The Aberdare Leader

Merthyr Board of Guardians. Present: Mr. Charles Fenwick (in the chair), Mrs. A. N. Jenkins, Mrs. Lydia Price, Miss Hettie Jones, Mrs. H. E. Wills, Mrs. M. A. Edmunds, Revs. Ll. M. Williams, A. E. Suther- land, William Thomas D. L. Jones; Messrs. David Edwards, David Jones (Hirwaun), Morgan Williams, W. Hag- gar, John Hughes, Rees Rees, Thomas Morgan, D. J. Phillips, Evan Davies, T. D. Williams, Wm. Thomas, D. Jones (Dowlais), John Lloyd, William Parker, Richard Abraham, W. Ll. Jones, John Edwards, Henry Owen, Samuel Thomas, A. J. Howfield, T. T. Jenkins, William Jones, Edwin Thomas, Joshua Aurelius, Samuel Morgan D. J. Davies, David Evans, W. T. Morgan, T. B. Greatorex, and Morgan Thomas, with Mr Frank T. James (clerk) and Mr Cook (assistant clerk).

Assistant Matron. A sub-committee reported that they had arranged the details respecting the appointment of assistant matron for the Homes, and had drafted the ad- vertisement. The duties of the person appointed will be to assist Mrs. Owen, matron at the Training School, Trecynon. Several members opposed the ap- 1 pointment and stated that it was unnecessary. The Rector replied that it was un- fair to expect Mrs. Owen to look after the various Homes now under her charge. The whole question resolved I itself into this: Was the matron to go round the Homes every day, some of those Homes being at Bargoed. Mr. Vaughan: Why not provide j motor cars ? 1 Mr R. Rees: We have tramcars at Aberdare. (Laughter.) The Rector said it was essential that the Homes be visited by the Matron, so that proper discipline be maintained. He was fully convinced they could not do without one. Mr A. J. Howfield agreed that it might be necessary to appoint an as- sistant matron, but why should the thing be rushed? Mr. Parker moved that the whole question be referred back to commit- tee. He did not see the necessity of making such an appointment. Mrs. Jenkins r?marked that if Mr. Parker knew anything at all about the administrative work of the Aberdare Cottage Homes, he would not hesitate in recommending the appointment. They had already 16 Homes occupied, and four nearing completion, and the matron was expected to visit them once a week. Mr. Vaughan seconded Mr Parker's amendment that the question be re- ferred back. Mr Vaughan continued to speak, while there were some interruptions and consultations at the chairman's end of the table. Mr. Vaughan: It is impossible tor me to speak while all that noise goes on at the top of the table. It seems to me that the Board is controlled by about half-a-dozen members at the top end of the table. The Rector (who sat near the chair- man) strongly objected to Mr. Vaughan's statement. Mr. Vaughan: You may object as much as you like. Rector: There is much more noise at your end of the table. The meeting divided when 5 only voted for referring the question back. The minutes were therefore adopted. j

An Aberdare Rumour. Have Cottage Homes Children to sit together in Churches? Mr Harry Evans said that a rumour had reached him concerinng Cottage Home Children. He had been given to understand that seats were set aside in some of the Churches for Cottage » Homes children. If that was so it was surely against the principle of the Cot- tage Homes system. The children should sit in various places and where they liked. Mr Morgan Williams The mattei- will come up before the next committee. Chairman Mr Parker and I are mem- bers of that committee, and we ought to attend. 1 Mrs. Edmunds: May we have Mr Evans' objection to what he complains about? I should think that would be the best way to arrange the children in church. 1 Mr Harry Evans replied that one of the objects of the Cottage Homes was to ] do away with the taint of pauperism. I If seats were specially set aside for 1 those children, fingers would be pointed to them and it would be said It is there the pauper children sit." He < would like to know whether there was 1 any truth in the rumour. 1 Chairman: Yes, evidently, or the I committee would have no need to con- f sider it at their next meeting. t Rector: The best method is the free t and open system. 4 Mr Harry Evans: I agree. i It was understood that the committee would investigate and report at the next meeting.

