The Aberdare Leader

An Aberdare Dreyfus. Mr. Jenkyn Thomas, headmaster of the County School, has exercised his authority of dismissing Mr. R. Aylmer Coates, a teacher at the County School, for having written an articlc entitled Weather and Picnics in the Aberdare Leader." We must say that we altogether fail to see in the article anything which can justify this extreme course. We understand that Aid. Evans is calling a special meeting of the Governors to discuss the question of the administration of the County School. We may have something further to say on the matter, after this meeting takes place.

=_ _0 Aberaman Silver Band Success. MR. HARRY BENTLEY, Bandmaster. The Aberaman Silver Band with their brilliant conductor, Mr. Harry Bentley, scored a magnificent success at Mumbles Pier on Saturday. Brass Band Competitions were held in connection with the Brass Band Association, the veteran Mr. John Gladney being the adjudicator. In the three classes no fewer than 23 bands competed. The South Wales Gold Challenge Cup, which was for the last two years held by the Ferndale Band, was won on Saturday by the Aberaman Silver. This is a coveted prize for which strenuous efforts are being made year after year. The winning of this cup by Aberaman reflects the greatest honour on them, and especially upon their accomp- lished conductor. Mr. Bentley, who is now B9 years old, only joined the Band in February last, and during this short time the Band, under his able tuition, has made such rapid progress from being a second-class one to a first-class one. There is something singular iu the career of Mr. Bentley. During the years '97 and '98 the Ferndale Band held this cup. In '99 the Arael Griffin Band, A.bertillery, who were then under the conductorship of Mr. Bentley, achieving brilliant victories all over the country, competed at the Annual Contest and captured the Cup. This time again the Ferndale Band held the Cup for two years, and again Mr. Bentley, with another band, lias captured it. This speaks highly of Mr. Bentley as a bandmaster. We trust that now the Band having scored so high, they will not rest upon their oars but will go on determinedly to achieve more brilliant victories in the future. The committee too, with their energetic secretary, deserve every praise for their unflagging efforts on behalf of the Band. Next week we shall give Mr. Bentley's record with the Arael Griffin Band.

