The Aberdare Leader

Reviews and Prospects. The Chairman reviewed the work of the Council for the year, dealing main- ly with that body's successful opposi- tion to the Gas Bill .before Parliament, very advantageous terms having there- by been obtained for the ratepayers. He also dealt with the War Loan invest- ment of the Council, and "the allot- ments. The coal depot did not prove very successful, only 20 tons of coal having been distributed, and now things were at a standstill. One of the huge schemes of the future would be the erecting of a Garden City on the Blaengwawr Field, a scheme that in- volved about £ 100,000. They also in- tended building a Garden City on the Cwmneol Estate, part of which had been bought by the Council at a low price. He would move that Mr. Illtyd Hopkins be chairman for the ensuing year. Mr. D. E. Da vies seconded. This was unanimously agreed to, and thereupon Mr. Hopkins took the vacated chair. He mentioned two im- portant municipal undertakings which had been held over owing to the war. When the war would be over they hoped to be able to extend the tramways to Abercwmboi and Cwmaman, and have trackless extensions to Cwmbach and Llwydcoed. They would also have to build houses for the working people of the neighbourhood. Mr. Hopkins moved a vote of thanks to thet retiring chairman.—Mr. W. Rees seconded.

Appointments. Mr. T. W. Williams moved that Mr. x George Powell be elected vice-chair- man. Mr. Ogwen Williams seconded. Carried. The Farms Committee members and the Joint Hospital Committee members were re-elected. All members of the Council were ap- pointed on the Education Committee, and Mrs. F. R. Davies was re-appointed as co-opted lady member.

Borough Separation. In the absence of Mr. Geo. Powell, Mr. Ogwen Williams moved that a representation be made to the Govern- ment to constitute Aberdare a separate Parliamentary Borough from Merthyr under the new Franchise Bill. Mr. George explained that the re- presentation of Hirwain was now di- vided between throe constituencies, which was a great annoyance and hum- bug. He thought it well to have all Hirwain under one representation. Eventually the matter was referred to the Parliamentary Committee, and if expedient that a special meeting of the Council be held.

Light and Water. The Surveyor reported on the lighting question. He also said that there were v serious leakages in the water mains. especially in Hirwain, and if we would have a dry summer there might be great trouble. He suggested that at the end of April street lighting be dropped until August 20, so that the man in charge of the lighting, who was a plumber, should take charge of the water mains.—Agreed to.

Oddfellows' Request. Mr. dacob R. Jones, on behalf of the Oddfellows, wrote asking that that Society should be represented- on the Naval* and Military Pensions Commit- tee. Several members thought that such representation would be insidious and create a dangerous precedent. It was decided to refer Mr. Jones to the Statutory Committee.

prohibition-Pro and Con. In response to a request from the organisers of the Prohibition movement Mik Ogwen Williams moved that the Council support a petition to Parliament in favour of Prohibition during the war 'and six months afterwards. Mr. W. Rees seconded. Mr. L. N. Williams considered it wrong to push contentious matters be- fore Parliament during the present crisis. If the Government thought it necessarv they would doubtless take steps to prohibit the manufacture of inf AviVQnK Mr. \Y. Lawrence asked if this move was made in the moral and economic interests of the nation, as claimed, why limit prohibition for the duration ot the war? Why did not the Free Church Councils tackle the root of the matter, and try to bring this terrible war to an end? 0 The motion was carried by six votes to five.

A Matter of Life and Death. The Blaenavon Council had forwarded a resolution with a request that fhe Aberdare Council endorse it. It was to the effect that in view of the present abnormal mortality and the need of keeping up the birth rate, Parliament be urged to take measures to prevent the publication of advertisements of ap- pliances to procure abortion. Also that the maternity benefit of the Insurance Act be advanced to £ 5. Mr. Idwal Thomas moved, and M.r. T. W. Griffiths seconded, that no action be taken. Mr. J. O. George moved that they support the resolution. Mr. Ogwen Williams seconded. The original motion was carried by seven votes to 4.

Potatoes! There was considerable discussion on the vexed question of potato queues in Aberdare. Eventually it was decided to refer the matter to the Rationing Committee.

Subsidising the Kitchen. In connection with the Communal Kitchens, Mr. T. Walter Williams moved that the Council make a loan of £ 20 towards initial expenses. Mr. W. Rees: What are the pros- pects of repayment? lr. Williams said that he hoped that in a few weeks there would be sufficient revenue to repay. Mr. Idwal Thomas seconded the motion, which was agreed to.

