The Aberdare Leader

Football Notes. By SPECTATOR. On Thursday last, Bristol City, whc recently had such a narrow escape from being relegated to the second division, paid a visit to Aberdare, With the ex- ception of Nash and Copestake, the City were represented by the full league team, which included the Great Wedlock." Aberdare had the assistance of L. R. Roose, the Sunderland and Welsh goal- keeper. Referee, Mr Morgan Morgan, Nelson, In the first half Bristol set up a fast pace, Parker, Griffiths and Shields being severely tested. The first-named player stuck close to Hilton, and re- peatedly prevented the City outside left from putting in his dangerous centreing kicks. It was some time before Roose was called upon to display his cleverness, but a shot from Staniforth proved too much for him and Bristol were one up. The combination of the Dare front men was excellent, and the opposing halves, who were evidently under the impression" that they were going to have an easy 90 minutes, had to stir themselves. Bowell and Yank Powell often had the better of Hanlin, only to be pulled up by Cottle, the visitors' brilliant left back. Clay in goal did not have much to do, but was called upon to stop one terriffic shot from Parr, the Aberdare centre forward. Smith and Holland on the left often had Nash in difficulties. Nothing further was scored before the interval. In the second portion the spectators were treated to some smart dribbling and ^passing, and it was apparent that the home team was pumped after their great display of the first half. Wedlock was as usual always on the move and wherever the ball was the old Aberdare skipper was to be found. A shot from Gilligan tested Roose severely, but he cleared. "Fatty" was trying his level^ best to get one in, but as in the old days the lower goal was not having any. Lewis and Goodwin were kept busy de- fending, and on more than one occasion had to kick behind in order to save. Nothing was added to the half time scpre and Bristol were victorious by one goal to nil, On Thursday evening at the Black Lion Hotel Fatty Wedlock was presented with a handsome gold watch subscribed for by his numerous friends in Aberdare. According to rumour, Brownhill and Parkes have signed on for Treharris. It also states that Joe Lewis and Alf Good- win have both agreed to stop on in their old club.

