The Aberdare Leader

————————————————_ "The Prodigal Son." 1 Fine Musical Performance at Aberdare. To an over-crowded congregation at Carmel English Baptist Church on Sunday evening. Sir Arthur Sullivan's oratorio, "The Prodigal Son," was rendered by a large choir and orchestra. Rev. Thomas Edmunds, B.A., pastor, presided, and after the singing of the hymn, Forward be our watchword to Sullivan's St. Gertrude," heartily rendered by the whole choir, prayer was offered and a portion of Scrip- ture relating to the prodigal son was read by the chairman. The oratorio throughout is most interesting and varied in style. The introduction was beautifully played, and this led into the very fine chorus, There is joy in the presence of the angels of God," and it was apparent at once that the choir was in capital form. The basses took up the fugal subject with a good, full, sonorous tone. The greater portion of the solo work is allotted to the tenor voice. This part was sung by Mr Fred Harris, Cwmdare. His ren- derings were most satisfactory. The solo, A certain man had two sons," was sung with great fervour. It was in the solo, How many hired ser- vants," that the singer showed the dramatic side of his voice, being most rousing at the culminating point, Father, I have sinned." The solo, Come, ye children," was sung with good expression and delicacy. The heavy and somewhat difficult bass solos, Trust in the Lord," and For this, my son, was dead," were most effectively rendered by Mr. John Williams, Mountain Ash. His vocalisation was perfect, and the tone full and sonorous even in the double forte passaged. This singer is quite a favourite with Aberdare audiences. The recitations and solos alloted to the soprano voice were very clearly rendered by Madam Eynon. Her rendering of the aria, 0 that thou hadst hearkened," was splendid, her bell-like notes and clear enunciation being very praise- worthy. The beautiful contralto solo, Love not the world," was effectively sung by Miss Maggie Jones, Cwmdare. Her voice pos- sesses much strength and purity, with a good compass. The treat of the evening was the solo and chorus. Let us eat and drink." Mr Fred Harris is to be complimented for his earnest, soul-stirring rendering. This item left quite an impression on the audience. The chorus, The sacrifices of God," was sung with a very fine sub- dued tone, the harmony of the softer passages being very beautiful and forming a striking contrast to the large chorus, 0 that men would praise the Lord," and the finale, "Thou, 0 Lord, art our Father," with the conspicuous fugal passages. Mention should be made of the pleasant rendering of the quartette by the four artistes. The leader of the orchestra was Mr D. J. Maddox, F.V.C.M. 2nd violin, Mr Tom Morgan cello, Mr J. Reed bass, Mr. David Jones flautist, Mr. Reg. Davies; oboe, Mr D. Williams clarinet, Mr. Levi Morris; organ. Miss Agnes Davies, A.L.C.M., Adv. R.A.M., R.C.M. pianist, Mr. Haydn Jones, A.L.C.M., Cert. R.A.M., R.C.M. The instrumentalists played in a most skilful manner throughout the work. The pains taken to bring this per- formance to such a success with a short preparation, must Ave been enormous. Prof. Tom Jones, L.R.A.M., A.R.C.O., deserves the highest praise not only for the pre- paratory work, but also for his mas- terly grip of chorus and orchestra. Owing to the fact that hundreds could not get admission, it has been arranged to have a repeat perform- ance on Sunday, June 6, at 8 p.m., admission by silver collection. The choir is deserving of the. greatest en- couragement on the undertaking.

A Visit to Lord Merthyr and Lady Lewis' Tomb. Last Sunday, May 23rd, I had the honour of preaching at Moriah C.M. Chapel. Cefn, Merthyr. In the afternoon I took advantage of the opportunity of visiting the Tomb of the late Lord Merthyr and Lady Lewis at Cefn Cemetery. It was a beautiful afternoon-nature had put on her best robes, and in that woody and sheltered spot, everything looked very fresh and full of new life. The trees were in full foliage, and the abundance of beautiful white flowers, smiling and shedding their perfume, made the sleeping place of the dead full of quiet beauty. While standing in front of the sepulchre I could not refrain from paying a silent tribute to the memory of his Lordship and his good Lady on account of the good qualities they possessed; and from a sense of grati- tude to his Lordship himself for his kindness. I hope that nothing will disturb their peaceful sleep until, at the bidding of the Master, whom they had served so faithfully, they will be called forth from their quiet resting place clothed with immortality and to enjoy life and bliss for evermore. Their lives here were full of Christian activity. Now they rest from their labour, and until the day dawn of the Resurrection morn we will say in the words of the poet, Father, in thy gracious keeping, Leave we now Thy servants sleep- ing. W. O. POWELL, Abernant Park. C.M. Minister.

