The Rhondda Leader

for^Suqday Next. A li Evening Service at 6 p.m. 6arty invitation^iven to^n SOl° b) Mr" Hj' Re6S'

TREHERBERT. h'termn u^e Square English Pres- Perry ami was occupied a 'arge audieiion l1jle Evangelists, when meeting Was al,n .Present. An open-air as also held in Bute Square. YP« j mi c°nnection with the 1e\Vd(l will li i tlldePendent Chapel, Ty- Apnl 22nd and i °'J Snnday and Monday, ?va*>, Ab;-rHa rd> w'>en the Revs D. Silyn t? ti Jj <&zr AbJr. ^officiate Davies, Cymniet; Fle deathG rPi-'ret that we announce ^^er at the TrJSS u ^nn Cowe, pupil i\> Dumfries 5! rSfrti(GirIs) B°ard School, £ ln,rs<lav pvpni i/eherbert, who died on nesa, at tlio D~nk'' a*ter a long and painful ,j*e Aspect of n^e21 years. She had won v e greatest neighbourhood, and now mothi"1* extended to her interment F MI ^sters in their sorrow. r'»ent will take place on Thursday. lT*')rydoHaefcj|fS^ng lecture on Spiritualism f'Ti 0 Publio R lvere<l on Thursday, 1 TI& ,*y. the Rev John Morgan Jjening |JV v( "e chair was occupied for the lectZ ¥,r S" Nicolas, Blaenrhondda. .Vn \vas liroJT^rl a far ')etter audience Initiation ftf n/i' proceeds were foi the ^I'tist Chanel m °f Calfaria, Welsh I Blaenrhondda.

PlioTo I 0F ALL THE i £ AO!NQ GENERALS Hnowi,lNltS.0UTH afr|CA. q ber°cm '1?ed at ld- each. Any num- So,e AsJI f 6"fc by Post, Id. extra. It T j(U°p Rhondda Valleys- ^Qt>'asentga k' House, Treherbert. 1 P nted. Wholesale terms on application

TREORCHV til] flir? half-yearly .services «f n Sundn i18'1 Church, were \l,1K "UniSf,and Monday last. The offici- SntymoeiS Were tl,e Rev. T. D. Mathias, lm tl,fierfullv u.rn We were glad to note looks An, |)reaciier' t) ,le8rty)> and the rising >a'*f°rd. liev- J- Jenkins (Gwili), w as diffoi-n»,t S to state the sermons a i 6ach va« fu as Possihle from each oth'r, tlil?6^ ^ipresei Orouohly enjoyed, and created "tth=« £ t'- Jt is 8™«yi»S to know v. is in a prosperous condition. Ty • klCo^cilWCiCo^cill0'-—The many friends Snat he £ Davies will be glad to (Wes °f his v.r> •• eady taken upon him the aft. of interest •10n,' and is evincing a great n,ft n°on In,* ln matters. Saturday laying hl]n present at the cere- »ft,. 1Solatin'r, i° foundation stone of the Sf-al n'easn, Pjfcal- He credited with i lud8ina fro" °f r 6form in the near future, Cr assnJ^j Pnst experience, the public Wned S,ed tllat if his efforts are not the en>UCCess? ^t will not be for the eourage of conviction.

8»0 VSI5AD- ^Mlie Thnm?16 niIInero«s friends of Mr st«hln Onn) 8oj} of Mr John Thomas tei^'i °ther + Road, Ystrad, and K?1 studenJ0 ^James Phillips, minis- Pa«»Sjd to ha Cardiff College, will be tioh the fvar, at he has successfullj rjjft • tie io „ Unty Constabulary examina- siif,' iOW stationed at Canton, Car- ess. °Pe to hear of his conti.nual An lji^i^ale(} ^-n^t. befel Mr Albert Trotman, On >KCl,^ationaf; +Tst5fd- whilst following 1 the Gelli House Coa lPit, ^adCtured arm6^ 15sfc'i sustaining thereby u ftrm and slight wound on the

