The Merthyr Express

MOUNTAIN ASH COMMENTS. (BY "SPECTATOE."] I have received an English translation of the 1 cize poem on Mr Keir I-lareie, M.P., which was written for the I.L.P. Eisteddfod. The poem is, on the whole a good one, and, oi course, allowances must be made for the fact that it wis originally written in Welsli. Still, there we some very good passages even in the English version. For instance, when the author des- cribes Mr. Hardie's early life in the pit But- turn we now to Scotland s heights, Where frown the rugged highlands' on the heavens, To see him as a child just seven years old, Ere education had upon him smiled, Descending to the blackened pit's dark deeps To seek with sweat and blood his humble bread, And catch the rays of life in deathlike night." # There is also another incident described with much force, viz., when Hardie was locked out of the pits for his independence of character 1 f* Meanwhile, the Nero of the murky night Of Capital, bedazzled by the flame Of Hardie's genius, quaked as owl at dawn, And closed the pit-gates full against the man That carried to its heart such soulful day. The tyrant would his courage starve to death. But Hardie his oppressor did ignore In manner dared not but by greatness true- Cold Caledonia's sons he fired with zeal For Labour's rights I Behold the thou- sands stand Like rocks joined of the Lord around our chief, Himself the core of unity, and pnnco oi host invincible." The writer also refers to the last Election, when the child of Labour that had won the heart of the Merthyr constituency, was victorious, while Itadcliffo s Argoa was a Wreck complete This vict'ry was the leap of genius o'er The golden idol, fraught with more of rights Of man than language ever can express. Our brave is now the golden clarion bridge Of that fair social world that is to be, And though he's but a voice of one that cries,' His voice rings ever through the future far, Full of Millennium joys, that are no more Than true humanity at home at last- The world possessing, or, in other words, The real heaven in the life of roan- The heaven that dawns upon us swift and strong, • And in its glory Hardie ever shines, And lives the light that in his grave shall glow." On Sunday evening the Rev. George Neigh- bour^ replied to theRev. E. V. Tidman's address to the Territorials. Mr. Neighbour thinks the time has come when this naion should make itself a sacrificial nation for the benefit of the world, but I am afraid that he will not have many adherents to this point of view flu»e who have read history can recall the horror* that existed in Italy before that country became united under one government, andf^en she Buffered under foreign domination. Our people are not likely to stand aside to tee the freedom and liberty of this country taken away from her. And the question is, would the worldI be benefited by the sacrifice of by Britain ? I am inclined to think with th. l £ v. E. V. Tidman, that e°cb"Ould not be he case. Has the world been benefited by the division of Poland. Is Warsaw, the capitpl of Poland, any happier for havmgsubimtted to the domination of Russia 1 I think not. As Gladstone once wrote :« All our. experience has been to the effect that the champion of liberty should take his ground, not upon any remote or abstract proposition, but upon the ^t of man, under every law divine and human, first to good government, and next to institutions which are the necessary guarantees of it. The institutions that guarantee the liberty and freedom that this country enjoys are the army and navy. It is, therefore, of vital importance that those should be kept up as far as efficiency requires. Every Christian desires peace. No one wishes for war. The love of peace is not the monopoly of the Labour party. The army and navy are guarantees of the finest constitution in the world, and if the object Mi. Neighbour has in mind is the good of the world, then this can be best advanced, as the Terri- torials are doing, by a sacrifice of their time and labour to fitting themselves for the defence of their country.

MOUNTAIN ASH. "PTTWWASE VOUT Groceries and Provisions, at H. Etna'S Mountain Ash. Quality and price un- surpassed. IF von are in doubt where to Furnish, go to VIC- *OE FREED, the leading house furnisher where you l»n be supplied at your own terms.-3 and 4. Miskin- Boad, Mountain Ash. DEDICATION CEREMONY.—After the early morning celebration of holy communion at St. Margaret's Church on Sunday, two newly erected stained windows were dedicated by the vicar, the Rev. J. Sinnett Jones, to the glory of God, and to the memory of the late Mr. Jabez Loner," who for 30 years was a chorister of St. Margaret's Church, and also to the glory of God and the memory of the late Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Long." wife of Mr. Harry \V. Long, organist of St. jylar^aret' s Church. The two windows are situated on each side of the altar, and are valuable and beautiful additions to an already very beautiful church. The window in memory of the late Mr. Jabez Long represents Jesus as the Light of the World, and the window in memory to of the late Mrs. Long represents Jesus at the Pool of Siloam, to which all who suffered, the inscription on each being A Light to to lichten the Gentiles, "and Jesus, the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever." The windows were given by Mr. Harry W. Long, and were erected by Messrs. Newbury, London. OBITUARY. On Wednesday week, the funeral of the late Mr. Henry Morgan, Mount Pleasant Hotel, Miskin, took place for the Aberffrwd Cemetery. The deceased was the oldest publican in the town, and was 52 years of age. The officiating minister was the Rev. Isaac Be van, and there was a large attendance of the general public. The mourners were as follows :—First coac: Mrs. Morgan (widow), Mr. David William Morgan (son), lliss Gwennic Morgan and Miss Annie Maud Morgan (daughters), Mrs. Rees, Aberkenfig (sister), and Mrs. Davies, Fleur-de-lis; second coach: Mr and Mrs. Llewellyn Morgan (brother and Bister-in-law), Mrs. Binnings and Mrs. Davies (cousins); third coach Mr. and Mrs. J. Powell, Abernant, Aberdare; Miss M. Powell, Mrs. G. Jenkins, Miss G. M. Powell, and Mrs. J. Davies, Abernant; fourth coach Mr. W. Morgan Rees, ,a, tlr. John Rees, Mr. Edmund Morgan, Mr. JSdmund Rees (nephev^), and Mr. Rees Jenkins coach: Mr. W. Morgan, Abernant; and Edward Moses, Aberdare; sixth coach: Daniel Hughes, Mr. Bert. George, Mr. Richards, Mr. C. Jenkins, and Mr. William g' ^Uis seventh coach Mr. and Mrs. Davies, cf Arms, Mountain Ash. The coffin was ftn^ Polished oak, with heavy brass fittings, out K funeral arrangements were carried tribute* Mr "D- Edwards, Miskin. Florai Mr. w Sere sent by Mr3- Mornan alu1 farni,y. T Wr. « Phillips. Clarence House, a,nd Mrs. Howelt, AhGL«>. "> 11

■' MISKIN. lt!l»nHTT prS,ha«e your Groceries at Mountain. Ash nhprnr'at can serve you with the Best and Cheapest Grocery in Tovn. Noted foE Erftvifiloog.. rh «*»«»>. ettsg^ MiajuB, 4 — •

