The Aberdare Leader

Record Attendance. The Director reported that the at- tendance for the past month consti- tuted a record, there being a per- centage of 92 per cent. for the whole of the. schools. Several Boys' Schools reached 95 per cent., and four had won the attendance half- holiday. The Girls' Schools reached a percentage of 92 per cent., and three out of five schools had obtained a half-holiday. Five out of 12 mixed schools had gained 93 per cent. infants, 11 out of 15 gained 91 per cent. Mr. J. Powell: Would it be well to compliment the attendance officers? Director: By doing that you only thank half the officers who have something to do with the increased attendance. Mr. J. Powell: Well, I move a vote of thanks to all concerned. (Laugh- ter.) Mr. D. Rogers Director, teachers, and everybody.

The Dental Clinic. The Remedial Work Sub-Com- mittee, with Mr. G. H. Hall in the chair, reported as follows :— Train Fares of Scholars. —Pro- posed by Rev. E. V. Tidman, second- ed by Mr. Bruce Jones, that we re commend the Education Committee to instruct the Director of Education to write to the Board of Education, pointing out that the committee's ap- plication for the Board's sanction to the expenditure during the year end- ing 31st July, 1913, of a sum not ex- ceeding £1.0 was intended to apply to all scholars coming from a distance and not only to necessitous cases; that, if this sanction be not given, the committee will be obliged to con sider the advisability of establishing Dental Clinics at Abercynon and Ynysybwl. "Payment for Dental Treatment.- Proposed by Mr. Bruce Jones, seconded by Rev. E. V. Tidman, that we recommend the Education Com- mittee to defer the recpnsideration of the question of the payment for Dental Treatment to a date in Sep- tember, and that in the meanwhile the Director of Education be in- structed to keep a record of (a) children whose parents are notified that their children need dental treat ment, (b) children who attend the Dental Clinic for treatment, and (c) children who have to attend the Dental Clinic more than once to have carried out that dental treatment which was discovered as necessary t at the previous medical inspection." Mr. J. Powell asked why this ques- tion was deferred. Mr. Hall replied that they had not sufficient experience yet to justify in altering the regulations.

Was There Destitution? Lengthy Discussion on Miskin Case. Major Gray referred to a letter which the Director had written to the Guardians asking them to supply boots to two children living at No. 23 Victoria Street, Miskin. The Guard- ians had asked the relieving officer to make enquiries in the case, and it had been ascertained that the father's earnings for the last 12 < months worked out at £ 2 7s. !Old.. 4 per week. And in addition to that I there was a boy working, earning 15s. a week. The man met with an ( accident, and was unemployed for 3 weeks, but obtained during that per- J iod 23 3s. 4d. compensation. There was absolutely no sense in asking the Guardians to provide boots in cases 1 of that sort. Someone ought to have made enquiries before the let- ter was written. Were not the at- tendance officers supposed to make enquiries Mr. J. Powell: Did the boy earn ^I5s. a week for 12 months? 1 Major Gray: I don't know that. The Director said that when par- ? ents told him they could not send their children to school owing to lack of footgear, he wrote to the Guard- r ians. He knew very well that the Guardians would make enquiries be- fore granting the request. It did not follow that the Guardians grant- ed the application without question every time he wrote. Major Gray: The Guardians as- sume that the Education Committee 11 have made enquiries. These are cases in which attendance officers should have ascertained the facts. Mr. Millar agreed. If children did not attend school, the attendance officers should know the reason why, and should know whether the reasons given were genuine. Capt. Evans (to Director) Do you write in the name of the Educa- tion Committee ? Director Yes, I do that work for the committee. Rev. E. V. Tidman thought the Education Committee's officers should make enquiries before refer- ring the case to the Guardians. Mr. Rogers did not agree with this, and declared that it was the duty of the relieving officers. The Education Committee had no right to prosecute enquiries and probe into the circumstances of people. Some people might impose on the committee, but in the majority of cases they were genuine ones. Mr. J. Powell thought it was the duty of the Education Committee to satisfy themselves that it was a de- serving case. If the Committee's officers had made proper enquiries they would have discovered that the real cause for the non-attendance at school was not want of boots. Major Gray said it made one sus- picious as to whether proper enquir- ies were made in other cases. The Chairman thought the Direc- tor should prevent a recurrence. The Director read the letter which he had sent to the Guardians. The letter stated that there were 7 chil- dren in the family of Wm. Smith, 53 Victoria St., Miskin, with only one boy of 14 earning. Two of the chil- dren were unable to attend school because they had no boots, and the father was not working. The Director asked whether he was not justified in writing the letter on those facts? If not, then he would have to modify his policy in future. Major Gray I don't think you were justified. Director: The facts cannot be gainsaid. Major Gray: Further enquiries ought to be made by the attendance officers, instead of taking the first excuse that came along. Director This is not the first time I have been hoodwinked, but I have got to do the best I can between them. Mr. Noah Bowles said the dis- cussion as to whose work it was to make enquiries turned round the question of the willingness or unwill- ingness of employers to give a certi- ficate of the men's earnings. Such information could be withheld from the Education Committee, whereas the Guardians were legally entitled to it. Mr. W. Millar: It has never been refused to the Education Committee. Major Gray: All I. want is that en- quiries should be made .by us. Chairman: I think that will be done in future.

