The Aberdare Leader

MR. KEIR HARDIE ON THE LABOUR ALLIANCE. ADDRESSING a meeting at Blackburn a few days ago, Mr. Keir Hardie, M.P., said that he was more than gratified at the progress which the I.L.P. movement had made during the past five or six years. He proceeded to refer to the alliance that existed in the House of Commons between the members of the I.L.P. and the Trade Union Group. The two sections had, he maintained, worked in harmony and unison. And he pre- dicted a continuation of those friendly relations, Mr. Keir Hardie said further that when the fulness of time would come Trades Unionists throughout the country would declaim for Socialism." Doubtless some members of the Trade Union Group will feel inclined to dis- agree with Mr. Keir Hardie on the question of the Trades Union movement being absorbed by Socialism. So far many of them have shown little inclina- tion to declaim or declare for the whole policy of the I.L.P. If the I.L.P. were to endeavour to enforce the absorption referred to it would probably jeopardise the friendly relations of which Mr. Keir Hardie speaks. The leader of the British Labour Party is, however, far more tolerant than Socialist leaders on the Continent, for they will have no covenant with any except out-and-out supporters of their Socialistic policy. They scoff at the British coalition of Trades Unionism and Socialism, and for that reason are inclined to look askance at the Labour Party as it stands in the British House of Commons. Mr. Keir Hardie and his confreres probably understand British national needs and British politics better than our foreign critics, and, as he remarked, the allied party has worked with tolerable harmony and smoothness, which is certainly an argument in favour of retainin g the coalition. Whether, as Mr. Keir Hardie predicts, political evolution will eventu- ally bring about a complete absorption of Labour by Socialism, it is not safe to prophesy.

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MORIAH AMAN SUPPORTS BETHLEHEM. INTERVIEW WITH THE PASTOR. At the church meeting held at Moriah Aman Cong. Church, Cwmaman, on Sunday evening1, Nov. 8, the Rev. H. A. Davies, pastor, placed before the meet- ing the situation in the sister church at Bethlehem, Abercwmboi, where a num- ber of members had been expelled be- cause they entertained New Theology views. Thereupon it was proposed and seconded: That we pass a vote of sym- pathy with the church at Abercwmboi and of approval with the action of the pastor in dealing summarily with the New Theologians in the church." The minister asked all who were in favour of the resolution to rise to their feet, and every member present stood. Interviewed by a Leader representa- tive on this matter, the Rev. H. A. Davies immediately dropped into a re- miniscent but not by any means a pessi- mistic mood.. "I have been young and am now old," said he in effect. (Mr. Davies, it should be remembered, is the oldest Congrega- tional minister in the Aberdare Valley.) He remembered similar schisms which threatened the integrity of the orthodox church, but they had all come to nought." He well remembered the time when the Latter Day Saints found many converts and much sympathy in the ranks of local churches. Between 35 and 40 years ago the heresy of the Rev. Edward White caught on in many Congregational Churches, but eventually it vanished like smoke. Mr. Davies had vivid recollec- tions of the sensation caused when Dr. John Young, author of "The Christ of History," changed his views and aban- doned his denomination. « (Ne.w Theology,' indeed;" said Mr. Davies. It is as old as Sooiny*s, at any rate." Mr. Davies was perrrotly confi- dent with regard to the future' peace of our local churches. The storm of the present controversy would soon pass away. He was not the least alarmed when the breakers of scepticism assailed ^he impregnable rock," for it was only the "raging waves of the sea foaming out their own shame." out their own shame." Asked if he approved of the attitude of the Rev. J. B. Davies and Bethlehem. Church towards the New Theologians, the venerable rev. gentleman said that he did with all his heart. If other ministers and churches found themselves similarly situated it was their duty to take similar action. "I believe," said he, "in' every man having perfect liberty to hold any views, however heterodox, but it is but fair and honest on the part of these heterodox thinkers to sever their connection with the orthodox church. It is a violation of our Trust Deeds to allow people who deny the Trinity, for instance, to re- main in our churches."

