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!)!

Antiquarian Column. THE CHESTER TO CARDIFF ROAD. I see it has been suggested that Bulla vaa in the itinerary given a fortnight ago is Bwichyfan. I understand this is a pass on & earner of the Beacon. Perhaps some of your readers in the I Taff-fawr Valley may give further particulars. >—'AjS HQ U A.BI aj* A HINT TO READERS. Sir,-Allow me, in the first place, to thank jctu for opening an "Antiquarian Column" in the "Merthyr Express." I feel certain it will be much appreciated by all your readers, and I trust that ail who from time to time come across any notes in the course of their readings or otherwise worthy of being placed on record in reference to the district will send them to the "Express" for insertion in this column. I notice that already the column is being ex- tenisvely read and even copied by a. daily con- temporary, the record from the old road-book in your last issue of the road from Chester to Cardiff being copied "in extenso. "-Yours, etc, ABC THE "BULLAVAN IHLLS." Slr,-Wlth regard to some of the nomos rrren- fSined in the old road-book referred to a fort- night ago, may I eay that "BulJaun Hills" */ould be "Bwylch-y-fan Hills," thai is, the bills that we know as the Beacons, near Bwlcfc- v-f&n Paas, on the old road from Brecon to Merthyr, just above the new Upper Neuadd Reservoir. In Speed's map, dated 1610, three hundred years ago, what we know as the Beacons is marked 'Monuchdeny HilF/' a cor- ruption of Ban-uch-Deni--tlie Beacon of Deni. Who Deni was is not known, but there is a Llandeni near Uek. With regard to the Beooon Hill. after passing Morlais Castle, coming I southward, and stated to be 19 miles from larecon, would not this be the hill just above Pentrebaoh, because just a little behind this hill, on the Cwmbargoed side, is a farm known 48 Begwns?—Yours truly, T L. THE FIRST MERTHYR ELECTION. Reverting to the very interesting list of namss of those who dined with the late Mr. J. J. Guest, M.P., on the occasion of hia first xefcurn to represent Merthyr in Parliament, I am to-day able to send you a few more notes in reference to some of the names given in the list to supplement the notes given by Mrs. Jones a fortnight ago. William Perkins, the solicitor, was for some time in partnership with Mr. C. H. James, the M.P. for Merthyr (1880- 1888), and Mr. A. P. James takes hie second Christian name from him. My informant tells ane that David Da vies was tne father of the wife of the late Dr. Davies, of Mountain Ash. Was William Stephens a brother of Thomae Stephens? I hope others will add to these notes, and will also supply us with some par- ticulars of the names in ths old Directory which you printed a few weeks. D. M. R. A ROYAL VISIT TO MERTtiYR. Sir,-It is interesting to note that Merthyr Tydfil has had in its time. the honour of at least one Royal visit, and that by the famous "Mal- leus Seotorum," Edwa.rd 1. It is said that the ill-fated Charles I. may have gazed from the Rhvmney Mountain on our town ae it nestled in its then wooded valley. However this may have been, during the Wlsh rebellion, ozie of the latter's Royal predecessors, in the person of Edward I., having reached Brecknock by way of Llywel from Cardigan and Caermar- thtn, came thence to Merthyr Tydfil. remained there during June 14th and 15th, 1295, return- ing to Brecon on the 16th of that month. To him at t'his time, Morgan—the leader of the men of Glamorgan against the king's son-in- law. Gilbert da Clare, Earl of Gloucester and Lord of Glamorgan- siirrendered and Glamor- gan was held by the Crown until the following autumn, when it was restored to Gilbert and Joan, his wife. Where the actual submission4 took pa(:e, I do not know, for much of what harn^ned during Morgan's rebellion is conjec- tural. It may, however, have taken i.vo at the CVntle of Morlais, which formerly be.!on~;d to Gilbert. At this time it was probably a Crown possession, confiscated with the sur- round iu! debatable land after the last trial in 12S1 of the Earls of Hereford and Gloucester. between whom it bad been a bone of conten- tion. At any Tate, it was held for the king in the early paxt of the sixteenth century. I am in doubt with regard to the exact route follow- ed by Edward from Brecon to Merthyr and back, and wou:d be grateful for any light th sreon. During Rhya ap Maredudd's Rebel- ion in 1287, there was-a rising of Bohun'a ten- ants in Brecon, and owing to the fact that Hereford was this time engaged in confront- ing Rhys on the upper Towy, the work of sub- duing the latter's tenanbry was, contrary to rn,a.re .h etiquette, entrusted to Earl Gilbert. During this period of repression, Clare had bodies of trained Forest of Dean woodmen em- ployed in cutting paths through the wooded mountains. By August 19th, one body had cut a path through from Glamorgan to Brecknock, by way of the Taff Ialley and Morlais. The number employed on this route rose at one time to 600, which seems to imply that the road described by "S." in last weak's "Exprees" had evidently fallen into a state of unfitness for use even if it ba assumed that they entirely renewed and wholly followed that ga«}« se^te. I would be thankful, as a student, to "S." for any further information regarding this question of route. L. C. S. A