The Merthyr Express

I TROEDYRHIW. FIRE.—During the early hours of Tuesday morning a fire broke out at No. IS, Glantaf-road. The occupants were aroused by the smoke and immediately raised an alarm. P.O. Morgan was in the vicinity, and at once sent a message to the police station. The fire apparatus was got out, and with in a few minutes the constable had a good force of water playing on the fire. Sergt. Lewis, P.C. Lovis, and P.C. Morgan (OS) were soon on the spot and rendered all assistance possible, and they soon afterwards extinguished the fire. Sergt. Lewis mado an inspection of the premises and it is surmised that the fire origin- ated in the kitchen, through a spark coming into contact with some clothes which were on a chair near the fire. The kitchen furniture was all destroyed, and a. large quantity of mining books were also destroyed. Upstairs, too, a large amount of bed-clothes and pictures were rendered useless. Altogether £,10 worth of damage was done. P.C. Morgan (45) is to be complimented on his prompt action, but for which the whole block of houses might have been demolished. All the police officers under Sergt. Lewis and the nighbours rendered excellent service. The occupants of the house were:—Mrs. Elizabeth Williams, Mrs. Ann Howelis, Miss Jane Williams (an invalid), Mr. Jenkin Howelis, and Mr. Fred Hill, all of whom I were sheltered by neighbours.

MERTHVR VALE. EARNEST JONES AND CO. For Suits to measure and all manner of Men's Clothing.—Commerce House, Aberfan. DEAB FIGHT.—John Oliver Evans and John Morgan, for fighting at Merthyr Vale, were lined 40s. and costs cach,at Merthyr, on Tuesday. SENT TO PRISON.—Robert J. Owen, Aberfan, who did not appear, was summoned, at Merthyr, on Tuesday, for assaulting Elizabeth Bennett, whose face was covered with sores.—Defendant was sent to prison for a month. FOOTBALL.—Theophilus Williams, Morgan Morgan, Wm. Fletcher and Evan Jones, youths, were summoned, at Merthyr, on Tuesday, for playing football in Cardiff-road, Merthyr Vale. I It was stated that complaints had been made, and windows broken.—Defendants were fined 2s. 6d. each, including costs. LITERARY. SOCIETy-Tile members of the Gordon-Lennox Literary Society were afforded a treat on Friday evening last, when Dr. C. Richardson White read an interesting paper on How to be happy though a Doctor." The paper proved to be not only interesting but j highly instructive, and was listened to by a large number with the closest attention. The paper proved the doctor to be a social reformer I of the first rank.—Mr. Wm. Parkins filled the chair.—A vote of thanks was warmly accorded the doctor. SMOKING CONCERT.—A smoking concert was held at the Gordon-Lennox Constitutional Club I on Thursday. The chair was occupied by Mr. Win. Parkins. Mr. Wm. Thomas, Cwmaman, who is the fortunate possessor of a delightfully- sweet tenor voice, was well received, and his songs were much appreciated. He se.ng Go the Sea," Darlun fy Mam," Sailor's Grave," and By the Fountain," and was encored each time. Another singer who was equally as well I received was Mr. Mog Morgan, baritone, Trea- law. He is well known and each time he appears at Merthyr Vale never falis to please his hearers. On Thursday ho contributed I" Son of the desert am I," "Troubadour," Blind Factory Girl," etc., etc. He also responded to enthusiastic encores. A special I item of the well-arranged programme was a duct by Mr. Thomas (tenor) and Mr. Mog Morgan (bar tone), viz., Flow gently, Deva," which fairly captivated the audience. Mr. Dave McNeil, Cardiff, the old favourite, was in tip-top form, his humourous and sketchy songs delighted the audience, who demanded encores and would not be denied. Bu special request he sang Vanity Fair," which was loudly applauded. The local baritone, Sir. David Edwards (Dai Mervyn), also deserved mention. His political ditty was a catch and much enjoyed. One other item which proved to be very popular was a. competition between three well-known gentlemen of the Club, viz., Mr. Arthur Davies (secretary), Mr. Wm. Parkins (trustee) and Mr. John Jackson. Each com- petitor contributed much to the programme. Those present awarded their favour to the latter. An address was given by Mr. Albert Lewis, chairman of the Club, who spoke on the political situation. In proposing a vote of thanks to the chairman, he said that Mr. Parkins was a model of Conservatism, and he could not speak in too flattering a manner of his worth to the Conservative cause. The vote was then carried with much enthusiasm. The singing of the National Anthem brought an enoyable evening to a close.

Abergavenny Poultry Show. The first annual poultry and pigeon show. open to the County of Monmouth, will be held at the Market Hall, Abergavenny, on Thurs- day and Friday, 17th and 18th February. The secretary and manager is Major F. Herbert, Ty-Gwyn, Raglan, and the assistant secretary, Mr. Z. Wheatley*. Abergavenny. The schedule of prizes is now ready, and may be obtained up- on application. Entries close on Tuesday, Feb- ruary 1st.

Salvation Army, Ebbw Vale. INTERESTING BAZAAR. A bazaar in connection with the Ebbw Vale branch of the Salvation Army was held on Wednesday last. Tho object of the scheme was to raise the necessary money to build a new hall at the back of the present one, where there is at present an old cottage. It will be for the use of the children, and would contain on the ground floor two class-rooms, and on the se- cond floor one room for use as a hall. The to- ial cost of the scheme is estimated at about £380, towards which £250 has been received or promised. The proceedings on Wednesday were opened by Mrs. T. J- Thomas, Brynonen, who in an interesting speech, said it gave her great pleasure to be amongst them. She had the privilege of knowing the General, and she did not know any man who had worked so hard for the uplifting" of his fellow men. She hoped the sale would be a huge success, and she had much pleasure in declaring it open. Adjutant French presided. The. following were the stall- holders: Upper section stall, Mrs. Waters, Mrs. Pallant, and Mr. Wiggle. Central section stall. Miss M. Chambers and Mrs. Seal. Lower soction stall, Mrs. Hancock and Miss L. Jones; refreshment stall, Mrs. Hudson and Miss Da- vies advertisement stall, Mrs. Thomas and Mrs. Reed. Sweet stall, Mr. J. Stevens. Fruit stall, Mrs. Blackmore and Mrs. Bevan. Bran Tub, Mrs. Cop'eland, Miss L. Parfitt, Miss L. Fry, Miss M. Stephens. Miss B. Price, and Miss M. Hopkins. There were also the following amusements: Museum, telegraph office, exhi- bition, electric battery, shooting range, etc. In the evening an interesting musical programme was gone through, when the following took part:, Miss A. Finney, Miss E. Jones, Mr. W. T. Evans. Mr. W. J. Thomas, Mr. 0. Thomas, and Mr. A. Vyce. The socrerary was Mr. A. Corum. _———.—

