The Aberdare Leader

Interesting Weddings. LEWIS—LLOYD. On Tuesday morning, at St. John's, Aberdare, the ancient and historic parish church, a quiet but very interesting nuptial ceremony took place, when Miss Beckie Lloyd, third daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. Lloyd, grocer, Commercial- street, was wedded to Mr. Edwin Albert Lewis, of the Metropolitan Bank, Aber- dare. The officiating clergyman was the Rev. E. Lloyd, Vicar of Llansadwrn, the bride's uncle, assisted by the Rev. Dewi Williams, B.A., Aberdare. The bride was given away by her father. The best man was Mr. Charlie Lewis, the bridegroom's brother. The bride was pr ettily attired in a wedgewood blue silk dress, and wore a brown silk hat with ostrich feathers. A large crowd had as- sembled in the vicinity of the church, and rice and confetti were very much in evidence. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis left for London by the 10.30 train. The bride's travelling costume was of blue cloth, and she wore a brown hat and brown feather, boa. In the afternoon Mr. and Mrs. T. Llcyd, the Rev. E. Lloyd, and Mr Charlie Lewis drove to Llandilo in Mr. Lloyd's motor car. The remainder of the wed- ding party went to Pontneathvaughan in brakes. In the evening the employees ,3 at Mr. Lloyd's establishment were enter- tained by him to a sumptuous supper at the Prince of Wales Hotel. Great inter- est was centred in the event, inasmuch as the parties have a large circle of friends in Aberdare. Mr. Lloyd, the bride's father, is a prominent and popu- lar figure in the town, and Mrs. Lloyd comes from an old and highly esteemed Aberdare family. The following are the wedding pres er-ts:-Fath.er of bride, cheque; mother of bride, household linen; Miss Lloyd, Eiderdown quilt; Miss M. Lloyd, picture and cushion; Miss Kitty Lloyd, wool rug; Mr. Evan Lloyd. India, silver- mounted umbrella Mr. Tom Lloyd, Leo- mington, fish carvers; Rev. E. Lloyd, uncle of bride, cheque; Mr. Tom Evans, Barry, case of fish knives and folks; Miss Evans, Gadlys, silver hot water jug; Em- ployeos of Mr. T. Lloyd, silver tea ser- vice; Mr. Tuckfield and Staff, Metropoli- tan Bank, soup tureen and entree dish; Mrs. Mander, Glanynys, silver spirit lamp and kettle; Mrs. Smith, Fer-tilea, Dresden fruit stand; Mr. W. Cyrus Thomas, silver serviette rings; Miss Thomas, Wayne's Hotel, silver mounted pickle jar; Mr. and Mrs. Pardoe, silver mounted jam dish; Mr. Lewis, Cefn, case of silver thimble and scissors; Mr. and Mrs. Williams, Calne, silver dressing case; Mrs. Eschle, Worcester tea pot; Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Caldicott, Worcester ornament; Miss Eveline Twissell, Doul- ton flower pots; Mr. and Mrs. G. L. Morris, Pontypool, silver vases; Rev. and Mrs. A. Davies, Cadoxton, butter dish; Mr. and Mrs. Absalom, Bute- street, sugar stand; Miss Kathleen and Miss Mollie and Mr. Sydney Jones, Maes- d, bread fork; Mr. Charlie Lewis, cheque; Bridegroom's personal friends, ,-p'iit stand; Mr. Willie Lewis, bride- groom's brother, canteen cutlery; Mr. and Mrs. R. Powell, Grove House, silver cruet stand; Mrs. M. H. Jones, York Hcuse, Barry, siher photo frame; Mis- Nellie Tucker, ornaments; Mr. and Mrs. Powell, Monk-street, salad bowl; Rev. J. R. Dewi Williams, cider jug; Mr. and Mrs. David Davies, Llangeler, silver egg- stand; Mr. Joe Clayton, silver-inounte: iam dish; Mr. and Mrs. Lea, jeweller, silver cake stand; Mr. and Mrs. Prance Williams, silver pastry servers; Mr. and Mrs. Spencer, Whitcombe-street, fru:t dish; Misses Florrie and Nellie Prance, breakfast cruet; Miss Jennie Oeppen, vinegar bottle; Rev. W. H. Jones, B.A., rcse bowl; Capt. and Mrs. Dowdeswell, oil painting; Miss Drew, Tredegar, pic- ture; Miss Sally Williams, Tredegar, picture; Mr. Morgan