The Rhondda Leader

Birth, Marriages, and Deaths. Notices of Births, Marriages, and Deaths, 1/6 each, if not exceeditt3 20 words, and 6d. extralfor each 8 ivords. DEATHS. DAVIES.—August 27tli, at 6, Madeline Street, Pontygwaith, Kitty Evelyn, beloved daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Davies, Schoolmaster. Funeral 2.30 Wednesday.

Editorial Notes. I Sir Arthur Markham, a large employer of labour, has written a most interesting article in a contemporary on the "Recent Strike and its Causes." He says that the main causes are not difficult to under- stand if people will put themselves in the position of the workmen and approach the subject from the human side. The days of the small employers, w ho were constantly in touch with their workmen, are gradually passing away. It is the day of large corporations, and it is there- fore, very easy to understand the com- plete elimination of the personal element in the relationship of employers and em- ployed. It is too often the case that Trusts and large combinations do not give ready facilities to their workmen to approach them unless a strike is imminent. The railway corporations have been the most obstinate in this respect, and hence the recognition principle was the first plank in the recent demands of the work- men. There was a very widespread sym- pathy with the railwaymen. Sir Arthur speaks strongly on this point, that, to his mind, it was astounding that they had not revolted long since, for even in the great industrial districts where unskilled labourers were paid 23s. to 25s. a week we find railwaymen working eleven hours a day for a wage of 16s. to 18s. per week, and when these men have to pay from 5s. to 6s. a week house rent, plus club money, the balance is a starvation wage which no self-respecting man should tolerate. Though we have the profoundest sympathy in the agitation for better wages, we must deplore the outbreak of lawlessness which has been so prevalent of late. We hear a great deal of repro- bation through using the troops, but it must not be forgotten that the serious- thinking workman has been discredited by the hooligans who have painfully dogged the steps of recent trade agita- tions throughout the country. It was significant that Mr. Keir Hardie, in the House of Commons, declined to answer a simple question put to him by Sir Arthur Markham'—the question was, whether, when the civil power had been overcome by a rioting mob of lawless people, lie would approve the use of military forces to uphold the civil power. Mr. Hardie's reply was that this was the law, and on being further asked whether he approved —yes or no—of the law, he persistently refused to reply. The reason was obvious, for he was between the horns of a dilemma. If he replied in the negative, lie would grant the- right of free license of a mob to indulge in pillage and arson while, on the other hand, if affirmatively, he would deprive the street corner orators of a great deal of misrepresenta- tion powder and shot. The most deplor- able feature, to our mind, in the recent history of industrial disputes is the in- crease of leaders who are afraid to say anything unless it is popular in our mass meetings. Our old Trades Union leaders have been frightened to say what they think. If they fail to maintain the tradi- tional backbone, the reins of government must pass from their hands, as it has indeed to a large measure within the South Wales area. Popular platitudes and not practical truths too largely, we fear, rule in these days in many of our mass meetings. Porth. I The funeral of Thelnia, the infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Bennett, 40, Leslie Terrace, Porth, took place on Saturday afternoon at Llethrddu Ceme- tery. The Rev. Joseph Jones, B.A., Porth, oiffciated. On Sunday last, the Rev. R. E. Salmon, Porth, concluded a series of edifying and soul-stirring sermons in connection with the Porth English Congregational Chapel. There was a. large congregation, and the singing was of a very high standard. Mr. J. W. Phillips conducted the ser- vices at the C'hristadelphian Meeting Room, Lesser Town Hall, Porth. The attendance was fairly good. We regret to record the death of Mr. Michael Thomas, of "lIaulfryn," Alder- grove, Porth, which took place on Tues- day at his residence- Mr. Thomas, who was 73 years of age, was for many years manager at the Ddaranddu Colliery, and had charge of surface operations during the inundation of the Tynewydd Colliery in 1877. Since the closing down of that colliery, Mr. Thomas. had been employed at the Standard Colliery, Ynyshir, up to within a week of his death. Deceased was a member of the Porth Welsh Con- gregational Church, and was held in great esteem and respect by all who knew him. Through his efforts and influence the Porth Carnival Committee received a donation of £101) three years ago from Lord Merthyr. The funeral took place on Saturday last at Llethrddu Cemetery. There was a large number of mourners. Amongst those present were: —Messrs. Charles Jenkins (tiniber tnerchant., Porth), A. Williams (Porth), Councillor W. T. Davies (Porth), Mr- Hopper (Rhondda Tramways), Inspector Williams (Porth), Messrs. J. T. Davies (Porth), R. Mathias (Porth), R. Farr (Porth), J. T. Jones (Porth), W. O. Griffiths .Porth), and others. The Porth Carnival Committee and a contingent of uniformed tramway- men, under the command of Mr. G. Roddy, were also present. An inspector of the Rhondda Tramways also carried before the hearse It Jargè and beautiful wreath. Other floral tributes surmounted the coffin. The service was conducted by the Rev. W. J. Rces, Porth. Trealaw. An inquest was held at Trealaw on T^ uesday afternoon last by Mr. R. J. Rhys, district coroner, on the body of Wm. Chas. Rumble, the tli ree-year-old son of Wm. Rumble, a collier, residing at 127, Miskin Road, Trealaw, who was killed on Monday afternoon last by being run over by a bakers van. Rhys Davies, who is employed by Mr. A. Lodge, baker, Trealaw, said that about 5.30 p.m. on the 28th ult. he was driving his employer's van along Miskin Road, when suddenly the deceased ran out on to the road and was knocked down by the van. V. Jones and Dl. Watts, eye-wltnesses of the occur, rence, gave similar evidence. A verdict of Accidental death" was returned. The funeral takes place on Friday at Trealaw Cemetery. Toriyrefaii. I On Tuesday evening, an inquest was held at the Tollyi,efall Police Station, touching the death of the infant child of Mr. and Mrs. Owen, Collenna Farm, Tonyrefail. The evidence showed that Mrs. Owen got up about 6 a.m. on Sun- day morning with the intention of getting her husband's breakfast, he having to go to work, and whilst lighting the fire she felt ill, and returned to her bedroom. Soon after getting upstairs the child was born, her husband In the meantime having sent for Nurse Stratton, who arrived with all promptitude and attended to Mrs. Owen. Dr- Munro was also sent for, and arrived irnmediately on being summoned, but found the baby had just died. The doctor, 111 his evidence, said he could have given a certificate of death, but owing to a false report which had been circulated in the locality, and in fairness to the parents, he reported the matter, so that an inquest might be held in order to clear the aIr of untrue state- ments, and in this the Coroner (Mr. D. Rees) said the doctor had acted very wisely. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medica l evidence. Ystrad-Rhondda. I We regret to announce the death of Mr. William Evans, which took place at his residence, Bryn lerrace, Ystrad- Rhondda, on Wednesday morning, at the age of 60. He was a deacon and trea- surer of Bethel (C.M.) Church, Ystrad, and also a zealous Sunday School teacher. He was a native of Penygarn, near Aber- ystwyth.

