The Rhondda Leader

Grand Concert at Ferndale. On Thursday evening a grand concert was held at the Tudor Hall under the aus- pices of the ferndale Prize Brass Band, the proceeds of which were to be devoted towards defraying their expenses m the "Championship or the World' contest at the urystal Palace on the 2ist inst. The Ferndale Band had been selected as one of the 15 "crack" bands of the United King- dom to compete for the valuable Cup trophy. The chairman of the concert was Mr J. Jenkins, Victoria Hotel, who pre- sided in his usual aitabie manner, and who made himself quite a favourite with the audience. The artistes, were Miss Janet (Jornett, Ciifynydd, who, after her success in the soprano solo at the Cardilt iNatioiuu -P,iste(tatod is now ranked as a vocalist 01 the first water. Her rendering of the "Dream of Paradise" and "Hoff Wiad fy .Nghenedigaeth* were superb efforts of vocation and deserved the rapturous en- core she received. Mezzo-soprano. Miss Eva Hall, Ferndale. This lady is young as yet to the concert platform, but her ren- dering of "Alone on the raft" merited the warm applause she received, and proves that she has some latent talent if properly trained. Her voice was particularly sym- pethetic, and her enunciation good. Tenors, the veteran Gwynalaw, who again charmed the aucuence by his beautiful singing as in the days of old. It is certain his voice has not lost any of its cunning, although he feels the weight of many years. Dewi Dyfed's rendering of "Whisper and I will hear" also had a very pleasing effect. Bari- tone, Mr J. Glyntewi Jones who acquitted himself in his usual good form. Bass, Mr Abram Mathews, who is a young singer of good promise. Elocutionist, Mr Maddock Jeffreys, who delighted the audience with his humorous recitation, the "Excursion." Mr W. Thomas also gave a capital render- ing of "Death Doomed" in his usual drama- tic style. The accompanist was Mr W. J. Davies, Ferndale, who acquitted himself in his customary accomplished manner. The treat of the evening was the rendering the test pieces, "Mendelssohn" (Pontypridd Cup Contest), and "The Beauties of Sulli- van" (the London test piece). The band appeared in their new uniforms, and gave splendid renderings of both test pieces. The concert was both interesting and en- thusiastic, and the success of the band in both contests was eagerly looked forward to. We are pleased to note that although un- successful at the Crystal Palace contest; they were defeated but not disgraced, which defeat they have taken in good part, and which adds greatly to their credit. However, on Monday they succeeded in winning the South Wales Challenge Cup at Pontypridd, and also took the Gold Medal Prize for the cornet. This is the first time for them to compete in the Challenge Cup Competition under their new conductor, Mr Sam Radcliffe, and their success bids fair for a prosperous career.

Sunday School Prize Distribution at lrreiieruert. Prizes and certificates were presented to the successful candidates in the scrip- ture and music examinations heicj^in March last at Horeb Welsh Methodist Chapel, Treherbert. An annual scripture ex- amination is held at every Meiliouist chapel under the auspices of the East tjiamorgan Methodist Association. Certificates are awarded to al1 that pass the examination, whilst prizes are also given to the best three in each class. Thirteen candidates entered the examination from Horeb, all of whom were successful. Rev. Morgan JJavIes (pastor), presented certificates to the following —Class 1. (under 10 years of age): Andrew Jones. Class 11 (under 13): iViorfydd Francis, M. Francis, L. Howeils, Morgan Rosser, Edward William Morgan. Class 111 (under 16): David B. Jones, Dd. E. Jones, Tudor G. John, Tegwedd jran- cis. Cias IV. (under 21): John Rees Ed- wards, Samuel inielioias, Thomas M. Henry. David B. Jones, the third on the list unaer 16, received the third prize. Being also the top 11l the Upper iihondda Division, viz., from Bethel, lieolfacli, to Bethesda, Blaen- rhondda, he received another prize. John Rees Edwards, the third on the list under 21, received tne third prize. hemg the top in the Upper Rhondaa Division also, he received another prize. Previous to the East Glamorgan examination, the Upper Rhondda Division held an examination, in which David B. Johns received first and second prizes respectively in the class under 2i. Mr Abraham Roberts then presented certificates and money to Mrs S. Parry and Miss Maggie J ones for learning portions of the Bible. Then came the prizes and cer- tificates for music. The certificates were distributed by Mr John EvanSj contractor, Treherbert, conductor of the singing at Horeb. Certificates were awardea to the following who passed the examination held at Treorchy, in March, Mr M. O. Jones, Treherbert, examining:— Elementary, T. 1'; Jones, M. J. Rosser, inoall Howells; Intermediate Davici P. Jones, Tudor G. John 1st Grade (staff notation): David E. Jones, Tudor G. John, Ben Nicholas; 2nd Grade: David B. Jones, Ben Nicholas; Elementary Theory Mary Gwen John, Lily Abraham; Intermediate Theory: Mary Gwen John, Lily Abraham. Ben Nicholas received a prize for passing best in 1st Grade, and Dd. B. Jones received a prize lor passing best in 2nd Grade. There were more successes in music this year than there has ever been.

