The Rhondda Leader

Births, Marriages, and Deaths. Notices under this heading are charged 1/- each if not exceeding 20 words, and 6d.foi- additional 8 words. BIRTHS. BUTE.—On the 8th May, at 5, Char'otte-square, Edin- burgh, the Most Hon. the Marchioness of Bute, of a daughter. DEATHS. JONES.—May 7th, at 24, Pendarren-street, Aberdare, Mary, widow of the late James Jones, Carpenter, and mother of James Jones, Schoolmaster, Nantymoel. IN MEMORIAM. YOUNG.—In Affectionate Remembrance of Charles Young, Butcher, the dearly beloved husband of Margaret M. Young, Woodbine House, Rees-street, Trealaw, who died May loth, 1905. "Thou art gone, but not forgotten, Never will thy memory fade; Tender thoughts will ever linger Round the spot where thou art laid."

The Rhondda Free Church It Has It Proved a Failure P All is not well in the Free Church Council's camp in the present days in the Rhondda. For several weeks past, the advisability of holding the customary mission services in January of each year has been seriously considered, and, so far, no satisfactory arrangement has been arrived at. When the Council was formed several years ago, all the houses in the district were canvassed with a view of obtaining the exact number of people of both sexes who did not frequent any place of worship, and the latter were seriously exhorted to attend the mission services which would be held in the following week. So far as we remember, this was only done once, and since that time no further canvassing has taken place. What was the result of that canvassing is gene- rally known. It cannot be truthfully said that it gained many new adherents; indeed, it is questionable whether it affected the attendance of the indifferent at all. That happened in the first year, and since then the situation has been gradually growing worse. Subsequent mission services have been more or less failures, the attendance even of the com- bined denominations, Calvinistic Metho- dusts, CongregationaliBts, Wesleyans and Primitive Methodists, falling in each case at every place of worship where the com- bined services were held far below that of that particular church's congregation itself. In our district—Ystrad—this fact has been amply demonstrated, for at the meetings held at the beginning of the present year the attendance was especially meagre, and there was a financial loss, whi.ch was eventually made up by the pro- ceeds of a lecture delivered at Jerusalem, Ton, some time in March, Whatever may be claimed for the Council as a political organisation—and this is a debatable point-in spiritual work it has been a, complete failure. So despaired are the committee at the treatment which they have received in the past, that Sunday week all the churches belonging to the organisation were circularised as to the advisability of holding these mission meetings in the future, and the churches were requested to appoint delegates to attend a meeting which was held in the course of the following week. At that meeting, several interesting things were revealed, not the least being that the churches regard the organisation with keen apathy and no little mistrust. Two of the ch arches in that area have decided to remain aloof from the organisation. This committee having, therefore, ample evidence that the mission meetings of past years having proved miserable failures, a proposition was made and sub- mitted to the churohes on the following Sunday that the mission meetings be centralised at one place, and that the services of a noted evangelist be retained to address these gatherings, and the name of the Rev. G. Campbell Morgan, Lon- don, was mentioned as the desirable mis- siomer, This proposition, to say the least, was not greeted with effusion amongst the Welsh churches, opinions being ex- pressed that the interests and desires of the monoglot Welsh worshippers should not be subservient to their English brethren. With regard to the political side of the organisation and the influence it wields, we are afraid that this is but very slight indeed. In some churches, the organisa- tion is tabooed for this very reason, many of the leading spirits in those churches being of the opinion that the Council should confine its efforts to spiritual work alone, and leave political matters entirely outside its pale. The political scope of the Free Church Council in Wale&and especially so in the Rhondda-has not been of a very large order since its inception. There are doubtlessly many reasons to assign for this, not the least being that the orthodox slow-moving Welshman cannot very well reconcile political and spiritual work. Your old-fashioned chapel-going Welsh- man, nurtured in the narrow grooves of religion, will not take kindly to politics and religion being served up in the same dish. He is too much of a Catholic for that, and for that reason an organisation which purposes to have for one of its objects the saving of souls, cannot at the same time, in his opinion, bother itself with ulterior objects. Another reason which doubtless holds good is that Non- conformity in Wales is so overwhelmingly strong, that the need for a Free Church Council to enforce its claims is set at nought. In England, the case is other- wise. Across the border, the communi- cants of the Established Church out- number those of all other denominations put together; therefore, it is expedient that the latter should be linked together in one great body to fight the battles of Nonconformity. It cannot be urged that the Free Church Council took any active part in the recent District Council elections. Indeed, in one Ward, the Council was at variance with its own self; while one section of it did its utmost to return a new member, the other section made no less strenuous efforts to return the old member. The Council officially, of course, took no active part in the contest, yet in contests such as these one would naturally expect to find the Free Church Council doing its utmost to secure the return of those who are pledged to its principles and who have an unwavering faith in its tenets. The question then remains: Has the Rhondda Free Church Council nroved a failure? Frankly, until more conclusive evidence of its influence for good has been adduced in its favour, we fear that the answer must be in the affirmative,

