The Glamorgan Gazette

A MAESTEG BOUNDARY DISPUTE. At the Bridged < ity Court on Saturday, Judge Gwilym Will f" 'C'had his attention oeeupied for a considerable time in hearing a dispute in which Stephen Lewis, of 34, West-street, Maesteg, < was the plaintiff, and William Rogers, a neighbour, the defendant.—Mr D. Villiers Meager, barrister- at-law, Swansea (instructed by Mr T. J. Hughes, Bridgend), was for the plaintiff, and Mr W. P. Smith, of the firm of Messrs Robinson, Smith, and Sons, Swansea, was for the defendant. In opening the case Mr Meager said the trespass plaintiff complained of was that defendant had built a wall partly on plaintiff's property so as tc be an encroachment, and plaintiff claimed nominal damages and a mandatory injunction that the wall should be moved, as defendant set up a title to the wall. The property was conveyed by defendant to plaintiff for the residue of a term of 99 years, and there was a certain reservation which was shown on the plan. His Honour: I suppose it is a question of measurement, and that you have half the surveyors of the county here. What is the intrinsic value of the land ? Half-a-crown ? Mr Meager: Aceording to the plan the ground slopes and defendant is contending for his right to go straight out through one garden, and if this is carried out to the boundary, practically the whole of our garden goes. Mr Smith That is not our contention at all. Our contention is that we began on our own premises and went straight to the end of our own boundary. The plaintiff, sworn, stated that in November, 1891, he took the land in question from defendant. The adjoining land was not then built upon. The wall, which was the subject of the present action, was not then built. Plaintiff was taken ill in the following December, and remained in his house about three mouths. At this time defendant was living in plaintiff's house, and continued to live there for about seven months until the adjoining house was completed, and then be went to live in the house. Plaintiff had an interview with defen. dant early in 1892: the wall was built then. Defendant came to his house and said the masons had made a mistake in building the wall out of direction. Plaintiff told him that whenever he (plaintiff) wanted the wall pulled down it would have to be removed and defendant replied that it would be all right. In the following August they had another talk about the wall, and defendant then said the wall was on his own property, and when reminded that he denied it before, defendant said, 11 I told you something just to satisfy you." That was the first time defendant had made any claim to the land. Plaintiff and defendant were present when Mr Humphries measured the land, and defendant then admitted that he was too much out, and that he had taken some of plaintiff's land. The wall encroached two inches at one end, and two feet at the other. Cross-examined by Mr Smith, plaintiff said he went into the house on the 20th November, 1891, and the wall was not built then. The house on the adjoining land was nearly up to the joists. There had been no trouble between plaintiff and defen- dant, but there might have been some little difference between their respective wives. Mr P. J. Thomas, architect, surveyed the land in question in last year. He met defendant, and pointed out to him that he was under the impression that the wall was out of direction. Defendant would not admit this, and witness subsequently surveyed the land. He consented that the wall was about two feet out at the top, and encroached to that ex- tent on plaintiff's land. In cross-examination, witness said he did not think tha plan on the deed was absolutely correct in regard to frontage. David John Rogers, nephew of the defendant, said he knew the wall in question. When he was working there in February, 1892, the wall was not in existence, ahd there was a coal-house there. Cross-examined Witness said he was quite sure about the date he could tell them how far the house was built up to. John B. Lewis, Pelican Inn, Maesteg, who supplied defendant with stones for building the house in question, said his first instalment of stones was when the house was up to the joists, and the date was 30th November, 1891. David Powis a mason employed on the house, said the boundary wall was built after the house was roofed. Cross-examined: Witness said the wall was built after the roof was on. Witness helped to build the wall, and this was done during the time they were waiting for the paving for the inside. A man named Price said he was employed by defendant to build a coal-house. The wall was built then. The coal-house was built on plaintiff's land. Cross-examined: The house was built against the wall in dispute. Frederick Donovan said he cut the foundations of the houses. He went to fetch his tools away when defendant's house was under roof, and he got his tools from the old coal-house. He went through a new building at the back of the old house. There was no wall there then the old coal-house was on the spot where the wall is. Defendant was called and swore that the wall was built when the assignment was made. The men were put on to build it while waiting for something else, in order to prevent them going on the Orink. His Honour said it was only a question of measure- ment. Defendant continuing said the first mention about the wall was after there had baen some disagree- ment between their respective wives. He had not admitted at any time that there was an encroach- ment. When the Maesteg Surveyor pegged out the land, defendant pulled them up and threw them into plaintiff's garden. Cross-examined by Mr Yilliera Meagre, defendant said he had left his contract at home-he thought it would have been of no use. There was a coal house on the site of the present wall, and he built a coal house against his wall. It was not a present, but he did not charge him anything for it. There was no arrangement that the old coal-house was to be re-placed by a new one. A surveyor put the plan on the assignment, and he was told to do so very carefully. Defendant was not willing that the matter should have been settled by Mr Scale as suggested by Mr Hughes' letter. Mr Watkin Davies, architect and surveyor, Maesteg, said he prepared the plans on the two documents. They were taken from the original lease, and were correct according to that. The portion reserved was done for the purpose of keeping the boundary. The wall was in existence when he made the plans. Cross-examined, witness said his instructions were to reserve a portion to the defendant as the wall was built and defendant wished to retain. He had prepared the plan handed in by Mr Smith that morning in a great hurry, and bad corrected it by pencil marks. The witness was subjected to a lengthy cross-examination with regard to his meaaareme,, he stated that he should rely on his evidr He would swear that the wall was built w ,.4' conveyance was made, as he went to get measurements for the plan which was on the deed. Evan Evans had the contract for the carpentery work in connection with the houses. His first instalment was received on let December, 1891, a fortnight after the firsb joists were up. The masons went on building this wall when witness was doing the timbering of the joists. Cross-examined witness said he could not remember that there was a stoppage for paving stones inside. His Honour said the one important point was whether the wall was built at the time the assign- ment was executed. Mr Meager I ask you to say that the evidence of Mr Watkin Davies is obviously mistaken. His Honour: He gives a reason of putting the line as shown. Whether the plan is correct or not, the intention of the conveyance was to reserve to the defendant the land on his side of the line, and that line was put there for the purpose of including the wall which had been built. I shall give judgment for the defendant with costs.

