Rhondda Leader Maesteg Garw and Ogmore Telegraph

Editorial Notes. It is with the utmost satisfaction that we are able to congratulate the oratorio performances both at Treorchy and Porth at this Christmastide. Distinct progress in this direction can be registered, and the Rhondda admirers of real classic music have no further reason to migrate to other districts in this festive season. The Treorchy enterprise was on a very la-rge scale, and the extension of the pro- gramme of works reflects a. lofty refine- ment" and accomplishment. Mr. J. T. Jones, the Treorchy conductor, is to be complimented upon the magnitude of his efforts, and greatly so upon the manner in which he realised his ideals. To under- take Gounod's Redemption" and Mendelssohn's "St. Paul" and Spohr's Last Judgment" in onel season show that there is capacity in the conductor and a responding enthusiasm animating the choristers. Mr. Jones is accurately in the professional class of conductors. This was obviously noted by the complete mastery which he showed, not only in controlling the vocal contingent under his baton, but also the instrumentalists in the delicate touching parts of the orches- tration, which in many sections of the great works under treatment required as much vigilant observation as that bestowed upon the choral parts. In no other department of the complete presentation of classical works is the pre- sence of a, professional conductor more noticeable than in the guiding of the vocal artistes. The recitatives, in parti- cular, require very expert knowledge and experience. TheBe" apeaking parts of the oratorios, if properly expressed, must grant the singers a very wide latitude of expression. An inexpert conductor, who is enslaved to maintain rigidity of tempo, harasses the vocalist in his freedom of expression, and here the difference between the professional and amateur conductor is most patent to the musical critic. In the choral work, the perform- ances at Porth and Treorchy were very fine, and if preference may be expressed, we would be inclined to give Porth singers, under Mr. Rhys Evans, the choice of precedent satisfaction. It was a smaller choir, but there were iiol pas- sengers in it. Every member appeared to us to know his or her part thoroughly, and they showed by the choral renditions that Mr. Rhys Evans is most thorough and exacting in the preparation which he insists from all the members. The Tre- orchy Choir had a splendid volume, but we noticed a, few who were not contri- buting much when the difficult passages had to be negotiated. This was no fault of the conductor, and the best cannot teach unless the tauiglht come in touch with him. We desire to express our appreciation, too, of Mr. Rhys Evans, and as an amateur we must recognise that he takes a very high rank. We should have been better pleased if lie had sup- pressed the orchestra in the quieter parts and when it accompanied the solo singers in "Stahat Mater." When Mr. Evans has mastered orchestration to the extent of his knowledge of choral** work, and comes to feel as much at home with the band as with the choir—and study and experience will do it—then he will show that an amateur can do great things in the performances of great works. How- ever, we hope that this friendly criticism will be accepted in the spirit in which it is made. He achieved splendid triumphs on Boxing Day, and a visit to Porth was well rewarded by the clean, hearty sing- ing which was heard. We are delighted with this development of oratorio per- formances in the Rhondda. It has reached a high level by the standards attained at Treorchy and Porth, and what is still better, it is appreciated by the people. The, crowded attendances at both places speak that good music and classic harmonies will command the people when it is done well.

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Fire at Porth. House Gutted. Old Lady Burnt to a Cinder. A terrible fire broke out this (Thursday) morning at No. 7, Morgan Street, Porth, resulting in the death of an old lady, MT,, Thomas, a widow of nearly 70 years of age. The fire was discovered about 7.30 by some neighbours, who were attracted by the cries for help of a young girl the deceased woman's granddaughter. She was seen at a back window, frantically wringing her hands. A Mrs. Evans, a neighbour, heard her (cries, and imme- diately summoned the assistance of Howell Davies, Geo. Price! and John James. Howell Davies rescued the child and her mother, Mrs. Rachel Jones, and also suc- ceeded in waking a lodger, who was asleep after being at work during the night. It was sometime after that it was discovered that old lady had been left behind, and by the time she was reached she was found to have been burnt to a cinder. In the meantime, the flames leapt out in living tongues through windows, doors, and roof, and when the Fire Brigade, under Captain Thomas, arrived on the spot, it was seen that nothing could "be done to save the house, and the firemen's efforts were directed towards preventing the spreading of the conflagration to the adjoining cottages. Previous to the arrival of the Brigade, the neighbours worked like Trojans with buckets of water pouring upon the livid flames, but to no purpose. The fire raged with demoniacal fury, and the house was com- pletely gutted, with the exception of the front room. The charred remains of Mrs. Thomas were afterwards tenderly conveyed to the Fire Station to await the inquest. Howell Davies, a neighbour, is a young man whose behaviour and promptitude cannot but excite admiration. In an interview with our reporter, he declared that his attention was directed to the outbreak by Mrs. Evans, a neighbour. He at once summoned -assistance, and while he took steps to rescue the inmates, George Price and John James ran to the Fire Station and gave the alarm. Davies first of all rescued the little girl, and afterwards went in and got the mother out. The lodger, who was found sleeping in bed after his night's work, was awakened, and it was three-quarters of an hour later when the charred remains of the grandmother were discovered. Another neighbour declared that the house seemed like a blazing furnace." He saw the young girl near the back window standing beside her grandmother. He was of the opinion that the latter must have become suffocated with the smoke and had fallen on the bed, where she was subsequently discovered. Rachel I Jones' husband and son had gone to work before the outbreak occurred. The cause of the fire, which originated in a room under the stairs, is unknown.