Mr. BONNER MORGAN'S New Sight-Testing Room& ARE NOW OPEN And are claimed to be the Most Complete and Perfectly-Equipped in the United Kingdom. Cases requiring medical attention are not undertaken but referred to an Ophthalmic Surgeon. CHARGES ARE MODERATE AND INCLUSIVE OF TESTING 'larl lall 101, Queen Street, ri: CARDIFF I —. —

Gossip, The Stars in the firot four paragraphs below denote the number of etteis in the words omitted.—See Missing Word Competition.). One of the most costly gardens in Great Britain is that of Welbeck Abbey, where the Kitchen-garden alone covers thirty acres; the houses in which peaches, apricots, and nectarines are grown stretch for a quarter of a mile, and to stock them cost as much as £ 10,000. When a million- aire sets his heart on making himself a -X- pleasure-garden we may be sum that he recks little of the cost. Dr. G. J. Macnamara, M.P., obtained his education at a Wesleyan elementary school, and, later at a Board School, was indentured as a pupil teacher. He worked his way up to a headmastership, and his knowledge of gave him his seat in Parliament. In the years 1713-14, certain pattern farthings were struck in accordance with representations made to the British Government by Dean Swift. These are well-known to collectors at Queen Anne's Farthings." There are five dis- tinct varieties. Their scarcity and value has, however, been ex- aggerated. Earthquakes are usually preceded or accompanied by noises of sundry kinds, and cases are on record where such sounds have been heard in regions far removed from the disturbed area. On the other hand, subterranean sounds may be heard without any earth tremor being per- ceived. In 1784, the inhabitants of Guanaxuato, in Mexico, were terrified by loud subterranean thunder, which con- tinued for more than a month, but was unaccompanied by any trace of earth tremor. The noise ceased gradually as it commenced, and was local, not being heard at a distance of only a few miles. Grand foot and cycling sports will take place this Saturday, afternoon (May 12th) at the Mid-Rhondda Athletic Grounds, which promise to be exceptionally attrac- tive. The entries are very numerous, and include many well-known and popular competitors. Several local gentlemen are acting as judges, and a good attendance may be expected. The enterprising management of the Great Western Railway, to who we recently had occasion to refer in connec- tion with their new route to the South of Ireland, last week initiated a new cross-country through service between South Wales and the North of England. The service is known as the South Wales and North-England Express. The exact distance from Cardiff to Newcastle-on- Tyne is 345 miles, and by the new service is covered in 8i hours. The importance of this route to business men is shown by the fact that it passes through many great commercial centres lying between Cardiff and Newcastle, notably Cheltenham, Banbury, Leicester, Nottingham, Sheffield and York. A great portion of the coun- try traversed is both picturesque and historically interesting. The Rays Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Cardiff, are offering free holidays to their customers on a very large scale. We have seen a prospectus, which is splendidly got up and gives full information. Messrs. Thos. Clook and Sons, of London, the great holiday organisers, have undertaken the arrangements, which is a sufficient guarantee that the trips will be enjoy- able and as perfect as possible. It is un- doubtedly a novel scheme and promises to be a great success. So that no one will be disappointed, a long list of con- solation prizes are arranged for those who fail or who do not desire to benefit by the holiday scheme. All that is neces- sary is to collect coupons taken from Rays goods. Further particulars will be found in the prospectus, which may be had gratis on applying to the firm direct. Please mention the "Rhondda Leader" when writing.

derusalem, Llwynypia. The usual May meetings in connection with the above church will be held com- mencing on Saturday evening next at 7 c'clock with a public prayer meeting, and continue on the following Sunday and Monday at 10.30, 2, and 6, with sermons by the Revs. O. M. Owen, Liverpool, and Cynog Williams, Aberdare.