INTERVIEW WITH THE REV. D. SILYN EVANS. This is the substance of an interview which the Leader representative had with the Rev. D. Silyn Evans: — This is my third time to approach you, Mr. Evans, for your opinion as to the unpleasantness (shall I call it so?) at Abercwmboi. And what will you say now? "I think I better say something now, or I'll be called again a 'spiritual coward' and one guilty of 'silent contempt,' a re- mark as noted for its impulsiveness as it is for its wrong interpretation of per- sons." Will you give me your opinion of the excommunication of the men from Beth- lehem ? I think that the men who were so dismissed from the church are keen enough and fair enough to see and even to acknowledge that their dismissal was not exactly an excommunication from the church, but a gradual withdrawal of their own." Then you mean to say that these men deliberately left the church? What I mean to say is, that these men are, at least I give them credit to be, sensible enough to see' that it was their duty, to bring to an end their mem- bership at Bethlehem, inasmuch as by so doing1, they would act kindly and justly not only towards the pastor and church, but also towards themselves." Do you say then that these men had forfeited their rights to membership at Bethlehem ? I don't understand very well the limits of the word 'forfeited' you have used; but I understand this: as long as these men held different theological views to the church, and as long as they insisted on advocating these views, con- trary to the mission and history and will of the church, I mean to say that they thus disqualified themselves for church membership at Bethlehem. To say that the Congregational Churches have no Creed or Theology betrays either in- different ignorance or provoking stupidi- ty and when men of learning make such a statement, I pity their learning more than I pity them, and when this is being repeated in Wales, so soon after the Re- vival, it makes any sober man think of the words of Paul that God 'had sent them strong delusions,' that they should believe a lie." Then you say that the Congregational Churches have their Creed? "Well, I give you credit that you ask it in the capacity of a journalist. Then I can understand you. Yes, the Congre- gational Churches have their Creed; and anyone who interprets Congregationalism differently, has a misleading vision and is a blind leader." But these men who wer? turned out were and are Independents? And wouldn't the Independency of the church safeguard them? "Yes, every individual has his inde- pendency but there is a very important difference between the independency of the individual and the independency of the church. When we say the Independ- ent Church at Bethlehem we mean the church and not the individuals in the church. The church is Independent, and not individual members in the church. Then the difference is great between Ccngi egationalism and Individualism." I see that you give a stronger emphasis on the church than on the individual. "Yes, I do; and I have a great liking for the words of Dr. Forsyth, that 'Theology is the trust and property of the church and not of irresponsible in- dividuals.' Possibly the terms 'church' and irresponsible' Jiere ask for explan- ation; nevertheless, the saying has its message to the present time." I think I see now that you are of opin- ion that the "dismissal," as you call it, of these men from the church was right and even necessary? I mean to say that it was inevitable, and I am bound to believe that the dis- missed members approve of the dis- missal. They knew very well that the members of Bethlehem had their Christ- ian convictions. They knew that the pastor is a man of distinctness in his Theology, as well as strong in his will and enthusiasm. They knew that the church had done all in her power to up- hold the Christian Faith, and that the church continue faithfully to believe in these doctrines; and knowing this, even eemmon. sense and common honesty would tell them that it would be cruel on their part to interfere with the happi- ness and peace of the majority." Mr Evans balanced carefully his words as he went on. I could read between lines that his religious sympathies are very broad, and that his toleration and forbearance go far. Many a tiine he has been heard to say in his Communion Services, that all were allowed to join in the Lord's Supper, and that any mem- ber of any other denomination was wel- come, if he wished, to join them. At the same time he seemed to speak with dis- gust of those who teach that the Congre- gational Churches have no Theological Creed.

Theological Friction. TROUBLE AT BETHEL, GADLYS. A conflict between the Old and the New Theologians has been proceeding apace for some time at Bethel Welsh Congre- gational Chapel, Gadlys, though matters have not reached the stage arrived at in Bethlehem, Aberowmboi. The active New Theologians in Bethel number about 24, but together with their fami- lies this number would possibly be trebled. The feeling entertained by some of the deacons towards the Campbellites may be gathered from the following re- mark, made by one of the former:- Their teaching' is so rotten that I can- not possibly sit down in the same chapel as them." It is .interesting to note also that this winter the Unsectarian Class were re- fused the loan of the Vestry for meet- ings. This class was started by the Rev. J. Richards, then pastor of Bethel, and last winter the Rev. J. Morgan Jones, M.A., Aberdare, was invited to take Mr. Richards' place. The reason given for refusing was that the Trust Deeds would not allow such gatherings to be held there. Feeling that a re-election of deacons would clear the air, as it were, seven of the deacons decided last Sunday week to tender their resignations. This was in the afternoon, but when the evening came, four only handed in their papers. The four were Messrs. R..A. Davies, T. D. Williams, David Morris, and D. J. Williams. On the Monday evening a church meeting refused to accept Mr. T. D. Williams' resignation, but accepted the others. Furthermore, on the Wed- nesday evening, another church meeting proceeded to elect a treasurer in the place of Mr. Davies. The new officer is Mr. Wm. Bowen. It is doubted by several members whether this is consti- tutional., for the rules specify that there must be a notice given extending over two Sundays, before any such matter can be dealt with. A Bible Class meets every Sunday morning at 9.30, but owing to the strain- ed relations, the attendance is almost confined to those who lean towards the Rev. R. J. Campbell's views. One of the New Theologians, in con- versation with our correspondent, com- plained that whenever anything was pro- posed by a member of the "advanced wing," it was immediately condemned by the other side. They would like to throw us out," he continued, but they cannot muster sufficient courage."

