The Rhondda Leader

Tonypandy and Trealaw. Opening of the New Station. The First Passenger Train. On Monday, the new Tonypandy and Trealaw Station of the Taff Vale Railway was opened for public service. The Station is a great boon for the Mid-Rhondda residents, and that it is appreciated by them is. shown by the fact that over 800 passengers made use of the station on the first day of opening. [Photo by Mr. Levi Ladd, Tonypandy.

To our Readers. --+-- Pressure on our space has compelled us to hold over several interesting reports and Elec- tion Notes by "The Watchman."

Oratorio Performances at Tonypandy. The concerts of the Ebenezer Choral Society for the past eight years have been among the chief musical events in Mid- Rhondda, and, indeed, many triumphs have Mr. W. T. David and his musical forces achieved. The performances of the popular oratorios, "Messiah," Judas Maccabseus," "Samson," and "Eli," have been such that they earned for the choir a well-deserved reputation, but, having attended on every occasion, I can un- hesitatingly say (writes our representa- tive) that the best concert, taken alto- gether, was that when Sullivan's Light of the World" was performed'. One notices, with regret, that it is becoming yearly more difficult to get together a chapel choir for the production of oratorio works, the musical taste having been deviated much towards the eistedd- fod. Competition seems to be the desire of the majority of our young singers, and there is little hope indeed for a reason- able attendance at the practices: of a choir that has not the excitement of a prospective fight. Even in a large church such as Ebenezer, many strangers could be seen in the ranks of the choristers, and these had most probably been drafted into the choir to assist when it had been found impossible to secure the services of many of the singers of the church, singers who, perhaps, had given valuable assistanee in the past, but for some reason or other had for the time forgotten that their first duty was to the church to which they belonged. This year, Leoni's Gate of Life and Handel's Alexander's Feast" and mis- cellaneous items formed the programme on Thursday. The artistes were Soprano. Miss Ida Kahn; tenor, Mr. Gwilym Wigley; baritone, Mr. David Evans. The accompaniments were played by a small orchestra, led by Mr. Arthur Angle, Car- drff, consisting of the following players — Miss Abraham, Mr. Roberts, Miss Jennie Jones, Mr. Smith, Mr. Rhodes, Mr. Pitt, and Mr. W. J. Evans at the organ. Leoni's great work occupied the first portion of the programme, and although it abounds in technical difficulties, the time being at times intricate reading, and the rhythm in several instances being un- usual, the performance, on the whole, was quite a satisfactory one, the choir, artistes and orchestral doing well. To deal briefly with the choir. The con- traltos, although strong in number, yet seemed to be very weak, and by no means up to the high standard of past years. The basses were the best part, the quality especially being good. They were closely followed by the tenors, who seemed deter- mined to make up for their lack of numerical strength by an extra dose of enthusiasm. The sopranos suffered to some extent owing to the prominence of one or two individual voices, who could easily be distinguished. Considering the large number of young, immature voices among them, however, they did very well, and should develop into a fine portion of the chorus. The success of the choir was greatest in the Gate of Life," and in the first part of that work. A better acquaintance with it would, perhaps, have enabled them to give more dramatic treatment of the intensely inte.resting Death to the Nazarenes," but the other portions were very successful. The best effort in the remainder of the work was the hymn, "Weary Pilgrims." In Alexander's Feast," expectations were centred on How many rend the skies," of course, and although the attack could have been better, still the hearty applause at its con- clusion was thoroughly well-earned. The soloists were strangers to the dis- trict, and so made the concerts unusually interesting. The three came with excel- lent credentials, but the laurel crown must really be extended to Mr. Evans. His voice is a light baritone of beautiful quality. His enunciation must have been an object lesson to amateur or budding professional singers present, while his artistic treatment of his several solos was equal to anything yet heard in Mid- Rhondda. Of course, singing is difficult to judge calmly and dispassionately, because the personal influence of the artiste reaches the listener with a direct force. There are people who will applaud to the echo a tenor or soprano who merely have a chest A or B as their sole re- commendation. But it is greatly to the credit of the music-lovers of Mid-Rhondda that they can appreciate the highest type of singing as that of Mr. Evans'. In the Gate of Life," he was excellent, enter- ing with his whole soul into the spirit of the work. In the miscellaneous portion he met with unusual success, for he had to appear three times: First of all he sang My Old Shako," which received a capital interpretation, and he responded to the undeniable encore with a very effective Welsh song, which, again, brought down the house. The delighted audience, thirsting for more, demanded another song, and Dafydd y Gareg Wen was given. With youth on his side, this young Welshman will certainly become one of our foremost singers. Miss Kahn came with such a great reputation that great things were expected of her. One had just a, little disappointment, yet, perhaps, it was not wholly the fault of the singer. Her rendering of Entreat me not to leave thee," with orchestral accom- paniment was great, and was one of the best items of the whole concert. The singer evidently enjoyed singing the great solo, and this went a long way towards making the audience feel likewise. The solo work in Leoni's work seemed to be too. heavy for her, while in Alexander's Feast Miss Kahn was none too happy in the slurs. Mr. Wigley evidently depends upon his high register, which has been developed very successfully, to earn for him a reputation. As mentioned above, there are some who show the keenest delight in such vocal gymnastics, but, personally, I expect to get something more than this. Music has been aptly defined as the wordless poetry of the soul," and to me a rendering with no souF in it is worthless. A great contrast was that violoncello solo, Consolation," by Miss Jennie Jones, Cardiff. Here the audience was simplv carried away by the expressive playing of this talented young Welsh-Australian lady. The playing of the accompaniments throughout by the orchestra was very good, Mr. Angle, as usual, showing that the confidence reposed in him is by no means misplaced. Mr. Evans., at the organ, gave valuable assistance, especially in the choral work, and also in the accom- paniment to the solos in the miscellaneous portion. It is hardly necessary to men- tion that Mr. David conducted skilfully, for we are all now well aware of his ability in this direction. Dr. E. Morgan presided, a hearty vote of thanks being extended him for so doing. The concert was repeated on Saturday evening, Dr. T. L. Morgan, Clydach Vale, presiding. It is to be hoped that the efforts of the committee, of whom Mr. W. Davies was secretary, will meet with the success deserved. The proceeds were towards liquidating the chapel debt.

