Rhondda Leader Maesteg Garw and Ogmore Telegraph

Letters on any subject of public interest are cordially invited. The insertion of a letter does not necessarily mean that the Editor agrees with the views ex- pressed therein. Correspondents should write on one side of the paper only, and no letter will be published unless the writer sends his name and address, not necessarily for publication, but as a guarantee of good faith.

--+-- Blaenclydaeh Telegraph Office. To the Editor of the "Rhondda Leader." Sir,—I presume that the reference "Present Councillor" in Post Office Re- former's letter in your issue of the 13th inst., under the above heading, is to my- self, but if I am mistaken I feel certain from the general tone of his letter, that he will pardon me. The Council, as such, has no control over the Post Office, but it has on many occasions, supported the claims of the respective localities for improved service, and as a rule, successfully. There are two or three ways in which the Post Office Authorities can be ap- proached in reference to the matter r- ferred to by Post Office Reformer, viz.: (a) By a direct petition to the Postmaster General from a number of residents in the immediate locality, (b) By an appli- cation by the District Council to the same authority, or (c) by a petition of the in- habitants supported by a resolution of the District Council, which in my opinion would, by far, be the best course to adopt. In any event, it would be my pleasure to assist in preparing the case for pre- sentation to the Post Office Authorities, whichever course might be decided on. Yours faithfully, R. S. Brynawel, Clyda|"b i ÇL' oiygvdd y Rhondda Leader." Syr,—'Yn gymaint a'm bod wedi cael fy nghyhuddo gan y Ficer o ysgrifenu llythyr gwaradwyddus (scandalous letter) araohJysur gwir bwysig, dymunaf, trwy eich caniatad caredig, i'r llythyr gael gwawr goleu dydd yn eich newvddiadur poblogaidd. Y mae y llythyr fel y canlyn Mr. Evans,—Ar ran fy htin a chor Eglwys yr Holl Saint, dymunaf arwain eich sylw at y ffaith fod ymarferiad gerddorol gan y cor yn yr ysgoldv ddwy waith yn wythiiosol., sef nos FaiN-itli a nos law. Felly, os rhaid i St. Mary gael yr ysgoldv, ai nid priodol fyddai iddynt i ymgyngshori a. ni, fel ag i gymeryd meddiant o'r adeilad pan na fyddai yn rhwym genym. Yehydig mewn nifer ydyw aelodau yr eglwys hon, a nifer y sawl sy'n Cymeryd rhan yn ngwasanaeth a mawl yn llai fyth felly yr wvf yn gorfod ymddibynu ar Anghyd- ffurfwyr, a thrwy hyny y mae fy nghor i yn gyransoddedig o bob rhyw feini. Felly, chwi welwch nad ydyw yn cael ei greu yn nghysgod y gair Bydded." i yn gyransoddedig o bob rhyw feini. Felly, chwi welwch nad ydyw yn cael ei greu yn nghysgod y gair Bydded." Mae casglui cor yn meddwl cryii lafur, am ei bod yn wasgaredig yn y rhandir hwn, ac nid yw yn iawn i fyned o ddrws i ddrws i'w rhybuddio fod ym- welwyr wedi cymeriad meddiant o'r parlwr, a, bod yn rhaid i ni fyned i'r ffronc. Ai llwynogod ydym i ffoi ar lais yr heliwr, neu asynod i gario sachau rhyw epil ffroenuchel a balch? Nid wyf yn tybied. Dymunaf arnoch i edrych ar y nodyn hwn yn ngoleuni cvfiawilder, a maddeuied y nef os ydwyf allan o'm lle.-Ydwyf, yr eiddoch yn ffyddlon, Ben Jones." Felly oa llu darllenwyr eich papyr clod- wiw farnu, a rhoddaf roesawiad i'm cylTuddwr i ddyfod i'r maes. Mae genyf lawer i'w ysgrifenu ar yr afionyddweh yma.—Yr eiddoch, &c., BEN JONES. 59, Mount Libanus, Treherbert.

Amalgamated Association of Tramway and Vehicle Workers. To the Editor of the" Rhondda Leader." Sir,—Will you kindly allow us space in your valuable columns, on behalf of the Tramwaymen of Porth, to offer the trav- elling public a sincere apology for any inconvenience caused by the stoppage of the cars on Saturday last. We desire to express our gratitude to the large number of people in the district, who were in sympathy with the strikers, and ready to support a body of men fighting for a living wage, and decent conditions of service. We are pleased to state, offi- cially, that the terms offered and accep- ted, are satisfactory, and.a ..better. &i>i.rit now exists between the Management anc! the men. Mr. Nisbett, we are sure, will be a much happier man, and ori^ to the men in the futur^iaiiy readers will serve. Trjis*«r numble apology, and that p r n-nu ■ other occasion will it be necessary to withdraw our labour. We are, on behalf of the Rhondda Tramway Employees. Yours, etc., CHAS. DAVIES (Branch President). WM. HOLMES (Branch (Secretary!). Tramway Restaurant, Rheola. Road, Porth.

