The Merthyr Express

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Mountain Ash Council. vTh, Glamorganshire and Aberdare Canal I Navigations have petitioned the House of Lords to 'oe heard against the Mountain Ash Urban District Council Bill. The Bill was on Wednesday sent by the Ex- fcminors of Standing Orders proofs for second reading in the Lords. The Bill has passed through the Commons. L

Aberdare and District Air Rifle League. On Wednesday so'nnight a meeting of the ^emb-ers of the above League was held at the j an(-Mnstitute. Aberdare. Mr. Charles Mose- fu"!K'^vr^amaQ' Prided. Eor their failure to their fixtures with the Band Institute, the vd 1 Flag Team, Aberaman, were penal- Ovvjr »y losing thoir match in tho cup ties, the ft- e W3rQ drawn to play with Cwmaman, lusy^^era to play in tho final with the Band

lo Tabr^3'1 ^as S'ven orders to open the road of unlimv' j111' has authorised the introduction B^vancin~ supplies. The Russian troops are Lord fcween Rj,. says that the differences be- Perc-sfor^ ,n Fisher and Admiral Lord Chas. naval been a great disadvantage to the r-

MOUNTAIN ASH. PURCHASE your Groceries and Provisions at II. EYNON'S, Mountain Ash. Quality and price un. surpassed. Iff you are in doubtwbore to Furnish, go to VIQ. TOE FREED, the leading' house furnisher, where you can he supplied at your own terms.—3 and 4. Miskin. ltoad, Mountain Ash. IN AID OF THE HOSPITAL.—On Thursday even- ing Mr. Haggar gave several benefit enter- tainmonts at his bioscope show on Navigation; Ground, in aid of the Cottage Hospital. A good sum was realised, but owing to the wretch- ed weather prevailing the show was not so well patronised as was anticipated. DEATH.—The death of Mrs. Keating, wile of Mr. Con. Keating, of Cardiff-road, took place on Tuesday. The late Mrs. Keating was well known in the town, and was the mother of JVIrs. Keating-Hill, the Cardiff Suffragette, and of Mr. Joseph Keating, the author of "The Son of Judith," and other works. LECTURE.—On Monday evening, at Duffryn j street English Calvinictic Methodist Chapel, an interesting lecture on "The Tour of Glyndwr's Male Vcios Party in America," was delivered by Mr. E. R. McGregor, who acted as secretary to the parly during the tour. The lecture was illustrated with some excellent lantern pictures. TERRITORIALS.—The C and D Companies of the Territorial Force have been invited to hold a church parade, and attend the Nazareth Eng- lish Baptist Church during May. The invitation has been accepted by the Territorials, and the parade will take place shortly. This will be the first parade of Territorials held at a chapel at Mountain Ash. SUCCESS.—The report of the Easter Terminal Examination of the Aberystwyth Theological College shows that Mr. Willie Edwards, "Tra.oed," Aberdare-road, heads the Jist of first year's students in Hebrew, New Testa- ment Greek, Dogmatics, Church History, and Old Testament History and Literature—all the subjects of the examination. LIBERAL LEAGUE.—A meeting of the Young Liberals League was held on Wednesday week, when it was decided not to hold any further mtings during the summer. A committee was appointed to draw up a good programme for next winter, and to engage some of the best speakers in the Liberal Party. The chair was occupied during the evening by Dr. Arthur Jones. PREACHING SERVICES5.—On Sunday and Mon- day. special preaching services were held at Bethlehem Calvinistic Methcdht Church, the Revs. Evan Jones. Carnarvon, and J. H. Howard, Cwmavon, delivered able sermons to large congregations. The Rev Evan Jones is this year's President of the National Free Church Council, and he received a cardial wel- come at Mountain Ash from many cw his old friends. ANNIVERSARY.—On Sunday the anniversary services in connection with Duffryn-strest Eng- ]ish Calvinistic Methodist Church were he!d, and were attended by good congregations dur- ing the day. The preacher was the Rev. Gwilym H. Evans. of Aberystwyth Theological College, who gave three interesting sermons. The singing also was capital, tho conductor being Mr. W. Badham. A feature of the ser- vice was the excellent soios sung by Mr. God- frey Price. Mr. Price has a voice of great compass, and he was never heard to better ad- vantage than on Sunday. The organist was Mr. Theophilus Morgan, but Mr. John Webber accompanied during the singing of the solos. PRESENTATION.—An interesting meeting was held at the Ffrwd Offices on Friday evening, when the Mountain Ash Mala Voice Party (which recently toured Amer-iea-) took the op- portunity of presenting Capt. Gwilym A. Evans with a silver-mounted walking stick.— Mr. T. Glvndwr Richards, in handing the stick to Capt. Evans, asked him not to value it for its worth, but as a token of th9 esteem they held him in. They had received many kind- nesses from his hands, which they would always remember.—Capt. Evans, in replying, said he hardly knew what he had done to merit the presentation. He had, however, aiwq^-s taken a special interest in the party, and had followed their tour with great joy. Their behaviour had been a credit to the nation. Only last week he received a letter from America eulogising their work. He wished them a further period of success. SOCIAL.—A social meeting, under the auspices of the Mountain Ash Constitutional Club was held at the Lesser Hall of the Workmen's In- situte on Monday evening. Mr. F. W. Bell occupied the chaà, and the hall was crowded to excess, not even standing room baijig avail- able. The following programme was first gone through; — Pianoforte solo, Mr. J. Webber; song, Mr. J. C. Powell; comic eons-, Mr. Dai Lloyd; instrumental solo, Mr. Newsome France; song. Mr. J. C. Powell; and sttmlp speech, Mr. Dai Lloyd. Mr. E. Waddington. Conservative agent, Chesterfield, addressed the meeting on "Is the present Government worthy of the confidence of the people." He argued that the acts of the pmsernt Government with regard to the Army, the alien question, South Africa.. Chinese labour, the House of Lords, and on education and temperance questions were such as to render them unworthy of confidence. Questions were than invited, and a fow were put and answered. OPERETTA PERFORMANCE.