The Aberdare Leader

ADVANCE ABERAMAN! WE have no hesitation in affirming that the erection of the new Public Hall and Library in Aberaman will be an epoch- making event. The public institute is the working man's university, and the best means of practising the gospel of social reform, which is so frequently and eloquently preached nowadays, is to continue with the good work of dotting our hillsides and dales with these valu- able institutions. Their educational value is immense, their moral influence is inestimable. Aberaman will soon be in the possession of a public institute which must wield an important influence over the intellect, the morals, and even the physique of the coming generation 1 of Aberamanites. The new institute will contain baths as well afe books, and will entertain religious gatherings and dramatic companies. Its educative pos- sibilities may be gathered from the fact that the committee have already arranged for a series of Gilchrist lec- tures in the new edifice. The Cwmaman Atheneum has played an important and valuable part in the growth and progress of that village, and the historians of the future will doubtless trace a great stride in the advancement of Aberaman to the period when the doughty inhabitants set about it in grim earnest to work out their own economical and ethical salva- tion. The committee have worked well, and the inhabitants and others have responded magnanimously to the call for funds. The new building in Cardiff road is the Hall of Hope, and we trust, will be the Palace of Progress. (

-=- Aberdare Education Committee. The annual meeting of the Aberdare Education Committee was held on Wed- nesday. There were present: Mrs. Rich- ards, Messrs. D. P. Davies, J. O. George, T. Lewis, Illtyd Hopkins, E. Stonelake, T. Bowen, O. Powell, D. Davies, D. J. Thomas, M. J. Harris, W. Thomas, and T. W. Williams, with Mr. J. Morris (cierk) and Mr T. D. Jones (assistant clerk). THE LATE MR. EDWARD MORGAN, Mr. D. P. Davies was voted to the chair pro tem. He proposed a vote of condolence with the relatives of the late Councillor Edward Morgan, who two months previously occupied the chair in the absence of Mr. R. Llewelyn. He had sat with Mr. Morgan on various bodies for the last 28 years. Mr. W. Thomas, as one of the members of the Town Ward, seconded. He had always found Mr. Morgan a kind friend. His death was a great loss to the dis- trict, especially to Abernant, where he was esteemed and revered as a father. Mr. T. Lewis and Mrs. Richards sup- ported the motion, which was carried, all the members upstanding. CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN APPOINTED. On the motion of Mr. E. Stonelake, seconded by Mr. D. J. Thomas, and sup- ported by Messrs. M. J. Harris and I. Hopkins, Mr. T. Walter Williams was appointed chairman for the year. Mr. Williams, in taking the chair, hoped that the support given him would not be of a servile nature. Mr. Illtyd Hopkins proposed, and Mr. Stonelake seconded, that Mr. T. Lewis be vice-chairman. Mr. D. Davies proposed, Mr. Owen Powell seconded, and Mr. D. J. Thomas supported, that Mrs. Richards should be elected to the vice-chair. Mr. Lewis thereupon withdrew in favour of Mrs. Richards, who thanked the committee for the honour conferred upon her. The committees will be constituted as follows, the chairman and vice-chair- man to be ex-officio members: — Finance Committee: Messrs. J. H. James, Wm. Rees, D. P. Davies, 1. Hop- kins, R. Llewelyn, J. O. George, T. Bowen. Building Committee: Messrs. T. Bowen, O. Powell, D. Davies, E. Stone- lake, L. N. Williams, D. Tyssul Davies, W. T. Morgan, Wm. Beeq, D. P. Davies, Illtyd Hopkins. Staff and Management Committee: Messrs T. Lewis O. Powell, D. J. Thomas, D. Davies, M. J. Harris, W. Thomas, D. P. Davies, E. Stonelake, J. O. George, Illtyd Hopkins. Representatives on Truant School Com- mittee: Mr. D. P. Davies and Mrs. M. Richards, re-elected. Representatives on Hirwain Joint Schools Committee: Messrs. Rees Llew- ellyn, T. Walter Williams, J. O. George, M. J. Harris, Thos. Lewis. Managers of Non-provided Schools: Town National, Messrs. W. Thomas and D. J. Thomas; St. Fagan's, Messrs. M. J. Harris and Thos. Lewis; Cwmbach, Messrs. D. Davies and T. Bowen; Roman Catholic, Messrs. T. W. Williams and Mrs. M. Richards. Theoretical Musical Examination. RUDIMENTS AND HARMONY GRADE We are pleased to record the success of Miss Agnes May Davies, Little Wind- street, Aberdare; Miss Morfudd Lloyd, Spencer-street, Cwmaman; and Miss Beatrice Evans, Fforchaman-road, Cwm- aman, on their having passed the recent examination held at Cardiff by the R.A.M. and R.C.M. The examination lasted for three hours, and the result reflects great credit upon the candidates and their teacher, Prof. T. Jones, L.R.A.M., A.R.C.O.

