Rhondda Leader Maesteg Garw and Ogmore Telegraph

Presentation to Mr. and Mrs. John Thomas, M.E., Ynyshir A meeting of more than usual interest was held at the Workmen's Hall, Ynyshir, on Monday evening last on the occasion of presentations to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas, Fernbank, Ynyshir. The large hall was filled with a great concourse of people, representing all classes of the community. Mr. W. J. Thomas, J.P., Brynawel, who presided, said he was very pleased to preside at such an interesting presenta- tion. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas fully deserved the great honour done them. Mr. Thomas had been connected with the Standard Collieries for 28 years, being appointed manager at the end of 1893. At this time the number employed at the colliery was 620, but at the present the total had reached 1,450. This spoke for itself as to 'Mr. Thomas' ability (cheers).. The position Mr. Thomas had gained was entirely due to his splendid practical knowledge of mining, and he (the speaker) had never hesitated to place full confi- dence in him. He could speak volumes as to Mr. Thomas' honesty and straight- forwardness, and had no doubt but that his workmen would fully endorse what he said. He thought the neighbourhood was indebted to both Mr. and Mrs. Thomas for the liberal manner in which they had responded to the appeals made to them. They had been ready to sympathise with the afflicted and the needy at all times. He wished the family a long life (loud applause). A pianoforte solo was then given by Mr. W. J. Davies, after which Mr. D. B. Davies (Stationers' Hall) addressed the meeting in Welsh. The workmen, inhabi- tants and tradespeople of Ynyshir had held to the advice of Paul to the Thessa- lonians, Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." The Fernbank family had been under proof, and their qualities had won for them a, good name and honour in the midst of their -eople in Ynyshir. These presents showed the warm corner they held in the hearts of the people of Ynyshir (applause). They all knew -that Mr. Thomas had ability and authority, and he had come by these through a spirit of determination, great efforts and incessant plodding. His greatest efforts were directed towards safety, the comfort of the worker, fair terms and peace (applause). A Welsh solo was then rendered by Mr. John Thomas, followed by a short speech by Mr. Samuel Howells, a very old work- man at the Standard Collieries. Madame E. A. Thomas gave a beautiful rendition of "Oartref." Mr. Moses Loughor, on behalf of him- self and fellow-tradespeople, paid a grace- ful tribute to Mr. Thomas, whose great tact had been a great factor in the pros- perity of the trade of Ynyshir, where trade disputes (so prevalent in other places) were unknown. This was due, he thought, to the discreet and fair treat- ment meted out at the Ynyshir Colliery, of which Mr. Thomas was the head. After a charming duet rendered by Mesdames E. A. Thomas and S. G. Thomas. Mr. William Thomas (manager), in an excellent address, spoke in most eulogistic terms of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas, and wished Mr. and Mrs. Thomas, their son and daughter the greatest happiness. He hoped the goodness of heart of the mother would be shown in the daughter, and the manly qualities of the father exhibit themselves in the son. The spring of their lives had gone, the summer was passing, but the beauty of autumn was dawning with its harvest of good friends and pleasant memories (cheers). Mr. John Ablett, one of the oldest workmen, then referred in feeling terms to the recipients of the presentation. A splendid reception was accorded the rendition of a solo by Miss Esther Cooper, and an encore had perforce to be given. Messrs. T. M. Walters and Wm. James bore the framed illuminated address to the table, and same was read out by Mr. William Jenkins, the secretary to the committee. The address was adorned with photographs of Mr. and Mrs. John Thomas, Mr. W. J. Thomas, J.P., and the latter'a grandfather and father, and ran as follows — ADDRESS Presented to Mr. and Mrs. John Thomas, Fernbank, Ynyshir. Dear Mr. and Mrs. Thomas,-We the undersigned, representing the Workmen and Officials of the Standard Collieries, and the Tradesmen and Inhabitants of Ynyshir and district, respectfully greet you with our sincerest congratulations on the advent of your son and heir. We avail ourselves of this domestic event to express, by means of this address, the great respect in which you are held in the neighbourhood. Your unosten- tatious charity, and your graceful readi- ness to help substantially every movement, is acknowledged on all sides. With direct reference to your official position as Manager of the Standard Col- lieries, we are proud of the fact that you are generally acknowledged as one of the most brilliantly successful