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Will Dowlais R. C. School Managers be Sued? RECOMMENDATIONS OF LOCAL I TEACHERS EXECUTIVE. 'DISMISSED' CATHOLIC TEACHERS I SALARIES, The members of the Local Executive of the Merthyr Branch of the National Union of Teachers met at the Aber- morlais Schools on Wednesday evening, when the question of salaries of the teachers who were dismissed by the Local Education Authority in May last was considered. Mr. T. Nicholas, a member of the National Executive, was present. After discussion, it was decided to recommend the National Executive to sue the Managers of the Dowlais Ro- man Catholic Schools for the payment of the salaries of the teachers from Mav 1 to June 8. The findings of the Board of Education after the recent Inquiry contained a statement to the effect that there was some slight indefi- niteness" or irregularity by the local authority in dismissing the teachers du- ring the strike of the scholars. The local authority have not paid the salaries of the teachers, and are ob- taining Counsel's opinion as to their legal position.

Dowlais R. C. School Managers and Miss Kiernan. WILL FURTHER INQUIRY BE HELD IN MERTHYR. A communication was received by the Merthyr Public Works Committee on Tuesday, Ooun. Marsh presiding, from Mr..F. Sydney Simons, solicitor to the T'aegdayS Ydc'iaae tKo?iie School Managers, stating that the Managers' charges against Miss S. Kiernan had been lodged with the jftoard of Education. I ftunou d --oil cued "whether the inquiry will be held in Merthyr- or in London, but if the Board thing it necessary to hold the inquiry in Merthyr, I should be glad if you will let me know if the Council will place a room at the disposal of the person who may be appointed to hold the inquiry." Regret was also expressed at the taking of further steps, but stating that the action of the Committee made it absolutely necessary." Ooun. D. W. Jones: It will be time enough to consider a letter of that sort at a late date. Chairman: I don't think any harm will be done by saying that we can set aside one of the rooms. Ooun. D. W.Jones: There is plenty of time for that. We may require the rooms for other purposes. It was decided that the letter be allowed to lie on the table.

British Factory Con- ditions. 8HIEF INSPECTOR'S REPORT. 1 SOUTH WALES INTERESTS. The annual report of the Chief In-I spector of Factories and Workshops, issued on Wednesday, reviews the work of the department for 1913. The accident returns correspond generally, as in former veal's, with the recorded activity of trade, especially in the branches in which the risk of acci- dents is greatest. They are analysed as follows Non- Fatal. Fatal. Mll. achinery moved by Fatal. Fatal. mechanical power 421 47.177 Ditto not moved by mechanical power 20 1.973 Struck by falling body 131 27 497 Persons falbng. 445 21.637 Struck by tools m use 5 7.096 Fire C) 5 73 Other 282 71,399 The divisional report, which has been prepared by Dr • vterald Be] lhou.se (superintending inspector) and Mr. W. Sydney Smith (inspector for dangerous trades) refers to the boom in trade, stating that the only important in- dustries that fell off were the tmplate trade in South Wales, the, textile in- dustries in Yorkshire, and the flannel industry in Rochdale: Discussing the general question of "safety." the report states that the more detailed inspection of works which is now possible owing to the mcreased -i b er of staff, have revealed a large number of defects in fencing and absence of safe- guards. The Cardiff district shows the di increase in the south-western division-ome of the increase being attributed to extensions of machinery. The establishment of safety committees of men and officials is recommended.