Nk i'¡l THEATRE ROYAlJ, TONYPANDY Mr. DUCKWORTH begs to announce that having installed a New Electric Plant in the Theatre, he will give during the Early Door and between the Acts a Series of the very latest up-to-date Pictures on THE ELECTRIC 6IOGHAPH. Monday, March 16th, 1908, for Six Nights Only, Special Engagement of Mr. and Mrs. JOHN E. TOMLINSON'S Company, in the Oriental Musical Drama- sbgrxcdps — —— By Max Goldberg. Don't Fail to see this Great Attraction. First-class Company. Good Specialities. Troupe of Dancers. W See the Great RIFLE SWINGING ACT. TIMES AND POPULAR PRICES AS USUAL-

Abergavenny Chair Eisteddfod. Of all the preliminary programmes of eisteddfodau now before the public, that of the Abergavenny Eisteddfod on Easter Monday, 1908, is undoubtedly the most progressive and advanced in every respect, and the suggestions of the new Associa- tion of Choral Societies and Eisteddfod Representatives, which was formed as the result of the Eisteddfod reform move- ment, have been adopted without a single exception. The choral competitions in- clude chief choral, second choral, chief male voice, congregational choral, second male voice, ladies' choral, juvenile choral, and elementary schools choral competi- tion. There are also several vocal and instrumental solo competitions, poem, essay, recitation and painting tests, and band contest. The prizes total to £ 300, distributed fairly and intelligently, the tests are distinctly educational and efficient, and the rules and general tone all that can be desired, and we can only hope that the endeavours of this com- mittee to uplift the standard of musical competitions and realise the true aims and aspirations of eisteddfodau in totally independent and courageous manner will be appreciated by the choirs, and other competitors. An up-to-date and sensational fete pro- gramme has also been arranged, including balloon ascents, motor racing in mid-air and other attractive features; also a gigantic display of fireworks by Messrs. C. T. Brock and Co., of Crystal Palace fame; and a first-rate concert will be held in the Eisteddfod Hall on Easter Monday evening.

