The Pontypridd Chronicle and Workman's News

POLICE COURTS. ABERCYNON. Phillip Montague Sidney John Reuben Coombes ^0oper, a cab-driver, residing at Wood Street, °ntypridd, was fined 10s and costs for being o in charge of a horse and cab in Robert tr**> YnySybwl. ^izabeth Bevan, a married woman, late of Mis- residing at Maesteg. was fined 40s and 01 in default one month's imprisonment, for siting her children in a manner calcula,ted to them ^unnecessary suffering. Mr P. T. "ys, solicitor, prosecuted on behalf of the Na- tional Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Inspector Ruff gave evidence of the 'tate of the house, which was reeking with filth, and the children, aged 10, 6, and 2 years, were covered I *ith vermin. The evidence was corroborated by °lice Constable Bolton and Mr David Jones, a highborn-. I

A CARDIFF FOOTBALER FALLS FROM A TRAIN. REMARKABLE ACCIDENT. VICTIM IN GLOUCESTER HOSPITAL. While returning by Saturday evening's express I from Gloucester with the Cardiff Reserves, of 'thich he is a well-known member, playing among the three-quarters, Mr. J. Williams fell from the train, and now lies at Gloucester Infirmary under treatment for concussion of the brain. Owing to all the local saloons having been pressed into ^rvice for the numerous excursions to the Inter- national match the team had travelled in separate ) coaches. A few minutes after leaving the city Williams tried to communicate with his fellows in the next compartment, and in doing so fell out of the train. The communication cord was at once puled, but the train could not be stopped UntilLydney was reached. Assistance was immedi- I ately despatched by the stationmatser, but on I Arrival it was found that Wiliams had been sighted by the driver of a passing goods train, and he signalled to the next passenger train, which con- veyed him back to Gloucester. His escape was a really miraculous one, for he was found lying Wghwise and unconscious inside the six-foot. way, and two goods trains had pagsed over the adjoin. ing metals. On Saturday evening Mr. Ricketts, the captain of the Cardiff Reserves (who had been I helping the premier team at Cardiff), accompanied by the vice-captain (Mr. Hary Gunn), who had been in the train at the time of the accident, visited the Infirmary, but found that Williams had n £ >t recovered consciousness. On Sunday Evening, however, the patient had made such pro- gress that he was able to talk to several of his relatives, and there is every hope of his speedy recovery.

