The Rhondda Leader

TIPYfl 0 BOB PETH. If the ice and frost stand against masons, etc., f-;i.m daily work, it creates new in- dustry for others. In Norfolk, for instarve they are dcing a good ice-harvest. B^rgis arrive- daily at the Bloater Metropolis, Itarniou.h, with cargoes of ice from half an inch to an inch thick, collected on the South Walkhani Bioad and the upper reach33 o'. the /i vcr. This ice, known in the trad 3 as pancakc ice, on account of its thinu >ss, ienlrM'S several shillings per ton, and was sold to local trawlers, who will use it as a cheap st* titute for Norway ice. A barg9 crow OJ tLuo men can gather from ten to twenty tons of pancake ice a day. -x- Evidently the Chinese are not against "Tipyn o Bob Peth," as the following "pickles" story will indicate. Their cruel- ty and callousness are no new things, but we have seldon heard of a more diabolical outrage than that which has just taken place in a district bordering on the new British territory opposite Hong Kong. A gang of ruffians kidnapped a boy about eight years of age, and sent a message to his father demanding a ransom quite beyond the latter's means, and which he said he could not pay. The gang, believing that he could raise the money if he wished, sent a further threatening message to the effect that if the money were not forthcoming by the time specified, the boy would be re- turned to him "in pickle. The money not being paid they actually carried out the threat and returned the dead body of the son to his father in a cask of brine! —x— Instances of conscience money are few and far between, but we note that during the past week, the manager of the London, Edinburgh and Glasgow Assurance Cc pany received a pe -.or Ll, an amount which an anonymous letter stated had been overpaid on an Industrial claim in consequence of the age of the assured having been wrongly stated. -x- Hark The whole Valley rings and re-echoes again and again, that Frank Thomas, "My Hatter," Pontypridd, sell the best 3s. 9d. Hat. 58 —x— Miss May John, though suffering from a bad cold, sang with infinite pleasure at the concert at Tonypandy. Frail in body, but sweet and talented in disposition is our opinion of her. She has worked with honest courage to climb the ladder of fame, and she nobly deports herself after the triumph. Mr Maldwyn Humphreys is such a fine singer, and deserves his encore so thorough- ly that it is a pity some Machynlleth folks should make such a noise about it at the concerts, The way some of them clapped at the concerts mado us almost think that a "fine talented fellow" was a. rarity in Darts, Still we must not be hard upon them, tor J..1:!wyn is really a fine singer, and what is still better, he has sound genial common sense. The ways of John Barleycorn are mani- fold. The frost at Tonypandy had preven- ted the brewer's dray being brought to a public house, where the cellar was reached by way of a short hill, so the driver hitched the chain horse to a cask full of "glorious beer." With the words, "Come Dragon," several casks were successfully brought to the hotel keeper's cellar to cheer the poor man's Christmas. The frost during last week had its humor- ous side. As one of our District Councillors at Mid-Rhondda was on the way to his office, his feet suddenly shot from under him, and he was unceremoniously dropped into a sitting position on the frosty ground. His first impulse in that position was to look around him, to see if anyone had no- ticed him, and quickly got up and hid him- self. In a short time several men arrived with picks and cartloads of ashes were tipped along the whole street. Traffic is resumed, and the inhabitants in that dis- trict are blessing the Councillor's down- fall. A painful impression is left-on the Councillor, of course, and he wonders why our surveyor had not seen that the steam roller had crossed the road even once pre- vious to the frost. Possibly a question will be put to the surveyor at the next Council meeting. —x— Rhonddaites were delighted to hear Mr Ivor Foster in such good fettle at the Mon- day concerts. Mid-Rhondda in particular, is proud of one of its native talent, and one ) which it helped to go on the way to training Mr Foster has fully justified the good opin- ion of the locality which claims him as its own. We are glad to see Mrs Foster also, on a visit ti her native hearth with her talented husband. Already she has been requisitioned by the good folks at Trinity to exert her expert powers at their annual "show-up" by the Sunday School children. According to "Our Land," there is a striking personal resemblance between the opposing commanders-in-chief in South ] Africa. "Joubert and Buller/' it says in its queer Boer Dutch, "have almost precise- ly the same face. Shave off Joubert's beard, and you have Buller. ] -x- ] The Stormberg Mountains, which to-day, 1 are of deep interest, are situated just to the North of Sterkstroom, a small hamlet, with a church and a hotel, occupied in pure- ] ly agricultural pursuits. After leaving 1 Sterkstroom (the strong stream), the rail- 1 way commences its ascent of the steep 1 mountains of the Stormberg. The puttings 1 -— are very heavy, as are the