The Glamorgan Gazette

— BRIDGEND- Is football dying at Bridgend ?;a8 that such a question should bear the aski But facts are always stubborn things, and ffius faced. Stands Scotland where it dkagks the warlike Macduff in Macbeth. 44 Se football where it did," ask the crestfallen dlies of the glorious winter pastime at Bridgen And we re-echo the ominous interrogator) II Stands football where it did ?" We need not say "Yes" or N^r by its fruits we know it. Straws show w way the wind blows, and the results of nitjs show whether football at Bridgend tends upward or downward direction. How stands the proof?" Alack-a-i Would that the Gods would conspire ther to obliterate the record But blackd hair- splitting though it le, it must Vesenbed in its sterile nakedness. Here it is :-w wins, and—well, there, how many losses How man losses ? Let me see. They've been vanquished by Morriston (twice), Llwynypia, J Barry, Llanelly, Aberavon, Swansea A, Cardiff I Northern, Torquay, and Exeter-that's ten. What I an array 'Tis enough to make one shed tears in I sheer despair And Llwynypia is the only combination that can lay claim to any pretension that the Bridgend team has succeeded in overcoming. There's something rotten in the state of Denmark. We must have some sort of revolution, else local football, like the three-volume novel, is doomed. Ya drowsy players wake up Ye languishing scrimmagers push! push! push I Ye somnam bulistic tacklers, watch your men! Ye sprinters, use your legs! and ye Gods, give help lest we perish! And now, having given vent to our pent-up feelings, let us wait like the great and reverent-eyed Micawber, for something (better) to turn up. If something does not turn up, then the Bridgend public will say that football at Bridgend has its draw-backs as well as its half-backs. If Micawber had been on the Bridgend football field on Saturday he would have waited for some- thing to turn up, and not seen the something turn up yet. Our courageous youths having put Clayton's fifteen from Swansea to the expense of travelling all the way from Bancroft's town—yes, if you please, our courageous youths, having done this, never turned up themselves. To talk seriously, this is a scandalous shame. The Swansea players actually douned their football attire, went up to the Cottage Homes field, and there—found no opponents Only three or four of the Bridgend players turned up. How would those who did not turn up like to journey to Swansea and be similarly treated ? Methinks they would play havoc with the Queen's English. Mr T. D. Schofield acted as referee in the Aberavon v. Bedford match on Monday, when the Avon lads defeated John Bunyan's fellow towns- men by three tries to nil. The homesters played a spirited game, Ivor Griffiths, Howell, and Harry John shining like meteors.

« BRITONFERRY v. NEATH (Association). The Britonferry team came on the field with four men short, but left victorious by three goals to two. They were fortunate in being able to get four of the spectators to play, two of these having never played "soeker" before. Neath hal a full team. but their prominent players appeared to be off colour. The centre forward did not play his usual game. Taylor is im- proving in his play, but M. Rees was the pick of the forwards. At half-back K. T. Lewis did not come up to his usual form, but T. H. Hunter played a good game. Rose at back was safe. For Britonferry the left and right wing forwards (T. Davies, and J. Davies) put in a lot of useful work, time after time taking the ball down their re- spective sides. The centres were weak. At half-back H. A Clarke aud J. Johnson played a sound game, the former repeatedly preventing his opposing centre from getting the ball. The backs (T. A. Davies and J. Jones) kicked splendidly. By their well-timed and long kicks they saved the game several times. A. M. Morgan' the Britonferry custodian, showed good judgment in goal, having saved some splendid shots.

LLANTWIT LOWER PARISH COUNCIL. The second meeting of the Llantwit Lower Parish Council was held at the Melyn Schools on Wednesday evening (hist week), under the presidency of the Rev. T. W. George.—A letter was read by the Secretary (Mr Jones) stating that the Guardians were willing that the Parish Council might bold its meetings at the board room at the Union, if payment were made for lights and cleaning.—Mr Edmund Law objected to payment being made for cleaning, as he held that the paupeis would do the work. He urged the necessity of the meetings of the Council being held alternatelyj at Tonna anci tt Melinerytti-,tii. -The I Chairman pointed out that they were entitled to the use of the board loom.—Mr Law moved a resoltgion that the meetings be held alternately at Tonna and Nielitierythain.-It was ultimately resolved to accept the offer of the Clerk to the Guardians.—It was resolved to make a penny rate to defray expenses.—It was arranged to hold the meetings on the first Tuesday in every mouth j at 7.30 p.m.

NEATH BOROUGH POLICE. ——— MODAy-before Councillor John Arnold, Coun- cillor Llewellyn, Mr Harry S. Thomas, and Mr C. S. B. Gardner. TRANSFER OF LICENSE. A ttansfer was granted of the license of the Tiger Inn, from Richard Bryant to Elizabeth James, widow, formerly of Haverfordwest. FREE IMBIBERS. The following were fined for having been drunk :—David Davies, collier, Onllwyn, 2, 6d. and costs; John Jones, farmer, Waunceirch, 2s. 6d. and costs and Mary Moore, the latttr a very old offender, 10s. and costs.

