Rhondda Leader Maesteg Garw and Ogmore Telegraph

Pontypridd Under Arms. Remarkable Street Scenes. End of Intimidation Cases. I Fines and Imprisonment. After a hearing extending over six days, Mr. D. Lleufer Thomas (Stipendiary) delivered judgment on Tuesday at the Pontypridd Police Court in the cases against a number of strikers at Gilfach Goeh for alleged intimidation and violence. Fearing an outbreak of disorder follow- r ing on the decision of the magistrates, I elaborate preparations had been made by the police and military, and Pontypridd presented the appearance of a town under martial law. The approaches to the court were guarded by a. squadron of the 18th Hussars and a number of policemen. A company of the De.vons, a squadron of the Hussars, wearing their busbies, and mounted police were posted in the thoroughfares leading to the court, whilst tradesmen in the vicinity barricaded their premises, and removed any goods standing outside. Market Square Scene. Arms were piled in the Market Square, and everyone had to comply with the order of Keep moving." Early in the. morning. 100 Cardiff policemen, in charge of Supt. Durston, arrived in the town, whilst reinforcements of Metropolitan Police also arrived from Mid-Rhondda. News of these elaborate preparations reached Tonypandy early in the day, and this probably accounted for the fact that instead of being attended by thousands of strikers, as was the case with previous processions, Tuesday's march mustered only about 300 stalwarts. Bearing: aloft an effigy and other decorations," ;:¡,1.d beaded by the XAwynypia, Driw and Fife Band, they trudged cheerily through,the mud and slush, but on their arrival at Pontypridd they were faced with a solid phalanx of police. Nothing daunted, they cheered as they went along, and even- tually made their way along Mill Street to the centre of the town. Their number was augmented about .1 o'clock by the arrival of 300 more strikers from Mid., Rhondda, headed by a brass band. Proceedings at the Court. The proceedings at the Court were taken up by Mr. Abel Thomas' speech for the defence.. and the Stipendiary's sum- ming up and judgment. Mr. Thomas deferred in deprecatory terms to the pro- cessions of strikers day after day to the town while the. cases were being tried. and said that as far as the defendants themselves were concerned they dissociated themselves entirely from anything of that kind. With regard to the allegations of violence, the actual damage done, he sub- mitted. was very light, whilst in the intimidation cases the case for the defence was much stronger than that for the prosecution. No policeman was ill-used or threatened. It was quite possible that some brute in the crowd might have shouted the words deposed to by the police. It was true, Gould might be looked upon by the men as a "blackleg." Any Trade Unionist would say that a man who did another man's work under the circumstances which existed, was a blackleg." Not only was this attitude taken up by the men, but by the em- ployers as well. Mr. Thomas said great excitement prevailed at the time, and this affected the police just as much as the populace, and thus both sides would be prejudiced. Processions Denounced. Prefacing his decision with a reference to the regrettable processions of strikers, the Stipendiary said that what- ever motive prompted these demonstra- tions they had not in any way influenced his decisions. At the .same time, he would not allow the opportunity to pass without expressing his strong opinion that the processions might have influ- enced a person in his position to deal more harshly with the defendants than he might otherwise feel disposed to do. He hoped the demonstrations would not be countenanced by any responsible leader in the district. His Worship then went on to review the evidence at some length, and dealt with the allegation that the police had been taking sides in the conflict. Fines and Imprisonment- The Stipendiary dealt with defendants as follows --Gregory was bound over in the sum of C20 to be of good behaviour for six months. Scourfield and Oaten were each fined zCI5 or three weeks' imprisonment for intimidation. Franklyn, for using violence, was fined £ 20 or one month, and on the charge of intimidation was bound over to keep the peace for twelve months in the sum of £ 20. Lucas and Courtman were sentenced to "r six weeks' imprisonment, each for violence, and six weeks each for intimidation—the sentences to run concurrently. The cases against Hy. Handley, Wm. 1 Evans, Edward Williams, John Nicholas, Wm. Langford, John Cox, and Albert Cooper were dismissed. The solicitors for the defence under- took to see that the fines were paid within a fortnight.

