The Glamorgan Gazette

LOCAL GOSSIP. A well-known gardener in Bridgend put an old hat on a stick to serve as a scarecrow to keep the birds away from the peas. A wren carefully inspected the hat, considered it satisfactory, and forthwith began building her nest in it. The wind blew the hat to the ground, but the wren kept on building. The gardener coming along picked up the hat and fixed it back on the peasticks. And the wren continued building her nest, and in course of time she hatched and reared her young. Both hat and nest are carefully kept as a souvenir of the little wren's pluck and persistency. Wales has a number of domiciles called by the name of Tynewydd (new house), and thus most of them are qualified by adding the name of the district or parish in which they are situated. Thus the Tynewydd (another name for the Caradoo Colliery) where the un- fortunate disaster occurred recently is known as Tynewydd-y-Tran Tran" being in Glamorganshire the equivalent of ham- let." The parish of Coychurch. which is the parochial name of the district, and extends from Gilfach Goch to Coychurch. near Bridg- end. is divided into two hamlets, the "higher'' and the "lower" (" Tran Uchaf a'r Tran Isaf"), and when fully described should be written as Tynewydd-y-Tran-Uchaf-Llangralle" (the new house of the upper hamlet of Coychurch). Deiniol" writes that the name Dim Rhagor mo more) is given not to the district surrounding Caradoc Vale Colliery, but to the little public-house situated near the col- liery, known also as the Glyn Coch Inn. "Years ago," he continues, "when the mineral railway from Blackmill to Gilfach Goch was cut, this little inn was a favourite house with the navvies. The landlady's name was Mrs. Samuel, a typical Welsh woman. When short of cash the knight of the pick and shovel would offer a pound of sugar in ex- change for a quart of ale. which at the time was equivalent in value. Unfortunately for the landlady some of these gentlemen were not quite honest in their dealings, and in- stead of sugar the packet contained salt. When the deception was found out, Mrs. Samuel indignantly cried out. Dim rhagor, y lladron!" (no more, you thieves!). Close by is the farmhouse called Hendre Ieuan Goch, the home of Lewis Hopkin, the bard, and the translator of the English song 4 Chevy Chase.' Mr. Frank Edwards. M.P.. has recently been and is still somewhat out of health. A visit to Buxton did not have the desired effect, and the hon. gentleman is confined to his bed at his London residence. "His keen interest in the education question, the impor- tance of the sittings of the Postal Commission and the fact that Mr. Edwards is a member of the Church Commission." says a Libera} contemporary, makes his illness unfortun- ate at the present moment." In the Llynfi Valley there runs a proverb to the effect that promotion cometh neither from the East nor the West, but from the parish of Llangynwyd." Among the curates of this parish who have recently been made incumbents are:—The Rev. R. W. Roberts, of St. Bride's Minor, to Bedwellty; the Rev. Lemuel James, of Barry Dock. to Ystrad- mynach; and the Rev. R. W. Evans, of Llwynypia, to Gabalfa. The people of Llan- gymvyd are thankful that, while curates may come and curates may go, the vicar goes on for ever. Farmers have added another count to the indictment of motorists with regard to the dust nuisance. Owing to the dust raised by motorists it now takes a man two days to cut an acre of grass, as the scythe has to be shar- pened more frequently. Before motor-traffic was general, this work was done in one day. "It is for the same reason," says a Cardiff contemporary, that a Cardiff motorist pre- fers motoring with his wife to driving. He can now kick up as much dust as likes, and his wife has to keep her mouth closed

Miss Talbot's River Rights. Lords Justices Vaughan Williams, Romer, and Fletcher Moulton had before them on Monday in the Court of Appeal the vendors' appeal from an order by Mr. Justice Joyce in ft Davis and Afiarms contract and in re the Vendor and Purchaser Act, 1874. Mr. Hughes. K.C., and Mr. Meagher were counsel for the appellants, and Mr. Younger. K.C., and Mr. John Henderson represented the respondents. Mr. Hughes said this was an appeal from Mr. Justice Joyce on a vendor and purchaser summons, whereby he declared that a suffi- cient title had not been made out by the ven- dor and ordering consequential relief in the way of a return of the deposit, etc. He ap- peared for the vendor to submit that a good title had been made to the property. The appellants were the vendors. Edward Davis and David Roderick Davis. Three points arose on the agreement. One was a point whether a certain leasehold interest in the property had been got in or properly disposed of. The second point related to a piece of land which joined the river Avon at Aber- avon, Port Talbot. The land was some three acres in extent, and it was admitted that only about 600 yards had been washed away by the river or covered by the river, and that those 600 yards were of no material value or impor- tance. The purchasers said now that no good title had been shown to the piece of land. It was likewise said by the purchasers that Miss Talbot had a right to land wherever t was washed away or covered by the water. and that she had in fact a risht to the whole bed of the river, and that this niece of land had become her property. That, he sub- mitted, had not been established. In any case. he said that it was a mater which could be dealt with adequately by compensation. A third point arose with regard to a bit of land which lay to the west. It was said that this was not properly identified in the title. At the conclusion" of counsel's address the Lords Jnstices without calling upon counsel for the respondents, dismissed the appeal.

BRIDGEND POLICE COURT. Saturday.—Before Messrs. R. W. Llewellyn (chairman), W. Llewellyn, E. F. Lynch Blosse, and Thomas Rees.

