The Aberdare Leader

Servioes for Sunday Next. HIGHLAND PLACE UNITARIAN Church, Aberdare. — Morning, at 11evening at 6. Evening, preacher, Mr. John Lewis, Pontypridd. TRINITY CHURCH, ABERDARE. NEXT SUNDAY, JULY 2nd, 1916. Preacher: R, E V. J. LEWIS EVANs, BAURY. Services at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. CORDIAL INVITATION TO ALL. THOMAS'S Assembly Rooms, Cardiff Street. On SUNDAY, JULY 2nd, At 6 p iD. A LECTURE Will be delivered (D.V.) by MR. A. MOORE Of ABERTILLERY Subject: The World's Saturday Night.' 2,500 Years of Prophecy Fulfilled and Ful- filling The Great Sabbath Rest about to dawn. ILLUSTRATED BY DIAGRAM. Seats free. No Collection.

Local Mems. BY MEMO. Last Monday evening the last meet- ing of the local Prince of Wales Com- mittee was held, and also the first meet- ing of the local Naval and Military Pensions Commitee. Ring out the old, nng in the new. It was understood that the Ladies Visiting Committee will go on itS here- tofore. This committee has performed excellent work in visiting cases of hardship and rendering help where help was urgently required. The new Pensions Committee which has now been appointed, will not be;, for the period of the war only, but will have work to perform long after the war is over. Their work will be of a difficult nature, viz., enquiring into case-s of discharged and wounded j soldiers, and cases of dependents of soldiers who have been killed. i It was the intention of the Govern- ment to supplement imperial grants by public subscriptions, but a loud outcry has arisen all over the country against any element of charity being intro- duced. Resolutions of protest have been passed by various Councils, and such a resolution was adopted by the Aberdare Pensions Committee on Mon- day evening. In another column will be found an excellent portrait of the late Lieut. J. Windsor Lewis. The photo is a recent one, taken in khaki. When he be- queathed Llwydcoed Public Park to the residents six years ago, the High Con- stable for that year happened to be Mr Wm. Kenshole, who has built a magni- ficent residence on the late Mr. Lewis' estate. it was mainly due to the generous terms granted by the deceased soldier that the land in Llwydcoed has so nicely been laid out. Llwydcoed has develop- ed from being a collection of very in- different, small and unhealthy cottages, to the most beautiful suburb of 8weet 'Berdar. George Borrow, author of Wild Wales," passed through Llwydcoed a few score years ago, and his description of the place and the people is not com- plimentary. If he were alive and visit- ed Llwydcoed to-day no doubt he would want to revise his opinion.

W.E.A. RAMBLE. Last Saturday evening a good muster of Students of the Workers' Education- al Association from Aberdare and Pen- rhiwceiber, together with a number of friends, went for their first ramble this summer to Cross Bychan. Interesting discussions took place on the way; the village of Llwydcoed came in for a running comment as regards its picturesqueness and architecture. After indulging in various games on the grounds at Cross Bychan the camera man restored all mirthful faces to pro- per form. Then ample justice was done to the inner man at the tables. During this stage Mr. B. Mills Thomas read a verv interesting letter from the tutor of the classes, Mr. John Thomas, B.A., who is now doing agricultural work on a farm near Cowbridge. Mr. Thomas in his letter expressed the opinion that the town dweller and the farm labourer had never adequately understood each other. He hoped, after the war would be over, to give a series of lectures that might throw some light on this ab- sorbing question. Expressions of re- gret and goodwill towards the tutor during his enforced absence from their midst was moved by Mr. W. J. Wil- liams, and seconded by Mr. F. Tromans. After taking part in a few games the party proceeded home.

Separation Allowances. An Army Order just issued states that the wife of a soldier receiving separation allowance in respect of her husband may in future receive allow- ance also in respect of a soldier son who also contributed to the household if this includes brothers and sisters who benefited by his contribution. Increased payments will take effect from 26th inst., or from the date at which the son makes an allotment, provided application is made before July 31.

