The Aberdare Leader

BRITtJNIC ASSURANCE COMPANY, LIMITED. (Formerly called British Workman's and General). ESTABLISHED 1866. CHIEF OFFICES :—BROAD STREET CORNER, BIRMINGHAM. Extracts fronj the Directors' Report for the year ending Dec. 31, 1906. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, YOUR Directors have again to announce the conclusion of a successful year's work. The ACCUMULATED FUNDS have reached the substantial figure of 41,776,755, being a net INCREASE for the year of £ 211,949. The PREMIUM INCOME amounted to £ 1,047,330, showing an. INCREASE -Of X64,229 The TOTAL INCOME amounted to Y,1,121,415, being an INCREASE of 473,498. As a result of the Annual Valuation made by Mr. T- G. Ackland, F.I.A., the Consulting Actuary, after applying the sum of i92,000 in further strengthening the bases of the Valuation in both Branches, the net surplus of £ 39,694 is dis- closed, and, acting on his advice, the Directors are enabled to declare the sum of ^26.200 divisible amongst the participating Policy-holders and Shareholders. This will enable the Directors to allot a Reversionary Bonus of 30s. per cent. for the year to all Policy-holders participating in the Immediate Profit class, ,alad includes adequate provision for Policy-holders in the Accumulated Profit classes. CLAIMS. The Total paid during the year amounted to Q492,096, including tll7,899 faid under Maturing Endowment and Endowment Assurance Policies. The TOTAL AMOUNT paid by the Company to its Assurants up to 31st December, 1906, was £ 5,276,800. NEW BUSINESS. The TOTAL NUMBER of NEW POLICIES issued was 515,821, at a Yearly Premium of £ 349,724. FREDK. T. JEFFERSON, Chairman. S. J. PORT, Secretary. Gentlemen able to influence good business will find the Company's Agency Aerms very remunerative. Apply- Local District Offices: ABERDARE—8, Canon Street: J. P. DAVIES, Superintendent. MERTHYR—67, High Street: A. W. EVANS, Superintendent. Inspector for South Wales and Monmouthshire T. M. MORRIS, 12, Green Street, NEATH.