TO SHOPKEEPERS Fireworks, Chinese Crackers, etc. Season now comrnencing. Send for WHOLESALE LIST, to MORGAN & RICHARDSON, LTD, 20, WOMANBY STREET. CARDIFF. 406

I Cambrian Collieries. I Shortage of Timber. Resumption of Work Still Delayed. A mass meeting of the Cambrian Col- lieries Combine workmen was held at the Mid-Rhondda Grounds, Tonypandy, on Monday afternoon. Mr. Will John, who presided, said the meeting had been convened so that the true state of affairs might be known. The several deputations that had waited upon Mr. D. A. Thomas and Mr. Leonard W. Llewelyn had arranged all their grievances, with the exception of settling upon a price list for the Bute Seam at the Glamorgan Collieries. That had now been agreed upon, and a wire had been received that everything was now ready for a resumption of work at the Cam- brian, Glamorgan and Britannic Col- lieries. Nothing, however, was said about the Naval Collieries, and it was said that these could not start owing to the scarcity of pitwood. It was. therefore, for the meeting to decide whether they would start without the Naval men. or wait until the Naval men could start with them. On being put to the meeting, it was decided not to resume work until all the collieries could start together. It was proposed by Mr. Tom Smith, and seconded by Mr. David Jones, Cly- dacli Vale: That this mass meeting, representing 12,000 Cambrian Combine workmen, most strongly protests against the action of the present Liberal Govern- ment in sending troops throughout the country to intimidate workmen when they have decided to strike for better conditions of labour, and that it ex- presses a high sense of gratitude to Harold Spiers for his conduct when he refused to shoot when ordered at Llanelly. The resolution was supported by Mr. George Bowen. a cheekweigher from a colliery in Derbyshire. A further resolution was passed con- demning the tradespeople for raising the price of food during the railwaymen's strike. It was resolved that a deputation should wait upon Mr. Leonard Llewelyn regard- ing the question of timber required for the resumption of work at the Naval Collieries, Penygraig, and another meet- ing will be called to receive the report of 'the deputation. It is generally believed that the management are taking the necessary steps to secure sufficient pitwood to be able to make a start at the Naval Col- lieries by Friday. In that case, the pro- bability is that all the pits will be re- opened on September 1st. We have been requested by the secre- tary of the Porth Branch of the Amal- gamated Society of Railway Servants to insert the following resolution passed by the brancli That this Porth and District Rail- way Strike Committee desire at this our first opportunity to sincerely thank all outside workers, the traders, and especially the police, for the assistance they have given us in the present crisis, which has enabled us to cope with all emergencies far better by knowing that we had their support and goodwill.

