The Rhondda Leader

TIPYP 0 BOB PETH. School teachers get some curious and amusing answers to questions. The follow- ing we give for what they are worth. "Men- tion the names of some of the domestic animals' Tommy." "The horse, the dog, the goose, the hen, the duck." "What four-legged animal is it that lives mostly in the house, but which often makes a dreadful noise so that people cannot sleep ?" The answer was, "The piano." This was rather too much for the teacher. In these days of education the following story seems improbable. Nevertheless, the writer vouches for its accuracy. A farmer in Glamorganshire had occasion to order a load of turnips from a local merchant. In the course of a week or so the trader's collector called for a settlement, but to his surprise was informed that the account had been paid. The collector expressed his regret for calling but ventured to say that he thought there was a mistake somewhere. The former, however, was certain that there was nothing wrong on his side, and that his daughter had sent the money. The daugh- ter was called in, and she was positive as to having paid the disputed account, and went away to fetch the receipt. Back she came in a few minutes bringing the receipt, which turned out to be a postal order she ought to have forwarded. "Oh I" said the collector, "that is what I want." "No," said the girl, "I paid the money to the postmaster, and this is his receipt." -x- Two Devonshire yokels werg conversing together tho other day upon the subject of pigs.x say, Bill;" said one, "I didn't Know they had 'ospitals vur pigs." "They ha'nt, have 'em," inquired the other in as- tonishment. 'Ees the have," responded his friend in the broadest of broad Devon, "cause I seed on the paper that they had sent away dree hundred cured pigs from Cardiff." No doubt pigs are cured in this world-famed port, but not in the sense the agriculturalist meant. —x— 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. 58 —x— Penygraig has not given up itself to new ideas absolutely. We find that "Mari Llwyd" was there found during these Xmas festivities. It is a very old fashioned custom, but evident- ly with the outgoing of the Welsh language, it will cease altogether. Penygraig has shown worthy tenacity, and thougli Mari Llwyd is a beggar, still we do not wish readily to see her going out of the social life. The pity is she is not used for a better purpose than help- ing the booze." —x— The Boers when declaring war appealed to the God of Battles. The British soldier of to- day is equally orthodox. Lord Wolseley, in his preface to the Soldiers'Pocket Bible,writes In my humble opinion the soldier who carries this Bible in his pack possesses what is of far higher value than the proverbial marshal's baton, for if he carries its teaching in his head, and lets it rule his heart and conduct, he will certainly be happy, and most probably em- inently successful." In this connection it may be mentioned chat more than thirty-eight thousand copies of the English Gospels and Psalters have already been distributed as gifts from the Bible Society's committee among ¡ regiments sailing for South Africa. —x— A rather curious sight was to be seen at a butcher's shop last Saturday. Among the decorations was a Boer flag stuck in a fine- looking goose. Did this necessarily mean that the goose was I- tough." —x— It is to be hoped that the eisteddfod held at Noddfa, Treorky, on Christmas Day, will be a permanent affair. Something of that nature is required to relieve the monotony of a dreary Christmas. —x— Treorkyites hail the recent success of their champion pianist, Mr J. T. Jones, with de- light. They say lie has passed higher than any professor in our midst —x— Miss Armstrong, Treorky, does noble work towards the War Fund. The upper district of the Rhondda has been left entirely under her control, and she has succeeded in getting about 960 in private subscriptions alone. —x— > The Rev. E. Richards, Ebenezer, Tonypandy is in great demand at big meeting meetings just now. He was at Bangor last Sunday and Monday. -:i- Four members of the Treorky Royal Choir have been touring down West Wales during the last few days. —x— i Many are the strange sights to be seen in Cardiff on a holiday, especially when Shoni is down there. But on Boxing Day a young Rhondda woman, evidently intending to create a revolution in the fashions, walked about without any head-gear at all. Many married men, doubtlessly, wish that that change will soon come. < —x— 1 It was rumoured that a mnn while crossing a Tonypandy main street on Saturday night, 1 stuck fast in the mud. It is very probable, as < it was certainly ankle deep. < The arduous duties of superintendent of the hall anangements at the Amy Evans Benefit Concerts were executed admirably by Mr Tom Williams, Hillside, who worked assiduously both in and out of the committee. —x— Whiskey as a hair-restorer is the latest evasion of a tippler for inexcusable, and pro- bably incurable, fondness for it as an inward stimulant. This plea is likely to be better known in the Rhondda bye and bye. A very celebrated character, we understand, is trying to palm off this very ingenious device upon an innocent public. If it has been found accept- able by partizans we are afraid, though whiskey in a small quantity may be good wash for the hair, the statement as applied to a great consumption will not "wash." —x— Penygraig folk think that Boxing Day has been very appropriately named,for on that day there Avere many displays of the noble art of self-defence witnessed in the streets. —x— The only persons who seemed to complain on ehe day of Peace on earth and goodwill to all men were the postmen, who were to be seen staggering under burdens of letters and parcels along the streets of Penygraig on Christmas morning. —x— A comical scene was witnessed in Penygraig on Saturday night. A young man, who stoutly denied that he was three shets in the wind," was endeavouring to roll two barrels of Christ- mas cheer up a very rough and steep hill. The barrels persisted in rolling down and knocking.Hi,TO. r»v°r • th~ i\as if =: '1,ti- ned with doing so much damage, they both rolled over him and down the hill. He felt too exhausted to roll them up again, so lie obtained assistance to convey them home. —x— Mrs Jenkins, Ystradfechan is still progress- ing favourably towards convalescence. The highly respected lady has had a serious illness, but hopes are now entertained of recovery and a revival of strength. We hope at an early date to see her once more resume her place in the many capacities where her loss is now so severely felt. —x— Hark 1 The whole Valley rings and re-echoes again and again, that Frank Thomas, "My Hatter," Pontypridd, sell the best 3s. 9d. Hat. 58 —x—• The opening services in connection with I g the new chapel built at Ainon (Baptist), Treorchy, were held on Sunday and Mon- day. The Revs. W. Morris, F.R.G.S., Noddfa; Rev. J. Jenkins (Gwili), Amman- ford Rev. G. Lewis, Aberfan; Rev. E. T. Jones, Llwynypia and the pastor, the Rev. J. Symlog Morgan, officiated. The build- ing recently completed at a cost of about zC2,000, was built by Messrs Matthias and Phillips, Treorchy at the upper part of Treorchy. —x— The success of Mr J. T. Jones, Treorchy, during his stay at the Royal Academy of Music, has been remarkable. Mr Jones en- tered the academy three years ago, and secured the bronze medal within twelve months. In the second course he passed the Christmas Metropolitan examinations, and won the gold medal at the Academy. He has now succeeded in obtaining his L.R.A.M. certificate (Licentiate Royal Aca- demy), as nerformer and teacher on the pianoforte, and receiving honourable men- tion for organ playing. He also received honours for piano playing at the Trinity College, London, a few years ago. Mr Jones is well-known in musical circles. He has played before her Majesty at Windsor, and other members of the Royal Family. —x— Were "field glasses in use in the time of David and Saul ? They evidently were, for they were used by the soldiers who were watching the fight between Goliath and David at the Tonypandy Town Hall last Saturday night.