To the Editor of the Rliondda. Leader." 12, Hillside Cottages, Pentre Glam. Sir,—I shall be extremely grateful to you if you will extend your kindness to our work by allowing me a space in your valuable parer to call attention to our great Annual Self-Denial efforts, the col- lecting for which commences this week. As the officer responsible for the local working of the efforts, I should like, on behalf of the comrades of the Pentre Corps to thank all who have kindly helped us in the past, and to say that, while our target this year' is zC87, we hone, in view °r. fact that in a few weeks our vener- able leader will attain his 80th birthday, to celebrate the event by making the total result into a round ZCIOO. I On the basis of the religious, and also or the intensely humanitarian character of the work done, our appeal is made to all, without any distinction of class or creed, in the latter aspect it will always have a deep interest to all students of the condition and needs of life 11l its social aspelt, as they relate to a great mass of the people; while from a purely religious standpoint in this da of chang- ing creeds, the facts that we' have seen in the United Kingdom this last year, the greatest and best issues for, probably the last 20 years, to the proclaiming of the old truths, in their power to change the vilest. and most degrade of the communi- ties into honest, sober, pure, and peace- ful beings, for while the results generally: have been exceptionally good, in several towns as Ayr, in Scotland, Ballymena, in. Ireland, Leyton, and Norland Castle, in London, and other places, there have been great and sweeping revivals amongst the most vicious "classes, as gaol-birds, wife beaters, gamblers, etc., will be of great encouragements to many hearts, and of interest, undoubtedly, to all. Dear friends, I venture to suggest that the foregoing facts, relating as they do, to a work which touches life at the points of its deepest and most pressing needs, socially and spiritually, for a vast number of our fellow beings, and is world-wide in the scope of its operations, forms an elo- I quent plea in themselves for a hearty re- sponse to the appeal which is made at this time. Collectors with special cards, and books, will be at work from now to the close of the effort. Donations or subscriptions may also be sent me at the above address. X am, YV"- — JOHN ROBERTS.

Royal Visit to the Rhondda-A Suggestion. To the Editor of the" Rhondda Leader." Sir, In view of the impending visit of Royalty to the Rlloiidda,, would it not be a fitting occasion to have a choir organ- ised, worthy to uphold the best traditions of Welsh singing. Various societies in the Rhondda have been honoured by spec- ial command ere now, to appear in the Royal Palaces, and have held the Royal family spell-bound by the magnificence of their sweet voices and training. Why not more so at home, when such an excellent opportunity presents itself. Cbutid not the committee of the Trealaw Memorial Jlall move in the matter, nothing would or could better please those whose memor- ies will play such a great part in the proceedings of that eventful day when Mid-Rhondda will pay homage to the memory of the late Judge Gwilym Wil- liams. Is it not possible to get Mr. Ted Hughes, who is bred and born in the dis- trict to resuscitate that grand choir, which he led and made famous, in manv great contests, and which the bold Saxon's from Potteries fame, trembled before on that memorable platform at Rhyl. I feel sure jt would enhance Mid-Rhondda\s reputation in choral singing If the Squires of Clydach Court and the Garth took the matter up, I feel sure success would ensue, and when that great day

— — i 1 fbatv old-&oipfoot" Itimp-sedit and soap.powdors JF J5b ) and Better N I tw jj.conjatos no soaP> and does all M- J? M f^zLf jMk ■ r™, old-fashioned washing-soda and soap ■ powders used to do, and does it better. tif f I a^'lCAVj is ^dispensable in the laundry 1 I, fPCffj I « washing days; it makes the hardest water W' iff ■ as soft as rain water, helps the soap, bleaches ^w'|pir I rubhtnp' pf' ^^S^tens up colours and saves the I rubbing. By its use there is no mote worry os I I slavery attached to the cleansing of greasy knives, I forks, dishes, kitchen tables, etc. f<l» and gif* Packets* b I "CARBOSIL," the strong powdered soda, I I nnHfiI^Sh6ait! s,tains iDstaotIy, cleanses and I I fS • t?e Ieast possible labour. Drains «, I I nf PtSweet and Pure by the mere I ■ passage of the waste water containing the soda. I ■ *y Appointment to H.M. the King. B Cash Gifts. (See on