SPITTING. David Rees. of Maesteg, carpenter, sum- moned for spitting on the floor of the Police- court. was; on the evidence of P.C. P'hillips, fined 5s. SWEAR WORDS. For using bad language Jonah Rees, Caerau. haulier, was fined 20s. Mary Hop- kins, Caerau, married, 20s. Gilbert Rowe, Porthcawl. plasterer, los. Robert Hitchings. Sluite, Bettws, collier, 15s. STRAYS. John Ricketts, of St. Bride's Major, wheel- wright, was fined 10s. and 6s. costs for allow- ing two horses to stray. Abraham Mordecai, of Newton. Porthcawl. summoned for allowing two pigs to stray, was fined 5s. FISTICUFFS. James Owen. John Owen, Walter Stone, and William Davies, all colliers, of Pontyrhil., were summoned for fighting on the previous Saturday to the annoyance of the public. James and John Owen and Stone were fined los. each, and the case against Davies, who appeared, was dismissed. DELINQUENTS. The following were summoned in respect of the non-attendance of their children at school:—John Harman, 58 Bridgend-road. Pontycymmer, fined 10s. John Lloyd, 24 Garreg-road, Pontycymmer, los. William Griffiths, 46 King Edward-street, Blaengarw, order made; Thomas Davies, 85 Bryn-cott- ages. Llest, Pontyrhil, 5s. John Jones, 10 Alexandra-road. Caerau, 15s.; Richard Hire, 58 High-street, Nantyffyllon, os. Bessie Lewis. 15 Brown-street, Nantyffyllon. 5s. Edward Edwards, 28 Railway-terrace, Caerau, os. WYNDHAM HOTEL. Mr. Haydn Jones applied for a further ad- journment of the summons against Mrs. Jones-Griffiths with respect to sanitary de- fects at the Wyndham Hotel, Bridgend. Alderman T. J. Hughes, clerk to the Urban District Council, consented to the adjourn- ment. The Council, he said. considered it would be a hardship on Mrs. Griffiths to in- sist on this work being carried out at the present time. having regard to the fact that she intended making structural alterations. Mrs. Griffiths had now given an undertaking to carry out the most urgent works in a fort- night. and the whole in six weeks. The application was granted. ARREARS. Catherine Thomas, Nantymoel, summoned John Sexton, of 33 Bristol-street. Bargoed. haulier, for arrears on an affiliation order amounting to £-1 Os. 6d. Mr. David Llewellyn was for the complain- ant. who said an order was made upon defen- dant at that Court to contribute 2s. 6d. per week. She had only received 9s. 6d. from him. Defendant I offered to marry her, and she put the banns up at Bridgend. Mr. Llewellyn: It was explained at the time why she would not marry him. Mr. S. H. Stockwood Why have you not paid the money? Defendant She did not send me a receipt for the 9s. 6d. The Bench made an order upon dofendant to pay £2 within a week. and tin balance within a month, or go to gaol for St. weeks. THE DRINK. For drunkenness, William Dawkii s. Caerau haulier, was fined 15s. Thomas Davies, Blaengarw, labourer, 15s. William Howells, Maesteg. collier. 20s. Charles Stozenburgh, Caerau, haulier, los.- David Evans. Caerau, haulier, 20s.; Timothy Thomas, Tynewydd, roadman, 15s. John Griffiths, Pencoed, col- lier, los. David Jones. Blaengarw, haulier, 15s. Jamei Davies, Blaengarw, labourer, 15s.; Henry Morris Llangynwyd, farmer (drunk in charge of a carriage). 20s. James Shaw and Thomas Parry, ot Clydach Vale, colliers, 15s. each. John Thomas, of Bridgend, labourer, was summoned for obtaining beer whilst on the Black List.—P.C. Davies stated that he saw the defendant in the Victoria Public-house with a glass of beer in front of him on June 30th.—Supt. Davis said Thomas was put on the Black List in 1904.—A fine of 15s. was imposed. AFTER THE CONIES. Isaac Stoke, 46 Bridgend-road. Pontycym- mer. collier: George Parfitt, 66 Bryn Cot- tages. Pontyrhil, collier, and John Pugsley, 4 Landore-cottages, Pontycymmer, collier, were summoned for trespassing on land at Bettws in the occupation of Catherine John. Sergt. W. Gill stated that on the evening of June 29th he saw the three defendants in a grass field with three greyhounds. The dogs coursed a hare or rabbit, but did not catch it. Defendants then went into an adjoining grass field, and afterwards worked a corn field. Witness went up to them and asked them if they had nermission to go on the land and they said "No." Harry Tuffs, gamekeeper to Mr. Onslow P. Traherne. said there were a lot of pheasants in the fields, and trespasses did a lot of dam- age to the pheasants and to the corn. The farmers complained a great deal about it. Defendants, who did not appear, were each fined 15s. For trespessing on land of Lord Dunraven in pursuit of rabbits. Fred Matthews, navvy. of St. Bride's Major, was. on the evidence of Duncan McDonald, gamekeeper, fined 15s. LIKE A MADMAN." David John Nicholas, 16 John-street, Nant- yffyllon, collier, was charged with being drunk and disorderly and assaulting Sergt. Charles Griffin and P.C. Parry. P.C. Clement Parry stated that about 10 p.m. on the previous Tuesday he saw the de- fendant at Nantyffyllon. He was drunk and using abusive language. Witness asked him to desist, but he deliberately struck him a blow on the left jaw. He then fetched Sergt. Griffin to see whether he knew the prisoner. They went to his house, and the sergeant told Nicholas he would have to come to the police station for assaulting witness. Nicholas then rushed at him again, striking and kicking him. On Sergt. Griffin interfering, he struck him in the face several times. Sergt. Griffin gave corroborative evidence, and said Nicholas acted like a madman for a quarter of an hour. Defendant pleaded for another chance. He had been a teetotaller since Christmas, but got some drink on Tuesday. The Bench took into consideration the fact that defendant had been locked up for a few days, and sent him to prison for a further ten days—three for being drunk and dis- orderly, and seven for the assault. GAMING AT MAESTEG. Gregory Hamilton, Stephen Maloney, Rich- ard Murphy. Nicholas O'Brien. Maurice Mc- Namara, John Crowley, and Stephen Con- nolly. colliers, of Maesteg, were summoned for playing a game of chance in a field near Maes- teg-row, to which the public were then and there permitted to have access. Mr. Evan E. Davies represented the defendants. Sergt. Rees Davies stated that at 4.30 on Sunday afternoon he saw the defendants playing a game of cards called All fours" on a field near Maesteg-row. Money passed be- tween them. Witness was standing 60 yards away in company with P.C. Clesham. He posted P.C. Clesham on one ,side of the field and P.C. Lloyd on another side, and went to- wards the men. One of them on seeing him gave a signal, and they all ran away. He caught two of them, and the constables caught or recognised the others. Mr. E. E. Davies: Whose field is this?—I don't know. The fences are broken and any- body goes there. Don't you know that it belongs to Mr Thos. Rees?—I don't know, sir. The only proper entrance is from Maesteg- row, and it is locked?—Yes. In reply to further questions, witness said he had had instructions to watch the field, and this was the first occasion he had been able to get near it without being observed, as scouts were put out. Mr. Davies said defendants admited play- ing cards in the field, but they emphatically denied that they were playing for money. Haing regard to what the police-sergeant had said. however, he would not put the defend- ants in the box for fear perjury would be com- mitted. He should rely upon the defence that the field in question was not a public place within the meaning of the Act. The owner of field had instructed him to say that it was a private field, and nobody had a right to go there. It was a field very much tres- passed upon by people who Vreke down the hedges, but the only rightful entrance was from Maesteg-row, which was kept under lock and key. The Chairman I think by your own show- ing the field is a public place. You say it is very much trespassed upon. Mr. Davies: I contend that trespassing upon the field does not make it a public place. I have been instructed by Mr. Rees to prosecute anyone who trespasss upon it. Mr. S. H. Stockwood: It is not necessary that it should be a public place. If the pub- lic are permitted to go there, that is suffi- cient. Mr. Davies said the public did go there, but it was without permission. After further argument, the Bench held that the field was a public place, and fined each of the defendants 10s. CAERAU DUCKS. George Llewellyn and William Ford. labourers, of Caerau, Maesteg, were charged with stealing three ducks belonging to Albert Williams, grocer, of Caerau-road. Caerau. Alderman T. J. Hughes was for defendants. who pleaded guilty. Prosecutor stated that about half-past four on Tuesday morning he heard his ducks and fowls making a noise, and on going to the window he saw the defendants going across the river. Two ducks were missing, and one was half dead. Alderman Hughes Have you any desire to press the charge if the Bench are inclined to be lenient?—Well, fowls are missing all the time. It is a very serious thing. I admit it is, but do you wish to press the charge?—Defendant (after hesitation): Yes, I do. P.C. Kelland said he arrested the defend- ants, and took them to the Police-sation. In answer to the charge, Llewellyn said" We did not go to the cot; the ducks were on the pavement." Ford made a similar statement. Witness added that there were bloodstains all the way from prosecutor's to the house of one of the defendants. In reply to Alderman Hughes, witness said Ford had had some drink, but was not drunk. He kn'ew nothing against either defendant. Alderman Hughes addressed the Bench in mitigation. He hoped the Bench would be more merciful than Mr. Williams. He understood Mr. Williams was perfectly will- ing to settle the matter out of court, but/be- cause he could not get the money he wished to press the charge. On the suggestion of the Chairman, the prosecutor was recalled, and said he had been willing to settle the case, but it had gone too far when an application was made to him. Alderman T. J. Hughes appealed for leni- ency. He said Llewellyn formerly lived at Landore, and bore a very good character. He was the only support of his widowed mother and his brother, who was stone blind. The offence was a drunken freak on the part of the two young men. They had been in- veigled into a house at Caerau, which was really a shebeen, and there they got very drunk, and in their drunkenness they com- mitted the offence. The Chairman said that as the defendants had already been in prison for several days, the magistrates did not think it necessary to send them to gaol again. They would be fined £1 each or seven days and would have to pay for the ducks. Monday.—Before Messrs. Oliver Sheppard (in the chair) and Thomas Rees. CHILD DESERTION. Ernest Danaford. formerly of Maesteg, was charged with deserting his child, who had be- come chargeable to the Union. Prisoner was arrested on a warrant at Pbrtsmouth on Fri- dav. On the application of Inspector Benj. Evans, prisoner was remanded until Satur- day. EXPECTED A WEEK, BUT GOT EIGHT. David Page, a collier, of Nantyffyllon, was brought up charged with assaulting P.S. Chas. Griffin on Saturday night. Sergt. Griffin, whose face was badly dis- figured. both his eyes being discoloured and his nose badly cut, stated that he saw pri- soner about half-past eight in Picton-street. He was drunk and cursing and swearing. His coat was off, and he challenged witness to fight. Witness persuaded him to go home. Immediately after he got in the house he rushed out and shouted, "I will have a —— go with you. They will only give me seven days for it at Bridgend." Page then rushed at him, and struck him a violent blow on the nose. A struggle ensued, and assistance being rendered, defendant was taken to Maes- teg Police-station. Witness added that de- fendant's remark about seven days" referred to a case heard on Saturday, in which a friend of P'age's was sentenced to seven days for assault. The Chairman remarked that assaults on the police at Maesteg were much too frequent of late, and the Bench were determined to put a stop to them. Prisoner would be sen- tenced to two months' imprisonment, with hard labour.

