The Aberdare Leader

Aberdare Ex-Councillor Killed. News has reached Aberdare that ex- Councillor Wm. Harper has been killed somewhere in France. He represented the Gadlys Ward on the Aberdare Dis- trict Council some years ago, coming out as an I.L.P. candidate. He was then employed at the Cynon Tinplate Works, Trecynon. When he joined the Army early in 1915 he lived at Cwm- earn, Mon. He was 7 or 8 years above military ago—about 47 or 48—but volunteered to do his bit, and became attached to a Staffordshire Regiment. He leaves a widow and four or five children, a vote of condolence with whom was passed r.t a meeting of the Aberdare Trades and Labour Council on Thursday last. He was a pro- nounced Socialist of the revolutionary tvpe, and a keen adiuire!' oi Robert Blntchford. whose articles, doubtless, had some influence on his action in joining the colours. At the meetings of the I.L.P. he would recite long pieces of poetry. Tom Hood was his favourite poet, and he knew "The Song of the Shirt," "Bridge of Sighs," and "The Dream of Eugene Aram" off by heart. In the course of his first speech on the Aberdare ( ouiinl lie le- marked- "What we want is not more Dreadnoughts, but more Lunate Asy- lums," and he finished his speech with tha recital of some verses. f~i« wounded 5 months ago, but returns* to the Front again.

Mr. Winstone. In response to an invitation from the Council, Mr Winstone, J.P., the adopt- ed Labour Candidate for the Boroughs, attended and addressed the delegates. The Chairman introduced Mr Winstone to the meeting. Mr. Winstone in a brief address touched upon the many aspects of life during the strenuous times we were as a nation passing through. The people to-day preferred leaders who were outspoken and frank. Hypocrisy was a thing to be hated by all self-respecting men. The man who was an advocate and defender of the highest ideals was the man that was needed to-day. He had tried to be frank at all times, and did his best to better the conditions of his fellow- men—not only miners but all classes. He would like to see the working- classes giving more attention to the reasoning out of the problems of life. The workmen should be abhv and could, work out their own salva^jon. The workmen should not look for a social saviour from above or below. They must be prepared to do their share of the work. Democracy was the power of the world, yet they were the beg- gars, and they should do their utmost to change such a system. They should place more value upon themselves. He was not ashamed of the Gospel of Labour because he believed that that was the power that was going to lead the working men to the light. He would like to see the Labour Party in the House more like the Irish Party. They should show to the country their power. Mr Winstone referred to the triple alliance among the workers; the new budget, and the Coal Control Board. He also made a reference to the revolution that had taken place in Russia, and hoped that it would open ;t new era in that country. He would like to see a revolution—not, a bloody one—that would bring the highest ideals within the reach of all men. After a discussion Mr. Winstone was heartily thanked for his address and advice.

Condolence. A vote of condolence was passed with the widow and family of Mr. William Harpur, who died on the battlefield. The late Mr. Harpur had been for a number of years a faithful member o the Trades Council, and prior to his re- moval from Aberdare was also one of the Labour Councillors on the Distric, Council.

\u n I' J £ V King-Tailored I SUITS I Assure Complete Content 1 IT-\uHEN You SEE A U King-Tailored Suit, you see -2!^ also a contented wearer. Our cut and Tailoring show all the I %»'* free-swing of master craftsmen. S SUITS I Assure Complete Content 1 IT-\uHEN You SEE A U King-Tailored Suit, you see -2!^ also a contented wearer. { Our cut and Tailoring show all the I %»'* free-swing of master craftsmen. IN Our fit is correct. Our value ills is right. | JHSH Value is the great thing in i these days. { — To' Measure 6 to Fit ) Ml Special Blue Serges 39/6 45, = 50/= Jril\ Boys' Suits = 19/6*22/6 25/6 V. Ladies' Costumes 45/* 50/- 55/= Tweeds: 35/6 42/- 50/- & up. I i j THE KING TAILORS. I iSTEWARTSl jCANON STREET ABERDARE. I OXFORD STREET, MOUNTAIN ASH. I Stewarts Clothiers Ltd. 130 Branches London to Aberdeen I 1 -VPj »the ALU-steel BICYCLE.Sal y 3 j arhoae special feature*, with Don lop tyrea and Starmey-Archer Bp3 9 ir¥( iff thtettapeed gear, sake It «o much better than other bicycles. Ky 29 The plating and enamelling of a bicycle depends on the prelIminary 3B work. In the Raleigh every part is beautifully polished before the JM § || various coats are put on, so that brilliance and permanence 7M m Af T is secured. Only the finest enamel used. Lining by experts. U If GUARANTEED FOR EVER. 21 \J P. c Ift. to 814 mc Band a paatrard few "Tbe Book of the R.akicb," Ipi I U A. J. SHEEN. ABERDARE? gj 'Crcttog far Hetlth." b7 SIr Prank Bowden. But.. F.R.O.s.. fte. 100 pp. ta t ;"V< Scarcity of High Class Seeds. True to Name. A 38 Years' Record in Prizes. 800 Firsts, 983 Seconds, innumerable Thirds, and Highly CoinLuendecr THE GIANT YELLOW ONION Handsome Globular-formed Bulb of fine Yellow Colour of Finest Flavour an excellent keeper, remains sound until June, attains an unusual size, and was awarded a First Class Certificate by the Royal Horticultural Society, London. To be obtained only at- TUDOR WILLIAMS, F.R.H.S., F.S.C.I., Agricultural Chemist, Aberdare. Only the Best Seeds give the best results. We give what you ask for NEW SEEDS direct from Messrs. Career & Co., London. Seed Merchants to the late King Edward. Seeds grown specially for Tudor Williams, Chemist, Aberdare, and TRUE TO NAME. Please call and see tLem. TUDOR WILLIAMS' List of Peas & Beans will appear shortly. CYCLES £ 6 15s. Oct. casli, Cheapest in the Town. 0% onto PARKER BROS., 62 Cardiff Street, ABERDARE. Advertise your Wants & Don't Wants in the Leader