Conductor Crowned. Last Monday, at a Swansea concert, the ceremony of crowning Mr Llew R. Bowen, the well-known soloist and conductor, took place. He is the talented conductor of the Swansea Male Voice Choir, who have re- cently won laurels at Carmarthen, Cardiff and Tonypandy. At the last named place a crown was awarded the successful con- ductor. The ceremony on Monday evening was carried out in Gorsedd fashion, an oak chair and a sword being lent for the occa- sion. Mr A. H. Thomas, J.P. (' Crymlyn'), was the officiating bard. Mr Llew R. Bowen is a son of Mr J. L. Bowen, of the Windsor Aerated Water Works, Aberdare.

Mountain Ash County Court. WEDNESDAY.-Before Judge J. Bryn Roberts. ADMINISTRATION REQUESTS.-T. Jones, 39, Aberdare-road, Abercynon, re-- presented by Mr. S. Shipton, applied for an order. Applicant owed £ 20 5s., and he offered to pay in full at the rate of 10s. a month.- :FJ:. R. James, a creditor for 6s. lid. appeared to oppose. The order was granted, applicant to pay 20s. a month.—John Thomas, Abercynon, 32 years of age, owed Y-43. His earnings were 33s. per week. The order was granted.—Alfred Pritchard, 58, Church- stieet, Penrhiwceiber, haulier, earned 27s. a. week. He was 22 years of age, but had a wife and child, and had buried two children. He offered to pay 10s. a month. Order granted, applicant tc pay 14s. a month.—David John Mason, 13.. Dillwyn-etreet, Penrhiwceiber, was re- presented by Mr. S. Shipton. Asked how many children he had, Mason said three. Mr. Shipton-. Three or four? Applicant's wife at this juncture shout- ed "four" from the body of the court. Mason offered 14s. a month, but he was ordered to pay 30s.—Fred C. Vaughan,- 25, Vaughan-terrace, Cefnpennar, ap- plied for an order. Mr. S. Shipton ap- peared for applicant, and Mr. T. J. Edmunds, Mountain Ash, appeared on behalf of certain creditors. Vaughan said he was a haulier, and was employed at Deep Duffryn Colliery. He owed J635 9s. The reasons why he could not pay' was: Illness of wife and family and an accident to himself. He received 17s. 6d a week compensation while he was idle owing to the accident. Cross-examined. by Mr. Edmunds, applicant admitted that he had received about = £ 20 from the- One and All Society. His wife also earned money. He was now doing light employment. His Honour: You can resume your usual employment now? Applicant: No, sir, I hold a doctor's certificate. His Honour (laughing): You can get a doctor's certifiate for anything. I can't make the order until you go back to your proper work.—D. M. Owen, 18" Penybryn-terrace, Penrhiwceiber, owed- £ 27, the greater portion of which had been contracted by his wife unknowing" to him. He offered 15s. a month, but the Judge ordered him to pay 30s. Mr. S- Shipton represented applicant. THE "EXTRAORDINARY MOURN- ING CASE.—Mr. S. Shipton mentioned a case of compensation apportionment at: ]ast Court. Mrs. Priscilla Parker, Mountain Ash, had received an in- creased amount (, £ 20) to meet funeral expenses. She owed = £ 14 to the under- taker, who could not receive a penny piece from her. She had spent the money, and laughs when asked for pay ment.—The Judge said he could do noth- ing.—Mr. Shipton: It is rather a hard- ship.—Judge: Your clients can sue her. I cannot do anything now. DAMAGE BY FOWLS. Evan An- thony, 20, Cilhaul-terrace, PeiarhiNvcei- ber, sued Fred M. Davies for damage- done to his garden by defendant's fowls- —Mr. W. Thomas appeared for Aw thony, and Mr. T. J. Prosser, Aberdare, for Davies. — Plaintiff estimated the damage at 10s., but His Honour g»v^ judgment for 5s. UNRETURNED GOODS. — G. II. Speke, Miskin, was sued by Jones and, Jciies, Porth, for .