The Aberdare Leader

WE WISH you all a Happy New Year to all, and if you are suffering from ingrow- ing toe nails or corns, have them attended to at once. D. James has been most suc- cessful and has a quantity of testimonials. He also makes a Porous Plaster for Lum- bago. Cured sufferers' praise of it is aston- ishing. Used by ministers, doctors, chemists, lawyers and all classes. If you suffer, try one. If it fails, your money returned. D. James, 68, Ynyslwyd-street, Aberdare. X X

For posters, handbills and cards in connec- tion with concerts and all kinds of meetings, go to the LEADER Office, Market-street, Aber- dare,

læ .K Å Death of MB*. Owen Harris, Trecynon. Last Saturday afternoon, in the person of Mr Owen Harris, Trecynon, one of the most prominent figures in the public life of Trecynon and Aberdare, passed away. Mr Harris, who was 67 years of age, originally hailed from Llanddeusant, Carmarthenshire, whence he removed when a young man to Ystalyfera, and later to Aberdare. He opened a grocer's business in Harriet-street, Trecynon, the industries of the district being at the time in a flourishing condition. Mr Harris was the last of the quartet of pros- perous tradesmen who carried on business at Harriet-street, and who, besides being endowed with keen commercial abilities, were also men of culture and of no mean literary repute. They were Mr David Hopkm Lewis, Mr William Charles, Mr John Williams (father of Mr T. Walter Williams, B.Sc.) and Mr Harris. The de- ceased established branch shops at Mill- street and Llwydcoed, the former being managed by his son, Mr Morgan J. Harris. He took an active interest in municipal life, and served on many public bodies. He was for many years an active member of the Aberdare School Board, He was also very popular as a Guardian of the Poor, an office which he held for a considerable time. He had served on the Aberdare Local Board of Health, and when that body was merged into the District Council, he retained his membership until the time of his death. The electors of No. 1 Ward held him in high esteem, and he was indeed an ideal repre- sentative. At the last election, three years next March, he was re-elected unopposed. In politics, Mr Harris was a zealous Liberal. On the -District Council he was regarded as a Progressivist. He was brought up as a Calvinistic Methodist, but maturer years found him a Baptist. He was one of the deacons of Heolyfelin Bap- tist Church, Trecynon, of which the Rev. J. Cynog Williams is pastor, and who was pre- ceded by the Rev. W. Harries. The loss which the church has sustained through his removal will be great indeed. Mr Harris was a true type of the practical Christian. He was chary of words but prolific in deeds. The poor of the neighbourhood found in Mr Harries a true friend and benefactor. He was generous to a fault. The cause which he knew not he searched out, and his heart and hand were ever open. By his denomi- nation he was considered a prince in Israel, and one time he filled the honourable posi- tion of chairman of the East Glamorgan Baptist Association. His son and daughter are the objects of wide-spread sympathy. The interment takes place to-day at Aber- dare Cemetery. At the meeting at the Aberdare Liberal Club on Saturday, a vote of condolence with Mr Harris' son and daughter was unani- mously passed. At the meeting of the Aberdare District Council on Monday, Mr John Howell, who presided, moved a vote of condolence with the deceased's family. However much they might differ in their opinions, observed Mr Howell, they were all ready to extend their sympathy on an occasion like this. He moved that the clerk be instructed to com- municate to the family an expression of the Council's sympathy. Mr D. P. Davies, in seconding, said he had had the pleasure of sitting on the Coun- cil, side by side with Mr Harris, for upwards of 20 years. He was a thoroughly genuine friend and colleague. 11 Mr L. N. Williams said he had known Mi- Harris as a friend and neighbour for the last 40 years, and in every respect he could venture to say that a better, truer friend never lived. A very unassuming man, Mr Harries had a sympathetic heart, and his friendship was valued by him very much. The motion was then carried in silence.

If you have a good business, advertise to keep it. If you have a poor business, advertise to improve it.

