The Aberdare Leader

The late Mr. James Bosher, Aberdare. BY PHOF'. T. W. CHANCE, M.A, CARDIFF. Mr. James Bosher, ex superintendent of the Prudential Insurance Company, passed away at his residence, Holborn House. Aberdare, after a prolonged and painful illness. He was a native of Merthyr Tydvil, and had been for many years prior to his removal to Aberdare. a prominent and highly re- spected citizen of the town. He died at a comparatively early age, being in his 62nd year. He begun his career at the Lower Dnn'ryn Colliery;, Mountain Ash. at an early age. When quite a lad he had a rather miraculous escape from death in the mine. A fall of roof took place, under which he was buried. While courageous and loving hands were striving to free him another fall occurred, under which he was again buried. Once more his heroic friends endeavoured to free him, and yet again another fall took place, thus neutral- ising the efforts of the noble band of workers. After many hours of anxious toil lie was released, and to the glad surprise of all he was found to be alive..Months of careful nursing com- pletely restored him to health. Another incident of interest in the early life of Mr. Bosher is connected with the life of Mr. Mat Keating. M.P. Tney were oth working at the time In the Navi- gation Colliery at Mountain Ash. Mr. Keating was then only a small lad. He was standing in the front rank of those who were waiting at the pit bot- tom to ascend, when the pressure of the men behind caused him to lose his foet- ing. and when he was in the act of fall- ing into the sump underneath the descending cage. Mr. Bosher caught him by the hair of his head, thus saving him from what must have been instan- taneous death. In a tetter of sympathy written to the family from the House of Commons on the 12th inst., Mr. Keat- ing says "1 am deeply grieved to hear the sad news of your father's death. I always had an affectionate respect for him, and admired his high character and warm-hearted nature. I owe to his courage and his promptitude the greatest debt any man could owe another, because he saved me from death when I was a lad." In early manhood Mr. Bosher emigrated r1 America, and settled down at Arnot, U.S.A. While there he married Miss Evans, of Mountain Ash, sister of the late Rev. Benjamin Evans, for many years pastor of GadJys Baptist Church, Aberdare. The marriage was a happy one, a true union of hearts, and Mrs. Bosher proved herself during their 40 years of life together a valuable help- meet. After 21 years he returned to 2 the Homeland, and settled down at Mountain Ašh; following his former occupation as a miner. Eventually he left the colliery and took up an agency under the Prudential Insurance Com- pany. On account of his successful work as agent he was soon promoted to the post of Assistant Superintendent, and later to the position of Superin- tendent, serving in this capacity at Dowlais, Merthyr and Aberdare. About two years ago, having attained the age of 60, he was superannuated. In was in 1900 that Mr. Bosher and his staff came in for honourable mention at the annual banquet of the Prudential Com- pany. They had secured the largest volume of new business of all the dis- tricts during that year. Mr. Bosher stood high in the estimation of his em- ployees as a capable and competent man of business, and he ever command- ed the esteem and affection of those who served under him. As a poet he displayed good literary ability. Many of his poems appeared in the local papers. One of his best compositions was "The Crucinxion," a poem de- livered in many places of worship in the district and illustrated by means of lime-light views of scenes in the life of Jesus during Passion week. The fol- lowing are some of those who sent letters of appreciation of his efforts:— The Prime Minister, Mr. H. H. As- quith; Mr. Winston Churchill; Mr. D. Lloyd George, Ex-President Roosevelt. Lord Merthyr, Dr. John Ciln'ord, and Rev. F. B. Meyer; also Queen Alex- andra for a poem on the death of King Edward VII. The following stanzas are given not because they represent the best poetry he ever wrote, but because they are an eloquent expression of the bent of his strenuous and useful life Britain needs men with a purpose Determined and nxed from their youth To nght for God and their country In uplifting the banner of truth. Men who in early manhood Will stand for justice and right, Men who will help to make the lot Of their fellowmen cheerful and bright. Men who will stand for the right to think And act unswervingly For freedom of conscience twixt man and his God, Religious equality. Mr. Bosher was for many years a member of the Merthyr Branch of the Cymrodorion, and was one of the few allowed to read their compositions in English. As a Christian worker he rendered great assistance to the churches