The Rhondda Leader

Caq you Read War News ? If not, the following may assist you. We will first take geographical names. Burg a town. Bltrgher: an inhabitant over 16 years of age who is in possession of the franchise. Daal: a valley. Donga. the bed of a river with steep banks. Dorp a village. Drift: a ford. Fontein: a spring. Kop: a hill. Kloof: a valley or glen. Kopje: a small hill. Kraal: a collection of huts or cattlefold. Laager: an enclosure formed by a number of waggons tied together. Nek land connecting two hills. Port ferry over a river. Poort an opening between two mountains. Sluit: a ditch. Spruit a stream. Stad a town or a village. Stoep a platform in front of a house. Taal the language of the Boers. Trek a journey. Uitlander a man who is not entitled to the Transvaal franchise. Veld: open plain. Vlei: a hollow filled with water in the rainy season. Volksraad a legislative body which governs the Boers. It consists of 24 members. „ Next week we shall take the names of Boer officials, &c.

Rehearsal at Tonypandy. Rehearsals were held at Ebenezer last Sun- day by Mr Tom Glyndwr Richards, Mountain Ash, in connection with the Cymaufa Ganu to be held on Monday, May 7th. In the after- noon the children were rehearsed, and in the evening the adults sang. The attendance on both occasions was exceptionally poor, the weather being most unfavourable. The sing- I ing also was not of a high standard, and great efforts must be made to ensure a cymanfa equal to previous ones. Mr. W. T. David presided at the organ.

FOR MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS. By MADAME ROSE. HE very newest needle- work-or perhaps it would be called fancy work- for women is the velvet embroidery which forms such a lovely and effective trimming to our every gown. Now, to buy this openwork velvet "ready- made is a matter beyond the powers of jrdinary folk—so expensive i > it, and so alto- ;ether unattainable; yet we may make tuch so-called embroiderings at home with the jest possible effect and the least possible outlay. L'o proceed, first buy your velvet, in any shade ;hat you may happen to fancy; then iron off on to its delicate surface a "Briggs" pattern of mfficient conventionality. Aiterwards proceed io outline the pattern in beads or in silk ippliqu6, or even in button-hole stitch. Then rut away the surrounding 1),rts, and you will tiave a trimming worihy of a Bond-street dress- maker, and one, also, thnt will wear most admirably. Openwork and em roilered cloth fan he arranged in just the same fashion. ALL ABOUT BODICES. There is really so very much to gay concerning ilvi bodice of the moment that I scarcely know wliere to commence. To start with, we may make ur bodices in almost any fashion we please. I nean that not only mny they be of the older fashion, absolutely plain, of the tight-fitting )rder, but, a.ain, we may own further frocks ihewing a perfectly full bodice, pouched in frost and gathered at the back, and tucked into i waistband. Others, ag;iin, may be made in joat fashion, with dainty revera of lace or passe- nenterie, with a full or plain underfront, just is we will. Underfrorfts, by the byr, have always been a feature, and the season of 1900 is to bs no exception to the rule. We may have waist* toats of a rich brocade, tight-fittins, and finished with nearly a hundred little buttons set close together right awav down, (n the principle of the "mess jacket." Or, agai;i, they may be jouble-breasted, and thcmsd ves open at the throat, just like the coat under which they are worn. Here, again, there is an opportunity fot H wide variety in the matter of throatlets. There Is the soft collar and tie, which some women udopt always in the morning. Then there is the jwathed throatlet of cream-coloured lace, twisted once round the throat, crossed at the back, and brought round again and daintily finished in a sailor's knot with hanging ends. Into such a neck arrangement any amount of Drnamentation may be introduced in the way of jewelled brooches and pins, a single string of pearls, and, again, the always fashion- able muff chain, which may be purchased most inexpensively, or may cost a small fortune if obtained from a Bond street jeweller. But I am digressing from the matter of actual bodices, and would remind my readers that the very newest fashion of trimming such attire is the beautiful silk fringe, obtainable in every colouring, which should certainly be added to any bodice that is to be labelled smnrt. One of the most charming models of the season is made of a rich glac6 silk in any tone, with a kind of plastron front of velvet in a darker tint. This plastron takes the form of a squaie collar, back and front, and finisLes t the front centre in a graduated point to the waist. The whole is then outiined with s'lk fringe, and charmingly becoming and daintv is its whole aimearance. DKESSING-GOWNS are now so very