The Aberdare Leader

ABERDARE Y.M.C.A. of Aberdare's Criticism. I" the Aberdare Parish Magazine B a the l?ev. J. A. Lewis, f frio,n 'c"ar °l Aberdare, has an un- L'flie J'eferonee to the Y.M.C.A. K it,reads as follows:— ■he,. n a recent issue of the "Times" K,^Pa]H'r Mr..John Oxenhani, the ■L ,e.r< luid a column article entit- ijj Challenge to tlie Y.M.C.A. iSa+- lch he .called upon that organ- ul0n (>p<'n its" institutions in fi l.v town and village in the land. -Bishop of Swansea, in "The ^j?es^ of March 29th, delivers him- in,, ,0^ tlie followiiW strong indict- ^lc Y.M.C.A. and 'its b°ds. Ivhiny of our readers will ?We to add to this critiV'ism from ».ie.lr knowledge of the way in in a Y.M.C.A. planted itself th- Aln^i'daro. We shall return to Rnbject in another Issue." ,n follows the Bishop of Swan- (1\ Letter, the purport of which is 0}/ That the Y.M.C.A. gives little credit to other organisations; DP'+. v1 at it pursues a policy of com- f, J"tion on ;i disastrous and waste- s<rale: (.'{) That the soldiers had Pay an exorbitant price for V thing they purchased at the y ^J C.A. huts ("4) That the 4'%C.A, does not publish a full j.i complete balance sheet showing s 0 profits and the extent of the re- ,ves it has accumulated. HEV. T. MA DOC .JEFFREYS' DEFENCE. In this month's issue of the |>ei'dare parish Magazine. the Svlcar has published, with manifest '•Apathy, the Bishop of Swansea's a a<;k upon the Y.M.C.A., which ijPP^ared in The Times, of March 'h. Some of us hare long known the Vicar was hostile to the -("lation, and particularly to the ('al institution, which is now be- organized for civil work. One t f his objects, in publishing the let- jei\ is evidently to discredit i the branch. Indeed he promises 0 tell the story of "the way in • •"ieh the Y.M.C.A. planted itself Aberdare." I also know that Nt )"Y, and know it completely +f°i'eover it is lily intention to see i j't it shall be completely told, if at all. At the same time one ^I'T'foundiy regrets the necessity for ".11. discussion. liv-e already v;flHen to the Vicar expressing the r'e^ that it is deplorable to provoke 'trov<*rsv upon such social work j s the Y.M.C7A. is engage<l in, ayd 11 which surely all Christians, of II which surely all Christians, of irhatever communion, if they be not nnatical and unreasonable, could °°-operate. The Vicar promises to P'hlish Sir Arthur Yapp's reply to The Bishop of Swansea's criticisms His May issue. I trust it "M ill be I he fu]] text. In my judgment, however, it would have been a fairer P'ocedure had the both letters been Polished in the same issue. Meanwhile the innuendos both in yhf Bishop's letter and in the ifar's reference, are allowed to tand unchallenged until the May ISSHe of the magazine appears, and- I Jeel that such of your readers as Ij'ight be influenced by them, should have opport unity to read Jess 6.lf,judk-ed comment upon the VC.M.A.'s work. 1 therefore (")(.lose for your publication an ex- tJ'Het from the Oxford Diocesan Magazine, penned by that brilliant Catholic-mindod Churchman, "ishop Gore. Will you also be good enough to Publish "A preliminary statement OJ, accounts" drawn up by the Com- mission of Inquiry, which appeared ll "The Times" on April 15th, and ^'tended to counter the effect of the insinuations made in the Bishop Swansea's letter, until such time he shall give direct evidence in ^upport ()f his charges.—I am, *tuirs, etc.. ► T. MADOC .) FFIBERS. The Bishbp of Oxford says:— "t am thankful to say that the X-M C.A. iiave no intention of let- ting their new and world-wide ac- tivities during the war come to an 'id with the war. ■ They intend to Jot our country sides with Huts oi Institutes. The questions that rise lfi our minds as Churchmen 'P¡) vt- hear of this intention are chiefly t^o. (1) What is to lie the relig lous influence of the Y.M.C.A. r 1. it to establish amongst us a sort of undenominational religion, with '"vices which shall be rivals to the Church services ? J. believe that their honest iiKention is the oppos- lt:f. In a word, the religious policy ;V(uild be interdenominational. On this basis 1 waut the clergy to co- operate heartily. It they have eallse for complaint on this score 1 j1"! sure I, oi: my successor, would 'e able to'make "effective rcpresen- litions. And our free co-operation ls the best preventive of any such Pfl''il. 1 understand that these lll- stitutes are to have for their main "bjeet the promotion of social, rational, athletic and educational 1,lfe. though everything is to be dir- by a religious Christian "ii)tive. And I believe the work for 'tl will be carried on in co-opera- tiflii with similar work for women, t believe that the importance of this scheme can hardly lie exagger- ated. It may serve to do one of the most needed of all things—the taking of our village life interest- ing and social and