The Aberdare Leader

,11 I.I —. Eating Unripe Blackberries. Inquest on Abernant Child. At the Rhos Wenallt Hotel. Aber- nant, on Friday, Mr. R. J. Rhys, coroner, enquired into the circum- stances of the death of May Jones, 7 years of age. Mrs. Mary Hannah Evans, 16 Fothergill Street, said that the de- ceased was her adopted child. The name of the child's mother was Emily Jones. Witness had noticed that there was something wrong with the deceased 7 weeks ago. he was not a strong child. It was on Thursday, after coming home from a chapel meeting, that the deceased was taken ill. She complained of stomach pains, and said that she had been eating green blackberries. The I little girl died on Tuesday, Aug. 19. Ethel May Evans, of Abernant, a little girl 8 years of age, said she was with May Jones picking blackberries at the back of Richmond Terrace. She (witness) ate a lot, but they had not done any harm to her. Coroner: You had better eat no more of them, or you will suffer. Dr. Holmes deposed that the de- ceased came to his surgery on Fri day morning, Aug. 15th. She was very feverish and was vomiting. The probable cause of this was that she had eaten green blackberries. She was a delicate child, and the immedi- ate cause of death was exhaustion. The jury returned a verdict in ac- cordance with the medical evidence.

Funeral of Mr Roger Jones. Aberdare. The interment of Mr Roger Jones (whose death was reported in last week's issue) took place on Thursday at the Aberdare Cemetery, when a large num- ber of his friends and acquaintances attended. The members of the local branch of the I.L.P. attended, wearing their badges. The Rev. J. Morgan Jones, M.A.. Tabernacle, officiated at the house, and at the graveside Mr Jones and the Rev. E. J. Gruffydd, Bethel, Trecynon. The mourners were: First coach, Mrs C. Jones, widow; Mrs Rebecca Jones, mother; Mrs Abraham, sister; Mrs S. A. Jones, sister-in-law; Miss M. A. Lewis and Mrs E. Davies, cousins; 2nd coach, Mrs Griffiths, mother-in-law Mrs 'Richards, sister-in- law; Mrs Adams and Mrs Powell, cousins; 3rd coach. Mr D. Thomas, Pontyeates, uncle; Mr J. Thomas, Blaen- avon; Mrs Thomas, Treorky, cousins, and Miss Edmunds, Pontyeates; 4th coach, Misses L. E. Jones, May and Maggie Abraham, nieces; Master Ted Jones, cousin, and Mrs Gwennie Rees, cousin; 5th coach, Mrs Fish and Mrs Powell, Pontneathvaughan, cousins; Mrs Lloyd, Mrs Gentle, and Mrs Thomas; 6th coach, Mrs Blight, Ystrad, and Mrs Mary Jones, Godre- aman, cousins; Mr and Mrs John Lloyd (overman), Cwmbach; 7th coach, Mrs Jenkins, Mrs Ellis, Mrs Rogers, Mrs Gray, and Mrs Davies; 8th coach, Mr and Mrs Joseph Phillips and Mrs Thomas. The mourners following the hearse were: Messrs Daniel Jones, bro- ther; Morgan Abraham, Howell and John Richards, brothers-in-law; John Jones, nephew; Daniel Lewis, Aber- dare; John Jones and David Jones, Ystrad; Rees Powell, cousins. Wreaths and sprays had been sent by Mrs Jones, widow; Mr Howell Richards and family, Tudor Terrace; Mrs Jones. Tudor Terrace; Mr and Mrs Evans, Oak Street; fellow-workmen of the Bwllfa Colliery; Nos. 1 and 2 Bwllfa Pits; Mrs Gibbon, Oak Street; Mr Willie, Lloyd, Pendarren Street; Mrs Fish, Pontneathvaughan; Mrs John Gentle, and the Aberdare Branch of the I.L.P. The bearers were Messrs J. Atkins, T. Lloyd, H. Jones (friends), E. Davies, Matt Lewis, J. Coombes, W. Lawrence, and Thomas Davies (representatives of the I.L.P.). The widow has received a number of letters of condolence from friends. The deceased was a grandson of the late Rev. Daniel Evans, Nazareth, Ponty- eates. We extend our sympathy to the widow in her sore trial. Messrs John Morgan and Son (Aberdare), Ltd., were the undertakers.

