The Aberdare Leader

War Jottings. BY "OPTIMIST." A large number of local young men have joined the Bantam Battalion. On Saturday last over 800 were drafted to Colwyn Bay from Porthcawl. Hir- wain, Trecynon, and Aberaman have produced a great number of Bantams. Ben Scorey, formerly of Foundrytown, Aberdare, has gone out to the front with his regiment, the South Wales Borderers. Jack Rees, of 48 Herbert Street, Aberdare. has joined the Army Service Corps stationed at Portheawl. John Elias Pugh (senr.), of 41 Herbert Street, is with the Welsh Army at Barry. Charles Edward Day, of 40 Herbert Street, is with the Shropshire Light Infantry stationed at Shrewsbury. Ned John, Oxford Street, Gadlys, and David Charles Morris, of Broniestyn Terrace, have joined the Royal Field Artillery and are also at Porthcawl. Mr. and Mrs. William Morgan, of 40 Herbert Street, have now a son and three son, in-law with the colours. Herbert Street is doing well. One of the new recruits from Aber- aman, who is billeted at Portheawl, has been shedding tears because the food is not good enough. His perpetual cry is "We had better food than this at home." He hankers after the flesh pots of Egypt. A well-known tradesman at Penrhiw- ceiber has signed one of the recruiting forms in this manner: —Occupation: Whisker Scraper. Number of children: Two whelps. He also wrote the follow- ing:—"When I am guaranteed the sum of 5s. a day then I am prepared to serve my King and Country. God Save the King." A mercenary kind of patriotism that. Corporal Jack Holloway, of Green Street, Aberdare, is with the 5th Welsh ftegiment at Littlehaven. He is in charge of the newly-formed cycle'corps. He was home on a few days furlough last week. Jack has been a prominent local footballer, and has played many fine games for the Gadlys Stars and the Aberdare Territorials A.F.C. Two Cwniaman boys joined the colours last week, viz., Jack H. Cumner, of 15 Bryiihvfryd, a brother to T. G. Cumner, the well-known Aberaman Athletic footballer, and Mervyn John,

SMAMS t 'IlliT I KILLS PAIN IN3TANTLY i ■ No need to rub it in. g Lay it (;11 !ç.ps § jj AT ONCE. ?| S Sold by all Chewisis, V/JJ & 313. jpj ""crft.z:E r ,.&¡z;9!

B.W.T.A. The annual meeting of the above was held on Monday, Mrs. J. Griffiths pre- siding. Mrs. (Rev.) H. Williams and Mrs. Lewis took the devotional parts. Mrs. Gilbert Hodges, the treasurer, gave her report, which showed a bal- ance in hand of tll IDs., an announce- ment that was received with cheers. The Evangelical report was given by Mrs. Eddy. This showed a balance if £ (> Ss. in hand. The report of the Tre- eynon Mission was read by Mrs. Griffiths, the president. Mrs. Shepherd gave the report oi the work at the Trecynon Mission. She stared that 12 converts hjul been made during the year, several of them being present at that meeting. The president gave a brief address, remarking that there never was more need of temperance effort than now. She was glad to see present their former president, Mrs. Walter Lloyd, who had been seriously ill. Mrs. Lloyd, who was well received, referred to the great danger of women taking to drink, mainly owing to the temptation it placed before the children. Mrs. Wilcox, the secretary, gave par- ticulars concerning the Sewing Branch. Ir. Lewis, tailor, Market Street, had given material to them to the value of £ 6 10s. 10d., in recognition of the good work done by the B.W.T.A. The secretary stated that £5 had been given to the Belgian Central Fund in Alterdaro, two guineas to the Belgian Orphan Fund, and 2 guineas to another local Belgian Fund.. The president stated that it had been deeide by the Branch to open a depot in Aberdare for supplying fresh eggs to the wohnded in war. Mr. Evans, Car- marthen Dairy, had kindly offered assistance in despatching eggs. M rs. (Dr.) Banks hoped that all would make an effort to assist in this matter. She was prepared to give two dozen eggs per week. The election of officers for the year was now proceeded with. Mrs Griffiths was re-appointed president. Mrs. Hodges was re-appointed treasurer. Mrs. W ilcox resigned the secretaryship, but promised to find a successor. Mrs Bannister resigned the position of Badge Sec., and Miss E. A. Edwards was appointed in her stead. Mrs. Winkley was appointed superintendent of the White Ribbon department as successor to Miss Gwladys Phillips. Additional vice presidents were ap- pointed in the persons of Mrs. Banks and Mrs Owen Williams. Hon. vice- presidents: Mrs. W. Lloyd, Mrs. T. Jones, and Mrs. Trevor Cory. Acting --I vice-presidents: Mrs. D. M. Richards and Mrs. Barraclough. Additional committee members: Mrs. Bugler, Mrs. T. Phillips, Miss Annie Davies, s.nd Mrs. Harris. The existing mem- bers were Mrs. Wood, Mrs Nicholas and Mrs. Bannister. Mrs. D. M. ltichaods spoke briefly in defence of the action of some of the Merthyr Guardians in opposing the granting of Xmas beer to the paupers. Mrs. Wilcox, the secretary, in the course of her report, stated that the ladies and gentlemen of Aherdare had been most liberal in their support of the B. W.T.A. Branch. Their generosity would compare favourably with that of the people of any town in the country, and their management of War Relief Funds was exemplary. The B.W.T.A. had given 2 guineas towards the Prince of Wales Fund, 2 guineas towards the Aberdare Bed in Netley Hospital, and one guinea towards the Bed in the Dieppe Hospital. The sum of £ 2 2s 3d had been given to the Auxiliary Fund for the relief of families not receiving anything from employers in the wav of Relief. The English Weslevan friends, wore thanked for the use of the church. Two solos were beautifully rendered by Nurse Evans. Miss E. A. Edwards ac- companying. At the close tea was par- taken of by all present. The donor was Mrs. Banks, who was heartily t hanked for her generosity. Sympathy was expressed with the Rev. J. D. Rees, Salem, on the death of Mrs. Rees, who was a member of the B.W.T.A.