lively. I earn- estly hope that we shall be ready to bring our existing institutes, clubs, or societies into the scheme as far as possible. (2) Tlie other ques- tion is what will be the place of the Rector or Vicar in the scheme? The answer is that neither he nor anyone else will have any position ex-olficio. The idea is that the in- stitute shall lie under democratic management, restricted only, 1 sup- pose, by such central rules as that no Y.M.C.A. Hut can 'l.ll intoxicat- ing liquors, or allow gambling. Thus the members or inhabitants will elect their own committees and make their own rules. This, J be- lieve, is entirely wise: and I trust that we i>f the clergy shall be ready simply to help as we are wanted or to stand aside if we are not." The preliminary statement of ac- counts referred to above appeareli in The Times on April loth, above the names of Askwilh. Vas- sar-Smith, and F. Gore-Browne. They point out that the Bishop of Swansea was invited to give evi- dence before them, but that he could not attend before May 6th. They further state that the Y.M.C.A. causes its accounts to be made up half-yearly and to be aud- ited by chartered accountants, a full summary appearing in The Viiiies every 6 months. As to profits, they add that the gross profits were less than 30 per cent. on cost of mater- ials and the net profits relatively small, and that the wliolf of such net profits had been expended for the benefit of the Naval and Mili- tary Services.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. GUARDIANS ELECTION, DAI? RAN LAS W AIM). Dear Sir,—The Rev. Edwin Bur- ges, my opponent in the above election, appears to ignore my invi- tation to discuss before a meeting of the electors the seven points con- tained' in the leaiiet which was is- sued on the eve of the election bear- ing his signature. The points were put forward as reasons why the electors should support Air. Burgos in preference to myself. 1 am go- irig to ask the electors to judge whether the rev. gentleman was en- titled to ask for the .support of the electors^ either on the basis of tliv seven points referred to, or on the grounds of his conduct during the campaign or since, by refusing to make any attempt to prove y sup., port the statements he so widely -eii-eiilated. The Free Church Coun- cil can hardly feel proud of their champion who, during the whole of the campaign, never gave the elect- ors an opportunity to criticise his policy or lack of policy. Mr. Bur- ges claimed'to favour "Construc- tion and not Destruction." but neither in his election address or on the platform, did lie make one single effort to supply the electors IV(' with a program, destructive or otherwise. The electors have the right to vote for whom they wish, but among the 607 votes cast for Mr. Burges. there is a big working class vote, and J submit to these members of the working class, that it would have been more in keeping with working class ideas and prin- ciples to have supported the man who gave them an opportunity to question his policy. rather than give their support to my opponent, who refused to be questioned pub- licly. In refusing to meet me fin a public platform to defend or sup- port the statements made by Jiim, Mr. Burges may think he can escape me, but he must either substan- tiate or withdraw the allegations and innuendo contained in the leaf- let failing this, the electors must judge his conduct. With your con- sent. Mr. Editor, 1 propose to take the first two points this week, and so on until all the seven points have been dealt with. or iiiitil Hur- ges has publicly withdrawn that which he circulated. 1st Says Mr. Burges ote for t'rfbse who helped to win the war." Prior to the Military Service Acts, did you volunteer to serve in the Al-iii.v oi- NaN-y." Did you attest under Lord Derby's scheme:' Did you join the National Service scheme? Did you join the local Volunteer Training Corps: Please give the name of Regiment, and on wiiieii front you served. How many recruiting meetings did you address, and where? Were you employed in a Munition Works, or other works fit national importance? If you have done these things, then there may be some justification in seeding support on the grounds of assisting in winning the war. nd. "Vote for those who be- lieved Britain worth fighting for." Really this is too rich. Surely Mr. Burges., you cannot, either as a person or as a Free Church Council claim support under this You TYiust be aware that the National Free C'hurch Council sent a deputa- tion to the Prime Minister, headed by tlie Rev. Towyn Jones, asking fo'- the exemption of ministers of the gospel from the Military Ser vice Acts. Come now, Air. Burges. take courage, face the position you have created by your indiscretion, and silence this agitation once and for all.—I am, N. T ROMANS. 33 Ceridwen Street. Mountain Ash.