Children's Service at Ebenezer, 1 onypatiay. A very enjoyable cmidren's meeting was held last Sunday evening at Ebenezer Con- gregational Chapel by the scholars of the ounuay School. Formerly these meetings were held in the afternoon, but on this occasion it was given in the evening in place of the usual preaching service. The xtev. E. Richards conducted the proceed- lllgs, and after the customary preliminary hymns, reading and prayer, the programme was proceeded with as follows:—anthem "Cysegnau," by the choir under the con- ductorship of Mr Rees Jones. Three reci- tations were afterwards given by Miss Eliza- beth Thomas (Yr Adar Bach), Miss Rachel Jones (Y Pregethwr Bach), and Master Johnny Jenkins. Song, "Come unto Me," Miss Annie Edwards, Penygraig and reci- tations by Miss Maggie llongan, Miss Mary Tlannah Thomas (iNos Da) and Miss Sarah Jane Evans. Song, "Llythyr fy mam Miss Hannah Griffiths, Recitations by Master Alwen Richards (Buddugoliaeth Calfari) and Miss Beatrice Thomas. Violin solo' "0 rest in the Lord, Miss Maggie Burton; and three more recitations contributed by Master William Giles Jones (Pleserfad y Niagra), Miss Maggie Williams (Weled trwy y Drych), and Miss Hannah Lewis (Mae r Iesu i ni'n Frawd). A sweet little tune entitled "0 oes telyn yn y Nef" was next sung by a picked choir, under the con- ductorship of Mr James Evans. Recita- tion by Miss Lizie M. Evans; song "Iesu Grist yn Blentyn," by Master 'Willie Evans; recitation, "Deigryn Mam," Miss Catherine Terry; song by Miss Nelly Eynon and recitations by Misses Sarah Griffiths and Hannah Lewis: hymn, "Pan fydd niwl y nos yn cilio" by the choir. This closed an excellent evening's enjoyment. Mr W. T. David, the chapel organist, presided at the organ throughout, and as usual did his work very efficiently.

Board of Guardians. A t the usual weekly meeting of the above board held on Wednesday last, the Chairman (Mr. E. H. Davies, J.P.) remarked- that it was not the intention of the Assessment Committee to re-value the whole of the Union but simply railways, collieries and foundries. They had written to expert valuers upon the matter, and a report would be presented at the next meeting. A special resolution ap- pointing Mr. Eve as valuer would then be passed.

Cranogwen at Williamstown. On Tuesday evening Craliogwen delivered a grand lecture on "Ann Griffiths, Dol- warfechan." The meeting had been well advertised, and considering the time of the year, there was a very good audience pre- sent. The meeting was presided over by the Rev. M. H. Ellis, Trealaw. Miss Rees had prepared a very exhaustive lecture. which lasted for nearly two hours-a rather long time considering the weather. The proceeds are towards liquidating the chapel debt.

