The Rhondda Leader

Cwmparc. Preaching services under the auspices of the Free Church Council have been held at Cwmparc during the week, and have been highly successful. Large congrega- tions assembled each evening. --+-+-+- On Monday evening last a very success- ful social tea was held at the Park Hall by the members of the Young People's Guild attached to St. George's Church. There was a large attendance, and the affair went off with a swing." The pro- gramme of song and speech at the close was varied and interesting. The Rev. T. Tissington was chairman for the even- ing. We hear that a new and capacious hall is to be built in connection with the church, sufficient funds being already in hand. This will prove quite a godsend to the locality, as the present, Park Hall is quite unsuitable for social functions. Cwmparc was for the first time in his- tory the scene of a bachelors' tea" on Monday evening last. The English Bap- tist Christian Endeavour Society is respon- sible for the innovation, and judging by its success, it has come to stay. The young ladies, however, who danced atten- dance at the tables, almost danced their way into sundry susceptible bachelors' hearts, and we fear that many of the latter will accordingly lose their pristine severity. Benedicts are so easily made, and their ranks continue to swell. It is gratifying to note that the Library Committee, with one of their character- istic soasmodic spurts, have added three new volumes to the library shelves lately. One of these is Mr. H. G. Wells' latest masterpiece, "Kipps." We would recom- mend all who delight in sterling literature to immediately make the acquaintance of Kipps." He is one of the most charming characters in recent fiction. The Cwmparc A.F.C., after a protracted period of displeasing mediocrity, managed a fairly brilliant bit of work on Saturday last. Going to Treharris, they defeated Treharris District by 3 goals to 2, rob- bing that organisation of the cherished ground record. The Cwmparc forwards showed good combination, and Dicky Jones, their left wing, fairly excelled him- self with some brilliant shooting and dribbling. The two Teds" at full-back were also in fine fettle.

Treorchy. The sad and untimely death of the Rev. Owen Rees, of the Station Road Forward Movement Chapel, Treorchy, at the age of 52, occurred at High Street on Saturday last from erysipelas, after an illness extending about five weeks. The rev. gentleman, who, appeared in robust health until very recently, contracted a chill, and this developed into erysipelas, firstly in the face and ultimately in the back of the neek. The first attack sub- siued somewhat, and the patient had so j recovered that he went outdoors on one j or two occasions. A relapse, however, I set in, and the end came in a painfully sudden and unexpected manner. The event cast quite a gloom amidst a large circle of friends, and especially among the congregation worshipping at Station Road, where deceased had laboured bard and unceasingly during the fifteen months he had held the pastorate. He was a native of Dolgelly, and came to Treorchy from Barry. Much sympathy is being felt for the widow and the tsnfy son in their sad hour of trial. The Treorchy Literary Society had an- other rare night on Wednesday evening last, when Messrs. D. Daniels (Co-opera- tive Stores) and C. Goldman were engaged in a debate on that interesting topic, i Chinese Labour." Mr. J. T. Austin [' presided over a very full attendance. The time taken up by the openers left but little opportunity for discussion, and the debate was ultimately adjourned for a. fortnight. Mr. D. Daniels opened for and annealed for a decision apart from party feeling. He quoted the Prime Minister's words, If the Transvaal people wanted Chinese labour, they cwsafd- have it. The reason for it was due. TO depres- sion of trade and shortage of native labour. The Labour Commission reported that there was no supply in South Africa, to meet the requirements. Yellow labour was required by the white colony, and its j introduction meant the- increase of white

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Blaenrhondda. On Monday and Thursday evenings, February 19th and 22nd, the choir of the Blaenrhondda. Wesleyan Chapel gave a very excellent rendering of the famous cantata., entitled From Manger to Cross," under the conductorship of Mr. T. J. Pritchard. Throughout the performance there was very little to find fault with and much. to be praised. It reflected great credit upon Mr, Pritchard, who has only lately taken upon himself the great responsibility of conductorship. This, his first work of the kind, speaks well for future success, and we would certainly congratulate him and encourage him to press forward in his work of love. The solos and quartets were very creditably sung by members of the choir, namely, sopranos, Miss C. Pritchard and Mrs. Edwards: contraltos, Misses Mary Jones, Katie Farnham, and Mrs. Morgans; tenors, Messrs. S. Pritchard and T. Morris; bass, Mr. Wm. Jones; accom- panists, Miss T'. Jones and Mr. W. Jones; chairmen—Monday, Mr. J. Phelps; Thursday, Rev. T. Cottam. On Monday evening the house was fairly packed; also on Thursday evening, notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, a goodly audience was in attendance. All seemed well pleased with the performance, and the young conductor has won the appre- ciation and good wishes of the whole neighbourhood. Long life to him, and may he go on in his good work, taking for his motto-" Excelsior." Edison's Phonographs and Records. All the latest in stock at R. T. Jones'?, Iron- monger, Sheffield House, Treherbert. 159