New Workmen's Institute tor Tredegar. SCHEME FAVOURABLY RECEIVED. The proposal to provide a new and modern building for the Tredegar Workmen's Library Institute, which has been before the public for some considerable time, has reached a new and important stage. The scheme as outlined is to procure a. most eligible site in Queen-street, unquestionably the best available site in the town. It has a frontage of 110 fset, and "a extends 116 feet back from the roadway. On the town side there was a depth of 232 feet while on the other side it was 203 feet. The site is now occupied by there dwelling-houses, inhabited by Mr. R. H. Spencer, solicitor, Mr. C. J. Price and Mr. A. Onions, and the owners, in the interests of the public, are prepared to dispose of the property for the purpose suggested, although it will be a, great inconvenience and sacrifice to them. Viscount Trodegar has promised a lease of 99 years, at. a nominal ground rent if the site is acquired. It is proposed to erect on this fine site a large hall to accommodate at least 2,000 persons, so. as to meet the requirements of the district for many years. It is considered that the increase in the population in the last five or six years warrants a hall of that size. The hall is intended to be designed with galleries, and a large stage so that theatrical companies and every section of the community would be catered for. Then it is proposed to erect a lesser hall, to seat about 500 persons, and so arranged that it can be converted into smaller rooms for friendly society meetings, Federation meetings and committees. Of course, the scheme includes a spacious reading-room, a ladies' room, a library, and a billiard-room for four tables. A gymnasium and swimming baths are also contemplated in the project. It is estimated that a scheme based on the fore- going outline will, including the purchase money about £ 1,000, cost about £ 12,000. This scheme might be considerably modified, or put into operation piecemeal. That is a matter for future consideration. It was of the greatest importance however, that some'speedy action should be taken concerning the purchase of the site, or it would slip from them and be lost for ever. Several meetings have been held to consider the proposal, but at no meeting would the workmen take the responsibility of arriving at a definite decision regarding the purchase of the site. The present home of the Library and Institute is held under a lease of 21 years, six of which are unexpired, so that from that standpoint there was no particular cause for hurry. But the owners of the property on the proposed site were pressing for an answer. A ballot was therefore decided upon, and this was taken with the following result:— i or Scnerne. Against. Pochin, No. 1 216 200 11 No. 2 220 189 Bedwellty No. 2 416 259 No. 1 237 221 Ty Trist No. 1 313 254 „ No. 2 260 141 Whitworth No. 1 149 110 No. 2 209 174 Troedyrhiwgawir Level. 19 45 Pochin Nightmen 27 70 Works 189 215 2253 1878 Majority in favour, 375. it is understood that steps will now ce immediately taken to purchase the property and secure the site, and preparations made for putting the scheme into operation. By their vote the workmen agree to con- tribute half-penny a week extra to the Library fund, making a weekly contribution of Id. The extra half-penny represents £ 500 per year. Several schemes are on foot for swelling the building fund, such as a prize drawing on a large scale, and a sale of work. It is quite within the range of probability that the Tredegar Company will come to the assistance of the Committee with a handsome donation, and assistance in the building operations. It will thus be seen that the scheme is well on the road to realisation, and it is hoped that all sections of the community will give it their unstinted support, so that the handicap to the town by the absence of a commodious hall and modern library building shall be removed. Such an institute should do a great deal to raise the workmen intellectually, morally and socially, and therefore should receive the support of the whole community.

EBBW V ALE POLICE COURT. THTTRSDAY.—Before Messrs. E. Jones Wil- liams (in the chair), W .Morris, D. Joues, J. J. Hale, and J. Gale. DESERTING HIS CHILDREN.—James Llewellyn Jones (25), collier, was summoned for leaving his two children chargeable to the Union.— Warrant- Officer Evans said that the defendant deserted his wife and children about six months ago. His wif-o died, but the man did not trouble to go to the funeral. The children had cost the Guardians about Ll 10s.—He was com- mitted for 14 days. Henry Clarke (48), lab- ourer, Ebbw Vale, was summoned for deserting his two children and leaving them chargeable to the funds of the Union.—Warrant Officea- Evans eaid the children had cost the Union about £ 4 10s. Defendant would not work, and was continually deserting them.-Clark-o was committed for a month. THEFT OF BRASS.—George Motley (40), lab. ourer, Ebbw Vale, was charged with stealing about 50lbs. of brass, value £ 2 16s., on Janu- ary 16th, the property of the Ebbw Vale Co.; and Fredk. Simmons (25), rag and bone collec- tor, Tredegar, was charged with receiving it, knowing it to have been stolen.—P.U. Coffey said he saw Simmons carrying a bag in the 'street at Tredegar; and being suspicious he asked liim what he had got in the bag. He did not giv-3 a satisfactory reply, and witness examined the ba.g and found the brass pro- duced. Defendant said he had got it from the tip, where it had been buried since the' strike, a man giving him information where it was. Motley was arrested at Ebbw Vale.—P.S. Rees ) said lie received information that eight brass bearings had been stolen from a shed in the Ebbw Vale Works. They had been unscrewed from the waggons. He apprehended Motley and charged him. He made no reply. The brass was subsequently identified. Motley ad- mitted staealing the brass and selling it to Simmonds, at Tredegar, for 3s. 9d. The Ebbw Valo stamp had been obliterated. The brass bearings were new, and had never been used. There were 38 convictions against Motley, who was committed for six months, Simmonds being eent to prison for three months. THEFT OF COAL.-|James Summers (38), was charged with stealing about 30 lbs. of ooal, value 2d., the property of the Ebbw Vale Company, on January 22nd. -P.C. Thome gave evidence, and the defendant said he took the coal from the tip.-I-fe was fined 10s. A PEST.rah Ann Williams (42), married, Ebbw Vale, was charged with stealing a tea pot, value 2s. 6d., on January 26th, the pro- perty of Jesse Wilcox. -Defpnda nt pleaded not guilty.—Prosecutor said the woman cam-e ihto his shop, and took a tea pot with her when she went out. He followed her and gave in. formation to the polioe.—P.C. Thorne deposed to arresting the accused about two hours af- terwards, but the tea pot had not been recov- ered.—Inspector Price eaid the woman was a regular pest.She was committed for 14 days. DISHONEST NEIGHBOUR. Amelia Criddle, married, was charged with stealing a shirt. the property of Alfred J. Trewin. She denied the charge.—Mrs. Trewin said the garment was taken from the clothes line in the garden. She did not see the defendant take it. She lived near her.—Charlotte A. Gay said the accused asked her to pledge the garment for her, which she did and got 2s. on it. Witness received 6d. for doing it. Accused told her it was her own, and that sho had not washed it.—Evidence was given by the pawnbroker, and P.C. Jones said he charged Criddle, who admitted the theft. She said that wind blew the shirt against her fence and she took it.—She was fined 20s. NEGLIGENT WORKMAN.—John Morgan, 28, collier, Beaufort, was summoned for neglecting to sprag his working place at No. 1 Pit Wa.un- lwyd, on December 31st.-illr. T. Hughes, Ebbw Vale, was for the prosecution.—The fireman, James Lovell, said he visited the defendant's working place and found 17 feet of roof un- spragged, and it was in a very dangerous con- dition. Defendant was represented by his brother, who admitted the offence. — A fine of 40s. was imposed. TRIVIAL CASE.—Margaret Brookman, 41, married, Cwm, was summoned for assaulting Alice Cook, at Cwm, on July 20th. There was a cross-summons against Cook.—Mrs. Cook said Mrs. Brookman used threats towards her baby, and then charged her with a sweeping brush. She also put her into a chair, and assaulted her.—Evidence was given in corroboration, and Mrs. Brookman said Mrs. Cook struck the first blow, and this statement was supported by two witnesses.—The case was dismissed, the chair- man remarking that it was very trivial. air- RIOTOUs.-For riotous conduct John Neil, 42, collier, Beaufort, was fined 10s. BAD LANGUAGE.—Wm. Gwynne, 50, collier, Beaufort, for using obscene language at Beau- fort on January 29th, was, on the evidence of P.C. Harvy, fined 40s. DANGHROUS PllAOTICE.-Thomas Jones, 37, collier, Brynmawr, was summoned for leaving the workmen's train while in motion on Decem- ber 18th, at the G.W.R. station, Ebbw Valct.- Mr. Bakfr Jones, Newport, prosecuted for the G.W.R. Company.—Defendant pleaded guiltv. —Evidence was given by Wm. Howell, a rail- way official, who deposed to seeing the defend- ant standing on the footboard -as the train came into the station. He (witness) shouted to him to close the door, but defendant got out of the train before it stopped.—Defendant said 1 he was in a hurry, and he was sorry.—He was ordered to pay the costs. —

