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Family Notices
lutrtbo, ifttatuages, & meat1)s. _r- Several attempts have recently been made,in one or two cases with success, to take advantage of the gratuit- ous insertion of notices under this head to perpetrate silly hoaxes. To prevent buch annoyances for the future, these announcements will henceforth be treated as advertisements, and be subject to the following scale of cliarges:-One shilling for 20 words; and sixpence for every additional 10 words. PREPAYMENT in all cases. No announcement will be inserted which is not properly authenticated by the name and address ol the sender. c MARRIAGE. LLOVD-THOMAs.-On the 18th ult., at St. Wooll(,s Church, Newport, Mon., Mr. W. Lloyd, of Merthyr, to Miss M. M Thomas, daughter of the late Mr. James Thomas, late of Rose Hill, Haverfordwest. BIRD-—LEWIS.—On the 2nd instant, at St. El van's Church, Aberdare, by the Rev. R. B. Jenkins, vicar, Mr. William Bird, of Penydarren-street, to Miss Hannah Lewis, niece of Mr. Evans, Brynhyfryd, Aberdare.
GOSSIP.
GOSSIP. A local justiciary made a somewhat novel -comparison the other day. A policeman to a drunken man, he said, was like a red rag to a -.rnad bull-the bull rushed at the rag and the drunken man would persist in interfering with and running at the policeman. I am not so sure that the converse of this proposition will not hold good, and that when a policeman sees a drunken man his fingers are itching to be at him until they finally grip the fellow by the collar and "run him in. The present representatives of the Plymouth "SjComjpany deserve much praise for the prompti- ,,oftde with which they responded to the request of the Merthyr Local Board to clear the channel of the Plymouth feeder of the dirt and other accumulations which made the pond filthy and obnoxious. Workmen have been busily engaged -duriiag the week in removing the foul collections, and the job is nearly completed. I hear a rumour to the effect that very » important changes in the managing staff of a large limited concern in the Monmouthshire district are impending. A short time will serve to 'show whether the rumour contains a basis of fact -or not. I have also heard some of the reasons assigned for the changes, but it would be pre- mature to refer to them before it becomes clear that the changes themselves are reasonably 'probable of being accomplished facts. Well done Dowlais Well done Dowlais and Merthyr too! At the concert given by Mrs. Watts Hughes at the Temperance Hall on Wednesday evening, it was a remarkable and noteworthy fact that five of the artistes were Dowlais people, born and bred, namely, Mrs. Watts Hughes, Misses K. Evans, Maggie Davies, and Marian Price, and Mr. David Bowen; three others were Merthyrians—Miss Meta Scott, Mr. E. A. Jones. and Mr. Warren. These ladies and gentlemen presented a combin- ation of musical talents rarely to be found as the produce of one neighbourhood, and talents of such a lofty order as should make the natives of both towns feel proud of their birthplace. Such a songstress as Mrs. Watts Hughes, and such an instrumentalist as Miss Meta Scott, confer high honour upon the places of their nativity. # Some highly discreditable proceedings I hear have been taking place Sunday after Sunday in one of the Merthyr burial grounds, which, if accounts are true, reflect rather seriously upou the sense of decency of the authorities in charge of that sacred spot. The graveyard, it appears, has been converted into a kind of ren- dezvous where a number of irreligious persons, who surreptitiously obtain drink during pro- hibited hours, hold drunken revelries. Can any worse desecration of the Sabbath or God's acre be possibly conceived ? We talk of our civilization. If scenes of this kind are allowed to be enacted without interference, I can only say that the civilisation of Merthyr is very far behind indeed. I am pleased to learn the Merthyr Burial Board are moving in the matter, and I hope they will see to the effectual sup- pression of the nuisance. Even bards are caught tripping sometimes. An epitaph was sent in to the Merthyr Burial Board for approval on Thursday, and upon the astute chairman reading the lines over, it was found that the modern Aneurin had declared Mrs. Blank, the beloved wife of Mr. Blank, to be only four years of age. Of course, he meant eleventimes that, but the error was amusing, nevertheless. Genial Oliver Wendall Holmes has said that in the present age, Babes make love, And children wed. but fancy a wife only four years old Pawnbrokers in the neighbourhood would do well to protit by the heavy penalty inflicted upon one of their fellow-tradesmen, at the Mer- tnyr police court, on Saturday. Unfortunately, they do not always strictly observe the precau- tions which the law thinks necessary for the protection of the public, and thieves are con- tinually encouraged in their nefarious practices by pawnbrokers who are careless as to the pledges they take into custody, or the persons from whom they receive them. The necessity for refusing to take articles into pledge from children is warantable for palpable reasons. Juveniles are always made catspaws by the older peculators, and the children themselves will not hesitate to pilfer, if they find they can easily obtain money for the stolen articles at a pawnshop. < A short time ago a young man of the broad cloth business picked up with a young lady in Merthyr with whom he whiled away many a happy hour. Like all other lovers, however, he ultimately quarrelled with his Delia, and in order I presume to secure his measure of revenge he sought" the sunshine of another's charms." His new Juliet had evidently impressed him with her virtues for his attentiveness to her was untiring and marked. A week ago he escorted madamoiselle to a flower show on tha other side of the hill, treated her to the best of everything there, and travelled with commendable courage by a second class carriage. The former object of his attentions heard of his doings, and almost bursting with rage ejaculated, when she could find breath, "the wretch! the despicable scoundrel. This-after all his vows of con- stancy Oh I wish I had him here, that I do." On Sunday Providence ordained that they should meet, and in the afternoon they met face to face with each other. The young lady fairly boiled over with wrath upon seeing his well- known manly form, and the steam of her dis- pleasure was let off in an extremely forcible manner. Finding subsequently that words were not sufficiently potent to produce any effect upon his pachydermatous sensibilities, she made an effort, and screwing her courage to the sticking point, sprang at her whilom lover and struck and scratched until the claret flowed pro- fusely. She also broke her umbrella upon his back and shoulders, and was evidently intent upon mashing her masher into a jelly when the on lookers interfered. Take warning all ye faithless Lotharios. You -*— "c woman's rage. cut POLONIUS.