Do You Want to know <- • about OXIEN P Perhaps you are already using Oxien. Hundreds of people in your town are doing so. Possibly you wonld like to read of some of the people who have been cured by OXIEN. It is worth your while. If you have never had a Ljfi sample of the wonder-working medicine we are J ready to send one to you free of cost. & OXIEN is the' concentration of Nature's purest medicines in tablet form. It has cured all diseases of the Digestion, Blood and Nerves. j ) A OXIEN acts first on the stomach, thus ensuring r v ('/ Y\! a proper supply of pure blood. Every nerve r n k /centre is properly fed and every tissue of the I \b& m body gets its rightful share of the nutritive pro- V Hi/ M perties of OXIEN. If you don't believe it, ask V f anyone who has used OXIEN, and they will tell V It l\wW w • ou °* ^ie new strength, vitality, and nerve w X/j 11!power given by the medicine. OXIEN prevents (f ^Wffl diseases by building up the run down system. /rf W I -ou have Paius try the OXIEN Electric If wSyvi. Vim Porous Plasters: troubles of the liver or bowels //[ B take OXIEN Tablet Pills; catarrh, a cough, a ■r ✓ M cold, a cut, or an eruption try OXIEN Nazone Salve hemorrhoids of any kind use OXIEN Medicone Pile Remedy. BOOTS and other chemists have all of them in stock. Will You have a Sample Box ? Providing you have never had a free sample from us before, we will gladly send you post paid a trial package of OXIEN with testimonials, all under plain cover. Address:—The Giant Oxie Co. (Dept. 112 A.O.), 8, Bouverie-street, London, E.G. ABERDARE VALLEY STEAM LAUNDRY NOW UNDER ENTIRELY NEW MANAGEMENT. First Class .Work, Promptness and Correctness in collecting and delivering assured. A TRIAL SOLICITED. A postcard will ensure a call from the Manager or Representative. I ■ All particulars can be obtained from the Manager, ,¡.. J. O. WICKS. To Piano Buyers. Notice of Removal. THOMPSON & SHACKELL, LTD., r% Piano and Organ Merchants, Beg to inform the Public that they have now removed to their New Premises at 114 High Street, Merthyr, Where they have a magnificent stock of instruments by all 0 the best makers, and respectfully invite a visit. Sole Agents for most of the following celebrated makers :— Bechstein, Broadwood, Collard and Collard, Kaps, Ibach, Brins- mead, Hopkinson, Schreiber, Challen, Gors and Kallmann, Justin Browne, etc., etc., and the Estey Organs. Best discount for cash or can be had on the 1, 2, or 3 years hire purchase system. Pianos by other makers taken in exchange. Tuners sent to all parts on receipt of postcard. Kindly note new address, and favour us with a call. MR. E. T. DAVIES, F.R.C.O. (DOWLAIS), visits Aberdare weekly and receives pupils in Singing, Organ and Pianoforte Playing, Harmony, Counterpoint, &c. at 20, DEAN ST., ABERDARE-Mondays. Pupils prepared for Examinations & Competitions. Numerous recent successes. For terms apoly Handel House, Dowlais. -———————————————————-—— I JUDGES: The MOUNTAIN ASH FANCIERS Sporting Dogs, WILL HOLD THEIR H. E. GRAY, Esq. J P-, Merthyr Vale- ANNUAL HARRY GUNN, Esq., Cardift. WFSKR EXHIBITION Basford, Notts. ^^==============^=====1===- Poultry (game), W. H. LEWIS, Esq., OF Treorcby DOGS, POULTRY, PIGEONS, CAGE BIRDS, RABBITS, Homers), CATS and CAVIES, E. EDDY, Esq., AT THE Newtown. Pigeons (Fancy), J. P. W. MARX, Esq. NEW PAVILION, RIOUNTAIN ASHY Cage Birds, ON THURSDAY, FEB. 16th, 1905, E. J. DAVIES, Esq., Cardiff. ————— Rabbits, Cats, and Schedules ready shortly. Apply, Cavies. G. R. ROWLANDS, Esq., Mr. B. THOMAS, Sec., Cardiff. LLETTY ARTHUR, MOUNTAIN ASH. DRINK HORNIMAN'S PURE TEA. In Packets only and Full Weight without Wrapper. Always good alike. PRICES—1/6 TO 3/3 PER LB. SOLD BY: ABERDARE Evans, 10, Victoria-square; Harris, 12, Cardiff-street; Jones, 3, Victoria- square; Phillips, 7, Victoria-square; Evans, Royal Stores, Gadlys-road; Phillips, 15, Canon-street; Watkins, 10, Cross-street-, Hiley's Cash Stores, 22, Canon-street; Davies, 82, Gadlys Road. TP.E CYNON :-Teague & Son, grocers Smith, 70, Mill-street. ABERAMAN: Maddy, grocer; Rees, grocer. Aberdare Market ijall FOR COJtCEIiTS, EISTEDDFODAU AND ALL KINDS OF MEETINGS. Capable of accommodating 5,000. 1,200 Chairs provided. TERMS APPLY- JONES, Lessee, Aberdare Market.

Bristol, West of England and S.W. Provident Society. The quarterly meeting of the Aberdare, Merthyr and Rhymney Valleys district committee was held at the Angel Hotel, Maesycwmmer, on Monday, January 2nd, The officers present were Chairman, Mr Griffiths, Aberdare No, 1; vice-chairman. Mr T. W. Phillips, Mountain Ash No. 1; treasurel, Mr A. Duke, Cwmaman No. 1, and Mr D. Abraham, secretary, Cwmaman No. 2. There are 36 lodges now affiliated with the district, the amount of contribu- tions taken being £43 14s lOd. The election of two trustees for the district resulted in Mr W. James, Merthyr No. 2, and Mr H. G. Shepherd, Mountain Ash No. 1, being elected. Mr Shepherd was also elected auditor for the district. The appeals for support on behalf of two un- fortunate brothers were entertained and the sum of X4 10s each was granted them. Mr George Jones, Rhymney, and Mr Robert Evans, Maesycwmmer were elected to visit some of the branches that are not yet affiliated with the district.

