The Aberdare Leader

Services for Sunday Neat. — •# TABERNACLE, WOARE. Sunday Evening, Dec, 30th, At 6 p.m. Musical Xmas Service, Consisting of Hymns, Carols, etc. Preacher, J. Morgan Jones, NI.A. tIGHLAND Place Unitarian Church I Aberdare. Services: Morning 11. Evening 6, Sunday School 'at 2.30, Preacher, Be v. M. Evans, (pastor.)

Aberdare. ■Kop's Iskey Stout stands alone as tbe test Temperance stimulant. Try it as aid to digestion. Sole agent, H. McLaren, Trecynon. Value for Money.—For up-to-date Hats aiHl Caps, also Suits to measure (fit and style guaranteed), go to J. A. Evans, the Qoted Hat Shop, Constitutional Buiid- IllgS, Canon Street. BETH AN IA.—Mr. W. B. Stephens, as been appointed as permanent organ- ist of Bethania C. M. Chapel. SEION.— At Seion Welsh Wesleyan Chapel, a service was held on 'Xmas morning and was well attended. The Rev. T. Manuel, circuit minister, gave an eloquent and impressive address on Hwn fydd mawr." M-USICAL. We congratulate Mr. Dan Davies, Trevor-street, on his success in passing the matriculation examination. held at Ebenezer Vestry, last month. The examination was uncter the Tonic Solfa College, and Mr. J. T. Davies, k.T.S.C., was the examiner. CHRISTMAS SERVICE.—At High- and Place Church, on 'Xmas morning, a Well attended service was held. A service of praise and song was gone through, which consisted of chants, Carols and hymns. Miss S. George, presided at the organ. The Rev. M. Evans, pastor, based an able discourse on the appropriate text Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, goodwill towards men." ST. ELVAN'S.—At this Church on Christmas Day, there were three early celebrations of holy communion, and at 11 o'clock, a high celebration, preceded "y a processional hymn. The vicar was Celebrant, and the service used was otainer in F. An appropriate sermon ^as preachcd by the Rev*. W. H. Jones, A. Evensong was sung at 6 o'clock, and some pretty carols were rendered by the choir. The Rev K. 0. Carter, p A. presided at the organ. The eol- ations were given to the poor of the parish. b ST. ELVAN'S.—On Friday evening (St. Thomas' Day) there was a. choral vellsong. The Rev. Dewi Williams, B.A., took the service, and an appropriate ser- ttion was preached by the Rev. W. H. Jones, B.A. The character of St. Thomas, said the preacher, was an inte- resting one. He was a man of simple honesty, of ft critical turn of mind, and he was of a. gloomy temperament. But he wa« possessed of inspired love. We should learn two lessons from the life of thir saint. First, the importance of faith. We should never lose- hope in the hour of doubt. Secondly, there was no life like the Christlike life.—The Rev. K. 0. Carter, B.A., was at the organ. A GENEROUS GIFT.—Mr John Isaac, grocer, Victoria Square, Aberdare, and his sister, Miss Isaac, are going to' cele- brate this Christmas-tide by giving a fa^autiful silver Communion Service to the C.M. Church at Llangadock, Car- marthenshire, in which church they were brought up and instructed in their childhood. Mr. Isaac and his sister could not have shown their attachment to their native cthurch by means of a Juore suitable gift. The valuable service is given to the best cause, and we, are <Vl|">iun that the remembrance of it will fa^ a, source of happiness to the donors, and will constantly keep their names in frag-rant remembrance among the good people of Llangadock for many years to 00me. We understand that a similar keautiftd gift was given by them some I tinle ago to Nazareth C.M. Chapel, Aber- •lare.. We trust that many wealthy ^ntlemen and ladies in Wales will fol- low their good example. We wish them both. a, very happy New Year to continue their service to the cause of the great Master.