Veno's Lightning Cough Cure. Its remarkable sale of over 2,000,000 bottles annually. The remarkable demand created for Vends Lightning Cough Cure to the ex- tent of over two million bottles annually. is due not so much to judicious adver- tising as to the wonderful purity, safety and efficacy, of the remedy itself. It simply stands alone as a certain cure for coughs, colds, bronchitis, asthma, whoop- ing cough, influenza, all chest and lung troubles in children or adults. Chemists sell it, price 9id., lilt and 2/9 a bottle. 456

Penygraig. SPECIAL CHRISTMAS SHOW.—J. Picton Davies and Co., The Penygraig Drapers, have a charming show of articles for wear. Smart Coats for Maids and Ladies, Luxurious Furs for all ages, Neck- wear, Gloves, Lace Goods, Purses. Bags, and other nick-nacks suitable for Christ- mas presents. 449

Palace, Cardiff. A specially attractive programme has been arranged for the Christmas holiday week at the Cardiff Palace and Hippo- drome. Mr. Fred Maxwell, supported by Miss Loi du Cane and company, will appear in a sensational sporting romance, entitled Lord Harkaway," and other special turns will be given by Mr. and Mrs. Wilde, society entertainers; Ted Waite, comedian; the Keppels, operatic vocalists; the Sisters Hala, vocalists and dancers; with various other attractions.

Havoc at Tonypandy. Stable Roof Blown Off. The roof of a stable belonging to Mr. Ellis Jones, grocer Court Street, Tony- pandy, was partially blown off "by the gale on Friday. A telegraph pole in Trealaw Road was blown down, several pedestrians narrowly escaping being struck. A large wooden shed in Trealaw Road was blown completely over on its side. Several small hoardings were blown over. Extensive damage was done by falling tiles and chimney pots. Part of the railings near Trealaw Goods Station was blown down, while several inhabi- tants discovered their garden rails were missing on Saturday morning. The crests of several houses were also blown off.

Skating Rink Partially Unroofed. Metro's Moved on." The Tonypandy Rink suffered greatly from the terrific storm on Friday. The wind dislodged several sheets of corru- gated iron and ripped about 12 yards square from each side of the roof. This made it impossible for the Metropolitan Police to stay there, and they had to shift their quarters to the Hippodrome for the night. Several windows have also been smashed.

River Overflows Bank at Pentre. Houses Washed Out. At the Rhondda Engineering Works, Pentre, a number of slates were blown off the roof, causing a huge gap, and leaving the working places quite unpro- tected from the heavy rain. At Mr. Rees' ironmongery shop considerable damage was sustained. Near the Tivoli a chimney was blown down, but fortu- nately no one was injured by the falling masonry. The river, as usual, soon overflowed its banks. The Griffin Park became a huge lake. and the rushing water careered down the lower streets, flooding the ground floors of the numerous houses in John Street, Baglan Street, and Lewis Street. On Gelli Bridge, several persons were noticed almost carried away. by the tremendous gusts of wind. The road happens to rise at a sharp angle, and the wind sweeping along this incline carried pedestrians from one side of the road to the other.

Shop Windows Collapse at Treherbert. So violent was the hurricane at Tre- herbert that workmen returning home from the Fernhill Collieries were forced at intervals to lie against the tips as they were descending, in order to avoid being hurled down the slopes. The hoardings enclosing the Treherbert j Football Grounds on the river side were I completely razed to the ground. One of the goal-posts was blown down, and much' damage was done to other parts of the ¡ enclosure. Several tradesmen declare that their window panes were actually bending in with the force of the wind, and some took the precaution of boarding in their shop fronts. The chimney on the roof of Mr. Evans' grocery shop in Gwendoline Street collapsed altogether, and the roof was smashed to pieces. No one was injured. Several small window panes gave. way, and pedestrians were frequently reminded of danger by hearing the rattle of smash- ing slates in the streets as they passed along. A new street of "houses opposite Bethany Hall suffered considerably. Some of the roofs were actually carried away bit by bit. The storm is also reported to have played great havoc with sheds, outhouses, &c., in the district.

Overtaken by Trams. William Morgan, of New Dumfries Street, Treherbert, was returning home from work at the Ynysfeio New Pits late on Friday night (when the storm was raging at its greatest fury), and in pass- ing down the incline which connects the old and new pits at Ynysfeio he was overtaken by a descending journey of full trams. Morgan received severe injury, having a deep wound in the abdomen and three of his ribs broken. The accident was caused by the injured man being unable to bear the approach- ing journey, on account of the noise of the storm. The billposting hoarding near the Tre- orchy gates was blown down during the storm, and for some time this obstructed the ear traffic to and from Treherbert. Many shop windows were blown in at Ferndale; also the hoarding near Mr. Davies, bookseller's, completely collapsed. How Porth People Reached the Surgery. At Porth, pede.stri.ans could not pass between the Post Office and the Police Station, owing to the amount of water that had accumulated, and those going to the surgery could only get there by walk- ing up to their knees in it, or by crawling on the top of the wall, as several were seen to do. Farmhouse Rendered Roofless. The roof of Pontrhondda Farm, the oldest dwelling-house in the district, was carried away. and the residents, Mr. Gwilym John and his family, had to seek shelter among their friends in the imme- diate vicinity. The fencings around the Partridge Field and the Llwynypia Cricket and Tennis Field were blown down in many places. Horses and Vehicles Blown Away At Ferndale, a T.V.R. lorry, whilst going: down the Strand, was blown at a terrific pace. The haulier, thinking of saving a, disaster, turned the horse up North Steet. and in doing so, horse and vehicle were completely overturned. For- tunately, the driver escaped injury. A horse and cart standing outside a grocer's shop in High Street was caught by a strong gust of wind, and blown down the street for a long distance before it could be stopped.

