The Glamorgan Gazette

DEVELOPMENTS AT BRYNCETHIN. BYE PRODUCT PLANT. The Euence Cappee Company, of London and Brussels, are now erecting for the Bryn- cethin Colliery Company a large number of Cappee coke ovens, coke ovens for bye pro- ducts, and feldspar coal washerie-s, by coiir tract and mutual arrangement with the col- liery company. The present outlay is esti- mated- at about £ 70,000. This plant will probably be completed in about 18 months, and it is expected that by or before that time it will be found necessary to considerably increase the number of ovens, etc., as the out- put of the colliery is estimated to be con- siderable before the are com- j pleted. Each of the ovens is capable of pro- ducing 40 tons of coke per week. There 's an ample supply of water irom a large pond constructed by the Barrow-in-Furness Com- pany, who formerly owned the colliery.

Settlement at Abergwynfi. Notices were tendered by the workmen at the Great Western Colliery, Abergwynfi, ow- ing to a dispute as to the cutting prices for t the K seam, but at a meeting of the men last week it was decided to withdraw them. Mr. Vernon Hartshorn (miners' agent) said the men claimed Is. lid. per ton. The manage- ment offered, Is. 10d., but would not give more. Mr. Hartshorn and the management had, however, agreed for a- minimum wage of 5s. 4d. a day and percentage, and the meet- ing. decided to waive their claim to the Is. lid. per ton and to withdraw the notices.

Injured Underground.—At North's No. 9 Colliery on Tuesday, Mr. Conway Sutton, of Cwmdu-row, sustained a fractured leg. He was conveyed home on a stretcher by a num- ber of comrades. Social.—In connection with the Bible Class of Saron Congregational Chapel, Nanty- ffyllon, a very interesting social tea was held on Tuesday evening. Mr. W. J. Richards, Gwalia Stores, catered. On the motion of Mr. John Price, seconded bv Mr. W. J. Wat- kins, the best thanks of the meeting were ac- corded the Rev. T. Esgar James for his ser- vices to the class. Tabernacle.—At Tabernacle Chapel on Tuesday evening, under the presidency of Mr. E. D. Joshua, the Rev. W. R. Watkins read an excellent paper at the meeting of the Young P'eople's Society, taking for his sub- ject, A Bird's Eye View of the Baptist Mis- sionary efforts for the last century." The secretary for the session is Mr. J. Gilbert Riohards. Minister's Resignation. Rev. W. R. Watkins, B.A., Tabernacle, tendered his notice in writing to the church on' Sunday evening, and it was read I}y Mr. Henry Joseph (the secretary) and formally accepted. Mr. Watkins, we understand, will complete his ministry at Tabernacle on the 24th Nov. and commence in his new sphere of labour— in Carmarthenshire—on December 1st. Accident.—Mr. Richard Bevan, of Brick- row, Maesteg, met with a serious accident on Tuesday, while following his occupation as miner at the Garth Colliery of Messrs. Elder Dempster and Co. A heavy fall of roof oc- curred' near the place where lie was working. Fortunately, some double timbers were crossed in such a way as to protect him from being completely buried, but a good deal of the debris fell upon him, and it was some time before he could be extricated. Success of a Nantyffyllon Bard.—At the recent eisteddfod at Kenfig Hill, Mr. Thomas Rees (Ap Wengar), of the Wellington Boot Stores, Nantyifyllon, was the successful com- petitor in the elegy to the late Mr. W. Powell. The absence of the poetical nora- de-plume Ap Wengar" of Mr. Rees, may possibly not have distinguished the winner from the several others of tnesame names in the field of literature at Nantyffyllon. Bible Society.—The Maesteg auxiliary of the British and Foreign Bible Society held their annual meeting at Ebenezer Chapel, Garth, on the 23rd ult. The chair was taken by Mr. J. Silvan Evans, B.A.. and an inter- esting and instructive address on the work, and aims of the parent society was delivered by the Rev. Howell Powell, Pembroke. The Rev. S. Williams proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Powell, which was seconded by the Rev. Teify Davies. The chairman also tendered the thanks of the society to Ebene- zer Church and to the Rev. R. Walters (pas- tor) for the loan of the chapel. The balance sheet, as read by the secretary (Mr. R. J. Jones) showed that E21 had been collected. The Rev. jl. Powell suggested that the churches in the town should see that every household was provided with a copy of the Scriptures at Christmastide. Landlady Assaulted.