Rhondda Leader Maesteg Garw and Ogmore Telegraph

The Shop Assistant's Hard Lot. A Valuable Publication. Speaking broadly, there is no other class of workers at once so numerically strong and so economically poor. Shop assistants have never solidly stood to- gether like other workers. Somehow, a false notion of social superiority has always possessed them." Thus Messrs. Joseph Hallsworth and Rhys J. Davies in an introduction to a very illuminating, treatise on the. working life of the shop assistants. The authors, as they state in the preface to the work, were at one time shop assistants them- selves, and are at present actively en- gaged in the shop life movement, being members of the permanent staff of the Amalgamated Union of Co-operative Em- ployees, one holding the position of chair- man, and the other of secretary, of the Manchester Federation of Shopworkers and Clerks. They can, therefore, speak from intimate personal knowledge of shop life and labour, and their joint produc- tion is a valuable compilation that can- not fail to strike the imagination of the reformer. And what a world of tragedy lies behind the shop counter! Little indeed do we realise, as our modest wants are being attended to by the pleasant faced young man in the white calico apron, that here is a fitting object upon which to expend our sympathy; that behind that winning smile lies the consciousness of a sordid and grim struggle for exist- ence, and, to use a very appropriate metaphor, that behind the shop window of pleasant manners and engaging con- versation there are all the -horrors of long hours, bad food, the vicious living-in system, and other evils which make the life of the shop assistant little better than a soul-stultifying nightmare. In the pages before, us these are revealed with all the skill of a born story-teller, and despite the fact that much of its contents is concerned with statistics and tables, the book is as absorbing as any graphic narrative, and should be read diligently by each and all desirous of obtaining an inner glimpse of the shop assistants' world. The writers point out at the outset that shopkeeping in these days is a far different thing from what it was in by- gone days, when a real humane relation- ship existed between employer and em- ployee, and between one employer and another. Since, those days a gi'eat indus- trial revolution, has taken place, bringing: vast changes in the organisation of industry. Simultaneously with the in- crease in production and wealth came a tremendous growth in trading and dis- tribution, and in the numbers engaged in obtaining a living in such work. Then big capitalism entered the field, of distri- bution, great multiple firms planted down their shops in every town, big and small, throughout the country; private busi- nesses were converted into companies, entirely new companies were floated, huge amalgamations of existing companies were effected, and the small trader was sent to the back streets and the Bankruptcy Courts. And the most significant and tragical outcome of this growth of octopus business was that the lot of the assistant became harder, he: became a mere pawn on the commercial chessboard; profits and dividends were of far more import- ance than lie to soul-less boards of direc- tors, and his economical condition to-day is far worse than even that of the navvy who plods and spends and has no thought of the morrow. But the degradation of the shop assistant has not been accom- plished by the employers single-handed. Contrary to other trades, the shop assis- tants, like journalists up to a recent time, looked upon combinations for a common end as a thing good enough for the horny handed, but not quite the thing for the aspiring Lipton. They sniffed at the very mention of the word Trade Union, and to-day they are reaping; the reward of their folly. Out of nearly a million per- sons of both sexes engaged in the distri- butive trade, only about 20,000 are mem- bers of the Shop Assistants, Warehouse- men and Clerks' Union. Most of them are positively indifferent to the matter, and even in South Wales, where they have before them a virile example in the Miners' Federation, branches of the Union have been started, but collapsed again through lack of support. Happily, there is among them a number of whole- souled men burning with the passion of redeeming their comrades from their pre- sent unenviable position, among whom are to be counted the authors of the work that lies before us. It is through the efforts of men like these, who spare no trouble and labour in probing the condi- tions of shop life, and in agitating for a better state of things, that there is a prospect of a Bill being placed' on the Statute Book of the country which will to someeXitent bring to shop assistants some of the privileges now enjoyed by their more fortunate fellow-workers in other trades.