TREORCHY. The usual weekly meeting of the Young Men's Society was held on Wednesday evening last at the Institute, under the presidency of Mr. W. H. Owen. The subject of dehate was Which has proved most beneficial Music or Poetry ? The openers were Music, Mr Joseph Jones Poetry, Mr Arthur Davies. After a splendid discussion, the voting resulted in a majority of two for Music. A hearty vote of thanks to the speakers concluded the meeting. One of the most interesting gatherings during the Christmas festivities was the annunl soiree under the auspices of the Treorchy Literary and Dramatic Society, at the Institute, which was well attended, about 90 persons being present. The librarian and Mrs Andrews catered and the company paid ample justice to the generous fare provided, which was followed by a splendid variety programme. A special feature being the rendering of topical verses specially dedicated to prominent indiv- iduals present, the stirring effusions being voiced forth by Messrs Tim Davies and T. D. Wallace. Songs were rendered by Miss Hannah Jones, Pentre, Miss Sarah Lewis, Miss Mattie Edwards and Mr W. T. Evans. There were a variety of games, under the supervision !>f Messrs E. J. Pryce and D Samuel, &c., tvhile Messrs H. J. Thomas and E. J. Pryce ave comical recitations. Mr T. D. Morris, ihe president of the Society, made an efficient ihairman. The proceedings were enthusiastic ihroughout.

