The Aberdare Leader

Aberdare Miner's Injuries. Fatality at Cwmneol.—Coroner and Water-beds. On Friday an inquest was held at Aberdare Police Station on the body of Evan Rees, 20 John Street, Aberdare. Mr C. B. Stanton was present on behalf of the Federation, and the Home Office was represented by one of H.M. In- spectors. Wm. Rees said he was a son to Evan Rees, who was 65 years of age. The deceased was a repairer at Cwmneol J Colliery, and had worked underground for the greater part of his life. The accident occurred on May 27th, and he died last Tuesday. Witness worked at Cwmaman Colliery. Dr. W. Ll. Rhys said he saw Rees the morning he was brought home. The injuries were to the head, and the brain had been affected. He also had a fractured thigh and bruises all over the body. He was unconscious for 24 hours after the accident, and only par- tially recovered consciousness after- wards. He was delirious all the time until he died. The man died from laceration of the brain, sustained at the same time as the bruises on the body. In the courpe of his evidence Dr. Rhys mentioned that if a water-bed had been provided for the man, it would have added greatly to his comfort, and t also to the comfort of those who had to attend mm. The Coroner agreed, and added that he knew of a case where a man had rotted to death for nind months. A water-bed would have been a great boon in that instance, and it was a scandalous shame that the authorities did not hurry up and provide them. The next witness was Daniel Hughes, labourer, who said he was working with Rees on the night in question. Witness was cleaning the, road, and there was a full tram on the spot. Rees wanted to lower the tram, and took one sprag out. At the same time the sprag in the other wheel fell out and the tram ran down the grad- ient with Rees in front. Witness held behind, but stumbled over a sleeper, and a few yards below Rees fell under the tram, which was thrown off the rails. He (witness) then went tor as- sistance to get Rees out. By the Coroner: There was plenty of room on both sides if Rees wished to jump. There were also two man- holes. Coroner: Do you know of a new rule to the effect that a workman must not remain in front of a tram where the gradient is 3 inches to the yard-Yes, sir. Coroner: I am glad to hear that. But in this case I understand the gradient was less. Thomas Lewis deposed to helping the last witness to get deceased out from under the tram. James Williams, under-manager, submitted a plan of the workings, South Main, 7ft. seam. The gradient was 2 inches to the yard. If Rees had let the tram go it would have run into safety points a few yards below. The Coroner, in summing up, said that Dr. Rhys had said that the ab- senoe of a water-bed, if it had not con- tributed to the man's death, had con- tributed to his discomfort at any rate. Under present conditions it was doubly difficult for the people who attended an injured man to do their work. The bed was soiled, and the stench must be .very bad. As he had just said. he had had a case where a man rotted to death from bed-sores. He had looked up the schedule under the Insurance Act, and i. he found that the provision of water- beds was not included. He had com- municated with the authorities, and suggested that water-beds, where or- dered by the doctors, should be F'O- vided, but they treated the matter rather contemptuously. Those beds were very necessary where a man had had injuries underground or anywhere else. Every workman had to pay his 4d. and every employer his 3d.. and in his (the Coroner's) opinion the men were entitled to those very necessary things. Mr Stantun asked if he could help by bringing the matter forward at the Federation meetings and by calling the attention of the Labour Party to it. The Coroner replied in the affirma- tive, and mentioned that Mr T. J. Hughes, Bridgend, one of the Welsh Insurance Commissioners, was very high and mighty about the matter, and said it cost a lot of money. (Juryman: Shame.") The jury returned a verdict in ac- cordance wit:1 Lhe medical evidence (death due to laceration of the brain), and added a recommendation that water-beds be provided in all cases where the doctor stated they were necessary. The Coroner promised to purs ;e the question further.

The hospitable host was asked if he could accommodate one of the conference delegates. He graciously replied. les, [ will take a lady, a gentleman, or a minister."