Advertising
SPECIAL NOTICE TO OURREADERS. The supplement, which it was intended to have given with this week's paper, will be issued next week instead.
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ilocal '¡-r-J J MERTIIYR AND DOWLAIS OMNIBUS leaves Merthyr G.W.R. station daily at 9.25 a.m., 11.45; 1.0 p.m., 2.35, 6.0 7.45 Returning from Dowlais, Bush Hotel, at 10.10 a.m., 12.25 p.m., 2.0,3.20, 6.5, and 8.30 p.m. On Thursdays and Saturdays only a late 'bus leaves Merthyr at 10.0 p.m; returning from Dowlais at 10.30 p.m. THE TOWN BAND.—This band, we hear, has been re-formed under the leadership of Mr. W. S. L. Berry, and the first practice of the members took place at the Eagle Inn, High Street on Wednesday in last week We wish Mr. Berry a successful leadership, and we do not think the resuscitated band will have cause to regret having appointed him as their conductor. SOAR CHAPEL, MERTHYR.—On Sunday even- ing next, Mrs. Watts-Hughes of London, will give a service of long at this place of worship (in Welsh), assisted by other popular singers from the neighbourhood, and by the choir of Soar chapel, under the leadership of Mr. J. Sandbrook. Addresses will be delivered by the pastor, Rev. J. Thomas, Mr. T. Williams, J.P., Gwaelodygarth, and Mr. D. Williams, Twyny- rodyn. VVe anticipate a crowded congregation to hear the charming singing of Mrs. Watts- Hughes and friends in this service of sacred song. DEATH BY DROWNING. On Wednesday morning a lad of 11 years, named David Davies, residing with his parents at Tranchbach, Cyfartha, went picking blackberries, and fell into the part of the. Taft River known as Pwll Wal. The lad was seen to fall into the water by two other lads, who gave an alarm to the men in the works, but before they got on the scene the unfortunate youth had sunk, and was dead when recovered. About four hours after- wards on Wednesday evening an inquest was held before Mr. Thomas Williams at the Prince of Wales Inn, Georgetown, and a verdict of "Accidental death" was returned. PORTRAIT PAINTING. —The window of Messrs. Harris, Son, and Co., artists, 88, High-street, Merthyr, contains at present what is beyond doubt the finest piece of workmanship yet turned off the easel of Mr. Geo. F. Harris in the way of portrait painting. It is a magnificent life-size portrait in oil of Mrs. Hallesey, of Bethesda- street, and her daughter. The portraits are painted from life, Mrs. Hallesey having given the artist numerous sittings for the purpose. We congratulate the painter and his subject upon the admirable result. The portraits are not only life-like, but faithful speaking portraits recognisable in an instant by persons acquainted with the originals. The details of the picture have been worked in with genuine artistic taste and skill; there is not two much finish to inter- fere with thel effect, while the colouriug both for harmony and contrast is beautiful, the toning being excellent. Perhaps, in the whole picture there is not a finer bit of realistic work than the upholstery of the chair in which the principal figure sits. The introduction of a couple of flowering plants affords a graceful relief to the ground of the picture, which, taken as a whole is a work of art of which the artist should feel justly proud, while the owner deserves to be complimented upon the possession of so excellent a portrait, containing the highest effort in local portrait painting which we have seen for many yean. BURIAL BOARD.—The ordinary monthly meet- ing of this board took place on Thursday, when there were present Mr. Thomas Williams, the Rev. J. Bowen, and Messrs. W. Smyth, D. t) a vies, E. P. Biddle and W. Sharp.—The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.-An application of the Troedyrbiw sexton for an advance of salary was refused, his present wages f3 15s. per quarter, being considered a sufficient remuneration for the duties attached jto his office.-Tiie graveyard inspector reported that the number of inter- ments during the month had been 63 old graves, 23 new graves, total 86, as against 77 in the corresponding week of last year. The regis- tered deaths during the month had been- Merthyr Lower, 40; Vaynor, 5 Merthyr Upper, 41 total 86. The hearse hirings amounted to £1 8s., as compared with 92 5a. last year.—Mr. John Lewis, sexton at the Cefn cemetery, recommended the walling of the edge of the quarry at the burial grounds to prevent the possibility of accident.—A committee was appointed, upon the motion of Mr. W Sharp, I seconded by Mr. Biddle, to visit the spot and report to the Board at the next meeting.—The Rev. J. M. Bowen called attention to the condition of Bethesda (Caepantwyll) burial giound, and the inspctor was ordered to report at the next meeting of the Board.—This con- cluded the business. RE-OPENING or THE MERTHYR SCIENCE AND ART CLASSES.—By reference to an advertise- ment in another column, it will be seen that these classes in connection with the Merthyr School Board, will be re-opened for the ensuing session on Saturday next, the 6th inst., with the same very able teachers as last term. Owing to the very exceptional advantages in instruc- tion, the drawing classes were very popular last session, and were quite filled. Upwards of 100 were enrolled, and most of the students did very well indeed for a first attempt, for in the great majority of cases it was, we are informed. their first attempt for an examination. Over 1,000 of the students' drawings were sent to South Kensington, and marks were given for a large number, although in the results only a few students were marked "passed." Most encouraging work was done, and the same attention and perseverance another year will almost certainly be attended with the success desired. In practical plane and solid geometry and machine and building construction the students were more advanced, and accordingly IS out of 22 passed. The mathematical class also passed 50 per cent. In inorganic chemistry (theoretical), 13 out of 15 passed. In practical elementary work 33 per cent. The laboratory is now very complete with all apparatus and chemicals, and, as stated in the advertisement, it will be well for intending students to arrange to commence at once, and so obtain the full benefit of the whole course of instruction.
