The Glamorgan Gazette

BLAENGARW .Baptisi-n.-O.,i Sunday Rev. H. Harding, pastor of Mount Zion Church, administered cSio ordinance of baptism, when six candi- dates were immersed in the presence of a large congregation.. Co-operation.—On Monday evening a pub- lic meeting was held at the Ffaldau Institute, under the auspices of Pontycymmer Co-oper- ;ati.ve Stores. The principal sneaker was Mr. Black, who delivered an address upon co- operation. The chair was occupied by the 4ei't manager, Mr. Hitchings. Songs were ren- dered by Master T. Morgan, Messrs. W T. Hengoed, D. Jones, and Ward. A vote, of -thanks was propos-ed by Mr. T. Mitchell, and -seconded by Mr. D. Rees, ",eeretary. Ffaldau Institute.—To fill the vacancy of caretaker of the Ffaldau Workmen's Institute occasioned by the death of Mr. Thomas Price, --a ballot took place on Monday night. Three "candidates stood for election, namely, Messrs. William Lloyd, Alexandra-road; Henry Harris, also of Alexandra-road: and James Fox, Oxford-street. The ballot resulted as follows: William Lloyd, 568; Henry 'Harries, 50; James Fox, 43. r Betbaiiia.Quarterly meetings were held In. connection with Bethania Sunday School ton Sunday afternoon and evening, under the presidency of Mr. D. J. Parry, superinten- ent. Capital programmes had been. arranged for the occasion, and the different items were performed with much effect. The following took part in the prograinilies:-V. Miles, E. Hannah, E. Miles, A. Davies, C. Llewellyn, G. Johns, B. Thomas, E. Davies, S. A. Thomas, E. Jones, A. and P. Parry, G. and M. Simmons, E. John. V. Jones, D. Llew- -ellyn, T. Meredith, D. Davies, E. Davik-s, E. H. Pliillins, B. Francis, J. Davies, W. 'Howells. B. Jones, B. M. Evans. F. Davies, E. Davies, D. J. Davies. D. Morgan, D. Howells. J. G. Jones, T. Parry. T. Jones, E. T3vans, Mrs. Lewis, iNPrs. D. Howells, and A. 31. Francis.

PONTYCYMMER. Mission.—The mission under the auspices >of the Garw Free Churches' Council is being continued this week at the Tabernacle, Pont- ycymmer, in Welsh. The preacher is the ZBev. Hugh Hughes, Ystalyfera. During the last three nights of last week the. Rev. Eynon Davies, London, preached excellent sermons to large congregations ac the Primitive Methodist Chapel. Wo,dding.-On Saturday a pretty marriage was solemnised at Bridgend, the contracting parties being Mr. David Morgan and Miss Annie Rowe, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs Richard Rowe, Oxford-street. The bride was attended by Miss Kate Parker, whilst the bridegroom was accompanied by Mr. O. John and Mr. David Rowe, brother of the bride. Both bride and bridegroom are well known in the valley, and their numerous friends wish them every prosperity. Many presents were received. Harvest Festival.—The harvest home meet- ings in. English were held at St. Theodore's on Sunday and Monday. The sacred build- ing was decorated in a manner that reflected much credit on those concerned. Welsh ser- vices were abandoned this year, and conse- .quently the church was literally packed. The preacher on Sunday and Monday was the Rev A. T. Fryer, who delivered stirring dis- courses. The singing was a pleasing feature and redounds much to the credit of the con- ductor, Mr. J. Butler. The organist was Miss Drew. Sudden Death.—Quite a gloom was cast "over Pontycymmer on Wednesday when it be- came known that Mr. John Callen, tailor, had suddenly passed' away. On Tuesday he attended to his business as usual, apparently in,. good health, but at midnight he was taken ^seriously ill. Medical aid was procured, but Respite all efforts, he gradually sank and ex- pired. Deceased hailed from. Pembrokeshire:, and made his advent to the. Garw Valley .about 20 years ago, since when he has carried on a tailoring business in Oxford-street, Pontycymmer. Deceased, who was 37 year» of age, leaves a widow and four childrenl. Concert.—A grand concert was held at the Public-hall on Wednesday evening in last week, under the auspices of Zion Chapel, and, thanks to the assiduity of members in disposing of tickets, was a good attend- ance, in spite of the heavy downpour of ram. ■ Improvements have recently been made by the landlord, Councillor Thomas Williams, in the hall, which has been renovated and painted and the lighting improved, so that, -with the additional decoration of Zion mem- bers, the building was oleasing to all. An array of talented artistes had been engaged, ^as follows:—Soprano, Miss Ethel Lister; contralto, Miss May Peters; tenor, Mi-. vgwilym Richards; bass, Mr. Francis Har- ford- violinist, Mr. William Henley; accom- panist, Mr. T. D. Edwards, Pontypridd. With the exception of the violinist and pian- ist, all the artistes were comparative strangers. Mr. Edwards is prominent among Welsh Raptisic, having upon several occasions lOOndlfcted the Cymanfa at Pontycymmer, whilst Ml-. Henley paid a previous visit some seven or eight years ago, when. his playing kept the audience spell-bound. His perform- ances on Wednesday eveninjz last again gave -entire satisfaction to all, his playing being iistened to with rapt attention. The other .a.rtistffi possess magnificent voices. The committee of the concert, of which the pastor (Rev. W. Reynolds) is channvan; Mr. H. Styles, treasurer, and Messrs. J. Edwards and <<3. Major, secretaries, left 1() stone unturned -to fill the hall and thereby swell the funds ot Zion. Church.