Eisteddfod at Pontyclun. On Saturday the second annual eisteddfod held under the auspices of Bethel English Baptist Church at Pontyclun, took place in a spacious marquee erected in a field adjoining Llantrisant Station. Mr. E. Treharne pre- sided. The adjudicators were: Music, Mr. T. D. Edwards, I.S.M., Pontypridd (organist of Salem Baptist Church. Porth), and Mr. G. T. Llewellyn, Port Talbot, in the preliminary tests recitations and essays, Mr. E. Thomas, Merthyr Vale; prize bags, Mr. W. David, Brynglas; accompanists, Miss Edith Wynne Davies and Miss M. J. Jones; secretary, Mr. T. E. Morgan, Glyn Villa. The entries were unusually large and the eisteddfod was a com- plete success. The awards were as follow -— Pianoforte Solo: Mr. Joseph Hooper, Llan- trisant. Prize Bag: Mrs. Elias, Pontyclun. Boys' Solo: Owen Glyndwr, South Gate. Girls' Solo Divided between Winnie Rees, Llandaff Station, and Gladys Anstey, Miskin. Juvenile Recitation George Huckridge, Gilfach Goch. Open Solo (novices): Mr. W. J. Hughes, Llanharran. Juvenile Choirs (five competing): Canton, Cardiff, conducted by Miss Gwenllian Thomas. Soprano Solo: Miss Nellie Eynon, Peny- graig. Recitation (adults): Mr. Bert Jones, Llan- trisant. Bass Solo Mr. D. Williams. Penygraig. Essay: Mr. Roberts, Pontyclun. Tenor Solo Mr. T. Felix Evans, Treorky. Duet: Messrs. Yorwerth. Pencoed, and D. Williams, Blaengarw. Mixed Choirs: Treorky. Male Voice Choirs: Whitchurch. Cardiff, Barry, Ynyshir, Treorky, Mid-Rhondda, Cil- fyndd, and Tylorstown competed, and after a keen contest the prize was awarded to the Mid-Rhondda, conducted by Mr. Rees Jones.

