The Rhondda Leader

Ystrad Police Court. Monday.—Before the Stipendiary (Mr. J. Ignatius Williams), Aldermen Rd. Lewis. E. H. Davies, and W. Morgan, Messrs. T. P. Jenkins, and J. D. Williams. Hotel Transfer. Mr. James Phillips, solicitor, appeared for the transfer of the license of the Pen- gelli Hotel, Treorchy, for the present tenant, Mr. Peter Thomas, to Mr. Phillips, late chairman of the Mountain Ash Dis- trict Council.—The application was granted. Ejectment Order. An ejectment order was granted to Urien Rheged Edwards, schoolmaster, Y strad-Rhondda, against his tenant, Charles Thomas,Ystrad. Applicant said that scarlet fever had broken out at the house-at least, there was a notice up- after the termination of the notice. He would be satisfied if an order to quit were made. Theft at Tonypandy. Joshua Williams, collier, Oakfield Ter- race, Llwynypia, was charged with stealing a dog collar from James Wilson, lace ven- dor, at the bar of the Pandy Hotel, Tony- pandy, on the Saturday night previous. Wilson said defendant, wanted to buy the collar for 2s., whereas he wanted 2s. 6d. for it. and refused to sell under. Defen- dant ultimately collared the collar, and decamped with it. The Stipendiary re- marked that defendant might have thought it a joke at the time, but it was a serious joke, and he would have to pay £1 towards the costs of the case, and if he were an honest man, he would pay the value of the collar. The Deaf and Dumb Case. The adjourned case in which Elizabeth Thomas, a deaf and dumb mute, applied for an affiliation order against George Walker, shoemaker, Gelli, again came up for hearing. The case was adjourned from the previous Monday to allow a Mrs. Herd, who was alleged to have seen the parties together, to be called. Mrs. Herd, who was also deaf and dumb, through an inter- preter, Mr. Ed. Jones, the Library, said she accompanied the complainant to the Cheap Jacks at Gelli, and to her sur- prise, George Walker came up and accom- panied her. When they got to the "Cheap Jack's Elizabeth and George left. On In g the following morning complainant told her that defendant had seduced her. After further evidence an order for 3s. 6d. a week and costs was made. Odds and Ends. Noah Williams, Gelli, wa^ fined 10s. for allowing his chimney to catch fire. John Evans, Treorchy, and Ellis Whit- lock, Ystrad, were fined for committing nuisances. George Duckfield, Gelli Thomas Jones, Ton; Caradog Howells, Pentre; Richard Griffiths, Treorchy; and James Williams, painter, Pentre, were each fined for being drunk on licensed premises. For being drunk in charge of a horse and cart. John Cooling, haulier, Trebanog, was fined 10s. Henry Cullin, 15, Bayham Street, Tre- herbert, was charged with stealing a quan- tity of horse's fodder. It appeared that defendant was in the act of filling a sack with horses' food when a sergeant ap- peared, and Cullin was so frightened that he bolted through a hole in the wall. Sub- sequently, however, he was arrested, and now fined 15s. A travelling gipsy, named Wm. Henry Stokes, now camping at Tonyrefail, was charged with stealing two gold rings from 101. High Street, Cymmer. Defendant entered the back, and took the two rings from a box. He was fined 10s. Drunks. Among those fined for being drunk were Rees Rees, labourer, Gelli; Wm. H. Hughes, collier, Pentre; Benj. Giles, collier, Pentre; Mrs. Giles, Cwmparc John Wise, labourer, Treorchy; Thos. Harris, collier. Treorchy; and Morgan Meredith, haulier, Pentre. A Foolish Husband. Thos. Evans, 76, Aberrhondda, Road, Ynyshir, was charged with attempting to shoot his wife. Mary Jane Evans, on Sun- day night. Prosecutrix stated that on the night in question she was in her bedroom in comnanv with a Mrs. Phillips, and was making the beds. About 7 o'clock her husband entered the room, closed the door, and went to the dressing table. He in- stantly wheeled around .and holding^a re- volver to his wife's head, said Now I will shoot you, you b- Witness was frightened, and seized hold of the revolver with both hands, and a struggle ensued for its possession, which lasted about 15 minutes. Mrs. Phillips also assisted against the husband. Aft., some time, he was overpowered, and tne weapon taken from him. Witness cried Murder, murder," at the same time holding down defendant on a box. Two lodgers were in the house, and they both rushed upstairs on hearing the disturbance. On examination, witness said that the revolver was un- loaded, but she found two cartridges in the box. In examination by Inspector Wil- liams, witness said she and her husband had quarrelled that day. Her husband wanted to go to live in a smaller house, and struck her in the face.