AN EISTEDDFODIC GRIEVANCE. Dear Mr. Editor,—Kindly allow me through the medium of your paper to draw the attention of the public to the continual unfairness which exists at our eisteddfodau. At the Cwmaman Juven- ile Eisteddfod on Saturday, June 24, this unfairness was again openly mani- { fested especially in the choral competi- tion. The committee endeavoured to remedy matters by placing on the con- ditions of competition that members of juvenile choirs were not to exceed 16 years of age. But members of some of the choirs condescended to very low practices to make themselves look young. How long are we to suffer this great wrong and iinfairness" What j comparison is there between a ladies i choir and a choir of juveniles (school II children) not over 14 years of age. How are we to encourage musical cul- ture if we allow these actions to pass I' by without notice. Cannot this pro- blem be solved;-1 I would suggest that all choirs intending to compete should be present at the morning test and asked to produce birth certificates when suspected of being over age, or that all choristers be asked to do so. I hope that eisteddfod committees will not ignore the suggestion, but give a thought to it, or initiate a better one. If this practice is allowed to go on as at present it will surely prove detri- mental to the eisteddfod.—Yours, EISTEDDFODWR.

========= HACCAR'S, ABERDARE. Next Week: Mary Pickford in "Madam Butterfly." i The progression of the moving picture I' is remarkable from many points of view. But throughout all the stages Coun- cillor Haggar has been there. It was he who first introduced into the valley the first moving picture. In. the few short years that have passed the people have been educated to the right sense of the film-play and its tremendous op portunities. No person in South Wales has done so much in that education. J Crude and oftentimes rude were the pictures of those early days, but it be- came the business of a man like Coun- I cillor Haggar to eliminate the rudeness and improve the crudeness. Faithfully and well he has performed that public duty, and to-day mother can go to Haggar's with her daughter and the boy with his best girl. Take for in- stance the marvellous photo play that Mr. Haggar films next Monday, Tues- day and Wednesday. It is a production I upon which the greatest care has been bestowed and produced by the Famous j Players Co. "Madame Butterfly is a picturization of the well-known Opera j Bouife. The principal part is featured by Mary Pickford. Thousands of columns have been written about this great little lady, and millions have wit- nessed her remarkable pictured-per- formances. In this, however, she simply beats herself, for she has never featured a part so peculiarly adapted to her. She is the Cho Cho San (Madame Butterfly) of the flowery kingdom, our J great ally of the East. She marries an American Naval Officer, and regrettable as it is he only considers it but a love affair of the moment, or as the French- man says, pour passant le temps." She waits in vain for her husband, un til she hears he has married an Ameri- can girl. His boat at length arrives, and all-trusting she expects him and waits through the night with her baby clutched closely to her. This remark- able piece of acting is worthy of the great tragediennes of the stage. It must he seen to even grasp the smallest fraction of the intensity of the situa- tion. It would be unfair to say more, but go to Haggar's, ask with care for a seat and "wait and see." Among some of the big productions that our well known entertainment caterer promises mav be mentioned An American's Home," "Bella Donna," and "The Marriage of Kitty."

Marriage of Kitty." ILLNESS OF INSPECTOR NOTT, ABERDARE. We regret to learn that Inspector Nott is still suffering from muscular rheumatism, notwithstanding the change of air he recently took. The genial Inspector would have retired on super- annuation some months ago, but the war has caused a shortage of men, and he consented to remain in the Force until the war is over. We trust that he will have a speedy recovery.

The Welshman's Favourite. I | The Welshman's Favourite. I [MABON Sauce | pf As good a* its Name, J 5 DON'T FAIL TO GET IT. j I Manufacturers— BLANCH'S, St. P«ter St., Cardiff.

Up and Down the Valley. TRECYNON. DON'T delay, but call on JAY. | OLD INHABITANT'S DEATH. — I.ast Sunday Mrs. Jenkins, 2 Meirion Street, passed away in her 75th A week previously she had a paralytic seizure, and though she seemed to im- prove during the first day or two, t'lie had a relapse, and died abcut mi 1-day on Sunday. She was a native of Pem- brokeshire, but had resided in this dis- trict for about 60 years. She acted as caretaker of Park Schools for 40 years, and when she retired from that work some months ago the teachers of the 1schools made a suitable presentation to her. The late Mrs. Jenkins was a faith- ful member of Heolyfelin Baptist Church. She leaves four sons, one of whom is Mr. William Jenkins (Meir- ionvdd).