NANTYMOEL. Thanksgiving Services.-Thrbughout Mon- day and each evening of this week, thanksgiv- ing services for the past harvest have been field at Saron. Welsh Baptist Church, Nanty- nioel. The services, which have been most ,enthusiastic, have been exceptionally well at- tended. The Rev. J. Hughes, the esteemed pastor, superintended the series of services. The choir was under the leadership of Mi. David Bowen. Miss Thomas ably presided t at the organ. Weddiiig.Oii, Monday the marriage of Mr. David Roberts and Miss Mary Jones, daugh- ter of Mr. John Jones, Cra-ig F-i-yn Terrace, Nantymoel, was solemnised at Bridgend. bride, who was very prettilv attired, was at- tended by Miss M. J. Goldsworthy, BlackmiH, aa bridesmaid. Mr. D. Roberts attended the -"bridegroom as best man. The happy couple, who received the best wishes of their many friends for their future happiness and pros- perity, were the recipients of numerous and valuable presents. Pulpit News.—At Soar Welsh Congrega- tional Church, Pricetown, the pulpit was oc- cupied on Sunday last by Alderman: Rev. D. H. Williams, M.A., Barry, who delighted large and appreciative congregations with his masterly and eloquent discourses. On Wed- nesday the Rev. Sàmuel Williams, Maesteg, was the special preacher, and his eloquent sermons highly interested the large congrega- tion The singing of the choir, under the leadership of Mr. David Davies, was very pleas hip- The church at Soar has only ro- "Cently been established, and its commendable enterprise deserves the success that attends its labours. •Special Services.—On Sunday special har- -rest services were held at Hope English Con- gregational Chapel, Pricetown. At the morning and evening services the Rev. 1. Hirwain Jenkins, the able -,astor, preached stirring sermons. The Rev. H. R. Byatt, pastor of Horeb English Baptist Church, de- livered a thrilling discourse at the afternoon service. The services were attended by very large congregations. The choir, under the leadership of Mr. J. Isaac, gave an excellent rendition of the antnem, "Praise the Lord, 0 my soul," at the evening service. Mr. S. Gillard presided at the oigan. The sacred edifice had been tastefully decorated. On Monday the choir, under Mr. Isaac, gave n pleasing interpretation of the service of song, Fruitful seed." Miss Llewellyn discharged the duties of reader in admirable style. Mr. S. Gillard made a skilful accompanist. The proceedings, which were thoroughly enjoyed, were presided over by the pastor, Rev. H. T. Jenkins. The. sale of fruit at the close rea- lised a substantial sum to the church's finances.

