The Glamorgan Gazette

MAESTEG BIGAMY CHARGE. TWICE MARRIED AT NEATH REGISTRY OFFICE. Before Alderman W. B. Trick, at Neath Borough Police-court, on Saturday, David John Rees, a collier, of Nantyffyllon, Maes- teg, was brought up in custody charged with committting bigamy by marrying Martha Davies, his former wife, Margaret Ann, being still alive. Mr. Edward Powell, who prosecuted, said that the prisoner had been received in cus- tody from the Bridgend county police. He had no doubt as to the identity of the pri- soner, and produced marriage certificates, the last of which described the prisoner as a widower. He asked for a remand. Police-Constable Edwards gave evidence of the arrest of the prisoner at Bridgend. Prisoner asked to be allowed out on bail, and the Chief Constable said he had no ob- jection. Mr. Pbwell: But it must be a satisfactory one. I suggest prisoner in jE20 and sureties of £ 20. • Before leaving the Court The prisoner made an unusual appeal to the Bench. "May I ask a favour," lie said. "1 want you to pre- vent these reporters," pointing to the Press- men, "from publishing this case." Superintendent Higgins: We have nothing to do in the matter. Defendant surrendered to his bail on Mon- day. when Mr. Jestyn Jeffrieys appeared for the defenice. Mr. Jeffreys said he had only been in- structed that 'morning, and 'he was not in a position to defend the case, for he had not all the facts before him. Prisoner was remanded for a fortnight on bail. ¡.

filazztty (BajtiU. Your old friend, Tom Jepson, is now Pro- I prietor of the York Hotel, Bridgend. Call and see him. 6804 New Curate.—At a special service at Llan- daff the Bishop licensed the Rev. William Jenkins James, B.A., to Llangynwyd parish. Entangled in a Wheel.—Archie Rees, aged eight years, of Homfray-st-reet, Maesteg, on Saturday evening was riding behind a carri- age when. his legs got entangled in a wheel. Both his thighs were fractured. Half-Yearly Meetings.—The half-yearly preaching services of Scion Congregational Chapel, Caerau, were held on Sunday and Monday, when the Rev. R. Evans (Penmaen) and the Rev. T. E. Nicholas (Glais) preached. Postman's Death.—The death has taken place of Mr. Eddy Rees, of gueen-street, one of the' postmeni for the Maesteg district. The funeral took place on Saturday, the cortege leaving the house at 3.30 p.m. for Lla-ngyn- wvd. whelre the interment was made. The Rev. J. Williams, Congregational minister, officiated. Successes).—Messrs. D. O. Davies, Tom Da vies, Louis James, and John) Roberts have passed examination- for first class certificates in machine construction and drawing and have been selected for a three weeks' course of instruction in metallurgy, including prac- tical mathematics, chemistry, etc., at the University College, Cardiff. Dring, dring i fyny is the wish of a large number of friends. Appointment.—Mr. T. W. Evans, son of Mrs. Jennet Evans, of Castle-street, Maesteg, has been appointed mechanic of the Ba-rgoed Collieries, owned by Mæsrs. Powell, Duffryn Co. Mr. Evans was formerly engaged as mechanic of the washery at Elliot's Pits, under the same company, and was previously in the employ of Messrs. North's Navigation rJr.n.T' VUiii-paiij- Tabernacle.—The half-yearly preaching services of Tabernacle Welsh Baptist Ghapel were held ont Sunday and Monday evening, when the pulpit wa& occupied in the following order:—Sunday: morning, the Rev. R. W. Watkins, B.A., pastor of the church; after- noon, Rev. W. Saunders, Pontycymmer; eve- ing (and Monday evening), Rev. D. C. Howells, Salem, Nantyffyllon. There was an excellent attendance at each service. A Disclaimer.—We have received the fol- lowing letter:—"10 Union-street, Nanty- ffyllon, Oct. 7th, 1907. Dear Mr. Editor, Kindly allow me to state that I am not the Thomas Bowen who was fined for drunkenness at the Bridgend Police-court, as reported in last Friday's Gazette.' Thanking you in anticipation for kindly inserting this in your next issue.—I remain, yours gratefully, Thomas Bowen (TVn Cornel). I A Street Scene.—Quite an exciting scene occurred near Caerau Station on Saturday afternoon and attracted a good many of the curious. A middle-aged woman was railing at her husband, the burden of her grievance being that he allowed her too small an amount to keep house on—as she put it, not enough to keep a. spider! After using various polished1 threats, she suited the deed to the word, and attacked her better half with her umbrella. The beaten husband escaped into the Constitutional Club. Flannel Fair.—The annual flannel and pleasure fair was held on Monday and Tues- day in the Maesteg Market Grounds. A large consignment of flannel was brought into the town late on Saturday and early on Mon- day morning. It was nearly mid-day on Monday before trade became brisk, but from that time to Tuesday night the various stalls were well patronised, loads of flanner being purchased by residents and visitors. Other attractions were provided in the grounds for pleasure seekers, and these were also kept busy, especially in the evenings. The weather was favourable on the whole. Boy Robbers.—A daring case of house- breaking occurred at Maesteg on Sunday. During the temporary absence of Mr. A. E. Lockyer, 5 Plasnewydd-road, some lads forced an entry through the bacii window after smashing the glass and forcing the catch. They had to negotiate a high wall before gaining access to the back of the premises, which was done by a ladder obtained from a neighbouring mews. A sum of about jE6 was stoleit from a cupboard, the money belonging to the British and Foreign Bible Society, of which Mr. Lockyer is the local treasurer. Sergt. Rees Davies traced' the housebreaking to some lads, and the money was found hidden under a stone in the Maesteg Cricket Field. Nearly the whole amount missed was recovered. LOCAL WEDDINGS. The wedding of Mr. Oswald David Williams, son of Mr. Rees Williams, Car- marthen House, Maesteg, 'and' Miss Irene Parry, elder daughter of Mr. John Parry, 37 Romilly-road, Cardiff, took