The Rhondda Leader

CHEERFUL READING. A nervous child must not be given tea or coffee; pickles and pepper are forlbi?d,L?? wines, whether medicated or not, must never be given. He must go to bed early, his books should be cheerful. Do not show him the pictures in "The Pilgrom's Pro- gress," which represent horrible mis-shapen devilish forms grinning from black corners and aiming their cruel shafts at poor Chris- tian. Religious instruction should consist only of simple and beautiful stories. If re- ference is made to the other world, the loveliness of heaven rather than the horrors of hell should be the subject of the lecture. All mention of gnashing of teeth, casting into outer darkness, weeping and wailinp, hell-fire, and the like should be forbidden.

Congregational Mutual Improvement Society. The English Congregational Mu- tual Improvement Society held an- other of the educational meetings on Wednesday. Owing to special circumstances the meeting was open- ed by the singing of Sankey hymn, "Count your blessings." Prayer was offered by the Chairman, Mr. J. C. Wilkins, who afterwards-called upon Mr Geo. Symmonds to read his paper on the subject, "The his- tory of music, and some incidents in the lives of musicians." By a happy arrangement, Master Emrys Sym- monds read his father's paper, and Mr Symmonds put enthusiasm into the proceedings by rendering solos to illustrate the greatness of the old musicians and their compositions. Mr Symmonds traced music down the ages from the rude instruments of the Assyrians to the present day ar- rangements of the piano, and also the vocal side. i.e. from the dis- cords of the ancients to the blending of voices by the great masters of the art, such as Handel, Haydn, etc. As to-day, the musician of old had his peculiarities, and many spicy stories were welded into the paper by the reader which proved that if the scholars would submit more read- ily to the teacher, in any sphere of education, bt it musical or otherwise, the results to both teacher and scholar would be nearer the ideal. The solos rendered by Mr. Sym- monds were well received, the clam- ourous cries of encore spoke for themselves. Comments on the paper were made by the Pastor (Rev. Rhys Griffiths), who showed clearly that music was of divine origin, and that it was the music of the great minds that lived through the ages. Mr Symmonds was warmly thank- ed for his contribution to the suc- cess of these popular meetings, and the singing of Sankeyjs hymn 991 and, the Benediction brought an en- joyable evening to a close.

I Royal Cinema. The programme at the Royal for the first three nights of next week includes a magnificent paramount production in five reels entitled, Lost in Transit, featuring the immi- nent star artiste, George Boban a further episode of Trans Atlantic's exciting serial, Elmo the Mighty, featuring the world's strongest man, Elmo Lincoln; and a screaming Winkle comedy. On Thursday, Friday, and Satur- day nights the Triangle Film Co. presents Irene Howley in Her Father's Keeper, a clever five reel story of romance and finance with an unusual atmosphere. In addition, Pathe's new serial of adventure, The I Lightning Raider, starring the Queen of the screen. Miss Pearl White, will be shown.

PEOPLE'S POPULAR SERVICES 1 Empire Theatre, Tonypandy. Sunday, December 14th, 1919 Conducted by Rav. W. MEADgWQHOFr (Ex-Chaplain H.M. Forces, B.E.F. Soloists: Mdme. ALICIA COYE, LRU. Mr. W. WILLIAMS (Tenor). Elocutionist—Mr, FRANK POPHAM. fi) mii-sheets provided. Doors open 7-40 p.m., Commence 8 p.m. sharp. KW Collection for the Meish National Memorial Fund.

