The Aberdare Leader

Introductory. [N introducing our new paper to the public we offer no apology whatever. We are convinced that there is need of a paper in the Aberdare valley. We are animated by no feeling of rivalry, much less hostility, towards any news mediums that are already in the field. "Nothing extenuate, nor set down aught in malice," is our motto. Our paper will neither encroach nor overlap. With the expansion of the local government principle, the sphere of the local paper has been widened and its power augumented. It has a greater mission to fulfil and a more important function to discharge. Now people are permitted to a certain extent to manage their own affairs by means of Boards and Councils. Still it must be admitted that people do not fully avail themselves of these privileges. Many are but slightly interested in the enfran- chisement which has been extended to them, while they are entirely indifferent regarding any further enfranchisement. Civic patrio- tism is at a discount; municipal educa- tion is sorely needed. Some power is necessary to bring these bodies into closer touch with the people for whom they are created. A tutor is wanted to instruct the masses in the duties and privileges of citizen- ship, to induce them to take a livelier and more active interest in matters pertaining to their immediate social welfare. For the at- tainment of this purpose there is no better medium than the local press. The benefits it confers are reciprocal and mutual. It in. terests the people in the powers and it also interests the powers in the people. It does not pose as a pedagogue; nevertheless, it is a powerful educational factor. It gives tuition that is not given in schools and academies, for instance, political education and civic instruction. It is the great mart for the interchange of ideas. Even the local press, insignificant as it may appear, has a message. It should faithfully and accurately report the proceedings of the people's local senates. Moreover, it should be a common mart for the exchange of opinion and the discussion of matters affecting the welfare of the people. We will not enlarge on this subject no more than to say that in the Aberdare Leader we will faithfully strive to fulfil these obli- gations in the interest of each individual class and for the common good of all. We may state parenthetically that while we commence with a mode'' halfpenny journal, we intend shortly at a more opportune date to convert it to a penny newspaper. We now launch our little barque on the fickle sea of Fate and leave it to the mercy of the gales of criticism, trusting it will prove sea- worthy. —

From thousands of Temples of Peace throughout our land last Sunday the wel- come news was proclaimed that the Temples of Mars had been closed and that peace had been declared in South Africa. Peace I after two and a half years of continual fighting. The news was as welcome as the sunshine and roses of June after a prolonged winter. "Peace, perfect peace on the eve of coro- nation festivities too. The joyous peals of Coronation bells will mingle in unison with the glad tidings of great joy—the ringing in of a period of peace. The olive branch will be conspicuous among the thousand and one coronation emblems. We sincerely trust that henceforth the lion and the lamb, or according to the modern version, the lion and the boar, will lie down peacefully to. gether in sweet oblivion of their past feuds. We hope that il-w, pro-plietic era has dawned, that the swords shall be beaten into plough shares, and spears into pruning hooks. It is a time of national rejoicing, and it be- hoves us not to be pessimistic. Still some callous pessimists would have us doubt the permanency of this settlement. We can but j hope that peace, permanent peace, and peace with honour., has been obtained. The Boer has proved himself brave, nay, a gallant soldier. The Briton has found hiil a foeman j worthy of his steel and of his generosity, Let us hope the terms of the treaty will be i such as to ensure mutual goodwill between the two warring nation, and that racial hatred will be a thing of the pa^t- May the sword remain sheathed, and may a universal shout of II lIeddwch" be the response to the query of the Archdruid of the nations A oes Heddwch."