ABERDARE. JAY'S easy payment system is easy for you. PERSONAL. Congratulations to Miss Olive Williams, Pontygwaith, oil her obtaining the musical degree of Mus.Bac., "University of Wales. Miss Williams' father is the Rev. W. Wil- liams, Pontygwaith. The rev. gentle- man preached last Sunday at Gobaith, Cwmdare, of which church the Rev. T. Powell is pastor. INTERMENT. On Wednesday last the remains of Mrs. W. Hughes, 5 Aber- nant Place, were interred at the Aber- dare Cemetery. The mourners were: Husband; Messrs. Tom, David, William and David Hughes, sons; Mrs. J. Phillips, daughter; Mrs. Ann Hughes, daughter-in-law; Daniel Phillips and Tom Hughes, grandsons; Mr. and Mrs. D. Davies, Mr. and Mrs. W. Phillips, Mr- and Mrs. D. L. Evans, Abercwm-' boi; Mr. John Jones, Mr. D. J. Jones, Mr. Ben Osborne, Mr. Tom Anthony, Mr. Ben Osborne, Mr. Tom Anthony, Mrs. Walters, and Miss Alice Hughes, grand-daughters. The deceased, who hailed from St. Clears, was a member of Siloa (Cong.) Chapel, and had reached the age of 74 years. The under- taker was Mr. John Zachariah, Aber- dare.

M(IUNTAI NASH. JAY'S furniture is worth placing in your best rooms. FLETCHER'S, Commercial Street, Aberdare, is the shop for best value. Send post card, and traveller will call. Deliveries daily. PRIOR TO GOING, why not come? Visit Ted Mac where vou'll get suited. P.CYS GOING FOR V.C.'S. Police- Inspector Tom Davies' little force has been again depleted this week. William Wines, David Llewelyn, and Frank Williams have all volunteered for the colours. They have joined the Military Police, and were despatched to Aldershot last Saturday. FUNERAL. The interment of Margaret Ann, younger daughter of Private William Holley, Welsh Regi- ment, Mountain Ash, took place in Caegarw Cemetery last Thursday. The deceased was nine years of age. The officiating minister was the Rev. J. D. Thomas, Ffrwd. The mourners were: Father; Messrs. David Edward, Ivor, and John Holley, brothers; David Morgan, grandfather; William Perrott, Ivor Morgan, Hugh Griffiths, T. Blanch- ard. and Thomas Morgan, uncles. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. Frank Mills. "SOLDIER'S NOTES. Orderly- Sergeant Fred Griffiths (Schoolmaster) writes a cheerful letter from Egypt. He is hard worked but keeping well.— Private Tom Hyde, Royal Warwicks, writes to his sister, Mrs. Fred Allen, that he is glad to say he is still in one piece, and that he wouldn't have missed the campaign for worlds. Hyde joined the Army in the first month of the war. PARISH CHURCH. — Holy Com- munion was celebrated by the Vicar in St. Margaret's Church last Sunday morning at 8 o'clock. Morning prayer was sung at 11, intoned by Rev. T. M. Williams. Evensong was conducted by the Rev. I. Westhead. The Magnificat. was suag to Barnby, and the Nunc Dimittis to Garrett. TAKING STOCK.—Mac is continually taking stock of the requirements of the people. Have a look at his latest straws. OBITUARY. Mr. William Groves, father of Mr. George Groves, Steward of the Constitutional Club, passed away at his residence in Cardiff in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Mr. Groves had been postmaster at the Docks for many years. PRISONERS OF WAR FUND. A correspondent asks (but does not sign his name) why it is the prisoners of war are not getting any parcels? His brother has not received one since Christmas. SOLDIER'S LETTER. Sergeant John Lloyd, writing to his friends and membes of the Volunteer Band Club, commences: "Nowhere at all; some- where in Greece. It wa9 a funny thing that I picked up an "Aberdare } Leader," and saw the letter I sent you published, and we had a jolly laugh over it. You will notice we have shifted from Egypt, I must not say where, but it doesn't matter wherever you go, you are sure to meet someone from the old home, Mountain Ash. We travel I can tell you, and see some- j thing too." He wishes the war was over, but not before they have given the Kaiser a "dee good whacking."

