The Glamorgan Gazette

DEBIT AND CREDIT. Tho now County Court Buildings at Bridgend have been opened without demon- stration of any kind. His Honour Judge Bryn Roberts took his .seat at Thursday's Court without making public reference to the. new home in which he will oonduct his local cases in future and to tin- important era in County Court work. Mr. Registrar Rees, however, made a brief reference to the event, and paint-ed out the great increase in County Court- work in the Bridge nd district. A tabular statement we give elsewhere shows the remarkable increase in working during the four years from 1903 to 1906, but going back a. little further, we find that in six year.s the work has trebled, the plaints in- creasfing from 2,693 in 1901 to 7,473 in 190G, and executions from 1,017 to 3.337. As the population of the district during this period has proba-bly increased less than 10 per cent., the figures require a little explaining. On the face, they would appt-ar to indicate a period of severe depression, but it is a matter of common knowledge that. in spite of occa- sional strikes in certain centres, the district as a whole has enjoyed a period of general prosperity in the years referred to. Perhaps a development of the credit system, which has come with the settling down of the min- ing districts, has accounted for a small part of the increase, but the general progress must be attributed to the improvement effected in the staff some yea.rs ago. Ever -since the re- volution was carried out at the offices some years ago the business has grown by leaps and bounds, because tradesmen have been assured that their instructions would be carried out. So that no uneasiness need be felt—save from debt-olrs who at one time could run up bills with a. better prospect of avoiding pay- ment—as to this increased busiYiess indicat- ing an unsatisfactory state of affairs in the district. With additional work in the office, better accommodation wa.s sorely needed than that which has done duty for some years in Queen-street. The new build- ing affords comfort a hie quarters for the staff which are calculated to meet the needs of the district for many years to come. There is a convenient Court-room which is better adapted to the requirements of a County Court than the Police-court room in which it was formerly held1, while the proximity of the registrar's court in the Town-hall, which is connected by a corridor with the new build- ¡ ing. is also a great advantage to litigants. The growth of County Court work, to- gether with the development of the district, brings to the front the important question of the necessity of a Bankruptcy Court for Bridgend. All the other populous and dis- tinct areas in the county have their own official receivers. In addition to titeiirger city of Cardiff and towns of Swansea and Mer- thyr, Bankruptcy Courts Have been estab- lished1 at Pontypridd, Aberda-re. and Neath. Why not Bridgend? It may be stated that | the Bridgend County Court area is less popu- lous than the others—with the possible ex- eeption of Neat!)—but the transaction of bankruptcy work at a distance is none the less in-convenient on that score, and the grow- ing population—estimated in the last police census at 88,898—is certainly sufficient to justify tho establishment of such a, Court in the town. There is also the important fact that practically half of the receiving orders- made in the Cardiff County Court now are against debtors residing in the Bridgend dis- trict. Snch a Court would be of consider- able advantage.' Any small dignity it would add to the town aud any slight trade it might bring may be pa,s:;ed over as unimportant. The chief advantage would be the facility it would give creditors and debtors in attending meetings. When creditors receivl, an inti- mation that they are to receive less than 20s. in the £ from some d'ebtor, they often feel that they would like to attend' the meeting to j ask questions, but the time and expense re- quired in going to Cardiff usually pre- vents them. At the Bankruptcy Court. too, debtors have a locus standi which at present goes by the board, but which might be taken advantage of were the courts held in Bridgend. Of course the question of the establishment of a Court is not one for Bridgend alone. The population of the town is less than one-tenth of the County Court area, and the rateable value is not much more. The question is one for the mining districts and Porthcawl as well. Debtors and creditors from the local valleys could fre- quently come down by one train to attend a meeting and return by the next, where they would not think of spoiling a day in journey- ing to Cardiff. This is a matter which the various District Councils should take into consideration when they are asked to support the petition to be presented to the Board of Trade, and any little jealousies should not be allowed to interfere in a matter which will be an advantage to the whole district. The Bridge nd Chamber of Trade are to be con- gratulated upon acting in the matter, which we hope will be put before Mr. Lloyd George .in a forcible manner.