Cardiff Empire. King and Benson, and the Ten Loonies Next Week. King and Benson, the clever society entertainers, will give a novel vocal comedy act at Cardiff Empire next week, when those wonderful musicians, the Ten Loonies, will also appear. They will sub- mit their exceedingly funny representa- tion of musicians in a lunatic asylum. A marvellous exhibition will be given by the Hadj Abdullah Troupe of Arabs, who are acrobats and pyramid builders. They perform astonishing feats of strength, agility and endurance. They are a band of a dozen, and men of twelve and fourteen stone can tumble and make Catherine wheels with the same swiftness and neatness as the girls of twelve and fourteen years. One big man has no fewer than ten others of the troupe off the ground at the same time, supporting them all. Sadie Simpson, comedienne and dancer; Charles Norton, the great mimic; Amy Marsden; the Coloured Meisters; and Marriott and Edgar are others on the bill.

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Opera House, Treherbert. The management of this popular house are to be congratulated on having secured a return visit of that most successful musical comedy, The Girl from Kay's," which is billed for the first three nights of next week. Produced five years ago at the Apollo Theatre, London, this piece proved the most magnetic success ever scored by that most versatile and prolific musical comedy builder, the late Mr. Owen Hall. To mention that the music is by Ivan Caryll is sufficient guarantee for charming songs, pretty choruses and vivacious dances. Mr. Charles Macdona, now the largest proprietor of the musical comedy type of entertainment, is sending his No. 1 Company, with all the original scenery and dresses from the Apollo Theatre. Among the artistes specially engaged, foremost is Mr. Edgar Ayres, who, in the part of Hoggenheimer," should prove a host in himself. He is ably supported by Miss Adeline Burgon (" Winnie"), Miss Florence Brewster, Miss Nellie Barnwell, Messrs. Fred Carrington, Douglas Phillips and George Martin, the company totalling, with full chorus, over forty, and should give a dis- play of brilliance seldom seen at this theatre. As this will be the only theatre visited in the Valley this season, intending patrons will be well advised to book early, as an enormous rush is anticipated.

Amusements. Hippodrome, Tonypandy. That the Hippodrome still occupies a warm corner in the hearts of the amuoo- ment-going public is amply evidenced by the large audiences which fill the house each evening. This week, roars of laugh- ter are created by Able and Welsh, two knockabout comedians, who live the strenuous life with a vengeance. Dick Bradley is a tramp and expert cyclist, whose gyrations are not merely revolu- tionary, but positively hair-raising. Harry Guilford is a comedian of much power, whilst Max Va-llie, coon vocalist and dancer, gets unstinted applause. The Four Dorians are also great, whilst the pictures are up to the usual high-class standard. Altogether, the show this week is as gpod as anything that Mr. Stone has hitherto placed before us. Tivoli, Pentre. Leoni Clarke, with his wonderful collec- tion of performing cats, dogs, cavies, rabbits, &c., is the chief draw this week. The "Cat King," as Mr. Clarke is described, has a marvellous command over his craythurs," and the performance throughout is instructive and interesting. The Great Vincent, the acrobaticl table expert and lightning tumbler, pays a welcome visit, his feats causing wide- spread astonishment. The Ringhng Trio is another turn which is well received, the acrobatic comedy on stilts being greatly appreciated. E. W. Selman scores heavily as a comedian with his catchy Mustn't," whilst D. W. Watson, the cornet and coach horn artiste, heartily proclaims his merits. Henry Hilton, conjurer and card manipulator; Tony Drew, come- dian and Beattie Benson, comedienne and danseuse, together with the Tivoliscope pitcures, complete an exceptionally good show. Palace Porth. Gracie Grahame, the, famous London star comedienne, fresh from her Aus- tralian and South African triumphs, occupies premier position this week. Her songs are taking, and she has already added the patrons of the Palace to her long list of admirers. Others on the bill are Ossi Souplessi, the marvellous con- tortioilist; The Zampas, duettists, 'speciality dancers and baton swingers; the Three Pirmans, in Dans Le Jardin," quite a pretty garden effect; Charles Gardner, comedian Gus Garrick, in music hall tit-bits; together with Will Johnson, a, popular and lively fellow; Joe Malva, naval ventriloquist Agnese and Arthur Lynch, in American picture songs; and Daisy Martell, comedienne and dancer. Theatre Royal, Tonypandy. "The Coal King" is the title of the' drama, by Ernest Martin and Fewlass Llewellyn, which is being played at the Theatre lloyal, Tonypandy, this week. The play, which is presented by Mr. A. Clifton Alderson s company, is of intense interest, and the introduction of such- thrilling items as a colliery explosion and the entombment and rescue of some of the workers, must necessarily appeal to audi- ences so intimately connected with the miner's calling as those of the Rhondda Valley. The drama consists of five acts, and the interest in the plot is maintained from start to finish. The part of "Walter Hartford," whom the Coal King sup- poses to be his son, is taken by Mr. Samuel Courtney, and can be described as a finely acted part, as it has to work against the sympathies of the audience. The role of the hero, Tom Roberts," is a manly and capitally balanced character as portrayed by Mr. Edward McLean. Miss Valerie Crespin sustains the part of the heroine, Grace Shirley," with much grace and pathos. Miss Sinna St. Clair does full justice to the difficult part of Mrs. Roberts," otherwise described as Mad Ann." Mr. E. Collins Rolfe, as Sir Reginald Hartford, J.P. Mr. Frank Dalton as Dick Shirley and Miss Lily Griffin, as Araminta Green," all show distinct ability in their respec- tive roles. Some element of humour is introduced by Mr. Sam Roberts as Jim Williams," and in the entombment scene Mr. A. J. Williams is very effective as Seth Baker." The other characters are well sustained by the rest of the com- pany. During the intervals between the acts, a series of very amusing pictures are shown on the Electric Biograph, adding greatly to the enjoyment of the audience. Next week, The Secrets will be played at the Theatre lloyal. Some of our readers may, remember that this play was suddenly taken off during its sensational run at one of the London theatres some few years ago, as the title under which it was then being performed was deemed by the Turkish Embassy offensive to that nation.

