The Rhondda Leader

Mid-Rhondda Free Church Council. The annual meetings of the above Council were held at Bethania, Llwyny- pia, on Boxing Day. The proceedings commenced at 9.30 a.m. with a public prayer meeting, under the leadership of the retiring president, Wxe Rev. John Morgan, Bethania, followed at 10.30 by his presidential address upon Free Church Work in Mid-Rhondda," the first presidential address delivered as such from the chair since the inauguration of the Council in March, 1901. Mr. Morgan, after expressing his ad- miration of the form the annual meeting took this year, as arranged by the Rev. T. Bowen Harris, the secretary, proceeded to give a masterful exposition of Free Church principles. He strongly em- p phasised the fact that the Council has nothing to do with party politics, only in so iar as politics have to do with religion. His outlook of the religious aspect was optimistic, broad and catholic. He argued that denomlinationalism must go down before the advance of brotherhood, and the dividing walls of partition between sect and sect brought so low that mem- bers of denominations could cross over them. He reviewed the questions of edu- cation and licensing and house-to-house visitation, and laid special emphasis upon the work of holding yearly special missions to the unconverted; and said this was the mission and message of the United Free Churches to Mid-Rhondda. A vote of thanks was passed to the retiring president, on the motion of the Rev. M. H. Ellis, seconded by the Rev. T. Bowen Harris, who suggested that the address be printed and distributed amongst the a,ffiliated churches of the Council. This was supported by Mr. D. M. Williams, and carried unanimously. The Secretary then gave the annual report, showing that the Council has ac- complished work ameliorating the moral and spiritual conditions of the people. In a speech breezy, epigrammatic and optimistic he outlined the programme of the Council for the coming year, which includes united evangelistic services on March 26th next, to be conducted by the Rev. F. B. Meyer, B.A., London (presi- dent of the Baptist Union, and past presi- dent of the National Evangelical Free Churches council); united open-air ser- vices and prayer meetings; public meet- ings on the Education and Welsh Dis- establishment questions; temperance and the resisting of granting new licenses and the renewal of old licenses at Brewster Sessions; attempts to put down Sunday trading; question of gambling and street betting; protests against publication of betting news in newspapers; petitioning Licensing Magistrates that, when grant- ing licenses, to make it conditional that back-door trading should be done away with systematic house-to-house visitation efforts to induce clubs and workmen's friendly societies now meeting in public- houses, to hold their meetings in Free Church Sunday School premises; efforts to secure the return of Free Churchmen on public bodies; and occasional lectures on Free Church principles as an educative force in the life of the young. Mr. D. M. Williams then read the financial statement for the year, which showed that the Council was in a healthy state financially. The adoption of the report was moved in the vernacular by Mr. William Lloyd (Bethania), and seconded by Mr. William Jones (Seion). The pronouncing of the Benediction brought to an end a very successful meet- ing. At 2.30, a public conference was held, when the following officers were elected for the coming year —President, Rev. S. Griffith Jones, B.A., Trealaw; vice-presi- dent, Mr. Wm. Lloyd, Bethania, Llwyny- pia; treasurer, Mr. D. M. Williams, Tonypandy; secretary, Rev. T. Bowen Harris, Tonypandy. In the absence of the new president, the Rev. J. Morgan took the chair, and the following resolutions were adopted — STREET BETTING. That this Council views with grave anxiety and concern the growth of street betting and gambling in our midst, since it is highly detrimental to the moral and religious well-being of the community. We desire to call the attention of the Urban District Council to the state of affairs, and desire the police to use all their power to prevent it." Moved by Mr. H. Ellis, M.A. (the son of the Rev. M. H. Ellis). Mr. A. Sutton (Public Benefit Cb.) seconded, and the Rev. T. G. Jenkyn supported. MUSIC AND DANCING. This Council hears with grief that dancing is on the increase in the district, and views with great concern the added opportunities afforded this form of in- dulgence. We hereby call upon all the churches to use their influence against granting licenses to places for such pur- poses, since they have a tendency to late hours and to level our young manhood and womanhood to destruction." Mr. George Yeo (English Congregational) was entrusted with this resolution, and it was seconded by Mr. W. Richards (Taber- Y*l TEMPERANCE This Council again reiterates its judg- ment that, in the interest of the moral well-being of the community, there should be prompt removal from the Statute Book of those' provisions of the Licensing Act of 1905 which rivet on the nation the fetters of the trade that avowedly sets its own material interests above the common weal, and to