The Aberdare Leader

Aberdare Police Court. Wednesday, Oct. 29th.-Before Sir T. Marchant Williams (Stipendiary), Dr. Evan Jones, Messrs. D. P. Davies and D. W. Jones. Ejectments.—Mr. W. Kenshole ap- plied for an ejectment order against Frederick Richards, 13 Cromer Street, Abercwmboi.—P.S. Robinson proved serving the notices.—Mr. E. Howells Evans applied for a similar order against Benjamin Davies, 4 St. John's Place, Trecynon. Mr. Edward Howells had served the notices. Both were granted. Drunks.—Sidney Swain, Abercwm- boi, in Cardiff Road, Aberaman, 10s. and costs. John L. Williams and Os- wald Davies, in Gadlys Road. Davies denied being drunk. Williams was not present. Both were fined 10s. and costs. Fred Hales, in Cardiff Road, 5s. and costs. Frederick Palmer, in Car- diff Road, 10s. and, costs. Language.—Rees Lloyd and David Williams were summoned for using in- decent language in High Street, Aber- dare.—P.S. Downes proved the case.- Williams was fined 2s. 6d. only, while the other defendant, who was not pres- ent in court, was filled 2s. 6d. and costs. Motor Car Without Lights.—Samuel Parker, Aberdare, was charged with driving a motor car without lights. P.C. Histon stated that he saw defend- ant driving his car in Park View Ter- race, Abercwmboi, at 12.30 midnight. There were no lights back or front of the car .-Defendant was not present, and the Bench imposed a penalty of 40s and costs. Assault.-George Davies summoned Sidney Bull for assault. Defendant was not present. Davies said that on Oct. 21st he went to see defendant's landlady. Defendant was in the house, and made a remark to him. Witness told him to mind his own business. De- fendant then struck him down "like a log," and he (witness) lost three days' work in consequence of the assault.—A fine of 20s. and costs was imposed. Withdrawn.—Thomas Morton, Aber- cwmboi, was summoned by his wife for desertion.—His wife, Annie Morton, came forward and said that she wished to withdraw the summons.—The Bench consented to the withdrawal of the summons.—Thomas Morton was further charged with attempting to commit suicide at the Constitutional Club. The evidence in this case was given at the last court, when the defendant was re- manded for a week.—The Bench now discharged him, and remarked that his wife would evidentlv look after him. y Committed to Assizes Dd. James, of Oak Row, Cwmbach, was brought up +- ,1-"Y'OroI' 1-1_1- 1_ V UUlliM, guevuus uuuny iiarm to va VIa Jones, 28 Cwmaman Road, Godreaman, collier.-iNIr. W. Thomas appeared for prosecutor.—The evidence in this case was also taken at the last court, when the Bench altered the charge from one of common assault to one of doing grievous bodily harm.—Mr. W. Thomas read out the evidence given at the last hearing, and prisoner cross-examined the witnesses with the view of proving that prosecutor had kicked him first.- The prosecutor denied that he had 1 kicked him at all.—The witnesses in the case were Benjamin Jones, Cwmaman Road; Shellard, Cwmaman, and James John- Williams, Cwmaman Road. The affray took place in April, 1912, in Lewis Street, Aberaman.—In reply to the charge read out by the Clerk, pris- oner said: "I admit I kicked him and struck him, but he kicked me three times before I kicked back."—Prisoner was then committed to take his trial at the Assizes. Owed Money to the Guardians. — Thomas Phillips, now of Morriston, was brought up charged with running away and leaving his wife chargeable to the Merthyr Union. The officer said that the amount was Ll 16s.—De- fendant said he was doing his best to pay.—The. case was adjourned for a month. II Cod Bless You."—Ellen Goodwin, an "old customer" at the local Police Courts, was summoned at the instance of P.C. Henebury for being drunk and disorderly in Victoria Square, Aber- dare.—Stipendiary 10s. and costs or J4 days.—Mrs. Goodwin: Thank voa, s r and God bless you. (La ij^hter.) Another Old Acquaintance. — Mrs. Julia Waters was brought up for being drunk in Cardiff Road, Aberaman. The eonstable who gave evidence said that she was creating a disturbance.— Defendant said she was selling various articles and someone ran away with 6d. belonging to her. That was the cause of the clisturbance.-Stipendiary: You are another old acquaintance. Go away, and don't come here again.—De- fendant curtsied and left the court. Sins of Omission.-Dr. Trevor Cory, Aberdare, was summoned for not tak- ing out a licence in respect of a man servant employed by him.—P.C. Owen Thomas said that Dr. Cory employed a chauffeur named Richard Powis. When asked whether he had a licence Dr. Cory replied that he was not aware a licence was required.—John Isaac was similarly summoned in respect of a chauffeur and a gardener.—P-C. D. J. Williams proved in this case, and added that Mr. Isaac had stated that he was not aware of any such regulation.—Mr. W. Thomas defended in this case, and said it was purely an oversight.—The summonses in both instances were dis- missed on payment of costs.

