The Rhondda Leader

THEATRE ROYAL, TONYPANDY. Lessees ARTHUR CARLTON AND SAM DUCKWORTH. Resident Manager SAM DUCKWORTH. On MONDAY, JAN. 20th. 1902, and during the Week Special Visit of FRED BENTON'S Powerful Company in the Enormously Successful Drama of Intense Interest entitled— THE FRENCH SPY By E. HILL-MILCHELSON. Admission :—Private Boxes, 15/ Single Seats, 2/6 Dress Circle, New Plush Tip-up Chairs, 1/6, early door, 1/9; Stalls, Upholstered Seats, 1/ early door, 1/3 Gallery, 9d, early door, 1/ Pit, 6d., early door, 9d. Children over 12 months of age, half-price. Doors open at 7.15. To commence at 7.45. Early doors at 6.45. Monday, January 27th, 1902, and during the week-GRAND PANTOMIME. For Artistic Shop-Fitting! CONSULT WILLIAM JOHN, Complete Shop-Fitter and Show-Case Maker, Gough Street, Cardiff. Designs and Estimates on Application. b 706 The Central Umbrella Manufactory, /\6 7, Morgan's Arcade CARDIFF. r EFAIF8 Promptly Executed Walkiing Sticks & Caries Suitable for Presentation. Sunshades Re-covered & Re-lined WEAR t" Have you tried Carpenter's Noted Gents' 10/6 Boots ? 11, Church Street, CARDIFF (Opposite St. John's Church). DISTRICT NEWS. Services for Sunday Jllext. JERUSALEM, LLWYNYMA.—Dydd Sul, Ionawr 19, t) pregethir gan y Parch. J. JENKINS, Risca, (gynt o Tongwynlais,) am 10-30 a 6 o'r gloch. Ysgol yn Jerusalem a'r Gangen (Pontrhondda), am 2.

Treherbert. The annual supper in connection with the Treherbert Male Voice Party was held last week at. the Bute Hotel, Treherbert, when a merry evening was spent by the members and guests present. The cater- ing arrangements were in the hands of Mr. and Miss Thomas, the host and hostess, to whom much praise is due for the excel- lent manner in which they catered for the enjoyment of the party and their guests, the latter of whom consisted of the follow- ing gentlemen:— Mr. D. R. Jones, M.E., manager, Fernhill Collieries; Dr. St. Clair, Messrs. Wm. Henry, manager, Bute Merthyr Colliery; W. Davies, cashier. Fernhill Collieries J. M. Ryan, Railwav Bar Hotel; and Lewis Jones, butter merchant. An interesting programme was gone through. Reference was made to the absentees, among whom was Mr. Sidney John, the late secretary of the party, who is now at Bournmouth in search of the lost blessings of health. A telegram had been received from him that day, and which was read at the meeting, conveying' his best wishes for a happy evening. The musical items were -Part song, Awake, Æolian Lyre," by the Party, conducted by Mr. M. O. Jones, and accompanied by Mrs. J. Evans song, "Ten Years Ago," Mr A. T. Jones chorus. Night and Day," the Party; song, The Diver," Mr. Dd. Roberts; chorus, "Annie Laurie," the Party song. Longshoreman Billy," Mr. Dd. Rees song, "The Wolf," Mr. John Howells; song, "Just before the battle, mother," Mr. Harry Cray; The Cambrian War Song," Mr. George Pook; Awn i ben yr Wyddfa Fawr." by the Party song, Harry Bluff," Mr. Dd. Gwilym. The singing of the Welsh National Anthem brought to a close a very enjoyable meeting.

