Rhondda Leader Maesteg Garw and Ogmore Telegraph

Miners' Wage Agreement Conference at Cardiff. New Demands- A special conference of South Wales miners' delegates was held at the Cory Hall, Cardiff, on Monday, to confer with the Executive Council of the Miners' Federation as to a possible revision of the present wage agreement. The agreement now in force came into operation on January 1st, 1906, and con- tinues in force until the 30th inst., and thenceforth until one of the parties thereto gives three months' notice to ter- minate it. It is, therefore, possible at the end of the year for one of the parties to give this notice to bring the agree- ment to an end on March 31st, 1910. The following recommendations were urged upon the conference for inclusion in the new agreement: — (1) The raising of the minimum from 30 per cent. (as at present) to 40 per cent. above the standard of 1879. (2) Payment for small coal. (3) Special allowance for working in abnormal places. (4) The payment of six turns for five for night men. (5) That the lowest paid workman shall receive a standard wage of no less than 3s. 4d. per day. (6) That an independent chairman be appointed to finally decide matters in j dispute dealt with by the Conciliation Board. The following official report was sup- plied the Press at the close of the con- ference The conference of South Wales miners took place to-day at the Cory Hall. Mr. W. Brace, M.P., in the absence of Mr. W. Abraham (Mabon), M.P., who was indisposed, occupied the chair. There were also present Mr. T. Richards, M.P. (general secretary), Mr. A. Onions, J.P. (treasurer), and nearly all the members of the Executive Council. The number of delegates present was 300, representing 141,429 workmen. 300, representing 141,429 workmen. The first matter that was discussed was the question of the advisability or otherwise of giving notice to terminate the present Conciliation Board agree- ment, and after considerable discussion it was unanimously decided that notice be eivei-L on the 1st of January. The question of amendments to be proposed for any new agreement to be made was discussed, and it was first decided to propose that the present minimum of 30 per cent. be raised to 40 per cent., and that the maximum be abolished. A resolution was carried in favour of proposing that in future small coal as taken by Billy Fairplay be paid for. The question was then discussed as to the form or method that we should propose that small coal be paid for. Several proposals having been made and discussed, the matter was ulti- mately remitted to the Executive Council to devise a, scheme under which small coal should be paid for, and to report to a further conference. With regard to the question of abnormal places, the following was sub- mitted bv the Executive Council, and it was ultimately agreed to adopt the clause, subject to an understanding that any lodge may send on suggestions to the Executive Council for its im- provement Abnormal places—proposed clause In the event of a collier having conditions in his working place which prevent him earning a fair wage on the price-list, he shall receive such an allowance as be and the management agree upon, it being understood that the allowance to be. so made shall be such as to make the wages paid to the collier equivalent to the wages he would earn if his working place was in a normal condition. Pro- vided that if the management and the collier fail to agree as to what the con- dition of the working place is, or as to the amount of the allowance to be paid, the management shall in that event pay to each collier employed in the working place, if more than one collier shall be so employed, a standard wage of not less than 4s. 9d. per day, but if one collier only and a helper shall be so employed, then the collier a standard wage of not less than 4s. 9d. per day and to his helper a standard wage of not less than 4s. per day. Provided that if the management shall at any time become dissatisfied with the work done by the collier in any such work- ing place, the management shall, after complaint shall have been made to the collier, have the right to remove the collier to a working place in the same colliery where the conditions are normal, but until such removal shall be actually made the terms and pro- visions of this clause shall continue and have effect. It was agreed that payment for six turns for five be paid to nightmen. It was resolved that we ask that the lowest paid workman shall receive a standard wage of no less than 3s. 4d. per day. A proposal was carried to put forward a proposal to adjust the standards throughout the coalfield so as to secure a uniform percentage. The recommendation of the Execu- tive Committee was agreed to to ask that an independent chairman be ap- pointed to finally decide matters in dispute dealt with by the Conciliation Board. The question of the workmen having an auditor in conjunction with the coalowners' auditor was raised at the conference, and after some discussion it was referred to the lodges to be dealt with and to come up at the next conference. It was agreed that it be an ins true- I tion to the Executive Council that I before any agreement is ratified and signed, the same be reported to a con ference and afterwards referred to a ballot vote of the workmen. This was carried by a majority. One of the delegates from Mid- Glamorgan raised the question of the action of the Executive with reference to the recommendation that they made to the lodges in Mid-Ghunor¡gan. for the withdrawal of the candidature of Mr. Vernon Hartshorn. A vote of censure was moved upon the Executive Council for their action in reference thereto, whereupon a vote of confidence in reference to the same matter on the Executive Council mem- bers was also proposed. After a long discussion and explana- tions by the chairman on behalf of the Executive, the amendment was carried by an overwhelming majority. It was agreed to demand weekly pay- ment of wages.