—Tho Workman's Institute was well patronised on Tuesday even- ing, on the occasion of the performance of the operetta, the White Lady of Myddva'" (J. Haydn Parry) by the Ladies' Choir of the Cwmbach Co-operative Society. The principal characters -were as follow:—"Meurig," a cow- herd, Mr. Anthony Jones, "Gwen," a water fairy, Miss Maiv Phillips, Cwmaman; "Tegid," the father of "Gwen," Mr. Gwilym Evans, Aber- aman; "Modron," mother of "Meurig," Miss M. J. Davies, Cwmbach; "Maidens," Miss Maud Evans, Cwmbach, and Miss Lizzie Ed- munds, Aborcwmboi. These parts were well performed, and much of tho success of the pieca was due to the splendid manner in which each character performed his or her allotted task. There were a number of choruses, and these were rendered in an almost perfect manner by the choir. The conductor was Mr. D. R. Davies, Cwmbach, while the accompanists were Mr. George H- Moses, Aberaman, and Mr. W. Walters, Aberaman. The stage manager was Mr. T. C. BrJrnunds, Aberaman. QUARTERLY MEETINGS.—On Sunday tho quar- terly meetings of the Sunday School connected with Ffrwd Welsh Baptist Church were beld. There were good congregations throughout th3 dav, and a splendid programme of songs, solos, jecita-tions. and addresses were gone through. The presidents were: Rev. J. Glandwr Watkins (pastor) and Messrs. T. Wheeler and Lewis Watts (the two (superintendents). The singing was under the direction of Mr. T. Emrys Jones, A.L.C.M., the organist was Miss Bronwen Coleman; and the secretary. Mr. Einlyn Evan-% The following took part:—Recitations: Johnny Jones, Florrie Drinkwafcor, Tommy Williams, Williams, Willjo Morgan, Emlyn Mor- gan Arthur W. Griffiths, Alice Williams, H. |j '-Watts, Tcddio .Williams, Maggie Davies, Stanley Prosser, Daniel Jones, Iorwerth Ed- wards, Annie Drinkwater, Maggie Williams, AIpr-T'Cwen Rees, Blodwen Eee-, Gwendoline \.v,rlli,ims. May Wheeler, Tydfil Edwards, Wm. H Atkins. Esther M. John. D. J. Griffiths. J. Percy Thomas, T. Jones, Evan Morgan. Miles Morgan. Morgan Griffiths, and Phqsba Wheeler, a ios: Emrys Watts, Teresa Powell, Edward H Powell, Hilda M. Thomas, Tommy Rich- ards Maggie Parry, John Martin, May Watts. I) Williams, Tom Evans, John Watts, Richard Griffit^s' Lewis Watts, Stephen Jenkins, and Clod wen' Morgan; duett, T. Richards and A. Griffiths; dialogue, Mrs. Christmas Breeze and friends; parties. Miss Bronwen Coleman and friends. Miss Annie Hughes and friends, Miss Jessie Prioa and friends, Mr. Lewis Watts and friends. A quartette was given by Master T. Richards, Messrs. T. Jones, D. Williams, and John Watts. GOOD TEMPLARY.—On Thursday evening ft temperance meeting was held in the Lesser Hall of the Workmen's Institute, under the auspices of the local branches of the I.O.G.T. Mr Charles Archer presided, and there was a fairly good attendance. The Rev. J. A. Rees, Rector of Rhoscolyn, Anglesey, delivered a rousing address on the work done by Good Templary, and pointed out that 12,500 meet- ings were held every wejek by the Order of Good Templars. Among other things, they had helped to bring about Sunday Closing in Wales and Ireland, and had also helped to make it illegal to pay wages in public-lioucea, or to hold meetings in public-houses during ejection time. They hoped also to make it illegal to hold inquests in public-houses, when other buildinsrs were available, as was the case at present- Mr. Roes then made an eloquent appeal for all to help on the temperance move- ment by joining the Order of Good Templary. Samuel Stanton, from the Grand Lodge of Good Templar,?, dealt at some Length with the action of the of Lords in rejecting the Licensing Bill. He said he thought that the work done last year was not a]tog-ether lost, for it had brought the temperanoe question to I the front, and a part of the Licensing Bill bad been taken out asi it stood and inserted into the Children's Act, which was now law. At- tempts were being made in London and other place-; to defeat the objects of the Children's Act by engaging nurses to stand outside of pub- lic-houses to take care of young children, while their parents went in to have their drink. But ilotwithstanding this, the Act was a good one, even if it made it only more difficult for the women to obtain drink.—Dr. Arthur Jones also -j_-

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-r '1- -X- .L. Powell-Duffryn Men's Grievance. A meeting of the night repairers and other workmen employed at the Lower Duffryn Col- liery, Mountain Ash, owned by the Powell Duffryn Company, was held on Tuesday at tho Bruco Arm;, Mountain Ash. Mr. C. B. Stan- ton (miners' agent) was present. The men's grievance is that the manage- ment have changed the system of working from the ordinary fixed wage to piece work. This has been done without consulting the workmen The workmen contend that this is a breach of the Conciliation Beard agreement, which clear- ly states that all customs and usages prevailing at the colliery shall bo continued until the end of the agreement. The men unanimously pass- ed a resolution decrying the piece work system. They further threatened to stop working, but Mr. C. B. Stanton prevailed upon them to con- tinue working, and said be would communicate with the manager, calling upon him to observe the rules in the agreement. Failing a remedy, the matter will be brought before tbfejCk>npulia- tion Board. The men also decided tbat aiiy loss sustained by them owing to the chang; of system will have to be made up by the manage- ment, or they will be sued in the County Court. --+-