An Officer's Residence. Mr R. Abraham complained that the deputy registrar of births and deaths for the Gelligaer Parish had removed to Merthyr, and declared that there was a tacit understanding, when he was appointed, that he would reside in the district. The ratepayers of Gelligaer, continued Mr Abraham, were not going to take this "lying down." If Hen- good did not agree with the deputy registrar, let him remove to Bargoed or Pontlottyn. A resolution was passed protesting against the action of the deputy regis- trar in removing from the Parish in which he worked.

Mental Deficiency Act. Mr John Lloyd gave a report of the Llandrindod Poor Law Conference, and criticised the joint action of various Boards of Guardians and the County Council in negotiating for the purchase of the Drymma Estate for the erection of an institution for mentally deficient persons.

1 Appointment of Painter. Four applicants appeared before the Board, viz., John Jones, Merthyr; W. S. Howells, Merthyr; Edward Shad- I bolt, late of Aberdare, and Jas. B. Wil- liams. Each candidate was asked whether he could speak Welsh. Jones replied: Yes. i Rector: Can you paint in Welsh f (Laughter.) Howells replied that he could speak Pembrokeshire Welsh. Rector: That is better than Glamor- ganshire Welsh. Shadbolt resented the question, until he was told that the same question had been put to the other candidates. He then replied that he could not speak Welsh. Jas. B. Williams, Merthyr, receiveu the appointment.

The Staff. The Finance Committee considered the application of Miss M. J. Jones, assistant matron at the Workhouse, for an increase of salary, and recommend- ed that her annual salary be increased by £10 now and by t5 at the end of another twelve months. The Finance Committee recommend- ed that before the application of Miss H. A. Thomas, Superintendent Laun- dress at the Workhouse, for an in- crease of salary, be considered, that the Clerk be directed to make enquiries from the following Unions as to salaries paid by them to the same officer, viz., Bedwellty, Bridgend, Neath, Newport, Pontypridd and Swansea. The same committee unanimously re- commended that Mr A. J. Hughes, who has been employed in the Clerk's Office, be appointed fourth assistant clerk, at a salary of £ 65 per annum. Read letter from the three assistant clerks asking the committee to fix the period of their annual holidays.—The committee recommended that they be allowed the usual three weeks' each. The Master of the Workhouse ap- plied on behalf of the Officers of the Workhouse for leave of absence on the 18th June to enable them to take their annual outing.—The committee recom- mended that the same be granted.

The Chairman and Mr. Prowle. Not Terrorising the Officials. The Farms Committee reported hav- ing met on June 11th. Present: Mr. Henry Owen, ckairman, Mrs. Richards,f Rev. Ll. M. Williams, Messrs. Rees Rees, John Prowle, and D. J. Phillips. Before the transaction of the ordinary business of the committee, the Chair- man drew attention to the remarks 1. made at the last Board meeting by Mr. John Prowle upon his (thewchairman's) conduct with regard to alleged orders given direct by him to the Superintend- ent and Farm Bailiff. The Superin- tendent and Farm Bailiff were present, and were asked by the Chairman if they had any complaints whatever to make against him, and if he had in any way dictated anything, or in any way at- tempted to exercise control over them, and both replied in the negative. The Farm Bailiff stated that the only com- plaint he had made was that the mem- bers of the committee had not attended the meetings hitherto and given him in- structions. The Chairman also asked ( them if they had authorised Mr Prowle to make any complaint on their behalf, and the reply from both was also in the i negative. Upon the matter being further discussed, Mr Prowle withdrew the statement made at the last meeting that the Chairman was "terrorising the officials" responsible for the manage- ment of the Farm.

