Rhondda Leader Maesteg Garw and Ogmore Telegraph

Rhondda Tramways. We are indebted to Mr. Nisbett, the manager of the Rhondda Tramways Com-' pany, for the following information con- cerning Easter traffic. The number of passengers carried throughout the week exceeded 230,000. They carried on Easter Saturday 45,000; and on Easter Monday, 42,000 passengers. The receipts were largest on Monday, as a larger number of long tickets were issued. They ran 22,237 miles, with an average of 40 cars. This constitutes a record week, but they anticipate a con- siderable increase on the next holiday, as they will be in a position to run a better and a much improved service. The Company has just finished putting in machines of double the size at Treorchy sub-station. Building operations are also well in hand for the extension of the main power station at Porth. A very large new boiler, in addition to those now in use, and a further 600-horse power steam dynamo are being installed, which will enable them to cope with the heaviest traffic they are likely to have. The first of the top deck cars may be expected on the road in about fourteen days, which will greatly add to the convenience and comfort of passengers during wet and inclement weather.

Northern Union. MID-RHONDDA AGAIN VICTORIOUS After inflicting a defeat upon Salford three days before, Mid-Rhondda further enhanced their reputation by beating Merthyr on their own grounds on Satur- day, in miserably wet weather. Heavy rain fell for three parts of the time, and ground and ball were greasy. The home team had the better of the opening stages, and pressed for some time with the slope in their favour. Harris just failed with a drop for goal, and then by strong forward rushes Mid- Rhondda reached the other end. Scrum- mage after scrummage followed on the Merthyr quarter line, the Mid-Rhondda forwards controlling the game. At length the Mjeifthyr three-quarters got going, Vaughan being pushed into touch when only a few yards from the Mid-Rhondda goal-line. Mid-Rhondda, were penalised for a foul, but Jones failed at goal from a good position. At half-time there was no score, and soon after the restart Merthyr took up an attacking position. Cowmeadow kicked well up the field, and Dicky Williams, who was playing for Merthyr for the first time, followed up and scored, James failing at goal. A minute later Rees dropped for goal,, the ball passing under the- bar. The visitors now forced Merthyr back, and Wrentmore scored after the ball had passed through the hands of half a. dozen men. The goal points were added. A few minutes later Joe Jones charged down a kick by W. Harris, and in the race beat the latter for possession, and this try being also goaled Mid-Rhondda ran out easy winners. Final scot-e- G. T. t'ts. Mid-Rhondda 2 2 10 Merthyr; 0 13 TREHERBERT v. EBBW VALE. This Welsh League match was played at Tieherbert, in wretched weather. With the advantage of the wind in the first half the homesters did nearly all the attack- ing, ,and should have scored oftener but for many attempts at futile drop goals. The feature of the play during the first half was the safe fielding of D. Davies, the visiting full-back, who repeatedly saved his side when a score for Treherbert seemed imminent. Fitzgerald kicked two goals for' Tre- herbert, one from a mark and one from a penalty, whilst "Chick" Jenkins kicked a goal for Ebbw Vale from a penalty. In the second half the home forwards, adopting rushing tactics, completely out- played their opponents, and great credit is due to the splendid defence of the visitors for keeping, the score within such moderate limits. From an opening by Alf. Francis, Handford ran in with a tsplendid try from halfway, which Fitz- gerald converted. Treherbert deserved to win by a bigger margin. They were superior at all points. Their chief strength lay in the forwards where Cox, Gallowav. Duncan, and Thomas excelled. For Ebbw Vale D. Davies, "Chick" Jenkins, and Griff John were the pick. Final score — G. T. Pts. Treherbert 3 1 9 Ebbw Vale 1 0 2

Funeral the late Mr. Wm. Fiiehards, (Jurer.), Treaiaw. We regret to record the death of Mr. William Richards (junr.), the only son of Mr. William .Richards, grocer, Dinas and Treaiaw. The deceased, who was 28 .years of age, had been ailing for some consider- able time past, and had undertaken a sea trip to the Canary Islands to recruit his health. This proved of little aid, as shortly after returning he was taken worse, and on the 10th inst. succumbed. He was a faithful member of Tabernacle Chapel, Trealaw, and we feel sure he will be greatly missed by all who were at all intimate with him. The mortal remains were laid to rest on Thursday last, the 15th inst., at Llethrddu Cemetery, where a large con- gregation gathered to pay the last tribute of respect. There were a large number of wreaths sent, and the Rev. D. Overton (Dinas) officiated at the graveside. Amongst the many mourners the fol- lowing were noticed: -Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Richards (parents); Mr. and Mrs. D. Evans (brother-in-law and sister); Mrs. Morgans, Dinas; Mr. and Mrs. P. Hughes; Mr. Daniel Richards (uncle); Mrs. Rees (aunt); Mr. and Mrs. Berry (cousins); Mr. and Mrs. Phillips (cousins); Messrs. Evan, Willie, and D. R. Watkins (cousins); Mrs. Jones, Peterston; repre- sentatives of the Mid-Rhondda Grocers' Association (which Association sent a beautiful wreath) Rev. D. Overton, Dinas; Rev. S. G. Jones, Machen; Rev. Derval Roberts, Hirwain; Rev. Bryn Thomas, Ferndale Rev. James Williams. Wattstown; Rev. Davies, Ynyshir; Rev. E. Richards Tonypandy: and Rev. M. H. Ellis, Trealaw.