—Benjamin Richards, a collier, of Nantyffyllon, Maesteg, was charged at Bridgend on Wednesday (before Messrs. Oliver Sheppard and J. M. Randall) with refushing to quit the Elderbush Hotel, Nantyffyllon, on May 5th last, and with as- saulting the landlady, Mrs. Jones. Mrs. Jones said that on the 6th May she re- quested defendant to leave the house, but he refused to do so, and struck her a violent blow in the breast, from which she suffered for some time. The following day lie came into the hotel and smashed some glasses be- cause she refused to serve him. Inspector Benjamin Evans stated that after the assault the prisoner absconded. The inspector handed in 18 previous convictions, and added that since he had absconded he had been sen- tenced to a month's imprisonment for assault- ing the landlord of a public-house at Llandilo. Prisoner was sent to prison for two months for the assault, and fined JE1 or seven days for refusing to quit, the sentences to run con- secutively. Social.—On the 23rd ult. a pleasant social was held at Zoar Vestry in connection with the Young People's Mutual Improvement bo- ciety, the catering for which was entrusted to Mr. M. D. Thomas (Talbot-street). Those who presided at the tables were Misses Mary Walters, Jones (Peglar's Stores), Lizzie Thomas, Beatrice Evans, L. Richards, and, M. Davies. After the removal of the cloth, the following programme was gone through. Mr. E. Williams, Maesteg House, presiding: —Pianoforte solo, Miss R. A. Is-aac; solo, Miss M. Isaac; recitation. Mr. Willie Ran- dall; solo, Miss E. Evans; pianoforte solo, Miss S. E. Petty; solo, Master David R. Isaac; impromptu speech radjudicator, Mr. J. Rees, mechanic, Coegnant Colliery), prize divided between Mr. Enoch Powell (Post Office) and Mr. Edwin Jenkins; recitation, Miss A. Walters; solo, Miss S. A. Thomas; pianoforte solo, iuiss b. Garnon; solo, Miss Lily Owen; recitation, M'r. Edwin Jenkins; solo, Mr. Wm. Morgan. Ihe usual votes or thanks terminated a splendid meeting. Wedding.—A pretty wedding was solem- nised at Rhuamah Baptist Chapel, Bridgend, on October 21st, the contracting parties being Miss Frances Jane Williams (Fanny), young- est daughter of Mrs. Williams, Salem Cot- tage, N, aiityffyllon, and Mr. Frank Powell Tuck, of Llangynwyd. The bride, who wore a tailor-made navy blue costume with large picture white hat trimmed with chiffon and plumes, was accompanied by her sister, Mrs. E. A. Hughes as briesmaid. Mr. David Stephens, The Surgery, Cwm, near Newport, and nephew of the bridegroom, acted as best man. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. D. C. Howells, Nantyffyllon, who was assisted by the Rev. C. P'. Thomas, of Zion, Maesteg. The bride was given away by her brother, Mr. John Robert Williams. After the ceremony, the wedding party adjourned to Graham Temperance Hotel, Bridgend where a sumptuous wedding breakfast had been prepared. Later in the day the happy couple, who are both well known and highly respected in the district, left for Hereford- shire, where the honeymoon is being spent. Presentation at Salem.—An interesting function took place at Salem Church on Mon- day, under the auspices of the Young People's Society, when Mrs. Bodicombe (nee Miss Sarah Parry) was presenteo. with a handsome silver biscuit basket, upon leaving the district for Pontardawe. The presentation was made by Mrs. Griffiths, 39 Picton-street, who spoke in eulogistic terms of Mrs. Bodicombe's faith- ful attendance at the Young People's meet- ings, and of the great interest she had always taken in the society. She asked her to ac- cept the present as a slight token of the esteem and respect in which she was held. The Rev. D. C. ilowells and Mr. John Doder- isk, D.C., president of the society, also made eulogistic references to Mrs. Bodicombe and the services she had performed in connection with the church. Whilst regretting her de- parture from the district, she had their heartiest wishes for success and happiness In her new home. Mrs. Bodicombe, who was deeply moved by the spontaneous expressions of appreciation, suitably responded. A Male Voice Party, to be known as the Nantyffyllon United Male Voice Party, has just been inaugurated' at Nantyffyllon, and Mr. David John (Dewi Llyfnwy) has been ap- pointed conductor. Mr. Onslow P. Tra- herne, J.P., Bryngarw, has consented to be the president, and Mr. Jenkin Jones, M.E., manager of Caerau Colliery, the vice-presi- dent. The following gentlemen have con- sented to form the committee: Messrs. Evan Maddock, John Elias, W. J. Richards, A. J. Williams, Thos. Rees, D. J. Kinsey, Thomas Rees (Boot Shop), W. Woolway, Robt. Harding, James Griffiths, loan John, John Roderick, D.C., John Evans, David Evans (Picton-street), Richard Davies (Station-ter- race), S .H. Hadley, Joseph Lewis, Henry Evans (builder), Rhys Powell, D. Williams (draper), E. J5. Kinsey, and David Hutchings. The chairman of the committee is Mr. Robert Harding, and the chairman of the party Mr. John Evans. The joint secretaries are L Messrs. o. H. Hadley and J. R. Jenkins. The accompanist will be Mr. E'. Kinsey.

Maxims by Aupt Eliza. The best is dhetapest in the end. Don't go further and fare worse. Don't spoil the ship for a ha'porth of tar. Penny wise, pound foolish." Stick to Puritan Soap—you know what it can do, it never changes—it is always pure.