Death of Dr. Lewis Probert. End of Striking Career. The news of the sudden, death of Dr. Lewis Probert, the eminent Principal of the Bala-Bangor Congregational College, came as a great shock to the Rhondda people. The deceased divine had occupied the pastorate of Siloh Chapel, Pentre, for about fourteen years, and was previous to that pastor of the Bodringallt Church, Ystrad. His had been a striking career. Born at Llanelly, in Breconshire, he entered the Congregational ministry and spent a short time at the Pontypridd Collegiate School. Shortly afterwards he was ad- mitted as theological student into Brecon Memorial College. In 1867, he undertook the pastorate of Bodringallt Church, and during his stay there established a new cause at Siloh, Pentre. In 1872, he resigned the pastorate of Bodringallt for Pentre, and some time later established an English cause at Ton. Twelve months later, he established another church, this time at Cwmparc—the third in six years. In 1874. he accepted a call to Salem Church, Poiltmadoc, but twelve years later returned again to the scene of his early labours at Pentre. In 1898, he was appointed Principal of Bala-Bangor Col- lege in succession to the late Dr. Herber Evans. He was a preacher of renown, an author of very broad views, yet strictly orthodox, and his published works— mostly commentaries—have had a large sale. He was twice married, his first wife being Miss Watkins, of Blaina, Mon., who died in 1874. He married a second time in 1887. His only child is Mr. Edgar Probert, accountant at the Rhondda Engineering Works, Pentre, who has only just returned home after paying a visit to his parents during Christmas.

Plunge iqto a Quarry. A Trealaw Suicide. A sensational case of determined suicide occurred at Trealaw on Monday, William Hemmings, a young collier, of Ynyscynon Road, throwing himself into a deep quarry, and being taken out quite dead. Deceased was observed by Herbert Browning, Ynyscynon Road, wlio was looking out through a bedroom window in the direction of the mountain side, to divest himself of his coat, place it on a post at the head of the quarry, then take off his cap and throw it to the ground. Afterwards lie ttook a ifew backward steps, outstretched his arms, and making a. short run, dived into the quarry as if he was plunging into the sea. Browning immediately went for P.C. Harrell, and both proceeded to the quarry, which is situate behind the Ynyscynon Hotel, and there found the body of Hemmings in a. mangled state, his head being smashed to a pulp. The depth of the quarry is well over 100 feet, and deceased must have been killed outright. Deceased, who was a native of Bristol, twice previously attempted suicide. On the first occasion, about three years ago, he threw himself into the Avon River from Clifton Suspension Bridge, and was rescued by a boatman. The second time he took salts of lemon in a glass of beer at the Ynyscynon Hotel, and then walked home and went to bed. A person who saw him empty the poison into the beer became suspicious, and informed the police. Hemmings was found in bed by P.C. Harrell sick, and was given an emetic. He was subsequently charged at Ystrad Police Court with attempting suicide, and was committed to the Quarter Sessions. At the latter he was sentenced to three months' imprisonment; An inquest was held upon the body on Mondav morning, and a verdict of Suicide whilst temporarily msane" was ¡ returned. I

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The Senghenydd Tragedy. Local Connections of the Victim. Edward Williams, better known as Ned o'r Bell/' the victim of the Seng- henydd tragedy, was a well-known char- acter in Mid-Rhondda. He was a native of Aberdare, where he was born 39 years ago. His brothers are Mr. Thomas Wil- liams, late of the Pandy Inn; Mr. Jenkin Williams, late of the Royal Hotel, Tre- alaw Mr. Clement Williams, Risca; and Mr. Lewis Williams, horse dealer, Tony- pandy. Another brother was the late Mr. Watkin Williams, grocer, Court Street, Tonypandy, who died about three or four years ago. Deceased was married eleven years ago, but had lived apart from his wife for the last eight years. She obtained a separation order against him at the Biidgend Police Court, and had not seen much of him since. It is stated that deceased spent about twelve years in the Grenadier Guards. He was a powerful man, and given to drink, and those who knew him declare that it was as much as two policemen could do to apprehend him when in his drinking bouts. He was also fond at times of demonstrating his prowess as a, boxer, and it was a quarrel about fighting which led to his death at the hands of his landlord. Deceased, it is stated, was a good workman, and, escept when in drink, was a very plea- sant man.