elaborate that often it is quite possible to call them tea-gowns with every appeannce of truth. Some of the smartest are finished with a deep turn-down collar of some pale-tinted satin and then frilled with lace. A further frill of lace surrounds such a collarette, and frills of the same ficelle finish the wrists. Of course the dressing-gown looks «it «■ many f.lks prefer a loose, ftJ*erenCe. As or one, fully appreciate s^ i heliotrope, a n co'our, paid blue,~P"l P 4oft pi«co i grey, -rnct whit always, are perhaps the best tints to enploy; while as to material, "Ale may use s'lk, cashmere, nun's veiling, lanriel, flannfleite, or even a very soft white gerp-each and all with the happiest possible result. GENERAL FASHIONS. The shop windows are filled to overflowing with the new spring materials. Amongst these the very narrowest stripes and minute checks are to be seen. Of course, for country wear, the plain coatings and tine cloths of every kind are most in demand, while there is a charming material in demand, while there is a charming material known as velour, which shews a kind of rope tu,ripe on a plain foundation. Pastel colourings assert themselves everywhere, while silk voile promises to be remarkably popular. Again, I must mention that khaki, as a colour, is carrying all before it, and although, in itself, it is a shade somewhat trying to all but the best complexions, it, notwithstanding, lends itself most happily to combination with almost every shade. ON MILLINEKY. The smartest toques are made of open work and crinoline straw. This straw is obtainable in every possible colour; indeed, the milliners buy it by the yard and make it up as they will, into any and every shape. The home milliner may carry out the same idea, and save many Shillings, if she is clever with her fingers, and understands how to finish such a chapeau with a smartly-tied rosette bow s"t on the left side, clasped with a paste buckle, and further orna- mented with a couple of the new painted quill feathers. WARDROBE HINTS. Stockings must be purchased to fit just as carefully as the best kid gloves. Unless this matter is given real attention, stockings become worn out in no time: for if too short the toes push through, and if too long the friction of the boot upon the folds causes holes—to say nothing of the agonising blisters caused by such ridges. Again, stockings—even those of silk-all shrink in the washing, so it is all-important to have them of sufficient length, in the first place. Shoes are even more important than stockings, anJ it is a great mistake to be guided too much by appearance when purchasing boots and shoes. Many folks like a pointed shoe, and this is allowablf, providing always that the point is not in the centre of the shoe. If it is necessary to have a point at all, see thit this is carried out at the big toe-then all will be well; but if the shoe as a centro point, the result will be grown-in nails, swollen joints, corns, and all sorts of miseries. Indeed, I could write a volume of "don'ts" about shoes and boots, but may perhaps s im up the whole by saying, don't wear footgear of any kind that presses anywhere. If you do happen to own so miserable a posses- sion as a corn, the following remedy will be found distinctly efficacious. Soak a small piece of wadding in linseed oil, and lay over the tender spat. It is best to cover the liniment with oiled-silk. Continue this for several nights, until the corn becomes so softened that the hard core can be quite easily removed. A DELICIOUS SUPPER DISH, and a really economical one, can be made as follows: Take some cold boiled potatoes, a piece of butter the size of a walnut, half a cup of grated cheese, and the same quantity of cream, a little less of grated crumbs. Cut the potatoes into dice, and then mix thoroughly with the above ingredients. Butter a flat dish, sprinkle over this soms grated cheese, put in the prepared potatoes, adding a dusting of pepper and salt to each layer. Place a few small lumps of butter on top, and bake brown in the oven. Serve as hot as possible. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. "MATLOCK.As you find your skirt pocket so difficult to arrange, why not adopt one of the new pocket bags ? Make this of the material to match your gown, and hang it from your waist on the left-hand side with a cord or ribbon of the same colour. "ANXIOUS."—You will find elder-flower water the very best preservative of the skin during these cold east winds. And again, washing with oatmeal, instead of soap, is excellent for the skin, for it not only preserves and softens but it is a marvellous cleanser. "LADYSMITH. "-Keep a freshly cut lemon on your wash stand, and use this for removing the stains on your hands. You will find they will quickly become sott and white, more especially if you use gloves when doing the household work which falls to your share.