Peculiar Wage Claim at fountain Ash. COUNTY COURT ACTION WITHDRAWN. At Mountain Ash County Court, on Tues- day, William Thomas and David Bebb, who were represented by Mr. A. T. James (Messrs. W. Morgan. Bruoe and Nicholas, Pontypridd) suèd Mr. Parrisb (Nantmelin Graig Colliery) for 148., balance of wages due for the fort- night ending November 28th, 1908, or in the alternative the plaintiffs claim the sum of £3 14s. owing to the failure of tho defendant to supply them with sufficient trams to clear away the rubbish. David Bebb, one of the plaintiffs, said he was a üOlier. He and Thomas were working together in a heading at the Nantmelin Col- liery. The section of the coal was 23 inches, and they had to cut the top for height. They cut 4 ft. of top, and were' paid 9s. 2d. a yard for the ripping, and 3s. 5d. a ton for the coal (through coal). They could not make a living wage on the coal, and they depended on the ripping. They used to work the coal four, five, or six yards in advance of the ripping, and then work the ripping. For the last fort- night they worked five days each on the coal, and only got six tons of coal in that time. Then Mr. Morgan, the manager, said he was going to stop the heading, and told them to come back and cut the top and get the ripping up square to the coal. Up to that time they had had no difficulty in getting trams. The following day they started ripping. The prac- tice in dividing trams was, where they were all working on coal, to divide them equally, but where one was working on rippingg and the man next to him working on coal, the man working on rippings got three trams to the colliers' one, as one filled the rippings so much fa-ster. The first day they could not get suffi- cient t.rams, and they spoke to Charley Ed- wards, the haulier, who said the manager had told him that if they could get trams of coal they were not to give them away.—His Hon- our: To give preference to the colliers?—Wit- ness: Yes.—Witness, continuing, said that up to that time they had plenty of trams. They complained to the haulier several times that day, but did not see the manager. They could not cut as much rubbish as they might have done. They could have cut a dozen extra trams that day. The position was the same the second day. and his partner saw the mana- ger. Witness worked that fortnight five days on the rippings and Thomas six days. They could have done the work in two days each if they had had plenty of trams. They earned J35 2s. 4d. for 21 days' work. Had they had sufficient trams they could have earned £2 a week each.—Cross-examined: He started work- ing with defendant in October. That was not the first fortnight he worked in the heading. Before then he had worked in a skip. He could not remember whether he had been doing any ripping in the beading prior to tht fort- night. There were about 16 working places in the level. It was a very small colliery. The fortnight ending 14th November he was work- ing in a skip in the heading. He had not to do any ripping there. They earned that fort- night 6s. 9d. each a day. In the fortnight end- ing November 28th he lost one day the first week.—Mr. Kenshole: Did you not lose three days?—No answer.—Witness was asked if they did not lose three days, and a day each the se- cond week, making five days in all. He said he could not remember. It was put to him that no coal came out from them the first five days but he adhered to his statement that they were working on coal those five days, and not ripping top. He said he could not remember telling the manager that they had plenty of trams. He did not know that his earnings for the fortnight were 5s. 4d. a. day. That was 19 days. He could not say if that was so. Af- terwards they went to a stall each. He ad- mitted that in that fortnight his earnings were 4s. 7d. a day, and Thomas 4s. lOd. There was a. reason for that. The next fortnight he earned 5s. 7d. a day. They were paid J35 2s. 4d. for the fortnight, and now they claimed B5 145" making £8 16s. 4d. — Mr. James asked that a. letter sent by them should be put in.—Re- examined: Witness said be was not certain whether he worked four or five days the first week. He complained to Mr. Morgan, the man- ager, after the first time, and his reply to Mr. Kenshole in that respect was not correct.— Mr. Kenshole, in view of that, was allowed to cross-examine, and witness said he complained to Mr. Morgan, the manager, in the lodge. There were some colliers present, but none of them was present that day to give evidence. At this point Mr. James said that if Mr. Kenshole could prove that the men only worked 19 days, he must withdraw the case, seeing the wages worked out at 5s. 3d. a day.—Mr. Kais, shole I have the timekeeper here to prove it- —Mr. James thereon withdrew the claim, and his Honour gave judgment for the defend- ant with coats. NATTTKE IS ARRAYED in all her glory. Follow her example and array yourself in smart spring attire purchased at tho Emporium of Fashion, R T. JONES & Market-sauare. Merthyr TydfiL took part in the meeting.

