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Bronchitis and Blood Spitting.
Bronchitis and Blood Spitting. The result of Influenza cured by VENO'S LIGHTNING COUGH CURE. Mr. James Lydon, 5t, King Street, Port Glasgow N.B., writes.—" I was lately the victim of a severe attack of influenza, which left me with a terrible bronchitis and blood spitting. I was in a bad way, medicine did me no good, and my general weakness, shortness of breath, and coughing got worse. At last I tried Veno's Lightning, Cough Cure, and although I only used one bottle, the result was marvellous, I felt immediate relief, the coughing and blood spitting stopped and now I am quite strong and in fact a new man. No other medicine could have done what your Cough Cure did for me." Veno's Lightning Cough Cure is the purest and most- efficient remedy pro- curable for coughs, colds, bronchitis, asthma, whooping cough, and all chest and lung troubles. Price 9Jd., lIlt and 2/9 at all chemists.
Local News Tabloids, --+-
Local News Tabloids, --+- BREAKING AND ENTERING AT TONYPANDY. John Pugh (21), collier. iiid Joliiisoi-i Williams (22), painter, pleaded guilty at the Glamorgan Assizes on Tuesday to breaking into the shop of Hy. Cardasli at Tonypandy in August, and stealing watches, jewellery, etc. Both prisoners were sentenced! to four months' hard labour. LIVING OF YNYSHIR. I The Rev. James Evans Davies, curate of Whitchurch, Cardiff, has been offered and accepted the vicarage of St. Ann, Ynyshir, recently rendered vacant through the death of the Rev. Samuel Jones. MR. TOM JOHN'S NEW ROLE. Mr. Tom John, M.A., who last week retired from the headship of the Llwynypia Schools, after a service ex- tending over 40 years, has accepted the post of organiser of the collecting and lecturing campaign in connection with the Welsh National Memorial. CHURCH DEFENCE. A Church Defence meeting was held at the Church Hall, Tonypandy, on Mon- day evening, Mr. F. B. Thomas'presiding. The meeting was very largely attended, and a very enthusiastic hearing was accorded the Rev. Griffith Thomas, organising secretary of the movement in South Wales. The speaker was supported by the Vicar (Rev. D. T. R. James) and curates of the parish. PORTH Y.M.C.A. "POP" CONCERTS. The Saturday Popular Concerts in con- nection with the local Y.M.C.A. were continued on Saturday last, when a lan- tern lecture, entitledv Beautiful Manx- land," was given. The lecture was illus- trated with over 100 splendid slides. There was a very fair attendance. The lecturer was Mr. T. Arthur Lewis, and Mr. Willie T. Davies (general secretary) manipulated the lantern. The slides were shown to over 200 school children on the Friday evening, and were much appre- ciated. PORTH P.S.A. BROTHERHOOD. The first P.S.A. Brotherhood meeting in connection with the Porth Y.M.C.A. was held on Sunday afternoon last. There was a very good attendance, which shows that there is need of such a, meeting in Porth. It is the distinct aim of the pro- moters of the Brotherhood to get hold of men who do not attend any Sunday School, and it is hoped that their efforts will succeed. The chair was taken by Mr. E. Samuel, M.A., and the speaker was Mr. Ellis Owen, Pontypridd. Miss Emma Gough rendered the solo, Heavenly Blossoms," the singing being accompanied by an efficient orchestra under the leadership of Mr. A. Parker, A.C.V., nearly all the members of which are Y.M.C.A. members. TEACHERS' MEETING. A special meeting of Rhondda teachers was held at the Llwyncelyn School, Porth, OIl Saturday morning, 8th inst., to hear an address by Mr. Speight, H.M.I.S.. Southport. There