The Aberdare Leader

Attendance and Medical Committee. The above committee reported as fol- lows:- Stammering Classes.—The Director reported that he had organised a class for stammering boys at the Aman Boys' School, in charge of Mr J. O. Lewis, from April 20th to May 29th, and that he proposed to estab- lish a class in the Town district from Whitsun to Midsummer. The report was adopted. Cwmbach Church School. The Director reported that the average at- tendance at this school for the first three months of the year was consider- ably above the accommodation, and that he had written to the Correspond- ent on April 1st and again on April 25th, calling the attention of the Managers to the matter, and request- ing them to reduce the number of children on books, but no reply had been received to either of the letters. The action of the Director was con- firmed, and it was resolved that the personal attention of the Chairman of the Managers be called to the matter, and that an emphatic protest be sent against the way the letters had been i ignored. The Director was authorised to deal further with this matter as he thought best. Blaengwawr and Ynyslwyd Schools. —The attendance offioer's census of the children living in the vicinity of the Blaengwawr and Ynyslwyd Schools was presented. It was resolved that the children living in the following streets be excluded from the Blaen- gwawr Schools and sent to the Ynys- lwyd Schools: Cardiff Road (above Blaengwawr Inn), Ynyslwyd Road, Gamblvn Place, Club Street, Albion Street; Sunny Bank Street, Primrose Terrace and Violet Street.

Open Air School. The Health and School Medical Com- mittee reported that they had met on the Common to consider the sites of the Infectious Diseases Hospital and Open Air School in view of the fact that the Council had decided to build a permanent Hospital on the site of the present buildings adjacent to the proposed site of the Open Air School. It was resolved to recommend that the Infectious Diseases Hospital be erected on a new site three or four hundred yards to the south west of the present site, and that the Open Air School be erected as originally decided. The Director was authorised to forward the revised plans to the Board of Educa- tion.