—W.O.P. HIGHER GRADE SCHOOI,The Prize distribution in connection with the above school was held on Thursday. The prizes were awarded to the boys who had attended school refularly, and wsre dis- tributed by the ReT. J. Morgan Jones, M.A. Yr. Jones, in the course of a short heiress, said ha wae glad to see that so many of them were entitled to a prize, and ha hopad they would make the best Use ol file book*. He then handed the hooks to t11. following boys:—C. Dance, Davits, Ivor James, Edwin Ivor Navies, Jno. Henry Richard W.atking, Oswald Williams, G. Martin, A. Vranch, Bid Morgan, Wm. Phillips, W. J. "DjLviea, Alexander McCarthy, Ivor Thomas, Fred Williams, Dd. Edwards, 1'Q1ll Prower, Dd. Davies, Wm. Lewis, R. Lazarus, W. J. Allen, H. Bryant, J. Phillips, J. Thomas, A. Jones, H. John- Ron, Plhillip Lawis and Dd. Jno. Parsons. -]\fro Jones ramarked that he expected tho next prize distribution" would be held the new Higher Grade School.—Mr. • aceordiaj to his usual cn»- awardad three books to the best boy III oa4h of the three forms. They were rchard Watkins (form 4), William Ed- wards (form 3),and B. Oxenham (form 2). A hearty vote of thanks was accorded by the boys to Mr. Jones for his kindness in distributing the books. BETHANIA.—an innovation in the form of an eisteddfod was held on Christ- mas night in oonection with the Bethan- ia Young Men's Improvement Society. There was a crowded attendance. The chair was occupied by Mr. John Mills. The adjudicators were: Literary, RIíJv. J. .Lewis, Hebron; music,Mr. Daniel Jones; Cardiff-street; art, Mr. E. Ogwen Wil- laims, F.R.G.S. catechiser, Rev. W. O. Powell; prize bags, Mrs. E. L. Davies, Belmont. The awards are as follows: — Best record of the Revival in Aberdare, Mr. Joseph E/ans. Answering questions from Hyffordd- II wr," winner, Mr. Jos. Evans. Quartet, winners, Messrs. Rees Evan Price, T. Williams, Misses Edith Evans and Martha Jane Rees. Calico patch, won by Miss Edith Evans. Prize bag, Miss Jennie Prosser. Bass solo, own selection, Mr. William Edwards. Solo contralto, Rest in the Lord," Miss Martha Jane Rees. ..Button hole, (1) Miss Mary Roderick, (2) Miss Jenny Young. Answering questions on Acts i to iv, prize divided between Master Owen Davies and Irene Rosser. Answering questions from H Mae5 Llafur," 1907. A great number compe- ted. (1) Isaac James Lewis, (2) D. Eynsu Ditto for choldren under 12, prize divi- ded between Jane Young, Mary Ann Roderick, and Mary Hanna.h Morgan. Singing, Arglwydd dyma, fi" (boys), (1) Master David John Davies, (2) Mas- ter Rees George. Singing (girls), (1) Miss Jane Young, (2) Miss Edmunds Bass solo (open), (1) Mr. William Ed- munds, (2) Mr. Rees Evan Price Tenor solo, winner, Mr. William Evans. Recitation, winner, Miss Edith Evans. Soprano solo (open), awarded to Miss Annie Thomas. Reading, Mr. John Evans. Reciting, winner, Miss Mary Hannah Morgan. During the evening violin and piano duets were rendered by Masters Haydn and Brinley Lewis, of Belmont, who were received with rapturous applause. Great credit is due to the secretaries, Mr. E. 0: Williams and Mr. Ben Davies.

