The Rhondda Leader

Porth fifty years ago. II. The first person that I knew or made his acquaintance at Porth was the late Mr. Idris Williams, Brynglas House. He was then a lad of about fourteen or fifteen and filling the role of haulier on the Cymmer Colliery yard, and then, hs was his disposition through life, full of energy. He was the third and youngest son of Mrs. Jane Williams, a widow to the best of my knowledge, and living with her father, Thomas Jones, at Porth Farm. Mr. Williams was then known among boys as Idris y Porth," an appellation that clung to him during his life. Appropriate enough, too; for it was correct, not only because he was a member of the Portb Farm family, but because he figured con- spicuously among the inhabitants of Porth, even from his, boyhood, and he held it to the end. He was a man of many parts and filled many posts in his time. At one time he learned his trade as a carpenter; at another he was clerk aid cashier at Cymmer Colliery. Many years ago Mr. Morgan, the then Vicar of Lian- trisant, aroused the indignation of the Nonconformists of Cymmer and Porth by compelling the children of Nonconformist parents to attend divine services held by the Church of England in the schoolroom at Cymmer; or, if not, they should not attend during the week the Nat'onal School which was the only school in the locality. Mr. Williams delivered many addresses against such a high-handed policy, and ultimately volunteered to occupy the post of schoolmaster in one vestry of the Calvinistic Methodists, which he held for some time on his own respon- sibility until a committee was formed and a certificated teacher was obtained. At this period he turned his attention to erect a suitable schoolroom, so that the place would be perfectly independent of the National School. Through his soli- citation his mother, who was by this time the owner of Porth Farm, gave a plot of ground a free gift to the neighbourhood, with the only stipulation that it was to be devoted to the erection of a building for the purpose of education solely. He strained every nerve to further this Pro- ject, which cost him a tremendous amount of labour and worry, and received but scant assistance from many persons who were considered by themselves and others men of light and leading." He had per- sonally to be responsible, or surety, for all the money needed for the school build- ing and the negotiations for it. It is true a few people signed some of the notes with him, but if it came to the push it would be problematical to know their value. The difficulty was not, over when the schools were built and onened. Where was the interest on the capital involved in the buildings to come from? This was a formidable difficulty. Bv indomitable pluck he at last got the various Noncon- formist churches to guarantee the in- terest. He tried hard to get the churches not only to guarantee the interest, but also to be responsible for the allotted amount to each church, of the capital. This scheme entirely failed, with the ex- ception of the Calvinistic Methodist Church. The late Mr. Jabez Thomas gave notes on behalf of this church no doubt, but simply signed his own name and not formally for the church. Somehow the original "notes" for this amount were left in his possession. Another herculean task was still to be overcome. Where were the subscriptions necessary to come from in order to de- fray teachers' salaries and general work- ing expenses? This principally devolved on Mr. Williams, and from what, the writer knows, it was far from being a pleasant task. At last the Education Act author- ising the formation of School Boards came into existence. He was not slow to avail himself of its provisions. A great mass meeting was convened at the Porth Schools to pass the necessary resolutions. Mr.

