The Merthyr Express

AP, AIF C sUcfct exjuncd jg Tkotjs&ads of peopJe h*re learnt how to reduce their expenditure on dress without ssertfieiag appearances. The secret lies in the fact that jf jr they have discovered the value of the Johnson Patent Processet Dry Cleaning They have their various articles of attire cleaned again and acaia- « C every time they return looking like new. Caal at our local branch and see the specimens of garments which have heen « dry cleaned. We avoid shrinkage or alteration of shape, whilst reviving the » j* colour and smartaess, so that you experience afresh the felicity of wearing S new clothes. X We clean BLOUSES from 1/3. PRESSES V COSTUMES from 4/9. ft jL GLCVES from 2d. GENTLEMEN'S SUITS, 4/B, TROUSERS, 1/- oJotlHSOO Brothers 2>yers$3)ry Gleaners, f A JL*A BUNCHES EVERYWHERE. 4t 101a, HIGH STREET, MERTHYR 8h. TAFF STREET, PONTYPRIDD; S 49b, COMMERCIAL ST., ABERDARE; 12, ANGEL ST., NEATH. JK TOM D I X, BOOT HOTEL MEWS, ABERDARE. NEW FURNITURE VAN Of most modern and approved construction. Adapted for Removing Furniture from Cottage or Mansion by Road, Rail, or Sea. Packed by Esperienced Packers. Estimates Free upon application. TERMS 8TRIOTLY MODERATE FREDERICK D. E. GEORGE late a Jones, fgrmidy Complete Funeral Furnisher and Funeral Dipfafof Ù7; 4o! 7 Kvery Requisite for Funerals of all classes. Pr oprietors of Funeral Cars, Hearses, Shillibiers, Mourning Coaches and Broughams. Estimates f or Brick Graves and Price Lists on application. 24 AND 25, SEYMOUR STREET, ABERDARE. To those about to be MARRIED. THOMAS & Co/s PATTERN WEDDING RINGS. r No. No. 2 No. 3 No. 4 ,1', ROUND. MEDIUM. WIDE. EXTRA WIDE WEDDING RINGS- EVERY SIZE, EVERY WEIGHT. EVERY PRICE. KEEPER RINGS- ALL QUALITIES. —— ALL PATTERNS, ALL PRICES. ENGAGEMENT RINGS-BEST patterns, ■ BEST QUALITY, BEST VALUE. PRIVATE ROOM FOB WEDDING RING CUSTOMERS, and a HANDSOME WEDDING PRESENT With gob Ring. You can have a Bet of our plated Finger Ring Sizes on application-the only means of correcviy measuring tha else of the fibers—to be obtained only from us. We sell only < 22 CARAt. GOVERNMENT STAMPED, WEDDING RINaS. THOMAS & CO., Ring Dealers and Jewellers, Commercial Street, Aberdare. 8N XVIltiC I FW R NIT!I I.R R FURNITURE REMOVALS. P.O. Tel. o. TAFF VALE COAL Co., MOUNTAIN ASH, Remove Furniture in their New Furniture Vans To all Parts, by Road, Riil or Sea TERMS STRICTLY MODERATE. ESTIMATES FREE UPON APPLICATION TO- FURNITURE STORED. 22, Oxford Street. .'7 The Aberdare Billposting and Advertising Co., Limited. OFFICES: NEW THEATRE, ABERDARE. Estimates given for Posting the whole of Wales. Lis of Stations arranged in Route order. MOUNTAIN ASH AND DISTRICT Billposting and Advertising Co., Ltd. Having the LARGEST NUMBER OF BILLPOSTING STATIONS IN THE DISTRICT, are prepared to take Con- tracts by the Month or Year. HANDBILLS DISTRIBUTED throughout the District by RELIABLE MEN. Manager and Secretary- D.W. HOWELL, F.C.I.S. Windsor Offices, Mountain Ash. P.O. Telephone, 13. New Theatre, ABERDARE. NEXT WEEK, Important Engagement of G. D. RELWYSKOW The ROYAL WRXSTLKR. Also Special Engagement of ZASMA, in his Wonderful Scena, AN EVENING'S PLEASWRE," Together with other Well-known Artistes. Time and Prices as usual. MERTHYR TYDFIL TURKISH BATHS Hot and Cold Water Baths SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS have been made for an experienced trained Nurse to be in attendamce on Tuesdays (ladies' day). Mr. JOHN PORTER has had over 20 years practical experience at some of the best establishment* in the country, and is making arrangements for the Naupein Treatment, in addition to Sulphur Brine, Pine, Sulphur Vaponr, Pine Vapour and Plain Vapour Baths at reasonable charges. LADIES' DAY, TUESDAYS. Please Note Address— Below Parish Church. •Ti- R w Advertitt Vour A W "WANTS" i if In th* "1Verifiyr Express." f '¿W. t

ABERDARE VALLEY NOTES. [Br MTFTR DAB.] The Cymrodorion Aberdar are arranging for a few trips in and around the district during the coming summer. I might, in this connec- tion, suggest that a complete list of all anti- quarian objects, cairns, etc., in the parish and the adjoining ones might be made out and brought to the notice of the Royal Commission now sitting. The Commission will, in that way, be made awara of what there is in the district that should be preserved, and. if neces- sary, further exploded. The mountains on the Merthyr and Rhondda sides are rich in this respect, and should be thoroughly explored at no far distant date. I was sorry to read in the report of the Exe- cutive Committee of the Central Library last week that the call for Welsh books seems to grow less. During the last year the library has been strengthened much in that direction, and it is a great pity that more use is not made of the works, While I have no objection to readers indulging in fiction and other light reading, it is a great pity that the great Welsh classics in the Free Library are unread. I am afraid that the complaint is a very general one in Glamorgan to-day. Tha circular of tho Board of Education in reference to the staffing- of schools will appar- ently press somewhat heavily on the various Education Committees. According to the re- port of the Director of Education at Moun- tain Ash, the cost will be some £ 1,000 a year, or equivalent to a penny-farthing rate. There is no doubt smaller classes are very desirable, but the vexed question of the cost of education should come from the Imperial Exchequer, and what portion from the rates is bound to come up. as the Board of Education insist on better staffing and smaller classes, etc. I am cer- tain that the requirements of the Board of Education aro by no means extravagant, and I also believe tint monev expended on educa- tion i, money well spent, but I am bound to ad. m:t at the same time that local authorities have a perfect right to demand more from th-f> Im- perial Exchequer than they receive at pre- sent. Inclerd, I am becoming more and triors convinced tha.t the cost of education should be a National charge, and not a local one. I wa9 sorry to hear at the last meeting of the Mountain Ash Education Committee the charges made as to excessive punishment. I always strongly deprecate loose charges, such as were made on that occasion. If the chaifir- es made are correct, they should be thorough- lyinvestigated. and stern measures taken to nut a. stop to them. I am sometimes told that it is no wonder a teacher occa^ionall- lose* his temper, but a teacher is not fit for his position if he inflicts corporal olini,bn,-nt in a fcnd tem- per. and this is one of the thinsrs a gcod teach- er never d. He may. like anyone else, lose his temper, but he never inflicts corporal pun- ishment wld in a temper.