MISKIN. ALL trams and buses lead you to JAY'S. DEATH AND INTERMENT. Mr. William James Brooks, aged 21, the only son of Mr. and Mrs. William Brooks, of 40 Glyngwyn Street, passed away on Thursday. Deceased was highly respect- ed. The funeral took place on Wednes- day at Maesyrarian Cemetery. The Rev. T. M. Williams, St. John's Church, officiated. The chief mourners were: i Parents; Misses Sarah, Elizabeth, and j Catherine Brooks, sisters; Mrs. ) Brennan, aunt; Mrs. Brooks, grand- j mother; J. Williams, Mrs. Williams, i and Mrs. Elizabeth Williams. Messrs. Thomas Ball, B. Richards, Mr. Richard- son and Mr. Michael Conway were the J bearers. The funeral arrangements | were carried out personally by Mr. J David B. Edwards, undertaker, Miskin.

NEWTOWN. JAY'S easy payment system is easy for you. MILITARY. Private Harry Powell, of Newtown, came home from France on Saturday for a few days' leave. j Private Powell joined the 6th Dorsets j in July last. He has had some thrilling i experiences during his eight months in France. He returns to France on Friday.

MATTHEWSTOWN & YNYSBOETH. JAY'S easy payment system is easy for you. OBITUARY. Harriet Anne, the six-months-oid child of Private and Mrs. Thomas Weyman, of 11 Avondale Street, passed away on Monday last. Much sympathy is felt for the ber- eaved family. The father is serving in France. WEDDING. On Tuesday last at Charles Street Register Office, Cardiff, 1 a pretty wedding was solemnised, the contracting parties being Mr. Richard J. Hawkins, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Hawkins, of Pentwyn Avenue, and Miss Rose E. Geaves, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Geaves, 1 Gower Street, Cathays, Cardiff. The bride was nicely attired in a silver grey costume with white hat, and was given away by her father, The bridesmaid was Mrs. Jenkinson, sister of bridegroom, accompanied by Mrs. Phillips, of Ynysybwl; Mrs. Hawkins, and Mrs. Garrett. A sumptu- ous breakfast was partaken of at the bride's parents' home.

"b. Haggar's, Mountain Ash. NEXT WEEK: "IN A SOLDIER'S HOME." "A thing worth doing is worth doing well is the motto of Mr. Bert Rich- ards. Everybody gives him that credit, for when he puts his hand to the plough it moves, and when he engages a picture he is going into fresh fields and pastures new. The old 'uns, as they are termed in the trade, he leaves seriously behind. This week-end he is filming that great American master- piece by Thannhouser, "God's Witness." A most beautiful production, featuring Miss Florence Le Badie, the famous heroine of "The Million Dollar Mystery." Miss Le Badie's part is some- thing really great, and will be enjoyed by all who see this splendid photo-play. By the way Mr. Richards announces an afternoon performance of this pro- duction this day (Thursday) at 2.30. On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of next week the star attraction is "In a Soldier's Home," a stirring story of the war. An important announcement is the appearance shortly of Miss Florence Turner.