IMIIJI Why is a spectator like a hive?—Be- cause he is a be, (e) holder.

Presentation to Trecynon Organist. Oil Thursday evening last at lieoly- felin Baptist, Church an interesting meeting took place. Johit Harries, Margaiet Street, presided. The follow- ing programme was jjone t'lli-otigil Pianoforte solo, Mr. Tom ,lame, Tre- eynon. Several selections by the Tre- eynon United Male Voice Party, led by Ùr. T. J. Stephens. Song.s. Madame Eynon. Song, Miss Megan Davies, Aber- dare. Ax this juncture some presenta- tions were made to Mi<> K. A. Edwards, the esteemed organist of the church, which consisted of a dressing-case, flower and fruit stand, and a bag of gold. Messrs. James John, J. J. Phillips, and William Samuel respectively made the presentations. Each gentleman spoke of the good work done by Miss Ed- ward. who had acted as organist for many years. Nothing was too much for her, and it was hoped that she would be long spared to continue the work she much loved. Miss Edwards gracefully responded. She thanked the donors heartily for their valuable gitts. She would always treasure them. Mr. John Edwards, Tudor Terrace, next sang a song, followed by a recitation from Mr. William Jenkins (Meirionydd). Duet by Afrs. Beatrice Rees and Miss Maud Evans. The accompanists were Miss L. Matthews. A.L.C.M., and Air. Tom James. The Rev. AV. Cynog Williams propopd a vote of thanks to all who had taken part. This was seconded by Mr. Gwilym Rees. Mr W. Samuel acted as treasurer, and B. Sc-otir- field as secretary to the function. Mrs. James John recited the following verses composed by Gwyrosydd — Araf ydym ni fel Cymry I gydnabod gwir ddaioni, Gwell vw gennym barchu'r estron Na rhoi clod i blatit ein calon. Heno gwelir fod ein heglwys Gwyda hwvl yn pnrchu'I' cymhwys, A gwen siriol ar ei gwyneb 1 Miss Edwards y rhydd dysteb. Gwvlaidd ydyw fel y lili, Odanberlaugwiithyngwenu. Ae nioi- dynei- a't- friallen Pan gusenir gan yr heulwen. Uno 11a w a ehalon lednais Avila ein medrus organyddes, Deffrv foliant ein calonau Pan esgvnwn i'r cynteddau. Mwyu ei llais fel clwyfus eos Pan yn canu yn v ddunos, .Rhydd i emyn wir fynegiad Sydd yn llawn o bur addoliad. Swynol yw ei hagwedd semi Pan yn hwyl cynteddau'r deml; Hi rycld oleu ar yr adnod Sy'n ddatguddiad oddi uchod. A r ei glilliau wrth yr Qrsedci Medra wyno clust Trugaredd. Mynych iawn y cwyd yr eglwys Drwy ei gweddi i baradwys. Fel athrawes ddoeth a medrus Gyda'i dosbarth mae'n llwyddianus: Dena serch ei holl ddisgyblion At yr anwyl lesii tirion., Pwy'ii fwy parod yn y win lla II Gyda'r gwaith mae yn ei hanian; Seren ydyw mewn cymdeithas, A rhyw nefol wawr yn urddas. Tysteb cariad heno roddir, Dyma ffrwyth calonau eywir; Calon eglwys Heolyfelin Yn y dysteb ga yn berlyn.. Iddi deued pob daioni, Angel Duw to yn ei noddi; Ac o eglwys Heolyfelin Aed i'r Wynfa at ei thelyn. Mr. Gwilym Rees. Treeynon, contri- buted the following: — Cyduno wnawn i ganu clod l'ii chwaer rinweddol wiw, Ei bywyd sydd bob dydd a'i nod I t'ynv at ei Duw. Ar fryniau uchel gwelwn hi Yn rhodio mewn mawrhad, Gan wasanaethu'r Eglwys gu Y It siriol ac yn rhad. Fel lili'r dyffryn dena'n serch T'w hoffi'n fwy o hyd, A delfryd yw i fab a merch Pa fodd i fyw'n y byd. v Hoed iddi flwyddi lawer iawn Dan fendith nefoedd wen, I arfer etto'r ddwyfol ddawn Er c'roni Crist yn ben.