The trial vva.- begun at Edinburgh on Mon- day of Oscar Slater, who is chsrged with the murder of Mi. Gilchrist at her flat at Olasfow it December. Slater, was arrested in New I York. I The result of the poll taken on Tuesdav in +he Stratford-on-Avon D;vision was declared on Wednesday as follow Mr. Phih'n Fost"r (C.), Wednesday as follow Mr. Phllin Fost-1 (C.), 5 374: Mr. Joseph Martin (L.l 2,747. Captain Kincaid Smith (I.L.), 479, Conservative ma- jority, 2.627.

Whit-Monday at Abergavenny. The Abergavenny Amateur Athletic Associa- tion have decided to hold two great meetings (under A.A.A. and N.C.U. rules) at Bailey Park, on Whit-Mondav and Tuesday. Mr. Z. Wheatley, the energetic hon. secretary, has or- ganised a wonderful programme of events, in- cluding foot, cycle, and pony races, trotting handicaps, timbering competitions (open to all timbermen and colliers). Some good prizes are offered. Other particulars will be found in our advertising columns, or upon application to Mr. Wheatley, 13, High-street, Abergavenny.

THE HORROR OF IT. Vigorous, healthy folks simply cannot imagine what a horror, what a death-in-life Indigestion really is. They speak lightly of it and say Poor Mrs. So-and-So has some trouble with her stomach." Some trouble," forsooth. Of all the ills that amict humanity none causes more misery than Indigestion. It destroys annually more lives than consumption, cancer and cholera combined. When digestion fails, life itself ebbs away, just as a steam engine stops when the coal gives out. If you cannot digest your food—as the furpace burns the coal-your heat, power, energy must run down. Continue this condition and your 4 engines will siopl Food that lies in your stomach undigested distils poisons, that first taint the blood and then are carried by that blood all through your system. This poison clogs the brain, inflames the nerves, muscles and joints and stagnates all the natural functions. Constipation, head- aches, sleeplessness, pains and wind in the stomach after eating; dizziness and other! wretched feelings, follow. Mother Seigel's Syrup cures Indigestion by toning up, streng- thening, aiding the digestive organs to do their natural work. Mrs. Ellen Chennel, 30, Merrick Square, Trinity Street, Southwark, London, on October 22nd last, wrote, saying About 15 years ago I was suffering badly from Indigestion, with all the well-known symptoms of that dreadful complaint. For months it went on, from bad to worse." It always does get worse unless you take means to check, to cure it. Mrs. Ohennell goes on to say Then I read something that led me to try Mother Seigel's Syrup, and I felt some relief almost at once after taking it. Very soon afterwards Indigestion left me and it has never since returned." Mother Seigel's Syrup is made of certain roots, barks#and leaves which exert a remarkable curative and tonic effect on the stomach, liver and bowels. That is why it so surely cures indigestion. Prepared aiso in Tabtet form as Mother SeigeS's Syrup Tablets." PJiÇL2$1- 9<f5 j

