The Pontypridd Chronicle and Workman's News

Overcoats!! Overcoats! FOR MEN AND BOYS! W. GIBBON & CO THE NOTED CHEAP CLOTHIERS AND TAILORS, Are now showing a SPLENDID NEW STOCK OF i J\ £ J±JlNrS p..ND BOYS' Overcoats & Winter Suits AT ROCK BOTTOM PRICES! CHE APEST IN -W W. GIBBON & Co., 3 and 4, Market Square, PONTYPRIDD, Also at Swansea, Newport, Aberdare, Aberavon, Tredegar, Ebbw Vale, Tonypandy, Pentre Ystrad and Ferndale. M JLET>S TALK OF GRAVES." M B J. G. Graves Eimterprise, Pami < A CUTilRY-25/- ■■ If ulf/ Contains Table Kniveg. flTable Forks, 6 Denert Knives, fi Dessert 6 Dessert Spooru,. G Tea Spoons, 1 pair Sugar Tongs, ii Table ■ ^W™>/ 1 Moi«t Sugar Spoon. 6 Egg Spoons, 2 Mustard Spoons, S A 2 Bait Spoons, 1 Silver Mounted Bread Euile. V K! ■ 9KSf r„, rJ 6. Gram it the only XaHufarturer mho tttpplifs the public A I 'skeffield Good* are manufactured iti the Firms m Artiele8MSS/~ MOW TO ^*Y. S 8end 8/- -With order aDd complete parehia<- iu six more monthly 9 /jSfl paymonto of 3/- and one at «/- or. If you prefer to pay the mf VX\mixK balance in one sum within seven days of delivery, J. G. GRAVES wiU X iMBf n forward a, SPLEKDIT) PAIK or CAEVKRB AS T>ISCCH,*T. Ifyouarenot M 0V |fl nHA satisfied,return the Parcel and your deposit will be refunded In full |fl Send Post Card for No. 1 ILLUSTRATED PBICE LIST of Watches W |» Jewellery, Clocks, etc., POST FREE. iJS GOOD AGENTS wanted in every town and village. Good |B Commission. Write for terms and particulars. JK Ik J.G.GRAVES I CROSS BROS.' The Cardiff Ironmongers, 15/- COMPETITION PARCEL OF CUTLERY Comprising 36 Articles post paid. 6 TABLE KNIVES, 6 TABLE FORKS, G DESSERT KNIVES, 6 DESSERT FORKS, 6 DESSERT SPOONS, 6 TEA SPOONS. SPECIAL T^OTE.—Knives have Ivoride Handles, NOT BONE, and the Forks and Spoons are guaranteed to wear throughout. Money returned if not approved of. OROSS BROS., The Cardiff Ironmongers, I 3 and 4, St. Mary Street. EYESIGHT TESTING ROOMS, THE ONLY ESTABLISHMENT IN SulTH BONNER MORGAN, fsm.c. S.SS (Load.), FITTING. QUALIFIED A careful test is made by the latestand most scientific mei hods, OPHTHALMIC OPTICIAN. I and a candid opinion is given as I to whether Spectacles are needed. Hoars: 9.30 to 7. CONSULTATIONS All cases requiring medical Wednesdays, FREE attention are at once referred to to I p.m. rREE. an Qcuyst PARK PLACE (Oppoolte Ptrk Hotel) CARDIFF. Entrance, WEDDINGS WEDDINGS Splendid Value in Government Stamped WEDDING RINGS AND KEEPERS (Half-dozen Best Nickel Silver Tea Spoons given for luck.") CHOICE SELECTION OF WEDDING PRESENTS. H. H. GIBSON 4, T HE ARCADE, PONTYPRIDD.

