The Aberdare Times

TO C'- R. it MS P' 1) KNTS. We cannot insert anonymous letters. The real name nnil address must bo forwarded, not neces- sarily for publication, but, as a guarantee ot good faith. We cannot undertake to return rejected manu- scripts. All communications to the Editor must be sent in by Wednesday. VVOKKINU :\lAX Nl. 2.—You^have not forwarded us-your proper name, and until you do so we can- not insert your communication.

DEATHS. March 14t!i, after a brief illness, aged 45 'yeirs, Mr James Thomas, tailor, Bankes street, Aberdare, much.respected by all who knew him. March 10th, aged 77 years, Mr. Thomas Cotton, newsvendor, of this t'>vrn Thedcceased was an old resident, and in former years held a respectable position in the town as a tradesman.

THE NATION ITS OWN DEFENDER. Army reform, including the abolition of the purchase system, may be in some respects the most important topic of the time, but our national defences constitute a permanently important subject of consideration. It may have been for some little time past an eagerly discussed question what would be the fate of the ministerial proposals, but such views as those which Mr John Stuart Mill has just enunciated are of more lasting moment. A very large public meeting having assembled r, ZD in London, under the auspices of the Working Men's Peace Association, Mr Stuart Mill ex- pounded his views on military taxation and our national defence; and as we believe that not only are these views those of a very large section of the community, but that theyg are destined to become more and more popular, we will refer to the main point of his argu- ment and endeavour to enforce them. He maintains that our army is vastly too large when it is not wanted, and vastly too small when it is We cannot but regard this as very ?3 unpleasant, though it may be very wholesome truth. As to the number of our army we will take the statement of the Globe. "In 1868—9," it says, "when the present Government came into office, they found an army of 138,f>91 men, costing £ 15,455,400. The Bill now before the House of Commons proposes to place the army permanently on a footing which, in point of strength, is 3,64-t less than the army of 1863, but will cost £396,300 more." Now, even supposing that unfair periods may have been chosen for com- parison, the fact remains that we have a very large and costly army when not wanted, and itoo small an army when it is wanted and we fear there is too much truth in Mr Mill's statement, that should our army be needed for the defence of these islands, the force we can muster will be totally inadequate. He com- plains that we pay fourteen millions a year for being without an army," that is, an ade- quate army, while the Prussians, for half that money, can bring 500,000 trained men into the field at a fortnight's notice; and that we are asked to pay three millions more a year for an increase in the artillery, but for other- wise a scarcely pelceptible addition to our jneans of defending ourselves from an enemy, "besides "the other millions" we .are to pay for the abolition of the purchase system. With regard to this latter system, we will oitly say that it has long been generally felt th-at it must, sooner or later, be abolished; that it is injurious to the service, officers, and mev. asifi grossly unfair to the public. A more f important question is, whether we are to con- tinue to .keep up a monster standing army tyhich, monster though it be, is inadequate to meet emergencies that may occur; or whether we shall resort to the principle of a national army; and we believe that public opinion is more and more tending towards the latter conclusion. To abolish our standing army is what the country is never likely to consent to in our time, let Peace Associations say what they may; but it is quite within the range of reason and sound national policy to considerably reduce this army, and rely more than ever upon the nation itself, so that in point of fact the nation may become its own defender. Without mentioning Prussia, there is no doubt that Mr Mill referred to that Power when he said, A nation in arms requires a nation in arms to withstand it. No country can afford to keep a standing army great enough for the purpose-we, least of all, whose military system costs us £ 1 00 a year for every soldier it gives us." And yet, even in the modern history of the world, how falsely have nations striven one against the other in fostering this ruinously expensive system of large standing armies. A few words dropped by a sovereign or an ambassador have sufficed to make this or that Government in- crease its standing army, thus adding heavier burdens on the people. One nation increases its army, and another and yet another does the same; and thus the people- the hewers of wood and drawers of water- are more and more taxed for possible war; and when one nation finds its standing army j more large and powerful, or presumably so, than that of another, the former is tempted to go to war with the latter on the slightest pretext. It may be urged that the system of a national army, as contra- distinguished from that of a standing army, did not prevent Prussia from desiring to go to war. But that is still a moot ques- tion, on which we will not enter; while it is certain that the fact of a large standing army and its presumably good organisation exercised a powerful influence towards France being so eager to rush into the field. But England is different in this respect to either Power, and indeed to most Powers in the world. Her bitterest enemies never accuse her of any aggressive designs. It may be almost said that at this moment she has more colonies than she knows what to do with, while her own insular position precludes any thought of encroachment. We only seek means of defence and the question is whether we have been and are going the right way to obtain these means. We think not. We do not wholly agree with Mr Mill when he says, Henceforth our our army should be our whole people, trained and disciplined but we believe that our best policy would be to decrease our standing army and rely more on the nation herself. We have the foundation of this national defence in the Volunteers, and we feel assured that it would be for the best interests of the country to develope this arm of our military service and to supplement it by training the manhood of the nation to forin an army of defence. I .■1 g UL- -I1-

Miss EMMA STANLEY.—This accomplished artiste will appear at the Temperance Hall in her pleasing eutertainment, The Seven Ages of Woman," on Monday evening next. For parti- culars Sf»s announcement in our advertising Columns. OUR VOLUNTKKIIS.—Our loc I 1 volunteer corps aeseiubled (t'r parade the first lime this season on Thursday evening. There was a tolerably strong muster. The men presented a fine appearance, an 1 were provided with the new breechloading Snider riH -s. We understand that a rifl • oont at will take place on the 21 -*t instant, in honour of the marriage of H.H.H the Prillcess L-)ui & SpsfECTKii Infanticide.—The deal body oT g newly'b>rn temale child was discovered n<±ar the Mid4i« Dutfi-yn »ailway box on Thursday last week. Au i.iqiwnt w.is lifid on the body on the following day, at the White H '>rse, Cwu<- J bach, before George Oveiton, Esq., coroner, 11 when P.O. Williams deposed that at a quarter to six o'clock on the previous evuuing, lie rectived information from Edward Charles, switchman, th:)t he had found the body of a child floating in the water, cl'^se to the railway boy. The body was afterwards conveyed to the White Horse. Dr Leis;h stated that it appeared to be a iully- dovi'loped child, bu* a pest-mortem examina- tion had not yet been made. The inquest was then adjourned for the purpose of allowing time tor a post-mortem examination and givi"g the police an opportunity of discovering the perpe- trator of the inhuman act. FATAL ACC: DENT.