The Aberdare Leader

MINERS' NEXT STEP. FIVE HOURS PER WORKING DAY. Tell me further, "Alpha," if you will agree to the miners having, in addition to a reduction of three hours per day, a whole day off per week, and two months holidays per annum with, of course, pay attached. If you will let me have your real name, the colliers shall appoint you a miners' agent. You'll out-do them all, even the most "Syndical" and advanced of the agents. Ah! but talking seriously, it is a long and arduous step from 5 hours per day and 5 days per week. to an 8 hours per day and 6 days per week. It is very good of "Alpha" to say there is no reason why miners should not aim at having, in the sweet by and bye-sooner or later—conditions of labour like unto his own. But it will take aeons to attain it. The wonder, therefore, is that the teach- ers, who have obtained these ideal conditions long ago, should be al- ways complaining of their lot and seeking to further bleed the rate- payers. Look at "Alpha's" other contribution in last week's "Lead- er." Hear his wail. There is often a shortage of school requisites, not enough books to go round, too few blackleads or paint brushes, a blackboard wanting, or a map." Oh the pity of it No blackleads and paint brushes! What if he were a collier and his pick and shovel bur- ied under a fall? Oh the tremend- ous difficulties teachers have to put up with! Not enough blackleads. This is a wailing world, and those who wail the most have the least cause. Ah well, I am happy, for I have a fountain pen, and it is full. Then we come to some of his less puerile complaints. Teachers are bullied by parents and harassed by uneducated education authorities." Take the first. My opinion is that the average teacher is quite a match for any parent. This is really where the teacher's education comes in use- ful, for he is able to frame in words some very nasty things, and it is not surprising that an uneducated and irate parent resorts to his fist oc- casionally. Take the second-" uneducated education authorities." Who would "Alpha" like to see on Education Committees—college professors and a few more County School masters 1 That would be joyful. Then we should see salaries go up by leaps and bounds, but Heaven help the affairs of the town. I regret that I cannot give this week the official list of salaries paid to certificated teachers. However, let not "Alpha" mistake my inten- tion. He seems to think that if there is any district under the sun where teachers get higher salaries than in Aberdare, Aberdare teach- ers should be brought up to that level. Too long has this theory prevailed, not only in educational matters, but in other spheres. It happens in some places that the teachers make fast friends with Councillors, who when appealed to, grant the rapacious applications of their employees. The next thing we hear of is an application made in an adjoining district, the appli- cants making the most of what has been done in the former place. And so on from district to district. I am glad to see that the two local Coun- cils and Education Authorities are beginning to see through this game. As to the teacher's work being the most important under God's heaven, etc., I answer, "Bosh." About two months- ago "Alpha" quoted Mr. Llewelyn Williams' (M.P.) speech, in which the latter set forth the great- ness of the teacher's calling. But the profession is too blind to see that i of this is soap. If the Nation- al Union of Scavengers invited me to address them, I could make an equally complimentary speech, set- ting forth the greatness and import- ance of the work they performed. In my next letter I want to deal with the way the teachers discharge "the most important work under God's heaven."—Yours, etc., OMEGA.

ITEMS OF INTEREST. Following the climatic conditions- of last month disorders of the diges- tive system and dyspepsia are com- mon ailments at present. This is due in many cases to a com- plete departure from ordinary diet- too much rich food, acid drinks, iced drinks, etc. It is well to remember that the stomach is only human and needs a tonic at times. It easily becomes overworked and languid, indigestion in various forms being the result. According to Mr. Enoch Bradley, 43 Wood Lane, West Bromwich, the most satisfactory jnethod of over- coming indigestion and restoring strength to the stomach is by taking a course of Dr. Williams' Pink Pills, which opinion is confirmed by a great many more people. He remarks in referring to this subjectWhen indigestion began I felt languid and worn out. Fear- ful pains seized me across the chest after meals, and intense dizziness came over me. In spite of treat- ment I got no peace until I began taking Dr. Williams' Pink Pills, but can honestly say that I was thor- oughly cured by these pills alone." Among the fair sex who invariably bear much and say little, palpita- tions of the heart, and feelings of weakness are causing a good deal of distress. These are quite usual signs of bloodlessness, which has little mercy on its victims it inflicts, in addition to lassitude and nervous attacks, severe headaches and dull pains in the limbs and back. Prompt recourse to the one remedy that has gained such a fine reputa- tion for building up the blood is necessary. As is well known, that remedy is Dr. Williams' Pink Pills for Pale People, meaning for deli- cate, bloodless people. As is evident from the following expression of Miss F. Norman, of 53 Lysons Avenue, Gloucester, Dr. Wil- liams' Pink Pills are generally re- commended among women as great- ly preferable to ordinary medicines. "At one time," states Miss Nor- man, I had little energy and suf- fered from headaches, palpitation and pains in the limbs. Doctors agreed that I was dangerously bloodless. I had hospital treat- ment, but had to return home. Then my mother was persuaded to give me Dr. Williams' Pink Pills; these pills supplied me with new blood and made me hearty." The last remark of Miss Norman furnishes the reason why Dr. Wil- liams' Pink Pills are so successful in bloodlessness, indigestion, rheuma- tism and disorders connected with weakness of the blood and the nerves. The reason is that they build up and renew the blood and assist it to dispel disease from the system. It may be well to add that Dr. Williams' Pink Pills are obtainable of most dealers, or direct from Dr. Williams' Medicine Co., 46 Holborn Viaduct. London, post free two shil- lings and ninepence per box or thir- teen shillings and ninepence for six boxes post free. If any shopkeeper should offer you a substitute, be firm for your own sake and say "NO } every time.