"I Jin goograpfiy of Jiar* is lu;ti.1)..d out ulmoMt 1\" completely aa that of the moon, and new disi-,ov.-rio" are located an bearing lIuoh and mush a position to Toinpe, or Noachia, or liosperia, or to the itiver Deuteronilua. No one drives horses in Russia without having a thin cord with aruuuing noose around the necks oi the team. When an animal bolt* this cord iapui ed, and the horse atopa as soon as it ieeis the pressure on its windpipe. < The Lancaster borough magistrates recently fined over thirty defendants, including two doo- tors, penalties averaging 124. each for permitting dogs to ramble unmuzzled. The owner of a sport- ing dog was fined. hounds and paoka not being exMnct.

| NEATH BOARD OF GUARDIANS. a j SPEECH BY MR. BIRCHAM. A meeting of the above-named Board was held on Tuesday, Mr John Henry Rowland (chairman) presiding. The following also were present-Mr Hopkin Jones (vice-chairman), Messrs J. E. Aloore, Thomas Jones, J. B. G. Price, \Ym Jones, Wm Howell, Isaac Evans, Lewis Jenkius, C. S. Price, W. B. Trick, W. D. Jones, Edward Davies, M. G. Roberts, George Smith, John Jones, Daniel Powell, Wm Daniel, James Preston, John Morgan, S. B. Davies, J. Muir, B. A. Griffiths, Ll. Howell, J. Edwards-Vaughan, Rees Jenkins, John Jonas, Rees Thomas, Daniel Evans, Meredith Davies, Lewis Jenkins, George Smith, Lewis Howells, Rev J. Foulkes, Rev James Edwards, Dr Thomas. Mr Bircham, Local Government Board, was also present. It was resolved to petition the Local Government Board to fix triennial elections of Guardians in the Neath Union. The Clerk explained the fees paid by the Llantwit Lower Parish Council for the use of the Board room would be handed to the common fund of the Union. Mr Wm Jones I think the Clerk should com- municate with the Parish Council to that effect. The Clerk I shall find quite enough to occupy the whole of my time, if I am to set right what every irresponsible Parish Councillor thinks proper to assert. Mr W. B. Trick thought the Board should not take any notice of the assertion. The matter wes not worthy of their notice. The Master of the Cottage Homes reported that Mrs J. N. Moore, of Dyffryn. had kindly given the children of the Cottage Homes a treat at Bryncoch School, which they had much enjoyed. The Board thanked Mrs Moore for her kind- ness. The Chairman called attention to the fact that some parishes were very much in arrears in regard to their payment of calls. The Treasurer that day held a balance of £ 410, and they had to make payments amounting to £!JOO. He moved that the Board take legal proceedings after seven days notice, in all cases where calls due October bt had not been paid, and that in more recent cases a warning be given. Mr C. S. Price seconded. Mr W. B. Trick argued that the collectors in arrear should be written to, anil that the matter be reported upon at next meeting. There would be no time lost if his suggestion were adopted. He moved an amendment accordingly. The amendment was not seconded, and the motion was carried by a large majoiity. el MR EIECHAJC SPEAKS. Mr Bircham, Local Government Board, delivered a short speech in the course of which he said the Board had been increased by 12 members. The Board now consisted of 46 members, 23 of whom were members of the eld Board. Their re-election proved that the ratepayers approved of their ad- ministration in the past. He could not compliment them In that Union upon their gallantry, all they had not fleeted any ladies as members. He approved of there being some lady members, as the occasional visit of a lady holding a representative position to a House or to Cottage Homes, was of the greatest benefit. Referring to the members of the old Board whom he saw before him, he said he was glad to see so many of the old crew manning the new ship He hoped the new members would make themselves acquainted with the working of the House. There was a great deal of nonsense talked by ignorant peop:e, who gave people to believe that there was great hardship inflicted upon old people, in taking them into the House. It was really cruel to leave old people in destitution and dirt, and squalour, who had no one to look after them properly, to subsist upon doles of relief, when well managed institutions such as they had in South Wales, were open to them. Then as to out-doo relief, he hoped there would be discrimination exercised as the deserving and the undeserving, for when they gave to the undeserving they by so much lessened their power to assist the deserving. The new Board entered upon its duties with a cloud resting ovt-r local industries, more particularly the tinplate industry. He feared that applications for relief would become more numerous in consequence of sons and others being unable to support. Great care would have to be taken to see that the money contributed by the ratepayers, many of whom found it difficult to pay their rates, was not wasted in any way. Proceeding, Mr Bircham said the duties of Guardians had not been clearly laid down, excepting in expensive and dry law books. He was preparing a hand-book, a proof which he hoped to send the Clerk very shortly. Members of the Board could have the baud-book at a nominal charge. In con- i elusion he said there were in the .51 Unions of Wales aud Monmouthshire, 86 lady guardians, one chair- man, and two vice-chairmen were appointed outside the board, aud there were 41 co-optative guardians appointed. Of the 2000 guardians in Wales and Monmouthshire, 1000 were new. Mr Bircham's remarks were listened to with close attention.

