Rhondda Leader Maesteg Garw and Ogmore Telegraph

Blaenycwm. On Christmas night; a dramatic can- tata, entitled The Giant's Castle," was performed by the Children's Choir, under the able conductorship of Mr. G. Dudoch Thomas, organist of Blaenycwm Church. Mr. D. Thomas occupied the chair. Miss E. A. Jones gave the argument in a very instructive manner. The following were the artistes: —" Spirit of Pleasure," Miss Nellie Bowen: Spirit of Duty," Miss Lizzie Jane Williams; Laura," Miss Bessie Cole; Irene," Miss Miriam Rees; "Mary," Miss Maggie Gwen Williams; "Jack," Master Willie Jenkins; "Giant Habit," Master David Morgans; Four Attendants," Masters Ednyfed Jones, Iago Williams, Glyndwr Thomas, and Frank Lazarus; Sylphs," Misses Lizzie Jones, Ellen Ann Jones, Mattie Edwards, Nellie Edwards; Reciters," Misses Sarah Griffiths, Gertie Gwilym, Ethel Green, Rachel Ann Morris, Annie May J ones, Lizzie Jane Thomas, Ceinwen Morgan, Jessie Lawrence, Masters Johnny Lewis, Daniel Thomas, and David Law- rence. Violinist, Mr. John Samuel Rees. Miss Katie Evans, the accompanist, dis- charged her duties in an efficient manner. The choir performed its work in a capable manner, responding readily to the baton of their young conductor. Credit is due also to Mr. John Roderick, who acted as atage manager,

Mr, Noah Meredith, Llwynypia. Our genial and popular townsman, Mr. Noah Meredith, has the unique distinc- tion of being during the same year the President of two of the most important commercial and progressive institutions of the district, namely the Mid-Rhondda Grocers' Assaciation and the Mid- Rhondda and District Chamber of Trade. Born in the year 1874, the subject of our sketch has at all times taken a keen in- terest in the welfare of the Mid-lvhondda district, his native place. Since the in- ception of the JNIid-Rhondda Grocers' Association some eight years ago he has been one of the pillars of that body, with Mr. NOAH MEREDIlfl. I the result that he has his reward in being honoured to fill the most important position within its councils. When we look back upon the list of names upon which the same honour has been con- forred in the past. namely-the late Mr. Wm. Lawrence; Mr. J. H. Jones, Llwynypia; Mr. David Jenkins, Tre- alaw; and Councillor James Evans, Blaenclydach (who occupied the position for 5 consecutive years). It is no mean achievement for a young man to attain, and conclusively proves that energy, per- severance, and a strict attention to the important essentials of life must have its reward. Mr. Meredith's value in the councils of the grocery trade is evident from the fact that he is the sole repre- sentative from Wales on the Proprietary Articles Committee of the Grocers' Fede- ration of Great Britain and Ireland, which position he has held for three years. As President of the Mid-Rhondda and Dis- trict Chamber of Trade, he has been in the forefront with the promotion of all the important movements initiated by this progressive institution. The success- ful horse show of Mid-Rhondda oOWS its success in a large measure to the energy displayed by himself and his colleagues. Mr. Meredith takes an interest in all matters which tend to the social and moral advancement of the populace. While essentially a busy man, he yet finds time for healthy recreation, and is the president of the Tonypandy Thursday Football Club, which fact should be an incentive to other successful business men to take an interest in healthy sport. We shall not be surprised if other honours await Mr. Meredith in the near future, and when they do come, we have no hesi- tation in saying that he will adorn them with credit to himself and the district.

Williamstown. On December 26th, at Bethany Baptist Church, Pwllgwaun, Pontypridd. the marriage took place of Mr. Thomas Thomas and Miss Annie Mary Evans, niece of Miss M. J. Evans, Post Office, Williamstown. The bride and bridegroom are well known and very nopul.ar in the district. The officiating minister was the Rev. D. Griffiths, Ebenezer, Merthyr, assisted by the Revs. D. Phillips, Pen- rhiwfer J. 0. Evans, Williamstown and S. Davies, Pontypridd. The bride looked charming in a dress of grey, silk eoliene, with hat to match, and was attended by her sister, Miss Catherine Evans, who acted as bridesmaid and was dressed in black and white eoliene, with black hat. The bridegroom was accompanied by his brother, Mr. Edward Thomas. The bride was given away by her aunt, Miss M. J. Evans, who gave a reception after the ceremony at the County Hotel. Ponty- pridd. A large number of guests sat down to a sumptuous (repast, and congratu- latory speeches were delivered by the ministers and others present. With the mid-day train the happy pair departed amidst the well-wishes of their friends for London, where the honeymoon will be spent, the bride being attired in an elephant grey travelling coat, with helio felt hat. The presents were numerous and costly.