gradients, and from one portion of the hill-called Bush- men's Hock (corner)—a grand new of the plains and valleys just trarersed can be obtained. A line here branches off to the Indive coalfields, seventy miles due east, where the best coal in the Stormberg Mountains is obtained. Burgersdorp, fifty miles north of Sterkstroom, is a most inter- esting town, being the centre of the Dutch population on the Cape Colony's eastern frontier. Burgersdorp is on the Stormberg Spruit, and is a great place for people suffering from pulmonary complaints. —x— The staffs of our various insurance com- panies have not been slow in contributing to the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families Asso- ciation. The head office staff of the London Edinburgh and Glasgow Assurance Com- pany have sent 210 shillings to the "Daily Telegraph" Shilling Fund. Frank Thomas, "My Hatter's," Ponty- pridd, has an Ideal Stock. He is willing to Cuff your wrists, Collar your neck, and Crown your head with one of his Celebrated 3s. 9d. Hats. 68 —x— It is freely stated in Porth that District Councillor J. Brooks will be opposed at the next election by a former candidate, Mr Dd. Powell. —x— We are glad to learn that the genial and generous Councillor for Tonypandy and Tre- alaw-Mr D. W. Davies, Maesyffrwd-is recovering from a severe attack of Pneu- monia. Immediately the weather will permit his travelling he has been recom- mended to take a journey to Bournemouth. We heartily wish him a speedy restoration to his usual vigorous keaith. -x- MidRhondda folks were glad to see their old friend, Mr Archibald Hood amongst them on Monday night as president of one of Miss Amy Evans' concerts. His sym- pathy with rising talent, and indeed his hearty support to every social improve- ment contigent to Llwynypia is too well established to need words from the "Rhon- dda Leader." He gave ,£6 to the move- ment. —x— Llwynypia school children will, subject to the official permission of the Board, hold a series of glee and sacred concerts at Jeru- salem Chapel, in the week beginning with February 12th. Mr Harry Evans, Dowlais, and Mi D. Lloyd, will be engaged as organ- is —x— In the "Methodist Times" a few weeks past, Mr Hugh Price Hughes played the rolo of a prophet. He then said with res- pect to the war, that he sees no reason for abandoning his own deliberate convictions i-on the contrary, every week seems to justify the view we expressd months ago." In this connction it is interesting to quote a deliberate conviction which was published in tfrg editorial columns of the same pap r on October Btht "The widespread belief," Mr Hughes wrote then, "in President Kit.gtr's military resources is as mjistak ni as the belief in his pacific intentions. If he insists ypon war, he will, for the first time, encounter the real strength of the British Empire, and his military oligarchy will, in a few short weeks, disappear for ever." Somehow, the weeks hitherto have not seemed very short. —x— The great Jones' family will, perhaps, be proud to learn that at the Porth Inter- mediate evening class in heat and light, the seven pupils bear this popular name. Even the book they use is written by D. E. Jones. The "natal Witness' tells a story of how the captain of a regiment in Natal, when paying his company the other week, chan- ced to give a man a Transvaal half-crown, which, as one would naturally expect, bears the image and superscription of President Kruger. The man brought the coin back to the pay table, and said it was a bad half- crown. The officer took the coin, and with- out looking at it, rang it on the table, and then remarked: "It sounds all right, At- kins. What's wrong with it?" You look at it, sir," was the reply. The captain glanced at the coin, saying: "It's all right man; it will pass in the canteen." This apparently satisfied Atkins, who walked off, making the remark: "If you say it's a' right sir, it's a' right; but it's the first time I've seed the Queen wi' whiskers on." —x— A compensation case at Walsall last week shows that workmen will be well advised to insist on their full legal rights. There, a puddler claimed arbitration under the Com- pensation Act. He lost the sight of one eye by an accident while working for his em- ployers, and owing to the second eye being affected has not since been able to work. The accident took place in February, and since then until two months ago he was allowed half the amount of his weekly wages. As the payment was stopped he sought arbitration. The employers, how- ever, contended that the applicant had lost his opportunity as a written claim should have been made within six months. The judge held that this was so, and had to decide for the employers-though reluct- antly, since the case proved how the Act might be evaded. It seems to us a peculiar- ly mean thing on the part of the employers to take the technical point; it was so very natural for the workman not to take legal proceedings so long as his employer paid him half wages; but the case, if upheld on appeal, shows that workmen cannot afford bo neglect the legal formalities prescribed by the Act, even when their employers at the moment, seem to be acting fairly.