Mountain Ash County Court. TUESDAY.—Before his Honour Js'dge J. Bryn Roberts. JUDGMENT SUMMONS.—There were pearly 150 judgment summonses heard, and in the ma- jority of the cases tho usual order of commit- tal for 14 days suspended for 14 days, was made. ADMINISTRATION ORDER.—Mr. S. Shipton ap- plied for an administration order on behalf of Frederick George Watts, Gwernifor-street, Mountain Ash, who said he was 28 years of age. He earned £2 11s. a week. and had had much illness in tho family. He offered to pay the debt in full at 14s. a. month.—His Honour said he must pay £1 a. month, and this he agreed to, and the order was made. COMPENSATION CASE.—Mr. D. W. Jones ap- plied, on behalf of Elizabeth Lewis, for the ap- portionment of the sum of £300, paid by Messrs Guest, Keen, and Co., on the death of her hus- band, a night overman working at the Aber- cynon Colliery. The applicant was 40 years of age. and had eight children, only two of whom were working. — lIis Honour ordered a sum of 12s. a week to bo paid to the widow for the maintenance of her children with leave to ap- ply the order running for three years. ) CLAIM FOR POSSESSION AND RENT.—Mr. Ed- wards, who was represented by Mr. C. Ken- shole, applied for an ejectment order against a man named William^ the tenant of No. 2, Greenhill Cottages, Cwmbach.—Sarah Williams, sister of the plaintiff, said defendant was a monthly tenant, and she produced the notice served on the mother, and also proved that there was £4 12s. 6d. due for rent up to the date of the hearing.—Defendant said he had received a second notice which had not ex- pired. The house was let at 30s. a month, but this was denied by Mr. Edwards and Mrs. Williams.—Defendant was ordered to give up possession in 14 days, and judgment was given for rent due. GROCERY BILLS.—1James Pntchard sued John Morgan for £2 13.< 6d. The defence was that his daughter who contracted the debt, had no right to pledge his credit, but judgment was given for the plaintiff with costs.—J. E. Jones sued Richard Hall for groceries suppli- ed, value £2 17e. 2d.—Plaintiff produced his ledger showintr the amount duo. The groceries, be said, were Supplied in May, 1903, to defend- ant's wife who lived then at Strand-street, Mountain 'Ash.-—Defendant swore he had no wife at that time, but admitted that he was living in Strand-street with the woman to whom the goods were supphed.Judgment was given for plaintiff at the rate of 6s. a month. CLAIM Fon MILK.—^Thomas Howells sued Ed- ward Williams, as trustee of the late Mrs. Jones, Penrhiwceibcr, for J33 16s. Id., for milk supplied.—Mr. S. Shipton appeared for the defendant. The question was whether the amount was due. As the plaintiff could not prove the debt, not having his books with him, the case was adjourned for a. month. CHANGED HIS MIND.—Victor Freed, who wM represented by rr. S. Shipton, sued a man named Mitchell for 36s. for goods supplied. Plaintiff said that defendant bought furniture from him in 1903 value £38, and paid JB1 de- posit. The -roods wero entered on the book produced, and also on a bill handed to the defendant. The goods were put by. and even- tually defendant told him he did not want them, and bought a set of fire-irons value 36s. The plaintiff contended that the £1 should be forfeited, and he also claimed 36s. Defendant had paid 7s. 6d. into court. — De- fendant said there wM no sale, and judgment was given, for plaintiff at 6s. a month. STOIRLTY -SCENE.—A defendant's wife appeared, in answer to a judgment summons, and Judge Roberts made an order for payment.—The wo- man said: I do not owe all this money. I have the books here.—His Honour: I cannot go into that. Judgment has gone against, you. The time to that was when the case was heard. —She continued to argue the point, and His Honour, calling a bailiff, told him to conduct her out. As she was being led out of tha court, she shouted, '"There ought to be justice to tli? .PQ9I. PEOPLE *3 WELL AS *■ —