Sale of Wor at Hafod. On Tursday, Friday and Saturday, even- ings, the tenth annual sale of work and Christmas tree in connection with the Bethesda Welsh Baptist Chapel was held at the Board Schools. The sale was held in the girl's department which had been very tastefully decorated for the occasion. Previous to the sale on Thursday, a social tea was held and was attended by a good number of people. After tea, Mr Evans (Thomas and Evans), Porth, opened the sale, and a similar ceremony was per- formed on Friday evening by Mrs Row- lands, Holly Bush Inn, Hopkinstown, and on Saturday evening, by Mrs Dr. Joyce, Porth. The various stalls were presided over by the following ladies — Drapery, stall: Mrs Gibbon and Mrs E. Evans, as- sisted by Misses Ashton Davies and Evans; fruit stall: Misses Davies, Compton, Lewis and Thomas; refreshment stall: Mrs Hughes, Mrs Davies, Mrs D. Jones, Mrs Daniels, Mrs Williams, Mrs E. Jones and Miss Morris. The Christmas tree was, as usual, a source of great attraction, and under the able superintendence of Messrs M. L. Jones, T. Hughes and Isaac Jonei, did a thriving trade. Added to the attrac- tions of the stalls, were a number of enter- tainments, including a splendid perform- ance by Mr T. Williams, the well known illusionist and variety entertainer a magic lantern in charge of the Rev. M. Isaac, Cadoxton, and a gramaphone, in charge of Mr W. H. Bellin. During the evening the Hafod Male Voice Party, under the leader- ship of Mr D. Thomas, sang a number of choruses, and the Lewis Merthyr Temper- ance Silver Band played a few selections. A solo by Mr Gomer Morgan, a piccolo solo by Mr Dd. Ashton, and a pianoforte solo by Mr Idris Morgan completed a very good programme. Those responsible for the management of the sale deserve to be con- gratulated upon the manner in which it was carried out, and we hope that as a re- sult of their efforts, a good sum has been realised. We take this opportunity of reminding our readers that the lecture for the benefit of Mr Dl. Thomas, Cwm George, will be held at the Bethel Chapel, on Monday eve- ning next. Dyfed is' to be the lecturer, and the subject of his lecture is "Gwlad y dyn du." The rev. gentleman will deal with his recent tour through South Africa, and in view of the present complications in that part of the globe, the lecture is very opportune, and ought to be interesting. Quite apart from that, the case is a deserv- ing one, and we trust the inhabitants will show their sympathy in a marked manner.

Eisteddfod at Maerdy. A very successful eisteddfod was held at the Welsh Independent Chapel (Siloa), on Christmas day. Unusual interest was taken in the proceedings, there being a record attendance. The eisteddfod was a success in every conceivable manner. Special praise is due to Mr J. S. Richards for the capable manner in which be organsied the P. meeting. The adjudicators were:-vocal and instrumental music, Mr P. Phillios, Aberdare literature, Rev. Haelfryn Hughes (Tylorstown); chairman, Mr James Miles, M.E. Rer. j. Hope Evans (Siloa); secretary, Mr J. S. Rich- ards (Bristol House). The winners of the various competitions were: -contralto solo, Miss A. Evans; song (party of four), Mr Idwal Evans and party; recitation (for children under 12), Miss M. Davies; love letter, Thomas Atkins; song (for adults over 47 years), Mr T. H. Davies; song (party of four girls), divided between Miss Blod Evans and party and Miss Chewings and party; impromptu speech, Ap loan; soprano solo, Miss M. A. Jones; ode to Christmas, Mr Thomas Jones; song (for children under 15), Miss May Price juven- ile choir, Miss Price and friends (the winner Miss Price, was presented with a splendid silver medal, with suitable inscription by Mr G. Howells and Co.); tenor solo, Mr David Harris; trio, Miss Chewing and friends essay on time, Ap loan pennillion singing, Master James Miles; recitation (under 15), Miss E. M. Davies; bass solo, T. J. Morgan recitation, open (prize given by Mr J. S. Richards, adjudicator witheld same); quartette, D. Harris and party; mouth organ solo,,Mr J. R. Jones; essay (open) on "Christmas, its meaning, time and consecration, won by "Express," who turned out to be Mr Ambrose Thomas, Cam- brian House; solo, boys under 16, divided between J. Hope Evans, and W. D. Evans; debate (impromptu), Tom Abel Davies and T. H. Davies duet (tenor and bass), D. Jo'nes and J. Williams; chief choral, "Cyn i'r liaul fyn'd lawr," won by D. Harris' choir, who was presented with a lovely oak chair. Great thanks are due to Messrs Dr. Griffiths, Howells and Co., Connelly Evans (Siloa), for their kind presents of prize bags gratis.