.u_ Whitsuntide Weddings at Mountain Ash. HALL—ASHTON. On Saturday morning, at St. Margaret's Church. Mountain Ash, the marriage of Mr. Mark Hall, 98, Penrbiwceil-er-road, and Miss Ann Ashton, daughter of Mr. Benj. Ashton, foreman at Cvrm Cynon Colliery, was solemn- ised by the Rev. D. E. Egberts. The bride was attired in a brown costume, with hat to malt h, and was accompanied by Miss Hannah Jones, who wore a navy blue costume, and Miss Ceridwen Asliton, sister, who was dressed in a brown costume, as bridesmaids. The best man was Mr..>oiin Aghtoa, brother of. the bride, and Mr. Benji Asixton, father, the bride away. Mr. Sascewl" John Warers also accompanied the we$0ii)!i<i party. ''Aftei'the ceremony tho wedding bfCakiast was jr>a!fViken of at the bride's borne, and besides .thpsQ corn- prising the wedding party, the follp^ing^ sat down :—Mrs. Ashton, mother of bride ;• "Mr. and Mrs. Hall, Mrs. James, Mrs. Rolls, Mr. Henry Davies, Mr. Samuel Davies, Mr. John William Morgan, Mr. and Mrs. Allen, Mr. and Mrs. Clements, Mr. and Mrs. Twigg, lYlr. and Mrs. Griffiths, Mrs. Idris Morris, Mrs. A. Davies and Miss Davies, Abcrcynon. A number of friends also called during the day. After the breakfast the happy pi-ir left for Bristol for the honeymoon. The wedding presents wore useful and costly. BjEl AKE—W AKEFlEI^D- On Whit-Monday a pretty wedding took place at St. Margaret's Church, the contracting parties being Mr. Fred Jame's Brake, Tanyrogof- villa, Glyntawy, Brecon, and Miss Rosina Wakefield, daughter of Mr. George Wakclleld. 15, Strand-street, Newtown. The bride wore a grey costume, with hat-to 'match, and was accompanied by Mrs. F. Wakefield, who was also attired in-grey, and who acted as brides- maid. The 'best man was Mr. P., Wakefield, brother of the bride, who. also gave the bride away. The officiating clergyman was the Rev J. Pughe Jones. The wedding breakfast was partaken of at the home of the bride, and among those present were the Misses Harland, Mr. T. Griffiths, Mr. and Mrs. T. Horseman, MJ. and Mrs. W. Parfitt, Mx. and Mrs. A. Parfitt, Mr. and Mrs. A. Jones, Mr. and Mrs. G. Wakeneld, Mrs. W. Hyde, Miss M. Parfitt, Master W, W. Parfitt, Miss P. Parfitt, Miss D. Parfitt, and a number of other friends. The presents were numerous and costly. On Wednesday the happy couple le t for their home in Brecon, with the good wishes of a host of fricnos.

Presentation Meeting at Mountain Ash. INTERESTING PROCEEDINGS. A meeting was held at the Drill Hall, Mountain Ash, on Wednesday evening week, for the purpose of honouring Mr. Herbert Llewelyn, the conductor of the Mountain Ash Orpheus Male Voice Party, and Mr. Lewis John Davies, the secretary. Councillor William Lamburn presided, and was supported on the platform by Councillor W. Millar, Chairman of the Mountain Ash District Council; Mr. Thcmas Hughes, secretary of the Cottage Hospital Eisteddfod; Mr. Griffiths, Dufiryn Co-Operative Society; Rev. D. Jeremy Jones, Soar; Rev. E. V. Tidaan, Nazareth; Rev. R. S. Rogers, Hhos; Mr. Herbert Llewelyn, and Mr. Lewis John Davies. The first part of the meeting was of a miscel- laneous character, and solos were sung by Messrs. D. J. Green, Steve Jenkins, Henry Evans, John Williams, Albert Phillips, J. B. Williams, Miss Sarah Davies, and Madam L. J. Davies. Recitations were also contributed by Master Idwal Shelby and Mr. D. J. Griffiths. The Orpheus Male Voice Party also rendered several chorusea. The accompanist was Mr. E. T. James. 1 Mr. W. Lamburn then presented a beautiful portrait-in oils to Mr. L. J. Davies. as a small token of the party's appreciation of his services as secretarv. He said he did not wish Mr. Davies to think that the portrait expressed the deep feelings of the party for his excellent services. He was always so willing and so hard-working, and with his help he hoped that the party would be able to reach the mark they had set in front of them (cheers). -Mr. L. J. Davies said he hardly knew how to thank the party for the manner in which they had shown their appreciation of his services. He hoped that in the future he would be able to serve them better (cheers). Mr. T. Hughea then presented Mr. Herbert Llewelyn with a portrait of himself, which was won at the Easter Eisteddfod. The Orpheus Male Voice Party, he said, had only been in existence two years, but they had already won two prizes. He wished the party a. successful future (cheers).—Mr. Herbert Llewelyn, in responding, first thanked tho members of the choir for their noble efforts on Easter Monday. They were intelligent and industrious, and always willing to do what they could. He also wished to thank the public of Mountain Ash for the support that he had received from them for the last fifteen years. Ho came to the town from the country, and from the first they had shown every good feeling towards him.. He would treasure the portrait as long 83 he lived (cheers). Councillor W. Millar expressed great pleasure at being present, and said that no one had laboured more in the cause of duty than Mr. Llewelyn. He trusted that the successes won by the party would bo an incentive to further achievements and honours. It was very gratifying to see a young man like Mr- Llewelyn exerting his talents in t.he direction he had, and he hoped that he would still see further fruits of his labour (cheers). The Rev. E. V. Tidman, in a ery humorous speech, said he was very glad to see them recooToising the talents put forward in Mountain Ash. He endorsed tho wish for the party's future success (cheers).—Rev. D. Jeremy Jones said he felt a little proud because both Mr. Llewelyn and Mr. Davies were members of Soar. Mr. Llewelyn was the conductor of the singing at Soar, and Mr. Davies was a worthy member of the same Church (cheers).—Rev. R. S. Rogers also briefly wished the party success, and the proceedings then terminated,

MOUNTAIN ASH POLICE COURT THURSDAY.—Before Sir T. Marohant Wil- liams .(Stipendiary), Mr. G. A. Evans, and Mr. W. Millar. TRESPASS.—George Parfitt and Daniel Rhys, of Tyntetown, were summoned for trerpa^sjQg on the Taft Vale Railway.—Mr. N. Ingledew appeared to prosecute.—P.O. Williams proved tha case, and a fino of 1. and costs was im- posed. DEAB FIGHT.—For being1 drunk and fighting at Abercynon, James Griffiths was finod 10s. and costs and 40s. and oosta respectively. DfitJXSS.—The following were fined for drunkenness:—Charles Goodwin and Walter Bowen, in Tyntetown; George Belcher, Pen- rhiweeiber; William Davies, at Mountain Ash. LET OFF.—Evan Williams, summoned! for leaving: his horse and cartunattonded in Ox. ford-strect> was let off on payment of costs. CABD PLATING.—Charles Matthews, William Reynolds, Roger Taylor, and William Beet well were summoned for playing cards in the street on Sunday.—P.O. Bennett said ho saw the defendants handling money.—Thej were ordered to pay 7s. 6d. each. DEAB SWEAR.—Patrick Lambert, of Tynte- town, summoned by Mrs. Keefe for usipg bad language, was fined 10s. and costs. MoMEY DUE.—William Grainger was sum- moned by Thomas Bennett far 20s. for work done.—Complainant, who who represented by Mr. Phillips, Pontypridd, said he worked for defendant at Cwmpennar Pit, and he oould not get his money.—An order wag made for payment- WANTED loon.—Hannah Roberta was charg- ed with stealing a silk muffler, a blanket and a sheet from the house of Henry Smith, lab- ourer, Penrhiwcsiber.—Prosecutor eaid the defendant and her husband came to lodge at his houao, end they missed the goods named. Evidence was given that the woman pawned the thinfS at Mr. Jacob Fino-'s.—Mrs. Roberta said she wanted food, as her husband had bean out of work, and the prosecutor gave heir lib- erty to pledge the articles.—A fine imposed. THE STIPENDIARY AND A DOCTOR'S CERTIFICATE. Frederick Daiimore was summoned for not sending his child regularly to school.—Defen- dant presented a medical certificate, which; stated that the child wat* unable to attend school.—The Stipendiary (looking at the let. t.er): I think we must send doctors to school to learn how to write. We are supposed to know Welsh and English here, but not Latin. It would bo a good thing if some doctors went to a night school.—A fine of 5s. WM in- flicted..—-In other caspa fines of 2Qs..were imposed.