Aberdare Bankruptcy Court. MONDAY.—Before Mr. Rees Williams (Registrar), and Mr Ellis Owen (Official Receiver). IE J. D. MORGAN, MOUNTAIN ASH. John D., Morgan. accountant and auc- tioneer, Mountain Ash, came up for his adjourned examination. He was repre- sented by Mr. W. R. Morgan, Aberdare. Messrs. Hopkin and Prosser, creditors, were represented by Mr. T. W. Griffith", Aberdare, Debtor repeated that there was a sum of < £ 222 which he had received but could Rot account for. He had collected rents for Messrs. Hopkin and Prosser, for Messrs. Samuel Bros., and also for Mr. T. Morris, Duffryn Hotel. He had acted -as trustee in the matter of W. J: Bevan, grocer, Abercynon. The net amount realised in Be van's sale was .£80 2s. Id. Ee had set apart -2104 a year for house- hold expenses. That was an estimate. He could not state exactly what would be the correct amount. In reply to the Official Receiver lie denied having been "extravagant in any way. He once bought the lease of a shop in O!xford-street with the view of selling it by auction and make some profit. However, he was Pressed for money in November, 1906, -and he sold it privately. He owned three houses in Trecynon. They were lease- hold property, and the deeds were now held by Mr. Gwilym Jones, Mountain Ash. The Official Receiver remarked that |he case had been adjourned from time to kittle, and it was a most unsatisfactory state of affairs. He could not say that Mr. Morgan had failed to disclose any- thing, otherwise he (Mr. Owen) would ap- ply for an adjournment sine die. But debtor had been very dilatory, which had caused the court a good deal of annoy- .a)ace. Mr. T. W. Griffiths asked debtor whether he had not delayed sending in an account of Messrs. Hopkin and Prosser's rents received. This. debtoi admitted. Mr. Griffiths: You said you had only = £ 47 in hand, when you had iilCS.—I •claimad < £ 100 for my services. In your first examination you said that You had expectations from the Aber- Hantygroes Estate P—Yes. What is the position to-day P—I shall not realise my expectations. It has been decided that the estate is a personal on". When did you become aware of your IllsoIN-elicyP-li-i the beginning of 1906. Is it absolutely true you kept no books ? —Yes. Could you not make a better account to Messrs. Hopkin and Prosser P—No. You hsve collected money and misap- propriated them, and put them to a lot of expense, and then you file your peti- tion?—I filed my petition because of exe- cutions. Have Messrs. Hopkin and Prosser been to see you during the last 2 or 3 years ? —Yes. And did you positively refuse to render ail account of their rents? Debtor: You are asking questions to And did you positively refuse to render all account of their rents? Debtor: You are asking questions to cast a reflection on my character. Registrar: Answer the questions. Mr. Griffiths: I am doing my duty for heavy creditors. Mr. Griffiths then went on to read a letter written by debtor's clerk, stating that Mr. Morgan could not possibly meet Mr. Hopkin as previously arranged. Debtor was asked if he had persistently ^voided meeting Messrs. Hopkins and Prosser, and whether they had not been very indulgent. Debtor admitted. Mr Griffiths: And have you not bluffed He on several occasions?—No. In July last vou sent an account show- ing a balance of t47 odd, when, as a Matter of fact, you had a couple of hun- dred pounds?—! did not have hundreds. I collected £ 600 odd altogether. Did you place these moneys into Messrs Hopkins and Prosser's banking account? No. You had control of their pass-book ■No, never. Did you not receive £ 55, the price of an engine, to place in Messrs. Hopkins and Prosser's account?- Yes. And you charged commission for sim- ply handing it in the Bank, and also 'charged commission on rents collected but not handed over?—I paid over < £ 500. Mr. Griffiths: But they gave you credit for all that. Referring to a statement made by deb- tor that he had brought certain accounts froni chaos to order, Mr. Griffiths re- marked that they were far from being in order now. He could make nothing -out of them. B Ltt, of course, we are not Accountants," added Mr. Griffiths. Debtor: Possibly you are not. Mr. Griffiths: You. kept < £ 200 in hand because vou should not wind up the affairs of Messrs. Hopkins and Prosser? "—= £ 100 was due to me. Mr. Griffiths: But why keep < £ 200?— Prosser's stubbornness. Mr. Griffiths: Not because you wanted to make use of the money?—It has been :spent. Mr. Griffiths: Living in expectations <ind spending Prosser's money. You paid fr, T. Morris, Duffryn Hotel, within a few days of filing your petition. X paid him monthly. It was from him that you expected a oig valuation 2- Yes. Didn't you prefer Mr. Morris to your other creditors?—No.. After further questions by the Official Receiver, the examination was again ad- journed on the application of Mr. Bevan, -Abercynon.

