Rhondda Leader Maesteg Garw and Ogmore Telegraph

Rhondda Improvements. Parliamentary Bill to be I Promoted. At a special meeting of the Rhondda District Council on Friday last, Coun- cillor B. Davies, J.P., presiding, it was i-esolved to nromote a Bill in the next Session of Parliament for the following objects:— 1. To extend the period for the con- struction of authorised waterworks and to empower the Council to construct new waterworks and to purchase lands in connection therewith. 2. To authorise the Council to acquire certain pieces of land as sites for the erection of refuse destructors, and also for the construction of a station or stations for generating electrical energy n connection with the Council's pro- posed electric lighting undertaking, and to construct an approach road to one of such sites. 3. To empower the Council to take a supply of electrical energy in bulk for the purposes of their proposed electric lighting undertaking from the -Rhondda Tramways Company, Limited. 4. To authorise the Council to provide and let for hire electric lines and other fittings, and to undertake the free wiring of houses for electric lighting and other purposes. 5. To authorise the. conveyance of the refuse of the district on the existing and authorised tramways within the district. 6. To confirm, if necessary, the lease by the Council to the Rhondda, Tram- ways Company, Limited, of the generat- ing station authorised by the. Rhondda Urban District Council (Tramwavs. etc.) Act, 1902. 7. To provide for the levelling and sewering of new streets before the erec- tion of buildings. 8. To empower the Council to borrow money for any of the purposes of the Bill, and to ratify expenditure already made upon the waterworks of the Council. 9. To confer on the Council all such powers, rights and privileges in refer- ence to the aforesaid matters as may be considered expedient.

Treorchy. At Ramah on Monday evening, a meet- ing in support of the candidature of Mr. W. Abraham was held, when there was a fairly good attendance. County Coun- cillor Tom Jones occupied the chair, and Mr. W. H. Owen, B.Sc., and other local gentlemen delivered stirring speeches. Another rousing meeting was held at Bethlehem on Tuesday evening. The body of Mr. R. Rees was found in the river at Treorchy early on Tuesday morning. Deceased had been employed for a considerable time at the Aber- gorchy Collieries' lamproom. At Horeh (E.B.) Chapel on Sunday, anniversary services were held, when the sacred edifice was full at each meeting. In the morning and afternoon services, solos, recitations, &c., were rendered by the scholars of the Sunday School, and in the evening a service of song, entitled Sowing Wild Oats," was effectively rendered by the choir, under the con- ductorship of Mr. David. Mr. D. Thomas (ironmonger) presided over the meeting/S. The superintendent is Mr. Oliver, and the secretary Mr. Charles Fox. At Ramah Vestry on Wednesday, the members of the Literary Society were treated to a. lantern lecture, entitled Botany," by Mr. Thomas, -Ynysweii. There was a good number present, and the lecture was of an interesting and in- structive csaracter. The Treorchy Literary Society held their meeting at the Workmen's Insti- tute on Wednesday, when swords were crossed on "Is the Right Hon. D. Lloyd George worthy of the confidence of the Welsh people? by Mr. Davies-Evans (affirmative) and Mr. Davies (negative). There was a good number present. We regret to note the death of Mr. G. Edwards. Station Road, which ocourred last week. The funeral, which wras a large one, took plare on Thursday for Treorchy Cemetery. Deceased was a prominent inhabitant of the locality and highly respected. At the St. Tyfodwg (Welsh) Church on Sunday, special services were held, when the Revs. J. Richard Pugh, R.A.. Peny- graig, and Edward Carston, St. John's, were the special preachers. There were good congregations throughout the day, and the anthem, Teyrnasoedd y ddaear," was rendered.

