The Pontypridd Chronicle and Workman's News

Gr ARDL-NS' ELECTION. PARS ON THE CONTESTS. In the wide area of the Ystradyfodwg Parish, ■singular to state only two contests will take p ace in the above important election on Monday next. After the usual preponderance of nominations we naturally expect the customary batch of with- drawa Is and now the interest is completely direc- ted to the two upper wards in the parish, where there are every prospect of close and exciting con- tests. Ward No. 1. which extends from the top part of the valley to the boundary by the Prince of Wales Hotel, Treorky, furnishes us with interest- ing facts and figure*. The three old members, viz., Mrs Sarah Phillips. Treorky Mr W. Jeff- reys, Treherbert; and Mr W. Morgan. Tynewydd. stand for re-election. and the fourth candidate is represented in Mr Enoch Davies, grocer, Treher- bert. an enterprising citizen who has serious qualifications for the post he seeks. Mr W. P. Thomas, Treorky. was also nominated and we should have' very much liked him to h lye entered the arena, but various unavoidable reasons necessitated his enforced withdrawal from what otherwise would have been a doubly interesting fight. This leaves Mrs Phillips with the who e of the Treorky division of the ward at her mercy. and which advantage no doubt will be availed of. 11 Mr Enoch Davies will therefore have less diffi- culties to contend with than had Mr W. P. Thom- as found it in any way convenient to stand the test. We cannot but appreciate the activity and zeal displayed by Mr Davies and his supporters in the contest now pending, for they are day and night on the warpath. Treherbert electors will have a choice varietv of candidates to vote for. and one and all deserve support. There is no denying the fact that there will be a tremendous splitting of votes, and taking it for granted that there will be cohesion evident in the canvass for Mrs Phillips, the latter we assume will probably head the poll. There is no denying the fact that lady members are becoming extremely popular on all our Boards at present, and especially on the Guardians, where they usually make the!r presence felt. As it is acknowledged that their inclusion on such Boards is, nowadays, an important step in the right direc- tion, it would be a great pity to oust anv from their legitimate position, and we have no hesita- tion whatever in prophesying the return of Mrs y r. Phillips again, for public sympathy seems to favour her candidature. Alderman William Morgan. Tynewydd. a regu- lar old "Glorian." furnished in his short address, the interesting fact that he has between the Mer- thyr and Pontypridd Unions acted in the capacity of a Guardian for a number of years. This is a record to be proud of, and a fact that will make itself forcible in the coming contest. No one can overlook such a great truth, and electors will probably not forget it. In future public appointments made by the Board of Guardians we are promised a. great many things as is usually the case. Several can- 4vdates in the:r manifesto declare their strict al- legiance to the rule of appointing persons who have a thorough knowledge of and are though!v conversant with the Welsh language, on all respon- sible public offices. This sounds well, and many a Cymric heart will be sincerely touched bv such magnetic and influencial promises. "Cymru am bytb," we sav. To hold a meeting each night in a. week re- -semblus .something more like a Parliamentary election than merely a paltry election of Guard- ians. However, Mr Enoch Davies's supporters feel that to ensure success, a complete campaign must be instituted and carried into effect, and such has been the case during the week. Surely this assiduous task is worthy of considerable appreci- ation. There appears to be more excitement over this election in Ward No. 1 by far than all the ad- jacent wards. Meetings are held by nearly all the members in the upper portion while the lower candidates merelv revert to the usual custom of distr.buting the famous addresses to each house. a Mr William Jeffreys has a pretty fair record to show to the public. He has lived in the ward for 30 years, and has for 28 years been a ratepayer. and has been a member of the present Board for a period of 16 years. His policy is "Help those who have helped themselves," and not a bad idea neither. His attendance also will compare fav- ourably with any other sitting member. "Good oid Jeff will surely demand the sympathies of the electors. Mr Enoch Davies so far has no record of con- nection with any Board, and his appearance in the held at present adds greatly to the interest created He iS considered as a very strong I candidate, and judging by the receptions accorded him at the various meetings held in support of his candid a- ture it seems more than likely he is bound to oust one of the old members. That he will adequately fulfil the duties incumbent on the Board of Guard- ians. there is ao doubt whatever, and if the pre- liminary work of canvassing, etc., done as it is in the most business like manner is to be taken as a criterion, his election to the post he seeks is assured. Miss S. A. Morris, second daughter of the Rev W. Morris, F.R.