--SERIOUS CHARGE AGAINST A…
SERIOUS CHARGE AGAINST A POSTMAN AT MERTHYR PURLOINING A REGISTERED LETTER. About seven o'clock on Wednesday evening, Lazarus Lewis, a young man lately employed as letter carrier at the Merthyr post office, was |' arrested on a charge of stealing a registered letter containing JE5 in gold, the property of Lhe Postmaster-General. It appears that on Surday evening last, a registered letter, among 'ther packages, was conveyed by a postal lar from Mr. Scott's branch post office, Brecon _riad, to the central post office in High-stree. The letter was delivered into the custod/ of P"- soner, who was the only official in chfge of the premises, and a book was signed by him acknowledging its receipt. The letter was subsequently found to have gone astray, and Mr. C. Wilkins, the postmaster, having his suspicions aroused, taxzd Lewis with having misappropriated the package and ita contents. Prisoner at first denied the theft, but subse- quently admitted bii guilt. A police-constable was sent for, and Lewis was conveyed to the Merthyr police station, where he now awaits his examination. Much surprise is felt at Lewis's conduct, as he had always been an exemplary workman, and was looked upon by his employers as a trustworthy and straight- forward young man. The prisoner, who feels his position acutely, will be brought up before the Merthyr magistrates to-day (Saturday).
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o- WAYZ-OOOSE. On Saturday last the employes in the printing and bookbinding departments of the Merthyr Express office had their wayz-goose," the spot selected for the outing being Caerphilly. Of the etimology of the term wayz-goose it may be said that many attempts have been made to unravel its origin, but nothing like a clear authoritative declaration of its source has yet been made, and all that printers are able to tell you about it is that it was the special denomi- nation of the printers' holiday current when they entered the trade, and so said all the old comps and pressmen before them. In printers' dic- tionaries it is described as the ancient equivalent of "stubble goose," a wayz goose or stubble goose being the head dishes at the feast. The peculiar feature about it now, however, is the tact that the wayz-goose is held long before the stubble geese are in season, and no journey- man printer of modern times remembers seeing a goose of any sort placed upon the table as part of the refectoral supplies of the occasion. It is, therefore, a word which has strictly lost its original meaning; but of all others in the language it remains the exclusive property of the printer, and it will puzzle a Philadelphia lawyer to extract any other meaning from it than that which it receives from the printing trade. The party, to the number of twenty, started upon their excursion about 9 o'clock, aud were conveyed in the large four-horse break of Mr. Dix, Pontmorlais. The weather was not what could have been wished, but it was, never- theless, not such as to damp the spirits of the party or to materially interfere with their enjoy- ment. The brisk trot through the Merthyr Valley- as lovely a piece of country as may be found in the east of Glamorganshire—was extremely in- vigorating, and made one Ipatn to turn away from scenes like these. Llanvabon reached, the run is aloDg a primitive Welsh couutry road, with here and there a farm house on the way. The change from the grimy tips of Merthyr to these pastoral hamlets was enjoyed and fully appreciated. Caerphilly was leached after a drive of less than three hours, and the party lost no time in making their way to the chief object of attraction here, namely, Catrphilly Castle. In the exploration of the remains of the once spleudid edifice the excursionists felt that they were amply repaid for their visit, and the magnificent ruins which evince that the castle must have been one of the largest and grandest in the kingdom evoked much interest. All of the well-kept turrets, dungeons, corridors, &c., were visited, and in turn became subjects of comment. The castle, it may be stated, is of Norman origin, and additions were made at successive periods, but chiefly by the favourite of Edward II. Hugh le Despenser the younger, for whom it was wrested from the Mortimers, its earlier possessors. It became the refuge of that weak monach when pursued by his Queen Isabella and his rebellious barons, and it with- stood a siege of the most vigorous and obstinate character. Iu 1400 it was in the possession of Owen Glyndwr, and it was observed as being at that time gigantic Caerphilly, a fortress great in ruins." Subsequently to this period it is little noticed in the annals of the Principality. In its present state it is especially remarkable for its extraordinary extent, covering an area of not less than 30 acres, and resembling rather the ruins of a city than of a single edifice and it is rendered peculiarly interesting by a leaning tower and an immense and ponderous mass of masonry nearly 80 feet high which has remained for centuries, inclining as much as 11 feet out of the perpendicular, apparently preserved from falling by nothing but the tenacity of the cement. This ruin does not boast the architectural deco- rations of Carnarvon, the eommanding position of Conway, or the picturesque beauty of Raglan. but it surpasses all in a kind of rugged grandeur which results from its vast dimensions, its con- fused assemblage of lofty walls and massive towers, and its situation in the broad valley between the bleak and barren ridges of Mynydd Mayo and Mynydd Eglwysilan. The country air soon had the happy effect of stimulating a keen sense of hunger, aud the party adjourned to the Castle Inn, where it was satisfied by a cold collation temptingly spread. It goes without saying that ample justice was done to the good things. During the post- prandial conviviality three times three was given for the proprietor of the Mertiiyr Express, who, the reporter adds, would have been sur- prised had he been present to witness the manner I in which lungs were used in his honour. --r- Thffn journey was made at an early hour J evening, and the whole party reach&<e at dusk safe and unanimous in the opihat that was the most enjoyable trip tr i experienced for many a long day.4,
MR, 'TTS-HUGHESS CONCERT.
