Rhondda Leader Maesteg Garw and Ogmore Telegraph

Tonypandy New Empire. Opposition to License. At last Friday?s meeting of the Rhon- dda District Council (Councillor Thomas Thomas, J.P., presiding), Mr. William Morgan, auctioneer, Tonypandy, applied for a dramatic license in respect of the New Empire Theatrical Palace of Varieties, Tonypandy. The application was opposed by Mr. S. 0. Edwards, solicitor, Tony- pandy (on behalf of Mr. Sam Duckworth, Theatre Royal, Tonypandy, and the Tonypandy Town Hall Co., Ltd.). Before proceeding with his application, Mr. William Morgan sought the ruling of the Clerk as to whether Mr. Edwards had any locus standi to oppose on behalf of anyone. Mr. Nicholas replied in the affirmative. Mr. Morgan then proceeded with his application, and .said that he appeared on behalf of the syndicate which owned the new Empire Theatrical Palace of Varieties, and of which he was secretary. The premises in respect of which he sought the license, was situated upon a plot of land upon which formerly stood some old cottages, and Lord Dunraven was so interested in the growth and development of a district like, Tonypandy, and the necessity for a music hall and theatre, that he showed his approbation by granting permission to erect this building, which was not contained in the lease. In addition to that, he had acted almost a philanthropist by increasing their ground rent to only a very small sum. The old ground rent was £5 Os. 6d. per annum, and Lord Dunraven had allowed them to build a hall costing L12,000 with an increased ground rent ot I only £4 19s. 6d. Some time ago, lie had occasion in another capacity to approach his lordship's agent for a new lease in respect of premises not 100' yards away from the new Empire and the lease was granted on condition that the 8*°™ rent, which previously stood at about P-15 or £ 20 per annum, be increased to •tiW. He therefore believed that as far as Lord Dunraven was concerned, they had his approbation in this application. Proceeding, Mr. Morgan said that when the new Empire Syndicate was nist arranged, they made up their minds to spend a certain sum of money m the erection of the hall »Wch would satisty the requirements, not only of the Knon dda Council, but also the latest require- ments of the L.C.C. The building was designed by one of the finest architects in the world, and was up-to-date m eve y respect. It had been let to one of the most prominent syndicates, and as a proof that the owners had sought not only their own welfare, but the welfare of the community, he might inform the Council that the owners would not receive more than 5 per cent. upon their investment. He contended that they were meeting a long-felt want in Tonypandy It was about twenty years since the Tonypandy Town Hall had been licensed, and he need not point out the extraordinary develop- ment in Mid-Rhondda since that time. Moreover, the Cambrian Combine were sinking a new pit not more than two or three hundred yards from the new hall; developments were proceeding apace at Tonyrefail, and the Taff Vale, Railway had been sufficiently convinced of the im portance of Tonypandy to movide a rail- way station, which was now one of the busiest stations in the Valley. He asked them with all confidence to grant this license—a similar license to those already granted the Treherbert Opera House, Tivoli, Pentre, and the Palace, Porth. He asked to be put on the same footing as Mr. Duckworth, who not only had the Tonypandy Theatre, but was also in- terested in other halls; and he (Mr. Mor- gan) did not think the Council would agree to Mr. Duckworth having a mono- poly of this kind in Tonypandy. They only asked for a twelve, months' license, and he was sure that at the end of that period the Council would be delighted to grant a renewal because of the fare provided to the public. On the other hand, the owners would welcome any suggestion from the Council in regard to anything produced. Mr. Duckworth was not in a position to cater for the growing needs of a district like Mid- Rhondda, and if there was any real ground for objection, it would be forth- coming; from the local Free Church Coun- cil, who were not opposing the application. In reply to Councillor Wight, Mr. Morgan said that the seating accommo- dation of the new hall was 2,000'. Mr. Edwards: On behalf of Mr. Duckworth, I may say we have not the slightest objection to another place of amusement in Tonypandy. What we want to know is whether it is intended to ask for a music hall license. Mr. Morgan: My application is before the Council. Mr. Edwards I want to know what is to be the character of this hall. In a report in the Rhondda Leader," it says The hall has been let to one of the best London music hall syndicates, and the best possible variety companies will thus be assured." If the