was a large attendance, who accorded the lecturer a very cordial hearing. The methods advo- cated by Mr. Speight were the subject of an animated discussion, • foremost among the critics being Mr. H. Ho wells. Treorchy. LANGUAGE SUCCESSES. The following results of the Evening Classes, in Modern Languages conducted by Dr. Goltz at Porth, session 1909-10, are reported:-—0. L. Humphreys, Double Honours German (London Chamber of Commerce). Stage I., Royal Society of Arts: 0. L. Humphreys, G. W. Davies, J. A. Davies (German), Edith M. L. Davies, Annie Prothero (French). County Examinations (French): Edith Taylor (Stages II. and III.), Anpie Prothero (Stages II. and III.), E. M. L. Davies (Stages I. and II.), and Rees I. Morgan (Stages 1. and III.). SMART WORK AT BLAENRHONDDA. A smart piece of work is reported from Blaenrliondda, which, we believe, con- stitutes a record in the replacing of pit headgear. After the completion of the day shift at the North Dunraven Colliery on Saturday preparations were made to take down the old headgear. By Sunday night this was replaced by a new struc- ture a,nd ivork was resumed and coal raised as usual on the following Monday morning, without the slightest hitch or accident, or stoppage of any kind. The whole work was carried out under the supervision of Mr. Leonard Llewelyn (general manager of the Cambrian ^Trii,st), Mr. Hedley Clarke (agent), Mr. Hidon, M.E., Mr. Stephens, M.E., Mr. M. Wil- liams' (head mechanic), and Mr. W. Pratt (local colliery mechanic). Extensive developments are taking place under the new company. The old pit headgears at the Blaenrhondda and Fernhill Collieries are to be replaced by new ones so as to take double-decker cages, and everything is to be fitted up with the most modern appliances. MISSING MAN'S WANDERINGS. On Sunday last a man, afterwards found to be Samuel Jones, of Aberaman, was found by P.S. Watkins, of Tonyr- efail, wandering at Thomastown and un- able to give any account of himself. He was discovered about 4 p.m., and when questioned by the sergeant he was unable to explain what had brought him there. He was taken to the Police Station, Tonyrefail. and upon being searched an envelope was found bearing the name of Samuel Jones and an address at Aber- aman. The Aberdare police were at once communicated with, and it was after- wards found that the man, who was 67 years of age, had been missing from his home since Saturday morning, and had evidently walked from Aberaman to Thomastown. Upon his identity being proved, the Aberdare police communi- cated the news to the man's relatives, who took him home in a brake on Sunday night. PRESENTATION MEETING AT TREALAW. A meeting was held on Monday even- ing at the Miskin Hotel, Trealaw, to present Mr. David Evans, M.E., who for eleven years has been surface foreman of the Naval Collieries. The presentation was made by the surface workmen of the Nantgwyn Pit and friends. The presents included an ebony walking-stick with a ivory handle, gold-rimmed eyeglasses, a case of pipes, and a gold brooch for Mrs. Evans. The presents were handed to Mr. Evans by Messrs. Isaac Stephens, Robert 1)allimore: and Noah Morgan (chairman of the Penygraig Works Com- mittee). and Mr. Evan Jones presented to Mrs. D. Evans the gold brooch. Speeches were also made by Messrs. Hy. Beddoe, David Hoskins (junior) C. Merritt, Albert Watts, and John Jones. Mr. David Evans suitably responded on behalf of himself and his wife. A fine programme of songs and recitations was also gone through, under the chairman- ship of Mr. Amos Dudson, and a very 1 enjoyable evening was spent.
