The Merthyr Express

-0.- JP Beauty I 4alueAV s have spread to every corner of our g Establishment with the coming of the I S NEW SPRING GOODS. Particularly is this true in our Dress Goods Department. The wealth of new things defies description-every new weave, every new shade, is repre- § sented in our showing, and for Value, I real honest value, our 1910 Spring 8 Display surpasses any previous Exhibi- I tion. 1 Take the various fabrics suitable I for Spring' Costumes for example. We E are confident better value or greater B variety could not be found in the whole B of the British Isles. The ffollowlugare but a few of the many delightful Costume Weaves we are showing :— DONEGAL TWEEDS in a large variety of colours, 52in. wiCs, at from 2s. 6kl. per yard. WOOLSACK CHEVIOTS-quite the Newest on Costume Weaves-in self and two tone colourings, 50in. wide, Is. 11. and 2s. flid. per yard. Tlris new fabric is of a Hopsack nature and makes up into charming costumes. NEW HERRING BONE SUITIN68 in attractive Spring colours, SOin. wide, at Is. 6td. and Is- Itid. per yard. IMITATION HARRIS TWEEDS, in several colours, 52in. wide, Is. Ilid. per yard. These Tweeds cannot be beaten for present wear. REW HAWICK TWEEDS, in all the Fashionable coloan. ideal for knockabout costumes, 50in. wide, <s. 6id. and Is. lid. per yard. We have chosen our stock with great care, and are confident it will meet with the approval of our patrons. We have put examples of the various weaves in our Windows, but, of course, to get a true conception of the worth and beauty of our Display you must come inside and examine the goods themselves. We do not ask you to come in and purchase, but we do say come in and look round, for we want you to appreciate boiv well fitted we are to serve you. t J I HOUSEHOLD LINENS. I I I j! S ¡ I We are now making a Special Show 1 of these. Table Cloths, S7 Sheets, | Towels, Towelings, &c. they are a most 1 attractive assortment of just the kinds that I are most serviceable, those that will delight 6 the practical housekeeper and the prices are 1 "f>ri £ tive tQo, as these distances show. g "8'J.- Bleached Damask Table f4Gfh: Serviettes. 1 TABLE CLOTHS, 2yds. by 2yds., 3?. rii., *i. 11d., 6s. lid., r" 1 !d., J 10$. 6d., 12s. lid. | TABLE CLOTHS, 2yds. by 2*yds., 11%: «r 11dM to 25°. 6d. I TABLE CLOTHS, 2!yü. by 3yds.: a I'f i.. M., Us. 6d, 15s. 6d. | to 35s. SERVIETTES, 3s. 61, 4s. 6d., 5s. 6^ 6s. od., 7s. 11d. to 25s. 6d. I per dozen. Handsome Embroidered and Openwork Gotten and Linen BED- ? SPREADS, 8s. 11d. to 3 guineas. B Embroidered and Hemstitched Cotton *n<i Unen SHEETS, lis. 6d., g 14s. lid. up to 50$. per pair. ■ Hemstitched, Frilled and Embroidered PILLOW CASES, 6 £ d., 81d., ■ 10ild., Is. Oid. to 4s. 11d. M Tray, Duchesse, Sideboard and Atfernooc Tea CLOTHS, in every S Style and Quality. 9 Enormous Stotk or TOWELS AND TOWELLING. | 100 dozen Brown and White Stripe TURKISH TOWELS, 3Jd., 4|d., 1 GJ4., 8id. to Is. 11di. 9 80 dozen Hemstitched TURKISH TOWELS (Pure White), Is. 0|d., 1 Is. 3 £ d., Is. 6^d„ to 3s. lid. I ;f Christy's Brown Linen Towels, 10id. to 4s. lid. ■ Huckaback TOWELS (all Linen), 6fd., 8?d., 10|d. to 3s. lid I GLASS TOWELS, KITCHEN TOWELS, BATH SHEETS, etc., etc., 1 in great variety, at exceptionally Low Prices: jj§ « .c I R. T. JONES & Co., Market Square, Merthyr. j 01 t!M.)!!M!!X.M!)!