Aberaman, Hullo. Thomas, what is the meaning of 5 shillings in the £ off for cash ? It means if you buy a sewing machine, any make, and pay Bugler cash for Ü, you can get a £(3 machine for £ 4 IOs.- (Advt.) XMAS-TREE.—On Wednesday week a, Xmas-tree wa,s held at Bethany in aid of the Sunday School. The Rev. J. T. Ithys, the pastor, was in charge, and b. was assisted by Mr. T. J. Milsom, supt. of the school, Mesrs. Heiiry Evans, W. Vaufjhan and T'. Evans, Mrs. (Rev.) J. T. Rhys, Mi-is. George Edwards, Mrs. T. Smart, Mrs. T. Evans, Mrs. lies, Mrs. Milsom. We learn that the treasurer, Mrs. lies, has a substantial surplus in hand. BETHANY.-Oll Sunday the pastor, Rev. J. T. Rhys, gave a very appropriate and impressive sermon bearing upon the Nativity. Mr. Rhys endeavoured to picture a Christless: world. What if the Saviour had not been born? Our many humanitarian institutions, snch as work- houses, hospitals, orphanages,etc., would not have been in existence. Child-life would have been neglected, woman would have lost her status and man de- prived of his best sentiments.

Abercynon. OBITUARY.—The mortal remains of Mr. Thomas Evans, Northern Villa, who, died in the Colliery, were laid to rest at Pant Cemetery, Merthyr, on Thnrsday last. Much sympathy is felt for the family in their bereavement, FUNERAL.—The interment of Mr. Charles Dowey, Ynysdwr, took place on Wednesday last, at St. Cynon's Church- yard. The Rev. D. Ellis Jones, Aber- cynon, and the Rev. D. Roberts Davies, S. Cynon's, officiated. SOCIAL EVENING-.JOn Wednesday week, a social evening was spent at the Abertaff mixed schools, by the students of the Evening Continuation and Techni- cal Classes. The tables which were beautifully and tastefully decorated, were covered with choice edibles. The ladies who presided were Miss Sarah Edwards, Miss Eva Blomeley, Miss Rebecca Edwards. Tea over, the party retired to another part of the school for a concert got up by the students. The chair was taken by Mr. David Evans, schoolmaster, Abertaff, who remarked upon, the regular- ity of attendance by all the students. He hoped, that :both students and teacher would benefit by the session's work. Miss Eva Blomeley, gave a pianoforte solo; song, Miss Lily Jones, who rendered Alone on the Raft," in ex- cellent style; recitations were given by Messrs. Willie Evans, R. T. Evans, Herbert Blomeley, Wm. Gwilym, and Thomas Ferguson a solo was given by Ivor Jones. Miss Eva Blomeley ably accompanied the singers. During the evening various games were indulged in by the students, and a most enjoyable evening was spent. The catering was ably done by Miss Sarah Edwards.

Gwmaman. Drink "Sarso" the great blood purifier. WEDDING.—A pretty wedding took place on Monday morning at Bethania Chapel, Aberdare. The contracting parties were Miss Annie James, and Mr. Thomas Hughes, both of Fforchaman. road. The nuptial knot was tied by the Rev. W. D. Morris, of Cwmaman, the bride and bridegroom being useful mem- bers of his church. Mr. W. D. Lloyd, nephew of the bride, and Mrs. Magretta Janes, acted as best man and bridesmaid respectively, The happy couple were the recipients of a number of useful presents.

Llwydcoed. SOAR.—At Soar Baptist Chapel a com- petitive meeting was held on Christmas night.. Mr. W. Evans presided. Adju- dicators Mus'c, Mr. W. J. Rowlands. Recitation, Mr. D. J. Edwards. Awards: Alto solo, Miss Maggie Morris and Miss Rachel Mary Evans equal. Answering questions on the Life of Christ, Miss M. A. Rowlands. Recitations, Miss Evans and Miss R. M. Evans. Alto solo, Misses M. A. Rowlands and R. M. Evans equal. Bass solo, Mr. D. Edwards. Tenor solo, Mr. James Evans. Soprano solo, Miss Mary L. Evans. Speech on Christmas, Mr. D. Edwards. Reading, Misses Anne James and Mary Morgan. Gramophone selections, Mr. John Hopkins. Recita- tion by Mr. Wm. Wiliams.