A DAY AND SIGHT IN THE WATER. The steampship Brooklyn City on Tuesday arrived at Swansea and landed a man named Robert Roberts, of the ketch Waterloo, of Carnarvon, whom it picked up on Monday off the Skerweather Lightship clinging to a spar of the ketch, which foundered the previous day. It appears that Roberts is the only survivor of the Waterloo's crew, which consisted of two men, Captain William Jones, of the Holland Arm Hotel, the owner, and Roberts. The Waterloo left Carnarvon last Thursday with a cargo of slate for Newport. Every- thing went all right until Sunday, when, as the boat was sailing at the rate of five knots an hour, she went aground on the sand banks near the Skerweather. The boat floated again, but half an hour afterwards she again struck, and this time fast. The rising tide made her rasp badly against the sand, with the result that a hole was knocked in her bot- tom. While Roberts caught hold of a float- ing spar the captain clung to the base of the mainrail. After a time the captain showed signs of exhaustion, and told Roberts he could not hold on any longer. Roberts did his best to encourage his chief, saying a vessel was sure to appear soon, but after a time Captain Jones exclaimed Good-bye Robert," and then disappeared. Roberts, who has a wife and five children living at Carnarvon, has now almost re- covered from his exposure. Captain Jones, who was about 60 years of age, leaves a widow: and children.

The Rev. James Davidson, for fifty-two years vicar of Nafferton. East Yorks, died on Saturday. He was in his ninety-first year.

THE POLICE INSTRUCTIONS. ORDER CRITICISED BY THE BRIDGEND BENCH. On the magistrates taking their seats at Bridgend Police-court on Saturday, the Chairman (Mr. R. W. Llewellyn) referred to the order which was recently issued to the police, stating that before a constable can report a man for being drnnk in the street he must satisfy himself, as far as possible, where the man had the drink. Mr. Llewellyn said he noticed there were very few cases of drunkenness again that day. He had hoped that the order given to the police some time ago would be rescinded. 1'he order was issued by the Chief Constable, and in his (Mr. Llewellyn's) opinion, it was a misleading order, though he did not think the chief con- stable was altogether to blame for it. nor that the order had been carried out by some of his chief officers as he would have carried it out. But the fault, he thought, rested with the/ Standing Joint Committee. He had the honour of being a member of that committee, but he was not a party to the order being given to the police. It was issued on account of so many men being proceeded against for drunkenness, and yet so FEW PUBLICANS SUMMONED. But those who knew anything about police work must know how difficult it was to bring an offence home to a publican, especially when he was defended by a good advocate. The suggestion that the police should en- deavour to bring into cases of drunkenness convictions against licensees was originated by certain gentlemen who happened to be in a majority on the committee, but who knew absolutely nothing about Dolice work. and the chief blame rested on their shoulders. Cer- tain things had happened, owing to this order, which he thought altogether wrong. The police, in endeavouring to bring cases home to publicans, had been into private rooms in public houses, and he did not think it at all right that they should inspect houses in this way. unless they had reason to suspect there was something wrong going on. Lately he had seen an enormous amount of drunken- ness. and it was a shameful thing to see the number of drunken men who were allowed to lie by the side of the high roads asleep. He had seen more DRUNKEN PEOPLE during last week than had been brought to that court for a month. Only the other day he saw three drunken men rolling arm in arm about the streets in a populous district, and had some difficulty in steering out of their way. The order appeared to him to be vir- tually a vote of censure on the police. There might be some "blacklegs" in the force who, in order to secure a bribe, acted improperly, but there were. very few of that sort. He had every confidence in the police, especially in that division, which he knew, and he thought that all magistrates who attended re- gularly, stipendiaries and others, would vouch for the character of almost all the con- stables who worked in their division. He thought that owing to the extraordinarily small number of cases brought forward Satur- day after Saturday, some expression of opinion was required from the Bench in order that this matter might be rectified, and drunkenness not be allowed to go on as it did now, PRACTICALLY WITH IMPUNITY. It was mentioned not long ago that the county had improved. There might have been an improvement to a small extent, but the minimum number of cases now being brought forward was absolutely absurd. The magistrates could see for themselves that there was still a considerable amount of drunkenness which was never brought before them. He wished to add that in order to try and do some good he had brought the matter before the last meeting of the Joint Police Committee, and had asked what was the reason, but he had received a very un- satisfactory answer.