The Rating Question and John Jones. To the Editor. Sir,—After the preposterous epistle from the pen of "John Jones" in your last issue, I must change my "nom de plume" and add "common-sense'' to "equality." My reply to Mr John Jones' "nonsense," wrong as- sertions, and airy assumptions, I am not a coward or ashamed of my name which is more uncommon than Jonn Jones. L can perfectly unaerstand "John Jones' putting his name, and that forgetting to add the significant trade description, "butter merchant." '10 air grievances in a news- paper, whether right or wrong, is a very cneap way of advertising one's trade, "John Jones trade has doubtlessly in- creased immensely during the past few weeks, and i should not feel at all surprised to hear that he cannot afford to take small orders at present, because trade is so brisk. Athough he may be making a nice haul out of this "new trick of the trade, i must assert that his ridiculous arguments are founded on purely imaginary knowledge, and 1 again warn him to be extremeiy cautious ere he tries further to mislead the intelligent readers of this valuable paper with untruthful statements, spiteful alle- gations and fanciful hgures. if he wants to instruct the people, let him do so when he is armed with pure, honest and incon- trovertible facts. Till then 1 and others can afford to scorn his whimsical sayings until the "truth, and only the truth" eman- ates from his mighty pen. His imagina- tion and fanatical assumptions fairly ex- ceed his tact and common sense. lie assumes me to be one who wears "kliaki clothes drawing my hundreds of pounds from the golden stream which flows from the ratepayers' pockets." Far from be- ing actually John Jones' imaginary oppon- ent. I regret to say 1 don't draw my hund- reds. Selling eggs and butter is a much better paying job than mine, and had I a better chance of gaining notoriety and popularity and getting a fair pecunary re- turn or increase in my profession by giving my name I wouid certainly do so. "John Jones" will undoubtedly make a fine pioneer of a Ratepayers' Association, and that august body should certainly be launched if only as a lasting tribute to John tJ one,s/ masterful and eloquent defence of the ratepayers. The association should have John J.ones as its first president, and its initial duty would be to reduce the valua- tion which the overseers and their able manipulator increased (conscientiously as they undoubtedly thought) of John Jones' premises in that "Isolated position," and the Assessment Committee, that "superior court" confirmed and refused to reduce. A business premises like that of John Jones commands a big price and rental. What would he like to rent his place at, I should like to know ? He gives the dimensions of his "small cottage" and says that a table and a few chairs will fill it up. II expect he meant a "long room" table or two, and large comfortable arm chairs. His business is worth actually nothing according to his version. A great pity the overseers could not rate according to extent of business and profit I Toor assistant over- seer Lie is a fine target for J ohn J ones bullets, but "John', cannot get a "bull" yet. His shots are all magpies. The as- sistant overseer, 1 take it. endeavours to mete out justice to all ratepayers, and whether he was Keen or not against the rates before, he is now evidently keen enough to see that John Jones' great egg and uutter establishment has risen from a low Inconsistent figure, li the assistant overseer cannot paduie his own canoe, he can raise the vaiuatien of "well-to-do business men to their proper scale." i,-ailey £ o<jU a year coming to zL6 14s. Yd. a week and only working rroin 1U a.m. to 6 p.m. Another slanaer from the lalse propnet; What about paying the clerks out or the J",uvV, John jonesr Ana the ohice hours are 9 a.m. to o p.m., Mr Jones and were it nor, for fictitious claims and wrongful ap- peals against valuations perhaps the hours would be lessened. but it is narder work than his own, and doubtless much less re- munerative. He compares the poor work- men on the road who, he assent, hours and get zis. a week. Can John Jones convince me that any workman on the road works 12 hours a day ? It is absurd to com- pare a roadman witn the superior officials or the Councll..11 so, put one of me sca- vengers to take the place of the. Council s clerk or assistant overseer, ana let either of the latter two take to the road. Vv here would the parish find itselt r There would be an administration such as John Jones could equal, lou want reliable, steady and businesslike officials to govern such an extensive parish as this, and you have them, and you must pay Keasonaoly. Though this parish is, I think, the largest and most important outside the Metropo- lis, its officials are greatly underpaid in comparison with lesser and more insignifi- cant parishes. John Jones says last week "1 am told that the clerk of the Board gets £ 600 a year, and another gets 1;201 to do his work, and another a £ lu0 to help that one again." I shall merely say that someone has misguided him again, and it he furnishes a string of such idiotic as- sertions merely on hearing a. casual remark, his letters and arguments can be ignored and treated with the contempt they de- serve. Why does he not acquire reliable information. If he said that £ 600 or £ 650 would cover the salaries of the three above officials he would be much nearer the truth. I wouid not condescend to enlighten him on the matter were 1 not serving a double purpose by trying to" submit real wholesome truth to the readers. We are living in a Christian country but it seems that the religious principles of some reach but a very poor ideal. John Jones has commit- ted many breaches of faith and has blun- dered with his irregularities and inconsis- tency in this controversy, and though we may be none the worst friends after all, I should certainly advise my opponent to use a bit of common sense. L readily sub- mit the case to the ratepayers. I am sorry to trespass so much on your space, but the foregoing statements may prevent such a misconstruction of facts as the "butter merchant" has attempted. I am etc. "COMMONSENSE" and "EQUALITY.