Flying at Aberdare. Mr Edwin Prosser, the well-known Welsh aviator, who has been giving some fine exhibitions in Abergavenny, Cardiff, Cowbridge, Bridgend, Port Tal- bot, and various other places in South Wales, will give an exhibition flight at the Aberdare Public Park on Satur- day neat. Mr Prosser is a brilliant aviator, and has performed marvellous achievements with his flying machine; On this occasion he will, weather per- mitting, demonstrate his famous Spiral Twist, which has not been surpassed by any British aviator. This act in it- self is one of the most daring features of the century. It never fails to make a great impression on the spectators. Part of the proceeds will go to the Senghen- ydd Relief Fund. All who wish to help a deserving cause and witness a most unique sight are requested to come to the Park to see the ascent and the descent, which are the most interesting features of the exhibition.

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Draughts. ABERDARE AND MERTHYR LEAGUE. ..— The first match of the above League was played last Thursday at Penrhiw- ceiber, when the newly-formed Miskin team paid a visit. Final score: 4 games each and 4 draws. Scores: W. Miskin. Dr. Penrhiwceiber. W. 2 John Lewis. 0 T. Davies 0 1 T. Davies 0 B. Edwards 1 1 Ll. Roberts. 1 J. E. Maddocks 0 0 T. Bowen. 2 D. R. Jones. 0 0 J. Williams 1 E. P. Richards 1 -j— J. Roach. J. Winter 2 (absent) 4 4 4

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Horace Greeley never said a wittier or wiser thing than in his brief remark "No man who harbours caterpillars has any moral right to apples. If, in the dark places of the soul, evil thoughts are allowed to lodge unmolest- ed, there can be no fruit of character, no harvest of heroism.

WHOM WERE YOU WITH LAST NIGHTP -Out in the pale moonlight ? DON'T keep out there too long, however; but bring hefliwith you to-morrow night as far as our establishment, and instead of murmuring "sweet nothings," talk about "sweeter somethings" in the way of FURNITURE for the new home. It will be an evening well spent as our Stock of Artistic Furniture is the finest and largest in South Wales. Splendid Extraordinary Factory Variety. Value. Prices. Cash op Easy Payments. I The ROATH I Furnishing Company, I Tafy Street, Pontypridd. 1 SEE NAME BEFORE ENTERING. I CHURCH STREET, ABERTILLERY. HIGH STREET, BARGOED. 8 89, COMMERCIAL ST., TREDEGAR. 51, HOLTON RD., BARRY DOCK ■ 29, STATION ROAD, PORT TALBOT. I HEADQUARTERS 42 City Road, Cardiff.

Up and Down the Valley ABERDARE. SMOKER.—On Monday evening a very ,ticcessful smoker was given under the auspices of the Holiday Club at the Talbot I1111. Mr Eben Powell. R.A.M., presided, assisted by Mr D^vid J. Richards and Mr John Walters. Pro- gramme: Pianoforte selection, Mr Evan Rees; song, Mr Ivor Thomas; whistling !■ elections, Mr T. Harris, Mountain Ash 1 encored); song, Mr Harry Coates; j Welsh addi ess, Mr John Davies, who eulogised the advantages of holiday clubs; recitation, Mr Alf Ashman (encored); song, Mr Morgan Evans, Abernant; song, Mr Evans, Tenby; 'inert (ragtime), Messrs Eynon and Coates; recitation, Mr John Walters, I Abernant (encored); song (ragtime), Mr Tom Rees; comic song, Mr Bob John; -ong. the Chairman. Messrs D. R. Howell, Tommy Davies, Tom Smith, and David James Davies made the ar- rangemehts. t g. 7&T' Printed and Pablinhoci sfc th*fr Printias Works, 13 Cardiff Street, Absrdar* j is the County t)f Glamorgan, by tH* j Proprietory W. Fagb an-i T. Rowlands.

