Rhondda Leader Maesteg Garw and Ogmore Telegraph

A 33 Years' Pastorate. The Children's Friend. The death took place on Monday even- ing of the Rev. Thomas Davies, pastor of Bethlehem (C.M.) Chapel, Treorchy. Deceased had not been in good health for some time past, but this did not confine him to the house, for as recently as a fortnight ago he was present at the C.M. Quarterly Association meetings at Pentre. Born at Wernddu, Penllwyn, near Aber- ystwyth, on J'uly 24th, 1842, he was edu- cated at Newcastle Emlyn Grammar School, and early showed promise of a Aiiseful career. From there he went to the Oswestry Academy and commenced preaching. In August, 1866, he entered Bala Theological College for a course in theology under the late Dr. Lewis Edwards, and after a time took charge of the English churches at Bowling Bank and Bangoriscoed. He returned to his native district in 1869 and became pastor of the churches at Duffryn (Goginan) and Owmerfin. He was ordained to the full work of the ministry at an association held at Aberystwyth in 1871, and in the following .year he accepted a call to the pastorate of the church at Penllwyn, near Aberystwyth. His residence in the Rhondda dates feack to 1877, when he became pastor of the Welsh church at Bethlehem, Treorchy --a pastorate which he held up to the time of his death for a period of 33 years. Mr. Davies was held in great affection by his flock, and was repeatedly made the recipient of handsome testi- monials at their hands, one of the presen- tations consisting of a life-size painting of himself in oils. In 1897 he had the distinction of giving the address on Church Polity at the Association meeting at Hirwain. In 1871 Mr. Davies married Miss Jane Jones, of the Albion, Llanon, and leaves two sons and two daughters. The youngest son is at the Theological Col- lege, Aberystwyth, preparing for the ministry. The funeral is announced for Monday next at Treorchy Cemetery. An Appreciation. [By E.V.D.] The late Rev. Thomas Davies was one of the most saintly men it was ever my privilege to know. I last saw him at the C.M. Association meetings at Pentre, and little, did I then think, as I looked upon him seated under the pulpit, that that was the last I was to see of one whom I reverenced as an Ambassador of the Most High. Of a verity a Prince has fallen in Israel. Of a commanding stature, he illas one who would arrest attention in any assembly. He was a born pulpiteer. 'Others, perhaps, of his denomination could lay claim to greater oratorical powers and sway assemblies like the wind in a field of corn; but to few men was it given in a greater measure than he to deliver the Message with burning eloquence and impassioned sincerity. He was one of the old school of preachers. Hell and damnation to the wicked, the power of the Cross to save, eternal righteousness and glory to those ran- somed of their sins-these were the themes he handled with rare effect. These are the days of "honeyed" sermons, when the thunder and lightning of Sinai is tabooed as bad form," and audiences are treated like so many children to a mibture of theological treacle and sugar. iWe are told by those who claim to have a. special divinity in these things, that the "enlightened" audiences _of to-day would not tolerate the "frightful" ser- mons of days gone by; but these good people overlook the fact that Jesus Christ directed His fiercest tirades against the Pharisees, who were perhaps the most enlightened bigots of their generation. It was the Sinai brand of preaching that roused the Principality from her torpor in days gone by, and a little of the same element would prove invigorating in these days of folded-arms complacency. To the subject of our sketch, the, Gospel pre- sented these two sides. Christ crucified Was the Rock upon which submerged humanity could hope to raise itself from the sea of sin and despair, but it was also the Stone which crushed unmerci- fully upon those who stood in the way of human redemption. i He was a lovable personality. Children, in particular, viewed him with reverence and love, and a pat from his hand would send thrills of delight through the bosom of any, boy or girl privileged with such intimacy. This, perhaps, was only Natural, as he took an unusual interest in the young. For many years h > con- ducted the children's catechism at the whit-Monday cymanfaoedd, and this often proved the most successful meeting °f the day. Religious circles in the Upper Rhondda will have a distinct loss; Bethlehem has lost an inspired leader, and the children will miss a big brother.