Staff and Management Committee. The annual meeting of the Staff and Management Committee was held on May 20th. Councillor Illtvd Hopkins was unanimously appointed chairman of this committee for the ensuing year. Staff Arrangements—Appointments. —A list of 21 applications for appoint- ments as certificated assistant mis- tresses was submitted by the Director. who reported that he had received re- ports on the majority of the candidates from the Principals of the various Col- leges. It was reported that at least 7 more Certificated Assistant Mistresses would be required after the Midsum- mer vacation. It was recommended that the five following candidates he appointed: Miss Rosina Williams, Swansea; Miss E. 'M. Jenkins and! Miss E. Parry, Bangor Miss Dilys Williams, Hereford, and Miss A. Jones, Dudley. Salaries.—In consideration of her ten years previous experience and her capacity as a teacher, it was recom- mended by the casting vote of the chairman that the salary of Miss E. Williams, certificated assistant mis- tress at the Blaengwawr Girls' School, be raised to £100 per annum. Train Alteration.—Applications were read from Miss Sarah James, Aber- nant, and Miss Lily Jones, Town Church School, who both lived in Mer- thyr, asking to be allowed to reach school lo mins. afW the time of open- ing each morning on account of the alteration in the time of the train from Merthyr. It was resolved that the request be not acceded to. Transfer of Teachers.—The Director reported that he had a large number of applications for transfers from teach- ers in the service of the committee, and suggested the appointment of a small subi-committee to consider the matter. It was resolved that the chairman, vice-chairman, and Coun- cillor Illtyd Hopkins be appointed as a sub-committee to consider the appli- cations. Appointment of Junior Clerk.—The Director reported upon the examin- ation of 14 candidates for appointment as Junior Clerk in the Medical Depart- ment. Councillor G. D. Powefl re- ported the views of the sub-committee who had been instructed to select three candidates to appear before the com- mittee. It was unanimously recom- mended that John Lewis Thomas, of 16 Pendarren Street, a pupil at the County School, be appointed, and that he be given the opportunity of taking the Senior Examination of the Central Welsh Board, for which he had entered. School Cleaners.—Seven applications for appointment as cleaner of the Ynyslwyd Schools were submitted, and it was resolved that Mrs. Bevan, of 15 Dumfries Street, be appointed. Three applications for appointment as cleaner of the Glynhafod Schools, were submitted, and it was resolved that Mrs. A. Rees, of 38 Aman Street, be appointed. Swimming for Girls.—It was report- ed that over 600 girls had expressed a desire to attend swimming classes at the baths. The Director was author- ised to make arrangements with the Parks Committee and the Aberaman Hall Committee for the use of the baths on one day per week by classes of girls over 12 years of age. It was further resolved not to appoint a woman to give instruction to the girls. I Instruction in Handwork.—The Di- rector recommended (a) That equip- j ment for the teaching of light wood- work be provided at the Abernant, Cwmbach, Cwmdare and Ynyslwyd Schools; (b) that a spare class room at the Town Council School be equipped for a full woodwork course; and (c) That the equipment at Capcoch be im- proved so as to provide for a full wood- work course. The Director's recom- mendations were unanimously adopt- ed. Teaching of Domestic Subjects.—The Director submitted a report on the teaching of domestic subjects for the district, and after discussion it was re- solved to recommend as follows :—(a) That the Cookery Class at present being taught at the temporary Town Council Centre be transferred to the new Town Domestic Centre after Whit- sun. (b) That Miss Davies, now of Aman Domestic Centre, be transferred as responsible head of the Town Domestic Centre after the Midsummer Holidays, (c) That Miss Watkins, now of the Temporary Town Centre, be transferred to the Aman Centre after the Midsummer Holidays. The Direc- tor further reported on the desirability of extending the facilities for teaching Domestic Subjects at the Aman Cen- tre, and it was resolved that the com- mittee would be prepared to consider proposals for such extension. Summer School Scholarships. It was resolved that scholarships tenable at the various Summer Schools be awarded as follows :-Welsh Summer School: Scholarships of 25s. each to Miss S. D. Davies, Miss Mary E. Davies and Miss Maud Richards, of Capcoch; Miss Ceinwen Evans, Miss Eliz. Jones and Miss M. A. Jones, of Hirwain. Barry Summer School: Scholarhips of C3 each, Miss M. Jones, Hirwain; Mr F. O. Morgan, Hirwain, and Mr R. H. Thomas, Robertstown. Aberystwyth Summer School: A scholarship of £ 2 10s. for Mr Ivor Rees. Robertstown. Midsummer Holidays. It was re- solved that the Schools close for the Midsummer Holidays on Friday, July 24th, and that steps be taken to obtain the views of teachers on the question or earlier holidays before fixing the i date next year. Appointment of Bursars, Student Teachers and Uncertificated Teachers.. —It was reported that 12 applications had been received for appointment as Bursars, 14 as Student Teachers, and 20 as Uncertificated Teachers. It was resolved that the consideration of the applications be deferred pending re- ceipt of the results of the Central Welsh Board examinations. Abernant School.—A letter was read from the Head Master of the Abernant School making certain complaints against a member of his staff. It was., resolved that the matter be referred to a small sub-committee consisting of the chairman, vice-chairman, Councillors ) E. Ogwen Williams and A. P. Jones for investigation and report. It was further resolved that this sub-commit- tee be appointed to act as an Investi- gation Committee during the ensuing year, to consider and report upon cases as they arose. Robertstown School.—The applica- tion of the Head Master of the Robertstown School for the provision of a pen of poultry in 'connection with the school garden was not entertained, Dancing Class.-The application of Mr P. Morris for the use of the Ynvs- lwvd School for the purpose of holding a Dancing Class during the summer months was refused.

Staff. The Director said that in addition to the five teachers appointed by the Staff and Management Committee he had applications now from 22 others, and 11 of them understood Welsh and 11 did not. Two, in addition to the five, were wanted to meet bare necessities. Mr T. Walter Williams suggested that they obtain four. Mr Jackson Thomas agreed. Mr L. N. Williams asked if four were required. It was then resolved to appoint 3, and grant permission to the Director to appoint one more should necessity arise.

