The Aberdare Leader

Hirwain. HALL'S Clearance Sale of Furniture is now on. Come and see the Bargains. Hall &Sons, 9, Cardiff-street, Aberdare. THE LIBRARY.—Through the generosity of Mrs J. W. Evans, Belle Vue, several valuable illustrated magazines were presen- ted to the Library last week. BAPTISMAL SERVICE.—On Thursday eve- ning another impressive baptismal service was held at Ramoth Baptist Chapel, when a goodly number were immersed by the pastor, Rev G. Hague, in the presence of a large congregation. DEATH OF MRS D. J ONES.- \Vith sincere regret we have to chronicle the death of Mrs Jones, wife of Mr David Jones, school- master (Boys Department), Hirwain Joint Schools, which took place on Saturday morning. She was 63 years of age. The deceased lady had been ailing for spme time. She was a most active and faithful member of Bethel Chapel (C.M.), and her quiet and unassuming manner had won for her a large circle of friends. She and her now sorrow- ful husband have always been held in high respect in the district. The funeral took place on Wednesday at the Aberdare Ceme- tery. OBITUARY.—Death has taken away one of the oldest and most respected inhabitants of this place in the person of Mrs B. Hop- kins, Coed Cae'r Felin Farm, widow of the late Mr Thos. Hopkins, at one time a popu- lar Colliery manager at Hirwain. Deceased, who had reached the ripe age of 81 years, had only been confined to her bed for a week or so. Much sympathy is expressed with the children in their sad bereavement. The funeral took place on Monday, and in spite of the inclemency of the weather a large number attended, the interment taking place at Penderyn Churchyard, the Rev W. J. Williams (C.M.) officiating at the house, and the Rev, Ll. Jenkins, rector, at the grave.

GsfcSBys. HALL'S Clearance Sale of Furniture is now on. Come and see the Bargains. Hall & Sons, 9, Cardiff-street,- Aberdare. DEATH.—At the age of 71, Mr Robert Evans, of 7 G1 an-road, died peacefully on the 9th inst. Mr Evans, who was a native of Carmarthenshire, was a retired fireman. He was respected by the whole neigh- bourhood as a man of character and integrity. The interment took place on Saturday. The Rev J. Richards, Bethel, officiated, assisted by the Rev J. Cynog 0 Williams. The mourners were:—Mrs Evans (wife); Mr and Mrs John (daughter and son-in-law); Mr and Mrs T. Evans (son and daughter-in-law) Mr and Mrs T. Davies (daughter and son-in-law) Mrs Owen (niece) Messrs D. R. and R. E. Williams (nephews); T. and D. Evans (brothers-in-law) and Mr Davies, Aberbeeg. The following were also present:—Mrs D. M. Richards, Mrs and Miss Agnes O'Leary, Mr and Mrs W. Harris, Glan-rd., Mrs Jen- kins, Messrs W. T. Morgan, W. R. Pro- theroe, D. Davies, contractor, W. Price, Gadlys, J. McCarthy, A. O'Leary, Geo. Henry, R. and E. Lewis, Glan -rd, D. Phillips, Leyshon Henry, David John Williams. D. T. Williams, accountant, John and Ben Griffiths, D. Davies, Welsh Harp, Trecynon, J. O'Leary, W. Lewis, M. Davies, check- weigher, Mr Harris, Carpenters' Arms, L. Marchant, E. Ruff, B. Rogers, T. Lewis, T. and J. Edmunds, Rees Roberts, W. Harris, J. Phillips, and Mr Harris, fireman, Cwmdare.

