especially when the Rev. David Jones, M&er- rlv. led in prayer The tune-, sung were:— "Moldavia." "Deganwy," "Moscow," "Y Jeru- 1em Nt'fol." "Llangrujtiolus," "Sarah," "Gvda'r Iesu." and "Gwynfa." The anthems. "AT Gwir Yw?" "Mawr yw yr Arglwydd." and the choru s. "Ye Nations, offer to the Lord," were also rendered during the service, and the Rev. D. Lloyd, Bryntirion, gave an address, after which they hymn-tune, "Laus- anne," was sung in memory of the departed ones. Mr. John Thomas-also gave an address. I The accompanists were: Miss Phili p?, Cil- fynydd: Miss Rowbotham, Treforest: Mr. Jacob Richards, Poni vpridd; and Mr. E. D. Evans, Senuhonvdd. The officers of the com- cittee were: Chairman. Mr. Abram Morgan. Llanfabon treasurer. Mr. R. A. Lewis, Ponty- pridd secretary, Mr. J. T. Llewellyn, Ponty- pridd secretary, Mr. J. T. Llewellyn, Ponty. pridd.

Pointing the Way to Consumption. Extieme Blooolessness, Weak Lungs, and Low Vitality. How the deadly progress was stopped by Dr. Williams' Pink Pills. When Miss Mary Russell, of 66, Cross Sun Street, Bradford, first fell a victim to extreme languor and bloodlessness her case was regarded as an example of Anaemia, and she was treated for such. Later, when medi- cal men mentioned that her troubles were develop- ing incipient Consump- tion. her fears were con- firmed, and life presented a black outlook. Fortunately for her, a friend recommended a remedy that gave Miss *Russell the Good, New Blood she needed to stay the deadly progress of the disease, and restore her to health—that remedy was Dr. Williams' Pink Pills. When describing her sufferings Miss Russell said At the age of sixteen I became languid, and my appetite left me. Every few weeks I felt depressed and had awful headaches. Some- times everything appeared to swim around me, and I hinted away. My cheeks lost all colour my eyes were dark and heavy, and my nerves trembled. I was anasmic, and the so-called, blood tonics I took irritated my stomach. Soon my blood turned weak'like water. One doctor told me that I was suffering from advanced Bloodlessness; but, later on he warned me that I was developing Consumption. I took medicine, but had little hope that physic could do me good. Sharp cutting pains pierced through my lungs at every breath and sometimes a fearful pain seized me round my heart. Eventually a hacking cough shook me, and almost every night my bedclothes' were soaked with the terrible night-Sweats. At last, for nine weary months, I was too feeble to leave my bed, and I wasted away to a shadow. Then as a last resource I was taken to the hospital. The doctors treated me for Con- sumption, and I rallied slightly for a time, but later on the symptoms returned as bad as but later on the symptoms returned as bad as ever. But one day some friends told me that cases of Consumption had been cured by Dr. Williams' Pink Pills. They strongly urged me to try these pills and I did so. After I had taken a few boxes of these pills I felt brighter and had more energy. Later my appetite returned and I gained strength from my food. As I continued taking the pills- the distressing cough became easier and then gradually left me. I enjoyed sound refreshing sleep at nights. In this way I steadily lost all the symptoms of Consumption. I persevered with Dr. Williams' Pink Pills and regained my lost flesh and vigour. A good colour came back to my cheeks and I was rescued from Consumption by Dr. Williams' Pink Pills alone." All the evils that begin with Anaemia and frequently end in Consumption may be prevented as well as cured by building up thesystem with the Rich, Red Blood that Dr. Wiliams' Pink Pills for Pale People actually create. Through their blood-making powers these pills have cured Anaemia, Indigestion, Eczema, Neuralgia, Nervous Disorders, Rheumatism, and Sciatica also the ills that only women suffer. Accept only the genuine (seven words); if in doubt, send direct to Dr. Williams' Medicine Co., '.it;. iioiiiorn Viaduct, London, enclosing 2e. 9U. for ope w 13s: 94: for six boxes, j