Advertising
EISTEDDFOD CYMREIGYDDION Y RHONDDA. Drill. Hall, Pentre, RHAGFYR 2il, 1910. Or Cymysg, Cor Plalit (a) Bechgyn, (b) Merched. Her Unawd (Champion Solo). tín- rhyw Grin Gvmreig. Pryddest, Cywydd, Englyn, Telyneg, Traethodau, Cyfieithiadau, &c., &c. Rhaglen ld., oddiwrtb Ysgrifenydd yr Eisteddfod, Edward Jones (Myfyr Elfed), Ton; neu Ysgrifenydd y Gymdeithas, O.J. Owens, Derwen Deg, Ton. 477 Owens, Derwen Deg, Ton. 477 DO N OT JIAST for days at a stretch, nor restrict your diet to "Natural" or "Patent" Foods. Just eat temperately ahd slowly the ordinary every day meals of home and restaurant, followed by due exercise. Don't worry, but when out of sorts take JgERNICK'S VEGETABLE pILLS You will find that they will do away with the lix-er "feeling, clear the Bile, strengthen the stomach, cleanse the complexion, and induce a condition of buoyant health. Sold only in ïd., 1;31- and 2 9 boxes, by all Chemists and Stores. s 418 —— — ASK YOUR STATIONE R FOR Bamfortti's Song Postcards Asher's Comic Postcards Birthday Postcards THE JAMES STATIONERY CO., PONTYPRIDD. 392 INVALID WINES OF ALL KINDS MAY BE HAD AT The Cash John Davies, Chemist, TONYPANDY. Tarragona Port 1/4 per quart bottle Liebig's Meat & Malt Wine, 1/9 & 3/- per" Wincarnis 1/ 2/3 & 3/6 Hall's Wine 1/9 & 3/- „ „ Keystone Burgundy 2)2"" 292 1 The Cheapest Firm For Cash in South Wales is ¡ The RHONDDA CENTRAL FURNISHING Co. 22, Dunraven St., TONYPANDY. A Splendid selection .of Dining and Drawing Suites at unheard of prices, EASY TERMS ARRANGED AT CASH PRICES A splendid selection of PIANOFORTES CARL, STRUSS, RUBENSTEINS and other eminent makers in stock. We hold the largest and most up-to-date stock in South Wales. ALL GOODS DELIVERED FREE, Death from Natural Causes is a, thing we often hear about, but how often do we stop to think what natural causes mean ? Yet there is hardly one of us does not wish to live as Ion? as possible and endeavour to avoid death, and through not stopping to think and acting according to our better judgment, we hear so many times repeatedly expressed sorrow. If I had only known in time, how differently I would have acted." There is the immortal wit of the Irishman who is credited with saying What is all the world to a man if h;s wife is a widow:" which aptly describes it is no good gaining wealth and position if you lose your health in procuring" it. We therefore have it so plain before us. that the care of our health or to use another adage, "Self preservation is the first law of nature," but to strive for this we have a number of difficulties to contend with. The air of the Welsh Hills is healthful and bracinsr. but the water of the Welsh Hills is disastrous to the teeth, thus creating a lot of difficulties which bestrew our path. You would not expect to live without eating, and you would not expect to be well without you ate properly. You would not thrive on grass or leaves or herbage like I the cattle of the field, you require succulent vegetables and prepared foods of various elements which nourish and strengthen the body, but having these foods is not all. unless they can be properly masticated and assimu- lated Now there are some great secrets in getting the teeth to do the work as it should be done. Mr M. SAINSBURY, 'of 93, Taff Street, Pontypridd, and 14'2, Tylacelyn Road, Tonypandy, has made this matter his life's study, and can undertake to rectify any of the ravages of decay in the mouth, which means giving you a new lease of life. It is something above the mercenary objects of the individual who wants to bang your teeth out and bang others in. It is the individual study of each applicant, the settling of that which is more suit- able accord ng to the mouth, and when the best has been done to restore the teeth to a high state of efficiency, you will find the fee asked is only the ordinary to compensate him for the time and attention given to each individual with defective teeth. Now come at once and see what can be done. and you will be convinced like thousands of others that Mr. SAINSBURY is a man who knows his business. INVENTIONS. HUGO Lester, Patent Expert, Inventors' JJL Supply Depot, 9, Park Place, Cardiff, does all business in patents for inventors in South Wales. Call or write. 