Mountain Ash Carnival. Under the auspices of the Mountain Ash and District Tradesmen's Associ- tion, the second annual Carnival and Fete was held at the Duffryn Grove last Thursday. The officials were: Hon. Secretaries, Messrs. Thomas J. Edmunds, W. E. Gough, D. Hay, J. W. Thomas, J. Lloyd, and T. Emrys Jones. Hon. Treasurer, Mr Morgan Edmunds. The proceeds were in aid of District Nursing Fund, St. John Ambulance, and Red Cross Society. Judges: Horse Ring—Messrs. John James, D. R. Jones, T. Morris. Stewards: Big Ring-Messrs. T. Hill, D. W. Howell, It. Fussell, George Hill, Messrs. E. J. Lewis, T. L. Wignall, D. Harris, A. Atkind T. Netherway, H. Mulvey, A. Hodder, T. K. Lukev, Harry Evans, D. Morgan. Collecting Ring-Messrs. H. Long, J. Gough, A. Collyer. Small Ring Stewards Messrs Fred J. Mills, R. Dowling, G. Shaw, W. G. Thomas, J. Philpin.— Yeomanry: M.C., Sergt. Burge. Judges: Messrs. John James, D. R. Jones, T. Morris. Starter, Mr D. S. Lewis. Timekeeper, Mr D. W. Howell. Bugler, Mr W. Smith. Trade Exhibits: Judges— Messrs. R. H. Miles and J. H. Powell. —Fancy Dress Costumes (Small Ring): Judges: Mr. J. H. Powell, Mrs M. Mor- gan, Mrs Morgan Edmunds, Mrs Dr. Davies-Jones, Mrs. D. Morris Lewis, and Miss J. Long. Stewards: Messrs D. Morris Lewis, W. O. John, C. Lewis, W. R. Edmunds, S. R. Netherway, Tom Pugh.—Baby Show Judges, Dr. Arthur T. Jones, Dr. Llewelyn Williams, Dr. B. Phillips Jones, and three District Nurses. Stewards: Mrs. Fred Mills, Mrs G. W. Mills, Mrs M. A. Davies, Mrs C. Atkind, Mrs W. O. John, Mrs. Meredith, Mrs. M. A. Pugh, Mrs. C. Grier, Mrs Frank Mills, Mrs D. Harris, Mrs J. H. Evans, Mrs Peters, Mrs Mul- vey, Mrs Oscar Davies, Mrs L. Philpin. —Tug-of-War Judges: Messrs Frank Mills, D. S. Lewis, E. R. McGregor and Ben Tiley.—Entertainments Stewards, Messrs. G. G. Pegler, David Lewis, Morgans (Cash and Co.), T. J. Evans, J. E. Thomas, W. R. Thomas, C. Mer- ritt. Stage No. 1: Judges, Dr. Wear- ing, Messrs Bert Richards, Curnow, Perry; Stewards, Messrs David Evans (butcher), W. White, 11. Newton, and Emrvs Lloyd. Stage No. 2: Judges, Messrs. J. H. Powell, R. H. Miles, G. A. Evans, J.P., High Constable, and G. Evans, J.P. Adjudicators, Miss E. Long and Mr T. W. Millar. Stewards, Messrs. F. H. Llewelyn, J. J. Saunders, Jones (Allen Street), Tom Jones, Mrs Hay, Mrs. Lloyd, Miss Mamie Mills, Miss N. Thomas, Mrs. G. J. Edwards. —General Stewards: Messrs. D. Evans, — Davies, F. Allen, O. T. Hopkins, Thomas (Masters and Co.), Williams (Briggs and Co.), W. M. Harris, V. Freed, L. Schwartz, Lane, Oscar Davies, Fletcher, W. Grier, W. J. Grif- fiths, Evan James, David Jenkins, G. J. Edwards. Programme Stewards: Messrs. W. Peters, W. Badham, and Chris. Evans.-Flower Girls: Misses A. Mills, V. Long, C. David, May Lloyd, Mabel Gough, Freda Gough, Carrie Davies, Jennie Davies, May Thomas, Olive Lewis, Lil Lewis, Katie Mc- Gregor, Florrie McGregor, Olwen Mor- gan, Gladys Morgan, Violet Wilcox, Edith Greenwood, Nora Holloway, Norah Rees, Doris Jenkins, Eva Wil- liams, Eileen Williams, Minnie Payne, Rees, Jones, Owen, Roberts, Ponting, Olive Baker, Maggie Cook. Violet Evans, Olwen Nicholas, Peggy Mills, Nancy Mills, Betsy Mills, Gwladys Wil- liams, Violet Netherway. Muriel Hayes, Doris Hayes, Maria Atkins, Alice 01- den, Beatrice Evans, Gwennie Griffiths, Olwen Evans, Clara Lawrence, Hilda Jones, Welsford, Sandford, Lil Minor, Gwladys Christopher, Mary Mills, Bess Mills, Violet Weeks, Barbara Beau- champ. The weather was everything that could be desired, and the arrangements perfect. A magnificent procession par- aded the streets, headed by the High Constable and two ex-High Constables, Messrs R. H. Miles and J'. H. Powell. The Mountain Ash Volunteer Band (Mr W. Greenwood) was in attendance. The awards were as follows:- Class I-Best Trade Exhibit: 1, W. R. Davies, Mountain Ash; 2. Victor Freed, Mountain Ash; 3, Mountain Ash Furnishing Co. Class 2--National or Historical He- presentation in Costume 1, Dolly Fox- hall, Pontypridd; 2, Mav John. Miskin; 3, Kittle, Mountain Ash; 4, Bert Hay, Miskin, Earl of Leicester, Class 3—rancy Dress on Horseback (lady or gent) 1, Mr Nye; 2, E. Lovell, Mountain Ash, Wild West; 3, Evan Williams, Mountain Ash; 4, Willie Foxhall, Pontypridd. Class 4—Fancy Dress. Walking (lady or gent): 1, Fred Evans. Ferndale, as Lord Mayor of