I IBllYNCETHIN GOSSIP. 0 That the goo I people of St Brides must surely be in a most pitiable state of ignorance in returning nine cowards, as they have been called by a writer, and leaving out the most suitable gentlemen to represent them. That the chairman pro tem. made a most serious blunder. He did'nt know when to vacate the chair until he was told by the Clerk Yes, its enough to give anyone the horrors, leave alone a whole parish That our Councillors had a jolly laugh, but sinco they have seriously considered their situation and want to resign. That certain Parish Councils choose an outside gentleman to be their chairman. Our Council did'nt, and that's where the shoe pinches. That covetod chair That the severe fall of snow on Saturday night I gave vent to a person's feeiing on Sunday. He was heard to exclaim That it was our Parish Councillors duty to clear the snow." Silly fellow. Procure a handbook ef the Act, not a chairman's handbook. That Penuel Choir is going to compete at the 11 great eisteddfod to be held at Ivenfig Hill. That the bell-ringers are coming to Bryncetliin, and that a certain young man is anxious for the occasion to come, because someone will accompany him. That a few of our footballers who went to witness the International match the other y, were raised to such a feverish state of excitement that they were heard to exclaim: "Talking about half-backs, why the Brothers' Tachell's could show them a few wrinkles That a friend here has received a letter from a foreign land. The contents of the letter in short are Please receive my warmest congratulations on the splendid selection ot local representatives, the very men for the Canola Roid."

Y C W P A N DAMXIOL. Fab ieuangc gwylia rhag y cwpltn damniol! Dy ddwyn i ing a phoen. a gwae tragwyddol Clyw 'r ochaiu sydd. 0 mae yn galon rhwygol 0 fewn i'n gwlad oherwydd y gwirodydd meddwol* Y dafarn fath le yw prif nythle satan, Lie weithiau 'n gyfrwys iawn gynlluniau uffern Wrth fyned heibio 'r cigydd-dai yma, Mai sawyr mwg ellylliwl gwlad Gehenna. Paid myn'd i'r tafarn ffrvnd. a'th enillior, A'th wraig yn dlawd ei gwedd, a'r plaut yn noethicn; 0 erglyw ar ei lief, mor daer y ceisiant, Am daflu 'r cwpan erch hyn a adysauuent. Mae pob dyferyn bach ddaw at dy enau, Yn cynwys tlodi a gwarth, ac ocheneidiau Llawn gwenwyu asptedd yw y ewpau damuiol- 0 gwylia rhitg ei frath, y mae yu farwol. Arafa. 'styria 'n dawys, mae hwu yn arwain I'r carchar tywyll dll, oddi yuo i'r gro^rbren Gwel ddrych y fam a'r tad sy 'n ocheneidio, Ar ol en an wyl fab sydd wedi ei alltudio. Mynychi 'r tafarn oedd yn hwyr a bore, Yn mhlith rheytWdd y fall fe deimlodd oreu Ond 0: blynydduedd sydd o gosp yn aros Am weithred, ie, 'r cwptm in yr achos. Fv enaid cofia byn, bmk way i uffern Yw'r tafarn-aadw draw o'r nythle ailan I Dywedir yn y Gair-mae hwn sy 'n ineddwi, Na chaiff dderbyniad byth i gwinni Iesu. Os yn y tafarn wyt, broffeswr crefydd, O'tb weithrediadau oil rhaid rhoddi cvfrif Modd teimli 'r ochr draw yn nghwydd dv Farnwr- Ai llawen neu yn drist, fath fydd dy gvav, r r Os tv i satan wyt, fv ffrynd, yn cadw, I wertbu 'r ddiod erch o hyd sy 'n daiunio- Rhai yrwyd genyt ti lawr dro* y dibyn, Ar foreu mawr y farn, gwyd yn dy erbyn. Am hYDY, gochel 'nawr y cwpan dainnin], A chred yu Iesti Grist, cei fyw 'u drajjwyJdol Dos, canlyn ar Ei ol, a bytld yn ftfddlou- Am hyn, cei 'r paluiwydd gwyrdl a'r ddysglaer goron. Mae'r Iesu wedi byw a marw drot, Dioddefodd ing a phoen, O paid aï wrthod; Dy ddyled dalodd ef ar ben Cilfaria- Dos, utia gyda 'r plant mewu tlaleluia. c Paa byddo angeu dn yn fv su > i gvsgu, Mi rhof fy mwyn a'm cred p'-yd hyn ar Iesu; Hen gilfach oer y glyn rhaid mvned trw'odd, Ond nnbod Ipt-u 'u ffrynd, mi uuiia *u dyfroedd. Bryncethin. Dewi Mwyxfets.