Quoits. Mr. J. Hood, of Liverpool, the winner of the English Championship in 1910 and 1911, and runner-un in 1912, and who is going to play in the final with Kew for this year's Championship, paid a visit to Mr. D. P. Jones, the Secretary of the South Wales Quoiting Association, and a series of games was arranged for, Hood to play some of the Welsh players. Hood proved to be a genuine sport. Not one shot was disputed in all the games. Mr. D. P. Jones lighted in all the games for Mr. Hood. Games Aug. 23, at Penydarren: J. Hood, 61; W. Dice Davies, 49. Aug. 25, at Heolgerrig J. Hood, 51; J. Thomas, 50. Aug. 26, at Aibercynon: J. Hood, 51; W. Dice Davies, 37. Aug. 27, at Ton Pentre: J. Hood, 61; J. Thomas, 21; T. Moore, 20-42. Aug. 28, at Trecynon: J. Hood, 37; W. Dice Davies, 51. Aug. 29, at Blaenclydach: J. Hood, 59; H. Archer, 26; J. Thomas, 35—61. Aug. 30, at Six Bells, Heolgerrig: J. Hood, 61; Rowley Jones, 53. Totals For Hood, 381; against, 343.

Farmer Boys Who Became Merchant Princes. The place is not unknown to visi- tors, for the Cambrian Railway have not advertised its charm in vain. During August hundreds of people may be met at various points along the river. There is a farm provid- ing refreshments called Gelli. Eng- lish visitors without exception call it "Jelly." Further north comes a wayside cottage called Alltybladur, and then a very fine residence known as Cwmrhaiadr. Not many years ago a sad tragedy occurred on the hill which almost overshadows this residence. Mr. Thomas Owen, the head of the firm of Thomas Owen and Co., Ltd., Cardiff, the well- known paper merchants, was found dead in a 'rivulet on the mounin top. It was conjectured that he must have slipped, and in falling was stunned by a stone. Cwmrhaiadr House is still occu pied by Mrs. Owen (the widow) and the family. It stands alone in eter- nal solitude, cut off from the world completely. Why did the late Mr. Thos Owen choose this spot for his summer resi dence ? Probably it was because he was borri in a lowly farm not far away. And it is a rather remarkable fact that he and his two brothers succeeded in a wonderful manner in the commercial world. One of them is Mr. William Owen, who is the founder and head of the huge dra- pery establishments bearing his name, in the west of London. Another was the late Mr. Owen Owen, who built an enormous busi- ness in the same line in Liverpool. The late Mr. Thos. Owen, as I have already stated, gave his name to the paper works at Ely, Cardiff, and he was also one of the chief proprietors of the "Western Mail." The Llyfnant Valley is largely owned to-day by the widows of the late Mr. Thomas Owen and the late Mr. Owen Owen. This valley is only one of the many reached by means of the Cambrian Railway. Across the Dovey River may be seen glimpses of exquisite landscapes, which give promise of still more beautiful scenery as the express proceeds through Aber- dovey, Towyn and Barmouth.