MID-GLAMORGAN. MINERS' EXECUTIVE AND THE RECENT DECISION. RESOLUTION DISREGARDED. A BALLOT TO BE TAKEK. At a meeting of the Council of the South Wales Miners' Federation', held ab Cardiff, on Monday, over which Mr. W. Abraham, M.P., presided, a letter was read from the secretary of the conference that had recently been held of the miners in the Mid-Glamorgan division, for the purpose of considering the question of selecting a Labour candidate, and intimat- ing that the result of the conference was that Mr. Hartshorn had been selected. After a discussion, it was resolved that inasmuch as the council had made pro- vision for making this selection by ballot, the workmen be instructed to take a ballot of the men resident in the Parliamentary division. The paragraph given above is the official report of the proceedings. From other sources it has been ascertained that a very heated discussion took place on this question. The supporters of Mr. Hartshorn contended that the choice of the conference should be accepted as the desire of the whole of the miners in Mid-Glamorgan. On the other hand, it was stated that the conference did not represent the majority of the workmen. Many of those present at the conference sup- ported the claims of Alderman John Thomas, as an older representative of the miners than Mr. Hartshorn, and at the council meeting Mabon had great difficultv in preserving order. Voices, as well as feelings, ran high, and Mr. Hartshorn denied the right of the council to over-ride the decision of the con- ference. There was much turmoil for a time, many members being on their feet simultaneously. It was pointed out to Mr. Hartshorn that a ballot of the whole of the members should be taken, but this Mr. Hartshorn and his supporters would not agree to. He had been selected as Labour candidate for the divi- sion, and refused to give way. Matters were assuming a rather ugly aspect, but the president, with his usual suavity, succeeded in calming the turbulent elements, and a vote was taken on a resolu- tion whether there should be a ballot of the members of the Federation in Mid- Glamorgan to select a candidate. A resolu- tion in favour of this procedure was carried by twelve votes to six, ana it is understood that this vote will decide the claims of Alder- man John Thomas and Mr. Hartshorn. STATEMENT BY MR. HARTSHORN. Seen by a reporter, Mr. Vernon Hartshorn was asked what led up to the discussion. He said:—"Well, I can only-mention what led up to my selection by the Aberavon confer- ence. In accordance with the circular issued by the Executive Council last December, nom- inations were received for a Labour candidate for Mid-Glamorgan. All those nominated- withdrew with the exception of Alderman John Thomas and myself. We fixed a date for a meeting of representatives from the five mining districts included in Mid-Glamorgan, and a conference was held at Aberavon. Alderman John Thomas was not present, but the Ganv, his district, was represented by Mr. Evan David, the Garw district secretary. That conference resolved itself into a sort of committee to carry out the procedure laid down by the Executive Council in their De- cember circular, and Mr. Evan David was selected as chairman, and Mr. Thomas Griffiths, Caerau, as secretary. That con- ference was adjourned to see if a ballot be- tween Alderman Thomas aiid myself could be avoided. I afterwards wrote Alderman Thomas explaining the position, and I sug- gested to him that it was high time the pre- liminaries had been got over and that if he intended to go to a ballot we should get t over as speedily as possible. I assured him that if he secured more votes in the ballot than I did I should loyally support- him. Re- ceiving no reply from him, the next time I met him at the Executive Council I spoke to him, and the result was that the five miners' agents of the division fixed up a date for a meeting to be held at Aberavon to make the final arrangements for a ballot. At that conference all the districts were represented with the exception of the Garw. The other districts expressed a desire to avoid what they regarded as the unnecessary expense of a ballot and referred the whole matter to the Executive Council. When it arose at the Council, Alderman John Thomas was notvpresent, and as it was deemed advisable that he should be present when the matter was discussed, it was placed on the agenda for the next meeting, and he was notified of it by the general secretary. At the adjourned meeting, a note was re- ceived from the Alderman that he had an- other appointment and could not attend. The executive then decided that another con- ference should he convened, and that was held at Aberavon on the 21st October. At that conference the Garw district were not repre- sented, although they had been invited. All the other districts agreed to the 21st, but the Garw seemed to be under the impression that the conference was merely a move on the part of the Mae-steg district. But be that as it might, the Aberavon conference de- cided not to have a ballot, but to select a can- didate. When the decision of the Aberavon conference was referred to at the Executive to-day the question arose as to whether the Executive had or had not given the confer- ence plenary powers to settle the matter. About half the Council thouerht full power had been given, and half thought it had not. But having regard to the divisions which ex- isted and to the fact that the method of pro- cedure had previously been laid doAvn in the December circular, and Avas being carried out in two other coiistitUPileieS iiaiiiet- East Glamorgan and East Carmarthen-it was con- sidered advisable, for the sake of uniformity, that a ballot should be taken in Mid-Glamor- gan. The man who proposed this was amongst those who considered the Aberavon conference had power to dispose of the mat- ter. Whatever the decision of the ballot may be, I shall loyally abide by it. To win Mid- Glamorgan it is necessary to have perfect unity amongst the forces of Labour." ALDERMAN THOMAS INTERVIEWED. Alderman John Thomas was also inter- viewed by a Press representative, and said — A letter was read at the Executive to-dav from Maesteg reporting the action of the meeting held at AberaAon a week ago to-day, and, as I took it, they wanted the Executive to confirm what had been done there. I said I was prepared to accept the decision of that meeting, because it appeai-ed to me that it would be a fight between the I.L.P. and a Progressive, and that being so, it would give me the chance, and many others besides, of supporting the man of my choice. The Exe- cutive would not have that, and they wanted to know why the Garw was not represented at Aberavon. I said that I had had no in- timation of that meeting at all, but that a letter had been sent to my district by the Maesteg district informing them that a con- ference would be held at Bridgend in the first place and on the 21st October. After that there came another message to my dis- trict to say the meeting would be held at Aberavon. My district took exception, as they would not be led oy maesteg or its agent, and they decided not to send a delegate. This decision was arrived at after I had left the district meeting. I made my decision very clear to-day at the Executive that I would not support the I.-u.P. against a Pro- gressive. In the end the majority of the members of the Executive held that the Aber- avon meeting was not in order because they had not carried out the instructions of the Executive for a ballot. The ballot will now* be taken at once. and I have only to awajt its decision. I cannot say more on the matter at present." MEETING OF MAESTEG WORKMEN. At a meeting of colliery workmen at Maes- teg on Monday night Mr. Hartshorn ex- plained what had taken place at the Execu- tive Committee at Cardiff that day. There was considerable dissent from the decision to have a ballot as between himself and Aid. Thomas, but on the strong recommendation of M!r. Hartshorn the meeting resolved to jArtioipate in the ballot, and unanimously decided to vote for Mr. Hartshorn.

