Rhondda Leader Maesteg Garw and Ogmore Telegraph

I EDITORIAL NOTES. I The Rhondda Election will be on this Friday, and we have every confidence that for the eighth time Mabon will be returned by emphatic triumphant vote. His opponent, Mr. Harold Lloyd, of Cardiff, is a personality which has hardly anything in coHSjfon with the actual life of the mass of the people here. No doubt, the Conservatives entertain the delusion that since there has been waged in Mid- Rhondda an industrial dispute, in which some of the wilder and less matured spirits in the ranks think Mabon has not been all-dn-all to them in some of its most crucial stages, that there will be some spoils of war. But it will cer- tainly be a mistake on the part of Mr. Lloyd to build any strong hopes on that fact. The ranks of Labour will close on Friday, and Mabon's opponent will find that the laxity in the Labour ranks will become even more consolidated than ever. That such is going to be the actual result was seen in its initial development at the great meeting which was held at the Judge's Hall on Wednesday. The scat- tered hostility to Mabon in the early part was calmed down at each successive stage of the meeting, and when the grand veteran of Labour closed his character- istic speech, the evidences of unity were patent to all who are keen observers of mass gatherings. After all, the inter- ruptions of the few were not creditable to those who took part in them, and more, they were indulged in by young people who were only rolling off some parrot questions more in the field of the local industrial dispute than in the broader principles of progressive politics. It is suicide for Progressves to fall out in this crisis, when aggressive legislation against the hoary-headed House of Lords monopoly holds the battle ground. The least intelligent among the people should grasp this bottom principle that progress and reform. are impossible while the Veto. of the House of Lords remains un- touched. How any voter in the Rhondda, who is not himself a, sprig of the aris- tocracy can take sides with a Legislative Assembly over which he has no power of restraint, passes one's comprehension. There are some people who are snobbish in natural inclinations, but everyone who loves freedom must understand that the House of Lords is no refuge for the up- right and independent citizen. Ilie House of Lords is the constitutional issue. The democracy in this country is coming into close grips with it, and it must now or never be decided. It is really, to use the language of Mr. Lewis Morgan, "flapdoodle" to tell the neople of the Rhondda that the House of Lords never thwarts the will of the people." Mr. Lloyd must be a poor politician if he thinks so m truth and honesty, and it is positively stupid to say, as he does in his address, thai it will be the people's greatest safeguard against the rushing through of measures on which they (the people) have not been con-) suited." However much even a Socialist may front or fume at Mabon, he is not going to better himself if he votes for the political theories of Mr. Harold Lloyd. If he does, the simile of the "frying pan to the nre" will be apt indeed. It will be noted, too, that Mr. Lloyd does not even mention Labour questions in his address. They have no thought in his political programme, but he reiterates the usual nonsense about Tariff Reform, Will not increase the expenses of the working class." Surely, Mr. Lloyd knows better. If not. then we must tell him onee for all that he is mentally unable to understand the com- mon fact that, wherever tariffs and duties prevail, prices must be more. A candi- date who designedly puts such assertions in the pleadings of his brief condemns his claims when presented to an intelli- gent community. We have too much confidence in the Rhondda miner that he will stray from the path of duty by such baits. Mr. Lloyd may "say it to the Marines, or perhaps it might go down with benighted agricultural voters, but not with miners. Therefore, the Rhondda must again rally round Mabon. We anticipate with confidence that once more, when the result of the polling will be declared on Friday night, that Mabon will hold the seat he has held so long with another record majority.