ABERCYNON. JAY'S furniture is worth placing in your best rooms. HOME. Private Ernest Hyde, son of Mr. and Mrs. Hyde, North Street, has come home for a short rest after having been at Bangor Hospital for some months. PUBLIC MEETING. On Thursday night a public meeting was held at the Lesser Hall, when Guardian N. Tromans, Mountain Ash, gave an ad- dress on "Assessments." Guardian W. C. Dyer occupied the chair. PREACHING SERVICES were held at the English Congregational Chapel on Sunday. The officiating minister was the Rev. T. Madoc 'Jeffreys, of Aberdare, who delivered eloquent and impressive sermons to large congrega- tions.—At Tabernacle C.M., the Rev. I Wilson Roberts, of Ynyshir, preached powerful sermons. ANNIVERSARY. Much interest was taken at Abercynon on Thursday afternoon on the occasion of celebrat- ing the 102nd birthday anniversary of Mr. Thomas Packer, Tyrwaun lsaf Farm. Llanfabon. A tea was held to commemorate the occasion, whereat the veteran was warmly congratulated. Mr. Parker, notwithstanding his age, takes an active interest in his farm. OBITUARY. On Friday last, at the advanced age of 79 years, one of the oldest inhabitants of Abercynon passed away in the person of Mr. John Fowler Keel. He had been a resident of Aber- cynon for the last 30 years, and an employee of the T.V.R. Co. for over 50 years. He leaves six daughters and one son, Mr. E. Walter Keel, who is serv- ing with the colours. ON FURLOUGH. — On Friday morn- Private W. Spencer Davies, son of Mr. and Mrs. Davies, Ynysboeth Hotel, came home for six days' leave from Sheffield, whereat he is stationed with the R.A.M.C. On Thursday morning Private Philip Jones, son of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Jones, 5 Martins Terrace, came home on leave from Kinmel Park. Private Jones belongs to the Royal Welsh Fusiliers Officers' Training Corps, and prior to enlisting was a bank clerk at Ruabon. TABERNACLE. The following scholars of Tabernacle and Glancynon Sunday Schools were presented with suitable books for collecting for the C.M. Home Mission:—Willie Pierce Williams, David William Jones, Trefor Jones, Iestyn Phillips, Willie Hughes Jones, Selwyn Price, Brenda Jones, Olwen Thomas, Eurwen Jones, Dilys Owen, Gwyn Price, Herbert Jones, Johnny Jones, Glyn Davies, Philip Morris, Eddie Brown, Evan Owen Jones, Gwennie Thomas, Katie Williams, Katie Jones, Lizzie E. Barnett, and Evan T. Rees. OBITUARY. On Saturday last at Treforest the funeral of Mrs. Allen, who resided with her daughter and son- in-law, Mr. and Mrs. David Morgan, Martins Terrace, took place. The Rev. Benjamin Howells, Calfaria, officiated. The following were the principal mourners: Mr. T. Allen, Crickhowell, son; Mr. G. Allen. Weston-super-mare, son; Mr. B. Allen, Swansea, son; Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Pontypridd, daughter; Misses G. Allen, Cissie Allen, Ena Mor- gan, grand-daughters; Mr. D. Morgan, son-in-law; Mr. A. Morgan, Mr. T. Brixey, Mr. C. Brixey, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Stephens and Mr. Williams. NUPTIALS. The wedding of Miss Jennie Owen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Owen, Ynysmeurig Road, and Mr. C. A. Hewell, Fox Street, Tre- harris, took place at Llanfabon Church on Monday last. The bride, who was given away by her father, was attired in a navy blue costume with a blue hat. The bridesmaid was Miss Phoebe Owen, sister of the bride. She was dressed in a blue costume and wore a white hat. The best man was Mr. D. Osborne, Treharris. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. J. Edwin Jones. A sumptuous breakfast was prepared at the bride's home.

EMPIRE, MOUNTAIN ASH. Next Week: A Mill Cirl's Wedding." Drama is the great feature next week at the Empire. Mr. Perry has secured the enormously successful drama, "A Mill Girl's Wedding," with the original London Co., including Mr. Herbert Shelley in the leading part. The play is one of intense human interest and the actors and actresses sustain their parts with great skill. The scenery is direct, e from London. In addition to the play the Official War Film will be shown at every performance throughout the Ii week. This startling yet true photo- graphic history of the events of the war is a tremendous attraction, and the management are to be congratulated on having obtained the rights of showing the same. j

"I notice that you have changed your laundry," said a woman to her neigh- bour. "Oh, yes, I had to!" was the reply. "So many things used to come home missin'

IN MEMORIAM. GODWIN.—In loving memory of Emma Violet Godwin, who passed away June 29th, 1911. From Dad, Annie Mary, Edith Maud and Ed- ward Stanley. Five years ago, to memory dear, To thy dear name we shed a tear; Time cannot alter love so true, This day brings back our grief anew.

