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On Tuesday evening, a scene of great enthusiasm was witnessed at Dinas station, in the departure of Mr. Robert John Thomas to South Africa. Mr. Thomas is a gunner in the Royal Artillery, and is well-known in this district. He was entertained on Tuesday evening to a supper at the Free Mission Hall, and was also presented with a sum of money. He was the bandmaster of the Mission band, which will undoubtedly miss his valuable assistance. He has been in the Regular Army for years, and has seen service in India. He was called up a few days ago, and he leaves for the front next Friday. He leaves a wife and family behind him.
(The Rhondda Leader, Saturday 24th February 1900)
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Driver Robert John Thomas, 78th Field Battery Royal Artillery, formerly a haulier at the Glamorgan Collieries, Llwymypia, writing from Maitland Camp, Cape Town, to his friends of the S.A. Band at Trealaw, says: "Just a few lines as I promised before I left, hoping they'll find the band in a good spirit and also prospering in every way. I feel more than ever my love towards the dear old band since the good feeling that you shewed me on my last visit to Trealaw; not because of the value of what you gave me, but because of the spirit you have shewn, a spirit that might, and I hope it will, grow amongst us - the spirit of love. Words will never express my thankfulness for your kindness. Well, I expect that a word about this country will be the most acceptable. I have done nothing but travelling since my arrival on March 23rd at Durban, from where we travelled to Ladysmith, via Colenso, Estcourt, and Chieveley - scenes of the hardest battles that our men fought. The last named place is where the armoured train disaster occurred, the wreck of which is now lying on the side of the railway. I also saw the grave of Lord Roberts' son. The Boer trenches are thickly cut all about the hills; they have also played great havoc with the railway bridges between Colenso and Ladysmith. We passed millions of sacks filled with sand which the Boers thought to use in their effort
This alone is sufficient to make any man's blood boil to go for them with all his might. They would drown all the women and children in the town if they only had a few days more. We joined the battery on the 25th March, and on the next day we chased the Boers as far as Elandslaagte, which we reached about 10.30 at night in an awful sandstorm and afterwards rain. When I woke up in the morning I was half drowned. We had to sleep without tents alongside the horses and guns. I found out that we were between three coalpits. I had permission to go to the top of the pit, and found to my surprise that
The manager, Mr. Harris, was a manager at Cymmer. Perhaps Prior knows him. The undermanager, Dai Timey, was from Aberaman, and there were two firemen from Gilfach Goch. Indians were doing all the hard work, for which they are paid 15s. to £1 a month, and for every day they lose they are fined eighteen pence. From here we had orders to start for Durban, and from there to the Cape, to join Roberts' force. We marched the first five days one hundred and fifty eight miles, and then took train for Durban. I might say here that the Boers did send us a few shells before we started, but no harm was done. We reached Durban on Saturday morning, sailed on Sunday, and reached here (Cape Town) on Wednesday night. They kept us nearly a week on board ship; now we are in camp waiting for a train to take us to Kimberley, where we are to form a column under General Hunter. As regards food, I am sure
THE DOGS IN WALES ARE HAVING BETTER AND MORE FOOD
than we are having, but through all I can sing and am singing the old favourite, "We are a happy band pledged to defend the right," and with a share in your prayers and through trusting in Him who hath brought me through hitherto, I believe that some day "Songs of victory we'll sing."
(The Rhondda Leader, Saturday 26th May 1900)
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Smoking Concert at Trealaw.
On Wednesday evening a smoking concert was held at the Miskin Hotel, Trealaw, on behalf of Private Job Hopkins, who has been invalided home from South Africa. There was a splendid attendance. Mr. Lewis, Trealaw, took the chair. The accompanist for the evening was Mr. D. Jones, Trealaw. The programme was opened by Messrs. J. Smith, Tonypandy, and D. Jones, in a concertina and pianoforte duet. The effect was most pleasing. Next came Mr. E. J. Jones, of Trealaw, with a suitable song entitled "The boys are marching." This was well rendered. Mr. Tom Matthews, the Dinas baritone, and Mr. Ludwig Evans, the Trealaw tenor, next rendered in capital style the duet "Flow gently Deva." ..................................