Minister and Local Hooliganism. The Architect reported on the best course to adopt to prevent damage to windows of houses opposite the playground of the Duffryn -Boys' School. He suggested erecting a screen of net wiring 10ft. high, at a cost of X24, to prevent balls and other missiles being thrown out from the playground. Major Gray It would be cheaper t) pay for the broken windows. Chairman: There are risks of passers-by being injured by missiles coming from the playground. In that case we should have to pay compensation. Major Gray: I propose we run the risk of compensation. Mr. Evan Morris suggested letting the site as a bill-posting station. Mr. Rogers agreed. Rev. E. V. Tidman said it would be a big expense, and the thing would probably have to be renewed in three years. While the children were in school, all would be well, but with the hooliganism existing in the neighbourhood, that pense was ab- solutely thrown away. He was sorry to say that, but it was true. There were crowds using the playground at night. Mr. Xoah Bowles said it would only be the wire netting that would be renewed periodically. That ►would not cost JE24. Mr. J. Powell moved and Mr. W. Davies seconded, that the Archi- tect's suggestion be carried out. Major Gray moved, and Mr. Millar seconded that nothing be done. The former carried by 11 to 5.

1 Deplorable Condition of Penrhiw- 1 ceiber School Playgrounds. Mr. G. H. Hall called attention to ivhat he called the deplorable con- lition of Penrhiwceiber School play- grounds. He really thought some ;teps should be taken to place them n a better condition, and he moved hat the architect be instructed to 'eport on the best way of making a proper surface. z;1 Mr. E. Morris seconded, and added hat something was badlyineeded. The motion was agreed to.

Leave of Absence. An application from John Lloyd, Ynysybwl, for leave of absence to attend a matric. examination was granted.

Enquiries to be Made. H. Ashfield. Ynysybwl, wrote ask- ing the committee to grant a sum of money to provide clothes for his child, who was at the Swansea Insti- tution. The Director mentioned that a similar application came from the same person some time ago, when it was ascertained that JE5 per week came to that house. On the motion of Mr. J. Powell, it was resolved to make enquiries into the earnings of the family.

A x Broken Barometer. The Requisitions Committee re- quested that the headmaster of Abercynon Boys School be asked to explain fully how the barometer was broken, and be informed of the com- mittee's surprise that it was not more securely fixed.

Dual Desks for Catholic School. It was resolved to grant 10 dual desks for the R.C. School at a cost of c9.

Why Trouble to Chop Suet for Puddings.or Pastry? Buy Shredded ATORA Beef Suet, ready for use, goes further, sweet and wholesome. Yonr grocer sells it. Insist upon ATORA, refuse substituted brands.