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Cyfarthfa School Sports. I ATHLETIC SCHOLARS' SPLENDID I DISPLAY. Although there was a good attend- ance at the second annual sports of the Cyfarthfa Municipal Secondary School, which were held at the Boys' Playing rield on Thursday afternoon, the number of scholars' parents present was somewhat disappointing, although there was an improvement in this re- spect on last year. Selections by the Cyfarthfa and Municipal Band, under the conductor- ship of Mr. A. R. V. Laverock, were thoroughly enj oyed by those present. Officials. The following acted as officials: Starters: .For girls' events, Chief I Constable Wilson: for boys' events, Quartermaster-Sergeant W. aarz?v Jones. Judges: His Worship the Mayor, Mrs. M. Bowen, Mrs. McKenzie Crooks. Coun. Mrs. Edmunds. Mrs. W. Ed wards, Aldermen J. M. Berry, T. J. Evans, and R. P. Rees. Councillors David Da vies, LI. Francis. W. T. G. Marsh, Enoch Morrell, Dan Thomas, F. A. Phillips, and Mr. Rhys Elias. Clerks of the Course: Miss Everson, Miss Grier, Mr. H. Evans, Mr. J. R. Evans, Mr. J. J. B. Johnson, Mr. T. J. Thomas. Handicappers: Miss A. M. Graham, Miss D. Jones, Mr. A. R. Bern on, Mr. H. A. Harris. Recorder: Mr. S. Adams. Hon. Secretaries: Miss Tydfil Jones and Mr. A. G. Lucas. I WINNERS OF EVENTS. I 100 Yards Flat Race (Junior Boys): 1. T. Lloyd (3i yards); 2, R. Owen (scratch); 3, R. Thomas (3 yards). High Jump. Scratch (Junior Boys): 1, R. Owen; 2,(D. G. Lewis; 3, W. H. Perkins. 100 Yards Skipping (Junior Girls): 1, E. Molde (3 yards); 2. N. Nash (scratch); 3, A. Williams (2 yards). 100 Yards Flat Race (Senior Boys): 1, A. Thomas (2-.J yards); 2, Simon Jones (scratch); 3. S. R. Harris (4 yards). Egg and Spoon Race (Junior Girls): A. ,1. TVoma«: 2, Ir N-gli; 3. D. Powell. 300 Yards Flat Race (Junior Boys): 1, R. Owen (scratch); 2. I. Thomas (18 yards) 3, T. Lloyd (11 yards). Threading the Needle Race (Junior Girls): 1. M. Lewis; 2, V. Edwards; 3, A. M. Jones. Obstacle Race, Open (Boys): Juniors, W. Rees, R. Owen, R. James. Seniors: Simon Jones, A. Thomas, E. H. Bowers. Long Jump Handicap (Junior Boys): 1. Reg. Owen (scratch); 2, V. Williams (18 inches); 3, I. Thomas (26 inches). 100 Yards Skipping (Senior Girls): 1, E. L. Davies (scratch); 2, A. Edwards (scratch) 3, O. Davies (scratch). Egg and Spoon Race (Senior Girls): 1, Gerty Davies; 2, J. Jenkins; 3, Gwen Lewis. Long Jump Handicap (Senior Boys) 1. Simon Jonea (scratch) 2, E. Evans (30 inches) 3, A. Thomas (3 inches). Threading the Needle (Senior Girls): 1. W. Sutton; 2. A. Owens; 3, J. Jenkins. Chariot Race (Boys): 1. P. ETans; 2. M. Davies; 3. E. H. Bowen. 100 Yards Flat Race (Junior Girls): H. V. Edwards (scratch); 2, D. Wil- liams (scratch); 3, H. Goodenough (1 yard). 300 Yards Handicap Walk (Boys): 1, R. Williams (15 yards); 2, M. Davies (25 yards); 3, R. Price (35 yards). Sack Race, Open (Bovs): 1. T. W. Lewis: 2. G. Williams; 3, G. Pugh. High Jump. Scratch (Senior Boys): 1, A. Thomas; 2, Simon Jones; 3, T. H. Lloyd. High Jump (Senior Girls): 1. D. Lloyd; 2, M. Edwards. 100 Yards Walk, Open (Girls): 1. E. Badman; 2. E. Jenkins. Obstacle Race, Open (Girls): 1. G. Owen; 2. G. Lewis; 3, A. Edwards. 100 Yards Flat Race (Senior Girls): 1, Edith Davies (scratch); 2, P. Scott (2 yards) 3, W. Sutton (1 yard). 300 Yards Flot Race (Senior Bovs): 1. Simon Jones (scratch); 2. R. Hum- phreys (18 yards); 3. L. Turner (12 yards). Half Mile Open Handicap (Bovs): 1, T. W. Thomas (65 yards); 2, A. Thomas (40 yards); 3. L. Turner (50 yards). Throwing the Cricket Ball (Boys): 1, S. R. Harris (20 feet); 2, J. Martin (15 feet); 3. W. J. Jones (scratch). Swimming Competitions. 30 Yards Junior Scratch Swimming Race: 1, Russell Thomas; 2, T. J. R. Evans. 40 Yards Senior Scratch Swimming Ra?e: I S. R. Han-is; 2, F. Baker; 3, T. Phillips. (Open): S. R. T?T Long Phinge (Open): 1. S. R. Hams; 2, L. Turner; 3. D. H. Evans. Presentation of Prizes. I At the close of the day's sports, the Mayor and Lady Mayoress (Ooun. H. M. Lloyd and Mrs. Lloyd) presented the prizes to the successful scholars. Before the actual presentation took place, the Mayor ad dressed a few re- marks to the scholars. As a believer in athletics, he was pleased to have been present that day. It could not be too often insisted, he said, that a healthy body was required for a heal- thy mind. He urged upon the whol- ars to^ show their appreciation of the hours of labour put in by the staff of the school to make the sports a suc- cess, by working studiously at their mental taska when they returned to school. Refreshments were obtainable a.t a special tent, Messrs. Bel ham, Hifh Street, being the caterer.