-a. w. CAERPHILLY EISTEDDFOD. ATTAINS ITS MAJORITY. 80ME FINE CONTESTS. The Eisteddfod at Caerphilly on Monday was really tho celebration of its coming-ot- age, it being the 21<=t annual event. The pro- ceedings throughout were admirably conduc- ted, and in the afternoon there was a very large concourse of people, the marquee being crammed, whilst hundreds more were just out- side the canvas. The Rev. E. Bush made a capital conduotor. Tho contests throughout were of exceptional merit. Most of them might fairly be desribsd as "neck and neck raoes"—there was no "out-distancing" in any of them. The losers lost by very little, and the adjudicators had to be pretty keen. The chief choral competition was really excellent, anù the marks recorded below will show the evenness of the competing choirs. The even- nees of that contest affords a juet idea of near- ly all the competitions. It was a disappoint- ment to many that the president, Alderman J. E. Evans, was unable to be present by reason of the illness of Mrs. Evans, and eo no presidential address was given. A telegram was received from him, sent from Bourne- mouth, stating that the illness of his wife prevented his being present. The Eisteddfod song was rendered by Mr. Edward Moses, of Caerphilly, the pieoe selected being Mighty Sea." Madame Ina Hill, the prima donna of the Carl Rosa Operatic Company, sang voluntarily, "I dreamt I dwelt in marble halls," which won great applause. The names of the various officers connected with this Eisteddfod are given below. Their arrangements were of a methodical character. and contributed much to the enjoyment of the audience, and they have every reason to be grated with their twenty-first annual Eistedd- fod:—President, Alderman J. E. Evans; vice- presidents, Messrs. E. W. M. Corbett, Thomas Davies, C. Stuart Goodfellow, C. R. Harrison, C. Hawkins, Joseph Ho we lis, Rhys T. Jones, K. C. Mackenzie, M.D.. n. R. Morgan. James Powell, Rev. Connop L. Price, MA., Messrs. W. Spickett. R. W. J. Sutherland, T. W. Thomas, J.P., M.D., William Thomas, and W. Ware, J.P. conductor. Rev. Edward Port Talbot, Adjudicators: Music, Dr. J. Lloyd. Williams, Bangor; Mr. Joseph H. Adams (conductor of the Birmingham Choral and Orchestral Association): and Mr. John Morgan Lloyd. Barry. Recitations: Rfv. J. D. Thomas. Caerphilly. Ambulance: Dr. K. C. Mp„kenzie, Caerphiil-" and Dr. D. It. Tho- mas, Tail's Well. Poetry. "CarMlinn," Ponty- pridd. Accompanists: Madame Rebecca Mitn- der-Fox. R.A.M., Cardiff; Mrs. H. A. Tillman, Caerphilly; and Mr. T. D. Edwards. A.R.C.M., Porth. General superintendents: Councillor Wm. Thomas, Councillor C. S. Goodfeliow, and Mr. W. W. W7illiam?; chairman of com- mittees, Mr. John Morgan; vice-chairman of committees. Mr. Tom Jones; treasurer. Mr. William Thomas; bankers, The London and Provincial Bank, Ltd., Caerphilly; secretary, Mr. J. D. Hughes, Rhosynfa, Caerphilly; Working Committee. Councillor M. V. Hard- ing. Messrs. T. J. Davies, H. W. Jenkins, H. G. Mabbett, H. H. Malyn, R. R. Morgan, W. G. Phillips, Thomas Rees. Clem. Thomas, and J. A. Thomas: Music Committee. Alderman J. E. Evans, Messrs. David Daniel. W. Ed- wards, J. R. George, J. S. ITusrhes. John Wil- liams, S. R. W iHiams. and W. Williams. AWARDS. Pianoforte Solo for Juniors under 14 years of age (20 competitors): 1, N. Black, Tredegar; 2, Mabel Hobbs, Bristol; 3, Elsie Chard, Pont- ypool. Pianoforte Solo (open), "Cappricoio," No. 1, op. 3, "Moro?aux" (Arnold Trowell); 22 en- tries: In giving h13 adjudication, the adjudi- cator said that the pieoe, on the whole, was excellently played, but rather too fast. He had no hesitation in awarding the &rst prize to Miss R. Griffin, of Bristol, who played the piece from memory, and tha second to Mis> Mabel Couch, Bristol. Violin Solo: There were eleven entries for. this open competition. The adjudicator said the