Treorchy Inquests. I Three inquests were held at the I j Workmen's Institute, Treoreliy, on Wednesday by the District Coroner it. J. Rhys). The first was on the body of Clif- •iiA ismith, 15, a colliery bUJ I inyswen road, ireorenj, who was killed at the Fernliill Collieries, Tre- her bert, by a fall of coal. Evidence of identification was given by Garnet Smith, deceased's brother, who said that Clifford had only commenced work at the a bove colliery six weeks ago. Mathew Williams, collier, with whom the boy worked in the Gor- ilwyn seam, said that at 9.45 on the previous Wednesday morning he told the lad to stand back from the far while he (witness) fell a slip of coal. Deceased then sat on a tram three yards away, but after witness tell the coal "which weighed about 2 ons he found that the lad had moved forward and was struck by the coal. He died It hours later. The Coroner: How far was ilie boy from the tram when you found him ? Witness: He was a yard from the tram. < Would he have been struck by the coal had he remained on ilio tramP—N o, sir. B. Davies, collier, said he was engaged next stall to the deceased. Prior to Williams felling the slip of coal the lad was quite clear away from it, but he could not say what made the lad move forward. Wit- ness was six yards away from the lad when the accident happened. In reply to the Coroner, witness said he did not believe that the lad would have betn struck by the coal had he remained where he was at first. Titus Lewis, ifreman, said he was on the scene quarter of an hour after die accident had occurred. The Coroner: What weight was the coal which fell ? Witness: Two tons. A verdict of Accidental Death was returned., A similar verdict was returned in the second case on the body of Levi Trevor Lewis, aged 4t years, son of Mr and Mrs Owen Lewis, 25 Stuart jt., Treorchy, who succumbed to burns received on the previous Saturday. The father of deceased gave evi- dence of identification and said he (witness) was at work when the ae- i l'ident occurred, but he had returned home before he died. Eddie Lewis (10), deceased's brother, said that Trebor was down- stairs in the kitchen playing with a piece of stick and was singing. Wit- ness received letters from a postman and took them upstairs to his mother. Whilst on the landing he observed flames downstairs. His mother rushed down and whilst try- ing to put out the flames she was severely burnt herself. His brother was attired in a shirt and night- dress. A few minutes later a num- ber of people came into the house, but Trevor died a few hours later. Replying to the Coroner witness said that his brother was very fond of playing with fire. When he (wit- ness) came down from upstairs he failed to see the stick which his brother was playing with. The father, recalled, said that there was a fireguard, but in his opinion the lad reached over the fire- guard and lit the stick which he was playing with. The third inquest was touching the death of Margaret Gardner, the one month old daughter of George Gardner, 9-3 Dumfries st., Treorc hy, who was found dead in bed on Tues- day morning. Geo. Gardner, father, said that the child was alive when he left the house at about a.m. but when his wife, who got up with witness that morning, returned to bed at 7 o'clock the child was dead. Medical evidence showed that death was due to natural causes and the Coroner recorded a verdict accord- ingly.

Empire, Tonypandy. I 2s ext week the Em. pre will have ihe play of the century, "The Sign of the Cross," by Wilson Barrett. Tllis play has had an exceptional run of success and comes from one of London's famous houses. Don't miss it.

Service at the Empire. I The Empire was again crowded on Sunday evening, December 7th, when the third of the series of reli- gious services was held. These meetings are becoming very popular and are greatly appreciated by the masses. The service com- menced with the singing- of "Hold the Fort," after which the Rev. W. Meadowcroft engaged in prayer. The old hymn, "Rock of Ages," was sung with great fervour by the congregation. The recitation, 'Smit- ing the Rock,' by Miss Edith Evans was an admirable contribution to the programme and greatly moved the vast audience. Mr Jim Morgan's rendering of the "Star of Bethlehem" was magnifi- cent, and he gave as an encore "The Children's Home." Mr. Morgan is a great favourite and is in great de- mand with Tonypandy audiences. The congregation next sang "Yield not to temptation." Miss Edith Evans recited "Grumbling Corner" as she usually does in a splendid manner. Mr Meadowcroft choosing as his text "What think ye of Christ ?" de- livered an eloquent and mastirly address. He dealt with the subject in a wonderful manner, splitting up his subject into three heads as fol- lows: "What think ye of Christ?" with reference to (a) His Authority, (b) His Sinlessness, (c) His Majesty. Mr Meadowcroft's remarks gripped his hearers and will undoubtedly bear fruit. The singing of "There is life for a look at the Crucified One," and the pronouncing of the Benediction brought the service to a close.