secure complete popular control of the drink traffic. The Council strongly recommends that the following amendment of the law be urgently demanded from Parliament as the least possible reform required immediately by the moral sense of the nation —(1) The compensation arrangements now existing should be regarded as temporary only. All licenses should be granted for a defi- nite and short term, and be liable to be discontinued without monetary compen- sation. (2) A new local licensing autho- rity should be created, representing the People, which shall control the issue of licenses in suitable areas. (3) All licensed nouses should be closed on Sundays and election days, and the regulation of the hours of closing should be left to the local (4) The annual license duties snoula be greatly increased, and sucih duties should be more equitably imposed than at the present time." Mr. D. M. Williams proposed this reso- lution, and gave an exhaustive account of the Licensing Act of 1905. Mr. J. Pritch- ard seconded. mi ,SHNDA7 OBSERVANCE. This Council views with grave anxiety the growing tendency to secularise the Lord's Day. In the interests of the physical, moral and religious well-being of the nation, the National Council urges all members of the Evangelical Free Churches to strive to keep this national day of rest free from the intrusion alike a mere,pleasure and of week-day toil; and, so far as their influence extends, to endeavour to secure its observance in a manner becoming its sacred character, so as, while giving needed rest and refresh- ment to body and mind, to inform and elevate the mind, and, by public worship and other religious exercises, to quicken and nourish spiritual life." The Rev. T. Bowen Harris moved this resolution, and Mr. Gwilym Williams seconded. WELSH DISESTABLISHMENT. This Council deems it important, since the election of a new Parliament by over- whelming progressive majorities, to re- affirm its adherence to the principle of religious equality, and the freedom of all State Churches from State patronage and control; and the Council calls for the application of this principle to the Prin- cipality of Wales and Monmouth, which has just sent to Parliament the whole body of its members pledged to demand and vote for the Disestablishment of the Anglican Church. Such a pronouncement, in the opinion of this Council, entitles the people of Wales to the fulfilment of their national aspiration after religious equality without unnecessary delay, in the course of the present Parliament." The Rev. T. G. Jenkyn, Llwynypia, rose to move this resolution. Mr. Benjamin Evans seconded. THE CONGO ATROCITIES. That we have read with indignation and horror of the administration of the Congo Free State, and declare that it is a disgrace to Christian civilisation. We regard as nothing short of robbery the appropriation by the State without com- pensation, and of all land except the small patches on which the villages are butn., which has deprived the people of the natural products of the soil, and reduced them to abject poverty. We deplore and condemn the iniquitous sys- tem of taxation by forced labour, which in its practical operation has set at nought all the dictates of humanity, and resulted in a most oppressive and merci- less form of slavery. The employment of some thousands of native soldiers in the capacity of overseers and taskmasters, and the barbarities and mutilations and mur- ders which these mercenaries have been allowed to perpetuate with impunity, the detention of women in filthy prisons as hostages for the due performance of work by their husbands, and the almost entire depopulation of many districts by the cruelties and terrors to which they have been subjected, are infamies which fill us with loathing and pity, and-can hardly be described in temperate language. And finally, we record our indignation against the whole policy of the Congo Free State Government which subordinates the wel- fare and advancement of the people to the enrichment of capitalists and officials, and degrades what ought to be a work of civilisation into an unscrupulous financial venture. We resolve that a copy of .this resolution be forwarded to the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, with an earnest request that the Government will use all its treaty rights and influence in securing for the people of the Congo Free State some measure of justice and fair treat- ment." The Rev. T. Bowen Harris moved, and Mr. J. Hughes seconded this resolution. Mr. G. A. Herbert Price, the secretary of the Eastern Division of South Wales and Monmouthshire Federation of Free Church Councils, then addressed the con- ference upon federation work and upon the advisability of holding a District Day Convention in the locality, a special feature of federation work this year, to be fol- lowed by a simultaneous mission in all the Councils next year. In the evening, a public meeting was held, when the Rev. John Morgan took the chair. Thrilling addresses were delivered by Mr. G. A. Herbert Price, on The General Work of the Free Church Council"; Alderman R. Lewis, J.P., on The Education Question and the Rev. E. Richards, on Temperance."