Ferndale. It is with deep regret we record the death and burial of Mrs. Mary Price, widow of the late Mr. Joseph Price, Fountain Street. Deceased, together with her husband, were among the pioneers of the cause at Tabernacle (W.C.) Church. Deceased was a native of Llanedy, Car- marthenshire, and resided at Aberdare for about fourteen years. She was one of the oldest inhabitants of Ferndale. The funeral took place at Ferndale Ceme- tery on Saturday last, the officiating minister being the Rev. T. Bryn Thomas, pastor of Tabernacle, who paid an excel- lent tribute to the noble character of deceased. The chief mourners were: — Mr. and Mrs. David G. Price, Tylorstown (son and daughter-in-law); Mr. and Mrs. Edward Jones, Ferndale (son-in-law and daughter); Mr. and Mrs. John Jones, Ferndale (son-in-law and daughter); Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Williams (son-in-law and daughter); Messrs. Eynon Price, Joseph Eynon Jones, Richard Emrys Jones, and Arthur Jones (grandchildren); Misses Pollie and Bessie Price, M. Winnie Jones, Gwladye and Myfanwy Thomas, and Mr. and Mrs. J. Davies, Stanlevtown (grand- children) Mr. and Mrs. Davies. Merthyr (nephew and niece); Mr. Davies and Miss Davies, Barry Island (nephew and niece).

Llwynypia. The 2,000 children who gathered at the Swimming Baths on Christmas Day have good reason to remember with gratitude the festive period of 1908. The Commit- tee of the Llwynypia Workmen's Institute betook themselves with commendable fore- sight to provide them with a treat in gifts and entertainment. Each child was given an orange, a bun, and a book. The oranges were gratuitously provided by Mr. L. W. Llewelyn, general manager, Cam- brian Trust; the buns by Messrs. Hopkin Morgan, Pontypridd; Thomas & Evans, Porth; D. Jones, Williamstown; and T. H. Norman, Tonypandy. Subscriptions were also given by Drs. W. W. David and Idris Morgan, Mr. J. Williams, and Mr. Trevor Price, M.E. Excellent lantern views were shewn by Mr. Thos. Griffiths, Sherwood, and added greatly to the enjoyment of the multitude of children*

Mozart's Twelfth Mass at Cymmer. Councillor D. W. Morgan and Alderman Morgan Williams presided over two grand performances of the above oratorio given at the Cymmer Congregational Chapel on Christmas and Boxing evenings by the Cymmer Choral Society, under the able conductorship of Mr. Joseph Bowen, Inter. Mus. Bac. The spacious edifice was packed with people, and a great many persons failed to obtain admittance the first evening. This was the first perform- ance of this kind by this Society for over fourteen years, when they were led by the renowned conductor, Mr. Taliesin Hopkins, whose memory will ever be green at Porth and Cymmer. However, iu spite of the fact that this talented Mr. JOSEPH BOWEN, Inter. Mus. Bac. corner of the Valley has been lying dormant for such a length of time, their efforts upon this occasion were crowned with a success that reflects great credit upon the hard-working and able con- ductor. A very pleasing feature of the performance was the excellent discipline and thorough understanding that pre- vailed between the choir and conductor. The choir of 150 voices exhibited every evidence of severe training. The attack on all the choruses was unanimous; and the heavy choruses were sung with dash and vigour. The contrast was in great evidence when the choir sang the delicate choruses, the pianissimo passages being rendered with exquisite finesse. The phrasing and expressions were exceedingly pleasing and never overdone. The greatest efforts of the choir, however, were Gloria and Cum Sancto Spiritia." The rendering of "Gloria" was truly glorious in every sense of the word, while that of Cum Sancto Spiritia, a most difficult and very exacting chorus, was an excellent specimen of what a well- trained choir can do. The artistes were in fine form, and at their best in Et Incarnatus and Benedictus." Special mention should be made of Mr. David Ellis, one of Wales' most brilliant tenors, whose rendering of the solo in the former part was really magnificent. Madame Mills-Reynolds also gave the audience a, treat in the rendering of Guonium" and" Benedictus." The flexible viee of this talented soprano was tested to its utmost capacity in the latter but she uroved equal to the occasion, her highest notes being reached with com- parative ease. Mr. Emlyn Davies simply enhanced his reputation as a baritone, performing his part in a most admirable manner. The contralto, Miss Ceridwen Price (daughter of the conductor of the famous Rhymney Choir), with her rich and resonant voice, gave the whole perform- ance a fine finish. The orchestra, under the leadership of Mr. J. Williams (Gelynog), Ynyshir, proved themselves worthy of the occasion, and was a decided acquisition to the choir. The pianist, Mr. David John Thomas, L.T.S.C., Porth, performed his part in an excellent manner. We trust that the efforts of this choir will be repeated year after year, to give the people of Porth and district the best of music.