piece, "Hallig^n" (Spain Dunk), was a passionate one, and the movement very rapid, and that most of the competitors had hardly come up to his idea of what Scandinavian passion was. Some of the high notes, too, were rather too high for some of them to manipu- late readily, and so the intonation was faulty; but on the whole, the sole was played well, for it was a very difficult one, and he congratu- lated the committee on selecting solos above the average. In some instances, the expression was very good, and he doubted not that some of the performers would be heard of again. Both prizes would go to the Rhondda. viz. 1. Miss Olive Milne, Trealaw; 2, Mr. E. Par leer, Cymmcr, Porth. Soprano Solo, "Yr hyn a garaf fi-' in G (Ed- wards) There were sixteen entries for this competition, and the prize was won by Miss B. A. Thomas, of Blaina, a pupil of r. Lan Richards (a nephew of the RRv, D. Richards, of Caerphiliy). „ Contralto Solo, "Abide with me Winner, Miss B. A. Thomas: Blaina. Baritone Solo. "To Thee. my God and Saviour" (Adolphu-a Davies): There were 42 entries in this. The adjudicator praised all the competitors for the excellent quality of their voices, but both for voice and also for the expressive rendering of the piece, awarded the prize to Mr. Evan Davies, of Treharris. "Carnelian." of Pontypridd, adjudicated on the "cngfyn," in which competition there were 46 entries. Some of these "Carnelian"—speak- ing in Welsh—pronounced to be very good, whilst others were below the standard. The title of the piece was "Borau o Fai" ("A May Morning"). The prize was awarded to "Hywel Duffryn Clwyd" (Mr. William George, Tylors town), and for another enclyn, "Y Rhiwfryn" (Iceberg), "Hen-wr," name unknown. Recitation for 4^ildren under 15 years of age, "Y Gath Lonydd": Twenty-six entered for this competition. Th3 selected reciters were six in number. Wmners: 1. Thomas Jones. Phillip-street, Pontypridd; 2, Bryn Llewellyn Jones, Abertridwr; 3, Gwladvs May Davies, Pentre. Tenor Solo, "My Kingdom" (20 entries): The adjudicator stated that the quality of the tenor voices was exceptionally fine. Tenor was a voice which stood out particularly by itself, and those who had sung had very clear and penetrating voices. The prize was awarded to Mr. Joseph Hughes, ticket inspector to the Rhymney Railway. The adjudicator said the winner had an exceedingly good voice, with a true tenor ring about it. Bass Solo. "Out of the Night" (22 entries): The adjudicator stated that a mistake in one word had cost the winner of the second prize the los3 of the first, The winners were: 1, Mr. Godfrey Price, Tylorstown; 2, Mr. Arthur Masaey, Cardiff. The ambulance competition was held in the Market Hall, and Dr. D. R, Thomas, in hi* adjudication, said that the competition was not so meritorious as in some previous years. The practical work was fairly trood, but the theor- etical part was better. The order of merit was: 1. Rhymney Railway, 105 marks; 2. Bed- linog, 95 marks; 3. Wattstown. 82 marks; 4, Abergorky, 80 marks; 5, Ystrad Rhondda, 75 marks. Juvenile Choral Competition, "A Shepherd's Lullaby," for choir, numbering between 40 and 70 members, under 16 years of age. The com- petitors wore: Romilly, Barrv (Boys), Moun- tain Ash, Troedyrhiw, Fochriw. Seion (Cwm- aman). and Aberdare (Girls). The adjudicat- or praised the singing of all the choirs, but said that he had not heard better singing, combination, and expression than the little boys of the Barry Choir had given, and they would be awarded the first prize, and the 2nd and 3rd prizes respectively would go to Foch- riw and Troedyrhiw. The conductors of these three onoirs were: 1, Mr. W. M. Williams; 2, Dr. John Thomas; 3, Miss Kate Jones. Tenor Solo, "The Wings of Night" (21 en- tries This competition was well sustained by all the competitors, a.nd the cadenza of one of the unsuccessful singers was commended as the finest the adjudicator had hoard that day. The winners were: 1, Mr. Anthonv