Meredith, Bute- street, Old Family Bible; Mr. and Mrs. Chambers. South End, silver-mounted crumb trav and Brush; Mr. and Mrs. rhilpott, Clifton, solid silver hand mir- ror; Miss Ethel Scott, rose bowl; Miss Madge Rees, liqua stand; Misses Gertie and Eva Eschle, silver sugar and cream stand; Miss Burgees, silver-mounted biscuit barrel; Mr. and Mrs. Jones, Maesyffynon, Llangeler, silver egg stand Mr. Spencer (uncle of bridegroom), cheque; Mr. and Mrs. Robinson, South Africa, cheque; Mr. D. Tudor Williams, cheque; Mr. and Mrs. Powell, Danygraig, hand-painted table centre; Rev. and Mrs. R. Jones, St. Fagan's, afternoon tea cloth; Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs, doyles; Mrs. Canter, Elizabeth-street, cushion cover; Mr. and Mrs. Halewood, deer skin rug; Mr and Mrs. Evans, saddler, hat box; Mr B. Thomas, baker, sugar sifter; Miss Lena Evans, Gadlys, picture; Mr. L.. Thomas, Gadlys, bread knife Mr Willie Thomas, Gadlys, butter knife; Miss Sarah M. Thomas, jam spoon; Miss Lizzie Thomas, toast rack; Miss Daisy Owen, bread fork; Miss Nellie Owen, jam spoon; Mr. and Mrs. Williams, Compton House, Eiderdown quilt; Mrs. Lewis, London House, Treharris, dining room table cloth; Messrs Willie, Arthur, and Miss Lewis, solid silver tea caddy; Miss Gertie Williams, Bank Buildings, photo in frame; Mr. and Mrs. F. Twis- sell, Doulton punch bowl; A Friend, pair of ornaments; A Friend, silver fruit stand; Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Mathias, flower pot, Mr. and Mrs. Hughes Evans, Lampeter, counterpane; Mr. and Mrs. Owen, Industrial Schools, silver spirit lamp and kettle. TUDOR WILLIAMS—RAKE. On Wednesday morning, at St. Fagan's Church, Trecvnon, Mr. G. Tudor Wil- liams, son of Mr. D. Tudor Williams, Medical Hall, Aberdare. was united in matrimony to Miss Gwladys Rake, daughter of Mrs. and Mr. G. H. Rake, nn-ent to the Ysguborwen Collieries. The families of both bride and bride- groom are well known and respected in Aberdare and Trecynon, and a very large and interested crowd witnessed the nup- tial event. The ceremony was: performed by the Rev. R. Jones, Vicar of St. Fagan's. Mr. G- R. Protheroe, Buxted, placed Wagner's and Lohengrin's wed- ding marches, and St. Fagan s Choir sang appropriate music. The bride was presented tc her hush-and by her father, the groomsman being Mr. Richard Wil- liams, Caecoed. The bridesmaids were Misses Ethel and Margaret Price. The Ivies. The bride wore a white satin gown trimmed with chiffon, velvet, and lace, and an embroidered veil. She also carried a shower bouquet with white heather. The bridesmaids were attired in oyster white satin trimmed with lace, and wore picture hats of blue felt. They carried shower bouquets of pink carna- tions, and wore pearl and ruby brooches, the gifts of the bridegroom. The bride's travelling gown was of wedgewood blue silk eoline, with a blue picture hat to mateh. After the -wedding ceremony a recep- tion was given at Trecynon House, the bride's parents' home. The following were the invited giip-,ts: -Messrs. D. Tudor Williams, father of bridegroom; T. Clement Davies, J. Edwards, Cardiff; Miss Mynnie Davies, Builth; Mr. and Mrs. Protheroe, Cwmdare; Mr. and Mrs. A. S. Pleace; Mr. and Mrs. Bert Rake, Bargoed; Mr. and Mrs. Protheroe, Bux- ted; Rev. and MN, R. Jones, St. Fagan s. Miss Joliffe, Miss Daisy Allen, Bridgend; The Misses Price, Trecynon; Mr. Jack and Miss Bessy Thomas, Burryport; Mrs James, Mvnyddislwyn; Mrs. Smith, Bristol; Mr. W. Scott, Aberaman; Messrs. Williams, Caecoed; Mr and Mrs. Williams, Compton House; Mr. D. R. Griffiths, Pantglas; Mr. and Mrs. Harry Rake, Llwydcoed; Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Cox; Mrs* Jones Harris, Argoed; Mr. and Miss Symes, Martock; Mr and