Aberkenfigr. The annual eisteddfod in connection with Ebenezer Congregational Chapel, Aberkenfig, was held on Christmas even- ing. President, Mr. John Hopkin, Gil- fach conductor, Alderman John Thomas; adjudicators, Mr. T. Lucas, Ogmore Vale, Rev. J. Newton, Tondu, and Mrs. Mor- gans; accompanist, Miss B. Jeanes. Awards —Recitation (children under 14), Oliver Matthews, Tondu solo (children), B. Webster, Aberkenfig; recitation (chil- dren), Olive Richards, Brynmenin; read- ing music first sight, Miss G. Harris, Caerau; pianoforte solo (juniors), Irene Hopkin, Aberkenfig; recitation (open), Mr. J. Stott, Brighton; bass solo, Mr. D. Richards, Kenfig Hill; prize bag, prize divided between Mrs. iSurley and another; soprano solo, Miss Richards, Kenfig Hill; duet, Messrs. J. Evans and Richards, Kenfig Hill; tenor solo, Mr. J. Evans, Kenfig Hill; solo (anv voice), Mr. J. Evans, Kenfig Hill; male voice competition, Aberkenfig Minstrels (con- ductor, Mr. B. Powell). Mr. H. T. Joseph, secretary Cardiff Male ,Voice Choir, who is a native of Aberkenfig, delivered an address, and was heartily applauded.

Ogmore Vale. The annual tea was held at Bethlehem (W.B.) Chapel on Christmas Day, when a large number sat down to the good spread provided. The tables were taste- fully decorated and waited on by the ladies of the church. In the evening, the choir performed the oratorio, Paradise (John Fawcett), and was assisted by the following local artistes: —Sopranos, Miss Lizzie Kinsey and Mrs. J. Lewis; con- traltos, Misses Mary Jones and Gwen Lewis; tenors, Messrs. S. Fielding and 1 Henry Lewis; bass, Mr. Idris Williams. | The conductor was Mr. Jenkin Williams. Miss Maggie Lewis presided at the piano, and Madame Taylor, A.L.C.M. at the organ. The performance was highly satis- factory, and reflected great credit upon those who had charge of it. The Ogmore Vale Mixed Choir (con- ductor, Mr. W. M. David) were success- ful in capturing the prize at Bridgend Eisteddfod held at the Market Hall on Saturday last. The test piece was-" Lead, Jl,- Light" (Pughe Evans). The ad- judicator spok in high terms of the per- formance of the winning choirs. At the same meeting, Miss Lizzie Kinsey cap- tured the soprano solo; and her sister, Miss Ceinwen Kinsey, divided the prize with another competitor for the violin solo.

