The Rhondda Leader

04neral of Mr. Richard Williams, Grocer, Tonypandy. The mortal remains of the late Mr. ■jwchard Williams, grocer, Waun Court, Jonypandy, were laid to rest on Wednes- day afternoon at Trealaw Cemetery. The deceased gentleman had been ailing for Years from an asthmatical and bronchial complaint, yet his death came as a great 8Urprise to his sorrowing family of brothers IIiIld sisters and many friends. During the last few months his health had been Very delicate, and he could not indulge in j"iy outdoor exercise, yet attended to his pisiness up to the Monday night preced- lng his demise, which took place on Friday He was the son of the late Mr. Griffith Williams, of the Bell Inn, Mill Street, Aberdare, and brother to Mr. Thos. Williams, of the Pandy Hotel. He was 42 years of age, and most highly esteemed j^d respected in the locality, being of a kind disposition and genial temperament. short service was held at the house, Waun Court, by the Rev. Mr. Evans, vicar of Llwynypia. The coffin was of panelled oak, with massive brass furniture, being also literally covered with wreaths of the choicest flowers. The sad cortege, pro- ceeded to the Cemetery Chapel, where the burial service was held, conducted by the v. Mr. Evans, vicar, and the Buffs, of ^hich deceased was a member. Mr. Williarn&. was also a member of the Mid- Rhondda Grocers' Association, as was evidenced by the large number of his fellow members who attended in force to Pay their last tribute of respect to theii departed brother, wearing black and white rosettes. The Association also sent a very fine wreath. The funeral arrange- ments were successfully carried out by ■Messrs. Alfred Williams and Sons, Tony- PjWidy. The chief mourners were —Mrs. Morgan Ellis, Barry Island, Mrs. Rees, Aberdare, Mrs. Rees, Aberdare, (sisters); Hrs. Thomas Williams, Pandy Hotel, Mrs. Jenkyn Williams, Cwmparc (sisters-in-law); Mrs. John (late White •Hart) (aunt); Mrs. Oxenham, Aberdare Wece); Miss Ellis, Newport; the Misses ~[ary and Gwendoline Williams (nieces)) •Miss Rowlands, Mrs.- Wigley, and Mrs. jfones, Aberdare (cousins); Misses Thomas, Graigddu, Penygraig; Messrs. Thomas Lewis, Jenkyn, Clement, and Edward Williams (brothers), Mr. Morgan Ellis Wother-in-law), Messrs. Johnny Williams Fred Rees (nephews,) Mr. Lewis John, Trealaw; and Mr. Hopkin and Mr. Aberdarei (cousins); Mr. Yxonham, Aberdare. The Grocers' Association was represented by the follow- -—Messrs, D. Jenkins (presider#), W. Lawrence (ex-president), J. H. Jones, and Lock (senior and second vice-presi- ^nts), H. Williams (secretary), J. H. —8-vies, W. Clarke, R. James, James Lewis, W. Weston, Dd. Williams, E- Robert, Hugh Thomas, Ed. Thomas, D. -I' Richards, T. R. Davies, A. Evans, D. ~avies, W. David, S. Morgan, J. Norman, James, T. Davies (Blaenclydach), T. yavies, A. Evans, N. Meredith, A. Mere- dith, J. Thomas (manager for Mr. Lawrence), etc. Amongst others present Were:—Mr. John Thomas, butcher; Mrs. Williams, Clydach. Court; Mr. Tom Williams, Dunraven House Mr. Wil- Partridge Hotel; Mr. Chris. Evans, -Wtrhondda J Mr. and Mrs. Evans, Court Sotel; Mrs. Gwilyni Thomas, and Mrs £ ?omas, Clydach Vale; Mrs. Alfred Williams, Mrs. Davies, New Inn, Clydach M e;. Dr. G, Morgan, Clydach Vale; r.. James, Jones, draper, Pandy Square; Tom Griffiths, undertaker Mr. Tre- j^rne, grocer; Mr. Davies, Court Villa; rjr. Jones, vet. surgeon, Clydach Vale; Davies, grocer, Clydach Vale; Mr. ^vans, butcher Mr. Jones, grocer; Mr. champ, Wine Stores; Mr. Davies, £ Hotel; Messrs. Bert and Willie fillips, clothiers; Mr. Richards, che- ^ist; Mr. Weston, grocer; Mr. Williams, yraper, Waun Court Mr. Rowlands, Mr. Lewis John, Forest House; Mr. Llewel- \v' ^realaw IQn j Messrs. Albert and j*lfred Williams; Mr. Lock, grocer; Richard Richards, Pontrhondda; Cording, Adare Hotel; Mr. Thomas, £ 0st Office; Mr. Powell, De Winton **otel; Mr. J. R. Evans, grocer; Mr. "rotheroe, Bridgend Hotel; Mrs. Tilbury and Mrs. Phillips, Waun Court. Wreaths t>ere sent by brothers' and sisters, and the T^ffaloes, and one from the Pandy Hotel, Grocers' Association, Mr. and* Mrs. £ yanS) Court Hotel, and Miss Thomas, i **raigddu.