Rugby. LLWYNYPIA v. PENYGRAIG. Rain fell in torrents at Llwynypia, and the kame, in consequence, between these old rivals was not so interesting as it would otherwise have been. During the first half there was little to choose between the two sides. Llwynypia attacked, but were soon repulsed, and, the Penygraig pack getting down with a rush to the Llwynypia line, D. R. Da vies kicked a splendid penalty goal. The second half was entirely in Llwynypia's favour. Griff Richards equal- the game in consequence, between these ised the score with a penalty, and George Llewellyn next got over wide out with a fine try, and .shortly afterwards the same player again slipped over with another. Final &core, T1 G. T. Pts. Llwynypia 12 9 Penygraig 10 3 Penygraig 1 0 3

Association. TREHAFOD JUNIORS 4gls, WILLIAMS- TOWN 0. A good game being anticipated a fair crowd gathered on the Trehafod Foot- ball Field on Saturday to witness the League match between the Juniors and Williamstown. Williamstown, however, fielded minus some of their players, con- sequently the score was rather a heavy one. At the first outset it seemed that Williamstown were going to make a good game, but they gradually fell away, and Trehafod, taking advantage of their laxity, forced the game for all they were worth, and defeated them by 4 goals to nil. YNYSHIR ALBIONS 3gls. FERNDALE ALL BLACKS 1. This match was played at Ferndale on Monday last. The Albions started, but Ferndale soon swarmed around their goal, and after several attempts scored. The Albions, after1 this reverse, pressed, and very soon registered goals through. Reed and Hughes. After lemons, the Albions had most of the play, and scored again through Reed, and by winning, the Albions win the cup and medals of the Rhondda Valley League (Division II.).

END OF FOOTBALL SEASON. Teams not having been Photographed are heartily recom- mended to so to L. Ladd, Photographic Artist 21, Dunraven. St., TONYPANDY. Moqt Up-to-dtte and Oldest Established in the Satisfaction guaranteed. Note only Addrem -OPPOB"O Danix, Temperance Bar.

