The Rhondda Leader

Pentre. A very successful tea and concert were held at the Wesleyan Chapel on Tuesday evening last, under the auspices of the Wesleyan Band of Hope. The tables, which were very tastefully decorated, were presided over by Mrs. Burnett and Mrs. Vowles, assisted by Mrs. Dodd, Mrs. Hook, Mrs. Mills, Mrs. Collins, Mrs. George, Mrs. Horton and Mrs. Evans. An entertainment was afterwards held, presided over by Mr. Woodward (London and Provincial Bank). The programme consisted of the following items:-Piano- forte solo, Master W. Vowles; opening address, Miss May Harries; recitation, When I'm a Man," Master J. Charles; action songs by the children, conducted by Miss Ingram, drew forth a hearty ap- plause solo, "Anchored," Mr. Williams (E. H. Davies and Sons); recitation, "Our Motor Car," Mr. G. Hale; soprano solo, "The River of Years," Miss G. Martin solo, They all love Jack," Mr. Williams; soprano solo, The Flight of Ages," Miss G. Martin. After a hearty vote of thanks to the chairman and all who had taken part in the entertainment, the meeting dispersed. -+- The business of the Pentre Literary and Debating Society on Monday evening last consisted in reading Darwin's "Origin of Species," Mr. Bert Gale acting as leader. This is the first book which the Society has taken up, and. judging from the minute and detailed manner in which the reading was carried out on Monday evening, no stone will be, left unturned until every member of the Society will have a practical grasp on what is con- veyed in the subtle pages of Darwin's masterpiece. +- .+-+- An interesting departure is on foot in connection with the Pentre and lyny- bedw .Workmen's Library. As the fre- quenter of this splendid library well knows, all the available space—and that is by no means limited—ha.s been packed up with cases of books, covering all de- partments of knowledge. Notwithstand- ing this extensive range of reading mat- ter, it is a well-known fact that in many cases a book dealing with some particular topic cannot be found within its walls, the reason for which is given that a book which has been entered on the suggestion book, and which has been duly entered on the library's list, has after one perusal remained untouched on the shelves for years. To obviate this necessity, the com- mittee has decided upon the commendable course ef commencing a subscription library with Mudie's Libraries, Limited, London. The number of books that will be circulated between the library and Mudie's will be twenty-four each fort- night, and the subscription to be paid is ten guineas per annum. We congratulate the committee on this admirable depar- ture. -+--+--+- While on the subject of libraries and reading in general, we should like to know why the Rhondda Leader" is so ex- clusively shut out from the newspaper room of the above library. As the Leader is the only newspaper printed in the Rhondda, and as it is the recog- nised medium for Parliamentary, legal, municipal, and other notices relating to the area controlled by the Rhondda Urban District Council, we tliink that it deserves a place in the newspaper room of the Pentre and Tynybedw Workmen's Library. IJABY'S IIigh Chairs, adjustable to four positions -) prices 10s 9d to 1.7s (id.— R. T. JONES, Ironmonger Treiierbert. 1597 17!OR invitation Cards of the latest patterns, printed in a neat and artistic manner, go r';VUJS and Short, Printers, Howard Streti, Treorchy T. Jones, Tailor, Paris House, Tony- pandy. Grand Selection of patterns in Men's Suits and Ladies' Costumes. 2096