.................Mr. Tom Evans, checkweigher, Penygraig, was then called upon to address the company. He said that Private Job Hopkins, of the Medical Corps, had not been neglected in Trealaw. He (Tom Evans) was very thankful to Mr. D. Jenkins, the secretary of the concert, and to Mr. D. C. Evans, and Mr. Lloyd, the treasurer, for organising such a successful concert. Private Hopkins will be very willing to return to active service again.
(The Rhondda Leader, Saturday 22nd September 1900)
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Mr. Robert John Thomas ("Bob," of the "Rhondda Leader") 95, Ynyscynon Road, Trealaw, must have been highly pleased with the magnificent reception accorded him when he issued from Dinas Station on Monday evening. He has had a share in many of the great battles in the recent war, Elandslaagte and Ladysmith, and others; and although not receiving a scratch he has had wonderful escapes. Because of his steady character and good conduct, he was appointed servant to one of the officers of the 78th Field Battery, and when his master was wounded and sent home to recuperate he accompanied him in the "Tagus," and landed last Friday at Southampton within a few hours of General Buller. His letters from the front have been published in the "Leader" under the signature of "Bob," and have been read with much interest. Accordingly when the news of his home-coming reached Trealaw the inhabitants decided to give him a hearty "welcome home." The inevitable brass band was engaged and under the conductorship of Mr. Fred Prior, played splendid selections. The hero of the hour was soon shouldered by his admirers and after cheers for "good old Bob," a procession with the Mission Band in front was formed, and marched from the station to the above address. Despite the drizzling rain, the enthusiasm along the route was not "damped" in the least, large numbers lining the road and cheering with a will. When the destination was reached, Mr. Thomas appeared in an upper storey window and thanked his friends for their hearty reception, and said that in a short time he would give them a "lantern lecture" of his adventures etc., in South Africa at the Free Mission, Trealaw. With another cheer the crowd dispersed.
(The Rhondda Leader, Saturday 17th November 1900)
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Driver R. J, Thomas, R.H.A., who recently returned from the seat of war, delivered an interesting lecture, entitled, "From Southampton to South Africa," on Tuesday evening. The Bethlehem Baptist Chapel, which was kindly lent for the occasion, was crowded with an attentive audience, presided over by the Rev. J. Young Jones. The lecture had been well prepared, and contained a dissertation on the war, the departure of the C.I.V.'s, the siege of Mafeking and Ladysmith, More of the personal experience would, perhaps, have been more acceptable. Mr. J. W. Jones, Tonypandy, very kindly, at the last moment, manipulated his magic lantern, thus making the lecture more interesting. The Free-Mission Brass Band played selections during the evening, and Miss Hannah Griffiths, the rising soprano, gave a good rendering of "Where is my wandering boy to-night?" The proceeds were for the Free Mission, Trealaw. An evening for school children was also given on Wednesday.
(The Rhondda Leader, Saturday 15th December 1900)
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During the last month or so, the inhabitants of Trealaw hailed with delight the posters which were distributed through the place announcing the fact that "Mog" Evans had returned from South Africa, and that two smoking concerts would be held in honour of him at the Ynyscynon Hotel, on Thursday, May 23rd, and Saturday, May 25th, respectively. The first of these concerts was held under the able presidency of Mr. Antonio Radmilovic, proprietor of the Glastonbury Arms, Cardiff (and foreign interpreter at Cardiff police court). The chairman, in his opening address, described most vividly the trials and dangers through which our Tommies had to go in fighting for home and country. He stated that Mr. Evans was attached to the 6th Mounted Infantry, was wounded at Lindley and at Bothaville, and was afterwards invalided home after taking part in several engagements. The able manner in which Mr. Radmilovic made his address evoked loud cheers from the crowded audience. The pianist for both evenings was Mr. Isaac Bowen, Ystrad, who now favoured with a pianoforte solo, which was greatly appreciated. Mr. Alf. Evans then gave a comic song, which was well rendered. The next item was a chorus by Mr. R. Lawry's Male Voice Party, entitled "March of the Regiment." This, it is needless to say, sent the company into raptures of delight. Solos were then sung by Messrs. Lloyd, Bartlett, Griffiths, and Morgan. The Male Voice party then obliged with "The Young Musician," which was immensely enjoyed by all. Messrs. Morgan and Bartlett then sang a duet, which was well received. Chorus, "Soldiers' Farewell," by Mr. Lawry's choir. After this came songs by Messrs. Tudor Howell, Dan Davies, and Eli Whitlock. Then came a most interesting feature of the concert, namely, the presentation by the chairman to "Mog" of a real meerschaum cigarette-holder. This, after the National Anthem, terminated one of the most pleasant and successful smokers ever held in Trealaw.