A Fowl Transaction. A Penygraig Man Convicted for Obtaining Goods under False Pretenoes. At the Glamorgan Quarter Sessions at Cardiff on Monday, Reginald Wales (23), greengrocer and tush salesman, was in- dicted on four charges of obtaining goods by, false pretences at Ystradyfodwg. Mr. St. John Francis Williams (who prosecuted) stated that the prisoner obtained these goods on the pretence that he was a business man doing a large busi- ness. His billheads stated he was a fruiterer, rabbit and poultry merchant, greengrocer, fish salesman, &c. When investigated, it was found that the pri- soner occupied at Penygraig a stable, for which he paid 10s. a month, and in which there were two ponies and a cart. There was no business sign of any description. Subsequently prisoner rented a small front room at Treherbert, in the window of which he put a small quantity of fruit. When asked what he had done with the fowls, the prisoner said he had killed them and sold them about the place, but it would be proved that he had sold them for Is. lOd. each, although he had agreed to pay 3s. 3d. and 3s. (3d. for them. It appeared that prisoner went round the place hawking dried fish and rabbits. Mrs. Elizabeth Agnes Lewis, wife of the Cardiff Stipendiary, and David Phil- lips, baker, gave evidence. John Read said he sent prisoner 30cwt. of straw, for which he expected j63, but he had never been paid. He sent the straw on the strength of the prisoner's billhead. Arthur Knight Thomas also gave evi- dence, and David Alexander Robertson Jeffreys said he sent 50 baskets to the prisoner, the property of the trustees of the Cardiff Blind Institution. The prisoner, in the witness-box, said he belonged to Penarth, where he started a few years ago in a small way with a horse and cart, with which he went round with goods. Later he went to Swansea, where he had a cart and two horses, and a stall in the market. He took in about P,20 a week in this way. He was per- fectly solvent, but did not pay as pro- ceedings were taken. He was solvent and had been carrying on business since his bail. Mr. Benson, for the defence, said the question was not whether he had paid for the goods or not. That was for another court to settle. The question now was did he try to deceive them in the matter, and this he denied. There was nothing criminal in the prisoner's action. If the prisoner's assets were realised they would be sufficient to cover his liabilities. The jury, after lengthy retirement, found prisoner guilty, and he was sen- tenced to two months' imprisonment.

Church Notes. On Sunday afternoon, a Carol Ser- vice was held at the Parish a Church, Llwynypia. The innovation proved an interesting one, there being a good num- ber of scholars and adults present. The carols were also sung after the evening service. A very interesting presentation took place on Monday evening, at St. Cynon's Church, Ynyscynon, when Mr. Oscar Phillips was presented with a purse of gold, suitably inscribed, subscribed for by the Churchpeople and children of St. Cynon's. The presentation was made in order to mark the appreciation of services rendered in the past, and also to mark the occasion of his leaving the district, to take up a course at Lampeter University in preparation for Holy Orders. Mr. Phillips, it may, be well to recall, was until his departure the energetic organist at St. Cynon's since its commencement as a mission at the assembly room of the Ynyscynon Hotel. In the capacity of organist he has rendered unstinting care to the musical portion of the services and with the children's entertainments. His career, up to the present time, has been a most successful one, for at the entrance examination held in September last he passed with high honours, and we may venture to assume that his University career, which has just commenced, will be one of which he may feel proud. The presentation was preceded by tea, at which Mrs. Eastment and Miss Burnell ably presided. After tea, an interesting and varied programme, consisting of reci- tations, songs, etc., was gone through. The presentation was made by Miss Burnell, and the recipient briefly but suit- ably responded. The chairman for the evening was the Rev. Wm. Phillips.