GELLYGAER FINANCES. ¡ THE ADJOURNED INQUIRY. LIGHT ON THE BUSINESS METHODS OF THE OLD COUNCIL. On Thursday Mr. F. J. Willis, Local Govern- ment Board Inspector, resumed his inquiry at Hengoed into the financial affairs of the defunct Gellygaer Parish Council. The Council offices were again used for the purpose, and the council chamber was well filled by ratepayers and the various parties concerned. Mr. John Jones, the ex-assistant overseer, and his brother, Mr. Albert E. Jones, who formerly held the post of collector and surveyor, were again present, with their solicitor, Mr. D. W. Jones (Merthyr), whilst Mr. John Evans (Bargoed), ivatched the interests of the District Council, and Mr. W. D. R. Lewis, also of Bargeod, appeared for many of the persons who were members of the Parish Council in 1807. Mr. Willis was accompanied Council in 1907. Mr. Willis was accompanied by Mr. M. D. Propert (auditor). Mr. John Jones's evidence occupied the whole of the nine hours of the two previous sittings. Before the start Mr. D. W. Jones congratu- lated the Commissioner upon his promotion as one of the assistant-secretaries of the Local Government Board. He said none of those who knew the excellent work Mr. Willis had done, and they had seen a lot of him in South Wales, would be surprised at the news. and though elections might come and go, they hoped he would go on for ever (hear, hear). The Inspector modestly replied by saying he was fortunate. MR. ALBERT JONES'S EVIDENCE. Mr. Albert Jones was then called. He told the Inspector that he was appointed as assist- ant overseer and collector first in 1901, and afterwards as surveyor in August, 1903. When it came to the question of amounts he received as salary, Mr. Jones remarked, "Don't' plunge at the thing all of a sudden." A sum of J6600 for special payments was mentioned as having been received by the witness, but Mr. Jones could throw no light on the matter. Witness was questioned regarding the minutes concerning an increase of salary, and he explained that he commenced writing the minute, but his brother came in and said, "You —— fool," and took the bock from him. The Inspeetor here showed him a typed document with the remark, "That paper Mr. A. E. Jones: That paper there has noth- ing to do with it. Mr. Harri Edwards, the preacher, had that. I don't know what the —— it is. Mr. D. W. Jones: I am afraid we must ask for an adjournment. Witness: What do you want from me? Mr. D. W. Jones: You must not behave to the Inspector like that. You have always be- haved respectfully up to now. Mr. W. D. R. Lewis and Mr. John Evans suggested that Mr. John Jones should for the time being take the place of witness, as they had questions. Witness: That's right! Go on. Tho Inspector (to witness): Supposing we take your brother? Witness: No, no; I would rather go on. MR. JOHN JONES RECALLED. I Yielding to advice, however, Mr. Albert Jones went out with hia solicitor, and Mr. John Jones was re-called. The Inspector asked this witness if he could say what became of a cooking-stove for which there was a charge of JE6 Os. Id., but Mr. John Jones could not say. Shown an item of £200 paid to "Jones" for "provision and maintenance of burial grounds," the witness said he might have received it, but could say nothing mora of it. Mr. Willis (quietly): Of course, there are a good many Joneses (laughter). I see there are a good many items close together for painting offices. I don't know whether they are right— November 7th, 1903, £4; November 10th, JB5 16s.; December 7th, 1904, £18 10s.; and then in the overseers' account there is another J614. Do you think that can be correct for a little tiny house?—It's a good-sized house. During the interval, I don't know whether you have formed any opinion on the very la-rge amounts paid for ga.s-£40 a year, I believe, it came to?—No, I have not. An overpayment of JB12 10s. made to witness was the next item. "Have you returned it?" asked the Inspector, and Mr. Jones replied, "I don't know. I don't think so." Mr. W. D. R. Lewis: With regard to exceed- ing the rate limit, ia there any record of that? —Really, I forget. And with regard to payments made to mem- bers for deputations within the parish, did not Mr. Cox, the late auditor, pass those payments? —Yes. It was pointed out that in March, 1907, the Rev. Harri Edwards, as a member, was sum- moned to a meeting at the Bargeod office, but, although that meeting was timed for five o'clock and he got there punctually, hes ar- rived just in time to hear the vote of thanks to the Chairman (laughter). The witness could not recollect the incident. Witness was asked whether he could point to a minute showing the appointment of a deputation to visit Mr. Franklen, of the County Council, with regard to a loan of £10,000 for r, cemetery, but he could not enlighten Mr. Evans. You have said that members signed blank cheques—did they sign blank minutes as well? —No, I don't think so. Why was it, then, that half a page or so was sometimes left blank between the minute and the Chairman's signature.—I don't know. When members signed these blank cheques were there ever any questions?—No, I don't think so. Mr. Willis: But you are not sure?—No. Tho Inspector here read out figures showing that Mr. Albert Jones received a salary close on £2,000 a year, and that Mr. John Jones also received huge sums. Commenting on this, I Mr. Willis remarked: Were you surprised to find what very large sums you and your brother received?—I must have known I was having them of course. Have you managed to save much?—No. The witness was then allowed to retire. EX-CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL. Mr. Rees Thomas, the ex-chairman of the Parisah Council, said he was a collier, and re- sided at Fochriw. He became a member of the Council in 1901, and was Chairman in the year ending March, 1907. Mr. Willis: You had a good deal of experi- ence, but can you account for the remarkable growth of the total expenditure? In March, 1901. it was £55 10s. 4d., the next year over £400, the next rather over £800, the next £1,490, the next £2,851, the next £3,795, and the year when you were chairman £6,183 3s. lOd. Were you aware of that?—No, indeed, I did not know. Without going into elaborate details, can you tell me generally what was the cause?— No, I can't. Did you interest yourself in the finances of the Council ?—No, sir. Did any of the others?—Some were asking a question now and then. You were chairman when £1,751 8s. Id. was spent on the proposed cemetery. How did you justify that very large expenditure?—I could not tell you, sir. I see £238 10s. was paid for wages in digging the trial holes. What a lot of holes they must- have dug. You would dig a. lot, of coal for that amount, wouldn't you? (laughter).—Yes. Mr. A. E. Jones has sent in a claim of 5 per cent. on the estimated cost of schemes which have been abandoned. For instance, you had one scheme of £10,000; did the Council ever disenss the question whether they should pay Mr. Jones the same as though the scheme- had been carried out 7-No, I can't remember. Witness said that when he heard through the daily papers that Mr. John Jones was receiving such large sums, he sent for him, but Mr. Jones denied the statement, and also denied it a.t a meeting on Bargoed Recreation Ground. Mr. Thomas further said he did not think it was resolved in February, 1903, that Mr. John Jones should receive JE960 10s. He had receiv- ed a typed document, saying it was "agTeed to grant the following increases." What those in- creases were the Inspector said he could not say, as the figures were not put in. "CERTAIN AMOUNT OF SCANDAL." Mr. Willis: There was a good deal of talk—I might almost say a certain amount of scandal, had been raised with regard to these large pay- ments, and you and others were appointed to investigate as a committee. What was done I by the committee?—I believe we took Mr. Al- bert Jones's word that they were correct. Mr. Willis: I daresay you did, because usual- ly you took the word of either Mr. John Jones or IMr. Albert Jones (laughter). I see that the expenses for going to London ro the Incorporation of Merthyr were £161 9s. 9d. What did you do—I mean officially, not private- ly? (laughter).—I don't know. Well, you were a public man, member for I many years, chairman, and so on, but if you don't know who can I ask? What business was it of yours whether Merthyr got its charter or not? I see £ 90 was paid for a deputation to Lon- don in rega.rd to cemetery. What did you don in regard to the cemetery. What did you do?—Wo went with Mr. John Jones, and he did the business and told us everything was all right (laughter). So there was no need of you going there. He did the business?—Yes (laughter).