place at the Con- way-road Wesleyani Church, Cardiff, on Oct. 3rd. The bridesmaids were Miss Ethel Parry, sister of the bride, dnd Miss, Gertie Williams, sister of the bridegroom, Master John Parry and Master Arthur Wilkins act- ing as pages. The bride's dress was of white poplin de chine over white silk, trimmed with handsome Paris lace, and veil and orange blossoms. The bride was given, away by her father. The bridesmaids wore white figured silk dresses, trimmed with heliotrope and lace, with hats ensuite. and the page boys looked pretty in cream suits, carrying wands with ribbons and sweet peas. The best man wa,s Mr. David Williams, brother of the bride- groom. The Rev. John Kernick, superinten- dent of the circuit, officiated. The service was choral, Mr. Arthur Hutc-hins presiding at the organ. After the wedding breakfast at the residence of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Williams left on their honeymoon. A pretty wedding was celebrated on Mon- day morning, at the Registry Office, Bridg- end. the contracting Darties being Mr. Frederick Thomas, of Bridgend-road, and Miss May Williams, daughter of Mr. and Mrs W. Williams, of Tonna-road, Nantyffyllon. The bridesmaids were Miss Harriet Williams, of Garth-road1, and Miss Edith May John of Tonna-road, Master Thomas Johni Williams, acting as page boy. The bride, who was prettily attired, was given away by her father, and Mr. Thomas Thomas, brother of the bridegroom, acted as best man. After the ceremony the wedding party returned to the house of the bride, where the wedding breakfast, was partaken of. The presents were numerous. IN BANKRUPTCY. A CAERAU GROCER'S FAILURE. At Cardiff Bankruptcy-court on Tuesday (before Mr. Registrar Hairy Cousins) the official receiver (Mr. George -Vavid) conducted the adjourned examination of Arthur David Jones, grocer, of the Carmarthen Stores, Caerau, in respect to his cash account. Debtor admitted that the account showed payments amounting to E498 and receipts totalling R320. He could not say how that came about, and he supposed he must have made a mistake. Debtor, who is 28 years of age, commenced an entirely new business in a new locality with jESO he borrowed from his wife. He soon found that he was unable to do business except by giving credit. His customers were principally colliers. He appeared to have given credit recklessly. The deficiency was L122 9s. 5dL In view of the indication that debtor had paid about £100 more than he had received, he was ordered to render an amended cash account and a. goods account up to the date of the filing of his petition. A COLLIER'S EARNINGS. Thomas Davies, collier, of 15 Blosse-street, N antyffyllon, Maesteg, said his liabilities amounted to £72 10s. 9d.. and the deficiency to £53 16s. 9d. His failure was due to heavy family expenses. He had a wife and eight children. His principal debt was zC27 6s. 9d. for groceries, which he had been paying by 30s. monthly through a County Court order. It was stated in the County Court that his earnings averaged C3 6s. 6d. weekly, but they were not so much as that. He esti- mated his earnings at about 92 a week. The examination was closed. JEWELLERY ON 23s. A WEEK Arthur Charles Mills, colliery hitcher, Caerau, admitted in examination that al- though he had only earned 23s. a week, and had a. family of nine children, he had in, curred debts for jewellery. His total lia- bilities amounted to £99 6s. 10d., and the de- ficiency was jE87 6s. 7d. The examination was closed'.

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MAESTEG DISTRICT COUNCIL. The Maesteg District Council met on Tues- day under the presidency of Mr. J. P. Gibbon, J.P. Also present were Messrs. Thomas Rees (Garnlwyd), T. Lewis, T. Griffiths, John Howells, J. Bevan, J. H. Thomas. Gomer Davies. J. Thomas, J. Edmunds, J. Roderick, and T. Rees (High- street), with the clerk (Mr. R. Softie), and the surveyor and inspector (Mr. J. Humphreys). THE LATE COLLECTOR. The Chairman said it would only be fitting for the Council to pass a. resolution. relating to the death of Mr. S. Hopkins, who for many years served under that authority as collec- tor of rates. All the members regetted the sudden death of Mr. Honkins, and sympath- ised with his widow, son and other relatives. Mr. Hopkins had carried out his duties with satisfaction until a short time ago, when his health broke down and he resigned his posi- tion. He moved1 that the clerk communicate a resolution of sympathy to the relatives. Mr. G. Davies seconded, and the motion was agreed to in silence, all present standing. THE WATERWORKS. It appeared from the minutes of the Coun- cil in committee that the clerk had been directed to make application, to the Local Government Board for sanction to a loan for the amount necessary to bear the cost of the arbitration proceedings with regard to the Blaencvvmcerwyn reservoir contract. G.W.R. CLAIMS. The Chairman reported that the committee appointed by the Council had met Mr. W. H. Blackhall and Mr. Jones, of the Great Wes- tern Railway, and discussed with them the claims of the Company for compensation in respect of sewers laid through some land at Nantyffyllon, and under the railway bridges. Little progress had, however, been made, as the representatives of the company did not appear to be very conversant with the details of the matter. 