The Down Tools Movement. As a result of the mass meeting of miners of the vicinity of Porth, held on Monday, 21st ult., and reported in our last issue, the following manifesto has been sent to all collieries throughout South Wales and Monmouthshire:- TO THE MINERS OF SOUTH WALES I AND MONMOUTHSHIRE. Fellow-workmen,—A mass meeting held on Monday, August 21st, 1911, of the men engaged at the collieries in the neighbourhocd of the Lower Rhondda, consisting or the Lewis Merthyr Collieries (Bertie and Trevor, Cuedcae, Hafod, and 2ft. 9in. and Lady Lewis Pits), the Cyminer (Old and New Pits), Upper Cynimer, Cymmer Level, Ynyshir, and Wattstown Pits, came to the unanimous decision that the present was a most opportune time to make a bold stroke for the realisation of a minimum wage for all workmen engaged in the mining industry. We, the South Wales Miners' Fede- ration. the largest integral section of the M.F.G.B., have recently encountered the most crushing defeat possible. We have failed to maintain a standard established 2-5 years ago! and yet we have to-day un- skilled labourers, laundresses, newsboys, and other unorganised classes of labour win substantial increases in wages in a few days by a determined united action. A guaranteed minimum wage, we believe, is the only solution to the problem that confronts the coalfield. We believe it possible to obtain it now if we take united action at once. We believe that such action taken here in South Wales will spread and be taken up by the miners of England and Scotland. There is no question as to the disposition of the miners in all parts of Great Britain. Our policy is that all workmen en- gaged in the mining industry in South Wales and HonmoutTishire should Down Tools 011 a given date, to be decided by a Conference, and then appeal for the co-operation of the miners of England and Scotland. For this purpose we pro- pose calling an unofficial Conference at Cardiff (Cory Hall) on Saturday, Septem- ber 2nd. Delegates should therefore be instructed how to vote on the above policy, 'for' or against.' Please let us know not later than Wednesday evening, August 3)th, whether you will be repre- sented at the Conference or not. (Signed), TIIE STRIKE COMMITTEE.

