Rhondda Leader Maesteg Garw and Ogmore Telegraph

Mardy. On New Year's Eve, a very successful bachelors' tea, was held under the auspices of Siloa (W.C.) Chapel. The tables were very prettily arranged, and their beauty was only equalled by the enthusiasm taken by the bachelors in the occasion. The sumptuous recast, including jellies, tarts, tinned fruit, &c., was under the super- vision of Messrs. S. Parcel], T. H. Thomas, 'Ben Lewis, W. D. Evans, and Idwal Evans and their friends. The onerous duties of general guide and in- structor were carried out by Mr. D. O. Jones (draper). Previous to the "demolish- ing operations, Messrs. Llewellyn Wil- liams and John Reynolds made a tour of inspection around the room, to give their decision as to the, best-laid table, and the place of honour was awarded to Mr. T. H. Thomas and Co. The catering was done by Mr. Alf. Evans, Royal Stores, and the duties of cashier were discharged by Mr. T. R. Voyle. Following the tea a concert was held, the following contri- buting to the programme —Messrs. D. M. Jones, T. H. Thomas, J. T. Jones R. Jones, Esau Gibby, J. Wynne, J. T. Jone<3, Emrys Davies, David Evans, and T. H. Thomas. The duties of accom- panist were carried out by Mr. W. D. Evans.

Rhondda Liberal and Labour Association. JOSEPH HOWE, Esq., The Popular Lecturer and Debator, will deliver a series of Addresses in the Rhondda as follows:- Monday ii-Mardy. Tuesday 12-Clydach Vale. Wednesday 13-Bodringalit. I Thursday 14-Trealaw. Friday 15-Troorchy. I Saturday 16-Ynyshir. W Questions Invited. Full particulars will be announced by posters. J. KEMP, Sec. 4589 Rhondda Liberal and Labour Association. Edgar Jones, Esq., M.A., (Lecturer Appointed by the Welsh National Council), will Lecture as follows :— Tonypandy-Monday, January 18th. Subject—" Tariff Reform as the Tory Trick of making the Workman pay." Pentre—Tuesday, January 19th, Subject-" Liberalism as a Constructive Policy." Cwmparc-Wednesday, January 20th. Subject—" What Liberalism has done and can do for the Welsh Workman and Nationalist." Penygraig- Thursday, January 21st. Subject—" The Message of the Eight Hours Bill." Pontygwaith-Friday, January 22nd. Subject Taxation Reform as the Liberal Trade Policy for Britain." 4590 J. KEMP., Sec PUBLIC NOTICES. T. Naunton Morgan's Forth- coming Auction Sales. Gas Engine and Chair-cutter, at rear of No. 7, Trinity Hoad, Tonypandy, Thursday, January 14th. Leasehold Shops, Dwelling-houses, at Brooks Street, Williainstown, January 20th. Leasehold Shop at Clydach Road, Dwelling- houses at Jones Street, and Maddox Street, January —— Dwelling-house at Gilfaeh Goch Feb. —— Household Furniture at Gilfacli Goch, Feb. —— 4592 Rhondda Intermediate School, Porth. Head Alaster-E. SAMUEL, M.A. (Lond.) NEXT TERM begins Tuesday, January 12th, 1909. Forms of admission and prospectus can be obtained from the Head Master. Railway or Tramway Forms, should be re- I ceived not later than January 9th. W. T DAVIES, Station Street, Porth. Clerk to the Governers. 458 WANTED Boys over 10 years of age, to Sell Sunday Papers, for terms—Apply Jenkins, Wholesale Newsagent, Dinas. 4582 Hibernia Friendly Society. WINNING NUMBERS of E. Murphy's Prize Drawing, Tonypandy.—290, 76, 1014, 196, 1165 222. 296. 218, 340, 656, 895, 1003, 1033. 367.Pi-izes not claimed within 14 days will be forfeited. J. Brooks, Sec Notice. PRIZE DRAWING for the benefit of Isaac Bevan, Cemetery Road, Trealaw, which was posponed until January 21. All dupli- cates and monies must be sent in by the 16th 1 of January. I MOTHEftS MiTwAMEO against giving their babies medicines which weaken their systems and stultify their growth. But don't try to stop their Painful Cries I by forcing them with food. Their cries indicate ailments which can be rapidly relieved and cured by JONES Red Drops THE HEALTHFUL REMEDY FOR Wind, Gripes, Oonuulsions. and all kindred infantile complaints. One dose decides its unique value, ensures healthful babies, and enables Mothers to have quiet days and restful nights. ensures healthful babies, and enables Mothers to have quiet days and restful nights. i I Keep a Bottle Handy. 1/1 per bottle 1 Tn be had from the following Agents- §1 Pontypridd—from all Chemists. g forth—Mr. D. W. D,ivies, Chemist. M Porch—Messrs. Davies Brothers, Chemists. M Tonypandy—Mr. Emrys Richards, Chemist. H Peny^'rais—Mr. Lloyd, Chemist. g Llwynypi.i— Mr. J \V. B^hards, Chemist. g Vstrati-Mr R. S, James, Ro.\ al Stores. S Ysi rad — Mr. 1) .vid G-org°. Chemist, gl Treo ehy—Mr. Pr< th' ro. Chemist. g Tre >chy—Mr. Davies, Chpmist. ■ Treherbert—Mr Evans, Chemi-t. If Ferndila—Mr. Burtress Cheni'st. tj VnY8hir- Mr. Lewis, Chemist. m Tyiorftow.-i-Mr. WiUisCnis. Chemist., p ar.-d from Chemists all over South Wale-. 11 If you fail to get it send 1;! Stampi to the |j Proprietors for a bottle, pos fee. If JONES 66 SQNS, I Manufacturing-Chemis e, g LLANIDLOES, MONT. -15S7 1 JIIiIR EDUCATION ACT, 1902, SECTION 8 (I). Form 308 A. (Notice) Wales. Rhondda Local Education Authority. NOTICE IS HERLBY GIVEN inaccor- dance with the provisions of Section 8 (1) of the Education Act, 1902, that the Urban District Council of Rhondda, being the Local Education Authority for the purposes of Part III of that Act, propose to provide a new Public Elementary School for about 1,200 children at Gelli. in the Urban District of Rhondda. The School will be available for for the following area—Gelli and Ton. (Signed) W. P, NICHOLAS, Clerk to the Local Education Authority. Dated 6th January, 1909. 4591 Genuine Sale. We are making room for our Spring Goods, therefore we are clearing our present Slock At REDICULOUSLY LOW PRICES. -+-0- COME AND SEE THE GRAND SHOW AT Go C. DEAN "THE TAILOR," 85a, Taff Street, PONTYPRIDD (Next door to Boot's Cash Chemist). £ s. d. Latest Overcoats at 1 7 6 to order Smart Suitings at 1 10 0 to order Up-to-date Trouserings at 0 8 11 to order &r All the above will be cut and made on the premises. Trech Gwlad nag Argiwydd." EXCELSIOR BUILDINGS. DE WINTON STREET, TONYPANDY Telephone No. 77 P.O. Tonypandy.