ABERCANABD. SUCCESS.—Mr. W. J. Thomas, Handel! lIo Absrcanaid, obtained the prize for the best hymn tune at the Gyxoanfa held by the Calvin- istio Methodists, at Trocdyrbiw, on .Whit-Tues- day. TFJÅ. M'D DANCE. — On Whit-Tuesday tho Plymouth Workmen's Brass Band held their annual tea and dance at the New Hall, Pen- trebach. There was a good attendance-fflggid- .f;O$if,

Abercwmboi New Theologians. NEED OF THE ATHEIST. ADDRESSES BY THE REV. ERIC DAVIES. At the Abercwmboi Council School, on Sunday, the Rev. Eric Davies, Laugharne, delivered two addresses to the New Theologians. In the afternoon he spoke in English, a.nd in the evening in Welsh. In the afternoon Mr. Davies took as his text the words of the first verse of the 14th Psalm: The fool hath said in his heart there is no God." It was pretty evident, he said, that the 14th Psalm had no connection with the Psalms of David, for it spoke of the need of restoring the Kingdom, which, in David's time, was at the height of its power and glory. The Psalm was written in a time of national decadence aDd corruption, but the people of that timo were not a bit worse than the people of to-day. They were corrupt and so were the British people to-day.. There was need of the Socialist and the Atheist to shout and waken the people from their lethargy. An unjust nation could not live for long. AH the nations and empires of the past were coroded from within by internal diseases. Russia was dying to-day from internal diseases, and so was Britain. If Britain wanted to live she would have to re-construct her social life so as to allow of a saner and fuller humanity. Some of tho things that would have to go were landlordism, sweating, and capitalism. People were mortally afraid of theoretical atheism, but there was not much harm in the atheism of the man who said there was no God, but who went a way and loved his neighbour. The atheism they should fear was that of the man who confessed there was a God, but who [went away and served the Devil. There were many kinds of atheism. There was the street- corner atheism. There was nono of that kind in his district. He wished there was, for it would make his people think furiously, and get their thoughts out of the old-fashioned ways. Then there was the atheism of the reformer, who was dissatisfied with the spiritual conceptions of the past. This kind of atheism was rather a sign of moral and spiritual health than of any disease. Humanity was craving for larger conceptions, and for a more humane view of God. Men said that God was a mean and foolish God if He had created a greater universe than He could manage. He, at any rate, could never bow down to such a God. The unworthy theologians of the past must end in a grander theology and a grander religious life. They were not turning their faces to the dark, but to the beginning of a. new dawn. Then there were those whose faith in God depended upon the truth of ancient stories. If all the old stories of the Bible could not be proved then these people could not believe in God. He called such people atheists, for the believed in a god but in a dead god. Then there were those who believed in logic to prove the existence f God. These people never had a god outside their intellectual life. Their religion was nothing more than argument and speculation. But the atheism of which he was most afraid was moral atheism- The atheism of those who said in their hearts there was no God. They might know all about theology, and they might be Protestant or Catholics, or neither; but still, they said in their heartethero was no God. They acknowledged God as the Father, but denied His Fatherhood by robbing or slandering their neighbour. This was the most fatal of all atheisrrig. It was the atheism of those who were afraid to protest against a wrong, lest they should lose their positions in life or iose the patronage of some of those who thought the wrong a right. It was the atheism of those who refused to help a man in need, lest they would have to sacrifice some of their own comfort. It was the atheism of those who did some deed for profit at the expense of. others. All these said in their hearts there was no God. Zola, the French aethist and novelist, denied God, with his lips, but he affirmed Him in bia life; and one good deed was worth all the psalms and hymns tha.t were ever written. They should be more courageous and voice the wrongs from which they suffered. Men would call them egotists, but a certain kind of egotism could be justified. Jesus was an egotist, but yet when He saw the poor and the downtrodden wronged, Ho said tha.t through them He was wronged. Did they „think that Jesus rested in Heaven while some of His weaker brethren were suffering here. He could not believe it.? Mr. Roderick Rhydderch commented on the sermon, and the meeting afterwards came to an end,

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Cynon Welsh Glee Singers. SUCCESSFUL BANQUET AT PENRHIW- CEIBEPv. A very successful banquet was held on Thursday evening at Messrs. Nixon's Work- men's Institute, under the auspices of the Cynon Welsh Glee Singers Society, and proved a most enjoyable event.' Councillor Evan Morris (presi- dent of the Society) presided, and was supported by Mr. Herbert George, solicitor (chairman), Councillor G. Rail, Messrs. John Pic ton ("Merthyr Express"), David R. Smith, John Rowlands, Thomas Davies, Daniel Sheppard, John Evans, (treasurer), Edward Williams and Stephen P. Davies (secretary). The caterer was Sir. Lewis II. Miles, Victoria-square, Aberdare, who was assisted by Mis3 Tamfcling, manageress, who catered in their vreil-knowfi style. Alter the removal of tho cloth a concert was held, when Mr. Herbert George (solicitor) pre- sided, and on the platform were Councillors E, vaa Morris and Geo. Hall, and Mr. Ben Dew, Lee Hotel, and others. In the course of his remarks, the chairman said that letters of apology had been received from Mx. Henry E. Long,C M.E. (agent Messrs. Nixon's Navigation Co.). Mr. F. W. Bell, M.E. (manager), and Mr. Thomas Jones, M.E. (under-manager Nixon's Cwm Cynon Collieries), and he regretted that, owing to being called away hurriedly, his father, Mr. Isaac George, The Grove, and his brother, Mr. W. B. George, Park Hotel, were unable to be present. He noticed by tho programme that item 2 was an address by the chairman. He would remind them that it was the duty of every chairman to be Lliei in his remarks, and to carry out his duty in. a. methodical way. He felt, however, that, he ought to digress just a Hi t}q from that rule, for he felt that he had some interest as Welshmen ought in the choir Welsh singing had made the president of a great Republic rise to a high pitch of enthusiasm. It had been listened to with admiration by the people of the great commonwealth the singing of their countrymen had made the name of Wales known and respected almost in all parts of the civilized world (applause). And in all walks cf life the Welshman was prominent, and this country had produced one who, however extreme his views were on certain subjects, and however severe was the pinch of his Budget, lie had by his pluck and ability, which nobody doubted, attained a great position in the political world, and his name would live as one who was one of the greatest practical politicians of his time. He (the chairman) would do his utmost for the cultivation of Welsh singing. It was a movement which God had endowed them with, and he hoped that the tour which the party intended to take in the South of England would be a successful one. He was delighted to como down to the scene of his childhood, where he had spent many happy days, and he would always do what was in his power to assist them if they would call upon him (cheers). The Party gave an excellent rendering of "The Destruction of Gaza," and was loudly applauded. Mr. E. R. James sang The Battle Morn." Mr. Odell Williams (eiosutipatft and winner of chair at Mountain Ash Eisteddfod) recited" Riellzi to the Romans," and was loudly encored; he afterwards recited Revolu- tion." Mr. Thomas Walton (tenor) sang "Old Madrid" in good style, and he is regarded as one of the best tenors of the party. Councillor George Hall, in a very appropriate speech, said he desired to thank the party for their kindness in inviting him to the banquet. Although the party had only been in existence three years they had always given their services gratuitously to the help of the sick and needy (cheers) and he was sure that their services were at the call of the inhabitants when needed. The success of the party was due to the unity of the members, and also to the great assistance rendered by Mr. Issac George, The Grove, and family (cheers). Sir. W. B. George, of the Park Hotel, had also generously placed his large club- room at their disposal.—A solo was rendered by Mr. William Davies (tenor), Johnny was a Soldier bold" (encored), and the party gave On the Ramparts," and, in response to an encore, sang Comrades in Arms," which was loudly applauded.—Councillor Evan Morris desired to endorse the remarks of Councillor Hall. He had always taken a keen interest in the party, and when he was approached by a deputation to take the presidency he consented at once, as the record of the party since its formation was a good oie. Individually and collectively they had done their best for the helpless, and he hoped the party would double their number and commence competing. The party were very fortunate in having such a secretary a3 Mr. Stephen P. Davies, who was a veteran in the musical world; and also in their conductor, Mr. Thos. J. Davies, A.C. He wished them every success.—-Sfr. John Evans (treasurer), in proposing a voto of thanks to Mr. George, said he wished to thank him and his kind rela- tives for the generous manner in which they had acted towards the choir (cheers). If it were not for the kindness of Mr. W. B. George tho party would not now be together; and the family had assisted and encouraged them in every way.—Mr. T. J. Davies (conductor) seconded. —A similar vote was accorded Councillors E. Morris, George Hall, Mr. B. Dew (Lee Hotel) and others. The singing of the Welsh National Anthem terminated one of the best concerts that has been held in the district for some years. —The pianist was Mr. E. T. jlames.—The bighcst praise is duo to the committee, of which Mr. W. B. George (Park Hotel) was chairman, and Messrs. John Evans (treasurer), T. J. Davies (conductor) and Stephen P. Davies (secretary), for the admirable manner in which the arrange- meats were carried out; also Mr. Lewis IL Miles and staff, Aberdare, for the tasteful way in which the tables were decorated. ,¿.