(i.S.. Treorky. occupied the onerous duty of chairwoman at the meeting held in support of Mrs Phillips at Bethania, Tr £ orky, on Tuesday evening last, and convevs to the public mind the mode of procedure laid down m the lady Guardian's programme. Females mon- opo ise the situation—-two ladies sign the nomina^ tiOl: paper, and again we find a lady acting as cha rwoman of the meeting, leaving the male por- tion with a back scat. The contest is being fought on fair line and the utmost unanimity prevails. Each candidate I has i collection of zealous workers, who canvass the d'stricts minutely. Excitement is oradually bubbling, and by Monday will have reached its climax. It is difficult to predict the probable suc- cessful candidates for the race is such a close one, but we think that one of the Treherbert gentlemen wii; find himself minus a. seat. for Mrs Phillips' position is practically safe. There are four booths in the ward. and the poll will commence at 8 a.m.. and finish at 8 p.m. la Ward No. 2 we are naturally awaiting the realizations of many hopes for a warm contest, I and such will be the case, as the present outlook I augurs well for an exciting race, for there are six strong candidates in the field for five seats and it is a matter of extreme doubt as to which 'will be ousted. Mr E. H. Davies* Mr E. P. Davies Mr J. Mason, Mr R. Morris, Mr E. T. Davie&and Mr Thomas Thomas are the runners, four of them bein^r old members The R«iv Wm. Jones. G.M., Ton, has retired, and two strong fighters in Mr Rd. Morris, the old warrior, and Mr E. T. Davies, offer themselves to the electorate for the vacancy. Great preparations are made for the poii, which will, it is believed, be exceedingly heavy, and each candidate has circulated through the ward his election address. The electorate have a good choice of candidates, and can exercise thei~ votes to great advantage. Very few meet ngs have been held, sympathy beinor expected through personal merit, we daresay. Interest is revived in the contest after the County Council election hetd lately, when Mr E. H. Davies and Mr Rd. Mnrris had a good bout. Though defeated then Mr Morris entertains strong hopes of retaining to a certain extent his former influence and return this time not as a County Councillor, but as a Gu.rdian of the Poor. la seeking re-election. Mr Thomas Thomas, of is. t'ad, has serious claims for renewed confidence and support of the electors, for elected last time at the top of the poll, and having discharged his antes in an efficient manner, he is again expected to emerge successfully from the contest. A rather curious item is noticable on one election address, and it appears to be rather suggestive of "no progress" on the part of the Guardians. Says f*' p "A* soon as I was returned last time, I pro- posed we should have a workhouse in the parish, and by to-day ground has been secured on Penrhys for a reasonable price." Just fancy three yeirs have elapsed, and now the ground is obtained. By the end of the next term we suppose the work- house will be completed. Mr John Mason again seeks re-election after three years' faithful servioe, and ^'Melindwr' will probably run a close fight. There is a preponderance of Davieses in Ward No. 1. no fewer than three being in consecutive order, and all bearing E as initial letter-E H., E.P.. and E.T.. appears rather "flummaxing" on a ballot paper, and had the Rev Dav es copte^ted he would have had E. W. with the above. Not a bad joke, too. Stables and cowsheds form a formidable Wrt on the address of one of th° No 2 word candid't^s. The inclusion on the ratebook of t10 above re- mises has annoved a certain number of g-reverl ratepayers, and the cindidate referred to 'ns been irritated to such an extent that if returned h° will use strenuous efforts to abolish s"fh. measures so as to alleviate the netty fr'evancpg of say at the furthest about a dozen electors. Not bad eh "Da was. da a ffvddlon." is not a bad motto, and figures mo"t r>rom'r_ent!v on one election ad- dress. Such does one candidate wish to be pronounced for his faithfulness of attendance dur- ing the last three years on the Bo">rd. We do not begrudge him the adaptability of the expression as far as attendance is concerned whatever. Public lophiioin tpnos to great!v favour the Souire of Brynheulog. Mr E. H. Davies. as one of a genuine stamp, and most fitted as a Guardian. Mr Davies is an old warrior now in election aff- airs. and his intimate connection with parochial affairs always serves him in good stead. His recent victory in the County Council election w;II ensure h m probtVe further support, and Irs re- election is a matter of foregone conclusion. Whe- ther he heads the poll or not gives place to a doubt. Are not all our candidate a thrifty lot? It seems that thev are, for vou general'y fi-d that they all study economy (domestic econnmv) and they all wish to avo d lavish expenditure, etc. Now it must be remembered that the chief object and meaning of a Gmrdlin is "a fr:end of the poor" and it is doubtful whether this is not neglected very oft-n and substituted bv bein, "a friend of the ntenaver." i.e.. forcrett:ncr their duty to the needv and poor bv presuming to pre- serve the nurse of the ratepayers This ought to be borne in nrnd. Let the'r aims to avoid ex- travagant expendittira be consistent with their efforts to alleviate the urgent needs of the poor If vou want to save 9-12,000 a y-ar. vofe for Rd. Morris, who w:sl>e-s to impress upon eVctors the necessity of incorporation, thereby saving the above sum from being paid to the county rate. Mr Morr:s comes out is n*n»l in th« role of the red "frierd of the p^or," in all directions. and his undoubted knowledge of p:uo"h:a.l matters, as far as assessment ;s concerned whatever, places him in a trood position. He will make a good fight, and though mrybe he has lost a certain amount of influence in thp ne: £ rhbourhood. it win be rather surprising to find him ejected twice within four weeks. The election is fought this time precisely b, the same number of candidates as on the last oc- casion, though interest as yet is not very ke"n. Canvassing has been strictly enforced by all can- didates. and all anticipate a very warm contest. General opinion seems to be greatly divided on the probable result, but it is generally berevPD that the old members will all regain their seats leaving Mr Rd. Morris and E. T. Davies to fight for the vacancy, and wp are slightly incVned to fivour I the former coming in with just a little space.