GLYNCORRWG URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. — THE NEW POWERS. A meeting of this Council was held on Thursday, Mr J. G. Motrin (chairman) presiding. The following also were present:—Mr W. Plummer (vice-chairman), Messrs E. Plummer. D. Evans, D. Richards, J. Davies, W. Lewis, E. L. Plummer, and D. Williams. The Clerk read a letter frjm Mr J. Jenkins, Maesteg, calling upon the Council to fence certain property at Abergwynfi. It was directed that a reply be sent to Mr Jenkins that the Council do not undertake to fence private property. The Medical Officer of Health reported that there had been the usual winter diseases prevailing. In other respects the district was in a satisfactory oondition. He recommended that the refuse deposited in front of the huts \)e removed. The Surveyor was directed to give the matter attention. The existence of a number of nuisances was reported, and the Surveyor was o-dered to deal with them. In reference to the public light^g it was directed that a letter be written to the Maesteg Gas Co. stating that unless they laid effluent mains the Council would not proceed any furthlr in the matter of public lighting. The Surveyor was ordered to repoifc to the next meeting as to the water supply of Ab.rgwynfi and Glyncorrwg. He was also requested t) add to his report a list of persons who would reqnie water to be laid on to their premises. A letter was read from the Clerk to th, County Council in reference to the polling distrit of the Glyncorrwg Council. It was decided to Jetition the County Council for an order directing hennial elections, and to apply to the Local Gover-raeut Board for powers to appoint overseers and aux^ary powers conferred upon Urban District Council.

GLYNCORRWG SCHOOL BOARt A meeting of the above-named Board was held on Thursday, Mr Ed. Plummer (chairman) presiding. The following also were present :—Mr J. G. Morris (vice-chairman), Dr. Thomas, and Mr. W. H. Plummer. It was resolved to advertise for teachers for Abergwynfi and Cymmer, and also for teachers to fill vacancies on the Abergwynfi School staff (see advertisements in another column of this issue). It was decided to summen Messrs J. Walters, W. Jenkins, and W. Thomas Brown, to appear before the Board in reference to damage stated to have been done by-thoir boys to the Abergwynfi School. A letter was read from Mr J. Griffiths, assistant- teacher, asking for an increase of salary. The Clerk was instructed to write in reply that the Board do not see their way clear to increase salaries. The Clerk was requested to obtain a scale of salaries paid by other Boards to assistant-teachers and ex-pupil teachers.

DOLL AND WORK COMPETITION, AND CONCERT AT NEATH. The above-named took place on January 3rd, at the Gwyn-hall. In the afternoon the prizes were given away by Mrs Gwyn and Miss Rowland-the judges. There were some exceedingly pretty dolls and other exhibits, amongst which, a "Gaiety Girl," shown by Miss C. Lloyd, Cilybebyll, and a "Wedding Group" by Miss Gladys Moore, were much admired. In the evening a very pretty pro- gramme was carried out, which consisted of:— Pianofolte solo Miss Aubrey Song—"The sailor's grave," H. Morgan, Esq. (Mayor) Recitation Song—"The valley by the sea "Miss Idia Browne Violin solo-" Dances from Henry VIII." Miss Gladys Phillips Illustrated song-" The maids of Lee Miss F. Matthews Song—The distant shore"Mr Edmund Thomas Banjo March, song and chorus.Plantation Quartette Violin duet—"Maying Miss Ida Browne, Mr W. R. Howell Song and chorus-u Alabama Coon "Miss H. M. Rhys and Plantation Quartette Song — Ting-a-ling Mr B. V. Davies Violin solo.Miss Gladys Phillips Soug Mr Edmund Thomas Song—" Three men in a boat" Miss Ida Brown Where are you going to?" (1865 and 1895).Miss Rhys. Miss Maude Whittington, and M. V. Prioe Song—"Iommy Atkins" Mr W. R. Howell Song and chorus—" Goodnight" Plantation Quartette AccompanistMrs R. P. Morgan Every item was good, and was well received by the audience; perhaps the loudest applause was evoked when the Maid of Lee, old and young, bowed themselves off. This was certainly new, and was cleverly done. Miss Ida Browne was at her best, and Mr Edmund Thomas, though suffering from a severe cold, sang with his usual success. Miss Gladys Phillips, a young lady from Cardigan, played her violin with expression and sweetness. In fact, we may say there was not a dull incident in the programme. Mrs Rhys, of Bank House, who, assisted by a few friends, organised the day's pro- ceedings, hopes to be able to hand over a substantial amount to St. David's Church Restoration Fund.