London; 2, C. M. Bent- ley, Mountain Ash; 3, Doris Hill, Mountain Ash; 4, W. H. Hillman, Miskin. Class 5—Fancy Dress, Boy or Girl: 1, Willie Phillips, Miskin; 2, Corona J. Wilson, Aberdare; 3, Frank Evans (costermonger); 4, Ruby Dean, Moun- tain Ash. Class 6-Group of Walking Charac- ters: 1, David Jenkins and Co., Capi- tal and'Labour; 2, Miss Gwyneth Hop- kins, Penrhiwceiber; 3, Ragtime Nav- vies, Abercwmboi. Class 7-Decorated Cycle or Motor Cycle: 1, Cecil Lawrence, Mountain Ash. Class 8—Comic Turnout, Walking: 1, S. Branch, Mountain Ash; 2, Willie Smith and Boy, Mountain Ash; 3, E. Rubinstein and W. Davies, Mountain Ash, Russian Organ Grinder and his Bear; 4, R. Hayter, Aberdare. Class 9-Comic Turnout, Riding 1, Reg. Bartlett, Mountain Ash; 2, James H. Teague, Mountain Ash; 3, Bert Thomas, Mountain Ash. Class 1U—Comic Turnout, Driving: 1, Cooke, Penrhiwceiber, Welsh Widow and Family; 2, A. J. Shepherd, Mountain Ash, The "Knuts" Laundry; 3, W. G. Evans and Co., Abercwmboi; r., G. Pople, Newtown. Class 11—Comic Band for Men: 1, Fred Mitchell and Co., Mountain Ash; 2, D. Bevan and Co., = Constitutional Rag-time Band; 3, J. Jeffreys and Co., Mountain Ash. Class 12-Comic Band for Boys: 1, Mrs Gray's Own Troop, Mountain Ash; 2, Triangle Rag-time Band, Mountain Ash; 3, D. James, Miskin; r., D. Grif- fiths, Mountain Ash. Class 13—Cinema Competition: Best Representation of any Cinema Actor: 1, G. Cokayne, Mountain Ash, Indian Chief; 2, J. Matthews, Trecynon; 3, W. H. Thompson, Colliers' Arms, New- town. Class 14-Best Comic or Humorous Song to be g;ven on Stage: 1, Edna Lewis, Newtown; 2, Harold Evans, Mountain Ash; 3, Win. J. Davies, Pen- rhiwceiber. -x»~ Class 15—Comic Band giving best en- tertainment on Stage: 1, Fred Mitchell and Co.; 2, D. Bevan and Co. Class 17—Beauty Competition for Girls under 16 years: 1, Gwendoline Griffiths, 7 Navigation Street, Moun- tain Ash; 2, Ada Vaughan, 4 Mount Pleasant Cottages, Miskin; 3, Nellie McGregor, Oxford Street Mountain Ash; r., Edna Lewis, 24 Mary Street, Newtown. Class 18-Best Grocer's Turnout: 1, J. Long and Son; 2, Cwmbach Co-op. Society, Mountain Ash; 3, T. Thomas, High St., Mountain Ash; r. and groom- ing prize, Cwmbach Co-op. Society, Mountain Ash. Class 19-Best Greengrocer's Turn- out 1, Harry Phillips, Mountain Ash; 2, W. Lawrence, Mountain Ash; 3, Jas. H. Teague, Mountain Ash, also groom- ing prize. Class 20-Best Butcher's Turn-out: 1, T. Thomas, High Street, Mountain Ash; 2, D. Evans, High St., Mountain Ash; 3, Cwmbach Co-op., Mountain Ash, also grooming prize; 4 T. K. Lukey, Mountain Ash. Class 21—Best Milkvendor's Turn- out 1st and grooming prize, E. B. Ele- ment, Mountain Ash; 2, Tom Evans, Mountain Ash. Class 22-Best General Trade Turn- out: 1, E. B. Element, Mountain Ash; 2, J. Long and Son, Mountain Ash; 3, Harry Phillips, Mountain Ash. Class 23—Best Groomed and Plaited Heavy Horse with any exhibit on par- ade: 1, C. West, Mountain Ash; 2, Cwmbach Co-op., Mountain Ash; r., Cwmbach Co-op., Mountain Ash. Class 24-Best Yeomanry Turnout on parade: 1, Corpl. Fred Evans, Moun- tain Ash; 2, Trooper W. Evans, Aber- cynon. Class 25—Tug-of-War 1, Cwmaman "A" Team, Capt. T. J. Howells; 2, Mog Regan, Mountain Ash. Class 27—Tug-of-War (for Elemen- tary School Boys): 1, Duffryn Boys' School "A" Team, Mountain Ash, Mr. D. Arthur Davies; 2, Miskin Schools, "A"), Mr R. G. Shaw, headmaster. Class 28—Tug-of-War for Boy Scouts and Boys' Brigades 1, Miskin Church Lads' Brigade; 2, Mrs. Gray's Own. Class 29—Obstacle Races 1, H. E. Jones, Penrhiwceiber; 2, Wm. Horler, Mountain Ash; 3, Idris Richards, Mis- kin. Class 30--Pillow Fight, on horizontal Pole: 1, E. Anthony, Mountain Ash; 2, E. Kenvyii, Penrhiwceiber. Class 31—Climbing the Greasy Pole 1, Richard Fenn. Class 31-Baby Show for Children under 6 months: 1, R. H. Gardener, Cwmbach 2, Douglas Marsh, Mountain Ash; r., R. E. Hamer, Mountain Ash. Class 33—Ditto, Children over 6 and under 12 months: 1, Wm. Daley, Aber- aman; 2, S. Powell, Penrhiwceiber; r., Taylor. Penrhiwceiber. Class 34—Ditto, Children over 12 and under 18 months (Stage. No. 2) 1, Gardener, Aberdare; 2, Churchill, Mountain Ash; r., Perkins, Miskin. Yeomanry: Musical Chairs-I. Troop- er Panniers; 2, Ex-Sergt. Cartlidge. Tableaux Class: 1, D. Evans and Co., The Empire; 2, Red Cross Society, Hos- pital Ward.