Fashionable Wedding at Aberdare. Evans— Lloyd. On Wednesday last week at Trinity Chapel, Aberdare, the marriage was cele- brated of Miss Isabella, youngest daughter of the late Mr. Walter Lloyd, y Gwlad- garwr," and Mr. Evan Emrys Evans, Vic- toria Pharmacy, son of Evan Evans, Esq., Penrose, Abergavenny, and nephew of David Evans, Esq., J.P. and D.L., Llangennech Park. also of Gwilym Evans, Esq., J.P. and D.L., Llanelly. The ceremony was per- formed by the Rev. R. R. Roberts, B.A. and Ll.B., Cardiff, formerly of Trinity Chapel, Aberdare. While the people were assem- bling at the chapel, suitable selections of music were played by the Organist, Mr. J. Arkite Phillips, Professor of Music. The bride was given away by her brother-in-law, Mr. Edward Dobbins, Cardiff. The grooms- man was Mr. N. N. Evans, St. Clears, the bridesmaids being Miss Annie Evans, and little Kathleen Dobbins, the three year old niece of the bride. The party were after- wards entertained at the residence of Mrs. Walter Lloyd, Highland Place. Later in the day the bridal couple left for Llan- dudno, North Wales. We append a list of the wedding presents received illrs.Walter Lloyd (mother of bride), house linen and cheque E. Evans, Esq., Penrose 0 v (father of bridegroom), cheque Mrs. Evans (mother), counterpane; Misses Evans, dinner and tea service; Mr. Jack Evans, linen tablecloth and serviettes; Mr. and Mrs. David Evans, Tremynnach, silver tea ser- vice Gwilym Evans, Esq., J.P., D.L., Llan- elly, cheque David Evans, Esq., J.P., D.L., Llangennech, cheque; Mrs. John Lloyd, Brecon, silver preserve dish Mr. and Mrs. Dobbins, Cardiff, silk brocaded chestcrfield Mrs. Dobbins, Tintern, afternoon tea cloth Mrs. Willde Dunoon, box of shortbread; Mrs. Gillespie, Edinburgh, serviettes Rev. and Mrs. J. M. Saunders, Swansea, Worces- ter china afternoon tea set; Rev. and Mrs. R. R. Roberts, Cardiff, silver serviette rings; Dr. and Mrs. Johnstone, Cwmbach, silver biscuit vase Mrs. O'Donoghue, Hull, table- cloth, tray cloth, and lace handkerchief; Miss Stead, Balham, point lace afternoon tea cloth; Miss Jameson, London, Brown- ing's Portugese Sonnets; Mrs. and Mrs. J. E. Morgan, cakestand and drawing-room chair Mrs. Strachan, afternoon tea cloth Mr. and Mrs. Macintosh, white counterpane; Mr. and Mrs. T. Nicholas, Worcester china sugar castor; Mr. M. J. Harris, case of ser- viette rings; Mr. Cyrus Thomas, silver hot water jug"; Mr. and Mrs. T. Thomas, Graig, silver salt cellars; Mr. and Mr. Walter Parrish, Worcester china rose bowl; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Pardoe, silver salt cellars; Mr. and Mrs. Owen Williams, Worcester china mustard, salt, and pepper jars Misses Morgan, Clive house, satin and point lace cushion Mr. and Mrs. Malyon, brass gong Mr. T. Stone, case of fish carvers; Mr. Evans' employees, silver mounted salad bowl; Miss Richey, Birmingham, silver pickle divers; Mrs. Edmunds, Mill street, case of fish carvers Mr. and Mrs. Handcock, Market Harborough, Benares, brass fern pot; Mr. and Mrs. Humphreys, Bryn Celyn, silver toast rack; Mr. and Mrs. Mander, Glanynys, Dresden china epergne; Mrs. Peter Williams, Merthyr, leather work cres- cent; Misses Reed, brass fire irons; Mrs. Le Brocq, Jersey, linen and lace sideboard cloth Miss Le Masurier, Jersey, point lace tea cloth; Mr. Gwilym Griffiths, Trecynon, silver-mounted flower vase; Rev. Enoch Davies, Penartli, silver preserve dish and spoon; Mr. Lloyd Jones, silver egg-stand and spoons; Mr. W. T. Phillips, silver' sar- dine dish; Messrs. L. H. and T. M. Miles, ^evolving butter dish; Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Miles, biscuit vase Mr. Alec Cameron, ser- viettes Mrs. Powell, Danygraig, Worcester china jug; Miss Annie Davies, hand-painted opal; Mr. and Miss Dogson, silver-mounted bread tray and fork Mr. Morgan Watkins, Cross-street, bread fork; Miss Florence Gqldbeck, sugar sifter; Miss E. Coldbeck, bread fork; Miss Tillet, pair of ash trays; Misses Giles, breadfork; Miss Moseley, sil- ver shoe lift and button hook; Mrs. Evans, Highland-placc, old china jugs; Mr. and jjts. W, J. Evans, Clifton-street; Worcester china flower basket; Miss Hodges, Worces- ter china vase Mr. Frank Hodges, carriage cloak; Mrs. Webb; Plymouth, china honey pot and spoon Mr, and Mrs. J. H. James, silver afternoon tea spoons Mrs. Williams, Ty Bruce, Hirwain, silver tea spoons and fangs; Mr. and Mrs, J., D. Thomas, Wor- cester china sugar and cream set; Miss Griffiths, Populars, butter dish; Miss Churchill, silver inkstand; Mrs. Darke, Lowestoft, worked cushion; Mr. Percy Burkle, two pairs engravings Mr. Heppell, Cwmaman, etching; Mr. Edward Morgan, silver serviette rings; Mr. Prichard, Bee- hive, set of carvers; Mr. Lowe, Birming- ham, hand-painted fire-screen; Mr. W. Nathaniel Evans, Llanelly, set of carvers; Mr. and Mrs. J. Wesley Jones, Llanelly, biscuit vase; Miss Gwylim Evans, Llanelly, cheque Mrs. Harrison, Harrisonville, dres- don china sardine dish; Miss Maggie Phillips, one set vases; Mrs. Saunders, Swansea, set bedroom ware.