vJlr V J\ Why I Secommsnd Doan's Backach- Kidney Pills. yBy J. H. Aucoit, 22 Wanzer St., Derby). sVriting on 16th April, 1919, Mr Aucott, wh-se earlier statement is given in detail Oelow, said:—"I am 66 now, but when rearing fifty, about seventeen years ago, loan's Piils relieved me from a crippled l heumatic condition, securing the splendid i caiti) I to this day enjoy. I recommend Dunn's Pills from a grateful desire to help ind hearten others ill like I was." eo in 1002. In h's orig.nal testimonial, Mr Aucott .:tid :Untd 1902, I had no hope of ever be-ng free from chronic rheumatism. Dur- ing the previous yeat., I had lost the use of both my legs and of my right arm. The pains affected every part of my body. I was practically a cripple. It was not pos- sible to do the slightest thing in comfort. Quite frankly I was told I should never be able to do a day's work again.' "Then I did what I might have done months before—I started with Doan's Backache Kidney Pills. And the good these Pills did, I think m,-tr-,ellous-zio other wed describes it. Doan's Pills cured me by their action on the kidneys. "I began to improve with the very first box, and within two months I could walk about freely, use either arm equally well, and even went back to work. Before long, I was rid of every rheumatic symptom. I am no v as fit as ever in mv life-and never a day do I lose from my work. (Signed) J. H. Aucott." Don't ash for kidney pills or backache pills. Insist upon DOAN'S Backache Kid- ney Pills—the kictoey, medicine Mr. Aucott recommends. All dealers, or fs. 9d. a box from Fust.r-McCle'lan Co., 8, Weils Street, Oxford St., London, W.l. Recommended By the People For the People.

RUINING THE RACE. Have you ever read Milton's Paradise Lost" ? In it are described the meetings convened by Satan, Beelzebub, and their fri,ends,.and they settle their plans for ruin- ing the human race. I have no doubt that in reckoning up their chances of spreading disease broad-cast through the human race, they hit on venereal disease as giving them the best hope of success. One of the things our Satanic friends dread is publicity. I can hear Satan chuckling as he thinks that decent folk will refrain from mentioning the subject to their sons and daughters. I can hear Beelzebub exclaiming: "It will be a bad day for us if young men and women are taught all about the horrors of venereal disease." Never forget that dis- eases are divided into two lists—the pre- ventable and the unprevcntable. Venereal disease is among the preventable.

Footbail Notes. I Bravo Mid-Rhondda They re- corded their first will oii Sittui-day last by defeating the Peiitre League I by six goals to nothing. The Pen- tre boys were a big lot but that only made the Middies more determined to win. It was a great pity that the weather kept the crowd away for the exhibition given by the boys was a sparkling one. All the Mid-Rhondda boys deserve the highest praise, but special men- tion must be made of E. Williams and T. Bevan on the right wing. These two boys, on their present form, should simply walk) into the Trial Team. Mid-Rhondda play Porth on Sat- urday next at Porth. The following will represent Mid-Rhorsdda Murphy (Roman Catholic); Row- ley (Llwynypia), 1. Gould (Llwyn- ypia); Haines (Clydacli Yale), Wre- ford (Trealaw), 1. Jones (Williams- town); T Bevan (H.E.), E Williams (H.E.), T. Francis (Trealaw), H. Jones (Dinas), 1. Jones (Clydacli Vale) Reserve: Goal, W May (Llwyn- ppia); back, G. Williams (Trealaw), half, Hannan (Tai); forwards, D. R. Evans, Phillips. Some people have been unsports- manlike enough to suggest that the teachers are doing well financially out of the takings at the matches. This is a base insinuation and de- serves the condemnation of all true sportsmen. A large sum has already been s hared among the eleven schools in the League. All that the teachers get is the satisfaction of seeing the boys pbying a clean game into which skill and not brawn is introduced. I LEAGUE PARS. Trealaw boys are top of the League table. Mr Geo. Davies has successfully passed the Referees' Exam. T. AV, Thompson rennired some holding" down on Saturday lasf when the Middies were going goalwards.

