The Rhondda Leader

Treorchy. At the Glanrhondda Unitarian Chapel on Sunday evening the Rev. D. Rees ue- livered a Welsh sermon on Crefydd a Difyrwch" (Religion and Amusement). Mr. Rees is nothing if not a practical preacher, and the topical sermon is his ideal. He believes in the natural as well as in the supernatural, and prefers the treatment of ethics to doctrinal hair- splittings. In dwelling upon religion and recreation, Mr. Rees maintained that oc- casional relaxation from toil was necessary for a, man's physical and mental welfare. In some factories and workshops human beings were merely cogs in the wheels of the machinery of industry. Arable land must lie in fallow sometimes, and the strings of the violin must, be relaxed occa- sionally. In the same way man's nature needed recreation. Some people, he said, wanted to divorce the church from daily life. He did not believe in dividing life into sacred and secular. We should carry our religion with us everywhere, and let it govern our diet and drink, and also our amusements. The Puritans in Cromwefs time abolished all games, even the innocent Maypole. They wanted to banish the devil, and they succeeded. But at the Restoration he returned with seven other devils worse than himself. Recreations, if used, and not abused, were a blessing. There was no harm in card-playing, or any other game, provided that there was no stake at issue-no gambling. In con- clusion the speaker said that we should do everything for the glory of God, whether in the partaking of food, drink, or recrea- tion. During the current week a series of prayer meetings are being held under the auspices of the local branch of the United Free Church Council. They are held at Bethlehem Chapel, this place being selected as the most suitable owing to its central position. The meetings are pre- sided over by Rev. Rice Owen. Wesleyan minister. Rev. W. Charles. M.A., Hermon, and Mr. T. Jacob. Bethania. Some good meetings have been held, and there is every prospect of a continuation of the same. The local branch of the National Demo- cratic League has elected its officers for the coming session. Mr. T. J. Davies has been appointed chairman, Mr. W. Morgan vice-chairman, Mr. D. J. Williams secre- tary, and Mr. W. H. Bevan treasurer. The branch augurs well for a successful future. Efforts are being made among the Bap- tist fraternity to introduce an improved system of Sunday School teaching, and a .scheme has been formulated to that end. A local committee has been appointed, with Mr. W. C. Short as secretary, and after due consideration, central classes have been instituted, and are to be con- ducted at Noddfa, Ainon and Bethel Chapels. The first of this series was held at Noddfa Chapel, Treorchy, on Tuesday night, when Mr. W. H. Rees (Treorchy Schools) gave a model lesson on John xv. 1-11. which constitutes part of the syllabus for the next Sunday School examination. There was an appreciative assembly, and the initial test could be regarded as extremely satis- factory. Mr. Rees very clearly and ably inti oduced the new reform, and we hope that fruitful results will accrue. Next Tuesday night the lesson will be given by Str. W- H. Owen at Ainon Chapel. The choir of the latter chapel are busilv preparing the cantata "Daniel in Babylon" tor production on Thursday and Saturday ■^nrL' 4. artistes have been secured. 1 Jhat popular Radical lecturer and de- bater, Mr. Jos Howes, will visit Treorchy on February 3rd, and deliver one of his trenchant discourses at Bethania Chapel, Abraham M.P^reS y °f Mr The general jniblic are fully aware of the deep interest tnat Mrs. Jenkins, Ystrad* fechan. takes m local questions of social interest, and among the various institu- tions she Iak°urs m so successfully we can safely say that the National Society for DR, BRIDGWATER, MD., U.S.A.. 13, Custom House tfreet, Cardiff- Hours-U to 4 and 6,30 to 9,$' the Prevention of Cruelty to Children claims special notice and attention. In this cause she has acted lady bountiful" as well as advocate, and in order to secure additional funds, she has hit upon a scheme of holding an organ recital, and to that end the Noddfa Chapel authorities have grace- fully placed the chapel and organ at her disposal. Such institutions should be supported, and we are glad to note that the Nonconformist churches are not back- ward in extending their help. We hope Mrs. Jenkins's venture will meet with its due reward, and that a substantial balance will be realised.