Correspondence, I Appointment of Nation Officers. To the: Editor of the Rhondda Leader." Sir,—Will you kindly allow me space in your valuable paper to protest against the manner in which appointments were made in connection with the last General Election in the Rhondda? It is evident that, in a constituency of this description, a large number of pre- siding officers and poll clerks must of necessity be employed. However, I fail to see that it is at all necessary to go outside rho district to secure the services of men for the fulfilment of these duties. In this election, we find that men who lived, not only outside the district, but actually nearly outside the confines of Glamorgan, were appointed. Are we to understand from this that the inhabitants of the Rhondda are so deficient in brain power (it needs very little to perform these, duties) that it is necessary to seek farther afield for capable individuals? It would be interesting to know also how many persons who had absolutely no influence to back up their claims were given posts. I venture to say that the percentage was very small; indeed. x think that one would have to be very well trained in decimal fractions in order to obtain any percentage at all greater than 0. Why cannot persons in the neighbourhood reap the remunerative benefits accruing from a General Elec- tion? People who are possessed of inde- pendent means, surely, do not want these appointments; or, if they do, we must necessarily come to the conclusion that they are endeavouring to further strengthen that mean,- despicable and heathenish principle which drives the weakest to the wall. I say it is full time that the electors of the Rhondda awoke to the fact that the ruling of this matter is in their hands, and that it is their earnest duty to see to it that their rights and privileges are not encroached upon. Thanking you for your kind permission.- I remain, yours, &c., RHONDDA ITE. -+--+- Scholastic Appointments. To the Editor of the .'Rhondda leader. Sir,—May I thank lago ap loan for bringing to the notice of the readers of your valuable paper the recent scholastic appointments by our District Council? Although" lago" is not correct in styling Mr. Alfred Evans as Inter. B.A. (London), yet the fact that Mr. Evans has better qualifications and experience than any assistant or elementary head- teacher in the Rhondda area surely demonstrates the fact that a grave in- justice has been done. Why, sir, he has more Advanced Science certificates than all the other short-listers put together! He has had three years' training, each year's examination resulting in a first class certificate. He has passed London Matriculation, again first class, and also the 1 D Certificate in drawing (First Class). He has also proved his capability as an organiser by acting as head-teacher of the Night School at Llwynypia, and' oftentimes the Day School at the same place. In spite of all these excellent credentials, he is passed over for another, who has secured one of the best schools in the whole of the Rhondda on his first appearance in the short list. It will be interesting to learn why only two members did not vote for Mr. D. Hugh, and also whether it is a fact that the Labour members voted as a body for the same man, in spite of their sugar- coated speeches (at election times) about give every working man's child a chance "get the best qualified and best experienced men to fill the official positions, and not to depend on whether the applicant is an Independent, Bap- tist, or Methodist"; "the working man's child demands the best teachers," &c., &c., ad nauseam. How these well- applauded sayings are forgotten when the speaker is once inside the Council room! —Yours, &c. tOAN AP IAGO.

——— Cardiff Empire. BIG HOLIDAY PROGRAMME. The programme arranged for the coming week at Cardiff Empire is one of the finest combinations of variety talent ever witnessed in Cardiff. The manage- ment have spared neither money nor pains to give their patrons a real bright and attractive entertainment during the holidays. The big attraction will be Rigby and Marris, in their great sketch, Pre- paring for the Pantomime," a very clever and amusing production, which is sure to prove a great success. Another big production will be Wallace Selkirk's new juvenile spectacle, The Boy Scouts," in which a host of Cardiff children will take part. Ferry Corwey, the musical clown, pre- I sents a very humorous performance, and no one should miss his great animal "shoot. To- others on the same bill are Horace Wheatley, the Irish comedian; Dick Tubb the new star grotesque comedian; 1 Jessie Buckle, chorus vocalist; the Sutcliffe Family. Scottish acrobats, pipers and dancers; and the latest Bioscope pictures.