An Aberdare Veteran Musician. Sixty Years Devotion to Sofflg. 1 INTERVIEW WITH ME, DANIEL GRIFFITHS. How often do we shout ourselves hoarse over the popular idol of the fleeting hour while we ignore the silent worker in our midst who is building for eternity. The world is ever tardy in recognising its genuine benefactor. In too many instances the first recognition that lie gets is an eloquent obit- uary notice or a splendid epitaph. Our illustrious townsman, Mr. Daniel Griffiths, has been a silent but assiduous worker. Up to the present time he has shared the re- formers common fate. We are glad however to ate that in all probability he will not have to wait for a post mortem tribute to his genius. Someo hjia friends, coadjutors, and admirers haye jrcsoiv^d that pne who so Javiatity honoured .Ml art slejpajrf'u.q. » lonoured and unsung." Hence the proposed iestimonial to Mr. Griffiths, which we trust will swell into dimensions proportionate to jhe enormous sacrifice-a life sacrilice- which he has offered on the altar of song. A representative of the Aberdare Leader called upon Mr. Griffiths the other day at his beautiful residence The Poplars." He was in a genial mood and cheerfully gave some interesting reminiscences of his musical career, which extends over a range of 60 years—the veteran having exceeded the al- lotted span by four years. It was with re- luctance, however, that Mr. Griffiths spoke of the important role which lie had played individually, his natural modesty disclaim- ing all credit which his acquaintances well know is due to him. He was practically the founder of the "Cymanfa Ganu" which is now recognised as an indispensable adjunct to congregational music, and which institu- tion has done so much to elevate the singing of the sanctuary in Wales. He was also one of the pioneers of the Temperance Musical Festival of Gwent and Morgarwg, a festival with the praiseworthy dual object of pro- moting both temperance and music in the south east of the Principality. In the palmy days of Caradog, and the choir that placed Gwalia in a position of eminence among musical nations, Mr. Griffiths rendered yeo- man service to the great Asaph of Wales. To the outside world our friend was practi- cally unknown, but Caradog always re- garded him as the soul of the choir. He was more of a critic than a conductor- more a censor than singer. With a faint smile playing on his venerable face he told the pressman how when a lad of 12 he used to assist the old conductor of Carmel, at the old "ysgol gan," held in those primitive days. At that time the Unitarians were credited with the best congregational sing- ing in Aberdare. When asked whether he thought the music of the sanctuary was re- trogressing or progressing Mr. Griffiths ex- pressed his opinion that the singing of the present day was inferior to that of our fathers. The singing of old was more in- telligent, more spirited, more spiritual. Our fathers and mothers were more conversant with their Bibles, he said, and entered into the spirit ef the hymns whereas their de- sendants, although they read and under- stood music, well neither read nor under- stand the words as they should, hence their mechanical singing. Caradog, he said, was a typical "well-read," intelligent singer, steeped in scriptural knowledge, and possess- ing an intensely religious spirit. "What is your opinion of the present status of eisteddfodic singing"? our repre- sentative queried further. Well, upon the whole," he said, it is better; part singing has greatly improved." The recent succes- sive defeats of the Welsh choirs at National Eisteddfodau he attributed to a better method of training adopted by the English choirs. They had a permanent regular system of practice all the year round, whereas the Welsh choirs relied on a vigorous spurt a few weeks prior to the time of the contest. The veteran competitor, inspired with the memories of auld lang syne, then related how he, in conjunction with David Rosser and Silas Evans and other Aberdare stalwarts used to storm the eisteddfod platform and carry away the prizes en toto. That was the golden era of musical Aberdare. There were giants on the earth in those days.. In days gone by sweet 'Berdar has given nurture and admonition to some of the sweetest spirits of "lien awen a chan." In addition to the Sauls already mentioned we have had Alaw Goch and Carw Coch, Ieuan Gwyllt and Ieuan Gwynedd and others. We are prompted to ask Our fathers, where are they?" They have laboured and we have entered into their labours. The movement referred to is promoted by several illustrious Aberdarians, and others, who believe in giving honour where honour is due, and credit for meritorious services. Among them are: Judge Gwilym Williams, Mr. Marcliant Williams and Mr. Tom John, Llwynypia. The movement has emanated from Betliania Church, Aberdare, which owes the greatest debt of gratitude to Mr. Griffiths for his labour and fidelity, and is now taken up by all irrespective of creed or class. May Mr. Griffiths in the evening of his life enjoy a fair sunset, and when the "clear call comes and the "evening star" appears "may there be no moaning of the bar,"

24 Hours Notice to the Gadlys Employees. '_7-1';Ã!r:¡- Mr. Bentliaiu handed the following copy 0 of a notice which was posted at the head of Gadlys Colliery on Wednesday, to our re- presentative, who called on him this morn- ing :— June 4th, 1902. Notice to the employees of the Waynes Merthyr Co., Ltd., New Pit. In consequence of many losses sustained by the Company during the several proceed- ing months in the working of the Colliery, the Company are reluctantly compelled to state that they are not able to continue the work any longer whilst the present cutting prices of the seam, now in working,remains in force. Therefore, 24 hours notice is hereby given of their intention to reduce the cutting prices,of the 5-feet seam and the little 7-feet by 6d. yer ton. Cutting nrices will then be, 2s. 2d. per ton for the 5-feei seam, and 2s. 4tdr per ton for the little 7-feet seam. On and after the expiration of this notice these prices will be paid." Mr. C, B. Stanton met Mr. Beutham this morning, The result of their deliberation is not yet known. T-' 7