Tylorstown. On Wednesday and Thursday last, two performances of an operatic cantata, entitled "Phyllis, the Farmer's Daughter'' (G. F. Root), were given at Soar Chapel by the members of the Band of Hope Choir, under the conductorship of Mr. W. J. Griffiths. The choir was assisted

The House of Lords has two ears, one for the Conservative Party, so keen and alert that it catches the faintest whisper the other for a Libera) Government, ex- pressing the wishes of the people, and this ear is stone deaf! Help the Liberal Govern- ment to perform a Surgical Operation on that Deaf Ear by Voting for MABON.

Christmas Pargains. At this season of the year everyone will find a use for a book, which, we understand, will be sent to anyone who takes the trouble to send a postcard for it. We refer to Mr. H. Samuel's fine volume of Christmas bargains, a copy of which we have before us. Profusely illustrated and brought up-to-date, the book caters for all purses, and embraces an enormous number of novelties which are sure to be popular. The wealth of Christmas gift sugges- tions ranges from watches to gramo- phones, and includes high-class jewellery, cutlery, plate, leather goods, and in- numerable fancy articles—something for every taste, however fastidious, and for every purse, however slender. Any reader who sends a postcard to H. Samuel. 200, Market Street. Man- chester, will receive the book of gift bargains by return. A full list of Mr. H. Samuel's fifty or more branch establishments will be found inside, and we understand that any reader mentioning this paper will re- ceive a special bonus gift with any pur- chase exceeding the sum of 5s.

Pentre. Two good performances of the sacred cantata., "Joseph" (Mr. and Mrs. J. Astor Broad), were given in full char- acter at the Drill Hall on Thursday and Saturday evenings of last week by the Bethesda Congregational Choir, conducted by Mr. W. Davies. The large audience on each occasion readily testified to the excellent work of the choir, upon which the conductor deserves congratulations. The choruses, Bow the knee to Joseph and" Spies are ye," were the best ren- dered, and evoked loud and genuine ap- plause. The difficult part of Joseph was entrusted to Mr. Owen Treharne, and he accomplished his duty in his usual satisfactory manner. In the song in which ho reveals himself to his bro- thers he scored a distinct success, the whole of his work being markeå by neat- ness and thorough understanding. Miss Conneally, Mardy, appeared as the Princess of Egypt." and her first ap- pearance locally gave great satisfaction. She possesses a flexible and pure voice of good range, but occasionally she was in- clined to force the upper notes. Her solo, Sing unto the Lord a new song," was very well rendered. To Mr. Jack Thomas, as "Krng Pharaoh," must be awarded the palm of best actor, but from him we naturally expect a high standard. In various phases and moods of the troubled king he was seen at his best. Mrs. Jenkins was very effective as Queei-i "st,a,tely and dignified, as well as pleasing. Her solos were enjoyed by all. The minor parts were also in capable hands. The dresses were magnificent creations, and added not a little to the success of the concert. The accompanists, Misses' Ada Thomas and Hughes, did their arduous work with great credit. On Thursday evening, Alderman E. H. Davies presided, while Dr. Hughes, of Ton, was chairman on Saturday evening. The secretarial arrangements by Mr. Jack Thomas deserve commendation. The annual monstre tea was held at the Drill Hall on Monday, the proceeds being distributed among the old and dis- abled workmen of Tynybedw Colliery. As usual, the tea. was a great success, espe- cially when local condition of trade is considered. —— The Rhondda Dramatic Society, unde,r the tuition of Mr. Cove, is now in full working order, and practices are being well attended by enthusiastic and capable students. It seems that there, is but one vacancy to be filled, and there must surely be a few in the neighbourhood who would like to undertake the part of Portia" in a scene, from the I-Mer- chant of Venice."