—Replying to a question from the Bench as to whether defendant was jealous of the lodgers, com- plainant said he was jealous of everybody, and wanted her to get rid of them, but she would not be able to keep lyipse with what her husband gave her. He had given her nothing for six weeks, and she had summoned him for non. maintenance. After they arrived downstairs, defendant said he would do for her, and he would do it very quietly. Defandant now said there was nothing in the revolver, and he was in drink at the time.—Complainant replied that he had only had a few bottles.—Mrs. M. A. Phillips, who occupied apartments in the same house, gave evidence in corroboration. P.C. Gwilym gave evidence as to arresting the defendant, who, in reply to the charge, said, "I only did it for fun; I had no in- tention of shooting the b-. I only wanted to frighten the b-. There were no cartridges in the revolver."—The Bench thought defendant had no intention of shooting his wife, but it was somewhat extraordinary that cartridges were found in the room. It was clear that he only wanted to frighten her, but it was a very foolish act on his part. He would be dis- charged. Alleged Theft of a Horse. Gomer Jones. York Terrace, Porth, was charged with stealing a horse, the property of Jiilisha Price, manager of Poole s Theatre, Porth. Ernest Price .son of the complainant, said that on the loth inst. he missed a cob from the stables at Porth —Thos. Cory, brake driver, Tre orchv. said defendant wanted to exchange horses with him, which he agreed to do. From what he was told after the deal, he went to the police-station, and laid in- formation. Evidence was given by John Green, cab driver, Porth, who remarked that Cory had by far the best of the bar- gain.—A coachman in the employ of Dr. Jackson said he had entered the stables after Cory and Jones. They were about to place a bridle on the horse, when wit- ness asked what were they doing, when prisoner said Cory has bought the horse from Mr. Price." Cory did not deny the statement.' P.C. Davies (407) said that when arrested. Jones said, "I thought of making a bargain between Price and Cory."—Mr. Price gave evidence, and said he had not authorised Jones to make the deal. Prisoner was committed for trial, bail being allowed.

INJURED JOINTS. Mr. S. CLIBURN, Expert in Joint and Spinal Lameness, of 52, Davies Street, Berkeley Square, London, W., may be con- sulted at the Castle Hotel, Merthyr, on Friday, January 31st, (hours, 10.30 to 12.30); Angel Hotel, Abergavenny, on Friday, January 31st (hours, 3.30 to 6.30); also at the Central Hotel, Cardiff, on Saturday, February 1st (hours, 12 to 4 and 6 to 7.30 p.m.). RECENT TESTIMONIALS. R 16, Wyndham Street, Treherbert. 25th Sept., 1900. Sir,—I beg to say that the cure I had at your hand was a marvel, considering the state of my knee, which had been neglected for so long after the accident had occurred. IF IT HADN'T BEEN FOR YOU, DOUBTLESS I WOULD HAVE BEEN LAME ALL MY LIFE.—Faithfully yours, WILLIAM EVANS. Mr. John W. Robertson, of 134, PhyUis Street. Barry Island, Cardiff, writes on March 8th, 1898 —" Mr. Cliburn. Sir,— I have great pleasure in testifying to the benefit received from your treatment. of my foot, which was injured in 1894 by a fall of 30 feet. I had it treated by three dinerent doctors, with no good result. Coming to this part of the country, I was advised to try you, and now it is as strong as the other, through vour treatment." Mr. Robertson writes on 6th Januarv. 1901: My foot does not, inconvenience me now, thanks to your treatment." 1, Fron Terrace, Merthyr Road, Ponty- pridd, 4th Sept., 1900. Dear Sir,—I am very pleased to inform you that my son has completely recovered. He has quite regained the use of his toe. He is now able to walk without the least pain, and is working every day, thanks to your treatment.