The Aberdare Leader

Not the same in Aberdare. However earnest the statement of a stranger residing in a distant town may read, it is not the same to Aherdare as the word of an Aberdare woman. And it never can be the same, for we are naturally more interested in the personal experiences of men and women living in our home town than in those of total strangers to us. Mrs E. Williams, of 66, Gadlys-street, Aberdare, says:—" For a long time I had pains in my back, caused by kidney disorder. One night I was taken with such a fearful paip in the back that I nearly fell, and afterwards I had such a chilly feeling that I could not get warm. I applied turpentine and flannel, but did not get much relief. I went to a doctor, and his medicine eased the pain a little. LaSer on, however, I had another bad attack; I was unable to sleep, and in the mornings there was such a mist before my eyes that I could scarcely see. Reading that Doan's backache kid- ney pills were a medicine for kidney troubles, I sent for a box. As I used the pills my back became better and stronger, and I was not afraid of it giving out.' I have been quite free from pain since I used Doan's Pills, and I am sure it is only this medicine that has made me so well as I am now. I can recommend the pills, for they have made me feel better in all ways. (Signed), (Mrs.) E. Williams." Doan's backache kidney pills are two shillings and ninepence per box, or six boxes for thirteen shillings and nine- pence. Of all chemists and stores, or post free direct from the Foster- McOlellan Co., 8, Wells street, Oxford street, London, W. Be sure you get the same kind of pills as Mrs. Williams had.

Mr. Kelr Handle's Slander Action Settled The action for slander brought by Mr J. Keir Hardie, M.P., against Mr Samuel Cresswell, the Conservative candidate who contested Mid-Derbyshire, has been settled on terms agreed upon. The statement coinplained of was made in a speech at South Wingfield by Mr Cresswell, and was in reference to Mr Keir Hardie's visit to India. The matter arose during the bye-election when Mr Keir Hardie, M.P., was in the constituency assisting the candidature of Mr J. G. Hancock, now the Labour member for the division. Mr Cresswell in due course accepted service of the writ issued by a firm of Derby solicitors, but the matter has now been definitely settled. The terms, however, have not been definitely disclosed.

A Celebrated Shot. Mr. Tom Jones, Aberdare. Private Tom Jones, the winner of the Talbot Memorial prize for the third time, is probably one of the best-known marksmen in Wales, and is a regular competitor at Bisley, the Welsh National, and other county prize meet- ings. It is rather a strange coincidence that the man who coached him at shooting should have been the late father of Private Roderick, who ran him second for the prize on this occasion. Private Jones was born on the Margam Estate at Gower, is a member of the 6th Welsh Battalion at Swansea, and now lives at Aberdare. He won the first prize X50 (given by Miss Talbot) and £ 45, together with silver medal and gold and silver badges (given by the Association). Shot off in two stages. His aggregate number of shots was 216, whereas Private Roderick, who came second, shot 214,

I BITS FROM BOOKS. DISILLUSIONED AGE. Here is a self-contained passage character- istic of its author from one of the delightful essays in On Anything," by Mr. Rilaire Belloc (Constable): It is an amusement in which I have sometimes indulged, and no doubt many of those who are reading this have tried it for themselves, to turn to the files of old newspapers, choosing some period of great excitement which one can one- self remember, but which is separated from the present by a sufficient space of years. It is well in practising this sport to choose the columns of a journal which expressed one's own enthusiasm and one's own conviction at the moment. Th* smile provoked by such a resurrection of the past must be bitter, but it will be the more salutary for its bitterness. There is that great question which (we supposed 1) would change the world; there is all the shouting and the exaggeration and the violence; and there beyond it, unseen, is th. reality which we have come to know. Their future has become our past, and note how utterly the vision disagrees with the real stuff, and see how vain the vision was. Look how terrors were never fulfilled, read how these hopes were still less destined to fulfilment, and, above all, at- tached to worthless ends.