I PRAISED BY ALL WORKERS. I AS PRE-EMINENT I FOR INDUCING VIGOUR OF MIND & PHYSICAL ENERGY. | FERRU COCOA I The ONLY Cocoa containing IRON. Its Regular Use will I BUILD UP THE BODY and ANIMATE THE BRAIN. I READ THE FOLLOWING i— I I From Mr. W. James, Collier, Pontardulais. Allow me to say that I have tried your FERRU-COCOA and find it far more sustaining than any other cocoa. I take it with me underground daily, and find it quenches the thirst and helps me to do my work without ieeling exhausted. I would not like to go without my FERRU- COCOA for any money. A pint of FERRU-COCOA is better than gallons of beer. From Mr. John Samuel, Colliery Overman, 152, Tallistown, Cwm, Mon. I have great pleasure in certifying to its (FERRU-COCOA) health-giving properties and excel- lent flavour, and shall recommend it to all my friends and acquaintances as a substitute for tea or other beverages underground. BB beer. From Mr. John Samuel, Colliery Overman, 152, Tallistown, Cwm, Mon. I have great pleasure in certifying to its (FERRU-COCOA) health-giving properties and excel- I lent flavour, and shall recommend it to all my friends and acquaintances as a substitute for tea or other beverages underground. M I From Mr. Wm. H. Lingard, Colliery Examiner, 241, Marine Street, Tallistown, Cwm, Mon. I feel greatly benefited by the constant use of your FERRU-COCOA, and can confidently recommend it to all working men. As a beverage at work It Is superior to any other cocoa I have tried. From Mr. Morgan J. Williams, Collier, 39, Willow Town, Ebbw Vale, Mon. I was agreeably surprised when I first tasted your FERRU-COCOA from a fellow working man in the pit where I work. I find it strengthening and appetising, with a pleasant flavour, and I seem to get through a better day's work when I use it. It is also relished at home, and we mean to stick to it. ti- "I I'll, t' From Mr. Henry Hitchings, Carrier, Gusburt St., Laugharne, St. Clear's. I am a carrier by profession, and carry goods in my van for long distances in all kinds of weather. I believe there is no Cocoa to equal FERRU-COCOA as a sustaining food and as a pick-me-up when I feel tired and thirsty. I Sfc 1, From Mr. B.T. Harries, Rural Postman, Nantgaredig. Having to get up early and walk a great deal every day, I take cocoa for break last before starting. For several months now 1 have been drinking FERRU-COCOA, and I am pleased to say I feel better since taking it, and am able to tonow my duties with more energy. From Mr. John Davies, Engine Driver, 13, Church Street, Ferndale, I am writing you a few words to say- that I have used the tins of FERRU- COCOA I obtained from your shop. Hereby I confidently believe that FERRU-COCOA is the moist palatable and most sustaining beverage on the market. I have drunk over 13,000 pints of cocoa in the last 24 year's, so I may be admitted to be a fair jud; e of cocoa. I- 11 From Rev. J. G. Lewis, D. DI., Swansea. I have derived the greatest satis- faction from the use of your FERRU- COCOA. It makes an extremely pala- table and refreshing beve rage. But more especially it is valuable owing to its sustaining qualities, and in this respect I have found it of gireat service in enabling me to undergo prolonged mental exertion without um Jue fatigue. .008uh. i -I t. 11 1, I 1 From Nurse M. Holmes, 203, St. John's St. Road, London. I am very pleased with the FERRU-CO- COA, and will certainly recommend it to all my patients who are in the least suffering from weakness and poorness of blood. I think it a grand preparation for ladies after colifine- ment. From W. L. Hughes, Esq., M.R.C.S., L.S.A., Medical Officer of Health. I approve of the combination of Rerruginous Elements with Cocoa, Kola, and Malt, a s shewn by ll( your preparation called FERRU-COCOA. It is cer- tainly a step of importance in the manufacture of pre- £ 4lgf|n pared food beverages, for iron constituies a vital 9^" IpjflHt principle of the 'Genus Homo.' In preference to medicine I have advised the use of FER] <U-COCOA ( in cases of Ansemia and Chlorosis wit! t admirable results. It is most palatable, refreshin; r and sus- taining, and easily retained on the stom: ich without constipating results. I can strongly re commend it sr to persons suffering from weak digesti on and im- poverished blood. 5 VERY IMPORTANT.-IRON.-The Iron contained in FERRU-COCOA is scientifically extracted from FOOD PRODUCTS IN THE FORM THAT IT IS CONTAINED IN THEM, and then added to g FERRU-COCOA under the instructions of MEDICAL MEN. It is IRON AS IT EXISTS IN FOOD, and is thus „ taken in the form nature intended it to be taken. In other words, it is Iron t: tken in the form of a FOOD. t THESE ARE FACTS.—The immense majority of tonics prescril led by Medical Men contain H a Iron in some form or other. Why not take it as a food in the form of a delicious and invigorating tN beverage in such a way as nature intends this life-sustaining ingredient to b I taken ? Sold in 6d., 9d., & 1/6 Tins by all Chemists, GrocdiPS and Stores. FREE SAMPLE sent direct n application to ahe H FERRU-COCOA MANUFACTURING CO., Limited, g 8 CROSS LANE, EASTCHEAP, LONDONI, E.C. ELECTRO SILVER PLATED COCOA JUG given away FREE us an advertisement. See Com,fons inside Tins.