LLIXELLAU AR FUDDIGOLIAETH ETHOLWYR CEFN- CRIBBWit AR ElrHOLWYR MYYDD CYNFFIG. Cyn amser yr etholiad, Meddyliwyd yu y Cefn, Ond iddyut ymegnio, Yu uuol a wir drefn- Er fod ei rhif yu wanach, Ar dafleu fawr y dreth- Y llwyddent i'w hymgeiswyr I enill yn ddifeth. Edrychwyd i deilyngdod, Y cvfryw oedd i ma's. Fel galient oil weithio Yn uufryd gyda bias A chanddyut yu arwyddair, Yr liyu a ddylai fod, Sef rhoddi yr anrhydedd 1'r rhai deilyngent glod. Ymgeiswyr 'nawr i'r ymgyrch, Yn wrol yn eu grym, Offeiriaid a phregethwvr, Pob un a'i ideddyf iiym Ond oreuu 'rwyf bob amser, Fod crefydd yn rhy fawr. I'w chlymu wrth fain gynffon Gynghorau bach y llawr. Dewysiwyd yn y drefniad. Yn uufryd bron i gyd, L- Y Er fod rhai politiciaid Yn chwerwi yn eu llid, Gan daflu saethau llymion, Sy 'n unol ar eu cred Oud ar y Cefu gwelir Fath gewri 'n ofui neb. Etholwyd o'r Cribbwriaid, Chwech dewr-ddyu tew difraw, A tri o Fyuydd Ovuttig, Er gwueud i t'ynv "r naw Gobeithio y eydweitiiiant. Yu unfryd oil mewu bedd, A'i j-mgyrch i ie*«>li, Y plwyf a gawsant sedd. Aeth Price yr vsgolfeistr, Yu fiaenaf ar y pol. A Lewis y chacl iceir/her, Yu llewaidd «r ei ol; Rhyw gawr o ddyn yw Lewis, ifeb ofiii 'r un ..arbtld- A'iallu'n beuderfynol I wir Ictoli 'i wlad. A Rbys Bryndu yn drydydd, 'Nol rhedeg ymdrech faith, Sydd hedJyw'u goi.-go coron, Yu tfrwyth i'w lafurwtiith Ag Howt-lls yu bedwarydd, Rhys Rieiart teg ei wedd- 'Does eisinu tri mwy ffyddlon I eistedd ar un sedd. The Grand Old Mall yn cbwechfed, Pob parch i'r cyfryw un, Yn dal ei egwyddorion, Er boll ergydion blin Dvlasai fod yn mlaenaf, Yw barn gwahanol rai- Ond eisiau rhai mwy ieuangc, Yn gwbl ydyw 'r bai. George Rhys yr overseer, A'r craffus Dafydd John, Sy 'n eithaf dau gyfreithiwr I ch,. flreu 'r ddwybig ffon George Tonios ydyw'r olaf, I wueid i fyny 'r naw— Hou orerfrer arall, Gafaelweh yn eijaw. Drcs Jenkins cydymdeimlwn, Ag sydd mewn parch pob pryd, Y Nu<!illg rote a'i taflodd Ef allan ar ei hyd Boed iddo ymwToli, A dod i'r Cefn i fyw. Mae 'n siwr o gael ei etbol, Beth bynag yw ei liw. A ncson oer y Ca'au, Nid a yn anghot mwy, Eistedd odd y tro cyntaf Gynghorwyr dewr ein plwyf; Y prif weimdog Lewis, Gynghorwyr oil mewn hedd, Yn dadlu ein achosion Mewu mawredd ar eu srdd. Cbibbwe FAR.

PILES. How many thousands of lives have been made miserable.* bv this excruciating complaint? It seema to brt-ik down the strongest man and spares none. The causes may be many, but the cure is one. HOMOCEA INSTANTLY TOUCHES THE SPOT, nnd works marvels in a very short time. It has been f i'l tll:tt if I lomocea had l»een brought out only as a Pil<* (Hutment, it would have come as a blessing to mankind," lilt Homocea is a household remedy t ha t can ¡ 1(" used in liundrvds of different cases. Price, Ii J -2 and )wt- box, or by post, 1/3 and 3s. EXANO (HOMOCEA FORT) Is the strong form of Homocea made especially for det?;>-seatt*d rheumatic pains—more especially of the joints, and for pains in the chest, bronchitis, &c., but it is not to be used for open wounds, sores, or ri»':i<-ate parts of the body. We guarantee this oinrmt-nt, and in every case when purchased direct tri,iii liS, we will refund the money if relief is not ob tained by the purchaser. Price, 2s. 9d. per box, 3s. IIY post. 1IOMOCKA SOAP. HOMOCEA SOAP. This soap contain* the valuable properties of the JToinoeua Ointment, and is certainly a perfect toilet ."flap; hut as a medical soap, it is of great value, •-socially in the nursery, and for all who have delicate skins, Price, 9d. and Is. 3d. a cake, or 28.. and os. per box postage, 2d. and 3d. extra. All the above preparations can be had from Chemists, Druggists, &c., or direct by post from the Homocea Company 22, Hamilton Square, Birkenhead.