Mount Pleasant Eisteddfod. As will be seen in our advertisement columns, an Eisteddfod in. connection with the Mount. Pleasant Chapel will be held at the Workmen's Hall, Ebbw Vale, on February 2nd. The en- tries are numerous and include some of the besi j known vocalists of South Wales. The children's classes are exceptionally strong, and there is likely to be very interesting and keen competi- tion. The officers are: Adjudicators—Music, Mr. T. Glyndwr Richards, conductor of the famous Mountain Ash Choir; literature, Rev. < Evan Price, Ebbw Vale; prizes bags, Mrs. T. J, ] Thomas, Brynonen, Ebbw Vale; organist, Mr. r T. Maynard; conductor, Rev. D. Edwards, Beaufort. The secretary is Miss Hettie Mor- < timer, who has .worked very hard in connection j with the affair.

Caerphilly School Managers. The monthly meeting of the managers at tlJe Caerphilly group of schools was held at the Council Chambers, Caerphilly, on Tueaw day. Mr. John Morgan presided, and theN were also present Canon Griffiths, Coun. J. It Mathias, Rev. Tawelfryn Thomas, Mr. Tom Morgan, Mr. Hubert Jenkins, Mr. Bryu Davies (inspector), Mr. Pugh Jones (architect), with the clerk (Mr. A. H. Bullock). The Clerk reported that he had reoeived na applications for the post of uncertificated 8.81 sistant vacant at the Abertridwr Mixed School Several further resignations were received from the various schools in the group, owina to ill-health. The Managers received and considered terw d&rs for the supply of anthracite coal for tb* Nelson Schools. Ths- tender of Mr. Phllhp, Nelson, was accepted for best screened Gwauo" caegnrwen anthracite. Consideration of the alteration of the TafPl Well Infants' School and the Architect's port was deferred until the next meeting « John Wins, Taff's Well, had been unable t meet the Architect on the spot. Tha report of the oommittee appointed t4 select a site for the new school for Senghenyd4 was considered. Mr. Hubert Jenkins said thsj only he and Mr. Pugh Jones had visited district, and as far a they were concerned they had no hesitation in recommending thai the managers should endeavour to secure tl)4f site immediately opposite tho present schools, After pointing out the advantage of having the school in that position, Mr. Jenkins sug* gested that a committee should be appointed to wait on Mr. Rees, agent for the estate, to ascertain the price. This was agreed to. The Clerk said he had received a leitai from Mr. Idris Davies, the teacher of th4 Welsh class at Caerphilly in the eveninsj school. This class, Mr. Bullock said, had beeij discontinued owing to the attendance falling just below tho regulation number, but he con* sidered that in this case it might very well b4 kept on. The students were mostly teach from the elementary day schools, who desired to acquire a knowledge of Welsh in order 14 teach it in the day schools. As this was « most useful class he (Mr. Bullock) had writteq to Dr. James, asking if the class could not be kept on, but Dr. James replied that he had nfll authority to allow it. A letter had since been received from Mr. Davies stating that he wa* now conducting jt as a private class. Mr. BuU lock said thu.t ho considered managers should pass & resolution recommending the caunty authorities to make an exception in this ca and allow the class to go on. Doubtless, it waa the excitement of the election that had caus a slight falling off in the attendance.—Thri managers agreed with the suggestion, and in< structed Mr. Bullock to write to the Education Committee conveying their recommendation. Mr. Tom Morpan raised the question of d new school for LLsvane. He said he had been approached by a. number of residents of the district, and' enquiries had been made with the result that it had been ascertained that thera were 85 children of school age in the district.- The managers consented to receive a deputation at the next meeting. mmmtmmmmmmm————g

TONG & COBON, I AUCTIONEERS, VALUERS, GAD GERS BROKERS, &c. HEAD OFFICE :— ( Auction Chambers, Brynmawr. 1 Tkl. P.O. 18. j Bales of every description arranged for with prompt settlement. ? Valuations for Transfer, Probate, or Mortgage ] exped;tiously completed. LICENSING BUSINESS A SPECIALITY.

II Death of Mr. John Cory. j ¡ Mr. John Cory. J.P., parsed away a his ) residence, The Duffryn, St. Nicholas, near Car- diff, on Thursday. The deceased gentleman, I who had been ill for some time, had it serious relapse the week before last, and in then had not-left his room. On Tuesday lr, Cory show- ed signs of improvement, but after a resUess night he became worso on Wednesday, and on Thursday morning. The deceased gentleman made munificent benefactions to deserving objects of all kinds, md had earned the title of "Princo of Phiian- thropists." Mr. Cory was born at Bideford on March 22nd, 1228, being the eldest son of the I late Captain Richard Cory, who for some years haded with small vessels to CardIff. but ulti- mately teak up residence in the Welsh met- ropolis. In 1844 the deceased gentleman and his brother Richard entered their father's busi- ness as shipbrckers. and also acting as agents for the sale of Wayne's Merthyr steam coal. Soon a branch of that firm was opened at Swansea, and when Mr. Richard Ccrv retired in 1859 the name th firm was changed to I "Messr.?. Cory Brothers," which it has retained as its title ever since. The expansion of the I South Wales coal trade in foreign countries coincided with the establishment by them of I business connections in every part of the world, the firm being the first to establish coal depots abroad. As the South W ales coal trade flourished, so did Messrs. Cory Bros., and they were fortunate in accumulating considerable wealth, the firm ar nresent being the owners of i a large number of collieries. I —

Property Sale at Merthyr. On Wednesday night, Messrs. J. M. Berry and Son conducted a successful sale of leasehold tuid freehold properties at the Globe Hotel, IMerthyr. There wa, a large attendance, and spirited bidding prevailed. Lets 1 and 2.—Dwelling-house. shop and pre- mises, No. 6, Victoria-street, Merthyr, in the occupation of a monthly tenant, at a rental amounting yearly to £39, and shop and pre Inisee, No. 7. Victoria-street, Merthyr, now in the occupation 0: a monthly tenant at a rental femounting yearly to £36. both held for a term of 99 years from the 1st day of May, 1841, sub- to the annual ground rent of J61 6e. 6:i., were sold to Mr. David Morgan, Merthyr, fcr £250 and £292 10s. respectively. Lot 3.—Lawn House, Bethesda-street (for- merly known as Old Tanyard House), Merthyr, in the occupation of Mr. Moses Goodman, to- gether with the house at the back, let to a monthly tenant at a rental of B16 per an- num, together with a. piece of land situate at the rear of Old Tanyard House, and used as a garden for the cottage, held under two leases for a term of 99 years from 1st May, 1885, sub- ject to the apportioned annual ground rents of £5 and :£255., were knocked down to Mr. Amos, The Avenue, for £530. Lots 4, 5, and 6.—Nos. 3, 4. and 5, Drysiog- Igtreet, Bryant's Feild, Merthyr, in the occupa- tion of monthly tenants, at rentals amounting yearly to £11 4s. each, held for a term cf 99 years from, the 1st day of November. 1S77, sub- ject to the annual ground rent of £1 2s. 9d., went to Mr. Bull, Victoria-street, Merthyr, for £ 56 each. Lots 7 and 3,0.=;. & and 7, Tramroadside. Georgetown, Merthyr. together with the small fcottage at the rear of No. 6, but let with No. 7, now in the occupation of monthly tenants, at Rentals amounting yearly to £16 5s. and ¿;,17 :175. 6d., heJd for a term of 99 veers, from the E9th of September, 1833. subject to the annual fround rent of .£3 lis., were knocked down to Mr. John Harris, Mik. End, Swansea-road, for £136 and £101 respectively. Lot .9.—Freehold, dwelling-houses and pre- mises known as Nos. 10. 11, 12. 13, 14, 15, and 16, Upper Taff-street, Caedraw, Merthyr, now in the occupation of monthly tenants, at rentals amounting- yearly to £56 lis., were bought by Mr. A. E. Fisher, Merthyr, for £227. Lot 10.—Freehold dwelling-house and pre- mises. 29, Upper Taff-street, now in the occupa- tion of a monthly tenant, at a rental of £6 10s. per annum: and freehold stables, yard, and premises adjoining No. 10, L'pper Taff-street, Caedraw, now in the occupation of Mr. Daniel Davies, a.t a rental of £18 per annum, went to Messrs. Daniel Davies and Sons, Merthyr, for £285. Shares in Pontmorlais and Primrose Hill Building Clubs were purchased by Mr. Rich- ards. Norman-terrace, for JB70 and £47 10s. re- spectively, and Primrose Hill Building Club by Mr. Thomas Williams, Wincnfawr, Merthyr. for £75, The solicitors for the vendors were Messrs. Lewis and Jones, Mr. John Wm. Lewis, and Mr. W. Knight Smyth.