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Ton, On Thursday afternoon last, a meeting to further the candidature of the veteran Mabon was held at the Workmen's Hall, Ton. There was a fair attendance, and several local gentlemen spoke, including the Revs. E. W. Davies (Hebron) and D. J. Perrott (Zion, Pentre). At the English Congregational Church on Sunday, the half-yearly services were held. The Rev. John Evans, B.A., of Brecon College, officiated. Under the auspices of the Zion Young People's Mutual Improvement Society, an excellent paper was read on Wednesday evening last by Miss Zander, assistant teacher at Pentre School. Mr. Perrott, the pastor, occupied the chair. The Zion Choral Society, under the conductorship of Mr. Hughes, Gelli, are busily engaged in the preparation of the oratorio, "David and Jonathan." Mr. Hughes has rendered sterling services to the above church, and we wish him every success. We offer our congratulations to Mr. Tom Llewellyn, Gelli Council School, upon the offer of a scholarship to attend the South Kensington School of Art, London. Several cases of scarlet fever are to be found in the district.

Porth. A most successful production of Patti- son's operetta, The Gipsy Queen," by the Pisgah Choir, under the conductor- ship of Mr. David Edwards, Trebanog, took place on Thursday evening last at the Library Hall, Cymmer. The chair was occupied by Councillor Win. Evans (Thomas and Evans), Porth. The chief characters were represented as follows: — King," Mr. James Rosser (Wattstown); "Queen." Miss Emma Gough (Porth); Como (King's Attendant), Mr. W. D. Lloyd (Porth); "Dana" (Queen's Atten- dant), Miss Dorothy Jones (Porth). The accompaniments were played by Mr. W. Jenkins, organist of Salem Chapel, Porth. The performance was repeated on Friday and Saturday evenings, the respective chairmen being Mr. Thomas Griffiths. M.E., Cvmmer, and Mr. Danl. Evans, Oymmer. Preceding the cantata each evening, a miscellaneous programme was gone through, to which popular and classical songs were contributed. We regret to record the death of Mrs. Gwenllian Boweii, the. wife of Mr. Joseph Bowen. Inter. Mus. Bac., Porth, which took place at her residence, 25, Davis Street. Mount Pleasant, on. Friday last. Deceased was a devout member of Cymmer (W.C.) Chapel, and bore her affliction with Christian fortitude. She leaves a husband and nine children to lament her loss. The funeral took place on Wednes- day afternoon, leaving Porth at 1.45 o'clock for Llanfabon Churchyard, where the interment took place. The Rev. J. T. Davies conducted the service at the house and at the graveside.

The House of Lords represents nobody but themselves, and they enjov to the full the confidence of their con- confidence of their con-I stituents. Mr. A. BIRRELL.

Ystrad. A very pleasant evening was spent at Bethel (C.M.) Young People's Society meeting on Friday of last week, when an interesting lecture was given by Miss Maggie Price. A number of juveniles rendered solos and recitations.

Ystrad-Rhondda. We regret to chronicle the death and funeral of Mrs. Elizabeth Stagg, wife of Mr. Charles Stagg, 124. Ystrad Road, who passed away on Friday of last week, at the advanced age of 80. Deceased was a. native of Tintinhull, near Yeovil, i Somerset, but had resided in the Rhondda over forty years, and during that period had been in close touch with the Sal- vation Army at Pentre. Deceased leaves a grown-up family of two sons and one daughter to mourn her loss. The funeral took place on Wednesday for interment at Treorchy Cemetery, Tvlr. Richard Keen (local, preacher) officiating. The chief mourners were: —Mr. Charles Stagg (husband); Mr. and Mrs. Parfitt (son-in- law and daughter) Mr. and Mrs. Rd. Stagg (son and daughter-in-law); Mr. and Mrs. W. Stagg (son and daughter- in-law) Messrs. Charles and Ernest Parfitt, Misses Rebecca, Doris, Annie, and Elsie Stagg (grandchildren); Mr. and Mrs. W. Russ, Ebbw Vale (nephew and niece); Mrs. Gill. Barry (niece); and Mr. Tom Russ (nephew). Messrs. Howell Williams and Son, Ystrad, carried out the funeral arrangements. I