OGMORE VALE. Christian Endeavour Societies.—Very suc- cessful societies in. connection with the Chris- tion Endeavour Union were inaugurated last week at both the English Congregational Church snd Calvary English Baptist Church. At the latter church Mr. George Richards (librarian) read a very able introductory paper. Penny RBadings.-Ttio rlrst of a series of Saturday evening readings was held at the English Congregational Church last Saturday. The attendance at the initial meeting augurs well for a successful season. The pro- gramme was very interesting, and the com- petitors numerous. Mr. Jeremiah Lewi6, A.C., acted in the capacity of adjudicator. Special Services.—The half-yearly special services in connection with Calvary English Baptist Church were held on Saturday even- ing, Sunday ard Monday evening, when the sacred edifice was. literally packed on each oc-c-asion by appreciative audiences, who had i'.ssrmbled to !•:>'>r the Rev. J. Lloyd Williams, Merthyr. The reverend .entiemail's dis- courses fulfilled all anticipations, and the whole series of meetings nroved (juite success- ful. Collections towards the church build- ing fund were made at each service. Mr. BeTh Walters ably presided at the organ. Wedding.—A pretty wedding was cele- brated at Llangeinor Parish Church on Tues- day, the contracting parties being Miss Eliz. Williams, daughter of Mr. John Williams, Llewellyn-street, and Mr. Albert Doraey, son of AIT. John Dorney, Dunraven-place. The Rev. John ..ones, vicar, officiated. Both parties are very well known in the place, and they carry with them the best wishes of a large circle of friends. The happy couple after the ceremony proceeded to Bournemouth for the honeymoon. The presents were numerous and costly. Preaching Services.—Six years ago the English Congregational Church was formed in the place, and during that time the church has made very rapid strides, and all their efforts have been eminently successful. Special preaching services were field on Sun- day and Monday evening last to commemor- ate the anniversary, and Professor Joseph Jones, M.A., B.D., Brecon College, had been secured. The sacred edifice was filled to overflowing at each service, and the discourses of the able and scholarly professor were of a very high order and greatly appre- ciated. Collections towards the thousand shillings scheme were made at each service, and a goodly sum was realised. The pastor, Rev. Griffith Evans, B.A., conducted the meetings, and the choir and band were under the baton of Mr. Myrnach Davies and Mr. Abel Jones respectively. MINING LECTURE. A popular mining lecture, Mining at Home and Abroad," was delivered at the Aber Council School on Thursday evening, last week, by Mr. Henry Davies, M.E., direc- tor of Mining Instruction under the Glamor- gan County Council. Mr. Davies's fame as a lecturer is well known throughout the valley as this was hie third visit to Ihe place. The attendance, therefore, was everything to be desired, for the large commodious room of the Aber School was comfortably filled with an appreciative audience of upwards of 200. The chair was occupied by Mr. David LI. Richards, manager, Wyndnam joinery, wilu takes a great deal of interest iiii the technica. classes of the place. There were also present the Rev. Chas. Williams, clerk to the group of schools; Rev. J. G. Jones, Mr. W. T. Jones (under-manager), Mr. Joseph Aber and Mr. John Davies (overmen), Mr. Myrnach Davies and M'r. Thomas Mbsely (mechanics), etc. The lecturer has visited and closely inspected the chief collieries of Westphalia, Belgium France, England, Scotland', America, and Wales, and his interesting descriptions of the chief points of interest were brimful of racy humour and information. Mr. Davies has a, characteristic way of imparting the driest subject in a most interesting manner, and his audience were: held entranced for up- wards of ninety minutes. Hie comparisons he drew lucidly proved that the Welsh collier is superseded by none in stamina and intelli- gentce, and he earnestly appealed to all his hearers to make a special effort to go in for self-cultivation, to improve still further their standard of intelligence, and to avail them- selves of the technical classes held. in the valley in surveying, mining and practical mathematics. Their forefathers had sacri- ficed much to reach the position now enjoyed by them and he impressed uponi those present tneir obligations to those who would follow. A hearty vote of thanks, proposed by Rev. J. G. Jones and carried with iteel-amation., ter- minated a most enjoyable lecture.

GILFACH GOCH. Libanus C.M.—The annual tea meeting of the above chapel was held on Monday, when a good number sat down. Football.—The Gilfach Gocli players were very much disappointed last Saturday, in Bettws United failing to put in an appear- ance. It iueamt a great financial loss to the home team. Gilfach Goch, therefore, will claim two points in the Jjeague and also that Bettws play the next match at Gilfach Goch. Improved Train Service from Gilfach Goch. —Commencing Saturday, November 2nd, and every Saturday until further notice, a new passengef- train will run from Gilfach Goch at 8.55 p.m. This train- will connect at Bridg- end with the 9.57 train, for Cardiff and 9.52 for Port Talbot, Neath and Swansea. This new train will be very convenient for foot- ballers visiting Gilfach, a& at present they have to run from the field, in order to catch the 5.53 train from Gilfach Goch.

Trafalgar Day was celebrated in London on Monday, crowds passing round the decorated Nelson Column'. At a banquet at the White- hall Rooms the Duke of Connaught was the guest of the Royal Navy Club. In Old-road, Ltanelly, a residential quarter, the roadway has disappeared, and revealed a disused coalpit about 60ft. deep, the existence of which was not known. After a strike of eight weeks, the operative spindle-makers of Bolton, Oldham and Dukin- field have returned to work, the matters in dispute having been settled. Reward notices were posted on Monday on London Poliec-stations offering t700, in sums ranging from 21 to 2 2s. each, for mfornya- tion regarding missing husbands who have deserted wives and children.