Theatre Royal, \Merthyr. Miss Mary Neil and Mr. Geo. Kirk's Com- pany in the drama, "Her Luck in London," is having a good run at the The.atre Royal this week. By special request on Thursday night the Company presented "From Shop Girl to Duchess," which will be repeated to-night (Fri- day). THE LARGEST PANTOMIME TOURING. The attraction at the Merthyr Theatre Royal next week will be the pantomime, "Cinderella. "Cinderella" is without doubt the story which Appeals to children more than any other fairy tale ever written. Mr A. Austin, the director, has a high reputation amongst touring managers for the production of first-class pantomimes, and he is giving us what promises to be arr ex- pensive and elaborate production in "Cindt.- ella." No subject can give greater scope for an abundant display of comedy element than "Cinderella." It is by no means a "one star" pantomime, for there are no less than six im- portant comedy parts which are to be charac- terised by Messrs. Newham and Latimar (the well-known pantomime "dames") as the two ugly sisters; Mr. Tom Read, who is a' really funny comedian and clever dancer, as "Pickles," the pa.ge; Mr. Fred E. Ellis as the "Baron" and Messrs. Harry Phillips and Bert Hilder- sley, the well-known music-hall comedians, as the broker's men. The principal boy, "Prince Charming," will be played by Miss Mabel Aus- tin. and "Cinderella," principal girl, by r.1Íss Maidie Harrison (long associated with "Sidney James's Royal Strolling Players) Miss Phyllis Leslie will be the "Dartdini," and Miss Eva Swinburne will play "Babette." while the good fairy will be in the capable hands of Miss Gert- rude Bond, whose beautifully trained voice should enchant her hearers. A novel and de- lightful performance will be that? of Miss Gladys Liggett, the wonderful little toe dancer, who has been engaged as the principal of the ballet; she is reputed to be the smaifest dan- cer on the British stage. A special feature will be made of the ballets for which no less t.han forty well-selected London dancers have been specially trained by Mr. Paul Valentine (noted for the production of the most famous ballets ever produced at Drury Lane and the other principaJ London theatres). Several clever speciality turns will be introduced, the most notable being Messrs. Hearne and Palmer (the comedy acrobats), Messrs. Hilderslev and Burt (in their comedy roller skating dancing act), and Messrs. Read and Wright (the world's great- est top boot dancers). :C1

LATE FOOTBALL GOSSIP. The match in the third round of the South • Wales cup competition between Merthyr and Mardy should have been replayed at Mardy on Thursday, but was abandoned owing to the ground being frostbound. If the weather breaks it will probably be played on Monday next. New players continue to arrive to strengthen the Town tea.m. The latest captures include Bedford, of Workington, and Walton, of New- castle United, two first-class backs; T. J. Wood, of Woolwich Arsenal, a very useful half-back or centre-forward; a.nd Roberts, of Glasgow Celtic, a clever goal-keeper. In the match to-morrow (Saturday) against Kingswood Hovers, there will be at least six new players included in the Merthyr eleven. The third round of the South Wales Junior Cap is down for decision a.t Penydarren Park, on Saturday, when Merthyr Town Reserves nti1:ain Mond Nickel Worlds, a well-known Swansea team. Tho Reserve? have put up "orne. fine performances in 'the Glamorgan League, and to gain their present position in thlJ Junior Cup competition have beaten Brithdir and Nelson on foreign soil. The Mond Nickel Works teacome with n un- beaten record for the season, and a reeiiv en- joyable game should be witnessed. The Res- erves are worthy of better support than has been accorded them so far for there is a collection cf local talent included in the team, raany of whom would ba an acquisition to the senior teeCm. A big gate would do the "boys" pood just now, and all who patronise them on Saturday will get good vaiae for their manev.

The Election at Merthyr. Thanks to the admirable arrangements made by Chief Constable Wilson, the election at Mer- thyr passed cff without the police having the necessity to "run in" a single individual. No extra polioe were drafted into the town, either on polling dav or eauatu) da'

THE EL ECTIONS,, [Continued 1 irons page 11.] Gains. -onstiiueney. L. Lab. C. Maj. L. Lab. C. Yyrshire, South 1 — 2040 — — — Bedfordshire, Luton 1 — — 865 — — — 3erks, Workingham- *— 1 4028 — — — Sucks. Aylesbury — 1 1463 — — — Cheshire, INterth- wich 1. 1 t*-— 1119 71 Cornwall, Truro 1 — — 611 1 — — Devon, Ashburton 1 — — "247 — —- *— Dorset, West — — 1 1252 — — •— Elgin and Nairn 1 1183 — Essex, Walthamstow 1 2195 — — Fifcshire, East 1 2059 — Gloucester, Ciren- cester — *— 1 983 1 Haddingtonshire 1 — 745 — Hants. New Forest 1 — 1 2093 1 Hertfordshire, St. Albans i'1—» 1 2052 Kent. Isle of Thanefc (j — 1 3432 Darw-en 1 — 211 1 — — N. Lonsdale — 1 69 — — Widnes 1 1092 — — Lacashire Leigh 1 679 — — Lincolnshire, Horn- (oastle — 1 869 No/folk, North 1. — 5S5 Noithamptonshire, South 1 610 Nortiiumberland, Tyneside 1 i. — 5351 — Xottx Rusheliffe l! — — 2844 Perthshire, East 1: — — 1181 — — — Shrofehire. Ludlow — 1 2404 — — Staffordshire, West-—^ 1 565 — 1 Suffolk, Stowma.r- kev, — 1 645 — — 1 nsscx. Horshasn -t- 1 2790 — Worcestershire, J Ev-neham .f- 1 418 Yorkshire :— > Barxston Ash —ft — 1 759 — Skipfon 1 — 508 IRELAND. Gains. Constituency. N. C. Maj. N. C. Down, South 1 Monaghan, Nortl 1

