Rhondda Leader Maesteg Garw and Ogmore Telegraph

Re-opening of Libanus, Treherbert. Libanus, the oldest but one Baptist chapel in the Rhondda, was re-opened a week last Sunday, after complete re- construction at a cost of over £ 2,500. The first Welsh Baptist cause at Treherbert wos carried on in a building on the site of the present Libanus Chapel in 1838. The old building was remodelled in 1858. The abnormal increase in the population Rev. H. HARRIS. during the past few years made it neces- sary to provide more accommodation. To-day, 1,000 persons can be seated in the magnificent new building. Libanus stands back from the main road, with picturesque greens dotted with fir trees EXTERIOR OF LIBANUS CHAPEL. and other evergreens on either side of the broad path. At night, when lighted up, the light beaming through the stained glass windows makes a pleasant impres- sion. The pillars at the entrance of the INTERIOR OF LIBANUS CHAPEL. chapel add to the beauty of the edifice. The interior is splendidly designed, very compact, and well adapted for the com- fort of the congregation. The pulpit is beautifully consftructeld and decorated with skilled carving (as shown in the reproduced photo). Under the pastorate of the Rev. H. Harris, D.D., Libanus has flourished con- siderably and now registers over 400 members. Dr. Harris is a native of Carmarthenshire, and was brought up in Port Talbot, where he first commenced to preach. He was trained for the ministry at Pontypool Baptist College, under the Rev. Dr. Thomas, having for his fellow-students the Rev. Dr. Abel J. Parry and the late Revs. J. Rufus Wil- liams, Ystrad, and Isaac Thomas, Swan- sea. He has held pastorates at Llanelly (Brecknockshire), Manchester, Haverford- west, Loughor, London, St. David's, as well as the present one at Libanus, Tre- herbert. The rev. gentleman has received every honour that it is possible for the Baptist denomination to confer upon him,. His services have been in constant demand in preaching festivals and on the Cymanfa stage. He has occupied the chair of the Baptist Association of East Glamorgan, and has preached special sermons to the students of both Baptist Colleges of Wales. When the Baptist Union held its annual meeting at Liverpool, a few years ago, Dr. Harris occupied the chair and delivered a most interesting and inspiring address on There is a future for the Baptists." A short time afterwards, he was honoured with the title of D.D." by the authorities of the William Jewel Universities, America. Not only is he a prince amongst Welsh prc-achers-for even now, at the advanced age of 75, he holds his congregation spellbound—but he is also an accomplished bard, having secured several prizes at important eisteddfodau. He is the author of an interesting, book, entitled Yr Adroddiadur," which con- tains choice selections of his own com- position suitable for recitation. He has also prepared a volume of sermons for the Press, and the public is anxiously awaiting its issue. Whilst worshipping for the last time at the Treherbert Infants' School (which was occupied during the renovation of Libanus), Dr. Harris preached on the appropriate text, Arise, let us go hence." For the initial sermon at the new chapel, the Rev. H. Harris took his text from Ecclesiastics iii. 15. It is interesting to know that this ten is the one on which Dr. Harris preached from when he first had a call to Libanus—twenty years ago. The services during the last fortnight have been very successful, the powerful sermons delivered by the eminent Welsh preachers being most eloquent and stimu- lating. Altogether, the sum of R234 19s. was collected at the services during the first week. fConcert at Blaenclytiac^. Mr. Trevor Evans' concert party gave a concert at Libanus (C.M.) Chapel on Thursday evening last, before a fair audience, over which Mr, J. J. Reinecke, Tonypandy, presided. The party con- sisted of Miss Agnes Parry. soprano; Madame Hannah Jones, contralto; NIl". Trevor Evans, tenor; and Mr. D. Morris Evans, baritone. Mr. J. Llewellyn accompanied. The first part of the programme con- sisted of a pianoforte