Conference Again Adjourned. After Brief Sitting. Mr. Askwith Visits Tony- pandy To-day. The adjourned conference of the parties to the Ely Pit dispute, convened by the Board of Trade, was held at the Engi- neers' Institute, Cardiff, on Wednesday. Mr. Fred L. Davis, the chairman of the owners' side of the Conciliation Board, Mr. D. A. Thomas, and the repre- sentatives of the Cambrian Combine were early on the scene whilst the workmen's representatives were Messrs. Thomas Richards, M.P., Alfred Onions, Enoch Morrell, W. H. Morgan, and the com- mittee of the Naval Collieries. Mr. W. Abraham, M.P., and Mr. D. Watts Morgan were too ill to attend. The parties were together for about an hour, but very little progress was made, and when the meeting broke up it was understood that Mr. Askwith and Mr. Mitchell would meet the Strike Committee of the Combine to-day (Thursday) at Tonypandy. Plenary Powers Refused. At a meeting of the Naval Colliery workmen held at the Llanfair Hall, Peny- graig, on Tuesday morning, and at which Messrs. Alf. Onions and Tom Richards, M.P., were present an overwhelming majority decided against plenary powers being given to their representatives at the conference to arrive at a settlement. Feeding the Children. The feeding of the school children is being continued in the affected area with great devotion on the part of the teachers and others responsible for the work. It j, satisfactory to note that the youngsters Will not entirely miss some of the joys of the festive season, as a large quantity of puddings, pie, and other delicacies is already to hand. Those responsible for this good work deserve the heartiest thanks of the community. Between 80 and 90 children afe daily fed at the Graigddu Schools. Mr. Jones, fruiterer, Tonypandy, sent a handsome bunch of bananas to the schools for Sun- day last, whilst vegetables were also re- ceived from Mr. W. Newman and Mr. D. Williams, Concretes.

Rhondda County School. Distribution of Prizes. The annual distribution of prizes and certificates of the Rhondda County School, Porth, was held at Moriah (C.M.) Chapel, Ynyshir, on Wednesday evening last. Dr. T. H. Morris. Tylorstown, pre- sided. A very encouraging report was submitted by the headmaster, Mr. E. Samuel, M.A., of the year's progress. The prizes were distributed by Mr. W. J., Thomas, J.P., Brynawel, Ynyshir. Selec- tions were rendered by the School Choir, under the cbnductorship of Mr. Tom Price, M.I.S.M., Merthyr. Mr. David Jones, Pentre, accompanied. A full report will appear in our next week's issue.

Musical Successes. At the Incorporated Society of Musi- cians' Examinations held at Cardiff on December 5th 6th and 7th. the follow- ing were, among the successful local can- didates —Grade III.: Bliss Ceinwen Williams, Syphon Street, Porth. Grade II. Master Rhyddid Williams, Blaen- clydaeh. Grade I.: Mr. Richard D. Evans, Ystrad-Rhondda. Preparatory Grade: Miss May Williams, Danygraig, Trealaw: and Master Tudor Davies, Ystrad-Rhoudda. All the above are pupils of Mr. David Lloyd, Tonypandy. At a recent examination of the London College of Music held at Pontypridd, Masters Tom and Willie Lewis, 111, North Road, Porth, were successful in passing the Elementary Examination. Both are pupils of Mr. D. R. James, organic. Moriah Chapel, Ynyshir.

Penygraig and District Chamber of Trade- On Tuesday evening last, the monthly meeting of the above Chamber was held at the Dinas Institute, under the presi- aency of Mr. J. T. Davies, Penygraig. The Secretary (Mr. Dan Watkins) read a letter from Mr. W. P. Nicholas, Clerk of the Rhondda Council, intimating that the Council were pressing the Tramway Company to construct the line. up to Williamstown. and that they were also using their influence to obtain a motor service on the G.WR. from Williamstown to Tonyrefail and Llantrisant. On the motion of Mr. John Howells. a. vote of thanks was accorded the depu- tation that represented the Chamber at the County Council, and who were suc- cessful in obtaining a police station for Penygraig. A discussion took place regarding the proposal of the District Council to apply for Parliamentary powers to obtain a. supply of electricity for the better light- ing of the district. The Chairman considered that the Council should provide the necessary generating powers. r1r"O Jlr. T. U. Evans was of opinion that such a supply, could be procured much cheaper from a company who already possessed the necessary plant. Some time ago, when they approached the manage- ment of the Tramway Company upon this and other matters, they were informed that while the Tramway Company were generating electricity at the low rate of lid. per unit, a neighbouring Urban Council, with equal machinery, could not produce their electricity under ltd. per unit. After some discussion, it was agreed to approach the Council on the advisability, of its undertaking the generating powers. A letter from the Clerk of the District Council requesting the co-operation of the, Chamber to a public enquiry into the matter of Incorporation was discussed, and Messrs. Thomas D. Evans and J. P. Davies were selected to act on the com- mittee.