COWBRIDGE POLICE COURT. Tuesday.—Before General Tyler (in the chair)| Messrs. J. Blandy Jenkins, C. Edmondes, and the Mayor (Mr. J. Pickard). ROAD WIDENING. Mr. W. T. Gwyn (Town Clerk) stated that he was instructed by the Glamorgan County Council to apply for an order for widening and enlarging the main road between Cow- bridge and Penlline, and as a preliminary to that application, he asked their worships to appoint two or more justices to view the road. If the justices thought an order should be made, it would be for the surveyor to assess the value of the land, and if the owners could not agree to his valuation the matter would be referred to a jury at Quarter Ses- sions. The Chairman Is the application opposed by the landowners ? Mr. Gwyn: I cannot say that it is. It is a question of value entirely. The Chairman: What distance is it? Mr. Gwyn: From the East Gate nearly to Maindy. There are different owners. .A committee consisting of the Chairman (Mr. F. W. Dunn), General Tyler, and Mr. C. Edmondes, were appointed to meet a repre- sentative of the County Surveyor on Tuesday week. TRANSFER, The transfer of the license of the Grey- hound. Cowbridge, was granted from George Brown to Alfred James Pugh. DISORDERLY CONDUCT. Arthur Farrant, of Ystradowen, labourer, was charged with using indecent language. P.C. Pember said defendant was under the influence of drink and using nithy language. Witness persuaded him to go home, but he returned and it was an hour and a half be- fore he could get the road clear. "This is a specimen of the language," said the con- stable, handing a slip of paper to the magis- trates. Defendant was fined os., and ordered to pay the costs, 8s.; in default 10 days. DESECRATING MABON'S HOUSE. David George and David Deere, labourers, of Llantwit Major, were summoned for being drunk and disorderly. P.C. Johnson deposed that the defendants were both very drunk and creating a disturb- ance outside Mabon's house, the occupants of which were disturbed, at midnight on Sunday the 25th ult. Defendants, who did not appear, were or- dered to pay los. each. NO LIGHTS. Thomas Price, of Llantwit Major, porter, was summoned for driving without lights. P.C. Johnson said the defendant was driv- ing a party of people at Llantwit at 1 o'clock on Sunday morning, the 25th ult. He re- fused to stop when asked, and witness jumped at the horse's head and pulled the conveyance up. A letter was read from defendant stating that he was unable to appear. The Bench ordered him to pay the costs, 8s. LODGERS QUARREL. Herbert Osborne, Llanharran, collier, was summoned by Lewis Wilson, Llanharran, for an alleged assault. Complainant said that he and Osborne lodged at the same address. On Sunday morning Osborne came into the room il\ which he was sitting and challenged him to fight. Witness refused. On the following night witness was going down Jubilee-street when Osborne knocked him down. He had since threatened him. Defendant's story was that Wilson chal- lenged to fight him for £20, and he (Osborne) asked him to fight for nothing. Witness was told that he said "I am not afraid of Os- borne if he is a fancy man with the women," and he went to see defendant about it. Richard Caseley said he heard the com- plainant offer the challenge. The case was dismissed, each party being ordered to pay their own costs.

The Bishop of Chichester said it was calcu- lated that out of the whole number of chil- dren born in England and Wales in 1900 more than half were already dead. A young woman from Newcastle-on-Tyne called at some mansions in the rear of Vic- toria-street, Westminster, and declaring that she was Miss Dundas, said she wished to be married to Mr. Austin Chamberlain forth- with. As she refused to go away the police were sent for, and on the advice of a doctor she was removed to the St. George's (Han- over-square) Infirmary, as a lunatic.

ALLEGED TERRIBLE OUTRAGE AT PENCOED. PRISONER COMMITTED FOR TRIAL. At Cowbridge County Police-court on Tues- day, Elijah Stewart (alias William St. John), a tramp about 30 years ot age, was charged 3ui}[uesse AHBUIUIIJO I^IAV pueuiaj no Alice Hibbert, aged V, daughter of George Hibbert, ot Pencoed isiia i'arm, Llanilid. Mr. Arthur StOCh II Ouu v^iesars. Stockwood and Williams), wno ior the police, said the child attenoeu sciiool at Brynna, which was two miles irom her home. On Wednesday in last weeii slie was returning from school when she passed the prisoner at some cross roaos aooiu mree-quarters of a mile from her home. ne was sitting by the sicie of the road taking some food. tone went down a lane and turned into some heids to reach her home by a short cut. She noticed the prisoner following her, and when she got into the second field he overtook tier. He threw her down, placed one hand over her mouth, and assaulted her. She lost con- sciousness, and when she recovered the man had left her and was in the next field running in the direction from whicn he had come. The little girl was then called. She was very much frightened and clung so closely to her mother that it was impossible to take her evidence. It was decided to hear the other witnesses first. George Hibbert, the girl's father, said he was a repairer in the South Rhondda Col- liery. On Wednesday he was preparing to go to work about 5 o clock in the afternoon, when he saw his daughter coming towards the house. She was walking with difficulty, and between sobs and cries made a complaint to him. She described the appearance and clothing of the prisoner. George Alfred Hibbert, aged 12, brother of the girl, said he attended Brynna School. On Wednesday he left school for home accom- panied by his two younger sisters. Ethel was not with them. By the Ogmore Railway Bridge, about 100 yards from the School, he saw the prisoner, who asked him whether that was the road to Bridgend. Witness told him it was. He then asked where he could get a drink, and witness showed him a stream of clear water near the railway crossing, and lent him his school bottle. Prisoner accom- panied him and his sisters as far as the cross roads, where he sat down and lit a cigarette. Witness then went home. His sister Ethel, who had stayed behind to play, would have to come that way. James Skevington, a haulier, who lives at Tynypwll, Llanharran, about 150 yards from the cross-roads, said he was hauling coals on Wednesday when he saw prisoner sitting down by the cross roads about quarter past 4. The little girl was then coming towards him. Witness went home to tea, and on returning about 5 o'clock, he saw the prisoner walking towards Pencoed at a sharp pace. He heard a little girl had been assaulted, and, suspect- ing prisoner, gave information to the police. Dr. E. B. M. Atkins, of Pencoed, described the condition of the girl when he examined her the same evening. The full offence had been committed. The child was still suffer- ing as the result of the outrage. He also examined the prisoner. There were no signs upon him, but a handkerchief which was said to belong to him was blood-stained. The little girl was now brought into court, and having been sworn, she stated in answer to questions by Mr. Stockwood, that she left the school playground about quarter past 4, proceeding towards her home alone. At the cross roads she passed prisoner, who was sit- ting by the side of the road eating some food. She turned down the road leading to St. Mary Hill and into the fields leading to her home. Prisoner overtook her in the second field. He caught hold of her, threw her down, put his hand on her mouth, and told her that if she cried he would kill her. He then assaul^d her. She went to sleep, she thought, and on awaking, the prisoner had gone. She got up and saw him running away in the next field. Annie Hibbert, the girl's mother, deposed to the child coming home and making a com- plaint to her. Prisoner was afterwards brought to the house and confronted with the child, who appeared terribly frightened at him. He said, "I did not hurt you, my little dear, did I?" and she replied. "Yes. you did." P.C. James Bowen deposed that about 5.20 he received information that the little girl had been assaulted and he searched the local- ity, eventually arresting the prisoner on the road between Coychurch and Pencoed. He conveyed the prisoner to the house where the little "girl resided with her parents, and in his presence, he asked the girl whether she kifew the prisoner. She replied. "Yes, that is the man, sir." Prisoner's coat was but- toned up. and the little girl remarked that he was wearing a blue coat underneath that. This statement, said witness, proved to be correct. Witness conveyed the prisoner to the Bridgend Police-station, where, having cautioned him, he charged him with the offence. In answer to the charge prisoner said, "I will say nothing." Prisoner was committed for trial at the Assizes.