o»s TqnVPANDY. >ela0' tlie aJp„^veni""i Mr Thomas Evans, of Ebenezer, read some {°Uo J° raise fS!1'08?1' relative to the ;— ■tiuuu. The verses are as lildreell wedi d'od i ben ftdVlill Wir odidog edd ein^1 i^da'r f?waitli da hwn nyddlon, dewr weinidog. yfthi ddydd a n6s, 4 8orr>hi'1- f(hlewidion; «hariad (edd)vl.yn y gwaith, anati lon'd ei galon. ld oedd 1?1 ?yrhaeU(J!,rhwystr ar ei ffordd wTeth y mliTr amcan' eI- dyjna L en ni?wn Pryd 5 y swm o anan. paw}, I Am weitif;'1 d(*i^w'ig 'nawr o glod sel a^°v^10r egniol; n y^'eithH) (fl?' Jn y, Swaith' wio oil yn unoi_ i Y"ygP2d7yddhebeiail> r?1 at 2i anfr'iWyr ffyddlon Aro'i^Iesu Grist, Vn eiT calon. dywedaf air, jv^'wch eic?iIv1ne'S at.Iesu ^yn fVf]r^cl1 hunain iddo Ef, fthof y dom yn ei horfi. A^r %lwv«^n»rWch Swresog iawn Y a(ldaw f^r §yilu'leidfa; Yu itRlvnl 'yfranu r swm, fytae Ca r ymdrech yma,. a effen (^fVvdo.1 yn,a 'nawr, Bwir dan O,vd;weithredol ^ae WnnC edd J n ein plith, Wel) lu y frai"t ysprydol. Xaf1fint eto,i,p a°hos dda, vCaffo'm bin galon; h.yfrvd wWm n'wynhad y ^leddoedd Seion. IHJ. CEIDRYCH. at$yrlscelian ^ind e^? ^tertainment was given h^s. rrjhe wir>+ Wednesday evening to finVertli pri0 er Ser*ies of penny read- hi6ss raised to 3d., but James ff10US vestry was well h?d be^tionS Evans presided. The h^*»ier0lf hired for +v,e gramophone, which ^Ut& sel^>r the occasion, ft gave Hfi1 *4in„ n\ among which were o Lang Syne; Let P gLfal J, the Buglir Cecil j?'I Tomm^ J Grady Soldiers of hjn 6 ^gai- • TV, Atkins The Absent- Duet- These tnJ those present, ad Perhaps not had the I opportunity of hearing such an instrument before. Songs were also rendered by Mr John Howell, bookseller, Mr William Ed- wards, Misses Hannah Griffiths and Agnes Evans. A recitation was also contributed by Miss Catherine Davies. The entertain- ment all through was very interesting, and was a fitting termination to the meetings previously held. The secretarial duties have been ably carried out by Mr John Da- vies, to whom the chief credit is due. L. Pollack, the outfitter and furniture dealer 60, Dunraven Street, is making a speciality of bargains for the coming Easter holidays, and is selling men's suits complete from 8s. 6d. watches from 4s. 6d. field glasses for the Cardiff Races from 3s. 6d. each. The death is announced of Mr Willie Maurice, eldest son of Mr Dan Maurice, over- man at the Glamorgan Coflieries. Deceased who was but 24 years of age, had been suffer- ing for the last 18 months from consumption, and on Tuesday night the end came, after three days of agony. He was well aware of, and quite resigned to his fate, and bore his long illness with fortitude and even cheerful-, ness. The interment will take place on Mon- day at Llethrddu Cemetery.

LLWYNYPIA. The anniversary services of Salem Chapel, Llwynypia, were held last Sunday and Mon- day, when the Revs. J. Edwards, Neath, and T. Bryn Thomas, Maesteg, delivered excellent sermons to large congregations, although there were counter attractions in the neighbourhood. The singing was lead by Mr T. A. Jones, and Mrs Bunford played at the harmonium. The annual report shews that this church is in splendid working condition, under the charge of the Rev. T. G. Jenkyn. The collections of last year reached £ 560 £ 300 was paid off the debt; 20 new members were received, making the church roll 244.

TREALAW. A very sad and fatal accident befel Mr Richard Fletcher, of Ynyscynon-road, Tre- alaw, last Tuesday e-ening, just at the close of his day's work at tlie bottom pit" at Penygraig, a fall of coal fell on him, and buried him. When taken from under the great mass, it was found that he was quite dead. The affair is all the more sad as it transpires that his wife was confined the same day. The greatest sympathy is felt in the district for the unhappy family. There are four other children left to mourn their great loss. Mr Evan Lewis, Clydach Vale, and Miss Sarah Jane Evans, TylorstoAvn Schools, ex- amined the juvenile Sunday School of Seion Methodist Chapel last Sunday afternoon.

