The Aberdare Leader

Merthyr Board of Guardians. The above was held on, Saturday. There were present: Mr. J. Kogws (chairman), Revs. J. H. Davies and J. O'Beilly, vice- chairmen; Mrs. Evans, Mrs. Richards, Mrs. Williams, Messrs. D. Evans, Mer- thyr, J. Lloyd, H. Jones, R. Evans, J. Prowle, D. Davies, J.-Price, W. Thomas, John Morgan, B. P. Evans, W. Hiley, H. Lewis, T. Williams, J. Jenkins, 8. Hawkins, D. Hughes, T. Wealfe, R. Rees, J. Evans, J. Jones, Joseph Morgan, T. E. Morgan, F. Arscott, N. F. Hankey, A, W. Houlson, J. Aurelius, Revs. W. C. Thomas, Ll. Williams, W. S. Davies, W. A. Jones, and Mr. F. T. James, clerk. Out-Relief—A cheque for .£370 was drawn. AN APPLICATION FROM NAZARETH HOUSE. The Sisters in charge of Nazareth House had written asking the Guardians t6 increase their contributions towards the maintenance of their Union children at that institution to 5s. per week per child. The Training School Committee recommended that 4s. 6d. be given. The Rev. J. O'Reilly now stated that the cost of maintaining the children at Nazareth House amounted to about 8s. per child. The committee had always dealt in the proper spirit with applica- tions from Nazareth House, but on this occasion ho was sorry to dissent with their resolution that only 4s. Gd. be granted. He moved that 5s. be granted. The difference between the 5s. and the 8s. the institution was prepared to make up. Mr. T. E. Morgan seconded.. Mr. J. Prowle wanted to know on what grounds did the committee refuse the ap- plication of Nazareth House. Mr. D. Hughes observed that they were under the impression that they were offer- ing Nazareth House the actual cost of the maintenance of the children. Mr. R. Roes said that the committee understood that the cost per child was about 4s. 2d. a week. The Clerk also remarked that 4s. 2id. covered the expense of food, necessaries, and clothing. Rev. J. O'Reilly: But that is not all. You count the officers' salaries, etc., and it comes to about 8s. Mr. H. Jones: I support the motion to give 5s., but I should like. to see every child under the Board getting that sum. Chairman: Order; we are dealing with this matter alone now. Mrs. Richards also spoke in favour of granting the 5s., and eventually Father O'Reilly's motion was carried MR. BIRCHAM'S COMPLIMENT. Mr. Bircham, the Poor Law Inspector, ^as present, and upon being asked to address the Board he made some remarks Oil the efficient state of the Workhouse, and especially the Infirmary, which was ftiost up-to-date, and adapted for treating the poorest of patients. He hoped the Guardians would use their influence to Induce people to enter the Infirmary, ^laiiy poor people were now debarred ffom entering the Infirmary by ignorant Prejudice. PREVENTION AND CURE. Taking the increased population into Consideration, the pauperism of the Union hd not increased abnormally. Against 11 increase of 4 per cent. in pauperism hey had an increase of 16 per cent. in population. The expenditure had "Pen welJj advised and exercised in the riSht direction. The relief of paupers }vas a necessary evil, but if instead of Gilding palaces for them they could im- prove their conditions so as to obviate institutions it would be much better. Guardians should not indulge in ^asy.g0ing kindness, but HELP THOSE WHO HELPED THEMSELVES. is experience taught him that there ere fewer young men belonging to clubs f °u" than there were years ago. Young did not subscribe to provident socie- es so generally and so liberally as they (S(>cl to. Why? Because they relied on ij^Pensation. If anything happened to W ell1 the employer had to pay, and it but right that he should. (Hear, ¡IL") But there was a tendency in that i'onUre rea^sati°n to foster a feeling of ucking recklessness in many young and they would not subscribe to 1 club. Then when they got out of •' they felt sorry that they did not jt. °llo to some provident society. He t6(i that in future the Guardians 14-0111d be called upon to maintain an in- asing number who, failed to get em- thJ lllnt after a certain age. In view of lll they should as Guardians strive to e some arrangement to provide ^LOYMENT FOR ELDERLY MEN Ml0 j, ^«re capable of performing it. ^tlier O'Reilly: Picking oakum? tl, v- Bircham: No, I do not want to do that, but they could betake "Où,selvs to net-making, etc. That tend' to make the lives of elderly >H0l, Jriore pleasant to themselves and 6 Profitable to the Union. < BIRCHAM AND THE LADIES. Understood that about 80 ladies con- Understood that about 80 ladies con- a Visiting Committee at the Of He believed hat this vast amount jested philanthropy could be as- )Í\(\l' (tted and utilised in a more practcal They should be reduced into ,lM forking committees, who would ^ino. to teach the inmates some- tit, But first of all they should teach %{jelves, if they were not "gwynt i V j (Laughter.) They should instruct ma^ei niats for the House Nt School, which could be done with- 1 Offering with any trade. I COTTAGE! HOMES. IVe otlld advise them not to build any t^°UlcjC0^ag:e hotties at- Aberdare. They lY'serve the Aberdare institution bi gger boys, and build cottage V"1* other districts. He noted that i 0l'e now 194 boys in the school, a ln°ro by 47 than was originally |M K.. Whereas ten years ago they |S i 4*58 indoor paupers in the Union sH- now 670. The out-door paupers I years ago. Mr Bircham concluded by say- ing that the outside public should be made to understand thai. much more than half of the money spent nominally on the poor was spent on other things, which was really outside the sphere of pauper- ism. Mrs. Williams remarked that they had one time adopted a scheme for giving light employment to inmates. They had an excellent secretary, but illness com- pelled her to give up her post. Rev. J. O'Reilly: I propose that Mr. Bircham be asked to attend the next Ladies' Committee. (Laughter.) Mr. Bircham: Oh, no, that would be too practical. I only preach, you know; it is so much more difficult to, practise. (Loud laughter.) Mr. Prowle: Open confession is good for the soul. Mr. Prowle favoured the adoption of a system similar to Cardiff's, namely, to get the children out of the Training School into scattered cottage homes, and utilise the school as a supplement to the Workhouse. THE RECTOR AND MR. PROWLE DISAGREE. The Rev. Ll. Williams moved that Mr. D. Evans, Merthyr, and the Rev. J. H. Davies attend the conference in London of the Association of Poor Law Unions. Mr. J. Prowle moved that Mr. Evans and Mr. W. Thomas, Cwmaman, be selected. Rev. J. H. Davies: I withdraw my name. Mr. Williams characterised the moving of the amendment as an extraordinary proceeding. The only consolation was that it came from Aberdare. Mr. Prowle: It is extraordinary that one man should rule this Board. Chairman: Ord>etr, pl'-ease. Mr. Prowle's motion was agreed to. THE RECTOR AND MR. PROWLE AGREE. A woman applied for permission to ap- pear before the Board to appeal against a maintenance order. Rev. 1,1. Wlliams: I move that the woman be called in. t Mr. Prowle: I agree with the Rector for once. I second that. The Chairman suggested that they should not interfere with the magisterial order. Eventually the woman offered ls. 6d. per week, which was accepted. THE! KIRWAIN ROMANCE. A Correction In our report of the Board of Guardians last week we stated that the chairman of the meeting, R?,T. J. O'Reilly, remarked that Mr. Veale was subject to bouts of drinking mania, whereas it should read "roving mania." Father O'Reilly said nothing that would imply that Veale was of intemiJerate. habits.