."—"—— Grand Entertainment. By Robertstown Children. On Thursday evening, a grand entertain- ment was given at the Constitutional Hall, under the auspices of St. John the Evangel- ist's Church. The Rev. E. T. Davies, M.A., conducted the proceedings, and there was a very good attendance. The first part of the proceedings was the rendering of the cantata, The White Garland," by the children and young people of St. John's, conducted by Mr. Edwin Morgan, who de- serves praise for skill and labour involved in bringing his choir to such a high degree of excellence. The Queen and central figure in this performance was Miss Rachel Jones, to whom due homage was paid by the juvenile band of loyal musical subjects. The queen's subjects looked very pretty in- deed, the young ladies all gaily clad in spot- less snow-white costumes. The queen was also arrayed in a white dress, and wore a beautiful crown, and a bouquet of roses, and had, withal, a queenly and dignified appear- ance. Some of the scenes were very charming and impressive, especially when the queen rewarded three of her [lady subjects for their loyalty by placing a beau- tiful wreath of roses on each brow. A similar impression was created when three truant boy subjects were committed by her majesty, and subsequently acquitted on showing signs of penitence. The perform- ance was very good throughout, and reflected equally on the tact of the conductor, and the diligent attention of the choristers, who had been trained to the nicest accuracy. The voices were of good quality and blended in perfect unison. The second part of the meeting took the form of a miscellaneous concert. The first item was a solo by Mr. Llewelyn Jones in fine style. Then a soprano solo by Miss Sarvis, Merthyr, which fairly brought down the house. This was followed by an ex. cellent rendering of the bass solo Revenge" by Mr. Eben Powell, R.A.M. Subsequently Mr. Johnson gave a. ccmi cute tMBwcni which put the laughing powrci i of the juvenile section of the audience to a severe test. Miss Florrie Hodges sang very sweet- ly When the heart is young. Afterwards came a humorous recitation by Mr. P. T. Rhys. It described the Three fits of the Sick King, and was greatly appreciated by the audience. This was followed by an- other solo by Mr. Eben Powell. Now Miss Rachel Jones appeared miuus her regal habilimonts, and gave The Children's Home in hej most charming style. Miss Sarvis reappeared, and delighted the audience with another song. Mr. Johnson, in the role of a Cockney, aptly illustrated the Londoner in his various moods. Now came the third and last item of the evening, namely, a Comedietta, Wilkins' Wedding." The dramatis persona were as follows ;—Mr. Wilbreham Wilkins "(contem- plating marriage), Mr. Jack Phillip; Mr. Charles Hallebrand (musician and cow- poser), Mr. Evan Evans; Chumps (hotel waiter),$[rs 0, Harpur Miss' Florrie i'lutterbrush, an old flame of vVilkins, deserted by him, Miss Myssie Thomas; Mrs Boanerges Bang (Wilkins' mother-in- law), Miss Mabel Scott. All the actors played their part admirably, and the success of me farce was by no means farcical. Miss Tegwedd Davies and Miss Deacon ably ac- companied during the meeting, which was a success in the fullest sense of the word.