Cadwyn o Englynion I Mr. J. T. Evans, M.A., athraw yn Ngholeg Bangor. Canaf gynes acenion—i'n Evans Fawr nwyfus, gariadlon; Anwylaf, hyfrydaf ei fron, Un gerir gan bawb yw'n gwron. Gwron pur hawddgara'n pau—a'i dalent Yn deilwng o'n gorau Ceisiwr gwir casawr gau, A dilwfr gyda'i lyfrau. Llyfrau trysorau ein siroedd-yfwyd Gan Evans yn lluoedd; Aed yn y blaen ydyw'n bloedd, Hyd angau heb wrid ingoedd. Ingoedd na ddoed nac angen-un orig I'n harwr mwyn, llawen; Ond doniau, gwobrau a gwen Yn olud fo i'n heulwen. Heulwen ein coleg alwaf-y doethawr, A'i deithi edmygaf: Wr golau, a nodau Naf Ei goron, frawd hawddgaraf. Hawddgaraf, goethaf bregethwr—i'n Duw Yw ein dwfn feddyliwr Fe lifa y da fel dwr 0 hedd enau'r gwyddonwr. Gwyddonwr a gwr yn goron—i'n gwlad Yw'n glwys ddidwyll Gristion; Oawr o sant ac yn caru son Am yr lawn a'i ddawn i ddynion. Dynion claer eu doniau-goronant Y gwr hwn a theitlau; Ac i eilfydd Feistr Celfau Ni rydd ein gwlad urdd yn glau. Yn glau gwyr gorau eu gwedd-yrant I'n Harwr anrhydedd; A nofio i dangnefedd Wna o hyd mewn hyfryd hedd. Hedd emyn a hawddamor—dieithriad Boed i athraw Bangor: Mae'n wr ffyddlawn i'w uniawn lor, Ac i filiynau'n deg flaenor. Yn flaenor drwy'n goror ar goedd-y rhydd Y pereiddiaf winoedd; A thrwy rin ei ddiflin floedd Yn llawen ddeffro'r lluoedd. Lluoedd dan nefoedd ein Naf-a. garant Ein gwron anwylaf; Ac yn glod i'w brifnod braf Yn gynes minau ganaf. Tonyrefail. D. P. GEORGE.

A Tonypandy Fact. A fact is a fact all the world over, and all the more a fact to us when we hear of it from a neighbour. It is well to be able to put a statement to the test, and this we can do when a neighbour tells us some- thing about himself. If the narrator lives near by and we can check the facts of a story, however wonderful they may be, we are convinced of its truth. So it is with this Tonypandy story. Mr. E. Price, 123, Primrose Street, Tonypandy, says: —" For some. years, off and on, I had very severe pains in my back-dull, continuous pains they were, and after stooping I had a difficulty in getting upright again. I am a miner and have a lot of bending, which made my back ache more than ever, and I felt very bad. Hearing of Doan's Backache Kidney Pills, I made up my mind to give them a trial, and after taking a few doses I, found ease. I persevered with the pills, and I am glad to say they have done me a great deal of good. I have no back- aches now, and four boxes of Doan's pills were all I needed to drive away the pains. (Signed) Edward Price." Doan's Backache Kidney Pills—the special kidney medicine—give the sick kidneys just the help needed. They drive out of the body all the liquid poisons, giving freedom of action and new life to the kidneys, and ridding the blood of the impurities which spoil your sleep at night, and which make you feel drowsy, heavy and heartless all day. Thus, by bringing the kidneys back to health, the genuine Doan's Backache Kidney Pills cure the cause of Bright's disease, dropsy, urinary disorders, gravel, rheumatism, stone, sciatica, nervous ills and depression. They also counteract the harmful effects of beer, spirits and tea. Doan's Backache Kidney Pills are two shillings and nine- pence per box (six boxes for thirteen shillings and ninepence). Of all chemists and stores, or post free, direct from Foster-McOlellan Co., 8, Wells Street, Oxford Street, London, W. You are sure to get the right medicine if you ask dis- tinctly for Doan's. 2810a

Llwynypia. We are pleased to announce the success of Mr. Phillip Llewellyn in the recent examination by which he has obtained the certificate of Licentiate of the Tonic Sol-fa College." Mr. Llewellyn is known as an ardent devotee of music, and has shewn excellent ability as a composer and conductor. He has given years of service at Salem Chapel, and the juvenile choir is conducted by him. The Pontrhondda and District Male Voice Party is also under his leadership, the members of which are proud of his recent achieve- ment.,