Inspector Pleased. The Director reported that H.M. In- spector had visited the new Town Domestic Centre, which was now al- most completed, in Wind Street, Aber- dare. He was very pleased with it, and in effect had said it was simply per- fect and that there was no better cen- tre in the whole of South Wales.

Carpenters' and Joiners' -id. The Carpenters and Joiners wrote the Committee pointing out that the employers had conceded an advance to them of £ d. per hour, taking effect on May 16, 1914, and another Jd. per hour on January 1st, 1915. The letter asked the committee to fall in line with the decision of the employers. The Director said he had conceded the advance since May 16th. and his action was confirmed.

A New Faith. The Apostolic Faith Church, Tre- cynon, per Mr James Forward, wrote asking for the use'of a rooin in Park School to hold their meetings. They now met in a house, which was inade- quate for their purpose. It was pointed out that only when chapels were being renovated that schools were lent for the purpose of public worship. Mi- Jackson Thomas: Are they re- novating their chapel V Chairman: They haven't got one yet. The application was refused. _1

Value in Aberdare. It will be at once recognised that the value of the Aberdare statements which have appeared in the local press for so many weeks in succession would be greatly enhanced if there were any con- clusive evidence as to how they endure the test of time. Fortunately this evi- dence is forthcoming, confirming after the lapse of years the statement made by a Aberdare woman. On July 14th, 1909, Mrs. E. Williams, of 11 Penybryn Street—near the Inter- mediate Schools—Gadlys, Aberdare, said:—" I had severe pains in my back and loins for a long time, no doubt as the result of a chill. I was suddenly attacked one night with such a fearful pain in my back that I almost fell, and a chilly feeling came over me, which lasted some time. I applied flannel with turpentine, and also had medical treatment, but with only temporary relief, for shortly afterwards I had another attack. e I failed to get proper rest at night, and had bad headaches, accompanied by at- tacks of dizziness. There were urinary troubles also. But the medicine from which I ob- tained the greatest benefit was Doan's backache kidney pills. I had read and ( heard of these, and was led to try them myself. My back became stronger, and I felt altogether better in health than I had been for some time. I think highly of the medicine, and can well recommend it for kidney trouble." On March 17th, 1913—nearly four years later-Mrs. Williams said Whenever I get backache pains I al- ways take a few of Doan's backache kid- ney pills, and they soon leave me." Price 2/9 a box, 6 boxes 13/9; of all dealers, or from Foster-McClellan Co., 8 Wells St., Oxford St., London, W. Don't ask for backache and kidney pills, —ask distinctly for Doan's backache kidney pills, the same as Mrs. Williams had.

"You say you occasionally smoke one of your wife's Christmas cigars?"— "Yes. I dug 'em up the other day, and they are a great help in my present situation."—"What is that P" _u I am :rying to leave off smoking for good."

