The Rhondda Leader

Established 25 Years, IMIoney X.Aqo3mlb t»o JHLvm y ALzmacipiLxjmlb ON ALL ARTICLES OF CLOTHING, JEWELLERY, PLATE and WATCHES. Very Large Stock of Working Clothes; also Large Stock of Wedding and Keeper Rings, and all kinds of Jewelleryy New and Second-Hand Mote Address-O. FALLER, Jeweller, Clothier and Pawnbroker; 40, Hannah Street, PORTH. and 34, Taff St., PONTYPRIDD.

Treherbert Chamber of I Trade. At the monthly meeting hold last week, the Treherbert and District Chamber of Trade resolved to amalgamate with the Rhondda Chambers of Trade, whereby it is understood the various Chambers of Irade in the Valley will become one organisation. After some discussion, it was also re- solved: That this Chamber of Trade views with alarm the enormous increase in the county rates, and strongly protests against the continued growth of expen- diture in the county." Reference was made to the election of Mr. John Gower as a member of the Pontypridd Board of Guardians, and fol- lowing complimentary expressions to that gentleman, the meeting passed a. vote of i confidence in him. Mr. A. D. Phillips (secretary) and others remarked that they were glad to note the publicity given to their meetings by the local Press of late.

Cwmparc. I Cwmpare has lately woke to the fact that it ha.s not a resident J.P., and a little ventilation of the grievance resulted in a. public meeting at the Park Hall last week. The matter was fully discussed in all its aspects, and it was decided to make representations in the proper quarters to secure such an appointment. In the event of a successful issue, Mr. T. C. Morgan. ex-Schools, is the candidate nomi- nated, and we really thin\: that such an honour would be a fitting climax to the long and honourable career of the veteran pedagogue. The rustic sports (twice postponed owing to bad weather) organised by the Cwmdare champion tug-of war team were held at Ystradfochan Field (kindly lent by Mr. E. Edwards) on Saturday after- noon, although the Clark of the Weather was once more in fretful mood. A fairly large crowd assembled despite the rain, and the various events were spiritedly contested. A bad accident marred the success of the football tournament, W. H. Taylor having the misfortune to break his leg in effecting a clearance. First- aid was effectively rendered by Sergeant Fudge and Mr. Percy Pryce (of the Cwm- I pare Ambulance Brigade). The following is a list of awards: —Skipping: 1st, Bessie Glass; 2nd, E. M. Owen. Barrow race: 1st, M. Duggan; 2nd, J. E. Edwards. Pillow fight: 1st, P. Pryce; 2nd, H. Hawkins. Greasy pole: 1st, W. Morris; 2nd, H. Hawkins. Tug-of-war (open): 1st, Cwmdare A.; 2nd, Cwmdaro B. Tug- of-war (hauliers): 1st. Cwmdare Hauliers 2nd, Ton-Pentre Hauliers. Football com- petition 1st, Cwmparc Undaunted; 2nd, Dai Lossin's Team. The local St. John's Ambulance Brigade wound up a successful session on Satur- day evening last, when 25 members were examined by Dr. Thomas, Taff's Well. The. results promise to be highly satisfac- tory, which reflects great credit upon their teacher. Dr. Barrett. Messrs. John Lewis and F. Gillard, officers of the bri- gade, have rendered efficient assistance in organising and other matters through- out the season. It is with deep regret we record the death of Gwilym McLean, at the early age of 39. Deceased had suffered serious ill-health for a few years, but bore his affliction with exemplary courage and patience. He leaves a widow and several young children, with whom tho whole neighbourhood sympathises deeply. The funeral took place on Tuesday afternoon last, and was well attended in spite of intermittent showers of heavy rain. The Rev. E. G. Thomas (Salem) conducted the funeral services.