Death of Blaenrhondda Schoolmaster. End Hastened by Grief After Wife's Demise. We regret to report the death of Mr. William Jones, headmaster, Blaenrhondda Boys' School, which took place at 12, Church Road, Ton-Pentre, on Tuesday morning, at the early age of 38. Deceased was a native of Treherbert, where he received his primary education, and after an apprenticeship at Dunraven Schools, he taught for some time with success at the Ynyswen School. Thence to the Cardiff University his steady pro- gress continued, and his ability as a teacher soon found acknowledgment. After appointments at Clydach Vale and Gelli Schools, the headmastership of Blaen- rhondda Boys' School was offered to him and accepted. This was two years ago, and he held the position at the time of his demise. Although a busy man during the week, Mr. Jones looked well to the spiritual welfare of his pupils, and was a Sunday School superintendent. There can be little doubt that the deep grief occasioned by the death of his wife five months ago shattered his health, but his personal friends did not contemplate that his end was so near. The funeral is announced to take place at Tynycoed, Swansea Valley, on Saturday next, and will be private.

Keep hold of Puritan Soap Better soap there's none. Are you saving your wrappers ? I Presents list free. THOMAS, Bristol.

The Late Mrs. Dr. Phillips, Tylorstown. Brilliant Woman Passes Away. Notable Gathering at the Funeral. Tuesday, the 23rd ult., one of the best of women was laid to rest at Llehrddu Cemetery, Trealaw, namely, Mrs. Phillips, the beloved wife of the Rev. D. M. Phillips, M.A., Ph.D.. Tylorstown. Mrs. Phillips was born 45 years ago in Green House Farm, Watertown, near Bridgend, and was the eldest daughter of Edward and Maria David, whose ancestors occu- pied Green House for nearly 300 years, her brother, Thomas David, being the present occupier. She descended from a very able family on both sides, her father being one of the most talented men in the Vale of Glamorgan, both as a musician and a Welsh, litterateur. Mrs. David was a cousin of the late Rev. Edward Mathews, Ewenny, one of the greatest geniuses Wales ever produced, and many of his qualities were inherited by the deceased lady. The late Mrs. M. L. PHILLIPS, Tylorstown. When a child, deceased attended the National School at Bridgend, where. she gained distinction in drawing and penman- ship, and also obtained a, certificate from the Science and Art School. In 1886 she went to stay for a while with the Rev. and Mrs. Edward Owen (now of Gilfach Goch) at Ystradfellte, in Breconshire, and there met her future husband. IVIr. Phillips; had not then decided on his career, but soon afterwards he commenced his preparations for enter- ing the ministry. In the meantime they became engaged, and as a mark of the constancy and fidelity which character- ised her throughout her life, she waited for seven years until he finished his collegiate course, herself entering Mrs. Taylor's Private School, Cardiff, to pre- pare for her future sphere of life. Here again she made rapid progress, gaining great distinction as a carver and painter, I I and some of her work in these branches would compare favourably with that of the masters in these arts. In 1893- she married the Rev. D. M. Phillips, the wedding taking place at Pembroke Terrace Chapel, and after coming to Tylorstown she at once identi- fied herself with all branches of church work. In 1894 she headed the list in the Sunday School examination of her own church, and in the following year came out second in the whole Monthly Meeting Division of East Glamorgan. She also passed the Connexional Examination of the Calvinistic Methodists the same year, and in the following year she was placed first in the list for the whole of Wales. Encouraged to further efforts she won the gold medal in 1897, the examiners—the I Revs. J. Morgan Jones, Cardiff, and T. Levi, Aberystwyth—testifying to the ex- cellence of her papers, and remarking that they seldom read their equal. She also worked energetically with her Sun- day School, and passed as many as 45 candidates under the ages of 16 and 21. In 1898 she was overtaken by a severe illness, which necessitated an operation at the University College Hospital, London. The operation proved successful, but the recurrence of the disease made another operation necessary at the end of a twelve- month, which necessitated another visit i,) the same institution. For the next eight years she enjoyed