The various announcements in the Press from time to time to the effect that Mr. S. T. Evans was likely to be appointed to some high office iu the Government or to a Judge- ship have bewi so frequent during the mist few years that they have become almost nau- seating and have been treated alternately with ridicule and amusement in Mr. Evans's ri, 1 own constitnency. But it- appears extremely likely that the vacancy created by the death of Sir Lawson Walton will result in the Mem- ber for Mid-Glamorgan being offered a very high position. It is stated in well informed circles that Sir W. S. Robson. the present Solicitor-General, will be promoted to the Attorney-GeneraLship. and that one of the high legal Members of the House will be ap- pointed his successor. The favourites for the office are Mr. S. T. Evans and Mr. Rufus Isaacs, but the former has by far the greater chances of securing the post. Mr. Evans has a longer record of Parliamentary service, and the Government are not likely, after the dis- astrous defeat last week in Mid-Devon, to risk the re-election of Mr. Isaacs at Reading. Judging from the attitude of the Miners' Federation in the past. it is improbable that the re-election of Mr. S. T. Evans would be contested. The risk of running a candidate against >a popular Welshman, whose appoint- ment would be looked upon as an honour to the Principality, would be too great to st- tempt with any hope of success, apart from the general friendly attitude taken by many of the miners towards Mr. S. T. Evans. In all probably, therefore, Mr. Evans will, if appointed, be returned unopposed. NeealeSs to say, the appointment would be exceedingly popular throughout South Wales. The revival of the great Bridgend Eistedd- fod has been the subject of discussion on several occasions. Usually the Chamber of Trade is the body to consider the advisability of restarting the festival, and in discussing the subject on Monday night they were merely maintaining a sort of reputation. Perhaps the Chamber went a trifle further than hitherto on this occasion, for, after a preliminary skirmish, they resolved to hold a full-dress debate on the subject at tne forth- coming annual meeting. One or two mem- bers gave vent to rather lofty feelings on the I matter, and expressed wonder that the old committee of management allowed the event to fall through, but the secretary and Mr. Powell brought the discussion do~ J) to "nether earth" by explaining that the old eisteddfod did not pay. Lord Dunraven generously gave a; £100 prize for seven years, and exactly this sum was cleared in aid of the Bridgend Cottage Hospital. But this result was only achieved by the aid of sub- scriptions given by townspeople and others, and, therefore, a loss was made on the work- ing of the eisteddfod equivalent to the sum raised by this means. In suggesting a revival of the eisteddfod, it was apparently considered by one or two members that a prize for the chief choral of C20 or £ 25 would be sufficient to indw.ee the best choirs to compete, and draw crowds from 'a considerable distance. We are afraid the speakers are too optimistic. No doubt a good attendance could be secured from the neigh- bouring valleys, even with such a compara- tively small prize, but many could not be expected to come from the- districts of Car- diff, Swansea and the Rhondda. Lord Dun- raven's princely prize drew large crowds be- cause its possession was regarded as an hon- our second only to a willi at the National. However this may he. the Chamber of Trade have left matters until it is too late to act. They have been forestalled by the more en- terprising lights of the Gairw Valley, who are endeavouring to run an eisteddfod on semi- national -at the Bridgend Market-place on Easter Tuesday. For the chief choral— male voice—<a handsome- prize is being offered of £ 50, and OIl Easter Tuesday wo shall see— well, what we shall see. The promotion of this eisteddfod from a disia.Dee is a decided reflection on the enterprise of Bridgend, but so far as the town generally is concerned, we do not know that it is a matter of much con- cern whether the promoters live in Bridgend or outside. The event is being run as a Bridgend affair, and the status and trade of the town should benefit as much, a-s if the pro- motes were townspeople. The Market-hall came in, at the meeting of the Chamber of Trade, for a little oppor- tune criticism as a venue for eisteddfedau. Something should certainly be done to im- prove the acoustic properties of the building, which- is so admirable in other respects for the holding of entertainments. Under the most favourable conditions, it is impossible to hear speaking or singing at the extreme end of the hall, and on Boxing Day hearing was rendered still more difficult on account of a continual hub-bub caused by walking and talking. This extraneous noise could be prevented by providing seats to COVM* the whole building and thus preventing knots of people gathering and engaging in conversation. Tho acoustic properties can be rendered satisfactory almost as simply, but at a greater expense, by providing a sounding board and wires, which could be removed after an entertainment if found to carry sound in such .a degree as to interfere with the market. The provision of this apparati would involve too large an expense for the promoters of any small event to incur, but the Dunraven Estate having provided such a handsome building, would probably not re- fuse to put on a "finishing touch" if ap- proached in the matter. We commend the idea to the Chamber of Trade.