Court Leet at Tonypandy. On Friday afternoon at the Pandy Inn, Tonypandy, a court-leet was held in con- nection with the Bute estate. The genial host and hostess, Mr. and Mrs. Williams, the proprietors of the Pandy Hotel, pre- pared an admirable repast, which was so heartily enjoyed that many suggested holding the event half-yearly. The re- presentatives of the Bute estate, Mr. Harries and Mr. Wilson, acted in the capacity of president and vice-president respectively. A vote of condolence was passed with the bereaved Marquis's family. Speeches were also delivered by Mr. John, Llantrisant, by whom, together with Mr. and Mrs. Williams, the invitat,ionq had been sent out; Mr. Thomas, Dandery; Mr. Evans, Cwmpennar, Park Place, Car- diff, etc, while appropriate selections of music were effectively rendered by Mr. Evan Thomas, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Tudor Howells, Mr. Davies (Pwllhowol), and others. The guests who had made their appearance were as follows: -Mr. Harries and Mr. Wilson, of the Bute. estate; Mr. John, Llantrisant; Mr. Evan Evans, Cwmpennar, Park Place, Cardiff; Mr. W. Davies, Court Villa, Tonypandy; Mr. Evan Williams, Danygraig, Clydach Vale; Mr. Thomas, Blaenllechau; Mr., Evan Thomas, Danderi; Mr. Jones, Graigddu, Dinas; Mr. Williams and Mr. Griff. Wil- liams, Pandy Hotel; Mr. Teague and Mr. Clarry, Pontypridd; Mr. W. H. Jones, vet. surgeon, Blaenclydach; Mr. Alfred Williams, undertaker, Waun Court; Mr. Richards, Thomas Street, Tonypandy; Mr. Lewis Morgan, Tylacelyn; Mr. Llewellyn Phillips, Glyncolly, Treorchy; Mr. Thomas, Carncelyn; Mr, Glyndwr Lewis, Havod Collieries; Mr. Daviesi, "Western Mail," Porth; Mr. Howells, and Mr. Tudor Howells, Station House, Llwynypia; Mr. W. Davies, Pwllhowell; Mr. Thomas Morgan, L.E. & G.O., Peny- graig; Mr. Evan Thomas Rowland, butcher, Penygraig. Morien," and others sent letters of apology for inability tot attend.