The Education 'Bill. BY MR. W. J. HEPPELL. The Education Bill is being stubbornly contested in the House of Commons, and several of the Welsh members are making a splendid fight against its most obnoxious features. Already very important changes have been made in the measure, and strange to say, the Conservative press which welcomed the Bill is congratulating the Government on these changes till one might almost be- lieve that instead of being the authors of the Bill the Government had received it from the hands of an enemy and were prin- cipally concerned in removing its objection- able features. One important addition made to the Bill in Committee is financial. Now grants are made to so-called Voluntary Schools at the rate of 5s. per head per scholar, and to School Boards in accordance with the amount that a penny rate gives. These grants amounted last year to ^860,000,Volun- tary Schools receiving 1-640,000, and School Boards £ 220,000. It is now proposed to repeal the Acts giving these grants, but to give this < £ 860,000 together with a further £ 900,000, or < £ 1,760,000 in all; the money to be allotted at the rate of 4s. per head per scholar, and the balance according to the amount returned by a penny rate and the number of children educated. Aberdare will lose the £ 800 it now receives under the necessitous School Boards grant, but will probably receive £2,800 under the new grant, against which it has to provide for the maintenance of children in Denomina- tion Schools. It is impossible, however, to say what the ultimate financial result of the Act with be until we know what is to be done with respect to the proposed transfer- ence of the rate from the Poor Rate Assess- ment to the District Rate Assessment. A further important modification has been the strengthening of the clause with regard to Secondary Education. In the Bill it originally stood, "That the Local Education Authority may supply or aid the supply of education other than Elementary," This meant that probably nothing would be done in many districts where education was most backward. It now reads, "That the Local Education Authority shall consider the needs and take such steps as seem to them desirable after consultation with the Board of Educa- tion." The attempt to throw open the Denomin- ational Training Colleges to candidates in order of merit, and introduce a Conscience Clause, was resisted by the Government, and failed.—Lord Hugh Cecil objecting to the introduction of a "foreign element," as he politely terms Nonconformists, into these colleges. We are thus left in the position that out of 2,100 places in residential colleges, 1,700 are monopolized by denomin- ational candidates and only 400 are left to Nonconformists. Although in the Church of England Colleges out of an annual ex- penditure of X166,000, £ 107,000 is provided by the Government :and X22,000 by the students. An important concession however, was made that in colleges provided by the Local Authorities no catechism or formulary of any sect should be taught. But even this was resisted by Lord Hugh Cecil and his friends, and strange to say, Sir John Qorst went into, the lobby with the small miniorty against it.. It is sincerely to be hoped that the changes produced by the retirement of Lord Salisbury will bring about the with- drawal of Sir John Gorst from the Eduoa- tion Department. Only Clause 6 has been reached. Clause 8 is the crucial clause dealing with the control of Denominational School,

SERVICES FOR SUNDAY NEXT. Notices of services arc inserted under this heading at 6d. per week. rilRINITY CHAPEL.—Preacher, Rev. I J. H. OWEN, Pembroke. Morning at 11, Evening at 6. Solo, A Dream of Heaven," rendered by Miss Maggie Mason. Organist, Mr. J. A. Phillips. TABERNACLE Congregational Church, Aberdare.—Preacher, REV. J. MORGAN JONES, B.A. at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Subject in the evening—" The Mission of Noncon- formity."—Gal. v, 1.

Births, Marriages & Deaths Notices of Births and Deaths are charged at the rate of 6d. each per insertion, pre- paid; Marriages, Is. -r- MARRIIGE. EVANS—LLOYD. July 9th, at Trinity Chapel, Aberdare, by the Rev. R R. Roberts, M.A., Ll.B., Evan Emrys Evans to Isabella Lloyd, youngest daughter of the late Mr. Lloyd, youngest daughter of the late Mr. Waiter Lloyd, Gwladgarwr.