LOCAL NEWS. The Celebrated Lipton's Teas and Provi- sions may be had of the Sole Agent for Bridg- I end—T. Woodward, near The Bridge. THE ANNUAL BALL, 2nd Y.B. Welsh. Bridgend Detachment, win be held at the Drill-hall on Tuesday. February 11th. 1908. For tickets apply to J. E. Daniel or Sergt.- Inst. R. Foster, lion, secretaries. HOPE (NEW) BAPTIST CHAPEL. BUIDGEND.— Opening services, Wednesday, 26th February, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Preachers. Rev. James Baiilie (Bristol), Rev. R. Gordon Fairbairn (Reading). MUSICAL.—Mr. Charles Rill. son of Mr. J. H. Hill, of Angelton Asylum, has been •awarded the Diploma of Associate of the Col- lege of Violinists. He Is a pupil of Mr. Gomer Jones. SOUTH AFRICAN GOLD MEDALLIST.—The numerous friends in this country of Mrs. Abe Jones, late of Nantymoel, and sister of Mrs. Williams. Temple of Fa.shion. will be in- terested to learn that she has just won the soprano gold medal at the Pretoria Eistedd- fod. Mrs. Jones only recently returned to Johannesburg from Bridgend, after spending a holiday here. THE DI-XRAVEN WEDDING.—Irish Society is expected to be- well represented at the mar- riage of Lady Aileen Wyndham-Quin and Lord Ardee at the Guards Chapel 011 Feb- ruary 12th. The future bride and brides- groom have already received a number of beautiful presents, which will all be displayed at the reception given by Lady Dunraven after the wedding at 0 Chesterfield-gardens, which is Lord Donoughmore's house, taken by Lord Dunraven for a few weeks' tenancy. HOSPITAL BALL.—As the fate, of the hospital ball lias been hanging in the balance since last year's funotion. it is gratifying to learn that at a meeting this week it was decided to hold the function again this year, the date fixed being February ot-h. The institution is badly in need of funds, and we trust that the new committee who have* taken the matter )-.p will receive the hearty support and co- operation of all those who have the welfare or onr hospital at heart. All communicaiions should be addressed to the lion, secretary (Mr. C. Fraser Jenkins), who will be pleased to forward tickets and to supply all informa- tion. C-HEis-nAx SOCIALISM was the title of a j paper read by Mr. J. R. Allen on Tuesday night at a meeting of the Wesley Guild. A large number of members were present. M: Allen was. of course, only able to touch tin- fringe of his subject, hut he explained clearly what Christian Socialism is and what its aims are. He dealt with his subject in a manner which conclusively proves his com- plete grasp of Socialism in all its aspects. A lively discussion followed. Messrs. Wester- dale. Hughes. Evans, and others taking part. The chair was taken by Mr. W. H. John, a vice-president of the Guild. HOCKEY.—Bridgend Y.M.C.A. v. Cardiff Y.M.C.A.—Played at Cardiff on Wednesday. The weather was good and the game fast, the half-time score being a goal a-pieee. The homesters scored another goal one minute be- fore time. Harvey played a grand game in goal, and saved many very hot shots. Final score:—Cardiff Y.M.C.A.. 2 goals: Bridgend Y.M.C.A.. 1 goal.—The following team has been seiected to play against Cardiff Hayes at Cardiff next \Ypc]IH,dav: --Goal. H. F. G. Harvey; backs, Y. A. PlPrcy leapt.). Dr. Low; halves, H. J. Randall. W. E. Burgess, and T. C. P. Mules; forwards. A. L. Ward. T. E. Lewis. F. C. Coath. A. Gayhu-d. and H. Rees. Re-serves: G. H. Burgess. George Cameron. W. E. Jenkins, and T. Hughes PARTNERSHIP.—We understand that Mr. Michael Davie^. auctioneer and valuer, ha> taken into partnership Mr. F. Spencer Richards. Mr. Richards is an A.A.I, bv ex- amination. and was articled to Messrs. J. Young and Gore, of Newport, with whom lie- stayed for six years, after which he went to Llandovery to Messrs. Morgan, Rees. and Davies. agriculture auctioneers and valuers. The firm will in future be known as Messrs. Michael Da vies and Richards, and business will be carried on at 15 Wyndham-street. Bridgend, and 21 Talbot-street, Maesteg. In addition to the business of auctioneers, the iirm will undertake accountancy mid t-hr- auditing of accouuts. They will open set^, or tradesmen s account books, and will periodi- cally audit tradesmen's books and prepare balance-sheets if required. BRIDGEND PARLIAMENT.—In the absence of the Speaker (Mr. Michael Da vies) through in- disposition. the lion, member for Burnley (Mr. E. James) was voted to the chair. Ques- tions having been dealt with; the lioa. mem- ber for South Monmouth (Mr Lewis Edwards) gave notice of a motion for the next sitting, viz.. A vote of no confidence in the Govern- ment." on which a division will be taken. The House then went into committee en the Relerendnm Bill. Amendments were moved and the following lion, members took pairt in the discussion:—Messrs. L. Edwards, T. ales, A. Lewis, J. L. Thomas, D. 0. Evans, and O. Lewis. The amendments to clause 1 were accepted by the Government, and all amendent. to clause 2 was also proposed. The following s-coke Messrs. John Lewis, L Ed- wards. W. R. Powell, G. L. Lafferty. J. L. Thomas. D. O. Evans, Amnony Lewis. W. Hopkins, O. Lewis. and G. Britten. SALE OF SHARES.