Mid-Rhondda Liberal Associ- atiorn A well attended meeting of the Mid- Rhondda branch of the Rhondda Labour and Liberal Association was held at Eben- ezer Vestry on Tuesday, Rev. M. H. Ellis in the chair. The secretary, Mr. J. T. Lewis, was instructed to write to the local County and District Councillors asking them to express their views on the Education Act at a public meeting to be held on Tuesday evening next, at Ebenezer chapel, Tony- pandy. The Cardiff resolutions will be proposed by the Rev. E. Richards, seonded by the Rev, J, Lamb, and supported by the Councillors

other two alone. The other two veterans and myself always work hand in hand for the benefit of our district. It seems to nie that Elector" himself must have dreamt when he wrote of my promises made at the last campaign. Will you, iur. Editor, allow me to tell "Elector" that all promises made by me three years ago have been fulfilled, and that I have new promises to make at the next campaign, which I shall keep as I did my last.—I am, etc., EVAN WATKINS, Treherbert. To the Editor of the Rhondda Leader." Sir,—Allow me through the medium of your most valuable paper to reply to Elector and give him a little brotherly advice He, upon perusing your paper ox the previous week, discovered with that insight born of genius (?) that your lre- herbert correspondent was guilty of ar act of attempting to delude the public mind by that ancient election dodge" of eulogising a candidate previous to at elections What introspection I What marvellous deductive powers he must pos- sess Yes, and what a feeble standard of the average elector's ability. Surely, he dees not imagine that even the most ordi- nary reader could not from the most casual perusal of his letter help but see his dodge of attempting to alienate from D.C. Evan Watkins many of his would-be supporters, of taking advantage of this opportunity of venting his per- sonal prejudice upon our worthy Council- lors. They would, indeed, be dense if they could not even determine the iden- tity of the writer when he so positively writes of contracts not having been issued, and thereby "see his little dodge." -Edt to business. He talks of dreams from from which your correspondent had just woke up previous to his writing. Surely it does not necessitate so fertile an imagination as to have to dream in order to imagine the few improvements he men- tions. Elector states that our candi- dates have for many years promised the improvement of Dumfries Street; also that no one follows the action of the Dis- trict more closely than he (what a Sw;!>p- mg assertion to be sure, what an exquisite opinion of himself he must possess). If such be the case, then surely, he must e aware of the, delay in the Dumfries Street improvement. He must also know that to order the Street Improvement Act to be Put into force is a very easy matter. Tip difficulty lies in the fact that the house- owner will have to pay. The delay in the improvement of Dumfries Street is now due to the endeavour on the part, of tho Council to lessen the householders' share of payment by obtaining a subscription from the landlord. With reference to the Blaencwm and Blaenrhondda improve- ments, Elector may no longer remain in doubt. The Council has passed that the Act be put into force. The delay is caused by the refusal on the part of the landlord to give land to widen the street. The correspondent was, however, mistaken ni regard to the contracts concerning which Elector was so naturally able to make usch positive statements- With re gard to DC. Evan Watkins' promises, have a list of them before me, and can Positively assert that he has diligently kept them. He has throughout his period of office earnestly attended to the affairs of State," and in concert with the other respected Councillors," has been the means of bestowing many needful blessings upon the commuity. These, dear Elector," are, not imaginary, but real if you but arouse from your "sleep." —I am. ANOTHER ELECTOR. Tyionstown Baptists at Loggerheads. To the Editor of the "Rhondda Leader." Sir,—Being a. reader of your valuable Paper, I was very much struck at tne above heading, and after reading the con- tents of the letter, one of the conclusion arrived at was that the worthy Member of the Committee" was not endowed with a vast amount of the estimable virtue— brotherly love. The statement re Mr. Phillip Rees' re- ligious status appears to be rather incom- prehensible, especially the latter part and Vice-President of the Rhondda Dis- trict Baptist Union." The allusion only conveys to my mind that the writer is envious of the position held by the afore- mentioned gentleman. By the way, 'tis passing strange that my friend the enemy" should acknowledge that I'm a Member at Salem Newydd. Assuming that this Member" resides not, a hun- dred miles from Mr. Phillip Rees acid rather than being anxious to wash the dirty linen" of Hermon, Pontygwaith, IJ public, would it not have been better If he had gone to see Mr. Rees, who would, I am sure, have been pleased to give the required information? I daresay there was a, want of love;" therefore, such an act of condescension was a mat- ter of utter impossibility; but, a tas'! Where ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be Wise,"—and this the 20th Century too; Mr. Phillip Rees and