Rhondda Leader Maesteg Garw and Ogmore Telegraph

EDITORIAL NOTES. I Happy Christmas greetings in the ,g I Rhondda at this festive season do not seem to accord wiftl the surrounding con- ditions, but we must, nevertheless, ex- change our good wishes with our readers. Those who are in affluence, and not oppressed by the problems of ways and means, can help to make the lot of those who amongst us are deprived of the normal amenities in the usual substan- tial form. We are glad to find that the stream of benevolence and charity has been running with steady flow of good- will. Indeed, though every section of the community has had their resources I restricted, it is evidence of good Chris- tian possession to find that the organ- isations of charity, amongst us have not failed for want of strenuous efforts in sustained self-sacrifice, and that the chil- dren, at any rate, in the Mid-Rhandda district are being nobly helped to forget the fact that they are in the midst of an industrial strife. There is compensation in every crisis, and these beautiful virtues of charity, sympathy, and fellow feeling come forth with conspicuous ardour to remind us that human nature of the noblest kind still lives to sway and move us to sweet and reconciling moods. We are glad that the Council and the Schools are playing the human part so strongly in this work of relieving distress. We I cannot overlook—and we must not forget in the future—the day by day working vigilance of the Distress Committees and the organisations of the Schools through Mr. Berry and his noble colleagues—the teachers and others. It is in times like the present that the parents realise the paternal relationship which lies u nder- neath connecting the teacher and taught. In the ordinary routine of life, we see in the community of the School but the mere instructorship of dry technicalities, and it is only when periods of distress overtake the scholars that we can under- stand 'with significance the depth of the, connection, that exists between the mem- bers of our school families. In this crisis the Education Authority is acting nobly, but the spirit of their good "intention would avail but little if it were not taken up with the hearty enthusiasm of the School staffs. Let this fact be noted. that ungrudging overtime and' holiday time are readily and willingly given at the Schools whenever scholars are in need. We wish also to recognise the outside friends who are in daily activity helping and aiding the benevolent municipal spirit which has been shown by the repre- sentatives of the people. This should not be forgotten. This, we think, is but the bare reward that should legitimately be given. The miner of the real type does not forget, but there is a spirit abroad that does not realise the gifts of sym- pathy at their true work. It is a sort of spirit which thinks this should be done as a matter of course. We nlust not, however, forget that this exalted and unadulterated human nature is not too much in evidence in these keen rivalry- actuated times, and therefore encourage- ment in thought, deed, and action should never be withheld. It is hoped that the industrial deadlock will soon be removed. Surely, conciliatory methods and their potent influences are not exhausted. If either side stand to an obstinate attitude and bar the way to an amicable under- standing, it will incur a serious responsi- bility. There must be an end to all things. There are works and workers, and the sooner there is reconciliation the better for the community at large. We are glad, therefore, to note that there are overtures in contemplation, and if these are to be made facts with hopes for them, sooner the better the leaders on both sides meet and hammer out their differ- ences with the full consent and powers of those they represent.

One of Mabon's staunchest sunoorters at the recent election was the Rev. D. J. Perrott, Pentre. The rev. gentleman, who has only lately undertaken the pastorate of Zion (E.B.) Church, is a racy and fluent speaker. He is an ardent advo- cate of progress and freedom, and some of his best sayings concerned that hoary obstacle, the House of Lords. Possessed of a strong character he is sure to make his influence felt as much in the Rhondda as in the Forest of Dean, where he laboured with, much success before accept- ing his present charge.

Theatre Royal, Tonypandy. The splendid series of pictures shown on the American. Animatograph at the Theatre Royal continues to draw crowded houses twice nightly to this popular place of amusement. One of the features this week is the, splendid picture, Uncle Tom's Cabin," which is shown in addi- tion to a charming variety of other interesting and amusing films.

Empire, Tonypandy The Empire maintains its excellent standard again this week, some very popular pictures being shown. Amongst them are Gold Rose," a pantomime, in colour cinematography. This film is an extraordinary one. Lieut. Rose and the Gun Runners is another very popular picture. Other pictures include Cowpunchers' Ward," Theatre Pass," A Little Mother," "Tontoline as a Ballet Girl," Nurse's Trunk," and The Gold Seekers."