—A number of shares in the Ogmore Valley Electric Light and Power Supply Company, and forming part of the estate of the late Air. Thomas Williams. Brynmenin, were sold by auction at the Dun- raven Hotel, Bridgend, on Saturday by Mr. Howell Williams, auctioneer. Cardiff. Fiftv fully-paid £ 0 shares were sold to Mr. J. J. Curtis. Ogmore Vale, for 1:6 2s. Cd. per share, twenty to Mr. Thomas Thomas for t6 2s. 6d.. twenty to Mr. J. J. Curtis for £ G b. 3d.. and 40 to Mr. J. P. Gibbon. Maesteg, for t6 Is. 3d. Ten £10 debentures were sold at par to Mr. Gwilym Griffiths, Nantymoel twenty t5 shares (£1 paid) were sold To Mr J. P. Gibbon, Maesteg, for tl 6s. per share. The half- yearly interest due on the shares to Decem- ber 31st. was included in the sale. The in- terest on the. ordinary shares is 7, per cent^ and on the debentures £ 5 per cent. Mr. E. Lewis, Bridgend, was the solicitor for the vendois. MOTHER-IN-LAW'S WEDDING PRESENT. CURIOUS ACTION BY MRS. POWELL-WILLIAMS. In the Kings Bench Division, London, on Monday, an action was brought by Mrs. Alice Gcorgi 11 a Powell-Williams, formerly of Broadlands, Bridgend, for the return or its value of L3:20 worth of silver plate. The de- fendant was Mrs. Powell Price, sole execu- trix of the late Mr. Powell Pricc, solicitor, of Brecon. Plaintiff's case was that she was married in 1873. and the plate in question wa<s a wed- ding present from her mother-in-law. with the request that on the death of the plaintiff it should go to the eldest child. In 1879 plainTiff's husband got into nnancia! difficul- ties. and gave a bill of sale. Plaintiff con- tended that this was only on the furniture and horses and carriacres, and not on the plate, which she removed to her mother-in- law's. Mr. Powell Price was a trustee under her marriage settlement, and he said, as trus- tee, he had better take care of it for her. as her husband might "put it up the .spout." She consented, and took it herself to his re- sidence. It had never been returned. The defeiK-eg^va., that the plate was included in the bill of sale, and in the alternative that Mr. Powell Price did not receive it as a trus- tee. but as an ordinary custodian, and there- fore tHe action was barred by the statute of limitations. Mrs. Poweil-W illiams was severely cro.-s- examined by Mr. Shearman, K.C.. for the de- fence, as to the action she and her husband had brought and lost, but not paid the co.st-. At the conclusion of her evidence his Lord- ship said that plaintiff had not made out- that Mr. Powell Price had- constituted him- self a trustee, and the action failed. Judgment was given for defendant. —

BRIDGEND CHAMBER OF TRADE. PROPOSED STATION AT COYCHURCH. The monthly meeting of the Bridgend Chamber of Trade was held at the Council Offices 011 the 16th inst., M.r. W. H. John (Cafe Royal) presiding. STATION FOR COYCHURCH. A letter was read from the Rev. Stephen Jones, Waterton Hall, stating that the ra- habitants of Coy church Lower were memorial- ising the directors of the Great Western Rail- way with a view to securing passenger plat- forms at which a coupie of trains^in each direction should call daily. He pointed out that this would be a great service not oniv to Coychurch itself, but to the surrounding districts, and Mr. Arthur J. Wiiliams (Coedy- mwstwr) had consented to wait on the direc- to is in order to further the project. He hoped the Bridgend Chamber of Trade would send a supporting letter.—In discussion it was suggested that the proposed new station would be a detriment to Bridgend, as it would place facilities in the way cf people in the Coychurch district to get to Cardiff.-)Ir. G. T. fiardwick: There are plenty of facili- ties for people to get away fr. the Bridg- end district now.—Mr. L. Edw .rds did not think the Chamber could support the pro- posal with any good grace.—The Chairman It may seem a little selfish on our part if we dout. Mr. 111. Edwards was inclined to support the project. Br legend was about t'.vo nuk's from Coychurch. while Cardiff was about 16. and if local tradesmen, could not nokl their own against the business-men cf Cardiff, it was to their own discTPdit.—Mr. L. Edwards Proof that Bridgend tradesmen are not as enterprising as Cardiff tradesmen is the fact that Bridgend people er> to Cardiff to dto their shopping now.—Mr. W. Edwards: I should like to have proof of that statement- —Mr. L. Edwards: You can get it if you watch the trains from Cardiff on Wednesdays or Saturdays. It has to be proved whether they get better facilities in Canliff.11r. W. Edwards I don't believe we should be so narrow-minded. I don't think we need be afraid of a little extra competition with Car- diff. I propose that Ave support the pro- posal.—There was no seconder, and the mat- ter was allowed to drop. e. BOROrGH" GFIDES. Mr. George A. Powell, agent to the pub- lisher of the "Borough" Guide;, wrote that, if the Chamber of Trade agreed, a Guide for Bridgend would be published under its aus- pices. A thousand free copies would b( given the Chamber for circulation outside the district, "with the view to attracting visitors to the town."—Mr. W. Edwards proposed that the Chamber give its consent and accept the offer of 1.030 copies of the Guide.—This was carried.