Jones, Mountain Ash; 2. Mr. Ted Smith, Treharris. The latter competitor won the prize last year. Chief Choral Competition, "Great &nd Wonderful" (Spohr); prize, J640 and a gold medal to the successful conductor; for clioir3 numbering 100 to 120 voices: Five choirs com- peted in the following order: (1) Blaenclydach. Rhondda (conductor, Mr. D. Pugh); (2) Porth and Cymmer (Mr. J. C. Jones); (3) Ponty- pridd Town (Prof. H. D. E. Edwards); (4) Caerphilly (Mr. W. M. Jones); (5) Sardis, Pontypridd (Mr. D. W. Thompson). The sing- ing of all those choirs WM exceedingly fine, and the immense audience which filled the large marquee were quite prepared fpr the ad- mission the adjudicator made, that his task had been a very difficult one. They had had, lie said, five samples of most exquisite singing, and the awarding of the prize could only be through four of tho choirs having a few more technical flaws than the one to which it would be awarded. The maximum number of marks was 80, viz.: 10 for accuracy of notes, 20 for tone and balance, 10 for attack, 20 for ex- pression. pace, and rhythm, and 20 for general effect. The second choir performed the open- ing passages too slowly, although the t'me itself was remarkably slow. The sopranos slipped somewhat at one part, where the E natural was followed by E flat. Spohr was the most ohromatic of all writers. The finish, too, was slightly out of tune. In No. 1 choir, the bass was not so brilliant as the others; the tenors and a!tos were good, but the sopranos a little thin in the high notes. The quartette pdrt was beautiful, and he heard a bass in that quartette which wa-s of exceptional pro- mise, and should win its owner great success. The last chords were rather out of tune, and a little sharp, and the first "Hallelujah" was a little too loud. The fourth choir were rather sharp in the soprano part on the high "G," and the quartette rather weak. The tempo was rather too slow, but it was a choir of con- siderable promise, and, with more practioo to- gether. would make an admirable body of singers. In the third choir, the tempo was too slow, and the conductor had arranged the singers in a novel fashion, for which no doubt he had some reason; but innovations of that kind should not bo allowed without sufficient reason. The last choir he ipust heartily con- I gratulate on their singing. Their tone was} not. perhaps, quite so full as that of the other choirs, but there was a beautiful blend Throughout, and the id?a and the compass was carried by them right out to tli3 end. Th-? tempos were, in the opinion of the three ad- judicators, quite the best, and so the pri^ would go to the Sardis Choir, of Pontypriod (loud applause). The mark-s awarded were as j follow: Sardis, Pontypridd, 76; Pontypridd j Town, 70; Caerphilly, 69; Blaenclydach, 68; Porth and Cymmer, 66. i Soprano Solo, "Jeau, Lover of My Soul" (D. C. Williams): This solo was pleasingly ren- dercd, and it is not too much to say that the one to whom the second prize was awarded stirred the emotions of the audience more than any other of the competitors. She put' more soul into her &inging, and, at times, it seemed as though her own efforts or emotions J would culminate in a breakdown. That catas-' trophe was escaped, but with evident effort. Her rendering might have had one or two more technical defects than that of her more successful rivaj. but her's was the more effect- ive singing of the two. The adjudicator stat- ed that had it not been for a somewhat weak finish, he would have placed the winner of the second prize first. The winners were: 1, Mrs.' Benjamin Thomas, Nantgarw, Taff's Well; 2, Miss Gwen John, Cardiff. Recitation, "John Davidson": There were three excellent renderings of this difficult re- citation, but the award of the first prize to Miss James, of Senghenydd. and of the eecond to Miss Maud Jones, of Abertridwr, was cer- tainly the only possible, as it was a popular award, although the