PERFORMANCE OF "SAMSON AT EBEN. EZER, TONYPANDY. On Thursday and Saturday, at Ebeneaer Welsh Independent Chapel, Tonypandy, an admirable performance of Handel's most in- teresting oratorio "Samson" was given bv the chapell choir, under the baton of Mr W. T. David, organist and choirmaster. The artistes AAere: Soprano, Miss May John, R.A.M.; con- tralto, Madame A. L. Morgan, R.W.L.C, and prize winner at Liverpool National Eistedd- fod tenor, Mr Richard Thomas, and bass, Mr Emlyn Davies, AR.C.M., fresh from his suc- cess at Queens 'Hall, where be sang before their Highnesses the Prince and Princess of g Wales on the occasion of the visit of Swansea CShoir to Queen's Hall, where he bad the hon- our of being called before them. The accom- paniments were played on the organ by that well-known musician, Mr W. J. Evans, Aber- dare, son of the veteran Mr Rhys Evaiis, and conductor after his father of the Aberdare Chorel Society, which has performed so many .•works .and by the Mid-Rhondda. Orchestral Band, trained by Mr A. A. Leeke, and, win- ners at the last National EilDe-ddfod at Mer- thyr, aided by Mr Arthur Angle, violiirt. who acted as lender, and; Mr Darch, Pontypridd. This band has done excellent service in the winter Saturday concerts at Ebenezer, and this was their first, big work, and ono must give ibem credit for acquitting themselves so well; and it. i-s only a question of more experience when they will be able to render greet help in fliopal performances., which hitherto had to Wepend on help from Cardiff and elsewhere. We heartily wierli them and their leader, Mr .Leek, evary success. Mr Arkite Phillips. Ab- ,erda, e, was the oboeist. ''Samson," as is well known, is founded on Milton's "Samson Azoll- Sstes," nnd it is worthy of remark, that Milton being blind, and Handel also, and it is said that Handel oould never hear the solo "Tolfcal Eclipse." without baing greatly affected. The tiiass soloist represents Jla.no nh the father, asid Harapha, th., PhiiMftrne boaster. As Manoali, 1\[r Emlyn Davies rendered an excellent Inter- preta.ti.on of the pride, tenderness, and sorrow of the father in the arias .Thy glorious deeds inspire my tongue." and "How wining my pa- ternal love." tho latter esqoLriWv phrased, find sung with groat pathos. As Harapha. the declamation WHS highly dramatic, the rerift. 'I come not San-m-al liaing «ncow.d, and the scorn in the words To combat with n blind man I riiiaJain' was most effective. followed by the wwll-known 'Honour and AriPS,* which was -also admirably rendered, and Mr IvmJyM DarW «tAmped liimsfelf as a. first class artiste. Mr #{iohard Thomas did the put of Samson with credit, the solos "Ibtal Eclipse' and 'Why does the God of Israel sleep?' deserving great praise, as well as his with Miss May John and Mr Davies respectively. 'Traitor to Low/ and "Go, baffled coward, go." Mis May John sang capitally. hex solos" lying *W;.tli ;PI,4 int-iv"E, plaintive cries,' My faith and trmh,' aJi<T 'J,et the bright seraphim.' Hmdajro Morgan in the alto part"? lacked wtrongth to be .as effective, ns one a«ild wisJi. The ehorail jwtrts were, capi- tally rendered, the attacks and inlonatioii bo ins; especially <ynfod, tiio choruses beinc ren- dered with sririt, and the blend bcitur very sood. The basses wWe exceedingly good. and the taopramns in 'Her faith and tindh'°wera de- servedly encored. The cfhoraJ uiunbors de- serving most honourable mention were °IV> man God's universal law,' 'Fixed in his cverhs'injr tsoa.t.' 'Great nntgon,' and rAk, the oelestial oonoerta oil This seoond eonoert under Mr W. T. D^vid, who is quite at. lx>nie with in- Stromentol scores, l-eflecbs the birh-cot credit on ooevductor and cboir, end and the general verdiofc of 841 who attended (and t,he ehapel "wae crowded each evening-) was t-b«.t the c:n- nert vrw » musical tww.t. Messrs Dan EvajiK *.E., Llwyoypia, and Dr Nation Daviea' etuurmeso recpectively. Mr David took (fee &.I. «hara erf th* work in the Sa-ttrrday Popa "18 GIrp:u1.t PM orgvnmn-.