Overcrowding and its Evils. To the Editor of the Rhondda Leader." Sir,-Although so much is being said and done for the deepening of the spirit- ual life in our midst, yet there still re- mains a great amount of hard and strenu- ous labour to be done. The overcrowding which is so prevalent in the Rhondda and other South Wales Colliery areas is pro- ductive of terrible evils, evils which will not in our generation be stamped out. The biblical utterance, "The sins of the father, etc. is well known, but appar- ently no heed is taken thereof. Our preachers are excellent in dissem- inating their spiritual knowledge, but ueiote this can take root, it must fall on good ground. The masses must be taught how to live, for it is quite evident in the Rhonddai that this problem is conspicu- ous by its absence borne dwellings that have come under mv notice, are merely dwellings in name, but not in fact. Walk past when the door is open and take a breath and then five me vour opinion. Take a. peep inside. You will see, very likely a. drab-looking woman, whose skin is like the olive, four, five, or more squalid children, whose appearance mutely appeals for the wash tub, and the furniture in a, state of chaos. Whatever their best point may be. cleanliness and order is not one of them. In the even- ing, when the men come home, several lodgers and the husband, matters become well-nigh intolerable. The men are obliged to wash before the fire or in the slop kitchen, and very often before the gaze of the whole family. Who is responsible for this state of things? That is a difficult-thing to say, but what I do say is our Urban District Coun- cil should see further into these things, for it is in their power to mitigate these eviis to a very great extent. In Clydach Vale alone, I am given to understand, there is over 6.000 inhabi- tants, which probably means about ten persons in a house, and some of the houses with no more than two bedrooms. Then again the sanitary conditions are not of the best by a lon^ way. Anybo,dy who disDutes this, let' him or her take a glinmse at the back of Forest Houses, C'lyqdach Vale, then the approach to the Bush Houses. I consider it a disgrace that people should be obliged to live under such conditions. When there is one house to let there _5re i°Jlieard it stated" Hie''otiier'? on J A uicliority too, tliat in -OMU ticular spot in the Rhondda Valley there is a, large group of houses wherein half the people are living in immoral relation- ship. The fault of the greater part of this lies in the terrible over-crowding that prevails in this district. 01 Let OUT ministers and preachers go more into this avoided subject, and show their flocks that the stinor of their sins affects not them only, but genera- tions not yet born. Yours, etc., ROVER.

Valedictory Meeting at Pentre. Departure of the Rev. R. Rees. In order to express their good feeling towards their late minister. Mr. Rees^ who has decided on a new snhere of work at Ebbw Vale, the members of Zion (E.B.) Church organised a special presentation and farewell meeting for last Monday evening. The previous Sabbath was the last of Mr. Rees' ministry at Pentre. There was an excellent gathering, includ- ing several pwsons from Cilfynydd, where, Mr. Rees laboured for some time before coming to Pentre. The chairman, Mr. Howells, gave the meeting a good start, speaking of the genuine character of Mr. Rees, whom he was sorry to lose as pastor, and of his excellent preaching, true to the fundamental principles of Christianity. Mr. Hughes, Bethany, Treherbert. ex- pressed his pleasure at the removal of Mr. Rees to Caersalem, Ebbw Vale but the secret of his pleasure lay in the fact that he himself would very soon become the pastor of the daughter church to Caersalem, namely, Victoria, Ebbw Vale. Other eulogistic speeches were given by the Rev. J. Lamb, Tonypandy; Mr. D. J. Richards, tailor, Pentre; Mr. Hughes, solicitor; Revs. Jones, Tabernacle, Ystrad; K W. Davies, Hebron, Ton; D. Davies, Tonypandy; and W. M. Jones, Horeb, Treorchy. I Very appropriate solos were rendered by Miss Jenkins and, Mr Roderick. The presentation of a splendid roll-top desk was done by Mr. Rees. on behalf of the chulrch, who said that the church appreciated the good work attempted and done by Mr. Rees during a short ministry of 2 years. Mr. Price (deacon) also snoke, and his sentiments were endorsed by Mr. Lloyd on behalf of the Sunday School. On behalf of the Band of Hope, Johnny Lea presented Mr. Rees with an inkstand, j, whilei each of the three voung boys of Mr. Rees was presented with a Bible. His former Sunday School class pre- sented Mr. Rees with their special por- trait—the actual giver being Miss Edwar-dsi. Mr. Rees, in responding, said that he wished the church the best possible in the future, and hoped that each member would do the utmost for Christ and His. work. He thanked the church for ably supporting all his plans and for carrying out his suggestions, on various occasions. Mrs. Rees was presented with a purse of money by Mrs. Williams, the oldest member, on behalf of the church, in a very appropriate speech. Mrs. Rees responded feelingly. The arrangements were carried out by a committee, of which Mr. Isaac Williams was secretary. The Free Church Council was repre- sented by Mr. Matthews (Ton) and Mr. Davies (Nazareth, Pentre), both of whom expressed themselves highly pleased with the closing: of the ranks and the breaking down of the thin wall which had s-epa- rated the Baptists from the Free Church Council.

