The Llanelly Mercury and South Wales Advertiser

MUNICIPAL ELECTION. THE FIGHT IN THE THREE WARDS. THE DECLARATION OF THE POLL. 1 The constitution of the Llanelly Borough Council has been decided for another year. On Monday last a vote of the ratepayers was taken in each of the three wards, the salutary ballot system substi- tuting the hateful paper vogue which was the rule in past years. Prior to the voting, a vigorous campaign was carried on in the various wards by the candidates seeking election. There can be no doubt that the interest taken in the contests was keen to a del-ree, a fact which is eminently gratifying, both to the defeated and successful candidates, and certainly complimentary to the general public. There can be no doubt that the best guarantee of an effective and efficient administration of town affairs lies in a healthy interest in public matters and in the con- stitution of the Council by the ratepayers generally. For this reason, we were pleased to find that a contest became inevitable in each ward. By reason of this fact, we had an interesting, and let us trust, a valuable ventilation of town matters at the various meetings held under the anspices of the different candidates. As onr readers are already aware, all tae old members, with the exception of Mr, Guest, sought re-election. General regret was felt that Mr. Gnest had determined, at any rate, for a time, to retire from pisblic lire. During his tenure of office he made a splendid member, faith- ful to his duties, intelligent in following up affairs and frank and fearless in all his criticisms. In Ward 1. the old members, Mr Tom Hughes and Mr. John Griffiths again sought the suffrages of the electors, and an opinion was entertained in some quarters that it was somewhat ungracious on the part of Mr. Blake to try and "upset their apple cart." Here the contest was waged very keenly, especially between Mr. Griffiths and Mr. Blake, the latter making an avowal to the effect that he had come out with the object of shifting the "heavy Weight." It was a great task, and few thought he would succeed. The declaration of the poll shewed that Mr. Blake was left far behind in the encounter, the old members being returned with a handsome Majority of votes. Mr. Brodie was the only old member seeking re-election in Ward II, the new candidates being Mr. Arthur Edgar Davies, and Mr. W. Knoyle. It was in this ward that the sensation of the whole election occurred. It was a general opinion that Mr. A rthur Davies would get in at the top of the poll, but even he could have scarcely hoped for such a magnificent majority as the one he obtained. Mr. Brodie, the old member, Was the unsuccessful candidate, his connection with the Stepney Estate as local solicitor no doubt dsing him some harm. In: Ward III. both the old members came "a cropper," having to make room for Mr. Coombs and Mr. Josiah Davies. Although the interest in the contest was keen, the excitement on the polling day was not particularly intense, and ther were no inci- dents which have any claim to reproduction here. The booths were opened at two o'clock in the after- noon and were closed at eight o'clock in the even- idg, several of the candidates having a few carriages on the go" most of the time. The Polling booths were as followsWard I: Old Road.Lakefield School and old Town Hall,Warrl II; Beulah, Market-street, Park-street Schools. Ward III: Sailors' Home, New Dock School. PRESIDING OFFICERS. j Ward 1.: S. Watkinson, D. Davies, R. W. Spowart. Ward II. M. R. Richards, D. Jennings, W. H. Cox. Ward III: J. Thomas, G. R. Price. POLLING CLERKS. Ward 1.: A. G. Pullen. H. A. Tudor, W. James. Ward II.; D. Francis, Walter R. James, W. H.. I Samuel. Ward III.: A. R. M. Samuel, J. Mont- gomery. At eight o'clock, the various booths were closed, the boxes sealed, and an adjournment made to the Town Hall, where the returning officer conducted the casting-np of the votes in a most satisfactory banner. All the results had been declared shortly after midnight. The figures were as follows :— WARD No. I. Elected. Thomas Hughes. 752 Jahn Griaiths. 673 Non-elected. G. P. Blake I. 265 WARD No. II. Elected. Arthur E. Davies 720 W. Klioyle 390 Non-elected. W. W. Brodie. 331 WARD No. III. Elected. Josia,h Davies 374 ièoi. b Non-elected. Owen Charles 227 g::kl SS" The number of spoilt papers in Ward I, was 11; Ward II, 5 and Ward III, 8. Out of 516 voters in the Sailors' Home District, 410 voted and of 550 in the Lakefield District 358 registered their votes. On the iditiativeof Mr. J. Griffiths, a vote of thanks Was passed to Mr. Spowart, the returning officer, for the ability with which he had conducted the election.