,.1 THE GLAMORGAN 1 WATER BILL. STRONG PROTEST FROM ABERDARE. NOTHING TO GAIN-EVERYTHING TO LOSE. On Monday evening a crowded meeting was hold at the Memorial Hail, Aberdare, to con- 5idrr the provisions of the Glamorgan Water Bill, and to pass a resolution thereon. The meeting was convened by a requisition made on behalf of the Aberdare Chamber of Com- merca to the High Constable (Dr. E. J. Trevor Jones). Owing to the High Constable presid- ing that evening at the conced in ad o Dr. Barn&rdo's Home?, lr, D. M. Richard- (Wen- allt) was voted to the cbair, nd he was sup- ported by Me-srs. Illtyd Williams and T. W. GriflitlLS (chairman and secretary respectiveiv), and other members of the committee of the Chamber of Commerce. The Secretary of the Chamber said he had just before coming to that meeting received a communication from Mr. E. M. Hann, regret- ting that having to go to London, he was un- able to be presont. He then, on behalf of the Chamber, moved the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr. C. R. Vicarv:— "That this meeting of ratepayers of Aberdare protests against the unjust proposal contained in the Glamorgan County Council Water Bill whereby it is sought to acquire our water UII. dertaking on terms that practically amount to confiscation, and that we urge the District Council to strain every nerve to defeat the attempt, and to reject any and every suggested compromise that will not give us a fair and equitable return for our most valuable asset." At this point, an opportunity was given to the members of ths County Council for the district who were presant to expres.s their views. COUNTY COUNCILLORS OPPOSED TO THE BILL. Councillor J. Howell said he was entirely in favour of the resolution,, and could assure them that every member of the County Council who represented that district was opposed to the provision of the Bill—(hear, hear)—and so were all the members of the Aberdare District Coun- cil. When he was a member of the latter Council, they made arrangements to oppos the Bill (hear, hear). Ho was not a member of the Water Comm.ittee of the Glamorgan County Council, but in his capacity as a member of the Council, he had done his utmost to oppose the Bill. Councillor A. P. Jones suggested that the provisions of the Bill should be explained to the meeting, a? they were somewhat in the dark. As Councillor T. Walter Williams had the Bill in h:s hand and had studied it, he thought they might ask him to explain its pro- visions and show them how it would affect that district (hear, hear). Councillor David Hughes pointed out the importance not to give away their rsasons for opposing the Bill to the-ir opponents. The water question was first mooted on the County Couno] with an excellent object—to protect the watershed of Glamorgan and the surround- ing counties from outsiders. The watersheds in Carmarthenshire, Brecon shire, Glamorgan, and Monmouthshire had been protecred against the attempts of Manchester, London, and other places. Why the County Council went beyond that he was at a to understand, and he was also at a loss to understand whv Ponty- pridd and the Rhondda should support the present Bill (hear, hear). He might say at once that no authority had such an asset as Aberdare had in its waterworks, and no author- ity had as much to 1o-,e as Abjrdare had, if the Bill passed in its pre&ent form (loud applause). He was pleased that that meeting had been called, and he supported the resolution to the utmost (loud applause). Councillor G. George said he had intended to say just what Councillor Hughes had said. When the subject was first brought forward. they found that strong corporations were seek- ing power to take water from places protected only by weak local authorities, and it was only by forming a water board combining the var- ious local authorities that the County Council could get a "locus standi" to oppose such at- tempts. When the present Bill was projected, he asked the question at the Water Committee meeting, whether it would interfere in any way with authorities who had already provided themselves with an efficient supply-(hear. hear) —and he was assured that it would not, and that the interests of all local bodies who did not wish to join the new Water Board would be safeguarded. It was on that distinct con- dition that he and others agreed to promo- tion of the Bill (applause). When, however, the final draft oi the Bill was submitted to the Water Committee of the County Council, he found that the lawyer?, in drafting the Bill, had broken faith (cries of "Shame"). A clause was inserted, giving the Water Board, when established, power to apply to the Local Gov. eminent Board to compel any di.. net council to come in ("Shame"). He asked a question on the subject, and charged them with break- ing faith with him and other members who had supported the Bill on the express under- standing that it should in no way affect the position of Aberdare and similar local authori- ties. Aberdare had benefited by the fore- sight of a gentleman who, although he was de. prived of physical sight, saw a great deal more than those who were bles-ed with t two eyes (loud applause). He pressed this view on the committee, but the only reply he received was that "the Aberdare Council are opposing the Bill, and we can promise them nothing; let them get the best terms they can from Parlia-, ment" ("Shame"). MATTER OF VAST IMPORTANCE. Councillor Morgan John Harries said that, ae a member of the County Council and tho District Council, he would only say that he was in favour of the resolution. Councillor T. Walter Williams said he had much pleasure in rising to support the resolu- tion. He congratulated the Chamber of Com- merce on having induced the High Constable to convene that meeting (hear, hear). It was their duty as public representatives to take their fellow-townsmen into their confidenco (hear, hear). The decision of the District Council to oppose the Bill was a unanimous one, and on that point he felt there was some ground of complaint against those who seemed to look upon the determination of the Council to oppose the Bill as a desire to secure a pleas ant picnic to town ("Shame"). It was some- thing of vastly more importance than that to the ratepayers (hear, hear). Aberdare was affected under the Bill in two ways: In the first place, Aberdare could not derive any bene- fit under the Bill, and the best thing they could hope for was to get the Bill thrown out. Aber dare would lose under the Bill in two ways. In the first place, the Water Board, if estab- lished, could levy a contribution from Aber- dare to assist other people to get a water sup- ply, Aberdare was to be punbhed and plun- dered because their predecessors in title—the Aberdare Local Board of Health—and its late chairman obtained for Aberdare such a magni- ficent water supply at a small cost. Now the Glamoragn County Council were fjeeking to obtain that water undertaking for a song; the proposals being to purchase it at cost price to Aberdare, leg what they were pleased to describe as depreciation ("Shame"). They were holding Aberdare to ransom, with a pistol at their head, in the shape of that Bill, with the cry of "Stand and deliver" (laughter). Aber- dare was the lamb led to the slaughter, to enable other people to live, and Aberdare would behave like the proverbial lamb if it did not open its mouth (laughter and applause). That Bill was the first Bill ever placed before the British Parliament with such a proposal. In every other transaction of the kind ever proposed, not only was the full price to be offered, but also 1C per cent. for compulsory purchase; but here, not only was the 10 per cent. eliminated, but the cost was to be lowered by tho so-called depreciation. COST OF ABERDARE'S WORKS. Proceeding to deal with the cost of the Aber- dare water undertaking, he said that £145,600 had been borrowed from time to time for the construction of the waterworks, of which £112,000 had been repaid, leaving £33,600 owing in March last. That, however, did not repre- sent the cost, for in the year ended March, 1903, £1,956 18s. was spent on the waterworks out of revenues; and in the year ending March, 1909, £2,380; and in the present half year, £1,000 had been put aside for works to be carried out at Cwmaman, making in all £5,500 in 2i years (hear, hear). He had no doubt but that the total capital expenditure amounted to £170.000; and the lowest estimate of the value of the undertaking at present that he had heard was £350,000, and even that was too low .(hear, hear). They had a storage capacity of from 110 to 120 days. Their water revenue was continually increasing, and with a small extra expenditure, they could enormously increase the storage. These facts excited the cupidity of the Glamoragn County Council—("Shame") -and now they suggested taking over their reservoirs, filters, and trunk main, at a mere song, leaving Aberdare to pay the whole cost of distribution, in addition to paying the Coun- ty Council, or. rather, the Water Board estab- lished under the .Bill, 4d. per 1.000 gallons. They also purposed, when they obtained th. Aberdare undertaking, to supply Mountain Ash from the Aberdare xesen voirs. What would be the result of their doing so? Nanthir Reser- voir was 850ft. above the level of the sea, and Nantmoel 864ft., while Mountain Ash was some 350 to 450ft. and if Mountain Ash wa. supplied from these reservoirs, it would be impossible j to supply the highest points in Cwmdare, Cwm- bach, and Cwmaman without very expensive pumping. They had already had a leon in that direction. When the Powell DufFrvn Co. erected 110 houses at Abercwmboi, the District Council found itself unable to supply the high 1-evols in Cwrna.man, and had to go in for im- pounding the water in the stream, and were now about to spend £1,000 on a tank there; and if they had to supply Mountain Ash from the reservofrs above Llwydcoed, the result would bo that they would have to expend an immense amount for pumping the water up to the high levels in the Aberdare district, and the whole of that cost would fall on Aberdare, for Afeordare, under the scheme, had to pay all the cost of distribution ("Shame"). Take another point in the Bill. The County Cüun- oil claimed the right to wash nnd cleanso'their water mains intû the Council's .sewpr". thus filling them to overflowing and causing damage to property, Msd probable litigatica aud Jos§ to J < the District Council. Dealing with the ecst, Mr. Williams said that the Bill proposed to charge Aberdare 4jd. per 1,000 gallons for the wat?,r, which now cost them only d, per 1,000 gallons in the ma'n. with another id, per 1,000 gallons for distributing it. The 438 million gallons a year now used cost in labour £470. whereas at 4ld. per 1,COO gallons it woulJ cost them £8,212, meaning a loss of a year to that Council. Now, too, the District Coun cii received about £1.200 a year from the large consumers—railway companies, brewers, build- ers, tc.-who bought their water by mekr. which they wouid. under tho Bill. be of. Street watering now co it them £38C, a year, which he worked out at per 1 000 gallons outside the labour cost. He left flcm to compute the cost when thev would have to pay 4id. per 1.000 gallons for it (laughter and cheers). EVERYTHING TO LOSE. Aberdare bad nothing to gain but everything to by the passing of the Bill. Proceeding, he dealti with tbe terms made between the Glamorgan County Council and the adjoining Councils, comparing them with those offered to Aberdare. For each £10 share in the old Ystrad Gas and Water Works, the Rhondda District Council was to get £ 28; and on that basis, Ab?rdare ought to get on the £170,000 spent, He then dealt with the term? made with the Pontypridd Water Works—one of tbe two private companies which the county was securin under the Bill. For each original £10 share, the county was going to pay £25, and in addition, a nice little sum of £7,000 was to be distributed amongst the directors of the con;any when the Bill was passed, and the interest of even the officials wa." to be safe- guarded, as they were all to be taken over by the new Water Board or granted a pension. The influence of all these venous individuals in favour of the Bill was great, and he 'here- fore hoped that that ueeting w.;uld pass the resolution, and that the Chamber of Coir,merce would see to it that the public of Aberdare were kept well informed of what wss going j on. He had much pleasure in supposing the resolution. Mr. C. R. Vicarv said he had been told that »ceri:ain working men in the district were being carried away with the idea that by selling their waterworks, Aberdare would be free from debt, and would hcyve enough money in hand to build a hospital with (laughter). He wished to im- press upon any working man pre;?nt that the extra cost of water, if that Bill were allowed to pass, would mean an increase of at a shilling a month in their rents. Were they going to supp.orta.Bilt which was going to bring about such a calamity? (cries of "No," and re- newed cheering). Councillor G. George, at this stasre. suggest- cd that the last clause in the resolution refer- ring to the possibility of a compromise be de., leted. and this was supported by Councillor L. N. Williams and Alderman David Hughes; while others thought it was advisable to allow tho clause to remain in the case the preamble of the Bill was proved.—After a consultation, however, the mover and seconder of th* mot'on agreed to delete the la"t threo Jines, and in that form the resolution wa, carried unanimously and with a<>c!amation. A vote of thanks was proposed by Councillor T. Walter Williams to the Aberdare Chamber of Commerce for convening that meetin[!, and was seconded and carried unanimously.—A vote of thanks to the Chnirman for presidmg brought a most enthusiastic meeting to a close.