I A Socialist Candidate for East Clamorgaq. THE WAR. LETTERS TO THE ELECTORS. BY JOHN MORGAN. THE WAR $,(:cji"jnued). The results of the War tave been, on the whole, benencial. As Kipling sings: "We've got a jolly good lesson; It has done us a. worid of good." It has shown us at once our strength end our weakness. It has given prcof of the .solidttv of our empire, a proof of the value of which, in its influence on the conduct of ether powers towards us, it is impossible to over-estimate. It has demonstrated In un- mistakeable fashion that we are far from be- ing the played out people whom many foreign critics, and, indeed, many home critics, as- serted us to be. It has ritown us that Brit- ish pluck is still possessed of a goodly meas- ure of those fighting qualities which it pos- sessed in bygone times, and the exercise of which has been, we are most of us willing to believe, in favour, for the most part, cf justice and liberty. Not less plainly has it been brought into prominence the physical unfitness of a very large proportion of our town-(bred men; for the hardships of cam paigninp. Thoughtful Soeialists are not, blind to the beneficent results likelv to in- sult from this discovery. It is setting men of diverse reasons, to enquire into the causes of the deterioration in the phisique of our re- cruits, and', in looking for the causes, and finding tlhem, they are being led to pursue their investigations to the point of seeking remedies for them. The chief immediate cause they discover is the insanitariness of the houses and towns in which 70 per cent. of our" people pass their lives. This discov- ered, what more natural than that they should agitate for reforms that would result in better dwellings and more breathing space for the breeders of soldiers? The motive may be no more exalted than titat-it prob- ably is no more exalted than that in many cases--lml whatever the motive, the ultimate result, tho improvement of the .physique of the nation, is one that is bound to be of enormous good. So many other improve- ments would accompany and follow it that our expenditure of 14 millions sterling per week on account of the war may possibly be looked upon in years to come as a sound in- vestment of capital. For South Africa itself I anticipate a long period1 of peace, Briton and Boer both ior- gotting the bitterness of the present struggle in the mutual esteem and respect which the discovery of each otlhers good ~ualities> has engendered. The prolongation of the strug- gle is, indeed, not without its good. The early bitterness is clearly disappearing under its influence. There is now respect where there was formerly contempt; con- fidence now where suspicion held sway be- fore. That there will be anything in a "le- gacy of hate" left 'by the war I carnot for a moment believe. The question of prime importance now -is: How to end! tha War? --y opinion is of no particular value; and were it not expected of a Parliamentary candidate that he should be capable of giving an opinion in every mat- ter under the sun I should be disposed to shirk the discussion of a question into which the disputants import so much of intolerant rancour. The problem bristles with difficul- ties, and I 'honestly sympathise with the men whose business it is to deaJ with them We are all desirous of peace, and only differ in regard to the way to secure it Is it to be by the unconditional surrender of the ene- my, or by negotiation with him? We home are practically unanimous in saving that we cannot again allow independence to the Boers. The Boers, on their side, aver that they will continue fightting until inde- pendence is granted them. These being the attitudes of the opposing parties, what is fhere but unconditional surrender ofr the weaker? The problem is, moreover, com plicated by the question of the treatment that is to be meted out to those subjects of ours who have joined the enemy's forces. The Boers make it a condition of waiving their demand for independence that those of our subjects who have taken up arms against us sha,r be fcrgiveji their treachery. We, on our part, sty that this is a question that we can- not entertain. Which side is to give way? Shall the Boers 'basely desert the men who have risked life and property in thfir bc- half? Shall the British forgive the men who have traitorously gone over to the ene- my, and but for whose aid, the war, with its many horrors would have been over long ago? I would not li-ke the responsihilitv Of deciding the question; but I must say that in my opinion to bargain about granting am- nesty w the rebels while the war is st-ill pro- ceeding- and while the enemy is still being reinforced by our subjects, would be a griev. ous mistake. Rather would I advocate grea_ ter severity towards tJioee traitorous men, and make it as plain as possible to them that rt bellicn against British authority is not to be indulged in with impunity. Tli? time for discussing the advitaMity of giving these men pardon for their wrong doing will be at tlje end of the war, afnd then, if at all, not en the grounds of right of expediency. Ex- pediency now forbids encouraging them with the. hope th-tt such pardon w/ll be granted them I ( Taking everything into afeC*Vnt, I do not see how the war is to be f'tded except by the capture or surrender of the Hiler forces. Nor can I appreciate.apart from the amnesty question—the force of the reasons which im- pel them to continue their resistance- We are not, as some persons foolishly SlIY, wish- ful to destroy