solo by Mr. J. Llewellyn; song, In a child's small hand," Madame Jones; song. "Long Ago," Mr. D. Evans; song, "Nant y Mynydd," Miss Parry song, '■U)^<f"'|i eto'n Nghymru Anwyl," Mr. T t11 Evans; and the "Sol-fa Duct." by Madame Jones and Mr. D. Evans. Those who had anticipated a musical treat < a little disappointed with the i;1 given, especially when the renutation of the artistes was considered. The only artistic contribution was that by Madame Jones. Hers was a delightful little song, as delightfully sungt. In the second portion we were given a. quartet, In this hour of softened splendour," by the artistes; song, 'Mary," Mr. Trevor Evans; song, "In 1822," Madame Jones; duet, Howel a lodven," Miss Parry and Mr. Trevor Jvans; song, "Cartref," Mr. D. M. Evans and" Spring is coming," by Miss Pany. Here again Madame Jones' song I JS the redeeming feature of an un- intecesting- half-an-hour's singing. No one ■> ( »»\t would dispute the fact that a Letter concert could have been given by 1 c 1 artistes1. The proceeds are to be given to Mr. l*{" Te Jones, Court Street, an old in- hM at of the district, who has been fm'nhle to follow his employment for some

Treherbert. The Welsh Baptists of the Upper Rhondda held their annual festival at the Blaencwm Chapel Treherbert, on Easter Monday. There were, in spite of the inclement weather1, crowded attendances at each of the three meetings. Mr. T. Gabriel, F.T.S.O., Bargoed, conducted the proceedings, which were in every way eminently successful. We congratulate Mr. George Edwards and his young choir from Bethany, on winning the second prize at the juvenile choir competition which took place at the Ton Eisteddfod on Saturday last. This is indeed a creditable performance, and we trust that in the future, the sing- ing of Treherbert Choirs will not be be- hind that of other localities. Under the auspices of the Ynyswen Wesleyan Mission, and in aid of the building fund of the same, a, most pleas- ant and enjoyable social tea was given at Ynyswen Schools on Good Friday, follow- ed in the evening, by a, very entertaining concert, given by the Treorchy Wesleyan Town Band. The following ladies were in attendance at the tea: Mrs. Bethel, Mrs. Price, Mrs. Norman, Mrs Snell, Mrs Thomas, Mrs Fan. Mrs Gowman, Mrs Saunders, Mrs Higerton, and Misses Poison, Plenty, and Pin. Also the fol- lowing gentlemen were prominent in the work of the day: Messrs Fisher, H. Clarke (secretary), and Jackman. The programme at the entertainment wa' one of much interest, being well gone through to the great appreciation of the audience. A few months ago, after an earnest appeal to the inhabitants of Ynyswen, a Wesleyan Methodist Society was formed in the neighbourhood, and the enterprise has been attended with much success. Up to now a membership of 30 has been registered, with a Sunday School aAlvrage attendance of 90, and the congregation still increasing. Services have been held hitherto in the Ynyswen Council Schools but a chapel is urgently needed. The society, a band of working men and women, cannot contribute large amounts towards the cost of a place of worship, and they are making an earnest appeal to inhabitants for a, contribution towards the building fund. The society is not what is commonly called a "split,') but is a. branch from the Tabernacle Weslevan Church, Treorchy, to whom the society is greatly indebted for help already received. The balance sheet of the late Mr. M. O. Jones' Testimonial Fund shows that the receipts were £215 9s. 2d., and ex- penditure £ 6 19s. 4d., leaving, together with interest, £ 208 9s. 10d., cash in bank, deposited in the names of Messrs John Walters, John Gower, D. James. Ernest O. Jones, and Miss E. Adams, as trustees for the benefit of the late 3Ir. INI. O. Jones' youngest daughter. The Treherbert Ex-Schoolboys were easily the best team on Tuesday, when they engaged a, team from Penyrengjyu in a rugby match on the Old Cricket Field. The Ex-Schoolboys won by the score of 21 points to nil. The weather was very squally and rough, but the game proved interesting to a very good crowd of spectators.