— On Wednesday evening last, a melancholy and fatal accident occurred to Mra Giles, wife of Mr Giles, butcher, Commercial- place, of this town. It appears that Mr and Mrs (iilts and their son were returning home from the neighbourhood of Penderyn in a spring cart, when the horse took fright and upset the convey- ance, the deceased falling head foremost against a stone, killing her on the spot. Her body was re- moved to the Golden Lion, Hirwain, where an inquest was held on Thursday, before J.Williams, Esq corom-r, when a verdict of accidental death was returned. The deceased was much respected, and her sad end has evoked much sympathy from her fellow townspeople. TUE FKANCO-PRUSSIAN WAR.—Maund's dio- rama of the late disastrous war on the Continent is now exhibiting at the Temperance Hall, and is well worthy of a visit. Not the least pleasing feature of the entertainment is the excellent singing of Mr Gwilym Phillips, accompanied on the pianoforeby Mr. Montague. The "Watch on the Rhine." the Soldier's Dream" (com- posed by Mr Phillips), and other national songs are rendered in a most effective and accomplished manner. The ent- rtainuient closes on Saturday. (See advertisement.) BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—The usual weekly meeting of this board was held on Saturday. Present—Mr G. T. Clark (chairman). Mr David Davis (vice-chairman), the Rev. J. Griffith, Meyssrs W. Simons, It. H. Rhys, W. L. Daniel, Thomas Williams, Hugh Jenkins, Rees Williams, J. Li.wis, N. B. Alien, Thomas Jenkins, and Dr. James. —The Master reported the number in the house, 315; corresponding week last year, 346. Mr Simons addressed the board on the subject of sending communications to managers and othtra in connection with schools, asking their aid in furthering the work of vaccination by remonstrat- ing with the parents of children, and pointing out the beneficial effect of the operation. Thpre was at first a division of opinion as to the propriety of such a step put Mr Simons intimated that the legislature contemplated a provision that no child should attend any public school without having been previously vaccinated. He eventually pro- posed the following resolution, "That the board recommend to the man lgers of public schools in this districts that they should adopt such means as in their discretion they may think expedient to induce the friends of children attending their respective schools to have such cbildien vaccinat- ed, where they have not been already vaccinated." —Mr R, II. Rhys seconded the proposition, remarking that the step would be attended by success. There was no attempt at coercion, but a respectful appeal to persons connected with schools to use their influence. — Dr James and the Rev J. Griffith then spoke, the former considering that notice of Mr isinions's motion should be given, in order that the matter could be discussed, the Rector assuring the board of the indifferent result he had met witti in his many att^mnts to induce parents to get their children vaccinated. There was a strong prejudice against it in the m!nds of certain classes, who considered that vaccination brought dispase.—After some discussion, the Chairman submitted the motion to the meeting, and it was carried by a majority.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE "ABERDARE TIMES." Si Et,- Your correspondent A Working Man" has favoured you with a letter lengthy enough to take the wind out of ono's sails. There are not many genuine working men" in connection with the Aberdare library, but the limited acquaint- ance your correspondent evidently has with English literature implies the correctness of his nom de plume. His conclusion that by books of a "different stamp" I must mean novels" is a most illogical one, and suggests that a little acquaintance with the principles of reasoning" may do aim good. He can hardly think that theology aud novels comprise a nation's literature. Equally stranga is his idea of novels." He asks Do they induce people to think?" The answer is:—Good novels do. Who can read Shakespeare's works without thinking and being improved ? True, they are called comedies, tragedies, and dramas; but they are only novels written chiefly in verse —that is, fiction founded sometimes upon histoty, sometimes upon legend, aud some are imaginary. Scatt s works are fictions into which the habits and customs of past generations are interwoven, and are consequently very instructive. Of later times Dickens s works have had an itumenoe in- fluence in correcting national habits, by holding them up to ridicule, just as our frieivi Punch continues to do. The above-mentioned works will be read as long as the English language exists. Any man that studies them will not belong to the "shallow-pated" oommiinity among which A Working Man. has had his experience. Numerous other works of fiction may be mentioned that will repay a careful perusal. but I did not write to defend or sug- gest novels for the library. There is an im- mense field of literature between theology and fiction. Had 1 the selection of books tor the library I would place on the shelves the bio- graphies of the great and good men belonging to our own country, and to that would help to mate the readers, not better dis- putants, but better moral characters. Manuals on the lass abstruse sciences should also be re- presented. The books issued by the Meaars Chambers, and especially their Cyclopedia of English Literature," from the earliest ages, will deserve attention to which the English classics and Greek translations may be added with ad- vantage. Nor would I object to the works of Mill and Hamilton, and Thompson; although the two former are considered sceptical. Others, of the same class of thought should also be wel- come. I do not deny that to a few, even in the reading room, the dry chips of theology would be acceptable, but the tastes of the majority should be considered. If this were to be done A Working Man" would find very few that would acoept his selection. He may find books of a different kind on the shelves of tradesmen from what is common on cottage bookshelves." But there is a difference between having books and reading them. He seems to be quite unconscious of the fact that Mr Watts quoted from the writings of Christian Aathoi-s much more, indeed, than from books written against Christianity. If there is a "great deal of ignorance with regard to the jprineip'.es of the Christian religion," it is because people depend more upon others' thoughts and books than they do:; upon the Bible and the principles they may glean from it. Of all the books on the evi- dences of the divine origin of Christianity, the Bible is at once the best, most complete, and satisfactory. My assertion that the books on theology and church history are almost never read" I repeat. I could turn in the entry book to years of entries, in which the books referred to would be found scarcely once entered. I speak that I know. Those on the above subjects in the library, A mon on cottage book shelves. Did he ever see Neander's Church History on cottage book shelves? My answer is most emphatically no! Neander is a great authority, but his books are far too expensive for cottage but his books are too expensive for cottage shelves. I am Sorry I cannot place my hand upou a catalogue to help my memory to other na"|e8 of books in the library among the never read. "A Working Man" asks questions in his last paragraph but one which suggest various opinions. But he forgets that whatever the Mathias Committee may do with the JE5, it ia not their own, and their use of it cannot be chari- table. They have no moral right to it, and ought not to hold it. Were they about spending their own money, all criticism would be excluded. For the sum" reason, we have nothing to do with the Watts Committee. They have disposed of their portion to their debater. Had the (.ther committee done the same this debate would not be known. For that amount they are responsible to public opinion. Their doings are eagerly watched by the people at large. A Working Man" is evidenlty advocating the course best suited to his tastes and interests. That of action has prevailed too muchj.in the manage- ment of the library. I have seen a committee man reduce his subscription because his favourite papers were not taken, although he knew the institution was in debt. These last remarks are not made on the supposition that they will apply to A Working Man," but with a view of Bud- geting that the general good should be supreme in a public institution.—Yours, AN OLD SUBSCRIBER.