Annual Outing. I Of the Aberdare Chamber of Trade. It was their fifth annual outing last Thursday, and the destination was Minehead. About 100 attended, and though the weather appeared threat- ening in the early morning, the day turned out beautifully fine, and this picnic will rank among the most suc- cessful organised by the Chamber" of Trade. The boat left Cardiff at 9.35, and called at Penarth and Barry, and then crossed the "stream" straight to Minehead, reaching there about 11.30. Luncheon was served at The Plume of Feathers Hotel at 12. Mr. A. E. Harm- ston, president of the Chamber of Trade, occupied the place of honour, and he was supported by Mrs. Harm- ston, Mr. T. W. Griffiths (senior vice- president) and Mrs. Griffiths, Mr. J. A. Lloyd (junior vice-president), Mrs. Illtyd Williams, and Mr. and Mrs. T. Netherway, of Mountain Ash. The fol- lowing past presidents were also pres- ent r. Illtyd Williams, Mr. C. R. Vicary, and Mr. R. H. Miles. Grace was said by the Rev. E. J. Gruffydd, Bethel, Aberdare. The dishes having been cleared, the following brief toast list was gone through:—The President proposed "His Majesty the King," which was received with musical hon- ours. Capt. G. A. Evans, J.P., Mountain Ash, High Constable, was to have pro- posed the toast of "The Chamber of Trade," but Mr. E. Howells Evans, the secretary, announced that the High Constable had found it impossible to attend. This toast was then submitted by Air. T. Netherway, Mountain Ash, who said it gave him great pleasure to move the success of the Aberdare Chamber of Trade. Such an institu- tion was essential to the well being of a town, especially a town of the dimen- sions of Aberdare. He remembered that when he was a boy there was great ri- valrv between Aberdare and Mountain Ash in the sporting world, and he saw faces in front of him of persons against whom he had played many years ago. He trusted that such institutions as Chambers of Trade would grow in in- fluence, and would have a good moral effect on the towns in which they ex- isted. Local Councils did a good deal towards improving the districts, but he j believed that from a commercial point of view Chambers of Trade could do more, because they were composed sole- ly of business men who knew the de- mands and needs of the particular towns they lived in. Mr T. W. Griffiths, who had a goodl i reception, responded, and remarked that this was his first enjoyable picnic because it was the first in which he had been free from the cares of office. (Laughter.) Mr. Griffiths went on to say that the Chamber of Trade had abundantly justified its existence. In the beginning of its career some people laughed at the idea of such an organ- isation, but to-day it was going strong. He could refer to many improvements brought about by the untiring applica- tion of the Chamber, but he need only mention one, and that was the improve- ment of the T.V.R. Station. There was no doubt about it that to the Aber- dare Chamber of Trade belonged the credit for the splendid station that was now being erected in Aberdare, be- cause two months before the District Council had passed a resolution on the matter a Board of Trade Inspector had visited the town, through the influence of the Chamber. (Applause.) He hoped the members would attend the monthly meetings regularly. Paying the annual subscription was not enough. Members ought to attend and take part in the discussions. Mr Illtyd Williams briefly moved a vote of thanks to the host and hostess, after which the company boarded six charabancs outside, for a circular drive through Dunster, Timberscombe, Woot- ton Courtney, and other villages. A halt was made at Dunster in front of the ancient market-place, where Messrs Harris and Son, Triumph Studio, Aber- dare, took photographs of the group. Another halt was made at AN ootton Courtney. This is a pretty village with an ancient church, but with modern charges for refreshments—6d. for a simple cup of tea, which a few ladies indulged in Some of the men failed to go so far-without drinks. One charabanc lost its way, but found a wayside inn. The drive lasted three hours, and tea was served at the same hotel at 5. There were a few speeches, Mr Frank Hodges being called upon to move a vote of thanks to the secretary, and Mr C. R. Vicary being asked to second it. Speaking generally, said Mr Hodges, the Chamber of Trade outings were among the best organised functions he had ever been to, and this outing was equal to those that had preceded it. Mr Vicarv seconded, and Mr E. Howells Evans briefly acknowledged. I Mr Joe Edwards, auctioneer, who has gained a reputation as an after-dinner speaker, made a few announcements, which caused roars of laughter. Mr Emrys Evans moved a vote of thanks to the chairman, and Mr Mor- gan Isaac seconded. Mr W. Haggar having taken a few "living" pictures outside, the party wended its way to the pier to meet the 7.10 boat, which reached Cardiff about 9 o'clock. Aberdare, however, was not reached till 11.30. M

v CREAT REDUCTION in PRICES I !of MUSIC. is. Dance or Song Albums, 7 £ d. ,1 VICTOR FREED, !|| Mountain Ash. wu -t