ELECTION PARS. The meeting held at Treorky on Tuesday night in t-i*s e- ;ijLacwure of Mrs Philips, the lady Guardian, was almost monopolised by the presence of women, who also figured most pro- minently on the platform. Miss S. A. Morris, of Glyn Villa, Treorky, acted as chairwoman, and Glyn Vi!la. Treorky. acted as chairwoman, and I nobly did she acquit herself. Mrs Isaac, Misi Isaac, and others also spoke, and Mrs Phillips, in an appropriate address, quite surpassed herself. Treherbert electors feel keenly over the forth- coming election, and pub.ic sympathy seems to favour Mr Enoch Da v.es's candidature to a very great extent. The meetings held by Mr Davies are splendidly attended, and the prospects in his favour are exceedingly bright, and, allowed a fair percentage of votes in Treorky, will surely stand a splendid chance. There is no denying the fact that his inclusion on the Board will be a universal boon to the public at large. Mr W. Jeffreys and Mr W. Morgan appear to be working hand in hand in this contest, for the public meeting heid at Blaenrhondda on Wednesday evening was jointly between both candidates re- ferred to. This leaves Mrs Phillips and Mr Enoch Davies to work indiv.dually against two mighty opponents, yet the latter two apparently are in good trim. A splendid chance is afforded to the Methodist denomination at this election to return a candi- date of their sect in the person of Mr Enoch Dav- ies. They are at present unrepresented, a rather singular thing in such an extensive and populous district. Never has such a ridiculous idea been circulated during any election than that which is urged on by the opponents of Mr Enoch Davies at Treher- bert. At several public meetings Mr Davies his been accused of being too young a candidate for such an important Board, and such supposed drawback is being freely made use of. Surely ttlls is a most frivolous objection, and one which is not likely to endanger Mr Davies's chances. We can only recommend the would-be persecutors to trace the age of certain most influential members of the present Board when they commenced their career as Guardians, it will at once be known that those gentlemen were much younger than what Mr Davies is now. Mr E. P. Davies. who seeks re-election in No. 2 Ward, is a candidate that boasts of a record as far as attendance is concerned, having only lost three meetings during the last three years. This interesting fact will bear some weight upon many electors on Monday. There appears to have been a singular mistake in connection with the nominations for candidates in the No. 2 Ward. The Rev E. W. Davies, Ton was nominated, and, of course, it was taken for granted that the "W" signified William. How- ever, when the papers were tested it was subse- quently found that according to the ratebook the name appeared "Evan Wurcliff Davies," and con- sequently the nomination was proved invalid. It is doubtful indeed whether any one knew the real name, for the rev. gentleman is always recognized by the initials alone, and this may have accounted for the terrible blunder. Had Mr Davies been validly nominated lie would have stood a splendid chance of being returned.

In aB Diseases. cerwnlt the eminent Specialist I Br. Brfdgwater, M.D.. U.S.A., 16, Qnotem Hrase j Street, Osrdiff. 11 to 4. end 7 U 9,