LINES Dedicated to Mr. E. Lloyd, draper, Aberaman, on the death 01 M, Wife. There Is a cast of sorrow abiding on thy brow Check not the tears that gather beneath thine eyo- lids no. To weep is not unmanly, and tears will blant the dart That festers in thy bosom—that rankles in thy heart. he man who grows so hardened as ne'er to shed a tear- That man can ne'er be softened, by either love of fear. Life's chief and holiest blessing baa beenfr om thee withdrawn Thy gentle partner left thee ere life had passed i rø dawn- Thy wife, so good and amiable, with nobleness ot mind; How pleasing were her manners, of love and graos combined— How like a summer flower in beauty once arrayed, At morn all smiles and blooming, but after noon decayed i She wisely, while yet youthful, on life's unsettled wave, Sought for a happier mansion beyond the gloomy grave; So when she had the summons to go and meet her Lord, Received the summons gladly, obedient to his word Sho calmly glanced around her, to bid the earth good bye, And smiled in looking upwards :_11 To live it is to die." True Christians fear not dying, they feel that it is well Though ashes go to ashes, the soul with God shall dwell. Your tears, my friend, cease shedding, no longer be forlorn, We all must die,—as ages past must be those yet an* j born. Qadlyt Road. Ears ETNA JONES.

BREAKFAST.—Epps'a COCOA—-QBATEPUL AND COMFORTING. By a thorough knowledge of the natural laws which goveny the operations of digestion and nutrition, andrtiy a careful application of the fine properties of^well-selected cocoa, Mr Epps has provided oUT breakfast tables with a delicately flavoured he/erage which may save us many heavy doctors'bills."—Civil Service Gazette. Made simply with boiling water on milk. Each packet is labelled-JAMEs Ep&i & Co. Homoeo- pathic Chemists, London. Alsa makers of Bpps'S Cacaoine, a very thin evening beverage. TlfosE LADIES who have not yet used GLEY- FIELD STARCH, are respectfully solicited to give it a trial, and carefully follow out the direc- tions printed on every* package, and, if this is done, they will say lifca the Queen's Laundress. that it is the finest {Jtaroh they ever used. Wheu you ask for Glenoid Starch, see that you get i t, as inferior kinds are often substituted for the sake of extra profits. Holloway's Pills and Ointment.—Disorders of the kidneys known by the deeply seated pain in back and scanty secretion of water, can be arrested in their distressing and rapid course by these regulating Pills. Theirchighly tonic and strength- ening properties prevent the impoverishment of the blood, and *the derangement of circulation characteristic of kidney disease, and often ending in partial or general dropsy. Experience has proved the almost unvaried success obained whea Holloway's Ointment is well rubbed over thtt regions of the kidneys. This treatment will relax the hot and parched skin, overcome the attendant costiveness, and induce a copious secretion by kidneys—symptoms which are the harbingers of disease departing and health return. ing. ANNUAL SALE IN AMERICA 3,690,000 Of the wonderful curative Allcock's Porons Strengthening Plasters, which since they have been iuvented have superseded all wthers. They are now unconditionally aoeepted by hundreds of thousands of families as thfir approved cura- tive for chest affections, coughs, sore throat, nervous affections, affections and dropsy of tha heart, kidney affections, puins and weakness of the back, stitches and pains of the side, aud in lumbago altogether unrivalled as an outward application. Their wonderful success is mainly attributed to some power they have of accumu- lating electricity upon the part where applied, by which pain and disease stop, and healthy actions in tne absorbent are induced. ALLCOCK'S PoRous PLASTERS resolve "ad assuage pain by calling forth the aerid humours from parts internal to the skin and general cir- eulation, thus in many cases positively evapor- ating the disease. But fail not to use some doses of Brandreth's Pills, which cleanse the blood, and prevent the settling of the humours in cases I where pain has been present. Their application after purging with Brandreth's pills, cures fever and ague, ague cake and affection of the spleen, with pain of the left side.'•James Lull, M.D James Lull is a celebrated doctor of St. Lawrence Co. «. V. NERVOUS APPECriON OP THE HEAD CUKBO. ?r t.wo J* l hare been a great auffarer from uouralgU „ ■'e, » an<* found only temporary relief from all the ill ,elne^die* that 1 had tried until 1 applied one ol n a Poro"s plaster*. I cut it into three strips, placiug Kerif*C "ho!»lder blade, aud the otherorer the small of the back and tor the past three usouths 1 have had scarcely » twinge of the old p..ill. I I¥Iviøe all who .utter from nervous diseases to lose uo titae, iu m«k.iuu a trial ol the wonderful poroua plaster. S Tt £ KLINGf-'S<icy. Singer Mfg. Ca New ork. Juue 8, 186s N.U —Dr. A. F, Sterliug is A distinguished man and celebrated physician ;\was in tlii^late war hospital urgeou with rank of colonel. HIP DISBJKB CUREO. Lnut, Seftan, Aeur Liverpool, Oct 4,1870. Messrs. Allcock aiid CoS^-fbree years ago ray dan^hter Jane was taken with a severe pain in the hip, and hrp foot was drawn up at least 5 inches from the ground. I called in a physician, and'he told rue she had hip diseare He tried for some time to cure her, but at last tola me that ii thnijr would help her, and we must make up our minds to lose her. This was about a year ago. Then she could not move a step without the aid of crutches. A la.ty heard of the case, and kindly advised me to apply an Allcock's Porous Planter" to the part, as »be had tried then. herself and seen their use always attended with the happiest re- sults. 1 took her advice, aud applied the first plaster about last Christmas; it gave her almost immediate rehef. Bince then we holve used about six or seven, and for be past two months she has wBlltedlt" school and ""ek evei day, a dis- sance of three miles, aud limps very little. Her mother and consider it almost a miracle of cure. THOMS SRfTUN. SPITTING BLOOD. HBNRTO. BLUNDRETB, BSQ. Belfast, October 10, 1870. Dear Sir,-Haviog beeo 8ud.lenly att:ick6d a few week ago with dizziness and diwuC;"1 of sight, and pain in tbe left side, supposed to have arisen from spitting blood aod racking' cougn, I took a large dose of your pills, and in one hour the serious symptoms were lessened; in two days nearly recovered. Next morning after attack 1 had one of Altco< k Porous Strengthening Plasters put on between one shoulder blades the cough in three days totally ceased, and neither it nor spitting of blood has troubled me since. 