-1 WELSK POLLS. CARNARVONSHIRE, ARFON (9,455.) W. Jones (L.) 6223 A. E. Hughes C), 2629 Liberal majori ty 3594 No change. 1906: Wm. Jones (L.), 5954; A. Hughes (C.), 2533: Liberal major ity, 3412. 1900: W. Jones (L.), unopposed. DENBIGHSHIRE. EAST (11,911.) E. G. Hemmerde, F-IC. (L.) 6865 D. Rhys (C.) v 3321 Liberal majority 3544 No chtmge. 1909: E. G. Hemmerde (L.), 6265; Sir F. Cunliffe (C.). 3544. 1906i (bye): E. G. Hem- merde (L.), 5917; A. G-Boscawen (C.), 3126; Liberal majority, 2791. GLAMORGAN, MID (20,017.) Sir S. T. Evans (L.) 13175 Godfrey H. Williams. (C.) 3382 Liberal majority, 9793 No cbiange. 1906 (gaaeral and bye)«and 1908, S. T. Evans (L.), unopposed. GLAMORGAN?, SOUTH (22,953.) W. Brace (Lab.) 11612 Lewis Morgan (C.) 7411 Liberal majority 4201 No change. 1906: W. Brace (Lab.), 10415; Col. Wynd- II ham-Quin (Co.), 6096; Labour majority, 4418. 1900: Wyndham-Quinn (C.), 6841; W. Morgan (L.), 5322; Conservative majority, 519. I MONTGOMERYSHIRE (7,928.) David Davies (L.) 4369 A. Williams Wynn (C.) 2697 I Liberal majority 1672 No change. 1906: D. Davies (L.), unopposed. 1900: 'A. C. Humphrevs-Owen (L.), 3482; R. W. W. Wynn (C.), 3218; Liberal majority, 264. WEST MONMOUTH. T. Richards (Lab.) 13295 J. Cameron (C.) 3,045 Labour majority 10,250 No change. 1906: T. Richards (Lab.), unopposed. 1904: T. Richards (Lab.), 7995; Sir J. A. Cockburn (C.), 3360; Labour majority, 4635. MERTHYR BOROUGH. E. Jones (L.) 15,448 J. Keir Bardie (Soc.) 13,841 A. C. Fox-Davies (C.) 4,736 W. Pritchard Morgan (Ind. L.) 3,639 Lib .majority over Con. 10672 Soc. majority over Con. 9105 No change.

STATE OF PARTIES. THURSDAY NIGHT. Lib. & Lab. Unionist. Nationalist. 289 258 75 I J ? = I

The Late Col. D. Rees Lewis. At Merthyr County Court, on Thursday, his Honour Judge Bryn Roberts referred in feel- ing terms to the death of Col. D. Rees Lewis, ¡ V.D., the late registrar. He said he had known the Colonel for only about four years, but a shorter period than that would have sufficed to discover and value his high and Stirling quali- ties. His advice was unsurpassed. Not only was he devoted to his work, but he was speci- ally careful, anxious, and painstaking in its dis- charge. He (the Judge) was sorry that he was unable to attend the funeral as he had an im- portant appointment to .keep that day.—Mr. W. R. Edmunds, on behalf of the solicitors practis- ing in the court, asaociated himself with his Honour's remarks.

Trade and Provident Society. I The district quarterly meeting of the Bris- tol, West of England and South Wales Provi- dent Society was held on Saturday last at the Victoria dining-rooms, Commercial-street, New- port. Delegates representing a membership of upwards of 5,000 from all parts of Monmouth- shire were present. The proceedings opened at 6 o'clock. Bro. G. Williams (Waunllwyd) pre- sided. The minutes of the previous meeting were read by the district secretary (Bro. W. J. Jamas, I\ew Tredegar), and were confirmed. Several cases of appeal were dealt with, in which members who had suffered through prolonged illness, received special grants from the district to assist them. The entrance of the general secretary (Bro. J. C. Fox, Bristol) was the sig- nal for a general welcome, which was heartily given. The agenda was then proceeded with, and after its completion, the general secretary, Bro. J. C. Fox, addressed the meeting. He said he was pleased to address for the first time the Monmouthshire District Committee. He appreciated the service rendered by the Mon- mouth District Committee in the past, and felt sure they would continue to devote themselves to the development of the Society in the future. A district committee was a very useful part of their organisation they not only dealt from time to time with the special cases that came before them, but they very materially assisted Ihe general office in tneir efforts to bring every branch into line with the spirit of union. They should always remember, too, that district com- mittees should act in the capacity of mission- aries, and seek to spread abroad the benefits gained by association with the Society with which they were connected. The Society itself had iust completed another year's work, a year in which their saving [though not as much as ho would like) was in excess of years before, and showed a balance cf fluids which exceeded £ 100,000. He well remembered the time when it was the greatest ambition of lais predecessor in of&oe to be able to return a balance of funds of £ 1,000. They were now able to show a bal- ance of 1C0 times that amount,, and an annual income of £ 65,000. They had succeeded, by dint of hard work and persistent effort, in building I up a strong tocietv both in members and money, but their work was not yet complete. The Com- pansation Act, while conferring upon the work- L ers inestima.ble good, had also caused a steady increase in the amounts paid yearly for accident pay. They, in common witii other Societies, j were feeling the strain, and he appealed to the delegates present to do their level best to assist the general office on any and every occasion, so that the present rates both of payment to and from the Society may be satisfactorily maintain- ed. He wished the district coromitre every success, and trusted the year they had just on- tered upon would be one of great prosperity. The chairma,n (Bro. G. Williams) then moved that the best thanks of the members present be accorded the gejneral secretary for the splendid address ho had given. This was seconded by Bro. W. J. James and carried unanimously with much applause. The general secretary briefly j replied, after which the meeting closed. Ar* you looking: for anything? if so, a Want Ach in »ur columns will ret it for 1fO, j

I Death of Mrs. Griffiths, Bircftbrook I Merthyr. I The funeral of Mrs. Phoebs Griffiths, wife of Mr. Alfred Griffiths. Birchbrook Villa, Mer- thyr, took place at Graig Cemetery, Rhym- ney Bridge, on Saturday. The deceased lady, who was 64 years of age, had been in failing health for some time, but no one, not even the members of the family, anticipated tho end so soon. Mr. and Mrs. Griffiths formerly carriod on the Castle Hotel, Rhymncy, and cante to Merthyr about five years ago. They were stauch members of the Tabernacle Baptist Church, Brecon-road, but Mrs. Griffiths' delicate health prevented her from taking an active part in church work. She was taken ill on Sunday week, and Dr. Ward, the family physician, was called in, but death occurred on Tuesday from pluri-pneumoniae and heart fail- ure. The coffin was of unpolished oak. There were seven coaches. The chief mourners were: —Mr. Alfred Griffiths (husband); Mr. Isaac Griffiths, Castle Hotel, Rhymney: Mr. Thos. Griffiths, Cardiff; Mr. Alfred Griffiths, and Mr. E. Griffiths, health department, Town Hall Griffiths, Cardiff; Mr. Alfred Griffiths, and Mr. E. Griffiths, health department, Town Hall (sons). The funeral service was conducted by I the R-ev. W7. Rowland Jones (pastor of Tab- ernacle), and the Rev. D. L. Jones (Taber- nacle). The greatest sympathy i." expressed I with tho bereaved husband and his family. j

I CORRESPONDENT. » I MR. KEIR HARDIE AND THE CATHOLICS Sir,—As a staunch supporter of Mr. Keir Hardie from his earliest connection with the Merthyr constituency, allow me to offer a pro- test against the unnecessary weight which is attached to the meeting of the Catholic and Irish electors of Merthyr and Dowlais at the Drill Hall, on Sunday, January 16th. I was present at the meeting though a non-Catholic, and I must decline to admit that it was a meetinr of Irish electors only. The mass of the audience was non-Catholic. The question of Mr. Hardic's attitude towards the Catholic Schools was already thoroughly well known, and it scarcely needed Mr. Mansfield's questions to draw a further endorsement of Mr. Hardie's reply to the Bishop of Newport's question re I Catholic Schools. Again, Mr. Hardie's reply to Mr. Bernascone is quite an acceptable one. If the Catholic Church attacks Socialism then So- cialism will attack the Catholic Church. I think when Mr. Hardie returns again to Merthyr he will be wise to keep aloof from all sectarian squabbles. His true path is freedom for the masses. He is not dependent on those who I graced the platform that Sunday, nor his so- called triumphant hecklers, to return him to the seat he occupies in Parliament. He is there by the triumphant efforts of the sons of labour, Long may he flourish, TRUE LABOUR.