ABERDARE EASTER VESTRY. The annual vestry was held on Tliurs- day at St. John's Parish Church and the Parish lLall, the Vicar, the Rev. J. A. Lewis, ilA., presiding. In his address the Vicar dealt among other things with the curates' stipend account in the balance sheet. He said that the advance in the salaries of the clergy must be maintained. If sufficient money was not forthcoming, then there must be fewer clergymen. Mr. W. Edwards, people's warden, presented the accounts for the year. He stated that the sum of tl3,050 had been collected in'the parish during the year, iilft more than the previous year. The debt all the National Schools had now been practicallv wiped away. The restoration of the parish church was now complete, and that was also free from debt. Four out of the six churches in the parish showed a balance on the right fjide. He regretted a falling off 'in the collections at St. Elvan's. The Vicar incidentally remarked that about 600 members of the Church were now serving the colours. This might account to some extent for the falling- off in collections.—The balance sheet was adopted. A vote of thanks to the wardens, Messrs. T. Lloyd and W. Edwards, was carried. Both gentlemen were re- elected for the ensuing year. Mr. Llovd, Vicar's Warden, in re- sponding, said that his work was practi- cally a sinecure. The brunt of the financial work was borne by Mr. Edwards. Mr. Edwards, in responding, declared that Mr. Lloyd was not the figurehead which he modestly assumed to be, but a faithful co-worker. essrs. W. H. Tern pieman and W. T. Owen were appointed sidesmen for St. John's Parish Church. Coming to the appointment of St. Elvan's sidesmen, the Vicar remarked that he would like the election of these to be representative. He wanted men who would come in close touch with those who attended church and interest themselves especially in casual attend- ants. The following were appointed:- Messrs. Charles Hill, W. C. Parker. John Lewis (Nant Row), Edward Shannon, Ben Lewis, John Gibbs. F. Pardoe, J. Vincent, Supt. E. Rees, Messrs. James A. Morgan, J. Bradley Morris, P. Griffen, Thomas Gerrish. James Oliver. W. Llewelyn, and James Mapp. An Easter offering in the form of a cheque for t40 was handed by Churchwarden T. Lloyd to the Vicar, who greatly appreciated the kindness of his parishioners.

Trecynon and Llwydcoed Notes. BY MAR CELLO. Miss M-—s monstre new hat, which was to have been exhibited on Easter Monday, will lie on view for certain Whit-Monday. But what if the fashion will change and the weather not change by them. The black and tan toff from Llwyd- coed—that is. black lace and tan boots— is still swanking it. Is there a pro- hibition of soap, too I am informed that a very ardent horticulturist has been unearthed at Penywain. Tell it not in Gath, or Goliath will be up in arms. My sympathies to the Trecynon gar- dener whose floral prospects have been nipped in the bud. The avalanche on the roof of the conservatory did it. Sim Reeves is going to have a concert at the Red Cross Hospital, so he says. What a lot those poor maimed warriors have "to put up with! I am sure they will wish themselves back in the shell zone and Sims in a still hotter zone. Mrs. Manywords is alarmed because the baby's first anniversary has not brought him speech. And yet she de- clares that the kiddie takes after his ma. Goliath -has bought some seed. potatoes of the Great Scott species. Some of them weigh a pound. Oh, what will the harvest be! I I pity that lighted lamp on Llwyd- coed road, the one and only public lluinant from Trecynon up: There it is night after night, like Words- worth's solitary star, shedding its lovely but lonely light. The Council torch bearer should certainly light up another lamp or two in benighted Llwydcoed if only to keep it company.

LOCAL MINISTER'S DEPARTURE. On Monday last the Rev. E., J. Gruffydd, pastor of Bethel Welsh Cong. Church, Trecynon. left for Rhyl to act as chaplain for His Majesty's Forces at Ivinniel Park in succession to the Rev. Edward' Jones. Mr. Gruffydd, who is ft native of Bethesda, Carnarvon- shire, came to Bethel nearly seven years ago to succeed the Rev. J. Rich- ards, now of Bethel, Arfon. Mr. Gruffydd, who is a gifted preacher and a good organiser, is very popular in Aberdare and district. The monthly services of song which he inaugurated at Bethel proved a great success. In the course of his ministry the chapel was rebuilt, and is now a very hand- some edifice and the church a flour- ishing one.