BURNING FATALITY AT LLAN- ELLY. INQUEST ON THE BODY. I An inquiry was held on Saturday last at the Smith's Arms, before the coroner (Mr. W. Buckley Roderick), touching the death of G. Richards, son of J. Richards 16Dolau-fawr. It appears that the deceased was left in the kitchen on Thurs- day morning. He got too near the fire, and his night-shirt igniting, he was severely burnt about the body, which caused his death a day later. S. Richards, mother of deceased, sworn, said that on Thursday last she left deceased standing on a box, at the table in the kitchen, eating his breakfast, while she went upstairs. She left him With his brother, and her sister. There was a Sfnall fire in the grate just lit. There was no wood the fire. She was upstairs for about ten minute^ She heard a scream and ran down-stairs and the deceased came towards her when she reach- ed the kitchen. His flannel night shirt (which was all he had on), was in flames, 11p to his neck. She wrapped her apron round him ancl extinguished the flames. She then took the lght shirt off and applied olive oil to the burns. b he noticed that the front part of her body was burnt. She saw no one in the kitchen when she S°t downstairs. There was no guard in front of the fire. There was an ordinary kitchen fire in ?ont of the grate. There was nothing cooking or btOlhng over the fire. The box she left the deceased ending on was about a yard from the fire. She Sl1t for a doctor, who arrived before 10 o'clock. She carried out the instructions of the doctor, who called in occasionally. John Richards, brother of the deceased, sworn, Said that he remembered the deceased standing ? a. box in the kitchen and his mother going up- • tairs on Thursday last. He stopped in the kitchen (¡l' three or four minutes, then went out to the S?-den. When he went out, deceased was still ending on the box. He did not see the deceased ?Iterwards until he had been burnt. lodwen Richards, sister of the deceased, sworn, "? that she saw the deceased get up on the fender ni then saw his nightshirt burning. t Dr. Edgar Davies, sworn, said that he was called Ittela(-I"ihe deceased shortly before 10 o'clock on ?"rsday morning. He found him very Lapsed, and suering from a severe burn on the ^st' and extending over the stomach and both je°S P? of ? arm- Oil had been put on the lnirns before he arrived. He treated the deceased 1,"?? ?"? gave instructions as to the course to ?toUowed. He called again in the afternoon ?. en the deceased bad recovered a little from the II °\. The proper treatment had been followed. He"r'd not see the deceased after that, as he re- e JVe" notice the following day that the deceased (1" 'I, In his opinion, death was due to the bu jns and shock resultinp' therefrom. J\ verdict of accidental death was returned.