Mountain Ash. Never trouble trouble till trouble troubles you." T. Davies, the Mountain Ash tailor, will consider it no trouble to ma.ke you a. good fitting suit for 35s.— Address, Commercial-street. OBITUARY.—Violet, the three year old daughter of Mr. Arthur Collier, butcher, passed away on Thursday night, after a lingering illness of some months' duration. THE THEATRE.—" In sight of St. Paul's," a drama written by Sutton Vane, is staged with great success at the Public Institute this week. The Company is headed by Mr. Arthur Carlton, late of Tonypandy, who has madea name for himself in the histrionic world. The house was packed on Monday and Tues- day evenings. The play will be repeated this (Thursday) evening, and also Friday and Saturday nights. DANC.E.-Th annual Lawn Tennis Club dance was held at the Workmen's Institute, on Tharsday, December 20fch. The large hall was tastefully decorated by Mr. T, Netherway, draper. Dancing commenced at 8.30 p.m., and was kept up to the strains of the beautiful music discoursed by Mr. E. Hardiman's ex- cellent band until 3 a m. Mr. G. Leighton acted as M.C., while the secretarial duties were conjointly and efficiently carried out by Messrs. A. T. Morris, Metropolitan Bank, and D. W. John, schoolmaster. The catering was in the hands of Mr. Peters, Oxford- street. who gave every satisfaction. Messrs. G. A. Evans, J.P., O. Williams, and Claud Lewis, acted as stewards. The function was a complete success. SOIREE.—A soiree in connection with the Ffrwd Mutual Improvement Society, was held on Thursday. The vestry was nicely decorated with appro- priate mottoes. Nearly 100 sat down at the tables. Grace was said by the Pastor, after which very ample justice was done to the choice things provided. The following ladies presided at the tables :—Mrs. Breeze, Mrs. and Misses Edv/ards, Llety Ivor; Misses A. E. Jones, and M. E. Davies. Emporium, Bronwen Coleman, Jessie Price, Miriam and Annetta John, Cliff Cottage, Gwledys Thomas, Polly Richards, Lizzie Roberts, Mrs. E. James, Miss Griffiths, Allen- street, Miss Edith Phillips, Misses Jar- man, and Miss Asbford. After clearing the tables the following programme was gone through :—Address by the Chair- man, the Rev. F. Morgan, who referred briefly to the flourishing state of the Society, which would compare favourably with any similar society in the Valley; song, Three Old Maids of Lea," Miss Coleman recitation, A Word to husbands," Miss E. Phillips, penillion singing, by Mr. D. J. Griffiths; recitation, Compensation," Mr. Evan James song, Mr. Tom Ashford duett, Merry Elves," the Misses Jarman recitation, Boddi yn ymyl y lan," Mr. Protheroe recitation, "Dr. Balus," Mr. David Williams; recitation, Wreck of the Hesperus," Mr. W. A. Jenkins poetical effusions were contributed by Mrs. Edwards, Talefydd, Dewi Dudoch, and Dewi Penar, Rather a humorous letter of apology for his absence was received from Mr. D. W. John (the successful candidate at the recent Mock election), intimating that he was fulfilling a political engagement in the North of England. The proceedings elosed with the singing of the National Anthem, led by Mr. John Ashford.

Penrhiwceiber. Don't wear .a worried look,but wear one of T. Davies' suits. Cost only 35s, aad the only address is Commercial-street, Mountain Ash.

Trecynon. If you want a very particular present for an extra special friend go to Emrys Evans' Grand Bazaar now open at 10, Victoria Square, Aberdare. Kop's Iskey Stout stands alone aa the seat Temperance stimulant. Try it 88 an aid to digestion. Sole agent, H. MeLaren, Trecynon. BRYN SION.—On Christmas night a competitive meeting was held at Bryn Sion C.M. Chapel. Mr. E. Parker pre- sided. Adjudicpttors :-Music, Messrs. Thos. H. Harris and L. Williams. Re- citations, Mr. David Jenkins and Mr. Arthur David Hughes. Writing, Messrs. J. Thomas and W. Williams. The awards were: Solo for girls under 10, Miss Harriet Evans; solo, for boys, Mr. Donald John; solo for girls, Miss Mar- tha Evans and Miss Maggie Wilkins equal. Ear exercise in music, Mr.Donald John. Soprano solo, Miss Martha Par- ker. Tenor solo, Messrs. John Thomas and Thomas Parker equal. Bass solo, Messrs.Wm.Parry and Fred Forey equal. Duet, Mr. John Thomas' party and Mr. Fred Forey's party equal. Solo for per- sona over 40, Messrs. John Humphreys and Rees Morgan equal. Best story, Meg. srs. Evan Evans and John. Humphreys equal. Reading at first sight, (1) Mr. Morris, (2), Mr. Morgan Rowlands. Dia- logue, Mr. Silas Jenkins and friend, and Mr. Wm. Williams and friend equal. Recitation (under 15), Trevor Williams. Recitation, Miss Martha, Evans. Sight reading, Mr. W. D. Rees. Quartet, Mr. J. Thomas and party.

