The Rhondda Leader

Early Closing Movement in the Rhondda. Further Agitation. It is extremely difficult to chronicle the exact position of affairs after the endless apoeals, demonstrations, agitation and public speaking that has so preoccupied the attention of the tradesmen, assistants, and public alike at Treorchy during the last few weeks. Summarising the whole events up to date, one is inclined to view the situation as resembling a fiasco, for in spite of all entreaties and every reasonable condescension to attempts at, settlement, the old story remains to be told of the small minority governing the big majority. While the obstinate few seem to gloat over their victory, the reasonable-minded tradesmen and those urging the. much- needed reform are placed in sore straits, and are seeking a way out of their diffi- culty. The campaign has now resolved itself into a vigorous aupeal for the closing of shops at 10 o'clock on and from Feb- ruary 1kt. One hardly knows how that earnest expectation is to be realised, for, as already pointed out, the shopkeepers are so divided, in fact, there are at pre- sent the 10 o'clock-ites, the 11 o'clock-ites, and the "'close when you like" section. When the employers disagree, who, then, is going to decide? It, is a pity that some of them cannot draw the line of dis- tinction between stubbornness and deter- mination. One step towards the 10 o'clock movement has already been made by the assistants themselves, who- last, week thoroughly canvassed the district of Tre- orchy and C win pare with a leaflet to the following effect: You are respectfully requested to do your shopping before 10 o'clock on Saturday nights in future. Please don't, forget Fair Traders who close at 10. The Trade Unionist shop assistants of Treorchy appeal to the Trade Unionist public to assist them in reducing their hours of labour on Saturday from 1(5 to 14 hours." The response of the public to the canvassers appeared to be favourable, and it was reported that 99 per cent. were in favour of the 10 o'clock closing. With a, view of preaching deeper the gospel of shop-life reform, the promoters of the 10 o'clock crusade called a public meeting at the Boys' School, Treorehy, on Fridav. The enthusiasm, and hearty sympathy of the Treherbert folk—who for six weeks further have enjoyed the advantages and privileges of early closing-was demon- strated by the dispatch of an irregular de- monstration consisting of a few vehicles, adorned with calico coverings of mottoes and admonitions exhorting the public to early shopping and appealing for assist- ance, and a section of the Treherbert band poured forth some strains along the route. At, the Boys' School there was a good as- sembly, there being a number of Trade Unionist miners, together with shop- keepers. and assistants. Mr. D. Watts Morgan, miners' agent, Porth, was unable to attend. The chairman was Mr. Ild. Morgan, a miuer, who expressed his views clearly on the point at issue. He believed in shorter hours himself, and added that they as colliers could materially help the tradespeople to give the same liberty to others as they themselves cherished. Mr. T. Spencer Jones, Cardiff, editor of the Shop Assistant," and a leading advocate of shop-life reform, received a warm wel- come. In his address he dwelt upon the varied aspects ot shop life and reform. After all demonstrations and appeals, he was of opinion, after 15 years' work in connection with the Early Closing Move- ment, that permanent reform in shop life could only be obtained on the same basis and by thei same 'methods as they, the colliers, had adopted-to become Trade Unionists. When that was done, they had a right—a fair and legitimate one to appeal to. other Trade Unionists for support in their present, important agita- tion. After an agitation extending over 50 years, the shop assistant, thought that if reformation was to be secured, it would be through himself. That, led to the formation of the National Amalgamated Union of Shop Assistants, which to-day had a