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PRESENTATION AT MAESTEG. On Monday evening an interesting presen- tation meeting was held at Canaan, Welsh Congregational Chapel, when Mr David Rees, secretary of the church, was made the recipi- ent of a beautiful illuminated address and a gold watch and chain in recognition of the services he has rendered to the church. The Rev. D. John (pastor) presided, and in an opening address said Mr. Rees had been exceedingly faithful for many years. He claimed to have had sufficient knowledge of him to testify to his untiring efforts and marked ability as secretary—any church might well be proud of such an officer. Dur- ing the building of the chapel lie carried his work out to the entire satisfaction of all. Mr. Evan Rhys Jones testified to the ex- cellent qualities of Mr. Rees, Avhom he said he had known for 15 years: lie had always found him righteous and self-sacrificing. The edifice in which they Avorshipped would ever suggest itself to him as a memorial to Mr. Rees, whose shoulders had been tight under the burden from its formation; Mrs. Rees had also displayed a prominent parf in the success of her husband, and they felt in- debted to her for the interest she had taken in every movement appertaining to the church work. Mr. David John Jones said he had never known a case in which a testimonial was more deserved that the present. The building of the chapel was entirely due to Mr. Rees's efforts and ability. Mr. Wiiliam Davies, Bridge-street, next spoke, remarking that the testimonial, etc., were. after all, a small tribute for the work Mr. Rees had done on their behalf; he was fully entitled to a greater reward. Mr. Ebenzver Thomas, who had known Mr. Rees for more than 40 years, said the recipi- ent had been church secretary for 24 years— at Carmel and Canaan. At Carmel he car- ried out the erecting of a new vestry, ar- ranged for the supplies" of preachers. He was responsible chiefly for the form. tiow of the church at Canaan, and carried out the secretarial duties in the erection of the new chapel and vestry. In all his work he had shown unique business capabilities. Mr. William Davies, PlasneAvydd, said he had known Mr. Rees 47 years. No one could raise a finger against Mr. Rees and say he I had ever done them the least injustice; he bad always borne an excellent character, and h9 was a true worker. Mr. Rees was blessed with a wife who assisted him in all his under- takings; she had been a great factor in his success. Mr. Daniel King declared that the annual report of the church was enough to convince them of the excellent qualities of Mr. Rees as a church secretary; he had splendid method, and was very painstaking. Professor E. Rees said the recipient fully merited the presentation given him. Mr. David Thomas, secretary of the pre- sentation movement, read the contents of the address in the vernacular. which contained a high eulogy of Mr. Rees's services as secre- tary of the church from its formation—Oct. 20th, 1901. The address was signed by Rev. D. Johns (minister), Messrs*. John Evans (treasurer), T. King juavies, Ebenezer Thomas, William Davies, Evan Rhys Jones. John Jones, John Evans, and David Thomas (deacons). Mrs. Rees (Temple-street) presented Mr. Rees with the address in a few well chosen words. Mrs. Lewis, Brynrhic, TIresented the watch and chain, in a neat sceech. Mr. D. Rees suitably responded, stating he felt A'ery indebted to his wife for the assist- ance she had given in the performance of his duties. M'r. David Evans said he. nad been a pupil in Mr. D. Rees's class for 13 years; he was a most faithful teacher. Mr. John Evans said they were recognising a workman that evening who bore a sterling character. Mr. David Watkins said Mr. Rees had been entitled to this recognition for many years. Mr. T. King Davies added his testimony to the sterling qualities of Mr. and Mrs. Rees. and concluded bv reading a portion of poetry composed by a fi-ieiicr. Revg. T. Esgar James. Saron. amd D. Morris, LlangynAvyd, also delivered addresses. The speeches were intersnersed by an organ recital by Mr. D. E. Jones( organist- of the church) and solos and recitations by Mr. Ed- ward Davies, PlasneAvyod. Mr. Josiah Thomas (flute solo), Mr. Allen, Mrs. May Thomas, and Professor E. Rees. The usual votes of thanks terminated the meeting. ME. DAVID REES. MBS. DAVID REES.