THE POSITION OF WELSH AT ST. TYDFIL'S. Sir,—It may not be generally known to local church people that a change is about to be made in the services of the Parish Church, St. Tydfil's. It was announced last Sunday that, in future, the morning services would be conduct- ed in English, with the exception of a oelebra- tion of Holy Communion once a month. It was added that this change was made at the request of the parishioners. No information was vouchsafed as to when or by whom this re- quest was made. Certainly no mention of it was made at the Easter Vestry recently held. The proposed change appears to be entirely capricious, and no apparent reason can be found for it. English church people in the town are already fully provided for at St. David's, and that church is not so well attended that it can afford to dispense with even a portion of its congregation. On the other hana, the present Welsh services at the Parish Church are a ne- cessary provision for the needs of Welsh Churchmen in Merthyr. It is perfectly obvious, therefore, that the only effect of the proposed change will be to deprive Welshmen of their services, and to leave them practically without any spiritual provision whatsoever. It seems most desirable that those in authority should reconsider their present ill-advised proposal, and refuse to oust the Welsh language from the services of the Church at the clamorous de- mands of what can only be a small section of bigoted Anglicizers, who covet such a splendid building for their own use. If the change is proceeded with, it can only be inferred that the Rector is pursuing an alienising policy to the undoubted harm of the Church, and of re- ligion generally. In times past charges were frequently brought against the Welsh Church of being alien in lan- guage and sentiment; charges which, one must admit, had some basis in truth when the re- quirements of the people were ignored by her. It is, therefore, the more unfortunate at a time like the present, when the "Ecclesia Walliae" is fast regaining her position in the hearts of the nation, that such an action as this should take place. Its only effect will be to cause many to think that the old, bad policy of the past is still in force, and once more give oc- casion to the enemy to blaspheme. The present Bishop of Iondon has well said: "I do not myself think that any church that does not reoognise national, sentiment will ever last. -tt seems to me that the Holy Catholic Church must knit itself into the hearts of the nation where it is planted, and unite itself with na- tional aspirations." Surely, to ignore the na- tional language cannot be the best way of showing forth the catholicity of the Church of Wales. It is deplorable that a large and important parish like Merthyr should in this way make an attack on the Welsh language. Such an action will only afford encouragement to those clergy (and they are not a few) in other and smaller surrounding parishes who are already devoting no small effort to the work of de- nationahsing the fchurch. For this reason, if for no other, every effort should be made by Churchmen to secure that the position of Welsh in the church services shall not be interfered with in Merthyr.—Yours, etc., ELAETH

A SUGGESTION TO MERTHYR LIBERALS. Sir Allow me a small space to offer a suggestion to Liberals in Merthyr. Is it not possible for them to get a debate on "Socialism and Liberalism?" Surely they have some local gentleman who would willingly defend the cause of Liberalism. If not, why not go outside the borough and look for one? Per- haps Mr. Hughes, of Bridgend, who had the honour of smashing Socialism in Mid-Gla- morgan recently, or the senior member, Mr. Edgar Jones, would take up the matter. There are many young ladies in the League who would willingly defend Liberalism. I had the pleasure of hearing one killing Socialism at the Drill Hall, on Saturday last. I am sure ♦he I.L.P. will respond to the challenge. If a debate could be hold it would clear the atmosphere, and be the means of converting many doubters. ANXIOUS.