New Hippodrome, Tonypandy. The opening of Mr. Will Stone's New Hippodrome took place on Monday night when an excellent programme of pictures was submitted. Long before opening time large crowds assembled outside, anxiious to view the interior of the new building, and to witness the first of Mr. Stone's excellent shows. Shortly after the doors were opened, every seat was occupied, as well as the standing room. When the curtain was' raised. the Tonypandy Hibernia Band (conducted by Mr. G. H. Thomas) rendered a selection rafter which Mr. and Mrs. Stone put in an appearance, and were enthusiastically cheered. Mr. Stone, in the course of his speech, said that it was more than ordinary patronage that filled the hall that night. It was a sense of friendship between proprietors -and patrons, and he wanted that friend- ship to continue (hear, hear). He thanked the: audience for the reception, they had given him. A question had been asked as to why he had opened in such distress- ful times. The distress and strife made it all the more necessary for him to open, 9.8 he intended to give the profits: of every show, until tlie men go back to work; to the Central Distress Committee (loud ap- plause). He did not intend to make any profit for himself while the; men were out.. but he would run the Hippodrome for the people (applause). The band played 11 For he's a jolly good fellow," and the audience joined in. God save the King finished the opening ceremony. The pictures: included Uncle Tom's Cabin," a superb representation in pic- ture of Mrs. Beecher Stowe's world-famed novel. Other pictures were Hawkins' Trained Dogs," A Regatta on the Mekong," a most interesting and instruc- tive film, A Boarding House Romance," Foolshead in the Lion's Den," "Wilson's Wife's Countenance," and Mario,s Swan Song." A change of programme. takes place on Thursday.

Palace, Porth. The star turn of an excellent pro- gramme submitted at the Palace this week are the Ronnies, in a double juggling pot- pourri act, including the "Death Spring." More remarkable feats in juggling can scarcely be imagined' than those per- formed by these dexterous conjurers, who are showered with applause. Gladys Wells, a charming young Yorkshire con- tralto, wins great admiration. Possessing a full, round voice, with splendid com- pass, she is much appreciated. Very clever is Henry Keeble, the incomparable ventriloquist. Keeble's wit is uncommonly keen and excites roars of laughter. The Cinema portion of the programme is of absorbing interest to all, excellent pic- tures being exhibited. These include A Life for a Life," a magnificent tableau; Australian Fire Brigade Manoeuvres," A Valet's Vindication," "Wiffles Tries Work," Dissolving the Government," and last, but by no means least, A Cow- boy's Stratagem."

Tivoli, Pentre. —•— An unique feature of the performance* at the Tivoli this week is that the dramas a,re performed twice in the same evening. This is partly accomplished by curtailing the intervals between the Acts. Mr. Percy Norman's company has produced the two plays, A Woman Worth Win- ning and Trilby," with success for a considerable period, so that good houses are assured for the week. On Monday evening at the second performance there was a creditable performance of the first- named great domestic and military play, dealing with Russian life. including punishment in Siberia. The final scene, in which revenge is wrought upon the villain and the former prisoners become free, is exceedingly well acted, and the reproduction of a fiery mine evokes loud applause. Mrs. Charles Sugden's visit to the Tivoli Theatre. Pentre, next wees will be welcomed with delight by the play- going public, with whom she is a very great favourite. Her wonderful por- trayals of Zaza," The Second Mrs. Tanqueray," Camille," and other char- acters are so well known that it is hardly necessary to recall her great histrionic efforts. She will now appear in an entirely new drama, The Ruin of Her Life," written by Mrs. Morton Powell, in which she will play Mary Macaire," a part specially written for her, and which will give full scope to her emotional powers. The play treats of the great social problems, the training of a child and the prison laws. Mrs. Sugden is supported by artistes of high repute.