"Mr. Editor, we are trying to start a home for disabled poets." H Fine," said the editor, "there is a whole bunch of ipoets in this town that I will disable as soon as you are ready for them."

PeUdros Induction Services. On June 11th last an event of inter- est to the inhabitants of Godreaman and district took place at Cymmer, Porth, namely, the induction services of the Rev. W. R. Jones (Pelidros), late of Salem Baptist Church, Godreaman, as the minister of Pisgah Baptist Church, Cymmer. A large crowd of friends and minis- ters from Godreaman, Merthyr, and the tw Rhonddas gathered together in the chapel at 2.30 p.m., the chair being oc- cupied by the Rev. John Edwards, Salem, Porth. After the preliminary devotional services had been performed by the Rev. D. Christmas Jones, Watts- town, the chairman referred with feel- ing. to the late Rev. J. M. Lewis, the former minister of Pisgah, and stated that to succeed that servant of God was an honour of which any minister might justly be proud. The secretary then read letters received apologising tor ab- sence and expressing the best wishes for the success of the union thus formed between Mr Jones and the church. One letter of special interest was that re- ceived from the Secretary of the Minis- terial Union of Godreaman and dis- trict, expressing the loss the district had sustained by the departure of Mr. Jones and wishing him God-speed in his new sphere. A telegram was also re- ceived from a sister of Mr Jones, name- ly, Madame Eleanor Jones-Hudson, ex- pressing the best wishes of herself and family. Interesting addresses were de- livered by members of the churches of Pisgah and Godreaman, together with prominent members of the Baptist min- istry, notably Dr. Morris, Treorchy; the Revs. D. Price, Swansea, and B. V. Da vies, Abergwynfi. Perhaps the most striking testimony given to the affection and respect enter- tained for Mr. Jones and his family by his late church was the presentation, during the meeting, by Mrs. Phillips, Miss Emily Phillips, Master Johnny Phillips, and Mr Daniel Davies, all of Godreaman, of a silver inkstand and case, suitably inscribed, to Mr. Jones; bronzes to Mrs. Jones; a gold watch to Miss Hattie May Jones, and a silver comb and rush in case to Miss Nellie W. Jones. Mr. Jones heartily thanked the donors for the kind feelings which prompted the presentation, and for the valuable gifts. In the evening sermons were preached by the Rev. J. Griffiths, Calfaria, Aber- dare, and the Rev. D. Price, Swansea. Mr. Griffiths referred to the universal esteem in which Mr Jones was held in the Aberdare district, and presented him with a valuable book on behalf of the Aberdare Baptist Ministers' Union.