HAMPTON & CO., Heating Specialists Schemes Prepared and Advice Given for Warming Churches, Chapels, Offices, Showrooms and Public Buildings- OXFORD LANE (City Road), CARDIFF. TEL. P.O. 656. WANTED. WANTED at Ton, Pentre, by two VT gentlemen, bedroom and sitting room, with attendance. Write stating terms. Box 1 64, "Rhondda Leader" Office, Tonypandy. WANTED by married conple, without children, two unfurnished rooms, within reasonable distance of Pandy Square —Write Box 61, Rhondda Leader,Offices, Tonypandy. WANTED respectable young gentleman (abstainer) to share bed-sitting rooms (Primrose St.), with another, terms moderate. -Write Box 57, "Leader Office," Tony- pandy. 92 WANTED to purchase five or six roomed cottage in Ystrad or district, in good repair essential. Write Box 52, "Rhondda Leader," Tonypandy. b952/91 FOR SALE. ARTIFICIAL Legs, Arms, Surgical Appli- ances.—Visit South Wales periodically. List free.—J. Gillingham and Son, Chard, Som. C23!38 FOR SALJ £ house in Park terrace^ Clydach Yale, cheap. Apply—Box 12, 41 Rhondda Leader" Offices, Tonypandy. 4712 LADDERS, Ladders for builders, paiuters, farmers, window cleaners, &c. exten- sion ladders always in stock; also painter's steps, tressles, &c. Special offer to painters. Send for full paititulars and price list.-3, Darran Street, Cathays, Cardiff. 4726 "DARGAIN—Lady's magnificent Cycle, highest grnde Coventry machine, new at Xmas. not soiltd; Ulneber tyres. plated rims, genuine Crabbe roller brakes back and front, Perry's ball free wheel highest finish and beautiful model; all accessories no use to owner sacrifice £4 10s., worth double approval before cash sent.—K. Scuckey, Oak Villa, Clarendon road, Weston-super-Mare. B943/96 FISH, FISH. Fishmongers, Hawkers, &c., write to C. H. Cowbnrn, Fish Docks, Swansea. Lowest market prices. 4371 FUNERAL STOCK, Second-hand hearses JD = £ 30, 20 new patterns, landaus £40, hansoms £20, brakes, easy terms, catalogues Marston's, Bradford Street, Birmingham.. BS6U!1 JOINERY Supplied to Castle or Cottage. Church or Chapel also Turnery of all kinds, round or square—Apply to the Barry Dock Steam Joiuery Company, Limited, Barry Dock. B934/93 MUSICAL PHIL JONES late pupil of Signer Moretty, t R.A.M. (London), is open to receive engagements for Oratorios, Miscellaneous Concert*, etc. Moderate fee. Dr. Randegger says :—" He possesses a decidedly beautiful tenor voice most pleasing to listen to." Copies of testimonials on application. Address, .Phil JOlle", Tonyrefail. 430 HERBERT kiRE, VIOLINIST, Conductor of South Glamorgan and Local Orchestras, has vacancies for a few more Pupils on the VIOLIN and VIOLA. Thopough tuition. Moderate fees, "SEVCIK" SYSTEM TAUGHT. For terms, apply 195, Kenry Street, Tonypandy. 4799 TWO beautiful sacred Songs worth sing- ing—" Come unto Me, ye weary," by Frank G. Ward, and Love divine," by Fred G. Bennett. Post free 1/6 each. Rowlands' Music Stores, Castle Arcade, Cardiff. CI 6/97 EDUCATIONAL. THE Misses Govier and Jenkins have opened a Private Day School for boys and girls at Dunraven Street, Tonypandy. Lessons given in Music, Painting, and Fancy i work. For prospectuses, apply to Anthony House, Primrose Street, Tonypandy. b962/94 PORTH Collegiate School, 15, Parade, Porth.—The new Term commences April 26th, 1909. Private lessons in Classics, Mathematics, Languages, and Music. Apply Miss FLETCHER, Ll. D. 4795 INVENTIONS. HUGO Lester, Patent Expert, Inventors' Supply Depot, 32, Queen Street, Cardiff, does all business in patents for inventors in South Wales. Call or write. C19/11 MISCELLANEOUS ADVICE FREE for Stamp.