| Cwmparc. On Friday, the 17th inst., Mr. Moses Pugh, Park Road, passed away in a very sudden manner. Deceased, although not enjoying the best of health, was compara- tively well until the preceding night, when he was seized with a, sudden attack of ill- ness. and died in a few hours. He was but 28 years of age. Although a native of Montgomeryshire, he had lived at Cwm- parc for a number of. years, and was a familiar figure in the neighbourhood. Having such a number of acquaintances, it was but natural that he should be honoured with a large funeral. His re- mains were interred at the Treorchy Ceme- tery on Tuesday, the Rev. W. Lewis offi- ciating. The members of the Cwmdare Lodge of Ivorites-of which deceased was a member-had mustered in strong force to show their esteem for their departed brother. On Monday last the remains of Mrs. Mary Tudor were conveyed by rail from Ynysybwl to Treorchy Station, and thither to Treorchy Cemetery, by road. The deceased had lived at Cwmparc for a long period before she took up her residence at Ynysybwl. She was the widow of the late Thomas Tudor, who met his death at the Wattstown explosion. The funeral was attended by a large number of old friends and acquaintances from Cwmparc, as .^jll as a goodly number who had journeyed from Ynysybwl to mark their sincere re- gard for the highly-respected lady. POULTRY-KEEPERS should procure If useful Book on Poultry-keeping and Thorley's Almanack for 1902, both of which will be sent on receipt of two penny stamps (to cover posta,(re)-Address-Alniatiack Dept., Joseph Thorley (Ltd.), King's Cross London, the Proprietors of Ovum, Thorley's Poultry Spice.. 83

Pent re. The Rev. D. G. Morris, the respected pastor of Zion English Baptist Chapel, Pentre, has, after careful deliberation, ac- cepted the call which he recently received from Mount Pleasant English Baptist Chapel, Blackwood, Mon. He has spent about seven years in Zion, with great happiness and success, and owing mainly to considerations of health, he has decided to leave. The rev. gentleman will enter upon his duties in his new sphere in April. At Nazareth, Pentre, on Saturday last, a very important movement was inaugu- rated in the temperance cause. The iniative was taken by the I.O.G.T. lodges of the district, and all the churches and temperance societies were invited to confer as to holding a huge tempe-rance demon- stration about Easter next. The speakers will include Revs. Rees Evans, Llanwrtyd M. Morgan, Swansea, H. J. Williams, "Plenydd;" Cynog Williams, Cilfowyr; Mr. Hughes, Vicar, Llantrisant; W. I. Morris, Pontypridd; Mrs. Nicholas, New- port; R. Pryce Jones, Pontypridd; Rees, Alltwen; and Williams, Abergwynfi. It is proposed to hold it on Easter Saturday at Nazareth, and to obtain the Llwynypia Fife Band, and Salvation Army Band, Pentre, to take part in the procession. Mr. Alfred Thomas, M.P., will be chair- man, with Rev. E. W. Daveis, Ton, and Rev. D. G. Evans Bryn Seion, as chair- men of other meetings.

Ystrad Mr. R. J. Rhys, the coroner, held an inquest on Friday at the Star Hotel, Ystrad, into the circumstances attending the death of James Thomas, who was killed on Wednesday by being run over by a journey of trams at the Glamorgan Col- liery, Llwynypia. A verdict of "Accidental death was returned.