LLANSTEPHAN PAST & PRESENT. Sir,—Years ago Llanstephan was a popular holiday resort. In summer I there were several stalls of various kinds, on which fruit, sweets, toys and presents were sold to the visitors. Also there- was a bookstall on which Welsh and English hooks and newspapers were sold by Joseph Griffiths, one of the visi- tors. On the 8th day of August the annual fair was held, when the young people had a fine time of it on the Green and in the "Sticks," and all the visitors enjoyed themselves immensely. But now a change has come over the place. There are no stalls selling toys, or fruit or sweets,, and our old friend Joseph Griffiths is not allowed to put up his book-stall there; neither will the toy stall of our good friend John Davies from Swansea be there any more. Both Davies and Griffiths had the kick out last summer. It looks as if there will be no fair there this sum- mer. Under the circumstances it will be a very unattractive place for visitors. Old visitors are surprised that the in- habitants should stop the bookseller to come there, in view of the fact that it was he who started the trade there. Volander, who one time wrote a poem eulogising Llanstephan, may now write another referring to its departed glory. No such place for me any more. And so says all my friends.—Yours, ONE WHO WAS FOND OF THE PLACE.

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I Weekly Arrivals direct from Carmarthenshire. Fresh New Laid Welsh JBdMLSLsS i 14 for 1/- Sugars are also Cheaper. GRANULATED 1td. 4 CRYSTALS 2d. LOAF 21d. Our celebrated LONGE LYFFE f || at 1/6, I is well known. Nothing to beat it I for fragrance and quality. A Cup [ that cheers morning, noon and night. » q Yours obediently, WILLIAMS & GO. CASH GROCERS, Supply Stores, Aberdare, & Jam Pot Storey Cwmaman. I Your Old Friend JOHN W. IfEK CROWN HOTEL, ABERDARE, is still REMOVING PEOPLE'S j j FURNITURE TO ALL PARTS OF THE COUNTRY. j Estimates Free. A postal card will j receive prompt attention. IRUNGE i The Practical Watch & Clock Maker, ¡ 18 CARDIFF STREET, ABERDARE, I will give Best Cash Prices for Old Teeth, Gold and Silver Watches and Jewellery* If you want the Beat Value In Eyeglasses I or Spectacles, call at RUNGE'S Your own Prescription made up All Classes of .Repairs, Don't pay Fancy Prices. IVJorris Phillips, 24 DUFFRYN ST., GODREAMAN. 0 CERTIFICATED BAILIFF. RENTS COLLECTED. 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Mountain Ash Education Committee. On Tuesday, Mr. NV- Lamburn in the chair. The other members pres- ent were Mrs. W. G. Williams, Mrs. T. W. Millar, Major F. N. Gray, J.P., Capt. G. A. Evans, J.P., Rev. E. V. Tidman, Messrs. E. Morris, J.P., D. Rogers, W. Millar. Xoah Bowles, James Evans, G. H. Hall, W. Davies, J. Powell, with Mr. Alfred Morgan (director) and h. Salusbury Roberts (director's assistant).

Dental Treatment. The Director referred to the charge of 3d. per visit made for dental treatment. The nurse who brought in the money for this work was afraid that these charges would militate against desirable treatment being carried out. He was, of course, bound to carry out the regu- lations of the committee. Mr. J. Powell suggested that this question be referred to committee. —Agreed.

County School. Mr. Rhys Morgan, Pontypridd, re- ported that Margaret Griffiths and Hannah Lloyd, Ynysybwl, two pupils at the Pontypridd County School, had passed an examination.

The Reason Why. The attendance returns showed a low percentage at Trerobart School, and it was resolved to ascertain the reason for it.

A Confertence. The Director asked the committee to pass a cheque for the chairman and himself, payment for attending a conference of Education Committees. Major Gray That's a legal charge, is it? Director: Just according to prece- dent. i Major. Gray: You might tell us the ] amount.. Director £ 6 4s. 6d. It was agreed that the cheque be passed.