with which he had been associ- ated from time to time. On his return from the States he joined the Church at Nazareth, Mountain Ash. His musical gifts were soon discovered, {'i.d he was invited to become the conductor of the singing. He served the church in this capacity for 14 years, and was instrumental in building up a large and efficient choir. Similar service was rendered by him to the churches at Beulah. Dowlais, and Morlais, Mer- thyr, and at the latter place some very successful concerts were organised by him in aid of the church funds. The church at Carmel, Aberdare, has also enjoyed the benefit of his enterprise, enthusiasm, and experience. In con- junction with Mr. D. M. John, he in- augurated the children's lantern ser- vice which is held every Sunday even- ing, and regularly attended by more than 500 children. No sketch, how- ever, of Mr Bosher's splendid character and sterling worth would be complete without a reference to his influence in the home. It was here that his light shone brightest, and his character was seen at its best. He was a model hus- band, and father, and his home, the abode of true p?ety and genuine happi- ness. Ten children were born to him— five sons and nve daughters. These have all been wel) educated, and no sacrifice was considered too great where the intellectual interests of his chil- dren were concerned. One of his sons is an architect, another an electrician. a third assistant at the Aberdare Gas Works, while a fourth has nearly com- pleted his University education, and will sit his final B.Sc. examination in June next. Two of his daughters are certificated teachers., while the others are in respectable positions. Surely such a record as this is sumcient to gladden the heart of the most ambitious parent, and at the same time forms an index to the deceased's affectionate re- gard for his children. Well may his sons and daughters keep fragrant the memory of such a noble and devoted father. He is with us no more, but his influence abides. "To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." All that loving hands and !oyal hearts could do to prolong his life was done. but without avail, and after many ironths of suffering he succumbed to his dread malady, passing away to his re- ward amid the lamentations of n great company of relatives and friends. The great .concourse of people assembled in the cemetery was a token of the wide- spread esteem in which he was held, and the deep sympathy felt with the family in their sore bereavement. As we re- view his life we can truly say Life's work well done, Life's race well run Life's crown well won, And now comes rest. The mortal remains of Mr. Bosher were interred at the Aherdare Cemetery on Thursday. The mourners were: Mrs. Bosher, widow; the Misses Sarah. Edith, Lily. Gertie and Elsie, daughters; David. Gwilym, Alfred, George, and Luther, sons; Messrs. John Bosher, Ahertridwr. and George Bosher, New Tredegar, brothers; Henry Bosher, Aberaman, step-brother; Wm. Evans. Mountain Ash, brother-in-law; Mrs. PhiIIips and Mrs. Wm. Evans, Mountain Ash; Mrs. Geo. Bosher, New Tredegar; Mrs. John Nicholas, Whitchurch, sisters-in-law; Mr. Henry Evans, Dowlais, uncle; Messrs. B. Evans, Mountain Ash; Benj. Evans, Penydarren; Gwilym Evans and Harry Evans, Pontypridd, nephews; Mark Nicholas, W hitchurch; William George Bosher, Aber; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas George Bosher, Hengoed; Mr. and Mrs. John A. Bosher;. New Trede- gar. The officiating ministers were the Revs. A. B. Kinsey, B.A., B.D., Aber- dare, and Professor T. W. Chance, M.A., D.D., Cardin. The bearers: Messrs. D. Hammond, Prudential SLpt., Aberdare; Henry John, Supt. at Ff.ntypridd; T. WiHiams, Gadlys, ani I.siae Jones, LIwynypia, representatives 0+ Prudential, Ald. Wm. Jones, Moun- tain Ash; Wm. Bryant, Carmel English Bnptist Church, Aberdare; William Evnon, M.E.. Carmel Sunday School; Frank G. Hek, Aberdare. Floral tributes were sent by Mother and family; Messrs. Warlow and War- low, Merthyr; Miss Abraham, Aber- dare; Miss Ethel Gould, Coin; Miss Lizzie Lewis, Merthyr; Misses L. and A Davies. Aberdare; Master Reggie Jones, grandson, Dowlais; Miss Flo Chambers, Smethwick; Co. "The Girl or the Forest," Wednesbury; The South Wa!es Accessories Co. and Staff; Miss Sadie Walters, Aberdare; Carmel Lan- tern Children; Carmel Lantern Com- mittee; Twvnvrodyn Girls' School Staff; Mrs. Hek, Mr. F. G. Hek, and Mrs. T. Da vies; Mr. Moon. Bowlish, Somerset; Aberdare Staff of the Pru- dential, harp with broken string.— Messrs. John Morgan and Son (Aber- dare), Ltd., were the undertakers. At Carmel (B.) Church on Sunday evening the Rev. A. B. Kinsey made appreciative and touching references to the departuce of the late Mr. Bosher. Prof. Tom Jones played the Dead March" in "Saul," all the congregation upstanding.