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Mid=Rhondda Free Church Council's .Protest. Dr. Thomas' Retort. Feeding of School Children. Chapel Deacons' Generosity. The monthly meeting of the Rhondrla I District Council was held at the Council Chamber, Pentre, on Friday, Councillor I Beu Davies, J.P., presiding. Other members present were: Councillors D. C. Evans (vice-chairman), W. T. JonesA J.P., Dd. Williams, Canon Lewis, James James, E. J. Roderick, Griffith Evans,, R. S. Griffiths, Wm. Thomas, Ed. Jones, Thos. Thomas, J. D. Williams. J.P., Del. Smith, Thos. J. P., Walter Williams, Dr. A. G. Tribe, L. P. Griffiths, Lewis Hopkins, Tom Evans,, W. H. Morgan, and H. E. Maltby. together with the Deputy Clerk (Mr. T. G. Jones), the Surveyor (Mr. W. J. Jones), and the Medical Officer of Health (Dr. J. D. Jenkins). "GROSS IMPERTINENCE." A letter was read from the Secretary of the Mid-Rhondda Free Church Council stating that, in view of their fruitless efforts in the past, the Committee, as a protest, did not intend to send a depu- tation to the District Council to oppose any licenses at the end of the year. They had appeared in the past to guard the moral status of the community, but they now threw the onus upon the District Council. Dr. Thomas: I look upon that letter as gross impertinence. There are mem- bers here who arc as good Free Church- men as members of this Free Church Council. I move that the letter lie on the table. Councillor R. S. Griffiths moved an amendment that the Free Church Council be informed that the District Council noted the contents of their letter. Dr. Tribe: I don't think it is worth noting. Eventually, it was resolved that the letter lie on the table. FROM MR. LLOYD GEORGE'S BUDGET A letter was read from the Road Board stating that the Board was disposed to make a grant of tSV- towards the widen- ing of Ystrad Bridge. Councillor Thos. Griffiths said that they anticipated a larger sum. but having regard to the fact that the County Council had only received the sum of £ 10,000, they could not expect much more than the sum mentioned in the letter. This, added Mr. Griffiths, was the first contribution from the Govern- ment. and it came from Mr. Lloyd George's Budget. Dr. Thomas: Hear, hear. It was resolved that a census of the traffic over the bridge in question be taken, as requested in the communication. CLOSING ORDER WANTED BY UPPER RHONDDA TRADESMEN. The Deputy Clerk reported the receipt of a. petition signed by the tradesmen in Wards 1, ,2, 3 and 4, asking the Council to make a Closing Order under the Shop Hours Act, 1904. The matter was referred to the Health Committee. POSTMASTER'S PROPOSAL. The Postmaster of Porth wrote stating that it was proposed to close Cwmpare, Tynewydd, and Ystrad-Rhondda Sub- offices on Bank Holidays, and asking whether such a, step met with the recom- mendation of the Council. Dr. Thomas said that the closing of certain telegraph offices on Thursday afternoons had already proved incon- venient to many tradesmen, and such a step .as was now proposed would surely give rise to more inconveni«nc«. Councillor R. S. Griffiths said he did not agree with the closing of an office here and allowing another office else- where to remain open. Whatever relief was required in the interests of post office employers should be uniform for the whole of the district. One locality should not suffer at the expense of an- other. On the motion of Dr. Thomas, it was resolved to reply to the Postmaster pointing out that the proposal would prove a great inconvenience to the resi- dents of the affected districts. INCONVENIENCE OF CLOSED POST OFFICES. A communication was also read from the Postal Authorities with revard to the complaint made by Mr. Hill, Tylorstown, as to the closing of the office in that dis- trict on Thursday afternoons, and also as to the accommodation generally at that office. The letter pointed out that it was a custom to close the smaller offices on the day regarded as a half-holiday, and that as the result of inquiries made locally it had been ascertained that no incon- venience had been experienced through the closing of the office. The writer added that with regard to the accommo- dation, certain improvements were about to be introduced. The. Deputy Clerk informed the Council that the letter had been written under a misapprehension. The writer assumed that the Council desired to reconsider their decision of June last, but this was not so. The Clerk simply sent Mr. Hill's complaint to the Postmaster with no com- ment whatever. Councillor Smith said he did not know of any inquiry having been made locally. No one had asked him anything about the matter. In his opinion, there could be no doubt that the closing of the Tylorstown office had resulted in great inconvenience, many people having to go to Ferndale to dispatch their letters or telegrams. It was eventually resolved to reply to the communication to the effect that the Authorities had evidently misunderstood the last communication from the Council, but that they (the Council) were of opinion that the closing had already caused great inconvenience. Councillor E. Jones said he would wish to press for an extra delivery in the Rhondda. The Chairman: That is a matter for the Postmaster-General. Councillor Jones said he would bring the matter on later on a notice of motion. CHRISTMAS PERFORMANCES. Permission was sought by the. lessees of the Tonypandy Empire and the Tudor Hall, Ferndale to give picture exhibi- tions on Christmas Day. It was pointed out that Christmas this year fell on Sunday, and it was resolved to adhere to the license. SUNDAY LECTURES AT THEATRES. Dr. Thomas asked whether theatres could be opened on Sundays for lectures. He understood that two Socialist lectures were to be delivered at the Theatre Royal, Tonypandy, on the following Sunday. The Deputy Clerk: Under the license I they cannot do so. Councillor D. R. Jones; Cannot we do something, having regard to this flagrant violation of the license P Councillor R. S. Griffiths said that the Theatre Royal had been used for months by religious bodies for their services. They were bound to have regard for the conditions of the district generally and to consider the best policy to adopt. They should not adopt a hard and fast rule in one thing and ignore it in another. It was resolved that the whole question should be discussed at the special meet- ing for the granting of theatrical licenses. A DISGRACE TO THE COUNCIL. Councillor James James called the attention of the Roads Committee to the state of River Row, Ystrad. This, he said, was the worst spot in the Rhondda, and some of the Councillors owned houses there. The road in front of the houses was unsurpassable, and altogether it was a disgrace to the locality and to the. Council. He would like something done there as soon as possible. Councillor Thos. Thomas said lie hap- pened to be interested in the street in question, and lie seconded Mr. James' proposal that the Council should take steps with a view of putting the Private Street Improvements Act into force. Councillor James also said that the houses at the back pf the above street were unfit for human habitation. Dr. Thomas said the houses themselves were all right, but the road was bad. It was agreed that the Surveyor should report to the Roads Committee on the matter. BURSTING OF WATER MAIN AT CLYDACH VALE. Councillor R. S. Griffiths asked that steps should be. taken to ascertain the amount of damage done at Clydach Vale the previous night Toy the bursting of a water drain. The Medical Officer of Health said that the local Sanitary Inspector had reported to him that he had visited the spot on the night in question and also on the following morning, and that he had a record of what he saw. Councillor R. S. Griffiths said that what he wanted was that somebody should be specially instructed to get hold of the actual facts, so that the Council would know where they were. He moved that the Gas and Water Manager be instructed to take particulars of any damage and inconvenience caused. This was agreed to. FEEDING OF SCHOOL CHILDREN. Councillor J. D. Williams said that some difficulty had been experienced in Trealaw School with regard to accommo- dation for cooking and preparing the children's meals, and having heard of their difficulty, the deacons of the local Wesleyan Chapel came forward and said they were willing to give the use of their vestry free for the purpose, -and that they would also render every assistance with the work. The Ward members had accepted the offer on behalf of the Coun- cil, and he moved that a letter of thanks be sent to the deacons of the chapel for their generosity. This was agreed to. Councillor Thos. Griffiths reported that two ladies had approached the Roads Committee that day, asking that an- other gas cooking stove should be pro- vided at the Pontrhondda School, as-they were unable to provide for the children as expeditiously as possible as things were at present. The matter was referred to the Director and the Gas and Water Manager. I TRAMWAY TRACK. The Roads Committee reported having received a letter from Mr. H. J. Nisbett, Manager of the Rhondda Tramways Co., iltd., acknowledging the receipt of the Clerk's communication with reference to the defective state of the tramway track, and stating that he denied that the track was in any other than a gene- rally good condition, but that a. great deal of unnecessary damage was done by other Authorities which had put the Tramway Company to very heavy expen- diture, that he had had a. list of defects from the Surveyor relating to Hafod Road. which had only recently had some hundreds of pounds spent upon it, and which he claimed to be generally in good condition, and he would Be glad if 11 the Surveyor would make a personal visit with him to the defective are-is; that the fact that no attempt was being made by the Company to shirk their legal re- sponsibilities was evidenced by the fact that they had a large gang of men con- tinuously at work, and were spending at the rate of over £ 2,000 a year on what was at present a. new track, and that he had no hesitation in saying that the Com- pany's permanent way was in a much better condition than that of any other tramway authority in South Wales. The Surveyor informed the Committee that he had arranged to meet Mr. Nisbett to go over the portions of the track complained of. Councilor W. Williams said that as far as Pentre was concerned, f he Com- pany, while repairing portions of the track, had passed over other portions which were in an equally bad state. Councillor Thos. Griffiths (Chairman of the Roads Committee) said that similar complaints had been made to the Com- mittee by other members, but rite could assure them that the Committee was doing all it could to bring the road to a proper state. The Committee had also communi- cated with the Tramway Company as to the work being done by the Council itself, and charging the cost to the Com- pany. 1 The report was adopted.