MUSICAL ADUDICATORS. Sir,—Will you grant me a small space in your paper to refer to this matter? I read in the "Merthyr Express" the notes of a speech delivered by Mr. Harry Evam, F.R.C.O., at Abergavenny on Easter Monday, in -giving his adjudication on the cbisf choral contest. I pre- sume that the fewness of the choirs oompeting ] a-oused Mr. Evans's ire, and led him to offer his reasons for this. There can be no doubL tltat he spoke woids QI wisdom when he eaid that _( AN sfeoisi k+VMK 4to -s-guilwo I to enter the arena with new works did more for niuoic than a hundred choirs (more or less) did who sang nothing but hackneyed music— "musio that had been done to d^ath." These words have the essence of truth and wisdom in them, but I have grave doub-s whether this was the reason for so small a rubber entering th" various competitions. Psrb?.p* Mr. Evans could, if he v find -on naarer home. Whatabo <he standard ssr. up by -Mr. Evana? Is it unfair that the pi<H:c should expect Mr. Evans to practise his precepts? If he tsiis in this, then Treat sneeth^a at Eis- teddfodait and Musical Cc.f.fences are nothing but LnsutTerable prating. ') the following works new?—(1) "Overture on Wiiiiam Tell" ^Rossini), (2) "Hallelujah C -Handel); ( J) "Fantasia on Hymn-tune. Li-• (Harry Evans); (4) "The Lost Chord" (Sullivan). works are four items given by Mr. Evana in tho organ recital at Cwmbach three days after the outpouring at Abergavenny. May I ask Mr. Evans respectfully to look up all tho pro- grammes of Welsh Eistedafodau for Easter reason, and point out works more hackneyed than he played at the above-mentioned recital? There are some works that cannot bo done to death, because they are dead already. There are others that can be done to death, for there is something in them; and, 'astly, there are other works that cannot be done to death, for thev have in them the essence, yea, the quintessence of music, which will not die. CWMBACHITE.

CATHOLICS AND SOCIALISM. Sir,—In last week's issue of your valuable paper, there appeared a letter from "Une Sanscullote'' in defence of Catholic Socialists. I think it would ba well, in the first place, for n'y man who has any idea of the Catholic ve'i^'on, to consider whether a Catholic can be a Socialist. I believe this ought to be con- sidered before attacking the priest who lately held a. week's mission at Merthyr Vale, in the columns of a Nonconformist paper. This worthy father has now gone back to Ireland, and has no chance of defending himself against any attacks made on his work v.'ir'=f, he was here; and, further, I do not suppoto if he were here at present, be would take anv notice of an attack made on him for the advice he gave Catholic people in tho Catholic Church. Your correspondent gives his definition of Socialism, and in if he only touches the stomach, and capital, and labour. We must consider for a little while whether be is the only author on Socialism in tho world. If so, Socialism would workr whilst there was enough religion instilled into the minds of the capitalist and the labour- er to clearly show them what their duties were to one another. But there are other authors on Socialism, and their definitions are more likely to attract public attention than that of your Aberfan correspondent, because they touch on faith and morals. First, there is thi famous German, Karl Marx, who may, in truth, be regarded as the founder of modern Socialism. He declared that beyond nature and man there :8 nothing, and that those higher beings created by OUT religious fancy are but the fantastic re- flections of our own being. Imagine for a moment such great political leaders as Mr. J. E. Redmond, Mr. Asquith, or Mr. Balfour, feeling it incumbsnt upon them to put in the forefront of their policy a denial of the im- mortality of the soul, or of the existence of God as a preliminary to the advocacy of Homo Rule, Free Trade, or Fiscal Reform. Bebel, as well as Marx, denied both these things, and all genuine Socialists have imitated them, be- I cause they know that Socialism and Christian- itv are irreconcilable. Socialism has taken for its motto the words of the fool mentioned in the 12th chapter of St. Luke, "Take thy rest, eat, drink, and make good cheer." Christianity declares that God made us to know, serve, and love Him in this w()rldiw that we may bo for eveT happy with Him In the next. At the congress of the Hague in 1872, Marx made the following state- ment: "In most countries of Europe, violanoe must be the lever of our social reform." Bebel, in one of his works ("Unsero Ziele," p. 44), writes: "We must not shudder at the thought of employing violence." He also says: "Leave heaven to the sparrows," and he recommends his followers to seek their paradise in the gratification of human passions. Cathrein, quoting from Marx ("Socialism," p. 2.15), says: "Religion is an absurd popular sentiment, a fantastic degeneration of human nature, the abolition or which as the deceptive happiness of the people is a necessary thing for their true happiness"; further, that "religion is only an illusory sun which revolves around man as long as man fails to revolve round himself." Engel, in his work on "Feurbach" (p. 52) says: "Religion had its origin in a very primeval period from ambiguous and rather primitive views of nature and their surroundings," and in conclusion he said "it was but a poor delu- sion." Pope Leo XIII., in his famous Encycli- cal on Labour, says: "Socialism is a plague of humanity and a cursed brood." I feel con- fident Catholics will be more impressed by his teaching than by that of your Aberfan corres- pondent. I also sa.y in the words of Henry George, the tendencies of modern Socialism are atheistic, and that no Catholic can be a Socialist. A CATHOLIC SOCIAL REFORMER.