Ton. The- Christian Endeavour Society of Bethesda. Ton, is in a very flourishing condition, under the able presidency of Mr. J. L. Jones, superintendent of Pru- dential Assurance Company. Last Sunday an enthusiastic meeting was held, when the chair was taken by Mr. Rhys Jno. Davies. The preliminary part of the services was conducted by Miss Minnie Lloyd, Messrs. D. B. Lewis and Francis Tudor. An exhaustive paper was read by Mr. D. B. Davies, A.C., Gelli, on Christian Endeavour: Its Chivalrous Choice." The reader dealt briefly upon the history of Caleb and Joshua of the olden times, in their efforts to subdue the Canaanites and their different enemies before thev could gain the promised land, He pointed out that we had our enemies at the present time, and it was our duty to conquer all by our efforts as Christian Endeavourers. Then followed an able 1paper by the chairman, Mr. Rhys John Davies, on The Chivalry of To-day." He dealt with the tendency of the mind of to-day towards military affairs, and to a great extent it created a tendency in the young people to neglect other duties, while paying too much attention to this particu- lar soldier-like feeling. Very appropriate words were also added by Mr. Willie George, Mr. D. A. Thomas, Mr. Francis Howells. and Mr. Thomas Davies. The president, Mr. Jones, also made a few re- marks on the papers, and eulogised each writer for preparing such good and in- teresting papers. Miss Ada Thomas offi- ciated at the organ. After a prayer by Mr. Francis Howells, a very successful meeting was brought to a close. A competitive meeting was held at Bethesda Chapel, Ton, last Wednesday. The president was Mr. D. B. Davies, A.C., Gelli. Adjudicators—Literary, Mr. Tom Rees, Ton; music, Mr. Rhys John Davies, Ton accompanist, Miss Eunice M. Morris. An opening solo, Bechgyn Cymru." was rendered by the musical ad- judicator. The prize for the best recita- tion of Yr eneth vn ymyl y ffyliola (from Caiiiadau Cenecli "), was won by Miss Winnie "Griffiths. A duet, Gwys i'r Gad," was given bv the two adjudicators. In reading music at first sight, the success- ful competitor was Mr. Howell Davies. Six competitors entered for the male voice solo, and the prize, after a very keen com- In all diseases consult the eminent Specialist, Dr. Bride- water, Ma*, U.S.A., 18, Cusiw HoUMS'Street, Cardiff .833 petition, was awarded to Mr. W. Davies, Eos Ton." With the, usual vote of thanks, in which all heartily joined, the Welsh National Anthem was rendered, thus bringing a very successful and interesting meeting to a close. The Roads Committee of the District Council have been busy in their efforts to improve, our roads and paths, and they have recommended that the route from Maindy Crescent, Ton, to Bwlchyclawdd be adopted, with a branch road to Ystrad- fechan. The latter part, of the scheme will be immensely popular in the Ton dis- district, as there are scores going up the steep declivities of the Maindee to the Ocean offices, and to the pits of Cwmparc and Cwmdare, as well as the general public proceeding to Owmparc. This will cut off a big angle in going through Pentre and Treorchy. The weekly Christian Endeavour meeting of the Hebron Baptist Chapel took place on Sunday evening, the pastor being in the chair. Miss Mary Williams read a chapter, and Mr. William Jones, White- field Street, introduced the service by prayer. A very able paper on "RcUgion based on love, and producing a fruitful and a happy life," was read by Mr. Joseph Williams, superintendent, Prudential In- surance Company. It was a veil vritton and well delivered paper, and showed that the reader was not at all a novice in the work, but betokened an old and ex- perienced hand. We hope to hear Mr. Williams again before long. Miss Jennie Jones, Church Street, gave a recitation, "Come to Bethesda," and Mr. James James, Church Street, contributed "Breuddwyd y glowr noson oyn y danchwa." Addresses were delivered by Messrs. Ed. Jones, District Councillor, David Williams, Whitefield Street, and John Jones, Llan- ffoist Street.