Treorchy. A series of revival meetings are being held this week at the Horeb English Baptist Chapel, commencing on Monday evening, and continuing until Fridav. The services of the following ministers have been secured for the five nights re- spectively -Revs. T. Davies, Pentre; J. Thomas. Coedpenmaen; E. Lewis, Treforest J. Ll. Williams. Treherbert; and W. E. Prince, Porth: The crusade has commenced in earnest, and some very successful meetings have been held al- ready. The friends at Horeb are notable for their zeal and energy with their evan- gelistic propaganda. Another grajid musical feast is provided for the music-lovers of Treorchy. Another erformance of Handel's masterpiece, iece, "The Messiah," will take place at an early date, by the Rhondda Philharmonic Society, conducted by the veteran Mr D. T. Prosser the hero of many Sationai contests. If the numerous high-class performances form a test of judgment Treorchy is really a cradle of musical genius. Several functions of lesser dimen- sions are also in store, as testified by the bills of fare so lavishly displayed. The National Democratic League is resuming its campaign in real earnestness. At. a general meeting to be held on Satur- day evening, Mr. T. J. Davies. Treorchy, will read a paper on "Registration." To those who are intimate with the principles and objects of the League, it is well known that Automatic Registration forms one of the planks in its platform. Con sequently, this topic is one of great in- terest to all Leaguers, and the discussion thereof will doubt'ess evoke still further interest and enthusiasm. Mr. David Williams, the proprietor and manager of that powerful dramatic corn- cam7. "The Royal Divorce." is a native Tv'pm'rhv. and the son of Mrs. Williams, Cemetery Roacl. Mr. Williams has worked himself up to his present position through sheer perseverance and energy, tnrougi t0 be complimented on ioSt .nteresttag drama. together with the personality of the manager, attracted huge crowds of spec- tators. FRANK THOMAS, My Hatter," Pontypridd, has an ideal stock. He is willing to Cuff your wrist. Collar your neck, acd Crown your head with one of his cele- brated 3s. 9d. Hats. 88

Cwmparc. On Thursday the funeral took place of May, the second child of Mr. and Mrs. D. J. Watkins, Park Road. She died rather suddenly on the previous Monday, and was but two years and nine months old. The Rev. J. Davies, pastor of Bethel, conducted the funeral service. The afflicted parents have the sympathy of friends and neighbours. The hand of Death has been very evident, in this locality of late, which exemplifies the truth of the familiar Welsh proverb, Gauaf gias, mynwent fras." A very interesting debate is anticipated at the Park Hall next Saturday, under the auspices of the Debating Society. The subject will be Vegetarianism." Mr. W. E, Davies will be the champion of the beef-eaters, while, Mr. Tom Evans will open on behalf of total abstinence from flesh food. This is a, subject that is brimful of interest, and of no little im- portance, inasmuch as the laws of health and our physical welfare are involved therein. The names of the initiators pro. and con. guarantee a thorough ven- tilation of the subject. On Sunday evening the Rev. T. L. Davies, pastor of Soar, preached the funeral sermon of the late Mrs. Lewis, of Lower Terrace, at, the above chapel. Mrs. Lewis, whose almost tragic death was re- ported a few weeks ago, was a faithful and diligent member of thei church at Soar. Mr. Davies dwelt on the good qualities of the deceased, and pointed out her fidelity to the cause and domestic virtues as the products of a beautiful character. Thanks to that universal scavenger, the frost, the roads of Cwmparc have become once more accessible to the. pedestrian. Last week they were literally flooded with slush, and the poor traveller had to plod his weary way wallowing now and again in a veritable slough of despond." It is a great pity that street improvements could not be extended to our village, and that the denizens of Cwmparc should not have their share of the benefits of civilisa- tion. Some of the young men of this neigh- bourhood have been talking and discuss- ing the advisability of having a Ruskin Hall class in the locality. Beyond all doubt an institution of that nature would be an iwimitigated boon. The educational value of these classes to working; men cannot be over-estimated. Civic educa- tion is one of our great national needs, and there is no better method of obtaining it than to take a course of study at one of these classes, or better still to go for a term to Oxford and obtain tuition and the benefits of university lectures there In other districts in South Wales branches of the Ruskin Hall Institution have been formed, and several working men who are anxious for self-culture have availed themselves of the educational advantages offered them. We say to Cwmparc, Go thou and do likewise." Practical education for working men and useful knowledgei concerning our rights and duties of citizenship is a long-felt want amongst us. The policy of the open doors creates no disturbance in this quiet locality. While our neighbouring employers are waging war with one another and with their agitating employee, there is peace, per- fect peace" among.st us, and the early closing problem has been satisfactorily solved. LT AUK! The whole Valley rings and re-echoes I-JL again and again that Frank Thomas, "My Hatter, Pontypridd, sells the best 3s. 9d. Hats. 58