ODDS AND ENDS. "Why is it you let Miss Billings so severely alone ? You have been devoted to nearly every other girl in the town, but y< u seem to have some sort of aversion to her." The young man shook his head sadly. H Nice girl," he said sadly," but f-he won't do at all." But why not ? She's too big." Too big! How ? "She won't fit my stock of engagement rings, and I can't afford to keep two this year." Serjeant-Major: "Now, Patrick Smith, you know very well none but officers and non- commissioned officers are allowed to walk across this grass." Private Smith: "But, Serjeant-Major, I've Captain Graham's verbal orders to Serjeant-Major: "None o' that, sir! show me the Captain's verbal orders! Show'm to me, sir! Publisher: "Is this novel of yours quite complete ? Authoress: All but the name. In fact, I don't know what to do for a title." Publisher (with an admiring glance): "Do what other pretty women have done-marry one." Husband: "Did you see me kiss my hand to you this morning after I had left the, house? Wife: "Why, John, I wasn't near the win- dow then." H usband I wonder who it was ? Wife: I'm sure I don't know. Oh, by-the- bye, the servant told me this morning she had decided she would stay with us another month.' Scribbler: "By Jove! Wilkes, your column of personal gossip in the last number of your paper was the raciest thing I know. Where did you get all the information?" Wilkes: "My wife had the Sewing Circle at our house last Saturday, and I concealed a phonograph in the room." Mr. Freshman: I am told that the wind blows quite strongly here at times." Prominent Citizen: "Well, yes, that is so. I've knowe<f it to blow for twelve days and nights on a stretch an'hold a sheep up against the side of a barn, fourteen feet from the ground, all that time, an' never once let him fall." Reginald," she said to a wealthy young dandy who had been paying his attentions to her, I should like to ask you a very serious question." What is it, my dear ? he replied. Would you object to marry mamma if I refused you? You see, we really don't want to lose you." It is told of a certain Midland Railway guard, residing in a small town in the Mid- lands, that one night while sleeping in a chair by the fire, he surprised his wife and family 1 by suddenly jumping up, seizing the cat who was asleep on the rug, bundling her in the oven, banging the door to, and then shouting: Any more for Nottingham ? Mr. Billus (looking over the household ex- pense account): Maria, what does this item for I church expenses' early in April, mean? I have no recollection of paying out any such sum for the support of the church this month." Mrs. Billus: "That was what my Easter bonnet cost, and I think you're as mean as you can be!" She: Do you think, dear, we shall be really and truly happy in our married life ? He: How can we help it, darling, when I shall try so hard to be good to you ? Why, it was only yesterday that I insured my life for £ 10,000 in your favour. Isn't that the best j evidence that I am going to make you happy ? I Landlady (meeting Mr. Growler on the stairs): "Singing in the morning ? Don't you know it's unlucky to sing before breakfast ?" Mr. Growler: "It may be, but somehow I never feel like singing after breakfast." I see that a young wife has been arrested for putting Paris green into a pie which she had made for her husband." Yes, I noticed it. It was very foolish of a young wife to use Paris green if she wanted to get rid of her husband." "Why?" "The pie itself ought to have been suffi- cient." The young woman was very ill, and the attendant leaned over the bed. Have you any friend to whom you wish to send any message ? she asked. The patient nodded. Yes, I have a dear friend, who-" What shall I write to her ?" asked the attendant. The patient shook her head again. "Nothing," she answered. "1 had for- gotten for the moment that she owes me a letter." The Young Rector (in evident embarrass- ment): "My dear Miss Clara, I—(trying to leave his chair)—I believe 1 have formed an- attachment, and Miss Clara (blushing furiously): "Oh, Arthur —I mean Mr. Greene-this is so unexpected I must v IL The Young Rector (frantically) Beg pardon, Miss Clara, but I was about to say that I have formed an attachment for this chair, due to the presence of a bit of shoe- maker's wax, placed here^by that unregenerate younger brother of yours." (Intense delight of the small boy, in ambush.) Bingo: "I woke up the other night and found a burglar in the house. I have often wondered how I should feel under these circumstances, and I give you mywordlwasnt frightened one bit." Kingley: "But this wasn't a fair test, old man." Bingo: "Why not?" Kingley: "Your wife was with you, wasnt she?" Carlos IV. of Spain, in friendly conversation, one day asked the Duke of Medina Cell, of how many cities, towns, and villages he was the owner. "Nine hundred and ninety-nine, sire," was the reply of the grandee. "And why not," rejoined his majesty," purchase one more, to make it up the even thousand ? Because," rejoined the lordly vassal, the expression of nine hundred and ninety-nine is so much more vast than that of one thousand." Female Auditor (at the amateur theatricals): I bee pardon, but do you know it seems to me the gentleman who has the leading part does his love-making in a very tame and spiritless manner ? does his love-making in a very tame and spiritless manner ? Wife of Leading Actor (intently watching the performance): "He won't put any more spirit in it while I've got my eye on him, madam, let me tell you." The following is told of a gravedigger in a town in the north of Scotland: One day, when "gathering in" the remains of an aged narishiortter, he observed some women weep- I ing by the graveside. "Turning round he I sharply demanded of them: "What are you greetin' for ? If ye dinna bring 'em at eighty, when wad ye bring 'em ? A miss is not as good as a mile, for a miss has only two feet, while a mile has 5,280. "What a blessing children are," as the parish clerk said when he took the fees for chnsten- I ing them. i'