ANOTHER ASHTON MIRACLE. .0 — INTERESTING CASE OF A WELL-KNOWN INHABITANT. A miracle is a hard matter, and wonderful reports are, as a rule, not very readily credited. But when confirmed by the personal evidence of prominent and respectable citizens in a good position of life, and subjected to close examination by the press, credence can no longer be withheld. However extraordinary a report may be, it is, under such circumstances, more easy to believe it true than to discredit such unimpeachable testimony A representative of the Anton Reporter furnishes details of one such marvel. Mr William Leveurne, of the Parisian Art Studio, Egret buildings. Ashton-under-Lyne, interviewed by the reporter, told the true story of his remarkable, and all but tragic, experience in a conversation which assuredly merits publicity in the public interest. I must explain," said Mr Leveurne, that the rumour about me arose from my sudden recovery from a very long and tedious illness. For the last eighteen months I have had severe pains in the stomach and across the back, and could not tell what ailed me. I tried all sorts of medicines, but did not find any relief. I felt great debility and dimness of sight, with occasional reeling about, like a drunken man. At last I received a newspaper, which gave an account of the remarkable cure by the use of Dr. Williams' Pink Pills for Pale People, after all ordinary means had utterly failed. I decided to try these Pills, and at once purchased a box." And did you take the Pills ?" "Yes, I did, and I am thanful to say I very soon felt great relief. The tightness at my chest rapidly disappeared, my appetite increased, and I soon re- gained my buoyant spirits." How many boxes have you had ?" Two and I feel a different being to what I did a few months ago." Dr. Williams' Pink Pilis for Pale People are a perfect blood builder and nerve restorer, curing such diseases as rheumatism, sciatica, neuralgia, partial paralysis locomotor ataxy, St. Vitas' dance, nervous headache, nervous prostration, and the tired feeling resulting therefrom, diseases depending upon humours in the blood, such as scrofula, erysipelas, ip. a., &c. They are aot a purgative, like other pills, and may be safely used by the most delicate; they restore pale and sallow complexions to the glow of health, and are a specific for the troubles of the female sex. while in the case of men they effect a radical cure in all cases arising from mental worry, overwork, or excesses of whatever nature. These Pills are manufactured by the Dr. Williams' Medicine Company, of 46, Holborn-viaduct, London, and are sold by chemists everywhere, but it is essen- tial that the true remedy be secured, and to do this the full name "Dr. Williams' Pink Pills for Pale People" must be seen on the pink wrapper. Pills sold loose or by the dozen or hundred are not of Dr. Williams' formula, which cannot be imitated or re- produced by retailers. Dr. Williams' Pink Pills are sold at 2s 9d a box, or six boxes for 139 9d., and may be had direct by post from the Company at these prices.

TROTTING AT NEATH. ACTION FOR RECOVERY OF A PRIZE. At the Neath County-court, on Wednesday in last week, before his -Honour Judge Bishop, Moses Williams, of Penylan Farm, Llandebie, Carmarthen, brought an action against Alfred T. Jones, Wind-street, Neath Richard Gregory, Melincrythan and Thomas Jones, Binl-in-Hand Inn, Neath, as secretaries and treasurer respec- tively of a sports held at the Bird-in-Hand Field, Neath, on August 7th, for the recovery of X5 5s, the value of the first prize in a trotting match, won by the plaintiff's mare Bess." Mr W. H. David (of Messrs Morgan and David) appeared for the defendants, and Mr E. Powell represented the plaintiff. The defence was that the winner of the first prize had been disqualified because the mare bad been entered as belonging to Evan Williams, landlord of the Blue Bell Inn, Neath. The com. mittee had awarded the first prize to George Clarke's Daisy," which had come in second. T. Jones having stated that Bess," the win- ning horse, belonged to the plaintiff, George Clarke, butcher, Aberavon, said that he protested against the first prize being awarded to Moses Williams' mare, and he deposited 10s and demanded of the committee to see the entry form. He saw there Evan W illiama'g I Bess,' never run before." Witness knew that Bess" had often run before. Mr W. H. David submitted that the horse had been borrowed*, iJvan Williams for the pur- pose of winning^/ If this sorb of thing were allowed the? J4 be little fair sport. He asked his Honour come to the decision that Moses Williams had failed to show that he was the proper plaintiff in the case. His Honour said the question he had to consider was whether Bess" bad been f-Ueety entered or not. After dealing with the evidence at length, his Honour gave judgment for the defendants with costs.

GLAMORGAN COUNTY POLICE. REMOVAL OF INSPECTOR COLE FROM ABERAVON. At the commencement of the sitting of the magistrates at the Aberavon County Police-court, on Monday, Major David (chairman), in alluding to the departure of Inspector Cole to Merthyr, said that they deeply regretted his removal, although they found no fault with the Chief Con- stable who had acted as he thought best for the benefit of the county. He did not wish to cast any reflection upon Inspector McDougall (In- spector Cole's successor), and hoped that he would become as popular as his predecessor in the town.

A PONTYCYMMER FATHER'S LIABILITY. POLICE COURT PROCEEDINGS. At the Bridgend Police-court on Saturday, William Malpas, a Pontycymmer collier, was summoned in respect to the maintenance of his son, who is now in the Tredeger Reformatory. Superintendent Jennings, who made the applica- tion, said defendaut paid towards the maintenance of his son whilst in the truant school, but he had not been called upon to pay since the boy had been in the Reformatory. He now asked for an order for Is per week. Defendant had offered 6d a week, but they could not accept that. Defendant said he wanted to take his son out of the Reformatory, and then he would be able to pay off the amount. Sergeant Sansom said defendant lived at 35 Katie- street, Blaengarw. Defendant had a wife, but she was not living with him, and he was now living with his married daughter. He paid 15s a month for lodging and coal, and his earnings had averaged about £ 2 5s per fortnight for the last three pays. Defendant had three children dependent upon him. The Bench made an order for payment of Is a week. Superintendent Jennings did not ask for costs.

