The Rhondda Leader

Enjoyable Social Evening at Ferndale. Seldom has a party come together, the niembers of which were more intent on enJoymg themselves and conducing to each other's enjoyment than that which gathered at the Duffryn Schools last Thursday, on the occasion of winding up the Cookery Class for the season just closed. The ladies composing this class had invited a large number of local ladies and gentlemen, and about G.30 o'clock the eute 0f Ferndale were well in evidence, and there was hardly a lady or gentleman of any consequence who was not either Present or had sent a, note explaining un- avoidable absence. The party spent the ly part' of the evening enjoying them- ^elves at various games, etc., while the abies were being set ready. Among Present we noticed Miss Cook, the ^ncient and capable teacher of the class, no, backed by her numerous pupils, lade an ideal hostess; Mr. and Mrs. fjepbuin, of Darren Cottage; Miss i^nnah, Brynclerwen; Councillor T. amuel, Mr. Morris Morris, Mr. and Mrs. hilds. Higher Grade; Mrs. Rees (vet.), 1-- and Mrs. Robert Evans, Strand; Mr. nd Mrs. Ivor Davies, Mr. and Mrs. Th lSh' Eva Hall and Mr. Spencer nomas, the well-known soloists and Uettists; Mrs. Barkway, Metropolitan Ouse; Miss Harris, Preswylfa Messrs. ack Davies, Bert Thomas, Frank Hannah HV111'-), Bert Dawson, Dave Thomas Ulodges), D. E. Jones (Duffryn Schools), harlie Dud son, and many others. About the company repaired to the ira- Wovi^d banqueting hall, where they °uad three tables groaning under their lot e good things of this life, a ad, however which was speedily light- ed, the whole party laying to with a Th* an<^ full justice to the viands, thf Wants of the inner man appeased, again returned to the long room of .ne school, which they speedily converted to a concert hall. A number of solos iwfd duets were splendidly rendered by rp,I>Ss Eva Hall, Ferndale; Mr. Spencer nomas, Trealaw, the popular baritone; j^. Miss Harris, Preswylfa; whilst Mr. hu Davies, Miss Morris and Mrs. Hep- })U. proved excellent accompanists. anciag and other innocent amusements, £ well as various diverting and amusing l were freely indulged in, there s'ng absolutely no trace of that stiff and called dignified restraint which often ai'aeterises these gatherings and makes tiie most miserable fiascos. Mr. ne> and Councillor Samuel delivered and appropriate congratulatory h dresses, complimenting Miss Cook and j*r class, and confidently predicting a djndale of the near future in which in- a S^tion would be wholly unknown, as nof the useful advice which Miss p had disseminated among her lady ge/fl Following are the ladies and Ali nen who presided at the tables —. q.1 Cook, Mrs. Robert Evans, Miss l> adys Davies (Strand), Miss John, Miss **11, Miss Thomas (Beech Street), Mr. cat .^ls' (Stratham Villa). The ,.ei lnS was of a very high order, as ltls and Mrs. Rees' (Ferndale Library and \tnte) catering always is, and it would Jjr *gcult to describe the scene when ic Rees unexpectedly produced some *Halr' wkich, coming just when the merry- anrf!11? was at its height, were greatly a'ra C^ated- Miss Jane Davies, who the table decorations, proved Plet a lea^ artist) and showed a com- a nf ma,stery of all the details, producing Phasing eifect. Mr. and Mrs. aiifl\rWere a^ly assisted by Miss Davies \Vo .^fr- and Mrs, Evan Thomas, who all grpn+ Trojans, and who deserve the briii •St credit for the part they took in ablv about, such a, successful and enjoy- y evening party.