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Ratepayers' Association for Aberaman. On Tuesday evening a preliminary meeting of tradesmen and others was held at Mr. W. T. Howell's (solicitor) Office, Lewis-street, Aberaman, to discuss the formation of a Ratepayers' Defence Association. Mr. John Mason was voted to the chair. The meeting' was of opin- ion that such an association was desir- able, and decided to convene a public meeting of ratepayers in a fortnight's time, and also engage speakers from Merthyr and other places where Rate- payers' Associations and Chambers of Commerce have already been formed. Mr. M. Parr, stationer, was elected secretary pro tem.

Muscial Festival. ABERDARE VALLEY ENGLISH BAPTISTS. Monday, May 4th, will be written down a red letter day in the history of the English Baptists of the Aberdare Valley. The festival drew enthusiastic crowds from all parts, almost reminding one of eisteddfod times. The meetings were divided into three districts, viz., Bethesda, Penrhiwceiber, at 10 a.m.; Mount Pisgah Miskin, 2 p.m.; and Nazareth, Mountain Ash, 6 p.m. The following were the officials and speakers: Presidents-Thos. Jones, Esq., Dr. 1. G. Thomas, Hirwain, (unable to be present), and Rev. A. B. Kinsey, B.A., Carmel, Aberdare. Conductor, Mr. Tom Jones, L.R.A.M., A.R.C.O., M.I.S.M., Aberdare. Organists, Madame Watte, Aberaman, and Mr. J. Saunders-Coles, Mountain Ash. Speakers: Rev. W. E. Harris, Aberaman; Rev. E. V. Tidman, Moun- tain Ash, and Rev. D. Howells, Penrhiw- ceiber, Chairman of committee, Mr. Wm. Phelps, Aberdare. Secretary, Mr. E. Mathias, Aberdare. Treasurer, Mr. George Moses, Aberaman. The book contained 16 hymns, some of the choicest melodies of the Baptist Hymnal, includ- ing Sanctissimus," "Urbs Beata," and D. E'mlyn Evans" Trewen." The an- thems were, Thou, 0 1 God, art praised in Zion," a beautiful composition of Mr Tom Jones, the conductor, and « Saviour, again, to thy dear Name we raise (J. P. Hey). The organs were augmented by a piano ana nve violins. ifirst violins, Messrs. O. Treharne, W. Rees, and Jas. Minett. 2nd violins, Messrs. J. Hughes and E. Morris. Piano, Miss Agnes Davies, A.L.C.M., Aberdare. Each meeting opened with "Praise ye the Lord," set to Moore's Accriiigton," and closed with Hey's evening anthem. There were crowded congregations at each meeting. At Nazareth many were turned away owing to lack of space. No praise could be too high for the singing, the voices retaining their purity of tons and perfect intonation to the end. The blending of the voices was highly com- mendable, and each attack done with a precision that reflects high honour to the conductor and great credit to the sing- ers. The beautiful hymn, Show pity, Lord," set to Maker's Auckland," had to be repeated; it was wonderfully sung, and the diminuendo at the close of the first verse was strikingly beautiful. "0" worship the Lord" to U Sanctissi- mus," was rendered with a breadth of tone worthy of many choral societies, and the passage mezzo-piano, U Kneel and adore him," could not have been better done. A beautiful arrangement of Dr. Dykes, "Come unto me," was cleverly sung, the altos taking the opening lines of the first verse, the male voices in the second' verse, the sopranos the third verse, and the whole choir the last verse. Curiously enough the Rev. E. V. Tidman suggested that this should b^ done, when he was informed that it had been rehearsed in that manner. The arthemsl mentioned above were bautiful- ly rendered, with perfect intonation and complete understanding between con- ductor and singers. Mr. Tom Jones's anthem, "Thou, 0! God, art praised in Zion," received splendid recognition, and had to be repeated. The organists and pianist were all skilled musicians, and the string instruments were manipulated in a masterly manner. Mr. Tom Jones' efforts resultad in a crowning success, and will undoubtedly add to the many laurels that he is entitled to wear. The friends of Bethesda kindly provided lunch for the choirs, and the friends of Mount Pisgah also provided tea.