Football. Association.—Welsh League, Division 1.—On Monday at Mid-Rhondda the Darians were again on the losing side, the home team winning by two goals to one. Lew Tippett was a. conspicuous ngure in the ranks of the Rhonddaites. The Aberdare goal underwent a severe bombardment, but thanks to a fine dis- play by Harry Jeffreys in goal and Bil- son and Goodwin at baok the Mushrooms were only able to put on two goals. Geo Phillips responded for Aberdare. Fred Rose and Martin did not turn out. Gar- net Davies and Pillinger with Bob Nash making up the half-back line. On Saturday the Darians again visit Mardy, this time in a. Southern League game. A few weeks ago they received a severe drubbing in a Welsh League match, but on that occasion several of the nrst eleven were unable through injuries to take the field. The following will re- present the Dariaiis --Goal, Jeffreys; backs. Goodwin and Bilson; half-backs, Fred Rose. Martin, and Na6li; forwards, Bennett, Holden, Geo Phillips, Grimtbs. and Thornton. Harry Boxley. who formerly ngured in the ranks of Gilfach, and who signed Southern League forms for Abprnare, is now playing a fine game for Shrews- bury in the Birmingham League.

Grand Theatre, Aberaman. That popular musical comedy, The Gay Gordons." is going right merrily this week. It is a very bright and vivacious show with plenty of sparkle and H snap" in it. Playing with a vim and liveliness that is irrespressible Mr Reginald Sharland is all that he should be as Angus Graeme, the long-lost Earl of Meltrose. This happy-go-lucky and high-spirited hero, with a heroine possessing all the vivacity and charm of Miss Constance Clive, is enough to stamp the U Gay Gordons as a top hole show. There are other good features in the musical comedy, Nervey Nat, the old showman with his Punch and Judy out- fit, his stock of dramatic tags. and his domestic encumbrances, is admirably portrayed by Mr JamM Craig, who crowds on every inch of fun, being ably supported in his entertaining by the diverting Charlotte Siddons of Miss Edie Martin, and the quaint Edmund Siddons of Mr W. H. Desmond. Th" pretty daughter of the Siddons who, for the magnincpnt salary of Y,10 an hour with no deduction for Insurance stamps, changes places with the millionaire's daughter in order that the latter may prove her belief that money makes the lovers come out like worms after a shower, is daintily taken by Miss Ruby Louis; the millionaire himself being made Silver Kingly impressive by Mr G. B. Gordon. Miss Emily Mellon as the foster mother of Angus turns on the now of healthy sentiment with an able hand. Some charming songs are ren- dered by Miss Nellie Beacon, her duet. H T love you," with Mr Eric Ford being sweetly pretty and enthusiastically en- cored.