■ GOOD ADVICE. 11 B "TAKE A TIN | HOME- 1 You'll like it." I

Cafe Chantant at Clydach Vale- One of the most successful socials yet held at Clydach Vale was that held at the Boys' School last Thursday evening. under the auspices of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. The objects of this Society are too well- known to be repeated here, everyone aC- knowledging it to be one that deserves all support. A very strong committee oi ladies of the locality has been formed to look after the interests of the Society, and if this effort is to be a criterion of the future endeavours of the members, the funds of the Society will soon be in a flourishing condition. Mrs. L. W. Llew- ellyn, Llwyn Onn, is the president; Miss Jones, Howard Terrace, treasurer; and Miss Hawys Jenkins, Central Hotel, sec- retary. The other members of the com- mittee are Mrs. R. R. Williams, Schools; Mrs. Trevor Price; Mrs. James, Maddox Street; Mrs. Frank James, Clydach Vale Hotel; Mrs. D. Jones, Boot Shop; Mrs. J. Griffiths, Post Office; Mrs. Griffiths, dispenser; Mrs. Croombes; Mrs. Evans, Surgery Mrs. Jones, draper Mrs. Jen- kin Edwards; Mrs. Williams, Railway Terrace; Mrs. Richards, butcher; Mrs. Lawrence, Miss B. M. Evans, Miss Gwladys Lewis, and Miss Griffiths, Wern Terrace. The school was gaily decorated with bunting, the tables—small ones to seat four each—beautifully laid out, the ladies dressed for the occasion in caps, aprons and fichus, made the whole scene very attractive. Cakes of all descriptions were in abundance, while the ices, choco- late and sweets were much in demand. In the main hall, the Rev. W. Greening, B.A., presided over a. very enjoyable entertainment. Songs were sung by Messrs. J. V. Evans, David Thomas, Tom Edwards, and Misses Lily Davies and Bessie and Ethel Jones. Comic songs by Mr. J. B. Thomas, Llwynypia. were productive of great laughter, and Miss Evelyn. Bond contributed a very nicely played violin solo. Miss Lewis, Treharris, and Mr. Alf. Williams, Clydach Vale, played the accompaniments. Dancing was afterwards indulged in under difficulties, the room being too crowded. Altogether, the affair was very successful, and reflects the greatest credit on all concerned

I fancy Jones must have paid Kobmson WJJlIt he owes him." "Why?" Well, didn't Y()" notice that he passed Robinson's baby without kissing it? He: "Ah! Before you married me you used to think there couldn't, be another man like me, and now- She:" Now, I'm sure of it- there couldn't." Her Father: How dared you kiss my daugh- ter in the hall lat night.? Pierre: Upor)- it-)Y word, I don't know. I wondered myself when I saw her by daylight." She: "They t-oll n that Signor Bariioni broke down in his solo last night." He:- "I', Ye- He was singing • A Life on the Ocean Wave,' and got stranded on the High C." When heating irons, cover them with an ole dish cover or deep saucepan lid. They will heat much more rapidly than if placed on the gas ridg or stove in the usual manner. Never use new cake-tins without seasoning them fii-jt. Place the tins in an oven heated ready for baking for about an hour. Bread or cakes will take less time to bake in tins tbus seasoned than they would otherwise. A time economy for the home dressmaker i to place small paperweights on a pattern when cutting it out. This takes only a fraction of the time and trouble required in pinning the pattern down all round. A PLANET BEYOND NEPTUNE. The probable existence of a large planet be- yond Neptune was pointed out by Professor George Forbes, a quarter of a century ago. His theory was based on the orbits of comets, but he has since noted perturbations of Neptune that sf,!P,n likely in a few years to give a good idea of the position of this unknown body.

Cymanfa Ganu at Treorchy. A further demonstration of the popu- larity of the" gymanfa." was evinced on Monday last, when the singing festival under the auspices of the Welsh Congre- gational Churches of Treorchy and Com- pare was held at Bethania Chapel. The churches represented were Soar, Cwm- pare; Ramah, Hermon and Bethania, Treorchy. Although the amassed choir took up the greater part of the gallery, it was surmised that the aggregate num- ber of singers did not reach the usual mark. This was more noticeable in the male parts, and especially the tenor. In spite of the close sultry weather prevail- ing, the attendances equalled those of any year, and hundreds failed to get admis- sion. Mr. Taliesin Hopkins, Porth, was the appointed conductor, but in his en- forced absence the vacancy was filled by Mr. Harry Evans, F.R.C.O., Dowlais, and the announcement was sufficient in itself to guarantee a popular gathering. Besides, Mr. Evans' striking personality contri- buted in no small degree to the efforts of the singers, who could not but respond to the conductor's masterly lead. The morning service, according to custom, was devoted to the children, and as is in- variably the case just at present, proved the success of the day- Indeed, it is pro- verbially true that children are far more conscious of their duties in this direction and that they show a more absorbing in- terest than the adults goes unchallenged. The children's service at Bethania, may it be repeated, was a big success, and for this, credit is due to the promoters for their really excellent choice of hymn- tunes and the amount of preparatory work put in by the various conductors. "Seren Fechan" (Acton) was delightfully rendered, and the same remark applies to "Rhosyn Saron" (George Thomas, A.C., Treorchy), while Mr. Howell Howell's "Pan gilia'r niwl" proved itself another popular item, and was repeated at each service. The anthem, Telynau Plant" (Gwilym James, A.C., Ferndale), was also suns: with fervour. The president was the Rev. T. Davies, Soar, Clwmpaxe, a similar duty being performed by Mr. Thomas Jacob, Ramah (in the absence of the Rev. J. Julias Thomas), in the atternoon, and the Rev. W. Charles, M.A., Hermon, in the evening, all discharging their duties in an eminently satisfactory manner. The adult choir did all that was required of tiiem. and it can be said that they did full justice to the programme set down. The choice of hymn-tunes was not by any means a striking one, and there was but little scope for hwyl and fervour. The evening's programme was a decided im- provement upon that of the afternoon, and at times the choir rose to a certain pitch of enthusiasm. Their chief work was concentrated upon the anthems, of which there were three, i.e., "Teilwng yw yr Oen" and Amen" (Handel), Eistedda, teithiwr blin (Emlyn Evans), and Gwyn eu byd y rhai pur o galon (Hugh Hughes, Tlreherbert), and for choice the latter seemed the superior. The other best efforts were" Leoni," Onllwyn," Bryn Gilead." The festival, on the whole, was a decided success, Mr. Harry Evans, though fearing a mediocre display on Sunday evening, expressing himself highly pleased, and thanked one and all for their kind help and co-operation. During the afternoon and evening, a recitation, Teilwng yw yr Oen," was given by Miss M. J. Lloyd, Cwmparo; salois by Messrs. Tom Williams and Evan Thomas Jones (R.W.M.C.); quartet by Mr and Mrs. Oliver Jones, Mrs. Margt. Davies and Mr. Dd. Hermon; an exquisite solo on the orga* by Mr. Harry

