The Rhondda Leader

iviarchiqg into Ladysmith Welsh Fusiliers wear Leeks in their Helmets. Private Joseph Horton, B Company, 1st Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers, in a letter written from Ladysmith on March 9th, says:— "We have been 'through the mill' these last few weeks. We started from Chievely Camp with General Buller's army-about 2->,0U0 of us--and marched four miles before the bullets started to drop around us. There were a few of us soon wounded, I can tell you, but our brigade, that is, the Fusiliers, soon started SENDING BACK OUR BITS OF LEAD, which quieted them for awhile. It was a little bit comical for a start, but we soon got used to it. We took positions one after another. There must have been a decent few Boers killed. We caught a few of them, but had to hand them over as pri- soners we should like to have finished them off, but could not. This is the first time we have been in war, and by G- the Boers know it. You know they made us retire—on the 15th of December-from Colenso, but we have worked around them at last. IT WAS A TIRESOME BATTLE, AND THE LONGEST ON RECORD. We were properly done up, but only got a few hours rest on the dirty ground with a hard dog-biscuit for food, and again into it next morning as bold as brass. We took one hill—"The Death Hill"—as we call it. Our Colonel got killed, also the officer of my company. I could have shed a tear when I saw them carried away covered in blood. It. was a pitiful sight, but that was not the worst of it; there were fifty odd of our regiment killed and wounded, includ- ing some of my chums. Our regiment and the Seventh Royal Fusiliers hdcl one big hill for A HUNDRED AND TEN HOURS WITH- OUT A REST, the enemy shelling us, and we firing in the night just like daytime. It was awful, but I can tell you we have got a splendid name from Buller himself, and I am glad he got his name back as well as us. He is a brave, good leader, and we all like him out here. We marched into Ladysmith the day after "Ta,ffy's" day WEARING LEEKS IN OUR HELMETS. The people and soldiers were jumping for jo,, a sight I shall never forget; they were like skeletons, and had been subsisting on horseflesh. I had no wash for fourteen days until we got here. I dare say you well know at home about us out here and were all glad. The worst of it was we had to fetch the beggars out of those hills whence they shot us down. It is just like twenty to one and then we do it! They don't like our bayonets and the way we rush at them in their trenches. They call us madmen, and thought England had got some boys, but know they are iron men; that is what they think. I have had some shaves, was HIT IN THE HELMET AND ON THE LEG, but was right in about a. minute after. I think we have to go and drive them a few miles further yet. We all wish it was over. I am getting sick and tired of it. It seems such a long time fighting for no- thing, only a medal, but to benefit our coun- try, but it makes it all for the best."

Rhoqdda School Board. Precept issued for £ 16,000. The "Block" Grant. The monthly meeting of the Rhondda School Board was held at the Board Offices, Pentre, on Monday, the chairman, Rev. W. Morris, F.R.G.S.. presiding. There were also present: -Rev. W. Lewis, R.D., Rev. Rowland Morgan, Rev. Thomas Williams, Messrs W. W. Hood Dd. Lloyd, Hy: Abraham, J. E. Jones, W. Jenkins, Dl. Thomas, T. Bevan, and W. Jenkins. A letter was read from Mr Jonathan Rees (Nathan WynV thanking the Board for their kind vote of sympathy in his be- reavement. The Local Government Board wrote say- ing Mr Win. George Cox had been appoin- ted district auditor in place of Mr Dolby, who had been appointed to the Essex division. A letter was read from Mr G. H. Smith, Pentre, asking reply with respect to the site required at Maindy would shortly be given. The District Council also stated that the Offices Committee would meet the following day to consider the request of the School Board for further accomoda- tion. That being the case, the notice of motion standing in the name of Mr Hy. Abraham to locate the offices at Porth was withdrawn. School Sites. The Building Committee reported "We met Dr. Hamlen Williams on the site pro- posed for the new boys' department of the ifnyshir School, and recommend that the sum of C800 be offered to Dr. Hamlen Williams for the freehold ot one acre, with a frontage not exceeding 216 feet. "We have under our consideration a communication from Mr William Thomas Rees, Maesyffynon, Aberdare, in reference to the application of the Board for the Llwynycelyn School site, stating that he .does not think that the directors of the Lewis Merthyr Collieries will consent to part with the site selected, as a school on that position would utterly spoil Llwyn- celyn House, and render the adjoining houses in Primrose and Leslie Terraces less attractive, and suggested another site. We have instructed the Clerk to ask Mr Rees to meet the Committee on the spot. "We have had a letter from Messrs Da- vies and Williams enquiring how much of the garden adjoining the Porth Boys' School the Board requires for the