BOARD OF GUARDIANS I THE ALTERATIONS TO THE BOARD ROOM. THE RELIEF LIST. I The fortnightly meeting of the Llanelly Board of Guardians was held at the Union Workhouse on Thursday last, Mr. T. Seymour presiding, there being also present Mrs. Paton, Mrs. Knotts, Messrs. R. O. Jenkins, D. L. Rees, W. Y. Nevill, Thomas Jones, P. T. Daniel, David John, J. L. Thomas, T. Thomas, Owen Bonville, J. Llewellyn, and Rev. D. Davies, together with the olerk (Mr. D. 0. Edwards), the deputy-clerk (Mr. J. H. Blake), the relieving officers (Messrs. D. Jones and J. White), and the master (Mr. J. Bevan). TEES ALTERATIONS. I T-he Clerk referred to the fact that the intended alterations te the Board room had been commenced and that if they preferred the workhouse to hold their meetings to anywhere else, they could go to the next room. It was decided to leave the matter in the hands of the- clerk to speak to the contractor on the matter. WIlJ L AND VACCINAS 10If OFFICERS. I The that the circular from a northern union in ref nee to the medical officers had been partly discussed at the last meeting and further discission had been adjourned until that meeting. Mr. J. L. Thomas; We better not go on with the discussion to-day, as we have as much as we can do. Mr. D. L. Rees: We better adjourn it for another fortnight. The Clerk: You can move in the matter whenever you like. Mr. D. L. Rees I propose that we adjourn the dis- ous..s. i of both questions for another month. Mr. J. L. Thomas seconded and it was carried. APPLICATION FOR AN INCREASE. I A letter was read from the Carmarthen Union asking the Guardians to increase the relief of a pauper named Mary Davies. The Clerk: We don't give- increases to that ex- tent. I don't happen to know the case, Mr. W. Y. Nevill: Perhaps the relieving officer could see into the matter. Mrs. Paton What does she receive now ? The Clerk: 6s. Mrs. Paton said she did not get much nourish- ment with that amount. Mr. W. Y. Nevill: Is not this the woman that kept a little farm at Kidwelly1? The Clerk That is the one. The relieving officer was instructed to report on the case to the next meeting. I "HAMLET" AGAIN. I The Clerk said that he had received a letter from the Swansea Union stating that Billy Lloyd (Ham.. let), was now in their workhouse. It was decided to receive him into the Llanelly Workhouse. A WARRANT TO BE ISSUED. I It was decided to issue a warrant for the arrest of the man Webb from Felinfoel, his wife being now chargeable to the Llanelly Union. APPLICATION FOR ONE OF THE CHILDREN. I An application was received from a Mrs. Pecham for one of the girls from the Workhouse. She wanted to adopt the child. She was also willing to send her to School. Mrs. Knotts thought that the child would be taken care of. She had spoke to Mr. D. L. Rees about the case. Mr. T. Jones: Mrs. Knotts and Mr. Rees seem to know something about the case (laughter). Mr. D. L. Rees said that that showed he not only worked in his own district. The master said that the child was in school and Standard III. She was 12 years of age. The application was granted. I THE MASTER'S REPORT. t The Master reported that eight of the Bridgend paupers had been discharged. The number of paupers in the house daring the present week was 86 and 6 from Bridgend making a total of 92. I ABSCONDING WITH THE WORKHOUSE CLOTHES. I I It was decided to issue a warrant for the arrest I of James O'Brien, a pauper, for absconding with the I i workhouse clothes, AX INVALID. I S. Jones, Trosmaen, 62 years of age, applied for relief. She was not in good health. The Clerk Have you a doctor's certificate? The Relieving Officer: No. The Clerk: No certificate, no relief. The Relieving Officer said that she had managed to come up there that day and wished to appear before them. She was given leave to come before the Board. The Chairman: What have you been doing Mrs. Jonest The Applicant: Nothing sir. The Chairman How do you live then ? The Applicant: Selling vegetables from the garden. The Chairman How much rent do you pay ? The Applicant: Is. Id. a week. The Chairman Yon have a brother living with you. What is his work ? The Applicant: He is a farm labourer when he is working. The Relieving Officer: Does he pay for his lodging's ? The Applicant: A little. Rev. D. Davies: It would be better for you if you let him go from your house, no doubt you would get more sympathy if you did that. The Applicant: I don't give him anything. The Clerk: What is his age ? The Applicant: Fifty-two. The Chairman The better plan for you is to make him go. Mr. D. John proposed that they give her 2s. 6d. a week relief, on condition that she made her brother leave her. Mrs. Knotts seconded and it was carried. A BATCH OF REFUSALS6 I An application for relief was received from K. Owen, Loughor. She was (if) years of age and in ill-health. She also owned a house. Relief was refused. Mary Ann Jones, Cwmfelin, applied for relief. Her husband had been killed recently at the Pencoed Colliery. She had some property, therefore relief was refused. E. Rogers, New Dock, applied for a little assistance, but the relieving officer could not recommend anything, so relief was refused. Mrs. Hickman, New Dock, asked the board to grant a little relief. She had a son about 30 years of age who was working. Relief was refused. L. Lewis, Trimsaran, applied for relief, which was refused. RELIEF IN KIND. I E. Davies, Pantglas, Tycroes, made an applica- tion for relief. She was suffering from a diseased wrist-joint. The relieving officer was instructed to investigate the case and relieve in kind if necessary. A CASE FROM FIVE ROADS. I Betsy Walters, Five Roads, appeared to make an application for a little support. She had been receiving relief from the Llangendeirne Parish, but that had been stopped and she had been ordered to go to the Llanelly Guardians to apply for relief. It was deoided to relieve in kind if necessary. WIIOLIIY DIQ-ABLFID. I J. Davies, Burry Port. 53'years of age, applied for support. He had no club and was wholly disabled. He was suffering from a cardiac disease. The Chairman said that he had been working at the colliery in Pontybercm gbutg was of no use there.: Mr. D. L. Rees He has been a hard working man all his life time. I propose that he be given 3s. a week relief. Mrs. Knotts seconded a,,ici it, was carried. A QUEER PAUPER. j The old man J. Fisher, Kidwelly, made another application for relief. He had been in the house for a few days, but went out again and when he did go he said he was going to apply once more for assistance. The house was again offered. ALMOST BLIND. I Margaret Bowen, Marble Hall Road, applied for I a little support. She was an invalid and almost blind. The Chairman thought it was a case for the honse. Mr. R. C. Jenkins said that her daughter was living next door to her and was looking after her. The Chairman said that if she would be left aione something serious might happen. Mr. W. Y. Nevill remarked it would be better if the daughter took her altogether. It was decided to give her 3s. a week. HER HUSBAND GONE TO AMERICA. I A. Vaughan, Kidwelly, appeared before tha Board to make an application for relief. Her husband had gone to America about two years ago, and she had not heard from him lately. The Relieving Officer said that he had seen a letter from the husband, and there was a part in it about money, and it had been made to read, it seems, no money" and the word after money scratched out The Chairman told her she could come into the house. Mrs. Vaughan What < I come into the house ? No, thank you (laughter). She then wished the members good morning and walked out. SUFFERING FROM ASTHMA. I D. Griffiths, Trimsaran, applied for assistance, He was 49 years of age, and was suffering from asthma. The Relieving Officer recommended- 3s. 6d. a week relief, which was granted. HE HAD BEEN IN THE HOUSE. I S. Jenkins, 65 years, applied for relief, she had been in the house, as an inmate, but had now gone out again. Mr. T. Jones thought she would be more comfort- able in the house. But then her step children would look after her and that would be all right. He proposed that she receive 2s. a week. Mrs. Paton seconded. The Chairman proposed that she be offered the house. Mr. J. L. Thomas seconded. The amendment was put to the meeting and lost, and it was decided to give her 2s. a week I relief. THE HOUSE OFFERED. I S. Davies, late of Pembrey, applied for relief, I and the house was offered. I AN EX-INMATE. I M. E. Thomas, 27 years of age, asked the Board to support her. She had been in the house before, but had gone out as she thought it would be better for her own health. She was now with a certain person who assisted her a little. The infirmary was at her service again. AN APPLICATION FROM TYCROES. I Mary Davies, Tycoppa, Tycroes, applied for relief. She had children who were working. The Chairman said that the children ought to keep their mother. The case was adjourned for a fortnight for further Investigation.