Former Aberaman Man's Suicide. 9 Coroner and a Stubborn Jury. Two inquests were held at Ynysddu on Saturday. In both cases the men had been found hanging with ropes round their necks. In the first case the jury failed to agree on the verdict. In the other case the deceased man was Jeremiah Evans, late of Aberaman and Cwmdare, and father of Mr Norman Evans, school-teacher. At the inquest Norman Evans said that his father had not been well for nineteen years. At 8.30 on Tuesday night he seemed very jovial. At eight a.m. on the following morning (Wed- nesday, June 24th) the witness was called by his sister. He ran down- stairs, and in an outhouse found his father hanging. He fetched a knife and cut him down. He had been dead about an hour or two. The witness added that his father had suffered from insomnia for some time, and had pecul- iar views. He would not take medicine, and seemed to be suffering from some- thing which no doctor could locate. After P.C. Phillips had given evi- dence, the jury consulted. The Foreman said: We cannot agree ou the verdict before we have medical evidence. The Coroner: Well, well' This is very extraordinary. A Juryman: He might have taken tinned meat and been poisoned, and then tried to hang himself because he was in pain. We want to know the cause of death. Why was one black in the face and the other not? The Coroner This is very hard on the relatives, and surely they age in suffi- cient trouble as it is. Is there any rumour in this case that you want more evidence? If there is, say so, and I will give you every facility. I do not see why you want medical evidence when a man is found hanging with a rope round his neck. A Juryman: I have known the fami- I ly for years. They have lived very happily together, and I agree with what you say as to the feelings of the rela- tives. The Foreman: The jury cannot de- cide. There is difference in the colour of the faces. We want medical evi- dence. Another Juryman Why cannot we have the doctor here? The Coroner: Have you been speak- ing to the doctor, or has he been speak- ing to you ? The Jurymaiy: No. The Coroner: It is a clear case of suicide whilst of unsound mind. I will keep you here all day until you do agree on the verdict. All who are in favour of the verdict of suicide stand. —Only one juryman stood. The Foreman: We cannot see that it is suicide. The Coroner What do you say it is ? In all my experience I have never had a jury like you. The Foreman: The evidence does not justify us saying it is suicide. The Coroner: What doubt can there be in the matter? Would you like to retire to consider it? The jury, after being away about ten minutes', returned, and the foreman said they agreed in the case of Jere- miah Evans that death was due to suicide whilst of unsound mind. The Coroner Right. The other case is adjourned for a fortnight.

——————————— THE BUDGET AND NEW TAXES Have worried many but Indigestion, Biliousness, Headaches, or Liver Troubles are much worse. Happily these can be relieved or cured by a prompt dose of KERNICKS VEGETABLE PILLS at a very small cost. Thousands take no other Medicine. Sold in 7 £ d., 13) d., 2 2 and 2/9 boxes by all Chemists, etc. 1