Mrs. T. Thomas, Highland Place. The wedded pair went away in the afternoon to spend the honeymoon in Clifton and Bournemouth. The following were the wedding presents:— Bride to Bridegroom, gold seal; Bride- groom to Bride, pearl and amethyst pern dant; Bridegroom to Bridesmaids, pearl and ruby brooches; Mr. G. H. Rake, cheque; Mrs. G. H. Rake, silver fish knives,and forks; Nil" D Tudor Williams, cheque; Mr. and Mrs.. Bert Rake, Wor- cester china; Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Rake, tablespoons; Mr. Sidney Rake, pair of pictures; Mr. Wally Rake, china tea ser- vice Mr. Percy Rake, copper card tray; Mr. and Mrs. G. R. Protheroe, silver tea- spoons; Rev. and Mrs. R. Jones, tea cloth and Church' ervice; Dr. and Mrs. Banks, case of carvers; Mr. and Mrs. D. Daniel. silver-mounted preserve dish; Mr. and Mrs. H. Lacey, silver and glass marmal- ade pot; Miss Symes, Martock, silver- mounted teapot stand; Mr. J. Symes, Martock, silver and cut glas vases; Ir. and Mrs. James Jones, pierced silver vases; Mr. and Mrs. Strickland, silver- mounted preserve dish; Messrs. J. and R. J. Smith, serviette rings and break- fast cruet; Mks Evans, St. Fagan's, silver toast rack; Mrs. Thomas, silver- mounted bread platter; Mr. and Mrs. WT. Eynon, silver-mounted bread platter and knife; Mrs. M. Williams, silver-mounted teapot stand; Mr. and Mrs. T. Thomas, Highland-place, silver cruet; Rev. and Mrs. W. J. Thomas, ivory and silver knife rests; Employees of Ysguborwen Farm, dining room clock; Officials and Workmen Ysguborwen Colliery, silver tea and coffee service, spirit kettle, and tray; Employees of Mr. G. Tudor Wil- liams, oak and silver salad bovri and servers; Mr. and Mrs J. A. Bishop, silver-mounted china salad bowl and servers; Mr. and Mrs. J. Berry, pearl and silver fruit knives; Mr. and Mrs. W. Bishop, cigar case; Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Cox. silver afternoon tea, service; Mr. and Miss Jolliffe, silver-mounted cut- glass claret jug; Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Parrish, silver jar; Mr. and Mrs. Tom Williams, silver cake basket; Mr. and Mrs. David Morgan, oak and silver bis- cuit barrel; Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Pro- theroe, silver-mounted Doulton preserve stand; Mr. Cyrus Thomas, carriage clock; Mrs. John, pair of vases; Mr". Bainton, quilted sofa rug; Mr. and Mrs. T. W. Griffiths, pierced silver sugar castor; Mrs. W. Griffiths, a pair of sheets; Mr. and Mrs. A. S. Pleace, silver Bnd ebony rose bowl; Miss Sarah Grif- fiths, silver jam spoon; Miss L. Brake, coal vase; Mrs. G. M. Evans, "Tai-iaii," silver-mounted pickle jar; Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Morgan, pair of pictures; Rev. and Mrs. Enoch Davies, cheque; Miss)1. Price, silver muffin dish; Miss E. Price, silver fruit stand ;4 Mr. D_. R. Griffiths, silver and cut-glass sardine box; Mr. Richard D. Williams, silver and glass flower epergne; Mrs. Hill, toilet pots; Mrs. Watts, sugar basin and cream jug: Dr. and Mrs. Ryce, silver and glass salad bowl; Mr. M. J. Harris, silver photo frame; Mr. and Mrs. D. Christmas, afternoon tea cloth; Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Mathias, silver toast rack; Misses J. and J. E. Davies, Ynyslwyd, oil painting and Worcester china cup and saucer; Mr. J. P. Jones, Bridgend, umbrella; Mr. and Mrs. S. Elias, chma ornaments; Miss Mynnie Davies, afternoon tea cloth Mr-. M. A. Thomas, fern pot; Miss Williams and Mr Ernest Williams, Caecoed, sauce beat; Mr. Jenkin Jones, case of carvers.