Penny Readings at Tonypandy. Another exceptionally successful "Penny Readings" was held at Hermon last Thurs- day evening. The attendance was perhaps not so large as at previous meetings, but nevertheless the place was comfortably filled. The chair was occupied by Mr Wm. John Griffiths, and the adjudicators were: music, Mr Meredith Rodd; literary, Mr E. D. Lloyd (Trealaw). The results of the competitions were: -Soprano solo, "B'le'r aeth yr amen." There were two competi- tors, Miss Maggie Jones and Mrs Lewis Evans both receiving a prize bass solo, "Gogoniant i Gymru," Mr Richard Roberts received the award out of six competitors; Male Voice Party of eight, "Myfanwy, the Llwynypia (Jerusalem) party, under the conductorship of Mr John Watkins was successful, fnpromptu debate, Messrs Dd.^ Evans and Thomas Protheroe, out or toui couples. Mr Dd. Evans was also successful in answering best to the adjudicator s satis- fection six questions from the Bible. lne impromptu reading of an unpunctuated piece was very amusing, and there were no less than ten competitors, Mr Griff Roberts securing 'the prize. Miss E. J. Jenkins was the successful love-letter writer. Only two choirs came forward to sing Ar ian^ Iorddonen ddofn," viz., Jerusalem and Hermon. The former, which, by the way, bad only been formed at the 1?ee*'1j0r, the winners. They were conducted by JMr D. J. Hickman. A very interesting reci- tation was also given b- Miss Maggie Evans. Mr Rees, the secretary, deserves still fur- ther praise for the success of his eftorts. While advertising is the least obtrusive it is the most effective in making a poor business good and a good business better.

FOOTBALL PARS. Penygraig v. LivrynypieL. This match was played on the Belle Vue grounds under favourable circumstances. Great excitement prevailed amongst the supporters of both teams, with the result that an exceedingly large gate assembled to witness the struggle. The weather was all that could be desired, and the field was in splendid condition. Llwynypia defeated Penygraig early in the season on the Llwyn- ypia enclosure to the tune of eia-ht points to three, but the homesters were deter- mined to get a bit of their own back, and if possible, a wee bit over. Both teams, notably the visitors, suffered from absen- tees. For the visitors, Dick Hellings, W. Llewellyn and Bob Jones were at Belfast, and for the homesters Johnny Lewis was the onlv absentee. Llwynypia however, found very able substitutes in the persons of "Pussy" Jones, the Cardiff centre, and Rowley Thomas and Evan Thomas of Ponty- pridd. It was highly gratifying to see the old veterans Ikey Edmunds and Andrew Powell again don the jersey for the Llwyny- piaites. Ikey Edmunds played in this match for the first time since he unfortu- nately broke his collar bone at Aberavon la,5t season. The homesters had the best line of forwards out that they have placed on the field this season. Kemp, however, was rather missed. Mr Crawley, Cardiff; took charge of the whistle. Penygraig commenced operations against a rather strong wind. Play was immediate- ly carried to the visitors' quarters. It soon became evident that the home forwards were going to make matters warm for the visitors. Headed by D. Evans and A. Bol- ton, they repeatedly made attacks on the visitors' line with the result that Oscar Williams, on two occasions, was compelled to concede minors. Jack Bowen relieved with a neat dribble up to the home 25, but Walton was safe, and soon returned the leather into Llwynypia's territory again. Here play raged hot for a few minutes un- til Treharne kicked rather hard and the ball was sent out of play. The home forwards then rushed play into close proximity to the line, and Richards, getting possession, made a fine dash but was grassed on the line. Scoring was not long in coming, for Treharne, receiving from the line out, transferred to Daniells who, in turn, trans- ferred to Ingram, who, with a bold dash, crossed in the corner with an unconcerted try, thus opening the scoring. On the restart, the homesters once more took the initiative, but Rowley Thomas with a good dribble took play to the home line. Their stay was only a short one, how- ever. For some infringement, the referee awarded the homesters a penalty kick well inside the visitors' half. Walton made a fine attempt to place it over the bar. Tre- harne was now conspicuous with a fine run. He beat Pussy Jones and made a bold dash for the line, but was tackled well by J scar Willianis. During a period of hot attacking, by the home forwards, Ingram picked up from his forwards' feet and ran over with another unconverted try in the corner. That prac- tically settled the game. The visitors, for the remainder of the first half, contenting themselves with playin on the defensive. After lemons, the homesters again made tracks for the visitors' line, but the Llwyn- ypia forwards infused more vigour into their play. For a time, play was