1 < eetn it my duty to forward you this information, as tiouiMnds ot men, women, aud youths suffer from the iW u being able to obtain tho J6 I a certain relief imparted to nature by your pills and plasteis Every house should have a box of your pills and a couple of Allcock's Porous Plasters for immediate use. The plasters provide a warmth in the region they are placed that is really astonishing. I know several who have on plasters across the kidneys, and all speak of the rapid annihilation of pain under their beneficial influence— Yeurs truly, • R.S.ALLEN. Sold by all druggists at la ljd, with full direc- tions for use or in any sise to suit. The plaster by the piece is specially recommended for families and physicians. Proe 12s per yard, or 3s 6d per quarter. Principal agency for Great Britain (wholesale and retail), 57, Great Charlotte-street, Liverpool. Sent anywhere for stamps. Wholesale Agency—Raimes & Co., Liverpool and York New bey and Sons, St. Paul's Church- yard, and Edward, Old Change, London Good* hall, Backhouse, and Co., Leeds; and James Wooley, Manchester. Agent for Aberdure.'—Mr. D. IL WILLIAJ&S. Chemist, Gadlys-road. ABERDARE: Printed and Published by JOSIAH THOMAS JONES and THEOPHILUS LINES JONES, at the ABEBDABB TIMES OFFICE, Commercial-place, Aberdare, ia the County of Glamorgan. SATURDAY, MARCH 18,1871.

FRAGRANT FLORILINE!—FOR THE TEETH AND BREATH.—A few drops of this liquid on a wet tooth brush produces a delightful foam, which cleanses the Teeth from all impurities, strengthens and hardens the gums, prevents tartar, and arrests the progress of decay. fit gives to the Teeth a. peculiar and beautiful/whiteness, and imparts a delightful fragrance kA the breath. It removes all unpleasant odoun sing from decayed teeth, a disordered stomaofl, or tobacco smoke. The Fragrant Floriline is purely vegetable, and equally adapted to old and yonng. It is the greatast Toilet discovery of the age. bold in large bottles and elegant cases at 28 6d by all Chemists and Perfu- mers. H. C. GALLUP, Proprietor. 493, Oxford- street, London. THE MEXICAN HAIa RENEWER" is the best hair dressing known for Restoring grey or faded hair to its original colour without Dyeing it— producing the colour within the substance of the hair—imparting a pecntiar vitality to the roots- preventing the hair from falling—keeping the head cool, clear, and ue? from dandriff—causing new hairs to grow nnlV?6 the ha'r-glands are entirely decayed. THE MAXICAN HAIR KENEWER" makes the hair soft, glossy, and luxuriant. Certificate from Dr Versmann on every bottle. Sold by Chemists and Perfumers at 3s Gd, or sent to any address frte on receipt of 4s in stamps.—H. C, Galluy, Proprietor 493, Oxford street, London. MRS. WINSLOW'S SOOTHING SYRUP for children Should always be used when Children arc cutting teeth it relieves the little sufferers at once, it pro- duces natural quiet sleep by relieving tbe child from pain, and the little./iherub awakes a3 bright as a button." It is perfectly harmless, and very pleasant to taste.IuCoothe3 the child, it softens the gums, allays a^ypain, relieves wind, regulates the bowels, and is the best kno.vn remedy for dysentery and diarrhoea, whether arising irom teeth ing or other causes. Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup is sold by thousands of Medicine dealers in all parts of the wond at Is. 1!<1. per bottle, and Millions of Mothers can testify to its virtue. Manufactory, 4!J3, Oxford-street, London. BROWN'S BRONCHIAL TROCHES, for the cure of Coughs, Colds, Hoarseness, Bronchitis, Asthma, Catarrh, cr any irritation or soreness of the throat, are now imported and sold in this country at 18. 1 Jd per box, put up in thrform of a lozenge." It is the most conveaienV pleasant, sate, and sure re- medy for clearing and strengthening the voice known in the world. The Hev. Henry Ward Beecher Bays I have often recommended them ;0 friends who were public speakers, and in many ;ases they have proved extremely setviceable." Fhe genuine have the words "Brown's Bronchial 1'rochea" on the Government Stamp around each jox. Sold by all medicine vendois. — London Dcpôt, 493, Oxford-street. j

MOUNTAIN ASH LOCAL BOARD. The mual fortnightly and annual meeting of 1j tho above Board was hi Id on Monday, when th -re were present—Messrs. George Brown (in the chair), Rees W illiams, D. Morgan, J. Grdliths, I). Coleman, E. Thomas, Thomas Edwards, James Edwards, J. Gray, D. James, and the Rev J. W. Williams. ELhCTlON OF CIUIRMAM. Mr R. Williams said the first business of the Board was to elect a chairman for th; ensuing year, and, as tar as he could see, Mr Wilkinson was as good a one as they could appoint- That gentleman felt a deep interest in the prosperity of the place, and was the representative of one of the largest companies. He had therefore great pleasure in proposing that Mr Wilkinson be electedchairmanfortteyfar. Mr Thomas Edwards seconded the proposition, and it was carried unanimously. The minutes of the last meeting were then con- firmed. COMMITTEES. The Finance, Gas, K ting, and Roads Commit- tees were next appointed. They were the same as last year, with the addition of one member to each. TENDERS FOR DRAIN. Tenders for the construction of a culvert at the back of Glyngwyn-street, Miskin, were opened. Tenders were received from the following Willi- am Lane, Thomas Evans, David Edwards, and Richard John and Son. On the motion of Mr J. Griffiths, seconded by Mr J. Gray, Mr David Edwards's tender was accepted. COLLECTION OF TAXRS. In reference to the petition to Parliament, read at the last meeting, in favour of the adoption of a more economical system of collecting rates and taxes, a somewhat lengthy discussion took place, at the close of which Mr Daniel James proposed, and Mr J. Gray seconded, that the Board have nothing to do with the matter for the present. Mr Edwards proposed an amendment in favour of the petition, which, not being seconded, fell to the ground, and the original proposition was carried. THE SCAVENGING. Mr Richard John, the contractor for the scavenging, applied to the board for some extra allowance on account of cleansing the drains and culverts in the district