MR, 'TTS-HUGHESS CONCERT. On Nelay evening Mrs. Watts- Hughes gave a gancert at the Temperance Hall on behalf Otome for Destitute and Neglected Boys, ater House, Holloway-road, Lon- don. Th. report which had gone forth of the conc< Dowlais last week, at which nearly allrincipal artistes appeared, doubt- less, had deal to do with the assemblage of so largrespectable an audience as that which filll Temperance Hall on this occa- sion butles that, there were many faces there of nd women who remembered Mrs. Watts-Huiearly a quarter of a century ago, and who still desirous of showing the interest tfelt in one of the most gifted I daughters ng which this or any other part of Wales toduced. It was to them most gratifying ive the evidence of their own senses thatnagnificent vocal powers which thrilled antnished thousands of her country folk twenears ago and more were still retained iuerb condition, notwithstanding that Mrs. VHughes has led a semi-retired life. Whaisfortune it was that this grand singer was ndowed with only one-half the self-confided Eos Alma It would have made the of Watts ring wherever the English lane is spoken as a queen of vocal melody. ITate ordered it otherwise, and our talentantatrice selected her mission in anotherd. The concert opened with Schumann'atty part-song, "Gipsy life," sang by thentette of female voices engaged for the concMrs. Watts-Hughes playing the accompanirr The bass solo, "Honr and arms," was sung by Mr. P. Warren in a very credits manner. Later on in the eve- ning Mr. Wa appeared as a substitute for Eos Alma, a was suffering from relaxed throat, andg "The village blacksmith," to which he ga powerful rendering. The chief fault to be ft with the singer was his enun- ciation, whieaves room for much improve- ment. Misalgie Davies (Eos Fach) sang the senii-sacred k "Too late" (Macfarren's set- ting) with grpathos and feeling. Her voice has improvefeatly; yet, it bears a decided tone of juvty, which should caution her against attemg too much. In this talented young vocalwe feel confident there is all the material i first-rate artiste. She has a good idea ofrle and a winning deportment. In response t. encore she sang Killarney." Then follows rare treat. Miss Meta S 3ott took her seat the pianoforte amidst loud cheers and game of the most brilliant exam- ples of execut which we have witnessed for many years- subject being Mr. Sydney Smith's "St< at Sea." The marvellous manipulation the keyboard was no less a matter of justmiration than the skilful and thoroughly aric manner in which she made the instrumenring forth the soul of the piece. She received arresistible encore, to which she responded by Lying a Rondo by Field in the same magnifut fyle. Henceforth the name of MisMeta Scott on a concert bill ought to beind will be, a powerful at- traction. MitMarian Price followed with the pathetic ang, "Not for ever," to which she ge an admirable rendering, her voice havi; a tremolo which was well 'u*ea t0 this els of music, although IC wouia be h decided <awback in others. She was encor-i, and resonded. Miss Annie Williams sang "ddie "n manner which justified her reputation^ atjs^e Qf high standing, and wasencorecT. ««TheSailor's Letter," a song of a more cheery chaacter than anything that had preceded it, a9 ^armiDgly sung by Miss Lizzie Jones, >f Lo, wlio was also enCored. Then came th vocal tiat of the evening, Mrs. VVatts-Hughes who evidently trembling with the excibnent of er warm reception on a platform whh had miny pleasant memories for her, came frward to itg the aria, Sweet Bird, by Haiel, with dute obligato by Mr. F. Wm. Grifhs, a young student at the Royal Acaden of Muoio, unquestionably destined to sht lustre upon himself and his country in the )t remote future. This was a marvellous exhitjon of vocalisation, the tril- ling being grad, Lud the effect was so enhanced by the exqurte pbligafce oi a—" held the aucnce spellbound. At the close there was a Iciferous encore, to which Mrs. Watts-Hugheresponded by singing an Italian aria, which ain exhibited her wonderful range and masteryf voice. She retired amidst a storm of apause. The part song "Jack Frost" havio been sung, the duet "Nant-y mynydd" waandered by Miss Evans and Miss Davies, whichvas followed by a beautifully played flute to by Mr. Griffiths, in substitu- tion for a sobby Mrs. Watts-Hughes. Mr. E. A. Jones woa well deserved encore for his "Children's H(e," and then Miss Scott fairly carried the hous.way by her masterly execution of a violin solcn which she demonstrated a skill and felicityi performance only second to her control of ti-piano. She responded to an enthusiastic ence by playing a cavatina by the late Herr Joach: Raff. Sunshine aud rain," by Miss Annie Illiams was sung in a style to be expected frorauch an artist, and it was suc- ceeded by a flutsoJo, "Llwyn on," by Mr. F. Griffiths. This as a much more brilliant and effective effort lau the first, and the young performer was nost deservedly applauded. Then followed trio for stringed instruments by Mr. John Vighan and his two sons, most creditably execod. Its fault was in being too loner to follow iath instrumentation as had pre. viously been wifessed, and at the close of the concert too. Aither part song, "Kind words" (Pinsuti), coached the programme of one of the best concertsver given in this town. We must not omit tistate that Miss Scott played some of the accapatiments on the piano, and others were plaed by Mr. D. Bowen in the excellent mann< to which he has so long accustomed us. rhe local management of the concert was ver;"indly undertaken by Mr. J. Vaughan, and tl manner in which this onerous duty was dischsged contributed materially to the success of th entertainment.
DOWLAIS. !