THE MAESTEG THEFT CHARGE. FEDERATION OFFICIAL EXONERATED. "CASE DOES NOT FINISH HERE." Considerable interest was evinced at Bridg- end Police-court on Saturday in the ad- journed hearing of the charge of theft against If John Powell, Alma-road. Maesteg, at the in- stance of Thomas* Jones, of the same street, a collier. The allegation against the plaintiff. who is the treasurer of the No. 9 lodge of the Miners' Federation, was that he stole two sticks of celery and a cabbage, value 9d. in all, from the defendant's garden on the night of October 14th. Mr. J. R. Snape (Maesteg) again appeared for the prosecution, and Ald. T. J. Hughes for the defence. At the previous hearing prosecutor gave evidence to the effect that he saw Powell near the gate of his garden, and after a scuffle, de- fendant escaped. Witness finding some celery near by gave chase; he alleged that he saw defendant enter his house and heard the key turn in, the door. he gave information to the police. Inspector John Sansome was now called. He deposed that he went to defendant's house and knocked loudly three or four times. Some minutes elapsed before Powell came to the door, and he appeared as if he had come from bed. Jones charged him with the theft and defendant immediately denied it, adding that he had been at Nalltyftyllon until 8.30. Witness saw that defendant's hands were dirty. Asked to show his boots, defendant produced a slipper, but witness found the boots under the table and found that they were covered with garden soil. Witness com- pared the boots with the footprints near the celery bed in. complainant's garden, and found that they corresponded, as near as possible as regards size and shape. The witness, re- plying to Mr. Snape. said he received fre- quent complaints as to thefts from gardens in the vicinity of Alma-road. Alderman Hughes: Then there is some thief in the habit of robbing gardens?—Yes. Defendant has small boots?—Yes. And for all you know the thief who habitu- ally robs these gardens may wear small boots? --kes, boys go in the gardens very often. When you got to the house it was obvious to you that these people AAcre ON BAD TEEMS with one another?—Oh. yes; they were talk- ing together in an angry tone. It foiloAvs that Powell was excited ?-He was very excited. When you asked for his boots and he pro- duced a slipper it was obvious to you that he was not attempting to mislead?—I did not think he was trying to mislead. It was due to excitement r-I think so. I did not regard it as suspicious. Was there any attempt so far as you know. to put you off the sceat ?-No. not at all. Whatever question I asked was answered. Powell and his relatives were anxious that you should find out everything you could there and then ?—Yes. Did you regard the delay which took place, before Powell .answered the knock as suspi- cious?—I did at first, but not when he came to the door in night attire. Defendant has a garden?—Yes. Is there celery there?—Yes, sir. Did defendant invite you to see it?- Yes. What character does Powell bear in the place?—A good character. Have you ever heard the slightest sugges- tion against his honour or honesty in any Avay?—No, never, sir. By Mr. Snape: When he got to the house Powell told Jones Yon stole two of my fowls once, and ate them" Jones denied the accu- sation. The celery in defendant's garden was not of much account. Sergt. Rees Davies gave corroborated evi- dence, find said defendant, AA;hen he opened the door to the Inspector, said he had been asleep- Alderman Hughes: As a result of the high words between Powell and Jones were BOTH EXCITED, Powell especially? Witness: Yes. By the Chairman He thought it a very long time before the door was opened, and after he saw the dirty hands he thought it suspicious. Alderman Hughes: If he had been fast asleep would it have been too long a time? Witness: No. Inspector Sansome, re-called, was asked by the Chairman whether he oarticularly noticed the defendant's hands, and replied in the affirmative. Was it ingrained dirt or loose?—I could not say it was loose: it looked as if it was in- grained. I smelt his hands, and there was no smell of celery. If he had been pulling celery and it was celery dirt, do you think his hands would have smelt of it?—Yes, I think they would have held the smell of celery for two hours if they were not washed. Alderman Hughes: That was Avhy you smelt them ?—Yes. At the request of Alderman Hughes, defen- dant held up his hands, and they had a dirty appearance. Defendant eaid this was the natural colour. The Chairman said the magistrates had come to the conclusion, that defendant had no case to answer. The only SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE was that the defendant's boots were dirty garden soil, but it could not be suggested that this Avas sufficient- evidence to condemn him, especially as he had a garden of his own —the dirt may have come from his own gar- den. It had been stated that thefts from gardens had been frequent in that district, but the Bench could not for a moment sup- pose that a man of whom the police gave such an excellent character, should have been the general thief of the district. If defendant had handled the celery, his hands would cer- tainly have. smelt of it when the Inspector ar- rived. The Bench therefore dismissed the case. Alderman Hughes said defendant had six witnesses on his behalf whose evidence would prove, without any question, his absolute in- nocence. In regard to what had been stated as to the garden soil on defendant's boots, it was fair to Powell to say that a witness, who held a public position at Maesteg. would have told the Bench that that evening defendant was in his garden at xsantyffyllon. helping him. This fact accounted for the dirt on his boots. Of course," added Alderman Hughes, "the case does not finish here."