Hirwain. PERSONAL.—On Sunday last the repected pastor of Nebo Chapel occupied the pulpit of Ebenezer Welsh Congregational Church, Swansea. PONT-NEATH-VAUGHAN EISTEDDFOD.—Hir- wain scored well at this eisteddfod this year again, bringing back the "chair" this time against strong opposition of some well- known poets. We congratulate iMr. Rees Morgan Rees, Harris-street, on his success, and the great praise given him by the ad- judicators.—Mr. D. Davies (Dewi Cynon), Penderyn, and party took the chief prize for quartette, while the prize for tenor solo was divided between Mr. Roger Williams and Mr. T. R. Garrett (Tom Cynon). ANNIVERSARY.—On Sunday the annivers- ary of the Sunday School in connection with the Mount Pleasant English Congregational Church was held when the Rev. J. Morgan Jones, B.A., Aberdare, preached powerful sermons both morning and evening. In the afternoon the choir, under the able baton of Mr. T. H. Johns (G.W.R.), gave a brilliant rendering of the well-known cantata, "Day of Creation." The following took the prin- cipal parts: 1,Misses Annie Evans, Maggie 1 Reynolds. Mary J. Thomas, Maggie Jones, S. A-. Lloyd, Messrs. Arthur Hodges, William Evans, and Charles Le Due. Mr. W. D. Davies (Alaw Cynlais) very ably presided at the organ, which has lately been under ex- tensive repairs and was reopened on Sun- day for the occasion. There were crowded congregations and good collections. OBITUARY.—As briefly mentioned in our last issue the funeral of the young man Mr. T. J. Williams, Cynon-terrace, who met his death at the Tower Colliery, took place on Thursday last, the place of interment being Penderyn Church. The funeral was one of the largest ever witnessed in the dis- trict the deceased being well-known and highly esteemed by all who came in contact with him. The Hirwain Male Voice Party. of which the deceased was a i at tended, and under the leadersh. D. Jones (conductor) Ka> ( -soiw, hymns. The Ancient Britons Society the Bristol and West of England Society also attended, Bros. G. Mason, J. Wakefield, Thomas Jones, and J. Davies acting as bearers. The Rev. W. J. Williams (C.M.) officiated at the house and the Rev. Ll. Jenkins, rector, Penderyn, at the graveside. Among others present we noticed the Revs. E. Wern Williams, J. Edmunds, E. Jones, T. H. Jenkins, W. J. Williams, Messrs. D. Evans, M. T. John, grocer, and J. T. Davies, tailor, High-street. The undertakers were Messrs. J. M. Jones and Sons, We tender to the parents and relations our greatest sympathy in their very sad and trying bereavement.

Trecynon; S UCCESS.W e arc gratified to learn that Mr. Richard Rees Griffiths, assistant school- master at the Aberdare Higher Grade School, has obtained the degree of B.A. at Cardiff University. Mr. Griffiths, who is but 23 years of age, is the son of Mr. Griffith Griffiths, 96, Cemetery-road. He sat for his examination last month and the gratifying result is hailed with joy by his numerous friends, and all who are interested in his welfare. We sincerely hope that Mr. Rees, will yet climb many rungs higher on the ladder of scholastic success.

Aberdare. AMALGAMATED SOCIETY OF TAILORS.—The Aberdare Branch of the above held its quarterly meeting on Monday evening at the Cardiff Castle Coffee Tavern. Mr. Llewellyn the president of the branch was chairman, and in an able speech referred to the pro- gress of the branch and ITS satisfactory condition, and also to its friendly relation- ship with the employers. A spirit of youth, fnlness prevailed in iheir society, which WAS* always a hopeful sign. To those who had seen and experienced hardships in conncc- tion with the branch, it was indeed a time of rejoicing. In conclusion, the speaker urged them to unite, for unity was invar- iably the secret of success. Mr. Pugh, the secretary, then read the accounts for the preceding quarter, and Mr. Stephen Lloyd, as one of the auditors, gave his report,which was accepted as given. The meeting then proceeded to elect officers for the coming months. Mr. Skyrme was elected president, Mr. Beddoe steward and sick visitor, Mr. Davies was elected auditor, and Messrs. Evans and Davies were cliosen on the com- mittee. Other matters were under con- sideration, ONE being the advisability of making a presentation to Mr. George Morgan who has been secretary of the branch for 25 years. A motion of thanks was carried with acclamation to the Chair- man for the noble manner he had conducted the business of the society during his term, of office. We understand ftorn Mr. Irvine, post- master of Aberdare, that the sub-postmas- i tership of Abernant is vacant, and that Miss F. A. Morris of this town has been appointed sub-postmistress of ABE £ AINETN. -P