Sacred Concert at Clydach Vale. A sacred concert was given last Sunday by the Male Voice Party at the Public Hall. That the popularity of the party is well sus- tained was clearly testified by the splendid audience which had gathered together. They were well rewarded by a splendid programme of music. The party sang the old favourites—" Comrades," "Where is He," and The little Church." The last being the test piece at the Aberdare eistedd- fod on Boxing Day. They were assisted by Miss Maggie Morris, Mrs Hughes, and Messrs I). Thomas, R. Jones, Oliver Evans and Isaac Thomas. The last named played a very good A violin solo. The two songs Yr Arglwydd yw fy Mugail and the "Holy City" by Miss Morris were perhaps the best of the eve- ning. This young lady has a really excellent voice. The rendering of "He was despised" was also sung with much feeling bv Miss Hughes.

THE man who does not advertise is no- JL where, and that individual will soon need advertising for. — The Rev. C. H. Spurgeon. A New, Smart, and Up-to-date Hosiery and Outfitting Business for Tonypandy, T. H. GRIFFITHS (Late with D. W. Davies & Co., Ltd.), HAS OFEHSTEID At 21, DUNRAVKN STREET, TONYPANIJY With a New and Fashionable Stock of Morcefy, ffos:ary, flats, Caps, &b. Bespoke Tailoring a Specialityl 56