Mardy House Gardens. ABERDARE GARDENERS' VISIT. On the kind invitation of the Hon. Miss L. T. Lewis, Mardy House, Aber- dare, the members of the Aberdare Gar- deners and Allotment Holders' Mutual Improvement Society (of which Mr F. C. Crocker is the hon. sec.) visited these beautiful grounds on Saturday, August 23rd. It was a great pleasure to those present to see these neat, clean, and well-kept- gardens, a great feature of which is the variety and quantity of choice flowering shrubs. The lawns look like velvet, so neat are they kept. The flower beds and borders are well filled with choice bedding and herbaceous plants bearing a profusion of bloom. The large bunches of grapes in the vineries showed evidence of good cul- ture. The stove plants, ferns, foliage and flowering were par excellence. There were Gloriosa Superba in full bloom; I C'i>sus Discolor, with its finely- marked foliage, and the rarely seen I climbing ferns. The Sereptocarpus I Gloxineas, and especially the orchids, all came in for a deal of praise. A I splendid lot of Oaienthes, Lady Slipper Coeiogyne, and other varieties of orchids, that will bloom during the dull days of winter, together with the Chrysanthemums and Begonia Glorie de Lorraine -all of which were clean I and healthy, testify to the skill and care devoted to them by the able gardener, Mr T. Gerrish. After seeing the fruit and vegetable gardens, which were much admired, Mr W. R. Vallis, in a well-delivered speech, proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the Hon. Miss L. T. Lewis for her kindness in per- mitting the to visit the Mardy. This was seconded by Mr Daniel Jones, Llwydcoed. A vote of thank.4 was then accorded to Mr Gerrish aiul hia assistant, Mr Dee, for their kind services in conducting the members round. Mr Gerrish (who is incidentally the chairman of the so- ciety) fittingly responded.

Aberdare Gardeners' and Allotment Holders' Mutual Improvement Society. THE NEXT GENERAL MEETING of the above Society will be held on Saturday, Sept. 6, 1913, at fttr. Thomas's Hooms, Cardiff Street. ALL INTERESTED ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND. FortnightJy Meetings will be held in future, aud Lecture given on various subjects relating to Horticulture. F. C. CROCKER, Hon. Sec., 28 Pembroke St., Aberdare.

— Carnival and Fete at Aberdare. A Huge Success. Some time ago "Optimist" drew attention in his Sporting Notes in the 'Leader" to the advisability of organizing a Carnival in the town, and pointed out the success of the Mountain Ash event. Subsequently the matter was brought before the members of the Aberdare Football Supporters' Club by Mr. George Stephens, who, with Mr. George Grubb, the indefatigable secretary of the Club, and a strong committee, organised a Carnival on similar lines to secure funds for establishing a team in the town, and for the Sup- porters' Club in general. The Carni- val was held on Thursday in the Public Park. Unfortunately the climatic conditions were not of the best. However, thousands of people assembled at the Park. The Pro- cession through the town was headed by the Mounted Police. Then fol- lowed the Cynon Valley Band (con- ducted by Mr. Jesse Manley), the Yeomanry, Boy Scouts, Marshalls, the High Constable, Gentlemen in Vehicles and Officials of the Club the Pensioners' Comic Band from Ferndale, Local Trade Exhibits, Grocers' Turnout, Bakers and Butchers' Turnouts; Messrs. Emrys Price's Comic Band from Mountain Ash; Competitors in Fancy Dress (walking) Milkvendors' Turnouts Greengrocers' Turnouts; National or Historical Representation in Costumes; Fancy Dress on Horse- back; Comic Character with Don- key; Messrs. Mitchell's Comic Band from Mountain Ash Walking Char- acters; General Trades' Turnout; Decorated Cycles and Cars; Heavy Horses; Boys and Girls in Fancy Dress; The Caegarw, Mountain Ash, Bag-Time