♦ ABERDARE POLICE COURT. WEDNESDAY.—Before Sir T. Merchant Wil- liams (Stipendiary), Messrs. D. P. Davies, G. George, and D. W. Jones. VARIOUS.— David Cadwallader and Rob?r!; Davies, for fighting in the street, were fined 40s. and costs. Mary Rees, for keeping a dog without a licence, was fined 10s. and costs. --Thomas Price, Aberaman, for allowing the chimney to take fire, was fined 2s. 6d. David John, for playing football in the street, was fined 2s. 6d. including costs. TRANSFER.—The licence of the Vulcan Inn was transferred from George Menza to Thomas Dovey. of the Red Lion Hotel, and the licence of the Red Lion Hotel from Mr. Dovey to Mr. D. Thomas, late of the Royal Oak, Aberdare, EJECTMENT.—Mr. Morgan T. Morgan applied for an ejectment 'brder ou behalf of Mrs. Wat- kins against David Leonard, a. tenant residing at 7, Regent-street. Miss Vaughan proved the service of the notice to quit, and Mr. Morgan the second notice.—The order asked for was made.

Aberdare Licensed Victuallers and the Spirit Tax. On Wednesday, the Ab?raare Licensed Vic- tuallers' Association a special meeting at the Railway Tavern, Aberdare. for the purpose of discussing the terms of the Budget.—Mr. Alfred Williams (Carmarthen Arms) presided, and in a brief speech referred to the serious- ness of the position.—Mr. Andrews, of the White Hart Inn, denounced the provisions of the Budget as far as they effected the licensed victuallers, and said that by the increased duty. on spirits, Mr. Lloyd George would defeat his own ends. He would find that the amount of spirits bought would so seriously decrease that nothing like the amount of increased revenue which he looked for would be realized, w that he would not profit very much in the long run from it.—A resolution denouncing the provi- sions of the Budget as it effects the licensed victuallers by the increased tax on spirits, and the exorbitant licence duties proposed, was then carried unanimously.—It was further resolved that in vi.aw of the increased spirit dutk-s tho prices of all spirits sold by retail should be in- creased from that date.—It was resolved to ad- vance the price of whiskey from Hd. per gill to 2d., twopenny glasses in future to bs ad- vanced to 3d., 3d. glasses to 4d.. and 4d. glasses to 5d.; three-star brandy to be charged 6d. a glass.—It was also resolved not to sell any packets of cigarettes, but that the present packets be broken up and sold at four a penny, and that the threepenny packets be charged 3d.