Hirwain Motor Cyclist Killed. Travelling at 50 Miles an Hour.— Inquest Adjourned. An inquest on George Pearce, Hirwain, who died at the Merthyr General Hospi- tal on Friday following injuries in a motor-cycle (ollision at Cwmtaff on Thursday night, was held on Monday at the Merthyr Hospital, by Mr. R. J. Rhys. C. Pearce, a competitor in the trial motor-cycle race during which the acci- dent occurred, said his brother George was in the side-car, while witness rode the machine. When about 15 to 20 yards from the machine of Mr. Brown, of Glyn- taff, Troedyrhiw, he noticed Mr. Brown swerve to the right, and the side-cars came into collision. Witness was thrown off, but his brother, who was in the side- car, was rendered unconscious. The Coroner: Did you give room to those coming up the hill? Witness: I was keeping to my left, and I skidded, but the collision could not be avoided. Evan Jones, Troedyrhiw, said he saw Pearce's motor-cycle before the collision about 15 yards away. Brown was travel- ling at about eight to ten miles an hour, and was more to the left side of the road. Arthur Hirst, of Treharris, who was acting as marshal, said he warned Brown that there were competitors coming up the hill. He heard the collision, and ran to the scene, where he found all the motor-cycles on the right side of the road. Charles A. Wills, secretary of the com- petition, said that the course, which was three miles 600 yards in length, had been corered in 4 minutes and 28 seconds. The Coroner said that was nearly 50 miles an hour. In reply to the Coroner, witness said they had ten marshals on the road, but when the accident occurred one of the marshals had left the course. The Coroner: You ought to hold these things at 3 o'clock in the morning, when there is nobody about. The inquiry was adjourned for five weeks, to enable Brown, the driver of the other machine, who is still suffering from ) his injuries, to attend. I

r ,I GREAT REDUCTION in PRICES of MUSIC, is. Dance or Song 'i .Albums, 7 £ d. i1 VICTOR FREED, .j Mountain Ash. j Mountain Ash.

PUBLIC CONVENIENCES AT ABERDARE. Siit,-I would like to know when the Aberdare District Council are going to e-erect the public convenience on the Jadlya ? It is a shame that there is no irinal from the Central Square in town mtil you come to the lower end of the Park Schools, Trecynon, a good t of a nile. The same applies to Foundry- iown and Davieatown, not one in the whole district nearer than High Street. [ believe it is high time for the Council io remedy this state of affairs —Yours, G.