FOR MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS By MADAME ROSE. E are, seemingly, in for a really good old- fashioned Christmas, and although I am writ- ing several days before- hand, I would fain bid you all a happy time and a merry one to boot. Skating promises t o abound, and in London, at any rate, it is amus- ing to note the alacrity with which the iron- mongrrs have stocked their windows with skates of every pattern. If ice is good and plentiful a great deal of fun can be obtained by using a tricycle, or a light b Lth-chair, upon its slippery •arface— although a bicycle, of course, would be quite unsafe in the same position; a capital sleigh, too, can be improvised by removing tfle wheels from a light cjrt and placing ft on wooden runners. Belis must be attached to the h.irsp, which should, of course, frsr carefully "roughed," an-I the great idea aiways is to go as fast as poisibh It is yea)", since I enjoyed this pastime, but as a chiM I rem- mber a very merry time in quite a roughly made but very successful sleigh. CHRISTMAS FASHIONS. Christmas parties are all the rage, and 1 suppose most of us are upon some sort of gaiety intent at least two or three nights in every week. It behoves us all, however, to be warmly clad, (or the weather is seasonable in the extreme, and many coughs and colds, to say nothing of influenza, may be caught in this way unless we are well protected from the bit'er winds. All the new cloaks are long and reach well to the ground. Some, indeed, are provided with a slight train, but this is unnecessary for useful or for country wear. M. st of tl-eso cloaks are made double breasted, so that here, again, extra warmth is obtained, and, fur'her eti 11, they may be delightfully thinkene i by an interlining of doirette ad 'e twi ween the handsome outer material and the dainty silk lining, which is now always a feat ur1 ot this particular kind of gar- ment. Of fjur e she material d which such cloaks are m rle may be varied. For instance, I have seen r ally I r"tty and liainty cloaks made of a fine cloth or ess1 mere elatx r 1 ely scrolled with <athrred baby ribbon. This can be arranged at hoire by the worker who is clever with her nee(ile, for ;i i,at terii can be obtained and ironed off on to the cashm re or cloth, and tli" whole fol!owed with the gathered baby ribbon I have meutiolled al ove. This ribbon, by the l ye, can be purchased by the dozen or eighteen yards for a very few pence, while at one edge is ,ui)i li-,tl a cord, which when pulled gathers the rilbon to any fumess required. All that is necessary then is to stitch the gathered edge on to the traced pattern, when the most delightful results and the most elaborate-looking cloak' may be obtained. The pattern should not be a very close one, and it looks better if carried out with black ribbon on a coloure ground than in anv other wav. The revers of such a cloak may be elaborated as much as we will. Prettiest of all is lareover silk, while I may perhaps add that some of the handsomest cloaks are finished with an edging of fur to such revers, giving it a very cosy look, but adding quite an unnecessary expense. The lining to these cloaks must cer- tainly be of silk, but this is not now a very great expense, as silk was certainly never so cheap. Quite the newest method is that of tuck- ing the lining of such cloaks, the tucks being set in rows of three or five, and these rows of five being separated by a plain ) iece of material some five or six inches apart. Some cloaks are provided with a full hood. Other folks much prefer a separate loose wrap of lace or silk to wear over their hair for the evening. This, how- ever, is a matter for each individual to decide for herself. GENERAL FASHIONS. Lace and lace only, soelps to be the trimming of to-day, while whole dresses, whole bodices, whole skirts, and whole little coats are made entirely of lace, either fine or coarse, just as we will. Many of us own lace of sufficient worth which may be pressed into the service and employed in some way for renovating an I old gown, or adding to the dainty appear- ance of a new one. Quite the simplest ar- rangement pf the kind if. without doubt, I the yoKe ana sieeves ot iace, 10 wnicn may r added almost any mat rial to form the rest o the