Pentre. The man Ward, supposed to be a marine engineer, who fell out from the attic window, a drop of 36 feet, at Mrs. Huntley's Coffee Tavern, Pentre-in a delusive somnambulistic walk or otherwise --has been most reticent as to his history, and a few days ago he was removed to the Cottage Hospital at Porth. His improve- ment is still very slight. A very successful series of revival meetings were held all through last week at Zion English Baptist Church. Pentre, conducted in sympathy with the great movement of the Evangelical Alliance all through the Kingdom. The Rev. D. G. Morris presided throughout. Impressive sermons were delivered aby the, Revs. J. Lamb, Nazareth, Coedymeibion, on Mon- day evening; H. B. Jones. Merthyr Vale, on Tuesday; E. Aubrey. Merthyr, Wed- nesday T. Davies, Moriah, Pentre, Thursday; E.' Owen, B.A., Tonypandy, on Friday, when the church had the joy of reaping the fruit of the mission. The wonderful success at Nantymoel cheered them in their efforts. Doubtless the Leader enters many a home where there is some member whose feeble health makes exist- ence a misery and a burden, or perhaps it is a disease considered incurable which is wasting away life. Where- ever there is such a case, we would call his or her attert- tion to the remarkable list of testimonials published in our columns this week by the eminent Cureopaths-Pro- fessor T. H. Arthur & Co., who are introducing an en- tirely New, Natural and Scientific Method of Curing Chronic Diseases which is the result of twenty years Study and Experience on their part

Gelli. The sad accident recorded last week proved fatal in a couple of hours, not- withstanding all the care possible. The skull was damaged. The brain was pro- truding out, and was damaged. He died at the residence of his father, 198, Gelli Road, on Thursday morning. An inquest was, held, the verdict being Accidental death, resulting from fall of roof." On Monday the funeral of Ebenezer Morris took place. An immense concourse of peop e, 3,000 or 4,000 strong, assembled to take the mortal remains of this popular young collier to his long rest. The J riendly Society, the Bristol and West of mSererl aJld Provident Society, mastered strongly, and preceded the deceaseds Sundey school class paid aTrf trelth 5io?hf0ry V Placins ^autifui the Rev PE W?SDgavTees' Hei* the <>eral assisted by the Rev. loan Thoma°s Gelli' faithfulness to his duties. eSrt,y and DR. BRIDGWATER, M.D.. USA K N I street, Cardiff, ttcura-u 4 ana & toT™ Hou|$ An old and well known inhabitant of this district was laid to rest on Tuesday last, viz., Mr. John Thomas, Alexandra Road, Gelli, who had been unable to follow his employment for many years, but who was able to be about almost to the' last. He had played his part in the affairs of the district socially and indus- trially for a long period. He was kind- hearted, and quite a unique personal character. An immense concourse of people carried him to his well-earned rest. The Rev. loan Thomas, of Gelli, officiated. The new chapel of Hope is proceeding favourably, and a. badly needed edifice will soon decorate this, district, and em- bellish our too matter-of-fact, hard, architectural decorations.

Ystrad-Rhondda. The funeral of Mrs. Elizabeth Edwards, Ystrad-Rhondda, widow of the late Mr. Edward Edwards, for many years manager at Bodringallt Colliery, took place on Thursday at Groeswen. The cortege in- cluded the Revs. Anthony Williams, Nebo; T'. D. Jones, Bodringallt; Henry James, curate of St. Stephen's, and a large number of relatives and friends. Nebo Church has a very unique meeting once a year, viz., an annual communion service, in which the whole of the accounts of the church for the year are presented. These for this year shew a total of £ 469, giving an average of over £ 2 per member. This is a cheerful fact, and a high compli- ment to the voluntary principle. This district has lost a very old in- habitant through the death of Mrs. Eliza- beth Edwards (the mother of Mr. Dan Edwards, Bodringallt Colliery Offices), and the widow of the late Mr. Edward Edwards, for many years manager at Bodringallt Colliery. The funeral took place on Thursday January 9th, at the old resting place of the family at Groeswen. The funeral cortege went in carriages along the road, and included Revs. Anthony Williams, Nebo, Ystrad; T. D. Jones, Bodringallt; Henry Jones, curate of St. Stephen's Church, and a large number of prominent local inhabitants, relatives, and friends. POULTRY-KEEPERS should procure a useful Book on -L Poultry-keeping and Thorley's Almanack for 1902, -both of which will be sent on receipt of two penny stamps (to cover postag-e)-Address-Almanack Dept., Joseph Thorley (Ltd.), King's Cross London, the Proprietors of Ovum, Thorley's Poultry Spice..83