CWMAMAN. FOR ASTHMA, bronchitis, tight- chest, dimculty of breathing, try Emrys' Cough-Ease. It cuts the phlegm and clears the tubes. HERE WE ARE at last-cold wintry weather. For this week-end only we are offering the remainder of our Blanket Coats at 10s lid. each, worth 16s. lid. to 29s. lid. We are also showing some very reasonably priced Ready-to-Wear Hats for early Spring. See Windows.—J. M. Evans', Gadlys. I.L.P. On Tuesday evening an inter- esting debate took place at the No. H Committee Room under the auspices of the local branch between Mr Arthur I'.trr (Liberal) and Mr J. T. Norman (Social- ist) on Is thrift beneficial to the work- ing-classes F" Comrade J. T. Job occu- pied the chair. MOR1AH AMAN CYMDEITHAS Y PLANT.—The usual weekly meeting was held on Tuesday evening. Mr. D. Evans presided. Solos, etc., were given by Gladys Thomas, Lily Morse. Ellen May Evans, May Lewis, Myrddin Isaac, Elizabeth J. Jones, Blodwen Thomas. and Islwyn Thomas. Benjamin .). Howells accompanied on the organ. The children sang "Hoff yw'r It'su." Thf chairman gave a short address on Alcohol and its Effects." Miss M. E. Owen is secretary. SEION Y.P.S. On Tuesday evening a paper was read by Miss M. J. Evans on Florence Nightingale." The readt'i' was complimented on her most able paper. The following also took part: —Missp- Lizzie George, Maggie Jones. Maggie il- liams.R.A. Thomas, Annie Mathews. Hannah Phillips, Lizzie J. Williams, Mr. Jessie Eees, Mrs Mary George. Mrs Hannah Rees, Messrs John Davies, K\an Thomas. Gwilym Morgan, John Mathews. John Lewis. Llewelyn George, WiUie Morgans, Tom Isaac, David Reefs, Harold Humphreys, and Rev. W. H. Lewis. Mr Gomer Thomas made an ideal chairman. SOAR M.I.S. On Tuesday evening a competitive meeting was held. when the following were the winners:—Transla- tion, David Lloyd; pitching four hymn- tunes, divided between David Davids. Robert Davies, and David Lloyd; six questions on general knowledge, divided between Johnny Davies and Oswald Davies; making a sentence, divided between W. H. Davies, Richard Lloyd. and David Lloyd; translating, W. 0. Llovd; naming authors, divided between W/ 0. Lloyd and W. H. Davies; impromptu dialogue. David Lloyd and W. Henry Davies. Mr John Jones-, Bui*ns Street, was the chairman.

ABERAMAN. I HAVE YOU SEEN the new Boot Shop at 1, Canon Street, opposite Post Oihce. Special prices for this week: Men's Boots at &s. lid. and Ms. 6d.; Ladies' Boots at 6s. lid. and 8s. lid. YSGOLDY SILOA. A successful competitive meeting was held at Ysgoldy Siloa on Monday. The adjudicators were: Music. Miss L. Joties. Abernant: litera- ture, Mr William John Harries. Aber- ainan. Awards: Recitation for children i under 10, prize divided between M. May i Buxton and B. Llewelyn; 2nd. M. M. ? Evans. Solo for children. Myfanwy Jones. Translation for children under 11, divided between W. Jones and W. Goronwy. Solo under 14, l.st, divided between Marjorie Thomas and Agnes James: 2nd. Hilda Ijtewetyn. Memory! test. Mr James Hughes. Ear test on music. Mr David Stephens. The Rev. D. Silyn Evans presided. The secretary was Mr Thomas Parry. SARON Y.P.S. The society held a competitive meeting on Tuesday evening. Mr Thoma.s Evans. Brynheulog, presided. The adjudicators were: Music, Mr T. Job Davies; literature, Mr W. J. Harries. The accompanist was Mr Gwilym J. Jenkins. Awards: Soprano solo. prize divided between Misses Mary Phillips and Mary Hannah Lewis. Solo for males, divided between David Phillips and Ben Leach. Solo under 10, C. Bvan. Recitation under 10. M. M Evans. Open recitation for adults, T. M. Llovd. Impromptu speech, divided be- tween Mrs Gri'nths and James Hughes. Essav. 