TO LET OR LEASE. HOUSE and Shop to Let or Lease at 100 Gadlys Road, Aberdare. — Apply, 24 Glasbrook Terrace, Penrhiw- ceiber. I

j Abercynon Conscientious ¡ Objectors. QUESTIONS ASKED IN PARLIA- MENT. In the House of Commons, Mr. Llew- elyn Williams asked the Prime Minister whether he had received a protest from eleven Nonconformist ministers at Aber- cynon, Glamorganshire, in reference to the treatment accorded to conscientious objectors detained in the detention barracks at Devizes, four of whom are from that neighbourhood; whether several of these conscientious objectors at Devizes had had recourse to hunger strike; whether it is the intention of the military authorities to break the spirit of these men in order to force them into the Army notwithstanding their conscientious objection to bearing arms; and, if not, whether the Govern- ment will alter the system so as to give the genuine conscientious objector fair play and freedom from petty tyranny. Mr. Tennant, replying for the Prime Minister, said he had no information on these matters, but he could see no ground for inquiry, as there appeared to have been no departure from prison rules. He would like to say clearly that there could be no question of the mili- tary authorities forcing men into the Army. These men were handed over to them as soldiers.

Mems from the Mount. A child asked a Caegarw shopkeeper for a bottle of Piccaninny. A bit hot that. He hasn't got a wife whatever, said a Co-op. manager to the local Tribunal. He has evidently been reading the re- cent articles on "Slightly Married." Two lady visitors went for a stroll with a local P.C. When near the reservoir they rested, on a bank where the wild thyme doesn't grow. The P.C. for a joke tied their ankles together by their boot laces. The joke has spread very far, especially when it was known that the fair ones came from Pembroke. The question is being asked what he would have done had they come from Brecon. Some folks have funny notions as to the duties of a fireman. A little girl carrying a little basket went to a fire- fighter's house. "Please," said the little one, "my mother do ask will you put the kitten's light out?" The astonisk- ment was so great that his helmet fell off the hat peg. Looking through the lists of soldiers' names in the Aberdare Valley, the following were noticed: -Sage and Parsley; Root, Flower and Branch; Gotobed and Riser; Hill and Vale; Old and Young; Welsh, English and French; Gray, White, Black and Blacker; Church and Chappel; Long and Short; Miller and Baker. Of course there were a few John Joneses. A local band escorting a Sunday School procession formed a ring outside a well-known hostel. Oh-h and it was wet. A local theatre manager the other evening mislaid his engine driver, elec- trician, stage manager and his collier. One has since been discovered in the wilds of Cardiff, and yet the play went on.

