Rhondda Leader Maesteg Garw and Ogmore Telegraph

Treherbert. At the New C.M. Schoolroom, Blaeny- cwm. special preaching services were held last week and on Sunday last. On Wednes- day, the Rev. David Williams (pastor) preached, and on Thursday tiae services were conducted by the Rev. Thos. Davies (Blaenrhondda). The Rev. B. T. Salmon (Llantrisant) and Mr. D. W. Stephens (Treveoca) officiated on Sunday.

The Coal Trade. Meeting of Executive Council. Counterclaim for S mall Coal. Mr. Wm. Abraham, M.P., presided over a special meeting- of the Executive Coun- cil of the South Wales Miners' Federation at Cardiff on Monday. No official report was supplied. The Council discussed at length the proposals made by the owners to the men's representatives on the Conciliation Board at the meeting on Thursday, rela- tive to the damages accruing for the refusal to work the extra hour per week provided for in the Eight Hours Act,' and it was resolved to instruct the represen- tatives of the South Wales Federation attending the executive of the M.F.G.B. at Stoke on Tuesday to lay the whole case before that body, and consult them as to the policy to be adopted in the pre- paration of a new wage agreement. Particular attention was paid to an- other matter which was not referred to at the meeting of the Conciliation Board. In 1907, some of the men demanded pay- ment for small coal, and the owners objected to payment on the ground that the Conciliation Board agreement pro- vided that large clean coal only was to be paid for. The men, however, took their case to the court and won, for the Judge held that the men were entitled according to the general law, which the Conciliation Board agreement could not over-ride, to payment for all minerals gotten." The men, therefore, argue that since neither side can contract out of the various Acts of Parliament, they are as fairly entitled to payment for small coal as the owners are to the recovery of damages for the men's refusal to work the extra hour. Consequently should the owners claim big damages for the men's refusal to work, the men have decided to make a claim on behalf of every collier in the Federation for payment for small coal over a period extending back to such a time as will make the ggregate claim of the men equal to the aggregate claim of owners for damages. It was, therefore, decided to send a formal notification to the coalowners that the Executive Council would claim pay- ment for small coal on behalf of the work- men. It was further resolved to suggest to the M.F.G.B. at the meeting on Tuesday that a national conference should be I called to consider the situation in South J Wales. )