Setch field& Sons Saleroom—HAYES BUILDINGS, The Hayes, Cardiff MESSRS, A. SETCHFIELD & SON, Sell by Auction at the above address on Mondays and Thursdays at 2 p.m., and Saturdays at 7 p.m. A large assortment of useful Household Furniture old at each Sale, which are removed from various residences for absolute sale. Telephone-01194. Nat. 12 XMAS MEAT! XMAS POULTRY! E. J. STOCKWELL Central Meat Market, TONYPANDY, Will commence his Xmas Show and Sale TO=DAY (THURSDAY), With a Prime Collection of OX and HEIFER BEEF, WETHER MUTTON, and DAIRY FED PORK. He will also show TURKEYS, GEESE I DUCKS & FOWLS Of the Choicest Selected Quality. 0- All Meat Home Bred, Home Fed, Home Killed. 522 I The Business and Pleasure Line. I I CHRISTMAS and NEW YEAR I EXCURSIONS From SOUTH WALES. To Date. SCOTLAND December 23rd & 30th. LIVERPOOL and MANCHESTER Districts :-BLACKPOOL, ENGLISH LAKES NORTH WALES j decernbei -4th. BIRMINGHAM, WOLVERHAMPTON, LONDON J NORTH EASTERN LINE December 24th & 31st. For Fares, Times, and full particulars apply at the Stations where programmes may H be obtained, or to Mr. J. A. FIN PL AY, District Traffic Superintendent,L. &N. W.Ry &B Abergavenny. 517 I BRASS BUSINESS PLATES. | All kinds of Window Lettering, Gilt Wood and Koh-I Noor Letters, 0 Designs and Prices on Application. Nat. Tel. 2279. | J. & H. WILLIAMS, D°'" £ Z5*% £ %?rr>- CARDIFF. I SIGNS-RUBBEK STAMPS. | TWO 3PAMOUS IANOS, "IRONCLAD" and "LISZT" (MODELS). Overstrung. Under damper check action. Fnll metal frame. Latest Improvements Fully Illustrated Catalogue Post ORGANS by I New Style Bell Organ Co. Angelus Player Pianos. Mason & Hamlin, &c. I Auto-Pianos. DALE, FORTY & Co., Ltd. High Street & Castle Arcade, CARDIFF. spa

Exciting Experiences in the Rhondda. Mardy Boy Blown into River Treherbert Colliers' Plight. Shop Windows Blown In. I Horses and Vehicles Driven by Gale. In common with other parts of the country, the Rhondda Valley was visited on Friday last by one of the severest storms in its history, resulting in the loss of one life—that of a boy—at Mardy, whose body was recovered dn the river at Ferndale on the following morning. Considerable damage was done to the roofs and chimneys of dwelling-houses, whilst a. large tree was uprooted at Pentre, bringing down in its fall a. large portion of a, boundary wall. The roof of the Skating Rink at Tonypandy was con- siderably damaged by the gale, and the Metropolitan Police quartered there were obliged to remove, to the old Hippodrome building. Here again draughts, &c., added to their discomforts, and once more the men of London" struck camp and sought shelter in the Llwynypia School. Electioneering was carried on under the greatest difficulties. The hurricane which played such havoo last Friday, did considerable damage at Mardy. Several shop windows were blown in, and Mr. Barkway's stable in Griffiths Street was deroofed. About 40 yards of corrugated iron fencing at the colliery was also laid low. But the saddest mishap was that to a boy of about 12 years of age. Hfpry Morris, 11, Griffiths Street, Mardy, who, it is believed, was blown into the river near the, Mardy Station at II about one o'clock on Friday, and whose mutilated body was found near the No. 5 Pit, Ferndale, at 9 o'clock on Saturday morning, having been carried thus far by the much swollen river. At the inquest on Monday, a verdict of « Accidental drowning was returned. Much sym- pathy is felt for the parents. Mr. Morris, a fireman at the Mardy Collieries, is a bandsman with the Salvation Army, and the lad had lately commenced playing a cornet in bis father's band. r