A Contented Dutchman. Faith is an excellent quality of mind, if based on correct judgment; otherwise it may lead to unfortunate results. Who has not heard of the fat Dutchman on the sinking ship who, on being urged to hasten into the lifeboat, then waiting alongside to receive him, calmly smoked his pipe and remarked that he was iu no hurry, because his wife was insured in one of the best. offices in Amsterdam? Verily, some people don't know a good thing when they see it, while others re- cognise it on sight and promptly reach out and seek to obtain it. Probably no more e'xtreme examples of misplaced faith can be found than among the suffering sick. An ailing man or woman who is attended by some respect- able doctor will more often than not be perfectly assured that everything possible is being done to recover their lost health and this, perhaps, despite the fact that weeks or even months elapse without any progress whatever towards recovery. Wiser in his generation is Mr. Andrew Poulter, of Ash Vale, Alclersliot. Mr. Poulter, writing on June 10th, 1896, re- lates a common experience, but which is none the less interesting on that account. There can be nothing more certain in this world," he says, than that I owe my life to Mother Seigel's Curative Syrup. Up to the autumn of 1889 I was a strong, healthy man. Then something went wrong with me. My energy was gone and I was easily exhausted. My appetite also left me, and the little food I ate gave me pain across the chest and between the shoulders. As winter approached I was seized with rheumatism. Pains in my joints tormented me night and day, so that I got little or no sleep. I was attended by a doctor, who gave me medicines and re- commended linseed-meal poultices. When it was found that I was no better for this treatment, I was told to wait until the warm weather came. During 1890 I got along somewhat better, but towards the close of 1891 I had a second attack, more severe than the first. It made a helpless cripple of me. I was quite incapable of work, and so irritable from pain that I could not bear anyone to speak to me. My doctor told me plainly that I could not live much longer. ''Mr. C. Harwood, of Ash Vale, did not agree with this opinion, and brought me a bottle of Mother Seigel's Curative Syruo. After taking this medicine for a few weeks I could eat well. Gradually all my pains left me and my former good health returned." Eight years have done nothing to im- pair the permanency of Mr. Poulter's cure, for so recently as 25th April, 1904, lie writes to say I continue to enjoy sound bodily health, and am at present as well and strong as ever in my life." The wrecked Dutchman's faith was based upon misconception. Mr. Harwood's recommendation upon an universally ac- knowledged truth.

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Tonypandy. I The annual preaching services of Eben- ezer Welsh Congregational Church were held last Sunday and Monday. The Revs. Ben Davids, D.D., Newcastle Emlyn, and H. M. Hughes, Cardiff, were engaged to preach, but to the great disappointment of many the latter was unable to attend owing to illness. The excellent sermons of Dr. Davies, however, were much appre- ciated, and the revival spirit was manifest throughout. On Monday morning and afternoon, prayer meetings were held in- stead of the ordinary meetings. Dr. Davies in the evening again preached to a large congregation. The collections we're towards defraying the chapel debt. T. Jones, Tailor, Paris House, Tony- pandy. Grand Selection of patterns in Men's Suits and Ladies' Costumes. 2096

At Death s Door, An Example of the Healing Power of Seaweed. Mrs. LEE, 53, Newland Street, West Lincoln, writes;- "I have been suffering for over 38 months with a weak heart and stomach and kidney di sease. 1 h.:d taken all sorts of medicine. My neighbours all thought I was Koing to die-l thought so myself, for I never exp, eted to live to be 54. For my present healthy condition I have to thank VBNO'S SEAWKBD TONIC; it has been worth more than gold to me. I fed it my duty to recommend it, for I was for months and could not keep anything on my tomach now I can eat anything, and my friends aie all asking what it is thai has done me so uiuch good I tell them VKKO'B SKAWKKD TONIC." VENO'B SEAWEED TONIO is now the great popular medi- cine for stoiiiach, liver, kidney (lnd blood diseases. Cures permanently. No recurn. You feel better immediately. Is. ljd. and 2s. 9d., at Chemiits everywhere.