—Mrs. J-TL. Watson. Lady Specialist.—Safe and Certain Reitiedies.-Ai(lress: 10, Guinea- street, Bristol. B 951/00 Swansea. fTTIE WAVERLEY TEMPERANCE HOTEL & COFFEE TAVERN, bottom of High Street, and opposite Tram Oar Terminus, I-arge Bar, Dining and Commerml Rooms. Hot Dinners daily, 12-30 to 3. Beds, Billiards. 4661 TEAGUELINE HERBS for constipation, t blood, liver, and kidney complaints, sciatica, piles, boils, sores, .and eruptions. Blood is life, and diseases such as thes3 can only be permanently cured by purifying the blood. Sufferers, give it a tria1, and test its value. The greatest Spring medicine of the I age for young or old. Sent, post free, one packet for 10d or 3 for 2/—TEAGUE, Station St, Newport, Mon. C17/97 SEND stamp for advice to Mrs. Watson, Herbalist and Lady Specialist—Address 10, Guinea Street, Bristol. B928/92. 11RIMNELL S Pills and Powders have t cured thousands. Why not you ? See that you get "Established 1879" on every label. -Trininell, The Herbalist, 144, Rich- mond-road, Cardiff. Agents wanted. KOR IT THOMAS, M H.P. (E.M.), Magnetic Herbal t'hysician, 27, Park place, Merthyr Tydfil, above Theatre Royal. Special Female Corrective Herb Pills, 2/- and 2/6 Thousands of testimonials. b951 PAGE Book about Herbs and how to 04t use them, post free; send for one. Trimnell, The Herbalist, 144, Richmond-road, Cardiff. Established 1879. Please note the address. TO Prevent Fraud see that you get "Established 1879" CD every label and wrapper of Trimneli'c Preparations, without -which none are genuine." Trimnell, The Herbalist, 144, Richmond-road, Cardiff. B942J95 IMPORTANT TO MOTHERS. Every Mother who rallies the health and cleanliness of her child should use HARRISON'S Reliable" NURSERY POMADE. One application hills all Nits and Vermin, beautifies and strengthen the Hair. in tins 4jd. and 9d., postage Id. Georjte W. Harrison, Chemist, Reading. Agents, Kinrys Richards, Chemist, Coedy- melt-ion. Tonypandy; D. E. Da vies. Chemist, Treorchy W. R. Williams, C'hemnt, Medical Hall, Tylorstown; J. P. Lewis, Chemist, Mrdical Ball. Ynyshir. Tel M& Mackerel, awassic" P. MOLYNEUX, Ltd., Steam Tpawlep Owsom.4 Bnmk Managers, aai Pnfc Mercbastn, ttO, HION WRMMT, IWMHM. Special attention pud t* matonen for Headless Fish for Prying Writ* tar QootetfoM S470 LIGHT PORTABLE HA II.WAYS, TIP WAGONS, SWITCHES, TURN- TABLES, AND CO:THACTOHS' PLANT OF ALL DESCRIPTION. LARGEST STOCK IN WALES & WESTERN COUNTRIES FRANK MUNN, Dumballs Road, CARDIFF. Nat. Tel. 1190. Telegrams." Munn, Cardiff." 4702 D. McNEIL, 46, Robert Street, CARDIFF, Gives Best Prices for all kinds of Old Metal, Rags, and Rabbit Skins. Sores—Thesiger Street, CARDIFF. Nat. TeL 210X1 Telegrams-H Concerted, Oardiff." Established 1844, Government Contractors. BRADSHAW & SON, ASPIIALTE PAVING CONTRACTORS, etc. Contractors to the Carcliff, Barry, Glamorgan, Monmouth Educa- tion Committees, and other Public bodies. Special Quotations and Extended Terms of maintenanc for Public Schoo s, Playgrounds, etc. Office and Works, Dumballs Road, CARDIFF. Nat. Tel. 2J86 SHOP SUN BLINDS. We are the only makers in South Wales who de ote BNTtRB attention to tie above clases of blind Prices on Application. J. MASON & Co., Crown Blind Works J I Wyeverne Road, CARDIFF. Nat. Tel. 04571. 4672 SUN BUNDS FOR FRONTS. Before ordering, Shopleepers should write for Samples and Prices to the Manufacturers. MORGAN & RICHARDSON, 43, Bute Street, CARDIFF. Nat. Tel 326. Telegrams Tarpaulins, Oardifl. 47% China, Earthenware, and 6!d. Bazaar Goods. Teas, 1/3 Breakfast, 2/- Plates, 4d. Dinner Plites. 