DOWLAIS. FOR Currant aiuSeed Cake. and all other necessaries ) for tea parties anltlicnics go to JOHN THOMAS, Broad- street, who suppliethe best cake in Dowlais.. l'HOTOGRAPHY. Morgan. Fant, has re-opened his photographic studi(and supplies superior cartes de visite a 5s. per dozen, (for 3s., a for Is. 6d. Appointments may be made lieforeand. Feb. 10, 85. IVOR CHAPEL.-The services of thanksgiving for the bounteos harvest of the present year were held at th above sanctuary, on Sunday last. The wesher throughout the day was miserably wet ad gloomy, but, nevertheless, there was a fairl large attendance at each ser. vice. The Rev Thos. Hireson, of Ruardean, officiated, and Is theological discourses were masterly specimos of their kind, and admirably adaptable to th occasion. In the afternoon, instead of a serron, Mr. Hireson delivered an address, as did lso Mr. George Houlson and Mr. John Thorns. Notwithstanding the very unpropitious stat of the weather, the meetings were in every sese very successful ones. SERIOUS ACCIIENT.—On Wednesday morning an accident occured to a youth, named Gomer Daniel, 11, who as taking a short rest, when a heavy mass of 'top" fell upon him, causing terrible iujuries-one of his legs being broken, and other parts f the body fearfully crushed. He was taken up and soon afterwards conveyed to his home at "wynyrodyn, where he resides with his parent. Although he now receives medical treatmeit, his condition is extremely critical. HEBRON WELSH BAPTIST CIIAPFL.-For some time past the abcve chapel has been undergoing renovation intermlly and externally. The paint- ing and decorations have been entrusted to Mr. John Jeremiah, (f New Tredegar, and who has carried out his vork very satisfactorily. The decorations are in the latest style, and the colours are harmonious. In the recess behind the platform theI2 is a piece of handiwork artis- tically painted )y Mr. Jeremiah, and shows itself to advantage from any part of the chapel. On Sunday and Monday last special services were held in conjunction with the anniversary. The Rev. Charles Davies, of Liverpool, and the Rev. R. D. Roberts, of Llwynhendy, officiated on both days. rhe discourses in several in- ) stances were ex(eptionally powerful and im- pressive, and weri listened to with intense in- terest by large congregations. This was the first visit of Mr. Davies to Dowlais, but; we are sure it will not be the last, as we understand that the membffs of the church at Hebron have secured his services for their next anni- varsary in August next year. Good collections were made at each service, and we are glad to state all the expenses incurred in connection with cleaning and renovating the chapel were covered by the amounts "bich came in hy Mon- day night last. The respected minister (the Rev. G. J. Williams) ougb.t to feel proud that he enjoys the distinction of be^ng pastor of such a church and congregation. On the ministerial rolls of the church, which has had fine .ministers since its formation, some very distinguished names may be found, such as Rev. John Jones, one of the most popular preachers of the day Rev. Dr. Parry (Cefn), now iu America.; Rev, T. Roberts, Rev. O. Waldo James, Rev. T. Teirionydd Davies, and the present minister, Rev. G. J. Williams. The church has never been so numerous and flourishing as at present. When Mr. Lewis was ordained here, six years ago, the church numbered only 70 to-day its number is 245. HORRIBLE DEATH OF A DOWLAIS MAN AT i LLANTWIT FARDRE.—On Tuesday night, August 1 26th, an accident of a most painful nature oc- s curred at Llantwit Fardre to an aged blind man 1 residing at Dowlais. As Mr. Thomas Rosser, A haulier, Treforcst, was returning with his horse and cart from St. Mary Hill Fair he felt, while ( near the Crown Inn, Llantwit Fardre, one of ( the wheels of the trap passing over something. ] It was past 11 o'clock and dark. He instantly f: stopped the trap and returned to see what it i had gone over, when, to his horror, he found a i man dead in the road. Mr. Rosser proceeded < at once to Llantwit Police Station, and gave in- formation to Police-Constable Sidney Danks. j The constable proceeded to the spot and found ( the man, as stated, quite dead. His face had 1 been much disfigured by a wheel. The body was removed to the Crown Inn. The deceased, ] it seems, had spoken to the above-named officer about half-past eight on the same evening, and < he had told him he was going to Llantrisant. On the officer asking how he could find his way he replied that he had been there before. He was last seen alive by Mr. William Davies, cashier, Ystradbarwig Colliery, of whom he asked the way to Dowlais. On Mr. Davies tell- ing him he was on the way to Llantrisant, he replied it was there he wanted to go. He was rather stout, and wearing white corduroy trou- sers and a dark coat and vest. The police at once set about the task of making inquiries res- pecting the deceased, and as a result of their investigation they ascertained that his name was John Griffiths, 71 years of age, and he resided with his daughter at Pengarnddu, Dowlais. It seemed that he had been blind 36 years. He had lost his eyesight by his head being jammed between two wagons in Aberaman Quarry, Pen- deryn. His wife died six years ago, and since then he had resided with his daughter and her husband. But after losing his wife he would occasionally wander forth no one knew whither. The last time he left home was three weeks ago, and nothing was known of his whereabouts until a police officer called at his son-in-law s house stating what had occurred. It seems that he was in the habit of calling once a year at Miskin Manor, where he on each visit re- ceived 10s., and it is supposed he was at the time of the sad fatal accident making his way I there. On Friday his daughter and her husband took the remains with them to Merthyr by the Taff Vale Railway. O Qnn/lflTT nifthf. 't O {\ Q"1 It'T nifthf. MORLAIS CHORAL SOCIETY.—UN OUUUAY UIGU«, { last, we visited the Oddfellows' Hall—the place 1 where the practices are held—and we found where the practices are held-and we found < that on the whole the choir sang remarkably well. The chorus, entitled, The Lord be a lamp," was sung first, and although it is a perfect pons cisifioruijij in that it abounds with discords, chromatic passages, and accidentals, it was given without a hitch, as was also the scarcely less treacherous anthem, "Come unto Him." There was, however, a little forcing on the part of some three or four singers while going over the remaining pieces. This kind of thing has happened before, and if it occurs at j Liverpool, the choir had far better stay at home. The National Eisteddfod will be no plaything, for some very fine choirs will be opposed to our friends, and, therefore, if we are to win, we must not allow petty considerations to stand iIfour way, thus sending the choir to certain defeat, rather than one or two persons should be offended. The eyes of South Wales are upon the choir, and it will therefore be to our disgrace, if through a piece of red tapeism their chances are to be thrown away. Those singers who have proved them- selves incapable of keeping in tune should at once be taken in hand, and, if no improvement be dfected, they should be either prevented from singing at all, or else dismissed. This -v h. -1_<>t.A wnirM to puraua. but the- exigencies of the case demand it. Stern, un- flinching action must be resorted to if our choir is to be placed on an equal footing with the other competitors. Once this difficulty is over- come we shall not for a moment be ashamed of our representatives in the day of battle. Miss Meta Scott, R.A.M., and Mr. David Bowen are to be the accompanists on the piano and the har- monium, and we may be sure that, if anybody can keep the choir in tune, these are the per- sons. As stated some few weeks ago, the choir will give a grand concert at Chester on their way to Liverpool. We have just seen one of the posters announcing the concert, from which it appears that among the names of patrons are His Grace the Duke of Westminster, K.G., the mayor and ex-mayor of Chester, as well as the members of the Corporation, and the principal gentlemen of the town and neighbour- hood. Although the inhabitants of Chester have, doubtless, attended many good musical entertainments, we expect they will be agree- ably surprised at the excellent singing of our folks," and the piano performances of Miss Meta Scott. Apartments for the accomodation of the choir, during their stay in Liverpool, have been secured at the Philadelphia Tem- perance Hotel, in Hunter-street.