Editorial Notes. f Commencing next week, a fortnight's Liberal campaign will be hold in the Rhondda., the speakers being Me Joseph Hawes, the well-known Lancashire speaker and .writer; and Mr. Edgar R. Jones, M.A., the new Welsh Liberal lecturer. Mr. Hawes is one of the keenest poli- ticians of the day. He has a. wonderful mastery of facts, and possesses a happy way of expounding them. As a. fighter he is well-nigh unassailable, his rapid thrusts, swiftness and directness in returning blow for blow making him an opponent that few care to encounter. His subjects for the coming campaign will include the chief topics of the political arena, and he will no doubt have many interes+ng tilings to say concerning the great questions which have, and continue to agitate the country Of Mr. Edgar Jones, he needs no introduction to our readers. He is well known to Rhondda audiences as an orator of striking and varied gifts, trenchant in delivery, masterful in argument, and convincing in his earnestness. Mr. Jones is a young man representing the best in Welsh tradition and aspirations, and the Liberalism of Cymru Fydd will find in him a consistent and brilliant exponent. Wo welcome this campaign as a much- needed antidota to the Socialistic doctrines which have been spread broadcast through out 131e Valley, and trust that it will be fruitful in closing and strengthening the ranks for the cause of the people. A full programme of the meetings will be found in our advertising columns.

"A PAIR OF SPECTACLES" Is a most useful New Year's Gift. These can be purchased as a Present, and V J give a GUARANTEE to fit lenses to suit the sight of the recipient at any time, 1 FREE OF CHARGE. 1 n j W. P. Caryl, F.S-M.C;. The Qualified Sight-Testing Specialis 16, High Street, Arcade, CARDIFF. And 15, UNION STREET, SWANSEA,

Paralysis of the Nerves. Worst Case in Town. A Police Missioner cured by DR. CASSELVS TABLETS. Mr. 0. Abbott, a well-known lecturer and police court missionary, of 35, Gipsy Road, Leicester, writes: —" About four years ago I suffered dreadfully from paralysis of the nerves and chronic dyspepsia, I was very weak and flesh less, and q-uitc unable to walk. I was confined to my bed for over six months, and my dn qja3 J9A9U Plnoqs j etu p [0| .io^oop again. I tried many medicines, but all to no use. At last I tried Dr. Cassell's Tablets, and-after ten ciays, treatment I was able to. walk acros-s the bedroom with the aid of a stick, and gradually improved until now I am strong and in the best of health, and new flesh has been built up, and I am back again to my old weight, viz., 13 stone." Dr. Cassell's Tablets are a safe and certain remedy for nerve troubles of all kinds, loss of flesh, anaemia, debility, stomach and kidney disorders, and nerve and physical exhaustion. Price, 10|-d., 1/li, and 2/9 of all chemists.