— CLYDACH VALE. Mr John Parry Davies, assistant superin- tendent of the British Workman Insurance Company, has been appointed superintendent of the Aberdare District under the same Company. —x— Last Thursday morning, an interesting ceremony took place after the Scripture Examination. This was the presentation certificates to' the boys who had succeeded in reporting a recent lecture delivered by Mr Pryce Jones, Pontypridd, on "Alcohol." The certificates were distributed by the Rev. W. E. Davies, Clydach Vale. The following were the recipients —Morgan Rees, Tom E. Martin, Trevor Harding, Ar- thur Evans, Ben Davies, Tom Price, Ben James, Gomer Williams, Jane Walsh John Benjamin, John Seith Evans, Daniel Lewis, David Jones, Albert Ledbury, Ted Ham- mond, Gwilym Davies, James Colburn, David Price, Walter Phillips, Stephen Pro- theroe, Wm. David James, Sidney Danks, Essex Lewis, Jason Rees, David Davies, David John Beynon,* William Morgan. Isaac Thomas, William E. Jones, Sam Chick and Willie Williams. Preaching services were held last Sunday and Monday by the Wesleyans of Taber- nacle Chapel. The officiating ministers were the Revs. David Young, Macclesfield, and Thomas Manuel Penygraig. On Sunday afternoon and Sunday evening, the services were held at Soar Congregational Chapel, which was very kindlv lent for the occasion. The Soar Orchestra also gave their services. The usual collections were made to liquidate the chapel debt.

PENYGRAIG. The funeral of the late Mrs. Jenkins, of Station terrace, took place on Thursday. The deceased was buried at Tonyrefail. The Rev J. Morris, of Pisgah C.M. chapel, officiated. Deceased was a strong member of the chapel. She had been ailing for a matter of six years from an asthmatical complaint, and suc- cumbed on Sunday morning. The choir of the chapel sang appropriate hymns. The funeral was an exceedingly large one. What might have been a serious accident took place on Saturday night. The horse of George Masters, who plies for hire between Penygraig and Dinas Station, ran away with the brake behind him from the stand near the Turberville Arms. He made his way down the hill, towards the Butcher's Arms Hotel, at full speed. Spying some attractive crates of cabbage outside Miss Graham's fruit shop, he turned towards them but the impetus gained drove him through three of them, scattering them in all directions. He was brought to a standstill, with his fore feet on the pavement and his hind legs over the shaft of the brake, where they had been forccd by his passage through the crates. Luckily tlie brake was empty, and no damage was done. One of the crowd outside the Turberville Arms on, on hearing a sheep bleating, was filled with pity, exclaimed, in his goodne&s of heart, Oh, d-^ o man, don't cry. Come up our house and I'll give you a belly full of peelings." el Cricket is going ahead with a vim in Peny- graig. Application has been made to join the Glamorgan League, and a deputation will in- spect the Belle Vue Grounds about the middle of April. As no matting is allowed in league matches, a pitch is to be laid out on the Belle Vue field (which is kindly given by the foot- ball committee). The drawback now is want of fuJids. Funds are required to join the league, and the money must be raised before the season opens, as there is no chance of utilising the gate money for that purpose. However, the officers are to:be appointed at a meeting to be held this week, so a deputation will visit tlie principal tradespeople and sev- eral influential residents, in order to raise the necessary funds. There is something like 8s. left from last year's account, but that is only a drop in the ocean. As no indications are shown that a Llwynypia team is to be raised, a league team at Penygraig ought to do well. Cricket ought to receive by far more support amongst us than it does. We regret to announce the death of Mrs Jones of Middle How, Turberville Houses, who died early on Monday morning. Deceased was of a ripe old age, but was very hale and hearty. She died of internal complaints.on the stomach. Deceased was very quiet and reserved, and leaves a large number of sorrow ing friends.

DINAS. Mr Daniel Griffiths, Maesteg, has been appointed certificated assistant for Dinas Boys' School. Mr Griffiths was trained at Cardiff University. Preaching Serv-ices.-Tlie members of Ebenezer C.M. Chapel, held their annual preaching services on Sunday and Monday. The ministers were Revs. D. M. Phillips, M.A., Tylorstown and Hugh Edwards (late of Aberystwith), Trevecca. Both delivered eloquent and impressive sermons. It is rumoured that the members of the ohapel invited the Rev. Hugh Edwards to become their pastor. He is-a very promising young man, and his services undoubtedly would be very beneficial to the cause.

