Monmouth Guardian and Bargoed and Caerphilly Observer

THE REVIVAL OF RELIGION. I I BAPTISTS SUNDAY SCHOOLS. 1 I A CONFERENCE AT BARGOED. Rev. Harri Edwards, pastor of the Hnnbury Road Entjliah Raptist Cbapel, Bargoed, presided at a con- ference of the Rby unney Valley Dis- trict of the English Baptis-ts Sunday Schools Union, at Bargoed, on Thurs- day last, when some interesting dis- cussions took place The principal topic- under review was, "The Revival of Religion in the Church Sunday School. The Chairnian waa sappurted by the Rev. T. M. Richards, Rhymney, Rev. J. G. Davies, Gelligaer, Mr W. J. Durham, Rhymney, (secretary), and others. In openiag the conference the presi- [ dent said the matter for discussion was of great importance. It had been discussed at the District Conference in February last, aad the present conference had been called in accord- ance with an understanding arrived at then. As to taking up the work of stimulating the Sunday Schools, Mr Edwards pointed out that they had bad missions in the valley, and these bad taken up their time, attention, and energy. Reports were received from the representatives of the Sunday Schools at Beulah, Rhymney, Bethel, Pont- lottyn, ^armel, New Tredegar, Beulah Brithdire-, korish, Aberbargoed, Han- J bury Road, Bargoed, Bbentier, Pen- gam and Deri. There were no repre- sentativea for Ebenezer, Maohen, and | Tre Thomas. These reports generally 1 indicated that while there was com- plete sympathy with the scheme recommended by the Union for the advancement of the Sunday School, very little tangible work had been accomplished. There was a strong J united feeling that something should be done to create enthusiasm in Sunday School work, so that the trne Christian gup ooutk? got on the ij children in order to have Ihera from J being influenced atid carried r. way by the count less counter attractions of to-day. The Rev. T. M. Richards, Rhymuey, said that at Beulab it was their în- tentions to start classes in connection with the Union's Scheme, bat there bad been difficulties in the way He Irealised the drawback of the present I summer weather, but hoped t) com- mence the work in earnest in October. Mr Brown, Hanbury Road, remarked i that they had done little bdyond paBs- ¥: ing a resolution in favour of the  Scheme, chiefly because they were  anxiou to arouse general interest and. ? enthusiMism to take up such a matter. They hoped to organise iuea's to ? take up the work in a tangible find effective form. Recently, the misEion II in the valley had taken up a good I j, deal of their time, and in starting a 1 new scheme they wanted All hands, ? and especially ministers. He com- merated on the lack of interest in Sunday Schocl work, and wished f something could bo done to revive ] the old enthusiasm. Tht-re was a | lack of trachcrs,which v. as detrimc utat to the children, and there was-great I". rieed for an awa keniDg anions: church j members. Thgy should realise that j the matter wits act-iou.-3i and that the church of the future depended ou the Sunday School. The heritage of the t future was in their bauds, but they f did not sum to realise this great fact. It bad been suggested to him that the Sunday School should be given up, but he could ttpt agree with each pro." •, position. It was apparently true according to the report that four-fifths of the Sunhy Schorl scholars were > lost to tLe chuich, but it was worth keeping open all the Sunday Schools for the sake of tbe,rcniainidg one-fifth J (applause). They should cling to the Sunday School, and put more ardour into their work. He was glad of the ■ good work accomplished by the recent j mission which had won many to the good work of Christianity. A revival was in their hands- all they desired i to bring it about was a soul desire for the salvation of men. t Rev J. G. Davies, Gelligaer, said it was difficult to know where to start in the work of reviving the Sunday School, but that a revival was necess- ary was too evident. They must admit that at present there was chaos where order should be,. and unless they could reform the Sunday School, > the church would euffer in the future. There was not the enthusiasm that if. should be. The Chairman, commenting on the reports, said it was clear there was a ¡ general feeling that something should i be done to strengthen the Sunday !i School, and that there was sympathy ? in the Scheme of the Union. Though ? there was sympathy in the scheme, I oirenmstances up to date had not made it possible to give effect to that J feeling. It was a poor thing to live jj on intentions. Many people lived on good intentions. What they wanted I in the Rhymney Valley was not only good intentions, proposals, and reaoln- i tions, but work to give effect to their II thoughts, to put them into aotion. r He reviewed the good work* done by ft- a mission, carried out by the ministers in the churches of the valley. This mishion was recalling a forward move- ment, and he was Bure if they had not hi ^ti ongaged in it they would have brought the Union's Scheme into effect in the valley. As the < esult of the mission c>ndac>t ri up a d down the valley by the ministers, about 150 souls bud heeit brought to Jesus Christ, therefore, something had been dsme. When t hat mission closed tbev would be ti-ee tc) undertake the work of carrying the Scheme through. There were things in it th-tt corn- mended themselvrs lIe b lieved Mr Brown hhd ??ucbt'<i the nght point in emphasising that endeavours f-JlOgid ¡ be made towards intf-j>siiug and holding the chUdrpu in the Sunday School. If they wei?e to actuate good results in the future, their energies must be devoted toward s tb" weifa?e of the children in the Sunday School. He thought they were proceeding off the right lines in considering this ) subject, and be hoped that the confer- I cncu would not result in mere resolu- tions and proposals, but thnfc they would go back to each ot the churches in redoubled enthusiasm and see to it that something tangible and effective would bo done in the way of providing the members of the Sunday Schools, in the principles of Christianity, and for the glory of, God.