Porth. Our attention has been frequently called to the lack of postal facilities, i.e., for the purchase of stamps and postal orders, registration of letters, and the posting of parcels, which exists in the Cemetery, Road and Mount Pleasant dis- trict, a suburb of Porth which is very rapidly increasing in population. The residents of these districts are seriously handicapped in this respect, and a sug- gestion has been thrown out that an appli- cation should be made either privately or by petition to the surveyor praying that a town sub-office be established at the junction of the two Rhondda roads, some- where in the vicinity of the Old T'ynewydd Colliery. An office established at this point would admirably serve the district affected. If, however, the authorities cannot see their way clear to open an office doing the full work of a money order office, then perhaps they would sanction an office which would perform such duties with which the public are more directly connected, and thus remove a long-felt grievance to these particular districts. -+--+-+- Mrs. W. T. Davies, Brynbedw, secretary of the Porth and Cymmer Nursing Asso- ciation, has received the sums of £10 and E6 10s. from Mr. Gething, The Firs, Aber- gavenny, and the Wyndham Constitu- tional Club respectively, towards the funds of the Association. Another of those excellent services for young men was held at the English Con- gregational Church on Sunday evening, when an address was delivered by the pastor (Rev. R. E. Salmon) on Adam Smith and I." -+--+--+- The Porth Welsh Congregational Church has sustained a great loss by the death of Mr. Daniel C. Davies, who had filled the post of church secretary for upwards of 19 years. He was admitted to the Car- diff Infirmary last Christmas, but an operation disclosed the fact that his case was hopeless, and last Friday he passed away, at the age of 44. Mr. Davies was well-known in the Porth district, as a young man of exceptional intellectual in- sight and of strong moral and religious convictions, and was held in great esteem by his fellow-workmen. Some time ago, his friends at Porth Chapel showed their regard for him bv presenting him with a handsome bookcase, an address, and a purse of gold. During his secretaryship he was the right-hand supporter of five ministers, from time to time, four of whom are still living, and to whom he had greatly endeared himself. The funeral takes place to-day (Thursday), when the body will be taken from the house to Porth Chapel, where a memorial service will be held before the interment at Llethrddu Cemetery. Porth Welsh Independent Church.—The monthly service for young people was' held on Sundav evening last, when the pastor (Rev. A. Penry Evans) delivered an eloquent sermon in answer to the ques- tion, Ai gwir ydyw hanes Iesu Grist ? (" Is the story of Jesus Christ truth or fiction? ") We have heard some able ser- mons from the lips of this rising preacher, but never have we heard him so eloquent and convincing and so unanswerable as last Sunday evening. He dealt with his subject from every conceivable point of view, and after producing a, most formid- able body of evidence of all kinds, led his audience irresistibly to the conclusion that Christ is an historical tact. The chapel was filled to its utmost capacity, the congregation consisting principally of young men. These monthly services have been growing in popularity. since they were inaugurated by Mr. Penry Evans two years ago, and without a, doubt they are fulfilling the purpose for which they were instituted. The minister invites correspondence upon religious difficulties, and it is his custom to deal with these at the monthly services for young people. He prefers the writers to remain anony- mous. English Congregational Church.—We are glad to notice the increasing pros- perity of this cause under the energetic pastorate of Mr. Salmon. Where used to be empty benches is now well filled every Sunday. Preaching services are to be held next Sunday, March 4th, and pastor and people are to be congratulated upon having secured for the occasion the Rev. D. L. Ritchie, D.D., principal of the Midland Institute, Nottingham, one of the most eloquent preachers in the Eng- lish -ill,it of to-day. We would advise all friends who wish to hear Dr. Ritchie to be earl" at the meeting house, or they will be disappointed.