Gelli. The Rev. W. S. Evans, of Stanley Road, has commenced his pastorate at the Eng- lish Baptist church, Carmel, Caerphilly, and the ordination services have been ar- ranged for February 5th, when Revs. J. Bailey, Cardiff, and E. W. Davies, Ton, are expected to take part. Mr. Evans has only just finished his course at, the Llan- gollen-Bangor Baptist College. On Monday morning, Mr. John Jones, known popularly as John Jones, Ponty- pool," who has been for years a fireman in the Ton pit of the Ocean Company, died at his residence, 196, Gelli Road, Gelli. He was one of the best known and most, highly respected of the old officials of the Ocean Company in the district. He came to the district over 40 years ago, and had seen all the recent changes and developments of the colliery enterprise of this thickly populated district. In company with the "Ray's," he was very popular, and did yeoman service in the Congregational col- lections of the district. He many times collected zC40 or £ 50 towards lessening chapel debts. David Davies, 58, Alexandra Road, Gelli, met with an accident by carrying a hatchet with a keen edge, which accidentally slipped, and split his hand almost into two. He is still being attended to, but his pro- gress is slow. Mr. Thomas Samuel, the chairman of the Ton Co-operative Committee, is also ill, and it is feared that he will again have to undergo an operation similar to the one he underwent years ago under the hands of Dr. James. It is to be hoped that he will be successfully pulled through. He is very popular in the district, and is an intelligent co-operator. JIVIOUNTNEY (late J. Cording), 42, Royal 0 Arcade, CARDIFF, Bird and Animal Preserver, To the Most Hon. The Marquis of Bute and the Cardiff Museum. Skins and Furs Dressed Rug-s lined and made up. Glass shades for Clocks and Ornaments of all sizes. 795

Llwynypiac The social tea at Salem Chapel, Llwyny- pia, last week was superintended by Mrs. (Rev.) T. G. Jenkyn, who contributed largely to its success. On Tuesday evening at Bethania ves- try, Llwynynia, a social was given by the young ladies of the church. The tables were tastefully decorated, and pre- sided over by the Misses Williams, De Winton Field; the Misses Price, Chapel Street; Miss M. A. Evans, Miss Lloyd, and other young ladies of the church. After an excellent repast, an adjournment was made to the chapel, where a ladies' concert was held, the artistes being en- tirely drawn from the church. Miss Thomas, Compton House, occupied the chair, and after a brief address proceeded with the following programme :—Overture, Mrs. Lloyd; chorus, 0 deuwn ac addol- wn," Ladies' Choir recitation, Temper- ance and Tobacco," Miss Annie Price; solo, Alone on the Raft," Mrs. Wm. Jones, Kenry Street: solo, Myfi sy'n magu'r baban," Miss Maggie Maud Davies recitation, Y Groes Ddu," Miss Mason; solo, The Star of Bethlehem," Mrs. (Rev.) John Morgan; recitation, Miss Rees, Blaenclydach pianoforte solo, Miss Bessie Price; chorus, the choir compe- tition for ladies, reading an unpunctuated piece, winner, Miss Rees, Bryngoleu; competition for young men, sewing a button, Mr. John Watkins. Votes of thanks to the young ladies, proposed by the Rev. John Morgan, seconded by Mr. T. Jones, anu supuorted by Mr. David Evans, concluded the happy gather- ing. The young men of the church intend repaying the young ladies by a compli- mentary tea. Last Wednesday at the Llwynypia Col- liery, a very regrettable accident occurred to Mr. James Thomas, Tyntyla Road. No one seems to know precisely how the accident occurred, other than the proba- bility of a journey having knocked him down, killing him instantly. He was 40 years of age, and the sad accident seems the more regrettable owing to the deceased having worked as a repairer in the same place for the long period of 17 years. He was conveyed home by a mournful procession of underground night workmen at the early hour of 6 o'clock on Wednesday morning. The sad affair cast quite a gloom over the neighbourhood, and his fellow workmen, for the deceased was well known and respected as a quiet and inoffensive man, as well as an exemplarv workman. The funeral obsequies took place on Monday. The Rev. A. Williams, Nebo, at which place of worship the un- fortunate man attended, officiated both at the house and graveside at. Trealaw Ceme- tery, where the interment took place. The funeral arrangements were in the hands of Messrs. Howell Williams and Sons The coffin, borne on the shoulders or friends, was covered .with three exqui- site permanent wreaths, sent by the sor- rowing widow, the fatherless children, and niece, Mrs. Livingstone, Porth. The chief mourners were the widow (Mrs Thomas), the five daughters and son, and the relative families. Amongst those in the procession, which was one of the largest ever seen in the district, were Mr. Gethin Powell, fireman, Glamorgan £ r T £ V Tom MorSan Star Hotel; Mr. D Brimble grocer; Mr. W. Williams, Partridge Hotel; Mr. and Mrs. Evan Llewellyn, Glandwr: Messrs. E. and E Llewellyn (senior and junior), Tyntyla Road O. Llewellyn, rate collector; Mrs. W. Thomas, Blaenavon; Messrs. John Morgan and David Williams, Resolven; Mr Thomas, Penrhys Road; Mr. John B. Jones, Sherwood; Mrs. W. Powell and Mrs. Parsons, Mrs. Phillips, neighbours together with the Oddfellows Club, Gelli- galed, and the Llwynypia day and night workmen. The old Welsh hymns, which were sung by such a huge concourse of DR. BRIDGWATER, M.D., U.S.A., 18, Cnstcm Honse- street, Catdiff, Hours—U to 4 and 6.3Q to 9. 86S people, were very effective, the singing being under the conductorship of Mr. W. Powell, Wesleyan Assurance agent, Tyn- tyla Road. We extend our sympathy to the family in their bereavement. Only three weeks have elapsed since the demise of the bereaved widow's father, who re- sided in the district, and about 12 months ago she buried two little children from croup.