1st. T. M. Lloyd; 2nd. James; Hughes. Chief choral, Fe welir Scion M v wawr The Woodlands, conductor. Mr 'W. J. Jenkins. Miss S. Williams acted as treasurer. The secretary was Mr Evan Perkins. DEATH. Mrs Dora Mason, wife of Mr Morgan Mason, 29. Brynheulog Ter- race. parsed away on Thursday last.. Decea.ed was 66 years of age. She was buried at the Aberdare Cemetery on Tuesday last. The oniciating minister was the Vicar of Aberaman. The append- ed were the mourners: Husband: Messrs James Arthur and Alfred Mason. sons: Messrs James Harries and Ben Jamef!. Gwauncaegurwen. sons-in-law; James Brewer. Dinas. uncle; Messrs Er- nest and Sidnev Brewer. Tom Evans. and Fred Eestte. Senghenydd. cousins; Mrs James Harries. Mrs Ben James, daughters; Mrs A. Mason, daughter-n'- law; Mrs James Brewer, aunt: Mrs D. Evans and Mrs Fred Kestle. Senghen- vdd. nieces; Mrs Ben Evans. Mrs Thomas Hughes, Mrs Rees, and Mrs James. Floral tributes were sent by the family, Miss L. Hughes, and Miss Rhoda Mason. daughter, JUBILEE MEETINGS to celebrate the wiping away of the debt were held on Sunda v' and Monday last at Beulah English Baptist Church. On Sunday the pulpit was occupied by the Rev. W. R. Lüwis, Scion, Cwmaman. On Monday afternoon the Rev. E. C. Gamble, pastor. presided. He spoke highly of the ex- cellent work done by the church to bring about this jubilee. Addresses were given by the Revs. A. B. Kinsey, Car- mel, Aberdare. and the Rev. W. R. Lewis, Scion. Cwrnama-n; also by the following deacons: Messrs George Mo&eft, Henrv Bosher. and Eli Miles. Mr Thomas Moses also gave an excellent ad- dress. A public tea was provided, when the following ladies attended:—Mrs Evans, Mrs Joues. Mrs George Moses. Mrs Burt, and Mrs E. C. Gamble. In the evening the Rev. W. R. Lewis again preached. The treasurer of the church is Mr Henry Bosher, and the secretary Mr Arthur Williams. INSTITUTE'S ANNUAL MEETING. —The annual meeting of the Public Hall I and Institute was held on Tuesday even- ing last. Mr Ben Stephens.. the retiring chairman, presided. Agenda: Com- mittee's report of the last half year's work by Mr W. W. Price, secretary.— Auditors' report by Messrs David Abra- ham and D. J. Phillips.—Notice of mo- tion from the Aberaman Colliery: "That Rule 14 of the Constitution be altered, MO that the elections of the colliery re- presentatives take place at the general meetings of the collieries and not at the annual and half-yearly meetings of the Hall and Institute members." This was lost.—To elect vice-chairman and one auditor—Messrs Willie Davies, vice- chairman, and Tom Price, auditor.—The following were elected a committee:— Messrs W. Collier, chairman; W. H. Bowen. treasurer: W. Efor Jones, assis- tant secretary; W?. W. Price, general secretary; Fforchaman: J. H. Parring- ton. T. J. Eynon. Evan Williams; Cwm- neol: Dan Hughes; Aberaman Tom Bowen, J. Davies. David Lewis, Ben Evans; Cwmaman: J. H. Morgan, T. J. Evans; Shop-Assistants, E. J. Bodger; Brickyard, John Davies; Yardman, R. M. Evans; Enginemen and Stokers: G. Wilcox; Outside Public: Tom Male; For Trustees: J. Lee, M. Thomas; Ad- ditional. A. Eedward. S. H. Stephens, Phil Jones, William Seymour. D. Abra- ham. It was decided to convert the Lesser Hall and No. :{ Committee Room into billiard rooms, and the present billiard room into a Lesser Hall. The seven members on the Y.M.C.A. com- mittee. including the secretary, were re- elected.