Abernant. TUNNEL PIT.The workmen of this col- liery were idle for a few days owing to a dispute with the management. It appears that one of the workmen named John Hughes had been relieving the check- weigher for a time. Upon his return the management refused to provide him with a satisfactory stall, hence the stoppage. At a | welhattended meeting of the workmen, held at the Constitutional Hall, Aberdare, on Monday, it was decided to resume work on the following day. EXCURSION.—On Monday, the members of St. Matthew's Church, Abernant, and the Women's Guild of St. Elvan's, Aberdare, journeyed to Barry. They were accom- panied by Vicar and Mrs. Green and by the Revs. Dewi Williams, B.A., and J. J. Davies, B.A. The day being an ideally fine one, the party enjoyed themselves thoroughly. Mrs. James Lewis, formerly of Plasdraw. entertained the party to tea.

Cwmbach. CHILD DROWNED.—A very sad fatal acci- dent befel a child, two years of age, named David John Longford, on Thursday last. Whilst playing on the canal side on that 1 day, he accidentally fell in the water and was drowned. Mr. R. J. Rhys, the district coroner, held an inquest on the body on the following day, at the Queen Victoria Hotel, Cwmbach. A verdict of Accidentally Drowned was returned.

Aberaman. SILOA SCHOOLROOM.—A grand concert (in connection with the tea party which was held the previous Monday), was held in the above place on Thursday the 10th inst. In the unavoidable absence of the Rev. D. Silyn Evans. the chair was taken by Mr. D. Davies (Gwynwawr), who, in the course of his opening address, gave some very appro- priate englynion of his own composition. The following programme was thoroughly enjoyed by a large audience:—Pianoforte solo, Master Percy Hughes, (pupil of Mr. R. Howells, Aberdare; song, "0 na byddai 'n haf o liyd," Mr. Watkin Phillips; song, Dream of Paradise," Miss May Wood; recitation, Mr. Evan Evans; mouth organ duet, Messrs. Abel Richards and Wm. Jones, which item was loudly encored and they re- plied with the march Belphegor song, He was despised," Miss Mary Ann Davies; Mr. J. H. Johnson gave a ventriloquial en- tertainment, which was much enjoyed, especially by the juvenile section of the audience; pianoforte solo, Master Percy Hughes; song, How vain is man," Mr. Watkin Phillips mouth organ duet, (accom- panied by piano) Old Folks at home," Messrs. A. Richards and Wm. Jones reci- tation, "Breach of Promise," Mr. Evan Evans; song, "Chwifio'r Cadacli gwyn," Miss M. J. Phillips; nigger song (accom- panied by the banjo), Mr. J. H. Johnson. who as an encore gave a solo on the bones. After a hearty vote of thanks had been given to the artistes, accompanist, and Chairman, the concert concluded with the singing of Hen wlad fy Nliadau." The accompanist was Mr. Wm. John Evans, Aberdare. We are pleased to know that the tea and concert was a grand financial success. TREAMAN SICK AND BENEFIT FUND.—The half-yearly meeting of this Society was held on Tuesday evening, Mr. Nicholas Richards, Wind-street in the chair. The vice-cliair was occupied by Mr. Evan Davies, Cardiff road. Other officers present were Mr. John Evans, under-manager, Letty Shenkin col- liery, treasurer; Mr. Gus Preecc, clerk, Treaman colliery, secretary. The society has been in existence for exactly 12 months, this being the second half-yearly meeting. The financial statement was presented by the Secretary, and the Auditors (Messrs. Ben Llewellyn and John Davies) gave tbeir report, which showed X42 10s. Id. to tile good, or 12s. 7Jd. per member. The number of benefit members at present is 288. the last six months, there was only one claim, which was very satisfactory to the members. The auditors' report was accepted as highly satisfactory. The follow- ing officers were elected for the coming year :-President, Mr. E. Davies; Vice- president, Mr. Thos. Phillips Secretary and Treasurer, re-elected. Messrs. Nicholas Richards, Caius Templeman, David Wil- liams, Evan Phillips, Rees Williams, John Knight, Willliam Evans, Henry Harries, William Male, Ben Llewelyn, John Phillips and Evan Morgan were chosen committee- men. Mr. George Wilcox was chosen junior auditor with Mr. John Davies to audit the next accounts. SOCIALIST SOCIETY.-A-beraiiiall and Aber- dare were represented at the Socialist Federation of South Wales which met at Merthyr on Sunday. There was a very strong gathering. Mr. Dd. Davies, Pant, was chairman, while Mr. Scliolefield was secretary the minute secretary was Mr. W. W. Price, Aberaman. A paper was read by Mr. J. Littlejohn, Swansea, on Resume of the Socialist Movement," and by Mr. Ham- son, Merthyr, on the Ethical side of Socialism." An interesting discussion fol- lowed, Messrs. John Davies, W. W. Price, E. Parker, and others participating. The movement has made considerable progress during recent months, four new branches having been formed. It was resolved that application should be made to the National Administrative Council of the I.L.P. to or- ganise a mission in South Wales during next winter. SUGCESS.- We are pleased to note that Master Percy Hughes, 216, Cardiff-road, won the prize for the pianoforte solo at Pont-neath-vaughan Eisteddfod on Monday. He has boen *uoaelied" by Prof. R. Howell. SOCIALISM,—On Wednesday evening at the Square, Mr. John Davies, chairman of the Trades and Labour Council, delivered an address expounding the object of the socialistic movement. A good amount of literature was distributed among the audience.