NEATH BOROUGH POLICE. MONDAY.—Before the Mayor (Councillor Hopkin Morgan), Alderman Charles, Councillor J. B. Davies, Councillor Hopkin Jones, Mr J. Fear Davies, and Mr D. T. Sims. TOO MUCH GIN. John Davies, collier. Davies' Court, Neath, was charged with having been drunk and disorderly in New-street on the 7th instant. Poliee-sergeaut Jones having given evidence for the prosecution, Defendant, in defence, said that he had been to a colliers' dinner, given by Captain Stroud. He had been advised by his medical man to take Hollands gin after a heavy dinner. He had only followed his instructions. The Mayor: You must forget the ginin future, John, and only look after the dinner. You are fined 5s and costs." MUSIC LICENCE OASE. Gatherine Perrin, of the Globe Inn, Neath, was charged with permitting music on her premises with- out having a licence. Mr W. H. David appeared for the prosecution, and Mr Edward Powell, who represented defendant, pleaded guilty. Defendant was fined 5a and costs.

BRYNMENIN BUILDERS AT VARIANCE. At the Bridgend County Court on Friday, George Howells, a builder, living at Brynmenin, sued James Morris, a builder contractor, of Aberkenfig, for JE20 Os 3d, alleged to have been overpaid to defendant in respect of work done by him in connection with the building of some cottages at Brynmenin for the plaintiff—Mr T. J. Hughes was for the plaintiff, and Mr S. H. Stockwood for the defendant.—There was a counter-claim for wages. Mr Hughes said the question at issue was whether the work was done under contract or on time. If His Honour held that the work was done under contract, the claim must succeed, but if he was not satisfied that a contract existed, it was a question of how much was due to the defendant for wages. Plaintiff stated he was foreman to Mr Jacob Jenkins, Bridgend, and was building some cottages at Brynmenin. Before the job commenced he and defendant had a talk about the matter. They went to look at the stones to be used, and eventually a schedule of prices were drawn up and agreed between them. The schedule was copied into a book, and plaintiff suggested that defendant should sign the book, but he said there was no need to sign it as the prices were there. Defendant wanted to draw money every week, but plaintiff told him that he should pay in three instalments as the work progressed he, however, told defendant he could have weekly draws as long as he did not overdraw. Plaintiff's wife used to pxy defendant on Saturdays- On the 3rd September defendant and a mason came to measure for the paving, and plaintiff made an order for payment in the book, and told defendant he might as well sign the schedule as he was there, but he said he would sign some other evening saying he would trust to plaintiff's honour. On the 15th September plaintiff refused to make any further payments until someone bad been up to meaeure the work. Mr Sutton, assistant to Mr P. J. Thomas, architect, Bridgend, came up to measure the work, and both defendant and his son assisted. Mr Sutton told defendant he had overdrawn to the extent of £20, and defendant then said the agree- ment was no good because his hand was not upon it. Plaintiff told him that if his hand was not, his eyes were, and defendant said the agreement ought to have been stamped, and that he should have had a copy of it. In reply to Mr Stockwood, plaintiff said he entered all payments in his book. He had the prices of Bridgend work before he agreed with the defendant. He never received a complaint from the defendant to the effect that the stones were bad to work with, but toward the end of the job defen- dant told him that they were —— rough stones." The work was not measured till it was up to the square. They were not working on time sheets. It was not part of defendant's work to superintend the quarryman. Mr Sutton, assistant to Mr P. J. Thomas, Bridgend, gave evidence as to measuring up the work and comparing the figures with the prices in the book. Defendant and his son helped him in the measurement. Witness told defendant that he had been overpaid by £ 20, and defendant said he did not believe it, and that the agreement was no good because his hand was not on it. Both plaintiff and 1 pendant were very hot at the time. There was A suggestion made by either defendant or his son t they were working on day work. S-oss-examined Witness said he told defendant *k'aihe had been sent to measure the work too see if be hi been overpaid. Anrè Bessont, a mason, living at Aberkenfig, said h< was present at plaintiff's house when defen- dant «u8ed to sign the book. Defendant was away fram th work a good deal more than he ought to have be, and defendont's son himself complained that his \t}jer was neglecting his work. Cross-seined: Witness said he dressed the stones, so^ of which were good, and some bad. He was pI1\¡ by the hour. Charles mason contractor, Bryncethin, said he was inc ompleting the work which defendant commenced • t the same prices. The stones were very good. Mr Cookslt, said he had examined the stones and the pricet named were fair for the locality. It was a cUS\mary thing in dealing with small sub-contractor to have weekly sheets sent in, but the foreman not leave himself out of the sheets. Mr Jacob contractor, Bridgend, said the prices detai^ were fa|r one8 for the clag8 q{ work done. -J*6Ad had the same class of work done for much ML jn sub-contracted work it was the custom weekly draws. Mr James contractor, Bridgend, also gave corroborativ«^,ic|ence as to the custom with regard to draws. Mrs Howells, ini of the piainfcift> who stated on entering the box t t she was not particular on English, said she s present when her husband wrote the prices in le book, and defendant looked over his shoulder. ^{e„dant ref d tQ g5 night, When tbeyL.evl0U8iy teiked t}iQ ^natfcer over nothiug was sal aboub wages, it was merely a question of price. some time afterwards defen- dant asked witness 10a to pay a man> gho gave it to him. He sUggested that she should keep a book, and she^d 80. The five gbeefc8 duced were the oniJone8 8he received These sheets were given bea geahe had complained that she was paying a g°°?ieal of money. Defendant used to have a sub eryoften. Defendant did not spend all his tilne i, the job, and was away a great deal. Cross-examined by M gtockwood, witness said she was not paying ontbe sheets. She did not pay defendant his own7age9, but only gave him a little to go on with. mness then went off into a long statement, delivvd rapidly in excellent English, and at the c°nUion of the oration the Judge said, "Well, fortwotDan who i8 not ticular on English, y° h»ve done vorv wall (laughter). Whatever .oold it have been in Welsh Mr Stockwood, for the efence, contended that the work was done under \„tracb until defendant found he could not make t pay, and then it was done on time.. Defendant, sworn, said I fried the work at the scheduled prices, but fo°n be could do ifc and he told plaintiff so, then ■ sheets on which he was He had to »0 to the station to see timber and he alg0 looked after the quarry. He had been paid for his last fortnight., and he county cluimed f0r that Cross-examined by Mr defendant said he was paid by the hour tUf^ine aa the other* but he did not put his name 0 the sheets by mis- take. His Honour: You made tesame miatake for five weeks. h William Morris, son of tboefendaiat, said his father complained soon after tnirork started that he could not make his money, kyt was then that the time sheets were commen06! He was present when Mr Sutton measured up» b^he did u- what it was done for. He any oom plaint that his father was speo^jhis time 0g work. His Honour said the evident defendant and his son pointed to the fact tba a'eement exists and defendant sheltered hi if d the frct'-thatl he had not put his hand to it. sheets were only the necessajy precaution would tako if he thonght the work was oot ^jresaing as wished. If defendant had onv, foreman h« would undoubtedly put his oWO the sheaf* Judgment would be given f°r for £ iq 19s 3d with costs, payment to at the of £ 5 per month.