—Yours faithfully, J. EVANS. 7, High Hillside, Houghton-Ie-Spring, October 4th, 1899. Dear Sir,-I am proud to tell you that I have started work, and my knee is first- class in fact, it has never been what it is now for eleven years, thanks to your skill. I suffered eleven years with a twisted knee- joint.-Yours fraternally, JOHN MOODY. 15, Pilgrim Street, Newcastle-on-Tyne, 29th Sept., 1899. Dear Sir,—I herebv wish to convey to you my deep gratitude in having restored to me, the use of my shoulder, which I had dislocated. I had placed myself under medical and bonesetters' treatment before coming to you, and was still unable to lift my arm or place it behind my back in fact, I had despaired of regaining en- tire use of it again. You, however, did more for me in five minutes. than I had been able to do in as many weeks. I have now entirely regained the use of it, for which I shall always be indebted to you.- Yours faithfully, GEO. H. STOREY (Estate Agent). 17, Clyde St., Cardiff, 8th January, 1901. Dear Sir,—My daughter's foot is quite cured. She is able to stand all day at business without the slightest, pain. I cannot speak too highly of your wonderful treatment after other doctors had failed. I firmly believe she would have been a cripple had I not consulted you.—Truly yours, (Mrs.) E. STEELE. 65, Trealaw Road, near Porth. 9th, January, 1901. Dear Sir,—I now take the pleasure of thanking you for putting my knee right after six years of nain—in a few minutes you put it right. It has now had a twelvemonth's rest, and I have not had a minute's pain since your treatment. Before I came to you I could not put the least weight on my knee.—Yours truly, TOM A. DAVIES. Central House, T'aff's Well, near Cardiff. 30th April, 1893. Sir,—For 18 months I suffered mucn pain and inconvenience from an injured ankle, following my work at times in agony. Often when home was reached after my daily work, it was more than I could do to walk across the floor. When you visited Cardiff on the 19th March I consulted you, and gratitude prompts me to say for the benefit of others that you cured my foot there and then.—I am, Sir, very truly yours, JOHN HOWELLS. Mr. Howells writes again on 25th June, 1899: My foot is still satisfactory." Colliers' Row, Maohen, nr Newport, Moil. 23rd February, 1898. Dear Sir,—I feel it my duty to sav that I have been a great sufferer with a bad hip joint for 13 years. I have tried many doctors, but all to no purpose. I am happy to inform you that, after being under your treatment, I am completely cured.—Yours most truly, C MARK ANTHONY. Mr. Anthony writes on 7th January, 1901 —" The hip joint treated by you is perfectly cured. I am well as ever I was." Mr. Cliburn's visit is also referred to in the news column.

Porth Police Court. Colliery Officials Assaulted. Before Mr. J. Ignatius Williams and Dr. Davies, at the Porth Police Court on Thursday, John Jones, leader of the sinkers at No. 1 Pit, Cambrian Collieries, Clydach Vale, was summoned for assaulting the overman and mechanic. Mr. W. Kenshole prosecuted and said that the defendant went to the colliery in a state of intoxication, and was prevented from goin down the pit. He became indignant, and struck the overman and mechanic. The defendant was fined £ 3 3s., including costs. Going to the bad. It's no use fining you," said the Stipen- diary Magistrate to Mary Isaacs, of Pen- rhiwfer. She is only 20 years of age, but has the unenviable record of 15 convictions registered against her.. Defendant was summoned for being drunk, and was sent to prison for seven days. A Fifty-Eighth Conviction. Stephen Jones, an elderly man, of no fix.ed abode, was sentenced to 14 days' im- prisonment for being drunk. This was his 58th conviction. Attempted Suicide. On Thursday of last week Mary Davies, a young lady from Tonyrefail, and a native of Llanelly, was charged with attempted suicide. On that occasion the magistrates remanded her, and expressed the hope that some freinds would come forward to take care of her. To-day John Surringer, of Gilfach, appeared in court and said that he was prepared to look after the defen- dant, and the Bench allowed his request.