RE "GOGGLED BLIZZARDS." Sir,—I read with much amusement an effu- sion entitled, "Goggled Blizzards," in your estimable paper a fortnight ago; and though one of the motor cyclists who reside in the dis- trict, and therefore one of tho white sheep (by "McAdam's" kind permission), I feel I must point out one or two of the glaring mistakes made by your contributor. The first run from Doman Fawr to Newport, and back through Abergavenny, i? about the wors* I know, as a detour up bad hills has to be made to avoid Aberbeeg piich, and the road is extremely bad II right down to Newport, necessitating a very steady speed all the way.. It is no" a. good run from the speed point of view, and I don't sup- pose has been done once in a "blue moon" by motor tyclists. The second run, London to and fro, is 180 miles each way, necessitating being in the saddle nine hours each way at legal limit pace; yet from "McAdam's'' letter we can see the "human hurricane" reeling off the miles "independent of wind or weather," at a speed approaching that of that famous Newport to Paddington non-stop express. No, "Mc- Adam"; eighteen hours in the saddle is not relished even by "goggled blizzards," and is not a. favourite run by any means. I also notice it has "McAdam's" sad lot to render first-aid to children ("dear little toddlers," I have no doubt) who have been injured by cyclists—(not motor cyclists you will notice)—though these "human hurricanes" pass through 1,300 children "at a speed considered by safe judges to be dangerous to old and young. Finally, I think "McAdam's" nerves are out of order. I would suggest his seeing a doctor and having a rest cure. If, however, he tries his buckshot remedy, I have no doubt he will spend an enforced rest cure extending over months, years, or eternity depending upon the accuracy of his aim.—Yours truly, A. S. L.

TREDEGAR Y.M.C.A. AND THE WORKMEN'S INSTITUTE. Sir,—I crave a little of your valuable space to remove a possible misconception. At the anniversary of the Tredegar P.S.A., the chair- man is reported to have said that the proposal to erect new Y.M.C.A. premises was Dot a scheme antagonistic to the late proposal' to build & new Workmen's Hall and Institute. With this statement I am fully in accord, as there is, no doubt, room for both. However, he is further reported to have said: "A Work- men's Institute stood for negative work, but I the Y.M.C.A. stood for the uplifting of young men, socially, intellectually, morally, and spiri- tually." Now this combination of words, I sub- I mit, is rather unfortunate, as to the careless Teader it is calculated to convey the impression that the Y.M.C.A. has a particular right to the social and intellectual education of the people of Tredegar, whilst the Workmen's Institute is relegated to the position of merely negative work—whatever that may precisely mean—this view being emphasised by the statement "that there was nothing in common between the two organizations." Now, may I be allowed to point out that the Tredegar Workmen's Library and Institute can only justify its existence in so far gs it is an intellectual, social, and moral influence? Its work in this direction will, I affirm, bear tne very closest investigation, and compare not 'un- favourably with other Institutes similarly situ- ated. As one who has had fourteen years' practical experience of Public Library work, I believe J may presume to speak with some little authority. On its intellectual side, it is ever the aim of the committee to keep in evi- dence the value and abiding interest of good books, not of the "goody-goody" variety, but books wbioh inform the mind, stimulate the imagination, and' discover the deeper relation of things; and this. I claim, wo are doing, despite our many and obvious handicaps, in a successful manner, as a. glanoe at the crowded book-shelves will prove, and the tremendously- increased popularity of this department demon- strates that the public appreciate in the most practical manner our bumble efforts. The value and extent of our social work will be immediately apparent to anyone who carcs to visit the game rooms, where hourly can be seen scores of young men enjoying themselves in a truly recreative sense, free from "vicious influ- ences," the moral influenoe of which is in- calculable. It must be understood that write in no sense of Antagonism to the Y.M.C., but merely in the friendliest possible manner to protect against the restricted idea of our sphere of action which the unfortunate, and possibly un- intentional, sequence of sentences might sug- gest. Our work sectional; we have to cater for all classes and schools of thought, and the acceptance of any artificial and restrirv tive definition of our duties would be fatal jKffi of the Institute.—Yours, etc., GEORGE H. MORTOr (phairraan). Tredegar Workmen's Library and Institute, April 11th, 1910.