OCEAN COLLIERY STOPPAGE. SEQUEL AT BRIDGEND POLICE-COURT. OGMORE VALLEY MINERS SUMMONED FOR BREAoH OF CONTRACT. FIFTY ORDERED TO PAY £ 1 EACH. No less than fifty Ogmore Valley colliers were summoned at Bridgend Police-court on Saturday for breach of their contract with their employers, the Ocean Coal Co., Ltd., the. proceedings forming a sequel to the stop- page of the Ocean Colliery, Nantymoel, from October 2nd to 6th. Mr. Charles Kenshole (Aberdare) appeared for the Company, and Mr. W. P. Nicholas (Messrs. Walter Morgan, Bruce and Nicholas, Pontypridd) was for the defence. Only six of the defendants ap- peared, Mr. Nicholas stating that lie had deemed it inadvisable to bring all the men down, as it would mean their losing a day's work for no purpose. Mr. S. H. Stockwood (magistrates' clerk): You have brought these down as a sample? (Laughter.) Proceeding, Mr. Nicholas said the men ad- mitted their liability to pay something, and the question for the Bench to decide was as to the extent of the damages. LIST OF DEFENDANTS. The following is the list, of those sum- moned:—William Morgan, 7 Vale View-ter- race; George. Matthews, 11 Vale. View-ter- ,race; James Parry, 44 Vale View-terrace; William Jones, 6 Cardigan-terrace; Fred John, 12 Ogmoie-terrace Robert Thomas, 61 Ogwy-street; Thomas Gnnter, 75 Ogwy- street; Charles Dunn, 50 Dinani-street; Thomas Williams, 15 Dinam-street; Robert Lewis, 26 Dinam-6treet; David Jones, 7 Pem- broke-tea-race John Thomas, 14 Pembroke- terrace Hcwell Lewis, 2 Pembroke-terrace; John Evans, 57 Commercial-street; Evan Lloyd, 14 Graig Fryn-terrace; David Jenkin Evans, 12 Chapel-terrace; Fred Llewellyn, 7 Rowland-terrace; James Williams, 16 Blaen- ogwr-terrace; Richard Gardiner. 11 Bryn- ogwy-ter-race; Edward Lewis, 12 Jirookiana- terrace William Brace, 41 Cadogan-terrace Mark Hill, 16 Brookland-terrace; Samuel Raine, 27 Dinam-street: James Gilliard, 9 Ogwy-street; Thomas Hole, 5 Garn-terrace; William Roberts, 76 Ogwy-street; John Headon, 52 Ogwy-terrace: John David, 37, n- P-w Ogwy-street; James Bryant, 19 Ogwy-street; Sidney Roberts, 7 Dinam-street; James Ed- wards, 5 Dinam-street: George Mason,45 Dinam-street; William Thomas, 13 Pem-, broke-terrace; Thomas Thomas, 22 Pem- broke-terrace Thomas Thomas, 10 Brook- land-terrace; David Lewis, 7 Brookland- terrace; Edward Berryman, 36 Jqlin-street; James Thomas, 18 John-street: Patsey Mor- gan, 43 Cadogan-terrace; Lewis Davies, 11 Park-street; Henry Jones, 15 Park-street; Jenjamin James, 29 Vale View-terrace: John Harris, 2 Ogmore-terrace: David Phillips, 41 Vale View-terrace: Frank John, 5 Cardigan- terrace: Robert Lloyd, 14 Cardigan-terrace; j David Davies, 32 Station-road (all of Nanty-i moel); David George, 87 High-street; Wm. Cole, 1 Glyn-street; David Jones, 2 Fern- street (all of Ogmore Vale). OPENING STATEMENT. Mr. Kenshole, in opening, said there was no necessity to take the cases separately as they all arose out of the same circumstances. The proceedings were taken under the Em- ployer and Workman Act, and the Company sought to recover damages in each case for £ 1 19s. 6d. for breach of contract, the de- fendants having wrongfully absented them- selves from the service of the plaintiffs on four days in the early part. of this month. The defendants were bound by the Concilia- tion Board Agreement, which provided for a month's notice to termihate contracts on either side. What led up to this stoppage was the stopping of one of the workmen on September 28th, for filling dirty coal. This was a serious thing for a collier to do, and in this case, the offender had been. previously cautioned. On the following Tuesday, Octo- ber 1st, a deputation from the men waited upon the manager of the colliery, and re- riuested him to re-inaiate the collier, but having regard to the seriousness of the offence, and the fact that it had been com- mitted notwithstanding a warning, the Com- pany declined to accede to the request. On the Wednesday morning the workmen came to the colliery and assembled near the pit- head between 6.30 and 7 o'clock. In the usual course they should have. been down the colliery and ready for work before 7 o'clock, but the manager saw that they were not des- cending as usual, though they had taken out their lamps from the lamn-room. He went to inquire the cause, and approached the sec- retary of the Federation Lodge and some of t:hA men's, committee. He was told that they were going to have a meeting to consider the dismissal of the man, but the manager pointed out that it would be in breach of their contract to hold a meeting, then, and that it was their duty to go down. He rea- soned with them for some time, and told them that if there was a grievance the better plan would be to discuss it with the manage- ment during hours when they were not at work. The menl declined to go down. how- ever, and about 7 o'clock they returned their lamps to the station and went away. They did not present themselves at work for the three following days—thus the colliery was ON STOP FOR FOUR DAYS. The stoppage of the colliery was, of course, 1 a serious matter for the Oompany; it in- volved a loss in standing charges alone of no less than £ 346. The ordinary output of coal for four days amounted to 3,900 tons, and calculating the loss of profit on this quantity at the nominal, figure of Is. per toiil it repre- sented a total of £ 191 16s., so that the ag- gregate loss to the Company was no less than JE543. This sum divided between the 275 colliers employed meant 21 19s. each-the amount claimed from each defendant. He did not know whether his friend, would en- deavour to justify the conduct of the men in this case. He (Mr. Kenshole) did not see what kind of justification there' could be for William D. Williams, manager of the Wee- tern Pit of the Ocean Colliery, was then called. He supported the opening state- ment of Mr. Kenshole as to the circumstances which led up to the stoppage. When he saw the men were not going down on October 2nd he had a conversation with Mr. Thomas Williams, the Federation secretary, who told him that a meeting was to be held to con- sider the business—meaning the dismissal or a man named Edward Williams for filling dirty coal. Witness advised the men to go to work for that day, but they declined. The pit was stopped until the following Monday- from the Wednesday. Mr. Nicholas: The men went back as the result of negotiations between the manage- ment and the men's representatives? >1 can't say. They were with the management. Do you mean to suggest that they did not got to work on an understanding that the question in dispute was to be referred to the Conciliation Board? They went back on that consideration?