The Rhondda Leader

Clydach Vale Strike. Mr. Pullin's Reply to Mabon. To the Editor. Sir,—My .'attention has been drawn to a reference by Mr. Abraham on Monday last a meeting of the No. 1 District, of the Miners' Federation to a letter from Mr. J. Thomas, the chairman of the company. A have looked carefully through the files of the local Press, and have been unable to j\ftd any such letter. The chairman oi j; e company has gone abroad for some and I hava been unable to communi- cate with him as to it, but, I feel sure that Al. -rabani was in error, and that Mr. !*• H. Thomas has written no such letter as describes. Possibly he refers to a com- munication by myself a few days ago. I Hderstand that several of the matters ealt with by Mr. Abraham will be replied ° by Mr> Llewelyn direct, but there are a ew Points of which I should like to tak'1 some notice. Mr. Abraham takes excep- lon to the sentence in my last communi- ation, It was stated that steps would be aken by the Federation to recover the Woney from the company," and implied that there is absolutely no truth in it. I i a^e the statement upon information that a« been supplied me from the collieries, '11 upon the fact that Mr. Watts-Morgan ^marked at one of the conference? that Federation would have been glad to get the decision of a judicial tribunal upon "e matter—that is, as to the right of the Wtipany to retain the wages of the work- oven when they came out without notice, as set-off against the loss they sustained. r- Abraham now says that an action in i°^rt would not prove whether the nun aa *a right to leave without notioe; the ime for proving that had unfortunately one by"; but if it is too late to prove it In a court of law, is it not also too late to Prove it before a court of arbitration? Mr. •Abraham goes on to say, The company have taken the men to court or 8toppe(j their money, so that the company *ould be taken to court." We did not top their money in the first instance be- ase we were anxious to avoid creating rotation or friction that might prejudice eolleiliatory action; but Mr. Abraham and colleagues having shown the impossi- jinty 0f conciliation, and haying chal- enged us to stop the money, have now one so, but apparently Mr. Abraham, Rowing the weakness of his cause, is afraId to take it to court: he will at any ate now see that the company is not to .6 bluffed. The company is advised that is not too late, even now, to test the qestion of the right of the general body o Workmen to come out without notice in Court of law, and I am instructed by my ^Pany to say that, if Mr. Abraham de- j r^s it, we shall be very happy, in a leudly way, to take a few test cases into to decide the principle. At the time we would suggest that the j.j^V,erati°n should take the question of the In of the workmen to compensation for owing to shortage of timber into court la same time. We cannot take this sh .ter into court ourselves, but we °ttld be glad to give every facility to the s ^rkmen for having the matter fairly l^ttled in that .way. And as Mr. Watts uorgan has publicly stated if the men take ^.e matter into court they are bound to surely when such an easy method of Element is available the more, costly ocedure of a. long strike is unnecessary. 11 regard to the other matters which been raised in the course of the rsf>ute, the company are quite prepared n eav« them to an arbitrator to be ap- ^ed by the Board of Trade, and I am IVJ g that effect to the Board of ade this afternoon. If the Federation ind Pre^er a Conciliation Board with an ydependent chairman, after the resump- °n of work, they can have it ;but this Ust not be regarded as a concession to e Company"by the Federation. thIn respect to, Mr. Abraham's, suggestion at the minutes of the conference should eft Published. when an application to that i ect is formally made to* my company, I sijVe no doubt it will be favourablv con- ^l^d, provided that the whole of the haftU^es are published verbatim. We it Ve n° desire to make them public, and' Was distinctly arranged at the com- Cementi of the proceedings that they to be published, but we have ng to keep back.—I am, etc., v CHAS. A. G. P'ULLIN. •^change, Bute Docks, Cardiff, 4th April, 1901. To the Editor. S' gai It,-Mr. Abraham is reported to have Monday, in reference to the 20 ov^. who the previous week left work with- the notice, that the company retained a<j ,Ser^ices of these 20 men in such a way Send0 +jkVe them employment one day and them away the next without any in This is altogether incorrect. Of hanjj en\ who left work 12 were master ,0rs- two. banksmen, two hitchers, ^r. Ah ^ourers5 that is, 18 out of 20. n°t ham a'so these men were ^Btain°5UtPe^ the Federation the wages inf0 • the company. Mr. Abraham's °the>/la .on 011 thisi point as on so many Va]6 8 ,Wlth what is going on at CJydach The 18 entirely contrary to the facts. Wv were pa-id by the Federation. agent were told hy Mr. Tom James (miners' and if ^^at they were not to go to work, the company refused to pay these Pay fi/eir money, he (Mr. James) would ^Ptild A j?611 from the Federation, and steps to recover the amount ^rfei^o. c°mpany. The men ceased ?Hey th-eir wages were withheld. of h, su^se^uently paid by thef secre- tin Ja«, lodge1 in the presence of Mr. and by hisi instruction. Should v, si t slf if1? ^esire any confirmation of Pj^Per§ he most pleased tot show him y men themselves to T e'^t, which are before me as I riA+ a^so that Mr. Thomas thn,v 0n y. Sot. the master hauliers to ,W(?rk without notice, but did ■h? tVio to induce the stokers and fitters tl,SlnS thA -nfme:. But they, fully recog- ^neral falty the action taken by w ^ithani "ody of workmen in coming Ti<S -iSV,bvPrL n°tlce, and that such action ? ^nionf -of ,every Principle of Placed +v. refused to leave work, 1]V. resPonsibility upon their tifthCWive f, referred the matter to the the Miners' Federa- ha<q Mr. Abraham and his It, Who c ,SUported the action of the t in r¡kel ,tealaae on the beginning, of the OUt notice, aDd that pf the 20 master hauliers and others who had done likewise for some reason best known to themsel es., they required the remainder to give the customary month's notice.—I am, etc., LEONARD W. LLEWELYN, Agent Cambrian Collieries, Ltd. Llwyn-Onn, Clydach Vale.