Aberdare. Y ALUE FOR MONEY.—For up-t:-date Hats and Caps, also Suits to measure (fit and style guaranteed), go to J. A. Evans, the noted Hat Shop, Constitutional Buildings Canon-street. HALL'S Clearance Sale of Furniture is now on. Come and see the Bargains. Hall & Sons, 9, Cardiff-street, Aberdare. To THE MEMBERS of the Cynon United Male Choir. A rehearsal will be held to- morrow (Friday) evening at 8.15 at the Market Hall. ST. ELVAN'S.-At this church on Sunday, the prayers of the congregation were asked for the Lord Bishop of Llandaff (Dr Lewis), who is lying seriously ill. SEION.—We beg to tender our sympathy with Mr and Mrs T. Owen in their recent bereavement through the demise of Mrs Owen's mother, viz., Mrs Evans, Trecynon. The. deceased was the wife of the late Mr Evan Evans, who was for years a faithful deacon at the above church. Owing to old age and the long distance Mrs Evans had failed to attend the services at Seion, and consequently joined Carmel Church. Last Sunday night the Rev. H. T. Stephens preached her funeral sermon, when her daughter and son-in-law were present. B.W.T.A.—The monthly meeting of the British Women Temperance ,Association was held last Monday. Mrs W. Lloyd pre- sided. Mrs E. Williams read a portion of Scripture and Mrs Shepherd was engaged in prayer, As is customary at the first gathering in the year the meeting was mainly of a devotional character. Solos were sung by Mrs (Rev.) R. Williams, Nazareth, and Mrs Gilbert Hodges. Mrs Lloyd dwelt on the imperative need of taking steps to check the Sunday trading prevalent in the district. Mrs R. H. Miles also spoke on that subject. The absence of the erstwhile secretary of the Association, Mrs J. E. Morgan, is greatly felt. To CYCLISTS. During Messrs Parker Bros.' visit to the Stanley Cycle Show last November, they met Mr A. J. Paton, London, The Flying Scotsman," and induced him to visit Aberdare, during his 0

THE CE T EVENT OF THE NEW YEAR. PRICHARD & POWELL'S ANNUAL WINTER SALE Is Now Proceeding, When INNUMERABLE BARGAINS are being offered. Don't miss this opportunity of Buying CHEAP DRAPERY. All this SEASON'S STOCK at exceptionally LOW PRICES. NEW GOODS AT SALE PRICES. _—————„ EVERY ARTICLE MARKED IN PLAIN FIGURES. Tram and Train fares paid on Purchases of 20/- and upwards. PRICHARD & POWELL, THE BEEHIVE, ABERDARE.

Cwmaman. HALL'S Clearance Sale of Furniture is now on. Come and see the Bargains. Hall & Sons, 9, Cardiff-street, Aberdare. DEATH.—We regret to chronicle the death of Mr Alfred Thomas, mechanical en- gineer, of Fforohaman Colliery, which took place on Friday evening last. Deceased had been ailing for some time, but had borne his painful illness with great fortitude. He had been employed at Fforchaman Colliery for a period of over 30 years, commencing as a boiler stoker, from which position he rose to that of mechanical engineer, which he skilfully filled. Fforchaman has under- gone some very extensive alterations during the last few years, the successflu accom- plishment of which, reflected credit on Mr Thomas-acting in co-operation with his superior, Mr J. Martin-viz., the erect- ing of the new iron framing, whilst the colliery was in full swing, and other triumphs of engineering skill. Practically the whole of the present working machinery plant was laid down under Mr Thomas' supervision. Deceased was of a very genial disposition, always ready to tender fatherly advice. Mr Thomas was a faithful member of Seion Welsh Baptist Church, where his familiar figure will be sadly missed. Great sympathy is expressed with the widow. The community at large deeply deplore the removal of such a respected inhabitant. He was a native of Gadlys, Aberdare, where his brother (Mr Arthur Thomas, A.C.), still resides. The report of the funeral will appear next week.