Sunday Evening Concerts. TWO LEADING INSTRUMENTALISTS AT ABERDARE. On Sunday evening, Mr. W. J. Evans's Or- chestra gave the seoond of the series of Sunday- concerts at the New Theatre, Aberdare. The audience, though not large, was a very appreci- ative one. Probably, the extremely fine weather militated against the financial success of the venture. Artistically, the concert was one of the very best given in Aberdare. The occasion was rendered the more noteworthy by the appearance in Aberdare of two of the leading English lady instrumentalists, in the persons of Miss Grace Thynne, violinist, from the London and St. Petersburg Concerts, and Mfiss Betty Goodden, pianist, from the London, Berlin, and Vienna Concerts. Miss Grace Thynna, who has studied under Sevcik, the teacher of Kubelik, and under Leo- pold Auer, the master of Miischa Elman, has evidently profited much from the instruction of these two great masters. For her first item, Miss Thynne had selected Mendelssohn's "Con- certo in E Minor." This concerto is very diffi- cult, and it was played with great intelligence, and fully demonstrated^ to the audience the im- mense mastery she has attained over the tech- nique of her instrument. The "a.ndant3" and "finale" of the Concerto were artistically ren- dered. Tho orchestra were inclined to be a little too loud in the opening movement, but considering that they had had only ono rehear- sal, the accompaniments were played well, and a chance given to the soloist. Miss Thvnnc's other numbers were: (a) "Melodic" (by Tscbai- kowski), and (b) "Caprice in A Minor" (by Paganini), which were admirably played. The audience was evidently pleased with her play- ing, and the hope was expressed that ALiss Thynne will be heard in Aberdare again. Miss Goodden also came with a treat reputa- tion as one of the most brilliant of the younger pianists. a pupil of Leschetiszky, the famed master of Paderewski, much was expected from her, and in this expectation the audience was not in any way disappointed. Her playing of Chopin's "Ballade in A Flat" showed that she was well-equipped technically, and her inter- pretation of the Ballade demonstrated the fact that she also possesses the true artistic gift for expression. Her tour de force, however, was her rendering of Mozart's "Pianoforte Con- certo in C Major (op. 21)," a dainty work rarely heard in these days. The result was a delightfully Mozartian interpretation of a typically dainty Mozart Concerto. The beau- ties of the work were fully shown; while the remarakble evenness of her scale playing a revelation to the audience. She is undoubtedly a thoroughly legitimate pianist, and she bids fair to rise to greater heights as she matures. It is also hoped that she will be heard again in Aberdare at some early period. The vocalist WM the ever popular Mr. David Hughes. R.A.M., Landore, who contributed* two solos, "0 God. have mercy" ("St. Paul") and "It is Enough" ("Elijah"). Both were warmly applauded. Tho Orchestra deserve a word of commenda- tion for the excellence of their playing, es- pecially in the two overtures, "Merrv Wives of Windwr" (Nicolai) and "Obcron" (Weber). Both were played with a precision of attack, and attention to light and shade, that made each rendering delightfully pleasing Mr. Evans i.3 to be congratulated on the excellence of the work done. Miss Thynne and Miss Goodden were very pleased with the accomnani- ments of the orchestra, and expressPd them- selves of the opinion that it was the finest amateur orchestra they have ever played with meting out special commendation to the wood- wind portion in particular. The arrangements were in the hands of the hon. secretary. Mr. Hugh Thomas. The paucity of the audience was a drawback.