Penygraig. The annual singing festival ot the Welsh Wesleyans (Treorchy Circuit) was held at Penygraig on Monday last. The con- ductor on this occasion was Mr. J. H. Morgan Harries, R.A.M., Cardiff. The morning meeting, which was presided c by Mr. Richard Lewis, was devoted to the children, and most of the tunes were very well sung. Among the favourites were Fendigedig Iesu, 11 Eirianfa," Cariad at yr Iesu," and Tel vn Seion." The three-part tune was also well sung, but the effect of some of the best passages in it was lost to som0 extent owing to lack of thoroughness in knowing the parts. The children s anthem was well rendered. The after- noon meeting was very well attended, and it was very difficult to accommodate all the people who were present. The Rev. H. P. Atkins, Borth, presided very ably over the meeting, and everything passed off very satisfactorily. Probably the finest tunes in the programme were sung at this meeting, among them being "Vienna," "Ebeling," "Penlan," "Man- yrafon," and "Bodlondeb." The anthelll, Mor hawddgar yw dy bebyll," was very well rendered, and the repetition in the evening meeting was splendid. The trio was well sung by Messrs. E. Morris, W. Jones, and Miss S. A. Edwards. Promptly at six o'clock the evening meeting was commenced. Mr. John Edwards, Tre- orchy, presided in his usual amiable man- ner, and infused a splendid spirit into the meeting at once. The tunes best sung were St. Bride," Alun," TrefeglwyS; "Tydfil," and "Eiriniog." The conductor warmly praised the choir for their sing- ing throughout the day, and suggested that with a little more thoroughness i'T1 preparation and attention to detail, the "gymanfa" might attain a very high standard of excellence. Very hearty votes of thanks were accorded to the con- ductor (Mr. Harries), the accompanist, Messrs. J. B. Edwards, Lewis Edwards and Thomas Jones for their services during the day.

Tonypandy. On Wednesday evening, Mr. T. Naun. ton Morgan, auctioneer, of Tonypandy, conducted a property sale at the Clydach Vale Hotel. There was a good atten- dance, and after brisk bidding and keen competition the shop and premises, No. 52, Wern Terrace, was knocked down to Mr. Isaac Price at JE380. Messrs. Lewis and Crockett, of Pontypridd and Tony- pandy, were the solicitors for the vendor.

Evans himself. The services rendered 1 throughout the festival by Madame Protheroe-Davies, A.L.C.M., on the organ should not be overlooked. She worked laboriously and without flagging. The sub-conductors of rehearsals, Mr. S. Thomas, Ramah, and Mr. David Davies, Hermon, deserve praise, as also do the committee, who made strenuous efforts to maintain the prestige of the event. The I officers were: Chairman, Mr. W. T. Watkins, Ramah; vice-chairman, Mr. Evan Phillips, Bethania; treasurer, Coun- cillor W. T. Jones; and secretary, Mr. Dan Davies, Myrtle Hill, Treorchy. The prize offered by the latter for the best hymn-tune composition was won by Mr. John Thomas, well-known as a prominent trombone, players.