TONYREFAIL. The Tonyrefail Branch of the Y.M.C.A. held their monthly debating class on Wednes- day. The question for debate was Should Sunday Travelling be prohibited," when two very good papers were read by W. D. Godding (affirmative), and D. ap Morgan (negative), after which all the members took part in the discussion. A very interesting and profitable evening was spent, and when the question was put to vote, the affirmative was unanim- ously carried. The general feeling was to prohibit Sunday travelling altogether. Much dissatisfaction prevailed among the young men because of ministers of the Gospel travelling on Sundays, thus preaching the sanctification of the Sabboth, and practising the reverse. "Blodeu'r Oes" Tent 1938.A most en- joyable public meeting was held by the "Ijlodeu'r Oes" Tent of Rechabites, 1938, on Saturday night in the Baptist Vestry, under the presidency of District Councillor Wm. Evans, Past Chief Ruler, to acknowledge the services rendered to the Tent by Brother Thomas Thomas, and to perform the highest duties of a Friendly Society, viz-to help each other in times of distress. Brother W. E. Matthews, who about three years ago met with a serious accident while following his employment, in which he lost both his legs, was presented by Mr Charles Hunt, Ferndale, District Treasurer, with a handsome purse of gold on behalf of the tent and district. The amount was raised by voluntary subscriptions throughout the district with the object of aiding him to commence business for his maintenance. Solos were rendered by various friends of the cause, and choruses by the Tonyrefail United Band of Hope." The executive of the Mid-Glamorgan District were present and addressed the meeting. Brother Thomas Thomas, Superintendent and Treasurer of the Juvenile Tent, was also presented with an illuminated address by the "Blodeu'r Oes" Tent, for the services ren- dered by him to the Juveniles, by being Treasurer and Superintendent for a period of 7 years without any previous recognition. Several Brethren spoke of the valuable services rendered by him to the Rechabite cause in the village, and wished him many years to serve the cause which had found in him an ardent supporter. The Rechabite tents both Adult and Juvenile are in a more solvent position to-day than they have been since their institution. At the end of the first year of the existence of the Tent, the average in the Sick Fund was 16/5 per member, while at the end of the term, March 31st, 1900, the average per member in the Sick Fund was over 20/ thus marking out a great improvement in the financial position of the Tent. The Tent during late years has been through trying circumstances, but has now emerged from them more than conquerors. The Juveniles at the end of 1899 had in their Funds an average of 24/- per member, a position held by only a few juvenile sections in the country.

TYLORSTOWN. On Thursday evening, at Ebenezer Cha- pel, Tylorstown, a.grand illustrated concert was held in connection with the Tylorstown Brass Band. The programme for the even- ing was well got up, and the following took part: —soprano, Madame Jenkins Richards, Ferndale contralto, Miss Maggie Thomas (pupil of Clara Novello Davies); tenor, Mr D. Howells (Gwynalaw), Ferndale bass, Mr D. Richards, Ferndale. Madame Jen- kins Richards gave a fine rendering of "Killarney" and "Lost Chord." Miss M. Thomas rendered "Alone on the raft" and "The Holy Citun which was loudly encored and had a good effect upon the audience upon her return to the stage. Gwynalaw, in his usual stvle, also gave a very good rendering of "Mona" and the "Death of Nelson." Mr D. Richards rendered "Vil- lage Blacksmith" and "Anchored." Duet by Messrs D. Richards and Gwynalaw, lar- board Watch." Messrs Enoch Lewis, Tylorstown, and Probert Evans, Ferndale, were also present, and their recitations were well worth giving ear to. Mr Charles Powell, Tylorstown, gave some good ren- derings on the violin. The accompanist was Mr G. Lewis, Maerdy. Dr. T. Morris, C.C., Tylorstown, was present with his lan- tern and limelight apparatus and illustra- ted the songs, etc., also there were some or the greatest generals at the front together with some war pictures shown on the sheet. The chapel was crowded on the occasion and everyone present seemed to have en- joyed the entertainment, which is due to the members and friends of the Band m the way in which they have worked in ting this entertainment a success. "e must also show how considerate and in- terested is the Doctor in the interest anrt well-doing of the Band, which we trust wui receive benefit from the entertainment