Ton Pentre. A successful concert was given at the Workmen's Hall, Ton Pentre, on Sunday last by the Pentre Labour Club under the conductorship of Mr Oliver Williams, Llwynypia, assisted by the following artistes: Soprano, Miss J. Jones, Ton; contralto, Miss Cassie Williams, Ton tenors, Messrs. D. Griffiths, Pentre, and E. Davies, Gelli; baritones, Messrs. Henry Rogers, Ferndale, and W. J. Thomas, Treorchy. The latter and the conductor (Mr Williams) gave a duet. Mr Haydn Price, Gelli, was the accompanist, whilst Mr. Mathew Bonner, Ton, was the chairman. The event was a distinct success and the proceeds were in aid of the party funds to ena ble the party to com- pete at the Port Talbot eisteddfod on December 13tli.

-PITY THE UNFORTUNATE. I In all this hateful business, we can spare a thought for the unfortunate women who ply their trade with a simulated outward gaiety and inward misery. Come with me and see the out-patient department of the hospital for women; there is no gaiety there; many of the women are crying, many are in pain; anyway, they have not long to live; it is a life that kills. What- we really want is a change of heart; medi- cal measures, drugs to prevent disease, hos- pital treatment, research to discover better forms of treatment—all these are valuable in their way. But the disease could be wiped out in a few years if everyone could voluntarily adopt a higher standard of morality. I know it is a dream-a fanciiul, j imaginary vision. Of course our young men and women are not going to love cleanliness and health. I hope I am not too bitter. But I see the same conditions existing now that existed wh-en I first began as a junior student longer ago that I like to think. The people have not yet reached that stage in evolution when you can appeal I to their sense of justice and honour; our soldiers are not ashamed to bring into their own homes so lovingly decorated with flags in their honour a disease that has a lasting and painful effect on wife and child. And alas, some of the wives have not been true, and the home-coming soldier finds in his own house the disease which he has deter- I mined to avoid while he has been away.

Lantern Lecture. A lantern lecture under the aus- pices of the Mid-Rhondda Band of Hope Union was given at the Wain Court Mission on Tuesday evening, December 9th. The chapel was packed with an ap- preciative gathering and all were delighted with the magnificent slides shown. The subject of the lecture was "Our Heavenly Home." The story was full of pathos and should prove of immense value to the child- ren as a warning against the dangers of indulging in strong drink. "Tuttlebury's latchkey," a hum- orous story, was a source of great i eiijoyroeiit to the children. Mr T. Goodwin was the lecturer, while Mr Ben Harries carried out the duties of operator. The same set6- of slides were shown at Trinity, Tonypandy, oh Wednes- day night, i,nd were equally well received.

) Pcrniypridd Bird Shew. At the first annual show of the Pontypridd Cage Bird Society held at the Victoria Hotel on Thursday, the 4tli inst., prizes were captured by the following from the Rhondda: J. H. Bevan, Porth (Norwich plain- heads) T. Evans, Penygraig, and A. Hutchell, Tonypandy (Borders non-fed); Hillman, Porih (Hybrids), Legg, Porth (British).

BILLIARDS. The successful competitors in the John Kane's Silver Rose Bowl in connection with the Rhondda Bil- liards competition were Mr Thomas Evans, Gelli, and Mr Emrys Rees, Penygraig, came second. Mr. W. M. Jones captured the first prize at Treherbert Billiard Club single handicap Mr Evan John Evans was second. Mr John Kane, M.E., Wattstown, is the president of the Trelierbert Club, and Mr F. Arnold is chair- man. _-? -?-