The Singing of Hymns. A very interesting meeting was held at Jerusalem, Ton, on Saturday night, when the Singing of Hymns," was ably dealt with by the Rev. Puleston Jones, M.A.. the blind preacher, Mr. D. Jenkins, Mus. Cac., Aberystwith, and Mr. D. Evans, Mus. Bac., London. The first to speak was Mr. Jones, and it was surprising to find that he, being blind, could mention the old important and hwyliog" hymns of Wales. He said there was too much newness in the hymns, whereas the other old favourites were going out-of-date. About three out of every four hymns chosen for ai "gymanfa," should be well known. It was a fashion, he said, to try new ones in a festival, Whereas, these new ones ought to have been practised before they enter the programme. The singing nowadays, was not leaving its effect on the chapel singing. There was too much fuss made about the "cymanfa," and imme- diately the" cymànfa" was over, this fuss was lost, whereas it should be carried home to the various chapels and kept up there. There were also, some faults in the doubling at, the end of singing. Why not double the first verse, or the whole of it could be suug (,ver again. The doubling should come in when the old Welsh hwyl would seize the people. Perhaps this, hwyl would make itself prominent in the first or any other verse. Then why not, double that verse ? It had become a fashion to, double the end of the last, verse, where sometimes there was no sense in the doubling. Lastly, he referred to the con- gregational leaders, who, should be pre- pared at all times to meet all circumstances which might arise and be prepared to sing any hymn that a preacher gave out. The second to speak was Mr. Jenkins, who said that there was a, special type of songs befitting the congregational tune and the English songs, were not, all suited to the singing of Welsh hymns, as they were more like part songs. He also, confirmed Mr. Jones's remarks as regarded the old songs, and said it, would be much better if the conductors of the festivals selected three or four tunes to be sung in the festi- val. In reference to the doubling, he remarked that sometimes it was in the middle: of a hymn the effect wa,s produced, and this perhaps not by shouting, but by sweet and silent music. Then why not go back to the beginning of that verse, so that the impression should make its mark on the people? He also- referred to the instruments, and was glad to see how many young people took a deKght in that line. He did not believe that some chosen man should play in the chapel, while there were others bred and born in the chapel. To let the singing of hymns take its propå1 place in places of worship depended to a great extent on the punctuality of th, singers and the reverence which they paic. to the songs. Mr. David Evans confirmed the remarks of Messrs. Jones and Jenkins, and said there was too much insipid sen- timentality and mechanical correctness in the singing in chapels; there was too strict adherence to fast rules of time. The chairman for the evening was the Rev. W. Jones, -Dyfodwg House.