<&' '"s Six Allotment and Garden Tips BY AI Practical Expert. 1. Sow small seeds Tlze RITO Smile thinly, and thin the seedlings early, 2. Crop systematically, following a plan intercrop between permanent crops. 3. Hoe frequently between growing crops in Summer to keep down weeds and aerate the soil. 4. Watch for insect pests and diseases, and get to know their remedies. 5. Stay at home when the soil is wet. Male hay when the sun shines. plants live. Don't starve them. C3 food cannot produce "A I crops. Give them" RITO." RITO is the wonderful energiser for soil bacteria, and multiplies all Allotment and Garden Produce. RITO 47 obtainable from John Davies, Duke St., Aberdare. John Davies. Merchant St., Should any difficulty be experienced in obtain- ing supplies, write to the Makers, The Molassine Co., Ltd., Dept. 325, Greenwich. ¡ S, E. It).

MERTHYR BOARD OF CUARDIANS. BY A LABOUR MKMBEK. The meeting of the Guardians last Saturday in Merthyr, was remark- able. It was a record meeting in the number of Guardians present, 52 out of a total of 55. Another re- cord in its history is that it was the first meeting of the Board with an overwhelming majority of Labour members. From the commencement of the meeting. Guardian Prowle seemed very affable and self-satis- fied. He had the appearance of a General who was contident that the number of his army and its equip- ment was quite equal to any emer- gency that might happen that day. The various committees were ap- pointed, all members to con- stitute each of the committees with the exception of the "Assessment" and "Boarding Out" Committees. The former is considered to be the most important Statutory Commit- tee. Its deliberations and resolu- ( tions are not subject to the veto of 4 the Board. This committee has al- ways been sought after, and jeal- J ously guarded by the Capitalist sec- tion of the Board. For sonfb years the Rector of Dowlais has been chairman, and the majority of its members were officials and cashiers of the Coal, Iron and Steel Com- panies. Mr. Rees Rees, Ynyslwyd, j has been a long-standing member of this committee also. However, the flood came on Saturday, and swept all the Capitalistic members away, 1 with the exception of Mr. Av llliam 1 Davies, Plasyfelin the member for Rhigos and Glyn Neath. Eleven of < the Committee now are Labour members, and only one representa- tive of Colliery Shareholders. This committee in the near future will be able to make sensational changes in the methods and principles of as- sessment of rateable values, with a guarantee that the interests of the workers will be safeguarded to the utmost. The advent of this working majority of Labour members will surely revolutionize the atmosphere of the Board in the future. An ef- fective check will be secured on the possible arrogance and machine-like demeanonr of the officials. Ar- rangements are being made to cele- brate this great victory of Labour, by the Trades Councils of Merthyr and Aberdare. (A report of the Board meeting will be found in another column.)