The Message of the Free Churches LACK OF REVERENCE DURING THE SERVICES. THE SKATING RINK AND GROCERS' BILLS. ADDRESS BY THE REV. B. BECKER- LEGGE AT MOUNTAIN ASH. At a meeting of members of the Mountain Ash Free Churches, held at Bryn Seion Welsh Wesleyan Chapel on Sunday evening, after the usual Sunday services, an address was delivered by the Rev. B. Beckerlegge on "The Message of the Free Churches." The chair was occupied by Mr. T. Netherway, and there was a fair at- tendance.—After a. few remarks by the Chair- man, the ltev. B. Beckerlegge eaid that the subject of the address had been selected for him, and his mind had been greatly exercised on two points, viz. (1) What was the message of the Free Churches? and (2) would the mes- sage that he had to give be regarded as authori- tative ? Whether what he had to say would be regarded as the message of the Free Churches or only his own views, it was for. them to judge. In their religious life there were two evils which they had to guard against, viz., superstition and irreverence. By superstition he meant the venerating of those things that deserved no ven- eration. For instance, so-called "holy relics," "consecrated wafer," and the attaching of un- due importance to formal observances. Again, the transforming of the simple obsErvance of the Lord's Supper into a sacrifice, and chang- ing bread into Christ's body; also in believing that the sprinkling of water was the means of conveying spiritual quickening powers, and re- garding the font as a spiritual birthplace. Superstition was not- the excess of religious feeling, but the misdirection of it. Such ab- surdities led some people to atheism. Their common sense rejected such teaching, and they went to the opposite extreme. Then tliere the evil of irreverence: This irreverence show- ed itself in flippant jocular talk and unworthy remarks concerning God. There was a de- ficiency of veneration for sacred things, and when this was the case. it produced an ill effect on the spirit pf the individual. Irreverence was destructive of piety, and laid rude hands on the ark of God. It unfitted one for worship and hindered spiritual vision. It was as a jar- ring note in the anthem of praise. It was a near relative of unbelief. A reasonable rever- ence was what God asked and claimed. This would manifest itself in publio worship and in general conduct. He (the speaker) was afraid they sadly lacked the quality of reverence in public worship. Reverence wa." the very es- sence of true worship, but how did the average worshipper enter into his spiritual exercises? Before ,he left home. was there any time allow- ed for prayerful meditation? When on the way to the place of meeting what was tho subject of conversation? On arriving at the busUding, what took place? Perhaps erossip or a smoke outside, or both might be indulged in. And this conduct was continued until the worship- pers inside bepan to sing. Then was the atti- tude during the service such that prayers, hymns, lessons, and sermons might be used by God as a means of grace? It was wonderful wnat God would do for a person who went hun- gering and thirstv.np: after righteousness. The reve.r?nt spirit would Mot only show itself in worship, but would manifest itself in a person's whole conduct. His very play and recreations would be consistent with reyprence. Life, char- acter. and duty would all bo saored. J. B. Goucrh once said of C. H. Spurgeon that he could ojke, and immediately after say, "Let us pray. and it would noc be incongruous. The reverent spirit was not of necessity sad and gloomy; on the contrary, it produced a holy joy, and if anyone had a right, to be joyful, it was the reverent person. But me was not only religious, but also ethical. The Old Testament prophets con- demned the unethical religious life. Prayers, sacrifices, professions, church membership, the holding office in the church, and oven the preaching of the Gospel would be in vain un- less the people lived well. They should he truthful, and never make a promise they did not intend to keep. They should be honest in the home. 10 business, in the. church, and in the world. They should not seek enjoyment, not even in the skating rink if they were unable to pay their grocer or baker. There must be no gambling even if it be a prize-drawing or a raffle, or even at church b&zaars. They shouJd also be temperate and sober. Drunkenness in an officer or a. member of the church must not be allowed. Their young people should not ba tempted to drink wine^ either at Christmas parties or at weddings, and older members should not set a bad "example in such matters. The young people should also be warned against sensual sins. If they could not have an undefined life in the churches, where were they to look for it? Their young people shoidd be trained to serve and to recognise that all were mutually dependent. A life that went along these lines must know much of private devo- tion, of meditation, and of prayer. He (the speaker) was afraid that most family altars had been broken down. and he appealed to those present to rebuild their family altars, and give their children the great privilege of family wor- ship. They had ijiight forces to contend with, and they should not°rely upon numbers, organ- ization, prestige, skill, or scholarship. These should not be despised, and were of value, but for every spiritual battle they needed spiritual weapons, and they needed to be endowed with power from on high. Questions were invited, and Dr. Arthur asked the speaker whether he thought it helpful to reverence and -true worship to sub- mit political resolutions, such as resolutions on Disestablishment of the Established Church after the Sunday services?—The Rev. B. Beckerlegge replied that he appreciated the questioner's position and the question, and thought that s!1ch were bsst dealt with fiifc other times. Still, they thought Disestablishment was nght, and tbereiore. was it wrong to do what they thought was right? Everyone should dc- lIe for himself, but he would not choose to deal with such matters during their services. Another person present asked for a. definition of the Free Churches.—Mr. Beckerlegge said that by the Free Churches he understood those churches that were free from State control-- those churches that made their own laws, and controlled thenmWes, and were not interfered with by either Conservative or Liberal Govern- mants. The Chairman said there was one thing that he had noticed, and that was that the Free Churches were rising above dogma and creed, a<nd he should be oleased to see the time when sectarianism would be done away with. What did they mean when they said they were Bap- tists, Wesleyans, Independents, and Method- ists ? LY.d they mean that they could worship God better than other people? These things were mere details, and hfe was pleased to see that they were sinking these minor details and to a higher spiritual life. The meeting then terminated with singing and prayer. J

For the Waifs and Strays. SPLENDID PERFORMANCE OF A COMEDY AT MOUNTAIN ASH. The Workmen's Institute was fairly well filled on Monday evening on tho occasion of the per- formance of th3 comedy, "Betsy," by the Mountain Ash Histrionic Society. The per- formance was given in aid of the Church, of England Waifs and Strays Society, This Society has rescued 14,100 waifs and strays since it started its work, and the work is distinctive in that the children are brought up in 107 small homes under healthy, happy family conditions. As a result of the interest taken in the Society, the patrons of Mondav's performance wero numerous, among them being Lord and Lady Aberdare, Mr. D. A. Thomas, M.P., Colonel M. Morgan, Capt. F. N. Gray, and others. The comedy, "Betsy," by Mr. F. C. Burnand, is a most amusing one, and csntres around the amorous doings or "Mr. Adolphus Birkett" and a certain "Capt. McManus." "Adolphus" is the pet of his mother, who thinks her boy al- most too good for the wind to blow on, and) for whom she engages a private tutor. This person has been separated from his wife, who, under the name of "Madame Polenta," makes tho acquaintance of "Capt. McManus," who is a married man. "Adolphus" is by no means so innocent as he is believed by his fond mother to be, for while looking forward to being married to "Miss Nellie Bassett," his sweetheart, he has become entangled with "Betsy," his mother's maid. All the characters meet at "Adolphus's" home, and the difficulty of hiding the relationship which they hold to each other leads to many amusing and comic scenes. The characters on Monday evening were impersonat- ed as follow;—"Mr. Birkett," Mr. Tom Smith; "Mrs. Birkett," Mrs. Glynne Jones; "Betsy," Miss Ida Rowlands; "Adolphus Birkett," Mr. Ivor Bryant; "Williams," a servant, Mr. Willie Curnow; "Mr. Dawson" (a tutor), Mr. D. R. Richards; "Dick Talbot," 1\1rr. Morley Grif- fiths; "Capt. McManus," Mr. Reginald Dow- deswall; "Mrs. McManus," Miss Annie Eynon; '•Hairdresser," Mr. W. Curnagain; "Madame Polenta," Miss Maimie Mills; "Clara Peyton," Miss Blodwen Beith; ."Nellie Bassett," Miss May Jenkins. As "Adolphus," Mr. Ivor Bry- ant proved a great success, and in this ret-prct was well matched by "Betsy," represented by Miss Ida Rowlands. Two other characters im- personated almost perfectly were: "Capt. Mc- Manus" by Mr. Dowdeswell, and 'Mr. Daw- son" (the tutor) by Mr. D. R. Richards. The other charactsrs were all good, and much above the average amateur performers. The per- formance showed careful preparation, and the only thing that somewhat marred the evening was the rather indistinct articulation during the performance of the first act. During the second and third acts. the audience had nothing to complain of, and were highly pleased. Dur- ing the intervals bstween the acts, the Moun- tain Ash Orchestral Society, conducted by Mr. T. W. Millar, rendered a splendid programme of music, and the- musical selections by this Society were a feiature of the evening. Pro- rrrammes were sold hv Miss Daisy Morgan. Mid Kitty Evans, and Miss Sinnett Jones. It is hoped that a good sum will be realised for the Waifs and Strays Society.