Carmel, Aberdare. A Musical Service. On Sunday evening at Carmel Eng- lish Baptist Church, Aberdare, a musi- cal service was presided over by the pastor, Rev. T. Edmunds, B.A. There was a splendid attendance. After the pastor had opened tht" service the anthem, "Oh, come, let us worship," was given by the choir, Mr F. C. Harris. Cwmdare, taking the solo. Then the solo, Divine Love," was rendered by Miss Maggie Jones, Cwmdare. Duet, "Beyond." Messrs. John Williams, Mountain Ash, and F. C. Harris. The anthem, Send out thy light," was now sung by the choir, and the pastor read portion of the Psalms bearing on the title of the anthem. Solo, The Lord worketh wonders," by Mr John Wil- liams. Dnet, "When I survey," Misses M. E. Griffiths and Maggie Jones. Solo, We praise thee," Mr. F. C. Harris. Anthem," Oh, taste and see," by the choir. Solo, The people that walked in darkness," Mr J. Williams. Miss Agnes May Davies, A.L.C.A1., was at the organ, and Mr. ] Haydn Jones, A.L.C.M., was at the pianoforte. The conductor was Prof. Tom Jones, L.R.A.M., A.R.C.O. The pastor paid a tribute to the choir and artistes, and .spoke highly in appreci- ation of the efforts of the talented and painstaking conductor on behalf of the music of the sanctuary.

In Memoriam. Stained Class Window at Aberdare. A beautiful stained glass window has been erected at the west end of St. Elvan's Church, to the memory of the late Lord Merthyr. The window de- picts the Centurion at the feet of Jesus. It was erected by the family. The dedi- cation service and unveiling ceremony was conducted last week by the Vicai-, the Rev. James A. Lewis, B.A., Rural Dean, in the presence of the family. Lord Merthyr, of Hean Castle, was present at the dedication service. The inscription at the base reads, "To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of Sir William Thomas Lewis, Baroiiet, First Lord Merthyr of Seng- henydd, G.C.V.O. Died August 27th, 1914. Erected by his Children."

When is a tradesman above his busi- np%?-Whon he lives over his shop.