Cwmbach Soldier's Death. South African Hero. His Last Letter Home. News has been received of the death of Driver George Davies, who prior to the war lodged at Big Row, Cwmbach. The exact particulars as to how he met his death are not to hand. The Major Commanding No. 1 Section of the Royal Field Artil- lery, 7th Div. Ammunition Column, to which deceased belonged, stated that Davies was accidentally killed. The last letter received from him by his brother, Mr. David William Davies, 11 Duffryn Row, Cwmbach, ran as follows, and was dated April 2nd:—" I received your letter, but have not had time to reply before now, because we have been busy with one thing and another.. I also received the parcel safely. Please thank Edward Collins (de- ceased's nephew, of 41 Blaennanty- groes Road) for me. It was good ( him to send it, and kind of yourself, too. Of course we can buy some things here, but we don't get enough money to buy a lot, and a good deal goes in buying bread. I am glad to say I am enjoying the best of health, and we are having fine, bright weather lately. 1 I think we shall move from here soon, as some fight- ing on a large scale is expected. Have you heard anything about the New Army coming out here? They seem to keep them at home very long. So good-bye for the present." Driver Geo. Davies fought through the South African War, and won two medals, one with six bars and the other with two bars. On the former the names on the bars are Cape Colony, Belfast, Laings Nek, Relief of Ladysmith, Orange Free State, and Tugela Heights. It was with the Royal Horse Artillery that he served in South Africa. The medals will be seen on deceased in the photo. He was a time-expired man, and was not obliged to serve when the present war broke out, but he im- mediately joined, and after being stationed in Preston for a few days he was drafted out to France. Sever- al postcards were received from him from Ypres in November and Decem- ber. Prior to the war he worked at Cwmpennar Colliery. He was a single man.

Local Young Footballer Enlists. Willie Sarvis, the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Sarvis, Clifton St., Aberdare, and grandson of Mrs. Sarvis, draper, has joined the Royal Engineers, and is stationed at Sully. Young Willie made a name for him- self as a footballer. He was the secretary of Tabernacle Cong. Sun- day School, and the eleventh mem- ber of Miss Bessie M. Richards' class to join the colours.

Thanks. Miss Nancy Jones, wardress for Hirwain of the Lady Lewis Habita- tion of the Primrose League, has re- ceived from Mr. Fred O. Morgan a letter expressing the thanks of the Hirwain Belgian Refugees Commit- tee for being the means of getting the proceeds-23 16s. 3d.—of a lec- ture delivered under the auspices of the League at Hirwain, towards aug- menting the funds. The committee also desire to thank the officers of the Aberdare Branch of the Primrose League for allowing the proceeds to be given to the funds.

Resolven Man Killed in Action. News has been received at Re- solven that Mr Walter Hadley, of he 3rd Welsh (whose wife and child •eside at John Street) has been cilled somewhere in France, and juried on the field of battle. Quite 'ecently this young man was home on eave.

Aberaman Man Killed in Action. Mrs. Williams. 42 Cobden Street, las been officially informed by the War Office that her husband, Pte. Fred Williams, No. 7702, 2nd Welsh (who had been out since the out- areak of war) has been killed in iction at L'Epinette on May 9th. He was a reservist, and was called up on August 5th. He had been in Hospital on three occasions suffering from illness. He took part in all the battles with the exception of Hill 60, as he was at this period in Hospital suffering from rheumatism. He came out of all his engagements unscathed until the last one. On the retreat from Moris he was pre- sented with a beautiful purse and coin by an old lady. These were sent home to his wife. Pte. Williams was killed on his only son's birth- day. The latter dreamt of his father's death on the evening of the occurence. Deceased also leaves two little daughters. He was the son of Mr. Win. Williams, Brynamlwg Avenue, formerly of Regent Street, Aberaman. Pte. Fred was very popular in the district. The family are the subjects of general sympathy. In one of his letters to his wife and family he referred to the Germans as a dirty lot," and gave instances of their cruelty. He said that he had had a terrible experience, and would relate them to the family when all would be over. Unfortunately he passed away before that opportunity came.