I BENSON'S §2222. WATCHES | j Guaranteed for Accuracy, Durability, and Strength, at Maker s Cash Mow. la SHvw Oas » in 18-et- Gold Cases. I Qgjaflk BENSON'S I ENGLISH LEVER « LUDGATE" fmf\ M pHEAPBST, BTRONQTOT. aaJ 1B8T Lm4w Mule ami 7 A\ Ian I TUUEfc-QUABTKR PLATS Bogliah Lever Watoh /1\ sold for £ 6 5s. nH Thirteen Jewnig, Chronometer Balance. Pat., IAZV Barrel Kf MUM *a<i Damp and Dost Proof Riag B»»d, MaaetTa Silver 0»iw PmifflBll Unbreakable Crystal 01*>s, double the fHreayth and MT" M-MSBi Value of any other £ 6 5*. Watoh. HI 1 L. StmS&il Made in Four Sties, at on^ Price, 5s.: -No. 1, Gentlemen's tiU C J A Iaa^ilhwtrated;; No. 2, Working lien'* No. 3, Iltulway Mea BfNSM't \\& Ll l JH Tn massive 18 ot. Gold Casea, with Crystal Glas*, Gefitlemca'g | 8UISS. 912 12s. Lady's, £10 10s. AppHett- Th**iMmd« of Testimonials from Wearers all Me World HW. Moaa in riled. gENT FREE at my risk, to all parts of the World for P.O.O., at G.P.O. SEND FOR BENSON'S BOOK of WATCHES from Z2 2s. to £600. CLOCKS, CHAINS, I 0 KNQAQHMKNT RINGS, BBOOGHJSS, PLATE, he, <fca Post free on application. 111 Silver Cues. 1M In 18-ct. GOLD CASES. M oAr BENSON'S KEYLESS ENGLISH LEVER "BANK." A good Knockabont Witch for routjh wear at a low j>rk"e. Best London made, Three-Quarttr Piute &ivjli*h Lever, Chronometer Bakinoe, fully Jewe'Jetl, Keylew A< t'LH. in Sterling Silver, Crystal Glatw Canes PORI free at my Mfi;. for A5 Note, or P.0 0.. or in strong 18 11. Goul CHHCM. AZI5 Selection* of Watches or Jewellery iteat free on receipt of reference. OLD WATCHES AND JKWELLKRY TAKBN IN EXCHANGE. AilQoodfl Not Approved wiU be Ex h-'iaged. J. W. BENSON, MAKlR TO H M. THE QUEEN, < THE STEAJ4 FA.' TORY, 62 & 64, LUDGATE HILL, E C. And at at, ROYAL EXCHANGE. E.f.; aad 2S, OLD BOND STREET, LONDON, W. «. I JWILBB CLOOKB, for ChurokM, 3okooIa, and PuUie Buildtafs, from £ 18. Estimates Frea. 1

GUARDIANS' ELECTION RESULTS. YSTRADYFODWG PARISH. BIG SURPRISES. After a hot campaign lasting seven days, the polling in the Guardians' election took place on Monday last in the several booths of the Wards No. 1 (from Blaenrhondda to Prince of Wales, Treorky), and Ward No. 2 (from Prince of Wa'es to Starr Inn, Ystrad). Excellent arrangements h id been made for the convenience of the voters, :[.nd all accommodation possible was affordjJ. Monday morning opened rather dull, rain falling for a little while, but it subsequenty cleared up and the elements proved most favourable to a large poll during the day. Speculation was rife as to the probable result-indeed such progress had been made by the new aspirants for seats that many of the old members felt none too confident of being returned, though strenuous efforts were made on all sides. In Ward No. 1 there was a division of opinion regarding the contest, though it was apparent that a big number anticipated the easy return of the lady candidates, and also the ejection of Mr Enoch Davies, inasmuch as Messrs Jeffries and Morgans worked hand in hand, on the plea of bein gold members, thus leaving the "young colt," Mr Davies, to fight the battle ag- ainst veritable giants. It must be confessed, However, that by the week end Mr Davies had pronounced himself a big favourite, and expecta- tions in his favour were realised. Much activity was displayed on the poll day throughout the ward; especially at Treherbert, where keen inter- est was manifested in the contest, inasmuch as there were three contestants, and a. little inactivity would probably cost one of the old members the seat. There was an abundance of vehicles at hand, and a preponderance of voters were com- fortably conveyed to the different booths. Though matters were exceedingly brisk, and a heavy poll recorded, yet, there was hardly any particular incident of note, and the day passed off quietly, though a little commotion was evinced after the ( close of the poll. The ballot papers were all conveyed to the District Council Offices on Mon- day night, and on Tuesday morning, at 10 a.m, under the able supervision of Mr Evan Llewellyn, a staff of counting clerks immediately proceeded to work. About half-past eleven the result of No. 1 Ward was announced as follows t Elected Mr William Morgan, 717 Mr Enoch Davies, 713; Mrs Sarah Phillips, 687. Non- elected: Mr William Jeffreys, 609. The result was the cause of great satisfaction, mingled with expressions of disapproval. Doubt- less the high position occupied by the new mem- ber, Mr Enoch Davies, is the greatest surprise, while the ejection of Mr Jeffreys may be a bitter pill to a great number. In Ward No. 2 a very interesting fight was waged through and through, and great interest was centred in the contest. Each member had thoroughly completed a goodecampaign, and there were sanguine expectations on all sides. It was generally felt that all the four od members would be returned, and that the fight for the last place would rest probably between the "pob parch" candidate, Mr E. T. Davies, and the ex-Councillor, Mr Rd. Morris. Such calculations were surpris- ingly upset, as the result will show, and the elec- torate were taken aback greatly. The counting for this ward was quickly despatched, and the result was announced from a window of the Board Room, by Mr Evan Llewellyn, as follows: Elected: Mr Thos. Thomas, 1016; Mr E. H. Davies, 969; Mr John Mason, 951; Mr Rd. Morris, 893; Mr E. T. Davies, 822. Non-elected, Mr E. P. Davies, 760. This announcement was received with enthusias. tic applause by a vast crowd that bad congregated outside the Council Buildings, and great enthus- iasm was displayed. Mr E. H. Davies proposed, and Mr E. T. Davies seconded, the heartiest vote of thanks to Mr Evan Llewellyn for the able manner in which he had conducted all arrangements for the contest. —————————————