—Yes. Do you know the matter is before the Board to-day?—Yes. The management have been cropping men for filling dirty coal?—Yes. Th(y da1.m that if a man ftends up a quan- tity of coal which is not of the proper charac- ter—containing foreign substances—they have a, right to'deduet from the weight of the tram of coal the weight they think proper in the circumstances of the- case?—Yes, sir. On the Saturday preceding the strike Wil- liams sent up two trams of voal?—Yes, sir. You had reason to find fault with them ?— Yes. Yes. THE SYSTEM OF CROPPING." Did you say anything about the first tram? -We cropped the first. [ What weight did you crop ?—2 cwt. What was the foreign substance you com- plained of?—Brass, sir. J What was the weight of the brass?—77 or 781bs. So that because a man fills 771bs. of brass you crop him 2cwt. in his weight ?—That :8 so. And plus that you dismissed him?—No, sir. You suspended him then ?—We did not dis- miss him until he sent up a second tram. Very well. You punished him for the first tram, and dismissed him afterwards?—Yes. This question of cropping'' has been a burning one at the Ocean Colliery for some time past?—Yes. The men actually gave notices on the 1st Augiist?-Yes. And they withdrew them on the 31st?— Yes, about that date. It is common knowledge that the stoppage of this man Williams and the cropping of his weight brought matters to a climax?—I ex- pect so. Did a deputation .meet you on Tuesday night?—No, they met Mr. Owen. There was a meeting of the men after- wards?—I cannot say. Do you say you knew nothing about that meeting?—We are not supposed to know, Mr. Nicholas. You are not supposed to know, but unfor- tunately you have a knack of getting to know what we are. doing. (Laughter.) Come. you knew there was a meeting, didn't you?—We could draw an. inference. (Laughter.) The deputation met Mr. Owen on the sub- ject of the re-instatement of Williams?—Yes. Then the deputation conveyed the result of their interview to a meeting of the men who had sent them ?—I cannot say. I don't know the routine of the- business. It's a natural inference to draw?—I should not like to commit myself. It is evident they would have to convey the manager's answer back?-Not of neces- sity that night. [ The next- morning they asked your permis- sion to hold a meeting on the pit top?—Yes. And you declined?—Yes, 1 suggested they should hold it after the day's work. Because of your declining to give permis- sion for the meeting, they would not go down ?—They did, not. This was a colliers' question, but one hears in these, days of A "SYMPATHETIC STRIKE." Have you heard that expression ?—I cannot say I have. It is an expression one often hears in these days. Assuming that the hauliers have a grievance, the colliers often stand out with them, and vice versa. Have you ever known colliers going to work when the Hauliers have been out on strike?—There would be no use them going. I agree. Did the hauliers in any way dis- sociate themselves that. morning from the general body of workmen?—They did not go, that's all I know. Then they did, not dissociate themselves?— Yon can draw an inference. (Laughter.) Yet you seek to make the poor colliers re- sponsible for the whole of the loss?—Yee. In re-examination., the witness -stated that the other colliers were not in any way affected by the case of Williams, and he was dismissed because he sent up a second tram of dirty coal. He had no knowledge of a meeting of the men on the Tuesday nirrht. As to the proposal to hold a meeting on the pit top, why did you refuse nermission?—It was contrary to my instructions. And if you had allowed a meeting to be held, it would have been impoesiblo for the men to be at their work in time?—Yes. The hauliers had nothing to do with this matter ?—No. The Chairman You say you cropped the weight of the first tram by 2 cwt., though there was only 771bs of brass. Why did you deduct so much?—Witness: In order to call attention to it. But why 2 cwt. ?—It is done as a punish- ment, sir. Mr. Nicholas: Did a single haulier present himself for work on the three ensuing days? —I did not see any. W. P. Thomas, chief accountant of the Ocean Collieries, gave evidence as to the Com- pany's loss in stan-diniz charges and profits. The output of coal was calculated on the average of the preceding fortnight. The witness was cross-examined- on various details in the statement of the standing charges, and at the close Mr. Kenshole inti- mated that this concluded the case for the prosecution. THE DEFENCE. Mr. Nicholas, without calling evidence, id- dressed their worships on the question of damages. There was no justification in law for the breach of contract, and had the men consulted him he should have advised them to get the matter referred to the Conciliation Board, which was the proper tribunal. But he wished to point out that the stoppage was a sympathetic one, and entailed a great sacri- fice on the part of the men, even if they aver- aged the wages at only 5s. per day. The stoppage was on account of a. principle, and was not caused by the dismissal of Williams, though that brought it to & head. He con- tended that the company, instead of dividing the damages as between the 275 colliers, should have divided them amongst the whole of the men who were absvnt; as this was not an actioni for conspiracy, but for breach of contract, and as such each man was only re- sponsible for his own breach. Mr. Nicholas having dealt at length with the items of claim, The Bench awarded £ 1 damages, including costs, in. each case.