PenPhiwcelbep Sports. The above sports were held on Monday at Glass brook Field. The following were the officials --President, Mr. George; Brvant, Penrhiwceiber; Judges—Mr. T. E. Phillips, M.E., Mr. Ted Lewis, Ponty- pridd; the Rev. J. R. Jones, Vicar of Penrhiwceiber; Mr. Tudor Davies, M.E., Mountain Ash; Mr. J. D. Lisle, Pen- rhiwceiber, and Mr. H. Hale, Mountain Ash. Handicapper, Mr. T. Williams, W.R.F.U., Llwynypia. Starter, Mr. Mackenzie, Aberdare. Clerk of the Course, Mr. Ll. Deere, assisted by Mr. J. Deere. Treasurer, Mr. W. Morris; hon. secretaries, Mr. W. Magor and Mr. E. G. Venn. Walking Handicap Judges, Messrs. W. Andrews, J. Howells, S. Ben- nett, G. Morris, E. Hughes, R. P. Os- borne, and the Rev. D. R. Morgan and others. The Mountain Ash Volunteer Band was in attendance and played some fine selections. Awards:- Walking Handicap (Open). Distance abcut 6i Miles. The following com- peted: Messrs. Rees Bowen, Penrhiw- ceiber, 5 mins.; E. Cannings, Penrhiw- ceiber, 4t minc, W. Nutt, Mountain Ash, 4 mins.; J. Cummings, Cardiff, 1 rain.; G. E. Wessendorff, Barry, scratch; J. Evans, Treorky, 21 mins.; W. Williams, Fleur-de-Lis, 3 mins. 1st, G. E Wessendorff; 2nd, J. Evans; 3rd, J. Cummings. 100 Yards Flat Handicap [hove under 16.—Heat winners: Stephen Jones, Mountain Ash; Gomer Rees, Merthyr; G, 0'. Thomas, Clydach Vale; C. Hos- kins, Cardiff. Final: 1st, Gomer Rees; 2nd, C. Hoskins; 3rd, G. O. Thomas. 120 Yards Flat Handicap (Novice).- Heat winners: Philip S. Thomas, Car- diff, 22yds; R. Harris, Abercanaid, 21; J. E. Thomas, Mountain Ash, 20; Owen Jones, Penrhiwceiber, 20&; G. 0. Thomas, Clydach Vale, 24; T. R. Old- field, Cardiff, 19; J. J. Evans, Ponty- pridd, 20; W. Davies, Swansea, 17-j; J. Loader, Trealaw, 18j; J. Davies, Tre- forest, 18; and T. J. Rees, Fleur-de-Lis. 18. Semi-Final: P. S. Thomas, J. E. Thomas, T. R. Oldfield, J. J. Evans, J. Davies, and J. Loader. Final: let, P. S. Thomas, Cardiff; 2nd, J. E. Thomas, Mountain Ash; 3rd, T. R. Oldfield, Car- diff. 100 Yords Flat Handicap (men over 40). —Heat winners: J. Hayward, Llanbrad- aeh; J. Davies, Penrhiwceiber; C. Grunter, Mountain Ash; D- Davies, Penrhiwceiber. Final: 1st, D. Davies, Penrhiwceiber; 2nd, J. Davies, Penrhiw- ceiber; 3rd, J. Hayward, Llanbradach. 120 Yards Flat Handicap (Open).—1st in each heat to run in semi-final. Heat winners: W. Davies, Ystalyfera, 17oyds; G. Banfield, Pontloftyn, 20; Bert Mor- gan, Penrhiwceiber, 17 £ J. Davies, Tre- forest, 18; W. J. Thomas, Mountain Ash, 20; O. Jones, Penrhiwceiber, 20t; P. Thomas, Penrhiwceiber, 19; A. Ed- wards, Merthyr, 16; W. Fearnley, Car- diff, 16^; H. P. Pike, Mountain Ash, 16; M. J. Barry, Mountain Ash, 19t. Semi- Final (1st heat): 1st and 2nd to run in final: 1, B. Morgan; 2, G. Banfield. 2nd heat: 1, W. J. Thomas; 2, A. Ed- wards. 3rd heat, 1, W. Fearnley; 2, M. J. Barry. Final: 1st, B. Morgan, Pen- rhiwceiber; 2nd, W. J. Thomas, Moun- tain Ash; 3rd, A. Edwards, Merthyr. 300 Yards Flat Handicap (Open).—Heat winners: W. Wiltshire, Abercynon, 54 yards; B. Morgan, Penrhiwceiber, 36; T. J. Rees, Fleur-de-Lis, 36; O. Jones, Penrhiwceiber, 41; H. Cullum, Cardiff, 31; W. Fearnley, Cardiff, 35; S. J. Rees, Pengam, 40; H. P. Pike, Mountain Ash, 32. Final: 1st, W. Wiltshire; 2nd, S. J. Rees; 3rd, Bert Morgan. Choristers Race: let, J. Shipton; 2nd, D. Davies. Tug-of-War (Open). Four te&ms com- peted-Lee and Cynon Team, Park Team, Belle Vue Team, and Cwmcynon Colliery Team: 1st, Lee and Cynon; 2nd, Cwm- cynon Colliery. W At the conclusion of the sports danc- ing on the green and various games were indulged in. Proceeds are in aid of St. Winifred's Church Fund.

Beauty Competition. In the U Crown of Beauty competition of the a Weekly Dispatch," Miss Florrie Morris, Aberaman, is cne of the seven who won a prize of £10 each. In Section III. Miss Morris received the highest number of votes, viz., 1,152. She is albo cue of the twelve who have been selected to compete in the final for the much- coveted crown.