1/; Fluted'Teas, 1/3. All other Goods iqually as cheap. Send for particulars of our simplee4 crate. Sborthouse and Co.. China and Eirthenw ire Manufacturers, Chan- cery Lone, Longton, Staffordshire, or South Wales Warehouse, 39 and 41, Westgate Street, Cardiff (Opposite the General Post Office). List free. c2I/89 Weekly Service from Liverpool. PAST Luxurious accotomodatioii in allclass- ■ jue es at moderate fares—only four days 0pen sea. Emigrants met at Liver- "TO F°0' b>' C-madian Paciac Official?. For 8a3"^D?8> pinaphlefcs and information as CANAUHI to opportunite.3 in Canada, apply to Canadian Pacific Railway, 18, St. Augustine's Parade, Bristol, or Local Ag-enta everywhere. Canadian Pacific Railway, 18, St. Augustine's Parade, Bristol, or Local Ag-enta everywhere. I- MONEY. I E L D I N G S, 1 OLDEST-ESTAD LISHED, LARGEST, AND BEST- KNOWN FINANCIERS IN WALES. £ 10 TO Z20,000 To Lend on Approved Note of Hand, Reversions. Life Policies. Personal or other Securities. Trade Bills Discounted. Privacy anrt Promptitute Assured. Dis- tance no object. Terms simply and plainly stated before completing business. Apply HAYES BUILDINGS; THE HAYES, CARDIFF. bS66/ll MONEY RE-PAYMENTS EASY. £ 5 repayable 5s. per week, total charge, 7s. 6d t.10 loz;. g 158 £ 25 25s. „ 35s 6d £50 „ 50; „ 688 Other Sums at similar Rates. Apply for prospectus to — he WESTERN FINANCE ASSOCIATION (LTD ), 17, Working Street, Cardiff. MARXET-SQUARE CHAMBERS, CHURCH STREET, PONTYPRIDD Attendance at Pontypridd Mondays. 4.30 till 7 p.m. Wednesdays, 11 till 2. Fridays, 4.30 till 7. 3913 MONEY. rriHE OLD-ESTABLISHED PROVINCIAL UNION BANE continues to lend immense sums daily, from £ 10 to £ 5,000, on Note of Hand Alone, or other Security, at a tew hours' notice," to all classes in any part of .£10 to E5,000, on Note of Hand Alone, or other Security, at a few hours' notice," to all classes in any part of England and Wales, repayable by easy instalments. No good application is ever refused. All communications strictly private. Moderate Interest. Special rates for short periods. The largest, best known, and most honourably conducted Business in the Kingdom. Thousands of our regular customers have expressed their entire satisfaction in repeated transactions with us. If desired, one of our Officials will attend at vour residence at once with Cash, and carry out the advance THERE AND THEN. Call, or write (in confidence), to the MANAGER, ML STANLEY DOWDING, 1, QUBEN SQUAER, BRISTOL. you CAN BORROW Direct from the Actual Lender- MR. PHILIP NTORRIS, 80, TAFF-STREET, pONTYPRIDD, Manager of the South Wales Loan and Finance Co, ANY SUM FROM £ 5 TO £ 1,000 Upon your own Promissory Note and Re-pay to suit your circumstances. No sureties required. Lowest interest charged. Strict privacy observ ed in all transactions. Call or write in Confidence to- PHILIP MORRTS, at the above address. Applications from all parts receive prompt attention. I Arb I co b, d There is nothing more annoying than a temporary shortage of money, and in any case, you don't care about borrowing from personal friends wHSk or relations. There is certainly no need to do this when you can get whatever accommodation you require from us, in the strictest con- flaence. Make an appointment and we will tell you what arrangement we can make to suit you. GEORGE FRY & GO. M 11, Dynevor Place, SWANSEA. M D. M. WILLIAMS, Accountant and Public Auditor, BRYN GELLI HOUSE, AND LLOYDS BANK CHAMBERS, TONYPANDY. Tradesmen's Accounts written up, Balanced, or Audited. Deeds of Arrangement, Moitgag^s and Transfers of Properties negotiated Bankruptcy and Prob tu of Will Accounts Prepared. I»8iranc«. House and Etar." A-ei.t. Rent Collected. 