fairly good health, and during this period she worked assiduously in assisting her husband in his great work. It is surprising to think that she wrote the contents of his book on "Mental Philosophy," in her illness, and took such interest in all his literary productions, as well as reading most of the proofs of his numerous volumes. She had devoted herself to his work in all its aspects, and her intellectual abilities enabled .her to discuss with him the various topics treated in his books. She was writing poetry and prose con- tinually, and had also sketched a novel. Her favourite subject, however, was poetry, and some of her productions were of very high merit. After the death of her great-uncle, the Rev. Edward Mathews, she composed an elegy which was published in the Torch," the organ of the Forward Movement, and her pro- duction was highly eulogised by eminent poets. During the last few years she was a prolific writer of hymns, the following specimen being adjudged the best in the competition in connection with the Rhondda Facli C.M. Musical Festival last summer: — Tra nos digofaint Duw anfeidrol bur, Fel mantell ddu a throm dros for a thir, Fe clorodd gwawr, fe ganodd llu y nef, Iacliawdwr gaed-y Mab o'i fynwes Ef. 0! Ddwyfol Fab, ac Adgyfodiad Dyn, A d'wyllodd angeu du Dy wyneb cun? A guddiodd Duw ei wyneb rhagot Ti, Tra llifodd gwaed dy galon drosom ni? Dros euog ddyn dioddefaist angeu loes, Dros enaid tlawd Ti drengaist ar y groes, Ein Iesu glan. ac unig Fab y Tad, A'n prynodd drwv anfeidrol gariad rhad. She was pre-eminently fittted to be a pastor's wife. Her care for the sick and poor of the church was proverbial; in fact, she did most of the pastoral work, so as to enable her husband to carry on his work in other directions, his ability and popularity as author, lecturer and preacher being in constant demand all over Wales, and the principal cities of England, necessitating his being much away from. home. She was not left un- recognised for her great services, for she was presented some time ago by the young people of the church with valuable gifts. In the revival of 1904-5 she worked incessantly with the meetings and the converts at home, while her husband, Dr. Phillips, and her niece, Miss Jones- Phillips, were away holding meetings all over the Principality. Her attractive personality made her popular everywhere with all classes of people, and commanded the greatest respect possible. Combined with her unblemished character, she had, the most lovable disposition, and the many students trained by her husband from time to time had unbounded regard for her, and made her a handsome pre- sentation a few years ago. She also evinced great delight in music, and suc- ceeded "this summer in passing three examinations in the London College of Music. Nor did she forget her part in the domestic circle, despite the pressing calls upon her time and services. She was qualified by nature, culture and grace for the position she was called upon to fill. Her home was always noted for its warmth and hospitality, and her husband —who idolised her—oftentimes referred to the paradisical environment that sur- rounded him at all times. Theirs was the ideal happy life, and when the recurrence of the old illness set* in, he spared neither time, trouble or money in order to retard the attack. He took her once more to the University College Hospital, London, and secured the services of Dr. Spencer but, in spite of all medical skill and loving attention, her spirit quitted its earthly tabernacle on Wednesday morn- ing, the 17th ult., leaving her husband and niece to mourn their loss. On the 18th her mortal remains were brought home, and were met at the railway station by the members of the church and many of the inhabitants, wrhose. sorrow was all too evident. On Tuesday of last week the funeral took place, the body being borne to the chapel by members of the church. The Rev. W. Lewis, Cwmparc, officiated at the house prior to the departure. A touching service was conducted at the chapel, the Rev. J. Morgan Jones, Car- diff, presiding, and among those who took part iirere --Ilev. Walter Daniel, Cardiff; Rev. D. Oliver, London; Messrs. Arthur Jones, T. R. Jones, Roderick Evans, E. R. Thomas, officers of the church; to- gether with the Rev. R. Morgan, Tonyr- efail; Rev. Wm. Jones, Aberdulais Rev. W. Lewis, Cwmparc and the Rev. Morris Morgan, Swansea. Then the cortege wended its way to Trealaw Cemetery, and several of the departed's favourite