myself have been requested to answer six questions, and for the challenger's information, I to state that we will certainly give him six replies, on condition he illustrates that old saying: "Be brave and fear not." It IS to be hoped that he does not agree with Shakespeare, that best safety lies in fear." The bravery will consist in his let- ting the world and last, and perhaps least "p-in his estimation—our little selves, know his eggregious personality. Mr. Rees and Myself require a little light on this point. Wel want the voice of Jacob, not the hands of Esau." Providing that his courage be of suffi- teint strength, the interrogator will not he averse to complying with another stipulation, which will be absolutely essen- tial before his natural inquisitiveness can he gratified. He has touched upon a point in his letter which reads as follows: — A previous affair belonging to the church." Will he kindly explain to the Public if he had anything to do with this affair." They will then be in a position to form an unbiassed opinion as to the bone of contention" which has existed at the church in question for two yearc, and still exists. In conclusion, I would ^ovise my worthy Member to try his hands at preparing a sermon from the text: Mor hyfryd a daionus yw trigo ° frodyr ynghyd." I am of opinion tnat the Baptists of the district will be more than relieved when the necessary coa- litions are fulfilled, thus ensuring further developments.—Yours, &c., S H. WILLIAMS. Gwawrfryn, Ferndale. To the Editor of the Rhondda Leader." Tu.1'—your issue of last week's Rhondda Leader" appeared a letter nnuer the above heading, which heading I state is quite misleading, as the yiorstown Baptists are very flourishing, unitedly on behalf of the Good is And Tylorstown Baptist Church „ ^thout internal or external squabbles, .Mowers of the Prin"« of Peace TV? -n b° correct, it otigrit to be h he "Pontygwaith Baptists at Logger- tja church there (more the pity) and *ke scene of much disturbance of .iComniotion since the commencement divirWi preseut century and is still i1) a d conditiQn, Inasmuch as your correspondent, who signed his name A Member of the Committee," has thought it advisable to introduce the squabbles aid doings at Hermon Church in a newspaper controversy, I am prepared to answer his questions given to Mr. S. H. Williams and myself regarding the actions taken by the trustees, on condition that he sub- mits his proper name for publicity. Also I shall disclose some of the false state- ments contained in his letter and give details of the discordant way in which they carried on their committees; especially the proposed competitive concern com- mittees. No doubt that would be little more than A Member of the Committee has bargained for.—I am, &c., PHILLIP REES. Tylorstown ,Feb. 9th, 1903. To the Editor of the Rhondda Leader.' Sir,—I think it would hav- been better if this letter had not appeared. The writer, I am certain, must be an enemy of the Baptist denomination and if he lives in this neighbourhood, he must know that the questions given to the two trus- tees must open a controversy that will shew the doings of some members chat are unworthy of a drinking den. Is 't not a fact that the church is on the down grade ? Out of the eleven deacons, there are six experienced members who have worked in unison with former ministers. To shew the state of this church in the past, some time ago certain members of the church canvassed those that they were sure would follow the leader" and re- quested them to attend a meeting to take into consideration the advisability of dis- missing five of the deacons, which was done by the votes of the canvassed mem- bers. But what followed? The five deacons who were dismissed refused to ac- cept the unlawful meeting's decision, and decided to appeal to the East Glamorgan Association, who sent the Pwyllgor Cymmodol" to investigate this matter, with other things. What was the result? Perhaps the A Member of the Commit- tee will give it to relieve the Baptists of the district. I may state that the Pwyllgor put the blame somewhere; but on whom? Since then what has been the outcome of these evil doings? Has it been the means of creating good or bad feeling in the church ? I am of the opinion that "A Member of the Committee" has put his foot in it, and if I am not mis- taken, through this foolish letter matters will go from bad to worse. I am afraid before the end we must have the "Pwyll- gor Cymmodol" here again, and those that feel for the cause at Hermon, Ponty- gwaith, must, demand the Pwyllgor to oust the Achan out of the Camp." This is a fact, Hermon, Pontygwaith, was one of the best churches of our association v to three years ago. Who is to blame? The competitive concert to be held shortly it seems was decided upon in a hole and corner meeting," that the proceeds should go towards the minister's salary, which has fallen from £10 to L7 per month. And what is the reason of this? I will have more to say, not in narables but plain facts, if this Member of the Committee will appear again.—I am "NOT A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE In fairness to A Member of the Com- mittee," it should be stated that he was not responsible for the heading Tylors- town Baptists;" the error was ours.— Editor, "Rhondda Leader."