--=- _-=. _-7--=-=- :=.=- Aberdare School of Commerce. ANNUAL DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES. In connection with the Aberdare School of Commerce. Civil Service, and Corresponding College, the annual tea was held on Thursday last at the. Memorial Hall. The tables were pres cled over by the following ladies:—Mrs. Watkins, Miss Leek. Mrs. Lewis, Miss' E. Lewis, Mrs. Pugh, Miss S. J. Pugh, Mrs. James, Miss Florence Allen, Mrs. M. A. Tho- nias, nd Mrs. Bailey. iJjJLii entrtainment was held in the evening, over which Mr. J. Pugh presided. Mrs. T. L. Davies. Cwmaman, awarded the certificates and prizes to the sue ces;fu] candidates at the recent examinations in connection with the ,drool. Appended is a list of the recipients-Short- hand (speed): 1. Mr. Evan Walters (160 worch); 2. Mr. Arthur Charles (140 words); prize, Mr. D. Badham (130 words); prize. Air. II. Jenkins (110 words) prize, Mr. Ivor James Thomas, Abaraman (70 words). Theory: Messrs. \V. Morris, Ivor J. Thomas, and Master R. D. George, Aberaman. Elementary Master Myr- ddin Evans. Brry; Master Godfrey Francis, Trecynon; Master Oliver Williams, Aberaman; Messrs. W. Morris, J. Phillips, and C. J. Harris. Aberaman; W. Wigley, Trecynon; T. J. Morgan, Cwmbaeh; and May Morgan, Trecynon.TYP2-wtitin: Intermediate: Mr. T. Davies. Werfa, Abernant; Mr. R. D. George, Aberaman. Elementary: Master Em- lyn Jones, Aberdare; Master Edgar Jones. Abernant; Master Roger Thomas, Cwmaman (prize) Misses Marv Hannah Morgan and Flor- ence Allen, Aberdare; Elizabeth Goronwy, I Aberaman.—Arithmetic: Intermediate: Misses Mary H. Morgan and F. Allen, Aberdare; Mr. D. J. Jones. Llwydcoed Masters 0. William-?, Evan D. Thomas, and R. D. George, Aber- aman: Edgar Jones, Abernant. Elementary: Masters E. Jones, Aberdare; Roger Thomas, Cwmaman Jenkin Lewis, Trecynon; Thoma, Morgan, Trecynon; Miss E. Goronwy, and Master Joseph Priddle, Mountain Ash.—Book- keeping: Advanced: Mr. Roderick Williams, Cwmbach Intermediate: Ii8 E. M. Abra- ham, Aberdare, and Mr. Ivor J. Thomas, Aber- aman. Elementary: Miss E. Edwards, Aber- dare, and Mr. Thomas Davies. Werfa, Aber- nant.—Hand-writing: Masters Roger Thomas, Cwrnaman; hor- Thomas, Aberaman; Miss E. M. Abraham. Aberdare; Master E. Jones, Abernant; Mi-ses E. Goronwy, Aberdare; M. H. Morgan. Aberdare: F. Alien. Abordare; Masters Ernlyn Jones. Aberdare; O. Williams, Aberaman: E. D. Thomaj, Aberaman; Thomas Morgans, Trecynon; Myrddin Evam, Darry; Godfrey Francis, Trccynon; and Miss E. Ed- wards, Ab;rdare.—Composition Messrs. Wm. Davie-, Trocvnon; G. J. Jones, Cwmdare; Master E. D. Thomas, Aberaman Misses Mary H. Morsran and F. Allen, Aberdare; E. Gor- onwy. Aberaman.—Drawing: Masters G. Fran- cis. Trecynon, and Myrddin Evans. Barry. The Principal said tÏ1at during th las twelve months the school had mnde rapid progress, the number of student- attending the echocl being 100 cent. mor3 than last year. Branches had been opened at Merthyr and Mountain Ash with very satisfactory results. From the list of certificates and prizes awarded, it was cear that the instruction was of the lnst, and, as a r?cognised commercial, civil fervice, and scholaMc coach, this rchool headed the list, in South Wales. It was gratvying to note the progress made by mere lads in their study of shorthand. One boy, 15 ysars of age. who wa, daily occupied underground, passed an examination in .horthand at a speed of 160 words per minute. The following programme was "one through: — Pianoforte r-oio, Mr. Owens Aberdare; harp solo, Master Roger Thomas. Cwmaman, comic Mr. Clarke; recitation. Mr. Roderick Wi'iijams; rendering by the Abernant Party: roc ration, 3Tr. D. J. Davies, Ab^rcwniboi comic song, Mr. Turner; gramophone render- in". by Mr. Croaker, Aberaman. The accom- panist was Mr. I.. Owens.

Aberdare Free Library. ANNUAL MEETING. On Thursday evening the fifth annual meet- ing of the Aberdare Cntral Free Library was held, Coun. A P. Jones in the chair. There was also a fair attendance of members of the general committee, as well as a few of the public. The Chairman expressed his regret that there was no a larger number of the general public present to take part in the meeting. That was probably an indication that the public were sat- isfied with the way the executive committee were carrying on their work (hear, hear). The committee Viere doing all they could, heavily handicapped as they were by the fact that the proceeds of a penny rate. small at best, were so sub-divided between the various branches that the money was nearly all paid out in sala- ries, etc. What he felt was that the Council should have first of all built up a thoroughly effective and efficient central library and then taken steps to provide for branches. However, the Council decided to do otherwise, and under the circumstances the cCDlral library had to do the best it could under the circumstances. Sub- stantial additions were being made to the li- brary, and the books most called fo," provided. The secretary, on behalf of the executive com- mittee, presented the following report of the committee:—"The executive committee beg to submit their report for the year ended March 31st, 1909. The issue during the past year has been somewhat less than in the preceding year, such decrease having taken place during the months of June, July. and August, and may be accounted for by the exceptionally fine weather experienced last summer. The total issue from tho lending department for the year was 28,824 volumes—giving a daily average of 93, and the number of volumes consulted in the reference department was 3,283-a daily average of 10 volumes. The Welsh section shows a. percepti- ble falling off compared with the previous year. A fairly substantial number of books have been added to both departments during the year, and it is gratifying to record that the total num- ber of volumes in the library at the close of the financial year stood at 8,157. Additional shelv- ing has been provided, and there is a prospect in the near future of the committee being crippled for room to store the ever-increasing volumes to be provided for. The following have presented books and newspapers:—Books Mr. Griffith George, Mr. A. P. Jones, Dr. Evan Jones. Sir W. T. Lewis, Bart., K.C.V.O., Mac- donald and Co., Mr. D. M. Richards, Mr. R, Richardson, Miss Theophilus, Australian Com- monwealth Office, University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire, Anonymous. News- papers, etc.: Messrs. J. Davies, T. Davies, E. S. Hall. Dr. Evan Jones, Col. D. R. Lewis, Rev. J. O Reilly, Messrs. J. L. Williams, and L. N. Williams. The library now consists of:—Lend- ing department: Theology. moral philosophy, etc., 482; biography, 597; history, 328; travel and description, 255; law, politics, commerce, and education, 269; arts, sciences, and natural history, 663 poetry and the drama, 268; prose fiction, 2,091; miscellaneous literature, philo- logy, etc., 501; magazines and periodicals, 110; juvenile literature, 1,506; Welsh literature, 244; reference library, 822; total, 8,137." Vacancies on the general committee were fill- ed by the appointment of Messrs* J. H. James, Brynhyfryd, and David Thomas. At the meet- of the general committee which followed. Coun. A. P. Jones was elected chairman for the forthcoming year, and on the motion of Rev. J. O. Reilly, who spoke in the highest terms of the services rendered to the committee by the secretary, a cordial vote of thanks was accorded Mr. A. S. Morris for his services, which have been rendered gratuitously during the past five years.