membership of 12,000 That was but a small organisation compared to that of the Miners' Federation, but they were steadily making progress, and in express ing that opinion, he wanted the other Trade Unionists to stand by their fellow- men. Previously they had no claim, but now if any Trade Unionist in the room irrespective of class, thought that the demand of the shop assistant to close at 10 on Saturday was fair, then it would be a disgrace for any Trade Unionist to enter any shop after 10 o'clock on Satur- day night, They did not appeal in the interests of philanthropy, or on behalf of the slaves of the shops, but, from a sense of duty of Trade Unionism. Closing at 10 o'clock would not by any means incon- venience the public, as the majority of miners were in the habit of receiving their pay previous to 3 p.m. in the afternoon. In the enquiry conducted by the House of Lords into the proposed reform in shop hours, the question asked all along was concerning the convenience of the public, and he that night wanted each one to ask themselves if they could not spend their money more judiciously and profitably during the day than after 10 o'clock at night. The practicability of the reform in,a district like this was beyond question. If there was no unanimity among the shopkeepers, then let every tradesman who had promised adhere to his resolution, and let every honest, true principled and sin- cere Trade Unionist workman refuse to support such establishments that were averse to the proposed reforms. (Loud cheers.) Mr. E. T. Davies, Treherbert, said they could and did close at. Cardiff, Treherbert, and other places at 10, and why not at Ti-corcliy P He appealed to the men pre- sent to assist them on behalf of liberty, justice, and truth. Rev. W. Charles, M.A., pastor of Her- mon Welsh Congregational Chapel, re- marked that as he had said from his pulpit on the previous Sunday, he felt that his Master would be in favour of the move- ment, as it would promote a better Sab- bath, which would only be possible through shorter working hours on Saturday night. The chairman represented a big section, and he hoped that. all were in similar feelings. The hours the assistants worked were out. of reason, and the effort to re- duce the hours of labour was a most com- mendable one. (Hear, hear.) It would also be advantageous to the shopkeepers themselves, their wives, and servants. He hoped the tradesmen of T'reorchy were not going to oppose a reform like the one under question, and let others point a finger at them as the stop-gag of progress. County Councillor Enoch Davies spoke in spirited terms, and referred chiefly to an article which appeared in a contem- porary referring to the likelihood of some dismissals after the affair had cooled down. It was suggested that the matter be left to the tradesmen! He said no, distinctly, and that the customers should decide. Certain tradesmen had conceded earlier closing during the week days in order to coercei for 11 o'clock opening. This was admitted weakness. To those he would say, Come out like men, and give the assistants what they want, and they would return the same." Let them say they were going to work, and with a. will, but not. after 10 o'clock. After further remarks from the chairman, Mr. Price (Royal Stores), Mr. A. L. Mor- gan, Canton House, in fitting terms pro- posed the following resolution —" That this meeting of Trade Unionists and others call upon the traders of Treprchy to close their places of business on Saturday nights not later than 10 o'clock, and also urges all members of the Miners' Federation to patronise only those traders who conform with the wish of the majority by closing at 10 o'clock on Saturdays." Mr. J. D. Edwards seconded, and the resolution was carried with exclamation. That the crusade is spreading is to be seen by the fact that the initiative has been taken in Mid-Rhondda by the Grocers' Association, and in Ferndale, and in a, comparatively short time it should be a momentous ques- tion throughout the valleys.