PRINTING of every description neatly and promptly executed at the "Leader" Office, Market-street, Aberdare, at mogi moderate prieeB. | Sight-Testing by a I 1 Fully Qua'ified | 1 Spectacle Ophthalmic | S Fitting °Ptician- | { F. WILLIAMS, F.S.M.C., F.I.O. J >%r (By Examinations), attends PERSONALLY at HIS HOME ADDRESS, mr 38, CANON STREET, ABERDARE (top of Canon Street opposite Constitutional Club.) | Every TUESDAY and FRIDAY from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. or by Appointment. SATISFACTION GUARANTEED. H OCULAR HE A DA CHES & EYE STRAIN corrected by Glasses SCIENTIFICALLY FITTED. ft | Addresses :-38, CANON STREET, ABERDARE, and 88, HIGH STREET, MERTHYR. | *^A

Women's Meeting at Mountain Ash. At the Workmen's Hall last Wednes- day eveii 'rLg, a meeting of the women of Mountain Ash took place. The chair- woman, Mrs. Potter, opering the meet- ing, asked Mr. W. Lamburn (check- weigher) to address them. Mr. Lamb am regretted to see such a poor attendance, especially after the packed meeting they had before. Why were they attempting to get the ladies to induce the men to join the Federation? Simply because it was thought the women would have a b-etter chance and come into closer touch with those who had charge of the house- hold. They would see by the handbills, a copy of which is as follows, the real rk,azon:The ladies of Mountain Ash met in a mass metting on September 5th, 1907, to consider how best to help the men to get all workmen into the Federation before the end of September, and thus avoid a, strike and the awful suffering that must be caused thereby to the little children and others involved. We here- by earnestly appeal to all householders in the district to give 'ill assistance possi- I ble by pressing on all to join and clear their cards at once. If they refuse, then, vhy should they be allowed to be in our midst, and reap the benefits paid for by our husbands, etc. The cause is a worthy one, and we are determined to give all possible assistance to prevent our men being out on strike, and our chil dren suffering thereby." men being out on strike, and our chil dren suffering thereby." The canvassers had come, across women who said they could not see why they should turn lodgers out. He would tell them that the Federation was the best plan to keep wages up, and he would ad- vise those canvassers to ask those women, Was it right, when the rights they en- jcyed had to be paid for. that these non- unionists benefited without paying their quota? He would tell them there were serious times ahead, and if every man working in the collieries was not a. Feder- ationist before the dawn of 1909, there would be a great struggle. He advised the women not to do anything of which they might be ashamed, but something that they might look back on with pride. The result of their labours had already borne fruit, for many men had now joined the Federation. In a sense, they (the women) were acting the part of pickets, and 1t: was lawful to employ peaceful methods, and undoubtedly the peaceful persuasions of the ladies of Mountain Ash had been successful. (Cheers.) The Chairwoman thanked Mr Lamburn for his advice. As a woman 'ihe thought just the same as the men that the union should be paid. It was only a matter of a few coppers, and if the men would not do it, it was only their duty to see that they did. They (the committee) did not ask for bullying', but they could easily ask if their lodger, or sweetheart, or husband was in the -union. It was. announced that there was not a single collier in GlynOwyn Level who was a non-unionist, and there were none in arrears.

Not a Novice. Elizabeth King, a Hirwain hawker, appeared before the Merthyr magistrates on Thursday on two summonses, one for travelling without a ticket on the Great Western Railway from Treharris to Quaker's Yard, and the other for giving a false name and address. Mr. T. Baker Jones prosecuted on behalf of the com- pany. Apparently you are not a novice at doing tricks of this kind said the pre. siding magistrate to the defendant, who was fined 10s and costs for each offence,

Letters to the Editor. I AMBULANCE. Sir,—I wish to congratulate the Fforch- wen ambulance team on their success at the Bedlinog Eisteddfod on Monday, and on former occasions. This young team has done good work in the past. although they are labouring under great difficulties. If they were patronised better they would come on better It is shameful to see the appliances they have to work with, and I as one would be glad if we could supply them with better The names of the team are: T J Griffiths (captain), J P Davies, D Jenkins, D W Evans and B Harris—Yours, INTERESTED

SECULARIST MEETINGS AT ABERDARE. Sir,—There is one slight error in your report of the above which you might cor- rect, as our Christian opponents are only too glad to benefit from an opening, whether intentional or not. You say that I was asked what I should sub- stitute" for the Bible and replied a Shakespeare." I really was asked to name" one book which was better than the Bible and replied accordingly. Had I been asked for a substitute" as a moral guide I should naturally have answered differently. In conclusion, may I say that the interest taken in our meetings, the success of the Aberdare Branch of the, Secular Society, and the energy of the young Freethinkers here, all go to prove that Christianity in Welles as elsewhere is rapidly losing its hold. The idiocy of reversions to barbar- ism in the shape of emotional outbursts inevitably helps to open the eyes of the people to the folly and falsity of Christ- ian superstition.