Football. REVIEW OF THE CLUBS DURING SEASON 1907—'08. BY "MUDDIED OAF." ) THE MOUNTAIN ASH RUGBY F.C. The Mountain Ash Football Club has had a rather varied season. It has i been both fortunate and unfortunate. f From a playing point of view the Club has met with many successes, but its nn- ancial position has been anything but enviable, which is a great pity, it being one of the oldest in South Wales. The team have given some splendid perform- ances during the season, and have suc- ceeded in defeating some of the smartest combinations in South Wales. Yet, there were times when the committee j had difficulty to bring the players to- gether. The empty coffers of the club are due greatly to their playing ground, which is situated in such a position that hundreds have witnessed the games from Penrhiwceiber Road without pay- ment. The counter attractions at Aber- dare and Merthyr has also greatly drained the" gates of the club. It was restarted at the commencement of the season with Messrs. Bert James and J. Jasper as joint secretaries, but James r elinquished his share of the duties, and the whole burden of the work fell on the shoulders of Mr. Jasper, who has since worked assiduously for the welfare of his club. The team possessed practically the same players as last year's, and "were captained by that idol of the Pennar dis- trict, P.C. Dick Thomas, the Welsh In- ternational forward. The position of fuli-back was occupied by Johnny Thomas, and on some occasions by T. Horsman, whilst splendid work was contributed by the three-quarter line, which included Eddy Ainsworth, Paddy Shaw, Lloyd Jones, Ireland, Evan Jones. and earlier in the season by D. B. Davies. At half-back, Wyndham Jones was always the most accomplished player on the field, and a more consistent man never played in the Glamorgan League at outside half. Wyndham Jones was ably served by Harry Thomas, who has also ikshown some clever form, whilst George Edwards occasionally deputised Thomas at inside half-back. The team's forwards have throughout the season snown wonderful form. Several from the local junior teams were given a place in the team. P.C. Dick Thomas was al- ways the shining light of the pack, and his bursts, coupled with his abilities as a tackier, were always irresistible. George Caple has also displayed sound judgment, and has often led his side out of dangerous positions. R. Thomas, Alf Fryer, Joe Ellery, Afacquire, Jarman, Shepherd Stone, P.C. Hill, D. Davies, and others have also contributed their stare to the team's success. Recently they were the means of contributing a large sum of money towards the funds of the Cottage Hospital as the net proceeds of their match with the County Police. There has been some talk of profession- alism in this district, but I understand that the men of Pennar will stand true to the old flag of amateurism. Some talk of a Soccer Club to be started next season is also going the rounds ^of the sporting circles, but there is no definite information on the matter. I wish the Mountain Ash Rugby Club every success. SCHOOLBOYS' LEAGUE. BLAENGWAWR v. REST OF LEAGUE. This match, the last of the series of games under the auspices of the Aberdare Schoolboys" League, was played on Satur- day last at the Athletic Grounds before a good attendance in summer weather. Mr. Jones, National Schools, acted as referee. The game was warmly contest- ed from the start to the finish, and the Leaguers pressed considerably, but the defence of the League Champions was great, and Stephens and Thomas shone in this respect. Nothing was scored up till the interval. After the change of ends, the Leaguers again assumed the ag- gressive, out a counter-movement on the part of the Gwawr lads ended in a goal being scored. Nothing was added to the score. Final score: Blaengwawr, 1 goal; Rest of League, nil. As boon as the match was concluded I the parties assembled to the Grand Stand, where Dr. W. LI. Rhys, the pre- sident of the League, made the presenta- tion of Mr. D. A. Thomas's Shield to the Blaengwawr Team, who have emerged triumphantly this season. In handing the trophy over to the winners, Dr. Rhys complimented the lads upon their grand achievement, and paid a special tribute to the teachers who had given the lads .a great deal of assistance throughout the season. Scenes of enthusiasm followed. This is the first occasion for the Shield to go to Aberaman. A tribute is due to Mr. Jack Howells, the League's energetic secretary, for the manner in which he has worked through- out the season. Also to the teachers who had coached their boys to play the cor- rect game; and I must say that the lads have made wonderful improvement upon their form of the past two seasons. The Blaengwawr boys are to be highly con- gratulated upon having emerged un- beaten through the whole of their League matches. They played 21 matches and won the whole, and have scored 81 goals, whilst only 8 were registered against them. Truly, a noble achievement. Last season the trophy was won by the Indus- trial, and the year before by the Higher Grade eleven. I understand that the League will hold its first annual sports in June. There are no fewer than 77 School Leagues, and