Glamorgan Quarter Sessions. Outrage at Pontygwaith. At the Glamorgan Quarter Sessions on Wednesday, William George Rees (21), collier, was indicted for assaulting Rachel Ann Williams with intent to outrage her at Pontygwaith. Mr. Kelly prosecuted, and Mr. Rhys Williams defended. It was alleged that whilst, prosecutrix was cross- ing the mountain prisoner accosted her, threw her on the ground, and attempted to outrage her. A struggle ensued, and during its progress prisoner asked her for money. She gave him a shilling to go away. A little girl from a neighbouring farm came, on the scene, whereupon pri- soner ran away. The jury found prisoner guilty of indecent assault, and recom- mended him to the leniency of the Court. He was sentenced to three months' hard labour. A Tonyrefail Case. David Meade (27), haulier, Albert, James Copley (21), collier, and William Henry Davies (27), haulier, were charged with stealing two lady's jackets, a cape, four yards of dress material, and four account books, the property of Samuel Thomas, at Tonyrefail. Mr. Sankey prosecuted, and Mr. Parsons defended. The allegation was that prosecutor, a credit draper, while on his way from Mountain Ash to Pen- rhiweeiber, sat down to rest on the, canal bank. The prisoners came up and took the parcels he had with him away. Before the case for the defence had concluded, the senior vice-chairman interposed, and suggested there was no intention to steal, and prisoners were acquitted. The Blaengwynfi Affair. Robert Thomas Duncan, a respectable- looking young man, surrendered to his bail on a charge of indecently assaulting Mar- garet Booth, of 35, Jersey Road, Aber- gwynn, on September 30th. Mr. Sankey prosecuted, and Mr. Arthur Lewis de- fended. The facts, as detailed by the prosecutrix, were that in pursuance of her calling as a tea traveller, prosecutrix was going from Treherbert to Blaengwynfi, on the Rhondda and Swansea Bay Railway, and the prisoner, while, she was in the train waiting for it, to start, came up, and leaning with his arms over the'lowered window asked her about her business, and where she lived. She replied Blaengwynfi, and as the train was starting, prisoner jumped into the carriage. During the journey from Treherbert to Blaenrhondda prisoner asked her about her mother, whom she said was dead, and her father, whom she told him was in Swansea Hospi- tal. Then he put his arm round her neck and kissed her, and afterwards tried to behave indecently. She screamed,, and prisoner desisted, and as the train brought up at, Blaenrhondda, he jumped out, and escaped. The cross-examination of the prosecu- trix was directed to the question of identity. In defence evidence was called to prove an alibi, and the jury accepting this re- turned a verdict of "Not guilty," and pri- soner was discharged.

Tonypandy Baptist Guild. The first meeting of the Bethel English Baptist, Young People's Guild was held on Tuesday week, when Mr. W. H. Williams read an excellent paper on William Carey," the pioneer of modern missions. An interesting discussion followed. On Tuesday, this week, a paper of considerable merit was read by Mr. Arthur Harris, on The work of God in the Soul." Messrs. David Jones,, W. H. Williams, and Finker took part. in a profitable discussion. The pastor presided.

Porth Cottage Hospital. Mr. T. Davies, the secretary of the Porth Cottage Hospital, desires us to acknowledge the receipt of the sum of £10 from the Court," Lady Gwen- llian," and" Royal" Lodges of the R.A.O.B., being a third of the amount collected by the Buffs on the occasion of their recent church parade at Llwynypia.

Panygraig Literary Society. On Thursday evening the members of above society held what may be termed _«eir first meeting of the session. A very. P°Pular subject had been arranged for the rvening, viz., "Should capital punishment T5 abolished ? and also the committee be wed wisdom in choosing the right per- for the subject. Those were,, pro., j William Grier; con., Mr. Griffith Thomas. The manner in which they eUt througb their work showed clearly h t they had read a great deal, and had pt been idle in securing the most valuable S^ts to support their respective sides. J^e chairman was Mr. Richard Thomas, newly elected president. Mr. Wm. in reading his paper on the affirma- ve side, dealt with the necessity of i^ing to an agreement with regard to object of punishment. He contended ■^at the prevention of crime should not merely the main, object of it, but the ali i purpose of it. He argued for the Ration, of capital punishment on the &Uiid that it was not a deterrent, which 9 endeavoured to prove. It was not for jyt of numbers, he said, that hanging prove a preventative, for Henry hanged 72,000. Further, when was a capital offence, pockets were ||0ked at the gallows' foot. He quoted W. Harcourt's remarks that murder generally committed in the heat of J^ssion, and it was found that the punish- jatof death did not deter in the case of blJ?jS which were committed in cold We Was it possible and reasonable tèen. to suppose it would act a greater de- tttrellt in the case of murder ? He also that where capital punishment had 11 abolished, and another punishment ^or t^d, murder had diminished also, ak instance, capital punishment had been f^aed in Holland in 1870. This was Jv by a decrease in crime of murder. W^*1861 to 1869 there were 19 murders, a^t.hn u1 1^71-1879 there were only 17, c^ea ^8h the population had greatly in- Crea<j the case of Finland, the de- ^id more marked. Continuing, he Ijwj. apart from all the other argu- mentioned, there were two though good when Bentham wrote, n a^s° good to-day, and would remain W,*1?- that capital punishment was S0ut<rmissable, that it destroyed the one it testimonial proof, and also that 5?ind a Moralising effect on the public TV -e ably supported by Mr. ^UisWVies' w^° said that leniency in i^ad good effect, and had w § twdeecy to 4?«eas$ crimes, as shown by Blackstone and Bright. Mr. Griffith J. Thomas, in opposition, said that figures proved conclusively that the mitigation of punishment in any country was followed by a great increase in crime. For example, in Belgium, as the result of the abolition of capital punishment, mur- ders increased from 34 to 120. In Prussia, where there had been no executions, mur- ders increased from 242 in 1845 to 518 in 1880, and so in every country murders in- creased as the murderers were spared. It was on account of this fact that France had to reinstate this punishment in 1886. In the programme of the Anti-Revolu- tionist Party in Belgium, capital punish- ment was the first item. It stated that it was also consistent with the teachings of both the Old and New Testament, and severely criticised Count Tolstoi's defini- tion of the verse, Resist not him that is evil, but whosoever," etc. Mr. Gwilym Rowlands in supporting Mr. Thomas, made a very able defence. He argued that capital punishment was not carried out from a revengful spirit. It was essential for the safety of society. The subject was then thrown open for discussion, and Mr. John Jones first broke the ice, and was readily followed by others. When put to vote, it showed that the meeting was very evenly divided, the affirmative side receiving two extra votes.