EARLY CROPS PAY TOMATOES. Strong plants of oiy celebrated strains for greenhouse cultivation Carefully packed and carriage paid, 6 for 2/9, 12 for 5/ 24/- for 9/- CUCUMBERS. For frames and hot-houses, Carefully packed and carriage paid, 2 for 2/ 6 for 5/3, 12 for La/- Special Carriage Paid Offer:- 6 Tomato, 1 Cucumber plant V6 • 12" 2" 11 6/6 EARLY CRYSANTHEMUMS Grand collection, newest and best sorts, all named-pinks, bronzes, crimsons, yellows, pure whites, will supply a mass of bloom during August to November. Strong plants, packed, carriage free, 6 for 2/6, 12 for 4/3, 24 for 8/- SWEET PEAS. Strong early plants, choice named sorts, pinks, lavenders, crimsons, blues, whites, &.c., 25 for 1/6, 50 for 2/6, ico for 4/9, post free. Please don't mistake any of the above lines with stuff you see adver- tised cheaply later on. The above are real early, and give maximum results. Sweet Williams, pink, scarlet, crimson grand plants. Hollyhocks, choice double. Alyssum, yellow ) Charming for Aubretia, purple J rockery. 12 strong plants, post free, 4/- Auriculas, Coreopsis, Gaillardia, Genms, Sage, Thyme, Mint, Fennel, Chive, Marjoram. 12 strong plants, 6/ car- riage paid. GET THEM FROM Hopwood's, 58 HIGH STREET, CHELTENHAM. Local Agent- Mr. E. SMITH, 3 Gwawr Street. Cledwyn Jones Desires to inform the Residents of Aberdare and District that he has returned home to con- tinue the TAILORING BUSINESS carried on under the name of D. JONES & SON at 15 Cardiff Street, Aberdare, And while thanking them for past sup- port. trusts to merit their continued patronage, JUST A MINUTE. I BUY FALSE TEETH, 6d. per Tooth, pinned on Vulcanite, 2e. on Silver, 3a. on Gold, 8s. on Platinum- Teeth returned promptly if offer is not satisfactory, or write fcr free booklet which will give you a fair idea how much yours are worth, jes it will. E. LEWIS, 29 London St., Southport, Loses. School of Commerce Aberdare, Prin: J. MARSHALL, F.lnq,S.T. F.C.I., F.S.C., etc. Visiting Commercial Master, Mill St. Higher Elementrry School, Pontypridd. A Specialised Coach Leads to Good Appointments. Day, Evening and Postaf Courses. Some of the Examinations Coached for: London and Welsh Matriculations, Oxford and Cambridge Locals, Junior and Senior College of Pre- ceptors, Junior and Senior All Professional Prelims and Civil Service Exams. 4 The most approved and effective methods of teaching are utilised for the training of youths, young ladies and gentlemen. All the Teaching Staff are men of sound business training, and Specialists in the respective subjects taught by them, possessing as they do the highest distinctions and Diplomas. Success Guaranteed. Parents should call and see the Principal at 19 Wbitcombe Street, Aberdare, or write for full particulars and advice respecting the future career of their children. ..d r. 'iii {/1;Jo. t -C.'4"¡¡; t r Put your money into | WAR SAVINGS CERTIFICATES ] and WATCH IT GROW! | 15/6 becomes £ 1 j £ 7.15 becomes £ 10 | £ 38. 15/- becomes £ 50 j £ 77.10/- becomes £ 100 | £ 193.15- becomes £ 250 I' £ 387. 10 becomes £ 500 "1 YV/AR Savings Certificates are the safest and most 1 profitable investment in the world. Your money grows without any effort or care on your part. It grows even while you sleep. If you want your money back before it has grown to its full extent, you can obtain 1 repayment at any time by giving two or three days' 1 notice to the Post Office-but if you are wise you won't s i You can buy War Savings Certificates from your Bank. Post Office, Association, j or Official Agent. .a. — L Established 1868. The Oldest Builders & Contractors in the District. JOHN MORGAN & SON (Aberdare), Ltd., Specialist in All Architectural Work. „ Drainage and Sanitary Fittings. „ Electrical Work and Gas Fittings, Plumbing, &c. „ Range Fixing and Faulty Flues. „ Shop Windows, Fittings and Fixtures. Painters, Decorators & House" Renovators. PROMPT ATTENTION TO ALL GENERAL REPAIRS. Ilnrion+alronc Best Arrangements UliUwl lulvwi made for Funerals. PROMPT ATTENTION PAID TO INTERMENTS. ESTIMATES GIVEN FOR BRTCK GRAVES & VAULTS. Registered Office: Pendarren Street, Aberdare