Pleading Poverty. The Board of Education wrote jointing out that no reply had been n received by them with reference to the improvements required at Aber taf School. The Director mentioned that the letter referred to was based on H.M.I.'s report on that school. The report drew attention to the rough state of the playground and the need for shelters. The school was in a rather exposed condition. Mr. J. Powell moved that owing to the present education rate being so high, and the proposed expenses on schools so large, they replay to the effect that they do not feel justified in carrying out those improvements. Mr. Xoah Bowles seconded the mo- tion, which was unanimously agreed to.

Cwmbach Church Schools. The Director mentioned that the managers of the above schools had sent him a notice of their intention to enlarge the school buildings.

Abercynon Constable Rewarded. The Director called attention to a case heard at Abercynon Police Court, where a boy was fined for breaking Navigation School win- dows. The information was lodged by P.C. Winter. The Education Committee had notices out offering a reward of 20s. to the one whose evi- dence led to court conviction. He (Mr. Morgan) asked for instructions with regard to this case. He thought if they gave 10s. it would do. Major Gray: If we offer 20s. we should give 20s. Rev. E. V. Tidman Is it not the duty of the police to give such in- formation ? Director: Yes, but as you know duty is often performed in a per- functory manner. By paying this reward you will encourage the police. Rev. E. V. Tidman: Then you are placing a premium on incapacity. Capt. Evans moved that the 2Cs. be paid, and Mr. J. Powell seconded. Rev. E. V. Tidman moved an amendment, but the chairman said he could not accept it unless the re- solution offering a reward was first rescinded. Capt. Evans' motion was carried, and the Director remarked that the Chief Constable's consent would have to be obtained before they could pay the reward.

"Hard Lines." PC) NTNfc ATHV ATTGH AN LICENSEE SUMMONED. Several cases of interest to motorists were determined at Neath on Friday. John Wesley E'vans, electrical engineer, Skewen, summoned for using a motor-car without a. licence, set up the defence that the vehicle was used for trade purposes only. But the police called evidence to show that ladies had been seen pleasuring in the car. Defendant: I admit having taken my wife when on business. The Clerk': But the police say ladies. The ladies have settled you, Mr Evans. (Laughter.) Defendant was fined 30s and costs. Hugh Trevor Lewis, of Bryncoch, was fined 7s Gd and costs for using a motor- cycle without a licence. John H. Jones, proprietor of the Angel Hotel, Pontneathvaughan, was seen by the police driving his wife to the rail- way station. Defendant had a trader's licence, which cost 15s. He should have had a guinea licence. The Clerk: It is hard lines. The Chairman: It is the first case of the kind that has come before us. It will be dismissed on payment of costs.

r ]l Why not give us a call <| and Inspect our immense |i 1! stock of ■■ 11 UP-TO-DATE FURNITURE ![ before you buy elsewhere. Victor Freed ij <1 4 Oxford St., Mountain Ash. i| 'n -a Flirting requires practice. It is al- most as exact a science as mathematics.