Comic Band; The Suffrag- ettes. A striking feature of the pro- cession was the representation by Mr J. L. Rosser of carpenters at work. Also the character represented by Mr Arthur Norton, the manager of the Empire, who appeared on his decor- ated motor cycle as ''St. George and the Dragon," with Miss Ruby Ray seated in the side-car attired as "Britannia." The 'Aberdare Knuts' Laundry provoked much merriment, whilst Messrs. J. Reynolds and Co., of Mountain Ash, were simply great with their display of The Cragg's Family." Also "The New Captures of the Aberdare Team." The "Aber- dare Cinema" Car with its beauti- fully arranged floral effects, was very fine. In it was seated Mr. Louis S. Clarke, the popular manager of the Cinema. Mr. Haggar's Aeroplane was quite unique, and the cynosure of many eyes. Afterwards, the pro- cession wended its way to the Park, where the judging took place. The following were the awards:— Best Trade Exhibit: 1st prize, Mr. Fred E. Hek, Cardiff Street; 2nd, Mr. J. L. Rosser, builder; 3rd, Mr. Jenkin Howell. National or Historical Representa- tion in Costume.-There were fifteen competitors. 1st, Mr. Arthur Nor- ton, Aberdare Empire, "St. George and the Dragon" 2nd, Mr. Bertie Hay, Mountain Ash, as Charles II. 3rd, Miss Corona J. Wilson, Prince of Wales Hotel, Aberdare, as "A Shepherdess 4th, Mr. W. G. Davies, Mountain Ash. Fancy Dress on Horseback: 1st, Air. Isaac Davies, Trecynon, "In- dian Chief" 2nd, Mr. Jenkin H. Lewis, Trecynon, "Huntsman." Fancy Dress, Walking: 1st, Mr. A. E. Morgan, Mountain Ash, "John Bull" 2nd, Mr. Fred Evans, Fern- dale, "Prince Charming." Group of Walking Characters 1st, Messrs. J. Reynolds and Co., Moun- tain Ash, "The Cragg's Family" 2nd, Messrs. Alf. Ashman and Co., Aberdare, "Gold Diggers"; 3rd, The Prairie Boys, Mountain Ash. Decorated Cycle: 1st, Mr. Arthur Norton and Miss Ray; 2nd, Mr. D. Williams. Comic Character on Donkey: Mr. T. Jones, Trecynon. Novel or Comic Turnout (walking, riding or driving).—There were no fewer than 30 entries. 1st, Mr. Wm. Andrews, of Nelson, who appeared as Convict 99 2nd, Mr. James L. Davies, Bird in Hand, Aberdare, "Zulu Chief" 3rd, Mr. Jenkin Howell. Aberdare, A Printer's Office." Comic Band for Men: 1st, Messrs. F. Mitchell and Co., Mountain Ash; 2nd, The Pensioners' Band Co., Ferndale. Comic Band for Boys The Aber- dare Boy Scouts. Fancy Dress for Boys or Girls under 16: 1st, Miss Lily Howard, Weatheral Street, "Rag-Time" 2nd, Myfanwy and Megan Williams, "Little Dames of Wales," Aberdare 3rd, Gwennie and Sidney White, Mountain Ash, "Deitcher Boy and I Girl." Best Grocer's and Provision, Deal- er's Turnout: 1st, Cwm»bacn 'Co- operative Society, Aberaman; 2nd, Chvmbach Co-operative Society; also grooming prize. Best Greengrocer's Turnout: 1st, Messrs. Phillips and Mitchell, Moun- tain Ash; 2nd, Mr. W. Lawrence, Mountain Ash. Best Butcher's Turnout: 1st, Mr. Jack Morgan, Aberaman; 2nd, Mr. Lewis Jones, Trecynon; grooming prize, Mr. Powell. Best Milkvendor's Turnout: 1st, Mr. Richard Sheraton, Gadlys; 2nd, Mr W. H. Morris, Cwmbach; groom- ing prize, Mr J. Davies, Carmarthen Dairy, Aberdare. Best Baker's Turnout: 1st, Aber- dare Co-operative Society; 2nd, Messrs. R. H. Miles and Son (also grooming prize). General Trade Turnont: 1st, Messrs. Phillips and Mitchell, Moun- tain Ash 2nd. Mr. J. Rogers, Cwm- bach Co-op.. Aberaman; grooming prize, the Aberdare Co-op. Society. Best Groomed and Plaited Heavy Horse (with any exhibit on parade) 1st, Mr Thomas Williams, Aberdare 2nd, Mr J. Rogers, Cwmbach Co-op., Aberaman. Baby Show (under 2 years of age) There were no fewer than 31 com- petitors, who hailed from the Aber- dare, Merthyr and Rhondda Valleys. The first prize was divided between Mr. Charles Henry Baden, of Llwyn- ypia, and Mr. J. E. Jenkins, Seymour Street, Aberdare; 2nd prize, Mr. Thomas W. Burrows, Cwmaman.