SAFE ft BPBEDY REMEDY for Cough, Cold, Bronchitis, aGo j A s GH STOPZ Id 'C04 S PRtCES c f and /6 i £ It«iu«s sha Cough. loosens the pW*gm, *a& glrea Immediate rtst and sleep.

Double Presentation at Ferndale. The employees of the Ferndale Co-opera- tive Stores met on Thursday evening at the Assembly Hall, when Mr. and Mrs. D. J. Evans, and Mr. and Mrs. Tom Price were made the recipients of handsome solid walnut sideboards, suitably inscribed, on thei occasion of their marriage. Mr. Evans is the chief clerk of the society, and Mr. Price is now the foreman of the grocery department. The chairman of the even- ing's meeting was Mr. Thomas, drapery department, whose presence in the chair added greatly to the evening's enjoyment. Mr. Thomas, in his address, remarked on the pleasure it gave him to do honour to his friends. He was sorry, owing to other circumstances, that several of the other employees could not be present, but he knew they had their best wishes for the success of the meeting. He was proud of the feeling that existed amongst them as employees, which prompted these meet- ings, and which would no doubt bind them again into closer friendships in the future. Regarding the recipients of the presenta- tions, he had always held them in high esteem, and wished them every prosperity in the future. (Cheers.) After the address of the Chairman, a varied programme was gone through, in- terspersed with speeches by the employees. The first item was a dramatic recitation, entitled, The Devil's Bargain," by Mr. D. J. Lewis and a song, "Cwym^> Llewellyn," Mr. J. Jones. The presentation to Mr. Evans was then made by Mr. Treharne in a few pertinent remarks. He had known Mr. Evans intimately during the last three years, and he could unhesitatingly say that he admired his many sterling qualities. It gave him the greatest pleasure to present Mr. Evans, and by doing so to wish him every possible success in the future. (Cheers.) After a song, Gwnewch bob peth yn Gymraeg," by Mr. J. J. Jenkins, and a comic song, The Penny 'Bus," by Mr. W. Thomas, Mr. Johns, grocery department, made the pre- sentation to Mr. Price. He felt, he, said, it a great honour to make the presentation to Mr. frice. He was glad it had been done so well, and that they had been work- ing so cordially together in the matter. Mr. Price was now their foreman, and his ever ready help amongst them had been a great help to cement the unity that existed amongst them. He trusted Mr Price would again seek to promote their influence as employees, and in conclusion wished him and Mrs. Price every prosperity in their future lives. (Cheers.) Mr. 'Evans, in responding, thanked all heartily for their kind wishes, and for the beautiful present, which would always be looked upon as their expression of kindness towards him. Mr. Price likewise responded in a suitable manner. Mr. J. Harrington contributed a song, after which Mr. W. Thomas spoke in Welsh, in his usual humorous strain. He welcomed both Mr. Evans and Mr. Price to the oldest and strongest club in the whole world. Mr. J. J. Jenkins, secretary of the society, said he was proud to see the cordiaT feeling, that existed be- tween-them as employees. Evidence of this was the way in which they honoured their friends there that evening, and the warm corner they had in their hearts for them. He had known the recipients since the first time he came to the society, and had watched with delight their rise from step to step, until they had reached the positions they held to-day. This, to him, proved that they looked after the interest of the society, and also the welfare of their fellow employers. He wished them long life, happiness, and prosperity in the future. Songs were afterwards given by Messrs. N. Williams, D. J. Lewis, J. Jones, and A. Williams, also addresses by several other friends