TALKS ON HEALTH. By A FAMILY DOCTOR. SELF-POISONING. Some people poison themselves; it is a (rtibject that has engaged the attention oi ctoctors for some time. I do not refer to the man who drinks a bottle of carbolic be- cause he is too cowardly to face his troubles like a Briton. No; I mean the people who fail to understand how the body works. and, in consequence, slowly poison I themselves and begin to complain of head- ache, lassitude, lack of energy, loss of weight, and, in general, that everything is a burden and life not worth living. Now hearken to the words of wisdom. The bodj is like a whirlpool; it is never for one moment made up of the same materials; I things come in and things go out, and though the body remains to all appearances the same, it is always changing. The par- ticles of water that make the whirlpool at this moment are not the same as they were two minutes before. Now the things that go out of the body are all poisons; the lody would not be so silly as to throw out useful nourishing material. Therefore the more efficient the machinery is for throw- ing out poisons the healthier will the body be. NECESSITY FOR GOOD BLOOIfc Let us consider the poison-ejectn machines in turn and try to uilderstaul what I mean by self-poisoning. First of all we have the bowels, which act as the main drain of the body. If the bowels do not act, the body retains the poisons; these poisons do not remain harmlessly in the in- testines, but are absorbed into the blood; the blood circulates through all parts of the body—it carries the poisons to the brain and they cause a headache. Young girls are the worst offenders. The person who has never learnt that the bowels should be opened regularly deserves to have a headache. It is a constant wonder to me how many patients come to me poisoned through constipation. You would think they would have more sense; but they have not, and I pay for my fur coat (two hun, dred guineas) solely out of the foolish habits of my patients. Now I want to turn to another subject. The food that a man takes into his mouth is absorbed and makes blood; so now, good food, good blood; bad food, bad blood. If you eat pickles, crab, lobster, vinegar and other acids, underdone potatoes, lumpy pastry, strong tea that converts the rump steak you have with it into leather, unripe fruit, cockles that are not, quite fresh, sweets made of plaster of Paris and other dainties, you are poisoning yourself. I am amazed at the reckless diet of some of you; you seem to have learnt nothing since the days when you were school children and gobbled up anything, including the green apples you stole from the orchard. Good, plain food, please. Our soldiers were wonder- fully healthy on bully beef and biscuit. -:0:- LOOK TO YOUR TEETH. One more subject on this matter of self- poisoning. The teeth of the English people are a disgrace, and I am tired of writing about it. Not one, but scores of my patients are suffering from nothing but the poisoning that comes from foul teeth. The gums around the teeth discharge matter that is a poison if ever there was one. Nothing is so harmful to the body as. matter, or pus, as doctors call it. And yet many of you are swallowing this pus-, night and day for years; and then you are, surprised that you suffer from gastritis. I want the mothers to set a good example. The mothers, bless them ktep the doorstep spotless, the cupboards as clean as a new pin, the crickery shines, and the pots and pans look like silver and gold, the kitchen IS their pride, you could eat your dinner off the floor; and yet she takes no trouble to keep her own mouth clean. I shall fight for cleanliness of the teeth until I die. I make no secret of it; I do not pretend that my bottle of medicine will cure you if yt/a. are constantly poisoned by the discharge from those foul teeth. -:0;- VENTILATE YOUR ROOMS. I think now you are beginning to see more clearly what I set out to prove; will you not agree that a man is poisoning himself when he suffers from chronic constipation, is care- less about his diet, and has rotten, septic teeth? But I have not quite finished. The air we breathe in is fresh, and the air we breathe out is used up; one breath uses up a great part of the goodness of the air; half a dozen breaths leave it entirely used up. What, then, pre we to say of the man who sleeps with the window shut in a small room: what of the family who sleep five in a room with no ventilation? Each person breathes 15 times a minute, or 900 times an hour, or 7,200 times in a night of 8 hours. That tired feeling in the morning is no- thing more or less than the effect of poison- ing with bad air. Fresh air we must have,. and plenty of it. You are to blame foi allowing your children to sleep in a rooii; with no ventilation. C)

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