ABERDARE TRAMWAYS. Dear Sir,—In your last issue you inserted an article, copied from the Electric Railway and Tramway Journal," giving results of the work- ing of the Tramways in Aberdare for last year. In the article in question my name is mentioned. I would like to state that the Manager of the Tram- ways here is Mr. A. J. Abraham, M.I.E.E., and that although I am Traffic Superintendent the Car Shed is under the control of Mr. W. J. Wil- liams, Works Superintendent, whilst Mr. Hilder, the Outside Superintend- ent, is responsible for the Overhead Line, and Mr. G. D. Morgan is the Chief Clerk. All members of the Staff are equally responsible for the good results, and all are controlled by and act under the instructions of the Gen- eral Manager.—Yours faithfully, H. KING.

ABERDARE CHAMBER OF TRADE & THE PRICE OF FLOUR. Dear Sir,—At the last Ordinary Meeting of the Members of this Chamber reference was made to the high prices of food-stuffs and other commodities now maintaining, and to the abnormal profits made in the milling industry. It was felt that the misconception existing in the minds of many people, that distri- butive traders are responsnble for this condition, should be removed. In the baking trade, and among re- tailers of flour also, Millers, notwith- standing existing pre-war contracts, extorted a 10 per cent. increase over and above the prices contracted at. So keenly did those present at the meeting feel, that the following resolution, proposed by Mr. Illtyd Williams, and seconded by Mr. Thos. Lloyd, was passed:- "That we, members of the Aber- dare and District Chamber of Trade, strongly condemn the'action of cer- tain millers in forcing up high prices of flour, well knowing that bakers and grocers (their factors) were un- able to sell at a profit, while they themselves made hundreds of pounds net profit daily." There is no need to here reiterate the arguments set out in the recent controversy which has taken place

fjtm'J; There is Only One Form of Spendinga Really Enjoyable Holiday; THAT 18- Several Beautiful Charabancs ■■ ■■ .Ui and Touring Cars For Hire. JL JL 1 JLjL^SJ ft Luxurious, Powerful Cars at prices lowerthan Third Class Railway Fares. ALL ENQUIRIES ATTENDED TO SAME DAY AS RECEIVED. Telegrams: GOUGH D. MOUNTAIII ASH: 9L TeleUIO: Goughs Garage Co. Mountain Ash Telephone. No. 22. a

Abercynon Police Court. Thursday, May 22.-Before Messrs. R. A. Griffith (Stipendiary) and W. Fenwick.

Transfer of Licence. Mr E. J. Hughes, Aberdare, ap- plied for the transfer of the licence of the Mount Pleasant Hotel, Miskin, recently held by Mrs. S. A. Morgan, deceased, to Miss Morgan.—Granted.

Drunk and Disorderly. John Powell, in Pagett Street, Ynysybwl, fined 9s.

Unattended. Wm. Dd. Hall, for leaving his horse and dray unattended in Ynysy- bwl, was fined 12s. P.C. Kinnaird proved. A Soldier's Dog.—Frederick Hunt- ly, Melbourne Street, Matthews- town, was charged with having no licence for his dog. Defendant's wife appeared, and stated that her husband joined the Army before Christmas, and was dis- charged five weeks ago as medically unfit. The Bench adjourned the case for 14 days to give him a chance to take a licence out.

Girl Given a Chance. Mother Censured. Amy Kidner, a diminutive girl of 17 years, was charged with stealing a print dress, the property of Eliza Cartwright, a domestic servant em- ployed at Almorah House, Ynys- boeth. Prosecutrix stated that she prt the dress (produced) on a clothes line on May 1st. She missed it shortly afterwards. On the follow- ing Saturday, acting on what she was told, she went to see defendant's mother. She saw the dress there. Its value was 7s. Eliza Coopey, 97 Avondale St., deposed that Amy Kidner brought the dress to her to be shortened. She said her aunt had given it to her. Jessie Davies, 63 Avondale Street, employed the girl occasionally. She came to her on May 5th, wearing the dress. Enquiries had been made about the dress, and witness fetched Amy's mother. P.C. J. Stedman Williams arrest- ed the girl on May 10th. She said she had picked up the dress in a field not far from Almorah House. Stipendiary (to the mother) Why didn't you enquire, when your daugh- ter brought the dress home, to whom it belonged? I'm afraid you're worse than the girl. To give her a chance of retrieving her character she will be placed under probation for 12 months.