Nantymoel Parliament. (By our Special Lobby Correspondent.) A full dress debate took place at the Monday night's sitting. A number of new members were sworn in, and took their seats. The Speaker took his seat at 8.30. The member for Durham, ad- dressing the Leader of the House, asked if, in view of the present state of our commerce, the Government would ap- point a Minister for Commerce. The hon. member denounced the indifference of the Government while we were being forestalled by Germany and the United States. The member for South Kerry, in a humorous speech, pointed out the desirability of a minister to inspect Ger- man sausages, as a guarantee that the ingredients were pure. He hoped the Government would see into this matter. —The Leader of the House Our trade is holding its own, and increasing all over the world. The Board of Trade has been quite capable to deal with the matter, and continues to deal efficiently with all matters coming under its jurisdiction. There is no necessity to create a new office.—The: Leader of the Opposition Statistics show continuous decline of British trade in comparison with other progressive countries. There has been a great decline during the last two years. It is time that the Government awoke to the gravity of the situation.—The Minister for Education: The: argument of the op- position do not concur with their demand for a minister for commerce. If trade is decreasing, and the Board of Trade has been sufficient in the past when trade was more brisk, what benefit is it to ap- point an additional minister ? Were they to argue that owing to increase in trade a new minister was desirable, that would change the aspect of the question.—The members for Merioneth and Carnarvon, and the Ministers for War and Foreign Affairs, also spoke on the matter. Now came the chief feature of the sitting. The member for Rhondda asked if the Home Office had caused a public inquiry into the causes of the recent riot in Birmingham on the occasion of the visit of Mr. Lloyd George, M.P.—The Home Secretary The matter is one for the local authorities and not for the Government.—Member for Carnarvon The matter should be sifted, as it places free speech in jeopardy. The Government should not encourage such attacks when- ever a member of the opposition tries to speak in pub I ic. -Member for Durham: After years of fighting for free speech, it is to be regretted that such things occur. —The Minister for War The Government regret that the riot occurred. Every precaution had been taken.—Member for South Kerry It is time, that the Govern- ment should make greater efforts to guarantee free speech in a country where free speech has ever been upheld.—The Member for Merionethshire, in a rabid harangue, denounced the, Colonial Secre- tary for his responsibility in inciting the riots. His remarks culminated in a gross personal charge: against the honour of the Colonial Secretary. The House was in an uproar, and the hon. member had to withdraw his remarks.—The Leader of the Opposition charged the Colonial Secretary with being directly responsible for the riot. He had inspired the Bir- mingham Press to attacks on the member for Carnarvon for days before the visit to Birmingham. One word from the Colonial Secretary would have saved the occurrence of the riot, but he preferred to tacitly encourage the rioters.—The Colonial Secretary, in a heated speech, denied any responsibility. The attack was one on his personal honour. He had not in any way encouraged the mob. The member for Carnarvon had no one but himself to blame. His (the member for Carnarvon) outbursts in various parts of the country had roused the populace to a pitch of fury.—The Minister for Education denied the, impeachment that no precau- tions were taken. No further precautions could be expected.—The member for Anglesey made his maiden speech, and made a favourable impression on the House, being cheered vociferously.—Other matters under discussion were the, recent speeches of the Colonial Secretary, the question being raised bv the member for Carnarvon. The Leader of the House spoke in defence of the Colonial Secretary. The hauling: down of the Turkish flag at Koweit by British sailors also received some discussion. The Birmingham riot was still under heated discussion when the Speaker declared the House adjourned at 10 p.m. The sitting throughout was an animated one. The attacks upon the Colonial Secretary were numerous, and tinged, with a considerable amount of fury 1 by the pro-Boer section of the Opposition, and also by the Leader of the Opposition.