Ton. A pleasant evening was spent by the young people of St. David's Church, Ton, at the Workmen's Hall on Thursday evening, when an interesting conver- sazione and dance was indulged in. Not- withstanding the inclemency of the weather, a. large number congregated to,- gether, which was testimony enough for the secretarial efforts of Mr. A. D. Col- lier, L.R.C.M. Mr. Lewis Thomas per- formed the functions of Master of Cere- monies to the entire satisfaction of all. In the intervals, some excellent solos were rendered, and a capital programme was provided. Mr. A. D. Collier, L.R.C.M. (organist of St. David's Church), executed his duties at the piano in his usual man- ner, being greatly assisted in adding to the success by Mr. James Hughes, Gelli (violinist).

THE IIREAT WELSH REMEDY. RELIEF FROM DAVIES'S for Asthma for Broachitls I for Hoarseness ft 110 U f°r *« Coughs UUilUll HostSoothtn" 0WThrMt Wanns the Chest dissolves the Phlegm lor Singers ■ ■ ■ W tor Public Speakers r ■III 1 II I I I U |_ By Chemists everywhere MIA I Unt **■*•* HUGH DAVIESf Chemist, MACHYNLLETH.

Pentre. The Rev. Evan Rees (Dyfed), the new Archdruid, delivered his popular lecture, Gwlad y Dyn Du," to an appreciative audience at Nazareth (C.M.) Chapel on Thursday evening last. The chair was taken by Dr. W. E. Thomas. The pro- ceeds of the lecture are to be handed over to Mr. John Breeze, who has been unable to follow his occupation for several months. The anniversary, services of Moriah Baptist Chapel were held on Sunday last, when eloquent sermons were delivered by the Revs. J. J. Williams (Siloh) and T. Davies (pastor). Collections were made towards liquidating the chapel debt. The weekly meeting of the Pentre Literary and Debating Society was held at the Collier's Restaurant on Monday evening, under the presidency of Mr. P. Davies. A debate had been arranged for upon the subject, Should M.P.'s be Paid," but owing to unavoidable reasons the principals failed to put in an appear- ance. Nevertheless, a very pleasant even- ing was spent in impromptu debates, some of the subjects being Should capi- tal punishment be abolished P" "Is Eastern civilisation superior to Western civilisa- tion?" "Which is to blame—the drink i or the individual? and "Is Conscription necessary for Great Britain ? These impromptu debates revealed many things, not the least important being the mas- tery of many details with which some of the subjects were hedged in. The meet- ing was also responsible for a record in brevity of speech making, one member's speech consisting simply of the word, Yes" 1 Arrangements were also made for the conference and luncheon of the League of Literary and Debating Socie- ties to be held at James' Hall on Wednes- day evening next.

Ferndale. On Thursday last, February 22nd, the technical and night classes had a social evening, which turned out successful, nearly 500 sitting down at the tables. The catering was excellently -done by Messrs. A. Evans and Co., Mardy and Ferndale, whilst the sub-committee, with their energetic secretary, Mr. J. P. Evans, arranged the affair to perfection. The only drawback was that they did not arrange with the clerk of the weather beforehand, the weather being very in- clement indeed. The following enter- tained the company Mr. Davies (Hodges), violin; Master Howells, from Mardy, violin; pianist, Alaw Rhondda; comic songs, Tom Morris; gramophone, Messrs. J. Richards and Jones, of Duffryn School. Some of the committee worked very hard to help the caterers to serve the inner man, and mention should be made of Mr. D. W. Thomas (manager) and Mr. M. Morris (builder). The even- ing and technical classes are more success- ful in the Rhondda Fach this year than in any other place in the county. The popular cantata, Amos, the Cripple of Capernaum," is to be per- formed in full dress character by the Tabernacle Choral Society, conducted by the well-known leader, Mr. Gwilym Jones, assisted by many artistes. Everything is being done to make it a grand success, and the choir is working very hard, put- ting in even half a dozen practices a week. All the reserved seats are sold already. There has been a change of Government in the Mock Parliament which is held at the Institute, Ferndale, on Tuesday evenings. The Tory Government weie defeated on the education question and the Liberal leader has been called upon to form a new Government. Our corres- pondent expects that nine-tenths of the new Cabinet will be made up of Labour representatives, and it seems likely that the Keir Hardie group will be well repre- sented. The local Liberals" are ex- pecting lively, times. Mr. T. D. Jones, the young collier- student, of Ruskin College, Oxford, delivered his well-known lecture on Mining Royalties before the Cardiff Economic Society at the University Col- lege on Tuesday evening, Professor H. Stanley Jevons presiding. A spirited dis- cussion followed, and Mr. Jones was the recipient of eulogistic encomiums at the close.