A Boy Detective. James Jones, Abercynon, a timber- mafn, late of Miskin, was charged with stealing a roll of print dress material, the property of Thomas George. Margaret Street, Aber- cynon. David Jones James, 13 years of age, 13 Margaret Street, stated that on the 11th of May, in the after- noon, he saw the prisoner with the roll produced under his arm. Wit- ness followed him, but lost him by the Junction Hotel. Witness went to the Police Station and gave in- formation. Later he went with P.C. Gomer Williams and pointed the j prisoner out. John George, assistant to the pro- secutor, deposed that he put the roll I outside the shop, and later missed it. It was valued at 10s. P.C. Gomer Williams arrested the prisoner. Prisoner pleaded to the Bench that he was drunk. He didn't want the stuff. He earned 44s. a week. Fined 40s.

YR ADRAN GYMREIG. Gwahoddir cyfraniadau i'r Adran hon yn y ffurf o ohebiaeth bwrpasol, adroddiadau lleol, a barddoniaeth deilwng. Nis gellir cyhoeddi cyn- yrchion meithion. -I

Barddoniaeth. ER COF Am William John, mab Mr. a Mrs. John Bennett, 25 Alma Street. Tre- John Bennett, 25 Alma Street, Tre- cynon, a. fu farw Ebrill 4ydd, 1915, yn 13 mIwydd oed. Claddwyd yn Nghladdfa Aberdar, Ebrill 8fed. Pan oedd gwanwvn yn rhoi bywyd T", > 1. 1 urwy y creaa maitn 1 gya, Pan oedd blodau yn ymagor I Gan brydferthu gwedd y byd; Gwywo wnaeth y blodyn tyner Fagwyd ar eich aelwyd glyd, I Dygwyd ef i ardd y nefoedd, Heddyw hardda arall fyd. Rhyfedd ydyw ffyrdd Rhagluniaeth, I Ond er hyny Haw yr lor Sydd yn rhoddi a. chymeryd, Hon sy'n llywio tonau'r mor; William John oedd ar ei oreu, Er yn ieuanc 'roedd yn hen Mewn rhinweddau a daioni, Gwnai'i ddyledswydd gyda gwen. Fe ddilyoai siarnpl lesu Pan yn faehgen deuddeg oed, Bod yn ufudd ac yn eirwir j Ac yn onest oedd ei nod: | Hoffai gerdd, ae wrth ei dysgu Mawr ei sel a'i ymdrech fu, Weithian chwydda ei gynghanedd Gan y cor nefolaidd fry. Yn addoldy Heolyfelin Gyda'r Band of Hope y bu I Wrthi'n cann He yn adrodd I Darnau addas Dirwest gu; Pan yn dair-ar-ddeg i'r diwrnod Cyrehwyd ef gan angel mad, Rbodd ffarwel i Annie feehan, f I'm famgu, ei fam, a'i dati. Chwi rieni yn eich hiraeth, A pherthnasau yn mhob man, Heibio'r cwmwl at y goleu Trowch eich golwg tua'r lan; Yn y bywyd annherfyiiol Yn nghymdeithas Iesu cu Gyda'r seintiau a'r angylion- Yno mae eich baehgen chwi. T. TEIFI EVANS. Siloh, Trecynon.

mopq We have an enormous STOCK of I Reliable Furniture at prices to suit you. Cash or Easy Terms. VICTOR FREED, l Mountain Ash. I

I knew a young fellow who went to sleep one night, and the next morning awoke a white-haired paralytic." "OhT Come now, I say!" "Fact! The young fellow was 'boots' in an hotel, and the white-haired paralytic was a guest."

Abernant Man at the Front. With the Indian Expeditionary Fore. Rumours were current locally last week that Mr Tom Pugh Williams, son of Mr and Mrs Williams, 21 Colliers Row, Abernant, had been killed in action in France. His par- ents wish to contradict this, and to state that a letter was received from him a few days ago. Private T. P. Williams has been in the Army for about 4 years, and was in India when the war broke out. He belonged to the Innis- killing Dragoons, but is now with the 2nd Signal Squadron, 2nd Indian Cavalry Division, Indian Expedi- tionary Force. In his letter, dated May 20th, he thanks many friends for sending him cigarettes and other gifts, and pro- ceeds to say: You have no idea what my work is like in a Signal Squadron. It is like the Post Office telegraph in civilian life. We lay out all the telegraph lines to our three brigades, then we return to the General's Headquarters, and keep up all the communications by telegraph, and I can tell you it is a very tiring job, as we have to read very fast. and our work is never done. When the weather gets fine we will be work- ing with visual signalling flags and lamps, which is far more dangerous vork. At present I am in absolute iafety, so there is no need ip worry, mt keep cheerful."