Mountain Ash. HALL'S Clearance Sale of Furniture is now on. Come and see the Bargains. Hall & Sons. 9, Cardiff-street, Aberdare. POOLE'S MYRIORAMA. — The Chas. W. Poole's latest Myriorama visits Mountain Ash next week. It is not generally known that Messrs Poole have seven different travelling combinations. Some of these have already visited Mountain Ash, but the one billed to appear next week has not been to Mountain Ash before. Up-to-date picturbs of the Russo-Japanese War, in- cluding the attack on Port Arthur, Battle of the Yalu, &c., will be exhibited. Also a splendid realistic set of pictures illustrating Submarine Warfare, showing the methods of these deadly engines of war. Inter- spersed with the program of tour will be some clever performances and songs by some star artistes. CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOUR.—On Sunday last the anniversary of the Bruce street Primi- tive Methodist Church Christian Endeavour Society was held. On Sunday, the services were conducted by Mr William Wilcox. On Monday, at 2.30, a paper was read by Mr J. H. Bowles on Is the Christian Endea- vour advantageous to the Church ?" At 4 o'clock a tea was provided for friends and visitors, when the following presided at the tables: Mrs Allen, Mrs Evans, Miss G. Brooks, Miss M. E. Pearce, Miss L. Morgan. In the evening, at 7.30, a Chris- tian Endeavour'Rally was held. THE LATE LADY ABERDARE.—On Thurs- day evening, at the Parish Room, a meeting was held by ladies in furtherance of the proposed erection of a memorial to the late Lady Aberdare. Mrs Major Morgan pre- sided. Miss Shipton, who has taken a great deal of interest in this worthy project, said that a few years ago she had collected zC20 towards the memorial. This sum was still in hand, and she believed it might form the nucleus of a new fund. A memorial to the late lamented Lady Aberdare would be singularly appropriate,coming from lady wor- kers, for she was one of the foremost ladies in the land in advocating the cause of women. It was she who had organised the Women's Temperance Association and also the Girls' Friendly Society. After some discussion it was decided to form a committee for the purpose of soliciting subscriptions. Mrs Major Morgan was appointed president, Mrs Sinnett Jones treasurer, and Miss Shipton and Miss C. Jones secretaries. The design favoured by the committee takes the form of a font,of Caen stone, marble and alabaster, with carved oak canopy. It is proposed to place it in St Margaret's Church. The estimated cost is £100.

Pennhiwceiber. HALL'S Clearance Sale of Furniture is now on, Come and see the Bargains. Hall & Sons, 9, Cardiff-street, Aberdare.

Abercynon. WANTED. — An energetic Correspon- dent at Abercynon for the ABER- DARE LEADER. Apply—LEADER, Aberdare.

Death From Suffocation at Penrthtwcelber. An inquest was held at the Lee Hotel on Wednesday morning, before coroner R. J. Rhys, touching the death of Glyndower Christopher, infant child of William Chris- topher, 79, Glanley-street, Penrhiwceiber, who was found dead in bed, on Tuesday morning last. The mother in giving evidence stated that about 3 o'clock in the morning she gave the child the milk bottle. The child then appeared to be all right. At five o'clock the mother got up to attend to her husband. Returning to fetch the baby in about half an hour, she found it dead. Dr Mackey stated that the child must have died about three hours before he arrived on the scene. He found traces of vomiting, and in his opinion death was due to suffocation by the vomit. The coroner remarked that parents should seriously consider the great importance of cleaning the infants' milk bottles, and there- by providing that the milk suckled should be pure and wholesome. A verdict of accidental death from suf- focation" was returned.