ABERDARE! BUILDERS' BIG DEFICIENCY. CLERK OF WORKS BLAMED. Wm. Frederick and Llewelyn Price, builders, Aberdare, were next examined. Mr. W. T. Morgan, accountant, who has been appointed trustee, was present, and Mr. T. W. Griffiths, on behalf of the Gadlys Uchaf Building Club. W. F. Price said their liabilities amounted to < £ 9,950 lis. lid.; estimated to rank for dividend, < £ 6,250; total assets, £ 596; deficiency, £ 5,654. Asked if these figures were correct, debtor said he did not understand the deficiency was so large. He thought the trade liabilities were £ 3,500. The Official Receiver remarked that Messrs. Clarke and Dovey had entered the Bank liability twice. The gross liability to the Bank was < £ 2,500. His father and a Mr. Arthur T. Morgan went security. lie valued the plant and machinery at £ 200. He was 29 years of age. They started business 6 years ago. They first built two villas at Rhws, near Barry. They lost on that. In a contract which they undertook at Bargoed they cleared over £ 500. Simultaneously they were erecting a chapel at Penrhiwceiber, and lost £ 200 on the contract, owing chiefly to a long delay in obtaining Forest stone. There was < £ 30 still due to them on that contract. The architect had certified payment due, but the chapel authorities had asked them to wait a while, because they had no money in hand. Out of five large contracts undertaken, they had lost on four. In two cases it was due to bad estimating. They had relied on Cardiff prices, where- as they should have added extra for in- creased cost of material. They obtained the contract to erect 61 houses for the Gadlys Uchaf Building Club. Their tender was not the lowest, but those who were below them withdrew. He read the terms drawn up by the Club, and did not quarrel with the conditions except the mode of payment. The Club had placed a Clerk of the Works in full con- trol. His name was S. T. Charles. Prev- ious to that appointment he was a work- ing mason. This person had hindered and annoyed them in every possible way. In several instances work, which was supposed to be passed, was not certified, and the Clerk of Works ordered the re- erection of certain portions of the build- ing. On another occasion he prevented them from using ashes close by for con- crete, with the result that they were compelled to go to Ynys ash-pit, 2 or 3 miles farther away. Official Receiver: Do you reckon that you lost by this treatment ? Yes, the lost is attributable to him. Official Receiver: Do you mean to say that the whole loss of £ 2,195 is attribut- able solely to Charles?—Yes, added to the conditions of contract. Why did you not avail yourself of the arbitration clause?—We preferred going on. If we did that everything would be at a stand-still. Did you, as a practical man, consider that the decisions arrived at by this gen- tleman were just?—No. Did you think his practical knowledge was sufficient to enable him to treat you in that manner?—No. We did the same thing in other places, and it was passed by architects. "Debtor went on to say that Messrs. Clarke and Dovey called a meeting at Cardiff with the view of arranging a deed of assignment, whereby he would pay 5s. in the £ He had not been pressed by anyone for money then, except that a, bill had been returned by Mr. J. H. Morris. Llewellyn Price, the other partner, confirmed his brother's evidence. He said that they now resided in Peny- darren-street, Aberdare. He was- 27 years of age. They Avere both married. Mr. T. W. Griffiths wanted to put some questions to debtors regarding allegations against Mr. Charles, Clerk of Works, but it was pointed out that the Building Club were not creditors. Mr. W. Thomas, solicitor, Aberdare, represented several creditors. The examination was adjourned till the 5th May. « NAKED TO THE WORLD." LIVE AND DIE IN HOPE. James West, fish and fruit dealer at Mountain Ash, was represented by Mr. Herbert George, Mountain Ash. His gross liabilities amounted to = £ 60 3s. 7d.; assets, < £ 11 1.4s Sd.; deficiency, £ 48 8s. I d. He had traded at Mountain Ash for 18 years, but he had suffered ill- health for a long period. He hawked fish about, but his earnings did not come to more than 25s. a week in the best of times. He also kept, a little shop in Caradog-street, and afterwards in Gwern Ivor-street. He kept no books of ae- counts except a small day-book. He was an invalid for many years, during which time his wife went out hawking. It was by means of the money she thus earned that furniture was bought, and he main- tained that the furniture was hers. Official Receiver: Has your wife any money IIOAV?—No,_ none whatever. We are entirely naked to the wide world. We had to sell a few things to get food for the children. Debtor went on to say that he tried to get an administration order, but the liabilities exceeded X50. Why did you go on trading, knowing you were insolvent ?—We all live in hope, sir. You lived in hopes a good many years, Mr. West?—Yes, and I hope to die the same, sir (Loud laughter.) Debtor said he had not been pressed by creditors, but he was in a state of con- stant fear that they would all come upon him at once. Official Receiver: So you were living in hope on the one side, and in fear on the other.—Yes. Official Receiver And fear carried the day?—Yes, sir. (Laughter.) The examination was closed. INNKEEPER'S FAILURE. SEQUEL TO REFORM CLUB SMASH. The next debtor examined was Wm. M. Thomas, late of the Beehive Inn, Hirwain. He was represented by JHr. W. Thomas, Aberdare. Debtor's gross liabilities were Y,217 Is. 4d.; expected to rank, £ 156 Os. 10d.; assets, < £ 59 Ss. 6d.; deficiency, £97 Is. 4d. In reply to questions, he said he had been a collier up to 7 years ago, when he took the Earl of Windsor Inn. When he went in he borrowed < £ 30 from the L. and P. Bank, and three years later, when he left, he had X-4,0 or £50, having made a profit of < £ 10. He then went to manage a Club at Aberdare, but this soon smashed to smithereens." He had placed money in the concern and lost it all, in addition to < £ 30 wages which were due to him. After residing in a private house for a time he took the Beehive Inn, Hirwain. He borrowed < £ 30, thus time from the Metropolitan Bank. He was at the Beehive, 15 months, but failed to make it pay. In fact, he lost eA*ery- thing. The out-going tenant had. told him that two barrels a week were drawn there, but he afterwards found they were 4t gallon casks. Official Receiver: So it would have been better had you remained a collier?—Yes. Debtor added that he once owned two houses, one of which had now been sold. He promised that the rents collected since February 4th, the date of the re- ceiving order, should be handed over to the Official Receiver. On the application of Mr. W. Thomas, the examination was closed.