The Scottish Legal Life Assurance Society. The annual dinner of the Pontypridd staff of the above Society took place at Mr. Hopkin Morgan's Restaurant, Ponty- pridd, on Friday evening, when about forty sat down to an excellent dinner. Mr. Hopkin Morgan gave the toast of The Scottish Legal Life Assurance Society." So far as he could see, the Scottish Legal was one of the very best societies of its kind in the kingdom. It was well managed by most capable offi- cials. In these days of so much keenness and competition, it was very material to intending insurers to select an office that was in a good financial position, because they must remember that it was not always the office with the greatest, capital was the soundest, but the office with the greatest reserve fund as compared with its annual income; and in this respect he noticed that the Scottish Legal had two and a half years of premiums in hand, which but very few offices indeed had. Mr. David Fortune, secretary of the Society, in replying, said that, starting in 1852 with a handful of members, the Society had grown now to nearly a mil- lion of members, who were bound toge- ther by very close ties, inasmuch as they formed a Cooperative Mutual Benefit Society. The Scottish Legal was an asso- ciation established by the people, governed by the people, and wrought entirely in the interests of the people who were mem- bers, and the consequence was they had no dividends to pay and no enormous capital to .secure. In 1883, the annual income of the Society was L94,000, whereas to-day it was over £ 260,000. The reserve fund again in 1883 was £18,000, but to-day it was £ 650,000. They had paid in claims over £ 3,000,000. Who could say how much suffering had been alleviated by this sum ? Some people were saying in these days that the British working man was thriftless and careless but he knew better from experience covering over thirty years, and he em- phatically stated that the working man of this country, and Wales especially so, was more thoughtful and industrious than any of the working men of any other country in the world. The next toast was The Pontypridd District," proposed by Mr. Jas. Hillon, director of the Society, who said that Pontypridd had done better than any other ditsrict throughout the system, and certainly this credit must all be given to the staff and their most capable manager (Mr. H. T. Richards). They had now five districts in Wales, and Pontypridd was the youngest but one, but it was by far the most successful and progressive. In responding, Mr. Richards said he had always endeavoured to do his best with whatever he took in hand, and, speaking generally, he thought he had been very successful indeed. He knew they had done well in Pontypridd, but after being told that evening that his dis- trict would compare favourably with any other, it was very gratifying to him. When he came to Pontypridd in 1897, there were only 700 members, and an annual income of £ 300. At the present dav they had a membership of over 9,000, and an annual income of £ 6,000. His district had made an increase this year alone of over LI,000, an amount, he ven- tured to suggest, which had not been equalled by any other office. During the seven years he had been in Pontypridd, he had paid in death claims over £ 8,000, and he had received scores of letters thanking him for the prompt manner in which these had been met. In proposing "The Staff," Mr. H. T. Richards said he was conscious that what had been achieved could not, have been accomplished had it not been for the ex- cellent staff he had under him. A more intelligent, persevering and trustworthy taff no one could wish to have. They were always doing their duty like men, and could be relied upon. At this juncture Mr. Ben Williams said his fellow-agents had thought that this was a very opportune occasion to recog- nise the good qualities of their respected manager, Mr. Richards. Most of them had been under him now for several years, during which time great attach- ment had grown between them. He would ,say but very little on the matter, as his words may be misconstrued, but he would say that the movement was absolutely spontaneous and unanimous, and every- one felt that they had in Mr. Richards a true friend, a perfectly honourable man, and a capable leader. He asked him to accept as a token of their esteem a gold watch in case. Mr. Williams assured him that it was given with all goodwill and from the bottom of their hearts." Mr. Richards said words failed him to thank his agents for this generous action on their part. But he would say this, that it was a thing that he had never dreamed of. He certainly had done no- thing to anticipate such a magnificent present. He had always treated his men as they should be treated, and always kept before his mind that beautiful phrase, Do unto others as you would like others to do unto you." He thanked them most sincerely for the gold watch.

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Fac-slmM ol One'^ ArGaet^r0v 4

Dinas On Monday last the remains of the late Mr. David Lewis were laid to rest at the Soar Churchyard, Penygraig. A very large number of friends assembled to pay their last tribute of respect to one who was so highly esteemed in the neighbourhood- The Rev. Mr. Jones, Soar, officiated at the house, and Mr. Samuel Davies de- livered an address at the chapel, and the Rev. Mr. Coles, Trinity Chapel, concluded the service through prayer at the grave- side. Deceased spent his whole lifetime at Dinas, and his death is sincerely mourned by his family and all who were privileged to know him. We sincerely regret to learn that Mr. Gwilym Morgan, grocer, Dinas, is suffer- ing from an acute attack of bronchitis. He lies in a critical condition. T. Jones, Tailor, Paris House, Tony- pandy. Grand Selection of patterns in Men's Suits and Ladies' Costumes. 2096

Porth. Great treat for the school children at the Town Hall, Porth, on Saturday after- noon, December 17th, at 3 o'clock. Special performances of Whatman's Grand Marionettes and Pantomime. The first 100 children will receive a present. Ad- mission, one penny. Come in crowds. 2243