St. Andrew's Church, Llwynypia. On Good Friday evening, the choir ef the above church rendered Stainer's The Crucifixion." The solos were swng by Mr. Oliver Williams (tenor) and Mr. Ted Price (bass), who are members of the choir. The choruses and solos were sung with a great amount of feeling and devotional spirit. The organ was in the able hands of Mr. W. T. David whilst the conductor was Mr. David Lloyd. On Easter Sunday, the special anthem. 0 give thanks unto the Lord (by Wostenholnie, the blind organist), was rendered by the choir, and at the close of the veiling service Miss Florrie JGnes, Peiiygvaig, gave a finished rendering ox Handel's beautiful solo, "I know that my Redeemer liveth." Mr. David LloydJ, organist and choir- master. can be complimented on the results of his careful training.

RHONDDA URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. Ab3tract of the Accounts for the Year ended on the 31st day of Niarch, 1908. Audited by M. D. PROPERT, Esquire, District Auditor, on the 6th day of April, 1909. RECEIPTS. £ s, d. £ „ s. d. EXPENDITURE. £ s. d. £ s. d. To General District Rates 77415 17 2 By Maintenance and Repair of Treasury Contribution in lieu of Roads •• "-j T?I+PR 38 12 8 Improvement of Roads and „ Private Street"Works!" •'• 3056 10 4 Streets .1379 0 4 Pr,irate Street Works 3056 10 4 Streets .1379 0 4 Water Works—Rates (Domestic) 9804 14 1 „ Scavenging and Watering ot Rents (Meter) 621 17 11 Roads and Streets lo41 13 o o Fittings 1617 0 0 "faoo ic Cottage Rents. 55 13 10 Sewerage ]2 Interest on ? Urinals o53 lo 4 Deposit 2201 2 4 Scavenging (including Removal • Bad Debts re- ^d Destruction of House Deposit 2201 2 4 H Scavenging (including Removal • Bad Debts re- ^d Destruction of House covered 3 18 0 Refuse) 6o24 16 b 14304 6 2 Pleasure Grounds, etc. 331 11 b „ Gas Works—Rentals .28376 4 6 „ Hospitals 11S2? t Residuals 6217 14 10 „ Private Street Works 381 17 0 Deposits 11110 0 Water Works 6125 14 2 .1750 14 9 Gas Works 2/231 12 11 Cottage Rents 69 1 2 „ Public Lighting 6568 19 3 Sundries 41 14 4 „ Bridges ••• ••• 199 fa 1 36567 10 7 55 Fire Appliances & Fire Brigade 755 17 4 Highways-Hire of Steam Infectious Disease-Notification 96 0 0 Roller etc. 23 5 0 Do. Prevention 600 11 8 Pirks Pleasure Grounds etc 5' Public Offices and Buildings 158 15 2 24 10 0 „ Tramwjys-Eagineert Fees 105 0 0 p"lJtuomces *n<l 50 o o £ d I Tramways—Engineer's Fees 210 0 0 „ Sinking Fund Contribution .4440 7 3 o Glamorgan County Council— .1T A Contribution towards Salaries „ Ystmdyfodwg and Pontypridd of Sanitary Officers 315 1 9 Main Sewerage Board-Con- Pontypridd Guardiaiis-Electioii tributions under Precepts 99o2 4 5 Expenses 202 11 1 Poiitypridd Urban District v, Rents of Cottages 27 19 3 Council-Gas 40 16 0 Wayleaves on Billposting Llantnsant & Llantwit> Vardre Hoardings 4 0 7 RfulQaI District Council s-Rent Licenses, Fees, Fines, and "c i Q? f r Penalties 1731711 Ditto-Water Supply 91 7 a q Contributions towards Bridges. 676 19 10 6 Deposits by Contractors 136 10 0 » Salanes of Officers & Assistants 53 6 3 4 Materials Sold Ill 5 0 „ Establishment Charges 1992 0 10 Telephone Wayleaves 21 2 10 „ Election Expenses 387 1 1 Other Receipts 26 2 5 „ and Parhamentary OOOA QII 972 0 1 „ Expenses 2220 9 11 Cottages acquired 1158 17 9 L133386 2 7 Deposits repaid to Contractors. 