FERNDALE. On Thursday evening, a grand concert was held at the Tudor Hall, the auspices of Nazareth Baptist Chapel, he proceeds being devoted towards liquidating the chapel debt. The following artistes had been engaged —soprano, Miss «er^ Wedlake, Cardiff; contralto. Miss Dot Prosser tenor, Mr W. Rees (Eos Kenfng) bass, Mr G. T. Llewellyn, Port Talbot; penillion singer, Mr D. Evans (Eos Dar) acompanist, Professor T. D. Edwards, Hoj> kinstown. After a few appropriate remarks from the chairman for the evening, viz-. Dr. Parry, J.P., the whole audience joined in singing the opening song, "God save the Queen." The following items constituted the evening's programme -—quartette, Ane sea hath its pearls"; solo, "Young gade," Mr G. T. Llewellyn; solo, "Stay at my side," Miss G. Wedlake; penmUio £ singing by Eos Dar (encored); solo, ^e11 y Cadben," Mr W. Rees; solo, "The valley by the sea," Miss Dot Prosser; solo, Powder Monkey," Mr G. T Llewellyn > duet, "Over the Hawthorn Hedge, M- Wedlake and Prosser (encored). Durij? „„ interval, Dr. Parry called on the audi to join in singing "God bless the Princ Wales," in order to signify their rejo g on the Prince's miraculous escape that « ay at Brussels. The second part of the pro- gramme opened with a pianoforte solo by Prof. T. D. Edwards; solo, "The Kerry Dance," Miss Dot Prosser pennillion sing- ing by Eos Dar (encored); recit. and air, "She alone charmeth my sadness," Mr G. T. Llewellyn; solo, "0 na bydda'n haf 0 hyd," Miss Wedlake; duet, "Cymru'n Barod," Messrs Rees and Llewellyn (en- cored) quartette, "Good night, beloved." The evening's proceedings terminated by singing "Hen Wlad fy Nhadau," the solo being taken by Mr Llewellyn. The con- cert turned out a great success, the hall being well filled. Each of the artistes also maintained their high reputation, whilst the accompanist performed his duties ad- mirably. Presentation Meeting.—On Tuesday even- ing afternoon at the North Street Infant's School, an interesting presentation meeting was held, when prizes were presented to several scholars for competency in Scriptural Ttnowledge. About a week previous, Dr R. Datta, one of the local medical practitioners, had examined the various classes in scriptural knowledge, and was so highly pleased with their answers, that the following little ones were presented by him with books, dolls, tea sets, Ac., viz.—Thomas John Jones, Dorothy Hannah. Amy Walters, Katie Hughes, Florrie Lewis, Morfydd George, Sarah Hannah Thomas, Ceinwen Roberts, Mary Ann JoLcob and Sarah Ann Phillips. There were present in the afternoon meeting about 500 children, the Headmistress (Miss H. C. Hughes) and staff, together with Dr Datta, District Coun- cillors Morris Morris and Daniel Evans, and Thomas Samuels, draper. Dr Datta in mak- ing the presentations, said he was highly pleased with his visit to the school, and ex- tiemely struck with the order, cleadli- ess and good manners that prevailed amongst the children. He hoped his visits amongst them in the future would be more frequent. He intended shortly to select a piece of poetry suitable for the young ones to learn, and he would then offer a prize, probably a medal, to the one who would best render it. He highly complimented the teachers upon the efficient manner in which the school was conducted. District Councillors Morris Morris and Daniel Evaris and Mr Thomas Samuels, draper, made also some very appropriate remarks. The proceedings were interspersed with recitations and songs by the scholars, and two solos were given by Miss Edith Davies. Dr Datta an- nounced his intention also of giving a present each shortly to the young scholars who had taken part in the afternoon entertainment. The gentlemen present also presented the children with sweets before leaving the school. Three cheers were also heartily given by the children to Dr Datta. Anniversary Services-On Saturday, Sun- day and Monday last, the anniversary services of the Welsh Wesleyans were held, when the Revs G. O. Roberts, Tredegar, and Gwynfryn Jones, Llangefni took part. There were ex- cellent addresses delivered by the rev. gentle- men, which were listened to by large and ap- preciative audiences.

WATTSTOWN. On Friday, at the National Collieries, Wattstown, Mr Thomas Dobbs, of 11, Tho- mas' Place, Ynyshir, met with a fatal ac- cident due to a fall of the roof. Death wa,s instantaneous. The deceased was 34 years of age and married. He arrived in this place some time ago from Sheffield, and had been working in the National Col- liery for only three weeks previous to his death. The accident occurred about 12 o'clock noon and all operations at the col liery were suspended for the day.