PONTYPRIDD DISTRICT COUNCIL ELECTION. ♦ Councillor P. Gowan, who is seeking re-elect'on il ,1, Lie Rhondda. aru, auui'es.sed the electors of Hopkinstown at the Workmens Hall on Wednes. day evening. Mr iuoses Jones, the president of I the Pontypridd Trades Council, presided over a vCory iarge attendance. The Chairman, in opening the meeting, pointed out that Mr Gowan was opposed by Mr Thomas Jones, a contractor under the Great Western Col- liery. He asked them to seriously weigh in their minds the qualifications of the two candidates on the day of the pod. (Hear, hear.) Mr Gowan had nine years experience on his s de. He had served them faithfu ly and well, and if they now turned their backs upon him, thev would be guilty of ingratitude. (Applause.). Their oppon- ents could not ficid any fault w.th Mr Go .van. therefore why turn him out? Mr Jones had come out without the sanction of the local Liber il As- I sociation. He hud not thought fit to consult them, aid if he had they would have to.d him, as thev did last year, "No." (Appiluse.) TheT opponent h;.d come out for a cliquish purpose, and to serve a policy of spite. (Applause.) The Charm: n then read the following letter irorn COuÜciLor James Roberts, J.P., chairman of the Council: "Dear Mr Gowan,—When I made the promise to attend your meeting to-night I did not take into consideration, and probabty you were not aware of the fact, that I at present hold the position of President of the Glamorgan Liberal Association, and as the present contest in your ward is a con- test between two Liberals I do not consider that my appearance at your meeting- would be condu- cive to the welfare of the party in your ward. Under these circumstances I do not consider mvself at liberty to attend your meeting. But at the same time I have much pleasure in bearing testi- mony to the excellent work you have done at the Council. I have never known anyone who has worked for his constituents more constantly, ener- getically, and efficient.y, than you have worked for the Rhondda Ward. You have also rendered very valunble services in connection with the gas works, I think it is only right that I should say this in your favour.-Yours etc., James Roberts." He (the chairman) was sorry Mr Roberts was not present, but, although he was not there with them. it was plain that he was in sympathy with iheir candidate. (Appause.) Mr F.eming, checkweigher, Hafod, declared that Mr Thomas Jones was brought out by the Tory Party. He was a Good Templar, and had been blamed for supporting a publican. He would like to point out to those people that they were not now dealing with Mr Gowan's trade. If they were he would fight him tooth and nail. (Laughter.) But, they were not doing so, and he did not see why he should not be a,lowed to support a true citizen, whether he be a publican or not. (Ap- plause.) Councillor Gowan who received a verv warm reception, dealt with the address of Mr Jones. Mr Jones, in his address, said he was a contractor. As nearly the whole of the improvement work j had been carried out in the Rhondda Ward, hi« services as contractor would not be required. The candidate then gave his attendance, and said that out of the 86 Council meetings bed during the I past three years he had attended 78. (Applause.) 'I He had also attended about 271 committee meet- ings. It had been stated that he (Mr Gowan) had I been using his influence as a member of the Great Western Relief Committee to obtain votes, he would give L5 to any institution if that could be proved. (Applause.) Mr Gowan then went at length into the affairs of the Council. Mr Charles Edwards proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Gowan for his past nine yors* services as a member of the Urban Authority, and promising to triumphantly return him at the next election. Mr Thomas Jones seconded, and it was carried almost unanimously. Councillor Watkin Williams followed with an excellent address in which he stated that Mr Gowan was one of the best members on the Coun- cil. Councillor Fred George Edwards also spoke of the excellent work performed on the Council by Mr Gowan, who had obtained for the Rhondda Ward more than its share of improvements. (Ap- plause.) There were two parties on the Council, and Mr Gowan belonged to the Progressive Party. (Applause.) As they were aware the Council in- tended to appoint a new chairman annually in the future. It was now Mr Gowan's turn to take the chair, and if returned he would be made chairman, and in virtue of hrs office he would also be a magis- trate. He thought it was most unfair that Mr Gowan should now be thrown out of his seat. (Applause.) Mr Edwards again appealed to the electors to return Mr Gowan. (Applause.) Mr Gowan returned thanks, and a vote of thanks to the chairman and speakers terminated the pro- ceedings.

GUARDIANS ELECTION. PUBLIC MEETING AT TREHERBERT. MR ENOCH DAVIES'S CANDIDATURE. The third of a series of meetings held in support of the new aspirant for a seat on the Board of Guardians in Ward No. 1 was held on Wednes- day evening last at Ebenezer Vestry, Tynewydd. There was a. very fair attendance presided over by Mr Thomas James, Tynewydd. The Chair- man opened the proceedings with a most appro- priate speech, clearly expounding to the meeting the excellent qualifications possessed by Mr En och Davies, and earnestly wishing them to bin* themselves to ensure his return. 11 Mr Enoch Davies, the candidate, next addressed the meeting, and was received with cheers. The speaker explained his reason for entering- the arena. in this contest was owing to the fact that a deci- sion had been arrived at between him and one of the old members who declared to Mr Davies his intention of not again seeking re-election. There- fore he came out under the impression that the sitting candidate would not oppose him. He wished to impress upon the audience his refuta- tion to the attack made upon him that he was too young to represent such an important district, but statistics he had proved that he was already at an age far above many of the present members when they commenced their career. He (the speaker) emphasized upon his intention to secure a work- house within the parish, and also to consider the welfare of the poor of Treherbert to an unlimited extent, if returned. Referring to members of various philanthropic societies who applied for relief, he v ished to state that he would support such applications. Referring to the serious ques- tion of separating man and wife at the workhouse, he wished to clearly state that he was in favour of the system of keeping married couples together when they crossed the threshold of the workhouse, and if returned would use strenuous efforts to re- form this abominable rule. The qualifications of a Guardian, he thought, should be. "An eye tc see; a heart to sympathise, and a will to contri- bute," and he thought that he possessed such qual- ities, and if the electorate thought the same. he earnestly wished them to record their votes for him on Monday next. (Cheers.) Mr H. G. Evans spoke a few appropriate re- marks in English, after which County Councillor p, Williams rose amidst cheers, and in opening his speech submitted the following resolution to the meeting. "That we do all in our power to secure Mr Enoch Davies';> return as one of the members of the Board of Guardians," Mr Wil- liams spoke in most flattering terms of Mr Davies, while reviewing at great length upon the demands and qualifications of other members. He support- ed Mr Davies for more than one reason, especially through Mr Davies's promise to support members of philanthropic societies who applied during sick- ness for relief. Criticising at length upon the various other matters, he concluded in promising hearty support to Mr Enoch Davies. The Rev W. Meredyth Morris, Tynewydd, had great pleasure in seconding the proposition. The speaker at the outset wished to point out that he was entirely in sympathy with Mr Enoch Dav- ies's proposed scheme if returned, and emphasized I upon the enconiums bestowed upon Mr Enoc', Davies. and heartily wished his triumphant re- turn. Mr T. E. Davies, in a stirring Welsh speech, followed, and enthusiastically echoed the state- ments of the previous speakers. Messrs Thomas Jones, Thomas Morgan, Wil- liam Thomas, J. Parker, John Thomas, R. Evans, and John Watkins followed with speeches, after which the above resolution was put to the meet- ing and carried with acclamation. A vote of thanks to the chairman brought a successful meeting to a termination.