The Rambling ClUb, Aberdare N.U.T. On Saturday, the 13th inst., the Ram- blers foregathered at the G.W.R. Station at 12 noon, and booked for Glyn-Neath Station. BlaengAvrach Church, in which are many interesting and old inscrip- tions, was visited. Several of the Ram- blers lingered long near the resting place of the late Mr. Morgan Smith, chemist, 1, Mill-street. Trecynon, who died March 22nd, 1895, in his 42nd year. "He lived in usefulness and honour, and died in peace and humble hope." Near the church is a fine mansion built by the Hon. W. H. Wyndham Quin, now the Earl of Dunraven. In a lonely spot about half a mile from the church is the Unitarian Chapel of Blaengwrach. It is a most unpretensious building, fast fall- ing into ruins. At one tinfe early in the 18th century this chapel, together with CAvmllynfell, Gellionen, and Mynvdd- bach, were branches of the Independent Church at Neath. Towards the end of the 18th century Blaengwrach and Gelli- onen became Unitarian, while the others remained flourishing Independent churches. The position of BlaengAvrach Chapel proves that in those days it Avas not safe for dissenting bodies to worship near the highway. Not far from the chapel is Glanrhwydre, a farm house at which the Rev. Lewis Rees, Llanbryn- mair, and Mynyddbach, was born in 1710 He died at Mynyddbaeh in 1800. He suffered much persecution for preaching the Gospel in various parts of North Wales. He had six children, the second of whom was the celebrated Dr. Abra- ham Rees, the Editor of Chambers' Ency- clopaedia—possibly the greatest work ever edited by one man. There are many places of interest in this district, for both the geologist and the antiquarian. Although at Glyn-neath the season is supposed to be three weeks in advance of Aberdare, the wild flowers collected were few. One of the Ramblers broke away from the party to visit Aher- pergwm Church, which is well worthy of another visit. On a stone in the wall of the church outside is the following in- scription Maen GorAveddfa Dafydd Nicolas, Bardd Telu Aberpergwm dros 50 mlynedd, a'r diweddaf 18 allai yng Nghymru. Bu athraw. i'r anwybodus, yn feddyg 1;1' claf. ac yn brydydd anianol tryddawn. Ganed 1693; bu'farw 1769." The next ramble will be to Eglwvsilan and Groeswen on May 11th (T.V.R. 12.40), and it it to be hoped that more will avail themselves of the opportunity of visiting those historical places of interest than the number that visited Blaengwrach, viz.: Misses Jenkins and Davies, Aber- aman Schools: Miss Widgery, Abernant School; Mr. James, Cwmaman School; Mr. Walker, Cwmbach School; Misses George and Walters, Higher Grade; Mrs. Jenkins, Mr. Griffiths and Miss I. Grif- fiths, Park; Miss Griffiths, RobertstoAvn School. After enjoying the hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. K. M. Phipps at the Lamb and Flag Hotel, GJyn-neath, the ram- blers, well pleased with their afternoon's enjoyment, left Glyn-neath Station at 6.11 p.m.

PRINTING of every description neatly and promptly executed at the "Leader Office, Market-street, Aberdare, at most I moderate prices.