Aberdare Education Committee. ANNUAL MEETING. Held on Monday. Present: Mr. E. Ogwen Williams (chairman), Mrs. Davies, Messrs. D. E. Davies W. Lawrence, E. Jones (Cwmanlan){ .Jo!In Evans, J. O. George, Joseph Martin, T. W. Griffiths, W. Thomas, W. Hees, J.P., Idwal Thomas, T. Walter Wil- liams, L. N. Williams, J.P., illtyd Hopkins, and David Davies, with Mr. T. Botting (Director,).

Review of the Year. The Chairman gave an elaborate re- view of the work ot the Committee during his year of office, and mentioned that they had granted an advance to their employees-a moderate one. The I burden would fall upon the house- holders in the district, with whom he sincerely sympathised. Naturally the Committee had hesitated before increas- ing wages, but in a mining community like this we had some consolation in the face that if prices of goods were up. dividends and wages were also up. He was certain that eoalowners and col- liery workers who formed the bulk of the ratepayers in Aberdare would not begrudge the slight and belated ad- vance given to the teachers. Niggard- liness was the worst form of waste, and parsimony was a disaster in the educa- tional equipment. Mr. Williams added I that between 50 and 60 teachers had joined the Army; some had returned wounded, while two had paid the great, sacrifice. It was imperative to keep the schools at a high level of efficiency in the present circumstances. The Germans recognised the importance of tha t. Education was the main factor in the rebuilding of nations, and when the present Armageddon of armaments was ended he trusted a more dignified competition would arise. We were on the threshold of great revolutions; the old order changeth, and out of the car- case of this war he hoped the country would extract' some honey. Mr. Wil- liams referred to the progressive char- acter of their work, and complimented the varous committees and sub-com- mittees for tackling educational pro- blems, and he sincerely recognised the deep interest they took in the education of the district. Education which ex- alted knowledge at the expense of char- acter spelt ruin. They had been urged to copy German educational systems, but by now we realised the terrible re- sults of that education as expounded by German professors, which deified brute force. In conclusion Mr. Williams thanked the members for supporting him during his year of office, and thanked the Director for his ahle guid- ance and for his sterling services to the Committee. It was proposed and seconded that the vice-chairman, Mr. Idwal Thomas, be elected chairman. This was carried with acclamation. Mr. Thomas then took the chair, and thanked the mem- bers for electing him. He realised that the office was a responsible one. tie hoped the coming year would be a great one in an educational sense. The Board of Education had promised nu- merous reforms—-compulsory evening classes, et(-and it was hoped that these would become accomplished facts soon. He moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Ogwen Williams for the able manner in which he had presided during the year. Mr. Evan Jones seconded, and the motion was carried.

Vice-chairman. Mr. T. W. Williams moved that Mr. W. Lawrence be elected vice-chairman, adding that Mr. Lawrence had had a good training as chairman of the Staff and Management Committee. Mr. W. Thomas seconded. Mr. Ogwen Williams said that last. year Mr. Wm. Hees was proposed to the vice-chair, but he refused to serve. He would like to propose Mr. Rees now. Mr. T. W. williams said lie assumed that Mr. Hees' refusal still held good. Mr. Rees Yes, I am still of the same opinion. » Mr. Lawrence was then elected.

Association of Education Committees. There was a communication from the above relating to the annual conference, and suggesting that in order to effect economy the executive remain in office I for two years instead of one. Mrs. Da vies objected to the latter proposal. The questions at issue were such vital ones to this district and other autonomous districts that they should press for a stronger representation on the executive. The Chairman and Director were ap- pointed to attend the conference. Mr. T. W. Wi lliams moved that im- j mediately Mr. Fisher made his pro- nnc* T< in "Pn rll n memil (":1n;g 1 nuinlinr* 1"('1. ..1..1. L "I "V Co LlJ"l.Lu .ll.l"'li..ll.h of the Education Committee be called. They might urge the local M.P.'s to move amendments whereby Aberdare and otlwr dlstncts similarly situated j should get some control over secondary education. Mr. J. O. George seconded, and the motion was agreed to.