Theatre Royal, TONYPANDY. Mr Duckworth, lessee and resident mana- ger of the New Theatre Royal, Tonypandy, has for this (Christmas) week, secured the special engagement of Mr W. H. Hallett and his powerful company in the four act dramas, "Is Life worth Living," and "The Iron Maiden." The first mentioned drama, which was performed on Christmas day, and which is to occupy the boards again on Sat- urday evening, is, as the title implies, an impressionist drama, and the play which has scored an almost unparalelled success in the provinces is decidedly with a moral. The reception accorded it on Christmas day was most favourable all through, and en- thusiastic at intervals. The cast is particu- larly good, and supported by Miss Blanche Steele, as "Forsaken." Each character will be found in excellent hands. The steam roller, which has been specially constructed for Mr Hallett by the celebrated engineers, Messrs Aveling and Potter at their works, Rochester, being introduced in the 2nd act. The new drama, entitled "The Iron Maiden" by Mat Wilkinson and W. H. Hallett, was presented by this talented company on Box- ing day, the hall being filled to overflowin- many having to turn away not having been able to obtain standing room. The "Iron Maiden" abounds in sensational situations and exciting incidents. The col- laboration of Messrs M. Wilkinson and W. H. Hallet has produced a melodrama which is as full of sensation as the proverbial egg is of meat, and with Mr Hallatt's own com- pany to perform the play, and himself tak- ing the part of the hero, it is only to be expected that full justice is done to the pro- duction. The plot is founded upon the murder of "Vernon Clifford" (Mr Fred Stewart), the master of a rich estate called Woodfield, by a peacher named "Jem Dag- ley" (Mr David Curtis), whose daughter "Clifford" has enticed from her home and brought dishonour upon. "Dagley" is aided and abetted in the crime by "Mervyn Cli- fford" (Mr Arthur Pringle), who seeks to inherit his elder brother's estate, and whose ambition appears about to be thwarted by "Vernon's" marriage to "Lillian Crowther" (Miss Mary Jennings). Immediately before the murder is committed, "Gilbert Far- leigh," a farmer (Mr W. H. Hallett), who secretly loves "Lillian," quarrels with the elder "Clifford," and in his excitement, leaves his gun behind. The two partners in crime, after ,shooting "Clifford" with "Farleigh's" gun, conspire to throw the blame on the young farmer, who in due time, is arrested on the coroner's warrant for the murder. He escapes, and through four acts is hunted down by the new master of "Woodfield," in conjunction with "Bella Dagley" (Miss Blanche Steele), and her infant son, the reason for wishing to get rid of the two latter being that the poacher's daughter was found to have been legally married to the elder "Clifford," and of course the child is an obstacle to the new master's ambition. All this leads into a strange series of adventures, the scenes varying from Woodfield to a vicarage at Chiswick, and from thence to the Minories. At the latter place, in a sort of unknown dungeon which contains "The Iron Maiden" an instrument of torture on the lines of the fiendish thing which was used by the Inquisition years ago, a couple of river- side villains are bribed by "Mervyn Cli- fford" to get Belle into the fatal embrace of "The Iron Maiden," but "Farleigh" arrives on the scene in true melodramic style to save her, and the end comes with virtue sufficiently triumphant and villainny properly punished. In addition to the characters named, "Joey Perkins" (Mr A. P. Kayne), "Jack Shandy" (Mr W. Rogers), "Enoch Britton" (Mr Sidney Fiermes), "Jacob Schwartz" (Mr Robert Masters), and Lucy March" (Miss May Seton), are ably sustained, and the drama is well staged. Judging by the hearty way in which the audience applau- ded virtue, and the equally vigorous jnanner in which they hooted villainy, the play was well appreciated. We predict a continuance of crowded houses for the coming week, Mr Duckworth having secured another attraction in Miss Marie Dagmar and Company in the sen- sational and romantic play, "A Life's Revenge." MISS MARIE DAGMAR. Miss Dagmar, like unto many of our leading artistes, began her dramatic career as an amateur, but as her histronic abilities were of such a marked character, profes- sionalism ,soon claimed her for its own. Miss Dagmar has had an experience which extends over 14 years, and needless to say, the characters she has depicted have been various and many. Of pleasing personality and of gracious manner, buoth on and off the stage, Miss Dagmar cannot fail to make herself felt in whatever play she elects to take a pa mat, cmfwy shrd cmfw cmf se take a part, and that this is so in "A Life's Revenge" goes without saying. In this play is enacted a duel between women, and a few months ago Miss Dagmar's thrust was not parried by Miss Eckart, that last named receiving a very nasty wound in the face; notwithstanding, she very pluckily put off her "faint" until the finish of the fight. This little mishap happened at Rotherham. Miss Dagmar started running a company of her own in 1894. Success has dogged her footsteps ever since, and may it long continue to do so.

Death of an old Inhabitant of Tonypandy. We deeply regret to record the death of Mrs James Hopkins, of Primrose Hill. The deceased had been ailing for a considerable time, suffering the most severe pains. The funeral took place on Thursday.

While advertising is the least obtrusive, it is the most effective in making a poor business good and a good basiness better."

FACTS AND FANCIES. THE ORIGIN OF DOMINOES. Not everybody who plays dominoes knows the origin of the game. Two monks who had been committed to a lengthy seclusion con'rived to beguile the dreary hours of their confinement, without breaking the rule of silence, by shewing; each other small flat stones marked with black dots, a few crule regulations governing the pastime. By a preconcerted arrangement the winner would inform the other player of his victory by repeating in an undertone the first line of the vesper prayer. In the process of time the two monks managed to complete the set of stones and to perfect the rules of the game. So that when their term of imprisonment had expired the game was so interesting that it was generally adopted by all the inmates of the monastery as a lawful pastime. It soon became popular throughout Italy; and the first line of the vespers was reduced to the single word "domino," by which name the game has been known ever since.