HOOLIGANISM IN EBBW VALE. f Sir,—Will some friend or friends kindly sop- some method or method'; how to deal with th-ase hooligans that are Ù"{;01i1!U[i moio nr.,a2r- oui in the town from day to day ? Hew to ac- i jj $he :j1j t

AN EBBW VALE ELECTION RUMOUR DENIED Sir,—Kindly allo^ me a small space in your valuable paper to first of all make a correc- tion. The oumb'.r of votes recorded for myself in the Urban T>i^ct Council election at Ebbw Vale on April "th, 1910, was 336 and net 236 as appeared in -i- last week's issue. Permit me also to !iv'- a:: emphatic denial to the ru- mour which was «pr3?d abroad on the day of election to the effect that I intend to erect a building to be used as a public house, or used for the .sale of intoxicating liquors in any way whatever I shall be pleased to receive any information from any person that will lead to the identif cation of the person or persons re- sponsible for spreading of this rumour.— Yours faitafuii, HENRY SAUNDERS Mount Pie; -road, Ebbw VQ' pril 9th.

EBBW v.ü.J'; DISTRICT COUNCIL ELECTION. Sir,—A few queries have been directed to- wards me during the last few weeks through the columns of your paper. I have been chal- lenged to give replies, but I deemed it wise not to answer them until the local elections were over for fear a misunderstanding or wrong interpretation should be put upon them. "Si- lent Listener" asked why should I, as a Labour representative, approve promotion of a servant in the employ of the Bedwellty Board of Guar- dians? My answer to my friend is simply this. Two years ago in this department a stan- dard of efficiency was set up that had never ex- isted in the history of that Board before, and I wanted that standard to be maintained. The next query was by Mr. Guolding, of Ebbw Vale. The question as put, and the inference drawn by the ordinary man in the street is that I have charged the Association nearly double the amount for doing the same work as my colleague, Mr. T Mere dith. Here lies the sting of his query, and for the sake of those who pay me I am not going to pass these .remarks by without contradic- tion. Correspondence they shall have if they so desire. I ask for no quarter, neither will I give any. But may I plainly say once and for all only for those who sign their letters by proper name and address. In reply to Mr. Goulding I may say there is my record of lost time at the colliery, there is a record of my at- tendances at the Board and other committees, and I submit these for comparison with cheques paid. He further reiterates the old bogie, and he is not the only one either that has made this gross mistake, that I moved the motion to stop Couns. Morgan and Davies's pay. There is only one reason for this charge—election dodging and trickery. May I remind them that it has just failed this time. It would seem ri- diculous, if true, that through the whole of the bungle with the Trades Council I should take sides opposite to the majority, and yet move the resolution. I therefore ask the writer to withdraw the charge, it will do himself no barm, and do me a favour. Now I give these crtics an open challenge through the press or in a public meeting, have it which way they like. I find some of these critics have used to advantage during the last few weeks the bogie of eight shillings a day. A few questions for the time being will suffice: (1) Why do we employ miners' agents and com- mittee men, etc., to do our work? (2) Why do the outside workman employ sliding scale members and organising secretaries to do their work instead of inviting parsons and clergy- men, business men, independent gentlemen, and officials to do this work for them? Surely, this is a great waste of money and labour when just by one word we could have it done so well for nothing, according, to the arguments used of late. Another question I should like to put is this: Do these men eaorifioe time and money as people try to make out? Let the workers once and for all realise intelligently in the words of that great economist (John Stuart Mill) "That to pay well for work well done is the best of economy A. BURROWS. 166, Willowtown, Ebbr" Vale.