the Boc- people, For the security of our Empiro we deem it prudent that they should be incorporated with us. They should be allowed the same measure of liberty as British subjects in our self- governing colonies elsewhere enjoy, and the same freedom to work out their own destiijy- as if they utill possessed their much-prized independence. This their leaders know, and why, knowing it, they should sacrifice so much in the ftruggle against incorporation, I canuot comprehend. We. on our fide, cannot afford to do any. thing that might be construed as a sign of weak/i'^s' Magnanimity, as we know to o-ir c.nst, 1i is before now been so misconstrued It would he fatui lo the peace cf South Africa if we. did anything that would repeat the oiTor. Nor Is South Africa alone Mint has to be considered. Rival nation* are quick to misinterpret any action of ours; and our /Vlnuial brethren.:ik1 the subject, races ..f India and elsewhere, are no 1'-ss qnick to see o;tr errors, and to r'-fent their con-nii* si<)M. whenever their commission js c'r- to weakwvs, apparent or red'. For my part I si on id be sorry to we British prestige lis*, ered. sorry to find thae her power was glow- ing for, with -ill Mr faults--n'id tliey are 1 nnny—mors than any r.ib<?r pow- is sfci'1 the buhv.M-k of liberty. Nowhere else. 1V>* I veil in the United States, is tb- fate of .1 rh.. I ervple w, much within our hands as v,"iU* her roniines and wl atever wro;;g» »|je people suffer arc wrongs w3iich they do not trouble themselves to remove. Her down- fell. Day, eVMi nn appreciable weakcuiut, of ber pover, would be a calamity felt ibrough- cut • he wnrl.i. Oi>loneil Iind.say, the Conservative camli- date for East. Glamorgan in the last General Electron, and the Drobib'e 0< nsf-rvat.v> r."r,. f irkive in the next, haq on more (">»» cne ci-casion recently That l:e "would w-1. come a labour member, and would, under cer. tain c:i^'ttio?is, be prepir>id to support t'-m. BUÍ; oe nurst be soui'd 0. Imterial and Con- stitutional principles Colonel, I am voor man. Your 'nterjvreti^MU «f the word iUm. SftitutionrT' would differ ilight-tv from mine, perhaps; lbul a little thinr. that ought not to come between us What di- yon say, 1 sir? —

RHONDDA URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. OBLIGATIONS OF BRAKE DRIVERS. GAS COMMITTEES RECOMMENDA- TION IS IT FAIR? On Friday afternoon last f.he monthly meeting of the above Council was held at the Pentre Council Chambers, Councillor W. T. Jones J.P., presiding. There were also present Messirs Daniel Evans (vice); Alder- man William Morgan; E. P. Davies, J. D. Williams, David Smith, David Williams, David Rowlands, L. P. Griffiths; Morris Mor. Iris, Dr. E. N. Davies; Thomas Davies, E Williams, R. S Griffiths, Evan Watkins Edward Jones, Dr. W. E. Thomas; and D. W. Jones. The clerk (Mr W. P. Nicholas", medical officer of health (Dr J. D. Jenkins), and surveyor (Mr Jones), were also in attend. HEAR! HEAR! A letter was read from Mr W. A. Cro:ss, of the London and Provincial Bank, stating that the directors of his bank had decided: to make Pentre a separate branch in accordance with the wishes of their clients and friends. The announcement was reoeived with a general "Hear, hear' from the members. A FATAL OBJECTION. An application for permission io give a theatrical play at the Porth Town Hall cm Good Friday was made. Mr J. D. Williams moved that inasmuch as the proceeds were not in aid of a charit. able object that the application be refused, end this was agreed to. ASSESSMENT APPEALS The Clerk reported that he had rfceived notices from colliery proprietors notifying their intention of appealing against the last assessment at the next Quarter Sessions. MORE POWER WANTED. Reference was made by Mr D. South to the duties of the Health Committee, and ex- pressed an opinion that more powers should je given them by the Council to enable them to ideal more speedily with cases of nuisance The suggestion was referred to the Health Committee for consideration. WORKMEN'S GRIEVANCE AT BLAENRHONDDA. The attention of the Council was drawn by Mr Evan Watkins to the Blaenrhondda 'Level Crossing, wihere many instances oi miners losing a day's work on account 01 the crossing gates being closed against them. He said they had frequently to wait from 10 to 20 minutes. The people of the district wanted the Council to take the matter up with a view to obtaining a. footbridge at the spot. Alderman W. Morgan supported these views, and ultimately the clerk was instruc- ted to suibmt to the next meeting a report of the legal position of the Taff Vale Railway Company with regard to this crossing. LYCEUM THEATRE GETS ITS LICENCE. The licence of the new Lyceum Theatre, Pentre, was granted to Messrs Sam Duck- worth and Arthur Carlton upon the recom- mendation of the surveyor and medical offi- cer, Who informed the Council that all their requirements had been carried out. WHY NOT ADVERTISE? An applicat,ion wa,s received from Mr Tuos. Richards, of the Surveyor's Department, for the position of second assistant surveyor, ren. dered) vacant (by tlie resignation of Mr Thos. Williams. Mir Richards pointed out that he was 24 years of age, and had been en- gaged as assistant, to the previous surveyor for the la."t three years. The roads committee in tiheir report sub. mitted to the Council on Friday, recom- mended that Mr W. S. Smith, of Neath (son of Mr G. 0. Smith, agent to the Bailey Es. tate, Ton), be offered tlie appointment of second assi&tanit surveyor in the place ot Mr Thomas