THE BLAENGARW COLLIERY COMPANY SUED. AN INTERESTING COUNTY COURT CASE. At the Bridgend (adjourned) County Court on Monday-before His Honour Judge Gwilym Williams-Thomas Phillips, Pontycymmer, brought a claim against the Blaengarw Colliery Company (Ltd.), in respect of wages which he alleged had been actually earned, and of damages for wrongful dismissal. The Company brought a counter-claim of £5 18s 10d against Phillips for damages alleged to have arisen by his negligence in causing a fall.- Mr T. J. Hughes appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr S. H. Stockwood for the defendant Company. Plaintiff stated that on October 22ad he was in the employ of the company as fireman, and had been for the previous three months. The colliery employed over 100 men. On the night of October 18th he was engaged as night fireman. Just before going out he was seen by Wm Davies, the overman, who told him to cut down the cross heading. On going down after his rounds, he found two pieces threatening to fall. It was an urgent matter, and witnees attended to it at once. Two men were at it all night by his directions. They saved one piece and the other came down. Witness's time was up at five o'clock the two men had not finished then, and he left them removing the rubbish. In the evening before going down. he saw Mr Hunter, the manager of the colliery, who told him that he had done very wrong in putting the men on the three cross headings instead of another place. Witness gave him his reason for doing so-it was a thing that bad suddenly developed. Mr Hunter also com- plained to him that he bad allowed too much overtime that morning, and thai he was not to allow in. At this stage the plaintiff, who can speak Welsh better than English, got rather mixed, and the Judge had some difficulty in ascertaining from him whether Mr Hunter told him that he was not to allow overtime on any account, or that he was to allow it when absolutely bound. Asked to give his answer in Welsh, however, plain tiff distinctly stated that Mr Hunter told him that henceforth he was to allow overtime under no circumstances. Continuing, witness said he reported this to the day fireman, and that the fall had not been cleared. "There will be trouble ahead," witness said, but I can't do anything considering the orders I had." It would have taken about two hours to clear the fall. On the following night he received a written message from Wm Davies that he was not to go as fireman, but he could go as timberman if he wished. He saw Mr Hunter on Monday, and asked him for his money. Mr Hunter said he would not have them as he had not stopped him. Witness showed him the note, and he said William Davies had no business to do so." There were four days' wages due to witness—17s. He claimed 21 turns in lieu of a fortnight's notice. Cross-examined by Mr Stockwood It was not part of his engagement to do any repairing, but only to look after eight or nine men. Mr Hunter told him at first that he was not to have overtime unless bound to; but on the day mentioned be was told that he was not to have overtime on any account. His Honour It's hardly probable that any man in his senses could have said that, because all sons of unforeseen developments corne about in a colliery. Plaintiff Mr Hunter told me that I did wrong in putting men on on the 18th, and then it was the fall of a roof. Cross-examination continued Did you tell one of the repairers put in a shot and let the place go to -"P Plaintiff; No sir. Did one of the repairers tell you that there was no need to do what you told them to do ?—No sir. Did he tell you afterwards that he had put the shot.-Yes sir. On the same day he instructed a repairer to put a shot somewhere else and it was done. He gave notice because he would not take a row unless he deserved it." He did not tell any one that John Richards was going to fire a shot that would" b- the place up." Nor did he say to Davies, the overman nothing that I do is of im- portance, but you'll see about the importance now." He did not tell him the place was roofed up. He was not annoyed at Mr Hunter speaking to him about the overtime. Mr Stockwood Didn't you fire the shot with the express purpose of bringing the top down so as to atop the work ? Plaintiff: No sir. Didn't you do it in spite of the fact that the repairer told you it was not safe to do it ? Defendant: No sir. You know the fall did stop the work ? Yes for some time. I had an offer to continue working at the same wages, but not as fireman. He supposed they thought he was not fit to be in charge of the job. Mr Hughes: On the Monday, though you are alleged to have threatened to blow the whole thing up you were offered a job there at the same wages ? —Witness Yes. I Watkin John, who said be had been a collier for 24 years, gave it as his opinion that it was not safe to take out the two pieces of timber, as the plaintiff was told to do. The shot was fired, and the roof come down. It would only take two hours to clear the fall, but Phillips told the repairers that he could not allow any overtime. By Mr Stockwood He was a lodger with Phillips. He did not hear Phillips say that they could pull the place to By Mr Hughes He was not lodging with the plaintiff now. This was the plaintiff's case. THE DEFENCE. Mr Hunter (manager of the colliery), giving evidence in defence, stated that he never com- plained of the overtime in clearing an heading, He complained to plaintiff on the 19th that he was making overtime when there was no necessity for it, and his instructions to him were that he was not to allow overtime unless it was absolutely necessary. He never told him to have no over- time on any account. His instructions to him were to interfere with the roof as little as possible -only the coler. On the Saturday he did not see Phillips, and appointed a man in his place. When he came on Monday he asked him why he left the full, and he then stated, You told me not to have overtime." The 21 turns for which the plaintiff claimed were very excessive. It should be Hi. In consequence of the fall there was a loss of £5 18s 5d. By Mr Hughes: Five trams were sent up from inside the fall on the 20th October, but not all worked that day. He took it that 34 tens more could have been worked but for the fall. In arriving at the total of.£5 18?, he gave credit for the coal that was worked on the 20th. By Mr Stockwood: The No. 3 heading, in his opinion, had nothing to do with the case. Evan Howell, a repairer, said be had orders to put in the shot, and alleged that plaintiff said Let the thing go to hell. He told plaintiff if his in- structions were carried out it would stop the work, Plaintiff told the repairers afterwards that there would be no overtime allowed to clear the fall. There was no need to put in the shot; two posts under the roof would have done, and that was what they would have done but for plaintiff's orders. The roof was a good one, and would stan'd with posts put under it. John Richards, repairer, John Cox, repairer, and William Davies, the overman, also gave evidence. The latter stated that there was no neoessity to put the shot in, the coler was too low; and what was necessary to be done was to put posts on each side. Plaintiff sau* to him '• It seems that everything I do is of no importance; you'll see the importance now." Mr Hunter did not tell plaintiff that he was not to allow overtime on any account. Mr Hughes submitted that the counter-claim must fall through because the latt witness had satisfied His Honour that the men, although not actually cutting coal on Saturday, were doing work in making preparations, which, under any circum- stances, would have to be done some time or another, and so enabling the output to be propor- tionally increased by the following Monday. His Honour: But each day stands by itself. The working expenses of a colliery go on and the only way in which a colliery can be made to pay is to produce a certain quantity of coal in that day and j what they say here is that the coal which they had a right to count on that day was not produced, and that in consequence of this fall. As to the plaintiff's case, that's gone a long time. He disobeyed the proper orders given him in the colliery. If he showed himself incompetent, and particularly if he disobeyed the proper order given, he can't complain if he is dismissed. But he was not dismissed from actual \York. With regard to the £1 3?, however, I consider he has earned that, and I give judgment accordingly. As to the counter-claim, there's no doubt that plaintiff caused considerable loss to the colliery by what he did and he is liable for the effects of his acts. We must give credit, however, for 11 trams of coal, whenever they came out. On the counter-claim I give judgment for £ 3. No costs for witnesses are allowed. =====