4p RAILWAY HORSES. No railway company buys a horse after he is seven years old. The Midland has 1,350 horses; the Great Northern, 1,300; the Great Western, 1,100; the South-Western, 550; the South- Eastern, 275; and the Brighton, 225. The London and North-Western has only 650 horses; but Messrs. Pickford and Co., who do most of the North-Western business, have 4,000 horses. Carter Patersons have 2,000. The majority of London railway horses work seventy hours a week. As a rule, the London railway horse is bought at P,60, and is sold at iClO or £12.

» THE FIRST TEACUPS. Even after tea was introduced into Europe and had come into general use teacups were scarce. At the same time coffee was introduced, but apart from Constantinople the first c< ffee cups in Europe date back as far as 1645 in Venice, 1659 in Paris, 1652 in London, and 1694 in Leipsic. From the first, however, the conventional Oriental coffee cup, without stem or handle, was little used, and in Germany not at all. The Chinese teacup was used for tea, coffee and chocolate as well. Specimens of porcelain were undoubtedly introduced into Europe in the M ddle Ages, yet not till the sixteenth century were cups imported from China in any great quantities, and even then it was as articles of virtu. Most of these found their way back to China again, as collecting porcelain is a lasting fad there, and high prices are paid for good specimens. The collection of Chinese porcelain, if only the genuine specimens are desired, requires immense study and knowledge, as the Chinese are skilful imitators and put numerous falsifications on the market.

« AMASSED BY ROBBERY. Bill Sikes is only one type of the housebreaker and thief. There are numerous instances on record of notorious criminals being not only well-to-do, but living in style and luxury fit for a prince. A bank robber who died four years ago amassed a very large fortune and lived luxuriously in a house near Paris. He regularly attended the local church, gave large su-ns to charities, and was apparently a kind and benevo- lent gentleman. On his death-bed he confessed to numerous depredations. One of the most remarkable of wealthy burglars died some years ago in Ohio. He owned a magnificent farm, and thousands of sheep and cattle. He had a charming wife and thre" beautiful children. When at home this skilful criminal was a quiet, business-like man; an e-emplary husband and father; priding himself on his honour and honesty. Yet he was respon- sible for fifteen bank robberies and a dozen swindling concerns. He eluded the vigilance of the law for over twenty years; but, ultimately, was convicted and imprisoned till the end of his days. Two years ago a Frenchman died in Canada, leaving a large fortune. His original capital was amassed by means of robbery in France. For six years he pursued the profession of burglary, paying the profits of his work into his father's account at the bank. Finding the police upon his heels, he withdrew his money, went to Canada, and started in the fur trade. Fortune favoured him, and his wealth increased. Con- science-stricken at his previous reprehensible conduct, he paid back every penny he had stolen.

♦ — SAYINGS ABOUT THE WEATHER. There is an old saying—which originated, per- haps, for the benefit of schoolchildren—that there is only one Saturday in the year without sun during some portion of the day. A gale, moderating at sunset, will increase before midnight, but if it moderates after mid- night the weather will improve. No weather is ill If the wind is still. If the full moon shall rise red, expect wind. When you see the Northern Lights you may expect cold weather. Hazy weather ii thought to prognosticate frost in winter, snow in spring, fair weather in summer and rain in autumn. Storms that clear in the night will be followed by a rain storm. Three foggy mornings will surely be followed by a rain storm. If the ice on the tree melts and runs off rain will come next; while if the wind cracks off the ice snow will f How. When the leaves of tr es shew their under side there will be rain. When the sky is full of stars expect rain. Magpies flying two or three together and uttering harsh cries predict windy weather. When the swallows fly low rain will come soon when they fly high expect fine weather. If the cock crows at night he will "get up with a wet head."