Jumble Sale at Aberdare. On Monday the annual Jumble Sale under the auspices of the Aberdare Church Mission was held. The Rev K. O. Carter, M.A., having offered prayer, Mrs Trevor Cory opened the function and delivered a brief and ap- propriate address. The event was a most successful one, over £50 having been realised. It was organised and con- ducted by the industrious missiopei- Mr. George Brown. The following /at16 s^U-holders :—Drapery Stall (No. 1) Mrs Powell, Danygraig; Mrs. Hughes, Boot Hotel] Mrs. Tom Powellv Miss Mary Powell, Miss Roberts, Park Lane.-Drapery Stall (No. 2) Mrs. Twissell, Miss Twissell, Mrs, Vincent, v £ rS" „Hardy—Mission Workers' Stall (JNo. 3) Mrs. Buckingham, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Price, Mrs. Pugh. -Second-ha iid Clothing Stall (No. 4): Mrs. George Thomas, Mrs. McQueen, Nurse Smith, Mrs. Phillips.—Sunday School Teach- ers' Fancy Stall (No. 5): Miss Preece, Miss Dally, Miss Coombes, Miss Roch. —Flower and Produce Stall (No. H) Mr. Buckingham. Sweet Stall (No. 7) Miss Sheldon, Miss New. Book and Toy Stall (No. 81: Miss Pennell, Miss Lloyd.—Tea and Refreshments Mrs. Tremellen, Miss Williams, Bute Villa Mrs. Lea, Mrs. Sheldon, Mrs. J. B. Morris, Mrs. Williams, Bute Villa; Mrs Williams, Abernant; Miss Thornev.— Jumble Corner: Mr. F. J. Twissell, assisted by Messrs. Stephens, Tasker, Griffiths, Parker, Carleon, Turner, and Pidgeon. Doorkeeper, Mr. J. Lewis, Nant Row.

tyoriPudl BRONCHITIS, CROUP, WHOOPING COUGH, MEASLES, are dangerous complaints and sudden attacks should be prepared for. The finest emergency remedy obtainable is Dr. Bow's Liniment which immediately checks the ailment, removes the cause, and ensures complete cure. It saves hours' of suffering and heavy doctor's bill, and in, overv home it should be ready. Don't rlalel t,jby s aie when this remedy ensures safety- P*. oovr's Liniment has for 80 years proved a boon lo ufli i PTR from RHEUMATISM, SCIATICA and LUMBAGO, t f quick relief and certain cure. Of all Chemists' l. and 216. See Dr. Bow's name and trade mark om bbel. Proprietors: Dr. Bow's Liniment, Ltd-i 8 Union Marine Buildings, 11 Dale Street, LiverpooL ows ,T.te..7

CUARDIANS ELECTION-TOWN WARD. f TO THE ELECTORS. Ladies and Gentlemen,- Pertnit me to express. to you my heartfelt thanks for the magnificent manner in which you supported me on Monday last by placing me at the top of i the poll with such a splendid majority. I feel proud to be able to say that my Committee and I conducted the contest in a clean manner without in any way endeavouring to hurt my opponent, Mr. Jones. Now that the Election is over, how- ever, the Committee wish me to say that they very much resented the re- port which appeared in one of the papers of a meeting held by my oppon- ent at Abernant, and which was to the effect that the speakers "thought it necessary to elect Christian men on public bodies." I must say that I thought this an unfair and uncharit- able thing to say. I am not going to ask who Is a Christian, and what Christianity means, but I forgive the "Christians" who so hurt me, and can assure them and the 849 ladies and gentlemen who kindly thought better of me that my best services shall always be at their disppsal. I have the honoun to be, Ladies and Gentlemen, Your obedient servant, TT W. HAGGAR. Kinema House, Abernant Road, Aberdare. Oct. 29, 1913.