KENFIG HILL MALE VOICE PARTY. A gentleman with a big vein of humonr has send us in the following skit:— A meeting of the members of the above-named party, and others interested in its welfare, was held recently at Moriah Vestry, kindly lent for the occasion. The principal business of the evening was the appointment of a conductor. The chair was occupied by Mr John James, who briefly opened the meeting by naming-the rival conduc- tors—Mr William Dodd and Mr Thomas Thomas, A.C. Mr Isaac Thomas, news agent, in proposing Mr Thomas Thomas as conductor, alluded to his rare abilities as such, aud commended him to the favourable notice of the party as a refined musician who possessed those rare qualities essential in a good conductor. Mr Dodd was then proposed by Mr William Rees, travelling draper, who reminded the party of the very high reputation they acquired under his leadership, incidentally referring to the suc- cessive victories under his baton, and that he con- sidered him to be a very desirable conductor. After a few desultory remarks by the Chairman, it was decided to make the appointment by ballot. Mr John Jamos acted as presiding officer, and Messrs G. Francis and R. L. Williams were the t clerks. The whole of those present having duly recorded their votes, the presiding officer and his two clerks expeditiously counted the votes recorded, and immediately declared the result of the poll, which was announced to be a dead heat, much to the chagrin and profound astonishment of those present. Mr Jenkin Jones, in the course of a few forcible I and uncomplimentary expressions, demanded that a further poll should be taken in the barber's shop opposite the Prince of Wales, from 8 to 10.30 p.m., on the following Saturday evening. The two rival conductors then suggested that e, the whole of the party should adjourn to the long room of a neighbouring inn to spend the remainder of the evening in social enjoyment, which was very desirable considering the result of the poll. Sundry drinks having been disposed of at the ex- pense of the two rival conductors, the following gentlemen contributed largely to the enjoyment of the evening. The first novelty waa a duet entitled In union is strength," by the rival conductors, which was received with vociferous applause. The next item was the humorous sketch by Ritchie Williams, Our annual Sunday School treat and ball," which elicited roars of laughter. My pretty Jane" was rendered with extreme pathos and feeling by Mr Robert McEwen. At this juncture it was announced, amid cheering, that Mr Isaac Thomas would favour the party with a clog dance With arms akimbo he took up his position in the middle of the room and started off at a terrific pace, but ( ere he had proceeded far it was found necessary to restrain him, and he was hushed to the corner amid the wildest enthusiasm. Mr Jacob Ware then treated the company to a faithful rendition of the solo "The gnats they do annoy me," when his fine soprano voice was heard to advantage. Mr R. S. Williams then discoursed on the con- nection between astronomy and sport, and in the course of his remarks cited the Comet of 1893 and the Ladas of 1895, which created much amuse- ment. At this stage Mr William Rees chimed in with Sweefc medal-de-bone," which had the effect of reminding the party of the vanity of earthly I wishes. Mr Ware and Mr R. Matthews next gave j a sketch from life in the form of a dialogue, The i New Year's party and its sequel." Mr John James then sang a song of his own composition, I Who stopped the ovens." This was followed up by Mr McEwen to the tune of "I did it." The popular duet, "We have lived and loved together," by Messrs W. Dodd and W. Rees, was suDg with such feeling that the party felt convinced that they felt what they sang. No sooner had Messrs I Dodd and Rees resumed their seats than the I genial landlord appeared on the scene, and coolly informed the company that the tapa had frozen. A unanimous appeal was made to Mr G. Francis, their legal adviser, who informed them that it would be advisable to disperse, and a most enjoy- able evening was brought to a close by the com- pany singing After the ball was over." Mr R. L. Williams very efficiently accompanied all the I soloists on the bag-pipes.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT INQUIRY AT ABERAVON, Colonel Durnford, R.E., one of the Local Government inspectors, held an inquiry at the council-chamber, Aberavon, on Friday, touching the application of the town council to borrow a sum of f780 for purposes of construction a water- main and erectiug a fire-engine shed. The pro- ceedings were of a formal nature. The mayor (Mr Lewis Lewis), the ex-mayor (Councillor H. J. Stokes), and the deputy town-clerk (Mr E. T. Evans) were present to meet the inspector, who, after taken short memoranda of the facts, pro- ceeded to inspect the sites of the proposed works.