COMPENSATION AWARDS. At Bridgend County Court on October 24th. before His Honour Judge Bryn Roberts, Keturah Bissett, 1 Blandy Terrace, Ponty- cymmer, sued the Ffaldau Colliery Com- pany. Ltd., under the Workmen's Com- pensation Act, claiming £ 253 10s., with re- spect to the death of her husband. Walter Bissett. which occurred on August 20th, as the result of an accident he met with when following his employment at the colliery. Mr. Bruce, of Messrs. Walter Morgan, Bruce, and Nicholas, Pontypridd rsolicitore to the Garw District of Miners) appeared for the applicant, and stated that the Company had now acknoAvledged the claim, and paid the sum claimed into Court. He asked His Honour to apportion the compensation be- tween the widow and her two children- I Doris (aged .3) and Dilys Mary (7 months). Mrs. Bissett having given evidence, His Honour awarded the widoAv £ 53. and ordered the remainder to be invested for the benefit cf the children, the widow to receive 106. a Aveek towards the maintenance of the child- ren. Mr. Bruce also appeared for Emma Evans, of Cefn House, Cefn Cribbwr, AVIIO sued Bald- win's, Ltd., under the Compensation Act. Mr. Bruce stated that £ 300. the amount win's, Ltd., under the Compensation Act. Mr. Bruce stated that t.300, the amount which the applicant claimed for the death of her husband, had been paid into Court.— From the particulars of claim, it appeared the applicant's husband was a collier in the employ of the respondents, and on the 4th June, he met with a fatal accident, being buried by a fall of coal. Mrs. Evans was left with three children—aged 15. 14, and 8 years respectively. His Honour made an order apportioning the money. The Ffaldau Colliery Co. had paid into Court P.291 17s., the sum claimed by Eliza- beth Ann Davies, Blaenga w Farm, Blaen- garAV, as compensation for the death of her husband, Thomas Davies. The deceased had been employed as a collier under the respon- dents, and on June 13th, lie was run over by trams, sustaining fatal injuries. Mr. Bruce, for the applicant, applied to His Honour to apportion the money betAveen the widow and her son. David John, a<red 12 vears. His Honour gave the widow £ 100, and ordered the remainder to be invested for the son. The sum of 9265 19s. 3d. had been paid into Court by the Ffaldau Colliery Company in settlement of the claim of Jane Thomas. 17 Biandy-terrace, Pontycymmer, whose hus- band was injured at the Ffaldau Colliery on July 29th. and whose death occurred some days later as the result of the accident. On the application of Mr. Bruce, the Judge ap- portioned the money between the widow and her three children, aged 13, 7 and 5 years re- spectiveh*. Ellen Elizabeth Smith. 54 King's-terrace, Na, claimed E278 17s. from North's Navigation Co.. as compensation for the death of her husband. Robert Francis Smith. The money had been paid into Court. The der-eased was a collier, and on June 11th he received iriuries through a fall of roof at the Coeenant Colliery hi" death occurred on June 20th as the result of the accident. An application to His Honour by Mr. Evan E. Davies (solicitor to the Maesteg District of the South Wales Miners' Federation) on be- half of the widow, for the usual apportion- ment of the monev between her and her children, wps complied with.

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THE RESERVOIR ARBITRATION CONTRACTORS HUGE CLAIM. ANOTHER WEEK'S HEARING. Mr. Muir Mackenzie again sat as official referee at the LaAV Courts on October 24th to continue the hearing of the claim by Messrs. John Jones and Son, of Neath, for £46,110 13s. Id. against the Maesteg Urban District Council for work done in connection with the construction of a reservoir and for damages for the stoppage of the work. Mr. Acland, K.C., and Mr. Ricketts (instructed by Messrs. Mackrell and Co.) were for plaintiffs; Mr. S. T. Evans, K.C., and Mr. Hutchinson (instructed by Messrs. Helder, Roberts and Co., agents for Mr. Scale) were for the defence. Mr. Diggle, for the District Council, again entered tHe Avitness-box, and said what he saw in the tunnel and the trench indicated disturbed, ground or an extensiA-e character. There was also every lacinty ior the escape or water; every physical condition pointed to that. The Official Referee: Where would the avater escape from?—.from the bottom and round each end of the dam—in iact, every- AAiiere.—Witness deait in detail with the re- sults of the pressure oi water and the leak- ages. RESERVOIR WOULD BE EMPTY. The Official Referee: That means that m a long dry summer the reservoir would be empty ?—That is so sir, and I am aware of a case in point. In answer to mr. Hutchinson, witness said at present he saw no evidence of a watertight bed being found in this case at any depth. Beyond that he could not go. Mr. Hutchinson In your opinion, would t be sound engineering practice to construct the dam wholly of puddle?—Certainly not. This is partly ot concrete and partly of puddle?—Yes, mostly of putrdle. What would you suggest?—As an engineer I would not proceed with the matter further, but if I were instructed to proceed with it and make the best of it, 1 should certainly fill in the trench with concrete wholly. Hav you considered the ultimate cost of constructing an efficient reservoir on this site —safe and not full of leaks?—No man living' can really tell you that. All I can say 's what it will cost to fill up the trench. You might have to go a thousand feet down before you arrive at a watertight bed for your dam. Would the cost be reasonable or consider- able?—Very considerable. Assuming the present foundation to be Avatertight, you could not complete it for less than £75,000, including the £20,000 already spent. Even that you might have to double or treble or more than that. Replying to the Official Referee, the wit- ness said to complete the work with concrete instead of puddle would be a saving of about £5,000. FAIR REMUNERATION. Witness was then taken through the items in the account sent in by the plaintiffs to the defendants, criticising many of the charges, and handing in what he considered would be fair remuneration. Perhaps the greatest difference of opinion existed as to the charge for plant. The plaintiffs claimed £ 9,227, the original cost. but the witness estimated the realisable value at £3,727. or £5,500 less, considering that the plant's maintenance had been more than paid for. Witness was under cross-examination the whole of the afternoon. The hearing was again adjourned. On Friday, Mr. Diggle, for the District Council, again entered th witness-box, and was cross-examined by Mr. Acland as to his estimates compared with the plaintiff's charges. Once Mr. Acland remarked, "You will not admit it. but I have made my point," and the witness promplty replied, I do not agree with you." Mr. S. T. Evans: Substitute another term. Say you have put your point. (Laughter.) Mr. Acland: Very well, I have put my point. Mr. Diggle: That is better. (Renewed laughter.) Witness described some of the plaintiffs' charges as "extravagant and enormous." and added that in very many respects they had been amply paid for what they had done. NO DISLOCATION. Mr. Hutchinson Would not this stoppage of work seriously dislocate the plaintiffs' busi- ness and interfere with their taking other contracts? Mr. Diggle: No. Contractors are always looking for contracts. You cannot stop a contract of this kind at a moment's notice and start it again in the same way?