—Yours, etc., H. S. WISHART. I Sir,—I should like to point out that the words "a violent riot" in your re- port of the Secular Society's moetings in your last issue was uncalled for. While undoubtedly there was a certain amount of noise, created mostly by meek and lowly Christians, helped by men who had indulged unwisely in strong drink (a fact that does not reflect much credit upon the long reign of religion), I do not think it warranted the expression a violent net." The Aberdare Secular Society have no desire to create a disturbance; they simply want that tolerance that is so much bcasted of to be extended unto them. If Christians do not agree with them, let them pass by, or reserve their Ic criticism until the proper time; and questions should be addressed to the lec- turer, not to the crowd. The- Secular Society has initiated discussion, which is all it wants to do, for when people begin to discuss anything they begin to think, and to, iliiote one of the workers' leaders who happened to be in the crowd. "It was time the people began to think, in- stead of paying people to do their think ing for them. I am sorry that Mr. Bibbings went out of his way to insult the members of the I.L.P. who are also members of the Secular Society. While he was certainly justified in explaining to the people that the two societies had no connection, to hammer at and elaborate the point was out of place for an I.L.P. organizer. I have been a member of the I.L.P. for several years, and have done quite as much as Mr. Bibbings, according to my individual capacity, lot,- ttt(-, cause of Socialism. During the last election some of the, members of the Secular Society worked side by side with Christians to return Mr. Keir Hardie to Parliament; ay, and it was the Freethinking element tbat defended Mr. Hardie at Saron Hall, when gentle Christians were heaping abuse and slander upon him. During the election, the question was not one of Christianity or Atheism, but Humanity, which is a far higher sphere of thought than Mr. Bibbings ever dreamt of, judg- ing by the fanat'eal way he tried to dis- credit men who are quite as much in earnest as himself. Perhaps his mem- bership of the I.L.P. is of a, too recent date to remember the time when the small faithful Christian and Atheist few who advocated Socialism were treated with the scorn and intolerance that Mr. Bibbings treated the. small faithful few who were advocating Freethought a week last Monday night. For Mr. Bibbings to have said that the crowd was under the impression that the meeting was under the auspicesi of the I.L.P. because he overheard a casual remark, was strain- ing the point to an untruth, for I dis- tinctly stated, after the lecturer had fin- ished speaking that the meeting was held under the auspices of the becuiar Society. Furthermore, I explained that our meeting was closed because a Com- rade Bibbings was billed to speak under the auspices of the I.L.P., and that I hoped all would stay and hear him." If I used the word Comrade out of place, I have only to say that it comes natur- ally to one after doing some years' cam- paigning on behalf of Socialism in a Society where all are supposed to be Coiii.T-ades without distinction. Per- haps Mr. Bibbings has yet to learn that Socialism does not respect creeds but men, and that the Atheist has quite as much right to be under the Red Flag at; say—Mr. Bibbings. I should like if Mr. Bibbings would condescend to kindly answer the follow- ing questions: — 1. Has he authority as an I.L.P. Or- ganizer to attack Atheists from an I.L.P. platform ? 2. Is there anything in the constitution of the I.L.P. that excludes Atheists from membership P 3. Is he aware that fliet-e, are eight members of the Secular Society who are also members of the local I.L.P. Branch, and that others are ex-members of the I.L.P., who, although they have with- drawn their membership, still love the cause, and are still doing their littie bit for the- cause of humanity? 4. Has he been authorised to say that the .local LLP. Branch is "a Christian Society/ and whether the LL P. move- ment was founded for the propagation of politics or Christianity ? 5. Is it in the ethics of Socialism to poke all manner of gory fun at an ad- versary who has fallen in debate? 6. Is it consistent on the pa>-t_of an I.L.P.eer to say in public that which he denies afterwards? An answer would oblige.-Yours, etc., BEN EVANS. 2, Chapel-street, Aberaman.

SUNDAY TRADING. Sir,—Your correspondent, U Anti-Fad. d!-st,"in your last issue, trots out a somewhat ingenious but very futile ar- gument in favour of Sunday trading. I admit that it is one of the weaknesses of the Act that whereas it permits the sale and consumption of certain articles en the premises it prolhibits their consump- tion outside. But rather than abolish the Act, I would favour mending it so as to make the sale of articles on Sunday illegal, irrespective of the place of con- sumption. Much Sunday labour is un- avoidable, but Sunday trading is abso- lutely unnecessary. All refreshments that are required on Sunday can be pro- cured on Saturday, and as for Sunday newspapers, not only are they unneces- sary, but they are a positive curse. Could we not have tike Sunday Closing Act amended in such a way as to make Sunday sales of unnecessary articles pun- ishable at all places and homes? Who will start a public petition to memorial- ise Parliament with that object in view? How would it be to approach our M.P.'s in the mhtter? And why do not the Churches move? If faddism is synon- ymous with religion, then I am pleased to sign mvself FADDIST.

Mountain Ash Jottings. BY "LUCIFER," I notice that the veteran cyclist, Tom James, is on the warpath again. His latest challenge to the champions will come as a bit of a surprise. Considering that 18 years have sped by since Tom first began winning championships, it nothing short of marvellous. May your legs, Tom, never grow less, for I'm sure your pluck won't. I I hope the Post Office authorities will r forgive me for drawing attention to a small matter. I refer to the lamp over the letter-box, ürnetimcs it is lighted and sometimes not, and it is always put out at e;:ght o'clock; why not leave it lighted till the 8.45 despatch has gone? It is exceedingly tiresome fumbling about in the dark, and besides one is not always certain of posting the correct missive. What a number of rag and bone men have been seen lately about our streets. Householders should be on their guard, especially when there are any copper or lead pipes about. It is astounding hew those weary looking nags can hop along when a few pounds of lead or an odd bicycle or two has been stowed on the cart. The Curate of St. Margaret's had a busy time the other evening. No less I than nine children were presented for baptism. Two of these belonged to P.S. Coleman. Now then, seme of you a'j- I eyed bachelors, choose ycur partners, and I procrastinate not ? Those who travel by the T.V.IL train should take note of the fact that the town j clock is a little, more than a minute be- hind the Taff time. I am not going to say which is correct, but I, in company with several others, have missed trains, and a man's language when he misses trains is something similar to that he uses on an obstinate collar-button.