ABEROARE. HAVE YOU VISITED the new Boot Shop opened bv W. U. Lewis. late Public Benent Boot Co. Specialities in Men's Working Boots and Children's Nailed Boots.—1, Canon Street, opposite Post Oihce. SEION (W.).-Thc pulpit of the above church on Sunday evening last was oc- cupied bv the Rev. A. C. Pearce. Moun- tain Ash:- ,ho preached from 1. Timothy vi. 17-19.. CHURCH DEFENCE. At a large meeting arranged by the Committee for Church Instruction and Defence, and held at the Victoria Rooms, Clifton, last week. the principal speaker was the Rev. Dr. Green, vicar of Aberdare. The chair- man was the Lord Bishop of Bristol. LO.G.T. On Monday the fortnightly meeting of the Diogelwch Lodge was held at Soar Vestrv under the presidency of Mrs Lewis, C.T. A very interesting paper was read by Mrs Abel. She dealt with tho drink frame from several as- pects. The following took part in the discussion:—Bros. W. Walters; Daniel Jones, chaplain; W. J. Jones; E. L. Evans. treasurer; John Lewis, secretarv; R. W. Gray, P.C.T.. and the C.T. An address was given by the Visiting Deputy from the Hirwain Lodge., who car/'ied with her the fraternal greeting of that lodge. Thanks were accorded to Mrs Abel for her paper, and the meeting was terminated by the Chaplain. BETHANIA LITERARY SOCIETY. On Tuesday evening Mr John Mills (Y Tarianydd) delivered a most interesting and instructive lantern lecture to the above society, entitled H An Hour in Egypt." The manipulator of the lantern was Mr David Davies. Cardiff Street, who did his work most eSiciently. Tne lec- ture and slides were full of interest from beginning to end. every item being fully dealt with by the lecturer, who has been in Egypt more than once. Several his- torical relics were shown, which added greatly to the interest. The chair was taken by Mr David Grimths. in the un- avoidable absence of the pastor, the Rev. W. Davies, M.A. The following spoke a few words:Messrs \V. B. Stephens, D. Timothy Davies, B.A.. E. O¡:wen Wil- liams, F.R.G.S.. and Tom Evans. PEARL LIFE ASST [,'A-('E CO. The staff of the Trecynon District were invited to a knife and fork tea by the genial superintendent, Mr Sam Thomas, at }\Iilps' Restaurant. After an excellent spread Mr W. Williams, generaL super- intendent. was voted to the chair, and he gave a very interesting address on life assurance. He was highly pleased at the good results accomplished, by Mr Thomas and his staff during last year, and he was coniident that the Trecynon District would do well this year again.— Mr E. Edwards, O.B. inspector, followed in an interesting speech. Mr Thomas, he said. was a good ordinary business getter; for the red letter week he came nrst in the division. Mr T. J. Howells. Mountain Ash, congratulated Mr Thomas upon his success.—Mr Dan Evans. agent at Trecynon, presented Mr Thomas with a photo group of the staff, beautifully framed, and suitably in- scribed as follows: —" The Pearl Life Assurance Co., Ltd., Trecynon District Staff.—Presented to Mr Samuel Thomas (district superintendent) by his staff in commemoration of the district taking nrst place on honours list of H.H. Division for Industrial and O.B. special weeks, November 6th and December 8th, 1912.January, 1913." He also presented Mr George Lewis, assistant superinten- dent. with a similar gift.—Mr Sam Thomas thanked the various friends for being present and the staff for present- ing him with such a beautiful portrait. He was determined to do his utmost for the Pearl Co. He then presented Agent E. A. Grimths. for obtaining the most ordinary branch premiums for the last quarter of the year. with a gold medat (lst prize). Mr Dan Evans was presented with a fountain pen (second prize). Mr H. Morris. Aberdare superintendent, spoke verv highlv of the superintendent of Trecvnon and- the staff.—The Rev. H. T. Stephens, Carmel. also gave a brief address. Mr Sam Thomas had been a. great help to him at all times. Wnat- ever ho would take in hand he would do it with all his might. He (the speaker) believed in the Pearl Assurance, and he wished those present every success in their work.—Messrs Geo. Lewis, assis- tant; J. E. Jones, assistant, and W. R. John. general assistant, also addressed the meeting.

)'———' .?? Fof GOOD & REHABLE I FURNITURE, go to I Victor Freed. ONE OF THE LARGEST STOCKS IN WALES TO SELECT FROM. 4 Oxford St.,Mounted Aah. J. ????M———-———*—?MM??tM??? Haggar's Mountain Ash. Thursday, Friday and Saturday Feb.20,21&22, And Grand Matinee on Saturday at 3 o'ctock. GREAT ATTRACTION 'ARidetoOeath' A Sensational and Exciting Drama in three parts; also an all star programme of the pick of the Piccnre World. MONDAY NEXT (by Special Request) WE ARE SHOWING 'THE BLACK MASK' The Film that causes a great sensation wherever shown. Don't Miss it WHY PAY MOREP NOTE OUR PRICES G'*anu!ated Sugar 6!ba for 8!d. 2 Butter, the Best 1/1 pertb. Potatoes 4/9 per bag Sa!<?on C?d per tin. Cand!M 7!d. per Pkt. 2 Starch (5!bs Pkt.) 1/- to c!ear WILLIAMS & CO., SUPPLY STORES. ABERDARE. And JAM POT SrOttES, CWNlAMAN