YNYSHIR. A grand sacred cantata entitled "The Captive Maid of Israel" was performed on Thursday at Bethel chapel, Ynyshir, by the English Wesleyan Chapel Choir. The leader of the choir was Mr James Deane, Ynyshir, to whom praise must be given for the way in which he has trained the choir, with the result that all present on this occasion were well pieced with the way in which the cantata was performed. The fol- lowing well-known artistes also assisted soprano, Miss S. A. Davies (Eos Ynys), FYnyshir contralto, Miss E. M. Jones, Ynyshir; tenor Mr John Pugh, Ynyshir: bass, Mr H. Hawkins. Ynyshir. In the miscellaneous part of the meeting songs _,I], were rendered by the following: —opening song, Mr Harry Hawkins, Ynyshir; duet. Messrs Wm. Price, Wattstown, and John Rees, Ynyshir; songs also by Mr John Pugh, Misses S. A. Davies and E. M. Jones. The accompanists were: -piano, Mrs F. Young, Porth; organ, Mr James Gully, Ynyshir. Chairman, Rev. W. R. Rice, Ferndale. The proceeds, which proved to be better than were expected, were to- wards liquidating the chapel debt. Itjnay be said that this cantata was performed by local talent only, and the enconiums passed upon it by the large number that was pre- sent testifies to the ability and excellent training of the choir. It is with regret we have to announce the death and burial of Mr John Lewis, lib rarian, Ynyshir. He was an old inhabitant and was for upwards of five years librarian at the Workmen's Institute of this place.

Theatre Royal, Tonypaqdy. "Dick Whittington and his cat" was pro- duced at our popular theatre this week. The pantomine well deserves the patronage given it for it is full of brightness, spark- ling wit and humour, and from the rising of the curtain there was never a dull mo- ment. The old story has been kept up fair- ly well, but there is, of course, the amusing excellencies inevitable in a pantomime. The book itself is clever and the songs are rousing ones, and many are likely to prove popular. The staging and scenery are capi- tal, and of a number of pretty scenes, the Whittington's Palace is -erhaps the best. The dresses are effective, and in some of the scenes make a most gorgeous display. The artistes are all distinctly above the aver- age, and they put plent" of spirit into the performance. As Dick Wittington, Miss Edie Maclim was a great success. She sang and danced and made herself generally popular, as indeed a principal boy should. Miss May Carruthers was a most sympa- thetic Alice, several of her songs were charmingly rendered and her dancing was much appreciated. As the cat-an impor- tant part surely-Mr H. C. Nomber was very clever, while as Alderman Fitzwarren Mr Harry Lyndon played the part as to the manner born, and Mr Edgar Morgan, as Elizabeth, the cook, out no end of fun into the piece. Mr Dan-Hardie as Idle Jack was full of quaint mannerism, and made a fair show. All the other artistes weie capi- tal. There are plenty of special items, notably Madame Trevitti's Troupe of won- derful performing dogs musical Regaldies including Madame Regaldi the finest sleigh bell player in the world; eccentric comedians and whistlers, etc. There will be a special performance on Good Friday night, and a matinee on Saturday afternoon and with the Saturday night performance they terminate their week's stay.

Driven from Home. During Easter week the attraction at the Theatre Royal will be Mr J. R. Mur- ray and Miss Emilio Dawson's standard dra matic company in the great drama, "Driven from Home," as played in the principal theatres in the United Kingdom. On Eas- ter Monday a morning performance will be given at 2 p.m., and on Friday, April 20th, on the occasion of Miss Dawson's benefit, a grand performance of "East Lynne" will be given.

CORRESPONDENCE. A Miners' Grievance. To the Editor of the "Rhondda Leader." Sir-I noticed in your issue of the week before last a paragraph under the heading of Growlings," to the effect that 15s go to de- fray the expenses of each committee meeting of the organization, which, I presume, means the Trades Union Committee of the Llwyny- pia colliery. Now, Mr Editor, I don't know what your mining correspondent is driving after, but I think if he is a Union man and had a complaint to make as to the manner in which the business of the Union is conducted, it would be far better for him to take his fancied grievance to his lodge, than to rush into print before he knows what he is doing. I can assure you and your readers that as far as I know (and I am holding an official position in one of the lodges), the expense of each committee meeting is oftener under 3s per meeting than above it. Your correspondent says he is not inquisi- tive. Perhaps that is because this is none of his business, or perhaps he is a Non-Unionist, and wishes to draw a few weak-minded per- sons to mistrust those who are trying their best to keep our Union together. t, Providing your correspondent eliooses to continue this correspondence, he must attach his proper name, and be prepared with proofs, and then I will attach my proper name, until then-I am, etc. UNIONIST.