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM, CATHAYS PARK, CARDIFF. Sir,—I regret to hear that the Building Com- mittee of the above have decided to use a stone which does not come from Wales. Sure- ly, a building which is intended to contain everything of Welsh origin should be built of Welsh materials as well, especially as there is such good stone in Wales; not only is it equal, but superior to any found in United King- dom. I consider that this is an injustice to all Welsh quarries. I am also informed that the stone is to be delivered on the site "dressed and ready for fixing." If this is correct, what a lot of employment is being deliberately sent out of Wales. Hundreds of Welsh quarrymen and masons, now out of work, would be em- ployed if Welsh stone was used. I would ask the Committee, if this is true, to reconsider their decision, and to do their utmost for the welfare of Wales bv using Welsh materials, worked by Welsh workmen, for a Welsh Na- tional Museum. A WELSHMAN.

CONSERVATIVE CLUBS. Sir,—I wae glad to fead the letter of "A. C. C." in a late issue. It proves that they are alive to the best interests of the clubs of the country. There can be no doubt that a club owning its own premises and being its own landlord is on a far safer basis than when a mere tenant. I would strongly advise clubs to immediately-build or purchase new premises where landlords refuse to allow them to purchase on reasonable terms. This policy should be carried out without delay. I find Liberals are realising the import- ance of this, as eight Liberal clubs in one dis- trict of London have recently purchased their clubs, or are negotiating for purchase.—Yours, eto., ALFRED M. SOLLIE. St. Stephens, Westminster.

SUFFERED FROM GIRLHOOD. Life despaired of when child was born. Wonderful change wrought by Dr. Morse's Indian Root Pills. The experience of MRs. MABTHA ROGERS, of 5, Kilshaw Lane, Hooley Hill, Ashton-under- Lvne, is that of thousands of women whose sys- tem becomes weakened by such complaints as Indigestion rmiueing Constipation, so that when the body requires any supreme resisting force, such as when a child is born, nature finds itself exhausted, and sometimes death ensues. MRS. ROGERS, who has taken DR. MORSE'S INDIAN ROOT PILLS for some years speaks from ex- perience. In her letter she says :—"Knowing full well the amount of pain and inconveni- ence I have avoided these last few years, in having regularly taken DR. MORSE'S INDIAN ROOT PILLS, I now write to express my appreciation. Ever since a girl I suffered from Indigestion and Biliousness, and in ma. tured years instead of my condition mending it gradually grew worse. At times my life became unbearable, and for days together I have gone without food, hoping thus to obtain the relief which I so much needed. When my last child was born, my life was despaired of, owing to my weakened state, and food which I took I could scarcely retain on my stomach. It must now be about four years ago when I commenced taking DR. MORSE'S INDIAN ROOT PILLS, and the wondrous change they have effected in me is the cause of my writing this to you, and which you may use in any shape or form you think advisable. So great a confidence have I in their splendid virtue, that I always give them to my children on the slightest sign of sickness. Wishing your medicine every success." Throughout the many stages of woman's life, from peevish girlhood, through womanhood, motherhood, to the declining years of old age, there is no better, milder or more effective medical companion to woman-folk than DR. MORSE'S INDIAN ROOT PILLS. They promote healthy and regular visitation, dry debilitating drains, lieal inflammation and ulceration, and cure all womanly weaknesses, cleansing and restoring the Bowels, Liver and Kidneys to perfect working order. A few doses occasionailly when well, will assure a pure and healthy system. They are a positive and permanent cure for Constipation, Biliousness, Sick Head- ache, Impure Blood, all disorders arising from deranged Liver or Kidneys, an3 Female Irregu- larities. Sold by Chemists price Is. lid. per bottle, or THE. W. H. COMSTOCK CO., Ltd., 21 'Farringdon Avenue, London, E.C.

BABIES OF ALL NATIONS. One of the most striking features of the Ideal Home Exhibition, which has beenned at Olympia by Her Royal Highness Princess Christian, wae the remarkable gathering of Virol babies of all nations, promoted by Virol, Ltd., to illustrate the world-wide use of Virol as &n infants' food. In the tastefully decorated courts and under the verandahs of an Eastern nursery were seen playing together babies from all quarters of tho world—Chinese and Japanese babies played with African and Indian babies of all races; German, Russian, Norwegian, and Dutch babies with Cingalese, Moorish, and Turkish babies. were English, Scotch, and Welsh babies, and babies from Zanzibar, Cuba, Dem&rara, Nigeria, etc., etc. The gorgeous colouring of the native dresses of the children, together with the cos- tumes of Ayahs from China, India, Burmah, and Africa, and the nurses from Germany, France, Italy, and Russia made a brilliant picture. 7ke gathering terms an interesting exhibit of the baby customs of the various 1 countries. The one common interest seemed to be the babies' appreciation of Virol. Messrs. Virol, Ltd., have arranged to hand any gifts which they may receive to the National Society of Day Nurseries; and in view of this fact, gentlemen holding high official and professional positions in various countries and colonies are allowing their children to appear in order that 1 they may -ogatribma "W tho Sf. tbe Ex- J

