The Aberdare Leader

Private Waters. Glyn Neath Men's Illegal Fishing. Owen Jones, haulier. Glyn-Neath, was at Neath on Friday charged with attempting to take fish from private waters on the Aberpergwm Estate on April 29. The game- keeper said he saw accused putting down and taking up night lines. Jones had a mate with him. but neither, would admit ownership of the lines. The man with Jones was Isaac Bavies. another local haulier. Davies was also charged with a simi- lar offence on June 11th, and Jones in respect of another offence on June 12th. Defendants were eaeu fined 15s. and costs. Three other Glyn-Neath colliers— George Baker, William Teague. and John Williams were separately charged with fishing in the Xeath River in private waters, and were similarly punished.

Merthyr Board of Guardians. The fortnightly meeting of the Mer- thyr Board oi Guardians was held on Saturday, Mr. John Lloyd (chairman) presiding.

Medical Officer Appointed. There were two candidates for the post of medical officer for the workhouse and infirmary in succession to Dr. J. L. W. Ward, resigned—Dr. W. Llewelyn Jones and Dr. Ernest L. Ward. The new medical officer will also have to act in that capacity for the sanatorium about to be opened at Pontsarn. The voting was: Dr. Ward, 34; Dr. Jones, 18. The former, therefore, re- ceived the appointment, which is worth £ 150, rising by annual increments of £ 10 to £ 200 a year.

E NT STky pjguRsi I.Canon STABERDARE TJiuKSdays ^^COPIMERCIAL S^, IOto I. MOUNTAIN ASH, fe e S 5 tricflqyoderare. TYNIR DANEDI:) YN PRISIAU RHESYMOL.

Furniture I Furniture I Furniture! 40 0 40 The Largest Selection in the Principality of every description of Household Furniture, Pianofortes, Organs, Carpets, Linoleums, Bedsteads, Bedding, &0.. is held at their numerous Branches by Bevan & Company, Ltd. NEAR EMPIRE AND 97 ST. MARY STREET, CARDIFF. II TWO DOORS ABOVE GENERAL POST OFFICE, SWANSEA. i! 11 LLANELLY, NEWPORT, t PONTYPOOL, AND PONTYPRIOD, Reliable Leather Cloth Suites (home-made) From £3 12 6 Handsome Saddle-bag Suites py £S 19 6 Everlasting Oak Bedroom Suites (Plate Door Wardrobe) „ £5 7 5 Many Scores of Splendid Walnut and Oak Sideboards £3 "13 6 "S Several hundred Walnut and Oak Overmantels 17 9 1 And everything for Furnishing throughout at Rock-bottom Prices |9 Delivery free 200 miles from any Branch. Large Catalogues gratis. w Terms Cash, or generous arrangements for Deferred Payments. BEVAN & COMPANY, LTD. Drink Horniman's or 1 a Pure Tea In Packets Only. Sold by Aberdare, T, Lloyd, grocer, Commercial st (Wholesale and Retail) Tom Evans, grocer, Whitcombe street Phillips, grocer,Victoria square E. E. Evans, chemist, W. H. Jones, „ D. Phillips, grocer, Canon street M. Watkins, 10 Cross street Rees Jones, „ Ynyslwyd street D. E. Davies, grocer, 11 M. Isaac, w'lesale & ret'l grocer, Victoria sq Cattell's Ltd., wholesale confectioners, High street (wholesale agents) Davies, Clifton Stores, Monk street D W. Williams, 42 Canon street Mathias, 9 & 10 Commercial Street Aberaman,T. Roberts, grocer, Lewis st T. Maddy, grocer, Cardiff road J. Lewis, „ „ J Co-operative Society J. W. Evans, grocer, Cardiff road I G. Evans, 44 Cardiff road > Roberts & Son, grocers, Jubilee road Abercwmboi, Co-operative Society 3 Perrott Bros., grocers Abercynon, T. Jones, Carne Town T. Davies, Cynon Stores Cwmbach, Co-operative Society Griffiths, Ynyscynon Shop Cwmdare, D. Edwards, grocer, and at Trecynon Cwmaman, Co-operative Society J. K. Lewis, Central Stores Rees, Grocer, Glanrhyd Stores Llwydcoed, D. E. Watkins, Grocer, &c Hirwain, T. Davies, 79 High street Mountain Ash,Cwmbach Co-eperative Sy J. Long, grocer v D. Smith, „ Oxford street N. Thomas, „ Duffryn Co-operative Society Eynon, giocer (specia) wholesale blgent). Penphiwceiber,Morris & Son.The Stores M. Isaac, family grocer A. M. Jones, chemje^ Pontcynon, Arthur Jones, Cash Stores. Trecynon, J. R. & J Smith, Drug Stores Ynysboeth, Beatall'Dairy Co. Ynysybwl, D. L. James, Supply Stores