Workmen's Hall, Ferndale. The Silver King," the late Wilson aTrett's great drama, is to be staged at the Workmen's Hall, Ferndale, next week by Messrs. O. M. Polini and Austin Melford's company. Wilfred Denver is played by Mr. A. H. Rooke. The char- acter, which opens out an almost illimit- able field for the exhibition of the highest histrionic attainments, and is worthy the genius of a Henry Irving, is played by Mr. Rooke with the force and loving spirit of an actor who thoroughly recog- nises the chances within his grasp. His whole energy is in the work, the result being a masterly execution of a masterly conception. "Nellie Denver" is played with great force by Miss Margaret Cloud, whilst prominent in the dramatis personge are the elegantly evening dressed burgling gentlemen. Captain Skinner, a cool scoundrel, capitally played by Mr. St. George Lowther, and the humorous, faithful, old servant Jaikes, a well-drawn character, from which Mr. E. J. George extracts a vast amount of fun and sym- pathetic applause. It is interesting to note that Mr. George has appeared in the part of Jaikes for 27 years, which is surely a record for any living actor.

Colliery Agent Honoured. Presentations to Mr. and Mrs. D. R. Jones, Fernhill. A public meeting was held at the Fernhill Institute, Treherbert, on Satur- day last for the purpose of handing over to Councillor and Mrs. D. R. Jones tokens of the esteem in which they were held by the employees of Fernhill and North Dunraven Collieries, from the management of which Mr. Jones recently retired after a. period of service extend- ing over twenty years. Outside friends also subscribed generously to the testi- monial in recognition of Mr. Jones' many excellent qualities as a representative of the people both upon the old Ystrady- fodwg School Board and afterwards upon the' Rhondda Urban District Council. The presentation consisted of a roll-top desk in polished solid walnut, a. solid marble clock of beautiful design, whilg to Mrs. Jones was given a magnificent diamond and pearl brooch and pendant with chain, and earrings. I Mr. D. It. jONE. The meeting was presided over by Mr. G. Matthews who had worked as a miner under Mr. Jones for many years. Mr. Isaac Lewis, of Tynewydd, having opened the proceedings with a song, the follow- ing persons supported the chairman in oaying high tribute to the many excel- lent qualities of the recipients:—Mr. D. E. Jones (under-manager). Mr. Daniel Davies (miner), Councillor Enoch Davies, J.P., Mr. David Johnson (under-manager), Rev. T. Davies (C.M. minister), Mr. Thos. Davies (miner), Dr. and Mrs. Hinde, Mr. J. Phelps (under-manager), and Councillor W, H, Morgan (miners' secretary). ( Mrs. 3>. R. JONES. The speakers referred to the many: advantages now enjoyed by the inhabi- tants of Blaenrhondda. which were in a. large measure attributable to the bene- ficent and untiring energies of Mr. Jones. When he came to the district in 1890, the collieries were in a state of decline, and the neighbourhood was a picture of stagnation and despair. By dint of initiative, enterprise and industry, Mr. Jones infused new life into the whole locality in a few years, and the dis- mantled appearance, of some of the neigh- bouring collieries was no longer an eye- sore. It is to the credit of Mr. Jones that this transformation was wrought without a suspicion of neglect of duty in respect of the preservation of the life and limbs of the workmen under his charge, and in defiance of the theory that good conditions of employment are not conducive to the welfare of the em- ployer. When he resigned the manage- ment of the collieries, the output and number of men had increased six-fold, and that the collieries were left by him as a "going concern" is amply borne out by the testimony of the special article which has the place of honour in Mr. Joseph Davies' "Coal Annual" for the present year. Mention was also made of Mr. Jones' many social activities and his efforts on the School Board to make school accom- modation and teaching staff keep pace with the increasing population and the ever-growing educational needs of the children. As a member of the Rhondda Urban District Council, he evinced snemial interest in the engineering problems which confronted the Water Committee in their endeavour to secure absolute immunity to the district from the ravages of a water famine. No small share of the encomiums of the evening were showered on Mrs. Jones, who had always nobly seconded her husband's good efforts and had ever taken deep interest in all charitable movements of both a local and national character. A very pleasant evening was brought to a close with the singing of Hen Wlad fy Nhadau," Mr. Jones himself conducting the 'audience in a manner reminiscent of the days when his aspira- tions lay in the direction of choral con- ducting at Abercarn.

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