Pontygwaith. Anniversary services were held at the Seion (C.M.) Chapel, Pontygwaith, on Sunday and Monday last. The officiating ministers were the Rev. William Jones, Morriston, and the Rev. R. Davies, Capel Drindod. Powerful and eloquent addresses were delivered. Collections were made towards the chapel funds.

Tonyrefai I. Last Thursday evening the Bethel Chapel Choir, Tonyrefail, gave a highly creditable performance of Darnton's "Abraham." Mr. W. E. Davies, the leader, was assisted by Prof. Jones' orches* tra from Maesteg. The leading parts were taken by the following: Soprano, Miss S. M. Lewis, R.A.M., Ebbw Vale; contralto, Miss Eva Hall, Ferndale; tenor, Mr. Llew. Jones, Aber- dare; bass, Mr. D. Jones, R.A.M., Cil- fynydd. Mr. L. D. Lewis presided at the piano.

Mardy, On Thursday last the billiard table room of the Mardy Workmen's Institute was opened, when an exhibition game of 700 up took place between Arthur Llewellyn, of Cardiff (champion of Wales), and Joe Ball, of Pontypridd (champion of the Rhondda). Llewellyn's best breaks were 61, 55, 83, 51 and 46, and his opponent's 37, 44 and 80. Llewellyn won by 240 points. Scores: Llewellyn, 700; Ball, 460. Half-yearly services were held at the Carmel English Baptist Church last Sun- day and Monday. The Rev. R. Powell, Briton Ferry, preached most inspiring sermons. Collections were made towards the chapel funds.

Ystrad. Mr. David John Griffiths, Cross Street, presided over the last meeting of the Young People's Union, Nebo, Ystrad, when a great deal of enthusiasm was displayed. The Chairman opened with a few en- couraging remarks, remarking that he felt glad to think the Society had been instrumental in developing a great deal of latent talent in their midst. The fol- lowing contributed to the miscellaneous part of the programme —Mrs. Jonathan Thomas, William Street, who recited Enaid Miss Sarah Davies, Gelli, who recited Dychweliad John"; and Mr. Rhys Jenkins, Redfield Street, who sang Digon yw t dy ras," each item being heartily received. The chief feature, how- ever, was a paper on "Samuel" by Mr. James Lloyd Evans, William Street. In .iis preliminary remarks, Mr. Evans dealt with the interesting history of the orophet's birth, his parents, and training, rhen followed reference to the call of Samuel, his response and obedience to the Lord, and that at a time when religious Matters were receiving but scant at-ten- tion. The speaker then emphasised the necessity of paying immediate attention to spiritual duties and performing them in a humble manner. Samuel's later days were devoted to the preaching of repent- ance to the Israelites, and his efforts were the means of introducing a deal of reli- gious fervour. Samuel confided in and approached the Lord when entering on anv task, and His blessing was a natural sequence. He was a just prophet and judge. Blessing followed consecration; but in present-day worship, and among present-day worshippers, there was a. great deal that was objectionable and in- consistent. Frequenting nublic-houses and visiting prayer meetings in turn was un- worthy and inconsistent. The Revs. A. Williams (pastor) and Benj. Thomas, and Messrs. John Evans, William Powell, and Jonathan Thomas took part in an in- teresting discussion, and an instructive meeting terminated with a hearty vote of thanks to the opener. At the Pentre Colliery, on Monday morning, an Ystrad-Rhondda collier, named Edward Wilkins, had his left arm fractured just below the shoulder and his legs badly bruised by a fall of roof while following his employment.