Ton. A meeting was held on Thursday even- ing last to present Mr. Tom Jones, Burley Street, on his departure from the place to Newcastle Emlyn. A tea was held, at which all the members of the choir sat, after which the presentation of a valuable marble clock was made to Mr. Jones. Songs were rendered by Messrs. James Evans, Pentre; Joseph Jones, Tom Royal, Tom Williams, and Misses Maud Clement and Rose Voyle. The Revs. J. C. Beynon and J. Raymond spoke highly of Mr. Jones, and wished him all success in the future. Short speeches were also given by Messrs. J. Collier and Tom Royal. Miss Sonhia Jones and Mr. C. Withers gave excellent recitations during the evening. Mr. Jones then responded, and said that it was with regret he left those whom he had been so friendly with, and he thanked them very much for the appreciation they had shown of him. Mr. Jones has been the conductor of the Parish Choir for many years, and it will be a great loss to lose him from our midst. T. Jones, Tailor Paris House, Tony- pandy. Grand Selection of patterns in Men's Suits and Ladies' Costumes. 2096 FOR Mourning Cards of the latest patterns, 1- printed in a neat and artistic manner vPhoto reproductions a speciality), go to Evans and Short, Printers, Howard Street, Treorchy,

Pontrhondda. The Beulah Welsh Baptist Chapel (Tyn- tyla Road) Juvenile Choir gave two very good performances of the operetta, School Life" (T. Mee Pattison) on Thursday and Saturday evenings. The chair was taken on Thursday evening by Mr. Dan Evans, M.E., and on Saturday evening by Mr. Tom Evans, M.E. The accompanists were Miss Gwen Williams, Tonypandy, and Mr. Griffith Phillips, Llwynypia. The choir was conducted and trained by Mr. Griffith Roberts, Sher- wood. Owing to the illness prevalent in the neighbourhood and some other unfore- seen circumstances, many of the children were unable to attend, and some of the chief characters also were absent, but in spite of the unfavourable circumstances. an admirable performance was witnessed both evenings, and those who were called upon to take the various parts instead of their missing friends did their work in a manner worthy of praise and admira- tion when we take into consideration the short notice they had. An interesting and delightful performance was gone gone through by the Pontrhondda Infants (1st ass) in the form of two musical drills. They were led by Miss Wilkins. Mr. Dan A. Powell on Saturday evening sang Yr Hen Gerddor" remarkably well.

Abergavenny Eisteddfod and Fete Society. As will be observed upon reference to our advertisement columns, this flourish- ing Society has issued the preliminary pro- gramme of the eisteddfod, &c., on Easter Monday next. All who take an interest in eisteddfodic matters should apply to the secretary for a copy of this interest- ing booklet. It is wen-known that the Abergavenny Eisteddfod is one of the most influential and popular in or out of the Principality, and the list of competitions and test pieces selected for the next meeting are of a high order and well maintain the noble traditions of this historical institu- tion. and should commend themselves 10 everyone.

FOR Wedding Cards of the latest patterns, printed in a neat and artistic manner, go to Evans and Short, Printers, Howard Street, Treorchy. T. Jones, Tailor, Paris House, Tony- pandy. Grand Selection of patterns in Men's Suits and Ladies' Costumes. 2096