Williams (resigned), at a salary of JB120 per annum, and that the surveyor write Mr Smith asking him if he is prepared to accept same. Mr E. P. Davies asked1 if the appointment could be made without advertising. Mr Morris Morris said it was an urgency, and added that Mr Smith was an appli- cant. The Surveyor said he was not! When tie appointment of chief assistant was mad^ he was an applicant for that post. Dr. W. E. Thomas said be knew Mr Smith, and he ibelieved he would do Ihis work exceedingly well, (but he suggested that the paragraph be referred back to the commit- tee so that if necessary they could advertise, or make the appointment. The matter was referred back to the com- mittee with power to appoint. REPORT OF THE ROADS OOM- MITTEE. From this committee's report it was glean- ed that Messrs Edward Davies and Sons, con. tra/ctors, Treherbert, had asked the Council to reconsider the question of the deduction made by them of JB50 for penalties in conse- quence of the delay in completing the Bla<en- rhondda. street contracts. The committee ordered that the letter be allowed to lie on the table. BRAKE DRIVER BROUGHT TO BOOK. Mr W. Platt, wrote from Pontypridd draw. ing the attention of the Council to the con- duct of a Ibrake driver in refusing to con- tinue his journey to Treherbert. It was ordered that the driver be reques- red to attend before the next meeting 01 tbe Council. Before the driver appeared: before the Council to explain his conduct, the bye laws relating to brake drivers were looked up, and the clerk read a number of Uiem. One of them prohibits smoking by the drivers when engaged, laughingly remarked the clerk, but nothing is raid about spitting I Dr. Thomas thought the bye la.WR should (be distributed dbout the district, as they were not widely known. It was decided to faR in with the sugges- tion. The driver now explained that lie didn't know where Mr Piatt was going to. He met something good, and people as a. rule allowed the local brakedrivers to take advantage of it, (but this time be met a. man that didn't do so. (He would have gone on to Tpehe?*- bert if ihe didn't see the chamce of going to the funeral. Dr. Thomas reminded1 the driver that he had his licence for the convenience of the public more than his own personal advan- tage. Questioned by Mr R. S. Griffiths, tr.e drl ver admitted that he did not know u 3 obligation to the public in his capacity as driver. Artsp tiM) driver Mr R. S. Griffiths moved that his licence be suspe-nded for s:x months. Dr. W. E. Thomas thought this was rather harsh, and moved as an amendment that he !b3. severely reprimanded. Mr D. W. Jones seconded ■It Thomas' amendment was carried, and this gentleman said he would like to' heav the lecture when it came off. (Laughter). The Committee resolved that the LIantri sant and Matwit Vardre Rural District Coun- cil be -,&ed to contribute towards the cost of providing lamps on the portion of the road leading from Trebanog Co Tanyrefail, and that the cost of maintenance and light- ing be equidly divided by both, districts. The fallowing tenders being the lowiest, it was recommended that they be accepted: Private Street Works Bailey Estate. Pleas, nnt View. Pentr-e and Ystrad Rhondda. Mr W. E. Willis, Ystrad, at jB2,845 9s Od Station Street, Treherbert, B-arnes, Chaplin a-nd 00.. £ 759 3s 2d; Lane in CVjort^sttibti, ranypandy, Bavaes, Chaplin 'and Coinpanv, ;c0 14s 5d. w

GAS AND WATER COMMITTEE. Vote of Condolence This committee re- solved that the committee expresses its deep- est regret at the loss sustained by CouncdL lor E. P. Davies by the death of his wife, and sympathises with him in his sad be- reavement, and ordered that the clerk convey to Councillor E. P. Davies the purport of 41ch resolution, HEALTH COMMITTEE'S REPORT. At the meeting of'this committee a cit- cutlar letter was read from the secretary of the South Wales and Monmouthshire Bmanch of the National Association for the preven- tion of Consumption and other forms of ub- ereulosis. It was resolved that the letter be refer- red to the Chairman, Councillor Dr. Davies and the Medical Officer pf Health to deal with. The Medical Otncer of Health submitted an estimate of expenditure for the six months ending 30th September flext in the Sanitwy 'epartment, which amounted to £2,995. It was recommended that, subject to the sum of -62,750 being provided for Horpital Ex- tensions in lieu of JB2,995, the estimate be adapted. APPOINTMENT OF TREASURER DEFERRED. The appointment of treasurer was deferred for a month pending the afppointment of the manager of the branch bank of the Lon- don and Provincial Bank at Pentre. MEDICAL OFFICER'S REPORT. HEALTH OF THE DISTRICT. Dr. J. D. Jenkins (Medical Officer of Health), shewed that the number of scarlet fever cases notified during the ncnth of January was practically identical with that for December, the figures being 87 ?.nd 88 re- spectively M; qampared 'wdthi the corres- ponding month of last year the total for this month was lowter by 71 cases. The number of typhofid fever cases notified amounted to 15, being the smallest total fince June of last year. Eight, or more than half the caeef, occurred in houses already infected, and no fewer than four of fliese occurred in one house. This disease caused four deaths dur- ing the month. Although no portion of the district was exceptionally affected by diphtheria, the total number of cases am. ountedi to 80, or five more than last month, and the number of deaths 5, as compared with 11 the previous month.