Cwmpare. On Thursday and Monday evenings last, performances in full character were given at Park Hall of a sacred cantata, Amos, the Cripple of Capernaum (T. Mee Pattison). The work was presented by a mixed choir from Salem Chapel, trained by Mr. H. G. Prosser. The dramatis personse was as folloin-s: "Amos, the Boy Cripple," Master Dd. Jno. Watkins "Jüanna" (his mother), Miss May Middle-ton; "Churza," his father (Herod's steward), Mr. William Butler; "Barach" a fisherman), Mr. Stephen James "Micah" (a shepherd), Mr. Tom Butler; "Ezra" (a servant), Mr. Steve Morris "Phineas" (a Pharisee), Mr. Griff. J. Thomas; Reuben" (a Saducee), Mr. H. G. Prosser; a "Roman Centurion," lVlr. Steve James; Lamech (a leper), Mr. Haydn Evans; Bartimeus" (a blind beggar), Mr. Tom Rees (Treorchy) Zillah (a Jewish maideii). 'Mrs. Lill Davies. The performances were by com- mon consent allowed to be the best ever seen at Cwmpare, and the choir was certainly an excellent one. Trebles, con- tralto, and basses were excellent in quality, but thd tenors were a trifle weak to ensure perfect balance. The work was entirely produced by local talent, and the work of Master D. J. Watkins (Amos) and' Miss May Middleton (Joanna) was especially praiseworthy. Messrs. W. Butler and Griff. J. Thomas added to the Thespian laurels they have previously won, while Messrs. Tom Butler and Tom Rees, although nf iking their debut, were pronounced successes, both as singers and actors. Mr. Steve James' pleasing tenor voice was heard to great advantage, espe- cially in his "centurion" part, while Mrs. Lill Davies and Mr. Steve Morris did full justice, to their minor parts. Mr. H. G. Prosser deserves complimenting on the success attending his efforts. Mr. Gwilym Jones and Mr. 0. T. Evans per- formed respectively on the piano and organ in splendid style. The scenic artists were Messrs. J. Roderick and R. Davies. Mr. Tom Morgan contributed valuable help in training the children's chorus, and Mr. James James in training Master Watkins. The chairmen on the respective evenings were Mr. W. P. Thomas, D.C., Treorchy; Mr. E. H. Davies, J.P., Pentre; and Mr. W. T. Jones, J.P., Treorchy. Mr. Tom Mere- dith was an indefatigable secretary, while Supers Dai Price, Ben Morgan and Co. stage-managed admirably.