MORE nOME NEWS. There can be few of us who have not no- ticed the remarkable series of communica- tions from neighbours, wnich have been printed in our columns from week to week. They are good news, for they are home news; they are the best of news, for they are full of help to many of us here in Bridgend. Mr. William Hall, 13 Brook-street, Bridg- end, says — I suffered a long time from severe pains in my back, just over where the kidneys are. I have a lot of stooping to do at my work, and at those times the pains were more like knife-thrusts than anything else— it was as much as I could do to get up again. I began to take Doan's Backache Kidney Pills some time ago, and in a little while I knew they were the medicine for me; my back felt a lot easier. I went on with the pills then, and gradually they drove away the pains. I am glad to add that I have been free from them ever since. All who suffer with backache and kidney trouble should use Doan's Pills. (Signed) William Hall." Kidney disease is dangerous, because it comes on so quietly. It has many symptoms, and often they are mistaken for other dis- eases. Headache, a nervous, irritable con- dition, irregular heart, sleeplessness, dizzy spells, a constant tired feeling—these are just as much symptoms of kidney disorder as back- ache, dropsy, urinary troubles, rheumatism, gravel, bladder weakness, etc. Kidney dis- ease may have been working in the system for years before the cause of the trouble has been suspected. That's the danger. Doan's Backache Kidney Pills are a special medicine for kidney and bladder disease. Doan's Backache Kidney Pills are two shil- lings and ninepence per box (six boxes for thirteen shillings and ninepence). Of all chemists and stores, or post free. direct from Foster-McClellan Co., 8 Wells-street, Oxford- street, London, W. Be sure you get exactly the same kind of pills that Mr. Hall had.

Margam District Council. The usual monthly meeting of the Margam District Council was held on Monday evening, Major Thomas Gray presiding. The medical officer (Dr. J. H. Davies) reported that for the month of June the number of births regis- tered was 33, giving a birth rate of 37.68 per 1,000 per annum. The number of deaths was 15, or 17.04 per 1,000 per annum, as com- pared with 14.28 per 1.000 per annum for the corresponding month of 1905. The following number of cases of infectious diseases were reported during the month —Scarlatina, 1; erysipelas, 3; membraneous croup, 1. The surveyor reported that Messrs. Anderson and Vaughan were making satisfactory progress with the contract for the new Council offices. In regard to laying the foundation stone, it was resolved tmit arrangements for this should be left to a sub-committee, consisting of Major Gray, Mr. Edward Davies, Mr. S. H. Byass, and Mr. Lipscomb. A letter was read from the Mutual Electricity Supply Co., Ltd., intimating that they intended applying for lighting powers for the district. Mr. Edward T. Evans moved that the Council considered it desirable to provide Port Talbot with a public cemetery. Mr. Evan Davies seconded, and it was carried without opposi- tion. A sub-committee was appointed to go into the question of the site and cost.

A hedgehog with three young ones has been found in the glass covering of a floral memorial on a grave in Bury St. Edmunds Cemetery.