Pyle Ploughing Match. This match., which was postponed on ac- count of the frost, will tak(- place 011 Wednes- day next on a ifeld near New Park, kindly Jent by Messrs. Morgan and Son. Sker Farm.

Southerndown Monthly Bogey. Received I J. A. Alexander 3 3 doAvn D. (>. Evans lo 4 down. R. H. Cox l.j o down

Garw and Ogmore Gas Bill. Among the Bills Avhich on W edresday proved compliance with the Standing Order-, and Avhich were sent for first reading Avhen Parliament assembles, was the Garw and Og- more Gas Bill, which confers further potvers i upon the company, extending the limits of supply, and enabling them to raise additional capita!, not exceeding £ 40.000.

COi TY. Organ Recital. On Sunday evening the congregation ot Coity Famli Church were ti ea' ed to :t enjoyable organ j ,-cita! at the ( e of the evening service (kindly ar- rang- d by Mr. Frank S. Spiiler (orgnni-u of Pare G.vyilt). There Avas a large and appve- ciarh e audii nee. The programme wa«s as follow > 0: i) don Coibern-e. Mas. Bac. solo. Lead Kindly Light." Miss K. Abbot; recital, "Twelfth Ser- vice" (Mozart); solo, "Flee as a bird" (Hon. Mrs. S. n. Dana), Mrs. Frank Spilier hymn 166-violin salo. "Golden Trumpets," Master Sam Treharne 1 pupil of Mr. Spilier); violin solo. The Broken Melody" (Augste van Bieue): grand rrocessional march (Ed. Rim- holt), Mr. Spilier. Each item Avas excel- lently rendered, and Mrs. Spilier was in fine voice. This was the first recital given at Coity. and great credit is due to Mr. Spilier j for it s succe- s.

PONTYCYMMER. Thanks.—Mr. William Thomas, Cnc-koo- street. Pantygog. Pontycymmer. wishes to thank all who sent letters -and telegrams of sympathy to the family in their bereavement. and to all AVIIO expressed their sympathy by j attending the funeral.

BRIDGEND PASTOR RESIGNS. DOCTOR ADVISES REV. J. W. KETTLE TO GIVE rr HIS PASTORATE. Our readers will regretfully receive news which has reached us from a trustworthy source of the resignation of the Rev. J. W. Kettle, who has for the past eight years been pastor of the Hope English Baptist Church. Bridgend. -Air. Kettle wa-s, as will be remembered, stricken down with severe nervous prostra- tion in Noveniber. 1906, on the occasion of the dedication services of the new Hope Chapel building, and was away from his church and people until late in last autumn seeking restoration to health. It had been hoped' that the long rest would permanently rpstore him to health, and, so far as we bavt- been able to learn, his gem-rat condition has been very much improved since his return to Bridgend. We learn, however, that Avit-hin the last few days a communication has reached the deacons from ML Kettle himself, enclosing a report from his medical man ad- vising li.is resignation in view of the heavy and increasing demands on his energies in connection with the now Hope Chapel, and placing his resignation aecordingiv in their hands. Hope Church has behaved very well by Mr. Kettle j n his long and trying illness, and we extei'd to the deacons and members our sym- pathy, especially having regard to the fact that Mr. Kettle's resignation comes on the eve of the one- nit; g: services. We desire also to extend our sympathy to Mr. and Kettle, and assure them of the hearty good wishes of our readers for much I prosperity in any quieter services to which Mr. Kettle may be called.