Aberdare Ratepayers' Association. First Annual Meeting. The first annual meeting of the Aberdar" and District Ratepayers' Association was held on Tuesday even- ing at 11. H. Miles (president) was in the chair, and he was supported by Councillor T. W. Griffiths, hon. secretary; Mr J. Isaac and Mr D. Tysswl Davies, Treeynon (vice-presidents), :»nd Mr M. W. David (hon. treasurer). Balance Sheet. Mr. Sam Thomas, the auditor, pre- sented the statement of accounts, which showed a balance1 in hand otC7 17s. I (I. The balance sheet was adopted. Numbar of Members. Mr. Morgan Parr asked how many members had promised to join at the commencement, 12 months ago. The Secretary replied that about 1(50 had promised to join, but only S() had actually paid their subscriptions. Twenty had paid 10s. each; 41 tis. each, and 1(5 2s. (id. each. The scale of pay- ment was: Persons owning property of rateable value and over, subscrip- tion, 11)s.; and up to C49, os. under £ 15, 2s. Gel. Annual Report. The hon. secretary read his report, which dealt with the work performed and the questions discussed during the past year. It was stated that possibly some misunderstanding had arisen which accounted for the smallness of the number of members. An idea had got abroad that only "direct ratepay- ers" were eligible for membership, whereas all ratepayers, direct and in- direct, were eligible. It was also stated in the report that the Tramways Bill had been discussed at one of the meet- ings, when the president was given plenary powers as to voting. In con- I clusion the report appealed to members to continue to take an interest in the affairs of the association. Mr H. H. Miles observed that he had attended the public meeting held in the Market Hall, when the Tramways Bill was placed before the electors. He had supported the District Council in their fresh undertaking. The principle.s of the Bill had been approved of. There was a threat from Councillor J. Martin to demand a poll, but he had not per- sisted in his demand, and the time for claiming a poll had now expired. On the motion of lotir M. Parr, second- ed by Mr J. Isaac, the report was adopted. Scale of Contributions. Mr C .1?. Vicary moved "That the scale of contributions by members be altered so as to make the highest os. in future and not 10s. as at present." Air Vicary added that he wanted this association to have a membership suffi- cient to influence municipal elections in the town. He hoped the finances would bear the reduction. If not. then they had better leave things as they are. Mr J. lsabc seconded the motion, and expressed the hope that by reducing the amount of subscription, more members would join. Mr Sam Thomas supported, and re- marked that the expenses for next year would not be so heavy as last year. Mr M. Parr opposed the motion, and contended that they should give the old system another year's trial. He sug- gested that a collector be employed to collect subscriptions, and that such a person be paid a commission thereon. Mr D. 1 yssul Davies also opposed the motion. It was almost pity, he said, that the reporters were present to chronicle tnis discussion, for if the re- solution proposed by Mr Vicary were carried, it would be the death-knell of this association. What was 10s. a year to a man who owned property which was rated at 7C50 or more a year:- The principle already in vogue was a thoroughly democratic one, and was the same as that adopted in paying in- come tax. A person who owned a lot of property had more stake in the district than a person who owned only one or two houses. A subscription of 10s. to- wards an association which looked after the interests of the ratepayers was a very good investment. After further discussion the motion was defeated by a majority of one, so the subscriptions will remain as were. Election of Officers. Mr R. H. Miles was re-elected pre.-i- sident for another year. Messrs. John Wiiliams (Elm Grove), .John Isaac, W. K. Thomas (Wayne- field) and D. Tyssul Da vies were re- I les elected vice-presidents, and Mr M. W. David. Abernant Road, hon. treasurer. Air T. W. Griffiths wished to resign his position of secretary, inasmuch as he had been elected a member of the District Council. All present were una- nimous in asking Mr Griffiths to take on the work for another year. Mr Griffiths, however, persisted in his resignation, but agreed to continue in office for another three months.

Aberdare District of Miners. Mr. Stanton and Fixing of Price-Lists Mr Jonah Lewis presided at the monthly meeting of the Aberdare monthly meeting of the Aberdare miners, held at the Federation Offices on Monday. Mr C. B. Stanton (agent) reported he was hopeful of a final settlement, at no distant date, of the question of estab- lishing a price-list in connection with the Gelli Deg seam at the No. 3 Bwllfa Colliery, Cwmdare. A sum of 2d. per ton divided him and Mr D. R. Llewellyn regarding the price-list for the Bute seam at the Dyllas Colliery, but he was confident of a satisfactory arrange- ment. At last success had attended the efforts to fix a price-list for the 4ir. seam at the British Rhondda Colliery, Glyn Neath. For the last six months the men had been working "on trial," and the terms, strengthened hy addi- tional concessions obtained from Mr Hurford, agent for Messrs. William Perch and Company, would yield a good living wage. On the proposition of Mr Stanton, the meeting unanimously resolved that the Government be urged to take con- trol of shipping freights and all other matters which had tendency to exploit the workers, soldiers, sailors, and their dependents.