Adulterated Whisky. At the Pontypridd Police Court on Wed- nesday, William Evans, Vaughan Arms Hafod, was summoned for selling adulter- ated whisky. Superintendent Cole ex- plained that he purchased some at the de- fendant's house, and the analysis of the sample shewed that the whisky was 27+ degrees under proof. A fine of Ll and 19s. Id. costs was imposed.

Indispensable for Preservation of i DAVIESS Effervescent GRAP SAL Palatable. Refreshing d, InvigoratiJl, (J & It Is strongly preventative of Fever, Liver Complaint, Head* Heartburn, etc. I. býpet; May be taken with great advautoge sons of both sexes and an & t l1Øb1 Prepared and sold in bottles at T. DfllllES, PftarmaBBuiical BbØIllII Porth & TortyP-^

YANKEE HUMOUR. SOME KNOWLEDGE OF HIM. "It is to be merely a little garden party," explained the prospective hostess. We dine al fresco, of course." "I have heard of the gentleman," said Mrs. Gaswell, with well-bred indifference, "but I think I never met him.Chtcago Tribune, VICTORY ASSURED. He was a candidate for aldermanic honours. "A speech! A speech!" yelled the crowd. In response to the popular clamour he mounted an empty beer keg and uid:" Boys, I thank you. All hands step inside and have something." It was a brief specimen of oratory, but it touched the spot.-Chicago News. PREPARATIONS FOR A BATH. A Cincinnatitravelling man,says the Enquirer, tells of an hotel experience in the interior of Arkansas. The paper adds that his friends look upon the story with euspicioa. He had arrived at a small settlement, and repaired to the Eagle House, which was situated on the outskirts of the town, and on the bank ot a stream. After a dinner of side-meat and corn-bread he lighted a cigar, and the proprietor said "Stranger, is thar anything we 'uns kin do foh you all ? Thinking to confound his host, the stranger answered: 11 Wal, yes, come to think of it, I'd like to have a bath." The proprietor let his feet drop from the railing upon which he had hoisted them. went into the house, and returned in a moment with a huge tin cup full of soft soap, a rough towel, and a pick and shovel, which he offered to his guest. What's the pick and shove! for ? asked the travelling man. "Well, stranger," answered the landlord, "th' watuh's low, and yo'-all '11 hev to dam up the creek." HE TURNED THE JOKE ON HERMANN. When Bill Nye, in collaboration with James Whitcomb Riley, was touring the United States as a lecturer he stopped at a well-known Chicago hostelry one evening, and was escorted to a place in the big dining-rooin directly across the table from a dark gentleman with heavy black moustaches and a Mephistophelean goatee. Nye recognised his vis a vis as Hermann, the magician, but, beyond a quizzical stare, gave no sign that he knew the eminent prestidigitator. Hermann was very well award that the bald man opposite him was Bill Nye, but did not indicate his recognition by word or manner. Hermann had, in fact, prepared a little «urpri»e for the humorist, and several others seated at the table were in the secret. Nye was about to lance a leaf from his salad when he espied, lying beneath it, a superb and scintillating diamond, set in a very fine gold ring. Without shewing the least surprise, he lifted the ring from the salad bowl, slipped it on his finger. conscious all the while that every eye was upon him, and, turning to Riley, who sat next to him, remarked, with his dry, inimit- able drawl: "Strange, how careless I am getting to be in my old age, James T am for ever leaving my jewels in unlikely places." Hermann was dumbfounded at the sudden manner in which his trick had miscarried, but he was destined for a still greater shock; for. when the darky waiter who presided over the table brought on the next course, Nye turned to him and, soberly handing him the gem-set ring, said: "You are a very good waiter, Joe.71 "Yes, sah. I guess I is. sah." "And you always will be a real good waiter, Joe ? "Yes, sah. I'm boun' ter do ma best, sah." "I believe you, Joe. I believe you; and as an evidence of my faith in you, I want you to accept this little trifle. Wear it, and always remember the man W;\O most appreciated your services." The c s eyes bulged. Hermann's fork rattled t. o floor and he tugged at his great moustaches, but was far too clever to cut in with an explanation at such an inopportune