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ky the following artistes:—" Phyllis, Madame Thomas (Ynyshir): ''Margaret," Miss Esther Cooper (Ynyshir); "Farmer, Mr. Trevor Lewis (Ferndale); "Douglas." Mr. W. Davies "Chapleigh," Mr. D. Williams (Pentre). The first portion of the programme was taken up with solos s I and duets by the artistes, who gave mag- nificent renderings. The opening chorus and semi-chorus were beautifully ren- dered by the choir, and were well re- ceived, as also were the following choruses:—"The Sewing Match," "High piled 'neath the shelter," Storm Chorus." and the final chorus, Wedding Bells." The executed their parts with credit. Madam Thomas sang IToii- swells my heart in good style, and* Miss Esther Cooper's rendering of A little silky golden head was all that could be desired. Mr. W. 'rrevor Lewis' Old Time is a merciless fellow," As yearns the sea by Mr. W. Davies, and In the morning by Mr. WiHiams. were also well received. A duet. entitled The fields of red clover." by Miss Cooper and Madam Thomas," was ex- ceedingly good. Much credit is due to Mr. W. J. Griffiths for the able manner he had traiiiecl his choir. Mrs. Picton Thomas accompanied throughout. Messrs. Horatio Phillips, Ferndale, and Dr. T. H. Morris, C.C., presided. As we have no charitable concerts going on at Christmastide, could not we form some concert or entertainment, the pro- ceeds of which would he sent to provide food or warmth for the children, in the ad j oinin g Va 11 e v F