ABERDARE DARE-DEVIL. A Nameless Missing Hero. CAN ANY OF OUR READERS IDENTIFY HIM? We have received the following letter from Driver G. Cook, R.F.A., "some- where in France" "Just a line to let you know that one of the Aberdare boys was with us at Neuve Chapelle and he has not been seen since. He was one of the best drivers we had in our lot. He would go on and no one could stop him. He fought along with me in the South African War. He was then a regular dare-devil who cared for nothing or nobody, and he was the same out here. He told me to write to you asking you to put in your paper if he did not come back to us. We called him 'Taffy,' and he was the happiest fellow we had. I pity the Ger- man that will go for him, for he told me that he had a six-shooter always at hand. I know he would use it when the opportunity would come, for he thought as little of his life as the sand on the road. I sent a parcel home for him just after he went, but unfortunately I lost the address. However, he told me that he had a brother in the same place. 1 only wish I could give his name, but all of us always knew him as "Taffy." Whenever there was any fighting going on he would volunteer for it saying, Let me go." If told to do anything it was always alright. We never saw him crib about work. I can tell you all our boys are a bit off-side since he went. I only wish I could find his brother's ad- dress, of whom he used to talk so much. Then I could write to the bro- ther. We came across a fellow from Swansea, and he wrote your address on this envelope for me."

Godreaman Sunday Schools. The annual demonstration of Godre- aman Sunday Schools was held on, Whit- Monday. After the parade tea was held at the various vestries. After tea all proceeded to the Aberaman Park, where games were indulged in.—At Salem about 165 sat at the tables. The secretary was Miss Lizzie Davies; treasurer, Mr. James Harries; super- intendent, Mr. Ebenezer Williams. Mr. J. S. Rees was the precentor. Tray- holders: (1) Mrs. Annie Williams, Misses Violet Pryce and Maggie Wil- liams; (2) Misses Edith, Martha, and Hannah Williams; (3) Mrs. Pugh and Miss Humphreys; (4) Mrs. Woodhouse, Mrs. Edwards, and Miss E. Woodhouse; (5) Misses Lizzie Davies, J. E. James, ana Mrs. 1'j. watKins. winters. mrs. S. A. Davies, Mrs. S. Harris, and Mrs. J. Jones. Cake, Mrs. A. J. Francis and Mrs. Williams. Tea, milk and sugar, Mrs. M. Williams. Ticket-collectors, Messrs. E. H. Lewis and R. Leach. Tea brewer, Mr. William Pugh. Caterer, Mr. J. S. Rees.—Hebron C.M.). —Trayholders: Misses Annie Rees, Maggie Rees, Gwladys Morgan, Annie Williams, Maggie Lloyd, Sarah Lloyd, Jennie Price, Maggie Price, Katie Davies, Sarah Ann Davies, Mrs. Miiry Jones, and Miss Sophia Evans. Cake, Messrs. Daniel Jones (junior) and Daniel Morgan. Cutters, Miss Catherine Jones, Mrs. Jenkins, Mrs. Jane George, Mrs. Emma Morgan. Tea and sugar, Mrs. Gwen Jenkins, Mrs. M. A. Mor- gan, and Mrs. Mary Edwards. Stoker, Mr. Thomas John Hamer. Tea brewer, Mr. E. J. Williams. Supervisors, Mr. John Morgan and the Rev. John Lewis. Mr. David Rees Morgan was precentor. Superintendents of the Sunday School, Messrs. Edgar Williams and Daniel Jones. Treasurer, Mr. John Jenkins. The secretary was Mr. E. John Wil- liams.

I DON'T MARRY A GERMAN but don't let the Germans stop you getting married. It is an unquestionable fact that many happy marriages have been brought about by "The MATRI- MONIAL CIRCLE." A copy containing hundreds of GENUINE advertisements with all particulars will be sent in sealed envelope by applying to THE EDITOR. 18. HOGARTH ROAD. EARL'S COURT, on receipt of 6d. P.O., or 1 Stamps. (Mention paper). See "John Bull" article, December 19th last.