The late Mr. John Williams UNVEILING A MEMORIAL WINDOW. On Sunday afternoon a large number of churchpeople and friends of the late Mr. John Williams, headmaster of the National Schools, assembled at St. Elvan's Church, the occasion being the dedication of a stained glass window to the memory of Mr. Williams. The de- votional service was conducted by the Vicar of Aberdare and the Rev. H. R. Johnson, M.A., warden of St. Michael's College. There was a procession of clergy and choristers to the veiled win- dow. The Vicar then unveiled the window, saying, In the faith of Jesus Christ, we unveil and do dedicate this Window to the Glory of God, and in ,memory of John Williams, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen." The unveiling disclosed very pretty pictures of the sower sowing the seed aud the reaper reaping the golden grain. Underneath the respective portraits are the phrases The sower soweth the seed" and Such as hear the Word and receive it." Also the text, So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom," Right at the bottom is the following inscription, To the glory of God and in memory of John Williams, who departed this life on July 23rd, 1906, headmaster for 45 years of the National Schools, and organist for 43 years of the Church of St, Elvan, Aberdare." The Vicar observed that the two great principles of truth and justice were set forth emblematically in the pictures, which depicted the sower and reaper. The late Mr. Williams had been diligently sowing the seed of education and the good seed had borne glorious fruit. Whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap." Prayers for the worshippers, for the family and for the donors were offered. The service throughout was most beautiful, appro- priate and impressive. Mr. Webb pre- sided at the organ. The window was subscribed for by a number of friends and admirers of the late Mr. Williams.

Interment of Mr. T. Thomas. The funeral of Mr. T. Thomas, Tyny- wern, took place on Tuesday, the iiiteriiient. being at Groeswen. The fun- eral cortege started from Bryngafel, Tre- cynon, at 11 o'clock, a short service having been first conducted by Rev. H. A. Davies, Cwmaman. In the cortege there was a large representation of min- isters, together with many of the leading public men in the district. The follow- ing were the mourners —First coach, Dr. T. W. Thomas, J.P., Caerphilly (son), Rev. and Mrs. J. Grawys Jones (son-in- law and daughter); Mr. W. Humphreys, Bryncelyn, Aberdare (brother-in-law). Second carriage, Rev. and Mrs. J. C. Lloyd, Ynysybwl; Mrs. James Jones, Trecynon; Rev. C. Tawelfryn Thomas, Groeswen. Third coach, Mr. Elias Mali- phant, Merthyr; Mrs. Lock, Cardiff; R. Maliphant, Merthyr; and W. Thomas, Cardiff.-The body was borne to and from the hearse at Aberdare by deacons of Ebenezer and Cana, Messrs. D. L. Ed- munds, W. Humphreys, Benj. Gwynne, J. Lewis (grocer), Edward I.ewis, John Teague, James Jones, Ebenezer Watts, W. E. Thomas, Morgan Davies, Evan Hopkins, Owen Williams, John John, John Richards, Joseph Williams; and- at Groeswen by the deacons of Groeswen and Nantgarw Church. At Groeswen the scrvice was conducted by the pastor, Rev. T. Tawelfryn Thomas. Rev. W. S. Davies, Lhvydcoed, offered prayer, and the Rev. Tawelfryn Thomas read resolu- tions of sympathy from the church at Sardis, Pontypridd, and Bryn Seion Cal- vinistic Methodist Church, Aberdare. Addresses were delivered by Rev. J. Wil- liams, Hafod; Mr. Josiah Thomas, of Liverpool; Rev. W. Edwards, of Brent- ford; Sir Alfred Thomas, M.P.; Dr. W. T. Edwards, J.P., of Cardiff; Mr. Tllo, Thomas, Adamstown, Cardiff; and Rev. D. Silvn Evans, Aberdare.—At the grave the Rev. T Tawelfryn Thomas pro- nounced the benediction, and the hymn, Bvdd Myrdd o Ryfeddodau," was im- pressively" sung by the vast concourse. The funeral arrangements were entrust- ed at Aberdare to Councillor D. Tyssul Davies, and at Caerphilly to Mr. W. Evans.

Aberaman. Hullo, Thomas, what is the meanipg of 5 shillings in the < £ off for cash? It means if you buy a sewing machine, any make, and pay Bugler cash for it, you can get a £ 6 machine for X4 10s.— (Advt.)