Tonyrefail. Primrose Day was celebrated at the Constitutional Club. Tonyrefail, with a smoking concert and an address by Mr. if. Hewlett, Waunrhydd Road. The speaker dealt at some length with the life work of Lord Beaconsfield and the principles of the Primrose League. The following contributed to the musical por- tion :—Messrs. Dd. Thomas:, Pratt, W. barter, Gilfach Goch, and Davies (comic), "homastown. Mr. James Turner accom- panied on the piano. A very enjoyable under the presidency of Mr. concluded with the Paging of Hen Wlad fy Nhadau." oj Mr. J. H. RioharSs held the first prac- ^ce with a choir of about 50 voices I?Uxed) at Ainon on Tuesday in prepara- tion for Llanharran Eisteddfod. The test }}lece is ".Gently comes the breath of ^ening (Isalaw).

r#,Er ce e ft y —THOUSANDS Of m to we TAsn ITOOTHVACHE IT AND ■ iOAWMfiC HEII LGI A "10 j/ZMcs tt'OWDERSJgKl^g? ^OMPXLY AEREST QtcNSEY AND COLDS.

Suicide of Treherbert Tradesman. Shoots Himself on Chepstow Platform. News comes from Chepstow of the death by suicide of Henry Williams, a former hay and corn merchant of Treher- bert. It appears that on Monday a man was noticed wandering for hours about Ohepstow Railway Station platform. About 9.30 p.m., he was seen to proceed to a corner of the platform, and shortly afterwards a nistol shot was heard. On running to the spot, the railway porters found a man lying shot through the heart, with a revolver at his side. A search of the man's clothes resulted in the discovery of several papers, one of which contained a statement that he was Henry Williams, 214, Oathays Terrace, Cardiff. There were other papers on the body, including a reference from the Bute Estate Office, Aberdare, together with cuttings from various newspapers relat- ing to the Cefn Cemetery outrage. An- other paper is said to contain a state- ment that the body found in the Blue Pool at Pontsarn, which, by the way, was not identified at the inquest, was not that of Henry Williams; and it will be remembered that Williams desired it to be known that the rumour of the dis- covery of his body at Pontsarn was un- founded. A son of Henry Williams is employed by Mr. Tom Jones, butcher, Cwmparc, and deceased has other bro- thers at Treherbert. He was at Treorchy as recently as a fortnight ago. The body was identified on Tuesday by William Williams, deceased's son, who said he last saw his father at Weston during the Easter holidays. Amongst other papers found on the body was one stating that he wished to make it known he was not the perpetrator of the Oefn Cemetery outrage, with which his name had been connected. He was 63 years of age.