Enginemen and Stokers' Association. Quarterly Meeting The above was held at Cardiff, on Satur- day, under the presidency of Mr E. Goodall, Blaenafon. There were also present Messrs W. Hopkins (agent), J. Lewis (sec.), and W. Bosley (treasurer). On the roll being called 43 delegates responded, repre- senting nearly 6,000 members, this being the highest number yet recorded. The financial returns showed an increase over any other quarter since the formation of the association fifteen years ago. The agent, in his report, gave details of the numerous disputes dealt with during the quarter, and also enumerated a considerable number of compensation claims for injuries which he had successfully settled. The Dowlais Delegate moved that the association should become affiliated with the Labour Representation Committee. Ultimately the resolution was carried. It was agreed—" That the headquarters of the association- hould be at Pontypridd, that town being more central, the agent to reside thereat." It was decided to take up 30 shares in the North Wales Co-operative Quarries. The appointment of sub-agent was de- ferred until April, in consequence of the previous quarterly meeting having imposed the Welsh Language as a necessary quali- fication for the office. It was decided to rescind the resolution so that the Welsh language should not debar any member from applying for the post. The salary for the post was fixed at zelo per month. Mr J. Roach, Ogmore Branch, was elected junior auditor for the ensuing term. Dona- tions were granted to members of the Neath and Swansea Branches in consequence of the stoppage of some collieries in the dis- trict.

Sale bills, circulars, etc., neatly printed at he LEADER Office, Market-street, Aberdare

Mountain Ash Education Committee. The fortnightly meeting of the above body was held on Tuesday, Mr D. Rogers presiding. The other members present were Mrs Jones, Messrs J. Jones, E. T. Williams, H. Price, W. Millar, J. Charles, William Davies, W. S. Davies, T. M. Bevan, Capt F. N. Gray, Major Morgan, Rev E. V. Tidman, J.Charles, with Mr A. Morgan (clerk) Mr H. P. Linton (clerk to the Council), Mr F. Stock (assistant clerk,) and Mr W. G. Thomas (surveyor). INSPECTOR'S REPORT. The report of H.M. Inspector, who had visited the schools, was read. The report was considered thoroughly satisfactory. The inspector recommended that repairs be carried out in several schools, and this was ordered to be done. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE. Mr J. Charles, referring to the low per- centage of school attendance, asked what was the reason for this. The Clerk replied that some of the reasons were bad weather and sickness. Mr H. Price said that the attendance at Ynysybwl was still unsatisfactory. The schoolmistress had consulted him with regard to closing the school, but he had declined to give his consent. Mr D. Rogers remarked that the atten- dance in one class was less than 50 per cent. He was not aware that there was any fever prevalent in the district. Major Morgan What is the mystery ? Chairman I cannot probe it. Mr E. T. Williams: I move that we com- municate with the medical officer of health and ask him to report. This was agreed to. PREPARATORY CLASS. The Clerk referring to the examination conducted by him for admission to the pre- paratory class, advised the Committee not to admit those who had fallen below half the maximum number of marks. Those pupils who had failed would be given another chance next May. The Committee acquiesced. TEMPERANCE V. MINING. The Clerk read his report on the teaching of Temperance in schools. He recom- mended that one Temperance lesson per week be substituted for the Scripture lesson. He did not advise an increased number of subjects, and he could not recommend the Temperance Reader, which had some time ago been adopted by the Committee. He t' understood that Mr W. Edwards, H.M.I., was also opposed to the adoption of the Reader. Mrs Jones moved and Mr E. T. Williams seconded that the Clerk's suggestion be 0 acted upon, and this was carried. Major Morgan: I suppose this is Tem- perance in relation to alcohol ? Mr W. S. Davies No, it is