'I lie council's representa- tives informed them that they did not admit the Company's title to the land at Nanty- ffyllon, and they also contended that the Company ought not to charge for the sewers passing under their bridge.. Mr. Blackball j • 4-1,xi. rr.ro.:l rot.r'lt.n1rl + was «utJ»rruus uiau i-jit* v^ounun iMiuuiu ouunm- a statement setting forth their views, and the committee now recommendeo that this should be done. On the motion of Mr. J .H. Thomas, the re- commendation was a don ted. RATEPAYERS' COMPLAINT. A petition, signed by residents of Neath- road, called the Council's attention to the un- satisfactory state of the roadway, which was stated to be out of repair. The uetition pro- ceeded Nothing, or at least very little, has been done to the road since it became, as it is, an important residential quarter of in- creasing rateable value. iji its present rough and uncared-for condition, it is danger- ous for both vehicles and pedestrians, and, unless some improvement is made before the winter sets in, accidents will probably occur." The Chairman: I notice Mr. D. J. Griffiths is among the petitioners. He cannot com- plain, because there is a good road up to the Port Talbot Railway nation. Mr. J. H. Thomas: The surveyor lives up there, but he does not comolain. (Laughter.) The Chairman It would not be fair to ask his views on the subject. The Clerk: He has not signed the petition. It was stated that the road had been dam- aged by the laying of a gas main, but the Surveyor informed the Council there had been many complaints before this work was carried out. It could not be denied, he added, that the road was in a generally rough condition, and' needed repair. It was decided to inform the petitioners that the work would be carried out as soon as possible. The Surveyor: I understand it is to be pro- ceeded with when the work we have in hand now is completed. The Chairman: Yes, but we shall be receiv- ing similar requests from other parts more populous than this. Mr. J. H. Thomas: There is Station-street, for instance. Mr. Edmunds: And there are several bad places in Caerau. A petition was also read from the occupiers of some cottages near the White Hart, and Mr. Howells said the position could hardly be worse. It was very necessary that kerb and channel should be provided.—The Chairman pointed out that it was desirable to carry out the improvement, but whether they could do it now was another matter.—It was resolved, on the motion of Mr. Lewis, to do what was necessary as soon as possible. THE FINANCES- The Finance Committee recommended that Mr. Evans, the rate-collector, be now in- structed to proceed with the collection of the recoverable rates outstanding from the previ- ous year, and that he be paid jE5 for this work.—This was agreed1 to. The Committee reported that an ex-coun- cillor had not paid his rates for last year, and the clerk was directed to write him re- questing payment, and, inl default, to take proceedings. A letter was read from the secretary of the Masonic Lodge asking for a concession in the rates charged to the lodr-,e.-It was de- cided to reply that the Council could not comply with the request. TRACTION ENGINES. Mr. J. H. Thomas called the attention of the Council to the considerable damage which was being done to the. roads in that district by traction engines, remarking that it was full time some step was taken in the matter. A few days ago a. traction engine proceeded through Talbot-street drawing a truck, simi- lar to a railway truck, laden with about 10 tons of bricks. He did not know whether the Council were suppossed to keep roads which could stand traffic of this kind. Mr. Bevan said some hydrants had been broken in, Llwyd'arth-road presumably by the traction engines. The Clerk: We can recover for damage done byr extraordinary traffic. Mr. Thomas: Well, I should say the con- veyance of 3,000 bricks through the streets is extraordinary traffic. Mr. Rees (Garnlwyd): I think Messrs. Thomas and Evans's engines take heavier loads than that. even. They come here with bottles filled up to a great height. Mr. Thomas also pointed out that there were traction engines in the Fair Ground which were used to bring the vans from the station to the ground. These had been run- ning at what he considered an excessive pace. The Chairman said that if the Council could prove the damage to the roads and hyd- rants, they had their remedy. The County Council prosecuted in a matter of this kind in the Quarter Sessions and recovered. Mr. Thomas proposed that the Surveyor serve the owners of the traction engines in the Fair Ground with notice that they should not be driven, at such a speed'. He was pre- pared to give evidence in, the matter, if necessary. The motion was carried. THE COUNCIL'S HORSES. The Ohairmani said he wished to call the attention of the Council to the cost of the keep of their horses. He had been quite astounded in seeing a report that the cost totalled 18s. Id. per week. "I used to get board: and lodging for 15s," he added. Mr. Thomas: I am afraid the cost you state includes something more than is usually put in when calculating the cost of a horse's keep. The Chairman: I don't know about that, Mr. Thomas. I don't think there is as much iii, as ought to be. Mil-. Thomas: Items such as repairs to har- ness and carts, interest on loans for the stables, etc., should not be taken. The Chairman We have to consider that, too. Assuming those items should not be considered in connection with the keep of the horses, I still say the Council is paying too much; 13s. 4d. a week, which it has cost us is certainly too high for the fodder of a horse. The Chairman, in reply to a question, said the surveyor had been instructed by the Stable Committee to get the report prepared. Mr. Howells: The object was to ascertain whether we were not paying more for horses than be could' get them elsewhere. The Chairman: If the committee intend taking the matter up, well and, good. There certainly is a necessity to inquire into the matter. Mr. Thomas: There is no doubt our horses are in a splendid condition because there is no scruple as to what they cost. If the committee inform the ostler that they a.re not to consume so much, he will pay attention to it, no doubt. Thomas, Cardiff. At the graveside the Rev. The Chairman. The committee should state exactly how much food is to be given to each horse per week. Mr. Lewis: I don't think our horses are over fat; they are in good condition. The Chairman I regard them as being in too good a condition. Mr. Lewis: It is a question of what the Council wants, whether they want good horses or a bundle of bones. (Laughter.) The