Mld-Rhondda Chamber of Tracle. No Animosity Towards Shop Wreckers. A general meeting of the Mid-Riiondda and District Chamber of Trade was held on Tuesday e,'ming at Wellington Cham- bers, Tonypandy, Mr. D. S. Thomas occupying the chair. CORRESPONDENCE. In reply to a request made by the Chamber to the Taft Vale Railway Com- pany for adequate coverings to be placed over the bridges at Llwynypia and Tony- pandy Stations, the Company wrote stating that the necessary enquiries would be made by them respecting the matter, after which they would again write to the Chamber. A letter was .also read from the Head Postmaster of Porth stating -that the Postal Authorities had now decided to establish a, Sunday dispatch from the post office at Sherwood. In relation to the Chamber's application for a telegraph office to be placed at the Llwynypiai Post Office, it was stated that the matter was being considered. INCORPORATION ENQUIRY. The Secretary (Mr. John Rees) read a communication received from the Dis- trict Council, in which it was stated that the Council felt justified in making the necessary enquiries re Incorporation of the Rhondda. In the first instance, the advice of an expert would be required, one who would be able to give impartial and reliable information in regard to the matter- Mr. Llewellyn Evans said that as the Mid-Rhondda Chamber of Trade was the pioneer of the Incorporation movement, lie would propose that three representa- tives be appointed upon the Enquiry Committee, and that the Chamber would be prepared to bear their share of the expense incurred. Mr. John Rees seconded the proposi- tion, which was carried unanimously. The following were selected to act on the Enquiry Committee: -Messrs. D. S. Thomas, J. Owen ttoiics, John Rees, and Llewellyn Evans. CHAMBER'S MAGNANIMITY. Despite the recent destruction to pro- perty during the riots, the Chamber members wished to show -that there was no animosity amongst them, and the subject of the acute distress caused by the strike in Mid-Rhondda received great consideration. Mr. Llewellyn Evans stated that the Chamber had collected and sent a special donation to the Distress Com- mittee in the early stages of the struggle, and the Committee had highly appre- I ciated the action. The distress must be tenfold more to-day, and there was dire need of funds. He, believed that the best class of colliers thoroughly disagreed with the action of those who had caused the damage. The speaker proposed that cir- culars be sent to every tradesman in the locality calling his attention to the prevalent distress. Mr. J. Rees seconded the proposition, which was heartily supported by Mr. J. Owen Jones and others. It was also decided to write to the various Chambers of Trade affiliated to the Federated Chambers of Trade of South Wales, asking them if they could assist in alleviating the suffering in Mid- Rhondda. CHAIRMAN HONOURED. The Secretary, in giving the report of the delegates that attended the meetings of the Federated Chambers of Trade, stated that Mr. D. S. Thomas, chairman of the Mid-Rhondda Chamber, had been appointed vice-chairman of the Fede- ration. CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. It was decided to close the business establishments on Monday and Tuesday following Christmas Day. It was also decided to keep the shops open in future until the usual closing- hours. POLICE TELEPHONIC COMMUNI- CATION. The subject of direct telephonic com- munication being established with Tony- pandy Police Station from Tonypandy Post Office was again brought before the notice of the Chamber. It was stated that, should a fire occur, any message to be communicated to To-nypandy Police Station would first of all have to go to Pontypridd and then back to Tonypandy. The Chamber, having written to the Chief Constable, and no satisfactory reply having been received, decided to write to the Standing Joint Police Com- mittee.

Am usements. Empire, Tonypandy Among the excellent pictures shown at bhe Empire this week, The Way of the World is a film of excellent standard. Cowboy's DevotÍon" is an intensely dramatic picture and a popular favourite while The Hunting Meet is a picture of high dramatic interest. For the Honour of His Family" is a very un- usual picture drama. "Foolshead" again figures prominently in the comic pic- tures. Other picture comedies shown are "In Love with the Charwoman," The Newly weds," and To-morrow is Pay- Day." There will be a grand afternoon con- cert on Thursday, December 22nd, at 3.15 p.m., when the A.M.U. Orchestra and s<Veral well-known artistes have pro- mised to attend and give their services, together with a. very fine picture pro- gramme. The entire proceeds will be given to defray the cost of the Christmas Tree which the ipanagement are giving on Tuesday, December 27th, to the miners' children of the district. We trust that all those that can attend, will try and make this concert a huge success, so that the children can gain the benefit. Theatre Royal, Tonypandy. Mr. Duckworth has another fine show of Animatograph pictures at the Royal. The programme for the early part of the week, amongst other attractions, included a, most beautiful film giving historical details of the