TROEDYRHIW. -|;
TROEDYRHIW. FATAL ACCIDENTS.—Catherine Richards, the wife of a collier named John, residing at 28 Glan- taff-road, Troedyrhiw, died on Wednesday morning from injuries sustained on the previous Monday. When endeavouring to pass from her own to a neighbour's house she fell over a wall some five: feet high. The deceased, who was 59 years of age, had a small cut at the back of the head, and when picked up was insensible, in which state she continued until death. An inquest was held on Wednesday by Mr. Thomas Williams at the Glantaff Inn, and a verdict of accidental death," was returned.—Late on Tuesday night the body j of a man named Richard John, 41 years of age, residing at Tai Winches, Pentrebach, near Merthyr, was found in the river Taff. Deceased, who was a fitter, had been drinking at Abercanaid, and to return home had to cross the Plymouth Company's bridge, which is now being repaired. It is sup- posed that the poor fellow fell through one of the openings. At an inquest held on the body by llr. Thomas Williams on Wednesday, the jury found that the deceased had been accidentally killed.
I ABERDARE. !
ABERDARE. SUDDEN DEATH AT ABKRDARE.—Eliza Ireland, wife of a collier, residing at 289 Cardiff-road, j Aberaman, was found dead in bed about 5.40 a.m., on 3rd inst. An inquiry into the circumstances attending her death will take place. FATAL ACCIDKNT AT CWMDXRE.—At 3 a.m.. on the 4th inst., Evan Rees, a collier, 40 years of age, died from injuries received at 10 a.m., on the 29th August while at work in the 9-foot vein of the Bwllfa Colliery, Cwmdare. Deceased received the injuries by a fall which took place in his stall. An inquest will be held. DR. HARRIS'S TESTIMONIAL.—The committee and friends of Dr. Thomas Harris (assistaut to Dr. Jones, Tymawr) met at the Freemasons' Tavern, Aberdare, on Tuesday night last. Mr. T. Whitty Evans, chemist, presided. It was resolved that the presentation should take place at the above named house on Thursday night, September 11th, when a farewell supper will take place at seven o'clock. The funos now amount to over fifty pounds. All friends of the doctor wishing to subscribe will please do so without delay, and all who wish to attend the supper will please send in their names to Mr. Charles Rosser, Freemasons' Tavern.
CONSERVATISM AT TREDEGAR.
CONSERVATISM AT TREDEGAR. A meeting in connection with the Tredegar Conservative Association was held at the North Western Inn, on Tuesday evening. Amongst those present were Messrs. Joshua Richards, Klward Morgan, W. H. Richards, W. North, C. C. Caird, J. A. Shepard, &c. Mr. John ) Lewis, jeweller, was voted to the chair. The list of objections was first gone through. The s Conservative agent, Mr. Shepard, reported that he had made 53 objections, and that the Liberals had made 16 objections. It was decided to withdraw one objection, as the agent believed that it could not be sustained. The secretary read letters from the Marquis of Salisbury, and Sir Stafford Northcote, acknowledging resolu- tions of confidence. A vote of thanks to the chairman and secretary brought the meeting to a close.
BEDWELLTY BOARD OF GUARDIANS.
BEDWELLTY BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The ordinary meeting of this Board was held on Wednesday, when the following guardians were present :—Messrs. W. H. Powell (chair- man), E. Morgan (vice-chairman). Thomas Thomas, Thomas Henry, Llewelyn P. Gravenor, David Price, Henry V. Trump, William Parry, Walter Taylor, L. P. Jones, D. W. Phillips, E. K. Stafford (deputy-clerk), and Saniuel Boulton (master of the workhouse).—Tlie minutes of the last meeting were read by the Deputy-clerk aud confirmed. STATISTICS.—The number in the house at the end of the 8th week was 231, admitted during the week, 15; discharged, 6; dead, 2; in the house at the end of the Sth week 23S, corre- sponding week 1883, 235 admitted during the 9th week, 7 discharged, 5 dead, 1 in the house at the end of the 9th week 2:39, corre- sponding week 1883, 243. Out-door paupers- No. 1 district, 8th week, 917, corresponding week 1883, 871 9th week, 932; corresponding week 1883, 893. No. 2 district, 8th week, 658, corresponding week 1883, 660 9th week, 710, corresponding week 1883, 742. Expenditure- No. 1 district, 8th week, £ 70 3s. Gd., corre- sponding week 1883, f.68 17s. <5d. 9th week, £i8 15s. 7d., corresponding week 1883, £73 15s. 4d. No. 2 district, 8th week, zE61 19s., corresponding week 1883, £ 5S 12s. Gd, 9th week, £69 9s. Sd., corresponding week 1883, £67 ISs. ad; total for the fortnight, £ 2S0 17s. 7d.; corresponding fortnight 1883, f.269 3s. lid, balance in hands of treasurer, 91031 8s. INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS.—The Deputy-clerk read a letter from Mr. J. C. Clutterbuck, stating that he intended inspecting the schools on the 9th inst. RETURN OF V AGRANTS.-A circular was read from the Local Government Board dated August 29th, asking the Board to furnish them with the usual vagrant returns, which were ordered to be sent. THE TREASURER'S SECURITY.—A letter was read from Mr. Thomas Boswell, the treasurer of the guardians, enclosing guarantee of security as required by the Board. -The DEPUTV-CLERK. pointed out that the Local Government Board had declined sanctioning the acceptance of private securities. THE MEDICAL OFFICER FOR ABERYSTRCTH.— The following letter was read from Mr. J. H. Soper, the medical officer Blaina, Mon., Sept. 1,1884. Dear Sir,—I hereby enclose the letter from the- Local Government Board which you kindly forwarded to me, and in reference to the last paragraph under- tat e to discharge the duties in accordance therewith. Yours faithfully, J. H. OPER. The following letter was read, with reference to this matter, from the Local Government Board a. "1("['" C\J. 1 _u- ,J. i C1I.) f Whitehall, S.W., 25th August, 18S4. SIR,-I am directed by the Local Government Board to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 12th inst., transmitting a. copy of a resolution passed on the (5th inst. by the guardians of the Bedwellty Union, from which it appears that they are desirous that Mr. W. E. Williams should be permitted to act in the Abertillery portion of the Blaina and Aberystruth district as deputy to Mr. J. H. Soper, the medical officer for that district. The Board direct me to d.r&w attention to article 203 of the order of the 19th of March, 1841), which provides that every medical omcer shall be bound to visit and attend personally, as far as may be practicable, the poor persons entrusted to his care, and shall be responsible for the attendance on them. It is only under the circumstances contem- plated by article 204, namely, in the event of his absence from home or other hindrance to his personal attendance, that the substitute duly nominated by the medicel officer, in pursuance of the latter article, should attend on his behalf. The regulations do not contemplate, nor can the Board countenance any such systematic delegation of duty as that suggested in in the present case. The Board, therefore, direct me to enquire whether Mr. Soper will undertake, in future, in all cases other than those above referred to, to discharge personally his duties over the whole area of the district.