POLLUTING CWMAMAN WATER. SlR,-I wish to draw the attention of bhe Aberdare District Council to the contamination of the water in the reser- voir at Cwmaman. The Council has gone to, great expense to provide a place to store clean water for us, and now a colliery company are depositing their rubbish in close proximity to the stored water, thereby contaminating it. The people of this place suffered enough before through the dust nuisance from an adjacent colliery. Now not only are our rivers polluted by the colliery com- panies but our reservoirs as well.-Yours, A SUFFERER.

PITHEAD BATHS. SIR,-Your correspondent Pro Bath would like to see miners' agents and labour leaders taking a more active part in this movement. For my own part I would like to see the workmen them- selves taking the initiative. There is already too much of the agent stamp about the whole business—I do not mean the miners' agent but agency of another type. Whtn men who are "in the make run an aftair of this kind the workmen get naturally suspicious and hold aloof. When the pithead baths propaganda is promoted by the work- men themselves or by some who are genuinely interested in their welfare it will be worthy of support.-Yours, SALADIN.

"TRAMWAY PROMISES." DEAR SIR.-I have read "Rate- payer's letter, and I hope that before he enlightens the people again he will make sure of his facts. There are blacksmiths in Aberdare but not blacksmiths who are also tram- car fitters. Regarding the motorman who is painting the cars, this man is a qualified painter, and his case was thoroughly considered by the Council before he was entrusted with the work, which work will speak for itself when the newly painted cars get on the road. In regard to the painter's mate, Ratepayer states that he is another stranger to Aberdare." Perhaps he will be pleased to know the following facts concerning him :—(1) He was born in the Gadlys. (2) He has lived over 10 years in Seymour Street. (3) He is a Welsh-speaking Welshman. If the truth were known I expect Ratepayer is one of those delightful individuals who are never so happy as when making mischief provided they can at the same time keep in the back- ground.—Yours faithfully, A. J. ABRAHAM.

"SARON" AND THE WELSH NATIONAL DRAMA. SIR,-Yes, Saron, I do openly declare that Agnostics compare favourably with church members. Believers live no better lives than unbelievers, and the latter are more honest than the former because the sceptic has not the cant which a religious profession generally begets. Of course I cannot say whether the author wrote the drama in question with the express purpose of setting forth that view. Perhaps it is not his view but it is mine. However it is a common thing for writers who hold no brief for Agnosticism-such as Charles Kingsley, Mrs. Humphrey Ward, and Daniel Owen, for instance—to select Agnostics as heroes for their stozies Perhaps their object in doing this is to accentuate the fact that morality has no connection with theology and that conduct is not dependent on a creed. I go further than that and repeat that a profession of religion is a hindrance to an honest life because it tends to reduce sincerity and to foster hypocrisy. Every church, however free. has some confession of faith," and every member is obliged to accept it, but a broadminded man cannot do so without sacrificing principle. The other portions of 8aron's letter do not concern me. They will probably be dealt with by Gwilym ap Iago.- Yours, CAMBRENSIS.

"THE WELSH NATIONAL DRAMA." SIR,—Allow me to congratulate Saron upon his attempt to side-step, in order to get out of the muddle into which he has landed himself. However, I don't feel like following him into that by-path. He devoted a good deal of his first letter to bringing a serious charge against the drama, Change." Now, since that charge has been refuted by evidence from the play itself he basn't sufficient sportsmanship to admit that, but attempts to wander into a side jrack. Coujenow "Saron" be a man. Prove yourself worthy of your nom-de- )Iume. You owe the author of Change an apology. Let him have t through the same medium that you uade the false charge, Poor Marged ihon, she is of the world worldly" md not an example to her sex," yet the is one of the very few who treat the )oor village simpleton with kindness. day I remind "Saron" of the parable If the sheep and the goats, together with be inasmuch which accompanies it. n conclusion let me ask where do these ieople referred to by Saron find their xcuses ? Is it not in actual life and' Dot from any stage portrayal of it? In. Lhe words of a well known divine, It is bo be feared that we have too much' Churchianity in the world to-day and. not enough Christianity. -Yours, etc., GWILYM AP IAGO.