231 CHINA and EARTHENWARE For Shopkeepers and Hawkers. The Best and Cheapest House in the Trade is W. Webb, Pottery Show Rooms, SPLOT. BRIDGE, CARDIFF. Beware of Imitators who copy our prices and pack you seconds unsaleable rubbish. it,73 LLANHARAN THE SEVENTEETH ANNUAL EISTEDDFOD Whit-Tuesday, June 1st, 1909. CHIEF ITEMS Male Voice, minimum 50, "The Destruction of Gaza. (L. D. Rille), R,15 and Gold Medal to winner of First Prize. Second Prize d65. Mixed Choirs, minimum 40 Yr Haf (G. Gwent) jElO and Gold MfodaJ. Juvenile Choirs (own selection), £ 5. Action Song (own selection), .£1. Solos, Pl 11;1. each. Handsome Prizes for Recitations. Programmes lyld. each, post free, from the Secretary, J. THOMAS, Argoed Edwin, Llanharan. 4713 NEW GRAND HALL, ABERAVON. THE THIRD ANNUAL CHAIR EISTEDDFOD In connection with the Port Talbot Wesley Church will be held at the above Hall On Whit-Saturday, May 29th, 1909. MALE VOICE, "THE REVEILLE" (Elgar) .£20 (not less than 60 voices) and a Costly "trield to be won 3 times out-of 6 befote becoming the absolute property of the winners. MIXED CHOIR, "AS THE HART PiNTS" (Mendels- sohn) (not less than 50 voices) £12, and a Massive Carved Oak Chair to the Conductor. JUVENILE CHOIR, "Uail Merry Playtime, Hail," Z5 (not over 16 years cf age and not less than 30 voices) and Gold Medal to the Conductor. SOLOS, ZI Is. each. Reeitations & other Coiiipetitiong. Adjudicators— Mr. J. T. REES. Mu. Bac., Aberystwyth. Mr. W. J. EVANS, Aberdare. For farther particulars see Programmes (which wii! shortly be ready) price 2d. each. Secretaries Fred. J. Peters, Vale Houde, Taibaeb, Port Talbot. J. H. Tapp, 3, Bridge IVnace, Port Talbot. TOWN HALL, PONTYPRIDD. |] | AN Eisteddfod & Competitive Concert Will be held at the above Hall on SATURDAY, MAY 8th, 1930, at 2 p.m. President—Alderman RICHARD LEWIS, J.P. Condu tors Rev. W. LEWIS, Penuel, Pontypridd. R. FRTS JONES, Esq. It A. LEWIS, Eq., Uoyds Bank. ELLIS OwJô, E-q., Pontypridd. Adjudicators MLisic-DAVIT) El'ANI, Esq Mus. Bac., Cardiff. J. T. JONES, E'.q., L.R.A.M., Treorchy. J. J&NKIKB, Esq., Organist. Cilfynydd. Poetry & recltl-.ticn -Rev. J. BYFNALLT "WE" 'ontypridd Literature—JOHN DAVIES, Esq., Pontypridd. Prize Bags-Mrs. LL. DELANY, Pontypridd. Adm ission-2/- & 1/- Children under 14 half-price Tickets admit to Prelim. Tests, Eisteddfod & Concert. Programmes may b had of Mr. W. J0N3S, Music Stores, 29, A re-id e, Pontypridd. 4796 Public Notices. LLWYNYPIA and District Cricket and JLJ Tennis Club. Winuing numbers of Prize Drawing :-1776, 359, 65, 2577. WINNING Numbers of Thomas Davies, v v Penygraig, Prize Drawing 234, 899, 200, 206, 1-149, 344, 994, 1461, 227, 941, 890, 1065, 771, 1422, 1095, 1418, 1441, 1323, 763, 230, 1419, 1421, 324, 429, 1450, 34, 1423, 95, 401, 173, 1199, 169, 974, 1014, 1257, 804, 696, 416, 122, 2000, 1221, 322, 615, 363, 194, 586. A Word to the Wise Is Sufficient. Call at G. C. DEAN "THE TAILOR," 85a, Taff Street, PONTYPRIDD .TlfNext door to Boot's Cash Chemist). £ s. d. Our Noted '"Lierapnon" Serge Suil, (regd ), guaranteed to give every satis- faction from 2 2 0 to order .,Devr'ger" Tweed Suiting (reg-d.) 1 15 0 Scotch Tweed Suiting 2 10 0 Ladies' Costumes a speciality 3 3 0 In nil the very latest shades and styles. All Garments are Cut and made on the above premises.1 "Trech Gwlad ncg Arglwydd wtMMapaiaK-iMirEiiirwwtMtiMf jHwkawKHBHHHHBBH EXCELSIOR BUILDINGS, DE WINTON STREET, TONYPANDY Telephone No. 77 .0. Tonypandy.