ABERCYNON. The MEETHTR EDITION of the "Merthyr Ex- press" is on sale a.t IHrs. Richards, Newsagent, Station-street, every Friday morning. SPECIAL SERVICES in connection with Bethania Welsh Congregational Church were held on Synday and Monday, when eloquent sermons were delivered by the Rev. Keri Evans, oi Carmarthen. FuNE-LB.-On Saturday the funeral of the wife of Mr. Alfred Whitfield, Park-place, took place at Abercynon Cemetery. At the same place, on Tuesday, the interments took pl^ce of Mrs. Thomas, wife of Mr. J. Thomas, William- street, and Mrs. Simkins, wife, of Mr. Simkins, Margarot-street. EVENING CONCEBT.An excellent evening concert was given under the auspices of the English Congregational Church, on Thursday evening, at the Workmen's Hall, by the Moun- tain Ash Male Voice Party, under the conductor- ship of Mr. T. Glyndwr Richards. During the past few months the party has won such fame that it is quite unnecessary for us to give them a lengthy praising. Their performance was of a very high standard, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all present. The following was the pro- gramme :—Selection of Welsh airs by the Choir, as arranged by the conductor and Mr. Harry Evans, (a) Hob y deri dando," (b) O tyr'd yn ol," (c) Gw^nith Gwynsong, The Storm Fiend" (Roechel), Mr. Godfrey Price negro melody, Old Black Joe (Foster), by the Choir; song, Nant y Mynydd (W. Davies), Mr. Anthony Jones; duet," Comrades (Bonhem1), Messrs. Cynon Evans and D. P. Williams glee, Destruction of Gaza," by the Choir; song, When the Ebb-tide Flows" (Gordon), Mr. D. P. Davies descriptive chorus, The Betrayal of Christ (Ford), by the Choir selection of Welsh airs, arranged by Glyndwr for the Choir, (a) "Morfa Rhuddlan," (b) "Men of Harlech song, The Veteran (Stuart), Mr. D. C. Evans; glee, by the Choir, ",0, Peaceful Night" (German); song, The Young Brigade" (Gordon) Mr. D. P. Williams; part song, by the Choir, Lullaby (Ford); song, Fechgyn Cymru" (Ap Glaslyn), Mr. Godfrey Price; descriptive chorus, The Tyrol" (A. Thomas); finale, Hen NViad fy Nhadau."

GODREAMAN. ,j' PERSONAL.—Mr. Ernest Phillips, Pleasant View, who won the prize for answering mining questions at Cwmaznan, on Tuesday, has also gained the tourin scholarship in connection with the mining and surveying class at the Aberdare County School. Have you anything to Sell? Advertise in our Want Columns, and it is as ffootl as eold.

Dog Show at Aberaman. A dog show was held at the Swan Hotel, Aberaman, on Tuesdav evening, under the aus- pices of the Kennel Club, the judge being Mr. T. Williams, Newport. Tho awards were as follow Retrievers.—1 and 2, W. R. Powell; 3, A. W. Jones. BulJdogs.-l and 3, D. Jenkins; 2. A. Gibbons, Aberdare. Collies.—1, R. Davies, Pontypridd; s 2,. J. Rogers, Abernant. Voys 1, R. Davies; 2, vF. Pearce; 3. D- Drews. Fox Te-rner&-I, J. F. Elitcbingsloterdare; 2, F. L. Evans, Cwmaman; 3, C. Home. Airedale, Irish or Welsh terriers.—1, D. Wil- liams, Abernant; 2, W- X Lewis, Aberaman; 5, T. Owens, Cwmaman. Any other variety.—1, D. C. Davies, Aber- | arnAn; 2. Rees Josaes,-Aberaanan; ..3, W. Red- j wood. Sporting varieties.—1, D- Williams; 2.D. Davios; 3, D. O. Davies. „ R* Davtea; 2,D. Jenkins. .&J

ABERAMAN. I "BRAVE BOY."—The horse "Brave Boy," be- longing to the Cwmbach Co-operative Society, Ltd., won the first prize in the open class for general trade purposes at Ferndale Horse Show, on Monday. It will be remembered that it won j the silver cup at the Aberaman Horse Show last i year. Mr. John Rogers, of Mountain Ash, was I ( the driver. ] SUCCESSES.—The following students have sue- ceeded in passing the elementary examination; in Co-operative book-keeping, held under the auspices of the Co-operative Union:—Passes, j with distinction, Samuel R. Morgan, Abcr- aman Timothy Lewis, Cwmbach Ivor James Thomas. Aberaman; Jonathan J. James, Moun- tain Ash; F. G. R. Smith, Mountain Ash; j Anourin Davies, Aberaman, and Martin Isaac, Godreaman. Passes: Willie Harries, Godre- aman; D. E. Evans and Daniel Boundy, Moun- tain Ash. The teacher was Mr. George Thomas, Aberdare;- r