Llwynypia, We regret to announce the of Mr. Balman, the oldest Churchman of the parish, who died of senile decay, He was the most regular attendant of St. An- drew's Church, and was there un the morn- ing of New Year's Day, at the early cele- bration of the Eucharist, when he was scarcely able to crawl up to the Com- munion rails. He was a well known figure in the Sunday School, and his class always was composed of the roughest boys, who came to him to be shaped." A fine wreath, which was collected for at the door of the church on Sunday last, was placed on his coffin. He was Juried on Monday at Capel Bach, Tonvrcfail, the Rev. R. W. Evans, Llwynypia", officiating. The mortal remains of Mrs. Baynham, Grange Terrace, were interred at Llethrddu Cemetery on Monday last. The Rev. J. Y. Jones officiated. The deceased was a member of Jerusalem church, and leaves a husband (Mr. Charles Baynham) and several grown up children to mourn their loss. The Llwynypia Branch of the United Patriots' National Benefit Society opened a branch at Trdalaw on Saturday. Mr. James Boyce presided, supported by Mr. H. Morgan, Ynyshir; Mr. R. T. Pearce, Penygraig; and Mr. B. Hoddinot, Llwyn- ypia. This is the fifth branch opened by Llwynypia, which speaks most highly of the interest taken by Mr. Boyce and the members of the branch. Mr. A. Marshall was elected chairman, and Mr. Edgar Morgan, secretary, 7, Dinas Road. The place of meeting is LJanbarran Coffee Tavern. The host, and hostess provided substantial supper, after which addresses were delivered by the visitors. The usual weekly meetings, in connec- tion with the Jerusalem branch of the Young People's Christian Union for Wales, were held last week and on Wednesday of this week. At the former meeting, Mr. D. J. Hickman, organist, read an English paper on Sound," under the presidency of Mr. J. W. Richards, chemist; whilst at the latter, Mr. D. P. George, of Mardy (lately Llwynypia), read a Welsh one on Laziness," under the presidency of Mr. G. Evans, printer. The papers were quite distinct in their purpose and character, and both reflected credit on their respective authors. Mr. George ably pictured lazi- ness in all its hideousness. and the fatal consequences to a lazy life both in the church and in the world. Several ladies and gentlemen took part. The Rev. J Pritchard, Llwynypia, and the Rev. W: E. Davies, Clydach Vale, who were pre- sent at the latter meeting, eulogised the paper by Mr. George, and spoke very en- couragingly to the members of the Asso- ciation. Mr. Davies will very probably open a branch at Calfaria Chapel in a week or so.

A Rhondda Minister's Remarkable Statement. The Rev Thomas Davies, the popular minister of Moriah, Baptist Church, Pentre, -tates:-Professor T H Arthur & Co. have submitted for my inspection a large number of genuine testimonials of most wonderful cures that have been made in this district as well as through- out the country generally by their new Treatments and as many of them are known personally to me, I can with the greatest confidence recommend this gentleman and his methods to all sufferers who stand in need of honest, skilful, and quick health-restoring treatment. Brynhyfryd, Pentre, Signed, January 15, 1902. THOMAS DAVIES, As many of the people who are cured by our new Treatments object to having their names published, we thought it would at once carry conviction to the minds of any reasonable persons, were they to have the opinion of a well-known public man, such as Air Davies, on our work.