which, when he accepted the contract, were choked up. Tho Chairman thought he should have con- sidered that before sending in his tender. The Surveyor said the total bill was £10 19s., out of which £6 G- had been allowed, the rest being included in the oontract; but the eon- tractor not being satisfied now came before the board. The Board declined to make any further allow- ance. FOUL DRAIN IN HENRY-STREET. Mr Cheyny attended before the Board in refer- ence to the choking of a drain^on his premises in Henry-street. The Surveyor was ordered to report thereon at the aext meeting. APPORTIONMENT OF GRAlG STREET. The Rev. J. W. Williams, at the request of some of the owners of property in the above street, referred to the dissatisfaction ftlt at the late apportionment, the charges being deemed excessive. In reply to the Chairman, the Clerk stated that the apportionment had been adopted by the Board. They had expended £10 14s. in the street, and tiny could only recover the amount from the owners. Mr Edwards said the owners were not satis- fied that such an amount had been spend by the board, and that it ought not to have cost more than £5. The Clerk said they b3d paid the money. Mr Edwards did not doubt that, but how did the Surveyor make out the account ? The Surveyor: By measurement, of course. Mr Edwards: That will not do at all. A committee, consisting of Messrs Rees Williams, Thomas Edwards, J. Griffiths, and the Rov J. W. Williams, was appointed to look into the expenditure for private improvements in the road in question. SALARIES OF THE OFFICERS OF THE BOARD. While this matter was under discussion, the officials withdrew. The Rev. J. W. Williams said that, in accord- ance with a motion brought forward by him on that day fortnight, he was now called upon to explain the sentiments he then gave utterance to. They were there as a public board—a public body representing the place—and most of them were aware that their modus operandi was known to the ratepayers. Before he came to tho Board, and since, there had been complaints about their officials. Some said they were having too much, but none said they wero having too little. Through the medium of the press their frelings would go forth to the public, and he should like to know their opinions upon this question. Mr Linton had lent him a book, the Local Board Manual, and on looking it through he found that in the m-tjority of Boards there were only two officials engaged, viz., Clerk, and Surveyor, collector, and jnspector com bined. At present they only em- ployed their Surveyor three days out of every six; and why not make him collector and inspec- tor of nuisances, and give him a fair remuneration for his services? He would therefore propose that those three offices be combined, and give that man, whoever he might be, a decent salary. The Chairman Why not include the doctor as well? (Laughter.) Mr Williams I don't see how we can combin the doctor—a professional man is required. Mr Griffiths questioned whother their Surv.'yor could enter all kinds of houses to see what was carried on. Their present Inspector being a police officer had authority to do so. Mr Williams Why not the same as in other places of greater rateable value than Mountain Ash. Mr Griffiths: Suppose the small pox should come. Do you think any man could enter my house P Mr Williams thought he could. The Chairman said it was the authority of the Board tint gave such power. Mr Morgan did not believe in case of an epi- demic that the Surveyor could do his duty so well in assisting the Medical Officer as a policeman. The latter always commanded civility, whereas other men might meet with insults. He should not object to combine the offices of Surveyor and Collector, but not the Inspector. Mr D. James -suggested that three months notice be given to each of the officials. Mr E. Thomas did not think they had any officer they could spare. If the Boardcould re- duce their salaries and keep them, it would be better. The Chairman thought the subject brought for- ward a very proper one. As Mr Williams had remarked, there was great dissatisfaction, and he hoped they might be able to do away with it by discussing the matter thoroughly. He must ac- knowledge that the per centage upon the money they raised was very heavy. Their income was about £1,600 a year, and they wero paying 13 or 14 per cent. for the transaction of their business If they could reduce it it would be well; and as Mr Williams had now ventilated the subject he would propose that it stand over until another day, and perhaps by the next meeting they might came to some understanding. Mr Rees, after some further discussion, se- conded the chairman's proposition, and it was agreed to. SURVEYOR'S REPORT. The following report of the Surveyor was re-id To the Mountain Ash Local Board. Gentlemen.-—I beg to report that in omnlaiance with your orders I have examined the quality of glass used in repairing the public lamps of the dis- trict. I find upon referring tu tho agreement made with your contractor for repairs to public lamps, thar the quality of the gas is not specified. He has hitherto used the commonest glass for such repairs, knoivn as IGoz. glass, and for the future I think it requisite that glass of superior quality should be used, viz., British sheet glass. A.s the agreement with your contractor does not specify any time that he is required to maintain his contract, I think it would be advisable to invite tenders for the re- pairs of public lamps for the period of one year, and that a specification of particulars be prepared for such contract. I beg to report that a nuisance exists at the back of No 18, 19, and 20,Hij>h-stroet, in consequence of the drains at the back of the said houses, and the drains in connection with the cesspools of the pri- vies being choked and in a dilapidated condition. I would recommend that the owner of the said property have notice to repair the said drain at once. I have also to report a dilapidated privy at the back of No. 13, Brus-street, the property of David Edwards. The roof of the privy is taken away. I would recommend that notice be served upon the owner to repair the said :privy at once. I am, Gentlemen, your obedient servant, March 13, 1871. S, O. HARPUR, Surveyor, I The Surveyor's recommendations were adopted. I T"e Inspector's report and Finance Committee's c report having been read a,,J adopted. the lio-.ird c separated.