more of an even character. Their heeling out was cleaner than that of the home pack, and their packing seemed a little more compact than it was during the first half. At this period, a message came from the post office to the press box stating the result of the international contest and it evoked strains of cheering which seemed to nonpluss the players, who failed to understand the rea- son of the cheering. The visitors took ad- vantage of this bill in the game and rushed the ball over the home line, a minor result- ing. Play however, was sent back to the visitors' quarters by a grand dribble by Chant, who, in company with D. Evans, made a strong combined attack. Oscar n I Hams, however, was sound. At this stage of the game an opportunity came dancing along to Arthur Williams in the shane of a failure to take a pass on the part of Pussy Jones. Williams sharply fielded near the half way line, and with a fine sprint made rapid tracks for the visi- tors 'line. He evaded two of his opponents who seemed to have most certainly stopped him, by turning as he ran. He outdistanced the visitors' halves and scored another un- converted try almost beneath the uprights. Shortly afterwards time was called, Peny- graig running out victorious to the tune of three tries to nil. It was a splendid game from a spectator's point of view. Llwynypia's chances were not thought to be particularly rosy, but in spite of their absentees they were credited with better powers than they showed. In my estimation the presence of their ab- sentees were not worth more than one try, at the greatest, for we must consider that very able substitutes were found. An- other point in favour of the homesters is the absence of Kemn and Johnny Lewis. True, Ingram played a splendid game, but Johnny knows his confrere Mundy's play better than Ingram does. The score is the least indication of the superiority of the homesters over the visitors. A very un- pleasant incident was witnessed during the second half. Mr Crawley had occasion to over-rule the decision of the visitors' um- pire, who, however, hotly disputed the referee's power to over-rule him. Of course, the umpire had finally to capitulate, but not before the extent of the illfeeling be- tween the supporters of the two teams was plainly manifested. Comparing the teams, the homesters de- served their victory. As for the respec- tive forwards, those of the homesters won the game for them. It was generally thought that play amongst the forwards would be even, but the home pack rushed matters in the first half. In the second half however, the visiting pack showed a super- iority in heeling out, which was partly neutralised by the off-side tactics of their half-backs. Of the visiting pack, Rowley Thomas and Evan Thomas were always to the fore. For the homesters, Dai Evans, Daniells and Chant were the pick. Dai Evans, the old international, seems to be gaining by long strides in his play. Coming to the half-backs, Ingram was the best man on the field. It looked very much as if he had been told off to mark Pussy Jones, for he seemed to stick to him like a veritable leech. His defensive play was very sound, but he did not understand Mundy's play. For the visitors, Andrew Powell played a nice game, but we must not expect to see him on his old form. Of the threequarters, I hardlv know which is to award the palm to. Individually, the home quartette were by far the better line, but matters were now even-when they were taken collectively. Not much good com- bination was seen at all. Had the visitors put their usual quartette out then we would have seen the passing code played better, but we cannot expect to see a quartette ex- cel in combination when they are everlast- ingly being chopped up. For the homesters Williams was the best man, and I think that I am justified in saying that he was the best man on the field. His try in the se- cond half wa.s the feature of the game. He showed us that he possesses a good turn of speed, combined with judicious dodging. Treharne was good in defensive work, and suffering as he was from an injury to his knee owing to a cycle accident, he did his work well. Let him feed his wing more, however, and we will be satisfied. He on y gave Williams a pass once during the whole of the game. Richards kicked well. For the visitors, Pussy Jones was the best. Ikey Edmunds, though developing rotundity of form, combined well. His tackling and defensive work was quite as •keen as of yore. Joe Williams was har y above par. < Of the full backs, Tom Walton was un- doubtedly the best. His kicking seems to improve week by week. He was in splendid mettle in this match, and seemed to excel his former brilliant reputation. Penvgrais: will again put the same tealn on the Taff Vale Park. Pontypridd talk a lot of revenge etc.. but I rather fancy y will sing a different tune after the match. The match will decide, practically the destination of the League championship.