Whitsurt. Atoeram^^ 1 V EVANS—J&MESi On Whit-Monday morning the wedding was solemnised at Bethania C.M. Chapel, Aberdare, ] of Miss Alice Ann James, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John James, 299, Card ill-road, AberanSan, ( and Mr. David John Evans, of 13, Brook-street, Aberaman. The officiating minister was the Rev. R. Williams, pastor of Nazareth C.M. 1 Church, Aberdare. The bride was given away by her father, Mr. John James, and Mr. Ia.go Evans, Cwmbach, brother of the bride- groom, acted as best man. Miss Annie Elizabeth Jenkins, niece of the bride, attended as brides- maid. After the ceremony the party returned to the bride's parent?'■ home, where the wedding breakfast was partaken of. Several friends joined the company, and warm congratulations were extended to the youpg couple. WIL:, *.AMS—EDWARDS. On the same jay ti,(, united in matri- < mony Miss Jane vf ycLs, daughter of Mr. Isaac Edwards.. Colliee r-row, Abernant, and Mr. William T. Williams, son of Mr. and Mrs. David Williams, of 3, Beddoe-street, Aberaman. The marriage ceremony took place at the Reg- istrar's Office, Merthyr. The bride's' father, Mr. Isaac Edwards, ga.ve her away, and Mr. George Williams, Bedford-street (brother of the bridegroom) acted as best man. There were also present Mr. David Williams, father of the bridegroom; Mr. John Morgan, Penrhiwceiber, brother-in-law of the bridegroom; and Mr. and Mrs. Win. John Evans, sister and brother-in- law of the bnde. After the ceremony the party enjoyed a sumptuous wedding breakfast a.t the bride's mother's home at 'Abernant.

TRECYNON. SINGING FESTIVAL.—A well-attended singing festival was held at Hcolvfelin Baptist Church on Tuesday. In the morning the meeting was for the juveniles, and MI. W. Jenkins (Meirion- vdd) conducted. Mr. J. J. Phillips conducted in the afternoon and evening, when the meetings were for the adults. The presidents for the respective gatherings were Messrs. David Evans, Griffith George and Rev. W. Cynog Williams, and the accompanists were Mrs. D. W. Price and Miss E. A. Edwards. In addition to a number of well-known hymn tunes, anthem Teyrnas- oedd y Ddaoar," and the choruses, Amser Hyfryd" and "Magnify, Glorify," were ren- dered. The choir numbered about.400. OBITUARY.—The death took place last Friday of Master D. Cledwyn Davies, the twelve-year-old son of Councillor D. Tyssul Davies, Ardwyn, after a brief illness. The interment took place at the local cemetery on Tuesday, the officiating ministers being Revs. R. J. Jones, Hen Dy Cwrdd Hathren Davies, Cefn; J. Grawys Jones, Ebenezer; and W. Cynog Williams, Heolyfelin. A large number of people, including several members of the District Council, were in attendance. Tho cortege was headed by the members of the Hen Dv Cwrdd Band of Hope, of which deceased was a "member, and en route for the cemetery the children sang several well-known hymns, under the conductorship of Mr. John Thomas. Appended is a list of the mourners -.—Mr. and Mrs. D. Tvssul Davies (parents), Messr3. James Ivor and J. E. Davies (brothers), Mr. J. Davies, Plaesmarl (uncle), Mr. James Jones, Aberdare (uncle), Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Thomas, Blaen- gwynfi (uncle and aunt). Misses Mary and Rachel Davies, Pencader (aunts), Mr. and Mrs. John Lewis (Cwmbach), Messrs. John Davies (Pencader), Rees Davies (Aberdare), and Thos. John Davies (Plasmarl). Floral tributes had been received from the following -.—Members of Hendy-Cwrdd Sunday School, Messrs. Thomas and Jones (Trecynon), ,Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Price (Trecynon), Mr. Davies's employees, Mrs. Jones (Llewelyn-street), Mr. Herbert Shone, Masters David, William Davies and William Davies.

CWMBACH. SOOIAXISM.—A well attended meeting WM held under the auspices of the I.L.P. at the Cwmbach Square on Friday evening last, when Mr. G. EL Bibbings delivered an adaress upon "Sociaiism." Very strong remarks were made anent the wealth and poverty of this country, and various other points were also dealt with by him. Questions were invited, but only one was asked, viz.: "What was Mr. Bibbingss opinion of the Budget?" In reply, Mr. Bib- bings thought it was an admirable ono on the whole. Mi-. Matt Lewis, of Aberaman, was tne chairman. DEMONSTRATION.—On Monday, the annual demonstration in connection with the Noncon- formist Sunday schools of the village was held in extremely propitious weather. A large num- ber turned out; tho following schools being represented: Bryn Seion (Cong.), and its two branches, Carmel and Soar; Ebenezer (C.M.); Bethania (B.), and its branch at Penuel, and the Primitive Methodists. The procession start- ed shortly after mid-day from )3ryn Seian Chapel, and passed along Duffryn-road and Tir- founder-road to the Canal Bank, then past the Co-operative Stores, to the Square. The united choir, comprising choristers from each school, saner 'hymn tunes en route, under the conduc- torship of Mr. Sam Davies (Ebenezer). At tho Square addresses were delivered by the Rev. Joseph Jones (B.), and the Rev. R. Roberts (C.M.). The children and edults then repaired to their respective schoolrooms for tea; The following presided at the tables or assisted in other wavs:—Primitive Methodist Church: Mrs. Collins, Mrs. Watts, Mrs. Maggs, Mrs. G. E. Parfitt, Mrs. Ellis and Mrs. Da-vi-es, Mr. John Aubrey, Mr. Richard Phillips, Mr. Wil- liam Maggs, Mrs. T. Daniel, Mr. Robert Bailey (secretarv), and Mr. Thomas Bowen (treasurer). Ebenezer Welsh C.M. Church: Misses Winnie Jones, Agnes Evans, Mr. William Williams, Misses Alicia Davies, Myfanwy WiUiams, Mary Ann Davies, Sarah Jane Thomas, Elizabeth Da- vies, Idwal Davies. Mary Lewis, Jane Davies, Mary Sheppard, Sarah Lewis. Elizabeth Hughes and Cassie Griffiths, Messrs. Gwilym Davies Da- vid Walters, Walter Ditton. Miss Thomas, Mrs. John Phillips, Messrs. J. Edwards, David Da- vies, D. J. Lewis, Mrs. Williams, Evan Edwards (secretary), Gomer James (treasurer), and Wil- lie Davies. Carmol Sunday School: Misses Kato Daniel, Sarah Lewis, Maggie Daniel, S. Jane Bufton, Mrs. Lizzie Griffiths, Mrs. Bufton, .< ■ Miss Eunice Bufton Miss Annie Bufton. Miss I Jane Nicholas, Mr. David Davies, Mrs. Ä. Da.- vies, Mrs. Hughes, Miss Mary Hugftes, Mrs. E. Hughes, Miss M. J. Lewie Messrs. Lewis James, James Hughes, Thomas Lewis, Rees Jones, Thomas EvAns, John Daniel, Rees Price. Ed- ward Bofton, Mr. Richard Lewis (secretary),, and Mr. James Thomas (treasurer). SERVANTS can easily be obtained by the use of a sma" Want Ad. in these columns. State your requirements, and you will be sure to jcet 3uite<S at once.