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MOUNTAIN ASH DISTRICT COUNCIL ELECTION. Abercynon Ward-Frederick Joseph Williams, 324; Evan Jones, 245; William Evans, 221; Llewelyn Rees Powell, 152. Penrhiwceiber Ward-William Phillips, 373; William Lewis, 275; Thomas Bevan, 269; Thos. Jones, 214; William James. 173. Darranlas Ward-Evan Morgan, 317; Thomas Edmunds. 307; Morgan Morgan, 285; David Williams, 239; Jabez Long, 190; William Lam- burn, 171. Miskin Ward—John Powell. 291; Fred Noel Gray. 282; James James, 237; Adam Clark; 217; Isaac George, 170. Ynysybwl Ward-Rbys David Morgan. 451; David Rogers, 323; David William Howell, 276; Gomer Jones, 234. Duffryn Ward — James Davies,' 324; Rees Price. 298; William Little. 269; Gwilym Jones, 257; William P. Bowden, 185; William Probert, 141.

A WELSHMAN 6 PAD DEATH IN AMERICA. TRAGIC DEATH OF A RHONDDA MINER. it. Evan Thomas, mechanic at the Windsor 0 W17, Aber, and formerly at Porth, has just receittd from America, the sad news of the death Mother, Mr. John K. Thomas, who resided "B ^tston- following is quoted from the j,. a^'aiore Times:"—"John K. Thomas of Bal- Avenue, West Pittston, a well-known and ghIY-reepected resident, met a terrible death 8 oiorning by falling down the 3haf.t at Stevens d lerr. He received a bad fracture of the skull, eatb probably occuring instantly. Mr. Thomas one of the oldest and best known miners in employ of the Stevens Company, having been Pittston since the opening of the colliery. He a* honest, sober, and reliable, and had won the Snest regard of his officials. The deceased was frequently selected to do special work, and on the y in question had the charge of a corps of men 6n8aged in sinking operations Owing to the ere weather, the pit was covered with ieicles, these continually falling caused the men to jc^Continue work for the purpose of thawing the was turne^ on» and it- is thought into ^omas Sot confused by it and walked toJi ^or body was found at the bot- °f the shaft shortly afterwards. The unfort- 1111ate man was 37 years of age and leaves a wife four children. He was a member &f the Weslt *s^°n Lodge of Red-men, West American Pro- Association, and of the Stevens Colliery ^Und. The funeral was an extraordinary olle- each of the above lodges, together with the en of the colliery having contributed the ^utiful floral offerings, and taking part in the procession. The vast concourse crowded the Lucerne Baptist. Chapel, where the ser- were conducted by the Rev. S. J. Arther, ^°r> assisted by the Rev. D. M- George (first "Pegational minister at Pittaton), and Rev. Co Lanford. Mr. George addressed the S^egation in Welsh, his discourse being highly Porting and betokening much feeling." r- Thomas was well-known in the Aberdare Rhondda Valleys, and his many friends will Sorry to learn of his sad and untimely end. ^Van Thomas, Aber, can rest assured that he 8 the heartfelt sympathy of ill his acquain- *ftces.