FOOTBALL PARS. Machen v. Belle Vue Boys. This match was played at Penygraig be- fore a small gate in good football weather. The visitors were fully represented whilst the homesters were without the services of D. Ingram, who was assisting the premier team at Mountain Ash. However, Gwilym Davies, the captain of the Williamstown Reserves, filled his place admirably. Mr Underwood, Machen, very ably officiated as referee. The game was a very good one to watch, play being open. There was better com- bination amongst the homesters than I have hitherto seen. Their threequarter line has been playing very irregular throughout the season, and their forwards have been rather chary of feeding them. However, harmony again seemed restored, and their play on Saturday fully satisfied their supporters. Maybe they are endeavouring to reach the status of the Belle Vue Boys of two seasons ago. It is to be hoped so. The final score, 1 goal 1 try to nil for the homesters is a fair criterion of the game. The Boys did most of the pressing. Their quartette was far superior to that of the visitors which, though combining well, lacked scoring ability. Gwilym Davies, for the homesters, was the best threequarter on the field. He did all the scoring, his first try being well deserved. His wing, Ben Roberts, played a nice game. Eli Davies was the best half on the field. He played a very sound defensive game, and fed his threequarters well. It would be unfair to single out any of the forwards on either side for special mention. They all deserve praise for their good perfor- mance. Joe Lewis, of the "Boys," is fast regaining his old form. Bob Jenkins, the skipper, though a hard worker, is hardly fast enough. The visitors' forwards, though superior in weight to the home pack, could not carry matters with a high hand. The home pack heeled out smarter than them, but in the loose I rather fancied the visi- tors. George Matthews, at full back, is rapidly making a name for himself. He improves every match, and will make a good and reliable understudy for Tom Walton, whose style he is cultivating. Hafod v. Cwmparc. A good gate assembled to witness the re- turn match between Hafod and Cwmparc at Cwmparc. It must be remembered that when they played at Hafod, Cwmparc were vanquished by four tries to nil. The CWril- parc team was then in its infancy, and their defeat was by no means a disgrace. A better result was anticipated this time. The first half was in favour of Cwmparc, who were aided by the wind. Chillington, for the homesters, repeatedly put in some splendid shots, but he failed to score. Half-time came with nothing scored. On change of ends, Hafod rushed up, and from a melee in front of the Cwmparc goal, a score was affected. Immediately afterwards, following a dribble on the right wing, one of the home forwards scored from a diflicnlt angle. Play then waged in the home half, until Hafod again scored. The match ended in favour of Hafod, by two goals to one. The game was a hard tussle throughout. The homesters strenuously tried to equalize the score, but try as they would, they failed. Great credit is due to the home- sters for having played such a stuhborn game against a team which has attained second position in the South Wales Junior League. Mountain Ash v. Penygraig. Penygraig Comments. Looking at this match through Penygraig spectacles, I am fully satisfied with the result. We fully expected a beating be- cause it has become proverbial that Moun- tain Ash cannot beat Penygraig on the Belle Vue Grounds, and that Penygraig cannot return the compliment on the Mountain Ash enclosure. This match, needless to remark, was of vital importance to the league favourites, Penygraig, who took over a large contingent of supporters. It was rumoured here ,on Saturday morning, that the match was "cooked," but'allow me to remark on authentic authority that such a rumour is a fabrication, as the result shows. No attempt at "cooking" the match was thought of. When the half time score was announced here, which read two points in favour of Mountain Ash, we were naturally a bit down in the mouth, but when the final score arrived, we cheered up. and actually be- gan rejoicing. Richards' play is the one gun rejoicing. Richards' play is the one topic here. He eclipsed himself in this match. Arthur Williams too, gave us full satisfaction. In fact, we were satisfied with our players all round. Some say that it was lucky that D. Ingram was playing in- stead of Mundy, but I think the latter would have scored as Ingram did if he had the same opportunity. Our forwards played a splendid game, and really sustained their reputation. The result makes the cham- pionship all the more exciting.