Children's Concert at Judge's Hall. The third annual concert of the Peny- graig Welsh Wesleyan Children's Choir was given at the Judge's Hall, T'realaw, on Thursday last, when J. Astor Broad's musical cantata, entitled 'Golden Hair and the Three Bears,"was performed in full character, under the able conductor- ship of Mr. E. Rowland Jones. The various characters were sustained as fol- lows :—"Golden Hair," Miss Florrie Jones (Penygraig); "Woodland Queen," Miss Jennie Davies (Pontypridd) Bard," Mr. Charles Robinson (Peny- graig); "Big Bruin," Mr. Dd. Griffiths (Clydach Vale); "Mammy Muff," Master Sydney Roberts (Penygraig); Tiny Cub, Master Ivor Roberts (Penygraig); Faithful," Miss Minnie Owen (Peny- graig-; Lightfoot," Miss Margaret Wil- liams (Penygraig); "Frailty," Miss Cassie Lewis (Penygraig); Airy Miss Gwennie Atkins (Penygraig) • Will o' th' Wisp," Miss May Jenkins (Peny- graig). The cantata opened with the singing of a chorus by the Forest Chil- dren," who were represented as being in the woodland valley, after which Golden Hair enters with a basket of flowers. This is followed by a duet sung by Light- foot and Airy. Then the Woodland Queen apears and sings Lovely Dale, Sweet Vale of Rest." Frailty next enters, and bowing humbly to the Queen, sings "Hail! Thou Majesty." After other items. the first scene concludes with a full chorus, with an obligato by the Queen. Scene 2 is Bruin's Cottage, with Big Bruin, Mammy Muff and Tiny Cub at home. The Tiny Cub caused much merriment by his pranks. Scene 3 showed the forest vale, while in the fourth scene Golden Hair pays a visit to Bruin's home, from which she is rescued by the Bard. Scene 5 represented forest dale and a search for Golden Hair by some of the Forest Children, who had fairy lanterns. The book concludes with the dethrone- ment of the Queen, and the ancient Bard being crowned in her nlace. The operetta closes with a loud echo of Long Live the King," which is heartily sung by the children. The rendering throughout reflected great credit upon the conductor and the pianist, Mr. E. W. Davies, A.L.C.M., who played the accompani- ments in a very able manner. During intervals, Miss D. Evans recited "His Last Hymn," and Miss Edwards played a selection on the pianoforte. Praise is due to the secretary, Mr. T. J. Owen, also to the stage manager, Mr. Danl. Hughes. for their energetic labours in making, the effort a success. The concert was repeated on Saturday evening, the proceeds being towards liquidating the chapel debt.

Treorchy. Another singular death occurred on Monday last. Mr. Wm. Salisbury, a middle-aged man, residing at 52, Ynys- wen Road, made his usual call for his lamp at the lamp-room of the Abergorchy Collieries much earlier than usual, this being attributed by deceased to having a particular bit of work to do before the daymen descended. He was em- ployed as roadman. He staggered and fell during a friendly conversation between himself and the night lamproom manager, and died almost instantly. He leaves a widow and many children. Anniversary services were held at Horeb (E.B.) Chapel on Sunday last. An excellent programme was gone through, Mr. John Thomas, A.C.V., Treorchy, being violinist. Mr. Wm. J. Davies, Colum Street, accompanied throughout services.

Penygraig. A miscellaneous entertainment was held at Bethany Chapel on Saturday last, when a large company assembled and a very good programme gone through, to which the following contributed —Over- ture, Mr. Arthur W. Thomas; song, Master Danny Harris; recitation, Miss Catherine S. Harris; song, Mr. William Williams; recitation, Mr. Enoch Davies; song, Mr. William Davies; recitation, Miss Maggie M. Harris; song, Mr. Dd. Williams; recitation, Mr. J. Thomas; song, Mr. Tom Evans; song, Mr. Lot Jones; dialogue, Messrs. J. Thomas and H. Jones. The singing of Hen Wlad fy Nhadau brought a very enjoyable evening to a close.