Cricket. MOUNTAIN ASH SCHOOLS LEAGUE. The opening match of the season be- tween those keen rivals of last season, Duffryn and Caegarw, was played at the Grove last Saturday. Only one batsman reached double figures-E. Ashford, 14. The match resulted in an easy win for Duffryn. Scores: Duffryn. E. Ashford. run out 14 W. Jones, b Leighton 3 Id. Thomas (capt.), st Price, b Grant. 4 J. Davies, b Tanswell. 1 E. Griffiths, lbw 0 T. Evans, b Tanswell 0 W. Mills, c Tanswell, b Grant. 0 W. R. Evans, c and b Tanswell. 3 S. Kent, not out 4 W, Eynon, st Price, b Leighton. 0 D. T. Lewis, b Grant 2 Extras. 1 Total 32 Caegarw. H. Pyers, b 1. Thomas 0 G. Leighton, b E. Griffiths 2 D. Parry, b E. Griffiths 0 T. Grant, b Griffiths 2 W. Falder, b Griffiths. 0 D. J. Tanswell, b Thomas 1 T. Jones, not out 0 S. Alder, c Kent, b Griffiths. 5 W. Morgan, b Thomac 0 T. Richards, b Griffiths 0 B. Price, b Griffiths 1 Extras. 1 Total 12 ¡

Penrhiwceiber Potions. BY "PENWIPER." More local weddings, and in May too. That old couplet, "If wedded in- May you'll regret the day," doesn't seem to deter some folks. There have been rumours that a long-expected marriage contract had come to pass. I don't be- lieve it, do you P What a musical feast at Bethesda on Monday. I spent a real happy time while the glorious melodies rolled round the pretty place of worship. I am sorry I don't know the names of the friends who helped to provide lunch for the choirs, but it was very kind and very thoughtful. What a long, long time it seems to the opening of the new Institute. The bidding seems entirely at a stand-still, and looks no nearer completion than it did six weeks ago. An exodus of 'Ceiberians took place on Wednesday, when almost everyone and his wife went May-daying at Cardiff. Whilst writing these notes I am wonder- ing if that cup will come to Penrhiw- ceiber. A Mountain Ash gee-gee is also having a bid for it, so it is most likely it will find a resting place in the valley. I understand that the rowdyism at the T.V.R. Station has ceased. < Major Morgan's salutary lesson to those young hooligans has taken effect. By-the-way, I hear the railway baby is progressing wonderfully. I wonder if it will get named Taffy. Nothing like getting about matters in time. I see that the Flower Show people are already on the warpath. I hope their I smartness will receive its reward.