Qwmaman. MUSICAL SUCCEss.-We are glad to note that the Cwmaman Male Voice Party, con- ducted by Mr. E. Davies (Ap, Dewi Mabon), carried away the trophy at. PemVueath- vaughan Eisteddfod. colsior! worthy vocalists, I-JECTUHE,—~ At the Public Hall, on Tues- day evening, Gwili, the famous poet- preacher, gave a lecture on C- ycla'r AVawr. The chairman was Mr. T. L. Davies, Fforch- aman Colliery. Notwithstanding that this is not the lecture season there wa, a fairly good audience. ^.The pxieeeds are to aid of Mr. James; 'ohl\, who is in failing health.' EXCURSION.—On Wednesday the Baptist Sunday School had a trip to Barry Island. The day was an ideal one far holiday seekers, and about EjQQ took advantage of the cheap trip. The excursion returned in clue time, the whole party having had a brilliant day.

Mountain Ash. PERSONAL.-It is with great pleasure that we record that Mr. G. A. Evans, account- ant, Ffrwd Villa, has been appointed clerk to the Gelligaer Intermediate Schools out of a great many applicants. Mr. Evans is a devoted educationalist and lie will dou^yless be greatly missed in this locality and equally greatly appreciated in his new sphere. We wish him God-speed in his fresh career. EXCURSION.—The holiday season is now at its height and many are the picnics and trips from this locality. Last Monday the Rhos Sunday School had an outing to that very popular resort—Barry Island, scholars and teachers were in large numbers, and the weather being so favourable they all heartily enjoyed their trip. INTERMENT. Last Friday at Trealaw Cemetery the mortal remains of the late P.C. Gill, Matthewstown, was laid to rest, when a large number of mourners and sympathisers were present. The police force was well represented at the funeral, a great number of deceased 'fellow con- stables and officers paying the usual tribute to the dead. He had been 16 years in the force. PROCESSION.—Last Monday the Sunday Schools of Providence, Betliania (Indepen- dent), Bethlehem, Nazareth, Dyffryn-street, and the English Wesieyans had their annual procession along the streets. Every school was under the supervision of its teachers. The main streets were paraded, hymns were sung and banners with suitable mottoes were displayed. Afterwards, each section repaired to its own school, where tea was provided, and it was evident that all the participators were in the height of bliss. Subsequently, open-air games were indulged in. FREE CHURCH COUNCIL.—Last Sunday the aims and objects of the above council were specially dwelt upon at several pulpits in this place. At Bethania the Rev. O. Jones, the pastor, made a reference to the Education Bill in particular, and to the ques- tion of religious equality in general. Similar observations were made in other noncon- formist chapels.