Hippodrome, Tonypandy. Mr. David Donaldson and Miss Frances Ferian present a very pretty and pathetic sketch this week, entitled The Veteran's Birthday." The old veteran, who cele- brates his 70th birthday, is starving in a garret, and Billy swears to help him. Billy goes out to pawn his coat to buy some victuals, and is the victim of a street accident. He manages to limp to the old soldier's abode, gives him some of the dearly bought food, and expires. It Is a realistic piece of acting. Lambert and Butler (not of tobacco fame) are a smart pair as Alumnus and Schoolboy. Their patter is smart, songs good, and stepping superb. J. T. Daniels is also a pedestal step dancer of considerable merit; while the Bohemians (Will and Madge) are clever instrumentalists, and provide rare comedy. Harry Drew, a splendid basso; and Ida Eirlo, a daring and clever tight-wire artiste, complete the varieties. The pictures include Trixie, the Clever Princess," a panto- mime picture, The Christmas Sale," John Bull's Bread Basket," The Vendetta," and several amusing scenes. It is a really good show, and the commo- dious building is well heated.

Tivoli) Pentre. No one who admires a demonstration of the rewards of patience should miss seeing Cbrbin's Dogs. These wonderful canine performers entertain and amuse with doggy antics and clever tricks, pre- senting ,a regular pantomime without any visible guidance whatever. Ernesto fully deserves thei rounds of applause accorded him fo rhis smart feats in the art of jugglery. This versatile artiste executes a. marvellous ladder turn whilst playing instruments and holding a lighted lamp upon his forehead. Smart dancing is witnessed and sweet music heard when Allen and Hart occupy the stage; whilst wt) are again treated to a delightful pictorial song, turn in the person of Marie Leonard. The special engament of Jack Marks, the smaTlest Hebrew comedian in the world, is greatly appre- ciated, and he is given an enthusiastic reception. Witty yaffiis are his forte, and his sweet song, together with grace- ful stepping, take well. Roars of laugh- ter and continued applause prove" The Banana Queen to be the favourite scene of the bill. Original comedy is intro- duced, coster life faultlessly depicted,, and decidedly clever evolutions, together with laughable knockabout antics, are per- formed by a band of talented artistes. Kyoto, the Japanese mystery, completely mystifies the audience with an up-to-date display of conjuring tricks and marvellous bodily contortions. May Geraldine ren- ders pretty songs, which take well; whilst the Vanderbilts are a talkative pair, who indulge in side-splitting dialogues, wind- ing up their performance with a pathetic scena illustrative of different methods in the saying of Good night" by various classes of society.

Workmen's Hall, Ton. Stone's Living Pictures drew crowded houses on Boxing Day last. Many failed to gain admission to the first perform- ance. The pictures this week are well worth double the price paid for admission, "A Modern Grace Darling," "A Christ- mas Eve Dream," and The Higi-i Fur- naces being particularly good. Mr. Charles Goodwin, comedian, creates roars of laughter by his comic songs. No one will repent spending two hours at this excellent place of amusement.

Theatre Royal, Tonypandy. The Power of a Wicked Woman," which holds the boards at the Thea,tre Royal this week, is intensely enthralling and most admirably performed by the clever company responsible for its pro- duction. The title role, The Woman (Helen T err air e)," is taken by the charm- ing actress,, Miss Irene Munro, for whose acting there can he nothing but praise. The part of Phillip Carey is depicted in a masterly manner by Mr. Montague Beaudyn, and the part of Horace TV inter," as taken- bv Mr. Tom Robinson, elicits repeated applaiuise from the audi- ence. The caste contains1 many artistes who are well worth seeing. Next week, Mr. and Mrs. J. Rice Cassidy and company will produce that powerful play, In Holy Russia."