FOR QUEEN AND COUNTRY. "Leader" Budget of War Letters. Writing to Mr J. Jenkins, of the Cym- mer Colliery Band, Private Tom Borthwick Royal Welsh Fusiliers, an old Porth Asso- ciation football player, says — "I must tell you what I think myself- that is that the war won't last more than another month or two. I have been a lucky fellow all through, I reckon, as I have been in the best of health ever since I have been out here. We had a hard job reliev- iag Ladysmith, and a curious thing about it is that is was RELIEVED ON TAFFY'S DAY (St. David's)—a day which is always kept up in our regiment. The day before we left Coienso we found a lot of leeks in the Boer camp there, so each of us wore one in our helmets the day we relieved Ladysmith. When we marched through Ladysmith, the Gordon pipers played. Just then we came across Sir George White, and as we passed him ach company gave three hearty cheers in his honour, to which his men heartily lesponded. We were all very merry on laffys day because we had relieved them, but you ought to have seen us that night, The rain came down in torrents, and every one of us was walking about the plale dren- ched to the skin. At last we got used to it, so we sat down in the middle of it and com- menced to tell yarns to each other, and that is how we passed the time away till 5 o'clock in the morning, and then we started to march to a place about four miles above Ladysmith. Lord Roberts seems to be going on all right, and if he keeps on like he does at present the war, as I saidbefore, cannot last long. How I wish I was back again to have A GAME OF GOOD FOOTBALL and to enjoy a drop of the old beverage, because by this time I have nearly forgetten the taste of it, that is if it is any loss. We while our time away in ^laying football (but very unscientific) until it gets dartt, and then we crowd in and indulge in singing, etc. Mr T. P. Jenkins, J.P.. Tonynandy. has received a leter from his cousin, Thomas Pascoe Jenkins, who is in the 1st Welsh Regiment, the letter being written from Steinfontein, Modder River, February 27th The writer says:—"We left Graspan on February 13th, and had to march day and night till we reached this place, doing 20 to 26 miles per day. After a march from Jacobsdal we came in touch with the enle- my and vigorously attacked them. The order was given for four companies to take part on our side of the river, and four on the other side. I was one," says the wri- ter, "who had to cross it, and we were up to our necks in water. As soon as we got to the other side of the river we formed up and advanced very steadily, but we did not expect a man of us would return. We pro- ceeded in half companies, and the SHOTS WERE NOW COMING LIKE HAILSTONES among us. but we marched on to within 600 yards. Then we began to bang away for our lives, and we made it hot for the Boers. They could not face us in the open, so they popped into their trenches, and we couldn't see them. It was an awful day. At one point of the fight we were for about an hour without ammunition, the ammunition car- riers being unable to come near us on ac- count of the heavy fire. We retired back to the river side in twos and threes as best we could, and as we came back it was a sight that I shall never forget to pass the dead and wounded. We had to do this because we could only take a few at a time. When we got back there was anxiety to learn who had returned and who had failed. The cries of the wounded were enough TO MAKE ANY MAN'S HEART BLEED. Our commanding officer was knocked over, so was the second in command. Now we had no one to take the command, only the company officer, a lieutenant. We were working all night digging trenches and burying our dead. We had nothing to eat for three days, only two biscuits, and those we had iven us bv the Highland Brigade. We were all very pleased yesterday to see Cronje giving up his arms. I should men- tion that we DROVE THE BOERS FROM THEIR POSITION helter-skelter at the point «■> the bayonet. The Welsh gave them a warming which tliey will not forget for a while. We took a large number of prisoners. This was one of the fiercest battles of all. Olir losses were very great." Another letter has been received from tie front from James Raikes, Primrose St., Tonypandy, by his sister. Mrs Shenstone, Oak Cottage, to whom we are indebted for this reproduction. It reads thus: Bloemfontein, March 16th, 1900. Dear Brother and Sister,-I do not think the war will last much longer, for you see we have got to the capital of the Orange Free State. I suppose you have read in the papers of our last fight. It was worse than the first one. We lost more men too. We starred to march at 6 o'clock in the morning and went about 15 miles. We then met them (the Boers) in a small kopje about 5,000 strong. We opened fire on them. The fight lasted about five hours. In the end they retired in the dark. We lost about 200 KILLED AND WOUNDED, but I thank God I came out of it alright. It is a marvel, as we cannot see them. They get behind large stones and the onlv thing we can see is the smoke from their guns. When our big guns have shifted them, how- ever, they soon run away. Do not trouble about the medals as long as we ret home safely. I do not think we shall have much more fighting to do. We are getting a rest, but for how long I cannot say, but I wish that they keep on to have it over quick and come home- We have had our share of marching and fighting. WE MARCHED 200 MILES to get here, so we have earned a rest. But we do not want to ston. as we know that "•very day we are marching we are drawing to a close. This is a very pretty place—=a fine town. The English people were glad when we marched through they cheered us very much as the Boers had only left the night before, so we were close on them. I have no more to say, only give my kind regards to all. From your loving brother, JAMES.

C ilfynydd Eisteddfod. The programme of the second annual Cilfynydd Eisteddfod to be held on Monday June 25th, is now ready, and call be ob- tained from the secretarv, Mr Amry Lewis, School House, Cilfynydd. A prize of k25 is offered for the chief choral competition, "Y don o flaen y gwyntoedd" L10 for the male voice competition, "Wyr Philistia,' with guinea prize for the various solos, and substantial awards for timbering, boring, and mining competitions, as well as a num- ber of literary competitions.