Missing Since a Year Ago. r This is a photo of Private Hugh Thomas Ellis, who was in C. Coy., 8th Batt. R.W.F., 40th Infantry Brigade, 13th Division, British Indian Expedi- tionary Force. He has been reported missing since April, 1916. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ellis, 17 James bi-reet, Miskin, Mountain Ash, would be very glad to receive any information concern- ing their son. In a letter home, dated ,Mareh 1st. 1916, Private Ellis, writing from somewhere in India, describes the place where lie was as 'No Man s Land.' He adds that they were await- ing orders to go to the firing line.

Penrhiwceiber Soldier Dies. News has been received of the death in action in Mesopotamia of Private John Stagg, better known as .John Gear. Private Stagg enlisted at the outbreak of war and underwent train- ing at Liverpool, Dover and elsewhere. He joined the Garrison Artillery, but at his request was transferred to the Roya! Welsh Fusiliers. Two years he went to Mesopotamia and saw much fighting there. About 7 months ago he was wounded, a bullet piercing his ear. He was sent to a hospital on the borders of India. Eventually he re- turned to the fray, and was killed oil the 11th of April. He leaves a wife and one child, who reside at Caemain Street, loyslwdll. He is also mourn- ed by Mrs. Gear. of 38 Church Street, who brought him up from childhood. She has herself lost a soldier son. He died from illness. Priyate Stagg was ;}3 years of age. He had served many years in the Militia.

Cwmdare Soldier Wounded. Mr. and Airs. Tom Jones, 9 Queen Street, Cwmdare, have been informed officially that their son, Drummer Fred Jones, has been dangerously wounded on March 23rd in France. He belongs to the 2/8 Manchesters. He is now at Netley Hospital. He is only 20 years of age. He was a Territorial with the 5th Welsh, and was mobilised on August 5, 1914. After serving with that Kegt., 1 year and 11 months he was discharged owing to defective eye- sight. After a six months respite he rejoined the Army, this time casting his lot with the Manchesters. His brother, Pte. Thomas William Jones, King's Liverpool Regt., is now home on furlough, having been gassed in France on Mkrch 26th last. He is now improving and rejoins his regiment this week.

Home from Hospital. Mr. Willie Tucker, eldest son of Mr. and Sirs. R. J. Tucker, Highland Place Villus, Aberdare, came home from Northampton Military Hospital last; Friday, and had a warm reception by j neighbours and friends. He belonged to an Infantry Regiment, and was wounded by shrapnel in the great: Somme Offensive on July 7th, 1916. i One of his legs was amputated above | the knee, and he was taken to the Hos- pital above mentioned till last week, j Arrangements will soon be made by the Military authorities to provide him with an artificial leg.

German East Africa. j In the second instalment of Driver; Dan Da vies' (Aberdare) article, pub- lished in the Loader last week. he re- ferred to an exciting rescue by his ship of a distressed liner, which had been mined. The liner in question was the Tyndaraeus. on board of which were the Middlesex Regiment and Col. John Ward, M.P., whose heroic conduct was announced in the newspapers on March 29th, 1917.

Soldier's Acknowledgment. Appended is an extract from a letter received by Mr. L. Williams, 40 Albert; Street. Aberdare, from D. J. Kent, j 1692, l/o Welsh Regt., Egypt: 'Dear Uncle and Aunt,—Just a few lines to Jet you know I am in the best of health. Would you be so kind as to put this in the Leader to thank the Aberdare Women's Guild for the shirt, socks, handkerchief, and cigarettes, as I don't know where to write. We are stationed out on the desert, miles from any town, and the parcel came very nandy to me. There are many A her-j dare boys out here—Ted Oliver, Edwin Phillips and a few more. I have plenty t of friends. With best respects to all Dan." This parcel was sent to I). ) Kent from the Aberdare Sewing Guild. the secretary of which is Mrs. Botting.