MARKETS LOWER^a. WE HAVE REDUCED PRICES ACCORDINGLY. New Market Butter ,1/2 poo lb New Market Dairy .1/1 per lb New Market Margarine weight, 10d. & 1/- New Market Bacon 8id.perlb New Market Dairyfed 6id. per Ib 2 Short Cut Ham (whole) 6d. per Ib Picnic Hams (about ) 41-d. per lb 2s, eauh New Laid Eggs (Her^Nest^ 14 for 1/- I Nei3t Best Flour 2/10 per score New Market Tea 1/8 per Ib I New Market Co. TONYPANDY and PENYGRAIG )

had their counterpart in the changes affected in methods of government, said that it was now time for the people to share in their own government. One of the most prominent members of the Rhondda District Council—Dr. W. E. Thomas—a gentleman, judging from his public utterances, who was not closely in touch with the aspirations of the people, had interviewed a- friend of the speaker's some time ago, and in that interview had asked him whether there was any inten- tion of forming a Labour Party in the Council, adding that it was a most repre- hensible policy and was a step back to Conservatism. His friend's reply was that, if it was a, retrograde policy, it was one which had been pursued by the class to which Dr. Thomas belonged for more than a hundred years past. Dealing with the housing question, the speaker expressed his surprise that the powers which had been vested in local bodies, and which had been put into force by other urban authorities, had not been utilised by the Rhondda District Council. Here the speaker read a portion of the Housing of the Working Classes Act, which gave urban authorities the power to borrow money for the purpose of building workmen's cottages. Risca, proceeded the speaker, had already put the provisions of the Act into force, and had built over 100 houses, let at reasonable rentals. At Merthyr, a similar number of workmen's dwellings had been built, and the Corporation had secured a return on their outlay of 4.80 per cent. Touching upon education, the speaker said that, he was in f avour, of free meals for hungry and destitute children, and also in favour of Section 11 of the Educa- tion (Administrative!) Act of last year, which provided that, in the case of an intelligent youth, bursaries should be adopted under the District Council to enable him to continue his studies. He was also in favour of the medical inspec- tion of children. A resolution pledging the support of the meeting; was heartily adopted. No. 7 Wand. A correspondent writes —" The forth- coming election will be of unusual interest in many respects. The supporters of Councillor David Rowlands, the retiring candidate, set the ball rolling; rather too hasty, and in a, most untactful manner. The political horizon seemed to them to possess a very threatening aspect. Here, there and everywhere, were rumours of ,Ies 4ppQA,ri: ambitious personalties appearing to dis- turb the elements, sq with the intention of sheltering their candidate from the threatening storm, they hurried at full Speed to clothe the old member with a coat of many colours—the fashionable coat of the present-day wear, made of Lib-Lab material, with shibboleth trimmings of the Keir Hardie style and colour, The eleventh hour conversion was not very widely approved of by the electors of No. 7 Ward, and suddenly there came signs that the ratepayers of Williamstown. were ventilating an old but a just grievance— that, while every other part of the Ward was. directly represented on the Council, they considered the present opportunity should be taken advantage of to secure, if possible, a resident representative who would devote his energies to redress their many grievances. While Williamstown is a, fast growing locality, and contains the largest number of voters in the Ward, it has never possessed a, resident represen- tative, and the locality has consequently suffered. It was thought that the locality should now arise from its lethargy, and assert its right to a, more efficient repre- sentation on the District Council. Last Friday evening, a meeting of Williams- town ratepayers was held at Saron Chapel to discuss the advisability of contesting the seat. A great deal of enthusiasm was shown, and ultimately Mr. Lewis Hopkins, widely known as Lewis o'r Bryn," was unanimously selected as fl. most suitable candidate. He will be supported by a strong band of electioneering veterans, and if Williamstown to itself be true,' I don't see why he