Ynysboeth. PERSONAL.—At the Advent Ordina- tion at Llandaff, on Friday (St. Thomas's Day), the Rev. John Fotherley Dale Chapman, curate of All Saint's Church, Ynysboeth, was ordained as priest by the Lord Bishop of L1andaff. COMPETITIVE MEETING.—On Mon- day evening the Welsh Baptist Church held a very interesting and successful competitive meeting. The awards were: Singing, Telyn Seion," Miss Annie Daniels and friend. Miss Rachel Bowen and friend and Miss Joanna Pritchard and friend were also rewarded. Letter from & child to parents, Mr. David Clement BOWll. Dictation for children, Miss Daniel. Singing any solo, Mrs. Harris. A duet was given by Mr. Edwin Davies and friend, and another by Miss Rackel Bowecn and Mr. Euros Hefin Bowen. Song, Miss Maggie A. Jenkins. Recitations, Mr. W. Harris and Miss Maggie Harris. Song, Miss Gwladys Harris. Impromptu speech, Miss Gwladys Harris. Impromptu speech, Mr. Daniel Ladd. Mr. Rees Thomas, Penrhiwoeiber, gave several excellent gra-maphone selections, which were highly appreciated. Mr. Hugh Thomas presided in a very able manner. Mr. Rosser Rosser was the adjudicator. Several brethren gave entertaining and odifyiag addresses.

Manion. Ar h;) n 0 bryd y mae Mr Christopher Bowen, Penrhiwceiber, ar wely cystudd, wedi cael ei glwyfo yn y gwaith. Y mas Mr Bowen yn frawd i'r diweddar fardd- dduwinydd diail, Ben Bowen, a Myfyr Hefin, yntau hefyd yn fardd a phregeth- wr nid anenwog. Ymddengys fel pe byddai yr eistedd- fod wedi 3ael adfywiad yn ardal Cynon. Cafwyd eisteddfod lewyrchus yn Soar, Aberdar, y Nadolig, ac eisteddfod lwydd- ianus arall yn Aberpennar y dydd can- lynol, heblaw lliaws o fan gyrdd&u. Y mae eisteddfod arall i fod yn Aberdar adeg y Calan. Y mae eglwys y Gadlys yn ceisio gan y Parch Myles Griffiths i dynu ei ymddi- swyddiad yn ol. ac aros yn y Gadlys ya hytrach na myned i Lerpwl. Wele englyn gyfansoddwyd gan y diweddar Garw Coch pan oedd ef ac am- ryw gyd-feirdd yn croesi afon Taf ar eu ffordd i eisteddfod Gwaelodygarth. Yr oedd y llif yn uehel ar y pryd. Cawr Dar a'r Carw druan,-a Gweirydd, A'r gwirddawn Ap loan, Hen If or, gyfor ei gân, Yn galw am y geulan.. Y pum wyr y cyfeirir attynt yn yr englyn oeddynt W. Lewis (Cawr Dar), W. Williams (Carw Cocb), Gweirydd ap Rhys, W. Jones (Gwilym ap loan) a John Thomas (Ifor Cwmgwys).

Barddoniaeth. ER COF—BIL ADDYSG. Bu farw Bil druan, Machludodd ei huan. Arglwyddi cas, creulon Ac anfad esgobion A wnaethant ei frad Er gwaethaf llais gwlad. Mae Blrrell mewn galar Am febyn mor hawddgar, Pet anwyl ei dad, Y tlysaf drwy'r wlad. Yn gas ca'dd ei drin, Ca'dd dywydd lied flin Ar hyd ei fer oes, Ond estyn ei goes A wnaeth yn y diwedd, Cyn cyrhaedd yr orsedd. Mae Lloyd George yn brudd, A deigr ar ei rudd, Mae Bili ei ffrynd Am byth wedi myn'd I 'Roedd llawer offeiriad Yn dost iawn ei deimlad Am ddarfod i Bili Erioed gael ei eni, Bygythisnt y tad A phob math o frad, Pob esgob a phab Erlidient y mab; Ni welodd dangnefedd Nes deuodd y liwedd, Yn awr yn y bedd Mor felus ei hedd Anfarwol Fil Addysg, Ca'dd yrfa lawn terfysg, O'i febyd i'w fedd Ni phrofodd fawr hedd. Yn Nhy y Cyffredin Fe'i clwyfwyd, ac wed'yn F.'i taflwyd ef allan 0 synagog S-. O'i gawall i'w arch Ni chafodd fawr barch, 'Roedd melldith pob Tori Ar goryn bach Bili, Ae nid oedd Eglwyswr Ro'i iddo ddim swccwr: Ni chafodd dad bedydd Yn nodded i'w grefydd. Ei ludw a ddodwyd Mewn tir na chysegrwyd, Ca huno yn dawel Heb obaith gwir ddiogel Am well adgyfodiad, Heb unrbyw offeiriad 1 sibrwd cysuron Uwchben ei weddillion, Mae'r clychau yn canu, A'r cle^hydd yn gwenu, Ac nid (;s drist nodyn Mewn sain nac mewn emyn. 0 greulon Irglwyddi, Lladdasoch cin Bili; Ei waed wrth,eieh dorau A erys am oesau, Dialedd sy'n gwaeddi, I lawr a'r Arglwyddi." COSMOS.