ABERDARE. EVENING CLASSES.—On Saturday last the girls attending the Cwmdare Evening Continua- tion Classes went for an outing to Pontsarn and VaYllor, all places of historiacl interest, both here and at Cein, being visited. In addition to Miss Richards, Miss Pett (St. Fagan's) and Miss Nancy Williams accompanied the party. A sumptuous tea was partaken of at the Pontsarn Hotel, and altogether a very enjoyable day was spent. The party left Aberdare by the 12.40 G.W.R. train, and took car from Merthyr to Cem. From thence they walked to Pontsarn, and after a rest visited Vaynor Church and other features of interest in the place. OBITUARY.—On Tuesday the funeral of Mrs. Nancy Thomas, widow of Mr. Phillip Thomas (\£103e demise we reported a month ago) took place at 24, Mary-street, Aberdare. Both Mr. and Mrs. Thomas had been suffering for a long time, in fact, ever since they returned from Cardiff, they had been confined to tho house. They were formerly residents of Aberdare, some thirty years ago, and attended Tabernacle English' Congregational Church and Siloa Welsh Congregational Church. The late Mr. Thomas belonged to a very old and respected family, being a nephew of the late Mrs. David Price, Siloa, while the late Mrs. Thomas hailed from Lancashire. The service at the house wae conducted by the Rev. J. M. Jones (Aber- dare), assisted by Revs. R. E. Williams (Twrfab) and J. Harrap Walker, of St. Paul's, Cardiff, at whose Church the deceased were members for many years. At the graveside the Rev. Rd. Jones officiated. The funeral cortege included the following mournersRev. J. W. Price (Troedyrhiw), Mr. Roger Price (Cardiff), Mr. Thomas Thomas (Abercarn), Mrs. Reep (Abercarn), cousins; Mr. Price (Morriston), Mr. J. Thomas (Swansea), Mr. A. Thomas and. Mr. R: T. Jones (Merthyr). It also included the following friends of deceased: Revs. J. Harrup Walker and E. Williams, J. M. Jones, Mr. George Jones (Cardiff), and Mr. N. R. Thomas (Merthyr). Wreaths were sent by the following :—St. Paul's Congregational Church (Cardiff), Mr. and Mrs. R. T. Jones (Merthyr), Mrs. Silcox (Liverpool), Mr. George Jones (Cardiff), Miss B. M. Richards (Aberdare). The funeral arrangements were all entrusted to Messrs. John Evans and Zacha- I .IDIi;;Øt_åJl,

Mr. Lloyd George ot Aberdare. If GUEST OF SIR W. T. LEWIS. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Right Elon. D. Lloyd George, M.P., on Wednesday, eft Criccieth by motor and proceeded to Aber- iare, which was reached in the evening. t On Tuesday evening, after the presentation JY his schoolmates, Mr. Lloyti George, with [ Mrs. Lloyd George and their little daughter t Megan, visited the Openshaw Lads Brigade, K-ho to the number of 500 are encamped on the aanks of the Dwyfor. close to Llanystumdwy Village. A miscellaneous entertainment was ^one through by the boys, Mr. J. Crossley, M.P., chairman of the Brigade Management 00 Irilllittec, presiding, The Chancellor deliv- ( red a short address, in which he extolled the philanthropic work done by Mr. Crossley in sonnection with the brigade and in other direc- tions. He aleo addressed a: few words of advice a-ndli^ncouti^ehiefit' to^tfe boys, appealing to t tiie^|> to rri&Ee-. the iaest of their opportunities indffto become eitfeens worthy of their friend ancPpairon and of their native land f ■CSrfccietli bf niotoi' efcrfy* Dn Wednesday morning for South Wales. On the way to Bangor the Chancellor stayed at [ Llandiloes and lunched at the Trewythen Hotel. t News of his arrival quiokly spread, and a dense; 3rowd gathered outside the hotel. Aid. William r Ashton being introduced to Mr. Lloyd George, On his departure the people cheered him with s the utmost enthusiasm. 1 In the evening -.the Chancellor of the Ex- ■ chequer arrived at Aberdare, where he was the L guest of Sir Wm. Thomas Lewis, Bart., K.C.V.O. Shortly before 6 o'clock Sir William Thomas Lewis, with somëmetnbers of his family, motored in. the direction of Brecon order to meet the lion. gpiitleman, 'and when c they met Sir William joined Mr. Lloyd George' J in his own private motor car, the rest of the party following to the Mardy. 1 The visit is, of course,' a'strictly non-political one, and on Thursday, accohipanfed by Sir Wil. liam and some other •gentlemcii, Mr. Lloyd I George visited certain, collieries in the dis- t trict. ) Our Aberdare reporter writes:—"On Tburs- day morning, I was, by the courtesy of Mr. Lloyd George, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and his esteemed host, Sir W. T. Lewis, Bart., K.C.V.O., permitted to accompany the Chan- ( cellor of the Exchequer en a. tpur of inspection I over the Taff Vale Railway. Sir William and, his distinguished guest travelled by a. cpcci.il motor train, which was in charge of Mr. T. E. | Harland, the superintendent of the line, to ] Taff's Well without a stop, a.nd here we wre ] joined by Sir Robert Chalmers, K.C.B., one of I the prominent officials of the treasury. At Pontypridd we ran along the mineral line there were only a few passengers on the platform, As we slowed down to send a message from Sir William, some of the passengers realised who were in the motor, and a. hearty cheer was raised to the Chancellor and his esteemed host. We continued the run down the Taff Valley, where a brief sta,yw8.I made. On the arrival of tho party at TafTs Well, Sir Robert Chalmers, Mr. C. F. Master man, M.P.. secre- tary to the Local Government Board, Mr. W. H. Clark, private secretary to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and Mr. A. Lumley. who had travelled up -from Cardiff, joined them. j Half an hour's halt was made here, the party proceeding with Mr. Lloyd Goorere and Sir Willia.m to the bridge over the Taff, where an excellent view of the Garth Mountain a.nd i the surrounding district was obtained. Upon. returning to the station Sir William unfolded a. huge map of the southern area of the South Wales coalfield, pointing out from the station platform the lay of the land. Here Mr. Matthews, J.P., the chairman of the Caerphilly District Council, was introduced to the Chancellor, as well as the stationmaster and his wife, the Chancellor shaking hands I with them. We then ran up to Quakers' Yard, where we were taken from the Taff Vale line to the Great Western line, it having been arranged that instead of running up the Taff Valley on I the T.V.R.. we should go along the G.W. and R.R. joint line over the hill on the western side of the valley, thus giving the Chancellor and his party a far better view of the Valley than they would obtain from the Taff Vale line on the other side of the river, which is on a lower i levcL As we ran along the side of the Glamorgan Canal, the ancient waterway was filled with brushwood, indicating the marvellous change which a century has made in the matter of lo- comotion throughout this busy hive of industry. A brief stop was made at the Castle Pit. Cy- farthfa, and then we rait into Merthyr Station, having a fine view of the valley. We started off again, and a few minutes later we passed Waunlwyd Colliery, where the first load of coal was exported in. thje. days of Robert and Lucy Thomas, the uncle andaimt of the late lamented Lady Lewis, the wife of our host. We reached Merthyr shortly before noon, and in a. quarter of an hour we were again, off, to Pontypridd and the Rhondda Valley. ..I..f. MR. LLOYD GEORGE'S CAR KILLS FOWL. Mr. Lloyd George went to Aberdare by wa.y of Brecon and Swansea-road, Merthyr. When passing through the village of Cwmtat, the car ran over and killed a fowl belonging to Mo. Jones, of Danydarren Farm. The distinguished statesman was recognised by several towns- people as the car passed through the town. f'{, HIGH CONSTABLE'S LETTER TO LLOYD GEORGE. "1() The High Constable of Aberdare, Conn. Wil- liam Thomas, wrote the following letter to Mp. Lloyd Goorge— "My Dear Sir,—It has become known that you will bo at Aberdare to-day as the guest of 1 our distinguished townsman, Sir Wm. Thomas Lewis, Bart., and I am requested by several I of my leading townsmen to formally extend to ) you a most hearty welcome on the occasion of your visit. I am, however, mindful of the fact that your visit is of a private nature, otherwise I would have taken the liberty of asking you, on behalf cf the inhabita.ptB of this town. to grant em tbe pleasure and honour of welcoming you in a public manner. I feel quite sure that the reception you would then receive would be of a very sincere and enthusiastic character.— Trustg that in the near future such an op- portunity will occur. I am, sir, yours faithfully, Hy. WILLIAM THOMAS, High Constable, of Miskin Higher." MR. LLOYD GEORGE'S REPLY,. 4 OBJECT OF THE VISIT. The High Constable received the following reply:— "Dear Mr. Thomas,—I highly appreciate the kind greeting which you have extended to me on behalf of yourself and your leading fellow- townsmen. As you correctly state in your let- ter, my visit is purely of a private nature. I am taking advantage of the opportunity which your eminent fellow, townsman, Sir Wm. Tho- mas Lewis, has offered to me to make myself acquainted with some of the conditions of the colliery districts of South Wales. Once more thanking you for your kind welcome, I am, yours sincerely, D. LLOYD GEORGIA