PYLE NOTES. A REJOINDER TO "OBSERVER." TO THE EDITOR. SIR,-I take my pen in hand to commiserate with the versatile authors of the article re Pyle races on their great misfortune in having been excommunicated from polite and grammatical society by inserting that unlucky sentence which grated on Observer's" ears, and made him com- plain bitterly-so one could think by reading between the lines-that he had to breathe the same air as them. I can fancy him putting his thinking cap on his bead, a Tennyson pipe on the table beside him, and adjusting his spectacles (with a microscopical lens) to a nicety, so that he could detect the slightest trespass on the time- honoured rules of grammar. It is most touching to think of him there all alone, repeating over and over again the good old school tune which begins with I am, thou art, he is," and philosophically shaking his head when he finds out that, in rail- way parlance, certain persons have wilfully, and with malicious intent, struck out a new path for themselves. It is, indeed, most affecting. He sometimes, in a paroxysm of grief, gets up, and frantically rampaging about the room, tidying carpets and falling over chairs, yells out—" Shade of Shvespere that I should live to see the laws thou didst honour and embellish, even when thou were playing marbles, ruthlessly cast aside by a pack of countrified upstarts, who know as much about grammar as they do about the teachings of Confucius Having sat down and fanned him- self with the coal shovel, and mopped his face in the table cloth, also clothed himself in a sack of potatoes (minus the edibles) like an old-time Jew, the question crops up-how to make the sinners aware of the fact that one of the greatest philoso- phers of the age has (like Captain Cuttle) made a note of the great sin they have committed, and has decided to publicly announce the same with the aid also of a Johnson's dictionary and an elementary grammar, to logically refute it to the satisfaction of all. With Pyle Notes as a medium, he has done so and now, with a pensive air, you can see walking about the pretty, dirty streets of Pyle none other than—" Observer." Perhaps you expected the exiled gentleman to be in that position, but, alas, for wicked human nature nobody seems to notice Observer's" patriotic attempt to enlighten our darkened minds. I must now leave him to the tender mercies of the warm winter days we now enjoy, and crave his permis- sion to subscribe myself as his debtor,— FRANCIS BACON.

A KENFIG HILL LITERATOR. We have received the following letter, which is supposed to be a copy of a letter found between the Male Voice Party and the Barry Eisteddfod :— 7969, Paternoster Row London, E.C. Mr Thomas, Newsagent. Dear Sir,—I am now launching forth a new weekly paper, which I have decided to call "The Door-keeper Review: or Crumbs from the Musical Arena." Having seen you described as a news- agent in the Qlamotgan Gazette of the 18th inst. I hereby ask, as a personal favour, if you will act in that capacity for the Review in your district. Having also heard of your phenomenal oratorical powers, which blossomed forth brilliantly, sur- passing even the morning star in lustre, during the happy hours of the clog dance, I should feel greatly honoured if you were to send in a few gleanings from the workings of your mighty intellect. After all, it is a selfish affair my asking you to contribute some of your sublime compositions to my paper, as, although I am prepared to pay you handsomely for it, the obligation will be all on my side, for directly the public hear, and I will take care they shall hear at soon as possible, that you are among the list of contributors to its columns, there will be a run on the paper unprecedented in the annals of journalism. Since a child, I have been taught to look on people who walk about with arms akimbo, and whistling a classical air, as paragons not only of virtue, but also of learning. As you are the fortunate possessor of these multifarious requirements, it follows as a natural sequence that you are also possessed of the above essential factors to ideal happiness. Pardon me for expatiating to such an extent on yrur connection with the world of authors, yourself a diamond of the first water in it, while hardly making any comment on your ability as a newsagent. By so doing, I do not, I assure you, intend casting a reflection on your worth as a news-vendor, but I think that the calling of an author belongs to a higher sphere than does that of a mere newsagent. Your skill in adopting yourself to such diverse callings only shows that you are worthy of having yonr name handed down to posterity as a shining example of what talent can be compassed within the limits of a human brain. I must conclude with the heartfelt prayer, which has resounded through the universe for centuries, and which is couohed in the following words. to wit, 0 frtnin, bydd fyw byth As I know that your time is valuable, not only to yourself, but also to those whose foundations are beginning to show signs of wear and tear, like mauv hun an beings. I must bring my humble epistle to a close. As long as you see fit, I remain, Your humble servant, "Fbedebick Lushingtow."