Carnival at Aberdare. Trades and Labour Council's Successful Function. A grand Carnival and Fete were held on Whit-Monday under the aus- pices of the Aberdare Trades and Labour Council. The function was on a large scale, ana the entries in the various competitions were numerous. At 12.30 a procession was formed in Duke Street, Aberdare, in the follow- ing order: Aberdare Fire Brigade, Mounted Police, Mounted Marshalls, Ambulance Brigade, Trade Exhibits. Cynon "alley Band, Municipal Work- ers' Union, various comic turn-outs, and tradesmen's turn-outs. Thousands of people lined the streets along the routü, which was fi-onj Duke Street, to Aberaman Hall, and back through Lewis Street, CardilT Hoad, Cardiff Street, Victoria -Square, and up to Lower Park Gates, thence back to the Athletic Grounds through Commercial Street. After the procession had entered the field, various competitions took place, and there was a huge attendance. The Carnival was the only attraction in Aberdare on that day, and it was well patronised, not only by Aberdare and district people, but by the inhabitants of Hirwain, Mountain Ash and Pen- rhiwoeiber, who came in in crowds by the various trains. The Carnival offi- cials were Mr J. W. Toms (chairman). Mr J. H. Bruton (treasurer), and Messrs. Geo. Grubb and E. Stonelake (secretaries). Marshalls (mounted), Messrs. W. G. Fry, W. Scribhens, Councillors Idwal Thomas and D. E. Davies. Foot, Messrs. T. Davies, D. Lewis, P. Williams, Jos. Wall, E. Davies, W. J. Powell, Will Lawrence, Isaac Griffiths, Wm. Lynch, J. H. Job, D. J. Phillips, J. Prowle, T. E. Ed- munds, Griffith Jones, James Arrow- smith, A. W. Skyrme, John Griffiths, Jonah Lewis. Judges: Messrs. Wm. Whiting, John Howell, Thomas Davies, John Rogers, A. J. Abraham, John W. Hek, Dr. J. LI. Prichard, Nurse L. Carter, Mrs. Rose Davies, Mr Walter Hopcroft (Manager Park Cinema), Mr. G. Wil- liamson (Manager New Theatre and Hippodrome). Sports Section: Messrs F. G. Burge and J. Strickland. Boys' and Girls' Race Handicapper, Mr. H. Phillips. Walking Race Handicap- pers, Messrs. D. Lewis and W. Lynch. Waltzing Competition, Messrs. George Stonelake and T. J. Thomas. Goal Kicking, Mr Duncan Ross. A beautiful programme of music was gone through on the grounds by the Cynon Valley Band, conductor, Mr J. Manley, consisting of marches, selec- tions, waltzes, and a cornet solo by Mr J. Brister, and an euphonium solo by Mr J. Cotter. The Aberdare Fire Brigade, under the command of Capt. J. Davies, gave demonstrations on the field. The awards were as follows Best Trade Exhibit of any kind: 1. F. E. Hek, Cardiff Street, Aberdare; 2, W. Morris, 11 Dumfries St., Aberdare; 3, D. J. Davies, Cardiff Street, Aber- dare. National or Historical Representa- tion in Costume (Lady or Gent): 1, Dolly Foxhall, 29 Pwllgwaun Road, Pontypridd 2, Willie Foxhall, 29 Pwll- gwaun Road, Pontypridd; 3, Th Anthony, Cwmaman. Fancy Dress, on Horseback (Lady or Gent) 1, Dolly Foxhall, 29 Pwllgwaun Road, Pontypridd; 2, Reginald Slo- combe, Bryngwyn Farm, Aberdare. Fancy Dress, Walking (Lady or Gent): 1, Corona Jennie Wilson; 2, Evan Jenkins, Pontypridd ("Tempted, but Shy"). Novel or Comic Turnout (Walking, Riding or Driving): 1, Carl Richard- son, 30 Victoria Square, Aberdare; 2, W. G. Evans, John Street, Abercwm- boi; 3, Alf Ashman, 1 Dover Place, Aherdare, "White Hope." Comic 13and for Boys: 1, David