Coronation fthfities. How the Aberdare 'Valley will celebrate., The stage_at which the preparations for the Coronation festivities have reached iy, the Aberdare Valley are clearly and briefly set forth in the letters by Mr.' A. S. Pleace, High-constable* and Mr. -\V. S. Davies, chair- man qf the Mountain Ash Urban District Council, which appeared in the Western i\J[ail on Saturday. The Hi'di-constable (Mr. A. S. Pleace) writes A committee has been fo?w& consist- ing of the members of the Urban District Council and townspeople nominated at a public meeting. Tea will be provided on Friday, June 27, for all school children in the parish, numbering approximately 10,QQQ, to every one of whom will be presented a medal, in addition to a pretty mug bearing portraits of the Iving and Quecin, and having the words 'Aberdare Coronation Celebra- tion burnt into the china. About noon there will be a procession of Volunteers, hands members of Friendly Societies, and the, general public, which will conclude by mass- ing the children in Victoria-square, a4d singing the National Anthem before dispers- ing for their treat. It was part of our scheme to also entertain all persons in receipt of parish relief, but this part of the programme has been taken ovei by the Board of Guar- dians, who purpose dealing generously with them. Arrangements are being made for a grand display of fireworks, the,$own Hall will be profusely decorated, and I purpose appealing to all householders to assist the movement by illuminating their premises, to which, no doubt, there will be a generous, response. There is no salary attached to my position, but Aberdare and Merthyr are the only two towns in the kingdom where the office of High-constable exists. The total cost of our programme is estimated at 1500 of which 1!300 will be contributed by the Urban District Council, and the remainder aiseq by private sutaiptioitfj," The following subscriptions have been re- ei yeel by Mr. David James, hononary seore- iary, up to to-day (Thursday) Sir W. T. Lewis, Bart. 20 0 0 Mr. Pleace, High-constable 20 0 0 Powell Duffryn Steam Coal Company, Ltd. 10 10 0 Aberdare Workmen's Club 5 5'0 Mr. D. A. Thomas, M.P. 5 0 0 Hodges & Son, outfitters 3 3 0 J. Morgan & Son, builders 3 3 0 W. T. Rees, Maesyffynon 3 3 0 William Thomas, J.P., Bryna'l 3 3 0 Dr. Evan Jones 3 3 0 T. Jones, George Brewery 3 3 0 Rev. H. R. Johnson 2 2 0 Captain W. D. Phillips 2 2 0 Rees Williams, registrar 2 2 0 David Hughes, Tydraw 2 2 0 L. N. Williams, Caecoed 2 2 0 Thomas Roderick, architect 2 2 0 Colonel T. Phillips 2 2 0 Edward Morgan, Abernant 2 2 0 Aberdare Co-operative Society 2 2 0 C. & W. Kenshole, solicitors 2 2 0 Benjamin Jones, Aberaman. 2 2 0 E. M. Hann, Aberaman 2 2 0 W. Hodges, Victoria-square 110 T. W. Williams, Trecynon 1 1 0 Griffith George, J.P. 1 1 0 W. F. Parry de Winton, Lloyd's Bank 110 E. D. Howells, Gelli Isaf 110 J. NVilliaiiis, National School. 110 Jenkyn Thomas,County School 110 Isaac George, Mountain Ash. 110 D. Tudor Williams 1 1 0 P. T. Rhys, solicitor 1 1 0 H. T. Morgan, Canal Head 110 Dr. Trevor Jones. 1 1 0 P. Halewood, Canon-street 1 1 0 Thomas Lloyd, grocer 1 1 0 William Thomas, Oakhill 110 Rev. E. Bevan, St. Pagans 110 F. W. Caunt, confectioner 110 W. R. Hay lings, printer, &c. 1 i 0 Dovey and Herbert 1 1 0 Thomas Prosser 110 R. R. Davies, Cwmaman 110 Emlyn Morris, outfitter 110 Percy Burkle, photographer 1 1 0 W. J. Heppell, Cwmaman 110 R. Bedlington, Gadlys house. 1 0 0 R. Pardoe & Son 0 10 6 J. Ll. Smith, architect 0 10 6 J. D. Hughes, Boot hotel 0 10 6 John Bucknell, Aberaman 0 10 0 Evan Jones, Gas office 0 10 0 the Chairman of the Mountain Ash Urban District (Mr. W. S. Davies) writes: The Council has voted £ 260 for the local celebration of the Coronation. It has de- cided that tea and medals shall be provided for the whole of the day school children in the Council's area. With a view to augment- ing by local subscriptions the amount voted by the Council, and also of interesting the residents in their respective localities, it has boen decided to divide the district into four groups, viz., Ynysbwl, Abercynon, Pen- rhiwceiber, and Mountain Ash. The local committee in each district will receive a portion of the amount remaining, after sett- ing aside the necessary funds for the tea a,nd medals, and this amount can be used, by such committee for illuminations, fire- works, or any other purpose which the local committee thinks best. Subscriptions arc being invited, and, if possible, the Council's park will be illuminated, and fireworks pro- vided."