STRIKE AT MELYN WORKS, NEATH. The forgemen at the Melyn Tin works, Neath, came out on strike on Friday, the men stating that their reason for doing so was that the management had demanded a reduction of their wages, in some cases of lid, and in other cases of 2d a day. The men allege that when the reduction was asked for they demurred, with the result that they were told to work on as before. When they presented themselves for their wages on Friday they found that the reduction had been made, Some of the m3n who came out have been employed at the Melyn Worka for more than 20 years. A settle- ment was effected on Monday, the men consenting to a reduction of 2d a day.

GLAMORGANSHIRE ANNUAL PLOUGHING MATCH. The above match will take place on Sheepleys Farm, Nash, on the 20th day of February.

rpOWLE'S PENNYROYAL and STEEL PILLS for FEMALES qutcklv c, rrect all irregularities, removeall obstructions, an i lelievethe distress "g symptoms go prevalent with th" si* Boxen, ls lid. and 2, 9d.. of all cbemistr. Sand anywhere on receipt of 16 or S4 stamps by the Maker, fi T. TOWL^CbmaitU Nottingham. [247

LLINELLAU COFFADWRIAETHOL Er serchus gof am JENNET, auwyl Ferch Mr. a Mrs, FREDERICK, Fairwater, Ely, ger Llandaff, yr hon a hunodd yn yr angeu Rhagfyr 18fed, 1894, yn 20 mlwydd oed. Angeu swydol a'i gledd marwol, Sydd yn taro'n erchyll iawn, Er mor erchyll y mae'n taro, Ninau proti'r un peth wuawn 0 am fod yn barod erbyn Delo angeu hyll ei wedd, Ceisiwn Iesu'n Ifrynd a chyfaill Yna marw wnawn mown hedd. Mae ein Jennet wedi hedeg I'r orphwysfa eydd uwch ben, Lie mae seiutiau fyrdd yn moii'r Hwn fu lai w ar y pren Engyl Daw sy'n 11 u o'i hamgylch IV chroesawu ar ben ei LbaiLh, Ac yn dangos rhyfeddodau Na ddarluniwyd mewn un iaich. Cafodd addysg er yn fore I ddilyn cainrau Iesu cu, Troi ei thioed oddiwrth auwiredd, A gochelyd utfern ddu Dy^godd ddarllen geiriau'r bywyd Ymddiddanau'n hyfryd iawn, Am y gwr fu farw drosli At Galfaria un prydnawn. Er mae byr oedd gyrfa'i bywyd Yn y byd terfysglyd hwn, Eto yfodd ran o'i ofid, Calodd gystudd nychlyd trwm Hiraeth weithiau am fyn'd adre' Oedd yn Ilanw'i henaid hi, Ond ni chlywyd mo'ui'n grwgnach Tra fu'n arua gyda ni. Yn ei hangau 'roedd yn dawel, I Heb ddini dychryn yn ei gwedd, Er y gwyddau fod rhaid iddi I' Yn iuan lechu yn y bedd Canau'n iach i'w holl berth'nasau A'i chyfcillion, fach a rnawr Aeth i fynwes ei Hanwylyd ¡ I gael llonfyd uwch y llawr. ) Telyn aur sydd ganddi'r awr hon, Coron bywyd ar ei phen, ¡ Palmwydd hefyd yn ei dwylaw, I Medda wyufyd nefoedd wen Marw mwyash ni rhaid iddi, Na galaru chwaith yn wir, Daw a sychodd ei holl ddagrau, Aeth i mewn i Ganaan dir. Ninau 'nawr, gweddiliion angea, 'Rbai ada'.vyd yn y hyd, Cym'rwn Iesu yn arweinydd Yn ein bywyd, ac mewn pryd Fel pan dddo angeu atom Cawn ni farw oil mewn hedd, I A chael bod yn nghwrnnFr Iesu I A mwynhau o'r nefol wiedd. Porthcawl. GWILYM O'R CWM.