Penygraig. On Tuesday night at Zoar a most enjoy- able lantern lecture on the subject, "Scenes from the life of Christ," was given. The lantern slides were produced by Mr. Powell, Penygraig, and Mr. R. E. Jones made touching remarks on the illustra- tions, which were remarkably good. The meeting was commenced by an exception- ally fine rendering of the solo, Daddv." by Miss Rhoda Jones. During the meet- ing also, zither solos were finely executed by Mr. E. H. Cox, T'onypandy, and a grand recitation of "The Charge of the Light Brigade," by Mr. Rufus Davies, evoked loud applause from the large audience, who evidently appreciated the talent of this very young reciter. The rendering of Curfew must not ring to- night (with illustrations), by Miss Speedy was, indeed, given remarkably well. Mr. John Jones also rendered a solo in fine style, and was followed by a humorous solo by Miss Williams, Ystrad, who was de- servedly encored. A vote of thanks to all who had taken part in the proceedings brought the meeting to a close. Praise is due to the members of the Pearl of the Rhondda Lodge for their continual and effective efforts to decrease the great evil of drink, and for supplying the young with these edifying, meetings. On Wednesday night the members, of the Pisgah Literary Society listened to an in- teresting debate on the question, Is poetry declining with civilisation?" The affirmative side was strongly taken up by Mr. Owen Davies, and well supported by Miss L. A. John, and the negative was well defended by Mr. Griff. J. Thomas, who was supported br Mr. Robert Jones. Mr. Davies maintained that poetry de- pended to a great extent on the imagina- tion, and it was evident that imagination fradually declined with civilisation and nowledge. He said also that our present poets were not to be compared with the old poets, such as Virgil, Homer, Chaucer, Shakespeare, etc. When Greece was at its highest point of civilisation, she never had a great poet, but immediately she sank to the valley of uncivilisation, Homer rose like a morning star. Mr. Thomas main- tained that all the great poets of the last century were intelligent men, and that intelligence and knowledge in all its branches had in no way decreased poetry, quite the contrary. The following spoke for the affirmative: —Messrs. T. Davies, D. E. Griffiths and L. Hoskins, and for the negative Messrs. M. G. Rowlands, R. R. Davies, B. Reynolds, and J. Griffiths. When the question was put to a vote, the negative was carried with a, good majority. We regret to announce the death of Mr. Isaac Griffiths, Hughes Street, who died at the close of last week, at the age of 30 years. Deceased was a well known and respected person in the locality. He was one of the first members of the Dunraven Constitutional Club, and had been a mem- ber of the committee for more than three years. He was well known in social circles as a first class master of ceremonies. He was not married, and lived with his parents. He was a member of the Lady Gwenllian Lodge of the R.A.O'.B. De- ceased caught a severe chill through sleep- ing in a damrt bed during the holidays. On Tuesday evening he was carried home from the club lodge, and after that he rapidly sank. He was a keen follower of the Penygraig Football Club. On Wed- nesday last his funeral took place. Among those present were the Rev. Mr. Griffiths, vicar of Penygraig, the Rev. Mr. Humphries, curate-in-charge of St. Barna- bas, and the Rev. E. Richards, Ebenezer, Tonypandy. The Lady Gwenllian and the Court Lodges were present in strong numbers, together with the Dunraven Constitutional Club, in addition to his fellow-workers at the Glamorgan Collieries. Wreaths were sent. by Lady Gwenllian and Court Lodges, the Penygraig and Aber- dare Constitutional Clubs, Mr. J. Vowles (Weston), and his relatives and companions of the different clubs. Deceased was buri< d at Bedwellt Cemetery, Bargoed, the Vicar officiating. Hymns were sung at the church and graveside, and the R.A.O.B. service was read by Bro. Dan Thomas, in the absence of chaplain, who was ill. The ancient order of British service was read by the secretary. We regret to learn that Mrs. Evans, of the Turberville Arms Hotel, Pengyraig, is very ill, and has taken to her bed. The inhabitants of the district wish their lady Guardian a speedy recovery. A Rhondda Minister's Remarkable Statement. The Rev Thomas Davies, the popular minister of Monah, 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 a"d 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 copviction to the minds of any reasonable persons, were they to have the opinion of a well-known public man, such as Mr Davies, on our work.