£2 16s. Gd., value Of goods which had not been returned by him.—Mr. W. Thomas, Aberdare, presented plaintiffs, and Mr. Shipton de- fended.—Chas. F. Ball (manager Messrs. Jones and Jones), Matthew JelK kins, and Frederick Spear gave evLdeB0?- that defendant had been in their emplol" He had had 2 pairs of boots and a wat<# for sale. Defendant did not sell them, of return them, otherwise he would be to produce a receipt or credit iiate- Judgment was given for plaintiffs witP" out costs. „ DISTRAINING ON HIRED GOOpS- —Jay and Co., Furnishers, sued W. J. Bevan. certificated bailj-,Ir Abercynon, for goods distrained. — W. Thomas represented Messrs. Jay Co., and Mr. Gwilym Jones defended. D. C. Winkley, manager to Messrs. and Co., said lie had supplied two rouB end bedsteads, 2 pairs of mattresses, 3 bed-sets to a person named Rippon. On a Tuesday, the defoiulai1 came to him (witness) and told him tba^ he had distrained on the goods of pon, who had absconded. Rippon baj had the goods on the hire system, owed a balance.' He now claimed for tH^ return of the goods or £ 5.—Ernest L°vei' lace, an employee of Messrs. Jay Co.( deposed to visiting the house, wlnc. was then empty, the goods having removed by Bevan.—His Honour judgment for plaintiffs for £ 5, with tw usual costs.. i CLAIM FOR GROCERIES.—Margar^" Ann Hughes, Mountain Ash, sued M1'• Roach, Mountain Ash, for groceries si*P plied.—Mr. Gwilym Jones, who repi sented plaintiff, said that the goods been bought by his client at the ative Stores for Mrs. Roach.—JudgmeI1 was given for plaintiff for £8 7s. 9d. BARMAN AND COOK.—Edgar Llo^' Cardiff, sued Henry Andrews, Dufly^ Hotel, Mountain Ash, for wrongful missal. Mr. T. W. Griffiths, Aberdal' represented Lloyd, and Mr. W. ThoU1^ defended.—The defence was that Llo?_ had got drunk the night before hie missal.—Mr. W. Thomas: Did you lŒVod; the cook down?—No.—Mr. Thomas; .1 g you damage the door?—No. A caTX^t knife, which was intended for me, into the door. (Laughter.)—J. Edwtg. Thomas, James Chamberlain, and Watson, gave evidence for plaintiff-^ latter was a servant at the Hotel for some time. Asked wThJ had been dismissed, she refused -j, answer for a while. Pressed, she e- c it was because she and other girls caught carrying bottles of beer to bedroom.—Judgment was given for Pl^y tiff for the amount paid into court defendant. "-w" MALICIOUS PROSECUTION/- J. Bevan, certificated bailiff, Abercyn^. for whom Mr. St. John Francis-Will19' p.- (instructed by Mr. Gwilym Jones) peared, was sued for the sum of in respect of alleged malicious prosr- tion by Sidney Axford, for wh(>Iyl Bryant, of Pontypridd, appeared. —„ aii tiff related the story of how Mr. &e i IJ. had distrained upon his furniture aI11 9 machine which he had purchased £ r°'ppt Cardiff firm on the hire system. He e the machine back to the owners, and afterwards arrested and imprisone the cells until he was brought up 3.. ef police court at Mountain Ash and ated.—Defendant contended that lie did was reasonable, inasmuch £ „.• plaintiff had gone to the agent,ac vised him not to send the machine —His Honour gave judgment for plal for £ 25 and costs.

Quoits. An interesting Quoiting match was recently between Will Davies, ^reC\i0ol- ex-champion of Wales, and George Y ridge, ex-champion of England, a Boys' Institute, Canning Town, ^°5r0ol'' The scores were :—Davies, 61, and ridge 58.

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