-11: Why is life the greatest riddle of all? —Because you must give it up.

Te y Tarianydd. To Mr J. Mills (Y Tarianydd). Aber- dare. the loth of January is the most important date in the calendar. It was on this date eighty years ago that he was horn, and on the same date forty years ago his journalistic offspring, Tarian y Gweithiwr, came into exist- ence. It was on Januaiy 15th, lKfjO- fifty-live years i.go--tli.,tt, he camo to Aberdare. Further it was on the same date that he got married. To celebrate j "The Day" on which a quartette of such auspicious events happened Mr. Mills has for the last five years enter- tained the memhers of Bethania C.M. Church and Sunday School and some friends to tea on the lot,h of .January. ■ Last Friday an increased interest was attached to the anniversary, because it was the donor's 80th birthday. The hale octogenarian, despite the weight of years, is as nimble as a lad. lie has been deluged with wishes for many happy returns." The tea was this time in the charge of Mrs Williams, Minawel. Baskets of fruit were halld- I ed over to the children by Miss .). A. Jones and Miss Blodwen Fox. The trayholders and assistants were:—Airs, I Jenkins, Seymour Street; Misses, Afaggie Jenkins and Olwen Jones. Miss j Walters, Albert Street; Miss May Wil- I liams, Gwawr Street, and Miss Davies, 50 Monk Street. Mrs. Lewis, Upper llegent Street, Miss Emma Lewis and Miss Mosley. Miss Olivia Edmunds. M iss Edith Powell, and Miss Maggie Jenkins. Mrs. Llewelyn Jones, Miss M ary Jane Davies, and Miss C. Powell, Aberaman. Miss Samuel, Miss Thomas, and Miss Jones, Gwersyll. Mrs 1. E. Thomas, Chemist, Aheraman; Miss Gwen Davies, Hill Street, and Miss M. H. Morgan. Mrs. Thomas Thomas, Miss Davies, Unity House, and Miss Morgan, Monk Street. Mrs. Stephens, Tanybryn Street, Miss Roder- ick, Clifton Street, and Miss Gwen Davies, Dean Street. Mrs. Fox, Miss Maggie Davies, and Miss Elizabeth Edwards. At the entertainment the llev. W. Davies, M.A., presided, and gave an appropriate address. After an address of welcome by Mr Mills, tho hero of the evening, a song was given by Miss Annie Mary Jones. Miss Olive Bowen, Penygraig, the renowned vio- linist, who is only 12 years of age, and is well known to Aberdare audiences, gave a violin selection, and in response to an encore obliged with another selection. Her sister, Miss Betty Bowen, also gave a song. Appreciative addresses were delivered by the Revs. T. Eli Evans and H. Williams. Misses Mvfanwy and Megan Williams sang pennillion in good style. The Revs. J. Lewis, Hebron, and H. T. Stephens, Carmel, gave addresses in which the humorous element was much in evi- dence and greatly relished. After some topical pennillion were sung by Ogwen and the Rev. R. Williams, the following bards gave contributions:—Ab Hevin, Messrs. D. Timothy Davies, B.A., W. T. Jones, loan Eithrin and Mr John Christmas. Ah Hevin also gave some interesting reminiscences of his associ- ations with Y Tarianydd, and eulogised him as an employer. Miss Olive Bowen gave a violin solo, Italian Carnival," her sister accompanying on the piano. The accompanist for the vocalists was Mr W. Beddoo Stephens.

The Typewriting Bureau. FOR ARTISTIC TYPEWRITING AND COPYING OF EVERY DESCRIPTION Miss M. GILBERT, 23 CANON STREET, ABERDARE. LESSONS GIVEN. TERMS MODERATE.