FIRE BRIGADE AT DINNER. The members of the Br idee rd vol- unteer Fire Brigade were entertained to dinner at the Angel Hotel on Wednesday eA-emng. 'The chair Avas occupied by Ooui>- cilior R. C. Griffiths (chairman of the Coun- cil), who AA-as supported by Councillors George Harris. William Edwards. W. Jones, and Morgan StradJing (lion, captain of the Bri- gade). Messrs. J. Hodder (captain). W. F. Tudor (town surveyor). T. Thomas (electri- cian), J. E. Daniel (collector), Stanley Roberts, B. Gladwin, etc. The members of the brigade Avere present in force, there being only Two absentees. Letters of apology for absence Avere read from Alderman T. J. Hughes, Councillors George Bevan, Hemrv Abbott, E. Preece: junr., j. G. Jenkins. Mr. D. J. Gwyn, etc. Opening the post prandial proceedings, the Chairman s'aid this was the first public gathering in connection with the Bridgend lire Brigade, and he therefore took the op- portunity of thanking the members, on be- half of the town speopie, for their readiness in coming .fo.rv. a.d to serve tliei-r neighbours in time's 01 trouble. (Applause.) It was no small thing to join a Fire Brigade, because a good deal of risk was involved in some oases. AVIie 11 not only property but life had to be saved. (Hear, hear.) Though the Brigade had been in existence but a comparatively short time, they had already had active ser- vice, and their response to the call of duty had been a ready one. (Applause.) The Ciiai rnian then submitted the customary loyal J toasts*, which were received Avith musical hon- ours. THE TOWN AND TRADE. Mr. George Harris, proposing The Town and TraÙë," said the. Bridgend of to-day AV as tar different to the Bridgend of 20 .years ago. Avhen he first entered the town. Great de- velopment had taken place ;11 all directions and the town had also improved as a business centre, although the reconstruction of the market w a's so belated. There AY as i-,o doubt that business had improved considerably since the proA-ision of the new and commodious market, and the town was fast regaining the country business which it had lost years ago owing to the inadequacy of the market ac- commodation. (Applause.) As -:0 the future he thought they could afford to be hopeful, for new mining districts were springing up all around, and. as they were aware, a wagon Avorks had been re-introduced in the toAvn it- self, which he had no doubt would prove a successful unndertaking and affoid employ- ment to a large numoer of men. (Applause ) Mr. W iiliam Edwards, who responded. shan J the optimistic A-iews of Mr. Harris ao to Bridgend's future, as the town was the natural centre cf a large mining area. What t:H'v wanted was to focus the interests of the neighbourhood in the town, and if they could do this, Bridgend would have a great future. (Applause.) They Avanted to fully re-estab- lish Bridgend as the oM county town. and in this connection a new movement by the Chamber of Trade to got an official receiver for the toAvn AAas of great importance. (Hear. hear.) He saw no reason why Bridgend should be treated differently to other similar towns in South Wales in regard to a Bank- ruptcy Court, and he confidently hoped that their reasonable request would be granted, and that creditors and debtors concerned in bankruptcy business Avould be saved the ex- pense of going to Cardiff. (Applause.) "SUCCESS TO THE BRIGADE." The toast of the evening. "Success to the Fire Brigade. was placed in the hands of Mr W. M. isicJxajxls, who said that during his short stay in Bridgend—(laughter)—he had Avitnessed th-e formation of several Fire 1011 Brigades. When he first joined the Local Boaid, the Brig,ad, captained by Mr. Perry Avas regarded as one of the finest brigades in the country, and their success was due prim- arily to their systematic drills. (Hear. hear.) The Brigade practised once or twice a Aveek, and could often be seen at work on the Town- hali and other large buildings. When that -1 Brigade became defunct, several other at- tempts. more or less successful, were made to establish a Brigade, but the policy of the Board was A-ery niggardly, and the men failed to get a proper equipment. He was glad that the policy of the present Bridgend Coun- cil Avas different but then they had money to .spend. (Laughter.) The difficulty all along had been that the Brigade vere Hot composed of the right met;, and he did not hesitate to <=ay that the present brigade was the best they had ever had indeed, he thought it would prove, one of the best in the county. (Ap- plause.) He had been struck by the readi- ness with which the members responded to the call of duty. It was only the other eve- ning that they were called to a fire in Adare- street. and in a few minutes the brigade were there in force, though fortunately the fire bad been extinguished. He (the speaker! was very much impressed by the sight of Mr Thos. Davie-s. with his helmet on. coming to the fray as Napoleon went to the Battle of Water- loo. (Laughter.) It would be odd if Mr. Davies did not belong to the Brigade, but it wouM be odder if Hodder was not there too. 