moment. There was a bill-suppressed titter all round the boird during the rest of the meal, which the professor of occult art did not appear to enjoy. At a late hour that night Hermann was heard in loud argument with the dusky recipient of the diamond ring, trying, in two languages, to convince him that it was all a joke on the part of Mr. Nye. Finally, after disbursing a tip of more than customary liberality", Hermann got back his ring. He afterwards avowed the stone alone was worth two thous-Mid dollars, and that Bill Nye's nonchalant presentation of it to a grinning menial had spoilt a whole evening's performance in legerdemain. HARD. "I am utterly discouraged about my love affairs," said Castleton. "Not lnng ago ( fell desperately in love with a beautiful girl. She was not only beautiful, but wealthy, and it must have awed me, for I fell to doubting whether I was good enough for her. She must have felt it, I suppose, for when I made a sort of timid proposal she refused me flat. She implied that she liked a man of spirit." "What did you do then ?" said Clubberby. "I went to the other extreme, ft wasn't long before I became smitten with another charming creature, who was everything that could be desired, and this time I ruled things with a high hand. When the time came I just told her I knew she loved me, and much to my surprise she said she never could Jove any man with my assurance. There I was again." "Are you at it once more ? inquired Clubberby. Castleton sighed. "Oh, yes," he replied, grimly. "I have been paying attentions to the finest and fairest of earth's daughters. She is too sweet for any- thing, and I have, of course, taireo good care to combine the two methods." "And now what's the matter" asked Clubberby. "The fact is," replied Castleton, "that I can't fall in love with that giri to save my life." '—Harper's Bazaar. ARIZONA KICfTLETS The rumour that we had received a public clock by freight aud were preparing to hoist it to the roof of the Kicker office was eet afloat by some idiot on Tuesday, and within an hour there was a crowd of two hundred men in front of the place. Each one had a gun in bis hand. and each one expected to shoot at least one face off that clock, but disappointment awaited the crowd. We know this town and its little idioms, and we are not investing in public time-pieces. A population who will drill bullet holes through a plaster of Paris bust of Shakspero to hold civili- sation in check wouldn't let a town clock tick five times before the fusillade began. In our last issue we stated that. Jim Watkins, of the White Eagle saloon, had been warned out of New Mexico bv a vigilance committee, and was said to have five dead men to his credit, as a bad man It appears that we were mistaken, and we hasten to set Mr Watkins right. in the public eye. He came from Indiana instead of New Mexico, and he tiroke gaol instead of t einc Wtrned to move on As to his record, he stole five CGws instead ot snooting five men. All editors get things miaed now and then, and, for one, we are always willing to make full apology. See Jim's big ad in this issue and give him a call. What this town needs above anything else is a first-class dentist, and we will cheerfully correspond with anyone looking for a good opening. In fact. wa have been writing here and there for the last.? year, but as soon as we explain to a dentist that his victim will begin shooting as soon as the tooth is out, and that he must get the drop on him, they lose all interest and drop the correspondence There is some risk, as we all know, but there is a cartload of teeth waiting to he pulled or pluggei, and a dentist with sand could make barrels of monev. For 2dol. per day be could hire a man to shoot for him. We occasionally permit some strange)- with a good opinion of himself to run us out of our sanctum at the Kicker office or take possession of the Mayor's room in the City Hall As Post- ftiaster we represent the Government, and the Government wants to know all about it before it comes down off the perch. A man named Harkins, who is a stranger to this locality, tried to get possession of$he Post Office the day before yesterday, and we were obliged to bore bullet into his leg. We could have bored it Into his head or body II well. but be didn't upou too be a vir-ious m*n. The 1. waiwered