Letters to the Editor. TO THE VILLAGE BLACKSMITH. Sir,I see that my challenge proved too much for you and you prefer to sneak behind the widely known shelter. I am also pleased to hear that readers of the "Leader" have spotted your "white feather." If a statement is worth making, it is worth backing up. But evidently that is not your way. I assume that that is the reason why you are an arm-chair warrior—you cannot face the realities. You prefer others to do the dirty work, whilst you are pre- pared to sing Tipperary and Rule Brit- tania. Perhaps 'tis better that you happen to be a stay-at-home-warrior, because when you'd be up against solid facts you'd bolt ,and then a part of the army woulti, be used to fetch you back, when they would be sorely needed in the trenches. You are as silent as a church mouse about my statements regarding the revolution in the Liberal policy. If you know anything you know it is Socialism. It puts the individual out of count. And what may be done in a military crisis the same policy may 111' carried out in an industrial crisis. But the industrial exploiters would have a say. They have considerable influence over the Cabinet. Chiefly, they feed the funds, which accounts for the exist- ence of the Liberal and Tory Parties. That accounts for the existence ot liberals Club. You had your D.A.' to draw upon. Unfortunately, we have not those in the Aberdare I.L.P., only the hard-earned pence of the victims of the capitalist. There's another sordid spectacle. The British nation possesses the finest set of warships ever seen, to keep the seas open, in order that we may have a con- tinued supply of necessities. And the patriotic merchants are taking full ad- vantage of the fact, and charging ab- normal prices. We want another dose of Socialism. I know its very hard for the Government to move in this direc- tion, but I hope that they'll be forced to move. They can thank their lucky stars that the majority of the nation are not I.L.P.ers. According to Mr Lloyd George the taxable property of Britain is worth £ 18,000,000,000. t told you in a prev- ious letter that the Banks were closed on the first day of the war. So Mr Lloyd George pawned the £ 18,000,000,000 to give security to the bankers and in order to borrow E350,000,000, and, by the-way; to pay interest of £ 12,2oO,000 annually on loan. So silly. Why couldn't Mr Lloyd George rise the £ 350,000.000 direct, seeing that the banks were in distress, instead of put- ting them on their feet, to go on mak- ing millions out of their victims. They ought to be treated like Jabez Balfour and Whittaker Wright if they couldn t re-fund the depositors' money. But in- stead the Government has made the Governor of the Bank of England u Knight. Mr Lloyd George is a great man in the City of London to-day, and a good reason why. He has saved tfH'] r bacon, so to say, and Business as usual." Good old Lloyd George! But there are some who can see through lns little game. His coalition colleague* are bankers—Austen Chamberlain and Lord St. Aldwyn. See how the game i played.—I am, etc., AN I.L.P.er

„. S ¡' sisr 40 I at ms ? XX I J Never before have you had such an I opportunity to be reonorniialU" and I smartly clothfd as is presented bv our i I Winter Sale, j Never before have we fixed such ex- } low prues as those ,yhicl1 I < rule to-dav. | au offer j^j anvil.uig like our latest, ;1. j j War discount of i 121", off Sale prices. j Sur* iv you'll lake advantage of such. exceptional terms- -surelv vou'il not ignore the peat saving uehaa offer means—both on Suits and Overcoats. A Of course not, so just call to-dav and— ? f>e Burn-clad "—be smart ¡ ,I FRED BURN > 57, Queen Street, CARDIFF. S 29, High Street, NEWPORT. ■! I

Abercwmboi Man's Adventures. Private T. H. Williams. 1st South Wates Borderers, arrived home at Abercwmboi from Cheshire Hospital on January 9th. He was wounded in the Battle of Ypres. He had a bayonet wound in the right hand, and had sev- eral narrow escapes from being killed. He say: We went into action at Ypres on Monday, October 19th. V. e J were awakened at four in the morning. The Germans shelled otlr trenches, hut did little damage to us. We went on to enjoy a. few biscuits while the hi;' guns had a go at the trenches, I have so en some of my comrades killed by them. I have seen several shells drop near mo and I have been covered with earth and stones. It gives one a peculiar sen- sation when one can hear the shell coming crashing towards one. Hut that passes away, and we indulge in laugh- ter and jokes. I am suffering very much from rheumatism after having been in water so many hours. \\e have had good marches as much as 20 miles u day; no rest but going straight into the firing line. I received a shrap- nel wound in the back. It took me sev- eral hours to crawl back to the field hospital, which was only 700 yards away. After having my wound dressed—it was not very serious—I re- turned to the trenches, when we had to make a charge. In this charge I re- ceived the bayonet wound in mv hand. I was sent to the hospital, and from there back to England. Eventually I was taken to Cheshire Hospital. From there I had seven days furlough, which I spent with my sister, Mrs. Williams, in Abercwmboi. To-day, January loth, I am returning to my depot in Brecon. To my surprise, wheil I returied home my step-brother, Jefi Price, had joined the R.F.A. stationed at Portheawl."