PEN1LLION Er cof am DAFYDD, Mab WATCYN a HANNAH BUTLER, Penprisk, Pencoed, yr hwn fu farw Tachwedd llfed 1894. Do collasom Dafydd Butler, I Trwm fu'r ergyd i ni gyd— Gwel'd ein anwyl gytaill ieuangc, 'N cael ei symud i arall fyd. Anhawdd iawn yw peidio wylo Ar ol iddw fyn'd i dref— I Os yn golled i ni yma Mae yn onuill iddo ef. Ar ei daith trwy yr auialwch, ¡ Cafodd llawer etormys hiu Cafodd adfyd a gofidiau, I A chystuddiau maith a blin Ond, yn nphanol ei helbulon, I Gweddiau'n ami ar oi Dduw, Can's oedd urno chwant ymddatod, I gael myn'd i'r nef i fyw. I Ca'dd y fraint o rhoi ei hunan' Pan yn ieuangc i Fab Duw, I Ac yn wir Crist ydoedd pobpebh Ganddo'i farw ac i fyw Ac yn rydiau'r hen Iorddonen, Pan ar derfyn i fyn'd trwy, | Yr oedd yno Un i'w gyru I Uwchlaw unrhyw nychdod mwy. Olmor lion, ac hoff oedd genym, I Ar rhai prydiau, i rhoi tro 1 gysuro f'anwyl gyfaill, ¡' 'Nawr yn gorwedd dan y gro Yno 'roeddwn yn cydganu Ei hoff emyn ef ei hun- I) Mae nghyfeillion adre'u myned," u 0 fy mlaen, o un i un." I Tad a mam, a pblant cariadus, Perthynasau oil i gyd— Peidiwch wylo, sychwch dagrau, Cewch cyd-gwrdd mewn arall fyd Os y w Dafydd yn ei lety, Am rhyw enyd bach yn nawr, Eto cawn ei wel'd ef eilwaith, I Boreu'r adgylodiad mawr. Ffarwol iti 'nawr fy nghyfaill, Ffarwel mwyach ysgwyd llaw Minau yn yr anial dyrys, Tithau yn m'radwyf draw Ffarwel mwyach i gyd.ganu Hen St. Hannon" a Lausanne," Delyti Aur a Bryn Calf-tria," Hyd nos cwrdd yn Salem lan. CYFAILL IDDO.

CYFIEITIIIAD 0 Emynau, Rhif 92 a 93, Ail Lyfr Stephens a Jones, yn dechrcu-" Y nef oedd uwch fy mhen," &c. L]

i THE STORM OF THE PENITENT. The heav'ns above me far, Grew dark as dreary night, No sun, nor moon, nor star, Show forth it's silv'ry light; And righteous anger from on high, Hurl'd lightnings from the cloud-capp'd sky. A guilty conscience smote, And raged within my soul, It's shrill and piercing note, Will last while days shall roll; In anguish great, I turn'd and fled, Unheeding where ray steps might tread. I turn'd and sought the law, My pray'r was low and brief; In accents hush'd with awe, I pleaded for relief Flee for thy life," the law replied, "To Calory's mount, where Jesus died." Amid the thunder's roar, With dread and fear dis-mayed, While lightnings gather'd o'er, Like armed hosts array'd, I reach'd the crest of Calv'ry's mount. And there behold Th' all-healing iount. Although my flesh be soil, My frame be nought but clay, I'll sing while lightnings coil, My sins are wash'd away The "Rock of Ages" stemms the flood, And lightnings vanish in the blood. Nantyffyllon, Maesteg. T. C. WILLIAMS.

THE PATH OF SNOWDON. Translation of the words of a popular Welsh Tenor Song- "LLWYBR YR WYDDFA." One Hallow E'en, a merry throng The cheerful hearth surrounded, And little thought 'mid mirth and song That death's cold hand had shrouded, And clad with enow, the winding way Of Snowdon steep and bouldered, That once the fern and heather gay In ample folds had sheltered. The father bold his way did roam, Stout-hearted o'er the hillside, With happy thoughts of hearth and home, And children at the fireside While Luna, queen 01 starry host, The heav'ns resplendent beaming, The wan )'rer now had strayed aud lost His path amid the gloaming. And wand'ring far to left and right, O'er Snowdon bleak and dreary, His home in sight, 'mid shades of nighb Way down the distant valley He sank bene;«th the snowy mould, Entranced, in dreams enchanting, x The wint'ry cold and icy fold His death-like form bnmantling. el, Mid pleasant thoughts of loving wife And children's merry prattle, He passed away from earthly strife And died in duty's battle And ever more that household sad That Hallow E'en remembered, When snowdrifts wild, old Snowdon clad, And father's path o'er covered. Nantyffyllon, Maesteg. T. C. WATKINS.