Aged Man Knocked Down by a Motor Car. A sad accident befel Mr. Thomas Williams, aged about 90. and who resided at 4. Long-row, Abernant, on Monday. When crossing Car- diff-street ha was struck down by a motor car belonging to Mr. Thomas, of The Waynes, Gadlys, being hit in tho back by the middlo lamp. Mr. Thomas, who was in the car at the time, immediately pulled up on eyeing what had occurred. The unfortunate man was con- veyed to the Police Station by Sergt. D. O. Davies, and Dr. E. J Trevor Jones was called. Fortunately no bones were broken, and Wil- liam, was conveyed to his home suffering prin- cipally from shock and from bruises on the head and hands.

Aberdare and District Air Rifie League. On Friday evening, at the New Hotel, Godre- aman, a match of considerable importance took place between the Lamb and Flag team, Aber- aman, and the Band Institute, Aberdare. It was the final match of the season under the aus p;ces of the Aberdare and District League, and the winners were entitled to the position of runners-up. After an exciting shoot, the Lamb and I'lag ran out winners by the narrow mar- gin of two points. Scores:—Lamb and Flag: A. Roach, 29; A. llowells, 23; J. H. Jones, 26; B. Harpur, 29; M. Roach. 26; D. Addis- cot. 28; G. Roberts, 29; J. Hudson. 26; J. Stanton, 27; B. Hawkc, 26, J. Davies, 24; M. Price, 29; total, 327.—Band Institute: G. Mil- lar, 27; J. Jenk'ns, 28; W. Wright, 27; J. Man- ley, 28, E. Mai pas. 26: E. Frame, 27; J. Car- ney. 30; D. llowells, 27; II. Mundcn, 28; D. Cottle, 27: M. Lawrence, 25; J. Probrt, 25; total, 325.

Aberdare and Merihyr Draughts' League. ABERAMAN (CHAMPIONS) V. REST OF THE LEAGUE. Aberaman: Mr. Hodges (captain). 2; Mr. Beddoe, 1; Mr. Bennett, A; Mr. D. E. Davies, 1 0; Mr. Griffiths, 2; Mr. H. Thomas, 1; Mr. E. Davies, C; Mr. J. Morgan, 5; total, 5k, Rest of the League: Mr. D. Da.niels, Penrhiw- cibr, 1; Mr. Williams, Mountain Ash, 1; Mr. Pugsley, Aberdare, 2; Mr. E. P. Richards, Ponrhiwcoiber. 2; Mr. Bloch, Ab?rdare, 0; Mr. T. Davies, Pcnihrvceiber, 1; Mr. G. East, Mountain A-h, 2; Mr. James, Mountain Ash, 1.).. total, 10,

-u_ .= t Aberdar., Education Committee. I The annual meeting of the Aberdare Educa- I tion Committee was held on Wednesday after- I' noon. There were present: Mrs. Davies, Messrs. T. Walter Williams. T. Morgan, J. Thomas. M. J. Harris, A. P. Jones, Thomas I Lewis, Owen Powell, Thomas Bowen, W. Har- pur, D. P. Davies, and W. Davies. The retiring chairman, Mr. T. W. Williams, referred briefly to the work carried out y the Education Committee during the past year. He saId that a matter of considerable interest had been the suggestion to hold an exhibition of work done in the day schools and evening continuation classes in the month of July. The County Council had expressed their approval of this step, and bad contributed the sum of £5 from the county fund towards the expenses. Mr. D. P. Davies moved that Mr. L. N. Williams be chairman for the ensuing year, &?. he was entitled to that position by seniority.—. lVlr. Thomas Lewis seconded, and this was car- ried.—For the vice-chair, Alr. T. Bowen moved the election of Mr. William Thomaa.— Mr. M. J. Harris seconded, and this was carried.—The various committees were then elected. Mm. Davies taking the place of Mrs. Richards. The Clerk read a letter from the Calvinistic: Methodist Band of Hope, Cwmaman, asking. for the loan of desks, and also that the children; be given a holiday on the 10th of May, on tho occasion of the performance of a cantata.The ded<s were refused, but it was decided to grant' a holiday. -41-

Distressing Accident at AbernanU; This (Thursday) morning a sad accident befel a young man named Edward Williams, rasid- < ing at 16, Forge-place, Abernant. He was riding on a journey down the Blaennant Incline,, and fell off, rolling under the carriage. Hia left arm was completely severed from the body, and his right leg was cut off below the knee. The poor fellow wa-9 taken to the Aberdaro Cottage Hospital, and was attended by Dr. E. J Trevor Jones. He is, needless to say, in a precarious state.

TRECYMOW. LECTURE.—There was a crowded audience at Ebanezer Congregational Chapel on Monday evening, when the Rev. J. J. Williams, Liver- poo', delivered a lecture on "The Foundations of Reiigion." The Rev. H. A. Davies presid- ed. At the close, the Rev. John Morgan, Bryn Sion, proposed a vote of thanks to the lecturer. Mr D. L. Edmunds, one of the deacons at the church, seconded, and the same was carried with enthusiasm. In responding, the lecturer proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman, and Mr. David Jenkins seconded, and it was carried. OPERETTA.—On Wednesday and Thursday evenings, at the Public Hall, performances of the children's operetta, "Cinderella and the Prince," were given by the Hen-Dy-Cwrdd Band of Hope, under the conductorship of Mr. J. Thomas. The chairmen w.ere Councillors L. N. Williams and D. Tyssul Davies. Ap-: pencled i6 a list of tho principal characters 'Cinderella." Miss Myfanwy Lewis; "Fairy Godmother," Miss Mary M. Davies; "Priscilla and Jane" (wicked sisters), Misses May Llew- elyn and Mattie Evans respectively; "Herald, Master T. George Morgans; "Baron," Mr. J, Ivor Davies; "Prince," Mr. D. R. Davies. There was an efficient orchestra in attendance, under the leadership of Mr. Tom Jones. The accompanist was Mr. Richard Davies. There were good attendances.