New Showrooms. Messrs. Hall and Sons have opened their new shew rooms opposite the Black Lion Hotel. An inspection of the win- dews is invited. The rooms contain a unique stock, large in quantity, good in quality, and low in price. See advertise- ment on Page 4.

Notes Here and There. BY THE ONLOOKER." It is a surprising thing that once a popular fashion has been set, it does not take a long time before it becomes quite a. rage throughout the country. The latest craze is that of Limerickites, and many are the craniums which are stretched in order to End last lines to the- poetical (?) effusions which are issued by most of our weekly journals. We are afraid that if this craze con- tinues a great' responsibility will devolve upon the caretakers of OUT lunatic asy- lums in the immediate future. We have personally noticed of late a few men walking about striving to form catchy phrases or to hit upon a pun to send m to their favouritel paper. They cannot rid their minds of ideas connected with Limerick competitions1, and the faces they assume on occasions are desperate in the extreme. We are afraid that they are also losing a great deal of rest through burning the "midnight oil" in their frantic endeavours to think of something that will catch the judge's fancy. What the result of all this will-be we dare not prognosticate. Of course-, it will be all right for the publishers of rhym- ing dictionaries. It will also afford a little additional means of obtaining in- come to the newspaper proprietors who deduct 10 per cent. for expenses upon the various sums of a thousand pounds and over which are contributed weekly. As for the Post Office staffs who have to supply the sixpenny postal orders, we have nothing but sympathy; but if they can work overtime owing to the rush and get paid for' it, of course, they will no doubt appreciate the beneficial results as well. The aspect of the question which ap- peals to us most, however, is the liter- ry one. To think that this compara- tively new form of metre in poetry should be mercilessly mutilated by hun- dreds of persons week after week is piti- ful indeed. There were plenty of novices as poets with us before, but their num- ber will surely be augmented now. We shall probably read in the future hand- books on English literature of some (as yet) "iniite and inglorious Miltons ris- ing suddenly to fame in the year 1$07 through their brilliant display of gen- ius in their Limerick compositions. The sources through which editors can attract the attention of their readers who are of a competitive turn of mind seem to be inexhaustible. At one time the missing word" competition was all the go. Then came the "hidden treas- uie," with all the fuss and topsy-turvy- dom which followed in its wake. Now we have quite a novelty, however, in the Beauty Competition which is promoted by one of the London Sunday news- papers. A Crown is to be given to the female who will be adj udged to be most beautiful amongst the final competitors who will be drawn from all parts of the United Kingdom. Our worthy ministers and clergymen will doubtlessly ridicule the idea of striving for this earthly crown, and bid people to aim for the crown which is to be won in the life hereafter. Like all royal treasures, this "crown of beauty" will only perish in the dust, but it will in the meantime give the, lady who wins it the satisfaction of knowing that she will be considered almost as a goddess by her people. Her name will be banded down to posterity through the medium of the new journalism which is rampant at the present day, and perhaps she will be bracketed with Joan of Arc or Florence Nightingale, upon the role of fame, for having endured such a severe ordeal as this competition will entail. A writer in the H Nationalist;" that new and non-political publication which deals with Welsh life, comments in the September number upon the National Eisteddfod which has just been held at Swansea. His comments upon t,he whole are favourable enough, and it is evident that he has been highly pleased with the proceedings. He states in one place, however, Heaven be praised we did not once hear that execrable word 'rendition' from the mouth of any one of the musij cal adjudicators at the Eisteddfod. n Quite right. But had he notice,d the re- ports which appeared in the Swansea daily newspapers day after day he would have found this word used with painful recurrence. But there, where we least expect correctness it is most often found. and those whom we would expect to find above error are most apt to disappoint I us in the end. As to the Eisteddfod itself, a good deal could be said with regard to the necessity for amending the arrange- ments. We understand that Gwili has advocated the use of a tent for literary competitions apart from the pavilion it- self, so as to avoid boring the audience, and at the same time give complete satis- faction to competitors We think that this would be an eminently suitable man- ner of disposing of present grievances, for it cannot be denied that whilst the literary adjudicators are delivering their verdicts—even though the subject be the chair poem itself—the people become quite restless, and always heave a sigh of relief when it is over. The consequence of this procedure is that adjudicators in time go to avoid giving the merits and demerits of com- petitors altogether, and simply announce hClll the platform the pseudonym or (very frequently) the proper name of the winner. Now this is not by any means a desirable custom, because adjudicators should be demanded to give a detailed adjudication in each subject. It is al- most impossible to obtain this after the Eisteddfod is over, and therefore the only remedy, in our opinion, lies m the adoption of a separate tent for literary events, as in the arts and crafts section.