MANAGING THE ARMY FINANCES. "The management of the Army is a world-wide business, with an annual turnover of rather more than eighteen millions sterling," writes A. Hilliard Atteridge in the April number of the "Windsor Magazine," "and it is no wonder that its accounts and correspondence occupy the energy of some six hundred clerks. But in one important respect it is different from any other business. The chairman of a public company has at most twice, a year to face the shareholders and submit to be 'heckled' as to how things are going on. But during several months of the year, while Parlia- ment is sitting, the War Minister must, night after night, be ready to answer a string of ques- tions. He must reply to one M.P. as to the reason why one of his constituents cannot be al- lowed a pension; he must answer another as to a question of a colour-sergeant's grievance at the Cape; he must tell a third about the readiness of big guns destined for a coaling station, and pro- mise another a return aa to the statistics of crime in a home garrison; defend cordite against an at- tack from a fifth, and satisfy a fifth as to the price offered for artillery horses and the safety of a volunteer rifle range. Now he has to be 'posted up' for this ordeal. Notice is given of all questions, but generally only a day's notice. His secretary sends the question to the department that can supply the information required, and often several officials are at wor kfor hours on re- cords, accounts, and returns, preparing the reply frequently bringing cable and telegraph into ac. tion to save time. It is part of the business of the office to provide such information for the pub- lic, but it means more time and money than most I people think, and often the information is asked for not so much through zeal for the public service as through the anxiety of some fussy M.P. to keep his name before his constituents. The most serious work that the Office has to do each year is the preparation of the Army Estimates and the Annual Statement that accompanies them. These contain in detail the Minister's plans for the year, what he proposed to do, and what it will cost to do it. He can only hope for a certain share of the revenue to be devoted to his department, and I he is dependent in everything upon the goodwill I of his colleague of the Exchequer, who holds the purse strings. His military advisers tell him what I ought to be done, the Cabinet generally decides on what its policy will require, the Chancellor of the Exchequer has the last word on the matter of pounds and pence, and then he does his best to make the necessary compromise between needs and means. He never has anything like the free hand his colleague of the Admiralty has so long enjoyed, because, unless in the face of imminent war, the public is never so ready to spend money on the army as on the all-important first line of defence—the Navy. In forming the estimates for the coming year the accounts and estimates for past years are the chief guides, and greatly sim- plify the work. In case of an unforseen war, supplementary estimates will have to me provided when the emergencies arises, with the result of late hours and hurried work for the clerical staff. In such a case the necessary preparations are set on foot at once, the Minister trusting to Parliament to give him the necessary funds for which he asks at the first opportunity."

COLLIERS MECHANICS AND STOKERS. FRIENDLY ATTITUDE TOWARDS MINERS. A meeting of the Central Commitee of theUniform Standard Wage Movement was held at the Grand Hotel, Cardiff, on Saturday. The meeting was a private one, but from what one of our reporters gathered, important developements are expected in relation to the engineers, stokers, and outside fitters, who are likely to make common cause with the miners. No definite steps were taken ,it being resolved that a conference be held at the Grand Hotel. Cardiff, on Saturday next, when a dis- cussion will take place upon the advisability of taking immediate action for securing an advance in wages, in accordance with the schedule of the uniform standard wages agreed upon at a previous conference.