MOUNTAIN ASH 100 YEARS AGO. BY "F.A." I "Time, like an ever rolling stream," has played havoc with the fair loveli- ness of the Aberdare Valley, hut per- haps in no part of it has the modern struggle for wealth searred the per- petual hills and bitten into the vitals .r mother earth as at Aberpennar. This picture shows in some measure what change has come over the scene, how the verdant pastures have been van- quished by the rubbish tips and the to we ring forest firs replaced by gaunt looking chimney stacks. The outlook e" the picture is from Fforest Farm, and the date about the year 1818. In *iy quest for historical facts, I called eu Mr. Evan Morgan, the well known ax-cashier of Messrs. Nixon's Co., and, as 1 heard him aptly described the other day. "the Bishop of Ffrwd." As a local historian he has no equal, and what he has not of personal knowledge, h. has been told by the sons that time has borne away. He pointed out the bridge quite clearly seen over the Gla- morgan Canal, and still in existence, only, like the curate's egg; good in parts. There is Penybank House quite plainly seen—where the municipal buildings stand now—occupied by Mr. ".111. Thomas, who had charge of the then important waterway for the Canal Co. It will be noticed that the bridge crossing the river is semi-circular, simi- lar to the old Pontypridd Bridge, and possibly constructed at or about the r. seme time, and by the same builder. Hie bridge dropped at each end to the level of the river, and then on the Cae- garw side there was a big rise again up to the Canal bridge. Prior to the building of the bridge there was a ford at that point with only stepping stones to cross, this fact being easily remem- bered by fr. Morgan's father, Mr. Dd. Evan Morgan, who was appointed first station master at Mountain Ash on the T.V.R. 67 years ago. A house close to the bridge was occupied by a Mr. Da vies, who had an old smithy a'djoin- ing; that smith was the father of the late Mr. David Davies, Bailey's Arms. The large house in the eentre of. the picture is Duffryn House, the seat of the Aberdare family. Mr. Morgan ex- plained that he was personally acquaint- ed with Henry Austin Bruce, who be- came the first Baron Aberdare. He sat as Member of Parliament for the Merthyr Boroughs for some consider- able time, but was ousted in the Gen- eral Election of 1868. Mr. Morgan gave an interesting explanation of the alteration of the family name from Price tQ Bruce, which took place when the family assumed the ownership of the estate of John Knight Bruce, Duffryn, Saint Nicholas, near Cardiff. The green hill on the right of the pic- ture is where Penrhiw Pennar House stood, which was occupied iov Mr. Jas. Petherick. a family completely died out, there being no issue. This house was used as a seminary for young noble- men of the district, some notable per- sonages being educated there, among them the late Judge Gwilym Williams and his brother, Gomer Williams, sons of David Williams, Ynyscynon. The father of the revered Judge sank Deep Duffryn Pit about 1849, and coal was raised there about three years later, The pit was purchased from David Williams by John Nixon and partners, who at that time—in 1859—were sink- ing Navigation Pit. The first coal raised from the latter was in the month 0: October, 1860.. Mr. Evan Morgan, coming to his family recollections, gave a remarkable history. He was born 71 years ago in a cottage on the side of the Pennar ilirook, and close to Duffryn House. His grandmother, named Macws Mor- gan) Jiyed in a house where now the t Duffryn Co-operative Stores stand. She died in 1871, after attaining the great age of 92 years. Mr. Morgan, of course, remembers her well, thus com- pleting a link with the past of 135 years. She was predeceased by her husband, ft van Morgan, in 1855. The scarcity of houses in the district, as shown in the picture, will be quite understood when Mr. Morgan remem- bers Mountain Ash consisting of only 14 houses. The Mountain Ash Inn was one, and just above were four houses and two others opposite. The farm house, Alwi-eiviiibol Isaf, was in the fifties occupied hy a lady named Macws Thomas. Coming back again, there was a house close to his grandfather's house, called "Ty Billy o'r Tafarn." A noted man was Billy in those days. Then came the Bruce Arms, and be- tween Ty Billy and the Bruce were two other houses. A house almost opposite was built, owned and occupied by John Jenkins, a foreman platelayer on the Taff Railway. Coming to more recent days, the building of St. Margaret's Church will be fresh in the memory of my readers, it- Jubilee being celebrated only a few months ago. Mr. Morgan reminded me of a cousin, named Evan Morgan, a builder from Treharris, who helped to I., raise the sacred edifice, and also was present at its Jubilee service. In closing these notes, I can scarcely refrain from speculating in the future. Possibly in the cycle of time, nature in its everlasting evolution, will re-clothe 9 the blemishes of industry, and a hun- dred years hence the valley will have come into its own once more.