ABERDARE LOCAL BOARD OF HEALTH SPECIAL MEETING. A specially convened meeting of the Aberdare I'. Board of Health was held yesterday. Present- f Mr It. if. Rhys, chairman; Mi ssrs D. Davis, t J. Lewis, Herbert Kirkhouse, Dr Price, and J Pugh. THE JULLOX. In reply to some members of the board as to s the adoption of a petition with respect to the I ballot, t The Chairman said he did not consider it ne- cessary, because in all probability the ballot, as far as regarded municipal elections, would be carried out, therefore it would be applicable in respect to election of Local Boards. 1 Agreed to. f MR HOLLIElt'g BILL OF COSTS. f The Water Committee, who had held a meet- ing previous to the present, reported as follows :— The committee recommend that Mr Hollier's bill should be read out item by item to the board, and if the board are of opinion that these items should be paid, they are prepared to recommend f payment as soon as the finances will admit of it. The Chairman considered that as there were l so few persons present it would be unnecessary to read those items through to-day. t Dr Price stated the course taken by the board É on Thursday, and the proposal made as to the payment of a sum of money on account. The chairman on that occasion (Mr Lewis) however did not see his way clear to draw a cheque, on account of the few members present," and recom- ) mended that a special meeting should be con- vened to consider, as he (the speaker) under- stood, Mr Hollier's account. Mr Lewis explained that his object in recom- I mending that course was, on account of so few members of the Water Supply Committee being £ present, and on account of there being no definite report as to Mr. Hollier's bill, further than that there was a kind of feeling prevailing in the ( matter. Therefore, as the matter should be dealt with as soon as possible, and it was necessary to f elicit a wider teeling than the meeting of Thurs- 1 day could express, he suggested the present special meeting. He did not go so far as to re- commend the payment of any sum of money, nor was there any motion to that effect. Dr Price assented. Mr Lewis had put the 1 matter in its proper light. I Mr Herbert Kirkhouse: But I thought this I meeting was for the express purpose of paying Mr Hollier's bill. ° The Chairman The fact is, there has been so ] much said in the press and at this board with re- spect to this bill, that I think it ought to be fully ventilated. I think the committee have acted with the greatest propriety throughout the whole I: affair, and I think the more publicity given to their actions the better, in order that the public and the ratepayers may be the better satisfied with I the way in which they have acted. There have been some misapprehensions on the part of some of the members of the board upon the "unwisdom"— if lean make use of such an expression—of the com- mittee in this matter, and upon their want of fore- sight in not paying these bills without raising any j objection. But I think, when the bill has been submitted to the board item by item, they will come to the conclu.sbn that the board were per- j fectly justified in the course they took in the mat- ter. To-day it unfortunately happens that there 1 are only, in addition to members of the com- mittee, two members of the board prosfnt, and I therefore really thiink it would be a waste of time to read the accounts, as the committee recom- mend, to those two gentlemen (Messrs. Price and Pugh) to-day. (Hear, hear.) I think, therefore, under the circcimst.ances, the best plan will be to postpone the matter until the next ordinary meet. ing. Mr Gery (the deputy clerk) has suggested to me that it will be very convenient to Mr 11 oilier if the board will give him a cheque for £ 150 on account; that, however, is for the board to decide. Mr Pugh was of opinion at the outset that the bill was too -exto.rtionate. Under the circum- stances, howevt r, and the bill having been taxed, he could see no other alternative but to pay it. lie was wishful that their officers should work as cheaply as they could, and as efficiently. When it was proved beyonid doubt that they had done so aiid had earned their money, it was the duty of the board to pay it. Dr Price I was going to observe when Mr Pugh entered tlio room that I am exceedingly glad at the course the committee have taken. I am glad also tho bill has been taxed, and al- though the committee have not gained the object in view in trying to reduce the charges, yet the effect of the bill beiog taxed and certain charges beifg allowed or otherwise, we know now what will form part of the duties of the clerk as clerk to the board. It will define the clerk's duties in future, and his relationship with the board, and we aan look forward and know what to expect in future, and what he is allowed to charge beyond htis salary. Further, let me say there are items in this account which I think would be a gnoss injustice if they were not allowed to go forth iio the public. I will mention oue item, and am glad to see the representatives of the press present in order that it shall go forth. There is a charge for printing the first copy of the bill. £ 104." It seems to me a pre- posterous sum for printing the first copy of the bill. (Hear, hear.) I mention this one instance to prove that flsigrant charges have been made elsewhere. Therefore, I am exceedingly glad the question has been taken up, and I hope it will be adjourned to-day in order that a goodly number of menibers shall be present. Let notices be issued info-rming the members that the whole matter will be gone into at the next board meeting. Then let us go into the matter item by item. Mr Pugh Who is the printer that makeb that exhorbitant chars e you speak of? Dr Price It h. in the London agent's bill. It seems to me an extortionate amount: After some further discussion, Mr Kirkhouse moved, and Mr Pugh seconded, That Mr Hollier be paid the sum of £ 150 on aCCOUll t." IHE SCAVENGING. Before the business connected with the tender- ing for the scavenging was commenced, the Chair- man requested the surveyor to communicate his reserved prices on paper, and not to speak them aloud, in order that the representative's of the press should not put them before the public. The Surveyor presented his report of the esti- mated cost of scavenging at the various divisions, and some of the tenders were considered, and the further consideration .-adjourned to the next meet- ing. The Surveyor also received instructions that in case the various contractors would not go on with their contracts: at the present piices, after their notices had terminated, he was to engage the necessary labour to perform it. This was all the busiiness of any importance.