Re- Valuation of Cefn Property. "PENALTY ON POVERTY" The request recently made by the Merthyr Union Assessment Committee to the Overseers of the Parish of Vay- nor, to make a re-valution of property in High Street. Cefn, was discussed at the meeting of the Merthyr Board of Guardians on Saturday, Ooun. O. Fen- wick presiding. Mr. Morgan Thomas asked why the Assessment Committee had requested a re-valuation of property in the Vaynor parish alone. Mr. F. T. James replied that it had been ascertained at the last meeting of the Assessment Committee that parti- cular house and shop in the High St had originally been assessed at JE6 10s. (It was subsequently raised to P,15 rat- able.) The Committee thought that they were justified in asking for a re- valuation of house property in Oefn. Mr. Morgan: It is a, queer thing to do it in one parish alone. You are going to raise them up and leave the others behind. If there are anomalies we should deal with the other parishes as well. The information with regard to the particular property was given in good faith The Overseers did all they could do. It is unfair to deal with the anomalies existing in one parish alone. Mr. John Prowle: On a point of or- der, Mr. Chairman. I think Mr. Tho- mas should give notice of motion before dealing with this matter. Mr. Thomas: I will give notice of motion for a re-valuation in the whtilo of the parishes of the Union. Mr. J. Price: The majority of things here are out of order, but we happen to be in order now. Mr. Chairman, and I hope you will let us go on. (Laughter.) Nobody will grudge us, at least I hope not. We cannot inter- fere with the Assessment Committee, but I believe we are moving in the right direction. The people of this lit- tle place cannot understand why the Committee should put a penalty on poverty. They cannot understand why the poorest parish in the Union should be penalised. Mr. Morgan Thomas subsequently gave notice that he would move at the next meeting that the Assessment Committee be asked o obtain a re-valu- aation of the house property of the whole of the parishes of the Union. Re-Valuation of Collieries. It was decided that the Union seal be affixed to the agreement between the Merthyr Union and Messrs. Alex- ander and Smith, valuers. Birmingham, for the re-valuation of "such collieries as may be desired by the Union." (The terms of the agreement have already been published in a previous issue.)

South Wales Coal Trade. A YEAR OF GREAT PROSPERITY. INSPECTOR'S REPORT. I According to the report of Dr. Atkinson, inspector of mines for South Wales, the year 1913 was one of great prosperity to the coal trade in South Wales. There were no serious stop- pages owing to labour disputes, and the rate of wages was increased by 2t per cent. from June 1st to the maxi- mum under the Conciliation Board. The total number of persons employed below and above ground were 233,134, of whom 198,123 were below ground, an increase of 7,599 persons over last year. There were 609 mines at work, compared with 622 in 1912. The coal raised was 56,830,072 tons, valued at 33,744,202, and of this 38,033,080 tons, valued at £ 22,656.539, were obtained in Glamorgan. Of coal classed as anthracite, the output was 4,833,159 tons, which was an increase of 480 149 tons. The Casualty List. There were 1,508 accidents, of wlucn 321 caused the deaths of 782 persons. In addition to the terrible explosion at Senghenydd Colliery in October, in whih 439 lives were lost, there was an unusual number of accidents resulting in more than one death each. There were 35,180 separate accidents, which disabled 35,328 persons for more than seven days. Twenty-two explo- sions, or ignitions, of fire-damp and coal-dust resulted in 451 deaths. With a few exceptions, no difficulty has been experienced in the working of the Eight Hours Act during the past year. Only 152 females were returned as employed at the mines in 1913.