—Yes, practically. No doubt the Council would allow the contractors a week's grace, and that would be ample. They might keep on the foreman in the event of his being a good man, because they are not easy to obtain. As to the other men, they can be discharged at a moment's notice and any number engaged in the same way. There are plenty in the country. That is your answer?—Yes. and a very good one, I think. (Laughter.) You think all your answers are good ones? —Yes, I agree there. (Laughter.) Mr. Robert Alfred Swallbrick, civil en- gineer. and assistant engineer and surveyor to the Thames Conservancy, was called to give evidence of measurements he had taken of the work executed by the plaintiffs. Mr. Acland, K.C., for the plaintiffs, ob- jected to this evidence. he submitted that there was no right under the contract to have any re-measurement of this work at all. The evidence was not merely an attempt to re- open- the certificates given by Mr Humphreys, the Council's' engineer, but also to re-open what had been, called the final certificate of Mr. Middleton. The Official Referee said he considered he ought to hear the evidence, and this from a point of view which mig.1L become material. Assuming that he was in favour of the plaintiffs, that there had been a breach of contract, then all the evidence called as to the amount of work done and the cost of the work must be of assistance to him in estimating the damages. Mr. Acland said he fully aopreciated the attitude of the referee, but he was bound to take the objection in order to reserve his rights. Witness then gave his evidence, and at its conclusion, Mr. Diggle. who was in the box for nearly two days, was re-examined by Mr. Hutchinson, representing the Urban Council. The hearing was adjourned. SURVEYOR GIVES EVIDENCE. On Monday, Mr. Joseph Humphreys, sur- veyor to the defendant Council, a position he has held for 14 years, said he prepared in 1901 the plans for the supply of water to Maesteg. Previously he had assisted in preparing plans for Bridport Reservoir, and was responsible for those for the storage water reservoir at Maesteg. After the plaintiffs had sent in their tender he, in company with Mr. Scale. went down to see them, when they inspected a bill of quantities, specifications, and plans. In the bill of quantities certain alterations were made, and initialled by the plaintiffs. It is true Mr Scale told the plaintiffs that as the bill of quantities had been altered it was not necessary to alter the specifications No; that is incorrect. At that- intervieAv all the necessary documents were signed. The Official Referee: You did not say so at first. Mr. Evans. K.C. Perhaps it was my fault, sir, for the way in which I put the question. The witness described the operations at the reservoir site in detail, and said that for the Avork done, under the bill of qualities, the sealed prices, etc., the plaintiffs were up to the present entitled to £19,885 5s. 3d.. where- as they had actually received 8d. exclusive of maintenance money. Speaking as an engineer, he was of opinion, considering that the ground was full of fissures, very broken and dislocated, and frequently admit- ting water into the trench, it was practically impossible to make a Avatertight reservoir on the site. Cross-examined by Mr. Acland, the witness said he had not previously had experience in the construction of a reservoir, but only in the preparation of plans. From an examina- tion of eleven trial holes on the top of the land above the reservoir, which he made on October 1st this year, he was of opinion there was clay there in an adequate quantity. Witness had previously entertained a con- trary opinion. There was a long cross-examination on the question of clay. Cross-examination continued: The con- tractors struck out a clause and declined to take responsibility for the foundations. NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR FOUNDATIONS. You understood that the contractors would not undertake the responsibility for the foun- dations ?—That is so, but Answer my question first. Was that mat- ter discussed at Neath or not on the evening that the contract was signed P—Well, I am not sure. Do you suggest that the contractors refused the contract if they undertook respon- sibility for the foundation and then signed it accepting responsibility r-Oh, no. Did not Mr. cale say, "Do not strike 't out because he did not want it messed about?—That is not correct. Re-examined He had not seen the whole of the 20 trial holes after Mr. report. Mr. Hutchinson But are you clear in vour mind—— Mr. Acland (laughing): Oh. oh! That is going a bit to far. Mr. Hutchinson- (with asperity): I do not know that you are entitled to laugh at my questions. Mr. Acland (still laughing): Very well; I withdraw the laugh. Witness (continuing) said he had not sug- gested clay could be got from Cwrtsart. He had not of Cwrtsart. The clayfield at the Red Cow abutted on the Port Talbot Rail- way. It would only mean putting in a sid- ing of 200 to 300 yards. He had been at all the meetings of the Council and Mr. Jones, and he neA'er heard the Council suggest there wa-5 clay at Cwrtsart. No one of them knew of the existence of clay ut Owrtsart. Mr. Middleton's assistants and he made indepen- dent measurements. It was upon those measurements that the value of £19.885 was arrived. at. By the Referee: At the intervieAv Mr. Jones had the opportunity of reading every sheet if he so desired. Mr. Robert Horrocks, contractors' agent, clerk of the works at the reservoir, said he had gauged' the Avater in the trench. There was an ave-rage of 30.000 gallons a day. and the bulk of it came from the bottom of the trench. In one day in January the now from the tunnel was 1,600,000 gallons; it was 87,112 gallons per hour. On January 5th, 1906, 2,090,688 gallons of water came from the tunnel. He gauged the water going into the tunnel. The difference between what went in and what came out showed the leak- age in the tunnel. The leakage into the tun- nel was 5.000 gallons per hour. Some obser- vations showed less coming out of the tunnei than AA-ent in. The Court again adjourned. DAM MIGHT FALL. On Tuesday, Mr. Middleton continued his evidence. lie said he inspected the trench in August this year. From what he saAv then, and considering its general condition, he should not, as an engineer, advise the building of a dam there. Having described the fissures, water, and dislocations in the trench, he said that in the tunnel he also discwered three, or at least two. faults. Re- garding the faults he agreed with the evi- dence of Mr. Teddiman. As to the point of view of the safety of the dam, is it possible or impossible to con- struct it on this site?—I fcay a dam can be constructed there that will not fall down un- less by erosion of tHe, puddle. Is that an effect that is likely to be apnrA- hended ?—I think so, unless it is protected by concrete or some otner equally effective material. Witness proceeded to deal with the leakages and springs in the trench, and said there might be very serious leakage through the bed of the reservoir to the west and south- west. The weeps he saw in the tunnel were due to the hydrostatic pressure from some part of the site in proximity to it—A'ery pro- bably the pressure from the weight of water in the reservoir. (Continued on Page 8.)