A ROBIN TREAT AT NEATH. A most pleasing example was afforded at Neath on Thursday, in last week, of remembrance of the poor children of the town, by some of the well to do of the community. It was a most pleasing exhibi- tion of practical Christian philanthropy. The happy idea was originated by Miss S. A. Jones, Queen-street, who subsequently discharged the onerous duties of hon. secretary. The forty ladies whose names are appended, promoted the enter- prise, and themselves liberally provided the neces- sary funds. Subscriptions were not solicited outside the charmed and charming circle, which was com- prised as following Mrs Hopkin Morgan (Mayoress), Mrs J. E. Moore (Dyffryn), Mrs J. Fear Davies (treasurer), Mrs J. E. Griffith, Mrs Samuel Evans (Gnoll Park-road), Miss Lucy Williams, Miss Jenny Stephens, Mrs Morse. Mrs H. F. Taylor, Mrs Lloyd (Skewen), Mrs K. Elias Jones, MissS. A. Jones, MrsD. A. Lewis (Kenilworth Villa), Mrs Kappel, Mrs David Rosier (The Laurels), Mrs Sherries, Mrs J. B. Davies, Mrs Osbornp, Mrs Yeo, Mrs Nathan, Mrs A. T. Jones, Miss Jessie Da vies, Miss Evans (Eaglesbush Cottage), Miss Rees (Codoxton), Miss Edith Thomas (Pencaerae), Mrs Andrews, Mrs Forbes, Mrs T. W. George, Mrs J. H. Mills, Miss Mills, Mrs Stone, Miss F. Curtis, Mrs J. D. Llewellyn, Mrs Ruffle, Mrs W. B, Trick, Miss Isaac, Mrs Nicholas Thomas, Miss Davies. There were 26 tray holders, and the tables presented the tasteful appearance produced by present-day artistic decorations. In a word the ladies had carried out their intention of pro- viding a bounteous repast and setting their tables as they would if they were entertaining the most distinguished guests. The Gwyn Hall was taste- fully decorated, special attention being given to the platform, on which Mrs ..Mills and Miss Mills expended some of their exquisite taste. Along the front of the balcony (which, by the way, was crowded with privileged spectators) was the passage of scripture, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the leastof these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." This was a prominent feature of the adornments, The scroll was the gift of four ladies—Mrs J. E. Griffiths, Mrs Morse, Mrs J. Fear Davies, and Miss S. A. Jones. Tickets had been issued for 520 guests, but tiie total number of children who attended was about 700. The pro- ceedings opened with a short address by Archdeacon Griffiths, who said he felt inspired by the gathering he saw before him, but knew that he must restrain himself from delivering a long speech. The following were amongst those who supported Arch- deacon GrÍLïths-Tùe Revs H. P. James (Church), A. Farrar (Wesleyan), E. Morgan (Congregational), T. W. George (Baptist), S. Rowe Evans (Baptist), L. P. Lewis (Presbyterian), John David (Church) and Mr T. Joshua, Mr J. S. Church (Borough Organist), led the singing of 44 Rescue the Perishing" on the Gwyn organ. The juvenile army did full justice to the bill of fare. Mrs Andrews of the Castle Hotel, gave a special gift of Ii cwt of sweets, 2 and each of the guests had on leaving the hall, an orange, a packet of sweets, and a meat pie. After the tea, there was a capital entertainment with no stiffness or tardiness about it, Mr J. Fear Davies, J.P., presided. There were songs by the Rev H. P. James, Miss Gwen Forbes, Mr Rhys Charles, Mr P. Brennan, Mr Wheatley, Mr Hogg, Mr Huxtable set the audience wondering by his ventriloquism Miss Rowtree, New Park, gave a skilful per- formance on the mandoline; and Miss Winnie, of London, exhibited the capabilities of the banjo. Frequent and unconventional manifestations of idelight were shown by the thrice hapry youngsters, and when the evening's enjoyment terminated at an hour that allowed the company to get to bed in good time after their meat pie supper, it was generally agreed that the happiest time of mirth and feasting had been spent.

N\ATH COUNTY COURT. » APPLICATION FOR A COMMITMENT ORDER. Mr F. Law applied for a commitment order against Joseph Hopkins, Tinworker, Aberavon. Defendant's wife pleaded inability to pay. Mr Law asked the wife how she reached Neath, and she replied that she bad walked." Much merriment was caused, when Mr Law went round and examined the woman's boots, and amidst great laughter, informed the judge that her boots had not a particle of mud on them. His Honour enjoyed the fun, and severely re- buked the woman for uttering untruths, and made an order of commitment against her husband. BAILIFF'S CERTIFICATE. Mr Edward Powell applied on behalf of Owen Powell, commission agent, Queen-street, Neath, and Joseph John, steelworker, Neath, for bailiff's certificates, which were granted. A MAYOR'S HOUSE. In this case the plaintiff, John Nicholas, owner of steam joinery works at Aberavon, claimed £8 5s. 5d., being the balance alleged to be due from Thomas Roberts, haulier and contractor, of Ponty- cymmer, the defendant, who counter-claimed 922 by reason of defective material and workmanship in connection with the construction of the house of Mr Lewis Lewis, now Mayor of Aberavon. The case had been adjourned from the last court, and the evidence had been gone fully into.—Mr Plews (instructed by Mr Jones, Aberavon), appeared for t the plaintiff, and Mr T. J. Hughes, Bridgend, represented the defendant.—His Honour held that there was not a tittle of evidence to show that the defendant had suffered any monetary loss, and gave verdict for the plaintiff on the claim and counter. claim with costs.

TAIBACH NOTES. [BY BROACHER."] It is rumoured in shovel" circles that a band of navvies will shortly storm Taibach. Take the hint you publicans, and get some fourpenny ale ready grocers get some threepenny" tiger" butchers get some 44 rag-tag." Two young gentlemen, hailing from the neigh- bourhood of Margam, have had the serious mis- fortune of being in love with the same young lady. Be it as it may, they have not exactly come in contact, but severe threats have been made use of. We await developments with interest. Taibach has always been noted for its vocalists. One of our most rsflned musicians was made an example of the other evening, he being accused of singing out of tune. Baing one of the most noted j singers in the locality, be felt the charge not a little. It is a common practice for members of local bodies not a hundred miles from Taibach to sit with their backs to the chairman. One was made an example of very recently. You big guns, kindly take the hint. Pigs and pigstyes have made up the general talk in Taibach of late. Two old dames were heard chatting together. "Well done, y pregethwr bacb a'r late surveyor. Mae nhw'n catcho cymaint:a alio nhw i ni cael cadw bob o fochyn bach eto.' And the conversation ended thus- 44 Dyw'r hen wir mawr 'ma yn hudo dim, dim, am 1 dano ni poor fellows."