MISKIN. WHY Purchase your Groceries at Mountain Ash when I. P. EYNON can serve you with the Best and Cheapest Groceries in Town. Notcil for Provisions. -I. r. Bytos, Iktifkiu. I

-l. ABERCYNON. The MERTHYR EDITION of the "Merthyr Ex- press" is on sale at Mrs. Richards, Newsagent, Station-street, every Friday morning. BuY your Jewellery and Take your Repairs to M. WEHRLKY, 4, Newfoundland-terrace, Mertbyr. M. W. travels the neighbouring towns every week. GENERAL MEETING.—A general meeting of workmen was held at tbe Workmen's Hall, on Monday evening, to receive the report of the deputation to Mr. Beasley re the subway. The deputation reported having received a. cordial welcome from Mr. Beasley. At present he did not intend doing anything to the subway, but when anything was done the workmen should enjoy the same privileges as they had enjoyed during the past years. A vote of thanks was accorded Mr. Beasley for his kind- ness. CHAMBER OF TRADE. —• At the Workmen's Hall, on Wednesday night, the annual meet- ing of the Abercynon Chamber of Trade was held, Mr. Wm. Fenwick presiding. The follow- ing officers were elected: President, Dr. Mor- ris vice-presidents, Mr. B. H, Thomas and Mr. J. Sutherland; secretary (re-elected), Mr. Tom Davies; treasurer, Mr. John Jones. The following were elected on the counoil:—Mr. W. G.Williams, Mr. T. Jones, Mr. Edmund Jones, Mr. A. Smith, Mr. VV. Evans, Mr." J. Jenkins, t and Mr. T. W. Jones. The president, secre- tary and treasurer and Mr. Thomas Joy were appointed delegates to the Federated Cham- bers of Trade meeting to be held at Pena-rth. Mr. Thomas Joy and Mr. A. Smith were elect- ed auditors. A notice of motion was brought forward by Mr. John Jones (ironmonger) re an earlier despatch of letters from Abercynon in the morning, and it was decided to write to the Postmaster-General on the matter. N ATURE is ARRAYED in all her glory. Follow her example and array yourself in smart spring attire purchased at tho Emporium of Fashion, R. T. JONES & Co.'s, Market-square, Merthyr Tydfil

A I r ( < 7. fir I ¡ my ,fLUl" 3 .£- I I'm Puritan Soap. I j I'm the only household olive oil soap, I I and that is why I save the clothes. I I Come to think of it-when you use B I soap you don't use it to spoil the I IS clothes. Yet every housewife who uses IS I ordinary soaps knows of spoiled clothes If I —ah! too well. | I There's j I the shrinking of woollens,' I I the yellowing of linens, 1 EI the thinning and destroying of cottons, I | the rough harsh hands, I Do you know these ills ? I I'm Puritan Soap, and because I'm the | only household olive oil soap I cannot I do these things. Thomas of Bristol who | I make me, guarantee that I cannot 3 harm—in a word, I'm a superior sort of chap, but I don't boast of it. Get me in a box at your grocer's, set me free and I'll show you what washing day can harm—in a word, I'm a superior sort of chap, but I don't boast of it. Get me in a box at your grocer's, set me free and I'll show you what washing day can | be like I'm a heavv weight FULL POUND .3jd. P.S.—I've a sister they call Checkmate. She's in the nursing line. Keeps you well so you won't get ill. A real terror (or microbes—they hate her. That's why to many of my friends like her. I wish you would ask for I her too when you ask for me-make me feel more sociable. 1 She likes to be in the scullery, the bathroom, everywhere 1 where the microbes linger. She'll bring health to your I J home. CHECKMATE DISINFECTANT SOAP 3d. IS