BALZAC'S GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT. It was Balzac's habit, as it has been the habit of so many other literary men, to work for long periods at the highest pressure, shut- ing himself entirely from the world. But when he ceased he would try to compensate himself by the most reckless indulgence. The following is from Mr. Frederick Law toil's "Balzac (Grant Richards): One of these prolonged claustrations, in Octo- ber, 1834-the day was Sunday-he interrupted by a call, most unexpected, on Werdet. His face was sallow and gaunt with vigil. He had been stopped in the description of a spot, he ex- plained, by the uncertainty of his recollections, and must go into the city in order to refresh them. So he invited Werdet to accompany him in playing truant for the day. The morning was spent in the slums, where he gathered the infor- mation required; and the afternoon they whiled away in listening to a concert at the Conserva- toire. Here he was welcomed by the fashionablea of both sexes, notwithstanding his shabby cos- tume, which he had donned in view of his morn- ing's occupation. On quitting the concert-room, he carried Vir erdet off to dine with him at "V cry's, the most expensive and aristocratic restaurant in Paris. The place was full of guests, and those who were in proximity to the table where the two newcomers sat down were astounded to see the following menu ordered and practically consumed by one man, since Werdet, being on diet, took only soup and a little chicken, A hundred oysters, twelve chops, a young duck, a pair of roast partridges, a sole, hors d'eeuvre, sweets, fruit (more than a dozen pears being swallowed), choice wines, coffee, liqueurs. Never since Rabelais' or perhaps Louis XIV.'s time had such a Gargantuan appetite been witnessed. Balzac was recouping himself for fasting.

NOT SO SIMPLE AFTER ALL. Here is how the defence of the villager as against the townsman is stated by the Rev. P. H. Ditchfield, M.A., in The Parson's Plea- sance (Mills and Boon) Good people who live within the sound of Bow Bells consider us village folk a very ignorant race. We are not half so sharp and intelligent as our neighbours who live in towns-so they say! But we know better than that. We are slow of speech, slow of foot, and our thoughts do not come quite so quickly as those of the poor fellows who work in factories; but we know a thing or two," and I would back our rustic wit and cleverness against any town-bred creature who has to slave in a mill and knows nothing of ploughing and sowing, reaping and mowing. These things require intellect. You cannot al- ways guide a plough as you would a steam- driven machine that always does as it is told. You have to think of the state of the ground, now saturated with rain, now hard with a slight frost, or with drought, or it is hard clay or soft loam. Your ploughs vary. With some you can crack your jokes with your neighbour and stare about and watch the rooks; while others are such kittle-kattle plaguey things that if you take your eye off them they are bound to go wrong, and your furrow is as crooked as a Devonshire lane. All these varied conditions of work make us pretty shrewd, and not inechanical dunces and chattering numskulls like factory folk. Besides, we have to sell our stock, and this makes us very keen and clever in making bargains. You would have to get up very early in the morning if you would take us in, or try to cheat us over the price of a horse or a sheep.

LAYING THE CABLE. In his Life of Lord Kelvin (Macmillan) Professor Silvanus P. Thompson recounts an incident which took place during the laying of the Atlantic cable. On board the Aga- memnon was Lord Kelvin, then William Thomson, with part of the great cable. On board the Niagara was the rest. The two ships had spliced the ends of the cable and were paying out as they steamed away from each other: We had signalled to the Niagara—so wrote junior member of the electrical staff Forty miles submerged," and she was just beginning her acknowledgment when suddenly, at ten o'clock at night, communicat-ion ceased. According to orders, those on duty sent at once for Dr. Thomson. He came in a fearful state of excitement. His hand shook so much that he could scarcely adjust his eye-glass. The veins on his forehead were swollen and his fac. was deadly pale. After consulting his marine galvanometer, he eaid the conducting wire was broken, but still insulated from the water. He supposed the fault might lie in a suspicious portion which had been observed in the main coil. The cable was tested on both sides of this place, but it was all right there. The fault was not on board but be- tween the ships. There did not seem to be any room to hope; but still it was determined to keep the cable slowly going out, that all opportunity might b. given for a resuscitation. The scene in and about the electrical room was such as I shall never forget. The two clerks on duty, watching, with the common anxiety de- picted on their faces; Dr. Thomson, in a fever of nervous excitement, yet In mind clear and col- lected, testing and waiting, with a half-despair- ing look, for the result; Mr. Bright, standing like a boy caught in a fault, his lips and cheeks smeared with tar, biting his nails as if in a puzzle. and looking to the professor for advice. BeMnd, in the darker part of the room, stood several officers of the ship. Round the door crowded the sailors of the watch, peeping over each other's shoulders at the mysteries, and shouting "Gangway!" when anyone of import- ance wished to enter. Still the cable went slowly out, while in the hold they were resplicing the suspected section. All at once the galvanometer indicated a com- plete breaking in the water. We all made the dread interpretation, and looked at each other in silence. Suddenly someone sang out, Hello The spot has gone up to 40deg.! The clerk at the ordinary instrument bolted right out of the room, scarcely knowing where he went for joy, ran to the poop, and cried out, Mr. Thom- son', the cable's all right! We got a signal from the Niagara Never was more anxiety compressed into such a space. It lasted exactly one hour and a-half, but it did not seem to us a third of that time.