Abercynon. RE-OPENING.—The re-opening of the Eng- lish Congregational Church will take place next Sunday, when the Rev. W, Howard Price, Talgarth, will officiate. Special anthems will be sung by the Chapel Choir on the occasion, conducted by Mr. H. Battram. The Organist of this church is Mr. Hancock. A.S.R.S.—Before the month is out, the local branch of the A.S.R.S. intend holding their Annual Parade and Concert in connec- tion with the Orphan and Benevolent Fund. The branch at Abercynon is a strong one, and a successful parade is anticipated. All the members and district railway men are expected to join. A grand sacred concert will follow in the evening, when Mr. David Wallace, Penrhiwceiber; Misses Lily and Blodwen Jones, Abercynon; Mr. Elmer Jenkins, gold medalist, Abercynon; and Mr. Percy Blake, of the same place will take part. f —

Free Church Council. On Thursday an enthusiastic and well- attended meeting was held by the Aberdare District of the above Council at Bethania Chapel. The chair was occupied by the Rev. J. M. Jones, B.A., Tabernacle. Be- sides the two chief speakers of the evening there were present the Revs. T. Jones, R. Roberts (Robertus), R. Williams (Nazareth), Mr. Heppell (chairman of the School Board), Mr. Ogwen Williams, Mr. J. E. Morgan and Mr. Daniel Griffiths. The Chairman in a. few well-chosen words said that the great need of Nonconformists in Aberdare was a common platform whereon they could prove to the "world that their religion was in preponderance of their sectarian conflicts and jealousies. They should bear in mind that it was their duty as a Council to utilise their energy towards releasing the Church from the fetters of state control. The sons of Protestants fathers should realise that the only solution of the difficulty was to rally round that principle. The Rev. T. IA-, Chance, M.A., Merthyr, said that he knew that the step Aberdare had taken was a step in the right direction, inasmuch as lie had had three years experience of such a coun- cil. Their chief need to-day was a united Nonconformity. Such councils were needed for two special reasons. Their stimulus was wanted in mission work, and also to aid them in the defence of privileges for which their fathers had resisted unto blood, and which privileges they were in great risk of losing. The Rev. Elved Lewis, who spoke in Welsh, said he hoped they would excuse him for coming from dark London to ell. lightened Aberdare to instruct them. He dwelt on the good work done in London by the Council, and asked, if ignorant London had done so well, what ought intelligent Wales to do '? Referring to Parliament he said that they had two Welshmen there that were among the best of them. Some of the Members of Parliament would ere long be leaving London to shoot grouse which was a more innocent pastime than, killing edu- cation. The other night he was in a large meeting where Dr. Clifford was present. The Dr. itS going to abandon his holidays 4 this year in order to fight the battles of education. Then Mr. Lewis dwell on the necessity for Nonconformists to sink their sectarian diflereneossj and unite to protect their privileges, The Aberdare Male Voice Party; Con- ducted by Mr. D. Phillips, sang with great effect twice during the meeting, and Mr, R. Howell accompanied. The secretary of the Aberdare District of the Free Church Council is Mr. W. Jones, High-street, and the treasurer is Mr. J. B. Arnold.

HARMSTON and Co. FOE BEST VALUE IN Pianos & Organs By all the Leading Makers. Largest & best selected Stock in the district. PIInos. Iron Frame, Trichord, with Marqueterie Panels, from 14 guineas, or 9s. 6d. per month. ORGANS. Full Compass, with Knee Swell, in Solid Walnut Cabinet Cases, from 5 guineas. Big Discounts allowed to Gash Purchasers. Special Discounts allowed off Makers List Prices to Purchasers on an Easy Pay- ment System, which saves 10 to 20 per cent. from prices usually charged by other firms. Any instrument de- livered free on payment of first instalment. Old instruments taken in exchange. Bargains in SECOND-HAND PIANOS AND ORGANS alwavs on hand. ft/ PIPE ORGANS, PIANOS AND AMERICAN ORGANS, TUNED, REGULATED, AND THOROUGHLY RENOVATED AT LOWEST POSSIBLE PRICES, CONSISTENT WITH FIRST-CLASS WORKMANSHIP. Estimates of Repairs Free. ILLUSTRATED PRICE LIST POST FREE ON APPLICATION, HARMSTON and Co., | 7, CARDIFF STREET, Aberdare. 20, CRANE STREET, Pontypool. AND HIGH STREET, Cinderford. RASPBERRIES FOR PRESERVINC. _-=-=- We are now Booking Orders for the above. f l RUTHER, ABERDARE. I