British Soldiers' Newspaper. A friend has sent to the Leader Ofhcc a copy of h newspaper printed by some of our soldiers out in France. It is called "The Listening Post." 'The front page bears an illustration ol a j soldier listening in a thicket, with i some "shell-torn buildings in the dls tance. Below are a few humorous.pars (lulled from its pages :— "ADVrrK TO NEW ARRIVALS. Avoid the vicinity of bursting shells. i They take the most unwarranted liber- tics'with vour physique.. If you have any particular physical feature of which you are proud, such as an exceptionally symmetrical shin-bone, conceal it carefully from enemy shrap- nel. The alterations might not suit you. Be absent from the neighbourhood ol rifle-grenades, when they are Oil the I point of a rriving. They are no respecters of the King's uniform, ano khaki shows stains so easily. Never use your clasp-knife to pry the nose off an unexploded shell. You "creak the blitie and loso a day's {my destroying GorerBneut pro- perty. Have no dealings with the trench mortar bomb. It deesn't advertise. The sigh of the minnenwerfer may be 0111 a most seductive sound, but show your appreciation lying down. You may suffer a nasty bruise if j-ou don't, W hen you hear the sweet soprano note of a traversing machine-gun, stoop. Bullets enlarge the pores so. Refrain from excessive curiosity as to the construction and propulsive power of an enemy bomb. You might find out. Don't over-eat when in the front line. If an old-timer tells you to go out and paint the listening post, hit him with anything loose and handy. be absent from the lino of flight of a nullet if 111 tile open, otherwise ward oil, i,;ira- .'Cl i'u't look up at an over-he:.<'i Trube. The r ni.sy }>•< chewing i.af Don't look over the parapel, to see what the Germans look like. You can smell the good ones. If you suspect any of your comrades ef being a war poet, wauja lain closely. If you catch him in the act of writing verse, slay him on sight. Finally, if through carelessness, ig- norance, absentmmdedness, inadvert- ence or sheer bad luck you should hap- pen to be hit, conceal your money care- fully in your sock, before the stretcher- bearer has time to go through you simulate semi-delirium, and moan faintlY-'rlan-rmn!' You mav not get any, of course, but it's always worth the chance."

With the Royal Marines. The following communication reached the Office from Pte. David Phillips, No. 11503. Royal Marine Camp, No. 1 Base, France. Mr. Phil- lips was at one time a journalist, re- presenting the Merthyr Express at Aberdare, and he was afterwards on the staff of the Aberdare Leader. Dur- ing'the last two years he worked as a miner at Mountain Ash, and often con- tributed to the Press under the pseu- donym of Ap Pennar. He had prev- iously tried to get into the Army but failed :— "1 have been in France for some time, and am writing to let you know that 1 am quite well and happy. My journey here was on the London and South Western Railway, which runs through some of the most beautiful counties of England. On the way 1 saw great clusters of primroses, and after the bitter winter in Wales 1 can assure you the change was delightful. You have heard of Devonshire cider. Well, whatever may be the effect of the war on the sale of beer, there will still be plenty of cider, for I saw thousands of apple trees in the in- f numerable orchards, which even the beastly Huns cannot destroy. On the way I had a glance at bleak Dart- moor, but failed to see any of the con- scientious objectors who are at pres- ent resident there. This information, I know, will pass the censor, for it is the prayer of the good people of the West of England that the Huns should drop something upon them. 1 also noticed that the appeal of Lloyd George I to the farmers has been effective. Large tracts of land have been sown with wheat, and there is some hope that a great deal of tonnage will thus be saved. I don't suppose you know a great deal about Honiton lace. As a mere man I cannot describe it, and consequently can only say it is made in a little place called Honiton. i s"tw the factory there, and also the factory of the famous Axminster carpets at Axmi.nster. I also SAW a little place called Crewkerne, which has been ab- solutely ruined by German competition. Goods made by cheap labour, and the help of the State, have displaced the industries which formerly existed at this little place, and I am told you can now get a house for a mere song. As 1 have said, 1 greatly enjoyed every- thing, and the sea passage was also good. I shall probably be here until the end of the war. There is plenty to do every day in the week, but you know I was never afraid of this kind of thing."