Trecynon Quoit Club. The opening match of the Trecynon Quoit Club was played on their grounds at the Bridg- end Inn, on Saturday, with Penydarren, and the home team won by seven points. Scores:— Trecynon. Penydarren. W. Davies 21 Tom Bowen 9 Fred Parry 21 Phil Giles 20 W. Peak 7 J. Morgan 21 J. Thomas 12 Ted Davies 21 T. Griffiths 21 W. Theophilus 15 D. Davies 15 T. Davies 21 T. Reynolds 21 J. Watkins 14 J. Do. La Hay 21 D. Phillips 11 Total 139 Total 132 r. 1 Alter the game the players and friends sat down to a luncheon provided by Mr. F. B. Har- rison, Cwmdare (president of the Trecynon Quoit Ciub), who was unavoidably absent. A very pleasant evening was spent, with speeches and sinking, concluding with a very hearty vote of thanks to the donor of the repast.

GODREAMAN. IIEBRC-On Saturday, Sunday, and Monday the anniversary services in connection with this Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Church were held. The preachers were Professor D. Williams, of Aberystwyth, and the Rev. W. Lewis, Cwm- pare. On Saturday night. Professor Williama spoke on the creation. The Rev. W. Lewia preached on Sunday morning, and in the after- noon Professor Williams occupied the pulpit.; The latter based his sermon upon the words, "For we wra-s-tle not against tiesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of this world, against spiri- tual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God. and. having done all, stand" (Ephesians, vi.. verses 12 and 13). The two great themes of his text, remarked the Professor, were the effort of man and the victory of God. Man was able to at- tain conquests only through the strength of God. The first business of religion was to show man his true enemies in life. When he first believed in Christ, man was like an acorn that could grow into an oak, or a youth that could', develop into manhood. At the time of convert ion, there was only a possibility of a saint m. the Christian. The night of conversion was not a night of victory, but a night of enlistment. John Bunyan understood this thoroughly era lie wrote "The Pilgrim's Progress," and deline- ated the Christian's difficulties so well. In the present strife for wealth, education, honour., and society rank, they should remember that strength in order to live aright was obtainable from a source greater than themselves. Many said that Christ died as a. martyr for the truth, but if He was nothing greater than this, what security had they that the devil which put Him on the cross would not finally subdue the whole of humanity? The rev. gentleman concluded by showing strong proofs of the Deity of Christ.

CWMBACH. PENTTEL.—On Friday evening, the Rev. Joe. James, pastor of Bethania, lectured upon "The Curses and Blessings Pronounced under the Israelitish Dispensation." Illustrations and notes were given on the blackboard. MUSICAL SUCCESS.—Mr. T. J. Morgan, Cwm- bach, captured the prize for the best tune for children out of six competitors in connection with the Calvinistic Methodist Singing Festival which was held at Bethania Chapel, Aberda^

-0 Cwmbach Co-Operative Society. Tho general quarterly meeting of the above society was held at Saron Hall, Aberamaai, when a fair number of members attended. Mr. Edward Howells, Aberaman, the president j of the Society, occupied the chair. The fol-; lowing report was presented :We have much' pleasure in submitting for your approval the 196th Quarterly Statement. The sales for 13 weeks reached the magnificent total of £85,107 13s. 5d. This amount, together with the pro-, ductive sales, viz., slaughterhouse, bakery, and farm, will make a turnover of £ 98,098 2s. 3d. Your weekly turnover in sales is Lb,546 14s. 10d. The members' share capital, including interest, now stands at £ 106,723 4s. Id, being an increase over the previous year by £ 2,479 7s. 3d. After' meeting all claims inclusive of £1,142 2a. 9d. in-, terest on share capital; E467 18s. 3d. towards' depreciation of buildings; subscription edu- cation fund, £ 8 5s. 3d. Mountain Ash Cottage Hospital Fund, E5 55.; scholarships County School, £ 13; horse, L34 10s.; with all inci- dental expenses, there is a surplus of £ 14,253 12s. 6d., available for disposal at 3s. 4d. in the £ to members, at Is. 8d. in the £ to non-mem- bers. These figures are most encouraging, and show that the present financial position of the Society is in a thoroughly sound and flourishing condition. Your committee are pleased to re- port the success attained by the classes held in connection with this Society. Durine the term upwards of 55 students sat for their examination in the subjects of "Co-operation" and "Book- keeping." The result of the senior class is not yet to hand. but in the junior, class, all the candidates have been successful to secure their certificates, and one of the students took a prize from the Co-operative Union, and was only foul points short of the maximum marks for com- petency. The new buildings at Miskin are now nearing completion, and are equipped with the most modern appliances and machinery, com- prising shop premises, bakery, and large stable accommodation." The report was adopted.

Mr. Albert Vanderbilt opened the -season's coaching service on Monday between London and Brighton which be ha- established with his coaches, the Venture and Viking. Sir Robert Bond, the Newfoundland Premier, according to telegrams from St. John's, was, on Sunday, mobbed by a hostile crowd at Wes- tern Bay and thrown into the sea.

A Tribute to "Reynolds." Preaching to a crowded congregation at Heb- den Bridge, on Sunday, the Rev. W. Kingscote Grem'and, better known as "Scott King," no- velist and story writer, and a prominent Wes- leyan minister, paid a high tribute to "Rey- nolds's Newspaper." "I was coming up here yesterday from London," he said, "and at p& terborough a fellow traveller offered to ex- change his 'Reynolds's' for my paper. I did so. But when I got to Donca-ster I put it down, feeling heartsick at the picture of England it presented. If I could have my wish I would make every Christian minister read Rey- nolds's' regularly. It is one of the very best edited papers in the land. Nothing could better ,hake them out of their rose-garden paradise 1 than this paper. Of all papers I know none gives a more faithful portrayal of the England £ our. times 6W- 'Reynolds's Newspaper.'

FREE TO WOMEN. ANN BROWN'S FEMALE SYRUP has ob tained wonderful results in the cure of all fc- malo, irregularities. I will send any woman a trial bottle free on receipt of two stamps to pay postage and packing, if "Merthyr Express" is mentioned. Do not neglect this offer, but write me to-day —Ann, Brown, §1, Station Parade, Scutiifields, London,