extension of the playground of that school, and we recom- .mend that the Clerk be instructed to in- form them that the whole of the garden would not be too much. "We have received Sunnly Form approv- ing the plans of Treorchy and Pontygwaith Schools extensions as follows:—Treorchy, for 50 additional infants and Pontygwaith for IUÖ additional mixed. "The Architect reports —'That the con- tractor has started operations at Stanley- town that the contractors for the Cwm- clydach Extension are proceeding, the foundation of the south boundary wall hav- ing been started and that he visited Blaen- llechau Infants' School on the 27th Feb- ruary last, and found evidences of con- tinued subsidence, and that he had instruc- ted the Board's carpenter to secure it. The report was adopted. The New Precept. The Finance Committee recommended payment of accounts amounting to E3,279 10s. 2d. After that day's payments there would be in the General Account a credit balance of L351 4s. 7d., and in the Loan Account a credit balance of zC4,595 8s. 6d. The committee reported the receipt of £4,607 5s. 6d. additional grant under Sec- tion 97 of the Elementary Education Act, 1870, as amended by the Elementary Educa- tion Act, 1897. The committee recommended the issuing of a precept for E16,000 for the half-year ending 29th September next. Mr DI. Thomas, chairman of the Finance Com- mittee, in submitting the estimate of re- ceints and expenditure for the coming half- year, pointed out that the actual increase in the fixed salaries of the head teachers would be E3,932 for the year, but this would be reduced by the difference in the amount of grant payable under the old scale and the new which would be about L2,000 less. The increase in the certificated assistants' salaries would be CI,320, and in ex-pupil teachers' salaries £ 1,690, a total increase of about £ 4,900. The precept was a high one, and was the highest the Board had ever issued, being £ 1,000 more than that issued in March, 1896. The Board hoped however, that this increase would repay the ratepayers by the better education im- parted. It was only fair to state that the question of increasing salaries had been deferred from time to time until at last they were absolutely compelled to face it. They had a number of schools under-staffed and he (the speaker) was not sure but that they would have to close some of the schools. The salaries tney^were now paying were much less than the "average paid to teachers throughout the United Kingdom, and they had been unable to get even their own teachers to apply for positions under the Board, and they and students at col- leges preferred going elsewhere because they got better paid. That was one very important reason for the present increase. Another reasons was that in the correspond- ing period of last year they had a credit balance of C2,577, but now they had to face a debit balance of £ 1,476, which meant a total of £ 4,000 less than in the correspond- ing period of last year. The amount re- quired for maintenance loans, etc., was L35,537, and as the grants would not fall due in the following six months they had to make provisions for a credit balance at the end of the coming half-year. They had, therefore, provided for a balance of £ 9,199 at the end of the half-year. Although the precept was more than in March, 1896, the rate was lower. In March, 1896, the rate was 8s. 3d. in the R, now it would be ex- actly eightpence, and was only three half- pence more than the last rate. It was a heavy precept, but the Board had to edu- cate 23,000 children, which was the same number as at Cardiff, and he thought tne education imparted in the Rhondda was similar to that given at Cardiff, but there they had just issued a precept for £ 27,of He hoped the teachers would do their u most to give the best education possible in return for the effort the Board had made on their behalf. The expenditure had ill-- creased ten per cent. The estimates were unanimously adopted, and the precept issued. Attendance. The report of the attendance officers shewed that for the month ended 24tn March, the average attendance was 79-1 per cent, as compared with 77.4 during tn previous month, and 83 per cent. during the corresponding period of last The reasons given by the officers for the i attendance were the prevalence or demics such as mumps, whooping cough, measles, scarlet fever, and diphtheria; severity of the weather the fact that Ton and Aberllechau Schools, which only reopened on the 19th ult., had recovered from the effects of the eSlc;? which necessitated the closing of tn schools for nearly five weeks. The New Code. The School Management Committee re- ported having received the following communication from the lion. sec. to the Association of School Boards with reference to the new Code :■—"We forward herewith a memorandum regarding the new Code now before Parliament, and its effect on Board Schools and on education generally. We have been informed by the Secretary of the Education Department that the code will come into force on the 14th April next. The question of the effect of the Code