The Rhondda Leader

Treoretey Technical Classes Pi esntat¡on to the Seo^etapy, Councillor W. P. Thomas.. A Proud Record. Only a few weeks ago we made mention in our columns of the proposed public testimonial to Councillor W. P. Thomas. Previous to that decision, however, the committee in charge of the Park and Dare Institute, and with whom Mr. Thomas had acted and worked harmoniously as -secretary for the past ten years, had come to the conclusion that they should in a semi-private manner recognise the ser- vices of such an able guide and secretary as Mr. Thomas had proved himself to be. Mr. Thomas' connection with the Library Committee and the establishment of the Technical Classes provide an interesting chapter in the history of intellectual advancement of the community in gene- i'al. The masses and Mr. Thomas have been inseparable the one has interwoven into the other, and no one can conjecture the amount of credit which must be due to the secretary for the voluminous amount i of work accomplished during the past decade, and we feel sure that we are re- echoing the sentiments of many by stating that many a young struggling collier has been given a fresh start in life through association with these Classes. The fol- lowing statistics form interesting food for thought. During the time the Library Committee had charge of the Classes they had on the books about 2,000 students, and the average attendance was 65 per cent. The number of students examined r:c: Councillor W. P. THOMAS. Aythe County Council and Board of Edu- cation was. 734, of whom 585 were success- ILTI--equal to 80 per cent.—a good record. About 35 of the students who have at- tended the Mining Classes now hold official positions at various collieries. Students attending other Classes and who commenced their career here have also obtained good positions elsewhere. Two young men who were formerly employed at the Park and Dare Collieries, and were taught shorthand and other subjects at the Institute, are at present proprietors and editors of a newspaper. Others who ai'e now capable instrumentalists and vocalists were at one time students, and more than one young man who' started liere and had a. liking for education have proceeded to University Colleges and graduated. The last session (1904-06) was the most successful -of all. The position attained by our students in the various examinations were exceptional, and gave the T'reoirchy Centre the premier position In the county. Such a record must give entire satisfaction. The deep and active interest taken in the movement by the chairman, Mr. Wm. Jenkins, J.P., Ystrad- fedian, the incessant toil of the secretary, All.. W. P. Thomas, and the hearty co- operation of the other committeemen have been, productive of results the worth of which can never be calculated. The desire of the Committee to place 01l record the services of their secretary could then well be understood, and far from clashing with the other movement on foot, it must indeed give it a well- deserved iiilip. There was a. large assembly at the Institute on Wednesday evening- the presentation night-the audience in- cluding the elite of the place, and the arrangements reflected credit upon the two principal promoters, Messrs. John Samuel, M.E., and Idris T. James (Ocean Collieries). M'r. John Jones, checkweigher, occu- pied the chair temporarily until the arrival of the gentleman appointed to act, I.e. Mr. Win. Jenkins, J.P., Ystrad- fechan, whose appearance gave rise to hearty applause. After apologising for his unavoidable delay, he expressed his delight at being present to offer his con- gratulations; to Mr. Thomas for his work III connection with the Technical Classes, and to share in the recognition of such vices. The work of the Committee had been sincere, if at times irregular, and each and everyone had cine their best. The. secretary had worked hard before the County Council took the Classes over, and he was always present. He (the speaker) lad been surprised how Mr. Thomas had been able to perform his multifarious duties. He was not by anv means a big lnUll physically, and he had been at times hot in the best of health, but fortunately he had come through that. What they gave Mr. Thomas that evening was no Payment—it was simply an honorarium, while he understood the teachers and students were also going to show their appreciation of Mr. Thomas' services, and this, he thought, amounted to a vote of confidence in the Library Committee (cheers and laughter). As Mr. Thomas' employer, he could testify further to his Service, and from the time of his entering his employ to the present day he hacl dis- charged his duties in a manner which had his warmest approval (cheers). Mr. M. O. Jones, one of