Nantymoel Parliament. (By our Special Lobby Correspondent.) On Wednesday evening of last week the Speaker took the Chair at 8.30. Several new members were, sworn in. There was a large attendance of members, and some animated discussions took place. The member for Durham asked a question as to the position in Manchuria. The mem- ber for South Kerry wished to know if a tunnel was to be built connecting Scotland and Ireland. The Home Secretary re- plied in the negative. The member for Durham asked what was the cause of the loss of His Majesty's Destroyer Cobra?? First Lord of Admiralty: An enquiry is being held, and particulars will be laid upon the table a week hence. Member for Durham: What are the in- tentions of the government with reference to the representation of Ireland? Leader of the House: The matter is under the consideration of the govern- ment, and a Bill will probably be intro- duced at an early date. The Member for Durham: Why were some units of the Imperial Yeomanry who were unfit for service sent to South Africa ? The Minister for War made a gallant attempt to extricate himself from such a damaging question, but failed to do so. A heated discussion ensued, in which the opposition had decidedly the best of the, debate. The house, was adjourned for the further discussion of the South African war. The Foreign Secretary continued his speech of the previous evening, and was followed by the member for South Kerry, who delivered a very fine speech on the wrongs of the campaign. The Leader of the opposition, and the, members for Dur- ham and South Kerry became obstreper- ous, and had to be repeatedly called to order. It is rumoured that one of the Press, representatives is to be called to the Bar of the house to apologise for breach of the privileges of the house.

Theatre Royal, Tonypandy. A good production is staged at the Theatre Royal this week by Messrs. Pagden and Lewis Gilbert's Company in the successful melo-drama, The Mysteries of London." The mysteries of London, as most of us know, are, as mystifying as ever, yet the story is as common-place as everyday life, but the distinguishing feature lies in the telling of it, in the dramatic structure, and in the develop- ment. There are extremely funny, not to say compromising, situations, full of smart and pithy sentiments, and the charm, humour; and pathos shown in the acting attain a delicacy which makeo one understand the storms and stress of human passions. The play, in the hands of this capable company, is put before the audience in such a way as to arrest the attention and claim the enthusiasm of all. Each artist sustains his or her part with vigour and fidelity, all blending in making the evening's entertainment a very delight- ful one. "The Way of the World." Mr. G. Howard Watson's company has been specially engaged for the Theatre Royal next week in the thrilling and domestic drama, The Way of the World," a story of circus life vividly told and unfolded by a capable company, which comes with its own magnificent scenery aad effects*