THE WORLD OF WOMEN. MADAME PATTI'S NEXT VENTURE. Refreshed by the enthusiastic reception of De- cember 1st, and her very cheery visit to Paris, Madame Patti is back in London again full of youth and good spirits. There is talk, says Woman, of her appearing in The Barber of Seville" with her old friend M. Jean de Reszke, whom she met in Paris. The performance, if it takes place, is likely to be private. Most likely it will take 1 place at the admirably-arranged theatre which forms so notable a feature of Jean de Reszke's Parisian home.

THE CRAZE FOR "HEAD PARTIES. One of the special features of the season will be "head" parties, started some time ago by Lady Alingham. who has been so often hostess co the King. The idea of these parties is to make the hair or head-dress as quaint as pos- sible. Beauty is scarcely considered, the great idea, being to arrive at something novel, striking, or picturesque. Ordinary evening dress is worn. The_ fashionable hair-dressers have engaged special artists to carry out novel designs, many y of which are grotesque in the extreme-an as- pect which is especially desirable. It is expected during the Christmas holidays these head parties will take the place of fancy dress balls.

HO USE BLOU SES. The reign of the lace slip is by no means over, but without doubt net is the popular idol this winter, says a writer in the Queer. For house wear, with possibly a skirt of some bright colour- ing a closely spotted pkllace coloured net blouse looks well trimmed with pipings and rouleaux of satm to match (or in a slightly paler shada than) the accompanying jupe. Net worked in coloured silks in a bold cross-stitch design is a new idea, and all sorts of pretty fancies in darn- ing can be achieved, especially when several nets are used, coarse and fine. I saw latelv a quaint model decorated with tucks run with narrow ribbon inside, and blanket-stitched at. the edge, the fat lined tuck looking quite like the hem of .a. blanket in stoutness, though prettily transparent in reality. Very pale yellow net makes a pretty ciiange irorn the eternal ecru and string colour.

THE PRINCESS ROYAL. December certainly seems an unfortunate month for our Royal Family, and undoubtedly some of the public were alarmed on learning that the Princess Royal has been compelled to undergo a second operation. The fact,'however, that the Queen was not in London at the time it took place indicated the slightness of its nature, and these who are in a position to know the truth declare that her Royal Highness is really better than she has been for twelve months past. The eldest of our Sovereign's daughters has been content, says the Sketch, with a much quieter and much less brilliant ex- istence than that which has fallen to the lot of /ler youngest sister, and Princess Louise of Wales is said to have shewn very early her at- tachment for the Scottish Peer with whom her happy married life has now la,sted nearly eighteen years, for even when only just in her teens the future Princess Royal betrayed a pre- ference which was to ripen into friendship and finally into love.

A CHAMPION LADY FENCER. Miss Toupee Lowther ha.s so many accomplish- j ments that it is difficult to separate one from the other, says the Bystander. As all the world knows, she is one of the most brilliant lady- fencers in Europe. Coming from a stock of vigorous patriots who have fought their coun- try's battles at the point of the sword, she wa.s early trained in the use of the rapier and the sword-stick, and, possessed of a lithe and hardy frame, it is small wonder that, at the age of eight she could engage in a fencing-bout with her elders with all the confidence of an expert. Fencing is not an art for namby-pamby girls, or, indeed, for any girl who does not command more than the average amount of spirit and pluck, and Miss Lowther is, above all, a woman of in- domitable nerve. At many a public assanlt-at- arms in Antwerp, Ghent, Brussels, and Paris, great crowds of foreign enthusiasts have gath- ered round the" stadium" to witness her skill and endurance, and, both against the leading amateurs and the foremost professionals, she has always managed to hold her own unflinchingly.