Congratulations. Mishtor Iditor,— Oi shuppose, sor, ye thought Oi had losht mesilf in the Hub of the Uni- verse, but to tell yer honur the whole truth, an' nothing but the truth, Oi had a smack on the hand wid a grate big stone on the building the other day, an' Oi could not for the loife of mi hold the pen in mi fisht to wroite to yer High- ness. So now here goes, neck or noth- ing, full stame ahead, an' Oi shuppose Oi shall sthop in Carnetown. An' do yer know whire that place is, sor? Roight at the bottom end of Abercynon. An' some foine soights can be seen from thire. Shure, an' ye. can see roight down to Pont-y-pridd, an' nearly to Quakers' Yard; but mosht important of all ye can see the pits. Widout thim Abercynon, the Hub of the Universe, could shut down roight awaye. Begorra, man, an' its the gintleman who is the manager thire Oi am goin to wroite to yer honur about, an' do ye know him, sor? Its a foine gintleman he is, roight from the sole of his head to the tip of his fate. Its grate, viry grate is Mishtor Tudor Davies, sor. An' Oi shuppose ye know he has bane appointed to the mosht important position of Sub Agent to Quest, Keen and Nettlefold. Shure, man, an' its proud Oi am to say its a Mount bhoy is Tudor, an' all the bhoys of the Mount are proud to know that he is advancing in his profession. An' faith, its not paying too much Oi am, whin Oi say that they all hope he will go still higher up the ladder upon which he has so firmly planted his fate. Be- dad, Tudor, mi bhoy, it has bane a moighty hard stiff climb to git whire ye are at the prisint toime, but thin ye have done it. Be jabers, an' its not viry many years ago whin thire was a I viry small bhoy going down through the fangs of the. Navigation l'n the Mount, iviry day, an' shure man, no one ever dreamt thire was anything out of the ordinary in him, much less did we think or dream that he would one day rise to whire he is at the prisint turtle. Shure man, an' Oi for one n- mimher the old days whin he was one of 1 hn bhoys, an' thin at noight he vnnV he •••i+t'ng hard at work wid his books until viry late hours had bane reached. Let mi think, not only Tudor has reached his heart's desire, but shure man thire wire foine bhoys alto- gether, his brothers Lewis, W. S., Crad and Ivor. Roight well do Oi rimimber thim all, an' thire wire foine toimes in store whin they wir altogether, an' Oi rimimber the matings they used to at- tend, an' Oi fale certain the gintleman Oi am wroiteing about has mosht pleas- ant memories of a mating in Caegarw. Faith, an' he would do anything; give up his studies for noights at a toime so as to be able to attend any matings in Defence of his Church, of which he is a mosht worthy an' useful member. Thin thire is his Club. Oi am spaking, now, sor, of the Church of England Benefit Society. He has risen -by sheer merit to some viry high offices in that, an' which Oi may say he has carried them all out with satisfaction an' dig- nity. An' yet through it all its the j viry same Tudor we foind, approach- able at all toimes an' in all places. An' Oi was niver more surprised at hearing this week in work of him bane spoken of as Our Tudor. Always ready to help in any worthy object, an' shure always ready to sacrifice lesiure an' comfort to help those in distress. Shure man, what about that terrible storm some toime ago, he rose to the occasion roight well; an' thin again whin the S.O.S. of the coalfield was sent at the toime of the terrible disaster at Seng- henydd, who was one of the viry first on the sphot? Shure, man, an' it was Mishtor Tudor Davies, an' it was grate viry grate work that he performed thire wid the noble band of other brave fellows willing an' ready to sacrifice loife an' limb to rescue their fellow workers from that fierv furnace. An' Oi well rimimber that Shaturday morn- ing whin the news came to the pit tops here that Tudor an' his gang had gone. Of course, sor, it came first to the surface, thin it phoned down the shafts of our collieries, the hitchers told the bhoys on the landings, the bhoys towld the riders, the riders towld the hauliers, an' the hauliers towld the colliers that Tudor an' his gang had perished. A shudder went through ivirvone to think that such brave fel- lows had gone to their last home. But later on came the contradiction. What a happy relief. Shure man, we read viry often with pride, which can viry weil be pardoned, of the brave deeds done on land an' sea, but Oi am of the firm opinion that no more daring deeds were ever performed on land or sea than those done by Our Tudor an' his gallant band. Heroes iveryone. So in conclusion, Mishtor Davies, Oi offer the congratulations of Bridget an' mesilf, wid the one hope that ye will still rise higher in your profession, an'. that ye will niver forgit the town of yer birth, so wid the rider knocking sthop Oi musht conclude, or Oi shall pull the journey into the big sheave, an' perhaps break a shackle; thin Oi shall have sthop lamp. So Oi will switch cue- juice off, the rotor bars are sparking. An' allow mesilf to remain, Yours sincerely, PATRICK RAFFERTY.

Doubt cannot Exist. Investigation will only strengthen the Proof we give in Aberdare. How can doubt exist in the face of such evidence ? Read here the endorse- ment of a representative resident of Aberdare. On March 19th, 1913, Mr D. T. George, of 78 Jubilee Road, Godre- aman, Aberdare, said:—"I get a lot of stooping to do underground as a collier, and it is very trying to the back. 1 was subject to heavy, drag- ging pains in my back and loins, and sometimes I could hardly straighten myself after stooping. I found diffi- culty in bending. "No doubt the kidneys were affect- ed, for the water was disordered and painful. I had read of Doan's backache kid- ney pills, and I thought I would try them, as I had failed to get relief from other treatment. Doan's pills proved very effective. I took a course of them and in time my back was strong and free of pain, and the urinary system was cleansed. "I have great faith in Doan's pills, and I have often recommended them. (Signed) D. T. George." On April 22nd, 1914—over twelve months later-Mr George said I am keeping very well, I am glad to say, and I recommend Doan's pills heartily to others." So many fatal diseases arise from kid- ney and bladder disorders that you should begin with Doan's backache kid- ney pills as soon as there are any such unmistakable symptom of kidney dis- order as dropsy, rheumatism, bladder troubles, gravel, dizziness, backache, pain in the loins, etc. Price 2/9 a box, 6 boxes 13/9; of all dealers, or from Foster-McClellan Co., 8 Wells St., Oxford St., London, W. Don't ask for backache or kidney pills, --ask distinctly for Doan's backache kidney pills, the same as Mr. George had.