Grand Juvenile Concerts at Ystrad. On Thursday and Saturday evenings of last week was the occasion of rtg of a third annual series ofjuvemle which are held at the Nebo Welsh Baptist Church, Ystrad. The performa the cantata, entitled "A Holiday Sands," and seldom, if Tlmse formance been equalled m \stra of the locality who aid not put l pearance either evening have mis kindly brought almost to Tom Thomas (clerk, ft.U.D.U), re, the conductor, to whom great P™. erulea by the clever little company o J he has trained, and he can tak ? which self much credit for the f artig- he set forth a Programme which for art tic detail of arrangement and execution, has not been excelled by an.y P bination witnessed at Ystrad by humble correspondent. Th wja0 should long be remembered by were fortunate in obtainm" clever even standing room to see these cje«_ children, who have made a namei selves in the local!r After a smart ove^ ture "Sailors at Play" had been renderea bv iviisses Ethel and Barbara e >. com- scene was presented to view, a.™ c°nd bination both as regards co jesjred. stage effects, left nothing.to be desgw The scene displayed the various juve,iuW £ about 180 in number-seated on si date platform gallery. In P set forth by Mr Thomas not only were children excellent in the re cause but were also so well tutored as to ca^ one to wonder at what couple of menced their training- A r» ^ed my songs, entitled "The Heart, by Miss Maggie 1 °.' -]>escrip- Dolly,' by Miss Winme j £ aSter tive Song," by Miss Jessie Idris Evans, who appeare "Absent- called upon to recjte coilection Minded Beggar,' after ^hic d was made for the Rese^v excellent Edward Morgan favoured wi^au contribution, "Llwybr yr y ^ary H. Master Arthur Jones and x «jihen- Jones with uiat popular and ^aiJ0rs of tan and Rachel. koldi ^ing alld ap- our Queen' was a most p were propriate item programme gchool a number of boys fromJ?°- {u^ character who one and all aPPef"j^.n Sergeant Idris under the command of D" for Evans, who had carf.fu ^.hat recently held this occasion, as well as jenkina, Bod- at Bryn Seion, Gelli, bJ Mf \ighest ringailt Schools, who d y8 praise it is possible to gi work The noble, patriotic and char wj1icj1 foregoing was a m,lsf5 nroper the chief preceded the cantata p P f0n0ws: — characters being taken p -'jjitty 'Mrs Brown," Miss Nanna (daughter Brown," Miss Lizzie Jane GeUy «Tom of the Rev. P. Gelly ^nkhaw." Brown,' Mr E. J. Lloyd, ooWSnrit," Mr Mr David Davies guar(i Captain/' Jonathan Thomas Coas g j}05 Mr Richard Davies; "Doctor ^Mas^te^ Jenkins; "Policeman, the acconi- Parker. Mr Evan John Ev anover- panist for the evening, open ;*ems, the ture, then followed the var .r.horus by chief of which were as follow -with Choir and arty of little girls a"fftKurse- buckets and spades Laura maids," by Misses Alys jphillip8) Hobbs, Carrie Morgans, »• • jjenriet- Gertrude Griffiths, Rebecca > ^erjain, ta John, Mary B. Evans, A. Chamo Celia Watkins. M. Jenkins, Me- Rachel A. Gelly, Mary Lewis, B iooked Dermich. These little ma English sweetly pretty with their W J Irish and and Scotch dollies, g robes perambulators. Several which I were worn by a number or 'frain for intended describing but mus u a_wink want of space. The original^ plaster .Niggers," "Jimmy Faiker, Misses Morgan Llewellyn. The ski work Jessie Hobbs and C. M. Jones, pWrjge the allotted them remarkably wel in chief characters aforemermo > jm. their contributions of their ra. ^,ertions of personations, showed in sever jnstinct. their task a great deal of Mr We believe that we have „„rs Davies Jonathan Thomas and the ^vantage, and Mr E. J. Lloyd to better^ while the sweet voice of JV n gitty and Miss Gelly as "Mrs Brow n con_ in the duet "Happy Childho trough- tribution done with comme mention, ness. We should not f l g dicl duty too, Mr Lewis James LloJ'„ Llewellyn) as stage manager and Mr the who had kindly assisted in g0drmg- platform. Mr D. Davies, j^r Cas- allt, presided on Thursday, jike- wallon Edmunds M.E., Pe those who wise on Saturday. Am°nf'Lrsday were patronised the concert on j, p E. noticed the following 71Sj 2.rQSv-ps Ton; Davies and Miss Winifred D < j}avies WTight, Rhondda xusei: Manager), (manager), Mrs W. lh°ma ( an(j Blaenavon Mr T. J. Bees, Miss Crocker, Gwalia House, ys. Road, Trealaw; Mr J. Thomas, London trad; Mr and ™stor, being House; Rev. T. Williams, pastor, also present.

A Pentre Dressmakers At the Ystrad County Court williaI?s) (before his Honour Judge • sUed Mrs Miss Cook, dressmaker, in lieu of Moses, of Gelli, pontypnddt notice. Mr W. P- ^1,c, rjnion for the Shop Assistants uni p ft0berts for the plaintiu. whilst f<jr the de- Rosser, Pontypridd, an" tbe plai*1^ fendant. It was allege month) was engaged at a salarv i\ad several with board and the 20th Sep- apprentices under her. because ac- tember last, she was chs statement she cording to the defend*nVtained lodgings did not suit. at 10s. r»er week ''unl' f,„r a lengthy hear- out of employment, A saJa^' in- judgment was gi al]d lodgings for and 8s. per week for boara the month.