Tydraw Workmen's Institute. Sir Clifford Cory Performs Opening Ceremony. Tydraw Workmen's Institute, situated in Wyndham Street, Tynewydd, Treher- bert, which has been erected at the cost of £3,000, was opened on Saturday (New Year's Day) amidst Scenes of great en- thusiasm. The sum of £ 1,500 has been contributed towards the building by Messrs. Cory Bros. and Co., the owners of Tydraw Collieries. The Institute is undoubtedly one of the most modern buildings in South Wales. The front elevation is built of native stone, with shoddy work and Forest of Dean stone dressings. The remainder is of native stone cemented over. In enter- in the building from the street, one pas; through a wide porch with a mas- sive pillar of sandstone on either side, and then through a doorway into the entrance hall, which is 20 feet by 16 feet. Directly in front is the entrance to the lecture hall or class-room, which is furnished with easy back chairs to seat 250 persons. By means of a folding partition, part of this room can be quickly enclosed to form a ladies' room (20 feet by 11 feet). The reading room, measuring 33 feet by 22 feet, runs parallel to the street, and is lighted by two large windows facing the street, and one of the same size on the opposite side of the room. Over 200 copies of newspapers, periodicals, &c., will be purchased weekly for perusal in this room. The billiard room, cloak- room, magazine room (33 feet by 22 feet), and committee room are situated on the first floor. The furniture in the magazine and reading rooms is of oak, supplied by Messrs. Allinsons, Ltd., Sheffield. The billiard room is a remarkably fine quar- ter. It is fitted up with two full-sized tables supplied by Messrs. Burroughs and Watts, Cardiff. On two sides of the room a platform is raised to a height of six inches, on which are seven draught tables. In the basement are the caretaker's apartments (consisting of a kitchen sit- ting room, two bedrooms, and a scullery), a bathroom (which may be used by other persons than the caretaker), a paper store, and the heating chamber. The whole building is heated by small pipe medium pressure hot water, fitted by Messrs. Musgrave and Co., Cardiff. The contract has been admirably car- ried out by Messrs. Charles Jenkins and Son, contractors, Porth, under the super- intendence and from the designs of Mr. W. D. Morgan, M.S.A., architect. Pentre. Sir Clifford Cory, Bart., MP., per- formed the opening ceremony, and among those present were:—Mr. W. D. Wight, M.E., D.C., and Mrs. and Miss Wight; Mr. D. Watts Morgan, Porth (on behalf of Mabon); Mr. Tom Evans D.C., Peny- graig; Alderman William Morgan, Ty- newydd; Mr. J. Ritson, M.E. (manager of T'ydraw Collieries);. Mr. Griffith Evans, D.O., and Mr. D. R. Jones, M.E., D.C. After explaining the programme to the crowd, Mr. Ritson called upon the archi- tect, Mr. Morgan, to present the gold key to Sir Clifford. id Mr. Morgan said that the long-expected day had at last come (hear, hear). He was sure that the building, when opened, would be a great boon to the workmen of the district, and it gave him much pleasure in asking Sir Clifford to accept the key and to open the door. Sir Clifford took the key, inserted it in the lock, and opened the door amjdst applause. Sir Clifford was then conducted round the various rooms, and afterwards a meeting of workmen was IF aid in the lecture hall. Mr. Ritson presided, and said that the object which they had just achieved had been long worked for by the workmen of Tydraw. Mr. W. D. Wight. in introducing Sir Clifford Cory, said that this was far from the first time, that Sir Clifford had visited the Rhondda. He was well known in the lower parts of the Valley, but this was the first time that Sir Clifford had visited his workmen at Tydraw. Some colliery owners, he continued, thought it their duty to stand aloof from their workmen, but Sir Clifford was not one of those (cheers). When the workmen helped themselves as the men at Tydraw had done, they would always secure the sup- port of Messrs. Cory Bros. and Co. (ap- plause). He had great pleasure in intro- ducing Sir Clifford Cory (cheers). In the absence of Mr. Daniel Jones, Mr. T. E. Davies presented an illuminated address in album form to Sir Clifford. The address had been most artistically designed and executed by Mr. A. Hunt, one of the officials at the colliery. In presenting the album, Mr,. Davies said that he presented it on behalf of his fellow-workmen at Tydraw as a small token of their esteem of Sir Clifford and the good work which he had done, not only in Treherbert, but all over the country (cheers). Mr. Ritson read the address, which was as follows: — Dear Sir,—On behalf of the workmen and officials employed at Tydraw Colliery, we beg respectfully to offer you a hearty welcome and tender you our sincere thanks for your kindness in coming here to-day for the purpose of opening our Institute and Library1. This beiftg your first visit amongst us, we have the greatest pleasure in tender- ing you our sincere congratulations upon the honour which you have had so recently conferred upon you by His Majesty King Edward, and trust you may long be spared to continue sucn good work as you have undertaken to-day. We, therefore, have the pleasure of asking you to accept from us this album as a slight acknowledgment of our appre- ciation of your kindness in paying this visit to Tynewydd. Your presence here to-day, together with the handsome dona- tion which we have received from the Company, undoubtedly shows us that Messrs. Cory Bros. and Co. have the in- terests of their workmen at heart, and are desirous of seeing them make use of their leisure time in a manner most bene- ficial to their interests. We have for many years been