Dog's Charmed Life. EXCITING RESCUE WORK AT CWMDARE. On Friday last information was re- ceived at Cwmdare Police Station that the bark of a dog had been heard emanating from the disused shaft of IVll Als, Cwmdare. The animal had been piteously whining since Thursday. On Saturday P.S. Pullman and P.C. Bendall made efforts to destroy the dog hv lowering poisoned meat down the shaft. On Sunday the animal was still alive, and further efforts were made to Put it out of its misery by firing six cartridges of shot into the shaft. This also proved unsuccessful, and efforts to reseue the animal were thereupon com- fenced. Messrs Robert Williams, M. J. Davies, and A. Thomas, Broncynon Terrace, lowered lights, and a sack could be plainly seen on a beam 75 feet below the surface. The above men and several others very quickly contrived grappling irons, and on Sunday evening iiews arrived that the sack had been hauled to the surface. When opened it was found to contain three puppies- two dead and one alive. The leg of one of the dead animals was missing, and had the appearance of having been eaten way probably bv the surviving dog. The animal is still alive, and appears to be little the worse for its unique ex- perience. The dog is being well cared for by Mr A. Thomas, one of the rescuers. P.C. Rendall very soon found the owner of the puppies, against whom Proceedings will be taken.

When the Good News first reached Aberdare. It created considerable excite- ment. But as week after week went by. and many well-known and highly- respected Aberdare people spoke out freely, and their statements were published in the public press, there was no longer room for doubt. Aber- dare people said:—"This must be true." Well, here is just such another statement, and it comes from Aberdare. Mrs. A. Russell, of Pleasant View. Bond Street, Aberdare, says My kidneys had given me trouble for many years, on and off. I used to get severe backache and headaches. I was subject to spells of giddiness, and often felt depressed. 1 have had rheumatism in my feet and legs, and the urinary system was disor- dered, too. The water was painful, and contained a gravelly sediment. "I have tried various medicines for the complaint, but Dean's back- ache kidney pills are the best medi- cine I have ever taken they gave me the relief I needed. I feel stronger now, and the pains are never so severe as they used to be. "Whenever I have had occasion t ) use Doan's pills, they quickly re- moved the trouble. I cannot speak too highly of them, and I recommend them at every opportunity. (Signed) (Mrs.) A. Russell." Price 2/9 a box, 6 boxes 13/9 of all dealers, or direct from Foster- McClellan Co., 8 Wells St., Oxford St., London, W. Don't ask for back- ache and kidney pills, ask distinct- ly for Doan's backache kidney pills, the same as Mrs. Russell had.

Other Appointments. Of fifteen applicants for the position of matron at the sanatorium. Miss El- vira Davies. of the Merthyr Union In- firmary, and Miss Martha Davies, of the Wrefchain Union Infirmary, had been asked to appear before the board, Miss Elvira Davies, however, ^withdrew her application, and the other lady was elected. Miss Winifred F; Evans, Glanadda Infirmary, Bangor, was chosen to be charge nurse at the institution.

Satary of Mr. John Burns. The Rector of Dowlais maved that the Clerk be asked to open a subscrip- tion list in support of the testimonial suggested to be given to Mr. John Burns to commemorate his work as President of tho Local Government Board. Although he differed from him absolutely in politics, said the Hector, he felt bound to say that Mr. .John Burns, dui-ing his tenure of office, had done a great deal to rehabilitate and to establish upon firm ground the position of board of guardians through- out the country. Mrs. Jenkins seconded the motion. Mr. John Prowle, speaking in opposi- tion. said the men who did the real work oi the Local Government Board were men receiving £ 600 or £ 700 a year. M). Henry Owen remarked that Mr. John Burns once preached that £ 500 a year was enough for any man, and now that lie was getting £ 5,000 a year it was quite inconsistent on his part to receive any testimonial. The motion was also opposed by Mr. T T. Jenkins, but the discussion abruptly ended upon an announcement being read that Mr. John Burns had asked that the movement should not lie persisted in, and that the promoters had therefore agreed for 'the present to defer it.