Cwmbach Co-operative Society. i. The 12th quarterly meett Lng of this society was held at the Co-operative Hall, Park Road, Aberaman, on Wednesday evening, November 1st., Mr. Augustus Davies, President of the Society, occupy- ing the chair. The Chairman, in his opening remarks, congratulated the mem- bers upon the satisfactory manner in which they had supported their institu- tion. In submitting for their approval the quarterly statement, he remarked that all present would agree with him that the financial part of the business was in a sound and flourishing condition. The balance sheet and statement, which was adopted, showed that the sales for 12 weeks had reached the magnificent total of = £ 56,763 15s. Id., or a weekly turn- over of < £ 4,366 8s. lOd. The members' share capital, including interest, now stands at t7,6,795 13s. 8d., with a mem- bership of 4,500. After meeting all claims, inclusive of Y,825 12s. 2d. interest on share capital; < £ 417 Is. Id. towards depreciation of build- ings; charity, John Morris (an old em- ployee), £ 8; subscriptions Mountain Ash National Eisteddfod) t.5 5s.; Aber- dare Fire Brigade, £ 2 2s.; Aberdare In- dustrial; School Annual Outing Fund, £1 10s.; and all incidental expenses, there is a total of < £ 9,959 14s. 4d. available for disposal at 3s. 6d. in the pound to mem- bers, and at Is. 9d. in the pound to non- members. The reserve funds, independ- ent of buildings, stand at < £ 1,800. The usual vote of thanks to the chair- man, directors, and officers closed a very successful meeting.