will be raised in the House of Commons this week, and in the opinion of the Executive Committee, your Board should immediately use its influence with the members of Par- liament for your locality with a view of ob- taining the postponement of the new regu- lations for at least 12 months, in order that the whole question may be adequately con- sidered, and sufficient time allowed for the preparation of a Code which will satisfy the national requirements—aiding the rural schools, without hindering the exten- sion and improvement of the elementary education of the great centres of popula- tion." Cigarette Smoking by Boys. The committee recommended that the Clerk be instructed to write to Mr Wm. Abraham, M.P., asking him to support the Association in their efforts to secure a postponement of the new regulations for twelve months. They recommended that the seal of the Board be affixed to the following petition drawn up by the Rev. W. Charles and the Rev. W. Lewis in accordance with the in- structions of the Board: -"To- the Honour- able the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland in Parliament assembled: The humble petition of the School Board for the Parish of Ystrady- fodwg, in the County of Glamorgan, shew- eth that your Petitioners note with conr cern the growing habit of cigarette smoking by boys of tender years-a practice which is universally admitted to be most detri- mental to the physical and general develop- ment of children. Your Petitioners there- fore humbly pray that your Honourable House will introduce and pass into Law a Bill which shall make illegal the sale of cigarettes and tobacco to children under 14 vears of age. And your Petitioners will every pray." Appointments. The following appointments were made: Fanny Davies, Liverpool, Aberllechau I., £ 80; Lizzie M. -Edwards, 15, Glamorgan Terrace, Penrhiwfer to Williamstown Girls; Alys J. Watts, 19, Meadow Street, Aberkenfig, to Hafod Girls Lilla Rosser, Heolysarn, Llantrisant Hafod Girls. Three applications were made for the post of certificated assistant mistress at Tonypandy Mixed School to take charge of needlework, and Miss Lucy A. Ho wells, Swansea, was appointed. No less than 52 applications were received for the post of headmaster of the Porth Higher Grade School. These were re- duced by the committee to 22, and again by voting to the following seven -John S. Grant M.A., Penarth County School, 9 Dd. Hawkins, Porth Pupil Teachers' Cen- tre, 7; Thomas James Rees. B.A., Swansea Higher Grade, 6 Ed. Jones, B. Sc., Higher Grade School of Science, Llanelly. 5; Dd. James, Porth Pupil Teachers' Centre, 5; F. D. John, Peaygraig Boys' School, 4; and Richard Appleton, B.A., B.Sc. Stoke, Newington. The next round resulted, J. S. Grant, 9; T. J. Kees, 6; Dd. Hawkins, 5; and Dd. James, 5 the final vote being in favour of J. S. Grant, who received 11 votes, and T. J. Rees 2. The following pupil teachers, whose ex- tended apprenticeships have expired or are about to expire, are to be retained at their respective schools as assistants (ex-P.T.) if they have succeeded in passing the Queen's Scholarship Examination, and as teachers under Article 68 or 49* as the case may be if successful: -Saml. Nicholas, Dunraven Boys' Martha Davies, Cwmclydach In- fants' Maud E. Martin Tylorstown Girls' Mair Davies, Graigddu Infants; Stephen 0. Davies, Porth Boys'. The Rev. W. Morris briefly moved the following notice of motion standing in his name: -"That the School Board for the Parish of Ystraayfodwg, whilst approving of the principle of that feature in the Scotch Code known as the "Block Grant, is of opinion (1) that the restriction of the Grant to a maximum of 22s. in all schools alike will be productive of very grave in- justice, and cannot fail to bring about ser- ious deterioration in the quality of our national education; (2) that educational efficiency is no longer recognised, and schools which provide the barest minimum of educational requirements are treated on equal terms with the most efficient; (3) that in the new Scotch Code, Higher Grade Schools, which have always been regarded as part of the elementary schoolwork, should continue to be assisted by an addi- tional grant; (4) that the effect in the re- duction of the pupil teacher Grant will dis- courage and penalise Boards which have done the most for the training of the tea- chers (5) that the refusal to continue as- sistance on behalf of children for whom their parents are prepared to make the sacrifice of keeping them longer at school is a disastrous policy; (6) that while a re- adjustment of subjects under Article 15 is made, too much responsibility is thrown upon H.M. Inspectors, and too little upon the managers, and that it is not desirable that the taking of group 2 subjects should be dependent upon the opinion of the mana- gers of the schools, and that a copy of the foregoing resolution be forwarded to the Duke of Devonshire Sir John Gorst, Lord Salisbury, Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman. and the local members of Parliament." This was seconded by Mr W. Jenkins and unanimously carried.