Ogmore Valley Notes. The Nantymoel Temperance Union is preparing for the winter session. The committee met on Wednesday evening at Bethel vestry. All of the religious bodies, with the exception of Gilead Chapel, were represented. The first public meeting of the Union is to be held at Gilead Chapel on Sunday evening at 8 o'clock. The Y.P.S.C.E. met at Horeb on Wed- nesday evening. Papers were read by Messrs. D. Lewis and W. Lewis on the chosen topic, Giving." The president, Mr. John Evans, occupied the chair. On Wednesday evening of last week the Rev. C. Evans, ex-pastor of Gilead Chapel, paid a visit to Nantymoel, and delivered a thrilling discourse at Gilead Chapel. A large number availed themselves of the opportunity of hearing the rev. gentle- man. Mr. Evans returns to India, where he is engaged in missionary work. We notice that a strong effort is being made by the Nantymoel shop assistants to secure the earlier closing of the busi- ness establishments: of the town. We hope that the tradesmen will see the ad- visability of falling in with the assistants in this matter. The annual meetings of the Welsh Bap- tists of Nantymoel were held at Saron Chapel on Sunday and Monday last. The Rev. J. Jenkins (" Gwili "), Pontardulais, and Rev. R. Jones (Pontlottyn), were an- nounced to officiate. The latter gentle- man, however, was unable to attend, and the vacancy was filled by Rev. W. A. Williams, Blaengarw. The sermons de- livered by the rev. gentlemen were, of a high order of merit. The attendance throughout the meetings was sufficient evidence of the, success in chosing preachers for the occasion. Rev. J. Hughes, pastor of Saron, conducted the meetings. The choir, under the baton of Mr. W. Hughes, rendered efficient service, as did also Mr. L. G. Hughes at the organ. The annual meetings of Bethany (C.M.) Chapel, Blaenogwy, were held on Sunday and Monday last. The Rev. W. Watkin Williams, Cardiff, officiated, and delivered powerful discourses. Large audiences at- tended the services. Cupid's bow is never idle—especially in Ogmore. All of Ogmore's young folk are joining the matrimonial club. The latest members are Mr. Arthur Howells, son of Mr. John Howells, baker, Commercial Street, Nantymoel, and Miss Elizabeth Williams, Ogmore Vale. The ceremony took place at the Tabernacle Chapel, Bridgend, Rev. J. G. Jones, Ogmore Vale, officiating. The role of groomsman was carried out, by Mr. J. T. Job. Miss B. Howells (sister of the bridegroom), and Miss K. Lucas, were the bridesmaids. The wedding breakfast was arranged at Thomas's Dining Rooms, Bridgend. The honeymoon is being spent at Swansea. The congratulations of a large circle of friends go. with them. On Saturday last death claimed an old Nantymoelian as a victim. We refer to Mr. William Hopkins, who was found in his bed on Saturday. Death was due to dropsy. The funeral took place on Wed- nesday, the mortal remains being conveyed to Llangynwyd, near Maesteg. Rev. T. D. Mathias and Rev. J. A. Roberts, M.A., officiated at the house before the funeral, and the vicar of Llangynwyd officiated at the grave. Among the mourners we noticed: —1st carriage, Mrs. Hopkins, Gloucester (sister-in-law), and her son and daughter, Mrs. Hopkins's brother, Mr. Dauncey, Gloucester; 2nd carriage, Mr. and Mrs. John Owen, The Villa, Nanty- moel, Mr. and Mrs. Evans, Beehive, Nantymoel; 3rd carriage, Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins, Llynvi Anns,, Mr. Hopkins, Tondu (brother), Mr. and Mrs. W. Lewis, Dinam Street, Nantymoel; 4th carriage, Dr. D. J. Thomas, C.C., Nantymoel, Mr. and Mrs. Morgans, Nantymoel Hotel; Mr. Charles Totterdale. There was a large attendance of various conveyances. The deceased was 50 years of age, and had been under medical treatment for some time.