Smoking Concents at Trealaw. On Wednesday night a smoking concert Was held at the Miskin Hotel, Trealaw, to congratulate Mr. W. Morgan (White Hall), upon his success at the recent Board of Guardians election. An excellent pro- gramme had been provided, and the even- ing passed most enjoyably. The chief items on the programme' were the choruses sung by the Clydach Vale Male Voice Party, whose singing was excellent, and they received the highest appreciation from the audience. The singing of local artistes was. good, and, each was loudly applauded time after time. The chairman was Mr. W. Morgan, White Hall, who, in opening the programme, gavel a brief address, which was, received with loud applause. The Clydach Vale Male Voice Party rendered Destruction of Gaza in an excellent style, and received loud applause. Mr. Oliver Evans gave a, tenor solo, He was good indeed," which was received with loud applause. Mr. Charles Wilding sang a bass solo, and Mr. Edward Woods a tenor solo, which was followed by a, baritone solo by Mr. Wm. Rees Davies. Again the Male Voice Party distinguished themselves with a, grand chorus, and were applauded. Mr. Dd. Roberts (Royal Hotel), Clydach Vale, delivered a, short speech, after which Mr. Edwin Hodge (Oldham House), Trealaw, proposed the toast of the evening to Mr. Morgan. Mr. D. C. Evans (Miskin Hotel) and Mr. Dd. Roberts (Royal Hotel) also thanked them for their donations to the Clydach Vale Male Voice Party. The toast was received with hearty aplause. Songs were afterwards sung by Messrs. W. Rees, Lewis Thomas Philip Jones, and a duet by Messrs. Richard Jones and John Jones. A vote of thanks: was passed to the chairman and artistes, and to the host and hostess, Mr. and Mrs. Evans. Another smoking concert was held at the Trealaw Hotel on Thursday night, in con- nection with the, clothing club which is held at the Hotel. Mr. Alun Morgan (Ponty- pridd) presided over a crowded audience, and was assisted by Mr. W. Morgan (White Hall). An* excellent programme, bad been provided to spend a most, enjoyable even- ing. The chairman opened the concert with a short, appropriate speech, which was well received. Mr. Tom Bryant afterwards rendered a selection on. the harp, and was loudly applauded. Mr. Thomas Thomas gave Three men went a-hunting." This was rendered in good style, and was followed by Mr. Fred. Harries, of Taff's Well, the well known tambourine player, who played a selection in characteristic manner. Messrs. Bryant and Delarey contributed a duet with the mandoline and harp, which was well played. Mr. Hulme sang "On a little donkey in nne style. Genevieve was sung by Mr. Llew. Edwards in his best style, and was loudly encored. Mr, Geo. Rose played a Sco.tch Hornpipe" on the tambourine1. Other artistes* were; Messrs. Sid Sara, John Morris, Evan John JQUiS, Tom JDavies, and Leysbou.

Eisteddfod at Gelli. The second annual eisteddfod was held at Siloam Welsh Baptist Chapel, Gelli, on Good Friday. The chair was taken by Mr. Daniel Einon, manager of Eastern (Ocean Colliery), while the conducting was placed in the hands, of Mr. J. Williams, Sunny Cottage. The adjudicators were:—MusiCj Mr. D. B. Davies5 A.C., Alexandra Road, Gelli; literary subjects, Councillor Edward Jones, Library, Ton. After an opening song the programme was proceeded with. The first item was a solo for boys under 14 years of age, "Alone on the raft." Two competed, the prize falling to the lot of Master Tommy Lewis, Gelli. Recitation for children under 14 years of age, Hymn 977 from Llawlyfr Moliant." There were three competitors, and the prize was awarded to Miss Janet Jones, Gelli. For the contralto solo, ".0 thou that, tellest," there was only one competitor, Master Tommy Lewis, who gave a good rendering, and was adjudged fully worthy of the prize. There were 24 entries for the best love letter (English or Welsh), 9 written in English and 15 in the vernacular. After a most pithy and minute adjudication, the prize was divided between Messrs. James James, Church Street, Ton, and Thomas Morgan, St. Thomas Street, Ton. The next competition was for reciters, each competitor to select his or her own recita- tion. Mr. David Thomas, Gelli, a well known elocutionist, was adjudged best out of five. The winner is a most, dramatic reciter, and fairly thrilled the audience with his recital of The progress of madness," and evoked loud applause. For the children's choir, Peace be still," there were two entries, viz., Siloam Choir, and St. John's Parish Church Choir. After a splendid competition the prize was awarded to the Parish Church Choir, who were conducted by Mr. W. J. Voyle, or- ganist of the church. Tenor solo, "Yr hen Gerddor." Three competed, and the prize was awarded to Mr. Thomas Bonnel, Pentre. Five local Signor Foli's had en- tered for the bass solo, Y Bachgen Dewr," and after a keen competition, Mr. Isaac Bowen, Ystrad-Rhondda, was declared the winner. The next competition was most amusing, being the reading of an un- punctuated passage. Four competed, and the prize. was awarded to Mr. Thomas Mor- gan, St. David's Street, Ton. There were no entries for the duet (tenor and bass,), Larboard Watch," or for the chief choral Addoliad" (J. A. Lloyd). After the usual vote of thanks, the meeting was brought to a, successful termination. The secretary of the eisteddfod was Mr. Ben- jamin Richards, Dorothy Street, Gelli, who worked hard and well for its success.