Wedding at Llwynypia. A pretty, though quiet wedding took place at the Bethel English Baptist Cha- pel, Tonypandy, early on Tuesday niorn- ing. the contracting parties being Miss Edith Salter, daughter of Mr James Salter, assistant, foreman, waggon shop, Glamorgan Coal Company, and Mr T. W. Keen, Kings Norton Metal Works. Bournville, near Bir- mingham. The bride, who was given away by her father, was sweetly attired in grey cloth dress trimmed with white sil^, with hat to match trimmed with white silk with plumes. The bridesmaid, Miss iara Salter (bride's sister), was attirec. in grey cloth dress, a becoming hat of white trimmed with white silk, while little Miss Lilly (bride's sister) who also formed one of the bridal party, was prettily costumed in grey and picture hat with trimmings of silk and blue flowers. In addition to the above were also the bride's brothers, Messrs Edward and Henry and Master Johnny Salter. The Rev. Daniel Davies, pastor, officiated. The ceremony over, the bridal party left the chapel for the resi- dence of the bride's -arents, De Winton Terrace, where a reception was held. The happy couple rill leave Llwynypia Station on Friday enroute to Bournville, Birming- ham. A large number of presents were received.

Frank Thomas, "My Hatter's," Ponty- pridd, has an Ideal Stock. He is willing Cuff your Wrists, Collar your Neck, and Crown your Head with one of his Celebrated 3?, 9d. Hats pa

FOR MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS By MADAME ROSE. HE time is rapidly ap- proaching when we may lay acide our winter furs and emerge in the daintiest spring and summer fabrics. A word of warning and advice re the treatment of winter furs may, therefore, prove welcome. It is most important that these pos- sessions should be put most carefully away. First, a thorough brushing with a slightly damp brush is necossary-then shake ery thoroughly, and beat the fur lightly as well, with the flat, twisted wicker sticks sold for the purpose. Finally, fold with brown paper damped with methylated spirit laid between each fold. This spirit is an excellent moth pre- ventative, and the smell quickly evaporates when the fur is hung out to air. Linen bags should be made to hold all good furs. ABOUT MlLtlNERY. I It seems to me that net and chiffon and all such light and airy materials are the stuffs of the moment—so far, at any rate, as millinery Is concerned. All the prettiest toques for early spring wear shew the most delightful gatherings and puffings of tulle, rumed and vandyked round the brim, while the crown and upper part may bo trimmed really just as we will, either witia further tukings and rosettes of the thi. material, or with bows of ribbon and tufts of ostrich feathers. Then again, as to colour, each wearer may work her own sweet will, but there is a distinct leaning towards blues and mauves, and every shade of brown—blues and mauves proving especially becoming, so far as millinery is concerned. inow, refi rriug once more to these tulle toques, some people may consider them expensive, and so they would e if we went out and purchased them ready-ma:ic. To be really smart, one requires a toque of the kind allotted to almost every toilet. I would, therefore, Btronglv persuade thofe of my readers who are clever with their fingers to manipulate such millinery at home; for, nowadays, we may pur- chase chiffon and tulle already quilled and gathered, in every tint and tone, at a remark- ably small cost, while if we purchase them by the yard we have mf f("Y to make up these pretty frilling* just as we will. The most im- portant factor, of course, is the actual shape of our toque, but buckram, wire, and net shapes can be obtained in huge variety, the price rang- ing from 6!. apiece, so there should be no diffi- culty whatever on this score. ABOUT COSTUMES. First and foremost, I suppose, in spring fashions, stands the necessity of deciding the make and shape of our fkirts. The tight, sheath- like skirt is gradually giving way to the much fuller and more elegant jujx, and when the gown is made