WORTH WAITING FOR. I A Pontlottyn woman some time ago signed a statment which was published here in Rhymney. It was one of many similar statements, earnest, helpful and true. Yet Rhymney residents may have felt that time alone could finally prove it so. They were right. Time is the final proof, and such proof is given now- proof worth waiting for. Let the reader judge. On October 31st. 19llr Mrs M. Reed, of 35, Duffryn Street, near the Schools, Pontlottyn, near Rbymney, said :—" I have been troubled recently with a sharp pain in my back, which made things very trying in my ho ue- WI); k. Sometimes in bed at night I have bad to lay with my hands under my back, the pains were so acute. I have been troabled in this way more or less for years. I tried several remedies, but with only temporary relief. At last I took Doan's backache kidney pills, and they did me good almost from the start. They proved to be an excellent remedy for the headaches and dizziness, and a sure cure for the urinary troubles. (<-l always like to have a box of Doan's pills in the house now, and I never fail to recommend them. (Signed) "M. Reed." On April 13th. 1916—OVER FOUR YEAR5 LATER—Mrs Reed said: I always praise Doan's pills because they did me the world of good. Often those in the greatest danger from kidney complaint do not know their kidneys are diseased, and so ihe trouble is neglected until it reaohps a serious stage. Cure your kidneys while you can, by commencing with Doan's backache kidney pills at OI-O 1 if you have any such clear sign of kidney disorder as urinary sediment, gravel, pains in (lie loius and back, rheumatism, and dizziness. Of all dealers, or 2/9 a bnx, from Foster-McClellan Co., 8, Wells St., I Oxford St., London, W. Dou't acit for backache or kidney pills,—ask DISTINCTLY for DoAN'g bac kwhe kid [ley pill, the same as A-1 rs. Reed had.