Welsh Drama Contests. The last of the Welsh dramas in the above contest will be performed this (Thursday) evening at the Memorial Hail, Aberdare. The competitors are the Cilfynydd Party; and the play, "Oweli Llwyd y Bachgen Da" (David Evans). The adjudicators are expected to deliver their adjudication at the close. A first prize of < £ 15 is offered, and a second prize of £ 5. The com- petitions last week were exceedingly keen. We have already referred to the performances which took place on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Last Thursday afternoon Gadlys Dramatic Society staged Cyfoeth ynte Cymer- iad?" kgrace Thomas); on Thursday evening Aberdare Society (drawn chiefly from Siloa) performed "Stori'r Streic" (Beriah); on Friday evening "Eluned Gwyn Owen" (J. Tywi Jones) was staged by a Trecynon Society, and Asgre Lan" (Berry) by Taffs Well Society on Saturday evening. It would be out of place to submit any criticism pending the adjudicators' award. Suffice it to say that the per- formances have opened the eyes of the public to the capabilities of Welsh dramatists and Welsh actors. The act- ing in most of these pieces has been superb, and the staging equal to some p of the best things seen on the English stage. The audiences have been more than pleased with their visits to the Memorial Hall, and their apprecia- tion on several occasions knew no bounds. The chairman of the committee is Mr D. J. Williams, Aberaman; treasurer, Mr D. Hammond; secretary, Mr Afanydd Morgan.

Accident at Cwmbach. William John Jones, son of Mr Wil- liam Jones, boot repairer, and who is employed by Mr Jenkin Howell, printer, Aberdare, was found on Saturday morn- ing last under a bridge near the Canal Cottages in an unconscious state by a postman delivering letters to the cottages. He had apparently slipped and fallen over the bridge on Friday evening when returning from his work owing to the thick fog that prevailed that night. He was taken to the house, of Mr William Evans, Well Place, when Dr Horgan was sent for and P.S. Panniers. He was afterwards taken home, and lies in a serious condition.