I The Welshman's Favourite. I MAB0N Sauce OW As good as its Name. DON'T FAIL .TO GET IT. Manufacturer*—BLANCH' SL Peter St., Cardiff,

Incorporation for Aberdare. BY COUNCILLOR E. STONELAKE. (A Paper Read at the Aberdare Trades Council meeting on June 12.) (Continued.) Then arises this question of Second- ary Education. All who follow this subject with interest are agreed that if ou' Evening Continuation Schools are to be successful they must be adminis- tered by the Local Education Authority and not by persons who take only a casual interest in the subject. Indeed, in many instances, these classes were only continued for the continuation of the teachers' salary. Were we Incorporated by Charter, and ultimately become a County Bor- ough, not only would we hare Second- ary Education under our control, but Higher Education in its various branches would also be at our discre- tion. Quite recently the Government passed an Act called the "Juvenile Choice of Employment Act." This Act is designed to prevent children upon leaving school from falling into what is known as blind-alley employments, and to help them into the occupations they most desire, or are best fitted for. One would have thought that surely a local Authority would be best suited to ad- minister this Act; but, for some reason it is the County that has the power with rights to form a committee for the above purpose. Now, with regard to the efficiency of County Administration within this area. We are constantly complaining of the dirty condition of the county road between Aberdare and Aberaman, but with no effect. We passed a reso- lution to the effect that motor cars within our area should be limited to a speed not exceeding 10 miles an hour. This could only have effect through and by consent of the Glamorgan County Council. The County Council blankly refused. For years we beseeched the County to repair the pavements on the main street at Aberaman. When the Aber- dare Council came to close quarters with them Aberdare was threatened with costly litigation, and ultimately decided to do the work at their own cost rather than spend—even if suc- cessfnl-perhaps £ 1.000 on a case. In addition to these few instances the local Council are continually in dispute with the County over something or other, and generally have to submit. A Charter would end all this, and set Aberdare more free in respect to the above mentioned affairs. Under the new powers the audit of accounts by a Local Government Board auditor would disappear—except in our case, Poor Rate-and this undoubtedly constitutes one of the most controversial matters in connection with Incorpor- ation. The argument is that at present the audit is conducted by an auditor who is a complete stranger to the district, and therefore would naturally be more free in his criticism. But on the other hand, he knows nothing of the special needs and requirements of the district. For instance, some time ago the Auditor asked me what right had the Council to operate boats on the Park Lake, and what authority had we to let the Park to an amusements committee free of charge, and what right had we to run a refreshment bar. These are things he would have no right to question under a Charter, and moreover he would nor be there to question our right. Local men who knew the circumstances would understand. In the event of In- corporation the audit would be conduct- ed by three auditors, namely, Mayor's auditor, who must be a Councillor, and th ? two elective auditors, who must be responsible persons elected annually by the Burgesses themselves. Burgesses would thus obtain more direct control of th.« audit, and would hear from the gen- tlemen who have annually to seek their so if rages more information as to the Council's accounts than they now do under the Government audit. The Council may also, if they think fit, ob- tain the services of professional audi- tors in addition to the elective auditors, and this would again be an additional check. The audit by elective auditors has to be half-yearly. So with these numerous checks I think we need have no fear. A change would also take place with regard to polling day, which is fixed for all Borougn Elections for November 1st, and to fix it thus is a little advantage. More care. however, would have to be exercised in regard to Elections. To the election expenses of an Urban Coun- cillor there is no limit fixed by statutory regulation. In the case of a Town Councillor the expenses of a candidate are limited, and within 28 days after an election the candidate must make a re- turn of his expenses, accompanied by a declaration duly made by him verifying such return. Any contravention of this would render the candidate guilty of an illegal practice, and lie would have to suffer the consequence. Incorporation would necessarily mean a larger Council, and would thus afford Aberdare a splendid opportunity of re- arranging the wards more conveniently and more satisfactorily than at present. Here let me anticipate the most formid- able objection likely to be raised, viz. That the already high rates at Aberdare would be increased if a Charter of In- corporation were obtained. Rates may or may not he increased, but even if they were it does not necessarily follow that our new powers would cause the increase. I will take the neighbouring town of Merthyr and compare it with Aberdare before Incorporation and after. Mer- thvr obtained its Charter at the end of 1905. s d. Total Rate at Merthyr year end- ing March 31, 1905 7 8 Total Rate at Aberdare year end- ing March 31, 1905 6 4 A difference in favour of Aber- dare in the £ of 1 4 s cl. Total Rate at Merthyr year end- ing March 31, 1913 10 2 Total Rate at Aberdare year end- ing 1913 9 3 A difference in favour of Aber- dare in the £ of 0 11 So that relatively Merthyr's total rate has not increased at the same rate as Aberdare's, although Merthyr en. joys the privileges of a Charter. But if we compare Merthyr and Aberdare District Rates for the years 1905 and 1913 respectively we find thai Merthyr's District Rate has increasec relatively Gd. in the £ above Aberdare's But one-third of this increase is in flicted upon them by Act of Parliamen1 as a kind of recompense they have t( pay the County of Glamorgan for ob taining their freedom. In addition t< this Merthyr's rateable value has beei h:t. like that of Aberdare by the new judgment on railway valuation, which will go far to account for the other 2d. increase, and would have to be tolerated whether they were incorporated or not. But since Merthyr has been. Incorpor- ated it has got lasting benefits for its money in the way of better and widened streets and a magnificent Park, Muse- um and Secondary School. Merthyr was driven to Incorporation in self-defonce against the County of Glamorgan, and Aberdare is fast being driven to the same position, as I have shown by the few instances enumerated above. The County Council as a body are engaged in a policy of self-annihila- frion. It is fast killing the goose that lays the golden eggs, and it will be well advised to reconsider its attitude and policy towards the various Urban Authorities within its jurisdiction, or the urban areas, ws Itheir populations increase, will be seeking these greater powers and liberties, and thus leave the County Council stranded and im- potent. Shades of County Councils' ultimate fate have already begun to steal upon their corporate vision, and we find the large County Council, including Gla- morgan, fighting for their very exist- ence in the present Session of Parlia- ment. A campaign is being prosecuted by them to prevent Municipal Boroughs from obtaining County Borough powers until their populations reach 100,000. They hope by these means to put off the day of impending doom. Having said so much for Incorpor- ation, it now remains to be seen what Aberdare is going to do in the matter. As a member of that Council I know there are many great projects in hand which render the present moment in- opportune for the effort to obtain a Charter. But within the next two years, let us hope, most of these pro- jects will have become accomplished facts. Then I trust and believe that th 3 Council, backed up by the approval or the general public, will take this matter in hand in real earnest.