Letters to the Editor. ■ "m THE PONTYPRIDD LIBERAL CLUB AND LOCAL ELECTIONS. Sir.-I notice that in dealing with election prospects, in your last week's paper,you seem to cast a doubt upon the righ '( the Lib- eral Club to interfere in local elections. Will you, therefore, allow me to joint out that there is no organised body in the town to deal with such matters in tho name of tho Liberal electors, and if the Liberal Club dees not step in, there will be no meajis at all of giving effective-support to a Liberal can- didate. I tjierefore, appeal to all Liberals to rally round the candidate or can- didates supported by that organivation. Yours, etc. J. JOKES (Mr Jones is entirely erroneous in his sup- position as to our attitude. We the Liberal Club, or any other responsible authority, to declare itself ratJier than let matters drift- to a possible defeat So. fi^r, however, we have .not heard that the Lib- eval Club has 1 ;0 do any- thing.—Editor. — ♦— —

THE COLLIERY DOCTOR'S REFORA. Sir,—Tlie numerous corraspondence that li&s appeared in your columns requires the immediate attention of your readers engaged in colliery work. It is high time we should gefc to practical issues with this question. As one of your correspondents has pointed out, we are on the threshold of a falling market, which will be against us in any conflict with the officials. We require to test this question in our collieries, which will give a. true indi- cation to the Federation feeling. The pre- sent system; of engaging doctors can not be defended, and is not defended even by the doc- tors themselves. Then why does not the works committee move and make this little effort to get us out of this bondage?—I am, Abercynon. D.J. —

THE CLASS TEACHERS OF THE RHONDDA. Dear Sir,—It is not my intention to be par- ticularly verbose in this matter, but I trust that when tits purport of this communication is digested, much good will be derived there- from. At present in the service of the Rhon- dda School Board there are about 160 class teachars, i.e., certificated, fully qualified teach- crs. Now, I question whether, of this great number, more than a dozen are unaware of the existence of a Class Teachers' Association in OUT midst. That ,being so, I would submit to all certifioatedi assistants (men and women) one or <two points which should bring the Blush of shanvet to the countenance of some of them. Out of the above total of 160, only 48 last year paid their subscription to this association. The amount asked was the paltry figure of Is 6d. We pose as members of a profession and a. union, and at the same time ignore the obliga- tions pertaining thereto. I do not, in the re- marks, wish to aggravate matters, nor cause bad feeling. My sole object is to get a. flour- ishing association, which could, and should, be a source of power, professionally and social- ly. Far be it from me to impute to the non- subscribers motives and arguments whidh. sug- gest themselves a justification for this lack of unity. But t'heir reaons should ceitainly be made known with, all possible speed. Everyone as convinced of the great benefits derived from social intercourse. Added to these we have here the powers and rights of Unionism. The association has already accomplished much, but a; great deal remains to be done. The com- mittee and officers do not feel justified in em- barking on any projects without better support at the meetings. Any grievance which may exist, is more likely to be rectified by attend- ance at, the meetings, than by abstention from the association. there axe several teachers who have not thought it their duty to attend one ■meeting'. Some of the others pay their I subscriptions but do not attend. Now, for my- self, I am not more cnarnourod of these latter than the others. The ,Ihole body of assistants has benefited by the action of this association. Now, to accept and enjoy these benefits, and I yet ignore the obligations in their train, seems to point to low moral principles. I am sure it has not appeared in this light to many. With- out labouring further on this unsavoury topic, I earnestly appeal to every class teacher to do bi-s duty—to join the association. There are very important matters affecting class teachers likely to appear in the immediate future. It behoves us to be ready as one man. A meet- ing was hold last week at Portii, and only about two dozen attended. Scandalous! When the ne^t. meeting is called, it is really absolutely necessiry tbat a greatly increased attendance lie shown. Most important matters are cer- tain to ariro. In conclusion, Mr Editor, I hope you will give this communication the most, pro- miucnt positon in your paper.—I aim, etc., A "C.T.'