Mardy. An interesting presentation ceremony took place at the Workmen's Institute on Saturday, when Mr. Edward Miles, M.Ei., late of Mardy, and now manager of the Great Mountain Collieries, Llanelly, was the recipient of a fine barograph and a gold watch, presented by his co-officials and the workmen at Mardy Collieries. Mr. Richards, M.E., general manager of the Mardy Collieries, occupied the chair, and in the course of a happy speech referred to the number Of years Mr. Miles had lived and worked in Mardy, and said that he was one of the most conscientious men he had ever known, and was the best kind of colliery official it was possible to have. Short speeches in Welsh were delivered by Messrs. Wm. Davies and John Davies, both of whom had worked for many years under Mr. Miles. Mr. Lavis, the mechanic at the Mardy Collieries, also spoke, and in a witty speech wished Mr. Miles every suc- cess. Mr. Owens, the mechanic at No. 3 Pit, and Mr. John Thomas also spoke. Mr. Richards then asked Dr. Morris to present the watch on behalf of the work- men, and in his speech Dr. Morris said it was always a pleasure to bear testi- mony to the character of a gentleman who had performed his duties so conscien- tiously and thoroughly as they had been told that evening that Mr. Miles had done. Dr. Morris also referred to the remarks that had been made as to Mr. Miles' healthy appearance, and said that that was accounted for by the fact that Mr. Miles had adopted Carmarthenshire as his home--a remark which, was re- ceived with much laughter. Mr. Richards then presented the barograph on behalf of the company, officials, and workmen. He said that the instrument was the most useful present that could possibly be given to a colliery manager. He referred to the long connection that had existed between Mr. Miles and him- self, and wished to publicly acknowledge the many kindnesses he had received at the hands of recipient's uncle, the late Mr. W. Thomas, Brynawel, Aberdare. He wished Mr. Miles and his family all health and prosperity. Referring to the barograph, he hoped that the needle would always keep at the top of the paper, and that all troubles, both indus- trial and geological, would keep far away. Mr. Miles returned thanks in a Welsh speech, and wished to publicly thank Mr. Richards for the excellent testimonial he had given him, as he (Mr. Miles) was convinced that it was on Mr. Richards' recommendation that he had obtained his present position. He had always tried to do his duty, with what success those present were best able to judge. The speeches were interspersed with solos ably rendered by Messrsl. E,mrys Davies, T. D. Lewis, D. Rees and W. John, while Mr. Gwilym Lewis (Schools) presided at the piano. The meeting terminated with the singing of "Hen Wlad fy Nhadau." With the kind permission of Mr. David Rees, veterinary surgeon, of Tylorstown, a parade of nearly 180 members of the Rhondda Fach Corps of the St. John Ambulance Brigade was held last Satur- day on the Darran Lake Ground, Fern- dale. Owing to the boisterous weather, it was feared that the parade would have to be postponed, but fortunately this was found to be unnecessary. The men assembled near the Ferndale Railway Station, the various divisions arriving by train and car; and formed up under the command of Chief Supt. Davison, Ponty- pridd. There was almost a full comple- ment of officers, amongst whom were Chief Surgeon Glanville Morris and Sur- geon Lionel Lewis. After reaching the parade ground, several field evolutions were efficiently performed, District Supt. T. E. Richards, of Mardy, being in com- mand. At the end of about forty minutes' drill, the men were marched back to the Assembly Rooms (the headquarters of the Ferndale Division), where a meeting was held to support the formation of a Volun- tary Aid Detachment of the Red Cross Society. District Supt. Richards and Chief Supt. Davison spoke at length on the duties of the men with regard to the formation of these detachments, and the matter was referred to each division for further consideration. It was announced at this meeting that Dr. Glanville Morris had given a challenge shield to be com- peted for by the members of the divisions comprising the Rhondda Fach Corps; and three prizes of 0, P,2 and £ 1 were provided out of the Corps funds for the three successful teams at a competition to he held shortly in Porth. The judges for this competition will be Assistant Commissioner J. W. White, District No. 7, Shrewsbury, and Captain Richardson White, L.R.C.P., of Merthyr Vale. An interesting item in regard to this com- petition will be that not more than one member of each squad shall have been a member of a team that had won the Sir Charles Warren Shield. This is being "done in order to promote keener interest among, the younger divisions and mem- bers. The Corps: officers also decided to hold a united parade each month at the homes of the various divisions, so as to keep at the highest pitch the enthusiasm for the noble practice of rendering first- aid to suffering humanity.. A very interest- ing competition will take place next Saturday, the 23rd inst., at Hereford, when a stiff fight will be made for the premier position in No. 7 District, which includes the whole of Wales and the Border Comities. Colonel Cureton, the Deputy Commissioner, will conduct the competition, and the successful team will hold for the ensuing year the beautiful cup presented by Dr. Griffiths, of Bristol, to the district in memory of his brother, Dr. Griffiths, of Bridgend, the first Dis- trict Chief Superintendent, who lost his life in combating a most severe epidemic of typhoid fever at Bridgend in 1905. It may interest readers to know that the successful team will be entitled to com- pete with one team from each of the other six districts for the coveted honour of, holding the national trophy, the Sir John Dewar Challenge Shield, or the second prize of the Eccles Cup, in May next, probably in the Portman Rooms, Baker Street, London, where both Brigade and Railway Ambulance competitions are held each year. The many friends of Dr. S. G. Morris, of Mardy, will be glad to learn that the worthy doctor has been selected to act as one. of the judges at this competition. We hope that one of the Rhondda teams will be successful in winning the Welsh trophy, viz., the Griffiths Cup, which has been held for the last twelve months by the Mardy. boys. Another fact that has lately leaked out I and which will interest many is that the Chapter-General of the Order of St. John has obtained the sanction of the King to admit Mr. T. E. Richards, M.E., Mardy, as Honorary Serving Brother into the Noble Order of St. John of Jerusalem in England,

KIOHLdS'SrS CANNOT BE EQUALLED FOE Natural and Artificial mw W R EATH S 212 Oxford St., opposite Natoinal Schools I 4SS5 I and Central Stall Market SWAWSEAi. 41835