should be far behind in the race. Lewis o'r B,ryn" in sporting parlance, is considered a (sure shot.' He has helped every Liberal candidate in the rvast to win their battles, and it is to be hoped that every Liberal will now help him. That he is an ardent and conscien- tious Liberal nobody_ denies, whilst even Conservatives appreciate his consistency and straightforwardness. He has alwa,ys identified himself with every Liberal movement, and his politics always possess a, high tone of sound Radicalism. If elected, the Council can expect to find in him a good and sound constructive critic —an asset which is much needed in many of its departments; and No. 7 Ward will honour itself by supporting him. The electors of Dinas and Penygraig ought to support Williamstown to come into its o rT own. They have sacrificed in the past on behalf of the interests of these localities, surely many good turns deserve one in return. On Tuesday evening, a meeting was held at Tai Boys' Schools with the view of hearing an account of the stewardship for the past three years of the retiring member, also to hear the views of pros- pective candidates who wish to seek the suffragos of the electors in the forthcoming election. There was a very laxge, atten- dance at the time the meeting was sup- nosed to commence, but there was no sign that any of the seventeen gentlemen who had convened the meeting having the courage to start the proceedings. It was a, most mysterious meeting—the conveners were as silent as the grave—no agenda- no secretary—no chairman; everyone gazed at, each other and wondered whether any meeting would be held or not. There is not a meeting in the history of the Ward resembling it. The mysterious dilemma had its secret that was only known to a. few besides the conveners— the gentlemen had beocme seriously divided on the merits of two of their number as to who should be supported by the meeting to contest the election, and for the noble purpose of retaining their sportsmanlike friendship, they decided to keep the peace by leaving the meeting, which they had convened, to its own fate. About 9 o'clock, a young gentleman took the chair, minus a programme, and with difficulty managed to carry out undoubtedly a, part of the intention of the conveners. Regret was expressed at the absence of Councillor David Rowlands, and it was made clear that Mr. Lewis Hopkins would be addressing a meeting in the same school on the following eveping, and that he was determined at all costs to contest the Ward. Another prospective candi- date, Mr. Thomas Naunton Morgan, Peny- graig, architect and surveyor, came for- ward and expressed clearly why he pro- posed offering his services to the electors. Several influential gentlemen had pressed 1; upon him the advisability, of contesting I the forthcoming ele&tib^, but he did not feel justified in doing so unless called upon by a public meeting. His profession as architect assisted in providing him with the necessary qualifications of a Coun- cillor, and his policy would always be the greatest good for the greatest number. He considered that many things locally P required readjustment. The roads in many places withi4 the Wg Ir cl were a scandal, and a more efficient representation was easily obtainable. He would, if elected, demand the Council to produce better gas for its numerous consumers. He would also protest against the Council supply- ing the Taff Vale Railway Company with gas at a lower rate than that charged to the ratepayers. It was most unfair that a prosperous company should receive huge benefits at the expense of the ratepayers. The Housing Act should be put into force in this congested area. He possessed sufficient public spirit to devote his time and energies for the public welfare, and if the meeting would support him he would willingly place his services at the command of the electorate. It was a good speech, and lucidly delivered, and the meeting heartily cheered him. The chairman, Mr. G. Rowlands, invited ques- tions to the candidate, which were suit- ably answered. A vote of confidence in Mr. Thomas N. Morgan was carried. Mr. Morgan will certainly make a good fight. He is the son of the late Mr. Isaac Mor- gan, who was so widely resnected in the locality. He is also a brother to Dr. Nauinton Morgan, Gilfach Goch. He is devoted to his profession, in which he has made rapid strides."