NEW TREDEQARS WATER SUPPLY A LOSS OF P,2,000. 1 At a meeting of the Bedwellty Dis- trict Council on Tuesday, Mr Edgar Davies, J.P., presiding., in accordance with a notice of motion, Mr Sidney Godwin moved that the charges fur water in the New Tredegar- district be increased to meet the cost of the out- lay He said that for the year 1916 the undertaking showed a loss of 9 1. 000 and for the year eaded March, 1917, there had been an expenditure of about P,1,000 in exces8 of income. Thus, with a loss of 92,000 in two successive years, it would be seen that something must be done to meet the situa.t,ipn.-Mr J. Crew seconded the motion.—Mr Albert Thomas said it was not fair to take the expenditure aa applying to the New Tredegar and Cwmsyfiog wards. The outlay had been in respect to Phillipstown, where a tremendous cost had been involved to provide a service. The members for New Tredegar were not more I responsible for th is lbn any other part of the area. Plars for the development of that ilislrict, were laid Ii before the Council, and the members as a whole in passing those plans must have been aware that with such a new district, especially on those heights, much cost would be involved in meet. ing the sanitary requirements. He therefore moved that no change take place.—Mr J. Tillott seconded, and reminded the members that when the development of Phillips town was first tooted, a guarantee was given that a supply of water would be given the locality. He hoped that the Black- wood members did not expeot the council to sit there and do nothing fur the reople. At a council they bid R. hea.1t II departoQHiit, and that 1 M Uiratlv involved certain responsibilities. The Clerk (Mr T. J. T homa.') re- J minded the council that their ?<p<?r? j chargeR f'r water for domestic p'T. J ?,po,4, were cow en the maximum t?x' d in tbo Act. The only places here extra charges could be made were in the cases of extra ch set accommoda- tion, the supply of water in bulk, and biths of abnormal dimensions.Alt- R. J. Jones said that people must have water, although they were not compelled to have gas. He asked why was this huge loss as stated by Mr Godwin. The pumping of the water and the purchase of the coumsudiiy cost 9d. per 1,000 gallonp, which meant that the cost for pumping wan greater than the actual water. He thought that an average of 4/4 per hour for pumping was exorbi t-a ut. Ht:, moved that the officials prepare a detailed cost of the water supplied on the low levels, and that on the high levels, so that they could see where the loss actually occurred.- Finally, it was decided to defer the mutter until the information asked for by Mr Jones is circulated amongst the members. Hintmt

I DEATH OF MR. A. I. FREED- I I MAN, DOWLAIS. By the untimely death of Mr. Alfred, Isaac Freedman, of Victoria Buildings, Dowlais, the Jewish com- munity, as indeed all other other classes, have lost a very useful citizen. He was at business as usual on Sat- urday morning last, when bad a sud- den seizure. Up to Monday evening he appeared to be getting better, but despite the efforts of Drs. Ward and Cresswell, b-e passed away early on Tuesday morning. The late Mr Freedman was held in very high esteem A native of Dowlais, and a leader of the Jewish community, he was the second son of Mr Gabriel Freedman, who is one of the oldest tradesmen in Temple Buildings, Union-street, where he has the help of his two sons, Messrs Ber- nard and J. C. Freedman. The de- ceased was of a most generous and charitable disposition. For many years he had been the registrar" of Jewish marriages, past president of the local Jewish Board of Guardians, ehairman of the Jewish Education Committee, president of the Polish (Jewish) Relief Fund, and a leading member of the local Zionist Society. In other ways the departed had taken a prominent part. He was a Past Master of the Loyal Cambrian Lodge, No. 110 (Merthyr), and also filled the chairs of the Royal Arch Chapter. As a member of the Dow- lais Chamber of Trade he was very assiduous, and several public com- panies have lost an able director. The Russian and Palestine Jews' Re- lief Fund benefited by over 91000, largely through the late Mr Freed- man's energy and indefatigable work. The funeral took place on Wednes- r day, the cortege—a very large and representative one leaving Peny- bryn Villa, Penydarren, shortly after three, and proceeded to the Merthyr Synagogue, where addresses were given by the Revs;" J. Iaraelstan, B.A., and E. Bloom. After this servioe the cortege then wended its way to the Jewish Cemetery at Cefn. At the graveside the Rev. J. Israel- stan delivered a very touching ad- dress, dwelling upon the good quali- ties of the deceased, who had in life chosen the path of a good heart." On behalf of the Freemasons, the Rev. T. Williams delivered a very fine oration, and dwelt upon the good qualities of their departed brother. The principal mourners were Mr. Reggie Freedman (son), Mr Gabriel Freedman (father) Messrs. Bernard, Joseph, and Abe Freedman (brothers) Mr Lewis L. Fine, J.P., Mr Israel Fine, Mr Isaao Fine, and Mr Nathan Fine (brothers-in-law). The late Mr. Freedman was 51 years of age, and married a daughter of the late Mr and Mrs T. Fine, of Rhymney, and leaves a widow, son and daughter to mourn the loss of a very devoted husband and father. a!

I SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY I AT ABERTYSSWG. The Sunday School Anniversary in connection with the Presbyterian Church, Abertysswg, was held on Sunday last. In the morning the pastor, Rev. W. Hugh Cooper, preached an appropriate sermon on the work of the Sunday School. In the afternoon and evening the services were held in the Workmen's Hall, the pastor presiding. Two excellent programmes were gone through, consisting of recitations, t solos, etc., rendered by the scholars, teachers and friends. The Church secured the services of Mr. Price Griffiths and Miss Annie Thomas, Rhymney, as soloists, and the eftect upqn the audicnccs was thrilling. The services throughout the day were a great success. Mr. Win. Evans, Brook field, with his ubuai ability' and geniality conducted. Mrs. Win. Evans aud Miss Flo. Wilcox did their parts excellently as accompanists. On Mouday the annual Sunday School demonstration took place, when the schools turned out in the following order: Presbyterian, Baptist, Congregational and Prim- itive Met hodists. The weather was delightfully fine and the schools turned out in full strength. After tea the scholars, teachers and friends wended their way to the recreation- grounds, where sports and games 'were indulged in to the great enjoy- ment of all. The officers are: — Superintendent, Mr. John Price; Treasurer, Mr. Wm. Evans Secre- tary, Mr. John Jones.

THE MINERS AWAKENING. INDUSTRIAL UNREST. Speaking at the monthly meeting of the Rhymney Valley Miners' As- sociation, on Saturday, Mr Richard Williams, in the chair, Mr Albert Thomas, J.P., the sub-agent and secre- tary, referring to the industrial unrest the agent stated that the executive council had decided to give evidence on behalf of the South Wales Miners. There were obviously many reasons for discontent among the workers, reasons which will appear when the report is printed Foremost, undou bt- edly, was the high cost of living. High because wages had not kept pace with the increases in prices, and there were large masses of workers,although receiving a higher rate of wages, found it very difficult to maintain a decent standard of living, and experi- ence had taught us that, a mere in- crease in wages did not solve the difficulty. The situation created by the war had been taken advantage of by traders generally, they had risen the prices of various commodities far be- yond what was necessary to cover the increased cost. This was causing con- siderable unrest. Many a fortune have been gathered by the profiteer, whil&t our brave lads were sacrificing their all. í It should not be thought, however, that all the unrest was caused by material causes. Among the workers of this country there seemed to be an awakening of conscience. Workers began to realize they were as import- ant, if not more so. than the privileged classes, and consequently there was a demand, an ever increasing demand for their full rights as oitizens and producers and wealth users. There were other countries where the con- science awakening was taking place, and Governments were not only anxious, but were hurrying to meet this awakening by passing saner and more humane laws as reforms to their benefit. The Russian revolution had cleared and inspired the hearts of tho workers, and indeed there seemed to be a ray of hope that the German worker was beginning to discover that his salvation could only be ac- complished in like manner. fn our country the Electoral Reform Bill was a measure to meet a demand that the worker awakened to and insistently demanded. Our own country is beginning to realize another thing, viz.: That pri- vate ownerships and control were things detrimental to the welfare and interests of the State. Why ? Because it had broken down in a time of na- tional necessity. Let us hope that arising out of the debris of war, may arise men whose one great aim shall be, the happiness of every individual. A common brotherhood, based upon justice and fraternity. Monmouthshire will have the op. portunity of securing new seats, whereby if we are wisa men who are bent on carrying out the above may be returned.