effort of the third com- petitor was very good. Male Voice Competition, "The Reveille"; 1st prize, £ 20; 2nd, JB5; and gold medal to the successful conductor, parties to number be- tween 60 and 80 voioes; one entry: The ad- judicator warmly commended the selection of this piece by the committee. There was, he eaid, a new movement going on in the musical, world which was discarding its old clothes,; and taking a new form of musical expression,! which was embodied in this splendid piece. He regretted, as he believed the Mountain Ash Choir-who were the only competitors— would regret, that no other choir had appeared to compete in, this piece; but he would like to tell them this: it would have taken a very good Tarty indeed to have wrested too prize from them (applause). AU the adjudicators had agreed that their singing of the piece on page 16, chosen people," was really ex- opJlenfc. The prize, of course. went to them.: Mr. Herbert Llewellyn was the oonductor. j Baritone Solo, "The Mighty" Three com- peted in this contest. Winners: 1, Mr. David ,Ton Ferndale; 2, Mr. D. W. WiUiama. Ynvehir. L

REVIEWS. The Summer number of the "People's Journal," as in previous years contain an abundance of, enlivening and amilsing readr ing within its pages. The brilliant array ofi delightful holiday stories is a feature whiolt. will mark it out for general appreciation^ The cost is only one penny. Among the many interesting featnrea in "Harper's Magazine" for June may be men-! tioned an illustrated article on the Danube;1, another, also illustrated, on the shipyard; and a third on the Southermost people of the worl4. i The latter is by Charles W. Furlong; F.R.G.S. and is illustrated with photographs, drawing* and a map. The magazine also contains many fascinating stories and several beautifuf, poems. "The Century Magazine" for June is a splen. did number. It contains an interesting story of thirteen at table, articles on the American business man, old college songs, the reminis- scencesof Augustus Sairt-Gauden, experiences on: the Labrador, and the Darwin CentenAry. There are several complete stories, including one, which is founded on a Transvaal elopemaftt.; There are also several poems besides the uraid, monthly features. Among the topics dealt with in the. correnk issue of "Chambers's Journal" are, motoring to-day, by the Right Hon. Sir J. H. A. M: donald. K.C.B., LL. D., a visit to the Elba, a cheap holiday in Brittany, martyrs to science, the coast of Australia, and the duty of the nation to those who have served in the Army. Lovers of actual sport, of out-door life, of nature wild and free, will find their tastes abun- dantly provided for in the June issue of "The Scottish Field." The journal this month rung to eighty pages, and, with its variety of inter- esting contents, literary and pictorial, forma one of the handsomest sixpennyworth's on the book-stalls. ■». f > The first ten volumes of Macmillan's Seven, penny Series (of which some further particu* lars are given below) are remarkable for their wide range of interest and for their high literary merit. The list includes "The Forest Lovers," by Mr. Maurice Hewlett} "Elizabeth and Her German Garden: A Roman Singer," by Mr. Marion Crawford; "Diana Tempest," by Miss Cholmondeley; "The House of Mirth," by Mrs. Wharton; "Misunderstood," by Miss Montgomery;' "The Choir Invisible," by Mr. James Lane Allen; "The First Violin," by Jessie Fother- gill; "A Waifs .Progress," by Miss Rhoda Broughton; and "John Glynn," Mr. ¡Arthur Paterson's exciting story of life in a London slum. From this list it will be seen that the new series comprises some of the best books of some of the most popular modern writers, and as great pains iave been bestow- ed upon their outward form, the reception that awaits these very attractive little books can hardly ba a matter of doubt. Each vol. ume has a frontispiece, and a neat blue cloth cover, with lettering in gold. "Elizabeth and Her