THE HEALTH OF THE PEOPLE DR. S. J. RODERICK'S REPORT. During the month of March there were registered in the district 54 births, which, according to the estimated population, is equal to a birth-rate of 24*6 per 1,000:—Legitimate, males, 26; females, 24; total, 50. Illegitimate, males, 3; females, 1; total, 4. For the same period there were 38 deaths' giving a mortality of 17'3 per 1,000:—Males, 16 females, 22; total, 38. Deaths in wards:—Ward I, 15 Ward II, 16 Ward III, 7. Ages at death:- Under 1 year of age, 9; 1 year and under 5, 3; 5 years and under 15, 0; 15 years and under 25, 0; 25 years and under 65, 15; 65 years and upwards, 11. Causes of death :—(1) Zymotic diseases, nil. (2) Constitutional diseases, consumption, 3; cancer, 1. (3) Local diseases ;-(a.) Nervous system, in- flammation of the brain 1; apoplexy, 4 convulsions, 2; (b) circulatory system, heart disease, 6; (c) respiratory system, pleurisy, 2; inflammation of the lungs, 2 bronchitis, 2; spasm of glottis, 1 (d) urinary system, Bright's disease, 2 diabetes, 1 (c) digestive system, cirrhosis of liver 1; inflamma- tion of the bowels, 2. (4) Developmental diseases (a) Children, emaciation, 2 premature birth, 1 ulceration of umbilical cord 1; (b) old age, 4. Sickness:—Four cases of scarlet fever were notified during the month, two being in Ward I, and two in Ward II. One case of typhoid fever was reported, which occurred in 23 New-street, New Dock, but no cause could be found.

TO OUR CORRESPONDENTS. I "SILENT.Your communicatton is much too long. "STATUS.Yonr particulars would be of no inter- est to our readers. "VALOREM."—The position is contrary to that stated by you. INDEX."—We should be glad to help you in any way possible. Our files will be open for your perusal.

RAILWAY PLATFORM. UP. DOWN. Dep. Dep. 4*26 a.m. ^•13 tO-34,, 12'50 noon 12-25 noon 10 p.m. 2-4 p.m. 2'7 4 7 3-31 „ 4-25 5-25 7536 „ 5.48 7.34 „ S-36 §S'45 9*20 „ 12-0 mid. I Saturdays only. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays only. Thursdays and Saturdays only. SUNDAYS. 12-29 noon 4'26 mail 5-48 p.m. 1*49 a.m 8*36 p.m. 8'28 p.m. BRANCH. UP ARRIVAL TIME Dep. 5'20 a.m. 9*5 a.m 815 10-18 „ 10'8 12-12 noon 3'15 p.m. 2-30 p.m. 4-20, 6-55 6-5 „ 8-22 „ 9-45 „ *11'0 *Saturdays only SLINDAY.31 6'55JIa,in» 5'15 p.ta