Porth. A tea was held in connection with the teachers and friends of St. Paul's Church on Tuesday night. After participating in a hearty tea, the company adjourned to the large room, where the following pro- gramme was gone through: -Addrèss by the chairman, Mr. T. Thomas, superin- tendent of the Sunday school; quartette, Messrs. D. Williams, John Idris Davies, W. J. Parsons, and Ed. Lloyd; comic re- citation, Mr. J. Idris Davies; song, Mr. D. Williams; song, Mrs. D. J. Thomas (given in grand style) quadrille dance; songs, Mefssrs. Tom Morgan and Inspector Hutchings; recitation, Mr. Morgan Crockett; barn dance; game, musical chairs lancers concertina solo, Mr. John North; and song, Miss Davies, Cymmer. Mr. Ed. Evans was the accom- panist. After the usual vote of thanks, the company dispersed. The following ladies presided over the tea: -Mrs. Thomas, Mrs. Ed. Evans, Misses Dora Ash, Annie Gill, Minnie Ash, and Nellie Cleak. At the monthly meeting of the com- mittee of the Porth Cottage Hospital, Mr. T. Davies (chemist), the hon. secretary, submitted the following list of contribu- tions —United National Collieries work- men, jE28 8s. 6d. Naval Collieries work- men, £ 40; Ynyshir Steam Collieries work- men, L-23 10s. Mr. W. J. Thomas, M.E., Ynyshir, £ 10; Dr. Hamlen Williams, J.P., iairneld, £10; Mr. C. E. Whitting, Wes- ton-Super-Mare, 92 2s. Dunraven Consti- tutional Club, Penygraig, jE5 5s. Messrs. Poole, as result from Christmas matinee, £ 10 10s. £ 129 15s. 6d. The action of the Ynyshir workmen in getting others to subscribe is to be commended. First they subscribed well themselves, then the mana- ger was appealed to, and lastly the pro- prietors, with beneficial results. If all collieries followed their line of action, no fear need be entertained with regard to :he prosperity of the Hospital. Last week a largely attended meeting of firemen and officers of the Brigade was held at the station. Captain W. Evans DR. BRIDGWATER, M.D., U.S.A., 18, Custom flousa- itreet, Cardiff. Houra.-U to i and 6.30to 9.. 833

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Mardy. The mortal remains of Mrs. Protheroe, of Mardy, were interred at Aberdare Cemetery on Thursdav afternoon. The funeral was, attended by Mrs. Jones, wife of Mr. David Jones, of the Royal Hotel, Mardy. The husband was away, and when he returned, late at night, and retirM to rest, he found that his wife had expired. Mrs. Jones was well-known and highly popular in the neighbourhood. At an in- quest, subsequently held, the jury found that deceased expired during an apopletic fit. A child, two months, old, the son of Mr. Thomas Thomas, Tyisha Road, Gelli, died suddenly on Friday morning in his mother's arms.

