asked for the Council's reply. The Clerk said he could only repeat what he had before stated - that they had no power to close the premises. If the Local Government Board wanted to get the power to close clubs in the hands of the Council, they should pass an Act. The Clerk was requested to reply that the Council had no power to close the club.

19 July 1913  Temperance Work at Fochriw: Interesting Letter: The ‘Merthyr Express’ reaches China    The weekly meeting of the Star of Fochriw Lodge of the I.O.G.T. was held at Carmel Vestry on Thursday evening. After the ordinary business of the lodge was transacted, an excellent programme was given by members of the Hope of Beulah Lodge. Thirty members of the Fochriw Lodge were present, and 16 from the Beulah Lodge. The following interesting letter has been received by the secretary of the Fochriw Lodge, and we feel sure that it will be of interest to all Good Templars who read the ‘Merthyr Express.’   
   
2nd Bn. 24th Regiment, Tientsin
17th June 1913    

Dear Sir, Brothers and Sisters,  

I have been asked by the Chief Templar of the Rorke’s Drift Lodge, No. M181, to convey the greetings of the above Lodge to your Lodge. Being a Good Templar Lodge in a Welsh regiment, we think it is a good idea to keep in touch with the Lodges at home in Wales. The great majority of the members of our Lodge are Welsh, and when they take clearance cards before going home to Wales, some of them who live close to you, may join your Lodge. I may say that the idea originated from seeing reports of your Lodge sessions in the ‘Merthyr Express,’ which can be seen in the regimental library, or the R. A. T. A. room every week. I myself come from Pontypridd, and the Chief Templar from Aberdare. I may say also, that during our short career as Good Templars, we have had the whole-hearted support of our officers. At present our membership stands at 49, all in good standing, as well as 38 associate members. There are also 20 members in the Mutual Crown Lodge, run in association with the Somersets, and 18 in the China Expedition Lodge in the American Army. Through the working of the two Lodges, we have had the pleasure of forming the first Lodge in the American Army. With best wishes for the success of your Lodge, and also yourself,    With fraternal greetings,    Bro. (L.C.) A. J. Goldberg.