SANITARY COMMITTEE NEW BUILDINGS SANCTIONED. A meeting of the Sanitary Committee of the I Borough Council was held on Friday, Mr. J. S. Tregoning. junior, presiding. MILK ANALYSIS. I The sample of milk submitted by the sanitary inspector from Richard Powell being defective, it I was recommended that the inspector take proceed- ings against him. COTTAGES TO BE CLOSED. I It was reoommended that proceedings be taken I to close numbers 5, 6, and 7, Mill-lane. PLANS. I The following plans were submitted and being in accordance with the bye-laws were approved:— T. C. Ferguson, osie house in Victoria-rsad W. Rees, addition to pr«mLsen in Dowiiing-street; J. G. Thomas, bakehouse in Mansel-street; John Davies, one house in Mausel-street; Messrs. Jones and Richards, two houses in Pottery-street; W. Davies, four houses in Goring Road subject to drainage of upper house being canied to sewer in front, and part being carried out; David Harries, two houses in Old Castle Road, subject to drainage being done to the satisfaction of the surveyor. REJECTED PLANS. I T. Griffiths, 11 houses, east side of New Road, the plans not being in aocordance with the bye-laws as regards distance across open space and otherwise not in order J. Burnell, house at bottom of Mina-street. VENTILATING PIPES. I It was recommended that the Surveyor report upon the question of provision of drain ventilating I pipes. CERTIFICATES OF COMPLETION. I Certificates of completion were granted the following persons D. Harries, two houses in New Dock-road, if Surveyor finds houses in order J. and D. Davies, two houses in New-to ad, after having laid in back yard D. Hopkins, one house, in Brynymor-road. RAINFALL. I The Surveyor reported that the rainfall for the I past month had been as follows :—Cwmlliedi, 6'38 inches, rain fell during 26 days Old Market, 6'25 inches, rain fell during 24 days.

HIGH W AY COMMITTEE •» I PROPOSED FOOTPATHS IN THE BOROUGH. A meeting of the Highway Committee of the Llanelly Borough Council was held at the Town IJall, on Friday last, Mr. J. Hansard presiding. CONSIDERING THE REPORTERS. Mr. J. Griffiths drew attention to the fact that the committee-room was rather too small for the committee meetings. If there were a couple more members present, there would be no rests for the reporters' books Mr. Guest said that when reporters went to a public meeting, they had nothing to reet their books on. They must do the same here. However, Mr. Griffiths did not agree with Mr Guest. The matter dropped. THE MILL BRIDGES. I The Surveyor reported in reference to the Mill bridges. He said he was unable to get the Stepney Estate to undertake to open up a road from Andrew-street to Swansea-road. He, therefore, recommended the committee to re-construct the footbridges in iron, similar to the bridge over the LHedi river near the back of the union workhouse. The cost of the work would be about P-80 to E90. Mr. Guest asked the surveyor if he had received a letter from Mr. Wilson. The Surveyor said he had not. Mr. J. Griffiths said it was the wish of the rate- payers to have a cast iron bridge. Mr. J. Williams supposed that both bridges would be of one span. The Surveyor Practically one span. Mr. J. Williams proposed that the recommenda- tion of the Surveyor be accepted. I Mr. D. Thomas seconded and it was carried. A PLAN. I Mr. G. Blake submitted a plan for laying out for I building purposes the triangular piece of land abutting on the borough boundary on the East side of New-road. According to the plan it is proposed to arch over the borough boundary. The back street varied in width from 12 feet to 20 feet. The object of making the width 20 feet at the extreme end was to allow oarts to turn easily. It was recommended that the plan be passed subject to the Surveyor seeing Mr. Blake, and having the plan marked so as to shew the borough boundary. POWER OF THE GAS. I The illuminating power of the gas for the past I month was as follows March 5-7 -30 p.m., at the Town Hall, 14-10 candles „ 9-8-15 „ „ „ 14-20 „ 11 10-740" 140 „ „ 16-7-40 91 „ 1490 „ 17-8-45 Gas Works, 14'24 „ 19-7-30 „ „ Town Hall, 14-20 A COMPLAINT. I Mr. H. Iiowells complained of the unfinished state of the path in front of his house, situate on east side of New Dock Road. The Surveyor stated that the usual custom in such cases was for the owner of the premises to provide the material and the Council the labour. It was decided that the surveyor see the owner of these premises with a view of carrying out his recommendation. A LAMP FOR DOCK CHAPEL. I Mr. D. Thomas asked the clerk if he had received I a letter from the Dock Chapel deacons in reference to light in front of the chapel. The Clerk replied in the negative. Mr D. Thomas thought it must have been mis- laid. The Chairman: Did you not bring this matter up at a previous meeting, Mr. Thomas ? Mr. J. Griffiths No, I did (laughter). Mr. Tregoning: Is this the last? Mr. Griffiths: No, more to come (laughter). Mr. Tom Hughes suggested that the surveyor should go down and see if a lamp was required. It was decided to place a medium lamp in front of the chapel. REPAIRING AND CONSTRUCTING FOOTPATHS, I The Surveyor reported upon the cost of repairing and constructing footpaths within the borough. The estimated total cost was £2,674 5s. 6d. If the paths were all formed, they would greatly add to the appearance of the town and the comfort of the public. It was lecommended that the surveyor's report on this subject be circulated among the members of that committee with details shewing where the footpaths would commence and end. I THS SANDY BRIDGE. I The Surveyor reported that the Mynydc1 Mawr I Railway Company had repaired the damage at the I end of the Sandy bridge. THE SPACE NEAR TABERNACLE CHAPEL. I The Clark said that the Tabernaele people wanted the Council to re-consider their decision in reference to the closing up of the space near their chapel. Mr. Tregoning said that the Tabernacle folk had met them in a friendly way, and he did not object to putting the ground in a proper state. It was decided that the surveyor should report I on the matter again.