hymns were sung by an amassed choir en route. Prominent in the mournful procession was a number of boys whom she had taken from the streets to her classes, and who followed her remains to the graveside in their shabby habiliments. The service at the graveside was conducted by the Revs. J. Morgan, Aberdare, and T. Powell, Cwmdare. Many beautiful wreaths were sent, the most notable being those by her husband, Dr. Phillips; her niece, Miss Jones-Phillips her sisters, Mrs. Thomas, Barry, and Mrs. Jones, Tynycoed, Llan- harran Mr. and Mrs. Jones, Post Office, Tylorstown; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas, iron- monger, Tylorstown Mr. and Mrs. Bevan, Tylorstown Mrs. L. Hughes and daughter, Tylorstown; and three magni- ficentones from the church. The following were the principal iiiouri-iers:-Dr. Phillips and Miss Jones- Phillips (husband and niece); Mr. and Mrs. Jones, Llanharran (brother-in-law and sister) Mr. and Mrs. Thomas, Barry (brother-in-law and sister); Mr. Tom David, Green House, Watertowm (bro- ther) Messrs. Willie and Edgar Jones (nephews); Mrs. David, Maesteg (aunt); Councillor Gomer David, Maesteg (cousin); Mr. Llewellyn David, Morriston (cousin); Mr. David Phillips, Ystrad- gynlais (brother-in-law); Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Jones, Aberdare (brother-in-law j and sister); Mrs. Liza Phillips, Llwynypia (sister-in-law); Rev. and Mrs. Edward Owen, Gilfach Mr. Ezra Owen, Gilfach; Mrs. Lewis and Mrs. Williams, Blaen- logwy. ) In the evening, a memorial service was held at Libanus Chapel, when the Rev. J. Morgan Jones, Cardiff, preached to a crowded audience from 1 John iii. 2; and the Rev. W. E. Prydderch, Swansea, from 2 Peter iii. 14. The family received some hundreds of letters and telegrams from friends all over the Principality, including a message from Mr. Evan Roberts containing the following verses: Ai Hem y brofedigaeth hon? A ydwyt dan y don? Boed lieddwch dan dy fron— Ffordd Duw yw hi. Mae'i heisieu arnat ti? A hithau hwnt i'r lli' Yr awrlion beth wnei di? Tro di at Dduw. Mor wag y cartref 'riawr! Dy feichiau, 0! mor fawr! Ond arnat deued gwawr-— O'r arall fyd! Pa wr ddeongla hyn— Y Groes ar ben y bryn— A thithau heddyw'n syn Gad hyn i Dduw. Mor anhawdd deall Duw, Ei thori hi—mor fyw- Ond tored ar dy glyw Myfi a'i gwnaeth.' Cymered Duw dy law A chan nad beth a ddaw Dy serch a fyddo draw Lie triga hi. Nis torir byth y cjwm A wnaed gan Dduw Fe ddeil dan bwysau trwm Y marwol friw."

PROF VERO is still successful in curing so called hopeless cases in the Rhondda4 including all nerve, blood and skin diseases. Ladies may consult Madame Vero for ailments peculiar tc their sex. If you suffer call on Prof. Vero at his Laboratory, 108, William Street, Ystrad. Take tram to Sandy Bank 239

Treorchy. Miss May Isaac, Luton Street, and her mother returned on Sunday morning after a delightful and invigorating sea trip ex- tending over a period of two months. They landed at Fishguard late on Satur- day evening, where they were met by Mrs. Gwyneth Evans (formerly Miss I Gwyneth Isaac) and her husband, Mr. Jack Evans, Park Schools, Cwmparc, and later proceeded homewards, where they have been heartily greeted. We note with much interest that Miss Bessie Matthews, Dumfries Street, and Master T. Gower Thomas (Baglan Stores) have commenced teaching careers. Miss ,N,f 1 () U, Matthews commenced some time previous to the August "break-up," and Master Thomas commenced on Monday last, both at the Treorchy Schools. We wish them every success. A movement has been instituted in the district towards financially assisting Mr. John Rees, Dumfries Street, who has for a long time been unable to follow any employment owing to illness. A very unfortunate accident befell Mr, ¡ William Knapgate, Cardiff Place, on Mon- day morning at the Abergorchy Colliery. A stone fell on one of his fingers, necessi- tating an amputation. Mr. Knapgate has been deprived of the use of two fingers now, owing to similar accidents, and it ¡ is reported he will be able to use but very little of his arm, if at all, in consequence. Next Thursday evening, a social tea will be held at the Workmen's Institute in honour of Mr. J. M. Arthur, B.A., High Street, to mark the occasion of his departure for Germany, where he has been appointed master at one of the schools. The Noddfa Young Men's Union are ready to resume work for the 1910-11 season. An eisteddfod has been arranged by them. Mr. J. E. Thomas, Gorphwysfa, is sretary.