Aberdare Literary Society. The fortnightly meeting of this society was hekl on WednesdHY week at the Masonic Hall, Mr. P. T. Rhys presiding. Mr, W. R. Williams, B.Sc., secretary, gave a well-thought-out and interesting paper dealing with the Anglo-Japanese treaty. He contended that the treaty \was a sign of our national decadence, and moved a resolution in favour of his con- tention. Addresses on the subject were given by Messrs. C. R. Vicary, L. H. Miles, A. Devonald, T. Walter Williams, B.Sc., J. Griffiths, J. Harry Reed, S. M. Davies, and E. S. Hall. The chair- man summed up, and the motion was put to the meeting, but was lost by an over- whelming majority. The .next meeting, which will be held on Wednesday next, will be given over to impromptu debates.

Aberdare Trades and Labour Council. The monthly meeting of the above Council was held last Thursday at the Memorial Hall, Aberdare. Mr. George Richards presided, supported by Mr. Owen Powell, vice-chairman, and other officers. RESULT OF MERTHYR ELECTIONS. The results of the Merthyr Borough Council Elections were read. The Chairman said that he felt very glad of the, success of the Labour Party. Eleven persons had been nominated and all returned, six on top of the poll. This augured well for the result of the next Parliamentary Election. The Merthyr and Dowlais Trades Council had been well paid for the work they had done dur- ing the last 18 months. The results showed that the working classes were be- binning to think for themselves, and he hoped that the results at Merthyr would put more enthusiasm in the people of Aberdare. Mr. Richards proposed that a telegram of congratulation be sent to the Merthyr and Dowlais Trades Council. Mr. John Prowle seconded the motion, and stated. that the Merfhjyr and Dow- lais Trades Council deserved the success. Mr. Owen Powell and Councillor E. Stonelake supported, and it was passed unanimously. THE HOUSING CONFERENCE1 AT THE GARDEN CITY, LETCHWORTH. Councillor E. Stonelake gave a report of his visit to the above, and said that the cottages shown there were very taste- fully built. The) Garden City was laid out very neatly with trees, and there were long and wide avenues. The com- pany of the Garden City had laid sewers and a service of water mains, and gas- works were, in' course of construction. Councillor Wm. Rees also gave a re- port, and stated that he was pleased with the exhibition, and there was much to learn from what they had seen. The headroom in some of the houses seemed- to be very low, but were well aired. The windows opened outwardi-in the same style as the old-fashioned houses in Wales —therefore ventilation was opened from every position. A thing very noticeable in every cottage was a bath, range, and copper boiler, and in several houses were to be seen diessope—they were all part and parcel of the house. The company had purchased about 3,800 acres of land, and was to be laid out as follows: Areas occupied by the town, about 1,200 acres; parks and open spaces, 200 acres; and agricultural belt, 2,400 acres for gardens, etc. Mr. John Prowle said there was much to learn from exhibitions of this kind. He said that when a person looked around a house he would find-especially after visiting an exhibition such as the Garden City—that the bye-laws as re- gards house-building were not stringent enough. There ought to be in every house a. bath-room. Messrs. G. Richards and Owen Powell also spoke. Mr. Williams said that the high value of land was not always the reason for high rents, because some property was Veased for threte lives and 99 years. The ground-rent in such cases was not in- creased. He also said there should be a batli, range, and copper boiler in every /workman's house. The tin boiler was too antiquated, and the wash-tub ought to be done away with. Several members questioned the Coun- cillors, and satisfactory replies were given. Votes of thanks were accorded to Messrs. Stonelake and Rees for their re- ports.