Welsh National Teeth Co., Reg. Attends PENTRE—11, Ystrad Road (facing Morgan's Emporium), every Monday, from 2 till 7 p.m. IS3 See Show Case at the door. __m_ -:=="==:==-===:-=====-=-=-===:="-====-== I Teeth. ii Teeth. ili Teeth. ;i Teeth. jj Teeth. j; Teeth. jj -y- A Complete Set from 15/- Perfect for all purposes. Same as advertised at the Highest Prices. Five Years' Warranty, Fitted Painlessly. No Extracting of Stumps required. fir- A SET MADE IN A DAY. OLD TEETH REPAIRED OR REMODELLED WHILE WAITING. Painless Extraction by Chloride of Ethyl. -o- Note the Addresses— Head Office: 32, TaflF Street, Pontypridd ( TREDEGAR ARMS. ) BRANCHES— PORTH—Mr. Davies' Coffee Rooms, Hannah -St.-Mondays and Tuesdays, 10 a.m. till 1 p.m TONYPANDY-At Mr. Jones's (Hairdresser), opposite Theatre Royal, every Tuesday from 2 till 6 p.m.

The Treorchy Literary Society. The pre-Christmas term of this society was a distinct success. The attendance was very good throughout, the subjects were well chosen, and the various discus- sions were worthy of any society that has for its aim the attainment of culture and the mental and moral improvement of its members' by means of social intercourse and literary training. We sincerely hope that the post-Christmas term will be equally successful, and that the stalwarts of the society will not relax their vigor, but strive to keen their first estate. The last meeting was held on Wednesday. In the absence of the president, Mr. W. H. Owen, Mr. A. L. Morgan, of Early Closing" celebrity, was voted to the chair. He called upon the adjudicators of the essay competition to give their adjudica- tion on the contributions to the contest of the previous meeting. The subject was Discipline," and there were 12 competitors. Sergeant Gibbon first gave his criticism of the eight that formed the second class. He explained that what was necessary in a treatise on discipline, was, first of all, to give a definition thereof, then to dwell on the application of discipline to various modes of lifè and different professions. The grammar, orthography, and logical construction of the essays would be also considered. This formed the criterion of judgment laid down by him and his co-adjudicator. Then Mr. W. Pugh made, some remarks on the four that occupied the first rank. He said that they as adjudicators were en- tirely agreed as to which four were fore- most in the competition, and as to their order of merit. When the names of the winners were announced, the following answered to their nom-de-plume as first. second, third, and fourth respectively Mr. W. H. Owen, Mr. W. C. Short, Mr. E. Solomon, and Mr. T. Hughes. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the adjudicators The remainder of the even- ing was taken UD with impromptu speeches. The first subject selected was "Should the House of Lords be abolished P" Mr. G. Emmanuel answered in the affirma- tivCo. He referred to the hereditary principle on which the House was based, and which made it a disgrace to the nation. Mr. G. R. Protheroe spoke in the nega- tive. He said the Upper House had always formed an important part of the Constitution, and it would be a national loss to abolish it. His theory was mend- ing, not ending the House of Lords. It should represent the best men of the country who should be peers for life, but they should not sit there' in virtue of heredity. It should form the nucleus of scientific genius, and comprised of men who would not, pander for the support of the rabble at general elections. Mr. W. H. Owen endorsed Mr. Protheroe's re- marks. He said there was a danger of Democracy acquiring too much power, that there had been since the time of the French Revolution a complete swing of the pendulum from one extreme to the other in the acquisition of Democratic 1 ascendency. He believed we should re- tain a second chamber, which should con- sist of persons entirely independent of anybody and everybody's opinion, to act as legislative censors to the House of Commons. He was for reforming, and not abolishing the Upper House. The next topic dealt with, was, Should coal bear an additional tax?" Mr. Edwin Morgan was the first speaker, and spoke strongly against the imposition of the coal tax. Mr. W. C. Short spoke in favour of the tax. It would. he said, meet the demands and calls of the miners. It was the buyer of the coal—the foreigner —that would be obliged to pay it. It was a popular tax. and he considered it a fair one. Mr. W. Morgan asked "What of the method employed to make the foreigner pay this tax?" He denounced it as being against the principles of free trade. Mr. G. R. Protheroe said that if the supply of coal exceeded the demand the miners had a remedy at, hand, in the application of which they were adepts, that was, their method of restricting the output. Mr. Joseph Williams; referred to the huge profits which, according to reliable statistics, had been reaped by the coalowners. These enormous percentages showed distinctly that the masters were well able to pay the tax. Mr. J. Ladd spoke a few words in support of the tax. Then the chairman announced the next meeting, in which some choice quotations of Shakespeare, selected by the President, will be the topics of discussion for the evening.

Prevention of Cruelty to Children A public meeting under the auspices of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children was held at Porth on Thursday evening, Mr. E. S. Williams, manager of the Cvmmer Colliery, presid- ing-. The hon. secretary (Mr. Edwards) m his statement showed that in the district, which has Pontypridd for its centre, the society had during the past six years in- stituted proceedings in 118 cases, out of which there had been 110 convictions.—The Chairman observed that their chief aim should be to get funds to employ an addi- tional inspector.—Miss England, who at- tended from London, addressed the gather- ing, and a resolution aDnroving of the work done by the society was passed. DR. Bridgwater, M.D-, U.S.A., 13, Custom House btreet, Cardiff. llOUfll-ll to i and 6.S\) t9 9. 83