MAESTEG GROUP OF SCHOOLS. The monthly meeting of the managers of the Maesteg uroup of Schools was held on Fri- day afternoon, when there were present Mr. J. Roderick (in the chair). Messrs, Evan Wil- liams, T. Morgan, T. Griffiths, J. HOAVOIIS, E. E. Davies, C.C., Mrs. Jones, Mr. Nash (archi- tect), Mr. T. Powell (inspector), and Mr. Geo. Williams (deputy clerk). CLEANER, Miss Elizabeth Rees, of 40 Station-street, was appointed out of five. apnlieants as cleaner of Plasnewydd Infants' School, in place of Mrs. Rogers, who had resigned. DEDUCTION. Miss G. N. Jenkins, formerly of Blaenllynfi Schools, wrote complaining that £2 2s. 9d. had been deducted from her salary, presum- ably in consequence of at.sence through a fortnight's illness. Mr. Pbwell promised to bring the matter before Dr. James. SALARY. Miss Annie Barbour, of Tyderwen, Coity Fields, Bridgend, noAV assistant teacher at the Blaenllynfi Schools, Avrote asking the man agers to recommend her an increase of £ 20 in salary. She pointed out that she was en- titled to an increase on account of her dis- tinctions, and travelling expenses from Bridg- end. Mr. Powell pointed out that the distinction scheme was not adopted. It was passed by the Education Committee, but afterwards was rejected by the County Council. The managers agreed that inasmuch as Miss Barbour was paid according to scale, and the travelling expenses could be saved by her removing to Caerau, theA* could not see their way clear to accede to the request. PLASNEWYDD INFANTS SCHOOL. Mrs. Ennis. headmistress of the Plasne- wydd Infants' School. wrote asking the man- agers to recommend the removal of the gallery in the infants' room of livr school, adding that Dr. James upon a recent visit approvea of the alteration suggested. Mr. Nash, in reply to a Question by the Chairman, said he had received no instruc- tions to this effect. Mr. T. Morgan moved, and Mr. J. Howells seconded, that the alteration be carried out, and it was agreed. PLASNEWYDD GIRLS. A letter was read from Miss Ray Morgan, headmistress of the Plasnewydd Girls' School, stating that Miss Dora M. Preece, who was appointed assistant for her school at the last meeting, had not arrived, and probably had withdrawn. With the permission of the man- agers, she would be glad to take Miss Owen, who had been appointed for the Nantyffyllon School. Mr. Powell said he quite agreed with the suggestion. Miss Owen would be very suit- able for a girls' school, and he had arranged for Miss Owen to be transferred to the Plas- newydd Girls' School. The managers agreed to the transfer. NANTYFFYLLON SCHOOL. Mr. Powell recommended the appointment of Miss E. A. Williams for the Nantyffyllon School. She had just come from the train- ing college, and was the daughter of a school master. The managers agreed to recommend M's& Williams for the Nantyffyllon School. OAKWOOD. Miss Francis S. Healy. of Cardiff, was ap- pointed for the Oakwood Infants' School. GARTH DEVELOPMENT. Mr. Nash stated that the sub-committee had considered the managers' recommenda- tion for the acquisition of a piece of land for the extension of Garth School and the price of the land seemed to them enormous. They requested the managers to further consider the advisability of acquiring a senarate piece of land, and arrange separate departments for the boys and girls. In view of this suggestion, which was sup- ported by Mr. Powell, Mr. E. E. Davies pro- posed that an application be made to the County Council for a new school at CNvmfelin. They would then be entitled to special grant for a single school area. Mr. T. morgan, seconded, and it wa agreed. MEASLES. The Inspector reported that the Nanty- ffyllon Schools would be closed for a month on account of an outbreak of measles. MARKING REGISTERS. Mr. John Howells called attention to the unfair system of marking the registers. In some of the schools in the county area child- ren ill were marked off the register to secure high percentages of attendance. He thought the County Council should insist upon a uniform system of marking the registers, and treat all schools alike. It was agreed that the clerk Mr. Franklen to this effect. A