Aberdare Tribunal. Un Friday. Present: Messrs. Chas. Kenshole (chairman), George Powell, T. Walter Williams, Wm. Lawrence, Wm. Rees, J.P., D. Tyssul Davies, Evan Jones, E. Stonelake., with Major F. N. Gray, J.P., and Sergt.-Major Johns (military representatives). Frederick Chas. Marsh, 34, married, 41 John Street, Aberdare, gas-fitter and waterworks plumber, employed by the Council, and appealed for by Mr. Owen Williams, surveyor.—Postponed three months. Peter Birch, 35, married, 16 Alma. Street, Trecynon, carpenter and joiner. Personal application.—Refused. Thomas A. Francis, 32, married, 10 Stuart Street, Aberdare, slaughterman. Personal application.—Refused. Francis had been granted three months a fortnight previous on employer's ap- plication. Frederick W. Caunt, 27. married, baker and confectioner, etc. Had two shops.—Postponed three months. William Goodman, 41, married. 2 Neol Street. Cwmaman, house coal haulier, employed by Mr. John Ed- wards, Cwmaman, who applied. Also personal application. The latter re- fused, and three months' postponement on employer's application. Walter Jones, 27, single, 1 Whit- combo Street, Aberdare, slaughterman, employed by Mr. H. T. Morgan, cattle dealer, who made the application.— Postponed three months, conditional upon his remaining in his present class of employment, and continuing to slaughter for other dealers when called i upon as far as his time is available. Charles Henry Davies, 29, married, 1 Brecon Place. Aberaman. hauling coal and coke. Application made by his father (the employer), of 221 Cardiff Road. Aberaman. Passed B2.—Post- poned three months. Charles Herbert Neal, 38, married. 29g. "Regent Street. Aberaman. brick- drawer, employed at Aberaman Brick- works. Personal application—illness of wife. Passed Bl.—Three months, Walter George Fry, 34, married. 7. Gloster Street. Aberdare. gravprliger, emnlovi-d by the. Aberdare Council. Appeal lii.ule by Surveyor. Three months. David Rees Thomas, 38, married, Cemetery Lodge, Hirwain, caretaker and gravedigger. Employer's and per- sonal application. Applicant wrote ex- plaining that he had lost one eye while employed in mine.—Three months. Andrew Curran, 38, married, 6 Cynon Place, Hirwain, gravedigger at Aber- dare Cemeteries. Appeal by Council.— Postponed three months. Tvdwell Rees, 18, single, 101 John Street, Abercwmboi, blacksmith striker, employed by P.D. Co.—Refused. A. Llewelyn Rees, 18, single, 3 Dare Villas, Aberdare, tramways conductor. Only passed Class C2 owing to opera- tion of tubercular glands.—Postponed three months. John Stanley Sant, 27, married, 32 Gladstone Street, Aberaman, chief clerk at Central Office, Cwmbach Co-op. So cietv. Appeal made by Society and also a personal appeal.—Refused, in view of Government order re men under 31. Mr. J. D. Thomas, solicitor, Aberdare, appealed for his chief clerk, Fred J.' Caldicott, 39, married. There was also an application on domestic grounds— illness in family.—Postponed two months. Frederick Edward Drain, 26. married, 1 Stuart Street, Aberdare. bread baker and deliverer, employed by Mr. Thomas Lloyd, Commercial Street, Aberdare. Passed Class Cl. The application was made by employer. Postponed three months.

Aberdare Trades Council. On Thursday the monthly meeting of the above was held at the I.L.P. Insti- the presidency of Mr. Matt Lewis, supported by Councillors; E. Stonelake, John Evans and Guardians John Hughes and John Davies. There i was a strong delegation present from the various lodges.

Our Discharged. A letter was received from the Black- burn Trades Council urging upon the Council to form an Association to look after the interests of the discharged Sailors and Soldiers. Several delegates took part in the discussion, and were favourable to the forming of such an Association. The matter was referred to the E.G. to obtain further particu- lars.

Conscientious Objector. A communication was read from the Merthyr I.L.P. asking for the support of the Council in appealing against the harsh treatment meted to Wilfred Gil- bert Arrowsmith, Merthyr, a conscien- tious objector, who is at present con- fined in Strangeways Prison, Man- chester. It was resolved to support the ap- peal. Copies of the resolution to be forwarded to the Prime Minister, the Home Secretary and the local M.P.'s.

State Purchase or Prohibition? Arising from a communication read at the previous meeting the E.C. de- cided to obtain the views of lodges and delegates upon this question. The discussion was opened by the Secretary, who gave reasons for the purchase of the Trade by the Government, as against prohibition. State purchase would mean permanent control, whilst prohibition was to be only for the dur- ation of war and 6 months after. If J the "trade" was purchased outright he would favour that localities should have I the control. The argument of the pro- hibitionists was that food-stuffs were used for the making of beer and that the Government should be called upon to stop the waste of the necessaries of life. Mr. Tom Davies said that there was no need to worry about the "trade. There was no doubt in his mind that it was a dying industry. Mr. John Davies moved that the Council favour Total Prohibition dur- ing the war and 6 months after. Mr John Evans seconded. It was finally decided to defer the question for a month.