■MnammmnaniimiiiMgwnMiMMMj The Welshman's Favourite. MABON Sauce DV As good as its Name. | DON'T FAIL TO GET IT. I | DON'T FAIL TO GET IT. Blakch's, St. P«t«r St., Cardiff. H ^TfHOMAS, Telephone N? 22 Aberamai*. an A% MOURNING ORDERS LARGE STOCK OF BLACKS IN ALL QUALITIES. SPECIAL VALUE IN RAINCOATS, 28/ OWN MA KE., *tM*' xa:fi3awxs9 CASH TAILOR, 29 Lewis St., Aberaman, & Market St., Aberdare. FURNITURE REMOVALS BY WILLIAM HILL, CARDIFF Rd., Mt. ASH. TEL. 19 The largest Furniture Vans in the District. Well trained men & experienced packers ARTHUR R. JOHN, BUILDER & UNDERTAKER, 118 High Street (Opposite Barran Road), IViOUNTAIN ASH. Give your Children a Musical Education and buy your Piano or Organ at VICTOR FREED'S. Our Prioes for Musical Instruments are 25 per cent. below any other dealer in Wales' Special Advantages which you do NOT get elaewhellØ)- 6 Months' Lessons (any Teacher) FREE. A Handsome Music Stool „ 5/- Tutor „ A Set of Insulator* go 12 Months' Tuning 99 10 Years' Warranty is also given with eaoh Instrument. Any make of Instrument supplied for Ca8h, or Easy Terms to suit you. Over a dozen Instruments always in stock. • Catalogues Free. OUR ONLY ADDRESS:- Musical Warehouse, 4 Oxford Street, MOUNTAIN ASH. mmmmanMMmmmr WHY GO OUT OF THE DISTRICT TO BTJY I FURNITURE When you can get all you require at Prices to suit all P Cheapest for Cash and most convenient for Hire. WE have the Largest and Finest Stock in the Valley to V v select from. Send for our Illustrated Catalogue, or, better still, give us a call and we will only be too pleased to show you round. TERMS AS FOLLOWS I iCS worth of Goods Is. 6d. weekly. fi12 2s. NO DEPOSIT iC20 3s. „ REQUIRED. iC30 „ 4s. 6d. „ £50" » 6s. We employ no Canvassers, so by dealing with us you save Agents' Costs, &c. CATALOGUES FREE. PIANOS, 10s. DOWN and 10s. PER MONTH, Entirely under Repairs neatly executecf New Management. on the premises. T A "V P /x 8 Commercial O -M. X VD V'Um St.,Aberdare. Printing! Printing! Printing! NO JOB TOO LARGE. NO JOB TOO SMALL. Best Workmanship. Up-to-date Machinery. Prompt Despatch. GIVE US A TRIAL, AND SEND YOUR ORDERS TO THE "Leader" & "Tarian" Office, Aberdare.

Merthyr Board of Guardians. On Saturday, Mr. J. Lloyd in the chair. The other members present were: Mrs. Richards, Mrs. Wills, Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Lydia Price, Revs. A. E. Sutherland, D. L. Jones, Messrs. John Prowle, T. D. Wil- liams, Morgan Williams, John Hughes, Rees Rees, D. J. Phillips, Evan Davies, Samuel Davies, Wm. Parker, John Davies, John Edwards, Chas. Fenwick, Henry Evans, Patrick Mansfield, Henry Owen, Samuel Thomas, A. J. Howfield, T. T. Jenkins, Wm. Jones, Edwin Thomas, Joshua Aurelius, John Harris, D. J. Davies, David Evans, Wm. Davies, W. T. Morgan, Joseph Price, Morgan Thomas, Roger Vaughan, with Mr. Frank T. James (clerk) and Mr. Jones (assistant clerk).

Cottage Homes Struck by Lightning. The Children's Homes Committee reported:—The Superintendent re- ported that one of the chimney pots at the Llwydcoed No. 1 Home had been hurled from its position during the recent storm, bringing with it part of the chimney stack and damaging the roof, and that light- ning had apparently struck the building, as the ceiling of the mother's bedroom had been cracked and the mantel-piece displaced. The committee recommended that the architect be directed to report on the matter.

Not Entertained. One of the Relief Committee re- ported as follows Read letter from Mr. Sullivan, Cowbridge Arms, Aberdare, stating that Patrick Doyle, who died at the Infirmary on July 17th, owed him Y,2 2s., which he had lent him pending the receipt of his Army Pension, and that he had handed Doyle's paper to Mr. A. R. Griffiths, relieving officer. Resolved that Mr. Sullivan's claim be not entertained.