Pentre. Pentre ushered out the old and wel- comed in the New Year in customary style. Watch-night services were held at many of our places of worship, the chiming bells of St. Peter's Church heralding the birth of 1909, and several parties of waits were in evidence. The youngest section of the community spent the few remaining hours of the old year in jollification, several social teas and parties being held, whilst the streets were thronged with an animated crowd until the early hours of the morning.

Tonyrefail Chamber of Trade. 1 On Thursday evening last. a banquet was held in connection with the Tonyr- efailj Chamber of Trade at the Boar's Head Hotel. The banquet was presided over by Mr. E. J. Madge, chairman ef the Chamber. After justice had been done to the good things provided, the first toast, The King," was proposed by the Chairman, followed by The Temporal and Spiritual Forces," proposed by Dr. D. Naunton Morgan, Gilfach. who said that our temporal forces were better than any in the world, and he was glad to know of such a capable representative present as Major Hill- Male. Major R. Hill-Male, in responding, said previous to being connected with the temporal forces, he always referred to Tommy as Tommy Atkins, but since his connection with the Army he always referred to him as Thomas Atkins, Esq., as he always considered him worthy of this title. Mr. Levi Morgan, vice-chairman of the Chamber, proposed The Local Govern- ing Bodies." The Board of Guardians had done excellent work, he said, and the District Council supplies us with good water and light, and the Parish Council, after a desperate battle, had succeeded in providing us with a cemetery. The Education Committee had given us modern schools, but there still remained plenty for them to do, Mr. W. Evans, J.P., and Mr. D. R. Morgan responded. Mr. Evans said "he had the honour of being a member of the District Council since its formation 14 years ago, prior to which the Board of Guardians were the sanitary authorities. Thanks to our excellent surveyor, many difficulties had been overcome. We have a now a large storage of water, but looking ahead in the future we shall need a fur- ther supply Our roads would bear com- parison with any in the county. An Isolation Hospital has been erected, and the proposed sewer was about to be pro- ceeded with. As a member of the Board of Guardians, he was sure that the deserving poor were treated as well as in any Union in the Kingdom; they live at Llwynypia as if in their own homes. The present school accommodation at Tonyr- efail was inadequate, but they were about to provide two additional schools." Mr. D. R. Morgan, on behalf of the Parish Council, said they had worked hard in the matter of providing a ceme- tery for Tonyrefail. and in retaining foot- paths for the public." Mr. Gomer S. Morgan (surveyor), in proposing The Tonyrefail Chamber of Trade," said: Many advantages were to be gained by such a combination of tradesmen, and thought a Chamber of Trade wa% a survival of the old City Guilds, affording opportunities of friend- ship amongst tradesmen." He warmly eulogised the work of the secretaxy of the Chamber. The Chairman, in responding, briefly explained the objects of the Chamber. He said the younger members were doing much to enliven the meetings of the Ohamber: About 75 percent, of the tradesmen of Tonyrefail were at present members, but he hoped shortly to see the remaining 2u per cent, enrolled, since Tonyrefail certainly needed an organisa- tion of this liind. The secretary of the Chamber. Mr. J. J. Bailey, next responded, and said the Chamber was a progressive body. It was very gratifying to see 6uch a. good number present, and he hoped the ban- quet. would be an annual gathering. A presentation was made by the Chair- man, on behalf of the Chamber, to Mr. D. R. Morgan, who had been secretary for five years, resigning that office in June last. The presentation, which con- sisted of a handsome clock, was made in recognition of his services and to mark the occasion of his marriage some few months ago. Mr. P. J. Thomas, in proposing the toast, The Mining Industry," said he had been told that the first person to find coal was a shopkeeper. The Ely Valley, he said, had now begun to show signs of developing a great mining indus- try. Mr. A. J. Price responded and men- tioned that in connection with the under- taking which lie represented, considered in the past to be one of the most danger- ous in South Wales, they had gone through the last twelve months without any loss of life. He said the workmen at Cilely Colliery were most careful work- men in every respect. Mr. John Williams, representing Rhiw- garn Drift Colliery Company, also briefly responded. Mr. S. O. Edwards proposed the toast of Our Guests," which was responded to bv Dr. Munro and Mr. Blakeley. Mr. W. Woolcock proposed The Host and Hostess." He commented on the excellent repast which had been provided by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas. The host and hostess suitably responded. Messrs. John Davies. A. Gi-iffitbs,. Rowlands, and A. D. Llewellyn followed with brief speeches. Messrs. Griffith. Jones. M.E., and W. Hammond sent letters of regret at being absent. The guests of the evening in- cluded Dr. D. Naunton Morgan, Gilfaeh; Dr. Munro, Tonyrefail; Mr. A. J. Price, M.E., Mr. Gomer S. Morgan,. Mr. W. Evans, J.P., Mr. Blakeley, and Mr. John Williams. The following gentlemen kindly contributed songs, which were inter- spersed in the evening's programme:- Messrs. R. Hill-Male; A. J. Price, S. Owen Edwards, Phillip Roderick Jones, and Morgan Jones.