Treherbert. 12 Bladed Safety Razors. The Ever Ready at 5/ the Gillette at :211-. Local Agent- R. T. Jones, The Tram Terminus, Treherbert. 4893 On Tuesday last, the Young People's Literary Society of Efeenezer (W.C.) Chapel terminated the past session in a social evening. An excellent spread, catered by Messrs. Stevens, Cardiff, was partaken of, and the remainder of the evening was spent in games and pastimes. The ladies presiding at the tables were Misses Jones. Anfield, Edmunds, J. Richards, M. Dtetvies, and S. J. Davies, assisted by Messrs. J, C. Jones, Morgan Williams, Hopkin Mainwaring, Arthur Jones, Ben Jones, and D. vas. I Major John Russell continued his special meetings in connection with the Salvation Army at Treherbert last week. Highly successful miscellaneous con- certs were held on Thursday and Satur- day evenings last at the Fernhill Work- men's Institute, under the auspices of the St. Alban's Church. Mr. J. Ritson, M.E., presided. Three performances of the romantic, operetta, "Ivanhoe" (adapted from Sir Walter Scott's novel by May Byron), will be given at the Treherbert Opera House on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights this week by the Tonypandy and Trealaw Amateur Operatic Society. The- recent successes of the Society in performing this operetta ought to be sufficient to guarantee crowded houses at, the Opera House this week.

Gelli. On Tuesday, the 12th inst., the mortal remains of Mrs. Nellie Minton, aged 36 years, wife of Mr. Herbert Minton, Lloyd Street, Gelli, whose demise we announced in our last week's issue, were conveyed to their last resting place at Treorchy Cemetery. She was a devoted and ardent worker of the St. David's Associates and Girls' Friendly Society. For some years she was engaged as assistant teacher at Gelli Schools, and lately at Ynyswen and Bodringallt. The coffin, which was borne by Messrs. A. Collier, Wm. Price, D. Davies, and Wm. Collins, was surmounted by beautiful floral tributes from the fol- lowing —Mr. Herbert Minton (husband); the family; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Minton (brother-in-law and sister-in-law); Mr. and Mrs. Smallman (brother-in-law and sister-in-law), and the children of the above; Mr. and Mrs. Buckingham (uncle and aunt) and family; Mr. and Mrs. W. Minton, Porth (cousins): Mr. John and Miss Annie Andrews, Gelli: Mr. and Mrs. Jones (uncle and aunt) and Miss Nellie Jones (cousin), Cwmparc; St. David's Friendlv Society; children of Bodringallt School; staff of Bodringallt School; staff of Ynyswen School; and staff of Gelli Schools; Ton-Pentre Foot- ball Committee (of which Mr. H. Minton is a member), and the Ton-Pentre Foot- ball Club. A very pathetic feature at the funeral was the attendance of deceased's class at Bodringallt, in charge of Miss Davies and Miss Griffiths. The staffs of Gelli, Ynyswen and Bodringallt Schools, members of the Ton Football Committee and players, and the St. David's Church Choir expressed their sympathy by attending the final rites. The following were the chief mourners: — Mr. Herbert Minton (husband); Mrs. E. Jones, Park View, Gelli (mother); Miss Edith Chillington (sister): Mr. Walter E. Chillington (brotherY • Mr. and Mrs. Bennett (brother-in-law and sister); Charles Bennett (nephew); Mr. and Mrs. John Jones (uncle and aunt); Misses Elsie and Cissy Jones (cousins): Mr. Edward Jones (uncle); Mrs. E. Edwards, Cwmparo (cousin). The Rev. J. Hopkins, St. David's. Ton, officiated at the house and graveside. The subscriptions received up to the present towards the testimonial fund for the Rev. D. J. Davies, late pastor of Hope Baptist Church, Gelli, amount to P,100 0s. lOd. Further subscriptions will be thankfully received by the church at Hope. The secretary is Mr. Glyn Moses, 159, Gelli Road, Ton-Pentre.