Editorial Notes. The Wales not so sober" assertion, which is the grave conclusion deduced from reading the last issued Government Blue Book, knocks the bottom out of the much-proclaimed title given to Wales as Gwlad y menyg gwynion." Another fact which undeniably defies refutation, gathered from the same source, is that drunkenness lessens with the reduction of opportunities for drinking. The reduc- tion of licenses under the administrative operation of the Act of 1904 are returned as striking an average of 1,335. The country is paying A largje price for the reduction of licensed houses. It is good, nevertheless. The total amount received by the compensation authorities for all the years that the operation has been going on amount to nearly 4l millions of pounds, The remarkable fact is, that convictions against license-holders and drinkers have been greatly reduced, proving the gratifying principle that the fewer the public-houses the lesa the ■ irregular and seductive temptation to drunkenness. We know from personal knowledge of poor folks bent upon self- reformation that they were able to pass firm and unshaken in their reformating resolution one or two public-houses, but surrendered when they had to pass two or three more. This gradual reduction really accounts for the descending number of convictions. There is no escaping the fact that temptation triumphs invariably over fresh-made resolutions. Good inten- tions are best sustained away from temp- tations, and because this human factor is recognised, legislative restrictions are put into force. The difficulty in the reform has been with those who nrofit by the institution, as many of the beer capitalists have no patriotism beyond their own selfish aspirations of money-making. The fury of the opposition to Mr. Asquith's Licensing Bill was engineered by these people. It was all the more furious because the actual facts now revealed by this Blue Book had already been felt by them. A sober nation is the best guarantee for a future strong nation, and rightly, therefore, it is for the people to decide the number of the licensed houses they require, and also secure the control of this national business. Wales, during last year, has been more prosperous than other parts of the country. The Local Govern- ment Board had very few applications for the unemployed grant. U llfortunRte-ly, drunkenness is more rampant where pros- perity obtains than when trade depression and no work prevail. Our industrial centres are increasing, and a strong Miners' Federation means much in keep- ing prices on a prosperous scale. Unless this is a reason for Wales' unenvious posi- tion in these returns, then we are indeed saddened by the conclusions drawn from their analysis. One of the most brilliant intellects that Wesleyan Methodism has been able to boast during the last half-century is lost to it by the death of Dr. J. H. Rigg, but those who know how great a part he played in the moulding of Methodist opinion may recognise that his deatli is not all loss. He had lived far beyond the usual span, his work was accomplished, and he had already entered upon the peace which comes to the hardy fighter. It is as a champion of the Nonconformist principles in which he had been educated that we think of Dr. Rigg. He was a fine controversialist, not only in the councils of his own sect, but in a larger field. We think of him, too, as an educa- tional expert and enthusiast, whose great experience was at the disposal of the London School Board in the early days of that body, and was more. than once drawn upon by the State. For many years Dr. Rigg exercised an almost unique influence in Methodism, and his death is the removal of a man who bore the brunt of I the battle in harder and sterner days than I those that have now to be lived. The Rajah of Slnaur goes one better than the Children's Act, and issues the following notice to his subjects: Whoever, being under eighteen years of age, smokes cigars, cigarettes, uses or smokes tobacco or opium in any manner, or indulges in any intoxicating drug, wine, spirit or ether intoxicants or any preparation made thereof, except- or any preparation made thereof, except on the prescription of a, physician, sharl, on conviction by a magistrate appointed by the Sirmur durbar, under the code of criminal procedure, in force in Sirmur, be punished with either—(a) a fine not exceeding Rs.10, (b) simple imprison- ment not exceeding fifteen days, (c) whipping not exceeding fifteen stripes, (d) any combination of these punish- ments, or (e) in cases of which the sentence shall only be imposed-in default of payment of fine, simple imprison- ment not exceeding fifteen days. Evidently, the Rajah believes with the wise man, that the rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame." Dr. Campbell Morgan's visit was the great event of last week, and the crowds that assembled at the various meetings reflected that his fine missionary sacri- fices were appreciated by the people of Mid-Rhondda. For this visit rightful praise should be given to Mr. R. R. Williams, Clydach Vale, for bringing about the fruition of the promise made