Tonypandy. I A supper and social took place on Tues- day, the 29th ult., at the Aberystwyth Restaurant to bid farewell to Miss Eunice Richards (Brice and Co., fruiterers), who sails on the 8th inst. to join relatives in America. After doing justice to the ex- cellent repast provided, the party were entertained by musical items contributed by Mr. Daniel Jones (Ely Street), Miss Edith Lewis, Mr. Williams (Porth), and Messrs. Owens, Ford and Webb (Trealaw). Mr. Williams (Masters and Co.) presided. During the evening, the presentation of a handsome dressing case was made to Miss Richards on behalf of her numerous friends as a slight token of the esteem in which I she was held. This was handed over to Miss Richards by Mr. Watkin Owens (Oliver and Co.), who in a neat speech conveyed the sincero wishes of her numerous acquaintances that her future in Dollar Land will be crowned with glowing success. Miss Richards suitably and feelingly responded. A grand performance of the cantata, Esther, the Beautiful Queen," was given at the Judge's Hall by the Alaw I Choral Society, under the conductorship of Mr. M. Cynon Davies, Cardiff, on Thursday evening, the 1st inst. The accompanist was Miss Janet Powell, Barry. Mr. Rees Jones, Tonypandy, presided. The cantata was preceded by a miscel- laneous programme, which included: — Tenor solo, "Llam y Cariadau," Mr. Wm. Davies, Porth; soprano solo, Tosti's "Good-bye, Miss Flarrie Jones, Peny- graig, who in response to calls for an encore gave Don't believe them": bass solo, A Sentinel am I," Mr. Ted Evans, Trealaw. The characters in the cantata were:—" Esther, tne Queen," Miss Florrie Jones, Penygraig; Ahasuerus, the King." Mr. Ted Evans, Treaiaw; u Zeresh. Haman's Wife," Madame Stephen Hughes, Tonypandy; Haman, Overseer of the Realm," Mr. R. O. Jones, Tonypandy; "Mordecai," Mr. William Davies, Porth; "Queen's First Maid of Honour and Prophetess," Miss Gwen John. Treala w; "Hegai" and "High Priest." Mr. David Rees Williarffis, Tre- alaw: "Maids of H onour," Misses Sarah John and Essery, Treala w; Har- bonah." Mr. Tom Jones; "Quartet," Messrs. D. Bateman, Tom Jones, Alfred Thomas and Arthur Grist. The stage managers were Messrs. J. Anthony, Porth. and Arthur Thomas, Trealaw, while Mr. Blake and Mr. E. J. Jones carried out the duties of stage carpenters. The conductor and choir are to be highly complimented on the admirable success achieved in this their first effort, parti- cularly as this is the first time in the history of the district for a society of this kind to keep together long enough to bring such a perfoirmance to a successful issue. This speaks volumes for the per- sonality and energy of Mr. Davies, the conductor, and his committee. All the artistes without exception were worthy of the highest praise; they made this old Jewish legend very real to those present. The secretary was Mr. Towyn Jones, and Mr. Idris Waite acted as treasurer. The funeral of David Evans, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Evans, _u, Thistle Terrace, Tonypandy, who passed away on Friday, April 25th, at the age of 23, took place on Thursday at Trealaw Cemetery. The Rev. T. G. Jenkyn, Salem, Llwynypia, officiated. The chief mourners were: Mr. and Mrs. Ben Evans (father and mother) Messrs. Morris, William John, and Elbert James Evans (brothers); Miss Lena May Evans (sister) Masters Mald- wyn and Emrys Evans, Robt. Dommett Dan, Hughie, and Alhert Davies (cousins) Misses Lizdie, Olwen. and Edith Evans, Tonypandy (cousins) Mrs. Hannah Davies. Tonypandy, Mrs. Sarah Davies, Abertrklwr, Mrs. Dommett Porth, and Mrs. Howells Porttl (annts) Messrs. Gwilym G. Evans. Tonypandy J. Dommett, 117ni. Howells, Porth, Wm. Morris, Briton Ferry, and David Jones. Cardiff (uncles) and Mrs. Ann North T lanharran. Salem Choir, under the cen ductoTship of Mr. T. Ayton Jones, sang suitable hymns. Wreaths were sent by the family, and Miss Olwen Enoch, Car diff.

Annual Meeting of the Glamorgan Division of the Conservative and Liberal Unionist Associations. The annual meeting of the above Asso- ciations was held at the Ton and Pentre Conservative Club, Ystrad, on Tuesday, April 29th. The chair was occupied by Mr. J. Herbert Cory, J.P., supported by Lord Ninian Criclfton Stuart, M.P., Mr. H. L. Lynn Blosse (treasurer), Dr. Tre- harne. Mr. Lovat Frazer, M.A., Carulff, Mr. Waddington, Dr. Parry, Ferndale, Alderman Lewis Morgan, Mr. Francis (solicitor), Cardiff, 'Mr. Littlejohns (tho secretary of the division), and Several delegates from the both Rhonddas. The usual business having been gone through, Lord Ninian Stuart, M..P, gave a lengthy address upon tho present poli- tical situation, which was received with acclamation. The ilion. member men- tioned that in the Unionist Party. there was no class distinction, and that Home Rule was no good, but agrarian legislation was better. He (tho speaker) stated that he asked a question in the House of Com- mons on the Disestablishment Bill, and received no definite answer. He also hoped that South Glamorgan would be won for the Unionist Party under the generalship of their new agent. A scheme of leasehold enfranchisement was a strong plank in the Unionist programme at the next election. Mr. F. Waddington proposed that this meeting strongly urges the constituency to carry on a substantial educational cam- paign by means of open-air meetings during the months of June, July and August, so that the constructive policy of the Unionist Party and the destructive j legislation of the present Radical Govern- ment may be properly explained to the electors of South Wales. Upon the invitation of Mr. John Owen (delegate from the Llwynypia and Tony- pandy Conservative Club) the next quar- terly meting of the Association will be held at the Llwynypia. and Tonypandy Conservative Club. I Mr. Richards proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman, Mr. J. Herbert Cory, J.P., and referred to the chairman's election as high sheriff for the county. The vote was seconded by Mr. Lovat f Frazer in a very neat speech. After the con ference, the company par- took of a cold luncheon provided by the Ton and Pentre Conservative Club, under the able management of Mr. and Mrs. Price.