the teachers, saId that the man who desired to work should work, and that often without re- cognition. He remembered Mr. Thomas as, a boy, and he was precocious then. He had watched his development to a citizen, aP-d he had proved himself a useful citizen. The old Committee was unique j?1 many respects, but he was sorry to kn.d that the Committee, consisting chiefly ()r Working men, should be allowed to deliver up their seals of office without any recognition. With Mr. Thomas as their &cude they had accomplished a great deal of work. It was the Institute at Treorchy "-hat had made Mr. Thomas; acquainted A^ith the Classes, and in that direction 0 district had benefited materially. Mr. sP°ke eulogistically of Mr. Thomas' other public functions, especially in his connection with the Royal Welsh Male vhoxr. Mr. Evan S. Jones, one of the pillars of the Institute Committee, stated that a great deal of work—solid, faithful work— had been performed by the Committee under the able guidance of the secretary, Mr. W. P. Thomas. The Classes were now making progress by leaps and bounds, and he knew not where they would culminate. But he had only to remind them that the work had begun nt the Institute, and Mr. Thomas had acted faithfully, not having lost a single examination throughout the long years. Mr. T. W. Berry, Director of Education for the -viiondda, had a fine ovation, and remarked that if lie had no word to say, he would have stood up to sliow his appre- ciation of the services of a faithful ser- vant. Time had been when the Saxons and Celts were cutting each othors) throats, but to-night his presence showed differently. The initials of Mr. W. P. Thomas had suggested to his mind some- thing iike this willing, persevering, and triumphant (laughter). He (the speaker) had found Mr. Thomas to be exceedingly courteous, and he also had a knack of drawing and not forcing. There was an old German proverb, The mind and not the blood that ennobles," and the mind that ennobled was a mind that performed a duty. If a man knew something, he should share it with others. It was the opposition of selfishness. In connection with the Classes, he (Mr. Berry) was astonished at the phenomenal growth and progress made at those Classes, and he was surprised at the bronze medals coming to Treorchy. He thought these medals belonged to Manchester (laughter). Some of the recent examinations had revealed exceptionally good results as compared with other districts. The training which Mr. Thomas had with the Classes had befitted him for a keener insight into the educational work of the district, and he was glad to find that his services were so fittingly recognised (cheers). Mr. W. T. Watkins, another member of the Committee, and Mr. John Dixon. one of the Abergorchy Colliery represen- tatives, having spoken, Mr. John Samuel, M.E., county mining lecturer, said that there was a danger of looking too slightly on the work accom- plished by the Institute Committee with- out considering that the influence of that work would reach into the ages of the future. They had already had proofs of sonic having obtained creditable positions, and several cf those who were frequenters I of the street corners had been saved from an mglariovs existence and had been trained to a. position of utility not only to themselves, but to the community at large. When the history of Treorchy came to be written in the near future the work accomplished by the Institute Com- mittee would form an interesting chapter, and the indefatigable work performed by Mr. Thomas was something to be admired. From his experience throughout the country he could not point his finger to one who had so capably discharged his duties, and these, many-sided qualities had aided his Committee to further zeal. The institution in Treorchy was the most im- portant. in the county, and he would go further and say it was the most important iu Wales, and he would add by saying that their scheme was now being emulated by others throughout the Kingdom. He concluded by paying fitting tribute to Mr. Thomas'- useful office on behalf of the students who had taken part in the yearly tours undertaken to the various coalfields in South Wales. England, and the Con- tincnt. 