THE MOST NUTRITIOUS. E P-P S',S GRATEFUL-COMFORTING. 0% COCOA 4,ST-~

RHONDDA BAPTIST MINISTERIAL UNION. MONTHLY MEETING. On Tuesday, the 11th inst., the monthly meeting of the Rhondda Baptist Ministerial Union was held at Blaenycwm, and was pre- sided over by the pastor, Rev. W. Evans, G. and L. The Conference was commenced at 2.30 p.m. by prayer by the Rev. J. Nicholas. Tonypandy After a few remarks by the chairman, the records of the last meet, ing were read' and! confirmed A vote of condolence was pushed with the Rev. H. Harries, Treherbert. and his family in their sore affliction in the loss of their dear son under circumstances so sudden and unexpected. May they feel consolation in the fact that "Blessed are the dead who Óe in the Lord'' whatever may be the 'bitterness accompanying the dhange. This meeting var- ied from the usual course in having two p:1- pers read instead of one. The first was an outline of a sermon, or perhaps, sketches of two sermons, by the RRV. E. W. Davies Ton. Ystrad, founded on Judges XIII, 22.23. This was a splendid sketch. Mr Davies is an artiste is sketching sermon. The care in the religous training of a family, and the sympathy of parents with the highest ques- tions of the day so as to qualify the youth for the battle of life were forcibly explained- We were very much struck also at his re- mark on the law of heredity by which sin is developed in children, the counteracting of which should engage the attention of parents in the earliest stages of life as did Manoah, with his son, Samson. This was followed by a paper by the Rev. G. Matthews, Blaenrhondda, on "The Mes- sage of the Epistle of Judas." A compre- hensive view was taken of this very diffi- cult subject. A vote of thanks was passed for the two pa pars. The next subject was the presentation of an. address to the Rev. D. M. Jones. Tylors. town, who ha.s loft our Union and taken the pastoral charge of the Baptist Church at Beaufort, Mon. The Address was read by the Secretary, and presented to Mr Jones on behalf of the Rhondtda, Baptist Ministerial Union. The address was highly complim- entary to our young brother, describing him as meek and lowly yet a hero fcr the truth, and a successful labourer in the Vineyard of the Lord. Mr Jones, in receiving this token of re- spect from his ministerial brethren .made a. few appropriatte rewarks. A resolution of sympathy with our brotluv I was also passed in fcis distress in losing his child while already in deep waters mourning after his dear partner in life. This further stroke of affliction following so soon, made the voyage of life, a valley of mourning. It is to 'be hoped all tilings work topr-other fer the good of those who lQve God. The Conference was closed by prayer by the chairman In the evening, instead of the usual preach- ing service, a model scripture lesson was given bv Mr E. Samuel. B.A., Porth. A very good audience was attracted for this new departure, and a most instructive lesson was given to a very attentive audience. A considerable number of Mr Samuel's pupils in I the Porth County School were present, and I took an active part- in the proceedings. This new movement in the Sunday School teach- ing in the Rhondda is already creating a great stir, and is likely to revolutionise tlie present- ineffective mode of conveying In- struction. Our heartiest tihanks are due to the stall teachers in our Board and County Schools for their countenance and support in this new departure. Their training enables them not only to help in the work themselves, but also in finspiring others to qualify themselves for gi-eater facilities in imipartang instruction to the young. Man is responsible, not only for what he is doing, but slw> f< r what he might do by proper application and train- ing.

ST PATRICK'S DAY CELl-BKATION AT PONTYPRIDD. On Monday, the paltronal c11 of Ireland's St Ph trick, a grand conceit was held at the New Town Hall, Pontypridd. A capital pro- gramme had been arranged by the Rev Father MacManus. and the Concert Irom start to finish was a huge success. The principal so- pmno was Miss Beatrice John tone, Taff Well, She sang in fine style the well known "II Ba- cio," and the beautiful Irish soii^. '"Eileen Alannah." Miss Johnstone was accompanied by several of her pupils, who s ma the follow- ing solos: Miss Muriel Jones. 'The Honey- suckle and the Bee,' Miss M-v Moses, 'The Bonnie Batiks of Loch Lomotid. Miss May Jones. Tlie Auld Pteid Shawl.' Miss Jones and Miss Moses also sang the duet, 'Under the Hawthorn Hedge,' Madame Thomas, also a pupil of Miss Johnstone, contribut.ed a. solo. Mr David Cbiiiii) gave There never was a Coward where* tlie Shamrock Grows,' and Kitty Muldoon.' and in respoes- to a hurri- cane of applause, sang 'Fathc' O Flyn.' Mr Tom F&rr sang 'The Bedouin Love Song' and 'Biddy Aroo.' The elocution s was Mr 'Mc- Muliin, and his dramatic rende: .m; of 'Shamus O'Brien' fairly brought down h- house. In- strumental •music was contribut .d by Miss Dolly Owen wlio played the 'AViviring of the Green;' Mr Arthur Roberts wi, h selection from 'Stabat Mater.' and Messrs Hih! ,v; t- and Singer, who gave, a duet. The school .-luldren, under th-" leadership of Miss O'Brim very prettily s .n<r a chorus entitled The D Little Sham- rock of Ireland. The Graig lIf:! I" Voice Party who very kindly gave their • • •■ s. sanr 'The ,o\nvil' (Adolphe Adam), TTiet-' '.Tiers' Chorus' (Faust), and The Sailors' Ch-Ik- (Parry). Mr Collins, of the Male Voice T11 ty, sane The Vision of t he Cross (Bradsv )'. and Messrs Collins and Jones. The Mar:: s'oirif WarTY). Tlv accompanist, Miss ft.-Ma Thomas, A.L.C.M., did lver work in -Vilful maimer for which she is justly famed The chair was occupied by the Fev Father ?■: -Manus.