Organ Recital at Pentre. Pentreites had a treat in the shape of an organ recital at Siloh Chapel on Thurs- day night last..The arrangements were in the hands of the officers of the church, and in the evening a grand assembly con- gregated to hear the following programme oy Mr. Tom Davies, organist of the church, and Mr. David Davies, conductor of the Siloh church choir, being assisted by prominent artistes, such as: -Soprano, Madame Erasmus-Bowen, Ystrad tenor, Mr. Tom Bonnell; and baritone, Mr. James Davies, Llysvgraig. Dr: W. E. Thomas presided. The platform which had been erected for the occasion pre- sented quite an imposing appearance. having been artistically decorated with huge palms, plants, and prettily draped art muslins, by the ladv members connected with the church. The proceedings opened with an organ solo, Commemoration March (Clarke), a composition which was well received, being one of a series of fifteen marches, which are widely known. It commences with a spirited movement, followed by a soft and pleasing melody'. Next followed Mr. James Davies with a well rendered song, When I survey the wondrous Cross" (Pettmann). The choir next gave a rendering of the anthem, "Ar don o liaen gwyntoedd (Parry), which was well received, and thoroughly appreciated, as also the next item, Angels every bright and fair" (Handel), a recit. and aria, by Madame Erasmus-Bowen. Full justice was also done to the recit, and aria, If with all your hearts" (Mendelssohn), by Mr. Tom Bonnell. Organ solo, Chorus of Angels (Clarke), which is a very fine and charming melodv taken by the left hand, and repeated many times, while the right hand plays a very pretty and varied series of runs;- aria, "It is enouo-h" ("Elijah," Mendelssohn), by Mr. James Davies the trio, Duw bydd drugarog by Madame Erasmus-Bowen and Messrs Bonnell and Davies; song, "Yr Hen Gerddor (D. Pughe Evans), Mr. T. Bonnell, and the aria, "From Mighty Kings" (Handel), by Madame Erasmus- Bowen, were contributions attentively lis- tened to and highly appreciated. The next item was an organ solo, Andante Conver- sazonie" (Pleyel), a melody taken from Pieyel's quartet, and is to be found ar- ranged as a congregational hymn-tune. The variations are such that usually occur in these arrangements, and are especially suited for bringing out the solo stops of the organ. It concludes by the melody being played on the full organ. The next items programmed was the recit. and aria, The Lord worketh wonders (Handel), by Mr. James Davies. The old Welsh melody, "O Fryniau Caersalem," by Madame Erasmus-Bowen; organ solo, Triumphal March in D," which is a stirr- ing composition, int.o which much variety is thrown, commencing with full chorus, and afterwards followed by a pretty triplet movement. The succeeding melody is ac- companied by a dotted movement in the other parts, which led to a grand final. Recit. and aria, How vain is man" (Handel), Mr. Tom Bonnell, and the chorus, "0 Great is the Depth," (Mendels- sohn), by the choir, under the conductor- ship of Mr. David Davies, terminated a most successful evening's entertainment. Amongst the crowded assembly we noticed the following patrons :—Mrs. Dr. Thomas, Llysygraig; Mrs. Wright, Rhondda Rise Mrs. Edmunds, the Woodland, Pentre; Mrs. Edwards, Hill Side, Pentre; Mr. and Mrs. Edwards, M.E., the Maindy, Ton Maudie Davies and Mr. Eddy Davies, Brynheulog, Pentre; Miss Beatrice Lloyd, S.W.S.M., Cardiff; Nurse Evans, Gelli House; Mr. and Miss Thomas, Bazaar, Pentre Mrs. Harries, Woodfield, Pentre; Mrs. Williams, Post Office; Mrs. Probert, Bailey Street, Ton; Mr. Millward, solici- tor; Mr. E. H. Davies, J.P. Miss Davies, Gelli Schools; etc. 4'