Coal Conciliation Board. The Conciliation Board for the coal trade of Monmouthshire and South Wales met on Saturday at Cardiff. Mr. F. L. Davis pre- sided over the owners' side, and Mr. W. Brace, M.P., over the workmen's side. The Coegnant Stoppage.—The owners' re- I presentatives complained of a stoppage of work without notice at North's Navigation Coegnant Colliery in August last, and pointed out that the stoppage was a breach of the- Conciliation Board agreement. As the men had gone back to work after one day's stop- page, no action was taken in the matter. Western Colliery.—The question at Messrs. the Oceam Coal Co.'s Western. Colliery in re- ference to cropping was referred back to the company and the workmen to make further efforts to settle at home. Disputes Pending.—The following disputes were referred each to the two representatives named :—Messrs. North's Navigation Collier- ies (nightmen), to Messrs. H. E. Grey 3",1 D. Watts Morgan; Messrs. Insole's New Seam, Cymmer, to Messrs. Henry Martin and er- non Hartshorn.

For £1,000 a side, the managing director of the Rover Motor-Cab Syndicate has made a wager that he will run a Rover motor-car from Land's End to John o' Groat's against any other malre of car, British or foreign.

I THE MAESTEG BIGAMY CHARGE. -C ASTONISHING STORY RELATED IN THE POLICE-COURT. At Neath on Monday afternoon, before the Mayor (Mr. W. E. Rees) and Mr. Hopkiu Jones, David John Rees, underground haulier, now living at 14 Blosse-street, Nantyffyllon, and a reservist of the Royal Field Artillery, was brought up on re- mand charged with feloniously marrying 1 one Maxt-ha, Davies, at the Neath Registry Office, on the 14th of December, 1906, his former wife, Margaret Ann, to whom he was piarried on the 23rd of August, 1893, at the same place, being then alive. Mr. Matthew Arnold appeared for the pro- secution, and Mr. A. Jestyn Jeffreys for the defence. Richard Alford, certified bailiff, Neath, said that he was a witness to the first mar- riage. William John Lloyd, collier, 10 High-street, Skewen, produced the certificate of the cere- mony of marriage which took place between prisoner and Martha Da vitolS. In the second certificate nisoner was described as a widower and the bride as a widow. Martha Davies, of Nantyffyllon, was asked by Mr. Arnold if she was a single woman. Mr. Jeffreys: I object. Until we have been found guilty of bigamy I am going to contend that the marriage with the present witness is a lawful one, and that being so you are not entitled to give evidence against her hus- band. The Clerk: She is not obliged to say whether she is single or married. Mr. Jeffreys: Then I contend that her name is Martha Rees for the present. William John Rees (19). cashier, of 12 Lake's-court, Neath, said he was a son of the prisoner by the first wife. He met his father about ten months ago, near the Neath Police- station, and they had a chat. Cross-examined: He was born four years before the prisoner was married to his mother. He remembered a man named James Fisher living with his mother at Merthyr. It was a long time ago, and he did not remember when. He bad not heard that 'his mother had been killed in a drunken brawl at Pontypool. His mother and Fisher went about as husband and wife at Pontypool, Hereford, and Merthyr. Lydia Rees, sister of the first wife, said the latter lived with Fisher for ten or eleven years. Fisher died about a month ago. Mr. Jeffreys submitted that he had no case to answer, because there was no proof that the prisoner knew of the .existence of his first wife when he married the second. The Bench held that no jury would be likely to convict on the evidence, and they, therefore, discharged the prisoner.