they generally make a good profit out of their annual sports. I hope that the Aberdare League will also be a success. ABERAMAN CYNON STARS R.F.C. With the persistency of King Bruce of Scotland to try, try, again, the Aber- aman Cynon Stars Rugby Football Club have, after many struggles, succeeded in reaching the goal of their ambitions—the winning of the League's Challenge Cup. They are to be complimented on their achievement, Mr. George Harlow was the team's energetic secretary. They had a fairly suitable ground in Michael's Field. The position of full-back was ably occupied by Phil Williams, who has been the captain. They had a player of repute at centre in the person of Bert Whittle, who has formerly played for the now defunct Aberdare R.F.C. Whittle has given us some wonderful dis- plays, and was equally as clever in at- tack as in defence. Then there was Bryn Rushton on the wing, Dai Sam Evans, Eddie Jones, Simon Williams, Will Vater, and George Davies on the other wings. Vater was conspicuous by his fine turn of speed, and towards the end of the season a splendid substitute was unearthed in the person of George Davies, of the local teachers. The half- backs were Tom Miles and Evan Davies. who played together with perfect unison. Evan Davies was, without doubt, the finest outside half in the whole of the League, and has been seen to "make rings" around some of his opponents. The forward pack contained some great players in the persons of Fred James, Dai Watts, Tom Rees Lloyd, Jim Mor- gan, Phil Richards, Tom Williams Dai Williams, and others. Perhaps the stiffest match the team has played was the drawn game against the Merthyr Re- serves at Merthyr. This game will be remembered by reason of the number of black eyes registered-far more numerous than the goals. Then there was the breaking of Abercynon's proud ground record, and a number of other matches of more or less interest. Had Cefnpennar and the Mountain Ash Stars kept up through the season, some sterling games would have been witnessed. The Cynon Stars are now the only club who have achieved any lasting fame at Aberaman. The Aberdare and District Rugby League has outlived the predictions of some of its critics, and awarded its trophy once more. This is the third year of the League's existence, and the Cup has been secured by the Mountain Ash Stars, Cefnpennar United, and now by the Aberaman Cynon Stars. The League was affiliated to the Union of Welsh Junior Leagues, and has played two games against the Rhondda League in the First Round of the Championship Competition; one a pointless draw at Mountain Ash, while the other one, at which the local League was very poorly represented, ended in e. win for the Rhondda 15 at Pontypridd. The secre- tarial work was admirably discharged by Mr. Jack Rees, W.F.U., Aberaman, who has been the organizer of the competi- tions. Mr. Ted Parfitt occupied the chair, whilst Mr. Hubert Fort, of Moun- tain Ash, acted as treasurer. GADLYS STARS ASSOCIATION F.C. The Gadlys Stars have had a very suc- cessful season. Their record stands thus:—Played 20, won 19, drawn 1, lost none. The principal scorer was D. J. Jenkins who heads the list with over 20 goals to his credit, whilst Walter Jen- kins comes second, and Jack Thomas third. The team was ably captained by Jack Griffiths, the centre half, who one time figured for the Cwmaman Senior Eleven. Splendid work wag contributed by every man in the team. The secretar- ial work was efficiently discharged by Mi- George Griffiths. The Aberdare Crescents have had a somewhat varied season and were cer- tainly not as powerful as they were dur- ing previous years, when they took ¡ everything before them. True, they have played some good games, and" chief amongst them were those against Aber- nant, Aberaman Excelsiors, Stars, etc., yet they have occasionally suffered de- feat. But tlie balance at the .end of the season shews them on the right side with more victories than defeats. The team had several new players, and lost Joe Lewis, their able full-back, who has be- come a member of the Aberdare Senior Eleven. The goalman was W. Phillips, who has played some good games, whilst some of the full backs were' Jackson, Rees John, Llew Jchn, Walker, etc. The halves were Jim Davies, W. Thomas. Crowley, and Brain, whilst the forward line was composed of George King, Steve Probert, Percy Gardener (late of the Treeynon Windsors), Dai Williams, Jack Eynon, and others. The secretarial work was ably done by Mr. Ivor Thomas. The team made a grand show in the Barrv Tournament recently, and experienced hard lines in not winning'. The Aberaman Excelsiors have gone through the season in the teeth of great opposition. Under the able pioneering of Mr. Jonah Williams, the club's secre- tary, the team have made great strides and have succeeded in defeating Aber- rant and some other important local clubs. Through the Aberaman Stars be- coming-defunct early in the season, the pick of the players were secured by the Excelsiors, and thus the team was greatly strengthened. Under the cap- tainship of Tom Probert they have com- bined wonderfully well in all their matches, and have given the Crescents some hard times.