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Sunday Trams and Bands. Free Church Council's Protests. A meeting of the Aberdare and Dis- trict Free Church Council (Welsh Section) was held in Siloa Hall on Tues- day evening to consider the question of Sunday Trams, Sunday Bands, and Sunday Trading. Rev. R. Williams, Nazareth, presided over a very full attendance, which in- cluded practically all the Welsh Non- conformist ministers from Hirwain to Abercwmboi. The Chairman was sup- ported by the Rev. T. Eli Evans, Soar, the secretary. The Chairman explained the object of the gathering, and invited the meeting to proceed with the discussion of Sun- day Trams first of all. There was complete silence for some time, and a delegates suggested that they go to the next subject. (Laugh- ter.) Rev. E. Wern Williams then spoke, and remarked that the question before them was the consecration of the Sab- bath. Doubtless the trams would be a convenience to ministers and others, out that aspect ot me question snouici be put one side. Sunday trams meant Sunday labour, and the churches should make a firm stand against it. He would move a resolution protesting against Sunday trams, and asking the District Council to discontinue them. There was silence once more, and the chairman rose and explained that the District Council, when discussing the subject, had stated that there would be no obligation on anyone to work on Sunday, if the workmen did not wish to do so. Rev. T. Powell, Cwmdare, seconded Mr Williams' motion. Mr Richard Morgan (Siloa) was afraid they were discussing the ques- tion the day after the fair. The trams were already running on Sundays. They were running in all large towns on Sundays, so why not in Aberdare? The trams stood in the same category as T.V.R. and G.W.R. trains, and there had been no protest against the running of Sunday trains. Rev. W. Davies, M.A. (Bethania) said he had heard no good reason for opposing Sunday trams. If they were going to oppose Sunday trams, why not oppose Sunday trains, and the selling of milk on Sundays; and, fur- ther, why not try and stop dogs to bark on Sundays? (Laughter.) This was a question of sentiment altogether. On what moral grounds could they ap- peal to stop Sunday trams? The Churches were too fond of interfering in everything, until the people were prone to look with scorn upon them, and compare them to dogs who barked at everything and everybody. He moved that the question be left in abey- ance for an indefinite time. Rev. H. 0. Hughes, Welsh Wesleyan minister, agreed with the Rev. W. Davies' amendment. They should wait and see whether the people would use Sunday trams to good purpose or not, before they appealed to the Council to stop them. He seconded the amend- ment. A delegates, in supporting thfe amendment, made a remark that the churches were closing their doors against young people. This statement roused a good deal of opposition, and there were cries of "Withdraw." Another delegate asked the speaker to name one church who did such a thing. He moved that the speaker be not al- lowed to proceed until he withdrew the statement. The Rev. D. Bassett seconded, and added that such a charge was a reflec- tion on Wales and the Churches. The speaker in question did not at- tempt to proceed, and other delegates continued the discussion. Mr. T. Lewis (Sion), Rev. J. Griffiths, Rev. J. Mor- gan, Rev. Cynog Williams, and Rev. W. R. Lewis (Cwmaman) supported the original motion. Both motions were put to the meet- ing, and that of Rev. Wern Williams carried by a large majority. On the suggestion of Mr. Jonah Davies, a de- putation was appointed to wait upon the District Council to ask them to re- frain from running the trams on Sun- days. Sunday Music at the Park Condemned. The Rev. J. Griffiths moved that the Council be asked to desist from organ- ising Band Concerts at the Park. They had seen in the newspapers that Car- diff were now allowing Bands to play on Sunday afternoons, and the attendance at one Sunday School had been reduced Trom over 100 members to 9 members owing to the attraction of those con- certs. If the Band was allowed to play at Aberdare Park on Sunday evenings, they would soon be playing on Sunday afternoons. Mr. John Richards, Penywain, seconded the motion. Rev. E. J. Gruffydd said that he hoped that no one would impute dis- honest motives to those who differed from the majority present. Personally he saw no harm in Band Concerts at the Park at 7.30 on Sunday evenings. The Council were meeting the churches by fixing that hour. Possibly in the summer, the time would be 8 p.m. He moved an amendment that the Free Church Council co-operate with the Dis- trict Council or Parks Committee, and endeavour to make arrangements for a minister or layman to deliver an ad- dress during the progress of the con- certs at the Park. This was seconded, but the former I motion carried by a large majority. Sunday Newspapers, etc. Mr. Gwyddonwy Evans, secretary of the Newsagents' Association, said that his Society and the Hairdressers' Asso- ciation, had met and decided to oppose Sunday trading. He outlined what had already been done with the view of abolishing the sale of Sunday news- papers. The majority of the news- agents were opposed to it, because they worked hard enough, in all conscience, during the six days of the week. He was, therefore, present to ask the Free Church Council to support the National League which had been formed for the suppression of Sunday papers, and for the suppression of other forms of Sun- day trading. Rev. T. Powell, Cwmdare, moved a resolution supporting the movement, and Rev. J. D. Rees, Robertstown, seconded. The motion was unanimous- ly carried.