PICTURE OP MERTHYR IN 1800. Sir,—I have always been interested in studies which seek to recall former times in connection with local topography, and, if possible, to resuscitate certain incidences from oblivion. I therefore join your numerous readers who have expressed their gratification at your having in- troduced this feature in your widely-read jour- nal. Your correspondents thus far have dealt with matters of special inters to Merthyr, and having come across a few interesting facts rela- tive to the origin of a portion, at least, of the mining industry in that town, t-hev may not, perhaps, be unwelcome to some of your read- ers. After describing various towns, the writer is referring to the road from Pontypridd to Cardiff; and then, coming to Merthyr, thus proceeds:—"Nothing can be conceived more awfully grand than the descent on a dark night into the Vale of Merthyr, the numberless vol- canoes emitting vast sheets of flame and smoke, and the vivid light through every aperture from the furnaces below afford a lively idea of the palace of pandemonium; and what adda to the magniSoence and novelty of the scene io the perpetual din of immense hammers, wheels, rollings millsv and water works. The town of Merthyr is situated in a valley between two ranges of hills; the whole district where these minerals (ore, flux, limestone, and coals) abound extends about eight miles in length, and four in breadth. These mines were iinst discovered by a Mr. Bacon, who determined to work thz-m. This gentleman had a lease grant- ed him for 99 years, at the low rental of about £ 200 per annum. After acquiring immense riches about tbe year 1783, he disposed of the tract in leaaes. Cyfarthfa, being the largest portion, he let to Mr. Crawshay for the rent of £ 5,000 per annum; another part to Mr. Horn- fray, at £2.000 per annum; a. part to Messrs. Lewis and Taitt, and a fourth to Mr. Hill, of Cardiff. The iron works, under the direction of Mr. Crawshay, are incontestibly the largest in the kingdom; about 5,000 men are employed by this gentleman alone, and by the other mas- ters in proportion; so that the population of the p]ac. is estimated at 20,000. About the year 1800, an enormous overshot wheel was constructed by Watkin George and William Aubrey, under the auspices of Mr. Crawshay— upwards of 50 feet in diameter and six in braadth. formed entirely of cast iron, and cost 24,000, but is not at present worked. Night is assuredly the best time for the stranger, with proper guides, to view the infernal (a misprint evidently for 'internal') operations at the large blast furnaces, forgeries, and fineries." The writer next describee the origin of the name of Merthyr Tydfil, which is too well known to need reproduction, and then pro- oeeds "There is a church and a chapel-at-ease, ten dissenting meeting-hiousm and a theatre. This town contains three market-places, well supplied twioe a week. The fairs are held on May 13, Trinity Monday, September 3. and Deoembar 2, upon a mountain called the Waun, a mile above the-town, where is a large public-house and some cottages." In conclud- ing his description of the Merthyr district, the writer refers to the situation of the ancient castle of Morlais, and which was reported to have been the seat of the Princes of Breoon, and was demolished by the 'Parliamentary Army in the 17th century. I have reproduced the foregoing from a email book ,'The New Swansea Guide," which was published in that town in 1823, and believe it will prove of some interest to your Merthyr readers. There is one celebrated Welshman to whom I imagine it would be of paramount interest and concern—Mr. Lloyd George—who would readily adorn the tale of the origin of Merthvr's industries and their masters with a moral on the question of the unearned incre- ment of the land.—Yours truly, S. LOUIS HARRIS. 87, Queen Victoria-street, Tredegar. BULL BAITING. Referring to the interesting note in your last issue from the pen of "S. N. S. who, I hope, will be able to give some information re the "Bull-ring on the AberdaTe Mountain," the following note copied from the current (April) number of the "Selborne Magazine," re bull- baiting, although not of local interest, may be of sufficient interest to appear in your columns, as it tends to show that the (?) continued in Wales long aft-er it was given up in Eng- land. The bull-ring referred to here was in Fakenham, in Norfolk. The following is a oopy of the bill given in the hagaaine:—"Buli- haisfe. Positively the last time. By toe desire of the gentlemen of Fakenham and its vicinity. One day's sport will be shown with the Game Bull on Fakenham Heath on Monday, the 24th day of November, 1817. A silver collar will be given to the first dog that pins the bull and brings his noee to the ground, so as he is fairly Pin'd. Those gentlemen Who wish to have their Dogs run at the Bull are requested to have them enter'd between the hours of Ten and Twelve in the Morning as the Bull will be staked precisely at one oelock on account of the shortness of the Days. N.B.—Four of the pugilistic gentlemen will exhibit the same Evening, namely, T.B., H.H., W.E., E.P. An i ordinary will provided at the Bell Inn, Fakenham (aforesaid)., Stewardaon, Printer Faiwjiki«>' VA Mi Q

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.