Cricket. Mountain Ash Cricket Club are con- gratulating themselves in obtaining the services of Mr Treharne, superintendent of the L.E, & G. Besides being a good bat he can be depended upon to secure. wickets also. Mr Trebarne at one time figured in the Neath eleven.

Glynneath Roadman Injured. On Monday afternoon at Glynneath an aged roadman, William Curtis, in the employ of the Glamorgan County Council, was working in the middle of a road when a cyclist rode round the bead and collided with the old man, who sus- tained a fracture of the thigh.

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Musical Success. At the Royal Academy of Music and Royal College of Music, Local Centre examination, held recently at Cardiff, Miss Edith Handley passed most suc- cessfully in the advanced grade for pianoforte playing. Miss Handley is a pupil of Miss Olive Madge, L.R.A.M.

Mountain Ash Jottings. BY "LUCIFER." Mr. Joseph Keating, judging by his writings, has paid frequent visits to coal mines, either in Mountain Ash or elsewhere. He is thoroughly acquainted with the names and- terms of things con- nected' with collieries. In the April number of the" Strand Magazine JJ he has a short tale descriptive of a colliery. and colliery life, and even a public-house called The Colliers' Arms. Though Mr. Keating is familiar with the colliery, the same cannot be said of the artist who illustrated the story. The miners' safe- ty lamp is more like the lantern that Lucy Gray once carried, while apparent- ly the gates at the mouth of the- pit have been taken off their hinges and the great abyss left unprotected. The hero of the story is made to leap down the shaft iust after the cage dis appears below. This reminds me of a play typical of mining life which the late Mr. Frank Edwards, Pentre, Rhondda. once wrote. The first night if was pre- sented at a portable theatre—Mr Edward I Ebley's building—the villain fractured his leg in grim earnest. In the last Act he was supposed to commit suicide by jumping over the gate down the shaft. His heel, however, caught, with the re- sult mentioned above.

Miners' Rescue Station for, Aberaman. The coal owners in Aberdare Valley have decided upon erecting a Rescue Station at Aberaman Colliery, for the purpose of training officials and others for rescue work in the mines. The building will be utilised for the purpose of storing Fleuss' Apparatus and other appliances for use in the case of an explosion or other disaster. Fleuss' Apparatus enables a rescuer to pass into a colliery in which the deathly afterdamp is present, and thus will enable the rescuers to.'penetratejthe workings under circumstances that have hitherto been im- possible. This and other similar apparatus, and, in fact, all kind of apparatus and ap- pliances for rescue work will be kept at this station, and squads of men from the various collieries will be trained to make themselves experts in the use of the appar- atus. In the event of an explosion or other disaster in any colliery in the valley, the apparatus and those in charge will at once be sent to the scene of the disaster.