bodice. Silk, satin, muslin, chiffon, tnous.K line de soie, or some of the new spotted gauzes, the latter, of course, for evenirg wear, lool daintily pretty when added to the lare yoke 1 suggest, while the cost would certainly not be a large one, for half-a-dozen of these blouses of any different colour can be made with a very small outlay; and if the cost of the proposed lace is considered too high, I would suggest making the sleeves of the same material as the bodice, and just adding frill or a straight ba¡ld of the same lace at the wrists. For the actual foundation of such blouses, a half.worn one of silk may be pressed into the service, but it should, of course, be made tigh -Qttirg, other- wise the upper and full thin biotas will not set so well. DAIKTT ETCFTBRAS. There never was, I suppose, a time when more attention was pvld to such items as frills, collars, throatlets, severs, ties, dainty lace frills for the wrists a-sd jabots of lace for the throat. Now, althouSA most of these etceteras are needed to Nmplete a dainty toilet, yet it is quite possible to manufacture most of them at home. The ew tie made of silk, chiffon, or mousulint de ie, is usually provided with a fringed edge. TAis fringe cannot be manufactured by the amateur, but every sort and kind of fancy fringe can be purchased by the yard, and if we make the actual tie itself, we can easily tack on a short length of the bought fringe, just as we will. Of course, it is necessary that the tie be very daintily made, and a machine-stitched hem of an inch wide should be added along the full length of the material used for the tie and around the pointed ends to which the tasselling is afterwards attached. Then as to bows for the throat: these are usually mounted ora a well-fitting and shaped neckband. Some of these neckbands are made pointed at each side and reaching well up to the ears; others again are high at the back and low in front, while perhaps oftener than all the band is perfectly straight and simple, and attracts but little attention to itself, while a very handsome and full butterfly bow is arranged at the centre of ti e iront. This b. w n-t,iy I e of silk, satin, lace, muslin, tulle, or, smarter than all, (,f white satin elaborately tucked. Su h a bow is double always, and caught inviry tightly in the centre, while it may be finished here with a couple of ends of black velvet and a piste buckle set in tl e middle. T! is touch of black to each and every ilem of the toilet in distiuct'y French, and consequently as smart as French things only are. SEASONABLE DAINTIES. I do not think a sufficient number of cooks and housekeepers realise the value of boned gpii,-e and fowl. Any [ ou!ten r will perform the boning operation for a vi ry few pence extra to the cost of the purchase, if the cook herself is not quite an fait with the boninp-knife. Once a chicken, or pheasant, or turkey is s tisfact'orily boned, it can be stuffed with any kind of fancy stuffing, either rich or simple. The meat is then rol ed and-shaped as much as possible into its natural lirus, and C; ok d and served cold. Fowls or ¡,me treated in this way must be carved across ai d acr iSP, whiie every part of the joint is eatable, and there is no waste whatever by cutting a™<y the joints and allowing for the bones. I! forms, indeed, a sort of gaJantine, which, bow vc r, need not by any means be as rich as ti e Word galantine' generally suggests. Over and ab vc all the bones of the boned bird make excellent soup, and taking it all round this arrangement is distinctly an economical one, for the joint so fashioned can be eaten to the very last morsel. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. "A. D '*—Your blouse will look extremely pretty if you carry it out on the lii es of those I described in to-day's chaf. Your old blue silk bouse will do oui:o well fcr .the Jiuiiig. -JlikS this perfectly plain and tight-fitting, and make the over-bodice of some delicate material. As you do not wish to spend much, let the yoke only be of some fairly good lace, and the rest of the bodice may be most successfully fashioned from chiffon, crepe de chine, or even muslin. Your letter was most welcome, and I must thank you very heprtily for the kind and flattering things you say about this column.