Pontygwaith. On Friday, at the office of Mr. W. L. Daniel, official receiver, Merthyr, the first meeting of the creditors of David Jenkins, grocer, the Royal Stores, Llewellyn Street, Pontygwaith, was held. The gross lia- bilities were set down at tl,223 3s. 7d.. including t634 2s. 7d. due to 101 unsecured creditors, and the deficiency was estimated to amount to zC608 4s. lOd. The causes of failure, as alleged by the debtor, were Want of capital, pressure by creditors, and bad debts."

Gilfach Goch. While at work at the Glamorgan Level on Tuesday morning, Charles Welsh (35), a native of Brynmawr (Mon.), was instan- taneously killed by a fall of "top." De- ceased was widely respected. Two other men engaged with deceased had narrow escapes.

Early Closing in Mid- Rhondda. The early closing movement to bring about the closing of the shopping establish- ments at 10 o'clock on Saturday nights is proceeding apace in Mid-Rhondda. The local Grocers' Association, under whose auspices the movement was inaugurated, has made a personal canvass of the whole of the area within its jurisdiction. The result is stated to, have been eminently satisfactory, only two or three members in the Tonypandy district having expressed themselves as being averse to the suggested change. T'hesp gentlemen, however (so some of the officers of the Mid-Rhondda Grocers' Association think), are quite amenable to reason, and will not persist in their opposition once they see that it is quite practicable to close at the hour in- dicated. With reference to an argument made use of, that it was not to the interest of the tradesmen to close early, the secre- tary points out, the absurdity of the sug- gestion that a body of tradesmen like the Association should be doing their level best to bring about a state of things detri- mental to their own interests, and he adds if all tradesmen loyally adhere to the rule, it is inconceivable that any body should suffer. On the other hand, the benefits are self-evident. Not only will the trades- -man not be a loser, but his assistants, and his hauliers, aye, and his horses, will be the gainers, whilst, as has been demon- strated elsewhere: that higher court of appeal—the general public-do not want abnormally late hours, and are quite pre- pared to do their shonpin^ before 10 at night. It is to be honed that the praise- worthy efforts of tradesmen, and especially of the Grocers' Association, to improve the present condition of things will prove suc- cessful, and this, by the way, will depend largely, indeed almost entirely, upon the attitude which the respectable working class community of the district will take.

Injared Joints, Frat Foot, &c. London Joint Specialist Visiting Merthyr. Abergravenny, and CardifF. Mr. S. Cliburn, the well-known joint specialist, of 52 Davies St., Berkeley Sq., London, W., mav be consulted at the Castle Hotel, Merthyr, on Friday, January 31st (hours, 10.30 to 12.30); Angel Hotel, Abergavenny, on Friday, January 3rd (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). The il Ex- press and Star says: -'In his special work Mr. Cliburn's skill is marvellous, and daily he proves successful after the lar f st infirmaiies and most eminent surgeons have failed. He makes a speciality of flat foot; when the foot has no spring, the ankle becomes rigid and painful. Injured knees, with pain on the .inner side, and the limb weak; injured shoulders, when the arm cannot be raised or put behind the back enlarged and rigid toe joints sprained ankles and wrists of long standing; hip in- juries, dislocations, and spinal curvature. He is said to be more successful than his j^W1n,ed predecessors—Hutton and the Oldfieid-lane doctor." His testimonials on page 2 will be of interest to many. 897 In all diseases consult the eminent Specialist, Dr. Bridg- water, M.D., U.S.A., 18,Custom House-street, Cardiff. 833