Clydach Vale. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the Public Hall. Blaenclydach, three grand performances of the opera, "Cinderella and the Prince," were given by the Siloh Juvenile Choir. Mr. John Jenkins, the conductor, wfll have reason to be proud of his opening venture for this church, for it is one: of the good old sort, full of fun, pretty solos, and jokes. Miss Lizzie Jones, Vochriw, makes a charming and captivating "Cinderella," sings well, and acts gracefully. Applause was loud for her song, Gone are the days," and the duet. I'll take this rose," together with the "Prince," who was disguised as a soldier, which part was played in a highly meritorious manner. A young lady who was responsible for many peals of laughter was Miss Sophia Bowen (a, pupil of Mr. Ben Davies, Clydach Vale), who imper- sonated "Priscilla," the step-sister, and is worthy of great praise. She played with plenty of vivacity and pertness, and there was a dash and go about her acting which was admirably suited to the part. She makes herself a favourite. "Jane," the other step-sister, was personated by Miss BJodwen Davies, Clydach Vale, who naturally possesses a tuneful and pleading, voice, and who proved at, this performance a great contrast to her usual style owing to the fact that she was suffering from a very severe cold. Nevertheless, she acted well. Mr. W. C. Edwards (Glandwr Elian), Tonypandy, portrayed in a taking manner "The Baron," Cinderella's father, and his solo, "When our homes and wives," with chorus, gained enthusiastic applause. The "Prince" is a highly humorous per- sonage, the portrayal being in the hands of Mr. D. G. Davies (Llew Bedw), Clydach Vale, who is responsible for many peals of laughter that accompany the opera on In all diseases consult the eminent Specialist, Dr. Bridg- water, M.D., V.S.A., IS,Oustom House-street, Cardiff.833 its way. The fairy god-mother has a most pleasing representative in Miss Catherine Switten, Tonypandy, and Lurline," in Miss Letitia. A. Jenkins, and the Herald," in the liaiids of Mr. Morgan Jones, Clydach Vale. The above artistes are also assisted by the Juvenile Choir in a number of fairy choruses and semi-choruses, which were exceedingly well rendered. The accompanist was Mr. Ben Davies (conductor of the Clydach Vale Male. Voice Party), and Mr. George (chemist), who presided at the organ, in the unavoidable absence, through indis- position, of Mr. W. J. Michael, Clydach. Mr. Pugh, Tonypandy, presided as chair- man on Thursday, in the absence of Mr. L. W. Llewellyn, M.E. On Friday, Mr. E. H. Davies, Pentre, and Saturday, Dr. Morgan, Clydach Vale. All concerned, together with the energetic pastor of the church, the Rev. Mr. Williams, are to be congratulated on the success of the opera, which for rollicking fun would be hard to surpass. ALL SUFFERERS from Chronic aud Painful Dis- eases Qhould lose no time in putting themselves under our New Treatments if they want a quick Cure- Messrs. T. H. Arthur & Co., The Cureo- pathlc Institute, COMMERCIAL TEMPERANCE HOTEL, PENTRE, RIIONDDA

Penygraig. A temperance meeting was held at jNazareth (C.M.) Chapel on Monday even- ing. The chair was occupied by Mrs. Williams, Merthyr. Miss Cranogwen Rees, Ton, made some remarks with regard to the South Wales Women's Temperance Union, its objects, and the good work ac- complished. Miss Rees has been the chief organiser of the. Union in South Wales, and the branch established at Pen- ygraig is in a very flourishing condition. Miss Annie Pritchard, Birmingham, sec- retary of the North Wales Temperance Union, said she was verv pleased to find that, the women of Wales had discovered the benefits and the necessity of uniting together in the. temperance cause. Pre- vious to the formation of the Union, great work was done by the women individually; now however, they came to know one another, and their hard task was made pleasanter. The object of that meeting was to swell the ranks, seeing that the work was great, and required the efforts of many to secure success. The Rev. James Morris proposed a vote of thanks to Miss Pritchard for her stirring address, Miss Cranogwen Rees seconded, and the motion was carried. Mr. David Davies proposed a vote of thanks to Mrs. Wil- liams for presiding at the meeting, and Mr. Lewis Roberts, Cynlais House, seconded. Miss Rhoda Jones gave a fine rendering of "Y Bachgen Drwg," and Dagrau'r Ieu" by Mrs. Rebecah Morgan was well received. A collection was made towards the Union's Fund. On Wednesday evening a meeting of the Literary Society was held at Pisgah Chapel, under the presidency of Mr. Rees Davies The; opening solo, "Y Bachgen wr, was given by Mr. John Howell. A very able and interesting paper was read by Mr. Robert Jones on the late Tom Ellis, M.P.