labour- ing under great disadvantages in not having any suitable building in which recreation combined with the improve- ment of the mind could be carried on, but thanks to you and the generosity of Messrs. Cory Bros. and Co., together with the determination shown by the workmen, we have now a building upon which we can look with pride. "You will undoubtedly be interested to know that the Institute which you have formally declared open to-day has been erected" at the cost of £ 3,000. Towards this amount, as you are aware, the Com- pany generously presented £1500. The workmen, who one and all have most energetically taken up the matter, have already contributed by fortnightly pay- ments nearly £1,600, and will continue to do so as long as the funds are required. Your presence amongst us to-day is a source of considerable gratification to us all, knowing as we do your readiness to assist in functions of this kind, and also your kindness in giving a portion of your undoubtedly valuable time to the promoting of any cause which may be for the interests and welfare of the workmen employed by Messrs. Cory Bros. and Co. We sincerely trust it may not be the last occasion we may have of welcoming you to Tynewydd. We have long looked forward to this auspicious day, and we feel that we cannot adequately express our thankfulness to you for the manner in which you have responded to our appeal for assistance. Again tendering our heartiest thanks to yourself and to the firm of Messrs. Cory Bros. and Co., we beg to remain, dear sir. yours most obediently: -The Committee, Joseph Ritson (chairman), David -Morgan (trea- surer), Isaac Bowen (secretary)." In acknowledging the address, Sir Clifford said that in the first place he wished them all a Happy New Year (ap- plause, and a Voice: Same to you, sir "). Mr; Wight had referred to his visits to the Rhondda, which, he was sorry to say, were not as frequent now as they used to be. Visits of this kind gave him the opportunity of being acquainted —and very closely acquainted, too—with the large majority of their workmen (ap- plause). He had previously made several visits to that part of the Rhondda, but not in a social function of that kind before. He was getting older, too, not like his friend, Alderman Wm. Morgan, who seemed to be as young as ever (laugh- ter and applause). He congratulated them on acquiring such a commodious, con- venient and desirable building. He hoped that it would prove a very great value in many ways to the workmen of that dis- trict. to improve their minds, and exer cise and educate themselves so that they might take up higher positions in life than those which they now held. Con- tinuing, he said it was desirable that more attention should be given to tech- nical education, and he trusted that at no distant date they might see a way of giving this education to the people (hear, hear). In going through the library, he said, he had noticed a large number of vacant shelves, which at some future date they desired to fill; and if he might be permitted to make a donation, he would be very pleased to promise 950i for the purchase of books (prolonged cheers). Sir Clifford then said that he should like to have a family party of employers and workmen (cheers). They had their little differences sometimes, but they loved one another all the same, and they appre- ciated one another (hear, hear). The one great privilege of life was that they were able to mutually help one another (hear, hear). He was very glad to make the acquaintance of the workmen, but it was now a very busy period for him, because he had always to be near his constituency, where he had a very active opponent (laughter). He again hoped that the new building would be a source of great plea- sure and usefulness to all concerned (cheers). Mr. Ritson said that Sir Clifford had not only opened the doors, but also his heart, and his purse-strings as well (laughter). He thanked Sir Clifford on behalf of the workmen for his handsome donation towards the library. Mr. D. Wntts Morgan spoke on behalf of Mabon who was indisposed. He said that if Mabon had been present, he would have given them all his blessing. Mr. Morgan continued by saying that they might differ with Sir Clifford in political opinions, but to-day they were on the same platform and they spoke with one accord (applause). The committee and workmen were to be congratulated on providing such an excellent home from home. endorsed the remarks of Mr. Wight in hoping that the workmen of other districts would emulate the example of the Tydraw workmen. He was pleased to say that there were now 21 institu- tions of this kind in the Rhondda. They all loved the Rhondda. and many people would rather hang in the Rhondda than die a natural death elsewhere (loud laughter). Mr. R. Thomas spoke on behalf of the workmen at Tydraw. Sir Clifford rose to say that he was most interested to know that the album had been executed by a workman of Tydraw, and he also expressed his deep regret that his dear old friend Mabon was not there that day. He hoped that Mabon would soon be well again (hear, hear). A vote of thanks to Sir Clifford for his attendance and promised donation was proposed by Mr. Evan Davies in an appropriate speech, and seconded by Mr. Morris Davies. Mr. D. Watts Morgan moved a vote of thanks to the chairman. Pai'ty then adjourned to the billiard room, where the first games were played by Sir Clifford Cory and Mr. D. Watts Morgan, and Messrs. Tom Evans and W. D. Wight. A high tea was afterwards held, during which selections were played by the Blaenycwm Orchestral Band, conducted by Mr. William Davies, A.T.S.C. An- other donation of R10 was made by Mr. W. D. Wight towards the furnishing of I the library.