A FAMOUS WELL. St. Winefricle's Well, Holywell, is supposed to have marvellous curative properties, and the col- lection of crutches and the old leather stays near it have been left by the lame and the halt, who wert away perfectly cured. An old chapel is buift over the well, the flow of water in which I. has been estimated at 100 tons a minute. The legend of the well is that Winefride, a beautiful maiden, was pursued by Prince Caradoc, and m his rage at not being able to marry her, he severed her head with his sword- The head v0}led into the cl'iu.rcli> ciiicl it restGCi tnci*G issued a spring of clear water, its sides adorned with fragrant moss, which to this day is called Winefride's hair. The stones are covered witn a vegetable growth which, being ruddy in colour, is, of course, called "St. Winefride's b.'ao#

I The Empire Marathon I Race. EXCITING CONTEST. Hundreds of interested spectators wit- nessed the great Marathon Pace last I hursd'ay. It was organised by Mr. A. Norton, the popular manager of" the New- Empire, Aberdare, on behalf of Mr Rcrwe ana the Aberdare Empire Ltd. Several local gentlemen gave assistance. The competitors assembled outside the Empire building at 5.55 p.iii., and Mr. A. J. Sheen, who was the official starter, fired tne gun at (5 p.m. sharp. Route: Start at Empire, through Aberaman to Mountain Vrs.?> J,1'0!1" Cardiff-road, over Quarter Mile Bridge to Tyntetown and Penrhiw- ceiber and Mountain Ash, and back along the same road from Mountain Ash to Aberdare. A large number had entered, but only the following turned up: Sulli- van, Aberfan; T. W. Davies, E. Best, Merthyr; Alf Edbrooke, Tonyrefail; Thomas Lewis, Aberaman; J. Lucey, Mountain Ash; Will Wood, of Aberaman Gymnasium, and a prominent plaver of Aberaman Football Club, and Williams, Aberaman The contestants were fol- lowed by dozens of cyclists and several motor cars. On the return journev. E. Best, Merthyr, led the way, until Alf Edbrooke, Tonyrefail, passed him near Mardy House. The tape was held across (he stage by Messrs. A. J. Sheen and A. Stephens, Aberdare. At half-past seven the first runner passed through the tape. -He was Alf Edbrooke, who has won prizes in three similar competitions. He was very quickly followed by the second—E!. Best, Merthyr. The third was J. Lucey, Mountain Ash. The winners appeared remarkably fresh after their hard run. The piizes were distributed during the second performance. There appeared upon the stage all the runners, and also Inspector Nott, Mr. A. J. Sheen, Ir..J. A. Evans (hatter), and Mr. Mac Cormack. In the unavoidable absence of Mr. Wm. Thomas, solicitor, ths prizes were pre- sented to the winners by Mr. Mac Cor- mack, on behalf of Mr. Victor Rowe. The prizes consisted of two massive cups, 1st standing nearly 2 feet high, the 2nd just a, shade smaller, and the 3rd was a handsome medal. Owing to Sullivan, Aberfan, running so close to the winners, he was presented with a consolation prize. Mr. Rowe then gave an excellent speech, in which he thanked Aberdarians for the interest they took in the race. He stated that the success of the event was due to his worthy manager, Mr. A. Norton, and several prominent gentlemen in the town, including Mr. Reuben Silverman, the sport correspondent of the Aberdare Leader." The committee were: Messrs. Victor Rowe, Empire proprietor; A. Norton, manager; J. A. Evans, J. Kelly, F. Mears, J. MacCormack (dentist) and J. Hopkins, ironmonger. Mr. W. Cais Jones acted as lion. sec.