Death of the Rhondda Council's late Surveyor. Last week the death occurred of Mr. I e o J. Watkin Jones at his residence, Newton House, Cowbridge. Mr. Jones. who was highly respected in the Rhondda Valley, was surveyor to the old highway board, and subsequently acted as surveyor and engineer to the Ystrad Local Board for over twenty years, during which period of office the sewer scheme came into opera- tion. This scheme he very successfully carried out, while living at Maesyffynon, Trealaw. He also erected several large bridges, and superintended the street im- provements in the locality, and on his retirement was presented with a beautiful full-sized oil painting of himeslf as an ap- preciation of his services. On his retire- ment from active service, he for a short period stayed at Penarth, and from there he went to Newton House, near Cowbridge, on the Gibbon estate. He leaves a widow. one son, Dr. David Jones, who is at present in West Africa, and a daughter, Miss Maggie Jones. The interment took place on Saturday at the family vault. Treorehy Cemetery, the Yicar of Cowbridge officiat- ing. The coffin was of solid oak. with massive brass furnishings, and following were the carriages with the chief mourners. First carriage-Mr. James, undertaker. Cowbridge Mr. Thomas, draper. Cow- bridge Mr. Willie John..Cae'r Caddy, near Cowbridge and Mr. Pawson, agent, Newton estate. Second carriage—Mrs. Jones (widow), Miss Jones (daughter), Mr. Ed. Jones (brother), and Mr. John Powell (cousin). Third carriage—Mrs. Edwards (sister). Hengoed Mrs Edwin Jones (sister-in-]aw), Mr. T. Jones, Bute Hotel, and Mr. F. W. Evans, Tonypandy. Fourth carriage—Mr. W. J. Jones (pre- sent surveyor, his successor), the Rev. W. Lewis. R.D., the Rev. O. Jones. the Rev. John Rees, and Mr. Eben. Gibbon. Fifth carriage—Mr. John Lewis (brother- in-law), Mrs. Lewis (sister-in-law), and Miss Lewis (niece). Sixth carriage.—Miss Stallard (maid.) and Mr. Clifford (coachman). The twelve bearers, under the super- vision of Mr. Moses Roderick (road inspec- tor). and Mr. Hughes (sanitary inspector), were members of the Rhondda Urban Dis- trict Council. The service at the grave was conducted by the Rev. W. Lewis, R.D., vicar of Ystradyfodwg. assisted by the Rev. O. Jones. rector of Llansannen, and the Rev. John Rees. vicar of Ystrad- owen. The following were also in the procession:—Mr. J. V. Williams, J.P., and Mrs. Williams, Clydach Court. Tre- alaw Alderman E. H. Davies. J.P.. Pen- tre Mr Daniel Thomas. Crawshay House, Pentre: Mr. D. C. Evans, Miskin Hotel. Trealaw Mr. Eben. Llewellyn Mr. J. F. Phillips. Dinas Powis; Mr. Ed. Jen- kins, Dadyr; Messrs. Ed. Davies and D1. Davies, Treherbert. and others.

Ferndale Co-operative Society. The report, and statement of accounts of the above Society for the period ending December 3rd, were read at the Trerliondda Chapel on Wednesday evening. The trading for the quarter had been most satisfactory, the sales totalling the sum of £30.128 os. Od, The total membership stood at, 1,602. The share capital was L141S94 os. 6d., and the cash in bank and in hand was 1:12,18,5 14s. Bd. The total net profits were £0,19.) 4s. 9-J-d. The re- 2 port and statement of accounts were read in English by Mr. G. Kidd. C.A.. Cardiff, and the secretary, Mr. J. J. Jenkins. fol- lowed in Welsh. The auditors were Messrs. Jenkins and Jones, chartered ac- countants, Cardiff, the stocktaker being Mr. Harry Davies. Pontypridd. The chairman, Mr. Lewis Wat kins, in submit- ting the report, said he was extremely gratified at the marvellous success of the society. He could unhesitatingly say that the society was one of the soundest financial concerns in the country. He also remarked upon the great care that had been exercised in taking the stocks, and a substantial reduction taken there- from, so as to ensure, the society main- taining its high standard of excellence. He also stated that an item of £ 357 Os. lid. had been added to the Reserve Fund making it at present a total of £ 4.475 3s. The cash in bank and on hand was highly satisfactory, considering the amount al- ready spent in the alterations and exten- sions of the new premises. He regretted they had been unable to receive but a few new members during the year. He now, however, hoped to cope with an increased membership. Over a hundred new mem- bers had already joined the society during the present quarter. He had great pleasure in recommending the report to the meeting, and before concluding, he wished. to give credit to the managers, Messrs. Henry Davies and J. W. Scott, and the secretary, and to all concerned in the working of the society to such a suc- cessful issue. The following were elected on the Committee for the ensuing twelve months:—Messrs. John Gealy, BenJ. Morris, and Edward Evans, after which the meeting terminated.