Chairman I would like to ask any tradesman in Maesteg it the keep of his horses costs what it costs the Council. Mr. Edmunds was inclined to the belief that the Council could do better by hiring horses for their purposes; he thought they would be pounds in pocket. The Chairman said he hoped1 the Stable Committee would thoroughly investigate the matter and report to the Council. A meeting of the committee was accord- ingly arranged for. Mr. Thomas: I agree the matter should be looked into. Will the ratepayers be satis- fied if they know of this, And they will know it on' Friday. The Chairman: I hope they will, to wake us up a little. ELECTRICITY. Mr. Griffiths said Mr. J. H. Thomas had undertaken to investigate the question of lighting the district by means of electricity, but he had not yet presented his report. Mr. Thomas: I am now in a position to submit the information I have collected to the committee which was appointed to consi- der it. I am prepared TO meet the com- mittee any time. The Clerk stated' that the committee ap- pointed included the Chairman, Messrs. Howells, Hartshorn, Thomas, and T. E. Hop- kins. The Chairman: And Mr. Thomas promised to call the meeting. The convening of the committee was left in the hands of Mr. Thomas. OTHER MATTERS. The following tenders were received for the cleaning and painting of all outside iron- work and woodwork at the fire station, 6 to re j, workshops, stables, etc.:—(1) JE6 10s.; (2) £9 15s. (3) t3 5s.—The lowest, No. 3, was ac- ceptedl-tliat of Mr. George Thomas. The tender of the Llynfi Valley Gas Co. was accepted for the diversion of the 3in. gas main in Tonna-road at 4s. per lineal vard. The Surveyor reported that the Tonna re- servoir and the service reservoir at Brvnmawi had been emptied, all deposit and vegetable growth removed, and the walls thoroughly washed down. The reservoirs were now fill- ing again. It as also reported that Mr. Brown, the contractor for the fixing of 20 additional lamps, had now providea two sureties who had signed the contract. Mr. Brown had started' the work. The Surveyor stated, that only one notifica- tion of infectious disease had been received during the fortnight, the disease being scar- let fever.—The Chairman remarked that the patient, who had been suffering from tybhoid, had now been discharged from the hospital. Mr. T. Matfisel Franklen, clerk to the County Council, wrote: l'am in receipt of your letter on the subject of a secondary school for Maesteg." (Laughter.)

EXTENSIVE THEFTS AT MAESTEG. BAKER COMMITTED FOR TRIAL. A Maesteg baker named Sidney George Mules, who has been residing at 7 Bridge- street, was brought up on remand at Bridg- end Police-court on Saturday charged with thefts from his employers, Rees Williams and Sons, Commercial-street. A further charge, of a similar nature, was now preferred against him at the instance of Edwin Tucker, a baker, in whose employ the prisoner was for some months previous to his engagement with Messrs. Williams. Mr. David Llewellyn, who appeared to pro- secute, stated that the thorts from Messrs. Williams and Sons were alleged to have been committed during the past three months. On a sack of flour being missed on September 24th, information was given to the police, and the result was that the stolen property, and a, quantity of other gooas, since identified as the property of the prosecutors, were found!. James Williams, a member of the firm of Williams and Sons, stated that the prisoner entered the service of the firm on June 13th and continued in their employ until his ar- rest on September 24th. Witness had exam- ined the goods recovered by Sergt. Rees Davies at the prisoner's house, and identified a large quantity as the property of his firm- to the value of tl8 13s. 9d. lie was present when the police arrested the prisoner, and Mules said to him, You can, have everything in the house; all the goods belong to you." Sergt. Davis stated that on receiving infor- m'ation from the last witness he, in company with Inspector Sansome, visited the prisoner's house, and in the front room lie found the following articles, a!ll of which were identified by Mr. Williams as stolen property —A sack of meal, two sacks of leather-tie flour, and one of extra flour, a sack of millenium flour, a bag of Hovis flour, two of fine flour, and one of extra flour, a 401b. box of sultanas, a 401b. box of currants, a box of lardine, a flour scoop, 13 tin of malt, 80 tins of condensed milk, 201bs. of buttcir wrappers, a mahogany office counter, and a hand truck. These goods, with others, were removed to the Police-station'. Mules was taken. into cus- tody. and at the Police-station witness charged him with steallnf-r the various articles from his 'employers some time during the past three months. Prisoner replied. "I took them all this morning; I am sorry I did it." Witness atso recovered half a bushel of Indian corn, 11 dinner plates, 2 buckets, and 4cwt. of flooring bo.ards'-part of the latter had been converted into a, fowl's cot-and these had also been sworn to as having been stolen from the prosecutors. Charged with stealing these prisoner replied, "I have nothing to say." On being formally charged, prisoner replied that he had nothing to say. He was com- mited to take his trial at the Quarter Ses- sions. The second charge was then gone into, Edwin Tucker deposiifg that the prisoner was in his employ for three months—from March. Witness had occasion to dismiss him, and he afterwards missed some goods. -He now identified the following poods, recovered by Sergt. Davis from prisoner's house, as his property: -A small wedding cake, a box con- taining 141b. of icing sugar a box of ground almonds, a bottle of colouring" for cakEs- valued at tl in all. Sergt. Davis spoke to finding these goods at the house occupied by the prisoner. Prisoner, who had nothing to say, was also committed to take his trial at the Quarter Sessions on, this charge. He applied for bail, which was granted, himself ini L50 and his father in £ 50.