—I am, your obedient servant, C. N. DALTOS. O, J —Mr. LI. P. JONES askea it ur. oper nau another deputy. -The CHAIRMAN Yes, Dr. Clapp but Dr. Soper will understand that all the deputies are done away with in future.—Mr Lt. P. JONES Dr. Clapp has been in the habit of signing notes.—Mr. GRAVEKOR We must not allow that, at any rate, if we allow them to attend patients. -The CHAIRMAN Dr. Soper undertakes that the duties shall be satisfactorily performed in future.—The subject then dropped.- PAYMENT OF SCHOOL FEES.—The Rev. Father Degan had an interview with the Board respect- ing the above matter. He explained that he understood that it was arranged by the Board that, in future, parents should appear before the Board personally, but that he understood her would be allowed to appear for them.—Th« We thought that you were anxxms, to accompany them. -Aftar some discassi- was decided to adhere to the previous deter}'¡' mination, but it was agreed that Father Degak t could accompany the people, if, he wished.— Several cases were then inquired into, and orders were made for the payment of the fees demanded.—This brought the proceedings to a close.
CORRESPONDENCE.
CORRESPONDENCE. LIBERALISM OX THE HILL DISTRICTS.— REVISION OF VOTERS LISTS. Sm,—May I avail myself of a portion of your space to address a word or two to the Liberals in these districts, who have received notices of objection to their votes. It requires everyone to make some sacri- fice if they desire to establish their political rights. I am well aware that a large number of the objec- tions served upon the Liberals are of the most frivol- ous kind, which must be exasperating to the claimants but however that may be, it is necessary that each person should be present at the Revising Barristers' Court to support his right to a vote, otherwise the objection may be acted upon, and the vote lost. It has been established that every person who pays a rental of X15 10s. per annum is entitled by law to be registersd in respect of occupation, it being im- material whether the person is rated to the relief of the poor at £12. or not. The revising barrister is the sentleman to decide tne question or value, and not the members of the Assessment Committee, which is most conclusively proved in the case of Cook v. But- ler The rateable value of the premises re quired by sec. ti, sub. s. 2 of R.P.A., 1Hi (30 and 31 Vict., c. 102) means the real rateable value, and not the rateable value on the rate-book; and the revising barrister may, therefore, go into the question and decide what the real rateable value is." This, I imagine, proves the case very conclusively. Then as to owners of leasehold property claiming votes. Many are of opin- ion that because they have a charge upon the property, and having received a notice of objection, that they are debarred from the right to claim a vote. This is not so. The law says that any' person who is in pos- session of any leasehold property, either houses or land, of the annual value of five pounds, after deduct- ing all charges, providing the lease of the same has been granted originally for a term of 60 years direct from the freeholder, is entitled to be registered. In order to explain what I mean, we will suppose that a man living at Ebbw Vale owns a leasehold house, for which he has a lease or an agreement for n lease, for which he receives a rent of 20s. per month, upon which he has a charge of I", for which he pays tive per cent. interest. The rent will be £ 12, out of which will be deducted the following chargesGround rent, say £1 JOs. taxes, say £ 1 12s. interest on mortgage, £ 2 10s. in- surance and repairs, £ 1; total, £ (! 12s. balance, A:5 8s. Thus you will see that after deducting all charges, there is £ 5 left, which is quite sufficient to qualify a man to be registered. Once you establish your claim, you will have no further difficulty. It is only once in a lifetime that you are called upon to make a sacrifice. Make it, so that you will be in a position, should a dissolution take place before the Franchise Bill becomes law, to give an emphatic, declaration of your opinion in supporting Mr. Glad- stone in his efforts to secure political rights for the two millions of our unenfranchised fellow-country- men. You will receive due notice of the time the courts will be held. Legal assistance will also be pro- vided free of expense. I shall be glitll to wait upon any Liberal, and advise him upon the best course to litli-stie. Be careful not to lose the notices of objection which you have received. Fellow-Liberals, now is our time. Let us strike "the iron while it is hot. Vt'e are passing through one df the most eventful periods in the 19th century. let us do our part like men and citizens.— I am, yours obediently, MARK LEWIS, Liberal Registration Agent for the County of Monmouth. 55, Morgan-street, Tredegar, Sept. GELLIGAER SCHOOL BOARD AXD ITS LAST • PIECE OF JOBBERY. SIR,-In your last week's issue some correspondent called attention to the Gelligaer School Board and their 'sham economy. The last meeting, held on Thursday week, reveals some extraordinary doings of that'great body; in fact, I could well term it with much propriety, the same as a friend called it a day or two ago, their extraordinary jobbery Of course, the whole affair is surrounded with sharp work. It is now a well-known fact that three members of the Board, all of them being deacons in the Independent connexion in various churches in the parish, put their heads together to bring a motion forward to advance the salary of one of their attendance-officers, who is also a deacon in the same connexion. This has been brought forward on several occasions, although the parishioners have denounced the reckless attempt in an unmistakable manner, without success. But the underhanded manner in which it was planned for the last meeting, which was fixed to be held at the extreme end of the parish, at Trelewis, which was itself most irregular, without giving the usual oppor- tunity for reporters to be present and report their extraordinary proceedings for the benefit of the public generally, in consequence cf these tactics, the scheme for increasing the salary was this time successfully carried out. The facts of the case are yet in the dark, but, by the next issue. I may be in possession of the whole of them and I puvpuse. with your permission, Mr. Editor, to present your readers with a series of letters showing how the (k a cons referred to, and some other members, have dealt with the confidence reposed in them by their constituents in placing tliem in that responsible position in the parish of Gelligaer.—^ ours, ic., I # JUSTICE.