ABERDAlitC POLICE COLTRT. TUESDAY.—(Before J. C. Fowler, R. ll. Rhys, J. Lewis, and D. E, Williams, JSiqrs.) DISORDERLIES. — Richard Edwards was charged with being drunk and riotous;in Commercial place, on the 12th inst. P.C. Hopkins proved the case. Fined 10s. and cost;}. —Thongs Williams (alias Pickerel) was charged with a similar offence in Trap road, Oil the 32th inst. P.C. PnvlIY proved the cage. Fined 10,; and costs. — William Ditvies was charged with a similar olience on the same day. P.C. Hopkins found him it a q larter past 1 o'clock in the morning drunk and kicking at the door of tlle iiadey's Arms. He stat 'd that he was going to lodge there. Witness ordered him utt but defendant wa, so drunk that he had to be taken to the station. Fined 5s. and costs.—Edwin Williaitis and John Williams were charged with being drunk and fighting in Cardiff-street on the previous day. P.C. CL¡r!{ proved the offence. Fined 10J. and costs e.ach.-3amh Ann Thomas, a young woman from Mountain Ash, was charged with being drunk and obstructing the thorough- fare in Canon-street, on the 13th inst. P.C. Dav ies said that, at twenty minutes past 8 o'clock | on Monday evening,he was called t) Canon-street. There had been a light in a beer house there. The parties were turned out and the defendant was one of them. She was very drunk on the pavement and a large crowd collected. She refused to go away and he took her to the station. She resisted very much on the way there. Defendant said she had only h id two glasses of Burton and was not drunk. Inspector Rees said she was very drunk and excited. Defend- ant: I was excited but not drunk. The Bench thought the Inspector the best judge as to her condition, and fined her 7s. Gd. inoluding costs.— David Jones, Mill-street, was charged with being drunk and riotous in Mount Pleasant-street. '.C. Joyiet proved the case. Fined I Û,¡. and: !osts.— William Thomas and Jonah Davies were iharged with a similar offence at Mountain Ash, m Sunday evening. P.C. Smith proved the case, j <'¡ned in a like amount.-J ohn Gwilym was fined .Os. and costs for a similar otfence in Cemetery- oad, on the 5th instant.—Samuel Dowell, a ,'outh of 15, was charged with being drunk and ;hallenging to fight, and refused to go home, fhe defendant was the cause of the row at Aber- urian, where a man had his head cut open. He brew a glass of gin into a married woman's face, rained 10s. and costs.—William Malptswas sum- noned for obstructing the free passage of Carditf- oad, Aberaman, on the same day. P.S. Rutter laid the defendant was in the same crowd, want- ng to fight with the man who was wounded with he stone. There was a large crowd, and the oad was blocked up. Fined 5s. and costs.- Edward Lee was charged with being drunk in 3ridgo-street, Roberts' Town, on Saturday night, P C. Melhuish proved the case. Fined 7s. 6d. ncluding costs.-David Williams was fined 10s. md costs, on the information of P.C. Melhuish, or being drunk in Bridge-street, on the 6th inst. WANTON CONDUCT.—William Morgan, a young nan employed as a haulier, was charged with vil fully damaging three squares of plate jlass, value £2 15s. 6d., the property of Mr lames Naysmith, Rock Inn, Aberaman. It ippeared that defendant kicked up a disturbance n the house, in consequence of which he was put jut by the landlord. He afterwards deliberately ook up four atones off the road and threw them lirough the window, breaking three panes of jlass. Fortunately no further mischief was done, ilthough there wer(several persons in the front 'oom at ihe time. The Bench ordered him to >ay E2 1.5s. 6d. compensation, together with a ine of 20s. and costs; or, in default, to be im- prisoned for one calendar month. V AGRANCy.-J. Olliver, a man who had lost both egs, was charged with begging from door to door. P.C. Melhuish saw the defendant on the previous light enter several public houses, one of which vas the Locomotive Inn, Duke-street. Defendant isked people for coppers to pay his lodgings, and iome of the company gave him "2d. He had been ibout the place for some time every day drunk, Lnd they had had a good deal of trouble with him. )ne day witness saw him enter a public house md ask the laudlord for 5s. in exchange for the tame sum in coppers. In the station Is. 8d. was 'ound upon him. Defendant said he could not vork, having lost his legs through being frost bitten in North America, and he had a wifs and hree children at Neath. The Bench said they would get rid of him from here, and he should lot get his living on the backs of honest work- nen. He was then committed to prison for a week, and ordered not to come into this parish igain. COAL-STEALING BY A RAILWAY SERVANT.— George Barlow, an elderly man, employed as a packer )n the Great Western Railway, was charged with stealing 2 cwts. of coal, the property of the com- pany. P.C. Morris said he saw prisoner about ,wenty minutes past 8 o'clock on the previous light, on the Dare branch of the Great fN estern Railway. Prisoner brought a wheelbarrow with aim from Mill-street, and placed it by the railing ibout a hundred yards above the crossing. He ;hen went and brought a large lump of coal from i coal train that was standing there for a signal, ind placed it in the barrow. There were three or four other lumps inside the railing which he also fetched and placed in the barrow. The whole weighed 2 cwts. He was about to take the coal iway when he (witness) who was concealed near a bay-rick, followed prisoner and charged him with stealing it. Prisoner replied that he was allowed to take coal that dropped off the trucks on the line. Mr Mends, inspector, said he knew the spot referred to by the constable. Any coal found there would be the property of the Great West- srn Railway Company. He believed the coal must have been taken off the trucks, as he had never known three or four lumps falling off at the same time. No one was allowed to take coal off the company's premises. The Permanent Way Inspector was present if the Bench wished to ask any question as to the orders given to the packers. Mr Fowler (to prisoner) Do you wish to call the Permanent Way Inspector to prove any leave? Prisoner replied in the negative and, in answer to the charge, said he was guilty of putting the coal into the barrow but not of stealing it. The coal had dropped from the trucks at different times. Prisoner handed to the Bench a paper, from which it appeared he had hitherto borne a good cha- racter. He was then sentenced to twenty-one days' imprisonment at Swansea. STEALING IRoN —Mary Halloran, a young girl 13 years of age, was charged with stealing a quantity of iron bolts, &c., the prop rty of the Great Western Railway Company.— Henry Hal- lesy deposed: I have been keeping a marine store at Aberdare for my father. I bought iron from the prisoner almost every day between the 10th and 19th January last, and entered it in a book (produced). Prisoner told me she picked it up about the tips.—By Mr Lewis I am in the habit of buying iron that is picked up on the tips. I pay 2s. a hundred weight for it.—Mr Lewis The iron is worth iC12 or JB14 a ton.-Witness continued: She brought one hundred weight of bolts, and told me she had it on the tips.-Pri- soner: I told him I got it on the railway .—Mr Fowler (to prisoner) You allow that.—Prisoner Yes, sir, I told him so.— Mr Lewis: Has she a sister engaged in the same business ?—Witness Yes sir. —Mr Mends: She admitted to the officer that she got the iron off the railway,-P.C. Olding arrested the prisoner, and charged her with stealing the iron some time in January last, in company with other girls. Prisoner said she did take the iron the same as the others.—Prisoner was then formally charged with the offence, and pleaded guilty.