application is only for a dramatic license and not for a music hall license, my objection drops. The Clerk: We can only grant a theatrical license. Mr. Edwards. From all statements, this place is intended as a music hall, ,and undoubtedly an application will be made to the justices for a music hall license. The grounds of my opposition to the granting of this dramatic license are these. Firstly, the granting, of two licenses in respect of the same building is contrary to the usual custom in this country. The London County Ciuncil will never grant two licenses in respect of the same building; and the Licensing Committee of the, L.C.C. have passed a resolution to that effect. In Birmingham, also, two licenses in respect of one build- ing have been refused, and Mr. Oswald Stoll's application for two licenses in respect of his Empires at Swansea, New- port and Cardiff was also refused. Mr. Edwards further stated that the granting of this license would place his client in a most unfair position. Mr. Duckworth had held a dramatic license in Tonypandy for twelve years, and had spent considerable sums of money upon his theatre. He maintained there yas no room in Tony- pandy for two dramatic houses, but he had not the slightest objection to one license being granted to this house. A theatre was under the control of the Lord Chamberlain, whilst a music hall came under the jurisdiction of the justices, and if two licenses were granted to this new hall, they could produce a sketch under their dramatic license. Under a dramatic license, no varieties could be brought on the stage, and his client knew for a fact that artistes had been engaged by the New Empire Syndicate which proved that the new building was intended for a music hall. Mr. Edwards further pointed out that some time ago theatrical managers took action against licensees of music halls on account of their producing sketches on the stage. The intervention of the Lord Chamberlain was sought, but eventually a compromise was arranged, by which the sketches on music hall stages should not exceed thirty minutes, so as not to com- pete with the theatres. Mr. Nicholas: But they cannot be pro- duced unless they have a dramatic license. Councillor L. P. Griffiths: What is to prevent Mr. Duckworth taking out two licenses P Mr. Edwards: No authority will grant them. Mr. Nicholas: It is done in these Valleys. Youi agree that under the Theatrical Act, unless you got a theatrical license, there can be no duologues or sketches on the music hall stage ? Mr. Edwards: Yes. Mr. Nicholas: And it is only by reason of the compromise between the music hall and theatrical professions that these sketches are now produced. It is a breach of the theatrical law to-day. The Lord Chamberlain refused to interfere. Mr. Morgan: We simply want this license so as to enable us to put on a sketch of thirty to forty minutes' duration. We won't put on a theatrical play of any sort during the twelve months. There is nothing to prevent Mr. Duckworth get- ting a music hall license, but he has got the most lucrative part of the business already. I am prepared to give Mr. Duckworth an undertaking that we will not engage a theatrical company during the twelve months. Mr. Duckworth said he wanted to be fair. If Mr. Morgan wanted a dramatic license, he (Mr. Duckworth) was prepared to give his up and go in for a music hall license. After some further discussion, the parties withdrew. Councillor Wight said it seemed to him that the position in Tonypandy was not on all fours with the Tivoli, Palace, or Treherbert, because at these places there were no theatres adjoining, and conse- quently there was no competition. He was, therefore, of the opinion that the best course to adopt that day, at any rate, was to refuse the license in the belief that the parties would come to an agreement between themselves. Mr. Duckworth was quite reasonable. He gave Mr. Morgan the choice of either of the licenses. He (Mr. Wight) was of the opinion that some measure of protection should be given to Mr. Duckworth. It would be very unfair to open the door for competition unless they imposed some limitation. Councillor R. S. Griffiths seconded Mr. Wight's motion. Mr. Morgan told them at last what the intentions of his com- pany were. They were quite prepared not to put on a plav for the twelve months why, therefore, was this license required? It was sought because the company wanted a second barrel, and they wanted the second barrel first. The in- convenience to this company in not grant- ing them a license that day, having regard to their professed intentions, would be really nil. The Chairman: I don't think we can grant a license to-day, because the hall is not ready. Dr., Thomas said that the applicants had incurred considerable expense in trying to cater for the public. Both were