¡ Performance at Hafod.' On Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, I' Roofs cantata. "Under the Palms," was performed at Bethel, Hafod, by the Sun- 1 day school choir, assisted by the Hopkins- town String Band. Mr. David Thomas conducted, and the performance was very j .successful. Councillor J. Roberts, Tre- r forest, and Mr, T. Jones, builder, pre- ••sicled.

Noddfa Choral Society, Treorchy, Social Evening. In connection with the success achieved by the performances of the Messiah at Treorchy at Christmas time. the choir were invited to a social tea on Thurs- day evening, and a big number assembled. The tables were presided over by the fol- lowing ladies:—Mrs. Evans. Temple of Fashion; Miss Mordecai. Mrs. W. P. Thomas, Miss E. A. Rees. Mrs. J. Powell and Mrs. J. Jones. Mrs. Marv Thomas and Mrs. W. H. Thomas, Miss G. A. Morgan. Treorchy, and Miss Isaac, Pen- tre; Mrs. Gwynne Edwards and Miss Mattie Edwards. The after tea" pro- ceedings were of an entertaining character, notable for a number of speeches inter- mixed with musical items, etc. The Rev. W. Morris, F.R.G.S. (pastor), presided, and in his opening remarks. dwelt at length upon the merits of the choir. Some of the deacons proved themselves possessed of sound musical knowledge in the unbiassed criticism passed on the performances of the choir. Messrs. Thomas Griffiths and Evan Rees repre- sented the diaconate, and their com- ments. far from being superfluous, were singularly appropriate. and they could not but advocate the permanency of the choir, which they held had done so re- markably well. Mr. W. P. Thomas, the painstaking secretary, and under whose management, the arrangement worked so effectively, gave a resume of the details that contributed to the triumph they had secured. He complimented choristers, artistes, conductor, and organist primarily. and added thanks to all helpers, stewards, and the ubiquitious assistant secretary, Mr. E. T. Michael. He also read a selec- tion from the congratulatory letters re- ceived from the four London artistes, and a host of local celibrities. who were unanimous in their praise of the perform- ance.—Mr. Wm. Thomas, the conductor. could only reiterate the previous state- ments by emphatically stating that the choir had accomplished a magnificent stroke, and it was due to their unfailing perseverance, faithfulness, and deep in- terest centered in the hard task under- taken that they had so successfully over- come obstacles. He had been and was proud of such a body of singers, and it had been a source of extreme and unsur- passable pleasure for him to conduct them on such a glorious occasion. The com- pany appreciated solos from Mr. Albert Jones. Treherbert, and Miss Maggie Edwards. Treorehy. while a humorous re- citation by Mr. Hy. John Thomas. Tre- orchy, elicited rounds of laughter. The Misses Maggie and Lily Cule, Treherbert-. were loudly applauded for a pianoforte duet. Topical verses from an anonymous composer, and touching pointedly on various leading officials of the choir. were sung with marked effect by Mr. Harry Lewis. The latter introduced a rather amusing item with his marvellous com- bination of singers, but who did not give vent to their vocal powers. It was a dumb choir, but their facial expression made up for the complete absence of tone. It was a most enjoyable meeting through- out. and must have had the desirable effect of establishing a further bond of friendship and unity among the assembled guests. It can be now accepted as a certainty that the Noddfa Choral Society will henceforth be a permanency, and while we can safely look forward to further treats next Christmastide. we can also irely upon the choir taking up one. if not two. engagements in the meantime.