PENRHIWCEIBER BARRISTER ARRESTED. At Doncaster on Wednesday William Strafford Levinson barrister-at-law, Cardiff, and a Russian subject, was charged with falsely representing him- self to be employed by the Minister of Munitions. The defendant is a Penrhiw- ceiber man. The Town Clerk (Mr. R. A. H. Tovey),, who prosecuted, said that last year prisoner registered at Cardiff as a Russian subject, 28 years of age, single, and a barrister-at-law. In January last he came to Doncaster, for what reason was not quite known. For the past three or four months he had been an assistant master at Doncaster Grammar School, and was so employed until last Friday. He appeared to have made many friends and acquaintances in Doncaster and the neighbourhood, and to these he stated that he was in the employ of the Minister of Munitions, and was attached to the Sheffield centre. He visited sev- eral places in Doncaster, and obtained information that would not have been given to him directly or indirectly if he had not led people to believe that he was in the employ of the Minister of Munitions. It would be shown that he had no such employment. Superintendent Cromwell stated that in reply to the charge prisoner said to him, "I have said that owing to having been rejected on two occasions for mili- tary service and being a barrister I shaH probably, if there is any truth in Mr. Asquiths statement that the full resources of the country will be mobil- ised in order to defeat the enemy, be found a place where my legal training will come in useful in order to attain that end, and that I on February 14th last had written to the Ministry of Munitions in order to obtain any posi- tion without pay in which they think I can be usefully employed." When charged that morning prior to coming into court prisoner said to him, After last night on consideration I shall plead guilty."—Prisoner pleaded to be dealt with summarily. He repeated the story of how he got the scar on his face, and said that on many occasions in 1910 he spoke on Liberal platforms stating that the war was coming on. He wrote to Lord Roberts offering to join in organisation work. "At Donnington, in Lincolnshire, when speaking, I was badly mauled," he said. He had been consistent, and i having failed to get into the Army, he attempted to get into other work, and believed he was doing work of na- Itional importance by doing educational work. The Chairman said they must re- Ind him for a week.—Chief Constable objected to bail at present, and prisoner, on hearing this, appeared to be much distressed, and said he would be a wreck if he remained in custody a week.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. MR. BECKERLEGGE'S DEFENCE. Dear Sir,—As you published in your last issue a letter from me to the Mountain Ash Education Committee I think perhaps it will be well to give you a brief summary of the position for the better information of the public. Im- mediately upon returning to Mountain Ash after examination by the Medical Board I called at the Education Office to report my return, assuming there would be no difficulty as to my future services. The Director was not there, but on April 22nd he wrote I think you had better not resume your duties under this Committee until your case has been submitted to them. They meet on the 2nd proximo, after which I will communicate with you." I re- ceived no further communication for a month. In the meantime organised I public opinion made itself felt, with the I i result that I received the following I letter of May 23rd-the first and only communication I have received on the I matter from the Education Authority: I The Mountain Ash Education Com- mitteee have been considering the ques- tion of your re-instatement as one of J their trained certificated assistant teachers, and I am requested to inform you that, if you still desire to be re-in- stated, you must be prepared to appear before, and satisfy the Education Com- mittee that you are competent and willing to teach Patriotism in a thor- oughly satisfactory manner, before the committee will agree to your re-instate- ment." The success of an interview would have depended on the degree to which the members were open to con- viction. The suggestion of the phrase, "if you still desire to be re-instated," was of course sufficiently obvious, but more important to me was the fact that such a letter, left without qualification, raises suspicions as to my past service. To get the ground cleared on that point 1 wrote as follows:—" In reply to your Director's letter of the 23rd I should like to ask if you have any reason to think I have in the past failed in respect of the teaching of patriotism, or in fact of any of the other moral qualities, which would warrant the unusual course suggested. I have served under you nearly nine years, and never has there been the slightest hint that my teaching has been lacking in this re- spect or that I have used my position unprofessionally and dishonourably to inculcate personal views on disputed points. Any such suggestion would have been entirely unfounded. If you could trust me to act honourably in the teaching of Scripture, which has hither- to been the most contentious subject in the school curriculum, surely you might trust me to be equally discrimin- ating and impartial over the question of patriotism. I repudiate the suggestion that I am not a patriot. My teaching of patriotism has been deliberate and not perfunctory, and I have always striven to imbue the scholars in my charge with such ideals that they shall regard duty as paramount and so live as to be a credit to their country and leave it better than they found it. Some of the boys I used to teach were among the first to enlist, and 1 have always been very careful, but especially so since the war has been raging, to maintain an attitude which was strictly correct professionally and due to my re- sponsible position. At the same time I am a citizen, and when I am forced to take a public stand, I claim the right to act in accordance with what I conceive to be my duty, only asking others to grant the same respect to my opinions and actions which I am pre- pared to give theirs. I am not sur- prised to learn from the Board of Edu- cation that they propose to take no action with regard to my certificate. I am only astonished that you should have in any way countenanced your Director's action in the matter." To this letter (which you did not publish) I had no reply, so wrote again as re- ported la.st week, and still failed to get any answer. III fairness to all pat-tills I now make known the whole of the cor- respondence, and can rest content with the judgment of the public as to whether the treatment I have received is what I had a right to expect.—Yours faithfully, JOHN J BECKERLEGGE. The Manse, Maldon.