Ambulance Brigade for Aberaman. A meeting of ambulance men was held on Wednesday week at the Aber- aman Council School to consider the ad- visability of forming an ambulance brigade at Aberaman. Mr J. Martin, M.E., presided over a good attendance, and was supported by Messrs G. D. Budge, M.E., agent P.D. Co.; T. L. Davies, M.E., Aberaman. and Dr Glyn Jones. Aberaman.—The chairman said that he was highly pleased to see such interest taken in ambulance work in the locality, especially among the workmen. He emphasised the necessity of secur- ing as much practical knowledge of am- bulance work as possible so as to be able to relieve the pain and suffering of in- jured comrades. Mr Budge, Mr T. L. Davies, and himself had waited upon Mr E. M. Hann with the view of ob- taining his support in tlft formation of a brigade. Mr Hann was very favour- able to the movement, and promised to do all in his power to assist them. He would suggest that they write an appli- cation, which .he would place before- the directors of the P.D. Co., and they would doubtless give a substantial donation towards the project.—Mr Henry Morris, Rescue Station, said that the cost of raising a brigade would be about £ 100.—Several suggestions to- wards raising this sum were thrown out to the meeting.—On the proposition of Mr Mond, seconded by Mr W. Morris, it was agreed that an application be made to the P.D. Co.—Mr G. D. Bsjge spoke in favour of having a strong brigade. He complimented those men who strove to obtain a good practical knowledge of ambulance work. Classes had been formed and had been well attended in the past, and 30 students had sat for examination. He wished to thank Dr Glyn Jones for his efforts on their behalf. He (Mr BI1e) considered knowledge of ambulance of great value, especially to working men. He would do all in his power to further the cause of ambulance in Aberaman, and wished them every success. He suggested that each colliery should be represented by ambulance men when forming the brigade committee. He congratulated the students for taking the matter up.- Mr T. L. Davies paid a high tribute to Mr Hann for his readiness to give them every assistance to carry on the work. Mr Davies felt pleased with the en- thusiasm shown that evening. It was first a question of men, and secondly of money. They wanted men who would be in actual service continually, and not merely attend now and then and fall off after a while. They should be con- stantly in training, so as to be able to save life and limb. He appealed to them to do their best towards the cause. He suggested that they should first form a brigade, and secondly elect a committee representative of workmen and officials. He pledged himself to do his utmost to promote the iiiovenietit.- On the proposition of Mr Joseph Jones, seconded by Mr William James, it was unanimously resolved to form a bri- gade and committee to represent the collieries, as suggested.—The following were elected as committee:—Works, Mr J. Martin. M.E., and Mr Sheppard, Cynon Street; Aberaman Colliery, Mr T. L. Davies, M.E., and Mr John Grainger; Fforchaman. Mr Powell, M.E., and D. R. Morgan; Cwmneol, Mr Jayne, M.E., and Mr D. Davies; Aber- cwmboi, Mr McCuire and Mr James Owen, Brook Street; Lower Duffryn, Mr W. Moore, M.E., and Mr John Jones; Letty Shenkin, Mr W. R. Morgan, M.E., and one other member to be selected by the committee; Power Station, Mr Coles; Outside. Messrs William Morris, Henry Morris, Rescue Station, Jacob Jaynes, undermanager, Lower Duffryn; G. D. Budge. M.E., and Dr Glyn Jones. Dr Glyn Jones apologised for the ab- sence of Dr Glanville Morris. Mardy, and said that they had worked well together through the session, and hoped to continue so. A brigade meant the binding together of ambulance men, and by continual study and practice they would be able to render useful ser- C vice.—The meeting then selected officers, viz., President, Mr E. M. Hann, .T.P.; vice-presidents. Mr G. G. Hann, Mr G. D. Budge, Mr .1. H. Powell, ex-High Constable, and Mr T. L. Davies; medi- cal officer for the brigade, Dr Glyn Jones; superintendent, Mr W. Morris; 1st officer. Mr John Grainger; ser- geant, Mr Emrys James; corporals, Messrs Moses Lloyd and J. Jeffries; lance-corporals, Mr Danny Meredith and Mr Sheppard; store-keeper, Mr Ben Parry. The headquarters will be the Rescue Station. Hon. secretary, Mr Ewart Evans (private secretary to Mr E. M. Hann). The appointment of treasurer was left to the committee.

Letters to the Editor. ABERCYNON & SPIRTUALISM. Sir,-Having seen a letter by "Seeker of Truth" in your paper last week I should like to reply to the statement he made in reference to the challenge given to the Rev. Frank Swainson about Spiritualists. He states that Mr. Swainson had backed out of the challenge. Now, Mr. Editor, this is a down- right untruth. He has not backed out of it at all. The challenge still holds good. I should like to ask "Seekër of Truth" if he could furn- ish me with any proofs regarding this challenge. I think that I know him (or them) —I am. etc. Abercynon. C.E.M.S.