On Saturday evening the spacious room was again filled to overflowing by an attentive and appreciative audience, under the presidency of Mr. H. T. Jones, grocer, Trealaw, than whom a better chairman could not be found. In opening the concert, Mr. Jones made a most stirring patriotic speech. Mr. J. Bowen then played a pianoforte solo in grand style. The first vocalist to appear was Mr. D. Griffiths, who sang "Little more cider" in his usual hearty way, and was encored. Silence called forth an extempore poetical effusion by Mr. Ben Rees (Brython Penrhys) who touched most cleverly upon Mr. Jones's many qualities, and whose poem was laughingly received by the audience. Mr. T. Howell then sang the "Volunteers' Return" in beautiful style, and was vociferously cheered and encored. Mr. Ben Rees then gave a Welsh sketch, entitled, "Quarrel between man and wife." His impersonation of the characters was excellent, and it was well received by all present. Mr. J. Bowen then sang a stirring patriotic song to his own accompaniment, and was well cheered. Mr. Bartlett then sang "A Song at Twilight," and was cheered again and again. Mr. D. Lloyd then favoured with a very laughable comic entitled, "Doodah Day," which was cheered to the echo and encored. He obliged with "Holligan's Mule," which the audience thoroughly enjoyed. Mr. B. Rees then gave the "Charge of the Light Brigade." Next came a recitation by Mr. Bartlett, which was greatly appreciated by all present. Mr. J. Beaton then gave a comic, "When the wife is out," in a very funny way, and was loudly cheered. Messrs. Bartlett and Tudor Howell sang the duet "Larboard Watch" in fine style and were encored. Mr. B. Rees recited "The Train" in Welsh. Mr. D. Allen next favoured with a song. The next item was the one for which we had all met, namely the presentation by Miss S. Evans, the hostess, to Mr. "Mog" Evans, the hero of the evening, of a gold medal and a purse of gold. The medal was the present of the chairman, and is in the form of a gold shield within the horns of a crescent surmounted with a crown, and the whole enclosed within a wreath of laurel leaves. The purse of gold was the present of "Mog's" many friends. Miss Evans made the presentation very prettily and tastefully. The guest was musically accorded a "Jolly good fellow." Order again having been restored, Mr. Tudor Howell sang the National Anthem. A vote of thanks was then passed to the chairman, and so closed one of the most enjoyable evenings.
(The Rhondda Leader, Saturday 1st June 1901)
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On Thursday and Saturday evenings two smoking concerts were held at the Ynyscynon Hotel, Trealaw, to welcome home "Dick" Davies, of the Somersets, who, after an absence of 18 months in South Africa, during which he swerved in two engagements (including Wepener), was invalided home with enteric. The chairman on Thursday was Mr. Antonio Radmilovic, Cardiff, and the pianist, Mr. Brinley Williams, Pentre. On Saturday Private Davies's popularity was again evidenced. The inhabitants of Trealaw flocked en masse to honour their favourite, and well were they rewarded for their attendance. The chairman this evening was Mr. H. T. Jones, grocer, Trealaw, than whom a better president, and more eloquent spokesman, it would be difficult to find. The piano was ably presided over by Mr. D. Jones, Trealaw. On both evenings excellent musical programmes were provided, the concerts being marked by their pecuniary success.
(The Rhondda Leader, Saturday 14th December 1901)
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We are sorry to find that amongst those who were severely wounded in the mishap to Von Donop's convoy was Mr. David Evans (better known as "Dai Soldier"), Miskin Road, Trealaw, who has been out at the front for over two years, and has seen some hard fighting. A comrade who was in the same column testifies to the fact that there was not a more willing or courageous soldier in South Africa than he. We greatly sympathise with Mrs. Evans, who, as our readers will remember, buried two children the week her husband left for the front. We also regret to say that David Evans's brother was buried the same day as he (David Evans) was wounded.