212 0 0 Other Payments 98 5 2 ELEMENTARY EDUCATION PURPOSES. p To Poor Rates (for purposes of Part vrwn K^riK- ° J III. of the Education Act, ELEMENTARY EDU CiAWON PI RPOSES. 1902) ••• .46000 0 0 Alteration of School Buildings, Grant under Agricultural Rates et9; „ •••, 644 14 1]- Act, 1896 58 7 8 Furniture for Schools, including „ Board of Education— Repairs 416 2 0 Aid Grant .11677 3 3 „ Salaries of Special Aid Grant. 5905 18 9 v. Teachers.blobl 4 8 Annual Grant .25332 14 0 Less Superannuation Fee Grant .12316 17 6 Deductions <03 10 9 608õ7 18 11 55232 13 6 J Maintenance of Schools .12029 6 7 Less Superannuation Contributions re r Deductions 660 14 10 Truant School 234 0 0 -^—54571 18 8 » Other Expenses 0 11 6 00/( c Contributions from H 6 Parents—Re Blind Contributions to and Deaf Children 44 8 0 Schools for Blind Contributions from an(l Deaf Children 3*4 14 o other Local Authori- Contributions to ties—Ditto 11 17 4 Glamorgan County 56 5 4 Council—Ditto 12 0 0 Glamorgan County Council— ^86 14 5 Evening Qasses 692 18 3 Salaries of Officers 17 8 „ Rents, Fines, & Fees 414 14 8 » Legal Expenses 215 10 2 „ Sales of Food 20 2 11 „ Other Expenses of Admmistra- o Other Receipts 13 15 0 tLon T • • • ° 443 12 7 Interest on Loans 8o0t> 11 8 101828 2 6 a Repayment of Loans 11483 10 10 HIGHER EDUCATION PURPOSES. —19990 2 6 To Poor Rates (for purposes of Part 97584 1 4 II. of the Education Act, r>T^ 1902) 1000 0 0 HKxHER EDUCATION PURPOSES. „ Board of Education — For By Salary of Teachers 943 1 1 Secondary Schools 427 0 0 »> Other Expenses of Maintenance 128 15 4 Glamorgan County Council— 5> Bursaries 12 10 0 Use of Laboratory 16 13 4 » Training of Teachers (Holiday — 1443 13 4 „ Courses) 47 12 3 Salaries of Officers 54 8 0 BURIAL ACTS PURPOSES. Other Expenses of Administra- To Burial Fees 1550 0 6 T tlon, 9 0 0 Fees other than for Services Ijiterest on Loans. ~S 10 11 Rendered 7 15 0 Repayment t)f Loans 32 13 4 Sales of Burial Rights 562 14 6 61 4 3 „ Rents of Property 30 0 0 1256 10 11 Sales of Grass 0 15 0 2151 5 0 BURIAL ACTS PL RPOSES. By Maintenance of Burial Grounds RECEIPTS FROM LOANS. and Buildings 745 16 5. To Street Improvements .25000 0 0, Fees, for Services Rendered 226 0 0 Gas Works 2340 0 0 Fees other, than for Services Lower Eirw Bridge and Coedcae Rendered 8 2 6 Road 7000 0 0 >• Salaries of Officers 3o8 8 2 Elementary Education 6786 0 0 >> Interest on Loans. 08 lo 11 41126 0 0 >> Repayment of Loans 441 13 4 —————— 510 9 3 Total Receipts 279935 3 5 >> Establishment Charges 63 2 8 Total Balances in hand at com- n Income Tax 27 14 10 mencement of Year. 108652 4 1 —————— 1939 13 10 „ Balances due at end of Year 6823 2 7 EXPENDrTURE OUT OF LOANS. By Street Improvements .17655 1 6 Water Works .12477 0 1 Gas Works 9942 2 3 „. Lower Eirw Bridge and Coedcae Road 3659 6 3 ¡ Elementary Education 7105 13 1 50839 3 2 Total Expenditure 295999 14 9 Total Balances overdrawn at I commencement of Year 17811 4 0 Balances in hand at end of Year 81599 11 4 k395410 10 1 E395410 10 1 ————————— W. P. NICHOLAS, The Council Offices, Clerk of the Council.. Pentre, Rhondda, JOHN HOPKINS. F.S.A.A., 14th April, 1909. Accountant to the Council.