j CEFN COED. | SrccESS.—Mr. John Ellis, 114, High-street, Cefn, was the winner of the prize essay at the I Vaynor Eisteddfod, at which "Gwili" adjudi- ca.ted. COMMITTED FOR TRIAL.—At an occasional Po- lice Court at Cefn, last Friday, Wm. Jones, alias Thos. Jones, and Charles Wooten, labourer, of 19, Oakfield-strect, Aberfan, was charged with misconducting himself in the presence of fe- males at Cefn on the 19th inst. Several females | gave evidence, and accused was committed for trial at the next Quarter Sessions. DEATH.—We have to record the death, which took place on Sunday last, of Mrs. Sarah Mere- I; dith, the widow of Mr. David Meredith, mason, 152, High-street. The deceased had suffered for I a long time from cancer, but she bore her suf- ferings with bravery and exemplary resignation. She was an exceedingly kind woman, well liked and greatly respected by all who knew her. The 'I remains were interred on Wednesday afternoon in the Parish Churchyard. BUR>TIXS ACCIDENT.—On Monday a very seri- ous burning accident happened to the twelve I year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Davies, White House Court. It appeared that the girl was alone in the house, and before she I returned to school for the afternoon, she had occasion to do something in proximity to the fire. Her clothes were somehow ignited, and I she ran out to a. neighbour's house, where kind friends came to her rescue and put out the flames. She was badly burned about the arms and face, and by the doctor's advice she was conveyed at once to the Merthyr Hospital, I where, we understand, she is ma-»ing satisfac- tory progress toward recovery. HEN DY CWRDD. —At tho weekly meeting of the Mutual Improvement Society held on Tues- day night, under the presidency of Mr. Cledwyn Davies, two instructive papers were read. One on "Dr. Joseph Priestley," read by Mr. Lewis Edwards, gave a most suocinct account of the life and the great work done by this well-known, theologian and scientist. Mr. Edwards also gra- phically described the troublous times in Bir- mingham in 1791, when the mob burned Priest- ley's Chapel, and his dwelling-house, because he held political and theological opinions which would not, it is feared, be accepted by the Bir- mingham of to-day. Mr. Stanley Jones read an exoellent paper on "Longfellow," and Mr. Jones illustrated his point by an jintelligent reading of some of the poet's choice works. Both readers were cordially thanked for their papers. DISTRESS.—On Wednesday morning a deputa- tion from the Breconshire County Council, con- sisting of Mr. W. S. Miller, Forest Lodge; Archdeacon Beavan, and Mr. G. Tudor (clerk to the Council), met the Cefn Canteen Committee at the board-room with the view of discussing tha several cases of distress still prevailing in the place. The members of the Canteen Com- mittee present were Mr. Joseph Price, Mr. W. L. Berryman, Rev. J. Hathren Davies, and the secretary (Mr. Matthew Owen). Mr. Owen gave an exhaustive report of the steps already taken to cope with the destitution. The committee had requisitioned the County Council for another grant in order to re-open the breakfast-room for the destitute school children. A request was also made to the deputation to make arrange- ment for stone-breaking for the able-bodied men who are out of employment. Mr. Miller, who was the chairman of the conference, said that the deputation would convey these representa- tions to the Council, which will meet on Friday, and he had no doubt but that good result would issue. The Rev. J. Hathren Davies proposed, Mr. Berryman «econded, and Mr. Price sup- ported, a hearty vote of thanks to the members of the deputation for their kindness and sym- pathy. # ?

Vaynor and Penderyn District Council. A special meeting of this Council was held on Monday last, Mr. John Rogers (chairman) pre- siding. The other members present were the three other Vaynor members, and also Mr. F. T. James (clerk), Mr. Samuel (deputy clerk), and Mr. W. J. Davies (surveyor). Considerable discussion took place as to the best method of repairing the great landslide, near Pontsarn. Several suggestions were made, and the Surveyor was instructed to make a. re- port and to give an estimate of alternative I methods of putting tho matter right. A letter was read from the Local Government Board, confirming the appointment of Mr. W. J. Davies, as surveyor and inspector. The final gtep was taken to invite tenders for the sewerage works, and 80180 to appoint a cleric of the works to carry them out.

HSRWAIN. DEATH.—Tho "king of terrors" has claimed another victim in the person of Mr. Richard Howelis, 66. Station-road, who passed away on Friday last, at the age of 60. Deceased was a. native of Langharne, but had resided at Hirwa.in for tho past 30 years. Deceased had only been ill a week. The funeral took place on Tuesday, a largo number of Great Western Railway employees, under which com- pany tho deceased had worked for many years, escorting tho remains to the Aberdare Cfemetery, the arrangements being in the hands of Messrs. J. M. Jones and Son. The Rev. Evan Jones (BO performed the burial rights. Sympathy is extended to the relatives, in their sudden bereavement. I? TOTJ HATE DKFBCTITE EYESIGHT, consnlt the I most experienced Eyesight Testing Expert in Meir- thyr. Mr. HENRY M. LLOYD, Ophthalmic Optician and Chemist, Merthyr (opposite Market doors).

DOWLAIS. "MEBCHED Y DE."—This living Temperance Society, which does much good among the sis-j tors, had a. very well-attended entertainment at their meeting place, Elizabeth-street Chapel vestry, last Tuesday evening. Addresses, solos, recitations, etc.. wero given by several of the members and others. The meeting was presided over by Mrs. T. Bowen. MAINTENANCE ARREARS.—At the Ebbw Vale Police Court, on Thursday, Arthur Satch, 29, blacksmith, Dowlais, was summoned for main- j tenance arrears due towards his wife, amount- ing to £1 2s. 6d.—Mr. T. Hughes was for the complainant.—Defendant did not appear, but j.t wag stated that the man hud paid, but would not pay direct to his wiff.—ih\ Hughes asked for ccst-s, which were granted. PKNYWERX MALB VOICE PARTY.—This choir is now in a vary flourishing condition, and, i under the conductorship of Mr. Evan Thomas (Fronheulog), is making much progress. On Thursday evening, 20th inst., a very successful 'I soireo was held, under the auspices of the party. The members and friends provided an endless variety of solid and dainty viands. The affair re-fleeted much credit upon those respon- I sible. Ovying to the supsr-a-buudance cf the good things provided, it was found possible to I give the children a treat on the following Fri- day night, which, needless to say. was thor- oughly enjoyed by the little ones. It is intend- ed tho party shall enter the lists as competitor at tho forthcoming Eisteddfod at Barry, if all goes well. goes well.

Fatal Fall at Bwllfa. I On Tuesday, Patrick Crowley, a mason's la-: bourer, of no fixed abode, fell off the scaffold while attending to the masons on a stack at the > Bwllfa Colliery, and was killed instantaneously, His lemaiiw were removed to the mortuary." i

ABERCANAID. ) THE BOY PREACHER.—Master S. G. Thomas, of Llanbradach, the boy preacher, addressed a. very fair audience on Wednesday evening, last, under the auspices of the Women's Tem- perance League, at Demi Chapel. He spoke on temperance and afterwards preached a sermon. He was listened to with rapt attention. One of the lady members presided and gave a short history of the movement. She said they were under a great disadvantage as they could not at all time3 secure rooms at the various vestries in the winter months. They had, therefore, decided to build a place where they could meet and carry out their campaign, and she urged all present to become members of the move- ment and assist in the very needy cause they had commenced.