DON'T | TRIFLE WITH | IN DIGEST I. f ¡;, W It is dangerous in the highest 4f' f degree and there is nothing you I can less afford to neglect. This « k distressing complaint A^eak^ns your whole system, because it jL reduces the supply of nourishment » Sr and fills your blood witn iaipuri- ''i::j. f ties. Take MOTHER SEIGEL'S i SYRUP-now-and end the trouble I fk before it becomes dangerous. J BUT | CURE IT| I WITH | y "My tongue was coated in the i morning, and there was a bad i. taste in my mouth. My head ached, oh such a lot, and so 1j' A often; there were sharp stabbing jT pains in my side and little balls j of light used to (lance before my s l eyes. But MOTHUR SEIGEL'S ik. SYRUP completely cured me."— A Br From Mrs. FROBISHER, 22, Armitage v IT Street, Castlei'ord, Yorks. May 21st, 1306. I MOTHER f SEIGEL'S i I SYRUP | I THE CURE THAT ALWAYS CURES. L The 2/6 bottle contains three times as much as the 1/lfr size. tJ!.

I Aberdare and District Photographic Notes. BY aROLLO." A decided change in the weather has bean our experience after the very fine Easter, and the only consolation we have had has been the v very great chances afforded us of obtaining good cloud negatives. It is a source of wonder to me that not more time is devoted to this excellent branch of the photographic art. The beauties of ? fine cloud effect are not to be lightly passed over, and some very fine pictures can be made from them alone. It is an easy matter to obtain fine prints from cloud negatives. If they have been properly produced (thin, with a long range of gradation), a good gas- light paper, printed with a full exposure, and development carried into the fairly dark stage, will give us night effects that cannot be equalled. I consider gas-light paper the best for thin negatives, that is if the detail is well brought out, though in my own practice I use a lot of bromide paper one of the reasons being that most of my negatives are made Avith the intention of reproduction in carbon. So they are what we would call" a vigorous negative (?) Still it sometimes falls to my lot to make an exposure that tends to urder, so that the resulting negative is thin. Then to save intensifying I generally run out what prints I require on a good gas-light paper. A puzzling experience was the lot of a local worker the other day, and only after some thought was the solution ar- rived at. He had made some half-dozen exposures upon some portrait subjects in the open air, and had given them what he considered a full exposure but on developing the plates found that he could not obtain anything like the density that he is accustomed to, though he was fol- lowing his usual method of time develop- ment, but Avitn an increased factor. After considering the negatives I came to the conclusion that it was in the ex- posure that the fault lay. The whole of the plates had been exposed against the light, with a sky- shade over the lens and of course with such;a light the prints were somewhat flat, though there was any amount of detail, and it works out in this way. The camera was in bright sunlight facing the sitter standing in front of a thick leafy Box hedge, and thus in a deep shade. The lens had to be shaded from the glare during the time the shutter was open, but the operator forgot the golden rule, Expose for the shadows, and the rest will take care of themselves," hence in my opinion the plates were under- exposed, and will want intensifying. Now, as the negatives were full of de- tail, though very thin, still I was able to recommend a way of printing that resulted in a number of good prints, that is as good as the negatives could give with the particular paper used. That was to print them off on P.O.P., but to place all the frames in the shade, printing them rather darker than usual, and to use an acetate of soda toning bath. In the first place the paper took a longer time to print, but then it did not get too dark before the detail had time to print out. Try placing your frame in the shade and see the difference. In the second place an acetate of soda toning bath does not reduce the print so much as the sulphocyanide bath tends to do, and very fine tones can be obtained. It also works very rapidly unless we use the bath more diluted than the authors give it, a mode I always adopt, as I dis- like working with a quick acting solution. The acetate of soda bath that I gener- ally use is given in a little book by The Halifax Photographic Co., Halfax, en- titled "Art Photographic Encyclopedia," which is sent free to all applicants. It is somewhat similar to a bath that I used with albumen paper some years ago, and is as follows:—Sol. A, water 10 ozs., sodium acetate (crystal) 190 grs. Sol. B, water 10 ozs, ammonium sulpho- cyanide 95 grs. For use take sol. A. 5 ozs., sol. B 1 oz., and add slowly gold chloride in solution It grs., stirring all the while. The author says, This bath tones quickly and gives fine tones," a remark that I can fully endorse. Having a large number of plates to develop the other day, and being quite unable to devote enough time to develop them in the ordinary way, I made up a dilute rodinal developing bath, and placed them in my stand development tank. It holds nine plates, but if I pur- chase another I shall take care that it is made to hold 12. I made up the solution by taking 4 drams of rodinal and adding 40 ozs. of water. I then placed the plates in the tank, and then carefully poured in the developer, taking great care that no air bubbles were formed, and that the plates were fully covered. After about three hours in the tank, I took them out, gave them a rinse under the tap, and put them into the fixing bath. After washing I found nine nega- tives that were equal to any that I have produced in the old way. It is certainly an easy method of tackling a large number of small plates, though I should not like to do all my developing by this process. One who delights in his work, prefers to feel that he has the control under his thumb. So however handy it may be I do not think that ftand development will be likey to supersede the ordinary method so practised. The post has just delivered to me a package containing a neat price list, entitled Photographic Cameras and Accessories," sent by Mr. 1. E. Thomas, Medical Hall, Aberaman. A careful perusal reveals to me that it is of a very concise nature. It is nicely bound, and contains a specimen print on Wellington Bromide paper. It also contains a few pages devoted to useful hints which have only to be read to be appreciated, In fact the general get-up and the in.