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Fatal Fire at Mardy. Brave Mother Perishes in Attempting her Child's Rescue. A terrible outburst of fire occurred at 72, "lardy Road, Mardy, a little before live clock 011 Monday morning with disastrously |atal results. The house was in the occupa- toon of two families :— Oliver Rees, Collier. Mrs. Rees, his wife. Elvira Rees, aged six. Tudor Kees, aged four. Ada Rees, aged four. Margaret Ellen Rees, aged 18 months. James Hemmings, Colliery Lamplighter. Mrs. Hemmings, his wife, aged 23. Beatrice May Hemmings, aged 2. these, five have perished. Mr. and Mrs. Kees and their son, Tudor, and Mr. Hemmings °aly, escaped from the burning house. It ^'aiispires that at about live o'clock Mrs. lemmings smelling smoke went downstairs a certain the cause, and found a chest of jh'awers on fire. Her shouts aroused her husband and Mr. & Mrs. Rees; Hemmings in a distracted state rushed into the street to sUllnon assistance, and Kees in his night ^ttire endeavoured to quench the fire with a jacket of water, but the flames shot up and jhe room became enveloped in smoke. Mrs. managed to escape, and Kees ran to the bedroom where his children were sleeping, his f'rst thoughts being to save them. The smoke \Vas blinding and suffocating, and he could nothing, but called to them "come to "a<ida, come to dadda "—one of them Tudor responded, and was, rescued, Kees himself escaping by climbing down into the street by the water shute. Mrs. Hemmings having aroused the Rees teuiiiy with maternal instinct ran to save her OWn child. When found she had the little OIle ill her embrace, and had doubtless been l^ft'ocated by the smoke. Information of the re was given to the police by a roadman joined Robert Jones, and P.S. Phillips with his two sons, and P.C.'s Sudbury aud Wallace Were quickly on the scene with a hose and *eel. The safety of the occupants was the thought of Sergeant Phillips and his ?len, and they at once sought information fr°m Rees who' had been taken into an adjoin- lug house. Kees, who was, however, in a state Of 4collapse, did not appear to realise that there was anyone left in the burning building. aDcl owing to this no efforts were made to gain entry, although by this time it is very llllprobab'le that any lives could have been aved, the building being like a roaring tttmace. ■Alfred Pritchard, collier, of 75, Mardy road, Mio rushed to the assistance of the police in COPing with the llanies, climbed up a pipe, Peeped through a window and saw the corpse ^Irs. Hemmings prostrate upon a bed, and r1 another window saw someone pressing h&tids against the glass and shouted to the ?°'ice that there was someone left in the ^riling building. On this many brave young Allows were volunteering their services when the interior of the house gave way with a crash, and with it went every vistage of hope of sav ing any occupants. vBy 7 o'clock members of the Feixdale Fire j~rigade had arrived on the scene and directed their effoits towards saving tha cottages on j^ther side, but being short of watei their j.^i'ts were unsuccessful. The inmates of hese had, however, in the meantime made !°?<l their escape, much of their furniture ei&g tumbled pel-mell into the street. i After the flames had been subdued the 0<iies of the victims were discovered, burnt charred beyond recognition, and it is Vj'thetic in the extreme to note that Mrs. f^Damings, who was in a delicate state of ?ealth, had in the terrible ordeal given birth child, which of course, was also dead, i, "he origin of the fire will remain a mystery, •lough it is generally believed that it origina- through a candle being left alight on the J^st of drawers where the fire was first dia- pered.

Porth. further success has attended Mr. K. Davies M^inter), Porth, with his team of collies at Aberdare, Neath, and Maesteg Shows J,Uring the Easter holiday, winning no less r1?*! 16 first, 6 special, 2 second, and 12 third These kennels are now well-known Jttoughout Wales for rough-coated collies of e highest breeding.