Dr. Biddle's Resignation. Mr. F. T. James (clerk) read a letter from Dr. Cornelius Biddle, re- signing the offices of medical officer to the Merthyr Town and Vaynor district and public vaccinator. Dr. Biddle intimated that he was with- drawing from practice at the end of September, and he had held these appointments for 40 years. Dr. Ward, senior, wrote in appre- ciation of Dr. Biddle's voluntary work in aiding during major oper- ations at the infirmary, and in con- ducting the examinations of proba- tioner nurses for the last 12 years. Mr. John Lloyd (chairman) com- mented upon the excellence of Dr. Biddle's services. There had not been a single complaint against him during the 40 years, and the whole Board wished him happiness in his retirement. A letter accepting the resignation and expressing the Board's appreci- ation was ordered to be sent to Dr. Biddle. In order to fill the posts vacated, it was decided that the Clerk should intimate to every medical practition- er in the area that applications would be received.

Relief and Compensation. Should Widows Have Larger Grants? At the instigation of Mr. Meth Davies a fortnight ago, a letter was directed to he written to Judge J. Bryn Roberts respecting the small- ness of the amounts per week he awarded to widows out of compensa- tion money paid into court. One of the cases mentioned was Margaret Ellen Turner, Wayne Street, Aber- dare. His Honour's letter was as fol- lows:- "In reply to your letter relating to the above cases, the principle I adopt in apportioning compensation 'money among a widow and her young children is to award the larg- est weekly sum for the maintenance of each dependent that the fund at my disposal will admit of for the fund to last until the youngest child attains the age of 14, which is the youngest age at which a child can be self-supporting. This is the only mode by which even justice among the children can be done. I gather that the desire of the guardians is that I should, in the above cases, grant a larger weekly sum so as to relieve the present ratepayers of all liability, and that if the fund is ex- hausted while the younger children are under 14, let the whole burden of their maintenance fall upon the future ratepayers. I do not con- sider it my duty to sacrifice later weekly contributions to the younger children in order to attain this re- sult, and do not propose to do so. In one of the cases you refer to the weekly sums awarded will only last until the younger child attains the age of 14, and in the other case it will not last so long, but in that case the eldest child is a boy and will be able to earn a substantial sum." After setting out the manner in which compensation for death is ad- justed on the three years' wages basis, with a maximum of zC300, the judge proceeds: "This ( £ 300) in a case where there is a large young family is much too little. In other cases it is too much. It is greatly to be desired that the maximum should have relation to the number of dependents and the numbei, of years that will elapse be- fore infants dependents will attain the age of 14. I hope the attention of the Legislature will be turned to this objective." Mrs. Williams remarked that if < tie knew more about the difficulties ] Df housewives, he would not write t like that. She did not think it fair at all to the mother and the children that the apportionments should be so small. Mr. J. Prowle remarked that the judge was no judge on domestic subjects, because he was a bachelor. Still, he (Mr. Prowle) was not in favour of giving large amounts in a lump to widows, because he knew of cases where the money had been squandered. Mrs. Williams replied that she did not advocate giving a lump sum to widows. No action was taken.

Local Government Board Orders. Two new draft orders from the Local Government Board were re- ferred to by Mr. John Prowle. Cri- ticisms and suggested amendments were invited from the various Unions before the orders became operative in December. The effect of these orders, according to the draft, would be the sweeping aside of all the old orders, there being substituted a new administration for workhouses. Copies of the orders are to be furnished each member, and the matter will be reached in next meeting's agenda. It was stated by Mr. John Prowle that the new sanatorium at Pont- sarn would be ready to receive pa- tients in a fortnight.

Notices of Motion. The following motions were agreed to:- By the Chairman: "That the Guardians hereby consent—(1) To the erection of Homes for Children and of buildings in connection there- with at Llwydcoed, in accordance with plans to which the Local Government Board have affixed their seal, subject, nevertheless, to such modifications thereof as that Board may hereafter direct. (2) To the expenditure for the above pur- pose of a sum not exceeding £ 6,485. (3) To the borrowing of the said sum of 16,485, or such part thereof, as may be necessary for the purpose aforesaid. And further-That the sum of £6,485 be borrowed for the purpose aforesaid. That the sum so borrowed be repaid within a per- iod not exceeding 30 years." By Mr. Henry Owen: "That His Majesty's Government be petitioned to so amend the Old Age Pension Act as to provide that when an old age pensioner, who is not able- bodied, is admitted to the Work- house, or be there for medical or other care and attendance, he or she shall not thereby be disqualified for the pension, but that the Guardians shall be entitled to appropriate the whole or such portion of the pension as they may think fit towards the cost of such care and attendance. That a copy of this resolution be sent to the Prime Minister, the Local Government Board, and the local Members of Parliament."