Sliding Scale Committee. Meeting at Cardiff. Western Col ieries not to be in the Audit. A meeting of the sliding-scale joint com- mittee was held at the offices of the Coal- owners' Association, Cardiff, on Tuesday, Mr Archibald Hood in the chair, and Mr William Brace in the vice-chair. There were present on the owners' side Messrs Edward Jones and William Jenkins, and on the workmen's side, Messrs W. Brace, Dd. Morgan (Anthracite), David Beynon, Wm. Williams, Evan Thomas, D. Watts Morgan, Daronwy Isaac, Jno. Davies, Alfred Onions, and Thomas Richards, together with Mr Dalziel (secretary. Mr William Abraham, M.P., was in attendance early in the day, but had to leave for London, in consequence of a telegram informing him of the illness of his son. The Chairman informed the workmen s representatives that it had been arranged that the notice of the withdrawal of the Lewis's Merthyr and the Marquis of Bute's collieries from the Coalowners' Association had been cancelled, and that these collier- ies, together with the collieries lately owned by Mr James Lewis at Aberna It would remain in the Association, and that the coals from the above-named collieae* would continue in the audits; with regard to the coals in the Western district lately admitted into the Owners' Association, the associated owners did not propose to insist immediately upon the inclusion of these coals in the audit, and therefore the ques- tion would remain in abeyance. The workmen's representatives were satisfied with this reply. SLIDING SCALE EXPENSES. The workmen's representatives again pressed their previous application to the employers that the owners should deduct from the workmen's earnings, by arrange- ment, an amount sufficient to defray the workmen's expenses in maintaining the Sliding Scale. The workmen's representa- tives contended that this practice is carried out at many of the associated collieries, but is not universally observed, and in conse- puence of the refusal of some of the owners to comply the carrying ont of the agree- ment was being prejudiced, as the Miners' Federation funds could not be used for Slid- ing Schale purposes. The owners promised to lay this before the Coalowners' Associa- tion at their meeting on Friday next, with a recommendation that it be favourably coaside^d.

LOCAL DISPUTES. The employers reported that the men one district of the upper four-foot seam at the Rhymney Merthyr No. 1 Pit had given notice to terminate contracts on the 31st inst. The owners contended that this was a breack of the Sliding Scale agreement, in that 6he Joint Committee had not been espied upon to endeavour to settle the dis- pute. The workmen's representatives ag- reed that the notices be withdrawn, and the dispute be referred to Mr M. Wolstenholme and Mr John Davies for investigation with power to settle. A dispute at Messrs Insole's Cymmer Collieries in reference to the claim of the injured workman receiving compensation under the Workmen's Compensation Act to receive workmen's coal at cost price was considered. The workmen contended that the employers had discontinued making this concession to the men in consequence of the compensation paid under the Act. The workmen's representatives asked that the general principle should be decided. The owners' representatives replied that the question is one to be dealt with by the respective colliery companies and their workmen, and that in the event of dis- agreement a test case should be taken for the County Court judge in order to secure a definition of the Act. A dispute at Messrs Cory Brothers' Ty Draw Colliery re the price for a new seam was brought before the committee and con- sidered. There were no noties to terminate contracts, but the owners' side proposed that the dispute should be referred to two representatives on the committee for in- vestigation and sett ement. The workmen's side replied that they were unable to accept vestigation and settlement. The workmen's rence of the workmen affected, who would be holding a meeting on the following day, when possibly some mode of settlement would be arrive at. Reports were made by representatives ap- pointed to inquire into disputes at the Al- bion Colliery and the Great Western Com- pany's Penrhiw Colliery as to the present position of these disputes, which still re- main unsettled. Mr Archibald Hood, who together with Mr Abraham, M.P., had in the morning held a meeting to hear witnesses for the Lewis Merthyr Company, and from their workmen at the Coedcae Colliery in refer- ence to a dispute at this colliery, reported that a settlement had been arrived at which defined the position of the checkweigher at the colliery and his relation to the com- pany.