(The Rhondda Leader, Saturday 15th March 1902)
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Smoking Concert. - A very successful smoking concert for the benefit of Private Mat Pugh, who has been wounded and invalided home from South Africa, was held at the Miskin Hotel, on Wednesday evening last. The chairman was Mr. David Jenkins (grocer), Trealaw, and accompanist, Mr. David Jones, Porth, both of whom fulfilled their duties in a very creditable manner.
(The Pontypridd Chronicle and Workman's News, 15th April 1902)
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John Slavin, a labourer, living at Trealaw, was alleged to have stolen eight pairs of oilskins, valued at 18s., the property of Mr. Bert Phillips, clothier, &c., Tonypandy. The evidence was to the effect that on Saturday night Slavin, seeing the articles hanging outside the shop, stole them and went to the Pandy Inn, where he offered them for sale. Defendant said he had not been quite right ever since he came back from South Africa, where he was burned on the head at the battle of Senlac Hill. Whenever he took a drop to drink he was not responsible for his actions. Supt. Cole said he had raised this excuse on a previous occasion and had then been merely bound over to come up for judgment if called upon. Defendant was now fined £2, or a month's imprisonment.
(The Rhondda Leader, Saturday 31st October 1903)
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A fine lecture was given last Tuesday evening at Tabernacle Chapel. The lecturer was Mr. D. Gorwyn Evans, Manchester House, Tonypandy, the subject being his experience in South Africa. Mr. Evans through the whole campaign, and was a Colour-Sergeant in the Gloucester Regiment, and went through a great number of hardships. The lecturer related how the Boers treated our wounded soldiers, firing upon them whilst being carried from the field of battle to the hospitals. He also showed a number of curiosities used at the front. We understand Mr. Evans intends giving a series of lectures in the locality. Songs were also given by Messrs. J. Rees and W. H. Price, Trealaw. The chair was occupied by the Rev. S. G. Jones, B.A. (pastor).
(The Rhondda Leader, Saturday 6th February 1904)
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(The Rhondda Leader, Saturday 24th February 1900)
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"Enough to make a man's blood boil."
The attempt to drown out Ladysmith.
The attempt to drown out Ladysmith.
Driver Robert John Thomas, 78th Field Battery Royal Artillery, formerly a haulier at the Glamorgan Collieries, Llwymypia, writing from Maitland Camp, Cape Town, to his friends of the S.A. Band at Trealaw, says: "Just a few lines as I promised before I left, hoping they'll find the band in a good spirit and also prospering in every way. I feel more than ever my love towards the dear old band since the good feeling that you shewed me on my last visit to Trealaw; not because of the value of what you gave me, but because of the spirit you have shewn, a spirit that might, and I hope it will, grow amongst us - the spirit of love. Words will never express my thankfulness for your kindness. Well, I expect that a word about this country will be the most acceptable. I have done nothing but travelling since my arrival on March 23rd at Durban, from where we travelled to Ladysmith, via Colenso, Estcourt, and Chieveley - scenes of the hardest battles that our men fought. The last named place is where the armoured train disaster occurred, the wreck of which is now lying on the side of the railway. I also saw the grave of Lord Roberts' son. The Boer trenches are thickly cut all about the hills; they have also played great havoc with the railway bridges between Colenso and Ladysmith. We passed millions of sacks filled with sand which the Boers thought to use in their effort
TO DROWN OUT LADYSMITH.
This alone is sufficient to make any man's blood boil to go for them with all his might. They would drown all the women and children in the town if they only had a few days more. We joined the battery on the 25th March, and on the next day we chased the Boers as far as Elandslaagte, which we reached about 10.30 at night in an awful sandstorm and afterwards rain. When I woke up in the morning I was half drowned. We had to sleep without tents alongside the horses and guns. I found out that we were between three coalpits. I had permission to go to the top of the pit, and found to my surprise that
ALL THE "BOSSES" WERE FROM SOUTH WALES.