Daniel Price's (Foundry Town Bruis- ers' Band); 2, J. Emlyn Jones, Aber- dare. Fancy Dress for Boys or Girls under If) years of age: 1, Wm. John Bishop, Aberaman; 2, Corona Jeanie Wilson, Prince of Wales Hotel, Aberdare; 3 Dolly Foxhall, 29 Pwllgwaun Road' Pontypridd. Best Grocer and Provision Dealer's Turnout: 1, Lewis Jones, Bell Street, Trecynon; 2, Cwmbach Co-op. Society, Aberaman; grooming prize, Cwmbach Co-op. Society. Aberaman. Best Greengrocer's Turnout: 1, Philip Mitchell, Mountain Ash; 2, Wm. Lawrence, 27 Phillip Street, Mountain 00 Ash. Grooming prize, Jas. H. Teague, 33 Albany Street, Mountain Ash. Best Milkvendor's Turnout: 1, E. 'B. Element, Caegarw Dairy, Mountain Ash; 2, W. T. Evans, Carmarthen Dairy, Aberdare. Grooming prize, W. T. Evans, Carmarthen Dairy, Aber- dare. Best Butcher's Turnout: 1. Lewis Jones, Bell Street, Trecynon; 2, Cwm- bach Co-operative Society, Aberaman. The-grooming prize was awarded to Lewis Jones, Bell Street, Trecynon. Best Bakers' Turnout: I., R. H. Miles and Son, Aberdare; 2. Co-oper- ative Society, Aberdare. Grooming prize, Cwmbach Co-op. Society, Aber- p aman. Host General Turnout (Light Class) 1, Lewis Jones, Trecynon; 2. Philip Mitchell, Mountain Ash. Grooming prize, E. B. Element, Mountain Ash. Best General Turnout (Heavy): 1, Cwmbach Co-operative Society, Aber- aman; 2, Co-operative Society, Aber- dare. Grooming prize, J. L. Bowen and Son. Ltd., Mineral Water Works. Best Groomed and Plaited Heavy Horse of any Exhibit on Parade: i. Thomas Williams, 11 Park Lane, Aber- dare 2, Cwmbach Co-op. Society, Aberaman. Best Groomed and Plaited Collierv Horse: 1, David R. Lie welyn, "Sam- I son 2. Edward Pugh. Bwllfa No. 2 (Nantmelyn); 3, W. H. Davies, Bwllfa No. 1 Colliery. The awards in the Sports Competi- tions were as follows :— Tug-of-War Competition (Open), Eight a-side: 1, Cwmaman "A" Team, captain, T. J. Howells; 2. Cwmaman "B" Team, captain, Wm. Banner; 3. Mountain Ash Team. Goal Kicking Competition 1, W. T. Mullins, 4 Bell Street. Trecynon: 2. Roger James, 3 Green Faeh. Skipping Competition (open to boys and girls under 14): 1, Thomas J. OWPII, Aberaman; 2. Gerty Davies, Cwmdare: 3, Rachel Parsons, 6 Dow- lais Street, Aberdare. Squad Drills (open to school chil- drenJ: 1. Standard Vb., Park Boys' School (Council). 100 Yards Handicap for Boys under 14: 1. Ed. John Evans, Penrhiwceiber; 2, D. James Davies. Aberdare; 3. Owen Cooper, Aberdare. 60 Yards Handicap Race for Girls under 14: 1, Matilda Davies, 22 Bwllfa Terrace, Cwmdare; 2, Lizzie May Rees,. Aberdare; 3, Phyllis G. Knibbs, Aber- dare. Men's Obstacle Race (open): 1, Reggie Knibbs; 2, Harry Phillips. Waltzing Competition 1, Zac Butler and Miss Williams; 2, Tom Nutt and Miss Davies, Mountain Ash. Walking Handicap, about 2 miles, confined to Trade Unionists affiliated to the Trades and Labour Council: 1, Edward Tuttey. Aberdare; 2, Wm. E. Hale, Aberdare; 3, Llew Hopkins. Baby Show (under 12 months): 1, Megan Stephens; 2, Kenneth Pugh. Best Window Dressing Competition. -clotili(,I.,S, Class: 1, Messrs Stewarts, Canon Street. Provisions: 1, D. J. Phillips. Aberaman Co-op. Confec- tionery: 1, J. Davies. Cardiff Street. Boot Shop: 1. H. E. Hill (Lennards Ltd). Drapery: 1, Aberdare Co-oper- ative (Gadlys Branch). The Aberdare Town Ambulance Bri- gade. under the charge of Supt. D. Evans, rendered valuable assistance on the grounds.