Local Building Federation and Contractors. I QUESTION OF STONE-DRESSING. A letter from Messrs. Enoch Wil- liams, oontractors of the new Gellyfae- log Schools, was read at the Sites and Buildings Committee, on Tuesday, Ooun. Wm. Lewis presiding. The letter, which was a reply to a letter from Mr. J. Bateson, Secretary of the Building Trades Federation, re- ceived by the Committee at the pre- vious meeting, complaining about cer- tain stones not being dressed on the site as stipulated, stated that certain of the stones could not very well be dressed on the site, and were being dressed at Cardiff, but that all other stones were dressed on the site. The statement by Mr. Bateson thst there had been and still were stone-masons out of work in the town was not true. "There is not a stone-mason out of work in the borough now, or has been for the last six months," the letter added. Coun. Enoch Morrell: What are the terms of the contract ? Director: It stipulates that all stones should be dressed on the site. Coun. Morrell: Well, why are the conditions not enforced? I should say that we should insist on our terms be- ing carried out. Ooun. D. W. Jones: Had we not better send a copy of the letter to Mr. Smith, the Architect. Coun. Morrell: I suggest that a oopy be sent to Mr. Bateson as well. k am not conversant with the conditions of the mason's trade in the district. | but after what has been said in that letter we should, in all fairness, give Mr. Bateson a chance to reply. Coun. Francis: This is a matter which has been hanging on for some consider- able time. I understand that Mr. Smith, the Architect, has asked the oontractor to withdraw certain stone from the z), but it has not been »'^n« yet. As a matter of fact, the Archi- tect can do it himself, if necessary. I was there myself one morning at 6 o'clock. The stone was there then. I understand that one of the brot^rs told Mr. Bateson that if he did not ge; away from the job, he would shift him. I thought it was a very tactless thing for him to say to a man representing an organisation. Coun. Dt W. Jones: We should have a report on the matter. The Committee finally decided that copies of the letter be sent to Mr. Bateson and to Mr. Smith, the Archi- tect, who was also asked to make a report.

I Merthyr Central Mission. I WESLEY SUNDAY-SCHOOL ANNI-I VERSARY. The above was held on Sunday last. The resident minister. Rev. David Pughe, preached morning and evening, and the afternoon was taken up with songs and recitations by the children. The following took part: -Recitations, Rose Llewellyn, E. G. Stephens, Lily Sharman, Lily Sweat, Gladys Sweet, M. Williams, Dolly Bengough, and Tom Dando. Songs were given by Irene Gowen, Ruth Starr, May Prosser, and Ida Wyke. Choruses were rendered by Mrs. Martin's class and Mrs. Dando's infant class. On Wed- nesday and Thursday the anniversary was continued, when a miscellaneous programme was well executed under the able oonductorship of Mr. T. H. England. Mrs. Dan Sweet was the accompanist. Mr. John Evans (Royal Stores) was to be chairman on Wednes- day. but he was unable to come, so the Pastor presided. Mr. F. Thackeray took the chair on Thursday, and the following was the programme: — "Jolly Tars." a group of boys; "Slumber Song," Elsie Taylor; "Butterflies," a quartette; "Happy Little Jape," Miss Gittins's class; "Rock Me to Sleep," song, Ruth. Starr; "Don't count your chickens before they are hatched," dialogue; The Shamrock," trio; The Quaker- esses." action song; "Daffodils," duet, Gladys and Lily Sweet; pianoforte duet, Cliff and Roland Bale; The Year and the Months," Miss Gittins's class; "Sand Maidens," action song; "Masculine Gender," boys' action song; "Wanted a Ser- vant," dialogue; "Slumber Song," Doris Prosser; "Dirty Boy," action chorus; Grandmothers," action song; "The Boasting Bobby. Mr. Anderson's class; "Mother Hubbard," chorus. The anniversary services will be con- tinued on Sunday next. The children will repeat their special anniversary hymns, and the Pastor (the Rev. Dd. Puglie) will preach. TheTBrotherhood will meet at 2.30, and will be open to men and women. The Sunday School children will sing selections, and Mr. Pughe will speak on Family Re- ligion."