in relation to everything (laughter). With regard to the Mining Reader, the Clerk thought it would not be suitable for elementary schools. Parts of the Reader could not be mentally assimilated by the children. He therefore could not recom- mend its adoption. It was decided to forego the subject at present. DEFECTIVE CHILDREN. A special committee was appointed to discuss the advisability of removing deaf and dumb and blind children to the Swansea Institution. ALIEN IMMIGRATION. The Clerk, who had been directed to re- port as to the number of children from out- side districts, who attended the Mountain Ash Committee's schools, said that the total number was 57. A few Aberdare children attended the Duffryn and Cefnpennar schools. Forty one children from the Merthyr district attended their schools in Abercynon, while 12 from the Pontypridd district also attended the Abercynon and Ynysybwl schools. He (the Clerk) advised the Committee to apply to the Merthyr and Pontypridd Education Committees for pay- ment for the education of these children. Major Morgan suggested that Mr Linton be instructed to legally advise on the matter. This was agreed to. SCRIPTURE EXAMINATIONS. Mr Armitage, headmaster of Miskin School, wrote suggesting the abolition of Scripture examinations. Mr Armitage questioned the utility of such exams, and added that several things were being taught of no use whatever except for the purpose of the exam. Mr D. Rogers moved and Mr E. T. Wil- liams seconded that they adhere to their usual practice. Major Morgan proposed an amendment that the Scripture exams be abolished. Captain Gray seconded and Mr J. Charles supported. Mr W. S, Davies said he approved of the exams, but the manner of conducting them might, with advantage, perhaps, be altered. In the division eight voted for the motion and five for the amendment. THE ROMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL. Mr E. R. Davies, Pwllheli, secretary of the Welsh National Council, wrote with reference to the above. He said that the Council should clearly have appointed managers of the Catholic School, and main- tained it from and after the appointed day. In reply to Major Morgan, Mr Linton said that the question was to be further sub- mitted to counsel. Mr Alfred Morgan stated the grants received in favour of the R.C. School amounted to £93 14s Od. Mr W. S. Davies observed that the only reasonable conclusion they could come to was that the majority of the members had made a mistake. At the present stage it would be well to have an expression of opinion from one or more of the majority. Chairman An expression of repentance do you mean ? Mr E. T. Williams, in moving that the discussion on the letter be postponed for six months, said that he was not prepared to admit in any way that the majority had done wrong. He wished to emphasise the fact that they had acted according to their con- sciences in the matter. Rev E. V. Tidman seconded Major Morgan proposed an amendment that the Committee proceed to appoint two members as managers of the Catholic School. Captain Gray seconded. Mr W. S. Davies supported the amend- ment. He said that from the commence- ment no facilities had been granted the R.C. school managers to carry out altera- tions to the building. Had this been done, he would be quite prepared to associate him- self with the Board of Education in any steps they might take to close the school. The Chairman remarked that he was doubtful as to whether the amendment was in order. The proper way would be to res- cind the resolution that had been passed declining to take the school over. Major Morgan: But that resolution is ultra vires-it is not worth the paper it is written upon. In the division the following voted for the motion :—Chairman, Mrs Jones, Messrs H. Price, J. Jones, W. Davies, J. Charles, E. V. Tidman, E. T. Williams, and W. Millar-9. For the amendment, Messrs T. M. Bevan, Major Morgan, Captain Gray and Mr W. S. Davieg-4, On the motion of Mr E. T. Williams it was agreed to write to Father Irvine stating that the Committee had grants amounting to X93 14s Od in favour of the Catholic School, if he wished to apply for them.