MRS. L. T. MEADE. Mrs. L. T. Meade has two very distinct gifts -that, of writing exceedingly clever detective stories, and that of creating youthful characters in which modern girls delight. This industrious lady is Irish; she began writing, says P.T.O., when quite a child, and the story goes that one day she was found in convulsions of tears, and in answer to the query, What is the matterj replied, "I am crying about Herbert." "Who is Herbert, and where did you meet him? asked the little girl's mother. I have never met him," replied the child mournfully; "Her- bert is a little boy I am making up." Her first book, a novel, was published when she was seventeen. It. may be doubted if there is any living writer who has so large an output as the lady whose real name is Mrs. Toulmin Smith, though all her work is published under that of "Mrs. L. T. Meade." She was one of the first writers of fiction who discovered the practical uses of shorthand and typewriting, and it is said that when working at top speed she has been known to dictate as much as 8,000 words in one day.

YELLOW PETTICOATS. The fancy for yellow has spread to the realm of petticoats, and a number of the more elabo- rate of the new underskirts are carried out in tones of orange, amber, and the beautiful colour known as golden plum." Many of these petti- coats are designed in rich brocade of the most solid quality, the ground work being of ivory, while the satin flower with which it is patterned is designed in a tone of amber or primrose. Tinted Alongon lace, the pattern of which is outlined with the narrowest gathered satin rib-' bon, in a shade of yellow to match the flower pattern, forms the trimming, a newer adorn- ment being provided by festooned frills of the brocade edged with three or four narrow ruches "e of tinted Valenciennes lace. Leaf patterns are likewise high in favour for the decoration of the dainty petticoats in pale shades of taffetas or glace, leaf motifs of lace being frequently inlet in the flounces, while in many cases the frills are cut into vine-leaf designs, buttonholed all round. A very pretty fancy is to supplement the white satin petticoat with a deep frill of point d esprit net, scalloped in leaf form, and edged with th» narrowest of green velvet.

Latae Jimmy. you are a col- lege professor, aren't you?" Uncle George: Yes, Jimmy." Little Jimmy: You teach the dead languages, don't you?" Uncle George: Yes." Little Jimmy: Are your pupils going to be undertakers when they grow up? She (just kissed): "How dare you, He: "I hope you will pardon me. I didn t think—" She: "Think! Of course you didn t think. But your inability to think is no excuse for your conduct. I suppose you mean to tell me that if you had stopped to think you would not have wanted to kiss me." Mrs. Suburbs: "Do you still receive that dreadful Mrs. Cornealwus at your At Homes. Mrs. Tiptop: "Impossible to get her to take a hint. Do you know, when she called I never offered her a chair." Mrs. Suburbs: And what was the result?" Mrs. Tiptop: Result? Why, the next time she came she brought a folding camp-stool with her."

THE WORLD'S BAZAAR, 58, Cardiff Street, ABERDARE. NOW ON VIEW, THE STUPENDOUS VARIETY OF XMAS TOYS, DOLLS, GAMES, and USEFUL PRESENTS, S BE N all 2 at DON'T FAIL TO PAY A VISiT.

Penrhiwceiber Stabbing Affray. MAN SERIOUSLY WOUNDED. A serious stabbing affair took pla(e late on Christmas night, at the residence of James Young, 8. Pentwyn-avenue, Matthewstown, Penrhiwceiber. The family were celebrating Christmas Day and in the company were a lodger, named John Davies and George Teague of 14 Homerton-street, Matthewstown. From some unexplained cause a quarrel arose between Teague and Davies, when the latter (Davies), it is alleged suddenly drew a clasp knife and making a lunge at Teague stabbed him in the groin, inflicting a terrible gash. Medical aid was at once summoned and Dr Jamison (assistant to Alderman Dr. R. W. Jones), who is located at Ynys- boeth, immediately attended to the unfortunate man's injuries. It was found that Teague had sus- tained a wound which required ten stit- ches. He lost a large quantity of blood, and had it not been for two local ambu- lance men, Messrs Matthews and Jen- kins, who were residing close by, who did their utmost to stop the flow of blood until the doctor arrived, Teague, no doubt, would have died. He still lies in a very weak condition. Davies is about 55 years of age, and is said to be a very heavy drinker. He was arrested at the Lee Hotel, at Pen- rhiwceiber, by P. C. David Charles.