Pretty Wedding. GRIFFITHS—JONES. Chi Wednesday morning, Sept. 21st, a very pretty wedding was solemnised at Ebenezer Chapel, Trecyuion. The con- tracting parties were Mr. W. Jones, Clive- street, Trecynon, and Miss Edith Grif- fiths, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Griffiths, Bwllfa Dare-terrace, Cwmdare. The officiating minister was the Rev. J. Grawys Jones. The bride was neatly attired in a cream dress, trimmed with lace and ivory braid, with a large picture hat to match. She was given away by her father, Mr. Thomas Griffiths. Mr. T. Jones, Llansamlet, acted as best man. Mr. Edward Lewis, uncle of bridegroom, was also present. The bridesmaid, Miss .T Jones, sister of bridegroom, wore a dress of brown cloth trimmed with cream lace and braid, with hat to match. After the ceremony the young couple left early for Swansea, where the honeymoon is being spent. They were recipients of many valuable and useful presents, in- eluding a cheque from Alderman Mr. and Mrs. Bees Llewelyn, Bwllfa House. s=s=ssssss

PRINTING Neatly and Promptly Executed at th. "LEADER" OFFICE.

Materialism Denounced from the Pulpit, Last Sunday morning the pulpit of 1: nyslwyd Baptist Church. Aberaman, was occupied by the Rev. R, Gwenffrwd xliighes, Gadlys. Mr. Hughes delivered a scathing sermon, in which he denounced severely the materialistic tendencies of the age. He took as his text the words leaching them to observe all things whatsoever I.have commanded voii; and, 10, j I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." These comforting words uttered by Jesus Christ, said the rev. gentleman, contained the promi»e of HIS continual presence to the church. The Church of God was not constituted °| bricks and mortar/ 'but a body of devout worshippers who met together "1 the spiritual presence of Christ. Mr. Hughes then analysed the reasons for the non-success of the church to-day. he first great cause was the materialism of the age, and the second cause was the abnormal passion for pleasure. He was not against pleasure in itself, but when skating rinks, dancing classes, football and other sources of amusement took the predominant interest of people, it was time to call Hands ofi If a young man could go to a football field and let his religion regulate the game. all well and good, but if not, it was time to give it up.

Presentation at Mountain Ash. On Wednesday, Sept. 21st, the staff of the London, Edinburgh and Glasgow As- suranee Co. in the Aberdare Vallev were invited to a luncheon at the Jeffrey's Arms Hotel by the District Supt., Mr. T J. Howells. Aberdare. Between 60 and 70 responded and partook henrtilr of the good things provided. The presentation took the form of a. silver cabinet. Mr. Howells 21 years ago commenced his insurance career with the present company with a blank book, and through sheer persistency and hard work has reached his present position. Other District Superintendents joined the company in honouring Mr. Howells. They were: Mr. Fred Jones, district manager Rhondda Valley (late Cardiff), and Mr. Fred Hughes, district superin- tendent Merthyr. Mr. Jonah Rees, A.R.C.M.. Abercwmboi, rendered valu- able services to the musical programme. Telegrams were read from Messrs. J. Harrison Evans, Newport; Hughes, Neath; Walters, Pontardawe, expressing regret at their inability to be present. There were also present the superintend- ents of the sub-districts and their wives, viz., Messrs. Sam Thomas, Trecynon; O. Treharne, Aberdare; Philip Rees, Aber- ewi-iiboi- J. Isaac, Mountain Ash; Sam Davies, Penrhiwceiber. and 0. Evans, Abercynon. Mr. J. Isaac, Mountain Ash, verv ablv fulfilled the duties of chairman. He re- minded Mr. Howells that the value of the gift was not equivalent to their esteem of him, and hoped that this i-iieetiiig would weld them closer than ever before. The following programme was then gone through:—Mr. Jonah Rees gave a selection on the piano. Mr. Ben Thomas, Aberaman, speech. Mr. Roger Williams, Aberaman, gave an excellent rendering of "Cartref." 'Mr. D. J. Maddox, Aber-I dare, violin selection. Mr. J. Griffiths, Aberdare, recited" Chwedl y gath a'r llygoden. n Mr. Afanydd Morgan, Aber- dare, recited "Y gloch dan." Mr. J. | Roach, Penrhiwceiber, solo, "Jolly dack," Mr. Sam Thomas, Trecynon, then pre- sented Mr. Howells with a silver cabinet. The recipient accepted the tendered goodwill of his staff with very deep feel- ing. He referred to the services rendered by his men, and was grateful for the kind remarks made. Although 21 years of his life had been spent in the Com- pany's service, he felt that evening that lie had still a good many years left in him to fight for the supremacy of the Aberdare District. He prophesied that there were leaders of men on his staff, and urged upon them to prepare for more important positions, and added that he would help them to succeed. Mrs. Howells, who was greeted with f cheers, then supported the remarks of her husband. -=- ê> n M1,) Philip Rees, Abercwmboi, who had fulfilled the duties of secretary in the movement, made an appropriate speech. Mr. Rees laid much emphasis upon the great work Mr. Howells had done. Mr 0. Treharne, Aberdare, joined in "tolling the high qualities of their Dis- tuct Superinendent, and wished him many years to enjoy his cabinet. A!,jT' O- Evans, Abercynon, then spoke 10. Welsh. Mr. Sam Davies, Penrhiwceiber, broke out in verse, and wished Mr. Howells a long and happy life and a Perlvn vn y I earl. Ur. Fred Jones, district manager, Pontypridd, spoke at some length, and enlarged upon the expressions of previous speakers, and assured Mr. Howells that he could be proud of his faithful staff. Mr. Fred Hughes, district supt., Mer- thyr, spoke next. Mr. Sam Davies, song, "Bugail hafod y (,wm (encored). Mr. Gwilym Thomas, Aberdare, gave a very appropriate recitation. H Keep Pushing/' At this stage Mr. Howells. dist. supt., presented Mr. Sam Thomas, Trecynon, with a gold watch for best results during the last quarter of 1909 in the Aberdare V alley. Mr. Thomas responded. The Chairman, on behalf of his co- supts., congratulated Mr Thomas in hav- ing secured so valuable a prize. Mr. Dan Evans, Trecynon, spoke brieflv in YS elsh. Mr. D. J. Maddox gave another violin selection. Votes of thanks were accorded the host and hostess, visitors, and the chairman.