31UHM llAVUt. TERRIBLE DAMAGE AT ABER- CYNON. A severe thunderstorm visited Aber- cynon on Monday evening, causing as-\ founding devastation. The rain came down in torrents at about 5.30 p.m., lasting for over an hour. It was ac- companied by vivid lightning, and great damage was caused in several areas by the cyclonic force of the gale. Fair View, to the north of Abercynon, at the far end of Glancynon, situated on a slope, experienced the full force of the storm. Fair View Terrace, at the top of this slope, consisting of twelve houses and a shop in the centre, was completely wrecked by the lightning, and the Royal Oak Inn and two dwelling houses, isolated in a field near by, were practically demolished, in addition to Goitre Coed Old Farm and Goitre Coed New Farm, which were also damaged. Eight 9f the houses in Fair View Terrace are roofless and also the shop, Nos. 6, 7, 8, and 9 being not so badly damaged. In one or two cases the roofs have been lifted bodily. The interior of these houses has been wrecked, and in several cases the debris lies 5ft. deep. Some of the people were caught by the falling stones and timber, 'and sustained rather $erious bruises. The windows and the inside partitions of Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12 were reduced to atoms, and in Nos. 4 and 6, where the ceflings had not completely fallen through into the ground floor, the beds were suspended on the joists, and parts of the roofs in other instances blown away for a long distance. No. 13, the end house of the street, seems to have been first struck. It was smashed to smithereens, and half of No. 12 was in a like state, not a single win- dow in the house having escaped damage. Mr Alfred Blake, an ex-inspector of the Taff Vale Company, aged 86, and the oldest inhabitant of Abercynon, resid- ing at the Old Taff Vale Station House, and his son, Mr Alfred J. Blake, fared badly, each of them sustaining a fractured leg. Their house is situated at the edge of the field at the back of T £ air View, and has been the home of Mr and Mrs Blake for many years. The old house has been completely demol- ished, the occupants having had mir- aculous escapes. Mr Blake and one of his sons were sitting in a back room, Mrs Blake being in the parlour, when suddenly the roof fell in, imprisoning Mr Blake and his son in the room. Mrs Blake made her way out into the gar- den, and called for help. Mr George Blake, the son, residing at the ill-fated i shop in the wrecked street, after seeing to his own family at his shop, dashed across the field to his father's house, and with the assistance of one or two relatives, forced an entry through the kitchen, the roof of which had already fallen into the inner room, where, amidst huge masses of debris, he dis- covered his father and brother, both of them pinned down by the legs and unable to move. Owing to the bricks still falling it was with difficulty that they were rescued. An injury was sustained by the servant girl, Hilda Pearce, aged 16, who was in another part of the house. Inspector Angus was soon on. the scene, and was confronted with a serious situation. Groans could be heard from several of the houses, and the Inspector at once gave instructions for medical assistance to be summoned. Dr 1. 1,1. Morris and Dr A. J. Griffith, and some ambulance men, in charge of Police-sergeant Evans, immediately re- sponded and treated the injured in neighbouring houses. By order of Councillor Bruce Jones, agent of the Dowlais-Cardiff Colliery, the colliery offices were temporarily converted into a place of refuge, and the needs of the many residents who had been rendered rooflfss were carefully attended to. Mr. Tudor Davies. M.E., the manager, also gave valuable assistance on Tues- day morning, as well as Councillor Wil- liam Evans, Guardian Dyer, and Messrs C. Maddox, W. Reynolds, and Arthur Blomley. Early on Tuesday morning a wall was noticed blown down on the Cardiff Road, huge boulders having loosened from the cutting on the line between Pontypridd and Nelson. The body of a man was discovered in a field between Abercynon and Nelson. The face was battered almost beyond recognition, and to all appearances, the man had been whirled by the wind off the Merthyr Road, and flung with great violence into the field. Later the body was identified as that of Thomas Llewelyn Harris, a collier, living at 35 Oak- land Terrace, Cilfynydd. He was married and leaves a wife and three children. The back of the head indi- cated that- the man had been either struck by falling stone before being carried off his feet, or that he had been lifted to a great height by the storm and then dropped into the Aeld. Mrs Evans, who lives at No. 1 Fair View, says that she was sitting on the couch at the time of the thunder and lightning, when without any warning down came the partition. She pulled the little girl away from the falling partition, and in so doing hurt her back very much, the little girl receiv- ing a shock. Mr John Evans (her hus- band), a collier, says that about a quarter to six suddenly the windows began to rattle, followed by a roaring sound, which reminded him of going through the Severn Tunnel. In an instant the lamps were all blown out, and they were in total darkness. The rain was coming down in torrents, while riaey maae a Liash down the hill, and took refuge with a friend of theirs in Jenkin Street. Inquiring on Wednesday at Mr T. Joy's house, where Mr Blake and family were conveyed to, Mr Joy stated that Mr Blake (sen.) was in great agony, his condition being very low. Mr Blake is Mrs Joy's father. Mr William Davies, an occupant of one of the wrecked houses, escaped with only slight injuries. In each case the out- houses have been reduced to match- wood, the gardens being filled with debris from the roof. At the back of No. 5, the shop owned by Mr George Blake, the gable has been carried to the edge of the parapet, so that it pro- jects ten to sixteen feet over the garden. In every case it appears that the wind entered at the backs of the houses, then to have worked around to the front, and then returned, pushing the partitions into the back rooms and carrying the roofs into the garden. The occupants of the damaged houses were: Fair View, No. 1, Mr John Evans, one child; No. 2, Mr Evans, no children; No. 3, Mr Nicholas, five children; No. 4, vtr tleywood, five children, and Mr Pugh, no children; No. 5, Mr Blake, no children; No. 6, Mr Thomas Lewis, five children No. 7, Mr T. Jones, five chil- dren; No. 8, Mr Pearce, one child; No. 9. Mr Back, seven children; No. 10, Mr Barnes. three children; No. 11, Mr Tylor, three children; No. 12, Mr Davies, one child, and No. 13. Mr Pocock: The Old Houses. Mr Davies and wife; Mr Blake. Mrs Blake. Mr A. .T. Blake, and Miss Pearce; Goitre Coed Farms. Mr C. Jenkins. Mr Henry Jen- kins, Mr W. France, nephew, and Mrs Bowden, housekeeper of New Farm. Police-sergeants Clinch and Evans, and Constables Osborne, Davies and Thomas gave valuable assistance in rendering first aid to the injured: also Chief-constable J. A. Wilson, of the Merthyr Central Police Office. Since the time of the havoc, Abercynon has been entirely cut off from other places in the locality, the telephonic communi- iKAl/luix VCiJ ill U^U. lllLCilCXOU WllU. The greatest inconvenience is felt on the lines to the Merthyr. Aberdare, and Rhondda Valleys. STORM DAMAGE AT MOUNTAIN ASH. The fury of Monday night's storm at Mountain Ash played havoc with all the roads, especially those precipitous streets on the hills, on either side of the valley. Miskin Lower felt it very severely, many of the houses being flooded out, and the Miskin Road becoming at one time quite impassable. Jeffreys Street, on the Caegarw side, suffered as usual. Many of the occu- pants had scarcely time. to remove their furniture to safer and higher places. Mrs Seth Harris, Mrs L. Morgan, Mrs Davies, Mrs Canton and many others are real sufferers from the storm, P.S. Coleman pluckily came to the rescue, and raised the sewer gratings, or the damage would have been very considerable. About a. ton of rubbish and stones has been swilled down the Slopes into Jeffreys Street.