ABERCYXOX AXD SPIRITISM. THE REV. M. JENKINS REPLIES. Sir,—In your last issue an open letter was addressed to me by "Seeker for Truth" in reference to a discourse I delivered upon Spirit- ism. He hoiies that in me he will find a man of 'grit' who is not afraid tcf say from a public platform what he proclaims from the pulpit. Has it occurred to Mr. Seeker-for-Truth that in writing over an assumed name he lacks the very grit which he sj much values in others? How am I to know whether the self-styled "Seeker-for-Truth" is not some ghoulish spirit who speaks out of the darkness he loves to dwell in ? If a man, let him come forth into the light and assure me that he speaks in the name and with the authority of tbe so-called Spiritualists, then I shall know what to do. If Mr. Seeker-for- Truth will take the trouble to write to the Rev- Frank Swainson, of Hollo way, he will find that the challenge he issued to the Spiritists still holds good. It is for them to face the music.—I am, sir, yours faithfully, MORGAN JENKINS.

CANADA. Sir.Allow me to have a word in reply to "Aberdarian." I have been to Canada-was there the best part of a year, and was very sorry I could not stay and make my home there. It is no use going out there and standing about grumbling, with your hands in your pockets. The streets are not paved with gold there. If you want to get on you must put your shoulders to the wheel- You must make up your mind for a bit of hard work—or "struggle," if you like. You must live in a shanty for a bit. But what of that if the weather is fine, the prospects good. and if you have health to go and conauer 1 I know a couple who went out some years ago who took up a sec- tion of land-that is 160 acres-what the Government offers to settlers. They have since secured two other sections, and own now some 400 acres of land. We in this country would call them landed proprietors. They have had to work, but now they can take it a bit easy. They often say they would like help, and could pay for it, but young people seem afraid to venture-no go in them, as -we say. This family I speak of send 80lbs. butter to market every week, and have been getting Is. 3d. a lb. for it. Land is being taken up there very rapidly, but dis- tance does not count now as it did years ago, as railway travelling is now available. -Yours, JOHN JONES.

THE SUFFERINGS OF CHAINED DOGS IN HOT WEATHER. Sir,-I earnestly appeal to dog owners not to chain their dogs. To bo chained is th^ most awful punishment for dogs, and a chained dog is of all creatures the most miserable. The short, heavy chain, impeding every movement, allowing hardly any movement at all, is a daily and nightly burden and torture: the thick, broad, hard collar, often choking- ly tight, is torture; the irritating, maddening restraint, when he does not want to be always lying down, still or. asleep, but wants to run about, see and do things, be -with his master and enjoy life, is torture; the frantic longing for exercise is torture; the wearisome, heartbreaking monotony is torture; the pining for love, companionship, some- thing to interest, something to do is mental torture. A dog chained out in the sun in hot weather, unable to reach'the shade, his kennel, which has been left to face the sunny quarter, baked through and through, probably with no water to quench his burning thirst, or only a drop of stale, filthy, hot liquid, suffers tor- ments. And why? Because his owner is thoughtless or careless! Panting, dragging at the cruel chain which holds him down in the fiery heat, crying for pity, release and liberty to go and lie in the cool shade, a dog thus chained is a sad and painful sight which ought not to be allowed to shame our boasted humanity. Give dogs their free- dom and do not chain them.I am, sir. yours faithfully, C. A. M. BAILEY. Hon. Sec., National Canine Defence League. 27 Regent Street, London, S.W.

Local Will. Mr. John Beynon, of 21 Davies Street, Aberaman, formerly of 350 Cardiff Road, Aberaman. who died on May 8. left estate of the gross value of 1;788, of which the net per- sonalty has been sworn at .€777.

Smoking Miners. Smokers who enjoy a I-elliv good rich, cool, lasting smoke will be'pleased to hear that Cope's No. 1 Shagg. in packets and tins, can now be had from all best Grocers, Co-op. Stores and To- bacconists throughout Aberdare Vallev. Made from the world's choicest leal by a firm with a world-wide reputation, its standard and excellence of quality have earned for this Tobacco the title of "Great Britain's Best." Should the good wife or daughter do the shopping, he sure and impress upon them to ask for Cope's No. 1 Superfine.

Madge: "Who helped you make such a fool out of that poor young iriaiit;" Marjorie: "He did." Actors are not generally taken a bark by criticism, we read. But they take affront occasionally.