Welsh Topics. Rhondda Place-Names. WHAT "RHONDDA" MEANS. Oftentimes do we hear, Why is the Valley called Rhondda? It is not a word which is easy of solution, and some attempts at explanations are so silly as they are ingenious. The word probably- and wo say probably advisedly—means the good river," and is composed of the Old Welsh word, lion," meaning river, and da," good. The name may be found in a few place-names, as Afon, Cynon, Aberhonddu, and Honfel. The r of the word is derived from the article yr which precedes it, and which has become to-day Y Rhondda," instead of the old probable form, Yr Hondda." Professor Anwyl, writing in the Celtic Review for January, 1908, in his article on Wales and the Britons of the North," mentions the name of a. river Anhun," which iti found in the Gododin, the oldest Welsh poem. He says: Probably yohon is the name of a river." To trace the word back to a, further (source we have not succeeded, but sooner or later the mystery will be solved. The difficulty of finding the correct equivalent is rendered still harder by the later spelling of the word. The Valley is rarely called by its single name, Rhondda," but by the compound, Glynrhondda, the Vale of the Rhondda. Here are a few of the forms found in old Welsh books:—Glynrhodneu, Glyn. Rhoddni (footnote: Rhoddnei, Rhoddne). Glynrhoddni, and Glyn Rhodni. In other works there are Glinrothoni (dated 1314), Glinrothne (1326), and even Glenrotheneye, and Glynrotlieney. That there are so many forms is due to the crass ignorance of English clerks who knew nothing regarding the spelling of Welsh names1. It. will be noticed that in all these varied forms, the d," "dd," or "th" always precedes the n" (cf. Aber Hodni). This is a very common practice with certain words which have n" in the last syllable, as may be seen from the word "ofni," which becomes in the Gwentian speech" onfi." It is a common thing to transpose two such sounds, and thus we have the negative evidence that the correct form is "Rhondda," and not "Rhoddni" or any akin form. I.-VILLAGES. 1. Blaenrhondda, Blaen'cwm. "Blaen" means the farthest part of the country, or the place nearest the source of the stream or river. Blaenrhondda thus means the source of the Rhondda River. It gives its name also to a farm and village near at hand. Blaencwm formerly was the: district now known mainly as Tynewydd, as may be seen from the fact that the Baptist chapel in Tynewydd is still in Blaencwm. Cwm, combe, or cum means a hollow or dale. 2. Tynewydd derives its name from Tynewydd Farm, situated behind Ty- newydd House, the residence of Alderman W. Morgan, J.P. The farm forms one of a series built at the same time some cen- turies back—Tynewydd, Tydraw, Y Maendy, &c. 3. Treherbert (Tre and Herbert), so named in 1851 after a member of the Bute family. 4. Penyrenglyn, or more correctly pen eneu'r glyn," the head of the opening to Glyn Rhondda. EneuJrglyn would become by transposing the first two syllables-a common thing in plaee-names—yrenglyn." Pen was affixed to make it consonant with other pens in the district, such as Penpych and Penbilhwcan. Can any reader suggesf any other solution? 5. Treorci, Treorky, or Treorchy. This place-name means the village on the river Gorci.' There are two plausible solutions as to the meaning of the form gorci." Some will have it that the true name should be "rfreorchwy," and, there- fore, Abergorchwy. Now, the latter supplies the Key to one solution that gorci is the Anglicised form of "gorchwy." Gorch means rim, limit, or boundary, and. therefore, an enclosure. The other explanation is that gore is the pre-Norman form of the word which has survived. It is readily granted that there is a wonderful tenacity in place- names for old forms, and that the true form" gorci" is found in the present word, "Ahergorci." It is very likely that the stream Gorci" formed an ancient boundary. (To be continued).