Parents Greatly Alarmed Until Peptolaxa saved the Child There is a warning and the best of ad- vice in the message of Mrs. Riley, 35 Swainbank-street, Burnley, now publish- ed for the sake of other mothers. She does not hesitate to say that Peptolaxa acted like magic when her child was in a critical state of health. I- My husband and I were greatly alarmed, she states, "when my son Albert, at the age eight months, became very weak and ill, Since his birth he had been costive, fev- prish, restless at night, with a very fickle appetite. Frequently he vomited food. A rash broke out all over his body, and he had a bad cough. We tried all sorts of medicine, but he became worse. I then gave Albert two tablets of Peptol- axa, which soothed him and opened his bowels. He became cooler, and enjoyed perfect rest. Wa continued Peptolaxa, and he now sleeps well, awakes hungry, and retains food. Peptolaxa cured the rash his body is without a blemish the cough has gone." 113 -%■ FOR BABES AND CHILDREN peptolaxa A prompt dose of Peptolaxa has often saved a child from serious illness by curing Constipation, Diarrhoea. Stomach troubles, Indigestion, Colic Feverishness and bad nights. Teething without tears. Free sample on request from Dr Williams' Medicine Co., Holborn-viaduct, London. Sold at Is. lid. at all branches of Boots 2 Cash Chemists. BOR WICKS POWDER In the World. ™ ■ m Bflr U O fi