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Treorchy Literary Society. Eighth Session Ended. The Trcorchy Literary Society held its last meeting of the session on Wednesday evening last, and the curtain was rung down on the work of the eighth session amid a scene of unusual enthusiasm. Mr. J. T. Austin presided, and he was sup- ported by a large number of members. After the reading of the yearly reports of attendances and the transaction of other ordinary business, Dr. F. D. Martyn rose to propose a vote of thanks to the retiring officials for the able manner in which they had discharged their various duties. Mr. W. H. Owen seconded, while Mr. J. T. Short, B.A., and Mr. Casper Goldman supported in eulogistic terms. The Chairman, in responding, desired to thank the members for their co- operation and assistance during the ses- sion, which had been conspicuous for its remarkable evenness of ability, and re- marked that during the whole career of the Society, from its inception eight years ago, this session was the only one in which members had voluntarily taken part in discussions of every nature, with- out being called upon to do so from the chair. Several of the younger members, however, had not taken an active part in tho proceedings, but the hope was ex- pressed that they would blossom forth into useful public speakers next year. The attendances had, taken on the average, been satisfactory, but there was still room for improvement, and he (Mr. Austin) hoped that in this respect, as well as in other matters concerning the welfare of the Society, the same assistance and obedience would be shown his successor in office. The other officials were Mr. Isaac G. Samuel (treasurer), Mr. T. D. Griffiths (financial secretary), Mr. R. C. Austin (general secretary), and Mr. W. D. Evans (assistant secretary), the latter of whom hau rendered appreciative service in the absence of the general secretary through illness. From a literary .standpoint, the session had been productive of substantial results, the debates alone showing a slight falling off. Quite a, number of papers were read, some reaching a very high standard, the ten-minute essays and impromptu debates by the new members revealing a sur- prising amount of latent talent. Shakes- perian quotations and Parliamentary debates were made too little of, and should be augmented. With the assist- ance likely to be rendered by the newly- formed League, the programme of future sessions should be considerably improved, and the meetings therefore brightened. The election of officers for the forth- coming session followed, and close and interesting voting resulted in the appoint- ment of the following gentlemen —Pre- sident, Mr. J. T. Short. B.A. vice-presi- dent, Dr. F. D. Martyn treasurer, Mr. Casper Goldman; financial secretary, Mr. Isaac G. Samuel; general secretary; Mr. D. R. Rees, Treorchy Schools; and regis- trar, Mr. Henry Morgan, Cardiff Street. A trip was decided, upon to celebrate the close of the session, and some further remarks from the new president, two appreciable songs by Messrs. 0. Goldman and Jack Thomas, the company, in time- honoured .style, formed a group and sang Auld Lang Syne" before wishing adieu for a short respite from what had proved to one and all a labour of love. THE SUN'S CORONA. The brightness of the corona, or rin- of light eneirclilll(" ihr was measured by M. ( Ii-'irU' Fabry during the total eclipse. Me iountl tfio iiof a point a twentieth "of a, from the sun's ecfeje to be equivalent 10 about 720 cand'tvpowei*. or a lit-i'lc I' more than a fourth of the brighbj<■•••••• of s The sky. near the uneulipoed sun ib Z UCU times as bright.

Ventilation and (tecklessneu of Golliero. Time was when the ventilation of mines was little more than a name, and it is fortunate ey were not so deep 4lown. Had they attained depths familiar to the present generation the death-roll would probably have reached sensational propor- tions. The Science and Art of Mining says that one of the inspectors' reports for 1855 revealed the apology for venti- lation, and indicated how it sometimes affected the workmen. He had noticed when the ventilation was defective that the various functions of the body were maintained by an unnatural effort, and the exhaustion produced, or the tendency to stupor, so far obscured the faculties that he found the men, in such cases, complained of as being more reckless than usual. These men suffered what he termed a. partial intoxication by the noxious gases, and on coming to the surface a small quantity of intoxicating liquor-for the lowered system had a. natural craving— produced a serious effect. Mr. Mackworth, the inspector whose report is now referred to. said: It is a sufficient refutation of this accusation of recklessness which is so often brought against the colliers as a body, and which has tended to retard improvement by the, owners, to allude to the fact that during the forty years that so many thousand colliers have been using the Davy lamp, not one well- authenticated instance has occurred of a collier having caused an explosion by a safety-lamp which was given to him locked and in proper condition." Mr. Mackworth was in a very candid mood, for he continued: On the other hand, it is fair to estimate the value set upon the average caution of the colliers that they are often allowed to work with unprotected lights in dangerous places, and that a visit once a day is considered adequate supervision. To those managers who make this stereotyped accusation I propose the natural remedy of increased supervision. It is to the want of super- vision that, a great number of accidents are, directly or indirectly, to be traced."

Simple Graze on Shin. Results in Running Woundso Worker Cured by Zam-Buk. The danger of disease and poisoning developing in trifling abrasions of the skin is proved in the experience of Mr. Thomas Roberts, of 131, Crocket Road, Hands- worth, Birmingham, who writes — On August 13th I tried to step over a board on the garden path, and it 1 sprung' and threw me. My leg caught against the top edge, and I got a nasty wound on the shin. The board cut a hole through the stocking, and grazed the shin bone for some distance up the leg. On the following day it was very painful, so I went to the medical man attached to the works. He gave me a box of oint- ment, which I kept using for two weeks, but the inflammation got worse every day. The doctor stopped the ointment. I then dressed it with a lotion, day and night, for four weeks. The principal wound still kept getting larger, and the extended bruise also began to break into running wounds. Another medical man advised me to lie up. By this time there were several running wounds, and I could have buried sixpences in two or three of the holes in my leg. Well, after hearing the new doctor's advice 1 dressed the leg with Zam-Buk, and had the first night's sleep I had had for six weeks. I kept on with dressings of Zam-Buk, night and morning, and the pain and inflammation got less daily. Finally the wounds became quite clean, and my leg strong and free from pain- In due time the wounds all closed up with sound flesh. My leg is now healed all over, and there is a new healthy skin on. I trust the Dispensary Committee of our works will order a supply of Zam-Buk to be kept in stock. I shall report my case to them with this end in view." Handy boxes of Zam-Buk are a protec- tion from much pain. Have you one?