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Merthyr as a Health Resort. GELLYGAER GUARDIAN'S VIEWS. I I WHY THE DEPUTY-REGISTRAR I LEFT HENGOED. The people of the Gellygaer district have been greatly incensed at the ac- tion of Mr. W. Morris, Deputy-Regis- trar for the parish, in removing from Hengoed to Merthyr (owing to his be- ing unable to maintain his health at the former place). The matter was discussed for he seoond time at the meeting of the Merthyr Board of Guar- dians on Saturday, Coun. C. Fenwick presiding, when a letter was read from the Registrar-General in reply to a letter of "emphatic protest" against Mr. Mor- ris's action, written by Mr. F. T. James (Clerk). on behalf of the Board. The Re&tra-r-Generalle letter stated that by retaining his head office at Hengoed, Mr. Morris was complying with the regulations. The Registrar- General is not in a position, the letter continued, to judge of the salubrity of the respective places. As the rail- way services between the two places is direct, there should be no difficulty in Mr. Morris carrying out his duties, and he (the Registrar-General) is not pre. pared to make any order. Mr. W. Parker: Is it within the power of this Board to call upon Mr. Morris to resign? Clerk: No, sir. Mr. S. Davies: I think it is a very great hardlship for the people of Gelly- gaer. I should not consider Merthyr as being a health resort. It has the high- ,-st death rate in the Kingdom ex- cepting Bradford. A Member: Nonsense. Mr. John Prowle: We have done all that we can. We cannot add to the Clerk's letter. It may. however, be right that one should live amongst and take part in the social life of the com- munity where one earns one's income. Mr. Morris did promise to live in the f»arish, and in that sense has broken faith. Mr. S. Davies: The Registrar's let- i. stated that thf railway communion-j titih ;8 ciireci. Y-cu could your- self here in a barrow as quick as you can come here from Pontlottyn by rail. (Laughter.) Clerk: I think the Registrar refers to Hengoed ,the head office. Mr. S. Davies: It will cost the peo- ple 2/4 to go to Hengoed from Pont- lottyn to get a certificate. Clerk But Mr. Morris goes to Pont- lottyn. and has office hours there. Thev must catch him there. Mr. S. Davies: Yes, but he is not there sufficient time to do the busi- ness. The Registrar-General knows nothing about the geographical situa- tion of the district. Chairman: You may appeal to the Registrar-General for extra assistance. Mr. A. J. Howfield: Might I suggest to our Gellygaer friends that they should look carefully through the hours of attendance, and see if they cannot bring their grievances here if they have any, and ask the Board to make a representation to the Regis- trar-General. There seems to be something wrong when there is only one hour set aside for a large district like Pontlottyn. It is for our Gelly- gaer friends to set their house in or- der. If Mr. Morris attends at the advertised time, I dont think it '09 competent for any one to say where he should reside. Mrs. M. A. Edmunds: It is unfair to say that Mr. Morris broke faith, seeing that he did go to Hengoed to live. He did not promise to live there always. Mr. Morris's medical man told me that his (Mr. Morris') health ha3 seriously broken down. A Member: We advertised, and se- lected the best man. We have no- thing else to do now. Chairman: I think the Gellygaer members would do well to accept the suggestion of Mr. Howfield. The discussion then closed.

Dowlais Man's Death. I j FELL DOWN STONE STEPS. I Mr. R. J. Rhys, coroner, conducted an inquest at the Merthyr General Hospital on Mondav concerning the death of William Parry (67). Evidence was given to the effect that whilst going to the ooal-house at his home in 2 Commercial Street. Dow- lais, on the night of June 9. Parry fell down some stone steps, injuring his spine and badly bruising his back. He was taken to the Hospital and attend- ed by Dr. Cresswell, but succumbed to his injuries on Friday night. A verdict was returned according to the medioal evidence.