Singing Festival at Ton. The, Independents of Ystrad held their (gyma,nta" on Good Friday at Bethesda, Ton. The conductor for the day was Mr. Rhys Thomas, F.T'.S.C., Ystradgynlais. In the morning, as usual, the children went through their part of the work, and, as, a rule, this meeting proves more in- teresting than any others. The chair- man was Mr. David Davies, Bethesda. The children sang Lleisiau Plant," Cenadon Bach," Blodau'r Iesu," "Llais yr Iesu," "Iesu Tyner," Mae Arnaf Eisiau'r lesu," "Yr Oen di-fai," Peb Llwyth ac Iaith." They terminated the meeting by singing that sweet little chant, composed by Mr. M. O. Jones, of the Lord's Prayer. In the afternoon Mr. T. Thomas, grocer, Bodringallt, presided, while Miss Bowen commenced the meeting by reading and prayer. The following hymns were sung: -Hunge,rford, Tref- hedyn, Castle Square, Armageddon, Castle Emlyn, Aberhiraeth, Gwynfe, Pererin, and also the two- anthems, Yr amser a gyflawnwyd" and 'Gwyn eu byd y meirw." In the afternoon a song was rendered by Miss Morgan, Bodringallt, and a, paper on The right place for the hymn and chant in worship," by Mr. Moses Reed. In the evening, Mr. E. H. Davies, J.P., presided, when the choir sang the following: Llandidloes. Tangnefedd, Regent Square, a chant Llandaff, Sphor, Glanteifi, Bethesda, Giardini, and Pen- daren while the two anthems were also sung. Solosi were given by Miss Williams, SiIoh, and Mr. John Broad.

Cwmparc Branch of the N.D.L. The meeting of this branch took place on Thursday evening at the Park Hall, Cwm- parc. In the absence of the advertised chairman, Mr. T Morgan, D.C., his place was occupied by Mr. Howell Price. The chairman, in a few pithy remarks, congra- tulated the pioneers of the branch upon their success in establishing a good one at Cwmparc. The chief speaker of the even- ing was Mr. T. J. Davies, printer, Tre- orohy, who, read a Welsh paper upon the House of Lords," also touching briefly upon the need of registration reform. Mr. Davies has long been known as an adept in the intricacies of the registration system, with its many anomalies, and was there- fore capable of giving a, lucid statement thereon, and to show where reform was needed. Mr. Davies made out a strong in dictment against the House of Lords. He quoted the words of one of the Irish mem- bers that it was, impossible for a man out- side an asylum to argue in favour of the House of Lords. And it seemed so too, after Mr. Davies had done with them. He showed a perfect, acquaintance wï.th the work of the House of Lords, how they had rejected, at other times mutilated, a large number of Bills passed in the representa- tive chamber, just because. such legislation was antagonistic to them, and was to the interest of the mass of the people. The divine right of these noblemen was a thing of the past, the House of Lords itself was an old relic of bygone days, and it was full time to remove the power from the hands of the Lords to those of the people. After Mr. Davies came other s,reakers-- Messrs. J. L. Rowlands, Tom Evans, W. Pugh, Lewis Lewis, and the Rev. W. Lewis. The Rev. W, Lewis suggested that the objects of the National Democra- tic League be printed in the Welsh lan- guage, a suggestion which the committee is going to take up. The songs to be sung at the N.D.L. meetings have also arrived,, and the committee contemplates trans- lating a few and adding others, such as Duw Gadwo'r Bobl" (Ebenezre Elliot) and Hen Wlad fy Nhadau." These and other projects the Cwmparc branch have for consideration. With regard to the great demonstration to be held in South Wales on June 17th, at which Mr. Lloyd George, M.P., Mr. A. E. Fletcher, ex- editor of the Daily Chronicle," and others, are to speak, the Cwmparc branch decided that this demonstration should be held at Caerphilly. The next, meeting of the branch will be held at Park Hall on Thursday evening, April 18th, at which Mr. O. B, Stanton, miners' agent, Aber- dare, is to deliver an address. Some of the National Democratic League songs are to be sung at this meeting, and the ladies are specially invited to attend and take latt.

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