Two Grand Performances at Pontygwaith. Two grand performances of Murdoch's popular juvenile cantata, entitled "Happy Hearts," were given at the Council Schools, Pontygwaith, on Wednesday and Thursday, May 2nd and 3rd, by the St. Mary Magdalene Church Band of Hope. The various characters were admirably impersonated by the following:—"May' (who gives the party), Miss Mary Davies Mistress Mary," Miss Mary Ellen Rees; "Humpty Dumpty," Master David J. Evans, who took his part splendidly; "Simple Simon," Master Griffith Parry, who was most praiseworthy. Patience was well enacted by Miss Polly Gowen Jack of the Beanstalk," Master Phil Davies; "Jack the Griant Killer," Master Emrys Davies; Dorothy Diggle," Miss Edith M. Evans; Little Boy Blue," Master Charlie Evans; Dolly Dimple," Miss Louisa Williams. A band of sol- diers wa.s captained by Master Emlyn Harris. Accompanist, Miss A. Lewis, whose playing left nothing to be desired. The president for Wednesday was Mr. T. Holder, M.E., and for Thursday, Mr. David Davies, schoolmaster. Mr. William Middleton ably conducted, and is to be congratulated on the state of perfection to which, doubtless by dint of much patience and perseverance, he had brought his choir, as was evidenced by their ex- cellent rendering of the various solos and choruses, and the precision with which they executed the games and military drills contained in the programme, which also included a most amusing shoeblack demonstration, a tea party, and a wax- work show, superintended by Mr. Thos. J. Davies, whose brilliant powers as a showman were shown to great advantage. We understand that the Rev. Mr. Wal- ters, curate of the above-named church, has also been most assiduous in aiding the conductor in his work of training and preparing the children for this occasion. The two presidents are so well-known that they need no comment. Both gentle- men acquitted themselves well, Mr. Davies in particular enlivening the audience with his boundless store of witty sayings and bright anecdotes. Both performances were well patronised, and it is expected that the church funds will be materially benefited thereby.

Mid-Rhondda Chamber of Trade. Annual Report. The second annual report of the Mid- Rhondda Chamber of Trade has just come to hand, and contains many interesting sidelights and comments on the doings of this body during the past year. Dealing with the question of a pas- senger .station at Trealaw, the report says that the matter has been repeatedly dis- cussed by the Chamber during the year. The aid of the District Council was also sought in the matter, and after much correspondence a meeting was arranged between Mr. Beasley and two represen- tatives of the Chamber. Unfortunately, nothing came of it, and the question Villains as unsettled and thorny as ever. Perhaps, who knows, but that the T.V.R. in their unbounded benevolence may see their way clear to erect a motor-car plat- form near Trealaw Bridge. This would, ill some respects, prove a consolation, but Hot the real thing. The Chamber also report that they have been successful in getting the G.W.R. to accde to their desire in running a late train from Penygraig, and that the tradesmen of Lower Tonypandy report increased business as a result. The Horse Show which was held last Year proved a decided success, and this J'^ar a similar show will be held on the Mid-Rhondda Athletic Grounds on June 5tll. Dealing with the Fire Brigade, the Committee says that when the move- ment was initiated, it was thought that Its complete establishment would have taken at least the matter of a few years but thanks to our energetic secretary, who has devoted his time largely to the work, the Mid-Rhondda Fire Brigade was now equipped aud thoroughly established, oince its formation, drills have been held Weekly, the instructing officer being Ser- geant Jones, and the men are rapidly becoming competent and in every way worthy of the confidence placed in them hy the Chamber and the town." The general conduct of the Brigade is excel- lent, and it is to be sincerely hoped that they will at all times be able to command the sympathy of the inhabitants of Mid- Rhondda. Since its formation, the Brigade has not been called upon to< attend any fires, and jn expressing the hope that the day may be lai- distant when their services will be required, we are sure that, when the un- fortunate occasion will arise, they will be found ready and competent to deal with any emergency. r The following are the officials of the Chamber -—President, Mr. W. W. Hood; chairman, Mr. J. Kinstley; treasurer, Tx. Thomas Evans; secretary, Mr. J. B. 1 nomas.

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