IN AID OF MR. BEN JENKINS. At Stradey on Saturday next, on the occasion of the Llanelly and Aberavon match, a collection will be made in aid of Ben Jenkins, a member of the Llanelly team, who has been laid up for some time with a serious illness.

PORTREEVE OF LAUGHARNE. I The Portreeve of Laughame told the Carmarthen Rural District Council the other day that the Corpora- tion of that Flemish settlement had decided to plant trees in their streets in memory on the Queeu's Diamond Jubillee, whereupon that worthy received an intimation that it would be infinitely better to sewer the "town." By the way, it is stated on good authority that a Tenby gentleman purposes taking I a supply of water to Llandefeilog village, near I Carmarthen, by way of celebrating the Queen's record reign.

LEAVING THE OLD COUNTRY. I On Tuesday Mrs. Annie James aud family left Llanelly for Liverpool to sail in the s.s. "Teutonic," White Star Line, which left yesterday (Wednesday). Numerous friends saw her off from Llanelly on Tuesday, and quite a large number went part of the way with her. On Sunday she was presented by the Rev. B. Evans, on behalf of the Lloyd Street Church, with a beautiful Bible. The bookings were in the hands of Mr, Lane Bowen, Lakeiield, the Llanelly agent. For the first time in Llanelly the White Star Line views of America will be exhibited at Park Street School to-morrow evening at 8 o'clock. The demand for the views is very great, and they are booked for many months in advance for other towns.

THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE COUNCIL. TO THE EDITOR. I DEAR SIK,—The Borough Council will shortly I called upon to elect a chairman for the ensuing year. May I be permitted to advocate the claims of an old member of the Council in the person of Mr. John Griffiths, who has rendered great services to the town in times past ? Mr. Griffiths' turn for the distinction has surely come now, the fact that he was considered worthy by his fellow-members to fill the position of vice- chairman entitling him to the reversion of the chairmanship. We have proof of his favour with the public in the circumstance that on Monday last he was returned to the Council by an overwhelming majority. No doubt the Council would be running counter to the wishes of his constituents if they ignored his claims to tile ehair--Yonrs truly, j RATEPAYER.

WELSH CONGREGATIONAL COLLEGES. PROPOSED AMALGAMATION" SCHEME. I On Tuesday afternoon a special meeting of the executive committee of the Bala-Bangor College was held at Bangor, Dr. Jones-Morris, Portmadoc, president, in the chair.—The secretary, the Rev. David Rees, Capel Mawr, presented the report of the representatives of the colleges, who met at Shrewsbury, and passed a resolution that they were of opinipn there should be one Congregational College for the teaching of theology in Wales, and that it should be located at Brecon.—Professor Anwyl thought this question of amalgamation was one of the greatest importance to the denomination, and one in connection with which they should move slowly, even if it took five years to arrive at a settletnent.-Dr. P. Jones said the Presbyterian Board had been snubbed in the matter. They had not been consulted. He was of opillion that if a memorial or a deputation were sent to that board they would meet and agree to ai.iialgainate.The Rev D. M. Jenkins (Liverpool) would not he willing to amalgamate with a Unitarian college. Their object had been to establish one college for the teaching of theology, and, being uuited with a Unitarian college would not be what they wanted.— Professor Anwyl asked if the scheme meant doing away with the institution at Bangor, a.nd thought it would be better if both institutions could be kept to do work on different lines.—The Rev. R. Rowlands (Bethesda) proposed, and Mr. Millward (Bangor) seconded, that we as a committee, approve of the principle of union between the Bala, Bangor, and the Brecon colleges, so as to secure better aud more proficient theologial education for the ministry.—The resolution was carried by a majority, but it was decided that the matter remain in abeyance till the annual meeting.