to him by Dr. Morgan two years ago. Mr. Williams has worked admirably in the Clydach Vale district in promoting and organising the presence of prominent speakers in the district. We think, too, that Mr. Williams, in making Mid- Rhondda and not Clydaeli Vale the field of operation for the reverend doctor's campaign, showed a spirit broader than the usual parochial one, and further, the inclusion of all the denominations in the scheme of invitation made its influence wider than the limits even of the local Free Church Council, which, unfortu- nately, still conditions regulations which exclude one of the strongest denomina- tions in our midst from co-operation. Wales generally seeks characteristic national organisations, but while the Free Church Councils of Wales, like the Church of England in AVales, remains part and parcel of the English organisations, the movement will not combine the full force and power of the Free Churches of the Principality. Lord Robert Cecil has sent to the Press a brief correspondence between Mr. Runciman and himself regarding the speech delivered by the Education Minister, at Colchester. Lord Robert was disturbed by the declaration" Council schools would probably go on increasing and denomination schools go on decreas- ing. That was a, tendency all in the right direction. So far as he and the Govern- ment were concerned they would certainly foster it." Mr. Runciman shows himself entirely unrepentant. The decrease in denominational schools, he points out, is to a considerable extent due to the transfer of Voluntary schools to local authorities. It is that kind of transfer which I do all I can to etneourage." Lord Robert Cecil's comment is that this letter will not do much to reassure Church- men." The process which Mr. Runciman finds so encouraging, however is one that can only go forward where the zeal of Churchmen with regard to their schools burns with a less passionate ardour than it does in the breasts of those who think with Lord Robert Cecil. --+-- A letter which Dr. Clifford has circulated to the papers serves to emphasise the im- possibility of the secular solution of the education difficulty. It is impossible because amid all the quarrels and differ- ences about religion there is insistence from all sides that some form of religious teaching shall be given. As Dr. Clifford points out, there is no agreement as to what constitutes "secular" education. Its advocates range from those who would have nothing whatever to do with the Bible in the schools to those wlio stand for the use of portions of the Bible suited to the capacity of the children: such use to be literary, historical, ethical, and spiritual, but never in any way theological or ecclesiastical." Certainly this last, definition of secular" does not lack elasticity, and it brings us plump back into the midst of the thorn-bushes from which all are anxious to escape in the interests of education itself.

C j, |^ l^^)Your Child's Eyes j f A Uirge proportion of children are found to be suffering from defective vision, many cli;-Idren"ren-iainin dull and backward in lessons through not being abe to see their work properly. Parents should have competent advice upon this matter. WD OADVI EI Q Ail O The Qualified Sight- • • VI Al* ■ ■ • V# ■ w I«W •« testing Specialist, 16, High Street, Arcade, CARDIFF. And 15, Union Street, Swansea. 11 "■ ■" 111 — —j,. JL 'i. tp I'Clous COCOA EEC

Funeral of the :Mardy Fire Victims. The funeral took place on Saturday of the five victims of the disastrous fire which was reported in our last week's issue. A large number of sympathisers gathered to pay a last tribute of respect to the memory of the unfortunate woman and children who perished in the flames. The streets presented the appearance of a town in mourning, blinds being drawn at every house and business premises closed along the route to Ferndale, where the interments took place. The combined cortege, headed by the Revs. J. T. Gri- ffiths (B.), D. Jones (C.M.), and Hope Evans (C.), Dr. Glanville Morris, and Mr. H. E. Maltby, M.E., was over half-a-mile in length. The remains of Mrs. Hem- mings and her infant child, which she heroically tried to rescue, enclosed in one coffin, preceded those of the three Rees' children—Elvira, Margaret Ellen, and Ada. Hemmings, walking alone just behind the coffin containing the remains of his wife and children, still appeared as though he had not realised even yet the terrible misfortune that had befallen him; then came his mother-in-law, who was painfully grief-stricken, and had to be continually supported by her husband and friends. The Rev. J. T. Griffiths, pastor of the English Baptist Chapel, Mardy, performed the last impressive rites, and he and Captain Harding, of the Salvation Army, delivered earnest exhortations, the ser- vice being brought to a close by the sing- ing of Lead, Kindly Light." The three children of Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Rees were buried in a separate grave. The Rev. D. Jones, Bethania (C.M.) Chapel, Mardy, officiated, deliver- ing an inspiring address, and hymns appropriate to the occasion were reverently sung.