f WHICH ARE THE ■UB CHEAPEST CYCLES? KM H H Mr. E. Campbell, Cycling Editor of die Morning Leader," points oat ■ ■ that whilst other makers charge from 10 per ceoL upwards for easy pay- m ■ ments," evea when they adrertise so extra charge," only 5 per cent is H ■ charged for HUMBER CYCLES; to that a Hasher at tbe cash price of, H H £ 10 10s. costs only f 11 by easy payments; aad those of other makers H m 'rom 11 to £ 12 12s. 0d. Other models correspondingly cheaper. B ■ The Humber Call and inspect the MM 77 r~> Tift latest number Models at H jj^B tLass-f ayment an7 &res> beiew, and M 9H lihe SC inquire into the Humber H ■ vj' X T^mfr^rTl V « Easy-Payment System, ■ B W M Humber Cycles, I ^a^tM Iv—I « send lor handsome ■ H fffl SH • /-> JS Illustrated Art Cats- MB is Genuine. fqu lafue & full particulars. Ul%"E s II ABERDARE.-PapKer Bros., II ra nj 36, Cariiff Street. 1

Scraps. By ".Scribe," Mr. David Evans, Hinvam, the newly- appointed J.P. on the Penderyn Bench, appeared before that Bench a short time ago in the role of passive register. Mr. Evans is now the oldest member of the Merthyr Board of Guardians, and may therefore be called the father of that assembly. He has been a member thereof for forty-three years. Until the last election the distinction belonged to another Hirwainite, Mr. W. Williams, J.P., who had served on the Board for forty-five years. At the last election Mr. Williams withdrew, and his vener- 'able figure will be sadly missed in the Merthyr Board room. Looking at the Rev. J. Griffiths, pastor of Calfaria, Aberdare, and the Rev. Pedr Hir, both seated on the rostrum of Calfaria chapel on Sunday week, one could not help observing a striking facial similarity between the two Baptist stalwarts. There was the same military mien. the same grey moustache and crop of silver hair and the same flash of Celtic genius under a pair of Cymric eyebrows. England has its "Black Country," and Wales has its "Black Spot." It is in Cardiganshire. Is it a mere coincidence that the black spot of Ceredigion is the stronghold of Welsh Unitarianisin ? In his evidence before the Welsh Church Commission, the Rev. W. James, B.A., a Unitarian minister, said that the name "Unitarian" was regarded as a re- proac-h, but the same witness stated that this "black spot" had cradled quite a number of literary Welshman. It is somewhat strange that Unitarian- ism flourishes in two Welsh counties only, and those not adjacent counties, namely, Cardigan and Glamorgan. It is also strange that AVII:> Hnitarian prin- ciples and doctrines re deluging the land Unitarian Churci-cs in Wales pros- per but kittle The reason for this ic that the flood of modern thought and ne>v theology does not run to Unitarian chan- nels, but fertilises the fields of ether de- nominations. Another competitor with Welsh coal. This time it is Borneo coal. It is "al- most equal to the Welsh product. Stigma is oftentimes a weapon that cuts both ways. The inhabitant's of Green Fach, Aberdare, are highly indig- nant because some ignorant people had the audacity, effrontery, bad taste, etc.. to compare their respectable neighbour- hood with such an ill-reputed disrespect- able locality as North View-terrace, Aberaman. They emphatically declare that the comparison is decidedly odious. The recruiting returns for the 41st Regimental District fer the three months ended March 31st, 1907, have just been made up. They shew that for the regular Army 513 recruits presented themselves, of Avhom 125 were anally ap- proved, and 429 presented themselves for the Militia, of which total 158 were fin- ally approved. During the correspond- ing quarter of last year 803 recruits pre- sented themselves for the regular Army, and of this total 174 were finally ap- proved, and 635 presented themselves for the Militia, of which total 217 were fin- ally approved. The falling off of the numbers applying for enlistment and finally approved is due to the fact that dui-iiiz the past. quarter trade has been good, and the district has been unusually free from strikes. So industrial peace tends to lessen the supply of the "muscle" of war, Avhatever may be said of its effects en the sinews of Avar, There is no need any longer to discuss the advisability of abolishing capital punishment. It has been already prac- tically abolished by maudlin public sen- timent overpowering the machinery of law and order. We are entering upon an age which will idolise the criminal and place the assassin on the pedestal of public admiration, while the preservers of peace will no longer be preserved, and the dispensers of justice will be dispensed with. It is high time that a Criminal Court of Appeal should be established in this country, sa that any new evidence which may have come to light after a sentence of death has been passed on a prisoner should be dispassionately and unbiassed- ly revieAved by competent judges. At present the fate of a prisoner is decided by the flew of public opinion, or by the quantity of the milk of human kindness which the Home Secretary may possess