Go One Better. Pure Carbolic Soap t Saves thousands of young lives. INKOB Li By To J Appointment H.M. the King. j 1 Mere washing and cleaning is not sufficient to prevent disease— g | to keep away all sickness a-nd infectious germs you must both I I cleanse and disinfect at the same time—to purify rooms, R- I furniture, your clothes, linen and all in the house besides, one | I soap will do better than others. Crosfields' "PINKOBOLIC" SOAP is superior to the best pure pale or yellow Soap and will easily outlast them. A bold statement, easily tested and proved by the use of just one tablet. Made only in Full lb. weight tablets—Price 3d. and worth it. WRAPPER DISCOUNT.—A 3d. tablet of the finest Herb Toilet Soap for every 12 Wrappers-4 tablets for 48-See instructions-NOT A PRIZE but simply so much extra value, for which the Makers' Name and nearly a hundred years' reputation are guarantees. 1^ • "PINKOBOLIC" has the largest | HI safe of Carbolic Soap in I 2 POUND TABLETS in the World. I Picturesque Village of PONT-P EATH-VAU GRAN. The Twelfth Annual Cltair n EISTEDDFOD Will be held at the 'above place on Saturday, July 4, 1908. Conductor Dr. GOMER LEWIS. Adjudicators: Music-Mr. TOM PRICE, G. &L., Merthyr; Mr. T. J. HUGHES, F.T.S.C., Llwynhendy. Literature—GWILJ Chief Choral, "0 Father whose almighty power"— £ 20 and a gold mounted baton to the successful conductor, and 10/6 to each unsuccessful conductor. Male Voice, "The Little Church"— £ 8 and a silver mounted baton to the successful conductor, and 10/6 to each unsuccessful conductor. A 2nd prize of £2 will be given if more than 5 parties compete. Second Choral, "The Old Tune" (from "Gweddi a Mawl")— £ 3 3s. Juvenile Choir, "Y Nefol Gor"— £ 3 3s. Drum and Fife Band, own selection— £ 4 and a silver medal to the conductor. Chair competition, Pryddest, "Medelwyr Duw" (not under 200 nor over 300 lines) —a chair value £ 3. A long list of other competitions. Programmes ijd. by Post from Mr. W. H. Bevan, Ynysonws, Glynneath; or Mr. R. J. Hughes, 46, High Street, Glynneath. Chairman of Committee-Mr. B. Harries, Greenwich House. Glynneath. AIL Auction Mart (Under Workmen's Hall), Abercynon. Open Daily. 1 Salas of China & Furniture of all kind. Reliable and Cheap. T. W. JONES Auctioneer, Abercynon. Goods taken in for Sale on Commission. EVERY WOMAN Should send two stamps for our 82 page Illustrated Book, containing valuable re- formation how all Irregularities and Ob- structions may be entirely avoided or re- moved by simple means. Recommended by eminent Physicians as the only Safe Sure and Genuine Remedy. Never Faile. thousands oi Testimonials Established L8P2. Mr, P. Blarichard, Dalston IAIV; UondoTi. Mr. W. H. WEBB, I.S.M., (Member of the Incorporated Society of Musicians.) Organist and Choirmaster of St. Elvan's Church, Aberdare. Choirmaster an conductor of the Church Choral Unions of the Deanery of Aberdare and the Arch- deaconry of Carmarthen, receives Pupils for Voice Production, Singing, Organ, Piano, forte, Harmony, Composition, Orchestration, &c., and being assisted by qualified Certificated Teachers, is able to offer exceptional terms to those desirous of studying, under his superintendence. Candidates successfully prepared for the various Examinations in Theoretical and,; Practical Music. (Latest success 98 marks out of a possible 100 together with The Local Centre Prize, London College of Music.) Arrangements are being made for t le formation of a Ladies' Choir and an Amateur Operatic Society. Address: SPRING HILL, ABERDARE. VIOLIN TUITION. MADAM eWEN HOWELLS, DIPLOMA OF LICT. G.S.M. (Former Student of the Guild Hall School of Music, London), Gives Lessons in the Art of Violin Playing and Theory of Music, &C- Pupils prepared for the Guild Hall School of Music, Intermediate and Advanced Grades of the Associated Board of the Royal Academy and Royal College of Music, College of Violinists and Trinity College, London. Pupils prepared by a most rapid arid approved System. Aberdare and Mountain Ash Visited Weekly. AFPLY- Alexandra Terrace, MERTHYR. "">0:' < I DO YOU i want Furniture ? We H WANT ■ your custom. We are noted for Good, Substantial H FURNITURE I and have an enormous Stock to select from, which H FOR7 I Cash or Gradual Payments. It will cost you H M'OTHi^G I to inspect our Windows, and be convinced for yourself. H All Goods delivered free. Catalogues free on application. |H VICTOR FREED, House Furnisher,I 3 and 4, l^is^in Road, Mountain Ash I Nat. Tel.: 0162, No connection with any other firm, HI to inspect our Windows, and be convinced for yourself. H #A. NM All Goods delivered free. Catalogues free on application. |H VICTOR FREED, House Furnisher,I n 4 3 and 4, rvtisin Road, Mountain Ash BB Nat. Tel.: 0162. No connection with any other firm, HI WILLIAMS & SONS, i Coachbuilders and Da Undertakers, High Street, Aberdare,. HAS OPENED A UNDERTAKING DEPARTMENT I Under the management of MR. J. B. EVANS (late of Messrs. J. Mor- gan & Son). FUNERALS TO SUIT ALL CLASSES AT MODERATE PRICES- Modern Glass Hearses and Coaches Provided. x « i

I Llwydcoed Sparks. BY « FIREMAN. At the annual meeting of communi- cants held at the local church the other evening everything passed off harmon- iously. It was feared that it would have" been different, but the absence of two or three militant ones accounted for the calm. I am told that several interesting topics were discussed there, but being a non-Churchman I am unable to give par- I ticulars. Has the revival spirit been again, kindled in Llwydcoed?" I happened to be taking a stroll round the village the other evening when I noticed that all the theatrical and sporting bills had been torn off the walls. Strange, is it not, that Llwydcoed should have so much attention now that no election is pending. At present the roads are undergoing the srhoothing .in- no election is pending. At present the roads are undergoing the smoothing in- fluence of the steam roller, and this will mean a soothing influence for pedestrians and drivers. Previously the roads were so rough that milk which was conveyed in a jost- ling cart is known to have been churned into mature butter by the time it reached its destination. Hatters and drapers at Aberdare were labouring under the impression that there were big meetings at Llwydcoed on Sunday. What gave rise to this surmise was the fact that some cartloads of sum- mer hats and summer finery in general were on Saturday ordered and despatched to the village on the hillside.