South Wales I.L.P. Council. MR G. H. BIBBINGS EXCOMMUNICATED. At the annual conference of tho South Wales Independent Labour Council, held this week at Cardiff, it was resolved to send to oertain papers the following announcement:— "Mr. G. H. Bibbings is not now an official organizer of the I.L.P., and has cancelled all South Wales I.L.P. engagements. "Having appeared on Liberal platforms, his connection with the South VY ales I.L.P. Divi- sional Council ceases."

Sir John Llewellyn has given £1,000 to Swan- sea Hospital building fund. Entries for the international cage bird ex- hibition which opens on February 4th number nearly 3,000. A railway guard at Worthing found the mutilated body of a woman named BleasUy on the line. It is believed that three trains passed over it. At Ennis Quarter Sessions on Wednesday Sergeant Michael Farrell, of the Royal Irish Constabulary, was awarded £40 compensation for injuries received in West Clare in endeavour- tag to quell a row on § publican # premise*.

RHYMNEY. CRUELTY TO CHILDREN.—On Thursday evew in a meeting was held at Penuel Chapel, cd behalf of the Society for the Prevention ofi Cruelty to Children, when an address was de- livered by Mr. Summers, one of the officers of the Society. The Rev. D. Davies, vicar, pre-o rided, and there was a very fair attendance. The speaker gave an interesting address and spoke of the good work the society had already accomplished. He related a number of in- stances of sad cases of neglect and cruelty. The speaker was cordially thanked for his ad- dress, and a collection was made towards the funds. ELECTION ITEMS.—A meeting was held at the; Middle Schools, insupport of the candidature of Mr. John Cameron, on Friday evening. The candidate himself was not present. Mr. Chas, Curtis took the chair. There was a large audience, and it was very soon evident that tha great majority had como for amusement. CcL Williams. Pontvpool, addressed the meeting chiefly on Tariff Rdorm. Notwithstanding the continuous interruption of the audience, he maintained himself throughout in splendid humour. He was overwhelmed with quesbolUl at the close of his speech. He would not dis- cuss Mr. Cameron's address, he said he had now seen it. No resolution the meet- ing terminated with chee'fl" for UW^Budfet, Lloyd George, and Tom Richards. The Vioo toria Hall was never more crowded than it waJt on Monday evening, when a meeting was held in support of Mr. Tom Richards, the chair be^ ing occupied by Mr. Henry Davies, chairman- of the Trades and Labour Council. Mr. John Davies, Dowlais, addressed the meeting at COttol siderable length. A resolution in favour of Mr* Richards was moved by Mr. Thos. John Job seconded by Mr. Geo. Jones, and supported b Mr. J. T. Williams. The resolution was carri04 without a single dissentient. Mr. Richards theal delivered an excellent address before leaving for Tredegar to address a meeting there. Th-f Rev. W. Jones, Mr. Collins (secretary of tha Irish National League, followed. The meeting throughout was full of enthusiasm The eleo* tion day, as usual, passed off very quietly. Thrf only colour to be seen was red-the Libe colour. The Liberal and Labour forces were well arranged, and a very heavy poll was sf cured. A large number went to Tredegar on Tuesday night to hear the declaration of the poll. and they failed not to let everyone know in the early hours of the morning that Mr. Rictin ards been returned with the enormous majority of 10,50..

Beaufort Hill Man's Tragic Death TRAM RAN WILD. An inquest was held on the body of David Lloyd Davies, a roadman, of Beaufort Hill, who met with a terrible death whilst following his occupation at No. 1 Waunllwyd Pit. Mr. Robinson, H. M. Inspector of Mines, watched thø case for the Homo Office, and Mr. Vyce, miner's agent, watched the case for the men" Mr. W. Davies was foreman of the jury. A. L. Davies, a son of the deceased, stated that hii father wm 57 years of a.ge, and was formerly a steel worker. Deceased had worked under- ground for nearly eleven years, and enjoyed ther best of health. His hearing was also good.—. By Mr. Robinson: His father had good sight and ortlysed glasses for reading pur-< poses. Frederick Jenkins said that on Friday he was hitching at No. 1 Waunlwyd. Generally he was employed as a knocker off. At the time there was a full tram, standing four yards away from the turn wheufdeoeased was killed. Wit*. ness was then standing near the tram on thep full road. He hitchcd the tram, which ran on' a rope to go back. There were other trams above this one. The engine was working and the rope continued to run. The tram was mov ing about three miles an hour by means of a' rope.—Mr. Walford: Did you do this on day morning?—Witness: Yes. I put the hook' in the bottom plate and knocked tho tiiimblai into place with an iron bar provided for tha I purpose. Proceeding, witness stated that hs- saw the thimble go in to its place. He walked with the tram two or three yards. The tram travelled away from him. Presently, he heard a noise and shouting. The tram came back,; and at the time deceased was standing about a* yard away. It llightly touched witness, and passed him, and took Davies with it. He must have turned to the full road, thinking it was some empties coming back. He then pulled the wires and signalled "stop." Witness then went to the deceased, who had one leg under the tram, and tho other across the ropes. Thtl tram was close to him, but Davies was Dot dead. Witness ran for the ambulance men., Deceased was used to this road, and also the work. It was very dark at the spot; the only- light was from the workers' lamps. He had never heard of the tbimble slipping before.—By Mr. Robertson: The rope often surged. Ha had not time to say anything to deceased when he heard the shouting.—John Beaton, a haulier at the pit, said he was 20 yards away from the previous witness, when he heard a rumbling noise, and at once shouted to them below him to look out. At the same time he jumped into an empty tram to get out of the way himself. He then heard a full tram go by running wild. —By Mr Vyce: He had seen trams running wild before owing to clips being out of order. He had seen one run back at this spot.—Samuel Parsons, a master haulier, said that at the time of the accident he was assisting in shack- ling the trams. Deceased was then standing on the empties' road, and heard the shouting. He then stood erect in the manhole. As the tram passed the manhole he saw the deceased step forward on to the full road, a.nd he discovered after that the deceased had been caught by the run-away tram. Witness attended to the de ceased for about ten minutes. He then left him in charge of the ambulance men. He died in a few minutes. About a quarter of an hour after witness examined the road, and saw, nothing that would cause the hook to comoff. He could not account for it. — By Mr. Vyce: Tha deceased saw him go into the manhole in tha full side.—The manager stated that the theory was that the thimble was knocked up by thing, but how or where they could not say* The jerking of the rope would cause it. — Tha Coroner, in summing up, said deceased must have stepped on the wrong road, and thus met his death. The jury returned a verdict that deceased met his death accidentally, and that no one was to blame. The funeral of the deceased took place olf Tuesday last amid many manifestations of 5Or. t'ow. He was an old and respected inhabitant of Beaufort, and was for many years a prominj OTt official under the Ebbw Vale Steel and Iron Company. He was at all times a great favour- ite amongst the workers. He had lived &t Bæuoi fort Hill for a number of years, and had made nany friends. The funeral was a public one, and was largely attended. The mournful procession was headed bv a huge choir singing "Lead, Kindly Light." The Vicar (Rev. D. J. Llew. and the Rev. Mr. Jones, curate, St. Aiv Irews, conducted the burial services at the* liouse, aiso at the church, and tho "rave side, rhe service at the church was very imprestivo^ Several beautiful wreaths were eent. including me from St. Andrews, Beaufort Hill, and one the Beaufort Hill County Schoci. Gre sympathy Ü, felt for the sorrowvijr family*