DISTRICT COUNCIL ELECTION, 1898, RHONDDA WARD. To the Editor. Sir.-The election of a representative of this ward to the District Council, is being fought most strenuously by both parties. There appears to be a great deal of ignorance amongst the electorate as to the reason why Mr. Gowan is so serious.y opposed, and perhaps it would be well tor the cause of progress and truth, if the reasons -for they are more than one—were placed before the public. Mr. Gowan is opposed, in the tirst place, because, he has on almost every opportunity betrayed the liberal party. In 1895, he was chair- man of the ward liberal association, and when the selection of candidates for the first District Council Election, was about to be proceeded with, he expressed the desire, that the party should nominate one another, in addition to himself; his wishes were gratified, and Mr. Llewelyn was nominated, on the understanding that they were to work for and with each other. Mr. Gowan, however, did not work with his fellow liberal candidate, neither was he man enough to say that he did not agree with his selection, but worked for and with Mr H. M. Rowland, the Conservative candidate. At the same meeting, Mr. Gowan stated, that it would be the dutv of every Liberal returned to support the candidature of a Liberal to the chair. Mr Gowan, was returned. Did he support a Liberal? No! but turned round and supported a Conservative and representative of the "trade. In the same year this ardent Liberal, did his utmost to split the Liberal Party—by coming out against Mr H. S. Davies on the County Council Election-so that Mr. Phillips, the Conservative candidate, might get in. In 1897 Mr Gowan did his utmost to secure the re- turn of the Conservative and a fellow publican, against the nominee of the Liberal Party in the ward, and succeeded. In the same year, with consistency of a weather-cock, he supported Mr James Roberts—who was then known as an ar- dent and conscientious advocate of temperance— on the County Council election He also, in the same year, for the second time, broke the law as laid down by himself in supporting the resolu- tion that in future the chairmanship of the Coun- cil should fall to the senior member each year; for by that rule. Conservatives and Liberals, ad- vocates of beer and temperance, wise men and fools would become chairmen, and as a consequence J.P.'s. In 1898 this advanced Radical refused to sup- port the progressive candidates on the School Board election. These, sir, are facts of which every Radical in the ward is well aware, and are uncontrovertible. Secondly, he is opposed by the friends of temperance, morality, and Christian- ity because, if he be returned, he will, according to the resolution I have referred to, become chair- man, and therefore J.P. The principles of Liber- alism are diametrically opposed to the allowing of publicans to administer the laws relating to the traffic in which they are engaged. These are the grounds upon which we oppose Mr Gowan on this election. Are they not sufficient? Would the Radical leaders and press support Mr Chamber- lain to-day? No, certainly not. Yet he has been more honest than Mr Gowan, for he has renounced all claim to the title of Liberal, and Mr Gowan has not. Mr Chamberlain only deserted the party on one occasion, but Mr Gowan has wilfully be- traved us. not once, but many times. And in spite of such a record as this, such men as Messrs E. Williams, Fleming. Moses Jones, John Thom- as, David Long, and Councillors James Roberts, Fred Edwards, and Watkin Williams, can sup- port such a man with all their might, using every wit they possess to secure his return. Some of them are local preachers, nearly all professing Christians, some are Rechabites, others trades- unionists and advanced Radicals. It is enough to make the bones of John Wesley, J. B. Gough, Cobden and Bright, turn in their graves. What are we to think of our Christian and temperance leaders, when they support a dealer in that devil. ish and destructive traffic to the office of justice ol- the peace! Are we not justified in thinking of them with contempt? Dare we leave the cause of Christianity, of Temperance, and reform to such leadership.'1 I say. no, emphatically no. Of all things to be abhorred, inconsistency is to be ab- horred the most,; and the actions of the men I have named is of the most glaring inconsistency; and when we consider that the other candidate is a Christian, an advocate of temperance, and a most zealous and advanced Radical the inconsist- ency is JJMpe glaring still. Mr James Roberts said th^raire was defeated on the County Council election by the powers of darkness, and now he comes all the way from Treforest to support that very same power, against a man of, I hope, a more consistent character than himself. Last week Messrs Williams, Fleming, and Jones, strained every wit they possessed—begged, prayed, and preached, to secure a candidate from Havod, and to-day they are exerting themselves as much ag- ainst as they did for Mr Thomas Jones then. Ye gentlemen I have named look well into your principles, turn your verv souls out, so that you might see them, and perchance you will find that that you are neither temperate. Liberals, nor Christians. In conclusion I would say to the electors. Do not follow the lead of traitors, and support a man who has betrayed his partv. for a man who would do that would do the same to your interests. Thanking you in anticipation,—Yours, etc., ALPHA.

URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. TRALLWN WARD. (To the Editor.) Sir.In view of a certain paragraph in my op- ponent's election address imputing antagonism on my part towards the project of a new railway, and the reports more or less exaggerated that are circulated in this Ward. to the same effect with the obvious intention of injuring (if possible) my ) candidature in connection with the forthcoming District Council Election, I feel called upon in common fairness to demonstrate the utter absurd- stance they are tantamount to a general charge of being opposed to the growth and prosperity of ity and shallowness of such statements, for in sub- the district, particularly that portion which I have the honour to represent, and in which I have so much interest at stake. The statement is, therefore, on the face of it, a gross misrepresentation of my actual views in this respect. It is not my desire or intention to analyze here, the merits or demerits of the Bill to which I pre- sume my opponent refers, but in my opinion (from more than mere superficial consideration) there are, in view of existing conditions certain material disadvantages. In point of fact the District Council as a body now entertain serious objections to the Bill, as certain clauses specially provided for the protec- tion of the interests of the ratepayers, have sub- sequently been struck out by the promoters. I quote that relating to the new Gas Works sidings, for instance. The scheme is also, as is well- known, an alternative one, but why not perform j the railwav already secured and thus retain the waterway as well, which is of such great utility in more than one respect, particularly so as effecting this portion of the district. To construe certain objections to the sweeping assertions made is therefore most unfair and mis- leading, but I suppose for the want of a better subject the matter has been specially bolstered up for the occasion. I have large and important property in the ward which should prove a sufficient and conclusive guarantee of my bona fide as touching the inter- ests of the Electorate, and a disclaimer of the ex- aggerations with which my opponent and his ad- herents seek to gull and mislead the electors. Thanking you in anticipation for the insertion of the foregoing, and oblige. Yours, etc., THOMAS TAYLOR. Holly House, Merthyr Road, March 30th, 1898.

BOARD OF GUARDIANS ELECTION. RHONDDA VALLEY.—WARD NO. 1. MRS PHILLIPS' CANDIDATURE. A very enthusiastic and well-attended meeting in support of Mrs Phillips' candidature was held in Bethania Chapel, Treorky, on Tuesday evening. The chair was taken by Miss S. A. Morris, Glyn Villa, who, in the course of a stirring speech, pointed out that Mrs Phillips by her continued efforts on behalf of the poor for the past three years had proved that Ladv Guardians on the Board are not only a. great, success, but an absolute necessity, both in the interests of the ratepayers and the poor. Several ladies and gentlemen ad- dressed the meeting. Among them were Mrs Isaac, Mrs E. H. Jones, Miss Isaac, Miss Evans, Mr David Evans, The Schools, Mr Thomas Jacob, Councillor Daronwv Isaac, and Councillor W. T. Jones. Mrs Phillips who was most enthusiastical- ly received made a splendid speech on the work done by lady Guardians, and the desirability of electing women on the Board of Guardians. She said that the prejudice several people had against Lady Guardians three years ago had died away, and given place to a desire on the part of the public to secure women on the Board. It has been proved that the Guardians and the poor had pro- fitted by the knowledge and experience of women as well as by their sympathetic nature. A vote of confidence in Mrs. Phillips was carried with acclamation. In the course of the meeting, a letter was read from Mr. E. P. Davies complimenting Mrs. Phillips on her splendid record of work and urging them to return her by an increased majority. Tn the motion of Miss Jacob a hearty- vote of thanks was accorded to Miss Morris for presiding.

PORTH JOTTINGS. The Porth Association Football Team journeyed to Cardiff on Saturday to play the Cardiff Teach- ers in a league match, and returned home vic- torious, beating the teachers by two goals to nil. The Porth team have certainly been taking it easy lately, but are now waking to their old form again. Porth people are highly gratified to find that W. H. Picken has been chosen captain of the eleven to meet the crack midland team Aston Villa on Mabon's Day at Cardiff. Picken is undoubted- ly the best centre half in the league. A highly interesting and instructive lecture was given at the People's Hall, Porth, on Saturday, by the Rev Barrow Williams. Llandudno. The subject of his discourse was "Keep to the right." The meeting was presided over by Mr T. Richards M.E., Llwyncelyn. The Chairman having opened the meeting called upon the lecturer for his ad- 9 dress. The Rev gentleman treated the subject in the most masterly manner, and caused roars of laughter by his humorous sayings and mimicry. After dealing at some length on the benefits of lectures he divided his subject matter into three heads—(1) Right use of our leisure time (2) Right use of money; (3) Right use of good literature. He treated each head very fully, and his remarks .1 were highly instructive. Among his numerous humorous sayings, the following sum in proportion was much appreciated, "If the Tremadoc magis- trates were foolish enough to fine a poor man £5 for failing to catch a hare, what would the same magistrates fine the man if he succeeded in catching the hare?" A hearty vote of thanks to the lecturer and chairman, proposed by the Rev E. Rees, Porth, and seconded by Dr Ivor Davies, terminated a very enjoyable meeting. We under- stand that the same lecture is to be given in Welsh by Mr Williams at the Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Chapel at a future date.