« THE HONEY BiE IN AMERICA. No one seems to have taken the time and trouble to thoroughly investigate the early history of the honey bee in America. En_iu.;h is known, however, says th1 Scientific American, to assure us that it is not in Hg< nous to the country, but. was, in all proba- iiity, imported y the early colonists. The earliest mention of honey in America, so far as considerable research discloses, i- in Irvin,'s account of De Soto's wanderings. Wh le the adventurer was at the village of Ichiaha. in June, 1540, his men found a quantity of bear's grease preserved in pots, likewise oil made from the walnut, anj a pot of honey. The latter they had not before S( en, nor did they ever again meet with i' drring their wanderings. S une have inferred from this that the honey bee was in Florida at this period, an that it was indigenous to America. Put this does not follow: first, because the vi'lage in which the honey was found was located in the country s nee known as Northern Georgia, or perh IPS Northern Alabama, and not in Florida; S'cond.the honey mentione 1 was very possi lv the produce of the humble-b e, which wa a ra'ive, and very widely scattered. Nevertheless, the honey bee was probably introduced by the Spanish settlors in Florida at least at a period, for Bartram, who explored the country in 1773, mentions honey and beeswax as articles of barter among the Indians. He speaks of honey in so many places in his book that it must have been quite common, and, hrcforpl; I could mt h ive been the product of the humble-bee, whose store of honey is very scant. At this period the honey bee was common all along Ihe eastern 'shore of the country, from Nova Fcotia south- ward. The fact, that it was not found in the interior is good evidence that the insect was n t a native of America. Otherwise, natural swarming would have distributed it t; roug out the land long before the arrival of !h" white man. Jonathan Carver, an Englishman, explored Wisconsin and the adjacent territory in 1766-7, and in his book, published scon after, he mentions the commonest insects. The honey bee is not among them, but the humble-bee is referred to as follows: "The bees of America principally lodge their honey in the earth, to secure it from the ravages of the bears, who are remarkably fond of it." According to a writer in the American Bee Journal for July, 1866, the honey bee was first noticed by white men in Kentucky in 1780, in New York in 1793, and west of the Mississippi in 1797. At the present day this industrious little bee is scattered throughout America, and the produc- tion of honey is constantly increasing.

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Death of Mabon's Son- We deeply regret to announce the death of Mr Thomas Abraham, son of Mr W. Ab, raham, M.P. (Mabon), the sad event taking place at 10 o'clock on Friday night in Low don, where the deceased, who was only 23 years of age,was engaged in the London and Provincial Bank. Mabon, it will be renien" bered, was suddenly called away to his Soli from a meeting of the Joint Sliding Seal" Committee last week. On every hand «je sincerest svmoathy is expressed with w* and Mrs Abraham in their bereavement The body was brought home to Pentre 011 Sunday morning, when it was met by 8 large procession who followed it to the home of the parents. The funeral took place at Treorchy tery on Wednesday afternoon, the cortege being a very large one extending over about a third of a mile. Mabon and Mrs Abra- ham were, through illness, unable to present. A large number of beautiful flora' tributes covered the coffin. Among those present at the funeral were Mr Alfred Thomas, M.P., Revs. W. Lewis (vicar), Jones, Ton; W. Morris, Treorchy; Rhagfar Jones and W. Charles, Treorchy Mr Mat- thews, Drs. W. E. Thomas, Pentrc; MorrIS, Tylorstown; Hughes, Ton and Makinna, Treherbert; Aldermen E. John, Cow" bridge; Richard Lewis, J.P., Rhondda! Mr Evan Llewellyn, collector to the Rhoo* dda Council; Mr G. H. Smith, sub-ageflf Bailey's Estate Councillors E. H. DavisS, J.P.,Daronwy Isaac, Samuel, Treorchy ;^y Jones, Treorchy Messrs T. Rees, Eastfield) Cowbridge David Treharne, Pentre TolM Stephens (conductor Royal Male VOICe Choir), Evans, "Tarian v Gweithiwr" D. Jones, solicitor, Pentre; Caswallan Ed" munds, M.E., Pentre T. Llewellyn, Gelli; W. Evans, registration agent, Pentre; Jacob Rees, architect, Pentre Morga, t architect, Ton; Thomas Thomas, Elias Davies, Ton, and Richard Morris, members of the Pontypridd Board of Guardians; Messrs Williams, postmaster, Pentre; Gould, Bridgend Hotel, Pentre Gri- hs, Queen's Hotel, Pentre; and J. Lloyd, draper, Barry. The Rev. T. Davies, pastor of Bethlehem, C.M., Treorky, officiated at the house and at the graveside. On the way to the cemetery, the choir of Nazareth Methodist Chapel, Pentre, of which MaboO and his family are members, sang several favourite Welsh hymns hymns, the conduc- tors being Mr William Rosser and Mr Thos- Miles.