Tonypandy. I We regret to record the death of one of our old and respected inhabitants, in the person of Mrs. Mary Ann Lewis, of 22, Gilfach Road, Tonypandy, who died 22, Tuesday morning last, after a very brief illness, having been in her apparent usual health up to Friday last. Deceased who was 60 years of age, has resided in the district about 30 years, and was the widow of the late Mr. John Lewis. Another well-known inhabitant of Tony- pandy has passed away in the person of Mr Thomas Morris, of the Restaurant, 14, De Winton Street, Tonypandy, who died on Wednesday night last, at the early age of 50. Deceased, who was a native of Cwmbach, Aberdare, had re- sided in the Rhondda for about 43 years, having lived at Pentre previous to his coming to Tonypandy. He suffered ill- health for a considerable period prior to his death, and leaves a widow, but no children. I Treorchy. I On Saturday last. the funeral took place of Miss Maggie Cleaver, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dd. Cleaver, 117, Dumfries Street, whose death, at the early age of* 20. took place on the previous Monday. There was a large and representative attendance, and the im- pressive procession wended its way from the house to the Treorchy Cemetery, the burial ground, and the Bethania (W.C.) Chapel Choir, of which deceased was a member, rendered appropriate hymns en route, under the leadership of Mr. Dd. Miles. The Rev. D. Rhagfyr Jones offi- ciated, and he was assisted at the grave- side by the Rev. John Jone.s, Brynteg, Wrexham (formerly of Treorchy). The chief mourners were:—Mr. and Mrs. Dd. Cleaver (parents); Mr. Jack Cleaver (brother): Mr. Wm. Cleaver and Miss S. A. Cleaver (brother and sister): Mr. and Mrs. Dd. M. Cleaver (brother and sI -Alr. and Mrs. Owen Myers (brother-in-law and sister): Mr. William Cleaver, Port Talbot, and Mrs. C. Edwards (cousin and aunt): Mr. and Mrs. J. Beavan, Merthyr (uncle and aunt) Mr. and Mrs. John Jones. Treorchy (uncle and aunt) Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Cleaver, Treorchy (uncle and aunt* Mr. and Mrs^ Tom Bowen, Pentre (uncle and aunt); Mr. and Mrs. Ben Morris. Dowlais (uncle and aunt). The coffin was covered with beautiful wreaths and floral tributes given by the family: Mr. Jar-k Cleaver; Mr. Evan Llewellyn Sunday School Class; Mr. David Hughes; Mr. Isaac Evans Miss Sarah A. Rees, Newcastle Mr. Tom Bowen (uncle) Miss Nan Mor- gan, Merthyr; Misses M. J. Jones and Lizzie H. Jones, Treorchy Miss Flossie May Wyers, Peiiti-e -11 i-s. Elizabeth Davies, Senghenydd (aunt Miss Edith M. Jones, Pentre: Mr. and Mrs. Gri- ffiths. Cardiff Street. Treorrhy: and friends from Pentre. The funeral iook place 011 Thursday of Mrs. Rachel Evans, widow of the late 31 r. Thomas Evans (Risea). Cardiff St., whose death took place on the previous Monday, at the age of 81. The funeral was very largely attended, and the Rev. D. Rhagfyr Jones, pastor of Bethania Chapel, of which the deceased was a mem- ber. officiated. Dr. Morris (Noddfa), who had been asked to assist, failing to attend owing to his being called away early that morning. The Rev. D. Rhagfyr Jones eulogised the services rendered by the deceased as a member of his chuixh and he also referred to the services rendered by her husband as a deacon for a very large number of years. Robert- Jones at Bute Street, Treorchy, was on Friday last seriously injured at the Maindy (Ocean) Colliery, Ton-Pentre. A large stone fell on his left foot. necessitating the amputation of his five toes. He wns conveyed to his home at Treorchv on an ambulance stretcher. The operation was performed by Dr. Thomas. Llwynypia. On Thursday, 24th ult., a tea was given to the scholars of Salem (W.C.) Sunday School. A large number at- tended, and after enjoying the excellent things provided, the children wended their way to Pontrhondda Fields, where rustic sports were held. The officials of the sports were:—J udges. Messrs. Dan Davies and John Jones; starter. Mr. -Mfred T. Davies: handicapper. Mr. Merfyn E. Jenkyn. The winners in the « several events were as follow Boys' race under 9 1, C. Morgan 2. T. Evans 3, D. Jenkins. Girls' race under 9: 1, Kate Jenkins; 2, G. Hopkins; 3, G. Thomas. Boys' race under 12: 1, Ivor Jones; 2, Percy Parker; 3, D. James. Girls' race. under 12: 1, C. Davies; 2, E. Pritchard 3, \V. Thomas. Potato race for boys over 12: 1. B. Jones; 2, G. Davies; 3, E. Pritchard. Boys' three- legged race Tommy Warren and Ernie Pritchard. Girls' three-legged race Maggie Ferris and Fanny Jones. Open boys' race: 1, W. T. Richards; 2, Gar- field Kneath 3, Tommy Warren. Open girls' race: 1. M. 1 homas 2, A. Jenkins; 3, C1. Davies. Everything passed off quite satisfactorily, for which a word of credit must be given to the two superintendents, Messrs. John Hammond and D. Stanley Davies, and also to the host of willing helpers who combined to make the tea a huge success.

Pontygwaith. Mr. and Mrs. Davies. Council Schools, are in deep waters again, and our heart goes out to them in deepest- sympathy. On Sunday last, their eldest child, only two years of age, passed away. Only a week or so ago Mrs. Davies buried her brother. Dark clouds are over the home, but Mr. Davies can be atsnred of the deepest sympathy. That will not make grief any the less, but it lightens the burden. Mr. and Mrs. Pugh, of Madeline St.. have also buried their little one. The funeral took place Oil Monday, the Rev. W. Williams. Pontygwaith, oiffciating. On Tuesday. Mr. Thomas Lewis buried. his wife and child at Mardy. the Rev. John Rees (vicar) officiating. Mrs. Lewis died in the hospital of typhoid. Kind friends took charge of the baby, but the little one died a day before its mother. We are glad to welcome into cur midst Mr. and Mrs. D. T. Pricp, Council Schools. They have just returned from their honeymoon in North Wales. Well known and respected in the district, all wish them well. The Rev. W. Matthews, for many years a pastor at Gelli C.M. Church, now in Pembrokeshire, officiated at Zion on Sun- day. His services were much appre- ciated. Dr. Lawrence has gone." That is the common remark and it is said with keen regret. Dr. T. H. Morris always manages to secure the assistance of smart medical men. and not the least among them in recent years is Dr. E. W. Lawrence. He came amongst us a bout eight months igo, and at once charmed everybody by his courteous and sympa- thetic manner. No trouble seemed too* much for him, and ho treated rich and poor alke. Will the Water Company please give notice when they are about to turn the water off? It is highly inconvenient to have to carry water from a distance because tile company haven't the good grace to give warning.

Weekly Half-Holiday. THOS. FORREST and Sons, Cambrian Studio, Pontypridd, beg to give notice that their Studio will be closed at 1 o'clock on Thursdays, commencing Septemer 7th. By making an appointment, sittings may he had up to 4 o'clock on Thursdays, if desired. 709