Great Meeting at Mountain Ash. impression of Sir Edward Carson. Sir Edward Carson, M.P., K.C., proved a huge draw at Mountain Ash on Thursday. The town was all agog. from early in the afternoon, special trains as well as ordinary trains bring- ing people in by the hundreds, making TU,° stl'Gots uncomfortably crowded. I he meeting was timed to commence at 6.45 and the doors open at 6 o'clock. The arrangements for entering the Pavilion grounds were most unsa^isfac- toi-y. An extremely narrow doorway in the wall was the only means of access, and it was through this that a crowd of about 10,000 people had to pass, whether they were holders of balcony or platform tickets. It was rather a rare if unpleasant experience for notabali- ties, whose seats are invariably re- served and whose road thereto is un- impeded, to have to edge their way and to he swayed backward and forward in a rough and uncontrollable crowd, stemmed by about a dozen police offi- cers. But such fell to the lot of scores of ladies and gentlemen last Thursday afternoon. Several batches of people scoured the surrounding wall for another place of entry. One party who held front seat tickets discovered a doorway, and so persistent were their knocking that they beat the door down. A rush inwards followed, but to their keen disappointment the passage was a blind one, and they sorrowfully beat a retreat. A reporter from London—a rather stout gentleman, representing the Press Association, whose head was one mass of perspiration, was highly indignant at having to struggle for 25 minutes to get inside. It was reported that one person lost a bag containing t40 in the crowd which struggled to get inside. The arrangements for entering the Pavilion itself were excellent, and there was no waiting. The scene inside was grand and inspiring. Ten thousand faces eagerly watched the arrival of the hero of Ulster. But other persons were noticed and heartily cheered. Mr Fo-x Davies, the Unionist Candidate fyr Merthyr and Aberdare Boroughs, who arrived with his wife and Mr and Mrs F. N. Gray, came in for a great deal' of attention. At 7 p.m. Sir Edward Carson ap- peared, and the whole meeting rose en masse to greet him, many waving handkerchiefs and flags. He walked on tb the table, and faced the audience in a stoical attitude. Once he essayed to smile in response, but failed. His face bore traces of worry and responsi- bility. He spoke to no one. He ad- justed his pince-nez, took them off and cleaned them, re-adjusted them, and looked up his notes, while the chair- man, Lord Dynevor, opened the meet- ing. When Mr Fox Davies was an- nounced to speak, Sir Edward merely glanced to see what kind of person lie was, and then returned to his notes. His whole appearance, especially his huge jaw and prominent lips, suggest- ed a man of great determination and energy. He was given another great. ovation when he rose to speak. He had a tell- ing address, delivered in a perfect man- ner so far as enunciation and absence of hesitancy was concerned, but he was far from eloquent. He spoke con- vincingly, but he did not thrill his aud- ience. It was the deeds of daring that he spoke of which drew the applause, for he was incapable of moving his audience by the way in which he related them. He was altogether too cold and rigid to be an orator who could make a crowd leap with enthusiasm in spit6 of themselves. His speech was unin- terrupted except for one or two inter- jections at the very beginning. Those who made adverse observations were soon bundled out. When Sir Edward Carson finished, hundreds left the building, but those who remained were rewarded by hear- ing a very aDle and passionate speech by the other advertised speaker—Mr .Tames Chambers, K.C., M.P., of Bel- fast. The meeting was held under the aus- pices of the League of British Cove- nanters, the secretarial work being car- ried out by Mr T. Maund.