AMUSING STORIES. tlickpw PROBABLE. fti a small American town there lives one man who is fond of telling thrilling tales of battle and bloodshed in which he was iinmedi- ately concerned during the Civil War. The valour which he represents himself as having displayed on the field in those troublesome times was of a very high order. Well, now, there's one thing I should really like to know," said a near neighbour of this retired warrior, after forming one of a group who had listened to a particularly incredible tale of his old friend's prowess: I should really like to know how many of them grey- coated fellers Hiram did actually and of a fact make away with, and, as it were, kill." I don't know for certain," spoke up another neighbour, who was of a somewhat sceptical turn of mind, "hut it appears tome thflt when you come right down to hard pan, Hiram probably killed just about as many of them as they did of him THE DOUBLE-BEDDED ROOM. In the days before railways had penetrated the wilds oi Galloway, Mr. Lightbody was spending a night in a country inn. The room allotted to him was a large double-bedded one. So sound y did he sleep that he was quite I unaware that the neighbouring bed had become occupied by another belated traveller, neither did he hear the report of a pistol shot in that quarter. He was only aroused by affrighted servants pouring into the room and informing him, to his dismay,that his companion had committed suicide. Rather alarmed, Mr. Lightbody's remark was For God's sake keep the breath n him till lie says I didna dae it." SUGGESTED AN ALTERNATIVE. A certain curate and his wife (who had never lived out of a town) had an only child who was very delicate. Country air was pre- scribed as the only means of saving its life. The clergyman advertised for, and obtained, a curacy in a rural district. Having a difficulty in getting as much new milk as was necessary for the child, the doctor suggested they should keep a cow, telling them the name of a farmer who had one to sell. Mr. II. and his wife went the next day to the farm, but she asked her husband to inquire before buying the animal, how much milk it gave a day. The farmer led the way to the dairy, but when Mrs. H. saw two large earthen- ware bowls full of milk, she exclaimed: "Oh, John, I'm quite sure that we shall never be able to consume all that in a day— suppose instead of a cow you buy a little calf! A CONSCIENTIOUS HEN. Speaking about chickens, a farmer said the other day: I don't want to boast, but I do think we have got the knowingest hens in the world. I have a flock all black. It is a theory of mine that black hens lay better than those of any other colour. One day I found a hen in my flock with a few white feathers in her tail. I called my man and told him to catch and kill her. 'You cannot rely on the laying capabilities of a hen with white feathers,' I said. The hen gave me a sorrowful look, but did not say a word. The next morning the man told me that he could not find her. A month or two later I opened a pile of potatoes I had stored in the cellar, and found a big hollow space in the centre of them. There was a bunch of black feathers in the gap, with three white ones standing up in a defiant sort of way. Behind the feathers were sixty eggs. I recognised at once that it was the work of the missing hen. The sensitive creature had stowed herself away and worn herself out laying eggs to prove that the theory was a mistaken one." NOT BARGAINED FOR. A pond—now filled up—which bore the name of Pastor's Pond, was well known in the north of England. This peculiar name origin- ated in an occurrence that took place in the early days of this century. Many divines of that time divided the long Sunday sermon into two parts, one being for the forenoon, while the other, as they said, was deferred till after intermission." Pastor's Pond refers to an unpremediated intermission." Parson Larriby had a bad habit of putting off until to-morrow what ought to have been done to-day. Having something to do with a bottle of aquofortU, a destructive acid, which he should have used on Saturday, but which occasion he had deferred till Sunday, he forgot the time, and was surprised to hear the church bell ring for the morning service. Hurriedly slipping the bottle into his buck- skin breeches pocket, he started for church. In the course of his sermon, as he gesticulated, his body hit the oaken pulpit- and smash went the bottle. With hands uplifted, as he was about to close a fine sentence, he rushed down the pulpit stairs and out of the church, all the con- gregation "Tollowing, thinking that the good man had gone crazy. On he dashed, until he came to a large pond a sort distance from the church. Into this he flew up to his waist, wlrle the congregation stood aghast, Then he quickly explained how Tjjatters stood, and very soon, after getting some dry clothes, returned to the church and finished his sermon. FLATTERING. A certain young artist has been engaged for some time past on what he described as the effort of his life." The picture represents a flock of terrinea sheep driven into a corner, the cause of their uneasiness being persumably a dog, which, however, does not figurel,on the canvas. At the earnest request of the budding K.A. an old Highland shepherd called the other day for the purpose of seeing this wonderful pic- ture, which was to bring fame and fortune to the artist.. "Hoot, mon!" ejaculated Donald, on being brought face to face with the canvas. "What's wrang wi'the beasties ? 4. Don't you see the idea ? asked the artist. "The sheep are alarmed at the approach of their natural foe—the dog." » An' wheer's the dog ? e didna paint 1m, reply. "It is often ad.UaMe to leave a little to the imagination. In this instance I've left the dog ? It's a thoosan' pitees ye didna leave the sheep as weel," blurted out the candid Scot. That dog owt to be thankfu' 'e's lied sich a narrow escape." WARNING TO THE FAIR SEX. A clerk in a dry goods store," Cincinnati, made an offer of marriage to a gay young widow, and was laughed at by the ]ad>. A week afterwards, he had the luck to catch her popping a piece of Irish linen under her cloak. The poor widow was then 111 his power, and, rather than go to gaol, consented to go to the altar. Whether of two evils she choose the least," it is for married folks to determine. A FABLE. A young lady was once noticed by her mother to be fondling and kissing a pet kitten. 's Why Mary," said the mother, "you have kissed that kitten more in five minutes than you have me in five years." "Don't you know why I'd rather kiss the kitten than you, mother ? No, my child." n You haven't got whiskers. ONCE ENOUGH. A • I don't see any use in getting blue over it, oid fellow. She isn't the only girl m the WB!That's just what I'm troubling about Think of the chances I have of making the same kind of a fool of myself again.