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Cardiff Empire. The Russian Giant Next Week. Some commotion will be caused in Car- diff when the modern Gulliver, who ap- pears at Cardiff Empire" on Monday, arrives in the city. He is Machnow, the Russian giant. He was born at Charkow 23 years ago, and his actual dimensions to-day are 9 feet 2 inches from head to foot. Machnow wears the largest hats ever made for a human being. His frock coat cuts into sufficient material to clothe five average-sized men. His boots are so large that they cost eight guineas a pair, and three pairs of his socks, which have to be specially woven for him, would, if un- seamed, make a coverlet for an average cot. On the forefinger of his right hand Machnow wears a great gold ring, which weighs half-a-pound, and would make a respectable collar for a fox terrier. The following is his food for one day 3 quarts of tea, 3 quarts of beer, 30 eggs, 71bs. of meat, 51bs. of bread and butter, and 51bs. of potatoes- At night, three beds placed sideways are required when he wishes to sleep, and three blankets sewn end-on are necessary to provide a single covering for him. Further, he is prevented by reason of his extraordinary height and breadth from travelling in an omnibus, and he cannot walk through the streets, because the shop blinds strike him in the chest. The only handy vehicle to carry him about is a pantechnicon van, and even the largest of these is anything but comfortable for him. Curiously enough for so large a man, lie wears a, ridiculously small collar; it can be fitted on a man from four feet high. Two artistes who also appear next week and who are creating immense amusement on the Moss-Stoll tour are the Artois Brothers, whose funny fooling on the bars always calls forth loud applause. Another amusing couple are the Brothers Warsaw, musical comedians, who have toured the world several times. An old favourite, Walter Munroe, the real Irish comedian, is also billed the others being Chas. Butler and John Josey as the two Cavaliers; the- Delevines, in a new and original comedy, The Bell Inn"; the three Renards, in an aerial strong act; Counsell and Mills, in a. comedy sketch; Jordan and Harvey, Hebrew comedians.

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labour, and the coolies did work which the white men could not and would not do. They only did what the natives did before, whereas the climate was against the white men. The Ordinance was as fair and as just as it could be. It com- pared favourably with any proposed in the past by the Radicals, particularly Guiana, and everything had been done to ensure the rights of the Chinaman. The com- pounds were not by any means so black aa they had been painted. He ga,ve in- teresting accounts of their architecture and maintenance, and asserted they were all that cleanliness and comfort could demand. The building of compounds to one firm alone had cost £ 56,000. One great authority was reported to have said that the coolies in some places were by far better kept than manv in this coun- try. Other instances of favourable reports came from Mr. Wm. Evans, protector of the Chinese, the South African mission- a-ries and Free Church ministers, by re- turned workers by Mr. Thomas Burt, M.P., all of whom were of the opinion that the Chinese were well looked after, and that it was totally wrong to use the term slavery. To use white labour only was impossible, and yet, if the Chinese were to be deported, 6,000 white men would be soon out of work. Steady ad- vance towards progress had already been made through the introduction of Chinese labour, and he considered the action of the Government unfair in condemning what they called slavery and to suggest passing the question over to the Trans- vaal for ultimate decision. Mr. C. Gold- man considered the late Government out of touch with South Africa and the people at home. They had listened to the mine- owners and capitalists, whose sole desire it was to make money. They introduced the Chinaman because he could not form Trades Unions and demand a fair wage; neither could he vote. They feared to try white labour as an experiment, but introduced foreign labour in order to reap high profits. The wealth then reverted to the hands of a few; Kaffirs' wages were reduced at a critical .time, insanitary and unhealthy conditions were created. English labour could be got, but only on fair and equitable conditions. The intro- duction of Chinese labour would not in- crease the wealth of the country, but the pockets of a few. Bringing in Chinese labour indeed left but little profit for the country itself, because the Chinaman lived so cheaply, and it took him all that he could save to take him back to China— when he could go. The speaker went on to show that, instead of increasing the number of white men in proportion, they had decreased. Though the extraction of gold had increased, the revenue had decreased. The result of Chinese labour was not good to the country, but meant a, lot to the mineowner; and if allowed to go on, the British nation will have won a country and failed to colonise it. It was nothing but slavery under the Transvaal Ordinance; the Chinaman signed away his freedom, which a free country has no right to countenance. If he did not do, he would have to return home at his own cost. If it was bad and unhealthy for the Kaffirs and white men, what about the poor Chinamen's lungs? In the compounds there had been riots, flogging, and many other disgraceful in- cidents. The Chinamen had been brought over to labour, and they could do nothing else. He came there not as a man, but as an animated implement. It was no- thing but slavery, and it was monstrous to call it freedom. England ought to con- sider the matter seriously whether she could allow such a, thing within her realms. A highly successful evening party was held aik the Ynyswen Schools on Friday evening last under the auspices of the Ynyswen teachers. The Treorchy Young Ladies' Society also held a social at the Old Boys' School on Thursday evening last, when there was a large attendance. The Revs. E. Keri Evans and J. D. 35dwarus conducted mission meetings -under the auspices of the local Free Church Council last week, with success- ful results. The Rev. Hugh Hughes, Ystalyfera, was unfortunately absent through illness.