474 HEATH & SONS Sole Agents for THE WORLD S GREATEST MAKERS. PIANOFORTES by BECHSTEIN. PIANOFORTES by BROADWOOD. PIANOFORTES by BLUTHNER. PIANOFORTES by SCHIEDMAYER. PIANOFORTES by WALDEMAR. PIANOFORTES, PIANOLA-PIANOS, &c 7VOLIAN SELF-PLAYING ORGANS Xl J By the ORCHESTRELLE 00. PIANOFORTES in STOCK by COLLAR D, BRINSMEAD, Erard, Steinway, Ibach, &c., &c. ORGANS by Mason and Hamlin 0 Bell, Dominion, &c., &c. Reduced Instalments. Special Discounts. Tfi 0UEEN STREET' CARDIFF; I U Booking Office for Harrison Concerts. 70, TAFF STREET, PONTYPRIDD; STANWELL-ROAD, PENARTH and STATION-ROAD, PORT TALBOT. Nat. Tel.: Card 2199, Pontypridd 21. 1500 NEW MARKET PRICE LIST. BEST BUTTER, 1/1 per lb. MARGARINE (Overweight), 10d. and 1/- per lb. GOOD CHEESE, 6id. per lb. CHOICEST CHEESE, 71d. per lb. BACON (Streaky), 10!d. and lljd- per lb. EGGS, 1/- per dozen. 2 lb. JARS STRAWBERRY JAM, 8d. RELIABLE POTATOES, 28 Ibs. for 1/3 31b PACKET CANDLES, 8d. BAR SOAP, 4^d., 6|d. and 7|d. NEW MARKET TEAS, 1/4, 1/6 and 1/8 per lb. NEW MARKET Co., Grocers, TONYPANDY. BRASS BUSINESS PLATES. All kinds of Window Lettering, Gilt Wood and Koh-I-Noor Letters, Designs and Prices on Application. Nat. Tel. 2279. J. & H. WILLIAMS, D*nr3A:S5,rre's CARDIFF. 8CGNS—RUBBER STAMPS. We Have Greatly Reduced in Price A NUMBER OF SECOND-HAND AND:SLIGHTLY STOCK-SOILED Pianos & To Clear Previous to Stocktaking, 1910. PIANOS from JSIO. ORGaMS „ £3. SPECIAL LIST ON APPLICATION. DALE, FORTY & Co., Ltd. PIANOS AND ORGAN MERCHANTS, High Street and Castle Arcade, CARDIFF.
The Omnibus.
The Omnibus. CThings M&mtid and Seen by the Conductor.'] -+--+- A live lamb was given as a. thank- Offering at the St. David's (Tonyrefail) harvest thanksgiving services last Sun- day. The donor was a Nonconformist. -+--+- These are troublous times for the clergy, Yicar Thomas, Porth, bewails the fact that his parishioners are glad when the service is over at his iron church." .!« it the draught or the ser- mon ? -+--+- The«e Worthmen are giving a great deal of trouble up our way," re- marked P.O. Williams, Blaenclydach, at Ystrad Police Court last Monday in a case of obstruction against a North Wales man. Now murder is out, look out for squalls. Lord Bute's Court Leet held at the Pandy Inn the other week is an interest- ing survival of bygone days. The ancient Court of the Lord of the Manor was in olden days held on a. mound midway between Tonypandy and Llwynypia, and Vr.as in perfect state of preservation until it was partially demolished by the con- structioH. of the Taff Vale Railway. -+--+- The following story is vouched for by a deacon, whose word is his bond. He Was" takine, his Bible Class through the story of Peter's denial of his Master, and was emphasising the point that the old disciple denied, the Lord three times before the crew. An errant rooster supplied a vivid touch to the lesson by carolling his matutinal solo immediately outside the school window. But the effect Was disaetixms. ( A pair of kippers recently discovered 1 On the roof of one of the aristocratic mansions of Daniels' Row, Trealaw, has given rise to much learned speculation among the natural history students living in the vicinity. One school of thought asserts that they are the direct decendants of the Salmo Salar that used to frequent the Rhoiidda River a generation or so before the Deluge, whilst another sect, of a more practical turn of mind, ignore the question of descent altogether, and attribute the present exalted state of the Rippers to their high condition. It looks like ft rise in fish, anyway. -+--+- In January, 1910, the Conservatives Seated that payment of members was a Socialist policy. Now, October, 1910, ¡l\f. F. E. Smith, the rising hope of the stern, unbending Tories, is advocating that policy. Tempores mutantur. Socialism," they say, means