The Rhondda Leader

Stray Notes. [By"" Fagius."] It appears that a brisk quarrel is pro- ceeding between the Motor Union and the Automobile Association. The cause ot ditterences lies in the alleged tact that the former body has adopted a badge which is so very similar to that of the Associa- tion's, that the latter's scouts find it diffi- cult to distinguish between them. The Automobile Association-we are informed by the chairman—was formed for the pur- pose of employing road agents to assist motorists, whilst the work of the Union has been confined chiefly to legislative matters, and with the latter (until the adoption of a badge) and with the other recognised functions of the M.U. the A.A. has always been careful not to inter- fere." Nor is this the only complaint made by the A.A. against the M.U. It appears that the latter is actually setting about the organisation of a system of road scouts on roads which are already patrolled by A.A. scouts, thereby duplicating the work, and unnecessarily draining the funds of the Mptor Union, and are sending to Auto- mobile Clubs throughout the country a long circular inviting their assistance in so doing, and concluding with the insidious enquiry: Do you think it would be an additional inducement to motorists to join your club if, by so doing, they could obtain the services of a disciplined force of road protectors? The A.A. further insinuates that the M.U. is envious of the great position the Association has earned for itself, and apparently jealous of its phenomenal popularity, etc., the M.U. is now endeavouring to appropriate the principal feature of the Association's organisation, and I am asked to say that the latter is right in continuing to resent in every possible way this unfriendly and unsportsmanlike cribbing of our ideas and policy." The situation is, indeed, a most distressing one, and I hasten to express my sympathy with the injured Associa- tion, and to deplore and condemn the contemptible practices of the M.U. Next, please 1 Mr. William Ap Madoc lectured to a highly interested audience at Treorchy on Wednesday night on American Welsh- men." The lecture proved most enter- taining, and goes to show that even in the land of the hustling Yankee" the Celt holds his own. Ap Madoo is a most interesting personality, and can justly lay claim to being one of the most illustrious sons of Wales. 1 am concerned as to what will even- tually become of the Pittsburg Society woman. The latest advices from that city indicate that she is degenerating very rapidly. During the past few months she has developed a morbid fad in having her I yeriform appendix removed, and the amputation, we are told, has become so much of a vogue as to have become a requisite to enjoy social equity with the upper set. No less than eighty-four were operated upon last month. Time hangs heavily upon the hands of those women, declare the doctors. Tiring of the social whirl and the painful monotony and lack of novelties in freak entertainments and social diversions, the gentle sex of the upper circle are now resorting to the soothing effects of anaesthetics and the sensations of the operating table. Against the advice of physicians and with pro- fessional assurance that the appendix is in good order and acting intelligently and with precision, many women insist upon having it removed. The best thing that could happen to them would be to dismiss some of their servants, and indulge in a hearty amount of solid housework for three or four hours each day. We should then hear less of "time hanging heavily on their hands." Addressing the final meeting of the Summer School of the New Theology at Penmaenmawr, the Rev. T. Rhondda Williams, Bradford, in the course of an I address on progressive theology in the pulpit, remarked that there was a great deal of conscientious stupidity in the pulpit, and the first great revival needed was the conversion of ministers to down- right honest dealing with the facts of life and experience (applause). The new theologians were not trying to rehabilitate the old idea of the infallibility of the Bible, or the old idea of miracles, or the old doctrine of the Atonement, but they were trying to reconstruct the essence of religious faith, and that was a great task requiring patience and willingness to endure pain, but it must be done at any cost. In this matter the colleges had a great responsibility. The theological training given in the colleges had little good in it, and a great deal that was harmful. Allowing always for honourable exceptions, he did not hesitate to say that on the whole what had passed for theo- logical training in this country had meant running the minds of the students into a groove, and a. very narrow groove at that. God's greatest Bible was the history of moral progress. The churches had been nearly ruined by prudence, and nearly stifled by caption.