TYPEWRITING-M.S.S., Letters, Cir- JL culars, Forms, &c., Typewritten or Duplicated. Moderate Charges. "Rhondda Leader" Offices, Tonypandy. Marvellous Cure in Merthyr. Eczema on Hands & Arms. HELPLESS WITH DISEASE FOR 5 YEARS. A S ^r1eat Triumph over a terrible and most stubborn skin- Harrk nf 11 ^eaned by a Merthyr Express reporter, from Mrs. Ann wPll kn 11, 5I-M Street> Penydarren, Merthyr Tydfil. Mr. and Mrs. Harris are prominent member! 'of t°get'r P Py." to a doctor, who told me I had eczema as bad as it was possible to ave it. 1 think 1 caugnt the disease by washing the head of a child who was suffer- ing from scalp eczema. Both my hands were covered with itching scabs, which were constantly peeling away and forming again. If I touched the skin matter and blood oozed out freely. I was absolutely helpless to perform my household duties, and the nnJa^ a night until I became worn out witn constant suffering and lian^o thof r ti, i iC^ma ^ro^e °"t on my arms and became so bad on niy r thought they would be quite eaten away. My flesh was so rotted with lsease t iat.my finger nails dropped off three times, and my lingers became so swollen doctor/* ^I?rl "P? t0 n ?.'ecl °^1" ha<* treatment and ointment from five mnrp tlinn besides, all kinds of ordinary ointment, lotion, and medicine for more than ifve years, until at last I gave up in disgust and let the terrible disease take its course. 11 ,,■1 About twelve months ago my husband scratched his hand badly and was ad- i • q ry ^aM-Buk. So quickly and thoroughly did the balm heal his hand that I i t° try it for my hands and arms. In a few days I got great relief from the j.„Qmn^ Pajn> ajxd after continuing with Zam-Buk for a few weeks the inflammation ppeared and the scabs fell away. I quite expected that my hands and arms, if olfo n f)yere c"red' would be greatly disfigured for life, but Zam-Buk, after clearing away an the scabs and sores, covered the raw flesh with splendid new skin. My hands and armsare now quite healthy and firm, and I can do all my housework again." t We always keep Zam-Buk in the house now, and the whole of our family use it tor cuts, bruises, and the other little accidents that are always happening in a large family. Many of our relations in Solomon Street, when they saw how wonderfully I had been cured, at once got a supply of Zam-Buk, which they are constantly finding of great benefit, and would not now be without." No home can afford to be without Zam-Buk "1 suffered from piles for 15 years," Mr. Edward P| |0S fill Witt #1 5avid»°f28> Cornwall Street, Grangetown, Car- diff, told a local reporter. At times my suffering M ■ fit* was so intense that to work was impossible. Often III* when at work the piles would commence to bleed .noff, • and discharge matter until I was in a terrible state, rlof on^ what position 1 placed myseif 1 could not get ease. I lost sleep and ^i J y gioajied in agony. I tried nearly every pile cure, and had, be- treatment from doctors, without however, deriving the slightest benefit." rr A young man I was working with told me how he had been cured of Piles by Zam-Buk. I made a trial application and was greatly strengthened by the result. I first noticed a wonderful soothing effect, and then I observed that the piles were not ar y so tioublesome. After the piles ceased to bleed and give me no pain, I waited anxiously to see if they would return, but I am pleased to state that Zam-Buk has thoroughly cured me of this terrible complaint." Zam-Buk is the most reliable cure for eczema, piles, ulcers, "Swi"™' chapped hands, chilblains, rheumatic and Ent_ r sPramH' idlings, and sore throat, while Jor FREE Tiv' scal< lt has no nv-al. Of all Chemists at *Lj?9vi t ?• Dwtct for same prices (pout free) from —— Zam-Buk Co., AS, Cowcross Street, Epndon, B.C., Try Zam-Buk yoursel Send this eoupon^at onc<j and a free sample will Aff be sent you. Rhondda Leader," UO 9 1

THE GATHERING" AT MR. J GILMOUIVS PRESENTATION ON JULY 18th. Mr. RHYS EVANS. conductor of Porth Harmonic Society, which performed Stabat Mater" and Last Judgment" at Salem Chapel, Porth, on Christmas and Boxing evenings. The Late Rev. JOHN REES, Treherbert, pastor of Carmel Church for 38 years, who died on February 20th. The Late Mr. LEWIS LEWIS, the well-known herbalist, Ystrad, who died September 17th. The Late Mr. JOHN RICHARDS, Penygraig, who died in October. Mr. W. J. JONES, a young Ynyshir artist. I I-,I o: I- I The Late Mr. M. O. JONES, Treherbert, who died July 27th whiLst a testimonial was being worked up as a recognition of his great services to Wales.