Sports Section. 100 yards handicap for boys under 14.—Heat winners: 1, Willie Wil- liams, Pontypridd; 2, Thomas; 3, Eddie Coombes; 4, Hedley Williams, Aberdare. Final: 1st, Willie Wil- liams, Pontypridd 2nd, Hedley Wil- liams, Aberdare. Handicap for Girls under 14.— Heat winners: 1, Olwen P. Rees, Aberdare 2, Rachel Parsons, Aber- dare 3, Phyllis Knibbs, Aberaman. Final: 1st, Olwen Rees 2nd, Phyllis Knibbs. The Tug-of-War Competition (open) for 8 aside was the most ex- citing event of the afternoon. There were 10 teams competing. In the first round between the Cwmaman Juniors and Aberaman Athletic, the pulls occupied a considerable period, but Cwmaman eventually won. The Ton Pentre Police easily defeated the Aberdare Tigers, whilst Cwm- aman eventually dispatched the Royal Oak Team of Abercynon. The final struggle between Cwmaman and the Ton Pentre Police was very keen. Neither side gave way, and the final was therefore a tie. Men's Obstacle Race.-There were 10 entries: 1st, Thomas Wiltshire, Abercynon; 2nd, W. Wiltshire, Abercynon. Ladies' Slow Bicycle Race Miss Blodwen James, Abercwmboi. In the Best Display for Boy Scouts the competitors were: The Cwmaman B.P. Scouts; St. Fagan's Troop, Trecynon; 1st Aberdare Troop Aberdare Troop (Ambulance and Signalling) Bert Wyle's Troop. There was no competition owing to darkness setting in, and the teams were all awarded prizes. The Rag-time Competition; Old Age Pensioner's Race, and the Bandsmen's Race were also can- celled owing to shortage of time. The Aberdare Cynon Valley Band. led by Mr. Jesse Manley, discoursed music. There was also a good dis- play of fireworks. The Chairman of the function was Mr. T. Johnson, Abernant, whilst Mr. T. Phillips, Trecynon, acted as treasurer. Messrs. George Stephens and George Grubb were the organ- izing and financial secretaries re- spectively. Irrespective of the large number of tickets sold, a sum of was taken at the gates alone. The president of the Carnival was Mr. R. H. Miles, High Constable. Mounted Marshalls: Messrs. J. Davies, J. Salmon, W. Eynon, W. J. Davies, T. Williams, F. G. Burge, J. H. Lewis, J. Williams, Jack Allen. Judges :—Horse Ring Messrs. D. Rees Jones, W. Whiting and W. M. Llewelyn, Bwllfa. Stewards, Messrs J. W. Hek, F. Twissell. J. New- combe, Dan Evans, W. C. Williams. Trade Exhibits Messrs. R. H. Miles, J. H. Powell, Councillor John I Howell, G. Tudor Williams, David Hay, Mountain Ash. Stewards, I Messrs. D. Griffiths, W. Winstone Rees, D. Elias, Edgar Phillips, J. Williams, Cwmaman. Fancy Dress Costumes and Ragtime Competition Messrs. W. Haggar, Arthur Norton, Geo. Parker. Stewards, Messrs. A. E. Elson, W. Mason, M. Isaac, Levi Morris, Wm. Phillips, T.-Rees, F. Parsons, J. Williams, R. Silverman. Baby Show: Mrs. R. H. Miles, Mrs. Twissel, Dr. J. M. Wilson, Mr. A. R. Griffiths. Stewards, Mrs. Berry, Mrs. J. Williams, Mrs. D. Evans, Messrs. Illtyd Williams, J. Berry.' Havelock Jones. Tug-of-War and Boy Scouts' Display: Sergt. Inst. Pole, Sergt.-Major Burge, Supt. Rees. Stewards, Messrs M. Davies, Gwilym Jones, W. Williams. Sports: Messrs. A. J. Sheen, S. Parker, S. H. Phillips. Stewards, Messrs. J. D. Morgan, G. Upton, E. Davies, T. Davies, T. Davies. T. Jones, S. Giles. Handicapper and Starter: Mr. Harry Phillips. Fireworks Stewards: Messrs. Dd. Elias, Dd. Mort, W. Howells, T. J. Morgan, J. Berry. Programme Steward: Mr. David Stephens. Ticket Stewards Messrs Cox, David Lawrence, J. Gibbon, J. M. Nicholas, J. Munday, T. Williams, J. Marsh, E. J. Evans, G. D. Wil- liams, D. Davies. General superin- tendents, Messrs. T. Johnson, Dd. Hay (Mountain Ash), D. O. Richards and the Hon. Sees.