Ystrad. The funeral of the late Mr. Morgan Davies, 3, Victoria Street, Ystrad- Rhondda, took place on Saturday last. Deceased, who had been ailing for the past two months, was an old workman of the Gelli Collieries, and was much loved and esteemed. The mortal remains were conveyed in a hearse, and laid to rest at Llethrddu Cemetery, the officiating minis- ter being the Rev, A. Williams (Nebo). The chief mourners were: —Mrs. M. J. Davies (widow); Miss Margaret Mary Davies (daughter); Mr. and Mrs. John James (brother-in-law and sister); Mr. and Mrs. E. Griffiths (brother-in-law and sister); Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Almonds (brother-in-law and sister); Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Davies (brother and sister-in- law) Messrs. James and D. J. Davies (brothers); Mr. John Gill (brother-in- law) Mr. John Meredith (brother-in- law) Mr. and Mrs. Evan Thomas (cousins); Mm. H. Evans. Mrs. Beasant, and Mr. Samuel Lloyd (cousins); Mrs. Annie M. Hosington, Cardiff (cousin); Mr. T. S. Morgan, Swansea (cousin); Mr. Edward John, Morriston (cousin); Misses Annie Gill, Clara Gillz Cath. M. Evans and Eliz. G. Evans (nieces); and Wm. Thomas Hughes (nephew). Floral tributes were sent by relatives and Mrs. Hosington, Cardiff. The funeral arrange- ments were conducted by Messrs. Howell Williams and Son, Ystrad-Rhondda.

TORTURED BY RACKING COUGH. CHEST TIGHTNESS, &c. ENDED BY PEPS. Mrs. Selina Crocker, of 18, Mair Ter- race, Dorchester, Dorset, writes —" I suffered from bronchitis for six years, and for half that time the ailment was chronic. I had a most violent hacking cough, and could not clear my throat of the phlegm that constantly collected. My cough, always got worse at night, and i really dreaded going to bed, for as soon as I lav down my throat became irritable, and I was obliged to sit up in bed to get as I lav down my throat became irritable, and I was obliged to sit up in bed to get relief from the choking cough. For years I scarcely knew what it was to have a night's sleep and rest. I also had a feeling of tightness across my chest which was not only painful and uncomfortable, but took away my appe- tite. I might as well have saved my money for all the benefit I got from mere cough lozenges and cough mixtures. As an out-patient I attended the hospital for four months, but the doctors failed to make any improvement in my health. I was tormented daily by the racking cough, being unable to get relief or check the attacks. In damp or cold, windy weather I was compelled to stay indoors, or if I did venture out I suffered for it by having a violent attack of coughing and gasping. After these six years I had almost grown to believe that bronchitis would ever be my companion. But I am thank- ful to state that Peps proved my salva- tion. These wonderful little tablets brought me more relief than all the remedies I had tried for years. Peps drove away the cough altogether and relieved the painful tightness from my chest. Not only the cough, but the throat soreness and the constant gathering of phlegm in. my mouth disappeared under the influence of Peps. Now I sTeep splen- didly. Peps have indeed been of the greatest benefit to me, and I hope that other sufferers from throat and chest troubles will do as I now always do-keep a box of Peps handy in their home." Of all chemists, at lilt and 2/9 per box.

Ystrad Rhondda. We regret to record the death of David Barber, of 10, Club Row, Ystrad- Rhondda, which took place on Friday, the 3rd inst., at the age of 38 years. The funeral took place on Tuesday, the 7th inst., at Treorchy Cemetery, the Rev. Anthony, of Bethcar (E.C.), officiat- ing at the house, and graveside. Bethcar Choir were also present and sang appro- priate hymns en route. Floral tributes were sent by the family and friends. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. Howell Williams and Son, under- takers, Ystrad-Rhondda. A competitive meeting was held at Horeb (W.W.). under the auspices of the Young People's Society. The Rev. H. Curry presided. The adjudicators were: —Music, Mr. L. R. Lewis, Adv.I.S.M. recitations, Mr. D. J. Evans, Ystrad. The meeting was opened by the render- ing of a solo, Tudor's Last Song," by Mr. David Hughes. Awards —Solo for children under 12, "I need Thee every hour," Master Idris Davies; recitation, Miss Nellie Davies congregatioiia' liymii. divided between Messrs. S. Davies and E. Davies violin solo. Miss Gwawrddydd G. Lewis; Biblical names commencing with B," Master Idris Davies; open recitation, Mr. M. Ishmael; hymn read- ing. Master John Jones; recitation, Miss A. M. Jones. Solos were given bv Misses M. Price and M. E. Davies. The usua1 vote of thanks terminated a pleasaid evening.

e mu- m An ft. H.M. 0 H.R.H. THE THE QUEEN TO H.M. THE KING PRINCE OF WALES all over the WIDE, WIDE WORLD COLMAN S D. S. F. -%NNW @ mustard declared pre-eminent —by Royal Favor, —by Public Esteem, —by Highest Official Awards. PU A lVTfc PDIY (HIGHEST AWARD) AT THE ONLY VXlvAJL^IU JTjVJLAL FRANCO-BRITISH EXHIBITION, 1908.