Football Chat. The, following team will represent Peny- graig in their League match with Maesteg at Maesteg:—Back, Tom James; three- quarters, J. A. Williams (capt.), W. Richards, Marchant, and Hanford; half- backs, D. Williams and D. Ingram; for- wards, F. Shugar, G. Matthews, J). Rees, J. Jones, R. Parry, G. Mead, J. Mort, F. Jones, Bowen. Reserve half, D. R. Miles. Cwmparc played their second home match of the season on Saturday. Their opponents were Aberavon and Port, Talbot United, a team that every year secures a high position in the Swansea Association League. Cwmparc, realizing the youth and com- parative inexperience of its players, had some forebodings of the result, but. they gave the visitors a dashing and severe game. In the first half the homesters, through sterling play by their centre for- forward, Idris James, scored two goals to the visitors' one. In the second half, however, the. superior passing and stamina of Port Talbot told, and they found the net twice, eventually emerging winners of a stiff contest by three goals to two. The result was satis- factory enough to the homesters, and, they look forward to their future fixtures with more confidence. Next Saturday "hey play the Nantymoel Athletic Club at home. On Thursday the Porth Shop Assistants Rugby Football Team had a very successful encounter with Treorchy Thursdays, on the Llwyncelyn ground. Mr. Johns, Cymmer, the captain of the Porth team, had his men in good form. The scores were:—Porth, 1 goal, 3 tries; Treorchy, nil. On Saturday last the long expected con test between Barry Unionists and Porth A.F.C. took place. The interest on this occasion was. greater than that on any other, inasmuch as it was the first round for the Welsh Cup. As Porth drew with Barry Unionists the previous Saturday at Barry, the prospects of the club were very favourable to success. There was an unusually large number of spectators pre- sent. From the start Porth outclassed their opponents in all parts. For the visitors*, Williams, Stevens, and Sutton were by far the best men. Grant, Idris Edwards, and W. Watkins scored the only goals for Porth in the hrst half. Scores: Porth, 3 goals, Barry, nil. By this success Porth enter the second round for the Welsh Cup, i.e., if the pro- test about the ground urged by Barry proves non-successful.

Suppose you had, or had had an ad. in the SADER, wouldn't you think the lively little 1 .yop had or had had, had caused you to dd to the business you Melt

Sanitary Inspectors' Visit. The, South Wales and Monmouthshire Sanitary Inspectors' Association will hold ¡its sessional meeting in the Rhondda on lOctober 22nd, 1901, when a large number of members are expected. The Rhondda has been the school for sanitarians, and it has sent forth the largest number of sanitary inspectors in the principality. Truly can it be termed the school of sani- tary prophets," and many of its sons are holding most honourable positions/ from the extreme north to extreme south'. The visit of the Sanitary Inspectors' Associa- tion will, therefore, be full of interest to the members, who will have every oppor- tunity of studying the various sanitary improvements and enterprises adopted in this district.

Mardy Workmen's Decision. A meeting; of the Mardy Colliery work- men was held on Monday, Mr. T. Morgan, checkweigher, presiding, for the purpose of considering the present situation in connection with their decision to withdraw from the, Miners' Permanent Fund and the employment, of non-Unionists. Mr. T. Richards, general secretary of the South Wa,les, Federation, and Mr. D. Watts Mor- gan referred to the questions at some length, and again gave their version of the agreement that was arrived at be- tween representatives of the company and the men, in connection with which a, mis understanding had arisen since the report of the, interview was given to the men some time ago. The meeting unahimously reaffirmed the decision previously arrived at to withdraw from the, Permanent Fund and their attitude with reference to the non-Unionists, and left the conduct of the matter in the hands of the Executive Council of the Federation.

Porth Town Hall. For the first three nights this week, Messrs. E. Hill-Mitchelson and Fred. Benton's company had a mighty reception with their celebrated drama, entitled, Rogues and Vagabonds." The house was crowded on each occasion. During the, last three, nights of this week, the play staged is "Two Little Sailor Boys "-a, piece which should enjoy much popularity. The Two Hussars. The great military drama, The Two Hussars," is the attraction at the Town Hall, Porth, next week, when Mr. Henry Bruce's No. 1 Company will present it to the drama-loving public. The stoigy is a romantic one of the Crimean War, and into the play are introduced humorous and pathetic songs and dances. "Here'a a distinguished scientist who says that aftw all there is nothing in germs." "Nothing in germs? Nonsense! Why, look how much dootors have made out of them I' — lJ,lMf frti frtu.