Cwmbach. MUSICAL SUCCESS.—We are pleased to note the success of the young con- ductor, Mr. T. R. Evans (Tvllwyd), on his obtaining the diploma A.T.S.C. of the Tonic Solfa College, London. We learu that he is also going in for his L.T.S.C. —Also, Mr. D. Daniel Meredith and Mr E. John Griffiths, of Well-place, Cwm- bach, have obtained the Elementary Cer- tificate of the Tonic Solfa Both young men are pupils of Mr T. R. Evans, A.T.S.C. We wish them all further suc- cesses.

Cwmdare. LECTURE.—On Thursday a lecture was given at Gobaith C.M. Chapel, by the well-known traveller, poet, preacher, and lecturer Dyfed, his subject being "The Wonders of Egypt." Dyfed, in his in- imitable poetical and humorous style, gave a, very interesting and graphic. de- scription of some of the wonderful spec- tacles that attracted his attention while on his recent tour in the land of the Pharaohs. The lecture was most atten- tively listened to by a large audience. On the proposition of the Rev. H. T. Stephens, Carmel, seconded by ir, Ed- Avard Davies, a vote of thanks to the lec- turer was unanimously passed. On the proposition of Dyfed a similar compliment was paid to the chairman, the Rev. T. Powell, who presided in the unavoidable absence of Mr. D. R. Llewelyn. The pro- ceeds will be handed over to Mr. Thomas Ellis, a member of Gobaith, who has been ill for a long period.

Cwmaman. If in need of artificial teeth don't for- get to consult Messrs. Shipway aud Williams, Mountain Ash, who A-isit Cwir*aman every Tuesday from 2 to S p.m., opposite the Co-oper; live Stores.

NEW LAWS NEEDED. It (flight to be declared a felony for anyone at the theatre to tell his com- panion "AThat's coming next." A law should declare it pei-teetly pro- per for a clergyman to say something besides "Fudge" when he hits at a golf ball and ploughs up a ton of earth. It should be against the law for any group of Avomen to discuss the serA-ant problem more than one hour at a time without a change of sub j ect.—" London Opinion."

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formation it contains is distinctly high- class, and much above the ordinary run, Mr. Thomas will be very pleased to send anyone a copy on application, and I can bIso say that he is ever ready to assist with advice any worker who may be in a quandary, for he has had a lengthy experience in the photographic world. I am afraid the only conclusion I came to on reading it through was that there were several things mentioned and quoted that I cannot possibly do without So I am afraid my pocket money is mortgaged for some time to come. Hence my advice to all of my readers ;is to u send or call at Aberaman, and obtain a copy of the List. It is certainly worth the trouble. 1