Cwmparc Debating Society. At the last meeting of this Society, held on Saturday evening, a question that agitates the public mind very strongly now- a-days was discussed, namely, Vege- tarianism." The Rev. W. Lewis occupied the chair. Mr. Tom Evans opened on behalf of vegetarianism. He said that this was a topic of individual, national, and universal importance. He condemned the practice of %ating flesh diet first on humanitarian grounds. By killing animals for food men were violating the sacred laws of humanity, and transgressing ethical principles. He said that it was also un- natural. In a dietetical sense, all species of animal life were classified as follows — The carnivora, the hertivora, the omnivera, and the frugivera. Man belonged to the last-named class. His teeth and digestive organs were not suited for flesh diet unless it were prepared by a culinary process. Moreover, flesh food was unhealthy. A good many of the ills that flesh is heir to resulted from eating meat. On the other hand fruit and vegetables invariably formed a healthy, wholesome diet. It was recommended by medical men of high standing as a cure for inebrity, and he enunciated some instances where this theory had been carried out to a practical issue. Mr. W. E. Davies, when called upon to take up the opposite position, said that he believed in practical vegetarianism, but not in the exclusive vegetarianism that proclaimed total abstinence from flesh diet as the only available means of obtain- ing and maintaining general health. Ab- stention from flesh food was in many cases a question of climatic expediency. In a warm climate like that, of India, rice and fruit might be the most suitable diet, but to the happy tenant of the frigid zone," and even to the inhabitants of a temperate zone, some more solid and heat-producing diet was, indispensable. Some people, he said, objected to killing; animals for food. That was a very amiable sentiment, but viewed from the standpoint of utility, it was unreasonable. In the face of the world's increasing population, was it prac- ticable ? How could an army or exploring party be sustained on fruit or vegetables? In reference to the animals who lived en. tirely on green food their digestive organs were larger than that of man, therefore the comparison was odious. Mr. John Evans referred to the training of athletes, and said that footballers abstained from any animal food when preparing for a con- test. Other athletes regarded it as abso- lutely necessar- to refrain from eating flesh when undergoing a course of training. He enumerated some cases where the ab- stainers from meat had triumphed over their antagonists who belonged to the beef-eating persuasion. Mr. W. Pugh said that the tendency of some people was to ride their hobby too hard, and to make their creed a fad, whether in athletics, in ethics, or in dietetical matters. Absolute vegetarianism was one of those fads. Con- cerning the humanitarian argument, he held that the butcher's knife was a merciful weapon compared to the rack of hunger. If man would not kill animals, then Nature would turn executioner and destroy them without remorse or mercy by a slow pro- cess of starvation. Mr. Iiloydlangton said that he could recommend vegetarianism from personal experience as being much healthier than the old dispensation. He maintained that the best diet was the one that gave the maximum of nourishment and at the same time required the mini- mum of energy in digesting food. Ac- cording to Sandow, the expert on physical culture, flesh food was an excessive irri- tant. The next speaker, Mr. H. G. Prosser, said that he believed in a happy combination of vegetarianism and beef- e^ting- He held that a certain amount or flesh diet was an absolutely necessity, especially for those who lived in cold climates, and that vegetation, fruit and meat should be consumed with a sense of rational proportion. Then the chairman called upon the two initiators to wind up, which they did with considerable elo- quence. Subsequently the matter was put to a, vote, when 9 voted for vegetarianism, and 15 supported the opposite theory. The meeting was well attended, a fair number of the fair sex being present.