Porth Pupil Teachers' Centre Literary and Debating Society. Following the example of many others whoi have greatly benefitted by these societies, the third and fourth year pupil teachers of the above centre have decided upon the formation of a Literary and De- bating, Society for their own mutual im- provement. This movement on their part is certainly a step in the right, direction, and they are to be congratulated upon their initiation of a society which, if carried on "properly and and made, the best use of, will render its members an incalculable benefit. To exercise the best powers of the mind and to divert them into the best channels is an object worthy, of commendation. Theise societies, like ail educational institutions, ve the tendency to train and strengthen the mental faculties, and thus to prepare and adapt a man for different circumstances in life. And for teachers this training is not only an advantage, but an absolute necessity if they are to be well equipped for life's work. The president is the head- master of the Centre, Mr. R. D. Chalke, M.A., Ll.B., who isuntirinin his efforts to train up properly those under his guidance. The secretaries are Mr. Ieuan Jones, Penygraig, and Miss Janet Davies, Ton. The first meeting was held at the Centre on Saturday evening, the 12th inst., when the item down on the programme for discussion was Is the pupil teacher a professional man? It will be seen that here was a very natural beginning for the, class of people dealing with it, and the large number of teachers who had congregated together were much interested in the, treatment of the sub- ject. The affirmative side of the ques- tion was taken by Mr. E. J. Thomas, Fern- dale, who, in a very good paper, ably championed his side of the question. The negativei was taken by Mr. Herbert Ware, Porth, and although it must be admitted that the negative side is the weakest and most unpopular side, yet, in a very clever paper, he brought forward his side of the question very forcibly indeed. In the discussion which followed, Messrs. Dd. Morris Jones, E. Thomas, Ben icholas, Ben Reynolds, M. Gelly, Misses G. Davies, A. Jones, and M. Thomas spoke on the affirmative side, and Messrs. Booth Wil- liams, Isaac Thomas, and Miss R. Thomas spoke on the negative side. In the voting at the end the affirmative side carried. The meeting, throughout was very interest- ing, and if the first is an example of those which are to follow, there is a bright pro- spect for the society as an institution, and a, rich treat, in store for the members in- dividually.

Death at Williamstown. We deeply regret to record the death of Mr. John Thomas, weigher, which took place at his home on Monday evening after a few days' illness. Deceased was. a deacon and the conductor of music at, Nazareth (C.M.) Chapel, a,nd his place there will be greatly missed. The funeral takes place on Saturday at Pyle, leaving Penygraig G.W.R. with the ten train.

Pentre's New Theatre. The plans for Messrs. Carlton and Duck- worth's new theatre at, Pentre were on Friday passed by the District Council, and the building will be opened for theatri- cal performances at the end of December, or early in January. The interior of the present building has been entirely re- constructed, and the two shops in front taken in, and everything done to make it a thoroughly comfortable and pretty theatre.

Presentation to Mr. James Miles, Wattstowri. Mr. James Miles, Wattstown, who has recently taken up at Cardiff the position of secretary of the National Collieries, was on Saturday evening the recipient of hand- some testimonials given by the officials and workmen of the National Collieries. The meeting was held at, Wattstown Schools, the Butchers' Arms being found too small to accommodate the large gathering which assembled. It is eleven years ago since Mr. Miles went to Watts- town as agent of the National Collieries. Since then he and the family have played no little part in the welfare of the dis- trict. He Was mainly instrumental in establishing the workmen's Reading Rooms and Institute, in promoting the Workmen's Sick and Accident Fund and local Friendly Societies, in securing the police and county courts and higher grade schools at Porth, in providing postal and telegraphic facilities at Ynyshir, and, what was made much of by the workmen's representatives, the amelioration of suffer- ing by his efforts in establishing and main- taining the Porth Cottage Hospital. This record was very gracefully referred to in an illuminated address presented to him on behalf of the workmen and officials of the colliery and the inhabitants of Watts- town. Tangible proof of their apprecia- tion of his efforts was evidenced by the presentation of a large silver tray with inscription, a smoking cabinet, writing table and chair, and a gold bangle to Mrs. Miles. After a number of speeches had been delivered, Mr. Miles suitably re- sponded to the presentation, and trusted that the peaceful relations which had existed between himself and the men would continue. It was always safer to settle any dispute they might have btfore a strike, as after a strike had commenced the chances were far more difficult. Dur- ing the evening the Rhondda Royal Glee Society, conducted by Mr. Tom Stephens, gave several selections. Mr. Miles will be presented with another testimonial a few weeks hence by the leading men in the Rhondda.

WORTH KNOWING I SECCOMBE'S ANNUAL SALE OF Silks, Dress Fabrics, Mantles and Jackets, Millinery, Household Drapery, Children's Wear, Laces and Gloves, Hosiery and Blouses, AND All Kinds of Fancy Drapery NOW ON And continues throughout the month. Nearly all of the valuable and high dlass stock is reduced to half-price. > 75, 77, 79 & 81, Queen Stpi CARDIFF. It1 Return Railway Fare paid to customers whose purchase exoeeda 401., 358