that you Day through the nose to be led by the ose." Pray, who is trying to lead Balfour by the nose? He has paid enough money in fines to build a small cottage for himself, and if he goes on in the same way he will soon have paid enough fines to build a, castle." Thus remarked the magistrate at Ystrad Police Court on Monday in Imposing a fine of 10s. on Wm. Price, Glydach Vale, for obstruction. -+--+- "After attending a Conference of Teachers in a rural district, a delegate returned home to his wife, who was a cookery teacher, and informed her that they had Kekewich there. She, ignorant or the fact that he was Secretary of the "oard of Education, asked, "What kind of dish was that, dear? -+- Children's replies form an endless SOUrce of amusement to teachers and others. A boy in a school not fifty miles from the office of this paper told his teacher that Sodom and Gomorrah were two volcanoes in Europe. Another, after oorrectly stating that the people of Eng- land were called English, said that the people of Sardinia were called Sardines. Why is it that barbers' shops have such a demoralising influence? Mr. Marshall Jackson, President of the N.U.T., takes a very strong view with regard to these shops. He is certain that he can trace inoral deterioration in boys who have been employed in them. The effect. of conversation about betting, prize fighting and racing is certainly bad. PAVEMENT: A private convenience not intended for the use of the public gene- rally. Used at all times of the day by folk whose garden wall is too high or inconvenient for a friendly chat. It is a place of resort where ladies take tongue exercises:, and where that queer produc- tion—half lad, half man, who seems to live on ice-cream and cigarettes—delights to obstruct the passers-by. c, A lidy wot knows hall abaht it," as a Cockney would say, writing to the "Times," says: "Good tea cannot be got under 3s. 6d. or 4s. a pound. When One thinks what people spend on wine, this is not excessive." We might also be Permitted to add: When one thinks "hat champagne and oysters cost, it is squall wonder that people take as a sub- stitute ginger beer and cockles." -+--+- A paity of children were being taken ^'ound a museum. They wanted to see ^ne butterflies;. One little ragged girl elltured to remark: "Them butterflies as beautiful as ribbins in the shops, •iheir guide asked them: £ Which are the S?°re beautiful, the ribbons or the butter. Hies? The butterflies," answered one the children "'cos God made them, ?.^d only people make ribbins." A story this makes one long for a good ^Useum in the Rhondda. Of course^ the children have ice-cream shops, living pie- ces, and But there. Verb sap. The scarcity of firewood amongst work- l^n of a neighbouring colliery, caused the management refusing to allow to carry any wood home, is most ?"Ptly illustrated by the following amusing illoident related by one workman to an- other. "I did a nice trick to my missus this ^prning Joe, and there'll be a racket Mien 1'go home." "Wsatwas that, Dick?" « ct Well the night before last I took **ome enough sticks to light the fires for W> mornings. When I got up this morn_ 1]191 I found that the old girl had used the sticks yesterday. Seeing the bag 2 clothes pegs hanging up, I said Nothing, but lit the fire with them, and 1 believe it is her washing day to-day. -+--+- It was blowing great guns, and the ^iniBaer was out seeing that all the ar«s were burning right, when a pUt hig head into the Station with 7j? MM#.ouneement, "Your man's fallen ,the' Bull-Post' lamp and broke his ]look for sure." This looked serious, so Chief raa off at once to investigate. JJ11 the road up who should he meet but *he trimmer himself, ladder on shoulder, .Ppareatiy none the worse for wear, ■r,. Hullo Mickey 1 ye're not kilt then? flow far did you fall and how did it' §appe* p b «Oi was blown off the top, said Mickey, but by the mercy Ghod, I fell on my head!! The above 5.appened at Mardy, where it is always lowing "great guns.'?-
Mass Meeting of Naval Workmen.