Aberdare Interviews. FOUR YEARS AGO AND TO-DAY. The following brief account of an interview with an Aberdare man four years ago, and its sequel, will be read with keen interest by every citi- zen. On April 14th, 1909, Mr. T. Davies, of 27 Meirion Street-near the Park —Trecynon, Aberdare, said:—"Hav- ing to be out in all weathers at my work I am liable to take cold, and this, no doubt, was the beginning of my trouble. At times the pains across my back were severe; and I often felt stiff and found it very diffi- cult to stoop. The water was also not as it should be, being at times of a cloudy nature and containing a sediment. "I was advised to try Doan's back- ache kidney pills-I did so, and. found them a splendid remedy. They strengthened my back and cor- rected the urinary system. "I always keep Doan's pills at hand, and have no hesitation in re- commending them, for I believe them to be a good medicine. (Signed) T. Davies." On March 19th, 1913-nearly four year later-Mr. Davies said Al- though I am nearly seventy years of age I am pleased to say I have kept free of kidney trouble for a long time now." Price 2/9 a box, 6 boxes 13/9 of all dealers, or from Foster-McClellan Co., 8 Wells St., Oxford St., Lon- Ion, W. Don't ask for backache and kidney pills, ask distinctly for Doan's backache kidney pills, the same as Mr. Davies had.

My Annual Tramp. BY GEORGE BORROW, JUNIOR. Churches and Collections. (Continued.) Llanbadarn Church, about a mile out of Aberystwyth, is one of the most ancient in all Wales. For this reason it is frequented no less on week days than on Sundays, by hun- dreds of visitors who come from var- ious parts of the country to Aber- ystwyth. It is customary here to fill in the spaces provided for the pur- pose, the number of coins placed in the collection boxes every Sunday. These sheets are hung in the porch for all and sundry to read. And it is an object lesson in the meanness of our race. On one Sunday in August there were about 30 farthings and 90 ha-pennies in the collection, and a score or more of penny stamps. I should not be surprised to learn that some of them (the stamps) had been cancelled. There were a few threepenny bits, but the sixpences and shillings were very rare indeed. Whether we have progressed in Christian principles or not, one thing is very plain, and that is that as a nation we have forgotten entirely Christ's injunction to give alms stealthily. The rich Buddhists give liberally and unceasingly towards their religion. A person who had lived among them in Ceylon said the other day that a Buddhist could not understand how a Christian could die a millionaire. That was be- cause the average Buddhist gave practically all his wealth to his church. This may .be carrying things to the other extreme, but there is no gainsaying the fact that Christians- Nonconformists almost as bad as Churchmen-are horribly mean in their contributions towards the up- keep of religion. The Cambrian Railway passes through Llanbadarn, but the first station outward is Bow Street. Borth, which is 7 miles out of Aber- ystwyth, is a glorious place for a holiday. The sands are almost un- equalled and eminently suitable for childen. There is an open coast from the hill which divides Borth from Clarach Bay, to the estuary of the Dovey, a distance of about 4 miles. Borth Golf Links are noted far and wide among the devotees of the game. Proceeding along the Cambrian line a few miles further, Glandovey Station is reached. Pas- sengers bound for the delightful Llyfnant Valley alight here. The entrance to this enchanting vale is close by. The scenery is undoubt- edly equal to that of Devil's Bridge. There is a great wealth of natural beauty from the first step you take up to Cwmrhaiadr Falls, which marks the extreme end of the valley. The river runs alongside the path- way for miles. Glaspwll Cascade is as picturesque a sight as a traveller would wish to see in a week's march. There are trees, trees, trees of every kind. Talk about exploring the un- known portions of Africa. One won- ders whether half of these mossy banks have ever experienced human footsteps. There is one huge crag towering aloft, with trees growing at every angle out of it, on which no human foot can ever have trod. It is like the Yat in Simond's Yat, without, however, a pathway lead- ing up to it.