Late Rev. S. Jones, Ynyshir Energetic Church Worker. The death of the Rev. Samuel Jones, vicar of Ynyshir, took place on Sunday. He was educated at St. David's College, Lampeter, where he won the Divinity Prize and the Welsh Essay Prize. He was ordained deacon in 1883, and was priested in the following year. His first curacy was at Maesteg, where lie laboured strenuously until 1893, when he was offered and accepted the, living of Ynyshir. During his ministry he built no less than seven churches. The additions to the parish church at Ynyshir show with what energy he worked. Only recently a new pipe organ was built, and the new vicarage was due to his efforts. He was beloved by Churchmen, and no less by Nonconformists, with whom he cordially co-operated in every good work. No individual was ever refused his aid, and he rendered signal service during the long strike. He was a sound scholar, and was unanimously elected president of the Rhondda Sacred Study Reading Group in succession to Canon Lewis. Ynyshir will mourn him, and his place will never be adequately filled. He leaves a widow and four children. One son is curate of Llan- wonno; the other is in his last year as an undergraduate at Wadham College, Oxford. All his family assisted him in his parochial work, and his two daughters presided at the organ.

FOOTBALL. Cwmparc's trial match, "Possibles" v, Prohables," last Saturday, attracted a good crowd, who were rewarded by the displays of several smart players who were on view. There was much better offensive than defensive work, the shining light in the latter department being Dai Evans, who bids fair to improve even on his form of last year and to develop into a star performer. Of the old players who turned out, Jack Hughes, Geo. Jones. Dicky Jones, Thoman, Harry Jones and W. J. Edwards did well, and together form the nucleus of a strong eleven for the coming season. The diminutive Joneses forming the left wing were. especially in good form, and will probably reap a good crop of goals. Of the strangers," Will Jen- kins (Ruabon) as wing half. Will Jones (Ton), centre half, and Dickens promise to be distinct acquisitions. The opening home match takes place on Saturday next, Cardiff Corinthians being the visitors; kick-off at 5 p.m. Two more players from North Wales are due for that match, and it is reported that Fyfe and Reed (late Ton-Pentre) will also be included in the home eleven. Ton-Pentre. The advent of the football season was marked at Ton-Pentxe by a trial match on Saturday evening between Probables and Possibles, and judging from the play all round the supporters of the game will have a really good sporting season to look forward to. Amongst others who stood, out amongst the new players may be men- tioned Hallman and Sheen. The Pro- bables scored 7 goals against 2 goals. The first fixture to be decided is an interest, ing one against Stoke-on-Trent next. Thursday, when the campaign proper of 1910-11 will commence. Mardy. A practice match was played at Mardy on Saturday. Some good play was seen, and the result was satisfactory to the committee. Next Thursday a trial match will be played, when the probable team will be turned out against the possibles. The following players have signed for M.arcly -Strugnell (Swindon), Summers (Bath City), Lenaghan (Yorkshire), Creech (Bristol), forwards half-backs. Sox Jones (Mardy), Ifor Jones and Emlyn Jones (Wrexham) full-backs. H. S. Austin (London) and W. Jeffrey Jones, the Welsh international; goal, Burgess (Bristol). Treherbert As the togs" of the Treherbert Amateur Rugby Football Club had not arrived by Saturday last, no trial match was held as anticipated. This was post- poned until the following Thursday. This re-formed amateur club at Treherbert will open the season on Monday next, when Llanelly will be encountered at home. It is intended to re-organise last season's Treherbert