=- Presentation to M r. ftfioipgan, I realav/. The esteem in which Mr. "W1 r oi Vlaesyrhaf, Treaiaw (late u)a'Jv,, is Dross well's Brewery, Ltd., js of heid by the tenants and 0 friendi> the company and his man}' oJ1 was evidenced in a striking H18 at Thursday, when at a lu110^.01* T. Maesyj'haf, Treaiaw, Mr. 1^01^rnT)u of made the recipient of a fine ,sam 0f a the silversmith's art, in the toi ^nU. magnificent solid silver ePe^ne'London factured by Elkington and <-°;> K,ng, and Sheffield, silversmiths to t eX. and which weighed 248 ozs. 1trofvoffis elusive of the elaborate cut-gla^s> e which ornamented it. The bore the inscription —" ^>resenQS.,nll of William Morgan, Esq., on ,oc^ wery, his retirement from Crosswells D Limited, by their tenants, ma" officials, and other fmnds. reCted 8th, 1904." In a large marquee er in the grounds a recherche luncn prepared, and at which a large c0 j comprising ladies, representatives licensed victuallers' trade and ^vie]a 'beon down. Prior to and during the cjety the Mid-Rhondda Orchestral » ejj) (under the leadership of Mr. A. usjc, furnished admirable selections o yoUng, The chair was occupied by Mr. Cardiff, an official of Crosswell s toasts Limited. After the usual Joy»JLnridd, from the chair, Mr. Watkins, Pontyp proposed the" Bishops, Clergy? The Ministers of all Denominations- ja) Rev. R. W. Evans, vicar of Ln J responded. There was spreading, Qped. Valleys a wave of feeling which, a0 would spread over Wales genera.liy- could see the influence of ? hope,^ spreading over the land, and ^ei'" the people of Wales would open hearts to that great and imp01 j the ter. He hoped everyone would knee to the one Supreme Being The Chairman read letters their regret at being unable to be/ j, P' from the Mayor of Cardiff, Messrs. Williams, J.P. T. P. Jenkins, tain R. A. Lewis (Pontypridd;, i,hij|ips W- P. Nicholas (solicitor), ^Ljtor)- (solicitor), and D. E. Davies (soiiL Mr. D. W. James, solicitor, TonyP aB(| submitted "The Army, ^poc^ Auxiliary Forces," which was joiW to by Major Hill-Male, solicitor, the Pantly, who said that though so"' tM officers of the Army did not KB foUDd duty, they nevertheless when ned°r}. themselves allotted a task t° r the managed to muddle through ) fee- other end. Until he (the :spea tbe came intimately acquainted pri*8,. Army, he used to look upon tn 0e soldier as being an individu' ,Q Jia below the ordinary run of 111 e_ taken up the profession ot j0ns. L he had failed in other P^esS „nd c°1 had since altered his opin10^ |V,ag e to the conclusion that T'hoffl■ fcsj titled to every respect. His P jn go#, nation was Thomas Atkins, Xijers Africa he had seen British, the very shirts off their bac, p,n€iiiies> e wounds of their friends, and flras for that matter. And his rew j,0utJj „ or two discs of the value ot shillings, and a few inches iti.th! %'■ woith a few pence a yaid, j-0 a tain hope at death of coining j.{j0ii^ feet of freehold, and the the meantime (Shame). ]eY Sergt.-Major Harry who belonged to the Welsh merit in 1869, also respond 'geJJted The Chairman then P'^gI Morgan with the silvei 0 j,e sai«> 0i .scribed for. The recipient posi^ Jje recently retired from tf^ manager of Crosswell's, u\e l^ii had occupied for a considerably time with very conspicuous lea it became known that ? sjve s^e.n there was a spontaneous d t .gei'S, the vai'ious tenants and ma aiid e him some token of the i"eSl 0(j t<> which they had for him? aS a P "j-gd- their appreciation of wa8,111 man. When the movemeO J^is it was greedily taken up i'esUres^ friends and customers, t0 Pf that they were in a P.oslrm-tby ° 0° IrnonI him with a testimonial ntleK^n acceptance. The three S tlHs prominent in the ixiitiati01 erts, ment were Messrs. D"- A Vfhitf Hotel, Clydach Vale, a11 Hotel, Tonypandy J- and a bef { Keys Hotel, Tonypandy > uer) h* fo Senghenydd. He (the s2r ]\lo>' £ closely associated with L \eft firJi>. many years, and he nf 0f K having the very best wlSk] to i Mr. Morgan v/OUld + with gratification to the fi j years he had been with al^le^ from whose directors he i co Vv» ceived kindness, c°urteSv!,1siiiess tion. His ability as a D*J well-known. He was k u]d rj^> clever, and the man wh ea' piib points would have to i (laughter, and hear, he j the b j man, he was a membel capacIty ard 1l16 Guardians, and in tna the Zuis U given entire satisfaction to the people he represe" I, EeTad^ SS-SStW the second occasion he j jl' opposed (hear, hear)_ Mr. D. Roberts, the to% J. Metford also supp?1 first-named referring ability and kindness of during the strike at c»» t" a ve?y sincere friend Jjorg handsomely week'unte ibscJ tit- was given a high tribute Mr. Morgan thanked j^s for that magnificent i^dity a<J ^f!i and expressed the P' fm 0e gard and thanks *oi 0f m** some of the best- ye jje h& j# '•$ Messrs. Crosswells, j^eing 'L.jtf'' of his own accord a^ n$^ sS- position for over elev 0 which time thing to do with the c well's, Ltd. (hear, ,c> The toafjt of «^ Bodies" was Pr°P°^led Llewellyn, and resp p q. lors E, T. Daries an IV; tbe Vp toasts followed, },y songs were contributed W ac Evans and ^rr.vknia11- being Mr. D. J-