RUPTURE. RUPTURE. RUPTURE. SPECIAL NOTICE TO OUR READERS! ST GTTFPM A \T THE CELEBRATED • JjL JQJ Xi lVX xX IN LONDON SPECIALIST. WILL PERSONALLY ATTEND AT THE CENTRAL HOTEL, CARDIFF, On TUESDAY NEXT, JANUARY 28th, from 3 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29th, from 9 a.m. to 7,30 p.m.; and on THURSDAY, JANUARY 30th, from 9 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. ONLY. A RHONDDA PATIENT'S EXPERIENCE. T 25, Evans Terrace, Blaenclydach, Tonypandy, Pontypridd, te>. J. Sherman, Rupture Specialist. j)eC- 12th, 1901. Catford, London, S.E. Dear Sir,—Just a line to say your treatment of my case, which was a large right scortal rupture of some years standing, is simply wonderful, fur although it is but five months since I fiist applied to you, I now feel quitt; sound aud entirely free from the slightest Bvinn- toms of Ruptnre. J 1 Before applying to you I had many different makes of trusses but they each and all were useless to me. I really thought that there was no real remedy whatever, for my own doctor assured me of this, and I could not help thinking he was about right after my long and sad experience with trusses. I bless the day I went to you and received your skilful treatment, for you have been the means of saving my life. This is, as I said before, simply wonderful when the nature and condition of the affliction are considered. • No one should hesitate for a moment to accept your personal treatment, and if they wish it, I shall be most pleased to see them. With heartfelt gratitude, I am, yours truly, (Signed), JOHN LEWIS. A MASTER MARINER RE-CONFIRMS HIS CURE. T cj T, „ S.S. Lizzie/'of Liverpool, Port of Cardiff, ». J. »herman, Esq., London, S.E. Dec. 7th, 1901. Dear Sir,—Glad to say that I have felt no pain since writing to you last, and can there- tore only re-confirm my former statement with regard to your treatment. It is now more than a month since I left off wearing your appliance.—I beg, sir, to remain yours truly, J. LLOYD DAVIES, Chief Officer. A FATHER'S GRATEFUL LETTER FOR THE CURE OF HIS LITTLE SON. « T a, r, „ r U' Martha P1ace. Spring Gardens, Reading, Berks' b. J. Sherman, Rupture Specialist, January 14th, 1902 29, Rushey Green, Catford, S.E. Dear Sir,—In September, 1900,1 brought my little boy to you at the age of six month* suffering fiom a right scrotal Rupture, and I am thankful to say he is now perfectly cured' He has now been without the appliance about eight months, and there is no return of the Rupture. I can only thank the ,day I went to you, for my little boy is a different child altoaetJi^r I remain, yours thankfully, P.S.—You may make any use of this letter, if desirable. —^ M US TOE. S. J, Sherwan's NEW BOOK, Post Free, 3d. Write for it. 29, RUSHEY GREEN, VATFQKD, S.E. qQ

ably filled the chair. The first business was that of appointing a new captain, on account of the resignation of Captain Evans, who gave various reasons for his decision. A new captain was therefore reluctantly appointed, District Councillor Joseph Brooks being promoted from second officer to captain. Mr. Edgar Thomas was promoted from second lieutenant to second officer, and Mr. Tom Evans was promoted from sergeant to second lieu- tenant. Mr. John Morgan was promoted from assistant foreman to sergeant, and Fireman Tom Williams was made assistant foreman. In the course of the evening, Mr. T. Thomas resigned his secretaryship, and Mr. Alf. Fudge was unanimously ap- pointed secretary. The resignation of Fireman Saddler was accepted. It ap- pears that another fireman has since sent in his resignation. As a slight recognition of their services, the ex-captain and sec- retary are to be presented. It was not definitely decided what form the gift was to be, but a committee has been appointed to decide. On Tuesday afternoon the last respects on earth were paid to Airs. Rowlands, Birchgrove, Porth. Deceased was a pro- minent member of Bethania Baptist Chapel. The interment took place at Lledrddu Cemetery, Rev. J. Williams offi- ciating at the house and graveside. We regret to announce the untimely death of Mrs. Evans, Edward Street, who died on Wednesday morning from the effects of a paralytic stroke which befeJ her on Sunday night last. The interment will take place on Monday next at Llanon, Cardiganshire. The corpse will be con- veyed to Llanon on Saturday next. Great sympathy is extended on all sides with the two sons.