To Maister Johnson, Cheerman of the Aberdare Supporters' Club. Weel, old mon, tha art a gradeley fellow, tha' warked hard, and tha de- sarves a medal. I hope tha will geet one. I have seed mony a procession, but I have never seed nowt to beat the one that tuk place on Thursday. It wur a grand seet, one that waint be forgotten by Aberdare folk. I always said that tha wur a ladies men. I belave it now, that tha's managed to geet washerwomen wid mangles to parade the tawn. How tha managed to tempt a Chinaman, and geet a felly out of jail, and some of the best bands in 't world, I daunt know. I wonder sometimes if tha's been having a gradeley feed of Eccles cakes; anyhow tha couldn't stand the strain widout Grubb. I know tha art a Lancasheer mon, and all that coomes fro that country, when they tak a thing in hand, dun- no haiff do it. It wur a pleasure to see thee acting as maister of cere- monies. If Ben Brierley, the Lan- casheer poet, wur living, I think he would reet summat like this: A word for friend Johnson who is not slothful in his work, For a very hard worker is he He's always on the go, trotting all around' the show, Such a little busy bee is he. I Weel, old lad, I hope that tny wark will bring a ton of hrass in, and that thee and others will stick to it, till 'I tha art satisfied that we are bound to have a team at Aberdare. I don't mean the team that I saw on Thurs- day tha, knows what I mean, ould boy. I hope when tha's settled I things reet that the Directors of the Club will put a goold plate on tEee door, with the following inscription put on: Here lives Maister Johnson, very kind and true. For a very good fellow is he; Its part of his creed to help a club in need, And he's as liberal as a man can be. I should like to see thee made Cheerman of the Directors of the Club. Tha would be thee reet man in the reet place tha could be their adviser thou hastbeen already as gooa as a raytner to them. L am satisfied that the committee which tha art at the head of can mak things hum. No wonder when tha has sich a butty as Stevens, and you never held a meeting without the festive board been graced with plenty of Grubb. I shall have summat more to reet about soon. Keep on doing thy good wark. Happen some day that tha will be rewarded Jby being made High Constable or an M.P. with C400 a year. BILL 0 JACK.

Aberdare and Merthyr. What interests our friends in Mer- thyr interests us in Aberdare. What is more, it equally benefits us when it is an item like the following, which gives facts so helpful to many men and women here in our own town. Mrs. C. Price, lives at 87 Crawen, Merthyr, on the main route to Brecon. She savs :_H I think it must have been a chill that brought on my kidney terouble. Shooting pains troubled me for a long time in my back and shoulders. I often used to be very low-spirited, with no energy for anything. I also had a touch of rheumatism, together with bad attacks of headaches and dizzi- ness. The water was not right, and I had burning pains when seeking re- lief. "A friend of mine advised me to try Doan's backache kidney pills, which I did. I can say truthfully they did me a lot of good, and I have told many of their good qualities. They brightened me up, the backache gradually left me, and I felt alto- gether better in health than I had been for some time. The pills will always have a good word from me. (Signed) Clara Price." Price 2/9 a box, 6 boxes 13/9; of all dealers, or from Foster-McClellan Co., 8 Wells St., Oxford St., London, W. Don't ask for backache and kid- ney pills,—ask distinctly for Doan's backache kidney pills, the same as Mrs. Price had.

Labour News and Notes. Read Tarian y Cweithfwr." News and ni- cles of special interest to miner*. Current Topics discussed. Latest Now-, given. Price One Penny.—19 Cardiff Street, Aberdare.