Guardians v. Education Committee. Jh. F. T. James, Clerk to the Guard- ians, wrote that his Board had had under consideration the Committee's refusal to grant permission to Cottage Homes boys over 12 years of age to help the Superintendent of the Homes in cultivating gardens. In view of the present crisis and the difficulty of ob- taining labour they felt hound to util- ise the services of those lads temporari- ly, and had accordingly given instruc- tions to the Superintendent to retain from school all the Homes boys over 12 years of age. The letter also referred to a circular issued by the Board of Education. Mr. Ogwen Williams asked the Di- rector if he had had similar applications from parents. Director: Yes. Mr. Llewelyn: Can we give per- mission to hoys who are under 13t r 2 The Director said he did not know what circular the Guardians referred to. Mr. Fisher had said he was pre- pared to facilitate an extension ot holi- days to boys to enable them to help in the cultivation of food. the cultivation of food. Mrs. Davies said she did not see why the Guardians should be treated differ- ent to parents, and the Guardians should not ride rough-shod over the regulations. j Mr. D. R. Llewelyp said that the committee were as alive as the Board f Guardians to the need of food culti- vation, but he thought they had gone. I too far in instructing the superintend- ent to keep the boys from school. What if other people—fathers who had allot- ments—did the same thing? Mr. T. W. Williams We should pro- secute them. I Mr. Llewelyn: The Guardians have no more right than parents. I move that we resent their action in over- riding the regulations of the com- mittee by sending instructions to the superintendent to keep the hoys from I school. Mr. Illtyd Hopkins seconded. Mr. Joseph Martin thought that Mr. Fisher's statement applied more to rural than to urban districts. Mr. Llewelyn's motion was carried.

Communal Kitchens. The Council asked permission to use the Park School Domestic Centre for one month to experiment in Communal Kitchens, and they further asked the Committee to allow Miss Lewis, one of the Cookery Mistresses, to assist. Mr. T. Walter Williams said that Miss Lewis had written to his wife agreeing to assist, provided some ar- rangement could be made with regard to her classes. He moved that consent be given. Mrs. Davies seconded, and expressed her confidence that Communal Kitchens would be successful, and that the pub- lie, when they knew the object and use- fulness of the movement, would support same. Mr. Ogwen Williams supported. In reply to Mr. L. N. Williams, Mr. T. W. Williams said that all was gratuitous. The motion was agreed to.

Rev. E. J. Cruffydd and Teaching. Ugly Rumours Dispelled. Mr. Ogwen Williams sought the per- mission of the Chairman to dispel some ugly rumours which had gained cur- rency in the district. He asked the Director; Did the Rev. E. J. Gruffydd, the pastor of Bethel Cong. Church, Gadlys, make a personal application for a post under the Education Committee? If he did not make a personal apph- cation, was any application made by him to the committee in conjunction with the secretary of the Free Church Council? The Director said he had heard cer- tain rumours with regard to the Rev. E. J. Gruffydd, and all he (Mr Botting) had to say was that they were absolute- Iy unbounded. Mr. Gruffydd, in com- mon with other ministers in the town, 1 filled in a National Service form, stat- ing that he was prepared to take up service in a school as a teacher. There were two such applications submitted to the committee, and his was one. Since then two others had come in from the Free Church Council for Wales.. The rumour reached him that Mr Gruffydd was going to a particular school, and that a certain teacher in tha,t school was going to the Army. The sug- gestion was that Mr. Gruffydd was pushing the teacher into the Army. Nothing of the kind happened. Mr. Ogwen Williams: Have we not appealed to the Tribunal and County Tribunal on behalf of every married teacher ? Director: Yes, the Education Com- mittee have appealed for every married teacher, either to the Board of Educa- tion or the Tribunals, or both. Mr. Will iams What was the action j taken bv this committee with regard to the applications from ministers? Director: They were deferred until such time as we shall have no applica- tions for places from teachers. Mr. Williams So the rev. gentleman did not make a personal application for a place—say Cwmdare or any other specified school r-No. Mr. T. W. Williams said he had seen in the newspapers that the Rev. E. J. Gruffydd had been appointed chaplain of the Welsh Forces. Mr. Ogwen Williams: That shows that instead of forcing a teacher to join the Army he has joined the Army him- self. Mr. Illtyd Hopkins Quite true. He has resigned his pastorate and left to- day. Mrs. Davies reminded the committee that when the applications came from the Free Church Council she moved that the names be not read, and they were not read.

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