NANTYMOEL EXCELSIORS 6pts., MAESTEG RANGERS 0. This match was played on the Wyndham Fielld on Saturday 'lasti, before 3J fair crowd of spectators. Maesteg were the first to, assume the aggressive, but met with a stubborn defence, and before long NantymoeL proved themselves to be more dangerous, and attacked repeatedly. The home pack were too light for their oppo- nents, but the nippy play of the home halves compensated for this, and the centres v. ere well supplied. Nothing, however, was scored in the first half. The second half found Nantymoel doing better than before, and both sides played vigorous football. The homesters' right wing, T. Morgan, now came away with a fine run, but was pushed into touch when nearing the line. Shortly after- wards, Jack Webber succeeded in scoring an unconverted try. The visitors made determined efforts to equalise, but the home backs showed great resourcefulness. Just on the call of time, T. Morgan made a mark, and J. Evans, the home back, ¡ landed the ball with a beautiful kick between the posts. PENTRE UNITED 5pte., WILLIAMS- TOWN 5. A friendly game was played between these teams at Griffin Park, Pentre, the conditions being excellent. The home- sters were only successful at the end of a pleasant game, several incidents occur- ring which brightened the game very much. The homesters were strong in the back division, success being chiefly due to them. The final score was one goal (5 points) each. The visitors must be congratulated on their keen but clean play. MAINDY CRESCENTS JUNIORS 2gls YNYSYBWL CONGREGATIONALS 0. A well-deserved victory was obtained by the Maindy Crescent Juniors at the expense of Ynysybwl Coiigregationals last Saturday, at the Waun Ground, Ton, and before a good crowd. The final score was 2 goals to nil. For the visitors the centre forward, Jones, played exceedingly clever football, and for the homesters Owens and Roberts were very good. --+--

Hockey. PENTRE 4gls., TREORCHY 0. A good open game was played at Ton on Satulrday between Pentre and] Tre- orchy. Previous matches were to the V'Kil'f.ATc' r>iwli+. i n flitc tno+nli homesters were determined to play their best and win. Treorchy won the toss and ejected to play down the slope, and with, the sun behind them Pentre soon scored, and before half-time they added another two goals. The backs on the visitors' side were slow in clearing the ball out of the circle. In the second half, Treorchy improved but were unfortunate not to scored whereas Pentre scored another goal. The final score was 4 goals to nil. Great credit must be given to Cobden Austin, who strove manfully to set his team in motion and defended well. OGMORE VALE MIXED 5gls., NANTY- MOEL MIXED 1. Ogmore Vale visited Nantpmoel on Saturday, and emerged victorious from a very good contest by 5 goals to 1. The game was exceptionally interesting, being full of many pretty, movements and some very exciting circle tussles. The home- sters were very erratic in their shooting, thereby losing several good chances to add to their score. Edgar Phillips, at back for the homesters, was the most brilliant player on the field, whilst Arthur Williams and Abner Davies were the most conspicuous for the. visiting side.

Shots for Goal. The Porth Thursdays wish to deny very emphatically the charge made against them in our last issue. They have never yet been guilty of mis- conduct whilst away from home, and more than that, they take pride in all their actions whilst away. They have in their possession a letter from the Aberdare secretary, commending them for their gentlemanliness at Aber- dare. The Porth Reserves are still keeping up their excellent reputation. Saturday's match was another grand victory. --+- With each successive match the repu- tation of this brilliant junior team seems to be enhanced. Some of these lads are going to achieve great honours in football. Trehafod Juniors met Pentre United on Saturday at Trehafod, and defeated them by 2 goals to 1. --+, Trehafod ha.s sustained very bad luck this sea-son. They have been very un- fortunate in not being, able to get their full team one Saturday. This discourages them to a, very great extent. They came very close, to losing Saturday's match, which was a Rhondda, League match. -+-- Moulder plays a very remarkable game as centre-half. Had 'he possessed speed in equal measure to his ability as a. player, he would certainly not be plavin^ jfor Trehafod. ° It has now been definitely settled that there, will be two concerts held for the benefit of Harry Jones, the old Penygraig captain and ex-international forward. These concerts will take place, one in March at Porth, and the other in April at Penygraig. We trrst. that both; will be well patronised. No football player lias deserved more to be recognised in this manner than Harry. Thus we anticipate two good concerts.