Rhondda Choir to Visit America. Three Months1 Tout*. The Rhondda Valley Glee Society, under the conductorship of Mr. John Broad, will sail for America on 26th Sep- tember. The choir numbers twenty voices, and is accompanied by two ladies (Miss May John, Caerphilly, and Miss May ivioses, Treherbert^ and Ap Siencyn, who won the harp solol nrize at the Chicago World's Fair Eisteddfod in 1893, will also accompany the party as harpist. Tne tour has been arranged by Di. J. M. Lloyd, Wills bury, Pa., and already some 6U engagements have been made. The party leave on September 26th, and will open at New lork, appearing subse- quently at Carbondale, Oliphant, bcranton, Taylor, Pittston, Wilisbury, Edwardsvilie, Plymouth, Nanticoke, Bangor, Phila- delphia, Easton, Utica, Rome, Uranville, Youngstown, Newcastle, Niles, Johnstown, Cleveland, Warren, Chicago, &e. The conductor, Mr. John Broad, and several other members of the choir are not un- known across the herring pond," having been members of Mr. Tom Stephens' choir- which won the 1,000-dollar prize at Chicago fourteen years ago. The members of the choir are: —Mr. John Broad, conductor; first tenors, Messrs. Llew. Jones (Aberdare), John Griffiths (Ferndale), Edward Morgan (Llantrisant), Wm. Williams (Aberdare), Ted Lewis (Sherwood), Wm. Wales (Aber- kei-ifig)- second tenors, Messrs. David Jones (Tonypandy), D. Williams (Ystrad), Rd. Roberts (Cwmparc), D. James (Aber- tridwr); first bass, Messrs. Gwilym Evans (Tonypandy), David Evans (Treorchy), D. Lougher Kystrad); second bass, Messrs. Morgan Morgans (Sherwood), Edward James (Ystrad), Thomas Davies (Ton), Hugh Jones (Cwmaman), Robert Morgan (Tonypandy), and William Richards (Tony- pandy). Accompanist, Ap Dewi, Owm- aman. The tour will extend over a period of three months.

He Swore Sometimes. Alleged Breach of Contract. Before the Rhondda Stipendiary (Mr. Arthur Lewis) at Porth on Thursday, Jas. Clarke and several other day-wage labourers at the Britannic Merthyr Col- liery, Gilfach Goch, were summoned for breach of contract by ceasing work before giving the usual month's notice. Mr. Charles Kenshole, solicitor, Aberdare, prosecuted for the company, and Mr. W. P. Nicholas, Pontypridd, defended. Detailing the facts of the case, Mr. Kenshole said the surface foreman had cause to complain, as defendants had only discharged three trucks during the day's work, whereas the average which had been done under the contract was something like six trucks per day. When told that they ought to have discharged at least four trucks per day, defendants said they would only do seven in two days, and sub- sequently struck work, leaving 33 wagons undischarged. For the defence, it was submitted that the men did not leave this work volun- tarily, but were sent away. Cross-examined as to whether he had used language more forcible than polite to the men, Mr. Ward, the foreman, replied that he didn't think he had. Mr. Nicholas: You won't swear you didn't P Witness: Oh, I do swear sometimes (laughter). The defendant Clarke said he was not able to discharge four trucks a day con tinuously, as they were using heavy navvy shovels. He and the others said they were not willing to accept four trucks as a task. One of the defendants, Parker, said that Ward, the foreman, and the manager, Mr. Bowen Jonesf came to his house and tried to induce him to go back to work. He declined, whereupon Mr. Jones threatened proceedings. Mr. Nicholas said that what the manage- ment were really inclined to do was to reduce the tonnage rate from 10!d. to 9d. The Stipendiary decided that the men had left their work on their own account, and gave judgment against them to the amount of 15s. each damages.

Our Library Table. "Human Wales" ("Western Mail," Ltd., Cardiff) is a reprint in book form of the series of articles written by Mr. George R. Sims, which appeared in the Western Mail some weeks ago. The articles are excellently written, and describe what the author saw in various industrial districts in South Wales. Tfcfe housing question is discussed at length, and the volume contains admirable sug- gestions to our public authorities on the way to deal with the question. The chapter relating to Bute Street, Cardiff, by night is excellently descriptive, whilst that devoted to the Rhondda Valley is also interesting reading.

CARYL'S SPECTACLES Preserve Eyesight. W. P. Caryl, F.S. M.C. The Qualified Sight-Testing Specialist, 16, High Street, Arcade, CARDIFF. 3648

Leaving for South Wales. Variety Manager Honoured. Last Friday afternoon, at the Tow. Hall, Hackney, the Mayor of Hackney made a presentation to Mr. John Christie, who, after being manager of Hackney Empire for six years, is leaving to take up the position of district manager for Moss Empires in South Wales. The pre- ce nation consisted of an address with the following wording: —" To John Christie, Esq., in appreciation of the high esteem in which you are held, and to mark the feelings of warm personal regard which you have gained while holding the position of acting manager of the Hackney Empire Palace. The undersigned desire to record their expressions of goodwill and sincere wishes for your future well-being. In the cause of charity you have with tireless energy given signal assistance, and always freely and ungrudgingly rendered most valuable service. We sincerely wish you continuous success and prosperity, and trust that those attributes which have won regard during your stay in Hackney may prove the means of further advance- ment in the future." Then follow the names of Dr. F. Montague Miller, Mayor of Hackney; Sir Walter Johnson, ex-Mayor of Hackney; Alderman George Billings, L.C.O. Dr. H. Christoffers Powell; Norman Storgie, borough surveyor; A. M. Stewart, Hack- ney Furnishing Co., Ltd. A. EL Gardner, London and Provincial Bank; L. A. Cormack, of the Ship Hotel; W. A. A. Lashmore, of the Horse and Groom Hotel; and Alderman Fox, of the Town Hall. In addition to this address, Mr. Christie was presented with a handsome epergne, and Mrs. Christie was the recipient of a, silver dressing case. Expressions of regret were expressed on all sides at Mr. Christie's departure, and he received the warmest wishes for his future welfare.