DEATH OF MR. SAMUEL HOPKINS LATE RATE-COLLECTOR GONE. We regret to record the death of Mr. Samuel Hopkins, of Alfred-street, Maesteg, formerly rate-collector for the Maesteg Dis- trict Council, which sad event took place last Friday after a long illness. Mr. Hopkins was 44 years of age, and leaves a wife and one son. The funeral took place on Tuesday afternoon amid signs of regret. After a short service at the house, conducted by the Rev. W. H. Thomas, of Tabor, after which the hymn Yn y dyfroedd maw-r ar tonau" was sung, the remains were conveyed to Llan- gynwyd for interment. The chief mourners were Mrs. Hopkins (widow), Master Edmund Hopkins (son), Councillor and Mrs. T. E. Hopkins, Commercial-street, Mr. and Mrs. W. Hopkins, Garnlwyd, Mr and Mrs Edmund Hopkins, Llwydarth-road (brothers and sis- ters-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Thomas. Bristol House, Castle-street; Mr. and b's. Richard Thomas, Castle-street; Mr. and Mrs T. H. Thomas, Port Talbot (brothers and sis- ters in law of the widow), Mrs. Ennis, head mistress of the Flasiiewydd Infants' School; Mrs. J&mes, Salisbury-road (sisters of the widow); Messrs'. Sam Hopkins, Edmund Hop- kins, Edward' Hopkins, David Hopkins, Hop- kin, Hopkins, Sydney Hopkins (nephews), Miss Annie Hopkins, Mrs. W. T. Lewis, Mrs. W. Brill (nieces). Other relatives were: Mr. Hop-kin Thomas, Castle-street; Illir. W. T. Lewis. Mr. W. Brill, Rev. Gwilym Roberts (curate, Laleston); Mr. Gomer Roberts, Car- diff; Mr. Abraham Price, Cardiff Mr. Love- luck, Taibach; Mr. Jacob Jenkins, Mr. W. Ridhardls, Mr. Andrew Richards, Maesteg; Mr. T. Thomas, Cardiff, and Mr. Edward W. H. Thomas officiated, assisted by the Rev. W. R. Bowen, Carmel. Mr. Jezeriel Jones conducted' the singing at the house and graveside. The coffin was covered with beau- tiful floral tributes.

fTHESTOPPAGEATCOEGNANT SEQUEL AT BRIDGEND POLICE-COURT. LARGE NUMBER OF MINERS SUMMONED FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT 21 ORDERED TO PAY 10s. DAMAGES. Proceedings at Bridgend Police-court on Saturday formed a sequel to the stont)age of the Coegnant Colliery, Nantyffyllon, on August 15th. 30 miners being summoned for breach of their contract with the Company. who claimed 10s. in each case as damages. The cases were heard in the second court, before Messrs. Oliver Sheppard (in the chair). R. L. Knight, and D. H. Price. Mr. Charles Kenshole, Aberdar-e, appeared for the Com- pany, and Mr. Evan E. Davies (the solicitor to the Maesteg District of the South Wales Miners' Federation) for the defendants. Mr. J. P. Gibbon, J.P' the .agent of the Com- pany, and Mr. Vernon ilartshorn (miners' agent) were among those present. The following is the list of those sum- moned':—Thomas Gates, 20 Brown-street. brakesman; Edward Buckley. 77 Pieton- street, labourer; John McMurray. 2 Gallt- ewm-cottages, labourer; Jonn Donoghue, 7 McGregor-row, haulier*; David H. Thomas, 35 Brown-street, haulier; James Bowen, 14 Grove-street, haulier; Henry Williams, 10 Duffryn-row, haulier; David Woosnam, 10 King's-terrace, haulier- Thomas Morgan. 14 Railway-terrace, hauiier; George Edwards. 21 Brown-street, haulier; David Lewis, 5 Llynfi-court, shackler: William Everett, 17 Harvey-street, labourer; Thomas Davies. 32 John1-street, rider; Charles Phillips, 20 NantyffylLon-terrace, collier; William Davies, 3 Tonna-road, collier; Thomas Rees, 6 Metclafe-street, collier Daniel Thomas, 38 Barnardo-street, collier; Jacob Evans. 24 Talbot-terrace, tipper; Morgan Thomas, 3 Gladstone-street, collier; William Adams. 12 Garnwen-terrace, collier; Watkin W-atkins. 16 Garnwen-terrace, collier; James Nash, 101 Tonna-road, collier; George WTorkman, 18 Tonna-road, collier; Peter Roberts, 27 jerown-street, coiner; William Lewis, 20 ial- bot-street, collier; Stephen Jones, 73 Tre- harne-road, collier; Richard Rogers, 29 Pic- ton-street, collier John Jones, 30 Garnwen- terrace, collier; Miles Hardcastle, 25 Coro- nation-terrace, collier; John Casey, 39 Park- street, collier; John Parry Jenkins. 14 Charles-row, collier. Mr. Davies intimated at the outset that he was prepared to admit liability to pay damages in regard to the first ten defendants in the list; the only question for the Bench to consider in, these cases was as to the amount of damages. Mr. Kenshole suggested that the fixation of damages he allowed to stand over until evidence had been called in one of the con- tested cases, and this was agreed to. It was stated that notice of withdrawal h.d been served in the case of William Everett, and this was struck out. The case of Charles Phillips, a collier, was then proceeded with, it being agreed that the evidence which applied to the cases generally should be given in this case only. OPENING SIATEMENT. Mr. Kenshole, in opening, said the proceed- ings were taken under the Employer and Workman Act of 1875, the plaintiffs claiming damages from their employees for wrongfully absenting themselves from service. As the magistrates were, no doubt, aware the work- men and owners of this colliery were subject to a month's notice to terminate contracts; the colliery was worked under the agreement of the Conciliation' Board, which provided for a month's notice on either side. The breach of contract complained of occurred on August loth. ihe men in the ordinary course of their duties shouid have been down the pit at seven o'clock, ready to commence work. and as a rule the winding of coal was commenced directly after that time. About 7 o'clock on August 15th the under-manager (Mr. Martyn). looking through his office win- dow, observed that the men. were not going down as usual, there being a large number of the men on the pit top. He at once went out to inquire what was amiss, and the reply he got was that they were going to hold a meeting. While he was speaking to some of the men, Mr. Hartshorn, the miners' agent, came up, and, presenting two pay tickets to the under-manager, he said, This is the reason." He asked the under-manager whether he was going to increase the allow- ances to the two men to whom the pay tickets belonged, and' the