Athletic R.F.C.. which will form a kind of seconds team to the Treherbert Premier XV, This team will probably enter the Senior Division of the Junior League. If this is so, it is now high time to summon a meeting of last season's juniors. Llwynypia A.F.C. At the annual meeting of the above club, Mr. W. Williams, Partridge Hotel, was elected president for the coming season. The following officers were elected: —Chairman of committee, W. Ottery, Partridge Road; hon. secretary, Albert Couch, Partridge Rr. hon. trea- surer, George Seal, Partridge Road; while Messrs. Joseph Youlden, Ynyscynon Road, and Watkin Davies, Tyntyla Road, were elected captain and vice-captain re- spectively. There will be but one team this year. This team has been promoted from the Second Division of the Rhondda League to the First Division. The players who constituted the Crescents last year were presented with medals at Porth on Monday evening last in virtue of their having been the runners- up in the Second Division of the Rhondda. League last season. A good season is anticipated, as an excellent fixture list has been secured by the energetic secre- tary, Mr. Albert Couch. The first en- counter will take place on Saturday next, when Llwynypia will be at home to Tonyr- efail. Treorchy. Treorchy Premiers celebrated the advent of the football season on Saturday by en- countering the Treorchy Old Boy's on the New Athletic Grounds, before a good gate. The Premiers, however, were not strongs- represented, no new players being engaged to fill the gaps occasioned by the depar- ture for the North of Will 'Morgan and' James Poison; Dai (Llan) Evans, who has taken a position with Llanellv and Biddiscombe, who has joined the 'ranks of the Ferndale team. Mr. Gwilvm Howells, W.F.U., was the referee, and the final score was: Old Boys. 14 points Treorchy, 4. Dai Vaughan* Geo. Evans, J. P. James and Will Lewis notched the tries for the Old Boys, and the dropped goal for Treorchy was kicked by Salisbury. Dick Wise, the Premiers' captain, did not turn out. Next Saturday, another trial match will be played, and it is antici- pated that about six new players will' appear. Treorchy will be opposed by Canton. It is interesting to note that Treorchy have secured a sound fixture list. At the annual meeting held at the Lion Hotel recently, a balance sheet was sub- mitted by the secretary, Mr. James Lewis, which showed the receipts during last season to be C216 lis. Id., and the expenditure C276 2s. 4d., leaving an adverse balance of £ 59 lis. 3d. The chief item of the expenditure incurred were the guarantee matches, this feature itself having reached a total of zE23 odd. Mr. Lewis Lewis, confectioner, Pentre. presi- dent; Mr. Rees Hall, vice-president Mr. Gwilym Howells, W.F.U., treasurer: aDd Mr. James Lewis, secretary.

Price List Dispute at Pertygraig. Over a Thousand Men Idle The whole of the workmen; 1,000 in number, employed at the Ely Pit of the Naval Collieries, Penygraig, ceased work on Wednesday on the termination of the notices tendered to them on the 1st Aug. Efforts have been made to avert a stop- page, but so far without success. Neither the management nor the workmen will recede from the positions they have taken up. The chief cause of the dispute is failure to settle a price list in what is known as the Bute Seam. The dispute commenced about 18 months ago. The men are holding out for 2s. 6d. per ton whilst Mr. L. W. Llewellyn offers Is. lid! The matter was referred to the Con- ciliation Board, who appointed Mr. T. Griffiths, Cymmer, and Alderman E. Morrell to try to settle the dispute. This effort proved unsuccessful. There is na feeling of bitterness shown by either side, as the workmen admit that the manage- ment muattop the pit for a time. in order to carry out some necessary repair?, and Mr. Llewelyn has offered to find work for as many as possible in the other twq 1 pits.