Cricket. ABERAMAN FIRSTS V. CARDIFF II. This match was played at Aberaman Park last Saturday, and ended in a win for the homesters by 2 wickets and 7 runs. The following were the scores:- CARDIFF II. W. Canter, c Price b T. George. 0 F. Heaton, b T. George 0 T. Cook, b Palmer 33 W. Hartman, c Brown b G. Wil- lfiams « J. Phillips, c Brown b T. George 4 H. Cook, c George b Palmer 21 H. Pritchard, c E. Davies b George 1 J. F. Proud, c Palmer b T. George 0 J. Morris, not out 13 J. Crumb, b J. Williams. 5 R. Williams, c George b Palmer. 5 Extras. 3 91 ABERAMAN. G. Williams, run out 2 T. George, c Cook b Proud 19 S. Griffiths, c Cook b Proud 8 E. Davies, c Williams, b Proud. 13 J. Brown, c and b Proud. 4 J. Havard, b Phillips 22 T. Price, not out 21 E. Jones, c Morris b Phillips 6 Palmer, b Cook 3 J. Williams, not out 0 S. O. Else (did not bat). 0 Extras 0 Total for 8 wickets. 98 Bowling Analysis: T. George 5 wkts. 41 runs. G. Williams 1 wkt. 22 runs. S. O. Else. 0 wkt. 11 runs. Palmer 3 wkts. 12 runs. J. Williams 1 wkt. 3 runs. J. Williams bowled ohe wide. Jack Havard played a magnificent game, and the batting* of T. Price and T. George was fine; also the bowling of Palmer, the new Aberaman groundsman, who was ably supported by Tom George, Gwilym Williams and Jack Williams (the Aberaman captain). The play of Edgar Davies was a feature of the game. The first ball he received from J. Proud, the well known Cardiff bowler, was promptly lifted over the trees for 6 runs, also the third ball was hit over the boundary for 6. The Aberaman II. eleven journeyed to Pontllanfraith, and suffered a defeat by 130 runs to 53.

Of many a man who has departed this life it may be said as of the turnpike gate carried away, "Missed, but not wanted."

TO OUR CORRESPONDENTS. "An Old Navvy."—You have not en- trusted to us your proper name and address.

EXAMINATION OF MINES. Sir,—May I, through your columns, ap- peal to my fellow workmen to provide those who are appointed to examine mines with all the necessary means for doing the work thoroughly. Why cannot they get all the instruments, lamps, oil, etc., necessary for the purpose, all of them to be kept'in the hands of the sec- retary? And why not purchase a copy of the Coal Mines Act for every one em- ployed, or at least for each man who serves on our committees? Let us be more up to date. A little outlay would ensure a good return in the greater safe- ty of life and limb, and better health of the workers.—Yours, A LOOKER ON.

ABERDARE A.F.C. Sir,—As an Aberdare boy (now at Swunseai permit me through your paper to express my surprise and disgust at the pitiable collapse of the once famous Aberdare A.F.C. Two things are lamen- tably clear. There has been a woeful de- gree of disloyalty amongst supporters, and an utter lack of managerial capacity among the promoters, both of which can bring nought but discredit to the town of my birth., Here we have places iike Caerphilly, Abertillery, and even Mardy, with their alien players and wretched grounds, running successful Southern League clubs, whilst Aberdare, with its local talent, its splendid ground, and its teeming population, come to grief after a miserable period of doubt. It was bad enough to think that summer after sum- mer, amongst the thousands of cricket lovers at Aberdare, no one had the initi- ative ability to organise an Aberdare cricket club. But this inglorious death of the football club is the last straw. Purely at this. the eleventh hour. some- thing can be done to resurrect the old "black and gslds," otherwise football "enthusiasts" in Aberdare must needs bury their heads in shame, until the dawn of season 1915—6. The helpless foundering of the oldest Soccer club in South Wales is a lasting disgrace to Aberdare and those thousands of its peo- ple who have the audacity to call them- selves sportsmep,-T am, DARIAN.