■ 1 jjg| f If you desire a so-called cheap r brand of Corn Flour there are i many, but if you would have the best-knowing it is the cheapest in the end by reason of economy in use, and that you gain also in fine flavour, and perfect purity, there is only one to choose—it is Brown & Poison's I !• "Patent" Corn Flour dfar

Musical Successes. At the recent examination of the London College of Music, Miss Lizzie Margaret Miles secured the First Class Primary Certificate. Miss Miles is a pupil of Miss F. J. Tudball, 63, Court Street, Tonypandy. At the Incorporated Society of Musi- cians' examination in pianoforte playing held at Cardiff on December 9th, 1909, the following pupils of Mr. S. Kingdom, of Ystrad-Rhondda, passed successfully: —Grade II. Richard John Williams, Gelli. Grade I.: Archie Davies, Ystrad. Preparatory Grade: Doris Jenkins, Pen- tre, and Gertie Kingdom, Ystrad; the last two named with Honours.

Cambrian School of Mining. Mr. William Thomas, Principal, Honoured. What may best be described as a con- vivial gathering took place at the re- union of the students of the Cambrian School of Mining and Engineering, held at the Llwyncelyn School on Saturday evening last. There assembled in all about 200 to 300 persons, drawn together from different parts of South Wales and Monmouthshire, all of whom sat down and partook of a very fine spread pre- pared by Mr. T. 0. Tims, Porth. Mr. W. J. Thomas, Ynyshir, in the absence of Mr. T. W. Berry (Director of Education), presided over the entertain- ment that followed. After a brief address by the chairman, the musical part of the | programme opened with an overture on the piano by Miss Irene Griffiths, Tonyr- efail, followed by A solo from Mr. J. Llewellyn. Ynyshir. Alderman Morgan Williams then ad- dressed the meeting, and expressed his pleasure at being present upon such an occasion in order to show his great appre- ciation of the good work Mr. Thomas had done—and was continuing to do-among mining students. He had watched Mr. Thomas' career from boyhood. He felt proud that he was not content with having attained a great knowledge of mining— both theoretical and practical-but that he was also doing his best to impart this knowledge to his fellow-men (applause). A few years ago Mr. Thomas had taken a class under the County in surveying, and that class proved anything but a success. When questioned upon it, Mr. Thomas' explanation was a justifiable one, as the next examination proved, for every member of the class had honours to his credit (applause). This also proved the efficiency of the teacher, and also the saying, Wise men nor fools can work without tools" (cheers). Mr. Williams also eulogised the merits of Mrs. Thomas, and described her as the one who worked behind the scenes the power behind the throne (cheers). Mr. John Hughes (checkweigher) also eulogised Mr. and Mrs. Thomas. Mr. Thomas had delved deeply into the science of mining, and was now educating his fellow-men to the dangers that sur- rounded them in the mines (hear, hear). He thought the pupils' appreciation of their teacher was abundantly shown by their magnificent present to him. Mr. Henry Davies. Director of Mining Education, Cardiff, next testified to Mr. Thomas' sterling qualities. He expressed his delight at seeing checkweighers, col- liery lodge officials, colliery proprietors and managers assembling together to honour the principal of the Cambrian School of Mining. He was delighted to see such harmony in this direction, and thought it would be a good thing if there were more presentations of this nature, inasmuch as they brought such an excel- lent lot of men together (hear, hear). Speaking of the courage necessary to ac- quire success, Mr. Davies quoted the case of a colliery proprietor in South Wales who at nine years of age worked under- ground and forced to earn his living. The speaker explained under what difficulties this lad had obtained instruction in mining, and how he had surmounted every difficulty. He therefore urged the young students not to allow themselves to be discouraged by apparent difficulties, but to climb over them in their pursuit of knowledge and success. He sometimes thought that education was too easily ac- quired in South Wales. Speaking of Mr. Thomas#the speaker said he had seen him with five faces. Before his students at the school, Mr. Thomas' face was like a lamb's in its docility; he had seen his face like that of a greyhound, when they were together on the Continent, in search of knowledge. He had also seen him like a lion, whilst at other times his face shone like a sunbeam, when speaking to a bright student. What was, however, more, he had always seen him with the face of a gentleman (hear, hear). He not f only revealed these phases in his face, but he also possessed those traits of char- acter. Mrs. Lewis, Pontardawe, then presented Mrs. Thomas with a silver tea and coffee service, after which Mrs. Thomas re- sponded briefly. After a further testimony to the prin- cipal's efficiency as a teacher in mining matters by Mr. Holden, M.E., Tylors- town, Mr. Thomas Lewis M.E., Pontar- dawe, presented Mr, Thomas with a beau- tifully illuminated address and a gold watch and chain. Mr. Lewis explained his presence there was due to two reasons. (1) He was Mr. Thomas' first student; (2) Mr. Thomas was a shareholder and one of his masters. He hoped that Mr. Thomas would yet become one of his directors (hear, hear). Mr. Thomas, responding, said the evening was a memorable one in his career. He had often heard 'it remarked that there were times in a man's life when he was quite unable to explain the gratitude he felt. The beautiful presents he would always treasure as the good- X Cambrian Mining School students. He wished to thank the organ- ising committee of the presentation in particular, and he hoped to be able in the future to do all possible to make them efficient students and capable of filling a position when called to fill one (applause). Further tributes were paid by Messrs. S. Davies. M.E., Tylorstown, John Thomas, M.E., Robert Jones (chairman of committee), and B. Phillips. The following artistes contributed to the evening's entertainment: —Madame S. G. Thomas, Ynyshir; Mr. A. Glyndwr Thomas, Mr. J. H. Davies, M.E.C., Madame E. A. Thomas, Mr. D. Jones, R.A.M., Cilfynydd, Mr. Tom Thomas, L.R.A.M., Mr. Gwilym Morgan, Cymmer, and Mr. John Thomas, Ynyshir. The proceedings terminated with the National Anthem.

Joint Water Board, Bill Deposited. The Bill to establish a Joint Board representative of the Rhondda and Ponty- nridd Urban District Councils, with power to acquire the undertaking of the Pontypridd Waterworks Company, and to construct works and to supply water, has been deposited in the Private Bill office of the House of Commons. The Bill will come before the examiners on Thursday, the 20th inst.