The Declaration of Peace. How the Good News was received <?& Abercmre. The long expected and welcome news that a. settlement had been arrived at in South Africa reached the Aberdare Valley about the commencement of the evcnin<jf service in the various churches and chapels! It was received with suppressed excitement in many quarters. However, notwithstand- that it was the Sabbath a great many were so exhilarated over the joyful news ifiam they could hardly wait until the danvii of Monday. for an opportunity to give, vent to their brimming spirits. It was the general topic of conversation here, there, and every- where. At St. Elvan's Church, the Rev. Canon H. Johnson, read the important message to his congregation, who were visibly moved by the welcome intelligence. 1 hen the Dpxology was sung with a must tanlhng effect. The St. Elvan's Veils, which have attained celebrity second to that of the famous bells of Abeidovey for their sweet chimes, rang out merry peals tor hours. Consequently it was not long ere all that were within ear-shot of St Elvan were aware that some important event had occurred, and it was soon com- municated from mouth to mouth. At Siloa Welsh Congregational Chapel the Rev. D., Silyn Evans, pastor, refti'ied to the glail tidings of joy, and inado some appropriate comments In many other churches and chap^ in Aberdare town, and also ivi districts of Hirwain, Cwmbach. Aber- aman, Cwmamad, Mountain Ash and Pen- rhiwceiber, pulpit references to and com- ments on the great historic event were profuse and eloquent. Sir W. T. Lewis, Bavt, Ivlaruy, of tlie joyous news, he instantly ^tive orders to run up the 3a<f! Mr. Pleace, the High Constable* was ap- proached on the subject of celebrations, and he remarked that it being Sunday it would not be discreet to hakl any demonstration that day. Monday turned out to be an ideally fine, Ü8Y-- a welcome: change after the h^&yy rains* of tlae previous evctiin", Thv sun slione forth in all it dazzling glory as if glad to lavish its smiles on sua empire where peace once more reigned.. Aberdare was en fete, all the fetireets being naïly decorated with flags and buntings. Almost every establishment in the town and a vast. numbpi of private houses displayed banners and buntings. In the outlying districts the same rnanifestation of glee and gladness was evident. At Hirwain and Llwydcoed there was a; lavish display of while Aberarpan, Cwmaman, Mountain Ash, Pen- rhiwceibei, and Abercynon were aglow with enthusiasm over the welcome uevVS. In the evening there was a brilliant display of fire- works at Aberdare. The town was actually bombarded with squibs and rockets, that in loud-mouthed roars the glad in- telligence, and woke the echoes of the neighbouring hills. Then again there was the^ shrill notes ol bugles and trumpets, which was carried on with gusto until the nighi were far spent. All this revelry re- minded one of the celebrations of reliefs and victories two years ago this summer, when- the war was at its zenith and the military fever at its height, It is with unmixed joy and grati ^ude t&ai we now realise that the war is over and that the thunders of Mon- day night were the last echoes of tIlls terrible conflict.

Births, Marriages & Deaths Notices of Births aud Deaths, are charged at the rate of 6d, each per insertion, pre, p&icl; Manages, b,

Tragic Occurrence at Aberdare, Man Drops Dead in a Chapel. INQUEST. At the White Lion Inn on Tuesday, before Mr. R. J. Rhys, coroner, and a jury, of whom Mr. James O'Leary was foreman, In inquest was held on the body of Mr. Hees Davies, of Gadlys-street. The Rev. D. Silyn Evans, pastor of c Siloa Chapel, said that the deceased attended Siloa on Sunday evening. After the sermon there was a chapel meeting during which deceased arose to speak. flo had only uttered two or three sentences when he was observed to fall backwards. Some of the congregation rushed to his assistance and medical aid was at once summoned but it was too late for Mr. Davies expired in a few minutes after the fall. Mr. Silyn Evans said that deceased was a person of a cool temperament and did not appear in any way excited on the evening in question. There w as no perceptible change in his demeanour when he rose to speak. He (witness) had wilItle to the news ef fee Cleclaya* tion of peace which had just been announced, and deceased had also commenced speaking ( on that topic. He was in apparently good t health at the time. Samuel Davies, son of the deceased, said that his father was 75 years of age. He had gone, as was his wont, to Siloa Chapel on Sunday evening. He had not hurried there, neither had he been unduly exerted in any way prior to his departure. He was in very good health during the latter part of the week, at the beginning, however, he had suffered a little from indigestion. Dr. Trevor Jones said that he was sum- moned to Siloa Chapel on Sunday evening. He examined the deceased and found life extinct. Deceased was not one of his patients. He had evidently been suffering from heart disease and the immediate cause of death was syncope. That had undoubt- edly been accelerated by undue excitement probably brought about by exultation of peace which had just been communicated to the congregation. He was of opinion that the reaction had contributed to the failure of the heart. The jury were quite satisfied with the evidence given and unanimously returned a verdict of Death from heart failure." Great sympathy is manifested towards the family of the deceased, who was a highly respected man and held in high esti- mation by the congregation of Siloa, and by all his neighbours.