"The Prodigal Son." Splendid Performance by Abernant Choir. On Thursday evening last, at the Market Hall, Aberdare, a grand performance of the sacred dramatic cantata, The Prodigal Son (T. Price) was given before a large audience by the Abernant Lnited Choir, under the conductorship of Mr. John Thomas. The principal characters were as follows :-Prodi- gal Son, Mr. G. T. Llewelyn, L.T.S.C., Port Talbot; Elder Son and Carouser, Mr. Mog Edwards. Mountain Ash; Father and Seer, Mr D. Landeg, Aberdare; 1st maiden, Madam A. Morton-Thomas, Mer- cwmboi; 2nd maiden, Miss Megan Davies, Aberdare; Servant, Mr. Gwilym Parry, Aberdare; Servants, Labourers, etc., the choir. Mr F. W. Mander, J.P., presided, and in his opening address said he was substituting Councillor W. Thomas, who had gone away to re- cuperate after a somewhat serious illness. He would not burden 1 hem with a speech, but he felt bound to say how immensely pleased he was to see such a large number present. The proceeds of the performance would be given to that most laudable fund known as the Auxiliary Fund, which helped to support the depend- ents of the brave men at the front Mlho were giving their lives nobly for King and country. (Applause.) The cantata was played in four acts. The first act depicted the home, where the servants are pre- paring for the day's labour. Act 2, the far country. Act 3. in the fields. Act 4, the return of the prodigal. The singing by the choir was excel- lent throughout, and reflected great credit upon the conductor. The staging and acting was all that could be desired. Mr. Llewelyn's singing greatly impressed the audience, as also did the other soloists. Prof. R. Howells, and his talented son, Mr Gwyn Howells, were the accompan- ists. The stage manager was Mr Dan Jones. General assistance was given by Messrs. D. Morgan, D. Davies, Tom Samuel, Morgan Wil- liams, Enos Evans, Tom Hale, Jas. Thomas, Tom Thomas, and George Williams. The secretarial work was performed by Mr. Henry Davies, Engineers Row. None of the local performances during the past few months have been worthier of a repetition than this performance, and if a repetxTTon is decided upon there will be a crowded house. The singing and acting were excellent, and Abernant Mixed Choir are to be congratulated upon the performance. The Pro- digal Son (T. Price) is a musical composition of no mean order, and Mr. John Thomas will do well to allow his choir to repeat the perform- ance.

Letters to the Editor. GLYN NEATH THEATRE. Sir,—Local inhabitants are very curious to learn on what grounds the directors of the Glynneath Theatre refused the use of the Theatre to the Debating Society for their performance of the famous old English comedy, "She Stoops to Conquer," in aid of the funds of the Red Cross Society, whilst they granted the use of it to the Addoldy members for their performance, al- though the latter chapel is free from debt. Thereby hangs a tale," gentle reader.—Yours, GLYN NEATHITE.

A Drunken Sleep. Joanna Hawkins was charged with being drunk whilst in charge of a child. P.C. Osborne stated that he was on duty on May 11th in Pentwyn Avenue, Penrhiwceiber. He saw the prisoner lying on the ground with a child in her arms. She was asleep, and when he woke her he found she was drunk. Prisoner stated that her sister had turned her out of the house.

I A Dangerous Man." Catherine Allen summoned James Martin, Clarence Street, for assault. Prosecutrix stated that she was standing on her doorstep talking to two young gentlemen about the war. Defendant came up and asked her to give him 2d. She refused, and told him to go and work for his twopence. He then rushed at her, struck her a violent blow which loosened her teeth, and she fell to the ground. j Emrys Williams corroborated Mrs. Allen's evidence. Defendant did not appear. Stipendiary: This is a very impu- dent assault. He has been twice convicted for assaulting the police. He is a dangerous man. Fined C3 or one month.