-_U At present there are but two drum and fife bands in the Rhondda—one at Mid- ¡ Rhondda, and the other at Bethany Chapel, Treherbert. Formed but recently, the Bethany Company are progressing by leaps and bounds. Their president is Dr. D. C. Williams, and among the vice- presidents are Councillor Enoch Davies, J.P., Mr. David Rees, M.E., and Mr. H. T. Haden. M.E., who are also pro- minent supporters of the Treherbert Ambulance Association. The chairman of the band is Mr. Bertie Griffiths; vice- chairman, Mr. Thos. Thomas; treasurer, Mr. D. J. Morgan; secretary, Mr. Stanley Edwards; and bandmaster, Mr. George Edwards. Meetings have been held locally and proposals considered for the formation of a first-class Association Football Club. At a meeting held at the Dunraven Hotel on Monday night, Dr. D. C. Williams was nominated as president of the club, and Mr. Haydn, M.E. (Fernhill Col- lieries), as chairman. Mr. J. Thomas (ironmonger), Treorchy, was elected trea- surer, and Mr. W. T. Owen was chosen to act as secretary. It was decided that. the club should be a.liated to the South Wa^es iatid Monmouthshire and Welsh Associations. We deeply regret to announce the death of Mr. Richard Stradling, 4, Station Terrace, Treherbert. Deceased had worked on the Taff Vale Railway for a number of years, and was only recently pensioned off by the company. The funeral took place on Monday, the remains being interred at Treorchy Ceme- tery. At the Treherbert Dandy Holiday Club. and Debating Society meeting on Friday evening last, a very interesting im- promptu debate took place on Should Cremation be generally introduced? The. principals were Messrs. T. J. Hibbs (negative) and R. Pitman (affirmative). Mr. F. Dingley was in the chair. On Sunday at Bethany Sunday School, Mr. William Griffiths was presented by Mr. Wm. Morgan (superintendent), on behalf of the school, with a handsome Bible, on the occasion of his leaving this country for Australia.