The manager, Mr. Harris, was a manager at Cymmer. Perhaps Prior knows him. The undermanager, Dai Timey, was from Aberaman, and there were two firemen from Gilfach Goch. Indians were doing all the hard work, for which they are paid 15s. to £1 a month, and for every day they lose they are fined eighteen pence. From here we had orders to start for Durban, and from there to the Cape, to join Roberts' force. We marched the first five days one hundred and fifty eight miles, and then took train for Durban. I might say here that the Boers did send us a few shells before we started, but no harm was done. We reached Durban on Saturday morning, sailed on Sunday, and reached here (Cape Town) on Wednesday night. They kept us nearly a week on board ship; now we are in camp waiting for a train to take us to Kimberley, where we are to form a column under General Hunter. As regards food, I am sure
THE DOGS IN WALES ARE HAVING BETTER AND MORE FOOD
than we are having, but through all I can sing and am singing the old favourite, "We are a happy band pledged to defend the right," and with a share in your prayers and through trusting in Him who hath brought me through hitherto, I believe that some day "Songs of victory we'll sing."
(The Rhondda Leader, Saturday 26th May 1900)
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Smoking Concert at Trealaw.
On Wednesday evening a smoking concert was held at the Miskin Hotel, Trealaw, on behalf of Private Job Hopkins, who has been invalided home from South Africa. There was a splendid attendance. Mr. Lewis, Trealaw, took the chair. The accompanist for the evening was Mr. D. Jones, Trealaw. The programme was opened by Messrs. J. Smith, Tonypandy, and D. Jones, in a concertina and pianoforte duet. The effect was most pleasing. Next came Mr. E. J. Jones, of Trealaw, with a suitable song entitled "The boys are marching." This was well rendered. Mr. Tom Matthews, the Dinas baritone, and Mr. Ludwig Evans, the Trealaw tenor, next rendered in capital style the duet "Flow gently Deva." ..................................
.................Mr. Tom Evans, checkweigher, Penygraig, was then called upon to address the company. He said that Private Job Hopkins, of the Medical Corps, had not been neglected in Trealaw. He (Tom Evans) was very thankful to Mr. D. Jenkins, the secretary of the concert, and to Mr. D. C. Evans, and Mr. Lloyd, the treasurer, for organising such a successful concert. Private Hopkins will be very willing to return to active service again.
(The Rhondda Leader, Saturday 22nd September 1900)
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Trealaw Soldier's Welcome Home.
Mr. Robert John Thomas ("Bob," of the "Rhondda Leader") 95, Ynyscynon Road, Trealaw, must have been highly pleased with the magnificent reception accorded him when he issued from Dinas Station on Monday evening. He has had a share in many of the great battles in the recent war, Elandslaagte and Ladysmith, and others; and although not receiving a scratch he has had wonderful escapes. Because of his steady character and good conduct, he was appointed servant to one of the officers of the 78th Field Battery, and when his master was wounded and sent home to recuperate he accompanied him in the "Tagus," and landed last Friday at Southampton within a few hours of General Buller. His letters from the front have been published in the "Leader" under the signature of "Bob," and have been read with much interest. Accordingly when the news of his home-coming reached Trealaw the inhabitants decided to give him a hearty "welcome home." The inevitable brass band was engaged and under the conductorship of Mr. Fred Prior, played splendid selections. The hero of the hour was soon shouldered by his admirers and after cheers for "good old Bob," a procession with the Mission Band in front was formed, and marched from the station to the above address. Despite the drizzling rain, the enthusiasm along the route was not "damped" in the least, large numbers lining the road and cheering with a will. When the destination was reached, Mr. Thomas appeared in an upper storey window and thanked his friends for their hearty reception, and said that in a short time he would give them a "lantern lecture" of his adventures etc., in South Africa at the Free Mission, Trealaw. With another cheer the crowd dispersed.
(The Rhondda Leader, Saturday 17th November 1900)
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"From Southampton to South Africa."