Opening a New Chapel at Treorchy. The Welsh Baptists are processing favour- ably at Treorchy, and substantial proof of this pleasing feature is evident from the fact that more accommodation was necessary to meet the continual increase of followers. We have watched with interest the growth of the cause in the upper pnrt of Treorchy, where a vestry was built some four years ago, known ts Ainon, an offspring of the mother church at Noddfa, Treorchy. Remarkable progress waS made, and eventually it was incorporated ft church of its own, the Rev. J, Symlog MorgaO (formerly of Rhydfelen) being its appointed minister, and who still administers faitl" fully to the furtherance of the cause. It was then felt that the vestry was inadequate, and it was decided to erect a commodious chapel. The attractive and imposing edifice is built on the spare ground in front of the old vestry, and has cost nearly £ 2,000, the builders being Messrs Mathias and Phillips, Treorchy- I Preparation^Jj&eri made for conn>lcte V readiness previous to the opening sefvi^- | which were held on Sunday, Monday an<J Tuesday. The auspicious occasion attracted immense congregations, there being an over- flow at several meetings. Preaching on Stillo day by the Itcv W. Moiris, F.ii.G.S and the pastor, Rev J. Symlog Morga. On Monday there was only an evening service, when the Rev J. Jenkins (Gwili), Amanford. and liey W. Lewis, Aberfan, preached powerful sermons. Service was held throughout the day on Tuesday, the attendance being greater, and the able discourses of Rev K T. JoneSi Llwynypia; Rev J. Jenkins (Gwili), and Rev W. Lewis, Aberfan, being highly appreciated. The meetings were a great success in every direction, several handsome contrihntiou being received from generous donors. We trust that the cause will continue to prosper. It has now a membership of about 120 or so; and under the guidance of the able pastor, with the co-operation of the members, and the Divine blessing, we hope to see a bright future in the history of Ainon Church.

Off to the War. Oni Wednesday morning by the 10.30 traifl from Pentre Railway Station, four Reser- vists-Sample Baker, collier i David Phil- lips, haulier David Mandry, collier; and Alfred Hockaday—belonging to the 24th Regiment, left for South Africa. A large procession, preceded by the Cory's Brass Band, accompanied them to the railway station, and a hearty send-off was given them by hundreds of residents.

Li MR. DES MANE Disease Specialist, Commercial Temperance Hotel, Opposite VGinPTJI? H TTfc Station Gates, -*• M Jf m IW TUESDAYS from 2 till 7 p. N.B.-La(lies or Gentlemen may consult we on any complaint or Disease wliatever, and if I cannot cure I will say so at once but if 1 say I can, I will give a guarantee to do so. Since 1893, 26,000 persons have received my treatment with success. Wonderful cures after years of suffering. !■ My M otto is "Actions Speak Louder than Words." During the last twelve months 26970 I were successfully treated for DEAFNESS and WEAK EYES Advice and Cousultation ENTIRELY FREE Central Address 23, STATION TER., PONTYPRIDP Where Mr. Desmane can be seen Daily (including Sundays, all day). If you cannot call, do not be afraid to write and state your case. All Communications honourably kept private- and attended to immediately. :■ Artificial Teeth Supplied. Teeth Extracted Free. OLD SETS BOUGHT OR REPAIRED- MW Best Quality at Lowest Prices. Full Particulars on application* NOTICE TO FEMALES. MADAME DESMANE attends in Specif Cases (when desired). Her Special Preparation should be known all, 42 4