Guardians Election. Polling in the Town Ward, Aberdare, for a member of the Board of Guardians in the place of the late Ald. D. Hughes, took place on Monday. The candi- dates were Mr. W. Haggar, Kinema House, Abernant Road, and Mr. D. P. Jones, Abernant Road. The votes were counted at the Clifton Street Schools the same evening, the return- ing officer being Mr. Frank T. James, Clerk to the Guardians. The figures were as follows:— W. Haggar 849 D.P.Jones. 297 Majority 55,2 j. The huge majority was a surprise even to Mr. Haggar's supporters, who were confident from the tirst that he would win by a small majority. The victor received many congratulations on his success, and he spoke a few words at the close oi the counting, thanking the electors. He also pro- posed a vote of thanks to the return- ing officer, and Mr. D. P. Jones seconded. The new member has made Aberdare his home for some years now. Prev- iously he travelled through South Wales with his Bioscope Show. Before "moving pictures" were popularised he owned a portable theatre, and was head of a strong dramatic company. His eldest son, Mr. William Haggar, a well-known elocutionist, assumed con- trol of the theatre when Mr. Haggar took to the Bioscope. Mr. Haggar's name has been before the Aberdare public often in "connection with the many charitable concerts he has given towards deserving objects. He is also a prominent member of the Chamber of Trade, who unanimously put *him for- ward as a candidate at the present election. He received no end of work- ers in this fight, and one well-wisher sent him the following:—" Success to the man who has been a practical guardian of the poor for many years." His election agent was Mr. T. W. Griffiths, solicitor.