Driver R. J, Thomas, R.H.A., who recently returned from the seat of war, delivered an interesting lecture, entitled, "From Southampton to South Africa," on Tuesday evening. The Bethlehem Baptist Chapel, which was kindly lent for the occasion, was crowded with an attentive audience, presided over by the Rev. J. Young Jones. The lecture had been well prepared, and contained a dissertation on the war, the departure of the C.I.V.'s, the siege of Mafeking and Ladysmith, More of the personal experience would, perhaps, have been more acceptable. Mr. J. W. Jones, Tonypandy, very kindly, at the last moment, manipulated his magic lantern, thus making the lecture more interesting. The Free-Mission Brass Band played selections during the evening, and Miss Hannah Griffiths, the rising soprano, gave a good rendering of "Where is my wandering boy to-night?" The proceeds were for the Free Mission, Trealaw. An evening for school children was also given on Wednesday.
(The Rhondda Leader, Saturday 15th December 1900)
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Smoking Concerts at Trealaw.
During the last month or so, the inhabitants of Trealaw hailed with delight the posters which were distributed through the place announcing the fact that "Mog" Evans had returned from South Africa, and that two smoking concerts would be held in honour of him at the Ynyscynon Hotel, on Thursday, May 23rd, and Saturday, May 25th, respectively. The first of these concerts was held under the able presidency of Mr. Antonio Radmilovic, proprietor of the Glastonbury Arms, Cardiff (and foreign interpreter at Cardiff police court). The chairman, in his opening address, described most vividly the trials and dangers through which our Tommies had to go in fighting for home and country. He stated that Mr. Evans was attached to the 6th Mounted Infantry, was wounded at Lindley and at Bothaville, and was afterwards invalided home after taking part in several engagements. The able manner in which Mr. Radmilovic made his address evoked loud cheers from the crowded audience. The pianist for both evenings was Mr. Isaac Bowen, Ystrad, who now favoured with a pianoforte solo, which was greatly appreciated. Mr. Alf. Evans then gave a comic song, which was well rendered. The next item was a chorus by Mr. R. Lawry's Male Voice Party, entitled "March of the Regiment." This, it is needless to say, sent the company into raptures of delight. Solos were then sung by Messrs. Lloyd, Bartlett, Griffiths, and Morgan. The Male Voice party then obliged with "The Young Musician," which was immensely enjoyed by all. Messrs. Morgan and Bartlett then sang a duet, which was well received. Chorus, "Soldiers' Farewell," by Mr. Lawry's choir. After this came songs by Messrs. Tudor Howell, Dan Davies, and Eli Whitlock. Then came a most interesting feature of the concert, namely, the presentation by the chairman to "Mog" of a real meerschaum cigarette-holder. This, after the National Anthem, terminated one of the most pleasant and successful smokers ever held in Trealaw.
On Saturday evening the spacious room was again filled to overflowing by an attentive and appreciative audience, under the presidency of Mr. H. T. Jones, grocer, Trealaw, than whom a better chairman could not be found. In opening the concert, Mr. Jones made a most stirring patriotic speech. Mr. J. Bowen then played a pianoforte solo in grand style. The first vocalist to appear was Mr. D. Griffiths, who sang "Little more cider" in his usual hearty way, and was encored. Silence called forth an extempore poetical effusion by Mr. Ben Rees (Brython Penrhys) who touched most cleverly upon Mr. Jones's many qualities, and whose poem was laughingly received by the audience. Mr. T. Howell then sang the "Volunteers' Return" in beautiful style, and was vociferously cheered and encored. Mr. Ben Rees then gave a Welsh sketch, entitled, "Quarrel between man and wife." His impersonation of the characters was excellent, and it was well received by all present. Mr. J. Bowen then sang a stirring patriotic song to his own accompaniment, and was well cheered. Mr. Bartlett then sang "A Song at Twilight," and was cheered again and again. Mr. D. Lloyd then favoured with a very laughable comic entitled, "Doodah Day," which was cheered to the echo and encored. He obliged with "Holligan's Mule," which the audience thoroughly enjoyed. Mr. B. Rees then gave the "Charge of the Light Brigade." Next came a recitation by Mr. Bartlett, which was greatly appreciated by all present. Mr. J. Beaton then gave a comic, "When the wife is out," in a very funny way, and was loudly cheered. Messrs. Bartlett and Tudor Howell sang the duet "Larboard Watch" in fine style and were encored. Mr. B. Rees recited "The Train" in Welsh. Mr. D. Allen next favoured with a song. The next item was the one for which we had all met, namely the presentation by Miss S. Evans, the hostess, to Mr. "Mog" Evans, the hero of the evening, of a gold medal and a purse of gold. The medal was the present of the chairman, and is in the form of a gold shield within the horns of a crescent surmounted with a crown, and the whole enclosed within a wreath of laurel leaves. The purse of gold was the present of "Mog's" many friends. Miss Evans made the presentation very prettily and tastefully. The guest was musically accorded a "Jolly good fellow." Order again having been restored, Mr. Tudor Howell sang the National Anthem. A vote of thanks was then passed to the chairman, and so closed one of the most enjoyable evenings.