MEDAL FOR BRAVE MINERS. WOMEN ELIGIBLE FOR DECORATION. The following is the full text of the Gazette" notice proclaiming the creation of the King Edward medal for bravery in mines and quarries:- Whitehall, October 17th, 1907. The King has been pleased to issue a war- rant under his Majesty's Royal Sign Manual to the following effect,: Edwakb, R. & I. Edward the Seventh, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and of the British Dominions be- yond the Seas, King, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India, to all to whom these Presents shall come, Greeting! Whereas We are desirous of distinguishing by some mark of our Royal favour the many heroic acts performed by miners and quarry- men and others who endanger their own lives in saving or endeavouring to save the lives of others from perils in mines or quarries within Our dominions and in. territories under Our protection or jurisdiction, We do by these presents for Us, Our heirs, and suc- cessors institute and create a new medal to be awarded for such acts of gallantry: Firstly.—It is ordained that the medal slia-'l be of two classes which shall be designated and styled The Edward Medal of the First Class" and The Edward Medal of the Second Class." Secondly.—It is ordained that the Edward Medal of the First Class shall consist of a circular medal of silver with Our effigy on the obverse, and on the revere a design repre- senting the rescue of a miner -iLh the in- scription "For Courage." J Thirdly.—It is ordained that the Edward Medal of the Second Class shall consist of a Circular Medal of Bronze of a similar design. Fotirtbly.-It is ordained that the Medals shall only be awarded to those of Our Faith- ful Subjects and others who, 111, saving w en- deavouring to save the lives of others from perils in Mines and Quarries within Our Dominions and in territories under Our Pro- tection or Jurisdiction, have endangered their own lives and that such award shallbe made only on a recommendation to Us by Our Principal Secretary of State for the Home Department. „ Fifthly.—It is ordainea that the names or those upon whom We may be pleased to con- fer either of these Decorations shall be pub- lished in the London Gazette," and that a Register thereof shall be kept in the Office of Our Principal Secretary of State for the Home Department. Sixthly.—It is ordained that each medal shall be suspended from the left breast and the riband, of. an inch and three-eights in width, shall be dark blue with a narrow yellow stripe on either side- Provided that when the medal is swarded to a. woman it shall be worn on the left shoulder, suspended from a riband of the slime width and colour, fashioned into a bow.. ( Seventhly.—It is ordained that any act ot gallantry which is worthy of recognition by the ward of the Edward Medal, but is per- formed by one upon whom the decoration, has already been conferred, may, on the recom- mendation to Us by Our Principal Secretary of State for the Home Department, be re- corded by a bar attached to the riband by which the medal is suspended; and for every such additional act an additional bar may be added. 1 -I"'Io- Eighthly.—IN oraer to maue sucn pro\IMUU as shall effectually preserve nure these most honourable Decorations, it is ordained that if any person on whom either of such Decor- ations is conferred, be guilty of any crime or disgraceful conduct which, in Our judgment, disqualifies him for the same, his name shall, by an especial Warrant under Our Royal Sign Manual, be forthwith erased from the Regis- ter of those upon whom the said Decoration shall have been conferred, ,and his Medal shall be forfeited. And every person to whom the said Medal is given shall, before receiving the same, enter into an agreement to return the same if his name shall be so erased as aforesaid under this regulation. It s hereby further declared at We, Our Heirs and Successors, shall be the sole judges of the circumstances demandin such forfeiture. Moreover, We shall at all times have power to re-grant a Medal to any person whose Medal may at any time have been forfeited. Given at Our Court at St. James's, the thirteen day of Julv, one thousand nine hundred and seven, in the seventh year of Our Reign.—By His Majesty's Command. H. J. GLADSTONE.

MID-CLAMORCAN GANDIDATE MR. YERXON HARTSHORN ADOPTED AS THE MINERS' CANDIDATE. A meeting of the Mid-Glamorgan lodges of the South Wales Miners' Federation was held at Aberavon on Monday to consider the ques- tion of the Parliamentary representation of Mid-Glamorgan. Mr. Thomas Lucas, Og- more, presided. There were 32 delegates present, representing 12,730 miners and 316 lodges in the district. There were, however, no representatives from the Garw, though that district had been invited to send dele- gates. The meeting was held in camera. A proposal was put forward that the meet- ing should definitely select a Labour candi- date for the Mid-Glamorgan division in op- position to Mr. S. T. Evans. An amendment was proposed that a ballot should first be taken of the lodges in the district. On being put to the vote the original reso- lution was carried, the voting being as fol- lows: — For definite selection .8,415 Against 4,308 Majority 4,107 1 It was thereupon resolved that the meeting should select a candidate, and a delegate pro- posed that Mr. Vernon Hartshorn, miners' agent- for the Maesteg district, should be the candidate. This was seconded. An amendment was proposed that Alder- man John Thomas, agent for the Garw dis- trict, be selected. The vote resulted as follows:- For Mr. Vernon Hartshorn .12,338 For Alderman John Thomas 400 Majority 11,938 )Iajority .1,9, Mr. Hartshorn was thereupon called into the room, amid loud cheers, and the Chair- man announced the result or the ballot. Mr. Hartshorn, in a lengthy reply, said he. would do his best in the interests of the miners of the district, and promised during the forthcoming month to visit the various lodges of the division and state his views political and otherwise. (Loud cheers.)