W. O. DAVIES, Watchmaker, Jeweller and Engraver, 43 Oxford St., MOUNTAIN ASH. Best House in Town for all Watch, Clock and Jewellery Repairs. No job too difficult. No job too am all. All work done on the premises, and Guaranteed 12 Months. JONES' SEWING MACHINES. Alao Afontt for Bradfenry and Qfcfcsa Makerm of Bowing MachinM. J. BUGLER & SON, 420 Cardiff Road, Aberdameas F. E. HEK Wholesale Cabinet Works, 5, Herbert St., Aberdare 17, FFORCHAMAN ROAD, CWHAMAJL HOUSE PROPERTY AND FURNITURE REPAIRED. UPHOLSTERING AND POLISHING. ALL WORK PERSONALLY ATTENDED T.8. The ABERDARE LIADER has the guaranteed largest eireulation of any newiBpaper in the Aberdare Valley. IT IS A WELL-KNOWN FACT That Firms in a large way of business can always supply reliable Goods very much under the prices charged by smaller Traders. The large resources and immense amount of business done with an army of customers at their numer- ous Branches throughout South Wales and Monmouthshire enable this old-established Firm to SELL at prices other F urnisbers often BUY at Bevan & Co., Ltd., Wales' Largest Furnishers & Music Warehousemen, CARDIFF, SWANSEA, PONTYPRIDD, &c., &c. They hold the largest selection in this part of the United Kingdom; sell at rock-bottom prices, and either for Cash or under most generous arrangements for credit, deliver free up to two hundred miles from any of their Establishments; and spare no efforts in giving every customer the highest satisfaction in every detail. Pianos and Organs at about half usual Prices! National Telephone 21.] ''S" '"ML '"?"'& A 'Th. '"T "v- JOHN MOJtiGAN & SON (ABERDARE) LIMITED, BuiiclerSi Contifa.atops and Undertakers Complete Funeral Furnishers and Funeral Directors. Estimates given for Bricked Graves and Vaults. ALL ORDERS PROMPTLY ATTENDED TO AND CARRIED OUT AT MOST REASONABLE PRICE Orders taken at ihe OfftceS: Penydarren Strest and 4 Stuart Street, Aberdare.