i Salvation Army. Local Farewell Services. Farewell meetings in honour of Ensign and Mrs. Holmes were held by the local Salvation Army Corps on Sunday, Mon- day, and Wendesday evening this week. On Sunday evening the Salvation Army Hall, Aberdare, was crowded. After prayer and praise by some of the brethren, Mr. J. Harris, the treasurer, rose to speak. He expressed his keen re- gret that Ensign and Mrs. Holmes should leave Aberdare, but he felt grateful to them for the good they had done while they had been amongst them. The S.A. Corps at Aberdare had great cause to ¡ thank God. Ensign and Mrs. Holmes had been in Aberdare just 12 months, and during that period they had all worked harmoniously together, and had always been united in their efforts to do good and to advance the cause of Jesus Christ. When General Booth was honoured by being presented with the Freedom of the City of London the other day, he paid one high tribute to the officers in general. He said that he relied on the willing help of 90,000 officers, without which he could not have done what he had done. Were it not for the co-operation of the officers and soldiers it would be impossi- ble to carry on the great work of the Salvation Army. The Army was not like other churches. The churches had their regular ministers and deacons, but the S.A. had to depend entirely on volunteers, and he was thankful that from the low- est to the highest they were all willing to take part. Some people said that the S.A. was tied down by General Booth, [ENSIGN AND MFS HOLMES.] who had been likened to the Pope. He (Mr. Harris) wished to say that there was no cause on earth that had greater freedom than the S.A. They had NO RED TAPEISM. His experience in the Army extended over a period of 30 years, and he could con- scientiously say that there was no greater freedom of speech and action to be found anywhere. In conclusion, Mr. Harris again referred to the impending depar-j ture of Ensign and Mrs. Holmes for Barnstaple, and added that while they were in Aberdare they had added 20 new names on the books. After an effective solo by Mrs. Holmes, the superintendent of the Sunday School (Mr. Pink), addressed a few words on the progress of the school, and paid a glow- ing tribute to Mrs. Holmes for the inter- est she had taken in it. He hoped God would bless the Ensign and his wife in their new home at Barnstaple. Mrs. Holmes thanked all for their kind expression of love. She was exceedingly sorrv to leave Aberdare, for she had made many friends here. Ensign Holmes likewise thanked the Corps, and then proceeded to deliver a passionate discourse based on Acts 20, 26, 27, "We have not shunned to declare all the counsel of God." It was a very bold statement to make, said the speaker, that the whole of the S.A. officers had stood up and had fearlessly declared all the counsel of God. The Apostle Paul had claimed that for himself, and he (Mr. Holmes) hoped the same could be claimed by the one addressing them at that mo- ment. It happened sometimes that the medicine most difficult to take Was the best for the patient. And so it was, verv often, with God's truth. Some of the most unpalatable truths had the best effect. He had not been preaching in Aberdare for 12 months as a candidate for holy orders, but he trusted that he had been instrumental in making them realise the blessed and important truths of the Gospel. He had cried from that platform "Awake, thou that sleepest; arise from the dead, and Christ will give thee light." He had been told that he was too enthusiastic. But he could not be too enthusiastic. Supposing a drunken man lay on a railroad and the train was drawing near, and that he, in a careless and light and airy fashion asked the mas to get out of the way. He would consider himself a criminal for being so lethargic. But the sinner was in a far worse predicament. He was lying between the rail of God's wrath and ,the Express of God's judgment was coming nearer and, nearer, so it was time to shout with no uncertain voice, "Awake, thou that sleepest." His idea of a ser- mon was that every officer should catch all the stray rays of God's truth and place them in one intense focus, and in that focus put his heart, his soul, and his conscience, altd under the influence of the HoLy Ghost speak out the message. When the light had been flashed on some people, they had used the lightning con- ductor, which had carried it away. Dur- ing the time of the great plague in Lon- don, men and women were going about unconscious of the fact that the plague had got hold of them. Similarly there were men and women to-day, apparently respectable, who had the plague-spot of sin upon them, but they knew it not, and it was his duty to tear aside the cloak of respectability and the dress of profession and to call attention to this plaglie-spot. CHURCHES AND THE ARMY CONTRASTED. r "MINISTERS TIED HAND AND FOOT." Proceeding, Ensign Holmes said that not far from where he stood there were ministers of the Gospel bound hand and foot by their deacons. They dared not preach the plain, unvarnished truth be- cause they would lose their pulpits. Thank God that S.A. officers were not bound hand and foot by deacons. Any officer known to General Booth who did not declare all the counsel of God, would soon be dismissed. Thank God for such men as Billy Bray. His deacons had once asked him to be a little more polite and less straight in his discourses. Billy Bray replied by quoting a verse from the Scriptures, "He that believeth on the Lord Jesus Christ shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be damned." "There," added Billy Bray, addressing his deacons, "I hope that is grammatical and polite enough for you." He (Ensign Holmes) had taken his commission from God, and weak in, week out, he delivered this message to the people. He was conscious of his short-comings, but there was one thing he wished them to acquit him of, and that was that he had never shunned to declare all the counsel of God. At the close of his inspiring address, "God be with you till we meet again," was affectingly sung by the congregation. Sergt.-Major Andrews led in prayer, after which the meeting dispersed.

Fire at Aberdare. The Town Ha!l in Danger. On Saturday morning the cleaner of the Town Hall upon entering the building about 5 o'clock discovered a fire in the clerk's room. She immediately gave the alarm to some workmen who were pas- sing at the time, who gave information to P.C. O'Connor, who was on duty in High-street. The constable hurried to the place, promptly applied the hose, and set about extinguishing the fire. In a very short time the fire brigade arrived, and a posse of police headed by Inspec- tor David and Sergts. D. 0. Davies and Thomas. The fire had not assumed alarming dimensions, and was soon put out, but not without inflicting damage to the tune of about £100. The source of the fire cannot be traced, but it is surmised that some sparks had penetrated through crevices in the floor, aud that the fire had been smouldering invisibly for a day or two, At any rate the fires had been carefully extinguished on the previous night, and the Hall securely locked.

makes strong men stronger, and gives mental and bodily vigour. Its use as the daily family beverage results in household economy and good health.