OUR EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM. 1 SOME THOUGHTS BY AN OCCASIONAL CONTRIBUTOR. I.-ELEMENTARY ED/NATION. Jould you and I with fate conspire To grasp this sorry scheme of things entire, Would we not not shatter it to bits, and then Remould it nearer to the heart's desire." 'Vou are a bad third." These ominous words of Dr. Macnamaxa, addressed to a Teachers' Conference at Merthyr over a decado ago. In his speech he instituted un- favourable comparisons between the characters of the Elementary Education given" in the three eountn-s of Great Britain. Much commend- able pr'H' was given to the Welsh echeme of education, J\e easy proximity of tho rungs of the ladder, the genuine enthusiasm for educa. tional progress, the democratic atmosphere of the Welsh University, but the lowest rungs were declared to ba in great need of reparation. It must be admitted that even in a decade, an unconscionable improvement has taken place in zeaJ, in intensity, and in the quality of the work, but it may be doubted whether the pro- gress is an acceleration or the slow evolution- ary growth of all gropingg towards the light. In a small community like Wales, such an accusation should be unwarrantable. Possess- ing the advantages incident to small communi- ties, the concentration of power, the invidious rivalry towards greater communities, the struggles of ambition, the ingenuous devoticn to higher ideals than the force of arms, we should remember the glories of the small com- munities of Italy and Greece, and in admira- tion, wonder at the permanent nature of their achievements in intellectual pursuits. The force generated in such a state is one which is lost when expended over a great area, just as the mountain stream loses its clear, sparkling, crystalline purity when it flows languidly in the plain. Wales is gradually asserting herself, and this forc of fervent patriotism is elevating some of her sons to great eminence, and her name to a place of proud honour. This is no place for platitudinous remarks and trite truisms about the influence of Ele- mentary Education on a nation. The exiguous proportion of pupils who com j under Secondary training leaves the vast proportion under the sole influence of the schools of Elementary Education and Experience, and it is patent that the former directs the latter. Let the paramount importance of Elementary Educa- tion, therefore, be postulated in order to come to terms. The enslaved Israelites of old could not make bricks without straw. "Ye shall no more give the people straw to make bricks, as heretofore," said Pharaoh to the taskmasters. So the finish- ed article could only be relatively appraised, for taxture is not the only factor of the equation. Continuing the mathematical metaphor, it is raw product into scientific machinery, into in- genuity, into exactitiude which completes the oxpression. So before considering the personnel of an Elementary School, it win be wise to start with the fabric of the School House in its widest sense. The school house is an infallible index of the educational status of the community in which it is located. It stands at once as a monu- ment, and a history of the mistakes or suc- cesses, the ignoran09 or wisdom, the poverty or opulence, the parsimony or generosity of the people who have erected and maintained it. From the poverty-stricken rural shanty to the palatial urban edifice on the "oentral hall" principle, the building tells a. story plain and unmistakable in meaning. The school house teaches not only a lesson in architecture, but also lessons in sanitation, in engineering, in aesthetics, and in pedagogics. The building, from the school room furnishings to the finish- ing touches of the exterior, ie a composite resultant of tho work of the teachor, superin- tendent, school director, engineer, and archi- tect. These ideas are largely taken from an eminent authority on school architecture and hygiene, and the whole paragraph forms an interesting comment on the dilapidated school buildings which have existed until recently in the very heart of Merthyr. A vast improvement bac taken place in some of school buildings of Merthyr in recent times, and a genuine desire has be«n mani- fested fffir modern equipment The Merthyr education rate is now 2s.—a high rate—and the major portion of this is absorbed by the prim- ary section. It is, of course, only giving the dangerous half-trjith to iState baldly the educa- tion rates of tw towns, or a town and county. To say that the Glamorgan County Education rate is Is. 6d. and the Mejthyr rate is 2s. may mean anything or nothing. The writer has procured facts from two towns, which will be nameless, of the me size approximately. The Education ra-te in X is 18. 