THE BOOM AND THE BOON OF THE BATH, I SÜ.,I. wonder if it is possible ior a ininer to find fault with such a boon as th6 Pithead bath. It receives the bene- diction of coalowners, social reformers, and labour leaders. Mr. David Davies, M.P., said it would be a blessing to miners' wives. Mr. Chappell said at Trecynon that it would be a godsend to coalowners, because they could annex the small coal left by the men in the baths and sell it. Mr. Henry Davies, mining lecturer, said at Cardiff that the miners would be healthier, and could work better under this, system, while most of our labour leaders think it would be heaven on earth. So I am inclined to think that there must be something wrong with us miners when we dare criticise such a benevolent movement. Well, cleanliness is suposed to be-the first consideration. How can you get cleanliness in a room where a thousand or two thousand miners' clothes have been put to dry, and will be shuffled all the same time in the morning? How will the miner's clean change look after all the fine dust has stuck to it? We know what a lot of it will accumulate where only two or three suits are disturbed in the hoiife. Will those clothes be fit to take to any respectable place? Will the underwear be fit to go to bed in, or will another change be necessary ? Further- more, has every miner got a spare suit for such a purpose? Will the miners agree to keep a tailor at the bath sta- tion to mend their clothes? And will they be able then to carry home a piece of firewood, or a bag of coal. a? they do now in their working at-lir"? If these would-be benefactors are voilly aesirous of heping the colliers and their families, let them work towards e.^ablishing baths at the miners' homes, where the wives and children may enjoy a similar pri- vilege. They pay enough in rent to en- title them to that concession.-am, CRITIC.

THE WELSH NATIONAL DRAMAS. Sir,—I wonder how Gwilym ap Iago feels while running in double harness with Cambrensis. Adversity brings us strange bed-fellows, and I sympathise keenly with Gwilym. It would be diffi- cult enough under any circumstances to defend Ble ma fa?" and The Poacher" as representative of Welsh National life, but when he is partnered with a man of the mental equipment of Cambrensis he hardly knows what to say. So he lets Cambrensis do all the pulling, lest they may pull in different directions and split the coach. As a matter of fact, Cam- brensis ought to be on my side. He con- firms what I say regarding these plays. Where we part company is just here: he glories in what I have called the deify- ing of Freethinkers and Agnostics by the author, and I sadly regret it. He cheers the sentiments of the author re the puri- ty and saintliness of the unbeliever, who knows not God, and the hypocrisy of the church-member; I deplore such senti- ments, and I deplore all the more the wide publicity given to fhem by adopt- ing such plays as Welsh National Dramas," and careering them round from place to place. Cambrensis has seen the drift of the plays, and from his point of view, of coarse, he welcomes them hear- tily "as calculated to make hundreds of converts" to his way of thinking. And let me remind my readers what that way of thinking iE: "Unbelievers are more honest than believers, because cht scep- tic ba. tot the cant which a religious profession generally begets." Cambren- sis wrote that, and Cambrensis warmly defends the dramas under discussion. That is very significant. Need I say more? Coming now to "The Poacher," I have made an indictment against its moral and religiojs effect, and I cannot see that that has been answered Let me give an illustration of what I mean. A German writer writes a play dealing with English life. One of the chief Characters is some high British statesman, or any other per- son occupying' a high office, who preaches war against Germany, and who is con- stantly trying to prove that Germany has an eye on British possessions. A repre- sentative German syndicate produces that play in Berlin, and all the other great cities and towns of Germany. What effect would it have? It would, without doubt, create a bad feeling against Eng- land, and foster misunderstanding, and perhaps war. Such a play would place England in a false light, though it would be quite true co say that there are in- dividuals here and there in England who are prototypes of the character referred to. It is the same exactly with the "oaeliPi'-deacon. Gwilym ap Iago has been generous enough to point out that because the deacon in "The Poacher" is a hypocrite, it does not necessarily follow that every deacon is a hypocrite. Very good of him, though I question whether his brother critic, Cambrensis, would subscribe to that view. Anyhow, why did the author of The Poacher" fix ,upon such a character for such a play, and why did the National Welsh Drama Company fix upon such a play and call it a representation of Welsh life? It is not a true representation of Welsh life any more than my imaginary German-hater character is a representation of English life. Both give a false impression, and leave a false impression on the mind of every one who sees it, and that is why I say "The Poacher" is damaging to the- religious life of Wales.—Yours, etc., SAROiS.