Aberdare Brothers in the Army. The two sons of Mr and Mrs F. D. E. George, Seymour Street, Aberdare, are serving the colours. The eldest, Mostyn F. George, who was a bank clerk in Lampeter, is with the 7th Batt. Royal Welsh Fusiliers, while the younger, Trevelyan George, who was training as a colliery surveyor, has joined the 11th Hussars.

Prince of Wales' Fund. 'I Meeting of Aberdare Committee.—More Money Wanted for Local Fund. A meeting of the executive commit- tee of the Prince of Wales Fund (Aber- dare) was held in the Council Chamber on Monday evening. Councillor W. Thomas was in the chair. American Gifts. Tlie Secretary, Air D. Llewelyn Grif- fiths, reported that Aberdare had had a proportion of gifts brought to this country by the* American ship Argosy. The articles consisted of small tins of condensed milk, and half-penny packets of a miscellaneous character. These were still in his office, and he did not think it was worth while sending such things to the troops. It was resolved to hand them over to the ladies committee, to be disposed of as the ladies thought fit. Auxiliary Fund Depleted. The Secretary remarked that out, of the reasons why he convened this meet- ing was that the money in the Auxil- iary Fund had been all paid out, and it was necessary to obtain additional funds from somewhere. A, levy of £ 2(5 from the colliery workmen at. Hirwain £ S from the Aberdare Council Staff, and £ 72 from the ex-High Constables' Fund, which had been in existence for about 20 years, had been paid in, and all had been spent with the exception of a few pounds. Mr B. Bran. suggested that £ 100 be borrowed from the Prince of Wales Fund. Mrs. Rose Davies supported this sug- gestion, but the chairman ruled that this could not be done. Mr Stonelake said that possibly they would be able to obtain financial help shortly from the executive of the Miners' Federation at Cardiff, out of a genera! levy made. He believed that, local miners, would be willing to divide their contributions and give half to the Auxiliary Fund and haif to the Prince of Wales Fund. Mr C. B. Stanton, who had just en- tered the room, said he had been speak- ing to Mr T. Richards, M.P., that day, and Mr Richards did not advise the splitting up of the miners contributions. Mr Stanton suggested that representa- tions be made direct to Mr Richards. He thought they would get a substantial contribution to, the Auxiliary Fund, be- cause Aberdare had contributed well. I The meeting decided to adopt Mr. Stanton's suggestion. Delay in Payment of Separation Allow- ance. The Secertary said there was con- siderable delay in getting separation allowances from the Territorial Associ- ation, and in consequence of this his office had been stormed by a number of women who wanted him to make grants out of the Prince of Wales Fund. Of course he was unable to do that. After much trouble he got in touch with the Secretary of the Territorial Associ- ation, who ultimately made a grant of £20. lie (Mr Griffiths) had written to Mr Kpir Hardie and Mr. Edgar Jones concerning the matter, laying specific cases in front of them and explaining the inconvenience1 caused, The whole affair had reaHy developdtl into a scan- dalous state of things. He learnt that Mr Edgar Jones was a way in France. Mr. Keir Hardie had sent a reply statr- ing that his letter had been placed he- fore the authorities in the War Office.

Popular Lecture at Aberaman The Abera.man Workmen's Institute Lectures Committee have organised a. series of popular lectures for the season. They have procured the services of some of the most eminent lecturers of 'the present day. The first of the series, which was given on Friday evening last, was of a high standard indeed. Every available seat in the Hall was occupied, and all seemed delighted. Owing to Mr. Harry De Windt having been detained in France on an important Government mission, the committee had engaged Mr. John Foster Eraser, F.R.G.S., F.Z.S., the world-renowned traveller, in his stead. Guardian D. J. Phillips presided, and gave an appropriate opening ad- dress. He trusted that this course of lectures would be as successful as the previous series, which had been educa- tive, as well as a source of great pleasure to those privileged to attend, especially the young people. These lectures had been the means of broaden- ing their minds regarding the main issues of life, and had provided a stim- ulus to serious thinking. The lecturer dealt with his recent camel caravan experiences in the rpgioti of the Sahara Desert to the rear of Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. He said that half his life had been spent in "knocking about" the world. Lec- tures on such subjects as he had were useful at the present time if only be- cause they kept one's mind off the war. The lecturer dwelt on his visits to the tents of the Arabs. The Oriental was of a genuinely hospitable nature. The Arab was the biggest liar he had met. but he did not lie in order to de- ceive one, but because he wanted to give one pleasure. The lecturer also 'touched upon Morocco> the political vicissitudes it had gone through, and the important part it had played in the history of the world. The lecture was illustrated with lan- tern slides, the lanternist being -Aii-. D. T. Doughton, Cwmbach.