of cashmere a delightful fullness is allowable, while it is well worth the English- woman's while to consider the extreme be- comingness of the full skirt. Englishwomen, I am afraid, are not noted for the smallness of their feet and anll-1M, and the full skirt not only hides the feet to a great extent, but suggests very slender proportions, just in the same way that the long frilled sleeve and wrist- let proves so remarkably becoming to the hand. Another very pretty arrangement shewn on the newest skirts is that of the stitched seam carried down as far as the knees, and there opening to shew a kind of underpancl. This gives the desired fullness, without too much weight. Of course, in the matter of bodices we may please ourselves; certain it is that they almost always now match the skirt. but we are allowed enormous licence in the trimming. Still the boiern continues, Pnfl this little coatee is carried out in lacc applique, velvet or brocade, just, as we will.. Coarse iacej are enormously employed as appl ques on a 1 the new cloths, and the most remarkable not,, struck at the moment by the fashi nable modistes is that of transparency, eVln walking gowns for spring wear being made in such soft and clinging materials as erfpe—satin crepe proving most popular. Lace medallions are added, and often the centres of t.))c=!C are cut quite away, while it is quite an easy matter to define not only the colour but the actual substance of the foundation, by obtaining glimpses of it reveale i in this way. Thus two most delightful tints can be obtained by placing pale pink or pale violet tiridrr grey crepe; while, again, some cigl)e 4r s-i,,s -re opened up in Vandykes ere an i there, bus proving without doubt the a-.tual eoluur of the foundation. THE NEWKST BOOTCK is, of course, the t^lero, and, although I have mentioned this fact before, I cannot tell you anything newer about the bodice of the moment;; .therefore, I must repeat myself emphatically, and tell you that so long as your bodice shews some kind of bolero you are certain to prove successful with yjur spring and early summer toilets. Here, again, is a delightful opportunity for the amateur worker, for she can quite easiiy arrange such bodices at home, and obtain wondrous effects at a remarkably small cost. Lace boleros we have had for some time, but boleros of velvet, and, better still, panne velvet, are more becoming. Now, panne velvet is some- what expensive, but the same effect can be obtained by ironing ordinary velvet—so long as the iron is carried throughout in the sam. direction. An ideal spring costume which I lately reviewed was of ivory-white serge, arranged to be worn with a tiny bolero of brown tloth. This was exceedingly smart, and was to be worn by a Frenchwomaa. We might, however, copy such a fashion with advantage, and to the ivorywhite I can imagine the addition of ja cherry-red or periwinkle-blue bolero proving remarkably distinctive. Of course, the idea it Wore suited to country than to town wear. The new skirt is terribly long, and is a nuisance always to its possessor. At the same time, as every skirt of the moment is bound to touch the ground, and we are, therdorc, compelled to c-Arry it ia the street, we may, I suppose, as wel! have a few extra inches added without inconvenience —for it is certainly no more trouble to lift a long skirt than one of but me lium length. USEFUL HTNTS. The dress skirt so soon becomes marked and dull-looking that any hint towards its further preservation should be acceptable. I do not think that many folks realise that if only the skirt were sometimes hung the other veay allOut- that is to say, literally llpirlt down—the wear of the cloth would be helped materially. To carry out this idea, it it only necessary to sew two or three tags, or "hangers," inside the foot hem- say, nine or ten inches from the extreme edge; then, when the sVirt is take-; off, hang it up by these instead of in the orthodox fashion, and brush it wel: in this posit ion. It is extraordinary how such a procedure will preserve the