Weekly Stock Market Report. I From A. Mitchelson & Co., Stock Brokers, 21, Mount Stuart Square, Car- diff To investors seeking a sound security fielding approximately 5 per cent., an opportunity occurs at the moment to obtain all or part of a. block of £2,000 of Cardiff Railway 4 Per Cent. Preferred about £ 85i per cent. This stock has 'been as high as £ 101 per cent, quite Recently, and therefore should be worth close attention. Brecon and Merthyr Third and Fourth Preference stock is being picked up by observant investors as quickly as it ap- pears in the market. The possibilities of this line are beginning to be more gene- rally. known, and there is little doubt that the low prices now ruling, viz., about zC38 per cent. for the Third Prefer- ence and about £ 19 per cent, for the "fourth Preference, are goon likely to be exceeded. It will thus be seen that in the case of the Fourth Preference as tnuch as C500 of stock can be bought for Under 1100. The. future of the company is distinctly bright by reason of the fact that colliery developments near the line ,are now in an advanced stage, and it is Anticipated that within a comparatively short time the railway will be carrying fully 1,500,000 torus of mineral in addi- tion to that from which it at present •derives its revenue. An authority states that to pay the full 4 per cent, on the Second Preference only L8,200 per annum Is required, and an additional £ 9,000 to Pay the full dividend on the Third Pre- ference. This same authority computes the net revenue from the extra traffic as •at least £ 20,000, so that the era. of full dividends would appear to be not far. off, and in that case. the investor who pur- chases at present prices should have season to be satisfied. POWELL DITFFEYN STEAM COAL COMPANY, LTD. Powell Duffryn Steam Coal Co., Ltd., £ 1 "New" Ordinary shares (2s. 6d. paid) are an attractive security, and we are in a position to obtain a block of 30 (or part) 'of these shares at present quotation of 21/6-21/9 each. As these shares are in remand they are offered subject unsold. Jhe £ 1 fully paid Old shares are quoted 46/6-47/6, whereas these .New shares are standing at a price equivalent to under 40/ Although this difference is partly accounted for by the fact that interest ON the New shares is only paid on the amount called up, considering that they rank part passu with the Old shares, there seems little doubt that the New shares are cheap, and well worth locking JfP- For those who prefer the. fully paid Old shares we can obtain at moment 300 wr part) at present quotation, 46/6-47/6 each. For low capitalisation and ability to •earn large profits, as well as financial strength, the position of this undertaking Js almost unique. When combined with all this one takes into account the fact :that the prospects are of a most promising nature, it will be seen that the shares are a most attractive security. The Company's capital is one of the lowest in the South Wales coalfield, work- Ing out at less than 6s. per ton of out- Put. An idea of the Company's earning capacity may be gathered from the fact that, although the capital of the under- taking is about £ 1,000,000, yet the total Profits for the last three years have ex- ceeded that amount. This has enabled large sums to be put to depreciation and Reserve account, as well as the distri- bution of good dividends. In1 fact, the Position of the undertaking is such that, According to the last accounts, there is all amount of E700,000 to the credit of ^ueral reserve account, and practically ^00,000 of this is invested in Consols. Recent dividends paid have been from 5 per cent. to 20 per cent., and the Annual output of the collieries is about 3,500,000 tons. From all we hear we anticipate that the current year should prove a very pros- perous one, and consequently we believe that the dividend will be very satisfac- tory. An interim dividend announcement is shortly due to be made. SPILLERS & BAKERS, LTD. A good industrial has a peculiar attrac- tion for the investing public, which fact IB .probably explained by the possibility of the large returns to the shareholders /or a successful concern, and the fact that such a concern speedily builds up such Reserves and assets in the shape of pro- perty^ and goodwill that its "financial stability becomes all that can be desired. Messrs. Spillers & Bakers, Ltd., millers aud biscuit manufacturers, may be re- Warded as one of the strongest of indus- trial undertakings. The Company has leached such a state of perfection of P'ganisation, possessing specially built, rlgh-powered steamers for its own carry- 1,1 g trade, while its machinery is of the Very latest description, that an invest- ment in the shares; of the Company becomes a remunerative one of the greatest soundness. There are very large reserves, while the value of freehold, jeasehold, and other properties all show he great stability of the undertaking. Ahe present price of the, £1 shares is now Shout £2, at which price they yield about Per cent. to the purchaser.