The Twentieth Century. Persons now living who have entered on their seventh decade, and who take a lively interest in their own personal remi- niscences and reflex observations, have much to be thankful for, that their lot has been cast in such a remarkable age of scien- tific discovery and unprecedented mental, moral, and social improvement. The writer, when a boy in his native village, where the most dense ignorance prevailed as to the doings of the outer world, con- ceived the idea of sliding on the ice or causeway by means of a piece of iron rudely attached to his boot, in which he was so far successful to win the admiration and applause of the rustic peasants who flocked to witness his not-over-steady or graceful performances, as he glided over the ice on one leg. His next attempt to improve the youthful recreation of those bygone times was the rude construction of a three- wheeled chariot (now called a tricycle). In this matter he was only partially suc- cessful, for although the crank shaft for the two hind wheels had been made by the local blacksmith, the other mechanical parts were so weak, rudely made, and fit- ted that the finished machine would scarce- ly carry its enthusiastic rider and inventor beyond the precincts of the village, to say nothing of the ridiculous and grotesque ex- trial trips. All this took place when the very mention of possibilities to when the very mention of possibilities to most people was indignantly scouted, but what are we privileged to see now at the close of the nineties ? The rude attempts of the forties to improve the moral and social state of society have bloomed and blossomed into full blown practical facts, which in the matter of cycle invention and improvement (only one out of hundreds for the benefit of man during the last 50 years) have culminated in thousands of delighted and loving hearts, both old and young., of both SGOrco G' can be seen any day diverting themselves oh the two-wheeler" (which in the forties was considered by the knowing ones to be the greatest of all impossibilities) in every town and village in the civilised world. It is a great pleasure to the writer to- see the young and fair whirling past us at al- most lightning speed, and a greater plea- sure still to know that accidents are prac- tically nil. This alone is sufficient to make the lire or the hexagenarian still worth living; although in all human pro- bability he is in his last decade. Will the world improve at the same ratio as during the last? The writer firmly be- lieves it will, and, further, that such im- provement will be much accelerated. The steady improvement in science, art, edu- cation, and refinement will in future so elevate the minds of youth that they will hardly be content to crawl along the ground on a clumsy bicycle they will doubtless have the ambition to be kings and queens of the air, and will undoubted- ly discover the missing link in flying ma- chinery, and gracefully mount the air on their flycycles before the expiration of the next 50 years. In addition to the fly- cycle, the serial navigator or winged car will be seen skimming through the smoke- less air (for the toilers of the cities and towns will by that time have learnt to con- sume their own sfcicke), flapping away over the tree tops with the speed of 4 crow, the occupants, who may be few or many, carefully steering themselves on to any destination they please. What refreshing journeys these will be to the tired brains of the business man and the weary limbs of the workers! Ah! but this is Utopian, I can imagine some of my knowing readers will say. So was the bicycle fifty years ago, and many other blessings we enjoy to-day which need not be named, but as they are -enjoyable facts why should we despair? On the ground of continued improvement in scientific re- search < alone, the above predictions are more likely to become accomplished facts within the time stated than was the bicy- cle 50 years ago.

Pleading Poverty in vain. Mrs Fanny Trowbridge, Penygraig, was summoned for disobeying an order for arrears to the Truant School. The arrears were now 13s. 6d. Defendant pleaded poverty, and said she had also to keep her daughter, whose husband had left her. The Bench thought the daughter should keep her mother, and advised both to work. Defendant was not a worthy object for pity and she would have to pay in a fort- night or go to prison for a fortnight.

If anyone speaks ill of thee, consider whether he hath truth on his side; and if so, reform thyself, that his censures may not affect thee,-Epictetus.