dress, and. often thoioughly renovate it. Thoroughly brush all millinery when it has been worn. A very soft brush must be used, while ribbon must be carefully wiped with an atom of crape kept for the purpose. Gloves* should be pulled out and folded in pairs, and then laid between tissue paper. This should be folded and placed in a scented sachet. Veils should be carefully pulled out, and then rolled round a roll of flannel. Thl' sleeves of winter bodices should be stuffed with tissue paper, while coats and jackets may be treated in the same way. If these rules are followed, it is extraordinary how long our garments will keep fresh and dainty. The value of brown paper, in more ways than one, should be known and clearly under tood by every householder, Brown paper mikes an ideal lining' for hoots and shoes; also, brown paper is excellent fir laying under carpe-s to deaden the sound, and soften the effect of the floor covering. Brown paper proves also an excellent wall paper, if hung in the ordinary way; it is a charming background for pictures and decorations of any sort; while, asrnin, it can also be turned to yet another decorative purpos", as doors can be panel'ed and screens covered therewith, and a rough design in charcoal or sepia can then be sketched on the surface. AVashstand splashers can be made from the same material. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. "Miss M. P,T siloiil,l strongly recommend you to use fleecy wool for m-tking into jackets for men at, the fmnt. It is made in two, four, six, eight, and twelve threads, and is much cheaper than Gorman wool; in fact, it is the best possible kind to use for such garments. "GEUAJJDKVE."—I am afraid you are, a "wee bit". late with your marm-ib.de; however, the following rccipe is an excellent one: Select fine Seville oranges and cut them into quarters. Remove the pips and shred the peel very finely. To every pound of fruit add three pints of water, and let it itand for twentv-four hours, then boil until tender. Finally, add one pound and a quarter of loaf sugar to avery pound of fruit, and boil until the syrup jellies. This can be easily tested by pouring a little on a plate and allowing it to ccol. Lemons can be treated in the same manner, and make an excellent change.

Distribution of Prizes at Porth- The scholars of the Porth boys' school had a most pleasant afternoon on Thursday on the occasion of the distribution of the scripture and evening continuation school prizes. Dr. Ivor Davies and Mr Hy. Ab- raham, late manager of the Hafod Colliery, were in attendance. The following ex- cellent programme (arranged by the able headmaster. Mr A. Williams) was gone through. Song by the school children en- titled "Daddy" recitation by Master Thos. H. Howells, "The fall of Wolsey" address by the chairman Mr Hy. Abraham, who apologised for the non-attendance of Miss Ada Jones, Maindy presentation of the scripture prizes by Mr Abraham, when the following were present:—pupil teachers. T. O. Davies and G. Lewis, who received superior bibles; children, Masters John Evans, 16, Eirw Road, Britannia (bible) Tom Thomas, 12, Hannah Street (New Testament); David Jones, 3, Primrose Terrace (testament) Phillip Dalley, 102, Birch Grove (testament); Wm. Hy. Ma-, thews, 23, Mary Street (testament); song and chorus, Master Wm. Hy. Price and school children entitled, "Daddy's Dar- ling" sketch from King John (Hubert and Arthur), Hubert, Master Edgar Elson, Arthur. Master Dd. Jno. Evans, atten- dants, Masters Dd. Morgan and Wyndham Mathews; presentation of evening con- tinuation school prizes by Dr. Ivor Davies. The following were the recipients: Hy. Dalley 18, York Street; Wm. Sy- monds, 37, North Road; Evan lhos. Howells, 49, Hannah Street; Richard and Thos. J. Booth, Railway Terrace duet and chorus, duet by Masters Wm. Jenkins and Wm. Hy. Price, children joining in chorus patriotic song by children entitled No pray we for our country" vote of thanks to the chairman and Dr. Davies; hymn, "Jesus, lover of my soul."

PUBLICITY is the soul of justice.-Jeremy Benthaiu.