The Annual Feast Day of the United Patriots. Last Saturday the annual parade and feast of the United Patriots' National Bene- fit Society (Llwynypia Branch) was held. Very fortunately the weather was very favourable and consequently there was a lull muster of members. At 3.80 p.m. the dinner was partaken of by over 400 men and juveniles at the Llwynypia Institute) The four largest rooms in the building were converted into dining rooms. The catering was in the hands ot Mr and Mrs ivowiey, caretakers, and with the assistance 01 maie and female menus, the great crowd very speedily satisfied the inner man. The menu consisted of beet, veal, iamb, pork, vegetables, plum and rice puuuing. ine members ac o.iU p.m. lormed themselves nito a procession and paraued .uunraven Street, renygraig, Vinas and Ireaiaw. ine ireaiaw Mission lirass and the Julwynypia Fire Jbanas played excellent marcnes on tne route. Un their return a concert was held at, the Co-operative Hall, over which the itev. J. Bacon presided. There was a large and enthusiastic crowd present, the spacious building being quite crowded. The chairman, who was warmly welcomed, con- gratulated the members upon their ex- cellent conduct throughout the day's pro- ceedings. He said that it was to him a very pleasing feature, particularly when such a very large number of young men were connected with the society that their club could find a place to meet and conduct their business without going to a public house. Mr James Boyce, the secretary of the branch gave a very interesting address on the past history of the branch, and said that the Cardiff district stood the third highest in Great Britain, while the Llwyny- pia Branch of that district during the past year had the largest amount of stock, viz., £ 84 14s. 5d. The number of members for the past year was 229 and the receipts P,346 7s 2d. The payments for sick allowances had been exceptionally heavy in all dis- tricts, the same circumstances being also the regrettable fact in the cases of other friendly societies as well. The amount expended was £ 156 15s. 3d. for ordinary sick allowances and L14 19s. for permanent sick pay. The funeral allowances amoun- ted to £69. An interesting fact mentioned by Mr Boyce was the concessions made to the Reservists in the outbreak of hostilities in South Africa. This was that every re- servist in the society was made a free mem- ber. Mr Tom James, miners' agent, fol- lowed with an able and interesting address. During the evening songs were contributed by Messrs John Lloyd, James Murray and Edward, Price. Mr Harris gave also two excellent recitations. Mr A. A. Leek, Trealaw, accompanied on the piano. The usual votes of thanKs brought a very en- joyable day to a close. We are pleased to find the branch in such a flourishing con- dition, due mainly to the energetic secre- tary, Mr Boyce. Among the list of sub- scribers to the branch we notice the names of Messrs D. W. Davies, J.P., C.C. Dan Evans, M.E. J. Gilmour, D.C.; W. W. Hood, M.E. Edward Jenkins, Alderman Richard Lewis, J.P. J. Jones, W. H. Far- mer, T. Jones, Rev. J. D. James, Dr. W. W. David. and Dr. W. E. Edwards.

PUBLICITY is the soul of justice.—Jeremy Bentham.

Sunday School Outing at Ton. On Monday (the general holiday for col- liers) the Jerusalem Sunday School turned out in glowing strength for their outing to Barry. Indeed, it was never intended to be such a big affair, but the weather being so exceedingly fine, ana to enjoy a day at the seaside invigorating to health, a large crowd assembled at the station. The tram left Ystrad at 7.23, and a lengthy day was spent on the sea-shore. The route taken was via Hafod, as it was a new route, far from the coal dust which always forms a cloud over the Rhondda, and view of the stretch of country is just whit he collier wishes. Leaving the station at Barry Is- land the crowd wended their way to the sends free from care and full of mirth and joliity. A dip in the briny came first and then the various enjoyments fashionable on sands were partaken of, such as bathing, ex- cursions, etc. The vast stretch of sand in Whitmore Bay and the striking character of the land and rocks around befits Barry, were it not for the extension of docks to be- come a most prominent place as a seaside resort. Additional interest will fall to the lot of Barry when the fort is built with its quick-firing guns and the line of steamers which will run between Barry and Weston next year. Food was prepared for the children by Mr R. E. Davies, Barry Island, twice at the expense of the chapel.