10.8d.; in the town of Y only Is. 8.5d. But the assessable value of X is £383,000, while that of Y is £490.000. Hence one of the great reasons for the differ- ence in the rates is clear on the assessable value basis. lR order to study oomparative figures, it is better to Bed what each child costs to instruct in the primary schools of two areas under notice, and also the amount for each pupil in the secondary schools. Then is the time to consider whether the educational facili- ties are equal in the compared towns, and to make other observations. It might be noted, too, in passing, that Glamorgan is most o»r-1 tainly not the last word in education. The gradual development of school planning displays the evolution of the national system of Elementary Education. From empiricism and experiment, to scientific planning and de- signing from mere housing and sheltering to well-lighted hygienic institutions has been a slow process. Collaterally with this we see the growth of a system, far from perfect, of train- ing teachers. Early last century the Lanoas- terian or monitorial system came into vogue. This was followed by the P.T. method of preparing teachers for their professional duties. The headmaster of that time with more or Jess intellectual attainments, but chiefly lees, choee pupils to assist him in giving instruction in his school. As these were mere pupils themselves, the presence of the schoolmaster in the room at all times was a grave necessity. School houses in urban areas were mere glorified rural School Houses, for a long schoolroom was constructed to accommodate four, five, and six classes. For convenience let it be called the "I" school. Then followed the "L" school," the "T" school, and the "H" school. A little reflection ,on these skeleton plans, will show whai an expedient surveillance could be maintained by headmaster. Process of brougl tie acoession of one and two certificated <-nt. the headmaster. Process of time brougl tie acoession of one and two certificated M "dJ t teachers to the school, and being trainee and competent, class-rooms were attached to some of the above skeleton plans as wings, for their especial work. At the present time only certificated assist- ants seriously count on tho staff of an Ele- mentary school, or if this is not substantially true, it seems to be the intention of the Beard of Education. The modern School House is planned on principle of "Central Hall," "morals" of the school largely taught. Round the Hall the class-rooms are arranged, each a separate entity, and for the charge o-f a duly qualified teacher. The par- titions between the hall and class-rooms are made of glass, making the whole very light, and easily surveyed. This is the consummation in school architecture, and the building is a veritable paradise for effective teaching and discipline. Two or three teaohers are not talk- ing against each other; it is not necessary to pass through one class-room to reach another: there are not the distraction, noise, and loss of entity which are experienoed in the extended schoolroom. These are but a few of the ad- vantages. A modern well-planned and well- equipped Elementary School for 500 children can be economically erected on "Corridor" principle for less than £13 per iKfld, and on "Central Hall" principle for Uses than JB13 10s. per head. The matters of sanitation, ventilation, and heating are outeide the purview, and intention of this article; the discussion of the design of the architecture is also beyond its scope. Whether the style is to be Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance, or hybrid is a matter of taste and economy, though the highest art will give a pleasing expression to the highest utility. The method of supplying a maximum of light is of paramount importance, and picturesque window designs should be eschewed, as well as mullions if possible. A school building should happily combine rational and artistic treatment with utility, free from fussy, meaningless, and mere- tricious ornamentation. One other matter on school fabrio will com- plete the question. It is the method of seating the children. The single desk should always ba provided where the rigour of economy does not positively forbid it. The moraj influence on the pupils in the freedom it gives them from too close a proximity; the self-reliance and sense of individuality it imposes; the assistance which it gives to the teacher in maintaining order; all these arguments and toore commend it to universal use. Theee are the principal points urgently de- manding expression in a short conspectus of building of an Elementary School, in an- ticipation of the next article which will popu- late it with children. The pupils will flourish best under most congenial surroundings, and will develop to a riper intellectual growth un- der stimulating conditions, just as the flower under the vivifying influenoe of sunshine and rain. 4

Adopting "Raffles" methods, a well,dr woman rifled the bedrooms of a St. Leonards hotel, taking jewellery worth £1,000.

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