Trehafod. Mr. Richard Thomas, 4ate under- manager of the Lewis Merthyr Colliery, TrQhafod, parsed away somewhat unex- pectedly on Sunday evening at his resi- dence, Coedcae House, near the Lewis Merthyr Collieries. Mr. Thomas. who had passed his three soore and ten years, had been suffering from partial paralysis for about thirten months, but was able to get about until Saturday last, when he was suddenly taken worse. Deceased was one of the oldest residents in the district, and one of the most esteemed, and by his death another link is severed with the past. A native of Bridgend, he Had for over 56 years resided at Cymmer and Tre- hafod, and was the oldest official at the Lewis Merthyr Collieries. During his career he had served as overman or under- manager at each of the steam coal col- lieries. and was highly esteemed by the officials and workmen generally. As a Welshman, he was extremely fond of the vernacular and rarely expressed himself in English. He was entirely absorbed in mining, but belonged to that school to whom practice and experience was of more value tnan certificates and diplomas. A member of Siloam Chapel, Trehafod, he was held in the highest esteem and respect. The funeral (for gentlemen only) took place on Thursday afternoon, and the lengthy cortege was eloquent testi- mony to the great respect in which de- ceased was held. The interment took place at Glyntaff Cemetery, Treforest, where the Rev. Walter Daniels, Trehafod. i officiated." Among the mourners were.- Messrs. Thomas Thomas and William Thomas, lrehafod (sons); Messrs. R. Davies, J. Davies, Ernest Dudley, and Vivian 2ff. James, Trehafod (grandsons); Messrs. Wm. Harris, J. Powell, and Evan Williams (brothers-in-law); Messrs. G. Moses, Rd. Williams, Daniel Thomas, and J. Jones (nephews). Among those pre- sent were:—Mr. C. M. Roberts, M.E. (sub-agent Lewis Merthyr Collieries), Tre- hafod Mr. Charles Oatridge, M.E., Porth; Mr. Ben Thomas, M.E., Porth; Mr. Richard Evans, M.E., surface mana- ger, Llantrisant; Messrs. Morgan Wil- liams, Trehafod; David Rees and Henry Thomas (under-managers), Messrs. Owen Jones, T. Davies, T. B. Williams and D. -Tones (overmen), and practically all the minor officials of the Lewis Merthyr Col- lieries. Beautiful floral tributes sur- mounted the coffin, sent by Mrs. Thomas and family; son and daughter; three from grandchildren; officials of the Bertie, Trevor, Hafod and Coedcae Pits respectively; Mr. Morgan James; Mr. Daniel Thomas, and others.

Mid-Rhondda Free Church Council. The monthly meeting of the above Council was held at Bethania (C.M.) Vestry. Llwynypia, on Friday evening. the 2nd inst., the president, Mr. D. S. Thomas, being in the chair. Messrs. James Evans (Carmel) and T. Jones (Bethania) gave a report of the Federation meetings held at Barry on the previous Tuesday and Wednesday. The Revs. J. E. Dennis (Bethel) and T. H. Morgan (Penuel) were appointed to represent the Council at the recognition meetings of the Rev. Illtyd Jones at Trinity (C.M.) Chapel, Tonypandy, on Tuesday, the 6rh inst. Resolutions were passed:—" That all the Sunday Schools in Mid-Rhondda be asked to consider the advisability of hold- ing an annual and united demonstration of the schools, and report to the Counci. at its nCXft meeting through the delegates That the churches b3 asked tl use ther influence to put a stop to the selling of programmes by children in the sheets when the rehearsals, in connection with the singing festivals, are held."