agreed there was enough room for two places of amusement in Tonypandy, and it was the public that would soon decide the char- acter of the entertainment to be carried on. He did not think they would be justiyed in refusing the license so long as both parties were agreed there was enough room for both houses in the district. Councillor Wight said that if they gave an open license like that, it was possible for the stronger of the two companies to go into a ruinous competition with the other. What he desired was to refuse the license that day, so that both parties could come to a reasonable agreement to make a music hall of one and a theatre of the other. Councillor J. D1. Williams supported the C .0 granting of the license. The new build- ing. he said, was the most substantial of its kind in the Rhondda Valley. If there was room for one theatre at Tonypandy twenty years ago, surely there was room for two now. In reply to Councillor Dd. Williams, the Clerk said that the Council simply granted a license for the production of a stage play. Before a theatre manager could give music and dancing on the stage, he would have to get a music and dancing license from the magistrates. It was per- fectly true, as Mr. Edwards said, in London a music and dancing license was sufficient for the production of sketches, but this was due to an honourable under- standing between the two professions. Previous to that, the theatrical profession prosecuted the music hall people for pro- ducing stage plays. Councillor D. Williams moved to sup- port the motion to refuse the license. The building was not yet ready, and besides, the matter was not on the agenda, and members had had no time to consider it. Dr. Thomas moved that the application be deferred until they were informed the building was ready. Councillor R. S. Griffiths: That is simply a. way of meeting a motion and carrying a vote. To defer it is simply to court another afternoon like this. Councillor Dd. Smith said that what they had to consider was not the interests of these two men, but the interests of the public. He was of the opinion that competition was healthy for the public, and he would support the granting of a license. Dr. Thomas thereupon moved an amend- ment that the license be granted on the usual conditions. This was seconded, and on being put to a vote, 13 voted for the amendment and 8 against. The Clerk said they should pass a reso- lution that when a license was granted, it was granted on condition that no appli- cation should be made by the applicants to the Excise for permission to sell any intoxicating liquors on their premises. The resolution was agreed to.

I NOW OPEN. To Motorists & Cyclists. The Well-known Motor Engineer, Mr. GEORGE CLARK Begs to announce that he has taken over the premises at 127, Dunraven St.,TONYPANDY AS A MOTOR & CYCLE DEPOT. All Accessories) Stocked. Repairs a Speciality. Estimates Free. Charges Moderate. ACCUMULATORS CHARGED & :REPAIRED. Gramophones, Phonographs. Records, Gas Fittings, &c. 4996 ——WILL—B

Successful Concert at Ynyshir. The concert held annually in connection with the Benevolent Fund at Ynyshir, and of which the one held on Thursday even- ing last at the Workmen's Hall was the fourth, has come to be looked upon as the great treat of the season. This one attained a success which ranked with, if not surpassed, any of the previous ones. In the absence of Mr. W. J. Thomas, J.P. (Brynawel), Mr. J. W. John (head- master Council Schools) presided. In hie address, Mr. John voiced their regret at Mr. Thomas' unavoidable absence, who had, however, sent a cheque for C25 to the fund (loud applause). Mr. John proceeded in an interesting manner to relate the history of the fund. It had done splendid work. Half the merit of a gift was its privacy, and the strictest privacy was observed in distributing this money, and no outside gyes saw the list. The scheme, however, would only be able to perform half of what it was doing were it not for the magnificent help of Mr. W. J. Thomas, who paid the expenses of last year's concert and was again defray- ing the expenses of this one. and the fund was otherwise assisted in a manner that called for the greatest admiration and gratitude (cheers). Mr. John Thomas, M.E. (Fernbank), was also a very generous contributor to the fund. They would all miss the presence of Mr. Gwilym. Thomas, the celebrated veteran basso that even- ing. The great singer, besides lending his invaluable services to the concert on each occasion, also returned his fee to the funds (applause). Mr. Poole, of Porth Palace, had offered half the proceeds of a night's entertainment to the funds (applause). In conclusion, Mr. John invited information of necessitous cases, Mr. Wm. Thomas, under-manager (chair- man), Mr. Penry H. Williams, surveyor (treasurer), and Mr. David Walters, 