Frank Thomas, "My Hatter's, Ponty- pridd, has an Ideal Stock. He is willing to Cuff your Wrists, Collar your Neck, and Crown your Head with one of his Celebra- ted 3s. ad. Hats. õi

Welcoming Home a Uwyny?18 Here* v. +he Llwynypia was fairly caught by *$ of enthusiasm which swept over tn«'f little £ lace of Sherwood' on ^u.es^fg ing, wnen all eyes were turned in tion of the railway station, ea8 ftll0tli«r ing the 8.30 up train, to we^c0,? £ L 0 Sherwood hero in the person °f Private Henry Ivens, invalided$ the front, and who was expected »p, Friday last. He failed to put &. „$ pearance then through some 1 other, greatly disappointing his ri0pk^ and friends, who were anxiously forward to the return of their up son, brother and friend. However, rived safely with the 8.30 train on 1 evening and the good people of'jwel' bourhood gave him the good ana come which we had hoped for. Ivens, who was met at the station. J Llwynypia Fife Band and hundreds pie, and was carried, together with Jack Davies (who was recentlyl r)1i home) to the residence of his fa Stephen Ivens Sherwood Place, universal rejoicing, flags flying ^sStl^ houses and festoons being hung a-cr street and above all the children^ village, overflowing with aded the streets in military order, every conceivable thing that could P a noise. The air was rent with chee" every face was wreathed in smiles>$ populace gave themselves up to uberance of delight. Uheers J jjn each for the hero's parents, Mr Ivens, with a half dozen for the jji hour, cheers each for Buller, J ftf Kitchener, and deafening hootins Kruger, Cronje and De Wet. were delivered bv Messrs Ivens, collier and Gunner Davies, etc-i p "He's a jolly good fellow" was sung vast crowd. After further patriotic, jjje the vast assemblage dispersed W, njju singing of "God Save the Queen" an Absent-Minded Beggar."

============ Death and Burial of IVSr. n Roberts, Fel"ndale. su# O11 Thursday morning the very e6t, death" of Mr It. P. Roberts, Aegell't doe Ferndale, and an assistant at the 'fr Co-operative Stores took place. ■* de- ceased, had only been taken ill & facm previously witn a severe attack 01 fever and his sudden death caine ful surprise to his many friends. 19 years of age, and a native of -JT;$9 .North Wales, where his aged brothers now reside. He caine ^.ratifC dale as an assistant to the Stores from Aberystwith about ago. During his short stay at ^er\Q^ W had endeared himself to all with had come in contact. He was kn°, „rac$ young man of a most exemplary c and through his affability and &P bonhommie he was a great favoun^^jjjje. his fellow-workers and customers He was a faithful member at the Wesleyan Chapel, where he took » P. ent part in all the services of the c „jiof He will be sadly missed from the » j jD meetings for his faithfulness and jy the cause. His mortal remains terred at the Ferndale Cemetery day last in the presence of a large ? of his friends. The Rev. Rice t)^e tor) officiated at the house and gra The hearse was preceded by the e# Wesleyan Choir, who sang hym» je[l^ route to the cemetery. Also his assistants together with the retary and chairman of the socie present to pay their last tribute of1 ..lJ)be to their friend and felow-workiuoll* t6' National Shop Assistants Union presented by Mr W. Davies jr chairman, and Mr T. Harries Co.) secretary of the Ferndale Pceii$ Several beautiful wreaths were from the Wesleyan cnurch andir0lJ1 from North Wales.

A New Chapel for Troorai4y, The English Methodist cause Road, under the pastorate of Re?- Vj w. non, is in a flourishing conditio* steady increase in the membership a g Jr gregation during the last few ye necessitated more ^accomodation. y quently, the authorities have "eCl0ntf^s extend the buildfng to the road, c j which is being proceeded with of, Mathias and Edwards at present, ^0# will cost a rather goodly sum. formed that arrangements have vee for the laying of foundation stones e place on Wednesday. August splllY when, with others. Mr D. c% dinam, is expected to perform 0^ monyc while preaching services held during that evening.