Concerts at Bethania, Treorchy. The Bethania Tonic Solfa Society's popular concerts for season 1901-2 came off on Thursday aud Saturday nights. These concerts in past years were the leading feature of each year in musical spheres, and this season the society has been re- suscitated, the result of which was the two brilliant and most successful concerns. The president of the society is the pastor of the church, the Rev. D. Rhagfyr Jones the secretary, Mr. E. S. Morgan, and its registrar, Mr. T. E. Jones. Miss C. M. Protheroe, A.L.C.M., presided at the piano, and Mr. J. D. Teague at the organ, both of whom, together with the band, did their work most creditably. The pro- gramme was opened with a very choice selection by the band, exceptionally well performed. The chorus, Hurrah for the songs we sing," made the audience ask, like Oliver Twist, "for more." "Brooklet hurrying in foam along was rendered very effectively. Sweeping brush brigade was one of the prettiest items on, the pro- gramme. The oars are plashing lightly" was a most beautiful refrain. Our model policemen" was side-splitting. Night Hymn at Sea, "I had a soothing effect, the contrast, being striking. We should have preferred if the storm effect had been omitted. A piano selection was given by Miss Protheroe in true musical style. l Paddy Blake, of Ballyblarney College," brought down the house. Star of the East," one of Henry Stuart's lovely pieces, quieted the audience down again. The Local Volunteers," with army drills and exercises, was an excellent contribution, and the "Distant Chimes" by Glover, was greatly appreciated. The vast audience rose in amazement on seeing the boys, who had a wonderfully smart appearance. This was the: climax, and showed Sergt. Gibbon's remarkable tact and ability in this direc- tion. The Handkerchief Song," which would have taken its place very properly as the last in the programme, was a most magnificent sight; the movements were most picturesque. Sandwich Boys was a good advertisement for some of the firms that deal in mustard, paste, and millinery. 1he words were written by the Rev. H. T. .Jacob, one of Bethania's "old boys," and w 111 ?r °f considerable ability. In roiward gaily together" there was a happy blend of voices, and in which the seniors showed themselves to their best advantage. This undoubtedly was the 1 vre.ndltlon V the ladies. The tableau, which brought the programme to a close, was one of the finest sights witnessed, and closed a most enjoyable evening. The chapel was crowded to excess on both occa- sions, and Councillor Tom Jones on Satur- day announced another concert to take place on Thursday (23rd). Everything passed off in the most perfect manner, and the committee are to be congratulated on the efficiency of the arrangements. Great credit is due to Mr. Phillips, the con- ductor, Sergt. Gibbon, and Messrs. Jones and Ashton, for the training of the choirs, and it is worthy of note that all the mem- bers were certificated. It, is to be hoped that Bethania's funds have been largely augmented through the instrumentality of the concerts, and that its Tonic Solfa Society will not again be allowed to bçQPle aomant,

Amusements in the Rhondda. New Theatre at Pentre. The need of popular and innocent amuse- ment has long been felt in the Rhondda- a district which teems with a huge popu- lation, a large percentage of whom belong to the lodger class, and who, after they have finished their laborious day's work, have nowhere to go but to parade the streets, or enter the many public houses in which the district abounds. Here the evening is spent among convivial gather- ings, in whose company the hours fly on golden wings, and as the hour of closing time approaches, the public-house fre- quenter is too often found in a. state of intoxication, which condition of affairs has so often rightly been condemned by our temperance reformers. But while, our temperance friends denounce the drinking dens, they fail or neglect to provide any counter attraction where anyone may while away an hour or so in innocent amusement or recreation. This has been left to enterprising public, amusement caterers, foremost amongst whom is Mr. Sam Duckworth, the lesee of the Theatre Royal, Tonypandyv who by his action in converting the Town Hall, Tonypandy, into a theatre, has been the means of pro- viding a place of entertainment conducted on proper lines, and where one may spend an evening in innocent enjoyment of staqe plays. About six months ago several en- terprising individuals built a new theatre in Pentre, but the building did not obtain a license, owing to several of the District Council's requirements not being com- plied with. Here progress stopped, and for some time it appeared as though the building would be allowed to remain idle and valueless for all time. Messrs. Carlton and Duckworth, however, with their cus- tomary foresight, sten^ed into the breach, purchased the property, and proceeded at once to re-construct the whole building, and to fit it out as a high-class and com- modious theatre. An army of workmen was then set to work. with the result that the place has been altered out of know- ledge, and is now the most cosy and com- fortable playhouse in the Rhondda. The whole of the building has been done out in prettily designed