under-manager replied that lie could not do so. Upon that Mr. Harts- horns called out to some hauliers who were near the cage ready to descend, and they re- fused to proceed to work. A message was sent below, with the result that the hauliers who had previously descended, gave up work. and' the colliers returned to the surface. The colliers who had not gone down, followed Mr Hartshorn away. The, nit was thus stopped for the day, as the result of what was a clear intention on the part of the miners' agent. LOSS TO THE COMPANY. The stoppage nieant a considerable loss to the company, and the details would be proved in evidence. The grievances as to the allow- ances to the menl did not concern the Bench, but it was fair to say that the manager was away on his holidays at the time, and, there- fore, these matters were in abeyance. Mr. Hartshorn subsequently had a. conversation with Mr. Gibbon, and the latter pointed out that there was no justification for stopping the pit. The miners' agent admitted he had stopped the pit, and added that he would stop it again) under similar circumstances, and this showed the determined way in which he had acted in this matter. He (Mr. Kenshole) had had' a good deal of experience in colliery cases, but he was glad to ay that it was not the rule far a miners' agent to take upon him- self the serious responsibility of stopping a whole colliery for no other apparent reason than that two minor disputes affecting a couple of men- had not been settled. This was the only occasion that he had known a miners agent to adopt such a course. The Bench knew that this was not t'he proper pro- cess to adopt to settle disputes or ventilate grievances; legal machinery was provided, and the matters could be tested at the County Court or at that Court. Liability was now admitted in a. njumber of costs, but he no- ticed that- the defendants in those cases were chiefly hauliers. He, could foresee what was going to be attempted; the defence would use the argument that because the hauliers gave up work there was nothing for the colliers to do but to follow suit. in, view of the miners' agent's deliberate statement that he bad stopped the pit, their worships could have no doubt that each and every man in the colliery combined with the afrent to stop the colliery, and' that they should therefore ray for the loss, sustained. Nothing was further from the wishes of the officials than to have to appear in cases of this kind against their workmen, but if this kind, of thing was to be t-alerated-if an agent was to be allowed to point the gun at the head of the employer in this way merely because lie could not secure what he desired for a, couple of men—it would be impossible to carry on this or any other industry. MR. HARTSHORN AND THE UNDER- MANAGER. J. J. Martyn. under-manager, gave evi- dence. When Mr. Hartshorn camel to him at the pit-head at 7 o'clocft on1 the morning in question, the agent. showing the pay tickets, asked witness, Do vou think that is money enough for so many turns of work?" Witness only saw one of the tickets, that of Peter Roberts. Mr. Hartshorn asked him if he was going to do- anything with the cases, and he replied "No," adding that the man- ager was away on holidays. Mr. Hartshorn went away, -and the men followed him. and on descending the pit witness found the hauliers returning their horses to the stables. He asked some of them why they were going, and the replies he received were Mr. Harts- horn wants us on top," a)id Hartshorn. has sent for us." By Mr. Davies: About 150 or 200 men had descended before witness was aware of what was taking place. He could not say whether these men knew about the disputes. Do you know that Richsrd Williams, an overman, told! Phillips and others that they could go, as there was to be no work that dav ?—NOi Is Wimams here?—No. If the hauliers decided not to work there would have been nothing for Phillips to do? —I don?t say that. He could not fill coal?—Yes. Where could hie1 get trams?—There are gen- erally trtams there. I .shall prove there were none in Phillips's placo. Where is a collier to put the coal if he has no trams ? In his pocket or where?— We may have provided hauliers. Further questioned, the witness said some of the officials might have seen to trams being pro- vided. MINERS' AGENT S VISITS. Is it not a fact that the miners' agent is being continually called to this colliery to settle disputes?—I don't know. I never called him. (Laughter.) He comes there repeatedly?—I do not know what you mean by lepeateaiy. It is an ordinary grammatical term, and you should understand it. There is no necessity to fence the question.—I am not going to fence it. Ls he there often ?-Ko. not lately. According to Clause 5 of the Conciliation Board Agreement, the parties pledge them- selves to make every possible effort to avoid difficulties at the collieries, and it is also laid down that the owners and officials shaH en- deavour to settle all matters at the collieries. Do you suggest that to refuse to hear a case at all is complying with that clause in the agreement?—I have never refused. Edward Morgan, an overman, said he met Mr. Hartshorn at 20 minuses to seven at the pit head. The agent called his attention to the cases of two men, saying that they had not been pa-id enough. Witness replied, They have been' paid everything that was coming to them; if they will work more, they will get more money." Mr. Hartshorn asked him if he would make the money up." and witness replied that he could not do it. The agent then tcld the hauliers who were near the cage, not to go down. and he sent someone to stop the other hauliers leaving the stables. On descending the pit, witness found the hauliers leaving and a boy was shouting that Mr. Hartshorn wanted them on top. By Mr. Davies: He had no power to settle the cases or even discuss them with Mr. Hartsliorm. Mr. Kenshole: Have you ever known a question discussed at the nit top at 6.40 in the mornine?