Mr Tom Stephen's Illness A Testimonial Proposed. Mr Tom Stephens, the well-known musical conductor, has just been under a dangerous operation at Cardiff. He has recovered sufficiently to enable him to return home, but is not yet out of dan- ger. Some ef his friends are availing themselves of the present opportunity to advocate a testimonial to Mr Stephens in appreciation of his services to music.

Ml's Jar ley's Waxworks. Performance at Aberdare. On Thursday last, a grand performance of Mrs Jarley's Waxworks was given at the Constitutional Hall by the Aber- dare Church Waxwork Society, to a large and appreciative audience. Part 1 of the programme opened with a pianoforte duett by the Misses P. and E. Morgan. The following items were then gone through Song, Sing me to sleep Mr Charles Rees dialogue, Contradictions," Misses L. M. Thomas and A. Morgan mandoline solo, selections from The Bohemian Girl," Miss H. Berry stump oration, Dr Puffs Stuffs lecture on Patent Medicines," Mr J. R. Thomas dialogue, My Lady Haughtington," the Misses J. Dyer and L. Thomas; comic song, Could'nt help but laugh," Mr T. Powell. During the interval Mr T. Lawrence gave selections on the flute, accompa- nied by Miss Polly Morgan. The second part of the programme in which the waxworks were exhibited, was hailed with delight. The principal characters were thus represented :— Mrs Jarley, Miss Sylvia Cole. John, Mr Tom Powell. Ally Sloper, Mr George J. Thomas. Gipsy King and Queen, Miss L. Thomas and Mr D. Morris. Cinderella, Miss M. B. Nicholas. Pierrots, Miss J. Dyer and Mr C. Rees. Little Red Riding Hood. Miss Rose Rees. La pou pee. Miss Marion Jones, Guy Fawkes, Mr T. Walker. Organ. Grinder and Wife, Miss F. Prance and Mr Ted Rees. Bo-peep, Miss L. M. Thomas. The Bachelor and his future Wife, M,iss H. Berry and Mr Ted Davies. Bubbles, Miss Annie Morgan. Prince and Sleeping Beauty, Miss E. Wilson and Mr J. R. Thomas. Deceased Mr Jarley, Mr Tom Nicholls. Miss Sylvia Cole, who manipulated the show did her work to perfection, while the antics of John, her assistant, pro- voked roars of laughter. However, it would be invidious to specialise any of the actors, as each played his part ex- ceedingly well, and the audience were not slow in displaying their approbation of the performance. Special effect was given to the scenes by means of a lime light apparatus ably manipulated by Mr Fred Pardoe. The members wound up the proceed- ings with a rendering of Good Eve- ning." The proceeds of this successful function will go towards the Restoration Fund of the Memorial Hall. The committee responsible for the programme and all arrangements were: Miss M. Williams, Bute Villa; Messrs Tom Powell and J. R. Thomas, together with the Rev Dewi Williams as chairman and secretary.

TILL THE 15 OF NOVEMBER. tyadame CINDERELLA CLAR, The Well-known PARISIAN PALMIST and PHRENOLOGIST. Consultations daily from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m. at 31 CURRIE STREET, ABERAMAN. TREATMENT OF LADIES:A SPECIALITY. Furnish AT FREED'S the Old Firm, 2 & 3, Tower Buildings, Glyngwyn Street, Mountain Ash. For good, Substantial Furniture. cannot be beat. Terms arranged to suit customers' convenience. Large Discounts for Cash. IS?* A HANDSOME PRESENT given with every Furnishing order. All goods delivered free. Train fares allowed to purchasers of 10s. and upwards, Note Address :2 ct 3, Toiccr Buildings, Glyngwyn St., Mountain Ash. Constitutional Hall, ABERDARE. TO BE LET FOR CONCERTS, LECTURES, DANCES, &C., &C. FOR TERMS, APPLY— Z. ANDREWS, New Theatre, Aberdare. THE ABERDARE LEADER has now been PERMANENTLY ENLARGED to 56 « < COLUMNS. Best Record of Home < News. BEST MEDIUM FOR ADVERTISING.