I BEDWELLTY URBAN COUNCIL.  I The ordinary meeting of the members of the Bedwellty Council wm'held at New Tredegar on Tues- day, at which there were present: — Messrs. Edgar Davies, J.P. (chair- man), Isaac Jones (vice-chairman), W. O'Connor, W. Bufton, T. Tillott, J. Crew, S. Godwin, A. Thomas, T P.. Evan Thomas, W. J. Davies, u. Jones. R. J. Jones, with Mr. I T. j. Thomas' (clerk). Mr. F. G Harris (deputy clerk). Mr. H. Hayes" (accountant), Mr. Dan, H. Price (surveyor), Mr. F. Hynam (sanitary inspector), Dr. Roberts (medical officer) Arising out of a complaint that the water supply in the Sirhowy Valley was cut off without notice, Mr. W. O'Connor suggested that I notice should be given. On this occasion the water was off from Friday until Sunday'afternoon, and people were running to every poss-, ible source of supplv.—The Sur-. veyor said he did all that wasi possible. The stoppage was due to j a fractured main at Bedwellty Pits. i He ordered the crier to go around. Mr. Bufton That's the first I have heard of it. :1 The Accountant reported that the Rent Collector, Mr. James, had now, left for the Army, and that it would j be necessary to appoint a successor, the work being done temporarily by Mr. A. Richards.—Mr. Crew I moved that they advertise the j position, and on the suggestion of I Mr. Evan Thomas it was agreed I that preference be given to dis- I charged soldiers. Mr. J. Crew suggested -that a census be taken of the number of I people Jiving in the Council's liotises at Cefn Forest. He feared there was overcrowding, and that more than one party were living in one house. It was a distinct under- standing that only one family was to occupy each, house.—Mr. J. Tillott seconded, and the motion was carried. Mr. J. Crew gave a report of the conference held at Newport in reference to uniform wages for Council employees. At present there was-- no "syem or method in grafting increases. It was sug- gested" that a Wages Board be formed to govern wages. The pres- ent inequalities created dissension. A Wage Board would deal with all applications.—Mr. R. J. Jones said he opposed the proposal. He .thought the Council employees were members of their particular union. He thought each Council could manage its own business without relegating it to a Wage Board. He was afraid they would find after the Board had been formed that one of the Councils would drop out, and the whole scheme would fall like a pack of cards.—Mr. Crew-replied that the Conciliation Board worked better for the miners than each colliery dealing with its own dis- putes. It was suggested that the scheme "should apply to the indus- trial area of the county, where rents and cost of living were practi- cally the same, -The Clerk stated that the official record- (yf the meet- ing recommended the establishment of a Wages Board on behalf of each authority, and that only applica- tions be considered when coming from the Union representing the men.—The report was adopted, and the Chairman and Mr. Crew ap- pointed to attend the next con- ference. Applications were received from Blackwood Gasworks employees for an advance of itd. an hour, and from the National Union of General Workers for 5/- per week for wage men and 2d. an hour for all crafts- men and labourers, also for IId. an hour for masons with 5 I'- war bonus. Mr. Isaac Jones thought that the Bedwellty Council was now paying equal to any other authority, and he thought this was a matter for the proposed Wages Board. They could deal more effectively than amongst separate Councils who were often pitted one against another. He moved that the matter be de- ferred until the formation of the Board, and make any increase retrospective. Mr. D. Jones seconded.—Mr. R, J. Jones moved an amendment that the Grading Committee deal with the question, —Mr. W. Bufton seconded.—The resolution was carried. ■ 181

FBXHTnr* TSAOZ. I OIBLI, over 11, wanted m Ap- I prentices for the Printing Trade. -Applyp "Chutfdiu" otne", 0

| RHYMNEY'S PARLIAMENTARY DIVISION. Aid. J. Edwards, J.P., attended tie-, meeting of the Rhymney. Urban Council on"7Wednesday D. James, J.P., in the chair), and reported that the County Council had had ttrfBer consideration the Commissioner's list of the proposed re-arrangement of Parliamentary I Divisions. As they were aware, the proposal was that Rhymney should be tacked on to Tredegar and Ebbw Vale. The scheme which some of them had in view, howe,er .differed very materially from that,- and was that Rhymney. Tredegar .and Bedwellty urban districts should form a Parliaelltary division. This would make a more compact area. .He hoped the Council would agree, with this and send representatives r before the Commissioners when: they sat next week to deal with th L( appeals. -Mr. J 0I111 Evans heartily sup- ported the proposal. The propos i- tion to include Rhymney with Ebbw V ale was a ridiculous one. Mr. B. Probert thought there had been some wire pulling done to get .-their district added to Ebbw Vale. It would be a much more natural division that Rhymney, Bedwellty and Tredegar should be formed into one area. It was unanimously decided to support the proposal of Aid. J. Edwards, and the Clerk and Chair- man were appointed to attend^ before the Commissioner. f In connection with the 'parish1 of "r Llechryd. it was decided to hold a public meeting next week to get the views of the inhabitants as to whether they desired to be included with Rhymney for Parliamentary purposes.