FOR "sf) JCOUOHS&COLDSI USE ESSi:> £ Jlif "^INSEED COMPOUND" > is a reliable o'd English home P remedy. It softens bard jhlcg-m. permitting it to be expectorated < without strain, soot hing the membranes and p allaying the irritation so coaimonlv ex- | perienced. There is nothing to equal it. Of all Chemists at home and abroad. Jter'w*?, the 1 many substitutes offered. H

Can the United Kingdom Feed ItselfP '"d Debate at the Aberdare Liberal Club. A public debate on the above question was opened on Saturday evening at the Reading Room of the Liberal Club. The combatants were Mr F. E. Stansfield, who took the affirmative side, and Mr WT. R. Williams, B.Sc., who led the opposition. A thoroughly impartial chairman was found in the person of Mr J. Llewellin Smith, archi- tect, Mr Stansfield, quoting the Earl of Leicester, said that in 1880. there was suffi- cient cultivable land to produce enough food for 80 million people. In the same year Lord Derby said that England could pro- duce sufficient food for 60 million people. He wished to challenge Mr Williams to prove whether the United Kingdom did not feed itself in 1841. He had it on good authority that not a single article in the shape of food was imported in that year. At that period the total population was 24 millions. In 1843, the United Kingdom not only grew sufficient to feed itself but exported grain to the value of £ 12,000,000. That was sufficient proof in itself that had the English people been alive to the situa- tion and extended the cultivation of the soil, they should not be in the dependent position they were to-day. According to Robert Blatchford, the present population of the United Kingdom consumed 29 mil- lion quarters of wheat. Nine million acres could produce over 31 million quarters. They undoubtedly had the land, and at pre- sent there were merely 1 million unem- ployed in the country. If these two factors were brought together, not only could enough food be produced, but there would not be one hungry child in the land. (Ap- plause.) And it behoved every intelligent man and woman, to impress upon the Legislature the necessity of bringing about some drastic reform in the Land Laws. Mr WT. R. Williams, for the negative, pointed out that Mr Stansfield had only re- ferred to wheat, which was but one tenth of the food consumed in the United King- dom. Four million cows were consumed in the course of a year, and it required 4 million acres in cultivation to support that number of cows. Another 4 million acres would be required to feed horses kept mere- ly for agricultural purposes. Sheep and pigs would require another 5 million acres. At present the United Kingdom imported a large quantity of butter, margarine and cheese; to say nothing of sugar, onions, rabbits, tea, etc. After dealing with the treacherous climate of Great Britain, Mr Williams went on to speak of the labour difficulty. Thirty years hence they would require about 6 million farmers. It would be necessary to introduce some form of agricultural conscription. Everything was being done at present to stimulate agricul- ture, but the people would go to the towns. Was it natural then to expect that the people would ever be willing to go back to the land ? After Mr Stansfield and Mr Williams had again spoken, the debate was adjourned till Monday evening. The debate was continued on Monday night, Mr J. LI. Smith again occupying the chair. Mr Stansfield first addressed the meeting for 10 minutes, in the course of which time he replied to some of the state- ments made by Mr Williams on Saturday night. The speaker's argument was that if the breeding of cattle and pigs were en- couraged as it should, and the resources of the waste land utilised to their utmost capacity in growing grain, fruit and vege- tables, ample food for the supply of the kingdom could be found. Mr Williams then spoke for another 10 minutes. He held that considering the nature of our British soil and our trea- cherous climate, it would require the culti- vation of 62 millions of acres to appease British hunger. In order to induce people to go back to the land they would have to adopt some kind of agricultural conscrip- tion. People would have to be compelled to follow agricultural pursuits. Besides, an enormous capital would be needed. Mr George R. Thomas, B.Sc., speaking for the affirmative, said that the vast mountain sheep-walks could be used as arable land. He did not think that the climate bogey should be dreaded, or that the rural exodus would present any great difficulty. Mr R. H. Miles did not think we would be able to feed ourselves by a long way. Of course, there were thousands of acres which were now used for pleasure, and which could be cultivated, but it should be remembered that whereas the inroads made by brick and mortar pn the land eligible for cultivation increased, the popu- lation which required feeding also in- creased. Mr James H. James maintained that they expected too much from the soil. The soil, especially in highland districts, had no depth and had no chemical properties, and would soon exhaust its cultivating re- sources. Mr M. Watkins, speaking for the negative, said that the chief obstacle to the United Kingdom being able to feed itself was the unscientific methods that British farmers had in making butter, cheese, &c. Unless they had more modern methods of agri- culture and better landlords, they would never be able to supply their own food. Mr S. M. Davies having remarked that the unemployed at West Ham could be recruited as agricultural labours, and Messrs Williams and Stansfield having replied to the various speakers, the chair- man remarked that Mr Stansfield had stated very forcibly that man must live. Ruskin, however, had said that man must justify his existence. If rural depopulation were checked, they would hear less of the great problem of physical decline. If pedigree cattle fetched such fabulous prices it showed the capacity of the soil of this country. A great deal of unproductive land could be made productive by means of scientific methods. When the question was put to a vote, 13 voted for the affirmative and 25 for the negative. A cordial vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the meeting.