MR. BIRCHAM'S RETIREMENT. ILLNESS OF DR. WYNDHAM RANDALL. ENGLISH TINNED MEAT. THE ASSESSMENT OF COLLIERIES. The fortnightly meeting of the Bridgend and Cowbridge Board of Guardians was held at the Workhouse on Saturday, under the presidency of the Rev. H. EynoIl Lewis, Rev. W. A. Edwards (Rector of Llangan) being in the vice-chair. RELIEF. The Clerk (Mr. R. Harmar Cox) reported that during the week ended June 22nd, 1,212 outdoor paupers were relieved, at a cost of £ 171 Os. 4d., as compared with 1.048 at £1:37 16s. 4d. in the corresponding period of last year. In the week ended June 19th, 1,222 outdoor paupers were relieved, at a cost of £173 13s. 4d., as compared with 1,0;)4 at 1;140 13s. Id. in the same period last year. Dur- ing the week ended June 29th, 108 vagrants were relieved, and 88 in the week ended July 6th, the total for the fortnight being 196. SALARIES. Letters were read from the Local Govern- ment Board (1) sanctioning the payment of JE60 to Mr. R. Harmar Cox for services as clerk to the Union Assessment Committee during the past year; (2) confirming the de- cision of the Guardians to increase the salary of Mr. Evan Williams, collector of poor rates for the parish of Llandyfodwg, from £100 to £ 130 per annum. The Clerk intimated that he had received a further communication from the Local Gov- ernment Board confirming the appointment of Miss T. M. Rees as assistant nurse to the workhouse. INSPECTORS RETIREMENT. Mr. Birchain, the Poor Law inspector for Wales and Monmouthshire, writing to the clerk, stated "I am very sorry that I have not been able to arrange a recent visit to the Guardians of the Bridgend and Cowbridge Union before my retirement, which takes place to-morrow, or I would have been glad to express to them my sense of the courtesy with which I have always been treated by them during the great many years that I have been officially connected with the Unions of Wales and Monmouthshire. To you and the other officers of the Union I tender my best thanks for your assistance. I very much regret I have not been able to come and say good-bye to you and the rest of the officers. The Chairman I am sure all the Guardians are sorry that we have not had the opportun- ity of seeing Mr. Bircham aprain before his retirement. (Hear, hear.) We have been very pleased to receive Mr. Bircham's advice from time to time, though a number of the members, myself included, did not always agree with the sentiments expressed by him. We have always admired the great attention paid by him to his duties and the informa- tion he gave us was very interesting. The Yice-Chairman agreed with the re- marks of the Chairman, and suggested that a resolution should be entered in the minutes and a copy sent to Mr. Bircham. expressing their appreciation of his services. (Hear, hear.) They were all regretful that Mr. Bircham was unable to pay them another visit and to say good-bye to them personally. As to the views of the Poor Law officer on the Poor Law question, different opinions were entertained by the members, but they all re- spected him for the zeal he displayed in the discharge of his work. The Chairman then submitted a resolution expressing appreciation of Mr. Bircham's ser- vices and regret that he was unable to pay the Guardians a farewell visit. This was carried unanimously, and the clerk was directed to forward a copy of the same to Mr. Bircham. The Clerk, in reply to a question, said he had received no intimation from the Local Government Board as to Mr. Bircham's suc- cessor. DR. RANDALL'S ILLNESS. Dr. Wyndham Randall, medical officer, wrote that Dr. Paterson had ordered him to take rest for a period of three months. He would be grateful if the Board would appoint Dr. Spencer as his deputy for that period. Dr. Spencer had had some experience as pub- lie vaccinator, and had carefully attended to his (Dr. Randall's) duties during the past month. The Clerk, replying to Mr. T. C. Jones, said Dr. Egbert Williams was Dr. Randall's recognised deputy, but Dr. Spencer had acted for him during his illness. Colonel Turbervill moved that the leave be granted, and that Dr. Spencer be appointed deputy. Rev. David Phillips seconded. Dr. Ran- dall had been an efficient officer of the Board; he had discharged his duties most conscientiously and had never asked for a holiday. He had also been badly paid. (Laughter.) Mr. Michael Davies Will Dr. Spencer re- ceive the same rate of payment as Dr. Ran- dall ? The Clerk: Yes. The Vice-Chairman supported the motion. Dr. Randall, in the long course of his duties as a public officer, had never been prevented by illness from carrying out his duties before this occasion, and they all regretted that he was indisposed. Mr. T. C. Jones was informed by the clerk that Dr. Spencer would have to attend patients in the Workhouse as well as outside, and, in reply to Mr. T. W. Job, Mr. Cox said the deputy would be responsible to the Guar- dians and not to Dr. Randall. The motion was carried. DEATH AT ASYLUM. The Clerk stated that he had received no- tification of the death in the asylum of John Thomas, which occurred on June 26th. De- ceased was admitted from the Workhouse on January 6th, 1904, and had a brother resid- ing at Maesteg. TINNED MEAT. Mr. Edward Edwards asked whether the House Committee had considered the ques- tion of supplying tinned meat to the inmates. Mrs. Randall, on behalf of the committee, replied that there had been an alteration in the sick diet, which was confirmed by the Board at the previous meeting. Mr. Edwards Is it a fact that tinned meat is supplied to the paupers and that it is left unfinished by them? Mrs. Randall: It is not given to sick per- sons. Mr. Edwards: What about the ordinary paupers? Mrs. Randall: The committee were in- formed that no change could be made until the end of the half-year. Mr. Edwards: It is a question that should be considered. Mrs. Randall: I may say that English tinned meat has been substituted for foreign meat. (Hear, hear.) The Chairman: Of course members have a right to ask questions at this meeting. It would be far more satisfactory if they went to the meetings of the committee, of which all are members. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Edwards: There was a relief commit- tee sitting at the same time. One cannot attend two meetings at the same time. Be- sides, the Chairman is a member of the House Committee, and he was not present. The Chairman: No; the Chairman has no questions to ask. (Laughter.) COTTAGE HOMES. The Clerk stated that tenders had again been advertised for in regard to the erection of a new stores at the Cottage Homes. No tender had been sent in. Mr. Michael Davies: Then I move that the lowest tender previously sent in be accepted. This was agreed to. The lowest tender was that of Mr. W. S. Howells, of Trefor House, Coity-road, Bridg- end, namely £ 160. The other tenders were Mr J. O. Gregory, Merthyrmawr-road, Bridg- end, £ 190; and Mr. Philip Gaylard, £ 215. THE INFIRMARY. Mrs. Randall said the House Committee de- sired to call the attention of the Board to the fact that the infirmary building was still in an unfinished state. The committee re- commended that a strongly-worded resolution be sent to the contractor. Mrs. Randall moved the adoption of the recommendation, which was agreed to. The Clerk: We sent a. strong resolution before. The Chairman: Perhaps the clerk will send one more strongly worded this time. (Laugh- ter.)

PORTHCAWL. tons= THOMAS, Florist and Fruiterer, CAROLINE AND QUEEN STREET, BRIDGEND, Begs to inform the public generally that he has OPENED A BRANCH SHOP IN Is. John St., Porthcawl, Near Post Office and Esplanade, Where he has Fresh Supplies of HOME-GROWN FRUIT AND VEGETABLES DAILY. All Orders receive the best and prompt attention. FE. NIX CREAM r J? J-Ll -LN ± uS*. SEPARATOR* SUPERSEDES ALL OTHERS. Guaranteed to take 50 per cent. less power to drive, leaves 50 per cent. less Butter Fat in Skim Milk. Hundreds of satisfied users praise the Fenix. Have one on trial! Every Fenix is started free. Apply for book of testimonials. Separators of every make repaired by experienced mechanics, on shortest notice, or taken in part exchange for a new Fenix. Largest Stock of Separators and wearing parts in the Principality. G. LLEWELLIN & SON, JQAIRY E NGINEERS, | Local Agent- fJAVERFORDWEST, D. E. EVANS & CO., Ironmongers, Bridgend. and Aneurin Roderick Company, Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and General Factors, 25, ADARE STREET. Electric Lighting, Power, Bell and Telephone Installations I CYCLES CYCLES CYCLES Engineer- ing, Cycle, Motor, and General Repairs. CYCLES CYCLES CYCLES tHr SEE OUR „ "N — —■w SEE OUR WINDOWS. WINDOWS. Depot for Crossley's Gas and Oil Engines, and Suction Gas Plants. POST OFFICE TELEPHONE—No. 65.