'Loud laughter.') THE BRIGADE S REQUIREMENTS. Capt. Hodder, with whose name the toast vas coupled, expressed the opinion that a better lot of men for the work could not be found in the town, but he Avould remind the townspeople that it was important the Bri- gade should have an early intimation of fires. (Hear, hear.) He hoped the Council would provide the Brigade Avith some further equip- ment in the Avay of boots and tunics, and call- provide the Brigade with some further equip- ment in the Avay of boots and tunics, and call- be] Is were also urgently needed. (Hear, hear.) Referring to the recent fire in Ada street, the speaker said there were 15 firemen on the spot within a quarter of an hour of the giving of the alarm. (Applause.) The Chaitftfian -said this was the first he had heard <;f anv further requirements by tine bri- gade. apart from the call-bells. He under- stood the brigade had all they required, but he assured them that the Council won id be willing to meet their wishes so far as possible. (Applauses) Mr. Wm. Jones proposed "Tire Visitors." aud Mr. GladAvin. in response, said the- bri- gade could not be successful unless it received the. support of the toAvnspeople generally. He hoped this would be forthcoming, because it was very desirable there should be a well- equipped and efficient brigade in the town. (Applause.) Mr. J. E. Daniel submitted "The Press." and Mr. W. F. Tudor "The Host and Hostess. to which Mr. Stradling suitably l-e- sponded. During the evening songs were given by Messrs. J. Helston. Stanley Roberts. E. Bald- win. M. Morris. — Clarke, and H. Bradshaw. and Mr. L. Edwards recited.

If 70a have any difficulty in securing the "Gazeite," write to the Head Office.

-= BANKRUPTCY COURT WANTED. THE CLAIMS OF BRIDGEXD. PETITION TO THE BOARD OF TRADE. A special meet-ing of the Bridgend Chamber of Trade was held on Monday to consider the desirability of endeaA-ouring to secure the ap- pointment of an Official Receiver in Bank- ruptcy for Brjdgend and district. Mr. W. H. John (president) was in the chair. Mr. Lewis EdAvards proposed that applica- tion be made to the President of the Board of Trade, through Mr. W. Brace, M.P., for the appointment of an official, aaid that his Honour Judge Bryn Roberts be petitioned to support the application. The mover stated that about half the receiving orders made in the Cardiff County Court were against deb- tors residing in the Bridgend Oountv Court district, the last tigu eg available—for 1905— sboAvmg a proportion of 29 out of 60. This. in itself, he contended was a sufficient justifi- cation for the establishment of a local Bank- ruptcy Court. Unoer the present arnanige- ment creditors seldom attended meetings or courts owing to the expense and inconveni- going to Cardiff. ere the meetings held in Bridgend creditors would be able to atteuo. There were bankruptcy C-OUI-U- a-t Neath. Abe'.rdare. Merthyr, and Poutvpridd, but Bridgend seemed to have been left in the back water. In order to show the impor- tance of the Bridgend area, the speaker pre- sented the following tabular statement of bounty Court bueiHreais at Bridgend and Car- diff — BITLDGEND. „ 1993 1904 1905 1906 J?31"*3. 4-366.6078.7160.7473 Ex ecu t iont, 2088. 2933.3460.3337 Judgment .Summonses 855.1131.. 1391 1354 Commitments 389. 615. 600. 603 Requests for Adminis- tration Orders 9. 24. 41. 59 CARDIFF. 1903 1904 1905 1906 rimnts 11172. 11567.9970.9244 Executions 3176. 3596.3533.713 Judgment Sum- monses 1190. 1347. 1337. 140C Commitments 92. 74. 107. 102 Requests, etc 5. 14. 16. 9 In reply to Mr. Powell. Mr. Edwards said he understood an official receiver was paid a smaD salaiy and commission. Mr. F. W. Laurence seconded the motion. He thought a Bankruptcy Court would be an fdvuntage to the town and district in many ways. The motion was unanimously adopted. v Mr. W. POM ell suggested that a deputation be appointed To wait upon Judge Roberts, but on it being pointed out that the next County Court day was nearly a month ahead, it Avas decided to send the petition by letter. It was decided to invite all the Urban and Rural Councils in the neighbourhood to sup- port the petition. SUGGESTED REVIVAL OF THE EISTEDDFOD. Mr. F. W. Laurence said he certainly thought the time had arrived when- the Bridg- end Eisteddfod should be revived. Con- sidering the Congregational Church could run eisteddfedau on oonsecuoive Boxing Days and clear oA-er £30 at each, lie thought the Chamber of Trade should be able to do some- thing. He had been approached by conduc- tors and other musical people on the subject, Avho WOe; Id like to see the large eisteddfod re- rived. They did not want to give a £100 prize, as they could get tne best choirs to compete for JL20 or JC25. The old eisteddfod was only dropped because things were over- done. He understood the G-arw Avere com- ing doAvn to Bridgend and pusrh the local people 011 one side. A conductor had told him the Market Bui-Win-g was an excellent place in Avhich to h.