The capitalist factory, notwithstand- ing that it tTeats its workpeople well, is still to be condemned in principle, because it exists for the purpose of making private profit; just as slavery is wrong in principle even when the slaves happen to be kindly treated and well fed.—" Co-operative News."

A Tribute to the Welsh Wizard. SOME REFLECTIONS OF THE GREAT MATCH. From the fight they came victorious, With the name for ever glorious. Singing their praise in joyful chorus. Valiant Harlech men." When Bob Fitzsimmons was touring the world after defeating Jim Corbett, on that ever-memorable St. Patrick's Day in 1897. Ruby Robert waa starred as not only the champion, but the champion of champions. Judging by the wonderful manner in which Freddy Welsh out-pointed and out-manoeuvred Willie Rit-chie on Tuesday night at Olympia I don't think I shall be guilty of exaggeration in de- scribing Welsh as the champion of champion light-weights. Of course, in so doing, I realise that Packey McFarland has now thrown in his lot with the welter-weight division, where he will probably remain until the end of his most amazing and bril- liant boxing career. The King is dead; long live the King, is quite an hackneyed phrase yet there is hardly one more befitting the new monarch of the light-weight sphere. Freddy Welsh is a great little cham- pion. and never was a better boxing lesson given than that which he ten- dered to Master Willie Richie. It was a contest that will do an en- ormous amount of good for the game. Coming on the billows of this big boom, the result will set the sport seething with tremendous enthusiasm from North to South and East to West. Following the Wells-Bell affair. it proved an exhilarating antidote, aDd those who were present will never reg- ret tedious journevs. Land of My Fathers. A.Jt There was Celtic e]4-etricitye4in tr,6 4ifl air.. One kept jostling or bumping in- to happy bands of Miners from the Rhondda Valley and the great Welsh centres*. They had come to London to see Welsh win and. such was their faith in t'heii country man. at they never an if-cr; ced defent f.->. ^Ish. Qymru am »' .1" clw ly^iot*? of fcbaii ta*- rion cries, and at S :v-tiru.E." they mat themselves manifest in the vast build- in&. race ww The sentimentahtv of the race WM soul-swaying. Higiy-strung. they kept impatiently waiting for their idol, their hero, to come along, Had Lloyd George passed at the time, he would have been studiously ignored. Then Welsh entered the ring, and a remarkably enthralling scene was staged. Floating from all parts of the building, in a vast column of sound, came the stirring:- "Land of my Fathers. Land of the Free." Welsh, too, was touched at the loyal- ty and patriotic affection of his coun- trymen, and stood up solemnly in his own angle of the ring, whilst the na- tional song was rendered in the langu- age of the ancient bards. Ritchie's countrymen greeted him warmly, and the crowd cheered him lustily, but the war march chilled their hearts. Now and again a strident voice wailed for Ritdhie, "Out loose, Willie. Show them your'e some fight- er," but otherwise, like their cham- like their cham- pion in the ring, they were subdued by the overwhelming personality of Welsh's greatness; his generalship and speed and cleverness had magnetiasdt them beyond redemption. Good for tne Game. The victory of Welsh has lifted the war-god Boxiana high again on the pedestal of renown. Of oourse I am referring to the British specimen, which had fallen into soft ground by defeats at the hands of .French boxers. But all those reverses are forgotten in the wondrous trimuph achieved by the aptly-named Welsh Wizard," for never did glove artiste display more un- oanx- v craft than did Fred Hall Thomas. I would not have missed the match for anything and the more I reflect up- on the clash in the cool afterthought, tlie more I was attracted by the subtle mastery of the Welsh marvel. Personally, I gave Ritchie but two rounds—6 and 18—whilst two rounds were even and the rest all in favour of Welsh. Those which went to Ritfchie were by the narrowest margins. —" Pollux," in the Daily Herald."

HER CONSOLATION. A lady residing in a quiet village in Suffolk often visited a very aged cou- ple who were spending their last daya in Derby and Joan fashion seated on either side of the fireplace. The old man fell ill, and at last a day canoe when the visitor found only one chair occupied. Darby was not in his usual place. Where is your husband?" Well. mum, he be gone at last. t Oh, I'm very sorry; that is very sad for vou" said the lady, consolingly. Yes, mum. it be said," replied the old woman; but then, you see, he were fearfully in the way f the oven."