N IRWAIN. GIFT TO THE CHUSCH.—Two faithful com- municants, who wish to remain anonymous, have presented St. Lleurwg's Church with a handsome oak Litany desk. G.W.R. TEMPERANCE ASSOCIATION.—The an- nual conference of the Great Western Railway Temperance Association is held at Birmingham, this week. Messrs. William Powell and Ernest Jones are the delegates representing the Hirwain branch of the Pontypo&l division. SUNDAY CON CERTS. —On Sunday evening, at all tho Free Churches, attention was called to the resolu tion of the Council, re Sunday Evening sacred concerts, one of which was held at Victoria Hall, on Sunday night. The hope was expressed that all Church members would withhold their support from such concerts, as they are becoming^* rule aad the exception in the place. ORGAN REciTAT,I*lr. J. D. Jones, Morris ton, gave an organ rooital at Ramoth Baptist Chapel, on Thursday evening. There was a fair atten- dance, and the organist displayed great skill in his jplaying of the various items arranged. The soloists were Madame A. Thomas, Mias M. G. Williams, and Mr. D. H. Meyler, all of whom did justice to their respective solos. The programme was as follows :—" Ofiertpire." Batiste; (a) "Madrigal." Lemaire, (b) "Ave Maria." Lizst; snug, Hen Gadair fawr fy Mam," Mr. Meyler; osgan solo, "FOCC{i.ta," Dghojs Fantasia Rustiquo," Wolstenholme; song, Addlais y Dyddiau Gynt," MBS Williams; organ solo, Hymn tunos with variations," James Scherzo," Hope selection, Sym- phony in D," Haydn Communion," Grison; song, Y, Glomon Wen," Madame Taomas; March," Wesley, Mr. Thomas Jones pre- sided. SOCIAL.—On Thursday evening a social was held at the St. Lleurwg's Church schoolroom, in connection with the choir. About 70 sat down to an excellent repast, prepared by the lay friends connected with the Church. The following ladies assisted at the tables :-Mrs. Eustace Williams, Mrs. George, Mrs. Boynes, Mrs. James, Mrs. Lewis, Mrs. White, Mrs. S. Hardwick, Mrs. Incliff, Miss Aubrey, Miss L. A. Howells, Miss L. A. White, Miss DoVy Shannon, and Miss Lily Gowen. At the meeting which followed, under the presidency of Mr. George James, musical items were contributed by the following:—Song, "There is a Land," Miss Marion Lewis, of London duet, Life's Dream is o'er," Miss Marion Lewis and Rev. D. J. Arthur; duet, The Upper Ten and Lower Five," Masters Wil,lie Boynes and Harry James songs, Messrs. Gwyn Davies, Gwilym Edmunds, Revs. Joseph Morgan and D. T. Arthur; pianoforte solo, Miss E. Rogers. Dancing was indulged in for some time, under the direction of Mr. W. Lloyd. The accompanists were Miss A. M. Rhys and Mr. D. John. OBITUARY.—We have to record the death of Mrs. Mary Jones, wife of Mr. J. M. Jones, builder and undertaker, which took place at her residence, 90, Brecon-road, Hirwain, on Thurs- day last. Deceased, who came of an old Hirwain family, was the daughter of the late Mr. David loevan, builder and colliery pro- prietor, Hirwain. Mrs. Jones had been in failing health for some time, but an apoplectic seizure, on Wednesday, hastened the end. The funeral took place on Thursday, at Penderyn churchyard, and was strictly private. The Rev. E- Wern Williams, Nebo, where the deceased had been a life-long member, and the Rev. W. J. Rowlands, Mount Pleasant, con- ducted the service in the house, and the Rector, Rev. Ll. Jenkins, officiated at the church and graveside. The plain oak coffin, with silver furniture, bore the breastplate inscription :— "Mary Jones, died April 15, 1909, aged 60 years." The remains were conveyed in a glass hearse. The coffin was borne to the church on the shoulders of four of Mrs. Jones's oldest tenants, Messrs. W. Drew, J. Davies, D. Davies, and W. II. Evans. It was covered with beautiful and magnificent floral gifts. The chief mourners were :—Mr. J. M. Jones (husband), Mr. D. G. Jones (son), Mr. T. D. Bevan, Porthcawl (brother), Mr. Geo. Jones, Swansea (brother in law), Mrs. F. George, Aberdare (daughter), Mr. F. George (son-in-law), Masters Mostyn and Trevelyan George (grandsons), Miss L. G. Bevan (niece) Mr. D. B. Bevan (nephew) Mrs. Margaret Lewis (sister), Mrs. W. H. James, Cardiff (sister), Mr3. G. Lartgdon, Porthoawl (sister), Mrs. T. D. Bevan (sister-in-law), Mr. Rees D. Bevan (brother), Mr. George Jones, Merthyr (nephew), Mr. T. Langdon, Porthcawl (brother- in-law).

GODREAMAN. LECTURE.—On Wednesday week a large num- ber of ladies attended (by invitation) at Bethany English Congregational Church, to hear Mr. F. N. Edwards, of London, deliver a lecture on "Temperance." The Rev. Mr. Mottram pre- sided, and the meeting was introduced by the reading of Scripture and prayer by the Rev. W. E. Harries, pastor of Beulah. The Revs. J. T. Rhys, Bethany.and T. Thomaa, Noddfa. Godre. aman, were also pres&nfr. The subject of Mr. Edward,' address was, "The Child: Some As- pects of the Law of Life, Health, and Temper- ance." Refreshments were provided for all present by Mr. W. J. Heppell, J.P.

MARRIED LADIES My recent offer of a frea sample of Nurse Powell's Fopular Pellets met with such striking success, and enabled so many ladies to prove that they do actually cure all irregularities, that I have decided to repeat the offer. Ladies should write for Free Box, enclos- ing penny stamp for postage. Delay is often dan- gerous, so write now.—Nurse T. M. Powell. Rep- WfudgraU^ lasfeg, 81:W.. -S--il :4_ i