INCREASE OF ABERDARE COUNCIL MEMBERS. DEAR EDITOR,-Will you grant me a little space to congratulate our present Councillors upon the successful issue of the above application. It is evidently a step in the right direction, and proves that Sweet 'Berdare deserves its Charter, and also Separation from the Merthyr area. The next step for the ratepayers will be the selection of suitable persons as additional members. The various undertakings now in hand together with the increasing expenditure under our Educational System require the serious consideration of every ratepayer when selecting persons to fill the new positions. There is one name I wish to suggest to the ratepayers of the Town Ward. Irrespective of any pttrty politics his past work upon the Council will bear strict examination. I refer to ex-Coun- cillor R, L. Berry. There is no shadow of a doubt that he lost his seat through the false cry of incurring unnecessary expenditure upon a Fire engine and the Fire Brigade. Yet, since then even his greatest opponents, including the genial Councillor who successfully opposed him, have conceded him the credit that whatever money has been expended OR the Fire Brigade was money well spent, and that the officers and men of the Brigade are deserving of the thanks of the ratepayers in general. His advocacy of electric light and municipal under- takings at all times during his Ooun. cillorship is now bearing fruit for the ratepayers in the adoption of the principles of his agitation. Much could be said in praise of his work while a member, and as I have previously stated it is men of his stamp, who have no personal, interest at stake, we should like to see members of our Council and custodians of our municipal purse. I sincerely hope that, as a member of the Chamber of Trade, the members of that body will try to secure his adoption as. Candidate. Let party tactics be placed aside in every ward to secure the election of most suitable members.— Yours, MAESYDRE.

SAFETY IN MINES. DBAR SIR,-No doubt the late colliery disasters are creating a feeling amongst men that they have a right to a more efficient system of securing safety in the mine. It is good to see this feeling amongst the miners to-day. Every available means should be used to ensure their safety in so dangerous a calling. The Mines' Act is not yet efficient enough. There is a lot in it that should be out of it, and a lot out that must be put in. A road orossed off is no longer a part of the mine. Experienced miners tell us that an accumulation of gas will bring falls, and it has been held, rightly or wrongly, that the fall of stones of a metallic nature does ignite gas, should the place be so charged. If that is so what might the consequence be ? Around this clause there has been a great deal of controvsery. It sent the men of Cwmaman Colliery back to work. One thing that seems to me to be of importance to the men is that their examiners should be supplied with their own lamps. I should like to suggest that each examiner aod his witness be supplied with a gas tester, a lamp that registers the percentage of gas. He would then be able to tell the quantity of it anywhere. The District should prov;de them out of the District Funds, or impose a Id. levy, if they cannot be had from the funds. There should be an effort to clear the gas from every part of the mine, especially by-road& and returns, half blocked up as they generally are. Never fear the conse- quence of fighting for safety.—I am, &c. Aberdare. PEAG.

Cricket. ABERAMAN V. PONTNEATH- VAUGHAN. This nfatch was played at Aberaman last Saturday, and ended in a win for the homesters by 1 wicket and 18 runs. PONTNEATHVATTGHAN. D. Howells, c Havard b Parsons. 2 W. Price, c E. Davies b George 6 A. Williams, run out 0 Thomson, c Havard b G. Williams 19 Morgans, c George b G. Williams 12 M. Rowlands, b T. George 8 J. Jones, c Parsons b G. Williams 0 J. Rowlands, Ibw b T. George 0 W. Williams, c Jones b T. George 0 G. Williams, b T. George 3 A. Jones, not out 2 Extras. 7 54 ABERAMAN. J- Williams, c Williams b Jones 2 G. Williams, run out 1 E. Jones, b Joiies 1 E. Davies, lbw b Williams. 9 T. George, Ibw b Williams. 1 J. Havard,' b Jones 21 T. Rees, c and b Jones 1 T. Price, not out 24 J. Crumb, b Williams. 8 G. Ingram, B Jones 0 E. Parsons, not out 1 Extras. S- 72- Bowling Analysis. T. George 5 wickets 13 runs E. Parsons. 1 wicket 17 runs G. Williams. 3 wickets 17 runs

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