Subscription List opens on Dec. 2nd, and closcs on Dec. 30th, 1899. THE mr IRbortbba Heaber LIMITED. Incorporated under the Companies Acts 1862 to 1898 (whereby the Liability of the Share- holders is limited to the amount of their Shares). CAPITAL £ 2,000 I)ivid3d into 2,900 Shares of El each. Issue of 2,000 Shares of ii each. Payable 2/6 per Share on Application 2/6 on Allotment and 2/6 per Share in Three Months after Allotment. DIRECTORS. Mr. JOSEPH BROOKS, D.C., Cymmer Villa Porth. Mr. J. DAVID, Provision Merchant, Blaen- rhondda. Mr. D. W. DAVIES, J.P., Maesyffrwd, Tonypandy. Mr. S. DUCKWORTH, Theatre Royal, Tonypandy. Mr. D. EVANS, Dumfries House, Treorchy. Mr. GEO. EVANS, Brynffnvd House, Tonypandy. Mr. EDWARD GRIFFITHS, Mardy Road, Mardy. Mr. W. G. HOWELL, Rose Villa, Ystrad- Rliondda. Mr. TOM JOHN, School House, Llwynypia. Mr. W. D. JONES, The Rocklands, Ponty- pridd. Mr. W. LAWRENCE, Victoria Buildings, Tonypandy. Mr. J. E. MATHIAS, Green Meadow, Porth. Dr. MORRIS, Ashtield House, Tylorstown. Mr. J. SAMUEL, D.C., 34, High Street, Treorchy. Mr. WM. CHARLES SHORT, 84, Dumfries Street, Treorchy. Mr. D. SMITH, D.C., Draper, Tylorst-own. Mr. D. WILLIAMS, D.C., Dunraven Street, Tonypandy. BANKERS: THE LONDON & PROVINCIAL BANK, LTD., Pontypridd. SOLICITORS WALTER H. MORGAN, BRUCE & CO., Pontypridd. SECRETARY: D. M. WILLIAMS, Bryn Gelli House, Tonypandy. REGISTERED OFFICE: 15, DEWINTON STREET, TONYPANDY

PROSPECTUS. THIS Company is formed for the purpose JL of providing a WEEKLY NEWSPAPER for the two Rhonddas which will embody the best features of "New Journalism," and will give full reports of events occurring in this densely populated and rapidly growing dis- trict, in such a readable manner as will appeal to all classes. In Politics the Paper will be essentially a Democratic Liberal and Labour Organ. Its columns will be open for the discussion of Temperance topics, and all matters affecting the prosperity aud welfare of the inhabitants. It will be one of the principal objects of the Directors to regulate the matter appearing in the Paper in such a way as to make it always acceptable in the family circles of the district. The company is fortunate in securing the services as Editor of a gentleman well ac- quainted with the needs of the district- namely, Mr. Tom John, of Llwynypia, who successfully edited the Glamorgan Free Press at Pontypridd. Mr. Tom John has also consented to act as one of the Directors of the Company. Special attention will be given to the efficiency of the Reporting Staff, a number of District Correspondents are appointed, whilst the Advertising Department is in thoroughly experienced hands. Several extensive Advertisers and News- agents have already promised their support, and arrangements are being made with a large number of agents in order to ensure an effective distribution and a large sale of the Paper immediately it is put upon the market. The Company will let the Printing of the Paper by contract to the well-known Printers, Messrs. Evans & Short, of Tonypandy, whose establishment stands unrivalled in the district for its complete, comprehensive, and up-to- date machinery, type, &-c., for the turning out of the best work in the most modern manner, and thereby safeguarding the Com- pany's finances from technical leakages in the weekly printing production of the Paper. It will be noticed that the Company do not intend to embark in the purchase of Printing Plant or Buildings, and will be saved the expense of supervision of the workpeople engaged in the production of the Paper. By adopting this course the Company will have the whole of its capital free for working the concern, and will reduce its risks to the minimum point compatible with efficiency, while cost, &e., can be speedily and thoroughly checked week by week. Several Newspapers run on similar lines have proved very success- ful in localities having a much smaller popu- lation than that of the Rhondda Valleys, and it is confidently expected that the profits arising from the enterprise will be sufficient to pay a substantial dividend. A large number of responsible local gentle- men have already promised to take up Shares. Payment in respect of Shares win be as follows :—2/6 per Share on application, 2/6 per Share on allotment, and 2/6 per Share three months after allotment, which amount it is considered will be ample to provide working capital for the present requirements of the Company. It is not anticipated that the re- mainder of the capital will be required for considerable period. Payment may, however, be made in full upon allotment, interest on prepayment being allowed at the rate of 4 per cent per annum. The only contracts made have been of the ordinary trade character, and technically may be withm Sec. 38 of the Companies Act, 1867, but applicants for Shares will be held to have had notice of such contracts, and to have waived their rights to be supplied with parti- culars. Copies of the Memorandum and Articles of Association may be seen at the office of the Solicitors of the Company, or at the Registered Office, 15, De Winton Street, Tonypandy. Applications for Shares should be forwarded to the Bankers of the Company, with a deposit of 2/6 per Share on or before December 30th, 1899. If no allotment is made, the deposit will be returned in full; and in case a smaller amount is allotted than is applied for, the surplus deposit will be applied towards the amount payable on allotment.