¡j(d an eisteddfod, and they would not find it necessary to go to the expense of erecting marquees. Mr. W. Edwards thought it was certainly one of the greatest mistakes that Bridgemi ever made Avhen it dropped the eisteddfod, Avhich was semi-national in cliaracter. The Chamber of Trade ought to take a very de- finite step in the matter, as it brought thou- sands of people into the town. Bridgend was at the foot of three important valleys, which Wei- now more populous than at the time the eisteddfod was held. Mr. T. H. Phillips pointed out that the old eisteddfod dkl not yield a profit. In seven years t700 was d'eared—exactly the amount- given by Lord Dunraven. Mr. W. Powell And the £ 700 included subscriptions given by townspeople. With- out subscriptions, and Lord DunraA"en1s prize, a loss Avould have been made. M-r. Laurence had referred to the Congregational Church eisteddfod—perhaps lie was jealous—hut- surely the Chamber of Trad;1 could not run one so profitably Mr. Laurence: Why not? Mr. POIN-eld Because a great many of us gaA-e our services free and Avorked in the most economical way. He Avas very disappointed in the Market-haTi. It was; mpos-sibl-e to hear the performers on Box 1 nz Day. as therf* was a continual hub-bub. The only thing which couid be said in favour of the. Market was tli-at it Avas economical. Mr. Laurence said the no use in the Market- place c-ouid be remedied by putting down cocoa matting. It was caused by people walking on the wood pavinc. Far from being jealous of the Co'lsrreerstioi"!«.] Church, he was ready tj help HIIV good cause to the best of his ability. > Mr. W. Edwards -said the acoustic proper- ties could be imoroA*ed by providing a sound- iirs board -ml wires. It AA-as decided To further consider the mat- ter at the annua! meeting.

LATE MISS CAROLINE WILLIAMS. SISTER OF MR. ARTHUR J. WILLIAMS. We regret to announce the death ef Mi»"» Caroline Williams, a sister of Mr. Arthur J. William". J.P.. of CoedyiYtAvs-twr. and Mr. Morgan Williams. D.L., of KiJhv. and a. daughter of the late Dr. John Williams, of Bridgend. Miss WiHiams died rather sud- denely at the advanced age of 84 at No. 4 Vic-arage Gate. Throughout her long life she worked hard and did much for the better education and advancement of the cause of Avomen. She was the founder of the Women's Printing Society, and by her benefactions as- sisted many Avomen's colleges and societies. In polities she was an ardent Liberal and Radical, who never hesitated or sAverved from exp.'Y-ssing her opinions and who did all in her poAver to put her views into practical operation. Miss Williams will be missed by a large circle of friends, to -whom her sin- cerity and brilliant conversational and men- tal qualities had so greatly endeared her. Mi ss Williams, as many of our readers are aAvare. took a deep and generous interest in educational matters. She gave £ 1,OUO to the fund for the Unnersity College of South Wales and Monmouthshire some ye-ars ago, and this was devoted to the establishment of H scholarship for women resident at Aberdare HaJl. This was the first scholarship for Avumen ever given at a Welsh University Col- lege. The deceased lady subscribed largely towards the engineering department of the Cardiff College, and also to the funds for the College rai>ed by the late Principal Viriamu Jones and Mr. J. Austin Jenkins, the regis- trar. She also subscribed handsomely to the fund-s of the new College buildings now being erected in Crfthays Park, and only a fort- night ago forwarded to Principal Griffiths a cheque for £ •"(■». a portion of a sum of £ 200 which slse had promised to the new School of Mining. The deceased lady Avas always ready to assist otlu-r educational objects. and he-c name figured in the list of subscribers toAva-fda the requisition of the Salesbury Library. Miss Williams owned considerable colliery and other property in Glamorganshire. haA-ing been a niece of the late Mr. Walter Coffin. M.P. She had lived in London for many years, and was not frequently seen in South Wales, which she only occasionally ,isite-d,. when she stayed at her brother's resi- dence. Coedymwstwx. She was an authoress of a book on old buildings 0 Bridgend, and wrote The history of a Welsh family," viz.. that of ih. Price family, of Tynton. G-arw Valley, of Aviioin the celebrated Dr. Richard Price, political economist, was a member. This book is now very scarce. Mias Williams .early years were spent in a house opposite the Horse and Groom. Newcastle Hill, which has long since been replaced by a number of smadier houses.