Garden' is a book that has many imitators, but no rival, for its attraction lies almost as much in the piquant personality of the author, and unusual point of view on matters pertaining to the ordinary concerns of ever-rday life, as in her charming account of gardening experiences. In none of his books, perhaps, are the distinctive qualities of Mr. James Lane Allen as an author moro clearly marked in "The Choir Invio. ible," a work that has had. extraordinary, success, both in England and America. "Tha First Violin," by Jessie Fothergill, is the most popular story of a writer of great gifts, in whose work is always to be found-, the un. mistakable touch of mastery, and the imagin- ative frrasp of the true creator. "The House of Mirth," by Mrs. Wharton, is a. powerful' analysis of the wealth and fashion of New: York, full of originality, force, and realism of the best sort. Miss Cholmondeley Had pub-1 lished some shorter stories, which attracted considerable attention, before "Diana Tern-1 pest" appeared; but it was this longer novel which brought fame to its author. The re-* mark is frequently made' that true and con* vincinf books about children and child-lifai are extremely rare.-Fcrr thi-s reason, those which come within the definition stand out with prominence, and perhaps no book occu- pies a higher position in thia special bronchi of literature than Miss Florenoe Montgom- ery's "Misunderstood." When Mr. Maixrioqf Hewlett's "Forest Lovers" first appeared, it was hailed as a very remarkable achievement,) for it is not only a romance of "the glamor- ous mediaeval time," but a story of the moeti enthralling kind, in the characters of which? (and their doings) the modern reader could hardly fail to become deeply interested.* "John Glynn," by Mr. Arthur Paterson, it a stirrinsr romance of the fight with crime inj a nest of hooligans and thieves in a Londoo} slum. "A Roman Singer," by Mr. Mariom Crawford. is one of the earlier works of thim popular writer, and has always been a great favourite. In "A Waifs Progress," Miss. Rhoda Bronghton has made a most success- ful study of a curious and unusual character in the person of Bonnybell Rapsome, a girl; of such doubtful birth on her father's side that, on Lord Ransome's death, her mother is repudiated by his family and eent adrift the world. L__

YET ANOTHER Bad Leg Cured Permanently., "I thought I would like to write and tell you that for about two years I had a bad le^, and; tried several things, but they never did me' any good for long; then I tried Clarke's Blood Mixture,' and after taking three small bottles I began to find it was doing me good, so I had a large bottle, and by the time I had taken it my leg was quite cured. This was about two years ago, and there are still no signs of it breaking out again."—(Signed) (Miss) E LUCK, *Thorpe-by-Water, nr. Uppingham, Rutland. THE REASON Clarke's Blood Mixtnre effect4 such wonderful cures, is because it is the only medi- cine which thoroughly drives out all impurities from the Blood. Remember, "For the Blood is the Life," and Skin and Blood Diseases, such as Eczema, Scrofula, Scurvy, Bad Legs, Abscesses, Boils, Pimples, Sores, and Eruptions ol all kinde, Piles, Blood Poison, Glandular Swellings, Rheumatism, Gout, Ac., can only be permanently cured by purifying the blood. Clarke's Blood Mixture has stood the test for 4fl years, and the proprietors with confidence solicit sufferers to sive it a triaJ to test its value. -A If THE WORLD fAMED REMEDY FOR ALL M j SKIN AND BLOOD IDISEASES. g 2/9 per bottle, and in cases containing six timc& the- quantity 11/ Of all Chemists and Stores (R fuse Substitutes), or post free on receipt of pries o r direct from the proprietors, The Lincoln and Midland Counties Drug; Co., Lincoln. The King and Queen, accompanied by .^rincPss Victoria and the members of Lord Aliu^ton's house party, motored from Crichel to M'Hon Abbey on Monday, and lunched with Sir Everard Hambro-