(The Rhondda Leader, Saturday 1st June 1901)
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On Thursday and Saturday evenings two smoking concerts were held at the Ynyscynon Hotel, Trealaw, to welcome home "Dick" Davies, of the Somersets, who, after an absence of 18 months in South Africa, during which he swerved in two engagements (including Wepener), was invalided home with enteric. The chairman on Thursday was Mr. Antonio Radmilovic, Cardiff, and the pianist, Mr. Brinley Williams, Pentre. On Saturday Private Davies's popularity was again evidenced. The inhabitants of Trealaw flocked en masse to honour their favourite, and well were they rewarded for their attendance. The chairman this evening was Mr. H. T. Jones, grocer, Trealaw, than whom a better president, and more eloquent spokesman, it would be difficult to find. The piano was ably presided over by Mr. D. Jones, Trealaw. On both evenings excellent musical programmes were provided, the concerts being marked by their pecuniary success.
(The Rhondda Leader, Saturday 14th December 1901)
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We are sorry to find that amongst those who were severely wounded in the mishap to Von Donop's convoy was Mr. David Evans (better known as "Dai Soldier"), Miskin Road, Trealaw, who has been out at the front for over two years, and has seen some hard fighting. A comrade who was in the same column testifies to the fact that there was not a more willing or courageous soldier in South Africa than he. We greatly sympathise with Mrs. Evans, who, as our readers will remember, buried two children the week her husband left for the front. We also regret to say that David Evans's brother was buried the same day as he (David Evans) was wounded.
(The Rhondda Leader, Saturday 15th March 1902)
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Smoking Concert. - A very successful smoking concert for the benefit of Private Mat Pugh, who has been wounded and invalided home from South Africa, was held at the Miskin Hotel, on Wednesday evening last. The chairman was Mr. David Jenkins (grocer), Trealaw, and accompanist, Mr. David Jones, Porth, both of whom fulfilled their duties in a very creditable manner.
(The Pontypridd Chronicle and Workman's News, 15th April 1902)
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Burnt at Senlac Hill.
John Slavin, a labourer, living at Trealaw, was alleged to have stolen eight pairs of oilskins, valued at 18s., the property of Mr. Bert Phillips, clothier, &c., Tonypandy. The evidence was to the effect that on Saturday night Slavin, seeing the articles hanging outside the shop, stole them and went to the Pandy Inn, where he offered them for sale. Defendant said he had not been quite right ever since he came back from South Africa, where he was burned on the head at the battle of Senlac Hill. Whenever he took a drop to drink he was not responsible for his actions. Supt. Cole said he had raised this excuse on a previous occasion and had then been merely bound over to come up for judgment if called upon. Defendant was now fined £2, or a month's imprisonment.
(The Rhondda Leader, Saturday 31st October 1903)
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A fine lecture was given last Tuesday evening at Tabernacle Chapel. The lecturer was Mr. D. Gorwyn Evans, Manchester House, Tonypandy, the subject being his experience in South Africa. Mr. Evans through the whole campaign, and was a Colour-Sergeant in the Gloucester Regiment, and went through a great number of hardships. The lecturer related how the Boers treated our wounded soldiers, firing upon them whilst being carried from the field of battle to the hospitals. He also showed a number of curiosities used at the front. We understand Mr. Evans intends giving a series of lectures in the locality. Songs were also given by Messrs. J. Rees and W. H. Price, Trealaw. The chair was occupied by the Rev. S. G. Jones, B.A. (pastor).
(The Rhondda Leader, Saturday 6th February 1904)
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