Mass Meeting of Naval Workmen. Consider Mr. Llewelyn's Offer. Men Demand Clear Tonnage Rate Mabon and Mr. F. L. Davis to be called in A mass meeting of the Naval Colliery workmen, Penygraig, was held at the Empire Theatre, 'lonypandy, on Thurs day to receive a report of the negotia- tions for a settlement of a price list for the Bute Seam at the Ely Pit, a dispute in regard to which has led to the labour trouble at Mid Rhondda. As already reported, 2,000 men em- ployed at the Pandy and Nantgwyn Col- lieries are already out on strike in sym- pathy with the Ely men, and unless an amicable arrangement is arrived at before the end of the present month these will be joined by 9,000 more from the Cam- brian Collieries, Clydach Vale, and the Glamorgan Collieries, Llwynypia. Hopes, however, are entertained that such a serious impasse will be averted, and that a settlement will be effected by Mr. F. L. Davis and Mr. W. Abraham (Mabon), M.P. the respective chairmen of the Conciliation Board, who are to be called in to assist the Workmen's Committee and the management on Saturday next in carrying the negotiations to a success ful issue. For Thursday's meeting the manage- ment of the Empire had very con siderately allowed the use of the commo- dious theatre free of charge, and a laughable cinematograph entertainment -ipli was provided whilst the workmen were waiting for the attendance of their leaders. Mr. D. Watts Morgan, miners' agent, who accompanied the Workmen's Com- mittee in the negotiations with the management, submitted the report, and stated that the negotiations were re- opened on the strength of the circular issued by Mr. Leonard Llewelyn in answer to a diagram and pamphlet issued by the workmen. Mr. Llewelyn, in his circular, sought to show that two men put to work* in a certain place in the disputed seam had actually cut 6 tons 11 cwts. of coal in one day (laughter). Of course, the very pertinent question would arise in the minds of the men, Why didn't they work for a fortnight or a month? (Laughter, and hear, hear). One day was hardly a fair basis to go upon. Then again, what was meant by a day? Was it from 6 to 6, or 6 to 9 in the evening? (Laughter). Mr. Llewelyn had also issued a statement to the effect that it was possible for a man in the Bute Seam to have Is. lid. for cutting thev coal, and Is. 5td. for dead work-an inclusive, price of 3s. 41d. per ton. If he was sincere in this offer, then there was no need for a strike. The men would return to work at once on these terms (applause). That rosy picture did not contain what at the first glance it appeared to, .and their experience was that when something very good was put before them there was a sting in it some- where. Dealing with the visit of the depu- tation to the Llwynypia Offices, Mr. Morgan said the best and final offer made was an inclusive tonnage rate of 2s. 2d. for cutting the eoal and performing all general work to be done in headings and stalls. Some of the workmen's depu- tation urged that even if they had 5s. a ton with such an arrangement they would be continually at variance with each other. Several workmen at the meeting spoke in favour of demanding a clear tonnage rate, the deadwork to be fixed separately. Eventually it was resolved that the deputation negotiate further on the basis already suggested. .On Saturday, the Workmen's Com- mittee. again met Mr. Leonard Llewelyn and other officials at the Llwynypia Offices, and the situation was again dis- cussed, with the result that the parties decided to call in the chairmen of the Conciliation Board to consider some points which the disputants had not been able to agree upon.
1 Tonyrefail.
Tonyrefail. On Wednesday and Thursday evenings of last week, harvest festival services were held at St. John's Welsh Church, Tonyrefail. The special preachers were the Rev. D. H. Simon, vicar of Peny- graig; and Tdr. Joseph Jones, Highbury College, London. The services were well attended, and the historic church was decorated in a most tasteful manner. Harvest thanksgiving services were also held at St. David's Church on Sun- day and Monday. The services were choral Eucharist and sermon at 11 a.m., and at 6 p.m. evensong, the preacher at both services being the Rev. W. Thomas, vicar of Porth. The services were continued on Monday evening with evensong and sermon at 7.30 p.m., the preacher being the Rev. W..Meredith Morris, vicar of Clydach Vale. -+- On Sunday afternoon, a special musical service was held, when the service in- cluded contributions from Miss Esther Cooper, Ynyshir, and Mr. Morgan John, Tonyrefail. Miss Bessie Jenkins, organist of the church, and Mr. Worgan, Gilfach Goch, rendered organ solos. The services throughout were attended by crowded* congregations, and the thankofferings in I kind were of a beneficent order, one Non- conformist friend giving a whole lamb as a thankoffering. The church was prettily decorated by willing lady workers. The collections throughout, which were good, considering several of the working men in the district are idle, will be devoted to the Church Pastoral Aid Society and the Parochial Clergy Stipend Fund.
Evils of Overcrowding.