PLEASE NOTICE! Apply to d. A. Bosher ELECTRICAL ENGINEER AND CONTRACTOR, 24 CANON STREET, ABERDARE (opposite Theatre), for your Electrical Installations In Shop, House or Works. ALL WORK DONE IN FIRST-CLASS STYLE AND MATERIAL, AT MODFR- ATE PRICES; ALSO GUARANTEED FOR TWELVE MONTHS. SPECIFICATIONS AND ESTIMATES FREE. Please ring up 87, Aberdare, and get Prompt Attention. PRINTING OF EVERY DESCRIPTION neatly and promptly sxeouUti at the "Ltidir" and "Tarian" omw DE N T 1S T 1Y, | HOURS I,CANON STABERDARE I I Thursdays 2539,COMMERCIAL ST. I jajg] MOUNTAIN ASH. Srri*ctl;i)40de-raLl'e PRISIAU R;H ESYM 0 L Rational Insurance against Unhappiness I | NO PREMIUM TO PAY! WHY LIVE IN MISERYP I Get married forthwith, and secure a Bright and Happy I Home by placing your Furnishing Order in the hands of I Bevan & Company, Ltd. I I p 71 TAFF STREET, PONTYPRIDD. 1 NEAR EMPIRE AND 97 ST. MARY STREET, CARDIFF. TWO DOORS ABOVE I GENERAL POST OFFICE, ■ SWANSEA. I THEY HOLD THE LARGEST SELECTION OF EVERYTHING t REQUIRED FOR FURNISHING IN THIS PART OF THE KINGDOM. t Deliver Free up to 200 miles from Sell at Rock-bottom Prices, and spare no H any of their numerous Branches. trouble in giving highest Satisfaction. H Everlasting Solid Oak Bedroom Suites, with Plate Door Wardrobe, from £5 12s. 6d. I An immense Variety of Dining and Sitting-room Suites from Four to Forty Guineas. I splendid Chippendale Cabinets, £3 19s. 6d.; Handsome Walnut Sideboards from £3 17s. 6d. I Terms Cash, or generous credit arrangements. Illustrated Catalogues gratis. N BEVAN & COMPANY, LTD. ) Wales' Largest Furnishers; Pianoforte Merchants. I

The Penderyn Incident. FUNERAL PARTY V. ECTOR- CONFLICTING VERSIONS. The lews which we were able to pub- lish exclusively last Thursday concern- ing the scene which occurred in Pen- fleryn Church created a profound sensa- tion. The story as told by our representa- tive has been confirmed by several people, who were present at the funeral service. The Rev. D. Ronald Thomas, pastor of Bethany Congregational Church, Aberaman, who was the officiating minister at the house, con- firmed every word that had been re- ported, and added that after the burial was over the Rector suddenly disap- peared without giving members of the funeral party an opportunity of speak- ing to him. It is also alleged that the Rector went out of his way, while conducting the service at the graveside, to chide some children who had wandered into the churchyard, and to remark that H Nonconformists do not know how to conduct themselves at a funeral. I want to remind them that they are not bury- ing a dog." RECTOR DENIES REFERENCE TO NONCONFORMISTS. The Rev. Llewelyn Jenkins (rector) was interviewed by a Press representa- tive on the matter on Friday, and said that the funeral arrived at the church- yard shortly before the stipulated time, and the procession was entering the church when he came on the scene. He followed the cortege into the build- ing. but before the commencement of the service, dwelt on the impropriety of the funeral procession starting from the lych gate for the church before the arrival of the clergyman, whose duty it was to read the introductory sentences and lead the funeral to the church. He emphatically denied that he made any reflection on Nonconformists in any shape or form, such as that they did not seem to have any reverence for God's kouse, etc. Mr Isaac Davies, the son of the deceased lady, acknowledged in the church prior to the commencement of the service that they were in the wrong, and expressed his regret and apologised, which he (the rector) accepted. After the funeral the same gentleman supple- mented this apology by saying that he was surprised at the undertaker starting the funeral before the Rector arrived. Dealing with the alleged scene at the graveside, the Rector said that some of the female members of the funeral party were talking rather loudly during the procession from the church, and continued to do so at the graveside. Before commencing the service at the grave he (the Rector) made a general demand that they must clearly under- stand where they were; that they were at a solemn service and that it was not a place for them to talk. As to making any reference or passing any reflection on Nonconformity that was untrue. The rev. gentleman, in reply to fur- ther questions, said that one gentleman, who said he was chaplain to His Majesty's forces, did say he would re- port the incident to the bishop. He (the Rector) quietly requested this gentle- man and another to sit down, and he told them that it was improper for them to make any comment in the church. The Rector added that he had con- ducted about 3,500 funeral services during the 23 years he had been at Pen- deryn, and this was the first occasion upon which he had any cause to draw attention to an impropriety of that kind, and to say that he had complained of this sort of thing continually taking place was quite inaccurate. I have," he said, allowed