9 Letters of apology were then read from the Rev. Dr. Morris, Treoi-eliy; the Rev. T. Tissington, Cwmparc and Mr. David James (Defynog), all testifying in choice language to Mr. Thomas' qualities and virtues. Then followed the presentation of the Committee, viz., a 18-ct. gold best Eng- lish manufactured hunting watch, chain and medal. The watch bore the follow- ing ii., sci-I'ption:Pi-eseiited to W. P. Thomas by the Treorchy Sub-Committee of the Glamorgan County Council Educa- tion Committee for services rendered as their secretary from 1895 to 1905." The medal bore a similar inscription on one side and Mr. Thomas' photo engraved on the other. These were handed over to Mr. Thomas by one of the Committee veterans, Mr. Evan James, whose remarks were few but singularly appropriate. Messrs. B. Gabe, headmaster, Ynyswen Schools, and Evan Middleton, manager, Park Colliery, in choice terms handed over the gifts of the teachers and students. These consisted of a commo- dious and well-fitted bookcase and revolv- ing chåirfine specimens of modern fur- iiiture, inscribed as follows :—"Presented to W. P. Thomas, Esq., D.C., secretary and organiser of the Treorchy Evening Classes, by the teachers and students in recognition of services rendered from 1896 to 1906." Both speakers were elo- quent in their remarks, and paid the re- cipient eulogistic compliments. lVIr. John Bowen, Pent re, the next. speaker, was none less eloquent in his praise, while Mr. W. H. Owen, in few words, re-echoed the sentiments of all pre- vious speakers. Mr. W. P. Thomas, in replying, said that he had been in that building: thou- sands; of times, but he never had had such an uncomfortable two hours as he had just experienced. He felt more thankful than words could express for the pre- sents, but more so for the feeling behind them. He had had such a deep interest and pleasure in the work that he could not abstain from working, especially with such a good committee behind him. The teachers had also given him every help uossible. He felt that nisht more closelv attached to Treorchy than, ever, and lie knew that Treorchy could do as well as any other place indeed, he felt it could even go beyond. He was always glad of the success of the boys," and when the result of the bronze medal having come to the -lace reached him, he felt he could go for a, week without any food. He could not adequately convey his meaning in words, but while health permitted he would continue to do all in his power for the place. He had had nothing in all his actions, with the Library Committee but help and assistance, and this had given him an impetus, and he would be pleased to render any help to young men in the future, and he had only to hope that, his future labour in their midst would exceed all that he had been able to do in the past. Mr. Thomas again thanked the donors for their marked demonstration of appreciation and good- will. Dr. J. H. Armstrong then submitted a vote of thanks to the Chairman, which was carried enthusiastically, and the meeting came to a conclusion with the singing of the National Anthem, in which Miss Cissie Thomas sang the air. During the evening, musical items were given by Miss Cissie Thomas, Miss Cath. Lewis, Mr. T. Felix Evans, and Mr An eu rin Edwards. Mr. J. T. Jones L.R.A.M., accompanied. CAN I'r C'ynghorvvT W. P. Thomas, Treorci. Rhaid canu clod i W. P., Ffrynd pena'r dref yw o Mae'i ddawn a'i serch yn dawusio gylch JSi enedigol fro. Mae W. P. yn Gymro iawn, Yn llenor gwerth ei ganmol Os bach o gorff—mae'i ben yn Hewn Gwyboclaeth gyffredinol. Mown corff mor fach, fath feddvil 0 hyd ddadblyga'i hUll; Map hywyd W. P. yn dyst Mai nid y curtI yw'r clyn. Pwy dlhHd nad atlirylith fyw. Yn seren yn goleuol" Mae cyiiyreli had ei feddwl rhydd Drwy'r wasg o byd yn pefrio. Ffrynd addysg a diwylliant pur, Gwr o ewyllys gref N-id rliyfedci fod yr ardal oil Am ei dystebu d. Parliaed yn ffyddloi), Yn frwc1 o ymdrechion 1 godi cymdeithas i fyny,— Ei fywyd a'i hrofiad, Ei waith, a'i gymeriad Yll dcilwng o grefydd. a Chyinru. Treorci. RD. JONES.

East Glamorgan Baptist Association. and the Dispute at Jerusalem, Llwynypia. Rancorous Discussion. 1 "You are not the man to be hanged I" The regrettable dispute at Jerusalem, ] Llwynyma, camelp for consideration at the annual meeting of the Baptist Asso- ciation of East Glunorgan held on Wed- nesday at Hengoed. at which the Rev. R. E. Williams (Twrfab), Ynyslwyd, pre- sided. A large attendance of delegates were present. The report of the Conciliatory Com- mittee was submitted by the secretary, the Rev. W. R. Jones, Penrhiwceiber. This Committee recommended amongst other matters (1) that the two sections in the church should agree to pay six months' salary to the. minister, the Rev. W. S. Jones; (2) that ht), upon receipt of pay- ment, should sevJr his connection with the church (3) that the present deacons should resign; (1) that a reasonable period should elapse before electing new deacons; (5) that should the foregoing recommendations be refused, that they (the Committee) ivould undertake to pro- vide a separate ministry for the appel- lants. The Committee, however, felt that no new cause at Llwj'nypia was neces- sary. The report, provoked a prolonged dis- cussion, in which