r Aberdare Education Committee. Op Friday, Mr. Geo. Powell in the chair. The other members present were: Mrs. Davies (vice-chairman), Messrs. T. Walter Williams, David Davies, L. N. Williams, J.P., Dd. E. Davies, D. Jackson Thomas, Ogwen Williams, with Mr T. Botting (direc- tor), Mr Tom D. Jones (assistant direc- tor), and Dr. J. Ll. Prichard (medical officer).

Discussion on Above Reports. Open Air School. Mr. T. Walter Williams asked when were they going to consider the ques- tion of a final site for the Open Air School. The Director replied that that had been decided finally. Mr T. W. Williams: It is still rather near the Hospital. Chairman The plans Mve now been forwarded to the Board of Education.

Teachers from Merthyr. The Director stated that another letter had been received from Miss James and Miss Jones. They asked the committee to reconsider their de- cision, and to grant their request till July, otherwise they would have to leave Merthyr by the 7.10 a.m. train. Mr Jackson Thomas moved that the request be granted till July. Mr T. Walter Williams seconded, and the motion was agreed to.

Stammering Class. There was a letter from the Board of Education allowing attendance grants for the Stammering Class, subject to the approval of the arrangements by H.M. Inspector. The Board went on to point out the advisability of pursu- ing the treatment re stammering chil- dren, adding that the success of the classes was not to be judged bv the transient results but by the ultimate and sustained results. Mi- T. Walter Williams suggested that they obtain a full report from the Director re the future arrangements of this class. The Director said he intended going into the whole question and to see what could be done after the Higher Stand- ard Stammering Class would cease. u-"0- ,E- Davies asked whether anything had yet been done to enable boys and girls who had left school to attend a stammering class. Mrs. Davies replied that she had brought the matter forward at the last meeting of the Evening Classes Com- mittee, and the request for sanction to organise such a class had been sent on. The committee would have to wait some time before a reply came.

Conference. The Director reported that Mrs. Davies and he had attended the annual meetings of the Federation of Welsh Education Committees, held at Llan- drindod. All the authorities belong- ing to the Federation were represented. The most interesting item in the meet- ing was a paper read by Mr T. W. Berry, Rhondda Education Committee, on Educational Finance. Mrs. Davies added that there had been a very interesting discussion on the above topic, and Mr. Botting had taken a very active part in it. The Budget had not been introduced when the conference was held, and there was a wrangle as to whether a resolution should be passed expressihg their heart-felt gratitude to the Govern- ment, or whether they should adopt a more cautious attitude. The more cautious attitude was, however, adopt- ed. It was thought that whatever grants would be given were very long over-due. There was to have been a paper' read by a medical gentleman from Newport, on the provision of baths at schools, but the gentleman in question failed to attend. Mr T. Walter Williams moved a hearty vote of thanks to the Director and Mrs. Davies for their reports. Mr. Ogwen Williams, in seconding, said that even the mild form of grati- fication which had been adopted made up somewhat for the expressions of contempt that had been uttered con- cerning the action of the Government, He believed that the Government were doing their utmost and would carry out their proposals towards the relief of the rates. Mr Jackson Thomas: If a Conserva- tive Government comes into power we may have better measures again. Mr Ogwen Williams: Some members of this committee have been hitting the Government very hard. The Chairman said they had been rather dubious as to the outcome of the promises made. He was afraid that if there had not been a rather violent agitation, the Government would not have been so generous.

Schoolmaster's Huge Mistake. I The Director said that the Chair- man and he had attended an urgent conference held in the House of Com- mons in respect of the Necessitous Areas. Aberdare would benefit to the extent of from 22,500 to P,2,800 from the increased sum allocated in the Budget. Their total share would therefore be about £ 8,000. There had been misconceptions in various quarters concerning the increased grants to necessitous areas. The School- master," one of the organs of the teachers, had stated that the increase for Aberdare would be £ 10,000. (Laughter.) Of course the increase would not be more than about 22,500. The Chairman added a few words, and on the motion of Mr L. N. Wil- liams, seconded by Mr D. Jackson Thomas, the action of the chairman and Director in attending the confer- ence was confirmed.