Challenge. Tom James, Mountain Ash, is prepared to ride Jim Benyon or Syd Jenkins 220 yards against the watch, with an allow- ance of li seconds, for £100 a-side. If 2 neither accepts, he is prepared to ride any amateur or professional in England or Wales, the best of three races, viz., quarter, half, and one mile, for £100 a-side on Pontypridd Track. Sporting life" to be stakeholder and appoint referee. Advt.

Printing of every description done neatly and promptly at the "Leader" Office.\ Coloured work a speciality. 9, Visit drawing to a close. Mrs Clara E. Slater* (OF SOUTHPORT). Largest Belt-Maker in England MONDAY, SEPT. 23rd, ROYAL TEM- PERANCE HOTEL, ABERDARE, THURSDAY, SEPT. 26th. VICTORIA CAFE, VICTORIA STREET, MER- THYR TYDFIL. SATURDAY, SEPT. 28th. at Mrs. Woods, The Cottage, Gas Road, Ponty- pridd. Hours: 2 to 5 p.m. MRS. CLARA E. SLATER (of Southport) was unable to see all the patients that visited her at Aberdare a few weeks ago, and has, therefore, decided to see patients as above for a short time only. As before on previous visits all advice will be free. Mrs. Slater's skill on all in- ternal diseases of women has been proved by thousands in this district- She is still pursuing her mission against the use of inward instruments. Extracts from a few lectors will speak for themselves: DON'T PUT IT OFF ANY LONGER. It is important that any wishing to her should lose no time in doing s0- Your neighbours on every side, can testi- fy to the benefit they have derived from her treatment. Ladies! Mrs. Slater has a Mission! It is to bring relief to the sufferers of her own sex. Her experience is unequalled. Over 80,000 Women have passed through her hands. Instruments create Ulcer- ation, Tumour, Cancer. Mrs. Slater's Appliances Render Their Use Unneces- sary. She is brought to Wales mainly by sufferers being sent from old cus- tomers. READ THE FOLLOWING: — From Merthyr. Dear Mrs. Slater,—I am writing to thank you. For 20 years I have been suffering from an internal complaint and tried all kinds of instruments, until I got that I could not get upstairs to bed- I came to see you four years ago, and re- ceived one of your Appliances and it has been worth a thousand pounds to me, I can walk any distance and do anything now I feel- so well, better than I have done for 20 years. I think I am a re- markable case, seeing that J am 68 years of age, so it speaks well for your appliance and treatment. I wish every poor sufferer could see you and have the good I have had. Wishing you a. long life in your noble work—Yours very truly, Mrs. C., from Merthyr. From Mountain Ash. ) Dear Mrs. Sl;,iter,-For years I have had a pain in rny left side and the bot- II tern of my back, and could not bear to stand or walk. I always wanted to be sitting or lying dawn. I could not bear to ride in a train, I got so had. A fnend or mine who had one of your Ap- pliances, advised me to see you, and I am thankful I did because I am a, new woman. All the place knows my case. I can do anything. I feel .so well. Agaill thanking you—I am, your truly, Mrs. S., Mountain Ash. From Aberdare. "My dear Mrs. Slater,"—I thank yoll very much for your goodness and kind- ness towards me, and for the benefit I have received by wearing one of your Belts. I have been a terrible sufferer for many years. I have been an in- patient at the Hospital, and an out- patient too, and I have tried every to- ward instrument, but none ever did JJ1 any good till I came to you at Cardiff. Some years ago I got one of your Belts, and I thank you very much for the com- fort I have received by wearing it. lieve me to be, yours truly, Mrs. E.B" from Aberdare. Stout Ladies must oa no account n1Í6S Mrs. Slater's visit. A STOUT LADY LOST FIVE STONE. Writing to Mrs. Slater, she said :— wag only 28 years old, and weighed eighteen stone before I began to take your advice. I have gone down 5 and only weigh 13 stone now, and never felt better in my life. I wish every stout woman could see you- It is worth gold uncounted." „ RUPTURES, WOMAN'S INWARD WEAKNESSES CURED WITHOUT OPERATIONS OR INWARD INSTRU- MENTS. Stout Ladicv, the Compress Belt re- duces the measurement 4 to 8 inches. v. FOR FURTHER PARTICULARS SEp MRS. SLATER AT ONCE. ESS- ALL ADVICE FREE. NOTE ADDRESS- HOURS 2 to 5 Sharp. Printed and Published at their Printing Works, Market Buildings, Mar*«J Street, Aberdare, in the County Glamorgan, by the proprietors, II Pugh oad J. L. Boirlande. )