CWMAMAN. MORlAR AMAN.—The pulpit of this church was occupied on Sunday by the Rev. Maa-ll FAdo wards, of Brecon, who preached acceptable serf moos, morning and evening. MUSICAL SUCCESS.—At the recent music ex animation held under tho auspices of the Royas Academy of Music at Aberdare, Miss Annia Mary Phillips, Fforchaman-road, succeeded it passing with honours in pianoforte playing. DEATH or A MIDWIFE.—Mr. R. J. Rhys (cot oner) held an inquest at the Lesser Hall on Wednesday touching the death of Margarel Williams, of 4, Gordon-street, who died OB Monday night. Deceased was a midwife, and was in attendance at. 39, Aberneol-street, when on the night in question she was found dead on the at& -Evidenc,- of identification was given by her son, Evan Williams, who said that hi. mother was a widow.—Mary Ann Davies testa fied to finding Mrs. Williams quite dead on th4 stairs.-DP. Thomas said he examined deceased and found she suffered from a weak heart. Witne- attributed this to be the cause of death.—A verdict, was returned accordingly. • ANNIVERSARY SERVICES.-At the Welsh Bap tist Church at Seion. anniversary preaching sep vioes were held on Sunday and inionday. The officiating minlster5 were the Rev. B. Hum. phreys, Felinfoel (editor of "Seren yr YsgoJ SuI"). and the Rev. W. Ceinfryn Thomas (for. merly of Aborcwmboi). The latter occupied the pulpit at the service on Sunday moming-1 and preached a sermon full of exhortations. It the arte moon there was a. large congregation. The Rev. Miall Edwards (Congregational in in- utor) introduced the meeting with the reading (U?i; i!:e ,Rev' Tllornas Humphrey* (pastor of the church) conducted the mestiae ,A- Te"nysc>n PhilIiPs (pastor oi Trinity English Ba.ptist Church) was also pre. ,The Rev- B. Humphreys, Felinfoe^ preached an excellent sermon from the text f 9r, 1 delivered unto you first of all that wfcicfc I also receivpd, how that Christ died' foa our sins according to the Scriptures; and that I-le was buried, and that He rose again the third day acoording to the Scriptures" (J. Cor. inthians, xv., verses 3 and 4). In the evening there was again a. large congregation, when both the rev. gentlemen occupied the pulpit, W Cemfp'n Thomas preached from the words; And Noah builded an altar unfed the Lord" (Genesis, viii., verse 20) and "I da set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth" (Genesis, ix., verse 13). The meetings on M: day we also well attended, and it is expected T Wllj Prove of financial ant* ^p tiial advantage to the church. Mr. Wl ToA,™ was, Precentor, and Mr. Austin John presided at the organ. l:c SjTnJB Monday evening, at the PuW iu W Performance of the operetta, "Gwen., the White Lady of Myddvai," was given in full character by the Cwmbach Cooperative Society United Ladies' Choir. The choir had CeTZl tuJiv selected from d-istrir-tr, connected with tho Society, and was under the conductorship of u- ,-K- Davies, Cwmbach. After the aftei-3 ht*reaJ» refreshments were provided fort Th- ^b"S the choir in the Lesser IlalL, M^ifr ?f ? tliree °°nceTts whscbl son *nri fk 00011112 fctoe had organized this sea-J son, and the for the evening wer«' S £ ™J °fi.b,,|Mr- ^'aQ J°neS (^-y)W^ D^'ked ^lewell,yn,. (manager). The hall wa* paefced, many failing to gain admission The programme was as follow :-Choruf "ThrW SmMya^-?''<< 7hlch was weJ1 rendered; then' comes a recit., Arrest your steps," by "Gwen" s "Ah am^g'i,"?a'i— tTY,d?e we alJ" recit,! i i.J? what vision," by "Meurig- reoits. and "Meurig," entitled, "Whr1. follow, and Part I. finishes witl^ arecit., sol0) and chorus, "Love is ever selfish Ibe second part opens with the recit., "Son tbou eeemest much distraught" and a sokL ,Ear.ATr,the ,y°ws," bv "Modron." "Meurig^ and Modron give the recits., "Nought can' ^6+kIUe iV? airaK,1;" and tho cil<>rus, "Hark!! e £ T gi°ar SU?,g- Vi,!a«G maid,? tK ,ey deLV' Mt',u:T, £ > the chorus,: Next J ,hTV'r fcel.y rendered. ri?" » TV Tue "Gwen" and "Meu-I • i J ,j £ y. ?,v«, was given in fine,' S 13 introduced for the firs# ixyvers, which was grandly rendered. Next did T and "Gwen," "Twice J 66' choTUS> "What is so gav as a est^fo^t &orrow at the gay- Gwm" and "Meurig"; solos, trio,: an chorug, "Now thy mort.al life is o'er"; recit. and solo, 'Twa-s here I stood," "Meu- "GwLn" h W:.xj l0T6' tbo la6t ■Ti u' chorus' Haste, wa call." The prin- C h ?iifra^^6r8 were a* follow:—"Meurig" (ai cowherd), Mr. Anthony Jones; "Gwen" £ Mary PMHps; "Tearid WWm fl Mr.- Gwil.vm Evans:. "Mod-: Meurig"), Miss M. J. Davies:, Miss L.Vvio wi1"58 ^.au<l Evans, Cwmaman, and

Run Over by Trams. An inquest was held at Cwmaman, on WAJ- n the circumstances of the death of 1 nomas George, of 3, Fair Viow-terrace, were inquired into. — The identifying witness uilk •eef' who sa'd tha<1 deceased was his brother- m la w, and worked a sa rider at the iforchaman Collierv. He was killed on Satur- day through being run over by a journey of tFani'->. Joseph Northy said he found deceased ir! er f.-Jon^ey pf trams on the main road afc —This story was corroborated by; WiUiaiu Thomas.—Inspector Jones said that a link on one of the trams broke, and was found some forty yards away from where deceased was found. How this happened he did not know.—Edward Jonns. tho hauling enginemen, said ho felt «jome4,'ning goinar wrong with the. engine.—The manager (Mr. T. L. Davies) liav- ing given evidence, the jury returned a verdict "Awideatal Death." ~r