niu-h bitter feeling was exhibited, the recommendations entirely reversing the decision of the arbitrators, recently appointed ly Jerusalem Church, and it was alleged -hat the Conciliation Committee had acted unennstit.utioually and unfairly in ignoring this arbitration which had been carried out by six pro- minent Baptist gentlemen, and also ignoring the Rhoidda District Commit- tee. Strong objection was expressed by some to the proposal to dismiss" the minister and to "clear out." the deacons on evidence given )y one section only, the whole of the fact not having been sub- mitted to the Coipiliatory Committee. A suggestion beng made that a strong committee should ae appointed to go into the whole matter, the Chairman asked if the two sections of the church would accept the decisicl of such a committee, and great surpris and some indignation was expressed whel the leaders of the anti- ministerial party <eclared they would not. A question ws asked whether the Association couh override Jerusalem Church deeds, wheh provided arbitration in case of a dispite between pastor and church, but ilo, re,ly was given. During the het. of the discussion the Rev. W. S. J one: was about to speak, when the Cliairnin appealed to all to desist from furthr discussion. The Rev. W. ). Jones, in a strained voice, then said 9 the Chairman: "You are not the man o be hanged, Mr. Wil- liams, remember.' The Chairman who. was evidently pained by the reitf rk, replied that lie was most anxious to gve fairplay to everyone involved in the tspute, and allowed Mr. Jones to make hf statement, which was received with prcound attention. Mr. Daniel Thoia.s, Trealaw, considered the action of the Conciliatory Committee most irregular ruler the circumstances. Alderman Thoias (Cochfarf) eventually moved that the ecommendatiollS of the Advisory Commitee be received and adopted, and the tev. T. T. Jones (Blaen- clydach) proposec as an amendment that the Cymanfa appdit a committee of three persons from eac of the six sections of the East Glal110an Association to go into the whole nttter. On being put to the meeting, thea-mendment was carried bv an overwhelmig majority, a few hands only being extened in favour of the pro- position. Minister-ill Candidates. The report of 110 examination of minis- terial candidateswas submitted, and it was decided to ivite the following candi- dates to prepH for the ministry Messrs. Daniel Icliards (Pontlottyu), W. R. Jones' (Mei'iyr), W. J. Dunstan (Porth), W. G. Vatkins (Mertiiyr), and J. Deudraeth Jois (the blind preacher of Clydach Yale). Draining Clubs. The Rev. T. 1 Jones moved a resolu- tion calling sepus attention to the drinking clubs eablishecl in their midst, which were doig irreparable harm to those who frequited them, and asking the churches toto all in their power to resist the eviis: asing out of such clubs. < ■> Beulbj Tyntyla. The branch cfrcli at Beulah, Tyntyla, was unanimous' accepted into the Gymanfa, all thpropositioll of Mr. Geo. Evans, Tonypanf (on behalf of Jerusalem Church). The Rev. Owe Jones, Cow bridge, who seconded, said I would never forget the excellent remarlof the Rev. W. S. Jones at the memorab opening services.

Mr. AYD.v GUiNTEJR. Grand Concert at Terr- On Wednesday, the 111 usic-loving por- tion of the community had an unusually fine treat at the concert at the Work- men's Hall. The occasion was the appear- ance of Mr. Haydn Gunter, the famous Welsh violinist, before making his debut in London next week at the Duchess of Sutherland's concert at Stafford House, London, under the Royal patronage of rt ii. Princess: Christian and H.R.H. Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll. The concert Oil Wednesday was under the patronage of Sir T. Marcliant Williams, Miss. Ada Jones, Mr. Clifford J. Cory, M P., Mr. W. Brace, M.P., Mr. Will. Jenkins, J.P. (Ystradfechan), Alderman E. H. Da vies, J.P., Alderman Morgan Williams. Principal Rhys (Jesus College. Oxford), Mr. W. J. Thomas (Standard Colliery), Mr. W. P. Nicholas. Councillors B. Davies, W. T. Da vies, D. C. Evans, T. Evans, Ed. Jones, Dr. W. E. Thomas, W. P. Thomas, David Williams and Rev. J. Lloyd Williams. There was a very appreciative audience, and the concert was of a classical and educative character, aiming at giving a refined taste for instru- mental music of the first order. In our concerts, as a rule, the vocal music re- ceives. every attention, while the instru- mental is often neglected. On Wednes- day the balance was well maintained. Unfortunately, Mr. W. Dundas Wight, M.E., chairman of the Rhondda Urban District Council, who was announced to preside, was unable to be present, through indisposition. Mr. David Chubb opened tne programme with Cymru Fydtl," which was well