Nodion a Newyddion. Yn y rhifyn diweddaf o'r Goleuad ymddengys llythyr gan y Barnwr J. Bryn Roberts, yn yr hwn y dywed ei fod yn glynu wrth yr hen gredo fod lledaeniad goleuni Gair Duw a phregethau a rhybuddion ei bro- phwydi yn well moddion gras na lladd dynion wrth y miloedd-credo Mahomet. Achlysur y datganiad hwn o eiddo'r Barnwr ydoedd y sylw a ganlyn o eiddo y Parch. John Evans, Abermeurig, yn y Drysorfa. Os gwel dynion eu pechodau yn well mewn goleu fel hwn na thrwy air prophwyd a goleuni Duw diolchwn am y rhyfel." Gwel y Barnwr yn y syniad hwn gymhwysiad o'r egwyddor Jesuitaidd fod y dyben yn cyfreithloni y modd- ion-" Gwnawn ddrwg fel y del dai- oni." Dywed ef, Y mae cannoedd os nad miloedd o'n haelodau a'n gwrandawyr wedi ymrestru, ac y mae llawer yn ofni y daw y gweddill a arbedir yn ol yn llawer mwy digref- ydd na phan ymadawsant." Fel prawf o ddylanwad moesol gwen- wynig rhyfel cyfeiria at y ffaith i'r rhyfel rhwng Ffrainc a Germani wneyd y wlad flaenaf yn ddigrefydd a'r Hall yn anffyddol, barbaraidd, a thrahaus. Yn rhifyn Ebrill o'r Geninen ceir vr englyn a ganlyn gan J.J., Tyny- braich :— I lawr y doi y Lord eon—i'r llawr, Er ei holl eirf gloywon Wele! chwi angylion.—gwyliwch yna! Fe laddodd hwna filoedd o ddynion! Englyn i Arglwydd Roberts, y rhyfelwr, ydyw. Gallem feddwl p8 buasai Bryn a Thynybraich wrth borth y nefoedd pan oedd yr hen gadfridog yn curo am agoriad y buas- ent yn gwrthod derbyn ei drwydded am mai gwerth gwaed ydoedd. Diau fod yn y bardd a'r athraw Gwili anhebgorion emynydd. Yn Seren Gomer am Mai ceir amryW emynau addas o'i eiddo. Wele un pennill o un o honynt i ddangos eu llyfnder a'r ysbryd addoliad geir ynddynt:— Arglwydd, pan fo'r dydd yn cau, A'r tywyllwch yn trymhau, Clyw ein lief yn nwyr y dydd, Haul a tharian inni bydd. Daw i'n hysbryd hyfryd hedd Os cawn olwg ar dy wedd; Cilia'r nos a'i hofnau'n llwyr- Bydd goleuni yn yr hwyr."

Aberdare Chamber of Trade A special meeting of the members was held at the Memorial Hall oil Wednesday, the 19th inst. The ob-, ject of the meeting was to consider the application made by the Shop Assistants' Union for closing 011 Saturday nights at 10 o'clock instead of at 11, the hour now observed- Considerable discussion arose con- cerning the matter, the majority of those present being quite in sym, pathy with the proposal. It was felt, however, that the Chambe'] could not take up the responsibility of bringing about the end desired, and upon a proposal by Mr. A. E, Harmston, seconded by Mr. Illtyd Williams, the following resolution was passed :— That this meeting favours o'clock on Saturdays, but in view the possibility of traders outside the Chamber offering objection the ear- lier closing can take effect only if universal application be secured."

He (in leaving): "I think I have Said rood-bye to you, before, miss." She: 'Well, I'm always glad to say good-oj o you."

throughout the kingdom. Bakers are, to-day-and I have it from per- sonal knowledge of baking accounts —manufacturing bread at practically no profit. Wages are higher, fuel is dearer, and the high price of flour is such that were makers to charge a fair percentage of profit the price of bread would be at least one half- penny per loaf greater than it now is. It must he home in mind that it is the distributive trader who has to meet the customer, and it is he who hears first the cry set up against in- creases. It is he who knows how hard hit the consumer is in a crisis like the present, and it is he that realizes, more than any section of the community, the hardships borne by the artisan and working classes. In his appreciation of these hardships a self-sacrifice, little known or realized. is being made by him to keep down prices at the lowest possible mini- mum. What is said of the baking trade applies unfortunately to other food- stuffs. Butchers' meat, as is well known, has increased enormously in price, principally through stock shortages consequent upon increased Government supplies, higher costs of feeding stuffs, and higher freights. In the grocery trade provisions have increased all round; in some in- stances they almost double pre-war prices through similar pressure occa- sioned by the present crisis. It is deplorable that opportunities should be created out of the present situa- tion by fortune-hunters to force up illicit profits, but comoarisons of the present market prices of eatables and the like will clearly show that shopkeepers are not the sinners in this respect, but are bearing a big slice of the burden placed upon Britishers to-day. And it is only their right in common honesty that this condition should be made as widely known as possible. Yours faithlully, W. R. JONES, Hon. Secretary. Aberdare and District Chamber of Trade.