THE CASE FOR THE PEOPLE.
Eights. Farther than that they are demanding )--ig,hta which have been conceded to them in mrieeipie by the very men who are responsible for their refusal in fact. They have a right to the franchise, and we have the fullest confidence ,in its being wisely exercised by them, say the 'Tories; but we cannot stand by and see our 'fortunes ruined for ever by this grant of justice. 'We must manipulate the division of seats before 'we Assent to the extension of votes. That is the Tory case pat as nearly as it is possible to do so iin their own words. And the question is imme- diately suggested to Mr. Gladstone-why refuse .a thing which you acknowledge to be good in itself and just in its action, if you have the con- fidence in the people to be enfranchised which you profess ? Therein lies all the difference between us. You want to hedge in the new -electors by so called safeguards, which shall secure I to you a measure of power out of all proportion to your numbers in the state. You assume in advance that the great mass of the men who are to become new voters are hostile to you, and thereby flatly contradict your own professions. We, on the other hand, the Government and the Liberal party, believe that the franchise is the right of these two millions who do not now possess it. We believe that besides being their just right it is a good thing, of invaluable benefit to the state to confer it where it is justly due and beyond that, we believe that the exercise of a right which is just and good in itself, with or without a redistribution of seats, is bound in the nature of things to redound to the advantage of the state, whatever its consequences may be to the artificial organisation of political parties, and therefore we are prepared and resolved to enact this righteous and beneficent measure by itself, and let its corrollary come as soon after as may be. ft comes after all to a question of confidence in the people. The Government and the Liberal party have unlimited confidence in the people. The Lords and the Tories have none. Their professions of attachment are not worth the breath spent in expressing them, for they all vanish into thin air before the one indubitable fact that the bill has been rejected by their party in the House of Lords. And now we come to the point which Mr. Gladstone has emphasised in the most striking manner as the most impor- tant raised throughout the controversy. This is a4bill which concerns the House of Commons as the elective branch of the legislature in a vital sense it affects the Lords who have seats in the other house on a totally different principle in a secondary degree. The House of Commons has accepted the Bill by overwhelming majori- ties, and carried its third reading with practical unanimity. The House of Lords now steps in and v bars the progress of the measure. Why ? In order to force a dissolution of Parliament which may by some rare chance improve the prospects of the Tory party in the representative chamber, and so pave the way to a change of ministry. It is this pretention which Mr. Gladstone calls upon the country to resist to the uttermost, and t there need be no fear as to the response which s the country will make to the appeal. It would be, as he says, treason to British liberty to add to the already too numerous privileges of an irresponsible hereditary chamber the additional authority to determine, at any moment which it i suited the desires of the minority in the lower house to be sent back to the constituencies, a dissolution of the House of Commons. The -effect of such an admission would be disastrous in the extreme. In the last half century there have been twelve Parliaments. Ten of them were t4. Parliaments in which the Liberals had a majority in the House of Commons. In one of them a Tory majority became converted into a Liberal majority, and the twelfth only was Tory from beginning to end of its term. The HAngo « £ Lords navmg always a powerful Tory majority it follows that during the existence of ten Parlia- ments out of the twelve it was out of sympathy with the people's chamber, and all legislation Troposed by Liberal ministries had to be shaped, not according to the will of the Liberal House of Commons, but to meet the objections of a, hostile majority in the House of Lords. Whenever it has happened that a Tory majority, or a Tory Government sustained by a Liberal -Opposition, led the House of Commons, then no r difficulty arose with regard to the passage of |r measures through the House of Lords. The f House of Lords swallowed Household Suffrage { with a big gulp, because it was permitted to a f Tory Ministry to propose and carry the bill in the House of Commons. To-day the extension of the principle to its logical limits is rejected, because it is proposed by a Liberal Government in the Commons. But, during all these years, the Ilouse of Lords never before ventured to take up an attitude which is deliberately inten- ded to force a dissolution of Parliament, and the gravely false step having been taken now must be resisted to the bitter end. The House of Lords, as Mr. Gladstone mildly puts it, ought not to puah their demand to extremes; they should be content with the power they already enjoy and exercise it to the best of their ability in co-operating with the decisively expressed will of the popular chamber. Their demand, i ),Wever, must be resisted, and will be resisted -to the last. It is destructive of the very ¡f()41ndations of party Government. There can- not be but a single issue, and that the assertion of the supremacy of the popular will. The Lords "ill have another chance of placing them- selves in harmony with the nation. They may ^Shij?Freck the Bill again in November, but they im, will be no nearer the shipwreck of Parliament, and next year, they may depend upon it, the -Government, backed by the House of Commons anA the sympathy of every reasonable man in the country, will discover a means of giving ■effect to the national will in spite of the hosti- lity^ the peers. =-