10, Station Street; (secretary), being always ready to receive reports of such cases (loud applause). (loud applause). The concert was an exceedingly interest- ing one, and the large audience appre- ciated to the full the splendid treat pro- vided. In the parlance of the stage, the star event was Madame Amy Evans, London, whose singing was a revelation in voice production. Llam y Cariadau and Bird of Spring were her contri- butions to the programme, the audience listening spellbound to the cultured voice. In response to an encore Madame Evans gave Cartref in a manner that touched all hearts. The other lady artiste was Miss Esther Cooper, who has become quite an accomplished artiste, and was given a. flattering ovation. Miss Cooper, in a finished manner, gave Love is meant to make us glad" and the "Lost Chord," and again as an encore Good- bye, Summer." In a verv able manner Mr. Arthur Thomas filled the breach caused by the regrettable illness of Mr. Gwilym Thomas. This artiste is rapidly making a reputation, and enjoys a well- earned popularity. Cymru Fy Ngwlad and "Honour and Arms were rendered by him in good style. The tenor was Mr. Llew. Jones, of Aberdare, who needs no introduction, his name and reputation being widely known. Dtespite a cold, Mr. Jones gave' a highly creditable perform- ance, and with great eclat sang Moun- tain Lovers and Y Bardd wrth farw." Mr. J. Henry Davies, Wales' premier elocutionist," gave really clever and delightful recitations of The Women of Mumbles Head and The Cataract of Lodore," followed, by way of encore, by a humorous Welsh recitation. The pro- gramme, with the name of Mr. Tom Bryant, the celebrated Welsh harpist, in it, is assured of at least one popular item. With fine effect Mr. Bryant played "Morfa Rhuddlan and "Echoes of a Waterfall," and in addition responded to the persistent recalls. Eos Dar, whose star gleams bright as ever, was again received with vociferous applause, and his penillion were immensely -eiijoyitl. Another pleasing item was the piccolo solo of Mr, J. Howell. Not least in the pro- gramme was the Ynyshir Male Voice Party, under the conductorship of Mr. Tom Kemp (Alaw Hefin). who has recently returned to Ynyshir. The Destruction of Gaza and" Absence" were the selections given, and sung in a really enjoyable manner. The programme was wound up by the splendid quartet composed of Madame Amy Evans, Miss Esther Cooper, Messrs. Llew. Jones and Arthur Thomas, the selected piece being In this hour of softened splendour" (Pinsuti). The accompaniments could not have received better treatment, played as they were by Mr. J. Howells, A.Mus.T.C.L., in his well-known style.

Blind with Eczema. Mr. T. H. Walker, 107, Walker Street, Hull, writes: For a whole day at a time I was in total darkness through eczema covering my face and closing over my eyes. I could not move my lips with- out pain through the cracking of the sores. The trouble originated with a small pimple on my right cheek. From that pimple inflammation spread until my face was raw with a caking of red, smart- ing, wet eczema. I was attended by two doctors and in nine weeks I tried 16 different remedies, yet the eczema ever increased and the pain was terrific. Then Cadum was tried and it took away the pain after the second application. Cadum made a wonderful cure, in about a couple of weeks. The sore coating dried up and fell off in dust, and I have since had a smoother and clearer skin than ever before in my life." Oadum is a new medical dis- covery for the cure of all skin and scalp troubles. It stops the itching at once and begins healing with the first application. Trial box 6d. large box Is., of chemists or Omega, Ltd., London, N.

Presentation at Ynyshir. A very pleasant and entertaining social evening was spent at the Long Room of the Eagle Hotel, Ynyshir (kindly lent for the occasion), by the members of the A.U.C.E. of Ynyshir Co-operative on Wednesday evening, in honour of Mr. Evan Owen, of Pontygwaith, who has left the district to fulfil an appointment as manager to the Cwmllynfell Co-operative Society. Mr. D. Davies (foreman, boot department) presided, and said that the recipient during his stav at Ynyshir had helped to make things as pleasant as pos- sible amongst the employees. The General Manager spoke of the admirable qualities of Mr. Owen, and wished him every suc- cess. A marble clock, subscribed for by the employees, was handed over to the recipient by Mr. Charles Lewis, late pre- sident of the Society. Mr. Owen, in re- sponding, thanked the employees for the splendid present, and added that he would always count those around him that even- ing as his most sincere friends. Vocal items were contributed by Messrs. H. Kay (general manager) and Noah James. Mr. W. Sully accompanied.

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