—Witness: No, sir. Evan Williams, fireman. said Phillips did not present his lamp at the lamp station on the morning of August loth. He did not know whether Richard Williams told defen- dant to leave. MR-. GIBBON IN THE BOX. J. P. Gibbon, North's agent, deposed that Mr. Martsiiorn came to see him on the day after the stoppage, and he wanted to discuss the grievances with him. Witness told him he could not deal with them in the absence of the manager. He then cnarged h Harts- horn with stopping the colliery; he at once admitted lie had done so, and threatened to do the sanw again under similar cir- cumstances. He (witness) had never heard of an agent wanting to discuss a dispute at 20 minutes to seven in the morning. Speak- ing of the loss sustained by the Company. 'Mr. Gibbon said standing charges—salaries to otti- cials, etc.—amounted to Cbl 17s. 4d., -and the Company lost profit on an output of 1,113 tons, which-, at a shilling a. to,n, represented £5;) 13s., so that the total loss to the Com- pany amounted to E137 10s. 4d. Mr. Davies In these two cases in dispute £ 2 was the sum claimed ?—I don't know what the claim was. As a matter of fact they were settled by yoti for 3os. ?—I did eventually, alter goins into the cases*. Do you know that whenever the manager has been approached he always refers the men to under officials?—I cannot say. The man- ager deni-Els that. Have you been told so by Mr. Hartshorn ? —Yes, but I have been wId: different by the manager. Putting it plainly, you don't believe Mr. Hartshorn?—I certainly sail believe the. man- ager until I find he tells me an untruth. THE DEFENCE. Addressing the Bench for the defence, Mr. Davies said it would be useless for him, and a waste of time, to attempv to justify, upon legal grounds, the stoppage of the colliery by the miners' agent. Mr. Hartshorn did not instruct him to do that, and it was, of course, known at the time that the process adopted was an illegal process. The men were not, however, so black as Mr. Kenshole had painted them. He asked their worships to dismiss an the cases where liability was not admitted, as most of the men concerned were down the colliery before anybody knew there was going to be a dispute, which would result in a stoppage; therefore they were not par- ties to what was admittedly an. illegal action. Mr. Kensholfe had referred to a kind of con- spiracy among the men, but surely, if the men know the grievance was going to result in a stoppage, they would nut- have gone down and have1 proceeded, as he could prove many of them did, to their working nlaces. Some of them indeed filled what trams they had in their places and others cleared falls, but they could not continue working because the hauliers stopped. So far as Phillips was con- cerned, lie was ready for work but was sent home. Referring to the grievances, Mr. Davies said Mr. Hartshorn had experienced considerable difficulty in settling them. Phillips, in evidence, said he went to work as usual, and waited at the entrance to the Baltic district to get sight." He heard a group of hauliers discussing the stoppage, and he kiicim- that if they went out there would be nothing for him to do. After the hauliers left. Richard Williams came to him and said, You can go out now: there is no work to- day." He accordringlv left. He did 110t know there was any talk ot a stoppage until he heard the hauliers discussing it. He was prepared to continue working that day if he could. NO WORK. By Mr. Kenshole: He spent threequarters of an hour "getting sight," but this was an unusual length of time. He did not proceed to the laiiip-statioli, because he did not sec the hauliers going on. The witness was questioned at length as to whether he could not have found some work to do. He declared he could not, as there was a full tram in the face already. Mr. Kenshole If you knew Mr. Hartshorn had given orders that the pit was to be stopped, would you have continued to work? —Yes. Wat-kin Watkins next gave evidence. He said he did not learn of the dispute until he got to thE mouth of the Baltic, and then Richard William^ came up and told him to go, as there would be no work. A collier could not work if the hauliers stopped. Mr. Kenshole: What was to prevent the company sending in trams to your place P- The officials might have done it. You didn't GO to your place to s-ele what could be dtone?—No. You didn't even report yourself to the fire- man?—No. Mr. Davies: But the overman sent you out?—Yes. He didn't suggest that the officials would turn TEN SHILLINGS DAMAGES AWARDED. The Be!iielt held that Doth Phillips iand Watkins had committed a breach of con-tract, and ordered' them to pay the damages claimed and 2s. costs. Having heard the evidence of the agent proving the loss sustained, they or- dered the ten defendants who admitted lia- bility, to pay the same amount. The case of Jacob Evans was next taken. Mr. Martyn (under-manager) stated that Evans had been requested to take the place of the foreman tipper on the 15th August. He turned up in the morning, but did not ■remain. He would have been paid if he had waited through the day. Mr. Davies: Then it's his own loss that he did not, r-ellia.iii?-NVitness: Yes. Be was to supervise the men ?—Yes. And when the men left he had no-one to supervise?—That is so, but we would have found hi msomething to Mr. Kenshole: He had no right to leave without permit?—No. Idris Jones, a timekeeper, gave corrobora- tive evidence. Defendant said he left because all the men in litis charge went home. No one offerled him any work.—By Mr. Kenshole: He did not ask anyone's permissioil. to. leave, and he did not call at the office. Defendant had to pay the damages and costs. Accordinig to the evidence of Overman Ed- ward Morgan, Thomas Davres, a rider, only took one journey of tramb- out on August 15th. 'and he did not return to the parting. When witness asked him why he left, he -rer plied1, I could see everyollel else gone."—De- fendant said he could' not get back to the parting owing to there being -a full journey there. He could not take another journey out. He added that he 'had not been paid for the little work he did. He had no in- tention. of breaking his contract.—By Mr.