CAERPHILLY POLICE COURT. Tuesday.—Before Mr E. Rees (in the chair), Alderman Henry Anthony, Dr Maurice Evana, Messrs E. W. M. Corbett, and Jonathan Wil- liams. James Stephen, a young Bedwaa collier, was summoned for being drunk at Llanvabon on the 19tb March. The defendant was fined 10s. John Rowlands, sinker, Senghenydd, and Wil- liam Ashton, of Aber, were summoned for being drunk at Aber on the 20th inst. P.C. Jones gave evidence, and the defendants were mulcted in a 5s fine. Frances Joseph, firemarf, Ppntypridd, was charged with doing wilful damage to a window, valued at J39, the property of John Swift, sweep and lodging-house keeper, Caerphilly. Prosecutor said that on the 23rd of March the defendant came to his house and asked for lodgings. Wit- ness replied that he could not accommodate him as the house was full. The defendant, however, walked to the kitchen, and proceeded to light his pipe. He refused to go out, and was ejected by a lodger whom he abused. The defendant then kicked the door and witness went for the police. When he returned he found the fanlight over the door broken, and a large plate glass window measuring 6ft. 8in. square was also shattered.- Mrs Ann Til ley said she saw the prisoner pick up stones and hurl them through the fanlignt and window. P.C. John Hale said that the prisoner was drunk when arrested and very violent. When charged the prisoner said he was sorry he could not find a bigger stone to break the window with, and that he would choke the man Swife.-The prisoner was committed to take his trial at the next Quarter Sessions. Mrs Mary Hughes, landlady of the Cardiff Arms, Y stradmynach, was charged with selling whiskey 42 degrees under proof. Mr James Phil- lips, solicitor, Pontypridd, defended. For the defence Mr Phillips proved that notices were ex- hibited at the house, to the effect that no strength was guaranteed.

GLAMORGANSHIRE v. MONMOUTHSHIRE LEAGUE MATCH. This important match was played on the Taff 'Vale Park. Pontypridd. on Saturday, and resulted in a win for Glamorganshire by 2 goals, 3 tries, to 1 goal (penalty).

SAD DEATH OF A TONYl/ANDY PIANIST. John Greenwood, a young pianist, of 45, Tre- alaw Road, Tonvpandy. died at the Swansea Hos- pital on Tuesday afternoon from the result of an accident. He was a member of a cinematographe travelling company which is appearing at the Aberavon Town Hall, and he sustained injuries through attempting to ride on the buffers of a. truck while some shunting operations were going on at a siding on the Rhondda and Swansea Bay Railway.

Im an Blw—. somma *• PpwkWt Br. BtMgwMM, M.D., TJ.l.A., 18. 0. 4*rt«t. Cardiff. 11 to 4, nd 7 I

DARANDDU COLLIERY, YNYSYBWL- OPERATIONS TO BE RESUMED. After a lengthy period of idleness, work at the Daranddu Level, which is the property of Messrs Tom Taylor and Co., and situ tcd near the main road leading to Ynysybwl, is now bout to be re- started. It will be remembered that, in conse- quence of the failure of pump Ü6 arrangements some fifteen months ago, the work ng of coal had to be abandoned, and the on y work carried on there was the driving of a heading through solid rock to the rise, for the purpoce of do ng away with the swamp, and affording :i natural drainage of the workings, thus minimising the cost of pro- duction. This has been SUCCB, "fa !y accomplished. And now, since the coal has b 'ea struck, we un- derstand that it is the intention of the proprietor* to develop the workings forthwith. Mr Albert Weaver ia now in charge, and tbe new project proves successful there will be emn oyment for a number of workmen in the near future. Much gratification has been catued by the news at Ynys. ybwl.

THE USE OF BORACnC ACID. At the Caerphilly Petty Se-sions on Tuesday (before Mr E. W. Rees, Alderman Hy. Anthony, Dr Maurice Evans, Mr E. W, M. Corbett, and Mr Jonathan Williams), Wil am Hardwick, grocer, Lianbradach, waa summoned by the Gla- morgan County Council for scl.intr butter con- taining 6 per cent of bcracic acid .n a sample of butter supplied Inspector Williams of Birrv Dock, Mr W. E. Allen, solicitor, appeared to prosecute, and Mr Sankey. barrister at law, Cardiff ( nstruct. ed by Mr David) to defend. Mr Sankey raised a technical objection to the analyst's certificate, and contended that it was invalid, as it did not specify that the sample of. butter had been weighed. The Bench upheld the objection and dismissed the case.