CRICKET. 'ABERDARE LEAGUE. f Pick of Aberdare Division v. Pick of District Division. Scores:—District: Hacker, b Thomas, 31; Barson, b Thomas, lU; G. George, b Ellery, 0; W. Brooks, o King, b Ellery, 0; Williams, b Thomas, 11; G. Brooks, b G. Rees, 12; T. Humphries, b Thomas, 0; J. Lewis, b Mason, 45; Bariow, o Jenkins, b Mason, 1; W. J. Williams, c Lewis, b Mason, 14; T. Rees, not out, 5; T. Young, b Mason, 0; extras, 11; total, 139. Aberdare Division G. Jones, Ibw, b Williams, 0; W. Parker, b T. Rees, 4; D. Morgan b George, 17; G. Rees, b George, 1; C. King, run out, 0; E. Lewis, b George, 29; W. Mason, b George, 13; J. Ellery, b Williams, 2; H. J. Thomas, o Rees, b George, 4; G. Williams, not out, 1; Jenkins, b William#, 0; J. Williams, 2; ex- tras, 7; total, 79.

ji CROSS KEYS. ORGAN RECITAL.—On Wednesday eveniitgj' May 26, an excellent organ recital and musical service was given in the P.M. Church, Crosskeys. Owing to the inclemency of the weather, the attendance was not as large as anticipated. The occasion was interesting, inasmuch as it was the first appearance in this district of a young and successful Lancashire organist, Mr. Harry S. Bowen, who has lately taken up his abode in South Wales. Mr. Bowen is a concert organist after the David Clegg" style, and well merited tho unstinted applause of an appreciative audience. The organ pieces were Andante Pastorale in E (Lemaire), Variations on Hymn-tune (Fletcher), "A Military Church Parade" (H. S. Bowen), English organ music, (a) Rondo Minuetto (Warriner), (b) Communion (Hop- kins), Etude (Claussmah), A Swiss Village Festival (H. S. Bowen). A Military'Church Parade" (band in distance, passing and dis- appearing); also A Swiss Village Festival" (a descriptive piece of an early morning in the Alps), both compositions of the performer, were loudly applauded, and' well deserved the enpores which the audience insisted upon. Solos were given by Miss S. James (sister of the well- known tenor, Mr.-Godfrey James), who sang well "The Light Divine." "The French Hussar" was powerfully and sympathetically given by Mr. E. J. Jeffries, whose voice the song suited to perfection. Pinsuti's "In the Hour of Softened Splendour" was delightfully sung by Misses S. James, L. Goodwin and Messrs. H. Evans and E. J. Jefferiee, well meriting the applause it received. The choir, under the I watchful and guiding eye of Mr. T. Alban Sage, rendered in great style "The Radiant Morn, I by Woodward, The Storm King," by Verdi, whilst their singing of The Hallelujah Chorus I' was magnificent. Mr. Evan J. Davies (the organist of the Church) rendered „valuahlf; ee.tQWJll5Ao