Llwynypia. Mr. W. C. Evans, Dyffryn, Abertillery, eldest son of Mr. Tom Evans, M.E., late of Iscoed, Llwynypia, has been success- ful in obtaining the first prize for the best plans and report of the Surveying Summer School held at Penarth last August. This prize was awarded by the Glamorgan County Council. We deeply regret to record the death of Mr. David Davies, 56, Tynt-yla Road, which took place on Friday, the 8th inst. Deceased was only 33 years of age, and suffered a brief illness of less than a week's duration. He leaves a widow to mourn his loss, with whom much sym- pathy is felt in the locality. The inter- ment took place at Trealaw on Wednes- day of last week. The Rev. Thos. Lloyd, Bethel (C.M.), Ystrad-Rhondda, officiated at the house and graveside. The chief mourners were —Mrs. Davies (widow); Mr. Benjamin Davies, Lampeter (father- in-law); Mr. and Mrs. John Davies, Pontardulais (brother and sister-in-law); Mr. Benjamin Davies. Lampeter (bro- ther); Mr. William Davies; B.A., Theo- logical College, Aberystwyth (brother-in- law) Messrs. David and Benjamin Davies, Tyntyla Road (brothers-in-law); Miss Maggie Davies (sister-in-law); Mr. and Mrs. John Williams, Ton-Pentre (cousins); Mr. and Mrs. John Davies Tyntyla Road (uncle and aunt); Mr. and Mrs. William James, Trealaw (uncle and aunti); Mr. and Mrs. Ben Davies, Salem Terrace (cousins); Misses James, Trealaw (cousins); Messrs. Watkin and T. James, Trealaw (cousins); Miss Katie Davies, Tyntyla Road (cousin). Mr. and Mrs. John Davies, Tyntyla Road (cousins); and Mr. Owen Jones, grocer, Tyntyla Road. Floral tributes were sent by the deceased's fellow-workmen; by the young people of Bethel (C.M.), Ystrad-Rhondda; and by Miss Oeridwen Thomas, grocer, Ystrad. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. Howell Williams and Sons, undertakers, Ystrad-Rhondda. The funeral of the late Mrs. Mary Jones (60), 73, Tyntyla Road, Llwynypia, the relict of the late Mr. Howell Jones, Cwmbran, took place on Thursday of last week, the cortege leaving the house of the deceased's daughter, Mrs. David A. Thomas, in time to catch the 10.10 a.m. train from Penygraig. The Rev. J. E. Dennis-, of Bethel (E.B.), Tony- pandy, officiated at the house, and the Rev. Robinson, of Two Locks (E.B.), Cwmbran, at the graveside. The mourners were:—Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Thomas (son-in-law and daughter); Mr. and Mrs. David T. Jones (son and daughter-in-law); Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Jones (son and daughter-in-law); Mr. Howell Jones (son); Miss Ethel Thomas (granddaughter); Mr. and Mrs. David Jones, Tylorstown (brother-in-law and sister); Mr. David Deere, Clydach Vale (brother-in-law); Mr. Daniel Deere, Clydach Vale (nephew); Mr. and Mrs. Teddy Goodwin, Clydach Vale (nephew and niece): Mrs. Margaret A. Thomas, Porth (niece); Miss; E. A. Thomas, Tylors- town (niece); Mr. Howell Thomas, Tylors- town (nephew); Mr. John Thomas, Tylors- town (nephew); Mr. George Roberts, (son-in-law); Misses Jones, Tylorstown (nieces). Owing to illness, Mrs. George Roberts;, Llwynypia (daughter), was un- able to accompany the funeral. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. Johida Brown at Cwmbran, and by Messrs. Griffiths and Sons at Llwyny- pia. Flowers and wreaths were sent by daughters, sons, and other relatives.

I will send you on receipt of P.O. 7/6 one of my cele- brated Hartz mountain rollers singing; selected birds 10/6 and 12/6 each. Norwich Canaries, prize winners. Is, and special at Plymouth, October 19tb, 1909 1st Bristol October 27th, 1909; two 2nd's Frome, November 11th 1909 under specialist judges in the keenest all-England Competition. Matched birds and single birds of this strain now on sale at reasonable prices. The largest stock of Parrots, Cockatoos, Parakeets, Love Birds, Foreign and British Birds in South Wales. Animals, birds, fishes, &c., stuffed and mounted in artistic style. For over 20 years we have pleased others, and can please you.-J. H. Ormond, Naturalist and Taxidermist, 25, Wyndham Arcade. Cardiff. 5033