Shocking Suicide at Aberavon* On Monday at the Aberavon Council Cham- ber Mr. Howell Cuthbertson, district coroner, held an inquiry into the circumstances of the death of Philip Rees, Sandfields-road, Aber- avon, which occurred on Friday evening on the Rhondda and Swansea Bay Railway near the Aberavon Seaside Railway Station. Catherine Rees, wife of the deceased said th^-t her, husband was 52 years of age. She lert him three months ago in consequence of his strange actions, and lately he had been drinking. William John Mounce, of Sandfields, Aber- avon, said that he saw deceased on Friday on ^he side of the Rhondda and Swansea Bay Railway. Deceased spoke to him, asking, Are you a detective ?" and Are you watch- ing me?" Witness replied "No." De- ceased then walked along. and suddenly crossed over at the 6.30 passenger train ap- proached. He laid his head on the metals, and before witness could do anything, the en- gine had run into him. David Spurrey, engine-driver, said he saw deceased come over the fencing, and when the train was a short distance off deceased de- liberately laid down and placed his head on the metals. Witness blew the whistle, and immediately applied the brakes and pulled up. The distance of the second coach from the engine passed deceased. Dr. J. P. Roberts deposed that he knew de- ceased, and had medically attended him some time ago, but not lately. He saw the body on Friday. The back of the head was frac- tured, and about half of the brain was gone. The cause of death was shock and fracture of the skull. The jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst temporarily insane." The Coroner said that the driver deserved to be complimented for his efforts to prevent the fatality, and the jury endorsed this.

FOSTER MOTHER. Five applications were received for the post of foster mother at the Cottage Homes. The applicants were: Miss Mary Ann Thomas, Maesydderwen, Llangeinor; Mrs. Martha Wilson, 41 Nolton-street, Bridgend; Miss Annie Phillips, Morfa House, Bridgend; Mrs Mary A. Nicholls, Trehafod, Pontypridd; Miss Ann Powell, a servant at the Cottage Homes. A motion by Mr. Michael Davies that three of the applicants be requested to appear be- fore the Board was agreed to. After some discussion, Mrs. Nicholls, Miss Thomas, and Miss Phillips were selected. The Clerk to the Reading Board of Guar- dians wrote that Miss Nuttall, formerly of the Bridgend Cottage Homes, had been ap- pointed foster-mother at the Reading Cot- tage Homes, and they were desirous that she should commence duties immediately. Would the Bridgend Board consent to her leaving before the expirat-ion of her notice ?—Mr. D. H. Price said the Bridgend Homes were short staffed at present.—It was decided not to ac- cede to the request. FEEDING OF CHILDREN. The Birmingham Board wrote requesting the Board to pass a resolution in favour of the introduction of a Bill in Parliament to amend the law with regard to providing meals for poor children attending elementary schools, and that the duty of seeing to the poor 'children should be relegated to the Edu- cation authorities. Colonel Turbervill moved that the letter be referred to the General Purposes Commit- tee, but an amendment by Mr. Edward Ed- wards that a resolution be passed as sug- gested, was carried. AGRICULTURAL RATING. At the request of the Tame Board of Guar- dians a resolution was passed expressing the opinion that payment made under the agri- cultural Rating Act to spending authorities should be based not, as now, on the rates col- lected by spending authorities in one year, namely 1895, but on the average of the rate collected during the three preceding years to that in which the payments are made under the Act, on the ground that the rates of spending authorities had grown since 1895 by reason of the increased cost of education and road maintenance. I The motion was moved by the Chairman, seconded by Mr. Edward Hopkin. COLLIERY ASSESSMENTS. Mr. Edward Edwards said he would like to know whether the Assessment Committee had considered the advisability of taking steps to replace the penny per ton on the assessments of the collieries, by which they had been re- duced. The Chairman Whom do you desire to an- swer your question ? Mr. Edwards replied that he would have liked the chairman of the committee to an- swer, but as the chairman was not present he would ask the clerk. Mr. Cox said he was not empowered by the committee to give the desired information. He would undertake to bring the matter be- fore the committee at their next meeting. Mr. Edwards thought the committee wished to keep the matter as secret as possible, and he disapproved of this. He did not propose to let the matter drop. It had been pointed out that the committee only had to report once a year, but he was not satisfied with that, and he contended that he was justified in asking the qmestion. FIRE APPLIANCES. The Workhouse Alterations Committee re- ported, through Mr. Michael Davies, that they had received a tender from a firm for the supply of fire appliances at the new infir- mary, the total amount of the tender being jE137 15s. This tender had been obtained by the architect on instructions from the com- mittee. The committee recommended the acceptance of the tender. The Chairman inquired whether more than one firm had been asked to tender. He thought in a matter of that kind tenders should have been invited from more than one firm. Mr. Michael Davies moved the adoption of the committee's recommendation, and Mr. J. Edmunds seconded. Mr. T. C. Jones moved as an amendment that the matter be referred back to the com- mittee with instructions to invite tenders from other firms. Mr Canniff seconded the amendment, which was carried. Mr. MeGaul pointed out that it was desir- able that the question of £ ke. water supply should be considered. The main from which water was supplied was only 2in. wide, and in case of a fire the force of water would not be found adequate. He moved that the Workhouse Alterations Committee be re- quested to consider the advisability of ap- proaching the Water Company with a view to obtaining a larger main. Mr D. C. Williams (Ogmore Vale) seconded, and it was carried nem. coil.