Aberdare Buying Land Compulsorily. The Aberdare District Council, hav- ing failed some time ago to purchase land in Gadlys at what they thought was a reasonable price, are seeking a provisional order to purchase compul- sorily. Last Monday the provisional Older of the Education Board passed the Examiner, and the confirming Bill was sent ior second reading in the Com- mons. it has been through the Lords. The site is the Gadlys Gardens, and is required to build a new school.

I wonder if it is really as dangerous to dye the hair as the doctors say. Certainly, only more so. I had an uncle who tried it. and he was married to a' widow with six children in less than three months."

I Musical Success. I [Photo by Harris, Triumph Studio, Aberdare. Congratulations to Miss Muriel Web- ster, 54 Broniestyn Terrace, Aberdare, upon her grand success in winning the prize for excellency in pianoforte play- ing at the recent examination held under the auspices of the London Col- lege of Music. The subjects of examination were the playing of prepared compositions by Beethoven and Steibelt, Scales, and a Technical Study, also general musical theory. Miss Webster is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Webster, London, who are down at Aberdare for a short period. She is only 9 years of age, and a very brilliant pianoforte student. Her teacher is Mr. T. J. Morgan (Pencerdd Cynon), Cwmbach, Aberdare, to whom great credit is due for his care- ful tuition of pupils of such a tender age.

Accident at Trecynon. On Saturday evening about 9.30, noar the top Park Gates, while trying to evade the tramway excavations, a vehicle was driven into a heap of stones, and the occupantc,-Il children and the driver—were precipitated to the ground. The occupants fortunately escaped with a few bruises, and were able to proceed to their homes. P.S. Pullman was very quickly on the scene. The driver was Mr T. Simmons, Rock Brewery.