Porth. The funeral of the late Mrs. Davies, the wife of Mr. John Davies, provision merchant, Pontypridd Road, Porth (whose death we reported in our last issue), took place on Thursday last, amidst every manifestation of sorrow and regret. The cortege, which was a very lengthy one, left the house at 2.30 for Llantwit Vardre, where the interment took place. The mourners were as follow —First coach- Mr. John Davies (husband), Misses Edith and Gwladys, Davies (daughters), and Nurse Stevens, Cardiff; second coach- Mr. and Mrs. W. Williams, Messrs. John and Ethel Williams, and Misses B. and F. Williams, Pontypridd; third coach- Mr. John Williams (step-father), Mr. Gwilym WiUiams (brother), and Mr. Dd. Davies (brother-in-law); fourth coach— Mr. and Mrs. J. Barry, Mrs. S. A. Thomas (cousin); and Mrs. Rees, Owmparc fifth coach—Mrs. Griffiths, West Plas Hall, Bridgend, Mrs. David and son, Merthyr; Mr. and Mrs. Jones, Cymmer; sixth coach—Mr. D. Thomas. Coychurch, Mr. J. Thomas, Merthyr, Mr. David Thomas, Penygraig, and Mr. J. J. Thomas, Cymmer; seventh coach—Mr. R. Davies, Abercynon, Mr. James 0. Davies, Ebbw Vale, Dr. R. D. Chalke, M.A., and Mr. E. Samuel, M.A., Porth; eighth coach-Mr. Wm. Phillips, Mr. W. Harris, Mr. W. Roberts, and Miss S. Jones. The Rev. J. T. Davies conducted the service at the house, supported by the Revs. D. Rhagfyr Jones (Treorchy), T. Williams (Treorchy), H. M. Hughes (Merthyr), J. Williams (Trehafod), R. E. Salmon (Porth), and W. Rees (Porth). The burial rites were performed by the Vicar of Llantwit. Beautiful floral tributes were received from the husband; the daughters; sister and family; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas, Mer- thyr Mr. and Mrs. Davies, Nanty- garedif*: Mr. R. Edwards and family, Llanelly; Miss Minnie and Percy Jones, Danygalg, Porth; Mrs. R. D. Chalke; Miss Davies; Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd, Porth; Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins, Ponty- pridd: Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Thomas. newsagent, Porth; Vicar Jackson and Mrs. Jackson, St. Mellon's; Mr. J. Thomas, grocer; Mrs. J. Morgan, Foun- dry Row; Mrs. J. Roberts and Mrs. Lewis (Lewis Bros.): Mr. and Mrs. T. Davies, Forth; Miss Griffiths, Bridgend; Mrs T. Williams, Greyhound Hotel, Pontypridd.

Have you seen the Wiltshire 16 108- Bicycle For 1810 8emson ? It is a perfect model, with short head, sloping frame, north road bar, coaster hub, guaranteed tyrell, plated rims. best finish in black enamel and red lines. All tools, &c,, complete. There is nothing on the market to beat it. Reliable I Smallt Speedy I Sam Wiltshire, ^Treorch^ FERNDALE CHORAL UNION. Conductor-Prof. D. Evan*, Mus. Bae. Cardiff A Unique Musical Treat. Classical Vocal & Orchestral Concert On THURSDA Y, April 28th, at the Ferndale Workman's Hall. PROGRAMME. PART 1. PART II. 1.—OVERTURE ix F. David Evans I.-WELBIJ ODIC Deffro, niae'n Ddydd Em, ORCHESTRA, CHOIR and ORCHESTRA. 2.—CANTATA "ltejoice in the Lord" David Evan: 2,—HARP SOLO ARTISTES, CHOIR and ORCHESTRA. Mr. TOM BRYANT 3. "Softly Sighs" Weber | 3Comiort ye" and Every Valley BatuU (With Orchestral Accompaniaient) (With Orchestral Accompaniment) Miss FLORRIE JONES. | Mr. ANTHONY JONES. OVKRT0RB M Fingal's Cave Mendelssohn 4.— OVERTURE "Egmont,; Beeltoven. ORCHKSTRA. ORUHESTRA. Mr. J. G. MORTIMER'S (Cardiff) FULL ORCHESTRA of 35 PERFORMERS. The Finest Combination of Players ever heard in the Rhondda Valleys. Admission-Reserved Seats, 3/-&2/- Unreserved, 1/6 & 11. To commence 7.30 p.m. sharp. )