Money Lent TO ANY AMOUNT On diamonds, Gold and Silver Watches, Rings, Chains, Jewellery and Clothing. Fire-proof and Burglar-resisting Safes for all Valuables. APPLY O. FALLER 24, TAFF STREET, PONTYPRIDD, and 40, HANNAH STREET, PORTH. THE OLD ESTABLISHED and reliable JEWELLER, CLOTHIER and PAWN. BROKER in the RHONDDA and PONTYPRIDD. 3001 THE MIO-RHONDDA CARRIAGE Co. (Late Jones & Powell). Works:-Brook St., Williamstown; RHONDDA' I I- il .1111 I I Coach Builders AND Wheelwrights. Business Carts of every description built to order. Repairs a-id: Painting promptly executed. Shoeing & General Smiths. RAILING & FENCING A SPECIALITY. Estimates Free. 3064 Why be without a Comfortable Home WHEN YOU CAN FURNISH AT THE METROPOLITAN FURNISHING Co., 47, St. Mary Stre et,CARDIFF (OPPOSITE THEATRE ROYAL), On any Terms to suit your convenience, weekly, monthly, or quarterly instalments. Ii. Good Discount for Cash I PERSONAL INSPECTION INVITED. RAILWAY FARE REFUNDED TO PURCHASER. NAT. TEL. 0697. 3187 Penygpaig & District Perfect Thrift Building Society. Registered under the Building Societies Acts 1874 and 1894. Nothing Succeeds like Success Completion ot 14 years of the Society's Existence. It has therefore stood the test of 14 years. Is Safe, Local and Get-at-able. Advanced by the Society over £ 8,000. Advanced this year over £ 1,500. Information on the spot at any time. Everyone should join !-Young, Old, Rich and Poor. An Entrance Fee of 1/ and a Subscription of 6d. per week Will secure you one Share value £100 (or 6d. extra for every additional £100 share), and you will have the same chancp. in the next ballot in a few weeks as the oldest member to at once. Purchase your House Free of Interest. Owing to frequent ballots, deaths, &c., we have a few vacant Share numbers. For further information apply to either of the following DirectorsT. P. JOHN, Schoolmaster, Trealaw (Chairman); E. FOWLER, Knoll Terrace, Llwynypia; J. W. JONES, Schoolmaster, Tonypandy; DAVID HENSHAW, Tvlacelyn Road, Penygraig: GEO, EVANS, Printer, Tonypandy; JOHN G. DAVIES, Llewelyn Terrace, Llwynypia; R. PUGH, Elsie House. Tonypandy; JOSEPH JONES, 10, Station St, Penygraig: and TOM EVANS, Brecon House, Penygraig (Secretary). ubscriptions are received every alternate week at the Registered Office, Rhys's Central Restaurant, Tonypandy, and at the Sub-Office, 31, Tylacelyn Road, Penygraig. Hours—Mondays, 7 to 8.30. Do not put it off for to-morrow what can be done to-day Join at once. IF YOU HAVE Pains in the Back, Pains from Gravel, Pains in the Loins, Rheumatism or Gout. IF YOU SUFFER WITH Wind and Water Complaints, or from Weak- ness of the Kidneys, Bladder and Urinary Organs Dr, Mackenzie's Kidney Pills iT Will Certainly Cure You. They soothe and strengthen the Kidneys and Bladder, allay imflammation caused by cold or the formation of gravel, and allow the inflamed organs to rest while the blood is purified by means of the other excretory organs. igT They are specially recommended as a — 5 HI l~v mild and reliable stimulant to the Liver. Iww ■ OOXi SOLE AGENT JOHN DAVIES, M.P.S., Chemist and Druggist, 14, Dunraven Street, TONYPANDY. 2961 NOTICE. TOM EVANS & CO., Imperial Furnishing Co., 35, Llewelyn Street, PENTRE, Are now showing a Fine Selection of HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE Of the Best Make, And Guaranteed to be the Best Quality. We are this week showing the FINEST SELECTION OF BEDSTEADS In the Rhondda Valley. Kindly look at our Windows and see the prices which will astonish you. UoMLt Forget the Address- TOM EVANS & Co., Imperial Furnishing Company, 35, LLEWELYN STREET, PENTRE. 3233