antagonism between Henry II. and Thomas a Becket, resulting in the murder of the famous, Archbishop before the altar of St. Benedict in the Canterbury Cathedral. Another remark- ably realistic series of pictures is The Fight for Honour," showing how a sister disguises herself as a soldier and is killed in action in the attempt to save the dis- grace of the cowardice of her drunken brother. For the final nights or the current I week an entirely new series of pictures will he shown twice each evening. Palace, Forth. The chief offering at the Palace this week are the Three Kols, a troupe of trapeze artistes, who perform such feats of dexterity that they become instant favourites. Acrobatic, gymnastic and equilibristio tricks follow each other alternately on the suspended slender bars, and rounds of applause are accorded the performers. The Bros. Westerns, comedians and wooden shoe dancers, are also a huge success. Fine vocalists, with witty patter, and clever dancers, they are in loud demand. Reg.. Enen, light comedian, sings a good song and is much appreciated. The assortment of Cinema pictures are of absorbing interest and entertaining to a high degree. Chief amongst them are The Vengeance of the Dead." "Rose Leaves," "The Mohawk's Way." Others of a humorous nature are The Real Livei Teddy Bear," Muggsy becomes a Hero," and Fools- head's Two Fires." Tivoii, Pentre. Good pictures are being displayed at the Tivoli this week. The programme in- cludes Uncle Tom's Cabin" and Foolshead in a Lion's Den." Both of these films are first-class aria well worth seeing. On each evening, local talent is being given an opportunity to exhibit itself. The generosity of Mr. Stone is this week again being shown in a practical form, as one-half of the total proceeds I at the twelve performances this week will be handed over to the Gelli Lock-out Committee. Local tradesmen are also assisting with gifts of fruit to be sold at the Tivoli, the whole proceeds of which will be utilised for relief. Cardiff Empire. One of the big attractions at Cardiff Empire next week will be Bransby Williams, the. great character portrayer, who gives impersonations of famous char- acters in famous novels. Bransby Williams is indeed a clever mimic, and his ability to change his expression is really marvel- lous, for one moment he can be the pic- ture of decrepitude. the eyes listless and almost lifeless, the next he is the most terrifying Sykes that Dickens ever por- trayed. Curiously enough he was born in the same year that Dickens died- 1870. Mr. Williams returns to Cardiff after his great success at the London Coliseum. Barton and Ashley will appear in a now farcical creation, entitled Adam the Second and the Hadj-Mohammed Troupe, wonderful Arab acrobats, will perform some marvellous feats. Others on nest week's bill are Franco Piper, with his spinning, tossing, and swinging banjos; the Quaint Q's, four harmonising comedans; J'ohnson Clarke, in a clever and entertaining scena; Tom Parker. the ever-popular comedian; Leo Stormont, the famous baritone; and the I Bioscope. Mew Hippodrome, Tonypandy. On Monday next, the New Hippodrome will be opened to the general public, when a very fine programme of pictures will be submitted, including the century's masterpiece, "Uncle Tom's Cabin"— complete in pictures. This picture is precisely the same as that witnessed throughout America and Canada and" all the principal towns and cities through- out the United Kingdom. All who have read Mrs. Beecher Stowe's remarkable novel woven around the saintly character of Uncle Tom will remember the vivid description of little Eva's death-a scene which grips the heart and bedims the eye. The rest of the full programme of pictures will be well up to the "Will Stone" standard. The New Hippodrome has been de- scribed as the cosiest theatre in South Wales, and we feel convinced the descrip- tion is not misapplied. The compactness of the auditorium, its beautifully-painted roof, illumined by nine electroliers, its comfortable tip-up-seats and picturesque boxes-in fact. everything that catches the eye, gives one the consciousness of a snug comfort which is the desideratum of every place catering for amusement. The seating arrangements are all that could be desired, comprising orchestra stalls, grand circle, pit stalls, and pit. Eleven exits are situated on either side, along with every convenience for the general public and it is interesting to note the premises could be cleared in case of a fire or emergency in the surprising short time of one minute. The frontage to the Hippodrome is occupied by four spacious mahogany fronted shops, and access to the main building is gained through a handsome vestibule fitted with four large mirrors. The heating arrange- ments have been carried out on latest scientific principle by Messrs. Hampton and Co., heating experts, Cardiff, whilst the electric lighting is produced from plant (gas engine, dynamo, and suction gas producer) installed by Messrs. Crossley Bros., of Manchester. The lighting of the stage is most brilliant, gas being em- ployed as an auxiliary illuminant. A cinematograph box made of asbestos and brick is also provided, in which is found the latest type of bioscope machine.