Evils of Overcrowding. Rhondda Council Discuss the Housing Question. Municipal v. Private Enterprise. The question of the housing of the working classes in the Rhondda was the subject of a very able and temperate address by Councillor Tom Harries, Tylorstown, at last Friday's -meeting of the Rhondda District Council. The mat- ter was introduced by a notice of motion standing in Mr. Harris' name, which was as follows:—"To consider the ques- tion of the Housing of the Working Classes in the Rhondda district, and to move a,resolutioll thereon." In opening the discussion, Mr. Harris stated that no apology was necessary for introducing such an important question— the greatest of all questions that any Public Authority had to deal with—and being such, lie was sure of the sympa thetic consideration of all his colleagues. In points of view they often differed, but he had formed an opinion of all the members, regardless. of class distinction, that whenever it could be proved that any question had as its ultimate object the benefiting of the people generally, there was always a genuine desire dis- played of doing what was best (hear, hear). The housing problem, he continued, had been discussed a great deal lately. A short while ago, a conference was con vened of representatives from various parts of the urban area, and the dis- cussion at that conference disclosed a sad state of things. From inquiries insti- tuted by the delegates, it was ascertained that the scarcity of houses was prevalent throughout the whole district. This dearth of houses had its attendant evils, viz., overcrowding, lower morality, impaired health, high rents, and in a number of instances it was reported some un- scrupulous persons extorted what is known as key money." It therefore devolved upon them as a Council to institute in- quiries to verify or otherwise these state ments. If the health of the people suffered, it was a serious matter. The Council was doing what was humanly pos- sible in providing pure water, Isolation Hospitals, Health Visitors, &c., &c. All these were promoted for the improvement of the health of the people. But if the dwelling accommodation was not what it should be, then the effect of what the Council had provided for the upkeep of good health and comfort was vitiated. Overcrowding, generally speak- ing, affected the people's morals, health and pocket. In fairness, it ought to be made known that the housing problem was not so acute in the Rhondda now as it was a few years ago. This was due to the increased private speculation in dwelling-houses. The following figures showed the annual number of houses passed as fit for occupation during the years —1904, passed for occupation. 594: 1905, 904; 1906, 879; 1907, 827; 1908 829; 1909, 1,025. In the year 1891, the number of persons per house was 6.5 in 1909 it fell to 5.4 If he were, convinced that private speculation would be discouraged by the Council erecting dwelling-houses, he would hesitate before asking for such a step to be taken; but, on the other hand, if the experience of other towns could be of any guide to them, that experience was that municipal enterprise had not militated against private enterprise. In this matter the Rhondda had its peculiar difficulties, but the greatest of all was the scarcity of land. Continuing, Mr. Harris said iJ.lat he would like to cull a few additional facts from the exceptionally fine report of the Medical Officer of Health. Dr. Jenkins, in his report, stated that 150 cases of overcrowding were notified to him by his staff of sanitary inspectors. This amount was not the result of a general systematic inspection, but was purely local, and done in consequence of some special reasons. The staff was totally inadequate to ex- pect a general systematic inspection but if this could be done, the result, he dared anticipate, would be very different. Dr. Jenkins further stated that fever-infected houses contained a higher number of persons per house than the average of the whole district. With regard to phthisis, the Medical Officer !öf Health pointed out that there was an increase in the total number of deaths from this disease, it being .02 higher last year than the average for the previous ten years. The remedy suggested was The import- ance of securing suitable environment in the interest of both prevention and cure." It was said that the Rhondda had no slums; perhaps it had not in the same sense as some of the larger cities had them, but the difficulty that prevented itself to him was, When were houses not slums? If the conditions under which-people lived were inimical to their health and morals, then he would un- hesitatingly say that those conditions are identical with those that prevailed in city slums', and as such they were slums. In conclusion, Mr. Harris said that the Council had taken in hand many impor- tant questions in the past, but none more important than the housing of the people. He therefore moved that a Special Committee be appointed under the Housing of the Working Classes Act with a view, if found desirable, of put- ting the provisions of the Housing of the Working Classes Act into force. Dr. W. E. Thomas seconded. Councillor R. S. Griffiths said that having regard to Mr. Harris' admission that private enterprise had kept well apace of the increase in population, and that if it continued at the same rate there was every likelihood of the condi- tions being further improved, the formation of a committee under the Housing Act. without first deciding UDOn definite information that there was need of the Council spending public money in house building, would, in his opinion, be better deferred pending a full inquiry and consideration of the facts. he also suggested that that work should be rele- gated to one of the standing committees, preferably the Health Committee. Councillor Harris withdrew his motion, and Mr. Griffiths' suggestion was agreed to.
Advertising
TARPAULINS, I CART COVERS &c- MORGAN & RICHARDSON, LTD., Manufacturers, 20, WOMANBY STREET, CARDIFF. 40