AT EIN GOHEBWYR.—Dymnnir ar ein gohebwyr ddanfon eu cynyrchion mor gynar yn yr wythnoa ag eydd bosibl.

CARTREF. Buddugol yn Eisteddfod Tabernacl, Maesteg. Gartref anwyl J mae dy ewynion I mi'o salm o hedd Ac yn miwsig dy acenion Lion siriola'm gwedd; Yn fy meddwl, yn ddianghof Cedwi'n fyw yn n&rlun adgof, Byddi byth yn rhan o honof N as dilea'r bedd. Beth sy'n gwnead y ty yn gartref ? Nid y dodrefn drud Enaint serch dyneraf dangnef Leinw'r ty a'i bod Palaa llawn lie trig yoplander,- Bwtbyn llwm aedwyn brinder Oe yw cariad yn y gader, Dyna'r carfcref clyd. 0 mi garwn wel'd cartrefi Cymru'n ddiwahsn Gan eancteiddrwyrfd par yn gloewi, A'u hallorau'n dan; Pordeb grieial a gwirionedd Yn diagleirio yn mbob annedd, A phob eartre'n I'awn tangnefedd, ELyn wnai'n Cymru'n lan. GGRRAN FAB. e

ADGOF. Llinellaa cyflwynedig i fy hen gyfaill, Mr. John Watkins, gynt o'r Court Column Hotel, Nantymoel, ar ddydd gylch marwolaeth ei wraig. Er fod blywddyn wedi myned Er pan roddaiet yn y clai, Yr un anwyl gynt a geraist, Nid yVth hiraeth ddim yn llai; Adgof ar ol adgof ddenant Megis ton yn dilyn ton, Fel allweddau hwy agorant Glwyfau'th fynwee gytiea John. 0 mor bawdd it, dywallb deigryn Ar ol an oedd mor ddi-nam, Mor natariol ag i blontyn Wylo pan dderbynio gam Un o'r gwragedd mwyaf ffyddlon Sangodd daear Daw erioed, Ac o'r maman'r mwyaf tirion YD ngwaelodion bedd a roed. Un heb hoced, twyU, na rhagrith Yn llocbeea yn ei bron, Na'r hambupiaeth ey'n dragyfyth Yn nodwedda'r ddaear boo, Calon fawr agored feddai, Haelionusrwydd ar bob pryd, Mawn gweitbrodoedd a ddylifai Megys ffrwd ddidrai o byd. Y mynweeol gymwynasaa I Ganddi yn ddirgelaidd wnawd, Ar aneirif elueenau Na ddatguddir byd ddydd brawd, Nid yw'r bael ar cymwynaegar Byth yn cadw twrw mawr, Ond er byny bydd yn gwaegar Fel y rbosyn beraidd sawr. Heb bebraster fe alleeid Dwey'd am dani-" wele un Oedd bob ameer yn arferyd CydymdeimUd. a'i chyd ddyn." Bu i mi am hir flynyddau 'N jormdogea hawddgar iawn, A chyn^nofe^ii'i rbinweddau Hoffwn wnetw pe'n aaeddu'r dawn. Cymer gyeur gvfaill anwyl Yn y ffaith it wneud dy ran Gyda'r hon Y'I) buno'i noewyl Yn mbriddellau oar y Llan Collaisb gynghor, collaist gwmoi, Derbyn gydymdeimlad liwyr— Un all mylweddoli'r colli, Nob ond y profladol wyr. BES GYMYDOG. ▲

BEDD Y MORWR. Gwely llaith gwaelod y Ili-dam Wynfris donau'r weilgi, Morwyr dewr er mawr ei bri A hilir gan yr beli. Penybonb. WILLIAM OWEN.

OWN DUNRAVEN PLACE, OGMORE VALE. Rbyw fand o gwn a'u ewn pydd—yn yea Cwsg noswaitb i mi beanydd R.ho'entJ ea mawl i'r d- y dydd, A lauDo'r noa yn llonydd. I Ogmore Vale. GWENTPRYN JONES.

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