Pentre. Though but recently formed, Ye Pentre Knuts have already acquired popularity, especially amongst the shop assistants of the locality. The idea of the formation of this. society was, to brighten the lot of the shop assistants by frequently holding socials and entertain- ing evenings during the coming winter, and as a source of intermingling of young people in the district. Two picnics have already been held on the Maindy Moun- tain, and the summer programme was brought to a close on Thursday after- noon last with a brake drive to Oreigiau. Notwithstanding the threatening state of the elements, a goodly crowd journeyed to that pleasant spot, where tea, was pro- vided by the gentlemen of the company at the Creigiau Hotel. The tables having been emptied of their tempting viands, the" Knuts" participated in various games arranged by Mr. J. J. Taylor, Ton- Pentre, who was assisted in his duties as M.C. by Mr. Jess F. Dando, Pentre. The return journey was made at 9.30, all having thoroughly enjoyed a pleasant outing. The approaching season is being looked forward to with great interest, as Ye Pentre Knuts", intend having a monthly social," thus keeping the shop assistants together. Fortnightly meet- ings: are held at the "Popular" Restaurant, Pentre, under the presidency of Mr. J. J. Taylor whilst the secretarial duties are very ably discharged by Mr. J. F. Dando, when different subjects are discussed, papers on shop life, &c., read, and suitable programmes enjoyed.

I Treherbert. Next Monday evening, after a some- what prolonged suspension of business, the Treherbert Trades and Labour Council will reassemble at the Stuart Hotel, when an open meeting will be held and the representatives on the various local government boards will submit reports of their doings during the year. Councillor Griffiths Evans is secretary. -C:- A movement has been instituted at Treherbert that will in all probability culminate in a sort of a concert for the benefit of Mrs. Rees, widow (daughter of Mr. Johnnie Jenkins, at one time a pro- minent and popular Treherbert foot- baller). Mr. David Richards (Dunraven Hotel) is an active member of the com- mittee. We wish the movement every success. A Cork Club, the secretarial duties con- nected with which are in the hands of the landlord (Mr. David Richards), has been formed at the Dunraven Hotel. In the course of the current week a meeting will be called at the Dun," when the election of officers will take place. The Literary Society of Tabernacle Chapel, Blaenycwm, have arranged a series of lectures to be delivered in the course of the winter season. The first lecture will be delivered by the Rev. W. Cynon Evans, G. & L., Blaenycwm, on John Bunyan," when the Rev. W. A. Jenkins (president) will preside. The Drum and Fife Band in connec- tion with Bethany (E.B.) Chapel is making rapid strides. The membership of the band is about 50, and a large percentage of this number attend each practice. A very impressive funeral sermon was preached at Emmanuel (E.C.) Chapel on Sunday by the pastor (Rev. J. N. Elias, A.T.S.) on the occasion of the demise of the late Mrs. Arthur Bell, who was a faithful member of the church, Treherbert inhabitants will regret to learn of the death of Mr. Sharpe, who passed away at Creigiau last week, where lie had retired for the benefit of his health. Mr. Sharpe was well known at Treherbert, where he resided for many years, and conducted a flourishing busi- ness as fruiterer and greengrocer. De- ceased was a prominent and faithful mem- ber of the Treherbert Weslevan Chapel. He was one of the partners in the firm of Sharpe Bros., commission agents, Tre- orchy. His remains were interred at Treorchy Cemetery. We learn that a Gymnastic Class has been formed for the coming winter at the Tydraw Workmen's Institute. The class should prove a valuable addition to the many attractive features of the Institute. On Saturday, the Treherbert Branch of the National Friendly Deposit Society had their annual outing to Ilfracombe, where a short and sweet day was spent in favourable weather. 12 Bladed Safety Razors. The Everjleady at 5/ the Gillette at 21/ Local Agent- R. T. Jones, The Tram. Terminus, Treherbert. 4893

KITLEY'S CANNOT BE EQUALLED FOR Natural and Artificial WREATHS, 212 Oxford St., opposite Natoinal Schools and Central Stall Market SWANSEA. 4835 4835