received. He was followed b a pianoforte solo of two items by Jensen and Paderewski, which was played in a. cultured style, showing the artiste's complete mastery over the instrument. Miss Routledge, who also acted as accom- panist to all the artistes, and whose play- iIlg in the capacity was marked by pre- cision, was very well received. Mdlle. Caroli, the Newfoundland nightingale, took the house by storm in her artistic- rendition of Verdi's melodie, A fcrs e lui," from Traviata." She was loudly encored, and to which she responded. Mr. Haydn Gunter had the ovation of the evening. Never had a violinist a more hearty reception or a more unanimously appreciative audience. He played Hubuy's Faiitisic Hongroise in a. style which at once marked him as a violinist of the first rank. This opinion was more than confirmed when he played a delightfully soothing Berceuse as response to an encore. His next item, Souvenir d'Auerique," by Vieuztenips, was given by request, as giving the artiste an oppor- tunity of exhibiting his masterly and iu- imitable powers over his instrument. The pleasing airs plavej in every form of variation. the soft parts brought out the soul of the performer, while the diffi- cult bowing, heavy demands oil the finger- ing, and the rapidity of execution in the presto finale simply brought the house down. Again he was encored, and played the beautiful Intermezzo from "Rusticana." His last items, by Sarasate. gave the artiste an excellent chance of showing his unique excellence as regards the purity of tone in his harmonics, of which there was an abundant display. The vociferous cheering showed the audience's apprecia- tion. and further indicated the cultured nature of the audience. Miss May Mukle was an acquisition as a 'cellist. Miss Mukle has a big reputation as the greatest lady 'cellist, and so far as the Rhondda is concerned, proved herself a favourite, as she did at her last appearance here in Ynyshir. The ease with which she plays, the beautiful tone she produces, the artistic interpretation of her items, and the sympathetic renditions alike appealed to her audience, and as a result she was loudly encored after each item, to which she gracefully responded. She played ..Spi-eti.adc, by Saint Sacns: Chanson Yillageous. by Popper Sarabandi." by Sulzer: Petita Romance." by Pett. Mdlle. Caroli further delighted the audi- 1, ence by singing "I think" (Guy d'Hard- clot) and. Villanelle" (Dellaqua), each effort being emphatically encored, and responded to with equal appreciation. The general verdict of the concert is that it was an educational treat of a high order. rarely if ever reached in the Rliondda, and of a kind that will have a lasting influence on the music of the district.

_n_ Education Meeting at Treorohy. The Rev. D. Rhagfyr Jones, pastor of Bethania Church, presided over a meeting called to consider the Education Bill. at Bethania Chapel on Thursday evening last, under the auspices of the Treorchy and Cwmparc Free Church Council. Mr. Tom John, Llwynypia, addressed the meeting at length, and was in good form. He traced the progress made in educational circles from the time when our forefathers were engaged in bitter conflict with the priests down to the pre- sent day. Mr. John also elucidated many intricate points in the present Bill, and punctuated his remarks with a good deal of appreciable humour. Councillor W. P. Thomas also spoke in support, and dealt with a few points un- touched by Mr. John. Both speakers were accorded a. hearty vote of thanks, a similar compliment being, paid the Chairman for presiding. Owiw" to pressure 011 our space, we have been obliged to forego our usual cricket notes and results. --t_ A. baby's shoe hung en the curiam above Judge Bryn Roberts' head at Ysirad County Court on Tuesday. What did it mean Eos Hafod has been writing to a daily contemporary about the trout which used to frequent the Rliondda River. Pounders were caught in the silvery stream I :1, add.; Eos. from time to time, until one day a vicious-mindetl person threw lime into the water for his own selfish purposes. --+- The writer remembers in the days oi his youth catching ome a evy small fish which were at that, time abundant in the river. They were not more than two or three inches long, and once caught they could be kept in bottles for many day. A gentleman once informed us that on one occasion, after a very heavy flood, he caught a fine salmon near Pentrp, weigh- ing seven pounds. That was only a few years ago. and the minerals which arc continually washed into1 the river from the collieries on its banks had nearly killed the poor sohtary "wandered": he was on the point of death when taken out. u-

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