The Omnibus LThings Heard and Seen oy the Conductor.] Ar-ol is how the average Welsh- man pronounces the local Conservative candidate's Christian name. It is signi- ficant and prophetic. ° More trouble. The Mid-Rhondda Free Church Council have written to General Macready drawing his attention to the fact that the soldiers stationed at Llwynypia play football on Sundays. Mr. Harold Lloyd describes himself as a "democratic Tariff Reformer. A hybrid politician, we presume, worthy of being preserved in a glass case. According to a. local political genius there are three candidates for the suffrages of the Rhondda electors, viz., Mabon (Lab.-Lib.). Mr. Harold Lloyd (Conservative), and Mr. Tally Reform (Socialist). The heaviest man to vote in the pre- L sent General Election weighed thirty-four stone. We have known less weighty men turn the scale at an election before this. The Metropolitan police stationed in Mid-Rhondda have taken to punning. In future their notepaper as to be headed "Stony-pandy," South Wales. -+--+- Mabon has many qualities in common with the best Welsh steam coal. He is weighty in bulk, polished in character, and is capable of producing great heat. -+- Musi a minister always be good, (laddv. asked a four-year-old of his father. Yes, my boy, always." (t Then," replied the youngster, I think I'll be a local, preacher." A certain paper makes known the fol- lowing iv,ants:-A sheet for the bed of a river; A ring for the finger of scorn; A glope for the hand of fate; A boot for the, foot of the mountain; A sleeve for the arm of the law; and buttons for a coat of paint. ♦ » A local orator addressing a meeting at Cymmer on Thursday evening, said: Mr. Chairman, fellow-workmen, aye, and fellow-women, too- The latter part of the sentence was lost to posterity in the roars of .laughter that followed. All our greatest orators are Liberals," jestingly remarked Mr. Lewis Morgan on Wednesday evening at Cymmer. That "many a truth is spoken in jest" is an old and oft-time true proverb. Some examples of absentee notes:- Please to excuse Willie, he had tooth- ache from his doctor." 41 Johnny is bad with his throt in under the doctor." James cannot come to school as he as an illustrated throat." These are Regenerate days. The fear of the Lord;) is not in their hearts." To what a sorry pass have things come when a working man refuses to trust a gentle- man who forgets perhaps that his own father sold mousetraps or turnip tops!! -+- Miss H. M. Hughes, headmistress of the North Street Infants' School, Fern- dale, has a record of which she can be justly proud. A fortnight ago she attained her majority as headmistress of the school, and during that period thou- sands of children have passed through her hands. The older ones to-day look with pride and esteem upon their late mistress, who so tenderly assisted them in their first steps on the educational ladder. In the course of his address at the John Pugh Memorial Hall. Porth, on Monday evening. Mr. C. B. Stanton quoted Shakespeare that a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." Mr. Davidson, Newport, who followed, said he did not agree with the statement. If they were to call a polecat a rose, he said, it would not smell any sweeter. But a polecat is not a rose. Rhonddaites are making a name for themselves in circles other than politics. T. Davies, a young Trealaw lad, who crossed the herring pond some years ago, is becoming one of the finest jockeys in America. In the Latonia Endurance Race at Cincinnati, he rode Cintrella." to victory, and won the plaudits of the assembled thousands. The Cincinnati Enquirer speaks of him thus :—" The diminutive Davies. on Cintrella, was especially alive to his orders of, keeping the filly's head well up and to steady her. His good riding exhibition was really one of the features of the race, and contri- buted in no mean way to the filly's uc- cess." If the Tory isn't a Little- Englander, he is a belittler of England. His soul is so dwarfed by visions of private gain that he sees nothing in the increase of public good in this fair realm vanity and vexation of spirit. The tariff wall of his imagination leads him to believe that his backyard is the universe, and that he him- self is the pivot upon which it turns. A good story is going the rounds of a certain local Nonconformist minister who is counted upon as a good draw for a cwrdd mawr." This takes him away from home several Sundays in the year, and the congregation at home is much decreased when he is so engaged. Meeting him on the street after returning from one of these engagements, a casual frequenter of his church remarked to the rev. gentleman: "Mr. you are come home, I see. Are you preaching with us next Sunday?" The answer having been given in the affirmative, the man, well-meaning enough, went on: Do you know, Mr. we might ask a clever man to preach our sermons, and people wouldn't come to hear him; but, somehow, they come to hear you! The Christmas number of the Mill- gate Monthly," an excellent threepenny magazine published at Manchester, con- tains a well-written article, in its "Modern Influences 11 series on Mr. G. R. Askwith, K.C., of the Board of Trade, the man who is now engaged in trying to bring peace to Mid-Rhondda. An excellent full-page portrait of Mr. Askwith ap- pears as frontispiece, and another photo- graph of interest to local readers is that of Mr. Keir Hardie. M.P., accompanied by Mr. C. B. Stanton, taking a walk through Aberaman after the recent dis- turbances in that town.

Messrs. J. and J. Oolman, Ltd., have had the honour of receiving the Royal Warrant as purveyors of Starch and Mustard to His Majesty the King.

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