Tonypandy. Under the. auspices of the Mid-Rhondda Free Church Council, the Rev. John McNeill is conducting a twelve-days' mission in various churches in the dis- trict. The Tonypandy services com- menced on Sunday night last at Trinity (C.M.) Chapel, when a large audience assembled and a good meeting held. The services are continued each evening throughout this week.

Clydach Vale. A splendid musical success has been sccud by Mr. John Haydn Jones, son of Mr. John Jones, Llwyncelyn Villa. At the recent examination in pianoforte playing held by the Trinity CoDege, London, he secured 95 out of a possible 100 marks in the Senior Division, thus securing the Honours Certificate with 15 marks to spare. Considering the difficulty of the requirements, t'3 success is really a very creditable one. The Rev. J. E. Rattenbury preached; and lectured at Libanus Chapel on Tues- day, under the auspices of the Clydaoh. Vale Library Lectures Committee. The subject of the lecture was The Church and Humanity." The Rev. J. Walters

Nantymoel. Young Liberals' League.The monthly meeting of the League of Young Liberals of the local branch was held n+. the Lesser Hall on Tuesday evening last. when Mr81 J. R. Evans (Council Schools), president .d. of the League presided over a good attendance. Mr. Job Baker delivered a spirited and instructive address on Liberalism Its Aims and Objects." A cordial vote of thanks was accorded Mr. Baker for his eloquent address.

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The funeral of Mr. Idris Victor Evans, son of Mr. and Mrs. Evan Evans, 16, Tyntyla Road, Ystrad-Rhondda who met his death at the Bodringallt Colliery (as reported in our last week's issue) on Wednesday, the 8th inst., at the young age of 21 years, took place on Monday last. (Deceased took considerable interest in music, and was precentor at Taber- nacle (E.B.) Church, Ystrad. He was a prominent figure at the recent concert held at Horeb, Ystrad-Rhondda, and was to take an important part at a concert to be held this Thursday at Nebo. Much sympathy is extended to the parents and the family, who only six years ago lost an elder son, who also was then the precentor of Tabernacle. The funeral was undoubtedly the largest seen for many years past. The mortal remains were conveyed in a hearse to its last resting place at Llethrddu Cemetery, and fol- lowed by six carriages, with the following mourners —Mr. and Mrs. Evan Evans father and mother) Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Evans (brother and sister-in-law); Mr. and Mrs. F. Brooks (brother-in-law and sister); Mr. and Mrs. A. Evans (brother- in-law and sister); Messrs. Emrys and Arthur Evans (brothers); Mr. nd Mrs. W. Royall (uncle and aunt); Mr. and Mrs. J. Pearce (uncle and aunt); Mr. and Mrs. J. Evans (uncle and aunt); Mr. and Mrs. O. Evans (uncle and aunt); Mrs. A. Butler (aunt); Mrs. Owen, Mrs. Phillips, Mr. and Mrs. D. Royall. Mr. and Mrs. 0. Royall. Mr. and Mrs. J. Wilkes; Mr. and Mrs. E. Butler, Mrs. A. Royall, Mrs. H. Wilkes, Misses E. A. Royall, E. A. Pearce, M. Pearce L. Pearce, B. Pearce, A. Butler, Mary Evans, Phoebe Evans, Mary Ann Evans, Mrs. Thomas, Mrs. Jenkins, Messrs. T. Royall, F. Royall, J. Royall, Sept. Royall, Stanley Royall, D. T. Pearce, Clifford J. Pearce, Edgar Pearce, A. Butler, A. Rees. J. Evans and E. J. Owens (cousins). Wreaths were sent by the following: -Tabernacle (E.B.) Church; Nebo (W.B.) Choir; Horeb (Wesleyan) Choir; Mr. Tim May; Friends; Mr. A. Allsopp. The Rev. A. Williams (Nebo) and the Rev. W. H. Jones (Tabernacle) officiated at the house and graveside. The coffin was of best panelled elm, with heavy silver-plated fittings, the breastplate bearing the fol- lowing inscription —" Idris Victor Evans, died December 8th, 1909; aged 21 years." The funeral arrangements were completely carried out in satisfactory manner by Messrs. Howell Williams and Son, Ystrad- Rhondda.