Cwmbach Meeting. An Eisteddfod was held at Bryn Sion on Wednesday, December 19th, under the auspices of the Byddin Gobaith Lodge, 1. 0. G. T. The chairman was Mr Meth Davies. Adjudicators Music, Messrs T. Evans and J. Lloyd. Recitations, Rev D. M. Davies. Drawing, Mr M. John. Acc- ompanists, Miss S. A. Lewis and Mr G. James. Awards :—Duet Messrs T. E. Williams and D. Lloyd. Soprano solo, Mrs Jen- kins. Tenor solo, Messrs D. Evans and T. E. Williams equal. Bass solo, Mr Phillip John Davies. Alto solo for chil- dren under 15, Master David Jones. Open solo, Messrs John Richards and David Lloyd. Soprano solo, Miss May Roberts. Flute solo (confined to members of the •Cwmbach Drum and Fife Band), Mr D. Walters.

TO READERS AND CORRES- PONDENTS. A large number of reports have been held over until ne ek.

Abercynon Nctes. (By Basinian.) A correspondent sends me the follow- ing: It may be of interest to the inhabitants of Abercynon and District to learn that the Rev. M. H. Jones, B.A., formerly Calvinistic Methodist minister at Abercynon, and latterly of Water- street Chapel, Carmarthen, had the honour conferred upon him of being the representative for the Calvinistic Metho- dist Body in giving evidence before the Welsh Church Commission in London recently. Some time ago the rev. gentle- man took to himself a wife, who was the niece of the late Rector of Caerphilly (Rev. D. Lewis), who is reported to have died a fabulously wealthy man, leaving his property to the rev. gentleman's wife and her brother. Why then should he worry, seeing that lie has gained a lot from the Chui-oh P 1, It seems very strange that a com. mittee should give a gentleman who holds a prominent position in a certain fund, a handsome sum of money to get rid of him, because he had caused sa much trouble sometime ago. Why should that committee take guch steps when quite recently they proposed that the same gentleman should retain his posi- tion for another year in consequence of the uproar caused by him ?

THE CRAZE FOR. SLENDER FIGURES. When, asks a Globe writer, will women 10ft that to eat and drink moderately, take plenty of exercise, and every possible bit of fresh air thell can get, is the way to do their very best by their faces and figures? There is a perfect craze foe slender figures just now, induced, of course, largely by the incoming of the Princess Empire H gown. Almost every woman one knows is doing H something, dieting, being massaged, avoiding I drink of all kinds, and worrying herself over bee H weight, which positively declines to get lesa. B These are the days of the figure, the face takes H a secondary place; because it is on the figure H that our sex depends for style, and we are wor- ■ shippers of style in these days. British ladies ■ have their figures on their minds badly enough, W but with Americans it is an obsession Dining M [ a smart restaurant thl) other night we notioed I that several women sent away course after coui891 untouched, and dined, apparently, on.filet of bflwj unaccompanied. The waiters shewed much con-1 cern, the head waiter looked down-hearte<L thaf men of the party conscientiously covered thej Bhortcomings of the ladies, and watched UB with favour consuming" the good things the chefs had provided. The others were dieting, and one was hilarious because in three months she had gol rid of ei* pounds in weight, another was de- pressed beeasse her abstinence was having no effect, and a third was better in health apd bigger in person. They were really all ratnfec funny, they weighed themselves twice • day, and kept a register like a tempdOr ture chart, and in their treatment studied what really was the best thing for the a. they were non« of them sylph-like though each had quite nice forme. One was working like fl coolie at goU, a game which she frankly detosteda another was skating in constant terror of b ing her bones, all to try to dissolve their tod too solid flesh, yet it stuck to them closer thai brother. ? t