Crowds at the Pit- rop. Apprehended Fatality at Gelli. Workmen's Unpleasant Experience. .x heavy fall of roof occurred at the Gelli Colliery on Friday night, and five men were engaged in driving a roadway inside the fall. Though the ventilation was slightly affected, the men determined to go on with their work while their comrades outside cleared the fall. It was realised by the men that they were in no danger, as in the event of their being unable to return in the ordinary way there was another opening available, but they elected to remain until the fall was cleared, and they were safely brought to the surface on Saturday morning. In an interview Harry Parry, 10, Prince's, Street, Gelli, stated that the fall took place in a hard heading, and he, with four others, were penned in. Fortunately for us (he said), the fan was working in our place, and, although the position was not a pleasant one, we had not at any time an apprehension of a, fatality. When we saw what had occurred," he proceeded, "We set to work to assist those men who endeavoured to get us out of a rather unpleasant predicament. To our astonishment, we found crowds await- ing us at 8.30, when we returned to our homes to breakfast, but there was no necessity for any fuss. We were in con- stant touch with the others helping us to clear the fall, but it was hard work, and, as I crawled through the hole we had made for ourselves with the help of our butties on the other side of the heap, I sweated freely, and was not at all sorry to reach the open air, although summer rain was falling at the time."

The Late Rev. G. Glyn Price, Gelli. The Rev. D. Glyn Price, pastor of Siloam Baptist Church, Gelli, passed away at Penydarren on Monday, having only recently returned from a visit to Builth Wells. Deceased had been in a weak state of health for some months, and some time ago the church granted him three months' leave of absence to recuperate his energy, He went to Builth Wells three weeks ago, but deriving no benefit, he returned to Penydarren, Merthyr, and died at the house of his mother-in-law. Born at Glynneath 34 years ago, he received his theological training at Car- marthen Presbyterian College, under Principal Evans, and entered the ministry at Penydarren five years ago. Three years later he accepted a call to Siloam, Gelli, in succession to the Rev. loan Thomas, now of Abertridwr, and his ministry was blessed with much success. He was of a genial disposition, a hard worker, and an untiring pastor, and his death will be lamented by a wide circle of acquaint- ances. Eighteen months ago, he was married to Miss Eleanor Jones, the lady- preacher of Penydarren, who (since her advent to the Rhondda has filled many pulpits with distinct credit. The body will be removed to Gelli, the funeral taking place at Treorchy Cemetery on Saturday. A memorial service will be held at Siloam Chapel. I

,1.1 Success of a Mid-Rhondda Student. The many admirers of Mr. and Mrs. Ham- mond, Underbill, Penrhiwfer, unite in their congratulations to their son, Tom E. Ham- mond, who was successful in passing the recent Preliminary Scientific (London Exam.) He passed his London Mitriculation some 12 months ago. Mr. Hammond, who is but 19 years of age, was first educated at Porthcawl College, then at Reading School, and latterly at Cheltenham College.

Independent Order of Rechabitcs Mr. D. M. Williams, Tonypandy, was elected last week at Newcastle for the fourth time in succession out of fifteen candidates for the position of Order Auditor of the Order.

Mr. W. Ap Madoc at Treorchy. Mr. W. Ap Madoc, Professor of Elocu- tion and Music at the Chicago University, U.S.A., addressed a meeting at Noddfa, Treorchy, on Wednesday evening on American Welshmen," Dr. W. Morris, pastor of the church, presiding. In the course of a brilliant address, Mr. Ap Madoo dealt in glowing language with the sons of Gwalia who had risen to fame and eminence in the Land of the Star-spangled Banner. He traced the influence of the Celtic mind in that "eternal land" from the days of the Pilgrim Fathers down to the present day, when many of the most important posts in the industrial, scientific, and educa- tional world were held by Welshmen. He also brought greetings from several Welsh- American societies, and pleaded for » reciprocal sympathy from the Cymry oi Wales towards their brethren across the sea. On the motion of the Chairman, it was resolvel to send a fraternal greeting from that meeting to the Welshmen of Chicago and other American cities. Mr. Ap Madoc was heartily thanked for his entertaining lecture. The proceeds of the lecture were in aid of the widow and family of the late Morris Evans, Herbert Street, who died in North Wales, the victim of consumption.