Mardy. The number of Sunday drinking dens at Mardy has again been augmented. Last Sunday the. Workmen's Reform Club opened its doors, and the effects of barley- corn were plainly visible, to the detriment of all who attended the two chapels situated at the lower end of Mardy Road On Monday, January 27th, Mardvites will again have an intellectual AIr. W. Abraham, M.P.. and Mr. Joseph Howes are to deliver addresses at Betfiariin Welsh C.M. Chapel. We sincerely S Mardvites will attend en masse. Mr Abraham is always interesting, and &fter his great American tour, he should be doubly so, whilst Mr. Howes' witticisms and sarcastic drives are always appre- ciated.

Ferndale. Mr. R. J. Rhys, coroner, held an inquest at Ferndale on Thursday on the body of David John Price, a haulier, aged 39 years, of 11, Regan Street, Ferndale, who was run over by a tram of coal at the No 4 Colliery. A verdict of 'Accidental death was returned. 1 On Tuesday evening at the Tabernacle Chapel, a soiree was given under the auspices of the Ferndale Ladies' Choir This was the end of the first. year of the choir's existence, and it was thought fit to commemorate the event in this ad- mirable manner. The choir, although young, has made several successful ap- pearances. On Christmas Day they ob- tained. first prize at the Ferndale eistedd- fod, and came in for some praiseworthy remarks by the adjudicators. The con- In all diseases consult the eminent Specialist, Dr. Bridg- water, M.D., U.S.A., I§,0u8tom House-street, Cardig, S3§

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Gilfach Goch. On Thursday afternoon, while following his employment, John William Smith, haulier, was seriously injured, it is feared internally, at the Britannia Colliery.

Mid-Rhondda Young Men's Association. A debate in connection with the above was held last Fridav evening at the Gwalia Restaurant. The subject under discussion was Moderation v. Total Abstinence." Mr. Gwilym Rowlands, Penygraig, pre- sided. Mr. James Griffiths, Court Street, opened the debate on behalf of moderation, and this being his first effort as a leading counsel, he was given a, hearty reception. His paper was indeed an excellent one, and was well received. Mr. J. T. Lewis, Llwynypia Schools, followed in opposition with an equally able paper, which dealt chiefly with the bad effects of alcohol on the system. Mr. G. Thomas and Mr. Dan Morgan having supported moderation and total abstinence respectively, the debate was left, open. It was soon ap- parent that the general feeling was in favour of moderation, few members indeed supporting total abstinence. The follow- ing spoke :—-Messrs. J. Jones, D. E. Griffiths, Griff. Davies, David Evans, Henry Rees, D. Rees, A. J. Jones, W. J. Evans, R. R. Williams, and Mr. R. S. Griffiths, District Councillor. The last named was accorded a warm welcome to this, his first, meeting of the association. Mr. Lewis and Mr. Griffiths having re- plied to their critics, the house divided, showing a. majority of 10 in favour of moderation. An important matter was afterwards submitted for consideration. Mr. T. GWllym James, the travelling secretary of the x.M.C.A., has, it seems, received four communications from Tonypandy since the formation of the Youno: Men's Association, aesiring him to come antl form a branch in this district. Mr. James had, however, written to the Y.M.A. secretary asking +Perilr11-K^on to address the members VAJ °"Ject °f amalgamating with the Y M.c A. The advisability was con- sidered on Friday evening, and after de- precating; the mean, underhanded methods pursued by these persons not altogether unknown, who, strange to say, did not see the need of a Y.M.C.A. before the Y.M.A. was formed, the unanimous feeling of the members was that, it is inadvisable to amalgamate with the Y.M.C.A., seeing that the Y.M.A. caters for young men who would not be reached at all by the Y.M.C.A. If, however, a branch of the latter be formed, many members ex- pressed that they would seek membership, but the Y.M.A. would have the first claim on their time. It was therefore decided without any dissentient. that Mr. James be invited to address the Y.M.A. next Friday evening, with the understanding that there will be no amalgamation. It. seems, however, that Mr. James is unwilling to come on that understanding. A general meeting of the members, however, will be held on Friday evening to consider the question. DR. ERIDGWATER, M.D., U.S.A., 18, Custom House street, Cardiff, Houys—U to 4 and 6.20 to 9. eaa.