"Money is the root of all eviL" "Yes; and that's why reformers back away at evil ^sc vigorously they want to get some of the root. )

I CON GREGATTONALLS M. MEETING AT MOUNTAIN ASH. The annual meetings of the North Glamorgan- shire Congregational Association were held on Monday and Tuesday at Bethania Chapel, Moun- tain Ash. On Monday evening the Revs J. D. Jones, Abercanaid, and J. Thomas, Zoar, Mer- thyr, preached, and on Tuesday morning the annual conference was held, when the retiring pre- sident, the Rev J. D. Rees, Salem, Aberdare, delivered an excellent address on the "Sabbath." It was resolved to hold the next meeting at Tabor Cefn. when the Rev Owen Jones, Mountain Ash will preach the association sermon, and a paper will be read by the Rev J. C. Llovd, Ynysybwl. Alderman T. Williams, J.P., was elected to re- present the association on the London Missionary Society, and the Rev J. Thomas, Merthyr, on the Congregational Total Abstinence Society. The 26th of April was fixed for the Sunday School examinations, and it was resolved that the sub- ject for the next year shall be a continuation of the present one, viz., "The latter years of the Saviour's life." A vote of condolence was passed with the widow of the late Rev J. D. Thomas, Penydarren. On the motion of the Rev H. T. Jacobs, seconded by the Rev H. P. Jenkins, a resolution was passed protesting against the pro- posed public endowment of a Roman Catholic University in Ireland. On the motion of the Rev D. Silyn Evans, the principles of the Nonconform- ist Marriage Bill were approved. Mr W. Bevan, Mountain Ash. was elected chairman for the en- suing year. The claims of the Forward Move- ment were urged by Alderman T. Williams, J.P., Merthyr, and a committee was formed to inspect the leases of the various chapels. It was reported that durin gthe past year three chapels had been rebuilt, one new schoolroom extended, and one erected, one new church had been established at a total cost of £ 2,940. There are 37 ministers in charge of churches, four without charge, five retired and removed from the association, and one ordained. At the close of the conference an ex- cellent dinner was partaken of in the schoolroom, provided by the members of Bethania Church. In the afternoon the Rev Jacob Jones preached on "Materialism and the spirits of the age." Tea was subsequently provided by the church, and in the evening sermons were preached by the Revs. W. Evans, Salem, Merthyr; a.nd D. Phillips, Treharris.

A RHONDDA "KLONDYKE." A remarkable discovery was made a couple of days ago by two boys named Thomas Davies and William Watkins, about 11 years of age, residing at Troedyrhiw, near Porth* As they were bird- nesting in the district they discovered in a hole in the stump of a decayed tree a pineapple tin full of threepenny and sixpenny pieces amounting to about JB15. They immediately took the money home, and their parents were soon rejoicing. News of the find spread through the locality, and the Porth police investigated the matter, and con- fiscated the whole of the silver pieces remaining. It is believed that the tin full of silver had been hidden under the old stump by a burglar, because a few months ago moneys were stolen from. the Imperial Hotel, Porth ,and also from a, fish- monger's shop in the locality. The police have JB10 of money in their possession. Sergeant Ed- wards, Porth, is still investigating the matter.

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In all Disease*, oonralt the eminent Specialist V Dr. Bridgwater, M.D., U.S.A., 18, Custom Sense StMat. CfcnSff. 11 t< 4. lilt 7 fa #.