Extension Bill in Parliament. The. consideration of the Rhondda Urban District Council Tramways Exten- sion, &c., Bill was before the Select Com- mittee of the House of Commons, pre-' sided over by Sir Francis Leyland- Barratt, Bart., on Tuesday. Mr. Freeman, K.C., for the promoters, explained that the Bill was to authorise the Rhondda Urban District Council to construct additional tramways, make street improvements, confer upon the Council better local governing powers, and for other purposes. The Bill con- sisted of ten parts, and as the part deal- ing with tramways was the part which was most opposed, he would ask the Com- mittee to take that into consideration first. The proposed extensions of tram- ways were from Ferndale to Mardy, from Treherbert to Tynewydd, and from Peny- graig to Williamstown. The growth of the population of the Rhondda had been phenomenal during; the last few years. In 1861 it was only a village consisting of 3,000 inhabitants, but in the next ten years it rose to 23,950, and at the pre- sent time the population was estimated at 138,700. The estimated cost of the proposed new tramways was £ 35,000. The only real opposition was from the Taff Vale Railway Company. The Evidence. Mr. W. P. Nicholas, clerk to the Rhondda Urban District Council, gave evidence in support of the Bill. He said that from the moment the tramways were. opened they became exceedingly popular, and they were a great boon indeed. They were largely used by the miners for the purpose of getting to and from their work. The tramways were worked by a company, which held them on a lease from the Council, and the Council would have power to take them over on terms on the expiration of a certain period. Cross-examined by Mr. Honoratus Llovd, K.C., who appeared for the Taff Yale Railway Cbmpanv, witness said it was not the Company which now sought the extensions, but they were proposed becouse strong pressure had been brought upon the Council. Mr. H. E. Maltby, a member of the Rhondda Urban District Council, cross- examined by Mr. Talbot, K.C. (for the Taff Vale Railway Company), said it was true that between Ferndale and Mardy there was not a single house. Mr. Townie, a director of the Rhondda Tramway Company, stated that the Tram- way Company took on a great risk when they took a lease of the present under- taking. Mr. Mathias, chairman of the Parlia- mentary Committee of the Rhondda Urban District Council said he was firmlv convinced that the bargain which his Council had entered into with the Tram- ways Company was a good one, and the best they could have arrived at. This was the case for the promoters, and the Committee adjourned. The Great Western Railway Company have withdrawn their opposition to the Bill. Taff Vale Opposition. On Wednesday, Mr. H. Lloyd, K.C., presented the case for the opposition. The only witness called was Mr. Owen Beasley, the general manager of the Taff Vale Railway, who stated that his com- pany had adequately provided for the traffic in the Rhondda, the train service being very frequent, and stations being erected about every three-quarters of a mile..There was an especially good ser- vice between Ferndale and Mardy, but the passenger traffic was carried on at a loss, and if any further loss was occa- sioned by the construction of the tram- ways between these points, he would advise the directors of the railway com- pany to withdraw a number of passenger trains. With reference to the proposed tramways in general, he thought that if they were constructed they should be put under the same restrictions as were im- posed in 1902. The Bill Approved. After a brief consultation, the Chair- man said the Committee had come unani- mously to the decision to give powers to make these tramways and to assent to the terms of the agreement which had been come to between the Urban District Council and the Company as to the terms on which the tramways were to be made. Public Slaughterhouses* The Committee then proceeded x-o dealf with other proposals in the Bill, one 011 which was to obtain powers to construct* one or more public slaughterhouses, andf to prohibit the slaughtering of animals' except in the slaughtefflouses to be pro- vided by the Council. It was agreed to amend certain of that clauses in dispute so as. among other* things, to make provision for the erec- tion of adequate slaughterhouses in con- venient positions," and to include within the operations of the proposal farmers as- well as butchers. On the question of charges being considered, the Chairman (Sir Francis Layland-Barratt) said the Committee could not entertain the idea. of the Council allowing public abattoirs to be farmed out to somebody else. The clause was adjusted accordingly. Prevention of Floods. A further proposal in the Bill with reference to the prevention of floods was briefly introduced, and the Committee adjourned till Thursday morning.

Tonypandy. At a recent examination of the London College of Music, Master Gwyn M. Jones, Brynteg, Tonypandy, was successful in obtaining a First Class Certificate in the Elementary Examination. He is a pupit of Mr. Josiah J. Williams A.L.C.M., Wyndham Terrace. Penygraig.

Penygraig. A branch of the National League of Young Liberals was formed at Penygraig on Wednesday evening. An excellent address was delivered by Mr. W. Beddoe Rees, Cardiff, on the" Aims and Objects of the League." Useful hints were given also by the chairman, Mr. Tom John, M.A., Llwynypia. A strong committee was formed to make the necessary arrange- ments for floating the local branch. Miss Sephorah Evans, daughter of Mr. Henry Evans, 34, Hendrecafn Road, Penygraig, has been successful in passing the Oxford and Cambridge Local Exami- nation. Another club has been formed at 46. Hendrecafn Road, Penygraig. It has been named the Penygraig Liberal Insti- tute/' Penygraig may well be called the district of clubs.

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