THE ABEKDARE TRAMWAY SER- VICE AND MATTERS IN GENERAL. Dear Mr. Editor,—As an old resident x of the town kindly allow me space to criticise your tramway system. It was a general surprise to everybody to find it a financial success during its first year, but how much better would it be-- if they revised the present system of fares. Its advocates always stated their intention of it being a public con- venience, rather than a source of heavy « profits. Surely those living on the out- skirts, say Abercwmboi residents, when. on a journey through to town, are de- serving of the consideration of a re- duced fare for through journeys. The success of a tramway system rests upon the number of persons who make short, journeys, and who, therefore, make up any loss incurred for reduced fares from the outlying districts. I am surprised that with such experi- enced officials managing your service they have not introduced the transfer ] or short journey system, like we have at i Cardiff.' Let us take for an instance,, the Aberaman route from the Town .1 centre to Aberaman Church. I find it's i a penny fare to the Plough, and two- i pence all the way. Now there are' many persons who. wishing to visit a j place between the Town centre and' j Ynyslwvd-road, or from Ynyslwyd-road.' to the Plough, or from the Plough to- Station-street, who at present walk these short stages rather than pay a penny fare. If you give these people the right of returning with the same fare ticket issued, to any stages be- tween these places enumerated, hun- j dreds of persons extra would use th car service. The short return or trans- fer system is a huge success in the Car- ] diff area, and it would be likewise at Aberdare, as it costs practically the- Same for running power witempty cars during the day service as with well- filled otits under the transfer system. The fare charged from Town centre to Park Gates is rather extortionate, com- pared with the Aberaman route. I consider that as Gadlys residents pay the same share of the rates, and it is a public convenience, they should enjoy the same privileges with regard to ser- vice journeys as other residents. Dur- ing the holidays I visited the town, and boarded a car at Town Centre, intend- ing to travel to the Cemetery Gates. Judge my surprise when I reached the Park Gates to be told our car went ne further. Would it not be more advan- tageous if a bill or slip was placed on those short journey cars, then any per- son desiring to travel through would wait for the proper car, and the takings Mnuld be increased from the extra fare, I was rather amused at the attitude of those councillors who oppose allowing advertising on cars, owing to disfigure- ment. Can any of them conscientiously say that our Cardiff cars are disfigured, -yet we make a clear E2,000 per year from advertisements. If Aberdare only made one quarter of that, what a nice little nest egg it would make, if accu- mulated for a few years, towards renew- ing the service little by little withf wooden blocks for all portions, instead of for the favoured few. It would also save borrowing quite so much on capital account for renewals, which the ser- vice will require. Perhaps those coun- cillors who so strongly opposed this question would visit our officials for a little enlightenment as to disfiguration' and income derived from the disfigur- ation. It may pay the Council's officers to deal personally with applica- tions rather than allow a monopoly to a private person. Let me now leave your car service to, future criticism, and turn to the Park, of which we are all proud. How much prettier could it be made with a little outlay. The bandstand on the island in the lake as at present is an eyesore. Why not convert all the ground around, the stand into flower beds, instead of its present bare appearance? What; looks prettier at Roath Park than its. flower beds? Much of the plantations. each side of the present refreshment. rooms could also be utilised for the, same purpose. Apart from the spec- tacular point of view, the beds would also be object lessons for school children in botanical subjects. A sacred concert was held at RoatTh Park at 8.15 p.m., after all church ser- vices were over. There were present oVer 25,000 people enjoying a musical treat. The expenses of the band wer6- recouped from seating accommodation provided inside an enclosure around the bandstand, apart from the increased re- ceipts for the car service. I know my suggestion will bring strong remarks from prejudiced quarters, but I suggest the Council members should be asked to employ the services of a first-class mili- tary band for a week end, to give the general public a musical treat. This is not meant in disparagement of our local bands, but there is always beauty in variety. The present seating accommo- dation from boathouse to refreshment rooms could be augmented, and receipts from those seats would reccmp part or all of the expenditure. Even if it were a financial loss, they would be catering for the inhabitants, and giving them a pleasant recreation. Look at the va- cant space near the baths. This could and ought to be made into public bowl- ing greens and lawn tennis grounds. The beauty of bowls is that persons of every age can enjoy a game without any physical fatigue, while the tennis courts would give bodily exercise to our school children and young persons. Why should the inhabitants be denied the privileges which other towns enjoy, especially as the spaces required are at hand? I trust, if the Councillors fail to move, that all the various organisa- tions in the town will start an agitation that will make them move.—Yours faithfully, MAESUR.

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