A DANGEROUS PRACTICE. I ATTEMPT TO ENTER A TRAIN WHILE I IN MOTION. At the Police Court yesterday, D. Charles, 10, Christoper-street, and John John, 1, Pemberton-street, were charged with attempting to enter a carriage while the train was in motion at the Llanelly Station on the 13th ult. Mr. T, R. Ludford appeared for the G.W.R. Company. Mr. W. C. Davies, employed at the Llanelly Station as telegraphist, deposed that he remembered the 13th of March last, The defendants came over the bridge and rushed towards the 10-45 ex- Paddington express. Charles opened the door of a compartment and John jumped on to the footboard. Charles placed his hand on John's back and tried to assist him in, but failed in the attempt, owing to John having his foot under the footboard. The train was going too fast, and they were forced to let go, and when Charles released John he fell on to the platform. The Bench Was this an up, or a down train ? Witness Down train. The defendant Charles Did you see me touch the carriage ? Witness Yes. The defendant Charles You are wrong then. Mr. T. H. Evans, s-tationmaster at Llanelly, pro- duced a copy of the bye-laws and deposed that there was a copy posted up in the Llanelly Station. He saw the two defendants on the 13th March. A scream by some people on the plat- form drew his attention to the defendants. He saw Johns with one leg on the platform, and the other on the lower footboard, being held up by Charles. The express was in motion, and running out of the station rather sharply. The lower footboard was six inches lower than the platform. He thought that Johns bad a most marvellous escape. He was dragged about fifteen yards. Charles was running along the platform holding his friend up. Neither of them could get into the train. The defendant Charles, sworn, said that they were going to Pembrey on the day in question. They ran over the bridge and the train had not started when they got to the platform. John attempted to open the carriage door, but he failed. At the moment the train started, and witness said Look out" and it was then that John slipped. He ran forward and caught John in his arms. When he had succeeded in rescuing John the stationmaster came forward aud swore at John and asked for his name. Cross-examined by Mr. Ludford He could not open the door. There was a young lady in the carriage. He did not know whether the door was locked. But for his presence, John would have been killed. Some remarks which the witness Davies had uttered were false. The Bench said they would dismiss the case against Charles, but would fine Johns JE1 Is. includiug costs.

THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLU- TION, AND AFTER. I A SHORT STUDY OF ENGLAND'S INDUS- TRIAL CAREER. ARTICLE 1. I propose in these papers taking a short view of the greatest industrial career ever known to history. Many of us know England's commerce to be of great magnificence, and of comparatively recent growth WB know that by it we were able to keep ourselves fr, being subjected to the con- quering tyrant, Bounaparte we know that it has been the envy of nations that its usages have been the pattern of all succeeding it; but we do not knew very clearly what was before it and how it arose. We do not see that it has done its work and that a different sysem is already gaining vogue. To take cognizance of these things, and to state them in their just proportion, is the writer's purpose. The industrial revolution, as that change ia England's industrial system which broke up her cottage industries and introduced the era of collective industry, has been well called, took place about 140 years ago. To understand the signific- ance of this great event it is necessary to get a good idea of the condition of the country and its indus- tries over some time preceding it. To give the event its proper perspective I shall travel very quickiy over a rather long distance. Up to the Elizabethan em, Holland had been the great commercial nation of the world, with England coming second, or less still, in importance. Hampered by the fear of Spain, she had made very little effort at, gaining an industrial supremacy. Eventually, however, EngJishmeu of the Eliza- bethan era cast off their fear of Spain, entered into rivalry with Holland, and finally made England the supreme commercial power of the world. The history of the 17th and 18th centuries, is a continuous record of their struggles to attain this object. Cromwell carried on a war with Spain to get the West Indies. He also fought the Dutch. Later we had to struggle for India, and later still we fought France and eventually became possessed of the whole of the French possessions in America. These wars have an important bearing on England's industrial history. They were made to carry off her surplus production. Her chief articles of manufacture were woollen goods, iron goods, pottery she had also coal, iron and tin mining industries. There was a vast difference, however, in the methods of organization of industry in those days, as compared with the methods which now Obtain. The machinery was, to our modern ideas, paltry, and certainly not very efficient. The total production per head was small. The mines were very primitive, the approaches being made not by shafts, but by adits in the side of a convenient hill. Unaided manual labour was the rule; machinery of any sort was an exception. There were very few capitalists as we now know them. As a rule the industries were carried on by small capitalists who were also manual labourers. The defects of this system is seen in the fact that England actually i had to depend on other countries for her coal and salt&c. Existing analogy to the old domestic system is to be found in the case of the now nearly obsolete boot and shoe maker, who is not only able to make a boot throughout, but does it. These, however, are only to be found scattered here and there in towns, and sometimes in country villages. Tailors, again, with a number of regular customers who cut as well as make up materials and who employ no hands, save perhaps, an apprentice or so, bear a slight analogy to the old domestic system. But what of the labourer before the industrial revolution ? How was he faring ? It, is necessary to answer these questions, if we would gain a right understanding of the effects of the changes on the condition of the labourer. As I have said, before the coming of the capitalists, the domestic system held sway. The factoiysystem was not the direct outcome of the use of modern capitalism. There was an intermediate stage, during which the capitalists simply employed workmen in their own homes to work the materials served out to them and to return the finished goods, then receiving wages. This system was the product of its time, as were both the systems which preceded it. Under the early domestic system, pure ..and simple, the labourer's position was by no means a degraded one. In the rural districts, which were much more densely populated than the urban districts—as is shewn in tables I and 2, the labourer was nearly independent of any employer. He had, as a rule, a plot of land attached to his cottage large enough to grow the vegetable food for his family for a good length of time. Besides this advantage there were large common lands to which he in company with his fellow villagers, had free access. Here he kept and bred his stock, and here he oftentimes found his animal food free for the killing. His wages were about two-thirds of those of the urban skilled artizan, but the advantages he possessed over the artizan, were undoubtedly important enough to make up for the relative difference in their wages. The artizan was in no wise the factory drudge he now is, in many places. I do not think that we have improved the position of the artizan at all, relatively to his importance. If the agricultural labourer's position has retrograded, the position of the artizan had not advanced until within a very recent date, and the position of the un- skilled labourer has only about kept place with the agricultural labourer's position. Let me be well understood in this matter. I don't mean to say that the labourer of to-day has not more of the luxuries and necessaries of life now, than he possessed 150 years ago. He undoubtedly has But in relation to the labour-saving machinery introduced during that peiiod, his position has not advanced an iota. He has less opportunity of rising from his position as a labourer, into a higher social position now than ever. At the time I speak of, it was very often possible. Now it is rarely so, and is becoming less so than ever. With the aid of his bit of land he was relatively independent now he is alsolutely dependent on thecapitalist classfor "the right to live"—outside the workhonse. In the 15th century, according to Professor Tho rold Rogers, the English artizan was in a better position than he had been at any time since legislation, com- menced even so far back as Henry VIII, and carried on until 1825, made him a veritable slave. Wages were periodically fixed by law, and at so low an amount as to make living an impossiblity if the employer was not of more heart than the law. But the small-capitalist-artizan was exempt from these vexations. He employed himself and was, in a way dependent solely on himself for his living. His industry and natural acuteness usually determined what his earnings would be. Soon, however, this self-dependence was to be taken from him. The rise of the factory system was the signal for his almost total extinction; while he did exist, however, he was not badly situated. He had his guild, which jealously guarded for Lim his interests. His labour and skill were always to be depended upon, for had he not served a full seven years apprenticeship? His social worth was just as well guaranteed, for he must have been the son of a freeman, else he could not be apprenticed. With all his faults, only one class to-day can compare with him for fearlessness and truth, for intelligence and skill, and that is the better class Trade Union artizan of to-day-and he has his strict limitations. GEORGE H. WOOD. POPOULATION OF ENGLAND IN 1870. Paupers. 500,000 Military and oiffcial 500,000 Professional. 200,000 Manufacturing 3,000,000 Commercial 70J,000 Agriculture 3,600,000 ————— 8,500,000 INCOMES OF THE VARIOUS CLASSES, £ Paupers, &c. 500,000 Interest on Capital 5,000,000 Milit,afy -,tt)d offi3ial 5,000,000 Professional. 5,000,000 Commercial. 10,000,000 Manufacturing 27,000,000 Agricultural 66,000,000 X119,500,000

MISSIONARY MEETING AT ZION SCHOOL-ROOM. On Monday afternoon last, an e rnest missionary I meeting was held at Zion School-room, the ladies of the town being asked to attend to listen to an address by Mrs. W. Ii. James, wife of the Rev. W. R. James, returned missionaries from India. The meeting had reference chiefly to the Zenana mission work. Mrs. James delivered a stirring address which was most appreciatively listened to. It was resolved that an auxiliary branch of the Zenana mission be formed at Llanelly, and Miss Rowlands, Mina-street, was appointed sec. pro tern. A meeting will be held shortly for the purpose of organization.