i Ratepayers' Meeting at l Ynymhir. At Saron Vestry, Ynyshir, on Wednes- day evening. Councillor E, T. Wood gave a report of some of tho work done by the Council during tho past year. Councillor John Thomas (Fernbank) presided. Councillor Wood's report dealt with the work of the various committers, and he said the Rhondda Council was the most important body of its kind in the king- dom, and had the most extensive area in tho county. Three members had been recently added to tho Council, making the number 33. Councillor Wood dwelt on the work of the Health Committee, and prophesied that with the acquirement of open spaces they would soon have a healthier Rhondda. than they had now. The Rhondda, he said, had tho finest schools in the kingdom, but the teachers had to handle unwieldly classes, some- times numbering from forty to fifty and even more, and it was impossible for the best work to be done under these circum- stances it was unfair to the child and to tiio teacher (loud applause). Ha strongly ad vocated the linking up of the elementary and secondary schools with tha universities. He was very much surprised at the apathy shown by workmen towards the opportunity held out to them of own- ing their own houses by obtaining loana from tho Council at a low rate of interest and easy repayments. Although the scheme had been thoroughly advertised, there had been only three applicants. Councillor Wood described in detail the undertaking of the refuse destructor and the electric lighting proposals, and gave figures to show that there was every like- lihood of a substantial income being derived by the Council from this direc- tion. Dealing with the question of new offices, the speaker said that tho alleged sug- gested expenditure of £ 55,000 on elaborate offices was a bogey raised by someone, though for what purpose he did not know. As a Councillor, he knew of no such sum, and he would challenge anyone to prove that the Council had considered such a figure. Ho was going to support the movement for new offices, but would not lend his support to an expenditure such as that. New offices wore sadly needed, and anyone knowing the present socom- modation for the various departments, would admit it was entirely inadequate. There was not a department properly accommodated, and messengers had even to be kept in the cases where members of the staff were accommodated outside the general building. Extensions had been made every year, and these had cost up to the present over £ 10,000. If there was no need for new offices, then why all these extensions, involving an annual expendi- ture of je600 to £ 700? Supposing they erected new offices costing 1:12,000, or even £ 20,000. a loan would bo sanctioned by the Local Government Board at some- thing like thirty years purchase, and at the present rate of expenditure on exten- sions this sum could be easily repaid in that period, and as well the present build- ings could be realised and the proceeds devoted to the same object. In conclusion, Councillor Wood thanked them for their kindness, and appealed for their support for Councillor Thomas and himself and others in their work, which, he assured them, was carried out in their best interests. He thought they could look forward to a new and pleasant era, and they would yet see the Rhondda one of the healthiest and pleasantest spots in the country (cheers). A large number of questions were put to the speaker, and were satisfactorily answered by Councillor Wood and Coun- cillor Thomas. Mr. Wm. Evans (Manchester House), speaking in Welsh, eulogised the report. The Rev. E. Christmas Jones (Watts- town) paid high tribute to Councillor Wood. and Mr. John Griffiths also spoke to the same effect. Councillor Wood, in returning thanks, proposed a vote of thanks to the chair- man which, seconded by Mr. J. E. Lloyd (Porth), was carried amidst loud applause.

Ferndale. A very successful Cinderella dance took place at the Ferndale Workmen's Insti- tute on Wednesday evening of last week. There was a large number present and were highly pleased with the excellent programme submitted by the M.C.'s, Messrs. Gwilym and Tom Howells and Dan Morgans, with Mr. Tommy Mullins with his popular music. The annual preaching services of Taber- nacle, Ferndale, commenced on Saturday evening last, and continued till Monday. The sacred edifice was packed to its very utmost at each. service to listen to in- spiring sermons of the Revs. Vernon Lewis, B.A.. B.D., Liverpool, and D. Emrys James, Pontypridd. On Sunday afternoon, the Rev. Vernon Lewis offi ciated at Trerhondda. A collection was made towards the chapel funds. Many of our readers will regret to hear of the death of Mr. Job Jones. Hirwaun, who was at one time a resident at Fern- dale, and engaged as under-manager at the collieries, where he was highly re- spested by the workmen. During late years he had retired but had kept an hotel at Hirwaun, and during his short stay there had made a host of friends. The funeral took place on Saturday last at the Aberdare Cemetery. A large num- ber of Ferndale friends' were present at the funeral. Deceased leaves a widow and several children. The Hen Wlad fy Nhadau concert which took place at the Workmen's Hall, Ferndale, on Thursday evening of last week, was a success in all ways. This b uldine was filled with an appreciative audience. Miss Gwladys Arthur. New- bridge. delighted her listeners with her solo efforts particularly that of "Gwlad y Delyn" for which -he received a thun- derous reception and was obliged to re- spond. Mr. Ivor Foster gave the r-nder- ings of "TIred Hands" and" Drake goes Wpst." Mr. Ivor Walters left a great impression in f erndale on Irs fi st visit. The name of Miss All, Evans was suffi- cient to ensure her success. The havpic-t Mr. T dor PoweT, was well received, he i'so having to respond to a -e'l -er-ted encore. Madame Lily R^h^rds-Evajj^ VR C M. L.R. VM.. was an irle I a enm- r)ani,t, Much of the sucees", of t"ic; event 's d"e to the local secre+ari~s i iz Messrs. D. T. Davies and T. 0. E,,a,, s (r o o era- tive) who worked most assiduously with the affair.