BORWICK'S M POWDER. —————— For posters, handbills and cards in connec- tion with concerts and all kinds of meetings, go to the LEADER Office, Market-street, Aber- dare.

Evan Roberts at Hirwain. Missioner Collapses. Hirwain being less than three miles dis- tant from Trecynon, where the revival fire was first kindled in Glamorgan, it was but natural that his second visit to the district should be looked forward to with the keen- est expectation. For some time very fervid prayer meetings had been held in the various places of worship in Hirwain, and the religious hearth was kept well aglow in anticipation of Mr Evan Roberts' visit. Early on Wednesday people began pouring into the quiet village from all directions. Mr Roberts did not appear until the mid- day train arrived. He was accompanied by Miss Maggie Davies and Miss Mary Davies. A very stirring service commenced at Tabernacle Chapel at 2 p.m. In order to avoid a rush, it was made known only to a few that the missioner was to attend that chapel, and services were arranged in all the other places of worship. Shortly before three Mr Roberts arrived at Tabernacle. [n a very short time the place was aflame. Above the volume of song could be heard the agonised cries of someone or other wrestling with God in prayer, while another would recite a hymn or a Scriptural passage in obedience to his spiritual impulses. The whole proceedings assumed the spontaneity which has characterised the meetings every- where, and Mr Roberts made no attempt to stem the flow of fervour. However, noticing that many people were inclined to stare when certain supplicants were engaged in prayer, he began to admonish the congrega- tion thus :—" If you want to keep lip the feeling, avoid curiosity. The Spirit of God is here, and will make itself still more felt if you banish curiosity once for all. When anyone rises to pray, to speak, or sing, don't look at him or her. There are two great dangers if you do. You lose your own fer- vency of spirit, and God loses the glory. Since November last I have heard many ,prayers, but I have never looked at one of the supplicants." A reclaimed vagrant gave a most vivid and pathetic narration of his adventures as a prodigal son. He had scorned his father's house, but had been touched by the Spirit, and had eventually returned to his father's roof-tree. The missioner spoke again on the impera- tiveness of unconditional obedience to the Spirit. He told the children in the con- gregation to be at home in the meeting, and do just as they liked. It was the prompting of the Spirit, who had solved for them the problem of what to do with the children. He again insisted upon each one asking the Spirit to bend him or her, adding that if they would not bend here they would have to bend in eternity. If God's love in this world would not bring them to their knees. his anger in the next world would. Taber- nacle, which is a spacious edifice, was full in every nook and cranny. THE AGONIES OF GETHSEMANE. A PATHETIC SCENE. The information leaked out that Mr Evan Roberts would attend the meeting at Ramoth in the evening, and the result was that the place was packed by five o'clock. About 7.30 he arrived. He dwelt on the agonies of Christ in Gethsemane and by so doing worked himself into such a climax of emo- tion that his whole frame vibrated visibly. The congregation then sang Wrth gofio'i ruddfanau yn yr ardd with sublime pathos. Mr Roberts essayed to speak again, but his feelings overcame him, and he fell prostrate on the floor of the pulpit. He remained in that posture for a long time, concealed from the view of the congregation, but his sob- bing could be distinctly heard above the songs of praises mingled with a little sensa- tional hubbub, Eventually the missioner got up, and explained that he had just ex- perienced one of the hardest trials of his life. A VOICE FROM THE CONGO. At Bethel C.M. chapel, the converted actor, a coloured man from Africa, gave the story of his regeneration. He advised all young people to keep away from the theatre. It was a damnable place. He related how he had been insulted by a man in Porth. He was attending the meetings in order to catch the fever so that he might take it back with him to Africa, to his kindred, who bowed down to wood and stone. Some fer- vent prayers that the African might catch the infection were offered. Popular revival songs were sung, and after a few words by Mr David Evans, an orderly, but very devotional meeting, was closed at an early hour. For hours a large crowd might be seen standing at the portals of Ramoth, vainly endeavouring to get admission. Fainting women were continually being carried out, but the out-goers bad to combat the im- petuous onrush of the in-goers who besieged the lobby. There was a great deal of pushing and not a little tumult, and angry words were occasionally exchanged The G.W.R. platform was thronged with people returning to Aberdare, Aberaman. Cwmaman, Cwmbach, and all directions. They commenced singing some of the favourite revival lyrics, and in almost every compartment in the train could be heard the strains of Throw out the life- line," and other songs. The singing was continued with unabated -1 hwyl at Aber- dare station. ,¡

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lecturing tour in South Wales. The lecture will take place next Wednesday evening at 7.30, Red Lion Inn, Cardiff. street, kindly lent by Mr Griffiths. The subject will be Cycle construction, and building methods, by first class makers," illustrated by living pictures. There will also be illustrated the International Cycle Races" as they appeared at the Crystal Palace, last September. Come in crowds. The lecture is held under the auspices of the newly formed Aberdare Cycling Club.