Death of Mr Edward Morgan, M.E. ABERNANT MOURNS A BENE- FACTOR. Councillor Edward Morgan, Rose Cot- tage, Abernant, general, manager of the Marquis of Bute's Collieries at Aber-' nant, passed away on Tuesday evening, at the age of 70 years. Mr. Morgan had recently suffered from an internal com- plaint, and had undergone an operation which left him no better. He was a native of Abernant,* his father being Mr. Thomas Morgan, mech- anical engineer under the late Mr. Rich- ard Fothergill, M.P., the then owner of the Abernant works and collieries, and the deceased spent his whole life in con- nection with these collieries, working his way up to become general mechanical engineer, and subsequently general man- ager under Mr. Fothergill, holding the same position under the late Mr. James Lewis, J.P., and subsequently under the Marquis of Bute. When the late Mr. Fothergill removed to Tenby, Mr Morgan spent much of his time there superin- tending the construction of Sioii House., THT LATE ME. EDWARD MORGAN. (Photo, H. A. Chapman, Swansea. Deceased was of a most generous dis- position, and his deeds of kindness, al- though done in the most unostentatious manner, were innumerable, and the poor in Abernant and district have lost a benefactor. As a general manager be was greatly beloved by all under his con- trol. He never spared himself, and those who remember the disaster at River Level, when the water broke in seme years ago, will never forget the in- defatigable manner in which he worked —alas unsuccessfully-to save the lives, of the entombed miners. Mr. Morgan became a member of the Aberdare Local Board of Health for the Town Ward in March, 1880, and except for one brief period had represented the ward ever since on the Local Board, and subse- quently on the Aberdare Urban District Council. He occupied the position of chairman of the- latter body, and was vice-chairman of the Education Com-, mittee last year. Deceased was unmarried. He was an., uncle of Dr. T. Morgan, now of Garnant, the well-known footballer, and Dr. E. Morgan, the Welsh International, of Sketty, and Mr. Willie Morgan, who is now en route to Australia with the English football team. Their father is the only brother of deceased, and his only sister was the wife of the late Mr. William Moses, grocer, Aberdare, whose, son, Mr. Edward Moses, succeeded him in business. Mr. Morgan was in his early days a, Baptist, but subsequently became a, Churchman. St. Matthew's Church, Abernant, has, through his demise, lost a most benevolent supporter.

Hauliers1 Meeting at Abercynon. A mass meeting of the hauliers em- ployed at the Dowlais Cardiff. Colliery was held at the Assembly Rooms of the Navigation House Hotel on Tuesday evening, when Mr. John Evans (lodge- chairman), presided. The deputation gave the report of their interview with the manager with regard to obtaining reasonable time for the hauliers to reach their stables and enable them to be at the pit bottom at 5 p.m. Considerable dissatisfaction was ex- pressed with regard to the management's attitude on the question. The hauliers maintained that the management in working the ropes of the main haulage up until 5 o'clock, not only prevented them in reaching their stables in proper time, but were deliberately creating a danger to life and r limb. Ö Mr. J oiin mi} s lVlorgan, checkweigher, pointed out that the hauliers' agreement recognized the right of the hauliers to demand a reasonable time to reach the pit bottom. Their case was to show that a reasonable time was not given at present. He.strongly disapproved of the- management's conduct in rushing the hauliers into the Police Court last week, in a case which he thought could have been easily settled in, a more conciliatory manner. Such a course could only be described as a policy of pin pricks," which would lead to considerable trouble in the near future, and he strongly ad- vised them (the hauliers) to tabulate a time reasonble for each district, so that they would have something definite when approaching the management. He also pointed out to them, that the manage- ment complained that the hauliers were not turning out from their stables until 7.20 or 7.30 a.m. in the morning. If that was so he would advise them, if they wanted proper treatment, to see that they were fulfilling their part of the contract. The hauliers unanimously agreed to the adoption of a tabulatory form of time for each district, and authorizing the same deputation to again interview the management and report the same to a mass meeting on Monday afternoon.