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Mr. J. B. Brain's Will. Mr. Joseph Benjamin Brain, of The Mythe, Stoke Bishop. Bristol, chairman of Messrs. S. A. Brain and Co., Limited, of the Old Brew- ery. Cardiff, who died on August 15th last, aged 76 years, father of Messrs. Joseph Hugh and William Henry Brain, of the Glamorgan County Cricket Club, left estate of the gross value of tl49,279 14s. 10d., of which the net personalty has been sworn at C136,225 Os. 2d. Probate of his will, dated 24th August, 1898, has been granted to his widow. Mrs. Ellen Allwood Brain, of The Mvthe, Stoke Bishop; his sons, Messrs. Joseph Hugh and William Henry Brain, of the Old Brewery, Cardiff; and his brother-in-law, the Rev. Williani Henry Beach, of The Mytne, Stoke Bishop. The testator left to his wife, Mrs. Ellen All- wood Brain, CI.000, his furniture, horses, carriage, and consumable stores and persona! effects absolutely, and the, use for life of his residence, etc.. with remainder equally be- tween his two daughters, Ellen. Catherine Brain- and Florence Marian Beach Brain. The residue of his property he left to his wife for life, with the remainder equally betweerl his four children. Ellen Catherine, Florence Marion Beach, Joseph Hugh and William Henry, the shares of his daughters being re- tained upon trust for their benefit for life, with remainder to their issue, subject to a. power of appointment in favour of a husband surviving them for his life.

Valuable machinery has been reduced to scrap iron and large numbers of operatives thrown out of employment by a disastrous fire which destroyed the sorew works belong- ing to Messrs. D. Gadd and Company aAi Blaekheatli (Staffs).

Kenshole: He did not ask permission to go. —Judgment for plaintiffs. with 2s. costs. VARIOUS CASES. Thomas Rees. a collier, said he filled the only tram which was in his place before lie left. No-one brought him more trams, and, hearing that the hauliers had gone out, he concluded there was nothing to do but to leave too. He would have worked, if pos- sible.—The fireanan1, Theophilus Lewis, said defendant was given no permission to go. and they might have provided him with trams had he remained.—He had To pay. The case against William Davies, a collier, was w it hdra w n. The next case was that against Daniel Thomas. Fireman Theophilus Lewis said dte- fendant left without consulting anyone.—De- fendant said he filled a tram, and having no other tram into which to fill his ooal, he gave up work.—Mr. Kensole: You didn't take the trouble to see an official before you went ?—- No.-M,r. Kenshole: You haven't the right to go out of the pit when you think proper.- Defendant was ordered to pay. The< cases of Morman Thomas and William Adams were taken together. Theophilus Lewis said both men could have continued work, as they had several trams to go on with.—Thomas said he would not have walked two miles to his working place if he was not willing to work. He could not work, how- ever, as there was a tram across his place, and' a haulier would have to shift it.—Adams gave a similar reason for going otit.-Both were mulcted in 12s. James Nash, a coloured man. deposed that he did not go to work at all on August 15th, as he was ill. He produced a doctor's cer- tificate in support of his statement.—By Mir. Kenshole: He did not inform an offical of this when he returned to work.—The case waa dismissed, and defendant allowed costs. OVERMANS ADMISSION. Fireman Lewis said George Workman, a collier, asked no consent to leave the colliery. Edward Morgan (overman) was called at the request of Mr. Davies, and -admitted that he as much as gave Workman, consent to go." Dismissed. The case against Peter Roberts was not heard. On William Lewis being called, Mr. Davies stated that he had met with a serious acci- dent. This defendant was not at work on August 15th. owing to illness.—This case was allowed to stand over. The next defendant, Stephen Jones, said he was at his place and remained there until 9.30. No trams were brought to him, how- ever, and he went; though he was prepa-red to work that day.—By Mr. Kenshole He did, not spellk to an official, as he did not meet one.—He had to pay 10s. and 2s. costs. According to the evidence of Seth Jenkins, John Jones, a collier. left without permission. Theo Lewis also gave evidence. Defendant said he cleared a fall, but no trams were brought to him.—Judgment for phintiffs. ILLNESS ALLEGED. Richard Rogers, a collier, stated, on oath, that he was ill on August 15th, and d,id not leave the bouse. He did not hear of the stoppage until one o'clock.—By Mr. Keii- shole He was not attended by a doctor, and sent no intimation to the management.—Dis- missed. Miles Hardcastle. a collier, said there was an empty tram in his place, but lie did not start work because he would have had to pay a boy 3s. 4d., and he would thus have been out of pocket.—Mr. Kenshole: You could have seen an official before going?—Defend- ant We are not allowed to wander about the colliery. (Laughter.) I went to the lamp- station, and there' was no one there.—Defen- dant was ordered to pay 12s. Mr. Kenshole intimated that the case against John Casey would be withdrawn, and Mr. Davies made a successful application for costs. The last case was that Kgainst John P. Jenkins, who said he was told to leave by Maddock. who sometimes acted as fireman in the absetiec, of Evan Lloyd.—Lloyd stated, however, that he was at work that day, and therefore Maddock was not acting.—The Bench thought there might have been some misunderstanding, and dismissed the case.— Defendant was allowed costs. A further batch of summonses were ad- journed until November 2nd.