Ystrad County Court. On Tuesday at Ystrad County Court, before his Honour Judge Gwilym Williams, Mrs. Morgan, Llwynypia Road, sued Elizabeth Thomas, Heolfach, for t3, value of a dress which plaintiff alleged the de- fendant had spoiled in making up. Mr. James Phillips appeared for plaintiff, and Mr. J. Colenso Jones defended.—A verdict was given for the full amount claimed. Mary Elizabeth Davies, a married woman residing in Ystrad Road, Pentre. sued the Royal Counties Insurance Co. for t25 10s., in respect of an insurance policy on the life of one Ann Jones. Mr. D. W. Jones, Pentre, appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. James Phillips defended. The evidence was to the effect that plain- tiff had lent money to the extent of £ 29 to Ann Jones. She had paid all premiums up to the death of her aunt. The defence was that the money lent to Ann Jones did not belong to the plaintiff, but to her husband. His Honour, in giving his verdict, said that he was satisfied that Mrs. Davies had a pecuniary interest in the life of her aunt, and the money under the police should be paid to her. David Holmes, landlord of the. New Inn Hotel, sued the secretary of the Pentre cricket club for £ (i, rent for the use of a field. Several witnesses were called, but his Honour held that no contract was made, and non-suited the plaintiff.

Rhondda Baptist Ministerial Union. The Baptist ministers of the Rhondda held their monthlv meeting at Jerusalem. Llwynypia, on Tuesday last. The usual conference was held in the afternoon, under the presidency of the Rev. J. Y. Jones, Trealaw, and during the proceedings a very able par>er on the "Atonement"— so vital in its importance—was read in Welsh by the Rev. E, W. Davies, Ton. Space will not permit our inserting it in this issue, but at the.request of the meet- ing arrangements are being made for its production in pamphlet form. Mr. Davies was very properly complimented for his lucid treatise, and it will undoubtedly be perused with avidity by both ministers and laymen, as the author's name is a guarantee for its soundness. The hearty welcome given by the ministers to the lay- men present. at once discountenanced the erroneous idea, that their conferences are held in camera and for trades union pur- Poses. In the evening, the Rev. W. Morris, of Treorchy—the everpopular Rhosynog- preached with unusual power and telling effect to a small audience, unfortunately. Between the two meetings a splendid re- past had been prepared in the vestry, and the walls were suitably decorated for the occasion. Two large posters, inscribed Welcome to the Baptist Ministers," soon drew eulogistic references to the hearty welcome extended them. The following ladies presided at the luncheon —Mrs. J. Y\. Richards and Mrs. Cox, at one table; and also Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Old, and Mrs. Jones at the other.