NEATH v. ENARTH. Result: Neath, one goal,tix minors Penarth, three minors; and a very -editable victory for Neath too. Thus was vanquished Ptarth the proud, the same team who only this eason humbled the pride of Cardiff. Penarth did not mean to c other than win the game when they went dowrto Neath, and they made strenuous efforts to car out their intention. If pluck and staying power ane could have won the game, then Penarth woul have won it. But their opponents had .e qualities named, and various other good qualits besides. Neath played with an understandir of each other, and whilst some of their players are conspicuous for their dash, others compelledittention by reason of their clever tactics and cotiudgment. Will Jones came promintly into notice on Saturday. Will always plai with plenty of go, but his spurts sometimes faill come off. It was not so on Saturday, and he d heaps of work for his side. Joe Davies was Joe Davi. It is enough to say that. It is not to be wdered at that people come from a distance to see 3e play. The four three-quarters we in good form, and played up well. In a word the better teamon, and if it had not been for outrageously hard ha, there would have been at least three more triocored by them.

NEATH Y.M.C.A v. ST. JOES, SWANSEA. This match was played c the ground of the latter on Saturday. Thejome team were defeated by one goal, two tri and five minors to nil. The visitors played sindidly all through the game, this being especial noticeable at half- back. J. Steer, A. Mills ancil. Griffiths scored for the Y.M.C.A., Mills beingily able to convert one of the three tries. G. Jyd and T. Hughes were conspicuous among thvisiting forwards, and at full back A. Stacey wvery safe.

ABERAVO The boys of Pontypridd joined to Aberavon on Saturday last to fulfil thethird engagement ) with the homesters. Aberav entered the field without several of their pla;8, notably Evan Jones and Bansey. Pontyfld were without Ernest George, who was maki preparations for the great fight at Edinborougl From the start it was evident a fast game was to be played. Aberavon ihe first half held the upper hand, and scored tv.ries to nil. In the second half the visi8 played up and succeeded in giving a better hibition than in the first half. In the end Abyon won by four tries to nil. Aberavon had the best of thme all through. Pontypridd only succeeded entering the homesters' territory about thremes during the game. The homesters beat m at all points, more especially in the back plaj The Aberavon halves were Superior to the visiting pair, and succeeded in in their backs plenty of work. Dan Jones Wn fine form, as also was his confrere. Of the baJ John was the best, although Cockings play.a good game. Selway and Rees also played a hgame. Hendra at full back was sife. For the visitors, Bryant and l^g in the pack, and Chick, Beith and Barnard he backs were the pick. Their full back ed them on numerous occasions by his pluck falling on the ball when the home ups were driing. On Saturday the homesters ta)n Treorky at Treorky, and a good game is exp(d, as Treorky are very strong this year.

+. TONDU v. SWANSEA A." Tondu played their first matchce Christmas Day on Saturday last, when Swat paid a visit I to try conclusions with the Tondiys. The visitors brought a very povai team, the only absentee being Old, their in whilst Tondu were without E. D. Hopkj. Poole, W. M. Rees, and A. Hale. The game was well contested tjghout, play being chiefly confined to the forvp. the home pack, although far lighter than t opponents, played a grand game, their dribb and collar- ing being a treat. It would not lair to single out any individual player for prai 0.11 of them worked like Trojans. Hopkins and Whittingham alf gave a splendid exhibition, and fairly cogged their opponents, although the latter vertfishjy threw away a try by kicking when over tine. The home three-quarters were ncuai to their opponents, who were really a smait; Alurpby and Ball being the pick of the iegters, the former especially being very pinent. E. Sullivan at back played a capital gi and eecma to be improving every match. The game ended in a win for Visitors by 1 try 2 minors to 2 minors.

TONDU 44A" v. BRIDGEND H.EQUINS. Played on the ground of the lattci^ resulted in a victory for Tondu by 2 goals toy. The visitors were superior all roun,0 passing of the backs being especially good, h the for- wards were irresistable. I On Saturday next the first journo Nanty- moel, whilst the" A" team play Pen at home.

ENDANGERING PUBLIC HEALTH. WHOLESOME PROSECUTION AT ABERAVON. At the Aberavon County Police-court, on Mon. day—before Messrs D. It. David, Lewis Lewis (mayor), and J, M. Smith—Elizabeth W clkin, of Taibach, was summoned under section 126 of the Public Health Act, by Inspector Bishop, on behalf of the Margam Urban District Council. From the evidence it appeared that the defen- dant took her child who was suffering from scarlet fever, to the house of her mother, and committed several acts of flagrant indiscretion which en- dangered the public health. She was fined 10s and costs.

rpOWLE'S PENNYROYAL and STEEL «*• PILLS for FEMALES qucklr correct all Irregularities, removeall obstrueiiors, and relieve the distressing symptoms so prevalent with the Ss* Box i! Is ljd. ami 2s. 9d of all chemists. Send anywhere on receipt of 15 or S4 stamps br the Mak:r, J £ T. TOWLE,Chtimi«U Natungbam. [241