—Mr Fooler You will be impri- soned and kept to hard labour for fourteen days. This is another example of the mischief that has come from Mr Hallesy letting his boy manage a marine store. If that boy had not been so thoughtlessly negligent, and almost criminally employed, these girls would not have been sent to prison and disgraced for years to come. If they had no place to take the iron to, and get money, the girls would not have soiled their fingers with it. I have said so much on this already that I will not go on any further at present: but I waut the people in court to know that we do very strongly blame the boy in this matter. "CAT AND DOG."—Daniel Mainwaring, Wil. liam Herbert, and William Jones, all juveniles, were charged with playing a game called" cat and dog" in a public thoroughfare. P.C. Castle proved seeing them, on the 1st instant, in Jeffry- street, playing the game mentioned. It was in one of the main thoroughfares of Mountain Ash. The public lamps were frequently broken through it. They were fined Is. each, and the cost of summons. PERMITTING DRUNKENNESS. — John Hopkins, landlord of the Great Westarn Inn, Roberts Town, was charged with permitting drunkenness on tho 6th inst. P.C. Melhuish visited the house at twenty minutes past 9 o'clock on the night in question, in company with P.C. Jenkins, and in a front-room found nine or ten men, some playing dominoes, four of the men being very drunk. Mr Fowler There is no harm in dominoes so long as they were not playing for money or beer. Wit- ness continued: The landlord said the men were not drunk; but in a few minutes after he turned three of them out. There were two quarts on the table and two or three small divider glasses. Defendant said the men came in from another house and had no drink there. P.C. Jenkins gave corroborative evidence, stating that the landlord was the worse for drink himself at the time. Fined 40s.and costs, or twenty-one days in default. AFFILIATION'. — Thomas Griffiths, Mountain Ash, was summoned for being the putative father of the illegitimate child of Hannah Griffiths. De- fendant's father appeared in answer to the charge. Mr Simons prosecuted. Complainant said she was single and gave birth to a female child on the 27th January last, defendant being the father She was in service at Mr Smith's, Mountain Ash, since last February twelvemonth, aud knew de- fendant before slu went there. She then detailed the circumstances under which the familiarity arose between them,and said defendant "keptcom pany with her up till two months of her con- finement. Several witnesses were examined in support of her statement, and the Bench made an ord, r for payment of 2s. 6d. a week for the first twelve months, 2s. after, 5s. midwife, and costs. TIIE RESULT OF A. DOG-FIGHT. James Hall, grocer, was summoned by William Mason, boot and shoemaker, for an assault. Mr Simons ap- peared for the prosecution. Mr Mason deposed I have a bull-dog, and Mr Hall has a dog, (a greyhound), They have been fighting to. gether some time ago. I was in the act of fgsten^ ing my dog up when it rushed after Mr £ ^&I1 g dog and followed it to the shop. I went up on the doorstep with the intention ot stopping the dogs from fighting, when Mr Hall threatened me and told me to go outside. He said This is the second time you have brought your dog to fight with mine," and began patting his dog to fight; but seeing his do^ getting the worst of it, he bp- ] gan abusing my dog with a hand truck and caught ( it by the hind legs. Ihe first thing I got was a < blow in the f.iCf, breaking two of my teeth and giving me a black eye. He then took my dog to the middle of the street, twisted it round three times and smashed it up against a gate. The dog was stunned for a minute or two. Mr Fow- ler How far did your dog run ? Complainant About a hundred yards. Mr Hall I live in i Market-street and complainant in Commercial- place. His dog came into my shop and I tried to separate them. I sent him flying out of the door. My young man assisted in separating them and we did so. As to losing his teeth, he lost them before, I believe, if ho did not lose them since. Complainant My teeth were knocked out. De- fendant He came and challenged me to fight after that. I said it would not suit me. Samuel Jones, a butcher's boy, said he came on when the dogs were fighting. Saw Mr Hall pull the dogs out of the doorway and, he believed, Mr Hall slipped his foot and knocked Mr Mason. Mr Hall was going backward at the time. Mr Hall: The dog was not out of my hand at all. Evan Giles, another lad, stated that he saw the dogs brought out of the shop. Mr Mason was standing in the shop and Mr Hall rose his fist and struck him on the side of the face. In answer to the Bench, complainant stated that his teeth were weak before that, but not out. Defendant: Who saw your black eye? Camplainant: Plenty. Defend- ant, in defence, said this was the second time complainant brought his dog after his. Hia shop was full of customers at the time, and he might have been excited in endeavouring to separate the dogs. Complainant kept a bull-dog for the purpose of fighting, and was in the habit of letting it loose after other dogs. He cought complainant by the collar and threw him clean out of the shop, but his appearance would have been very differ* ant, had he (defendant) struck him. He com- mited no assault at all upon him, and, bethought, complainant ought to have been in his place. Mr Lewis Watkins, called by defendant, said he noticed a crowd opposite Mr Hall's door and he went up. Mr Hall and his young man were pulling at the dogs, but he did not see Mr Hall strike complainant. Mr Fowler: We think you did stiike the defendant, and the Bench think you ought not to be fined less than 20s. and costs for the blow, and if you take the law into your own hands you must pay.lr Hall: Can I have a sum- mons agaiust him fur keeping a ferocious dog. Mr Fowler If there is any ground for it. We'll think it over. Mr Simons applied for costs of witnesses and advocate's fee which the Bench allowed amounting to £1 I(Jij 3d, A UEAKTLE.IS HUSBAND.—Henry Peregrine was charged with running away and leaving his wife, Martha, chargeable to the Merthyr Tydfil Union. Mr. David, relieving oific T, said he knew the de- fendant. His wife aue children had been in the union twenty-seven days, aud was suffering from phthish. Oae of the children had since died. Defendant said he had a pound which he wished to give to a lawyer to defend him. Mr Rhys You had better give it to your wife. Defendant said he had sent for his wife but she refused to see him. He was ordered to pay towards her support, together with the costs. ASSAULT. — Mary Davies was charged with assaulting Margaret Williams. Mr Simons ap- peared for the defence. From the evidence it ap- peared that complainant received a severe blow on the arm and other injuries. In defence it was alleged that complainant taunted the defendant with being a pauper and threw a tin jug at her. Mr Simons made a powerful appeal to the Bench on behalf of his client and pointed out the in- justice of tho law in not allowing the defendant to be examined. Mr J W. Jones, grocr, gave the defendant an excellent character, stating that he had known her fur the last 26 years The Bench felt bound to inflict a small tine, and ordered de- fendant to pay 2s. 6d. aud cost of the summons. A PAWNBROKEU IN A FTX.—Mr Goodman, pawnbroker, was summoned for not returning a bed quilt, value lSs. pawned at his shop on the 20th of June last. Complainant alleged that on applying to redeem her quilt, an old one of an in- ferior description was offered her in lieu of her own. The Bench adjourned the case for a week, and, in the mean time, recommended the de- fendant to give the complainant another quilt equal to the one he had received in pledge.