Why Local Advertisers Should Use Local Newspapers. By WESLEY A. STANGER (Editor of the" Office Outfitter"). The local newspaper is the greatest thing the retailer has if lie will use it right, but the majority, or at least a large proportion, do not know how. They are too prone to believe that the editor will take care of their interests whether they look after his or not. This is wrong. If local dealers as a, class would only take advantage of the opportunities that the newspapers afford them, they would reap rewards far beyond their fondest dreams. While self-preservation is the first law of nature, it is a very notable fact that editors of local papers have a habit of letting self-interests go to the very limit when it comes to a question of serving the community. For this they are en- titled to recognition which they rarely receive. There are many newspaper proprietors in prosperous localities who have been labouring ceaselessly and earnestly in tlio interests of the community for the best interests of all combined, letting their own selfish interests take a. back seat. They have boomed local shops individually, and boomed them all in booming the com- munity. No doubt the retailers have en- couraged them as far as sentimental en- couragement goes. They have undoubt- edly said that they approved the editor's methods and called him" good boy," but in how many cases have they fallen short in the real encouragement that counts? How often have they neglected to use his columns, thinking that they were clever in keeping out of them? In fail- ing to patronise him they have too often killed the goose that laid the golden egg. Every retail merchant should make up his mind lie will not permit the great advantage that the, local paner offers to go unused. You must get behind your local paper and push for all you are worth. It gives you two shillings back for every shilling you; invest. It furnishes you one of the biggest assets you possess —the medium through which to let the people know what you have to sell. Within recent years the mail order proposition has been somewhat troublesome to you, maybe. The publishers of the country papers can do more than all other influ- ences combined to win business back into normal channels and to raconrert the buyer to the logical belief in home trading. Ha« this been fully annreciated by the retailers P The newspaper prints your advertisements, the way you! want them, +.Ti&m ftrotxghoirh the entire com- munity and surrounding country and brings business to your store. What do you do? Do you let it be said in your community that you have let this work go un- rewarded? Use this paper. Make it prosperous and youfself rich by doing so. if you have foolish ideas about the non- productiveness of newspaper advertising, throw them off and try it. One try wilt prove nothing. If it is successful so much the better; but the constant use of the paper in an intelligent manner will pro- duce the results. If your advertisements do not pay, it is because you do not pro- vide the right kind of conv. In almost every case the newspaper man knows how to set your advertisement in an attrac- tive manner, but he is not to blame if you furnish him poor copv. The best friend any business man in the world has, next to his wife is the local news.paper, and if he doesn't get full value for his friendship it is his fault, not the proprietors'. The publisher of the average so-called, country paper has done more to upbuild his town and the retailers in it than all other influences combined, and it also follows that as an almost unbroken ru,iei he is the least appreciated person in his. community. Cut loose from this narrow, selfish wav ot doing things. Look to your interests, by helping the local newspaper. It is a veritable gold mine; all you have to do is to reach for the nuggets. Remember that the newspaper is just as necessary to life and prosperity as your merchandise. See that the newspaper producer is the best-cared-for man in town, for the local newspapers are the greatest bulwark of liberty and m-osnentv The publisher does: not ask charity. He stands ready to repay you, 100 per cent. yes, 500 per cent. on every sovereign you spend with him, if you; spend it right. Ir you spend it wrong, don't blame him' Line up with your local paper, then line up with your local banker. Retailers in combination with the bankers and news- paper men of the country will make Hit irresistible force that will bring about i-he grandest success in the world. There is no power like the power of the country Press. Retailers seem to have been bte in realising this, but an intelligent us (f the local newspaper assures success and prosperity. Get into touch with tile iraa who runs the paper in your town. Treat it as it deserves. Give it half u hat it gives you, .and together you will reach the goal you both seek. All hcnoui to the local newspaper and the countrv editors. J

MESSRS. HARRISON & EVANS, Art Photographers, Tonypandy, having now acquired the latest flash-light apparatus, can take Photographs of Concert Choirs, etc., in any part of the district, at night, witbout extra charge. 4652

will come it would still be true of Cyniru, "Mor o Gan yw hi o hyd," Apologising for the space which vou have kindly gran- ted me. I am, yours etc., WILLIE THOMAS. Rose Cottage, Kenry Street. Tonypandy