Gelli. The funeral of Alexander Royall, 8011 of Mr. and Mrs. William Royall, Pentre, who resided at 1, Smith Street, Gelli, took place on Tuesday last at Treorchy Ceme- tery, the officiating ministers being p*1 Revs. Canon Lewis (vicar), R. W. T. D. Griffiths (St. Peter's), — WiUi*«f (St. David's), and — Plumme'r (Pjj' Mark's). The mourners included ivrs. Royall (widow) and two children; l 1. and Mrs. W. Royall (parents); Miss E- Royall (sister); Mr. and Mrs. Tom Royall, Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Royall, Mr. and J. H. Royall, Mr. and Mrs. O. Roy*^ Mr. and Mrs. Sept. Royall (brothers, a: r sirs.ters-in-law); Messrs. Oscar and VIC o. Royall (brothers); Mr. Wm. Rees Mr. and Mrs. E. Evans, and Mr. and J. Pearce (uncles and aunts); Mrs. j Wilkes and Mrs. J. Phillips (aunt i cousin); Mrs. P. Cbomer (aunt); Mi*. _%■ s Mrs. J. Wilkes, Mrs. M. J. Brooks, E. A. Pearce, Mrs. Griffiths, Mr. a.ndv eS, Pearce, Messrs. Edgar and Reggie Revj and Albert Evans (cousins); Stanley Cyril Royall (nephews); Misses MiW, Blodwen, and Queenie Royall (nieces). deceased was a faithful sidesman, choris and Sunday School superintendent at Mark's Church, Gelli. The choirs *r „ the five churches in the parish sang apPf priate hymns en route to the cenieteJ The funeral was largely attended, deceased being well-known and v e popular. The funeral arrangements conducted by Messre. Howell a Son, Ystrad-Rhondda.

f Colman's name and trade mark (a bull's head) are on every tin of Colman's Mustard, and distinguish it from anY possible substitute. In ordering Colman's Mus' tard, therefore, insist on seeing these marks of merit. COLMAN'S D.S.F. I MUSTARD

= The National Eisteddfod of Wales, Llangollen, 1908. An Interesting Literary Competition. At the Llangollen Eisteddfod of 1908 a prize for the best novel of Welsh life and character will be offered by Mr. T. Fisher Unwin, of 1, Adelphi Terrace, London. The conditions of the competition are as follow: — 1. The novel shall deal with Welsh life not earlier than the seventeenth century, and, by preference, with contemporary life. 2. The length shall not be less than eighty thousand words. 3. The novel shall be written in English. 4. The amount of the prize shall be ten guineas, and it shall be awarded by the committee of the Eisteddfod. 5. The six novels selected by the ad- judicators as the best shall be submitted to Mr. Unwin, who shall have the option of publishing any or all of them, on paying to the respective authors the sum of fifty pounds for the copyright. Such payment to be made on publication of the work. I ——1

Property Sale. At the Central Hotel, Blaenerlydach, Councillor E. T. Davies, Pentre, disposed of the following valuable leasehold pi'0' perties by public auction:—Nos. 72 and 73, Thomas Street, Blaenclydach, let at a rental of 28s. per month each, with 84 years' lease to run, to Mr. E. Williams Clydach Vale, at E180 each 83, Thomas Street, let at 35s. per month, to Mr. Hy- Cleaves, Clydach Vale, at £ 240; 91, Hi# Street, Clydach ValeA let, at 25s. per month, T. Raymund, butcher, Clydach Vale, at L177 lCs. 150, Court Street) Tonypandy, let at 26s. per month, with 81 years' lease to run, Mr.- D. Pearce, Clydach Vale, at £ 250. Messrs. J. Jones- Pughe and Davey, Pontypridd, acted as solicitors for the venders. Messrs. E. T. Davies and Co. offered f01' sale at. the Porthcawl Hotel on Wednes- day Lincoln Villa, John Street, Porth- cawl, ground rent L5 12s. 6d., letting a R32 10s. per annum. Mr. W. M. Jones, Waenllwyd, Ebbw Vale, was the purchaser at £32.0. Messrs. J. Jones-Pughe an Davey were the solicitors for the vendors'

Police Intelligence. P.C. Church, Ystrad-Rhondda, has beec transferred to Miskin; and P.O. Matn- waring, Treherbert, is also to be traos" ferred to Llantwit Vardre.