Rhondda Naturalists, Society. A conversazionie in connection with the above society was held at James's Hall, Pentre, on Thursday evening, when a large number of the members and guests were present to celebrate the first festival of the society. Hitherto they had limited their public functions to lectures which have been held at the Drill Hall, Pentre, and as the society is yet 111 its infancy, we hope it will survive and reach its maturity, and prove worthy of its distinguished promoters. On Ihursday, although the- weather was very unfavourable, the success of the meeting was beyond the expectations of many. The president of the society, the Rev. Precentor Lewis, Vicar, presided, and his address, was worthy of the position allotted to him. He referred to the work of the society in the past, and especially to the excavation done at the °nM nan\fl^ «V>untam last sum- Jones, organist of St. Petei s Church, Pentre, and conductor of the Cambria Glee Society, assisted by Mr. Percy G. Smith, Ton, officiated at the pianoforte. Solos were given by Miss A. Miles. Pentre; Miss Marv Williams (Llinos Wyoming, U.S.A.), and Mr. Ben Devonald,' Ton. Mr. Percy G. Smith gave a fine selection on the oboe. The chief event, of the evening was the exhibition of scientific apparatus, namely, wireless telegraphy, Rontgen Rays, and Hertzian apparatus, Mr. G. M. L. Leeming, science teacher at the Higher Grade, gave a few demonstrations with the Rontgen Rays, bv which the bones of the hand were visible and a purse containing money, the rays pene- trating through the purse, leaving only the coins in sight. Unfortunately, the JetCE ^monstrating the wireless S J dld ai:rly|e m time to be cxnioitea I he hall was verv tastilv the0L^d Pby/Ir' I) Thomas Pentre and Mr T- Auckland, were rlr-m- l 1 T, ^rer refreshments AnoH1(,r by,Mf' Collier, Pentre. to » nfn portion of the hall was devoted iW nWS+Um- *;Hre a variety of interest- nt Mo'] i l n £ finds of the societv aindy* canip, under the supervision of an+V, ?ri5?8\s' the curator, and sbS0" ivr Edward II. in Glamorgan- ;l e'„ Microscopic slides, coins, anct houth African curiosities, were ex- hibited. Great, credit is due to the committee for the able manner in which they hac] prepared the programme for the evening. The dancing was enjoyed by all. Players at, ping-pong were very enthusiastic!. The energetic secretary, Mr. W. Parfitt, is to he complimented for his able service on behalf of the society since its inauguration. In all diseases consult the eminent Specialist, Dr. Bride. water, -M. D., U, S. A., 18, Custom

ductress is Miss M. E. Thomas, in whose ability we have every confidence in record- ing still further successes. We under- stand that the choir intends rehearsing for several important events, and we have no doubt but that they will acquit themselves admirably. A party of about 90 sat at the tables on Tuesday evening tQ partake of the delicacies that had been prepared by the ladies. The following were the ladies who presided at the tables:—Miss M. E. Thomas, Mrs. Jenkins, Miss Richards, Miss Lewis, Miss Griffiths, Mrs. Evans, Miss Thomas, and Miss Samuel, who well deserved the eulogistic praise that was showered upon them. After the tables had been cleared, and fruit handed round, several games were played, to the delight of the company. An interesting programme was also gone through, when Mr. John Thomas, father of the con- ductress, was voted- to the chair. Mr. Thomas presided, as usual, in his own jovial way. and keot the party in excellent humour. Mr. W. J. Davies sustained the accompaniments in his usual brilliant manner. Mr. Davies is also the accom- panist of the Ladies' Choir. The pro gramme was: -Duet, "Mae'r byd vn llawn o ganu," Miss M. E. Thomas and Mrs. J. J. Jenkins: song, "Killarney," Miss Myfanwy Williams (encored) trio, Cyn gweled y dwyrain yn gwenu," Messrs. Tom Jenkins, Johnny Jones, and Wm. Jones; song, Toriad y Dydd," Miss M. E. Williams; stump speech, "The Quack Doctor," Mr. J. Picton Jones (this item was one of the tit-bits of the evening); duet, "Maggie," Miss R. A. Jones and Miss Mattie Williams mandoline solo, Mr. J. J. Jenkins; Mr. Richard Davies, one of the deacons of the Tabernacle Chapel, addressed the meeting, and stated he was proud of the Ladies' Choir. They were an honour to Ferndale, and they deserved every encouragement. He wished them every success possible in the future. (Cheers.) Song, Daddy," Miss R. A. Jones; "Yr Haf," by the choir, in excel- lent style. Mr. J. J. Jenkins, in a few words, proposed a vote of thanks to the ladies for their excellent evening's enter- tainment, also to the chairman and ac- companist for their services. Mr. W. Jones seconded, which was enthusiastically received. The chairman also proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the Tabernacle church for the use of the vestry, and for their kindness with their willing help. Miss M. A. Rees seconded. The singing of "Hen wlad fy nhadau by Mr. J. J. Jenkins terminated a very pleasant even- ing.