STRANGE AND WONDERFUL o CAUTHOR AS A CHARM. Camphor is highly esteemed for its medi- cinal virtues by the natives .of Borneo and Sumatra, who will often wear it round their necks, waiste, wrists, and ankles in small bags as a eort of charm aguiast all forms 2f di»eaeea FAMOUS LOVSRS5 SB AT. The best known lover*' seat in the Cotl" wolds is a structure in Earl Bathurst's park" Cireaceoter, called Pope's &aat, because it was a, favourite resort of the poet during hia visit to Allen, Lord Batiurst. It is resorted: to by many couples among the numerous p nio parties who visit the part. r1: At tke5 Reformation, when the Church, ot- St. Nicholas, at Yarmouth, was despoiled, tha carved stones of many of the monuments, both in the church and outside in the grave- yard, were shipped off—some to be turned into grindstones, and sesne on board the ships of the Royal Navy of the day, to be used in scouring- the decks, whence the sea- men's term, "holystoning thedeftk," elt its origin* A LUCKY POO. A French poodle belonging to a real estate operator, of New is the most pampered canine in the world- A private room at ai* hotel, a tutor, a maid, a private bath, and a; special menu are among the items on that list of the necessaries of life provided for that L jg. The tutor is engaged to teach the mimai tric.-i more complicated than th ordinary jumping through hOopa and sh^fflr mifig 'i;' SMOKIN& IN CHURCH. When tobacco was first introduced th. clergv were not antagonistic. In the sevens teentli century, however, attempts were m to atop smoking in churches. The Cambridge authorities, for instance, proclaimed "thatf- no graduate scholler, or student of thift Uaiversitie presume to take tobacco in St* Mary's Church payne of final expels lige the Universitie." In the New England States, too, where the Puritan was wont W digest the sermon with a pipe it was ordered* that any person found raaolnng on the Lord'rf Day" within two miles of tk shall pay twelve pence." CURIOUS CUSTOMS A peculiar custom obtains in the IMt Lancers-the playing of the Yeeper Hymn,, the Spanish Chant, and the Russian National- Hymn every night after "Last Poet" hac, sounded. It is said that the playing of the; Vesper Hymn originated in one of officers' wives presenting the regiment with at, new set of instruments on condition that the, hymn was played every night after the" W.. Post." The playing of the Spanish Chant j* declared to be a penance for the sacking Qf, convent during the Peninsulu, iWA £ » ji i 'A OTIOHTT CHUB. R 'A curious club exists in Now York. K known as the "5001b. Club." The president turns the scale at 50elb. The rules enacS honorary members are admitted if they weigh 4501b., and on attaining 5001b.. thjejjf become life members. ""T EAEL COHPTOK'S COURT LXXT, An interesting survival of ancient cutrtonlf was observed at Earl Compton's Court Leetg at Callington. Among the appointment# made were two official ale tasters, two pi. drivers, two weighers of meat, a reeve, at portreeve, a. sergfeant-at-mace, a town crier and a billposter. Callington, Urban Council were solemnly appointed scavengers of th* Borough. A discuesion took place respecting; the right to appoint inspectors of weight* and measures, now claimed by the county council. It was decided that the court should reserve its right of appointing these officers, j _h nOHIO) Of TBTE Limou, When Adam and Eve were driven out 01 the Garden of Eden they took with them th. seeds of various fruit trees. Adam carried with him the seeds of the fruit which baa been of auchfatef111 moment to him and hit wife, but Eve, disgusted with the fruit which had been the cause of their expulsion, would have none of its seeds. Instead she tooK some of the orange. One of these ahe dropped just outside the garden; a teardrop from he* Byes fell npon this pip, it germinated, but th4 Beedling degenerated sadly: the fruit hung elongated and sour, while the rind had lost its rich golden hue and toned we got the lemon. HOW A JUG PRE STABTBD. One of America's many big fires arose in very curious fashion. Some time before that; fire the roofs of certain sheds of some opf. 1 mills were torn off in a severe storm. Chemi-i cals were stored in one of these sheds, andf I the rays of the san shining on the unpro* ) tected chemicals exploded them, -with th. result that all the bnildirfgs, covering an areai of ten acres, caught fire. ,Occa.sionally oiij wells in America catch firei. K attended t<* promptly, the fire can be confined to the welM itself. Tie custom is to throw loads of sofl| over the mouth or top of the welL Often., however, the surrounding ground ia 8atu rated with oil, and there are oil tanks in thlf, vicinity, and should these get,. situation beconRs very serious.^ KID POLICB FOECB.^R Council Bluffs, Iowa, has discovered a ne and simple way of dealing with unruly mischievous boys. The institution is know. locally as the" Kid Pofice Force, and sot popular has the movement become that4 practically every boy in the town has put i.at his application for membership. Juvenil*. crime has almost entirely disappeared, a11.1 the "young-man" criminal classjinde no r.1 cruita to the depleted rank^ MM WORSHIP. Prof. Arthur O. Lovejoy, as the result olf an inquiry into the origin and meaning 0' "fire culte, so common among ancienlh nations and among modern savage and bar# barous tribes, suggests that many races oon-t ceived the "sacred fire," not as a practica convenience or an ancient custom or a of frightening demons, but as a vehicle off life, or magical energy, the prosperity of th« household or tribe depending in part op th perpetuity, vitality, and purity of the fire. af was thought of as subject to a tender1 grow old and weak, like all natural forces—i hence the custom of periodically, ^^e wip|} it. — DEBTORS MADH TO WORK. S Debtors in Siam, when three months in arrears, can be seized by the creditors and compelled to work ont their indebtedness.. Should a debtor run awav, his father, his wife, or his children may be held in El&v<ypr- until the debt is paid. IIERVBS VARIOUS PURPOSES. In Italy and certain parts of France Spain it is a common austoiq to ring a belli in advance of a funeral procession. This ftell is intended to serve various purposes-tø clear the way for the procession, to remind passers-by to take off their hats, and to ex- hort all those within hearing to say a prayer for the repose of the departed. 4;: A WONDERFUL ATHLETE. A noble athlete, Milo, of Crotonk, Italy. flourished during the latter part of the 6th century, B.C. From early life he accustomed himself to bear burdens, the weight of which he daily augmented, and at last becajne so celebrated for strength as to be able to c the most surprising loads with ease. Ma.ny¡! curious stories are related by the' ancients concerning his wonderful muscles.) He could hold a. pomegranate in his with his fingers closed over it, and yet, with-- out either crushing or even pressing th fruit, could keep his fingers so firmly bent 88, to render it impossible for anyone to open hia; fingers and take the fruit,from him. He could, encircle his brow with a cord, and break this I asunder by holding his breath and causing1 the veins of the head to distend. It Ù9 asserted that on one occasion he carried ai steer four years old the whole length of the: stadium at Olympu).-606 feet. Then, having kilied it with a single blow of his fist, he cut it up, cooked and ate it all himself in one day. Milo's death was a melancholy one. He was already advanced in years, when,; traversing a forest, be found a trunk of a tree: partly cleft by wedges inserted by cutters. Wishing to rend it entirely a.sunder. Milo introduced his hands into the opening and succeeded so far as to cause the wedge«! to fall out;; but, his strength here failing; him, the separated parts suddenly reunited, and his hands remained imprisoned in the cleft. ,Tn -tltis aituAlins 1 l.Eetm i l-

-C. Mountain Ash Free Church Council MEETING IN FAVOUR OF DISESTABLISH- MENT. SPEECHES BY MR. CLEMENT EDWARDS, M.P., AND OTHERS. A meeting, under the ausipces of the Mountain Ash Free Church Council, was held at Noddfa I W elsh Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, on Thurs- day evening. The gey. J. 0. Jenicins, president of the Council, occupied the chair, and was supported by Mr. Clement Edwards, M.P., Rev. John Thomas, Merthyt; Rev. Owen Jones, Bethania; Rev. D. Jeremy Jones, Soar Rev. T. Anthony, Rev. B. Beckerlegge, Primitive Methodists and Messrs. W. Davies, secretary and T. Da^itsi outfittet,'and others. There was I a fair &f?eiTdahce. < Mr. 'trlehient Edwards, TM. P., speaking in support of a resolution approving of the Govern- ments Disestablishment Bill, said that up to a day or two ago considerable doubt existed as to whether they were going to have a second reading of the BiiL That doubt had been, happily, dispelled. What did they mean by an Established Church? It was a Church put in a peculiarly privileged position ^partially maintained by oonipuLicry taxes in the shape of tithes, deprived of all power of Church government, of all rieht of appointment and of shaping and moulding its teachings and doctrine (applause). He was surprised that the movement for Disestablishment had not arisen within the Church itself. The Church of England in Wales was an alien Church, and was introduced to dominate the people of Wales I in exactly the same manner as the ancient nasties on the borders of the Principality from Caerleon to Chester. The Bill now before Parliament was one of overwhelming generosity (hear. hear). Dealing with its provisions, it gave the Church its cathedrals, a great and generous concession It gave the Church every gift or endowment since 1G62. Many of those bequests were given to a Church pledged to Protestantism, whereas to-day they were used for the promulgation of Catholic doctrines. If justice were done, all the property of the Church of England up to the beginning of the eighteenth century, when Nonconformity became a real power in Wales, should be re- garded as national property, and that was what was done in the Bill of 1835. The doubt as to the second reading of the Bill had been removed, but ho for one would not rest satisfied with that. He would be bitterly disappointed unless it was passed through its stages during the present Session of Parliament (applause). What was the position 1 For the past forty years Wales had been consistently loyal to the Liberal party. While Scotland and England swayed and oscillated, Wales stood firm in its loyalty to the Liberal party, and with the exception of the Welsh Sunday Closing Bill Wales had not had a single measure from the Liberal Government, for the Welsh Intermediate Education Act passed by a Conservative Government. It was not a question of placing Disestablishment as an alternative to the Budget. In fact, the longer the Budget took the better were the chances of the Disestablish- ment Bill. If the Welsh party fought for Disestablishment as the Irish, party did for its Land Bill, the London party for electoral reform, and the Labour parLy for its out-of-work scheme, the Bill would go through (hear, hear). If the Welsh party demanded the redemption, of the Government pledge in unmistakable terms all the cloud of doubt would vanish, and the Bill would pass through this year (hear, hear). If it did not this year, with all the Government pledges, with four distinguished Welshmen in the Government, when were they to get it ? (hear, hear). Rev. John Thomas, Merthyr, in supporting the resolution, said that Wales had been ripe for Disestablishment for forty years, and he wished to know why the present Government delayed the matter. One reason was that the Welsh members of Parliament were only 34, and the huge majority which the present Government had was not a help to Wales. The resolution was carried with acclamation. Are you looking- for anything? If so, a Want Ad. in our columns will get it for