Porth P.T. Centre Literary and Debating Society. The Christmas holidays having passed, the above society again resumed its rneet- ings on Saturday evening, with Mr. Hawkins in the chair. There was a splendid attendance of appreciative lis- teners. The subject was, That the eis- teddfod has benefited the Welsh nation. Excellent papers were read for the affirma- tive side by Miss Lydia East-ment. Peny- graig. and for the negative side bv Miss Jennet Davies. Ton. Both sides cham- pioned their cause in a very able manner, as evidenced by the keen attention given to the reading of the two papers. They were followed by an interesting discussion, in which the merits of the eisteddfod as an institution, as well as its influence upon the Welsh nation, were subjected to keen criticism. That the eisteddfod has bene- fited the nation was maintained bv Misses Morfudd Thomas and Gertie Davies. and Messrs. M. Geily. Ben Revnolds, E. J. Thomas, Simpson Thomas. Isaac Thomas. and Ieuan Jones, while the other view was upheld bv Miss Rebecca Thomas and Messrs. Isaac Williams and Booth Wil- liams. The voting resulted in 28 for the affirmative, and 23 for the negative sides.

Tonypandy Tradesman's Failure. A meeting of the creditors of Francis Chidgey Adams, outfitter. 108a. Dunraven Street, Tonypandy, was held on Tuesday before the Official Receiver at his offices at Merthyr. The statement of affairs showed liabilities to rank for dividend amounting to £1.496 12s. 6d. The assets were esti- mated at £ 276 Is. 9d.. leaving a deficiency of £1.220 10s. 8d. Bad trade, losses on betting transactions, and insufficient know- ledge of the business were the causes to which the debtor attributed his failure.

DR. BRIDGWATER, M.D., U.S.A.. 18, Custom House, street, Cardiff, Hours-U to i and to 9, 838 i

Saturday Popular Concerts. The sixth of the above was held at Ebenezer Chapel last Saturday evening, Mr. R. S. Griffiths, D.C., Clydach Vale, presided over a fair attendance. In his opening address, Mr. Griffiths said he was extremely pleased to identify himself with such an excellent movement, and he wished it all success. The artistes for the even- ing were: -Miss Maggie Mason, Aber- dare; Miss Rose Beauchamp, Tony- pandy; and Messrs. David Davies, Ton, and Ben Devonalcl, Pentre. This was Miss Mason's first appearance at Tonypandy, but after her excellent renderings of The Light of the World and 0 Divine Redeemer," it is to be hoped that it will not be her last. Her enunciation seemed to be her fortes and the interpretation generally was really artistic. Both songs were encored, Miss Mason replying with Gwlad y Delyn (an old favourite as an encore at these concerts) and "0 na byddai'n haf o hyd." Miss Beauchamp has a great reputation locally as a reciter of first class merit, her prizes at, eistedd- fodau being very numerous. Her effort on Saturday, viz., "Christmas Day at the Workhouse," was one of the best items of the evening, and thei delighted audience would not be denied an encore. Mr. David Davies was, as he always is, in good form. His songs, "Dream of Paradise" and Y Penill a ganai fy Nhad," were well sung, although one cannot admire a song such as the latter, when sung at a concert which is really a popular one. Still, it was encored, and Mr. Davies again obliged with Star of Bethlehem." Mr. Devonald, the winner of the baritone solo at the Cardiff Eisteddfod on Boxing Day, was in splendid voice. His songs were Nazareth" and Dagrau'r Iesu." Messrs. Davies and Devonald also contri- buted the duet, For so hath the Lord," from Mendelsshon's "St. Paul." Mr. David's solos on the organ were The War March of the Priests and Offertoire in A," both being well received. Next Saturday the Mid-Rhondda Orchestral Band will make a welcome appearance after an absence of a month. The vocal artistes will be Misses May Moses, Treherbert; Lily Edwards, Porth, and Mr. Tom Kemp, Ynyshir,