Applications for Increases. Teachers Want a Portion of That £ 10,000." The following letter had been re- ceived from Mr J. S. Thomas, secretary of the Aberdare Teachers' Association: Last June a memorial was present- ed you asking for a revision of the scale or salaries for teachers under your authority. The application was re- ceived sympathetically, and a promise was made for a favourable consider- ation at a time more opportune to your authority. The whole position has again been carefully reviewed by the Teachers' Association, and the case for the male certificated teachers was judged as being the most pressing and urgent for an increased maximum. I am accordingly instructed to approach you for a revision of the maximum of men class teachers, and suggest for your consideration the following facts: Maxima for the men cert. class teach- ers under other authorities: Union scale, £ 200; Rhondda, £160, with bonus after 15 years' service to LISO; Mountain Ash, £ 160; Merthyr, £ 160; Pontypridd, £ 160; Llanellv, £ 160; i Csftdiff, £ 170; Aberdare, t 145. (1) Aberdare has the lowest maximum of any large Urban Authority in South Wales. (2) Promotion to headships is so slow as to be practically negligible. Class teaching has now become a per- manency. (3) The Necessitous Area Grant will be improved by the new budget, and Aberdare stands in a favourable position for a substantial increase. (4) A Id. rate would cover the whole scheme up to the year 1920 if the maximum were made equal to that of districts quoted above. This could be distributed at one-sixth of a Id. per annum. (5) The new basis of grants will relieve tension locally in a substantial form. (6) There has been no revision of scale since 1906. Mean- while the cost of living has increased considerably. One authority on this question quotes an increase of 5/8 £ in the J6. (7) The recent Government area report on the Aberdare Schools will compare favourably with any in the kingdom. Should you require the whole case stated from the teachers' standpoint, the Association would be pleased to send a deputation of three teachers to wait upon your commit- tee." The Director referred to the para- graph re the Budget, and the "sub- stantial increase." The teachers had evidently taken this from "The School- master," and were under the im- pression that Aberdare were having an increased grant of £ 10,000. Mr Jackson Thomas said that when Aberdare stood to benefit a little by this grant, the teachers were coming along and wanted it all. He did not see his way clear to support a revision of the scale. The Chairman suggested that the letter be referred to the Staff and Management Committee. Mr D. E. Davies moved that. Chairman There is another applica* tion for increases. Mr Ogwen Williams: I think we should consider them separately. The class teachers are worse off than any other grade of teachers. Mr Jackson Thomas said that the letter referred to the increased cost of living. If the teachers were going to appear before the committee, they should bring their shop pass-books so that the prices might be compared. Chairman You think that plea is being over-done? Mr Jackson Thomas: There's no doubt about it. Mr Davies' motion to refer the letter to committee was carried.

Non-Collegiate Teachers' Case. The following letter was next read We, the undersigned non-collegiate certificated teachers respectfully draw your attention to the difference made by your committee between collegiate and non-collegiate certificated teach- ers re salaries and promotion. Con- sidering that both hold the same certi- ficates and are recognised by the Board t of Education as being equally qualifi- fied, and, having had many years' ex- perience, we feel justified in asking you to make no differentiation between collegiate and non-collegiate teachers. The majority of us are natives of Aber- dare, qualfied to teach Welsh, and have served all our time under your authori- ty and previous to that under the old School Board. According to your re- gulations we are barred for all time any chance of promotion, which we think is most unjust, considering that several of those teachers who now hold headships under your -committee have exactly the same qualifications as our- selves. We appeal to you in every confidence that you will reconsider our case, and hope that our petition will meet with your kind favour.—We re- main, M. A. Davies, M. A. Williams, M. G. Buckle Emily Williams, Cather- ine Rees, Margaret Rees, Emily Grif- fiths, Elizabeth Evans, Ann Evans, Gwen E. Garrett, E. Matthews, F. Jones, H. M. Evans and L. James." This application was also referred to committee.

Car Smash at Abernant. On Thursday afternoon an accident happened to one of the electric rail-less cars that run between Aberdare and Abernant. It appears that while opposite Ynyslas House, on the upward journey, something went wrong with the steering gear and the car swerved. It collided with an electric standard and afterwards backed against the wall in front of the house. There were several passengers in the car, and most pf them, and also the motorman and conductor, were severely shaken. How».*er, it was Mrs. Davies, wife of Mr. D. Timothy Davies, County School, and her baby that fared the worst. Their faces were so badly cut by broken glass as to necessitate stitching. They were taken to Ynyslas House, and attended to by Mrs. James. Dr. Holmes was soon on the spot and dressed the wounds. We are pleased to learn that both are doing well. The car was badly damaged.

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