Palace, Porth. Topping the bill at the Palace this week is Enchanted Iona, who combines mystery and comedy. A bright and sparkling comedy illusion, it takes exceptionally and secures great applause. Will Prolan's Brooklyn Comedy Four, in a screaming nautical scene, ''Mirthful Mariners," exolode the house with their mirth, and skilful feats, and evoke con- tinuous applause. The Zaid Trio of Spanish Moors, in their Oriental speciality, are exceedingly good, and are much appre- ciated. Brothers Dean, an extraordinary pair of twins, make huge fun, and are cordially received. Gene Selby, the original coffee coloured coon and world's champion bone soloist, takes a lot of beating, and is great. The Sprees, the rustic and the maid," in a scena, Twickenham Ferry," are fine, and worthy of comment. Frank F. Street, a pocket edition of R. G. Kni),A-les," is also an interesting and highly entertain- ing character, and wins considerable credit. Exceptionally fine are the Palascope films, introducing a series of beautiful pictures.

Opera House, Treherbert. The production of Mr. Harry Beliefs pantomime, Robinson Crusoe," at the Opera House last week achieved a bril- liant success, The theatre was tested to its utmost capacity each evening, and more especially on Christmas and Boxiing nights, when many visitors had to be dis- appointed, as there was not even standing room. The matinees were not so well attended, probably on account of the cold raw days. Excellent music was one or the most charming features. The bright gay costumes, and the well-adapted scenery, gave the stage a happy and delightful appearance. The crew of the Lively Limped made a picturesque choir, which produced strains of very beautiful music. The performance went at full swing from start to finish, and endless roars of laughter centred round the various humorists. Ample scope was allowed the comic characters, with the result that the mirth of the audience was long and loud. Hard-working and very successful in their mirth-provoking efforts were:—Mr. Harry Benet, as Billy Crusoe (naughty boy); Mr. T. H. Wake- field, as Little Willie' C'arlyle Atkins" (Crusoe's rival); and Mr. Dai Phillips, as Mrs. Pankhurst Crusoe." Singing prettily and acting well, Miss Nellie Dyson and Miss Stella Millar were an admirable couple as "Robinson Crusoe" and Polly Perkins" respectively. Will and Roze, comedy conjurors, was a very attractive item. Their antics in the cafe were very amusing. Kloof and Ramsey, musical eccentrics, gave a remarkable per- formance. Mr. Lonzo Brown played Friday," and was well applauded for his expert sand-dancing. Other excellent items were the Four Verona Girls, acro- batic dancers and vocalists; Saxo, cham- pion post-horn soloist; and Messrs. Rand and O'Ryan, wholesale comedy merchants. Next week, Mr. Montague Beaudvn's company will present "A Beautiful Fiend" for the first three nights, and Send Him Victoriousfor1 the last three nights. Mr. Montague Beaudyn was the proprietor of the company which played A Traitor Prince" at this theatre not long ago, with much success.

Treherbert. Two pictorial sacred concerts were given at the Opera House on Sunday last. The pictures were a great attraction, for an entertainment of this description seldom visits Treherbert. The films and pictures were most beautiful, and the audiences much enjoyed the novelty of the illus- trated songs and recitations. The pro- gramme was composed of the following items: —Pianoforte overture by Miss Leslie; opening hymn, Lead, Kindly Light," and illustrated hymn, Onward, Christian Soldiers," by audience; two sets of pictures; illustrated song, The Volunteer Organist," and a solo, by Mr. Moses Jenkins (baritone); illustrated song, The Holy City," and a solo, by Mr. W. Thomas (tenor) recitations, "The Women of Mumbles Head" and The Old Story," by Mr. Ernest Cove; duet, Excelsior," by Messrs. Thomas and Jenkins. The Treherbert Athletic R.F.C. visited Treorchy on Christmas Day, and played a match against Treorehy Old Boys on the Treorchy Athletic Ground. The match resulted in a pointless draw. The visitors must have played an excellent game to draw with a team which is going strong for the top of the League. The Treherbert Athletic is a newly founded club of young adventurers, who were mostly members of the last year's Tre- herbert Boys' C.C. The annual Christmas tree and fancy stall in connection with the Welsh Church was held at the Old National Schools on Boxing Day. Throughout the day the schoolroom was well filled with scores of little children, who gazed with longing eyes on the wonderful tree which was laden with pretty toys. The attendants were -At tree, Messrs. Richard Davies and Evan Lewis; at stall, Misses M. A. Lewis and H. J. Davies, assisted by Mrs. James Thomas. In consequence of the day's rush, the advertised competitive concert has been postponed until January 21st. The good wishes of many of his old students and friends follow Mr. S. Howells (teacher at Treherbert Higher Grade Centre), who has left the locality for England, where he will meet and marry his future partner in life. Mr. Howells has been teaching in Treherbert for many years past, and is well known in the locality. He was accompanied on his journey by County Councillor Enoch Davies, J.P.

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