WHAT YOUR EYES TAUGHT MINE. What is this thing which they call love ? Ah me, I hate the very name Methinks it is the harbinger Of nought but jealousy and pain 'T was but for sympathy I look'd. And friendship when my eyes sought thine But noble love, which never dies, Ah that was what your eyes taught mine— Oh fy nghalon. Before we met, I bad not dream'd Of passion, but had dream'd of love A.nd sympathy, as from brother To sister, till your eyes did prove A stronger deeper jealous power, Which robb'd me of my girl-hood's prime, For love unquenchable" that will Not die, was what your eyes taught mine- Oh fy nghalon. Ah perchance you did not mean to Teach me from such a sacred book Alas how could I help but learn, When love was in your every look My heart had not been erush d with woe, And these two sad, sad eyes of mine, Had not so oft been fill'd with tears, Had they not learnt of love from thine- O fy ughalon. Wha: had I done to merit this ? This coldness and this proud disdain We parted, and without a word, Perhaps we ne'er may meet again; My grief was dumb, my eyes were dry. And yours look'd coldlv into mine- Love unquenchable that cannot Die, that was what my eyes told thine- Oh fy nghalon. Oh smile on me once as you used, And look info these eyes now wet, With bitter, bitter, tears long shed For thee whom I can ueVr forget: My wounded heart but beats for thee, I only sought within thine eyes For friendship, comfort, and for truth, And learnt there love which never dies- Oh! fy nghalon. Bridgend. CALON.

(Continued). j When the Church of England was established, the people at large had learnt—through the fire and sword of persecution — to hate and dread an Ecclesiastical tyranny unchecked by Civil restraints. The country, just released from Papal and Catholic domination, desired and needed above all things to be safeguarded against a re-usurpation by Rome of the power she had been recently deprived of. The King and Parliament had no choice but to establish and enforce by law the reformed doctrines and liturgies and rites, so as to give the people better things in place of the bad things which they had been accustomed to; and, while thus providing for their religious wants, to make loud and clear their protest against what they believed to be the errors and superstitions of the Church of Rome. By no other tueanM could Protestanism live. The Establishment of the Church of England was one of the greatest blessings and deliverances which our country has ever enjoyed. If we could but trans- port ourselves to the conditions of the Reformation period, we should then see what an indinpgMnlili benefit was conferred upon our country by ttte State in making it penal to imitate or encourage the doctrines, practice and principles of the Church of Rome. The inroads made by Romish principles in- to the Protestant Established Church in the present day, and which has beguiled many of the English clergy, and caused them to mock and set at naught the ritual and discipline of the Church of England. Thus the Established Protestant doctrines are no longer any safeguard, because the laws on whieh the Church was established at the time of the Reforma- tion, though they remain unrepealed to this day, are no longer enforced. Hence it becomes a most important consideration whether the Disestablish- ment of the Church would tend to aggravate or to remedy this base betrayal of our Church and country. If the Church were to be disestablished, and yet not disendowed at the same time, the mischief would be aggravate d. I* or then the government of the clergy, and the regulation of doctrines and liturgies would pass wholly into the hands of the Hierarchy, and of that portion of the clergy who have the strongest instincts toward" Sacerdotalism. The Protestant and Evangelical portion would be promptly driven out, and every parish church would be a garrison occupied by Romish troops, and the Papal supremacy would once more cast its shadow over our country. Yet the doctrines established at the Reformation do not commend themselves to-day to the national mind and heart as they did when first promulgated. By the foregoing statements it will, I expect, be acknowledged that the doctrines, ritual, liturgies, and discipline of the Church of England were settled by the State at its foundation, and continue to be under State control. And it is also an indisputable fact that those doctrines and liturgies are practically obnoxious to the majority of Her Majesty's subjects in Wales. Now, it is true that Parliament is, theo- retically, omnipotent; but, practically, it is not. And now that we see that the doctrines established at the Reformation do not commend themselves to- day to the majority of the inhabitants of the Princi- pality, the following is tninkable if not practicable. I Parliament, as now composed of men of every con- ceivable variety of belief and no belief, is neither competent, nor would be willing, to undertake the stupendous task of deciding what dcctrines should be kept, what doctrines snould be expunged, and what other changes or modifications should be made. Parliament can repeal the Act of Uniformity, and can abo'ish the obligation to subscribe to any articles and doctrines at all. That would place the Church open to all Nonconformists, who could no longer plead an excuse for opposition to the Established Church on the ground of doctrine, or liturgy, or ritual. This would be a complete Disestablishment and Disen- dowment of doctrines, without disturbing the paro- chial machinery, and without depriving anyone- cleric or laic-of his rights as a citizen or as a mem- ber of the National Church, and this would set the National Church in a good and honest light before tha world of Nonconformists. With ail its faults the Church nf England, even as it is now, is a bless- iug and unrivalled power for good to the people of this realm. How ufinitely greater thene bleasinga would be, and how much more intense the influence of the clergy could be made, if only they were set free. May it come to this. TruftintheLordand be doinsr Lond, and give accouut of yourself to the God who made you. Ar MOKOAN.

COOLING. RKFRKSHING, INVIGORATING.—One of our most eminent Generals haa declared that the IlAtIt .1 satest drink for the hot weather id Pure Tea. HOKNIMAN'S TEA has long tteen famous for strength of liquor, delicacy of flavour and delicious aroma. HOKNJMAN'S TEA being absolutely Pure, and of the young spring growths only, can be used as a constant L>CV«R;ITRE with good teswlts. LOCAL AGENTS :—Brid^eix), Williams, Post-otfiee; Oumore Vale, Llewellyn, Pust-ntiice Cwmavon, Arnold, chemist; Aberemmn. Co-operative Society; Swansea. Davies Bros., Oxford-street; Neath, Hutchins, Qiieeu-street Cardiff, Coleman & Co., High-street; Cowbridne, Thonta*, Great House; Llantrissaat, Jewellyn, choiuUt; Merthyr Tydtil, Stephens, High-street. 558