Letters to the Editor. OUTSIDERS AND LOCAL "PLUMS." Dear Sir,—The note in your last issue about the method by which the last ap- pointment was made by the Aberdare District Council has opened the eyes of many ratepayers to a number of griev- ances. Councillor A. P. Jones failed to see the point "I explained by Coun- cillor D. R. Llewelvn. When a Junior Clerk is next required may I suggest that Councillor D. R. Llewelyn be asked to conduct the examination, or failing him one of our headmasters, or anyone possessing a practical knowledge of the elements of arithmetic. It was grossly disappointing to us parents to And that of the four lads who sat the examin- ation not one was considered worth los. a week. Are we sure that the sneers about the standard of education attri- buted to the candidates were not mis- placed, and would it not be more fitting if those custodians of the education of our children became masters of the ele- mentary subjects before beginning to sneer? Will the Council assure us that the clerks imported into the Elec- tricity Works sat a similar examin- ation, and were they of the supposed standard of efficiency? Why should local candidates be subjected to an ex- amination while outsiders walk into positions by means of a plain applica- tion? I have a request to make to the District Council members. Will they assist us to put our sons into junior clerkships in other towns, so that when there are "plums" going at home we ;may hope to get our kith and kin pro- moted. Look at the appointments made recently—Town Clerk, Account- ant, Manager of'Tramways, and the Staff of the Electricity Works—about 40 in number. There have been com- petent local candidates for all these posts—-sons of working men-and time _c -1 1 iltuer time rney nave oeen rejected, t think the majority of ratepayers will agree with me that of the recently ap- pointed tramway conductors the few local men appointed are satisfactory, and if given a chance other lads and young men would show ax much grit as outsiders. They have done so 111 the past, and this change of policy has not yet shown that the old standard or effi- ciency is being maintained. Future ad- vertisements should read: "No Aber- darian need apply," and "No Welsh- man need apply." Where are the boasted members of the Cymrodorion Society? Have they forgotten their great and glorious inherit.ancer The Trades and Labour Council have passed a resolution condemning this wholesale importation of outside labour to out- public works, and we workmen look ro the Labour members to watch the in- terests of our children. After making huge sacrifices to give cur sons the benefit of modern education we expect a measure of support from the men we elect on our public bodies, hut what do we find? They shelter behind so-called examination and double voting, and then very sagely dwell upon the de- merits of local applicants. Sname I assure you, Mr. Editor, that I am voicing the opinions of a huge number of ratepayersYours, etc., DISGUSTED PARENT. PENRHIWCEIBER k EDUCATION. Sir.-I make no pretence as to this being my last letter on The above sub- ject should occasion arise, and I have your permission to continue the corres- pondence. Pro Bono Publico, instead of keeping to the matter which we both regard as serious, introd uces personal

attacks which are quite unjustified. He seems to possess a mind of that type which invents theories and twists facts to fit them. This self-appointed guard- ian of the public weal frequently over- steps the bounds of tha-t decency which should be observed in a controversy conducted through the columns of a high-class paper. With your permission, sir, I will briefly traverse the ground taken by this writer, and add my own comments. (1) I'he frequent change in individu- al letters from the singular to the plural leaves one in doubt as to whether the letters are a joint affair or whether, as P.B.P. feels himself swelling in im- portance, he considers that the first person singular is not sufficiently wide. (2) He assumes that my pseudonym, "Amicus Discipulo," means "the student's friend a very hasty jump at conclusions. This nom-de-plume is not copied from a phrase book, and it means friendly disposed towards the pupil," which might happen even if I had never spoken to him, a vast differ- Wjil?1 inean^n^ from that assumed by (3) He asks questions, and, without 'Cic a particle of evidence, assumes that they can be answered in the affirmative only, e.g., "Is it also true that the chief organiser should (sic) say that the student was not liked in the neigh- hourhood r A complimentary concert to one who was not liked in the neigh- bourhood (4) The magnificence of his conceit is shown by—"The above of necessity must remain facts until refuted by the organisers. Can any statement be a fact on one day and not on another? "What he. Amicus Discipulo, troubles about, I should say, is that matters are so unsatisfactory, really he did not think at first he had such a party to deal with." I must congratulate P.B.P. not only on being the self-styled representative of public opinion, but also upon knowing my inmost thoughts and on having a conceit which is by no means infinitesimal. (5) A few general points. "Has this business been done in the name of Christianity? If so, I say, Shame! Oh, the injustice Christianity gets off the hands of its professors." Why drag in the name of Christ in order to get a cheap sneer at His followers? 1 must charge the student and his tutor." I am not and never have been J. R. Davies' tutor. Knowing that J. R. Davies was absent on his holi- days, P.B.P. wrote his first letter, and as I had known the boy and his family for many years, I answered it, with the full approval of his relations. I have suggested to J. R. Davies that as the main point at issue has been put for- ward very clearly by him, he should not continue a correspondence from which no advantage can be gained. In conclusion, sir, I feel sure that if the public had any voice in the selec- tion of a representative, they would have chosen one more capable of keep- ing to the point at issue, one with less vivid imagination and one more con- sistent than is P.B.P.- If P.B.P. should again break his word and write another letter, I hope that he will drop his phrase-book nom-de-plume and sign his own name as now does—Yours faith- fully, T. H. WHITE (Amicus Discipulo). 121 Pentwyn Avenue, Penrhiwceiber.