fire-proof fibrous plaster—which alone cost £ 800—in various shades of biscuit tints, and is lighted throughout by electric light, the installa- tion for which has been laid down by Messrs. Lyons, the well known electrical engineers. The current will be supplied from large accumulators, and in the event of anything going wrong with them, the building will be lighted by power supplied direct from the dynamo. In the remote contingency of that failing also, the old familiar jlluminatorcoal gas—will be used. The electric light plant is of the latest, and so improved that the foot and other lights can be raised and lowered just in the same manner as gas. All the effects which are now obtained with lime- light, such as the sunrise and moonlight effects, can be obtained with this plant. The whole of the match-boarding in the Theatre, which the District Council ob- jected to, has been removed, and an 18in. thick brick proscenium wall has been erected from the concrete foundation to the roof in its place. The ceiling is of fibrous plaster, beautifully treated, as are also the fronts of the gallery and dress circle. The building contains four floors. The basement comprises seven substantial and comfortable dressing rooms for the artistes, together with other offices, and the ground floor is wholly given up to the commodious pit, the seats of which are handsomely upholstered in red. On the second floor are the dress circle and boxes, with tip-up seats, upholstered in red plush. At the back of the circle is the balcony, which provides ample seating ac- commodation with a full and uninterrupted view of the stage. The gallery is a large one, providing sitting room for a great number, and so skillfully designed is the theatre that whatever position of the house one may be, one is certain of missing nothing of what occurs on the stage, the view beinq clear from all parts. The opening of the proscenium is 29 feet wide, and the stage room is so ample that the largest touring companies can easily be accommodated. The boxes, of which there are four, command a splendid view of the stage and house, and are beautifully furnished in cherry plush, emproidered in gold. The various prices of admission are —Dress Circle, 2s. Balcony, Is. 6d. Pit, Is.; Gallery, 6d. Boxes, 15s. or 2s. 6d. per seat. The whole of the work of reconstruction has been under the super- vision of Mr. Gill, of Birmingham, the architect being Mr. Owen Ward, Birming- ham, an eminent man in his profession, and who is at present building four London theatres. All the electrical work has been done by Mr. J. Dyson, of Hudders- field, who has had considerable experience in theatre work of this description. The theatre, which opens on Friday night, will be under the personal supervision of Mr. Duckworth, whose position as a first-class amusement caterer is sufficient. to guarantee success in his new venture, and will be worked in conjunction with the other theatres of Messrs. Carlton and Duckworth, of which they have nine. That the enterprising promoters deserve to suc- ceed there can bei no doubt, and that suc- cess may come their way is the wish of every lover of the drama.

Supper and Concert at Trealaw. On Thursday evening a supper, followed by a smoking concert, was held at the Ynyscynon Hotel, Trealaw, in connection with the Ynyscynon Money Club, and the concert which followed was general. The supper proved to be a most excellent re- past, excellently served by Mr. Evans and family. Over 70 members partook of the good things, and afterwards adjourned to the large concert room where the concert was held, presided over by Mr. Bartlett, Ystrad. In opening, the chairman made an able speech, which was marked here and there by touches of very fine humour. The pianist (Mr. J. Bowen) played a selection in grand style, after which the following gentlemen contributed to the evening's enjoyment:—Mr. Broad's quartette, "Three Chafers," "Comrades." and "Caw, Caw, Caw;" Mr. Howell, "Sentimental Song;" Mr. F. Randall, recitation, "In- valided Home;" Messrs. Morgan and Broad, duet; Mr. D. Griffiths, humorous song, "Lisa ni Mr. H. Bartlett, "Fisher- man's Daughter Mr. F. Day" Happy Moments, Mr. Williams, "Soldier's Song;" Mr. Mills, « Friends of long ago Mr. Bowen, The Skipper," and accom. paniment Mr. H. Pratten, Death of Nelson; Messrs. Morgan and Bartlett, duet. Flow gently, Deva;" Mr. J. Broad, Soldier JIm; Mr. J. Morgan, Baner em gwiad; II Mr. T. Williams, sentimental song. The health of the "King and Queen and Royal Family was proposed, and was followed by a vote of thanks to the host and hostess. Mr. Evans made a charac- teristic response, after which Mr. Morgan sang the National Anthem. This ter- minated a very enjoyable evening, the close of which every one present regretted.

A BOOK FOR LADIES. 1JHE information contained in this book ought to be known by every married woman, and it will not harm the unmarried to read. No book is wrtten which goes so thoroughly into matters relating to married women. Some may think too much is told; such can scarcely be the case, for knowledge is power and 'the means of attaining happiness. The book can be haa in envelope from Dr. T. R. ALLINSON, 423 Room, 4 Spanish- place, Manchester-equar#, London, W., in return for a postal order for Is. 2a. s2761