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.

GAIN I \.I Turn on the tap instead of sending to the grocer's for water I I Actual test shows that Hard Soap contains one-third water and Dry (?) Soap even one-half water. And you pay soap-price'' for that water! Far better get soap for your money by buying "Witch Dried Powdereid Soap, which has been subjected to a special secret drying process to take out the water. Witch washes by itself-without soda or any other soap—That's a further saving ■ (The all-soap soap in powder). ífCH .I( SOAP B G ff. Let the dothc* soak overnight, B t'ie dothc* overnight, 9 Ih morning, they'll be white." 1 A "Witch" pacitet althougn sngnciy am*uer H than other soan packets, will do twice as 8 much work—easily. J a\ 2d. packet is now more than twice the size /g of a penny packet—at all Grocers. Oilmen and Stores. 10l R our (iroecry order nwplete | jg without bottle of— 7 I SAuS I J All MM I large Farmers, Farm Labourers, t Vigaerons, Orchardists, Market Gardeners, jt and Domestic Servants. j 60,010,000 ACMES AVAILABLE for SETDLEMEMT. J EXCELLENT CLIMATE. a Work carried on aU the yeu; found. I A881STED PASSAGES 8 From £ 5 to £ 7. lOs. B For Illustrated Pamphlets and further particulars ■ apply to the A ye tit-General for Western "j *'My leg had been bad tor many years, almost unbearable, until I used "GOMER*^ BALM," which immediately eased my pain vecv soon completely cured me. GOMER'S BALM "CURES EVERYBODY." IT IS A SALVE FOR EVERY WOUND MARVELLOUS PROPERTIES for CURIN0 ALL KINDS OF Skin Rasb Sores. Eczema. Burns: Scalds. Erysipelas Gout. Excoriation* Bad Scabby He Gallings in Piles. Women & cnildreit. Irritations. Itchings. Chapped HaødSÎ, Seurvyt Ringworm, Marvellous for BAD LEGS. A GREAT SENSATION READ WHAT PEOPLE SAY, J. SNOOKS, Llanharan, says:— "Eleven years ago I had a fever. Tile eft; of the fever settled down in my legs a.nd fcali; and baffled all the doctors to cure it. My fee were black until the fall of last year, they broke out, and they have been in most frightful mess ever sinoe. My left was in a complete mass of holes and scab's full of corruption. No cne knows but m1.s wha.t I have suffered. When I heard of 1° Salve, viz., "Gomer's Balm" & "Hughes's Blood" piJJl I at once used them, and in a. fortnight th* change was something wonderful. After tinuing with them for a while, I am glad say that I a.m now entirely cured. The eiíev of your "Gomer's Balm" & "Hughes's Blood Pill3* is something marvellous; never heard of a0-* thing like it. I am very thankful." Thousands are cured of all manner of aff. tions of the SKIN, FLESH, and BONE. M Harmless and most effective. It should be every, house. TRY IT—CURE IS CERTAIN. for ''GOMER'S BALM," aad see tIJaI the name in full is on each box, also the IJøJI1; JACOB HUGHKS, without which none r genuine. Sold by Chemists and Patent cine Dealers at Is. ld., or send value 19 stamps or P.O. to maker and discoverer. JACOB HUGHES, M P S., L.D.8. MANUFACTURING CHEMIST. PENARTH. CARDIFF" II 4KM* t ^w*wra» f ■I1 t* the -Mtrtkgr ,f Trinted and published by the Proprietor, WOOD SOXJTHST, *t GleLcI^cet, fciertW' 6