VENO'S LIGHTNING COUGH CURE The Ideal family remedy. Contains no opium, morphine, paregoric, or other harmful drug. Cures at all ages. COUGHS.COLDS & INFLUENZA Veno's is the surest and speediest cure for these winter ills, the best pro- tection against more serious dangers. CHILDREN'S COUGHS I Soon yield (<• vem>'s—even Whooping cough. And there is no trouble in giving it. children simply love Veno's. Other sizes 1/1\ and 2/9, L3 I gm from ckemists and stores Trial %A — r everywhere. Rtfu.se sub- j 9 m stiiuU*> theV are not OOIIie fc "juti at good as Peno,n !JI- -=:¡r Why is a careful housekeeper the best person to send unmarried daughters to ? t—Because she husbands all she has.

THE CREAT SKIN CURE. Budden's S.R. Skin Ointment. It will Cure Itching after one applica- tion; destroys every form of Eczema; heals old Wounds and Soree; acts lie a charm on Bad Legs; is Infallible Piles; Prevents Cuts Festering; Cure Ringworm in a few days; removed the most obstinate Eruptions an Scurvey. Boxes 7fcd. and Is. lid.- Agent for Aberdare, Mr. Walter Jones', Chemist and Pharmacist; Hfr" wain, Mr. George; Aberaman, Mr. I. Thomas.

also of Brynhyfryd, a brother of Mr. Austin John. Both fellows are now with the Royal Engineers at Portheawl. A (-udlys young man, who i, t, cor- poral ifl the 9th Welsh at Pontypridd. t t>l W that every inducement is giv.-n to all soldiers to secure new re- cruit-. A corporal receives as. for every military convert, and an extra. day's extension or home leave, whilst a private gets Is. a man and also an extra, day's leave. Se\ era I local ambulance men, who had responded to the call for help in hospital and other work, have now joined the ranks of the Royal Army Medical Corps, and their experience in ambulance work is proving beneficial to them. I understand that log Ashford, the well-known Mountain Ash footballer, is a prisoner of war in Germany. His sister has received a letter from him in which he makes a -request for under- clothing, some butter, and cigarettes. His friends have accordingly despatched him a parcel containing these necessi- ties Hard line6, Mog. Never mind, "Id sport. Hope to see you playing again for the Mount next season. There are several local men serving with the Royal Engineers at Portheawl. They include Jack Thomas, who was formerly employed as a mason under the Aberdare District Council; Arthur Prince. who worked as a. plumber for the Council; Dick Donovan, an assis- tant timbermaii, and Mr. Enoch, of Griffith Street. The Royal Engineers include men of all trades, and they are billeted in good houses at Porthcawl. Private. Walter Thomas, who is with the Cardiff Pals Battalion, of the 11th Welsh Regiment stationed at Hastings, has been home for a few days' leave. Walter had been previously in the em- ploy of Mr. F. W. Mander, J.P., Aber- dare. He likes military life a treat. Privates Archie Drew, of Harlech Place, and Willie Law, of Gloster Street. Aberdare, both of whom were recently wounded in France, have now rejoined their regiment, the 2nd Welsh, and are awaiting orders. The boys showed great pluck and resource during the memorable battles of the Rivers. Private Walter Arrow smith, of Bond Street, and Private Rees, of Pembroke Street, Aberdare, are both stationed at Cotford with the Prince of Wales' Regiment of the North Lanes.—Mr. Ward Davies. of the Aberdare Poet Office, who is well known in local sporting circles, is also in the ranks of u cavalry regiment.