Noncon- formist. ministers to give out hymns in the church and also at the grave- side, where they have also been allowed to speak. I have always looked upon them with every respect, and they have always been favourably treated. LETTER FROM THE RECTOR OF PENDERYN. To the Editor of "Aberdare Leader. Sir,—With your permission I should like to reply more fully than I have hitherto done to the strictures passed on my conduct re the burial of Mrs Martha Davies in Penderyn Churchyard on Wednesday last by Mr William Collier, the undertaker, and the Rev. D. Ronald Thomas, Godreaman, and which appeared in the Press. I beg most emphatically to controvert the statements as being utterly false. It is true that I was in the Rectory Grounds when the funeral passed the boundary wall close to the lych-gate. That being the case, how could Mr Collier expect me to be in the church robing when I could not get into the church without passing through the lych-gate? Only a few minutes elapsed between the time I saw the funeral and my arrival at the lych-gate, so it is untrue to say the cortege remained there ten minutes. After this," he says, we went towards the church, and were received by the men in charge to whom I handed the burial certificate." This is another myth, as there were no men in charge at the church. He had no right to hand the certificate to any- one but the officiating clergyman. It is a complete travesty of the truth to say that in uttering the few words of protest I made that I "shouted" or "stormed," "that the Nonconformists were continually doing this sort of thing, and that they had no sense of reverence in the church," etc. The Rev. T. J. Davies did get up, not to ask me to proceed with the service, as that lie did not do, but to talk a lot of irre- levant nonsense, such as "he was chaplain of his Majesty's forces," etc., which had not the remotest bearing on the subject under discussion. True and very properly I asked him to sit down, because he had no right to make any comment on the matter in the church, and, moreover,, the remarks he made were certainly irreverent and out of place in a sacred building. But no doubt Mr Davies thought he was at a political meeting airing out his imag- inary grievances against the Church. -1 simply dwelt on the impropriety of their leaving the lych-gate post haste before I arrived. Mr Davies begins to brawl without any regard for the solemnity of the occasion or the sacredness of the ancient Church he was in. It was full time that such an obstreperous individu- al should be silenced. So I asked him to sit down. I did not say that I would turn him out, .but I did say that it would be better for him to leave the church unless he could behave in a proper manner." He left the Church, but not immediately as stated, but after I had proceeded through a good portion of the service. owhe account alleged to have been given by the Rev. D. Ronald Thomas is equally as fictitious. He says, The funeral was due to arrive at thecliurch at 4 p.m." That is in- accurate. The funeral was not sup- posed to arrive, according to the in- formation I had, before 4.30 or 5 p.m. Mr Thomas says, That he took Vor granted that I was in the Church," in face of the statement made by Mr Collier, the undertaker, that he had seen me in the Rectory Grounds. What a grotesque statement to make! He fur- ther says, That Mr Collier took upon himself the responsibility for any error which might have been committed, but the Rector would not allow him to make a statement, but commanded him to sit down." After the indiscretions dis- played by Mr Davies, was it likely that I should have allowed him to speak? That would be more than a technical" blunder, it would be an outrageous thing to turn the Church into a kind of a debating hall. Mr Isaac Davies, the son of the decased, who had charge of the funeral, expressed regret at the mistake made and apologised, which apology I accepted. Thus ended the matter in the Church. In going from the Church to the grave some women, not children, of the funeral party lagged behind and talked loudly from the Church door to the grave, and con- tined to do so at the grave. I could not proceed with the service until there was silence. So I spoke to them in quiet solemn tones as to the sacredness of the place where they stood and the solemnity of the occasion which had brought them there, so I hoped that they would show that they were animated by proper Christian feelings by observing silence at such a time. The word Nonconform- ists was not mentioned. There is not a shadow of foundation for the statement that I uttered a single word that re- flected unfavourably on the Noncon- formists. I have always treated them with every kindness and consideration. —I am, your obedient servant. LLEWELYN JENKtNS. Rector.

Car Conductor: "Your little girl's fare, please?" Fond Parent: "But she's only three." Car Conductor: "She looks older?" Fond Parent: "Yes. poor dear. She has had a lot of trouble."