CHILDREN'S CONCERT A f YSTRAD. A GRAND TREAT. The Nebo (Baptist) Juvenile Choir gave two magnificent performances of tie poplar juvenile cantata "John Bull and his trades,' on Thursday and Saturday evenings last ..t the Nebo Chapel. Mr D. Davies, M.E., Bodriugaiit, occupied the chair on Thursday evening wa.ie 2-1 r K. Morgan, Gelli, acted in the same capacity on Saturday night. The following were tue .mc.a.s who had care of the arrangements: Pastor, Rev A. Wil- Iiams; treasurer, Mr Evan .Laew_.yu; secretary, Mr Jonathan Thomas; conductor, Mr lorn Thom- as, assisted by Mrs Annie J.v^i-s and Misses M. A. Thomas and E. Price. Tiie Mc.ed ed.iice was crowded to its full capacity on cacil evening, the audience being a most represent a t.ve "l1e. We ap- pend the programme as dspen ed with: John Bull, Mr J onathan Thomas sor ngjr. Master J. Crocker; Baker, Master Gw..ym Morgan; Miiler, Master J. H. Evans; aimer, Master Victor Royall; Grocer, Master T. A. Jones; Fruiterer, Miss L. Thomas; Draper, faster T. A. Jones; Dressmaker: Eos Facu; T.iior, Master E. Thomas; Bootmaker, 2auA€r ii. Spencer Evans; Hatter, Master Edwin iMv.es; Master, Master E. Lewis; Tyler, Master Tom Williams; Carpenter, Master Joseph John; Smith, Master Idris Evans; Ironmongers, itiaster A oert Evans, and Evan J. Morgan; Collier. Master Morgan, Llewelyn; Druggist, Master Aoeurin C. Jones. A miscellaneous part as foLows was also given: Pianoforte solo, Miss Elizabeth Thomas; solo, "Children's Home," Miss Mytaawy Evans; recital tion, "When a woman I am." by nine little girls; action Sling, by boys and gins of eiioir recitation, "Baban ar fin y dibyn," Mr Jonathan Thomas; song, "Down the Ohio," Master J. C. Crocker; ring drill by twelve girls; solo, "The Collier," Mr R. Davies, Ystrad duet, Reuben and Rach- el," Miss Jones and Master T. A. Jones. The ac- companists were Miss E. Thomas and Messrs Evan John Evans and Edgar Evans. It would be al- most a p,ty to single out any of the above for in- dividual praise, for each artiste received a warm appreciation from the audience, and each esquitted themselves admirably. It would not be out of place to review the concert as that of a children's, the best yet given in the locality. The programme was neatly arranged, and str.ct y c-irr-ed out with equal neatness, demanding repeated applause from the appreciative audience. As the object of hold- ing the concert is one of immense good, i.e. to- wards liquidating the chapel debt, it was a mosto favourable omen to see such a good attendance, and we hope that a goodly sum will be handed over to the deserving cause for whch th.s has been promoted. In concluding we have only to add that the highest praise should be bes'owed upon- the hard working officials of the committee as- mentioned above, and espec al y to the conductor, Mr Tom Thomas, who has b en most assiduous and indefatigable in his e.Torts towards making the concert a success. The same c, n be said of the ladies who assisted and rendered invaluable aid.

COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTIONS. YNYSYBWL. It was decided at a meeting held in the Tre- robart Board School, Ynysybwl, on Tuesday even- ing that Mr Shipton, Penrhiwceiber, who is clerk to the Llanwonno School Board, should contest the vacancy in the Ynysybwl, AVrcynon, and Penrhiwceiber Electoral Division for the Glamor- gan County Council. His opponent will be Mr Thomas Morris.

FATAL ACCIDENT AT ABERCYNON. William Lloyd Davies. of 74, Park Street. Aber- cynon, met with his death at the Dowlais-Cardiff Colliery on Tuesday night through a large stene- falling upon him while following his occupation a* haulier.

CONGREGATIONALISM. SOUTH WALES CHURCH. AID SOCIETY The annual meeting of the South Wales Con- gregational Church Aid and Missionary Society were held at Oid Siloh Chapel, Landore. on Tues- day, when Mr. W. R. Davies, Pontypridd, presided. The financial secretary (Rev. D. Evans) presented the annual report, which revealed steady progress upon the whole, through the complete dislocation of the chief local industries, and in agricultural parts the continuous emigration of people of the towns had hammered the churches. Reference was made to the establishments of churches in Roath Park. Lianbradach, and Aber- fan, and it was stated theat there were other neighbourhoods where the denomination should be represented, but the financial position was far from satisfactory. Remedies suggested were- (1) Arrangement by churches for earlier congre- gational collections wherever possible; (2) an earlier collection of individual subscriptions; (3) the use of children's collecting-books and cards as in former years ;(4) a deeper stuHv of the wants of the country; and (5) the appointment of some person or persons in each church n-cn'qrlv the English churches, to make t*ip oUims of the societv known. >\ 1,1,,1' treasurer) presented the financial statement, which showed that a deficit of C46 hnd heon r-rinoo.i to £ 29.—The reports wpjre a —Pr'>fp«<=or Lewis (Abervstwith) was elpl'tp,I f'1** tho ensuincr year. The Rev Elfp* t o -<r n-.«rv**— 1 that Dr. Davies (Llanellv). n former had d'ed that morning, anr* "ot.. of «n<inaHiv was passed. rinted and Pub1 ished hy T. Davien and Company, "Chronicle" Officu, 23. 124, and 25, Mill Street, Pontypridd.