RHONDDA COU>" fL. NOMINATION- ONLY TWO LIKELY ( 'YTESTS. Out of the teu retiring m n,hcrs from the Rhondda. Urban District Couneil the nomina- tions sent in on Tuesday disclosed the fact that. there are only two likely -utests, viz., in the No. 9 and 10 Wards, situa^d in the Rbon- dda Fach. Tlie retiring me-rbcr in No. 9 Ward is Mr Phillip Rees, and hnse nominated t') oppose him arc Mr Williai- Williams, gro- cer, Llewellyn street, Pontyf vnith, and Mr Griffith Davies, Fenrhys Hot In tbe No. 10 Ward Mr Edward Griffiths, the Pottt Office, retires, and those opposing ar" Mr David Ed- wards, Mardy road, bootfactcr. and Mr Talies- in E. Richards, colliery manager. The unop- posed members are No. 1 Ward, Morgan Llew- e'lyii. Baglan Hotel, Treherbert No. 2, W. T. Jones, Treorky, the Council's present chair- man No. 3, Thomas Davies, Windsor Hotel, Ton No. 4. Thomas Thomas, grocer, Ystrad; No. 5. Evan Williams. OydacJi Vale; No. 6, D. C. Evans, Miskin Hotel, late sanitary in- spector nnder the Council, rei n>-nod unopposed in place of John Williams, nd agent., retir- ing; No. 7. David Rowlands, 1 ouse agent, Pen- ygra-ig No. 8, Thomas Grifi- lis, M.E., Cym- mer.

A BAD BLUNDER. 1 All blunders are bad, but some blunders are I much worse than others. Hietory atoooda in records of colossal blunders, such as the order to charge at Balaclava and the declattItion oi war againt Prussia by France in 1870. The best man is the man who makes the fewest blunders, not the man wiho never blunders at nil because that man is not born yet. Should such a phenomenon ever appear among us, we should like to know him; his acquaintance would alone be a liberal education. The most frequent and most dangerous blun- ders we make relate to ourselves. "Know thy- self," is an injunction difficult to obey, each one of us believing all men mortal but our- selves. It thus arises that the first insidious approach of disease is so commonly disregarded in tlie hope rather than the belief that it will of itself pass away; and so each year valuable lives are lost which might have been saved, just as 011 every nearlv battlefield some brave soldier bleeds to death for want of a good Samaritan at hand with a. tourniquet. Mr George J. Buck, of Caister-on-Sea, when taken ill about 12 years ago, did not make the common blun- der of disregarding his conditon, but consulted a doctor who informed him that his lungs wlare going, and prescribed for him accordingly. From this attack Mr Buck recovered, but was seized a second time. and so recently as three years ago the gloomy report of nine years be- fore was repeated. "I suffered," said Mr Buck on 20th November, 1901, "with a. tightness of the chest and a. sharp shooting pain at the heart. I became hoarse and had a troublesome cough, with accumulation of phlegm which con- stant efforts failed to remove. My appetite, at no time great, practically ceased, and the little I ate I was quite unable to dig^C, so that T became practically a wreck. Nothing thatt ^as done for me benefited me in the least. when one day my dear okl mother said, "George, why don't you try Mother SeigeTe Curative Syrup? I have often taken it. and always been the better for it.' To please her I obtained a. bottle. It was the hp-st investment I ever made. Three bottles of Mother Sei^el's Curative Syrup effected my complete cure. I am. never tirrt of telling my friends of my ex- !■ perk-nce, ami to anyone whose suffering? at. all resemble mine I would warmly commend ALotber Seigel's Curative Syrup as a sure cure." The blunder in this asuse was not made by Mr Buck nor by hia mother. Mr Buck's lungs are still 'going,' and so is the rest of Mr Buck's organisation. He did not have eonaumption. but had what is often mistaken far it—catarrh of the stomach; in other words, dyspepsia. Which goes to show how difficult ? sonipetimel-t is to know what ails as.

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