colliery mana- gers in South Wales. There is an air of confidence and repose amongst the work- men under your supervision, and they have an instinctive feeling that the under- lying principle of your professional policy is the Safety of the workmen." We are not surprised at this when we reflect that this was the guiding prin- ciple of the veteran pioneer, the late Mr. James Thomas. You are singularly fortu- nate that, the traditional regard for "safety/' "fair dealing," and "peace" laid down, should be so heartily and efficiently carried out by Mr. W. J. Thomas, the successor. In all your excellent efforts to main- tain the collieries at a high state of efficiency, discipline and regularity, you are worthily seconded, and the whole neighbourhood shares the prosperity that results. The peaceful history of the collieries is a fine tribute alike to your excellence as a manager, the wise leadership of the men, and the high conception of the responsibility of ownership. We ask your acceptance of the silver tea and coffee service, the gold watch and chain as tokens of our appreciation. We trust that you will long be spared to enjoy_ them, and that daughter and son, in inheriting them, wiJl appreciate them as evidences of the high esteem in which their parents were held. We remain, dear Mr. and Mrs. Thomas, on behalf of the subscribers —President, W. J. Thomas; vice-presidents represent- ing the workmen and official s-Morgaii Williams, Edward Davies, John Ablett, Samuel Howells, William Thomas, T. M: Walters, D. B. Davies, and Wm. James; vice-presidents representing tradesmen and inhabitants generally-Wm. Evans, Moses Lougher, Gwilym Thomas, and David Richards; chairman of committee, John W. John treasurer, John Hughes: secretary, William Jenkins. Mr. Ambrose Moore, as the oldest workmen in the colliery, formally made t,he presentation to Mr. Thomas. Make new friends but keep the old was sung by Mr. Arthur Thomas. Mr. William Evans (Manchester House), in an interesting speech, then made the presentation of a gold watch and chain on behalf of the people of Ynyshir. Miss Maude Thomas (Brynawel), in a pithy speech, asked Mrs. Thomas to accept from her, on behalf of the committee, a beautiful tea and coffee service. Mrs. Thomas, in feeling terms, returned thanks. A pleasing musical item was then con-' tributed by Miss Tilly Thomas, violinist (National Eisteddfod winner). Mr. John Thomas. M.E., on rising to returu thanks, was long and continuously applauded. Speaking with som^ show of feeling, he expressed on behalf of himself and wife his heartfelt thanks for the pre- sentations and address. He aasured them that they would be valued as a great treasure by Mis. Thomas and himself at all times. He felt that the speakers had given him more credit than he deserved (cries of "No. no"). There were three elements required in each colliery to make the colliery a success—good ownership, good management, and good workman- ship. An important element in the col- liery was the master. He felt that he had been successful in getting a good master. He had been quite as successful in getting a good class of workmen (cheers). He had worked under the late Mr. James Thomas, who was a man who respected the, workmen-a man of reason and a fair-minded man. These were good traits in a, master. He was glad to say that the present master had all the good qualities of his grandfather (hear, hear). That was one reason why they were able to live in peace in Ynyshir. Another reason was that they had in Ynyshir the best class of workman in South Wales (applause). They were a fair-minded and reasonable lot of men (hear, hear). True, they had had minor disputes, and also vital questions to deal with. They had, however. always settled them without the necessity of calling in outsiders. They had settled questions at Ynyshir that would affect the next generation (cheers). They had settled price lists, and, there were one or two more to settle, but he was not afraid to say they were going to settle them amicablv (loud applause). He thanked them heartily for their token of respect, and hoped they would mean the closer tying of the elements and that their future would be as peaceful as the past (loud and continued applause). Mr. J. W. John (headmaster), Ynyshir, the chairman of the committee, said he thought it only right, on behalf of the committee, to thank the workmen, trades- people and inhabitants of Ynyshir for their support and implied approval of the presentation by so largely attending the meeting. The committee, which was a very large one, consisted of workmen and tradespeople, and was a thoroughly repre- sentatiye one. The movement was con- fined absolutely to Ynyshir. All the money was contributed by Ynyshir work- men and tradespeople (applause). The speakers were gentlemen who had known Mr. and Mrs. Thomas nearly all their lives, and no speeches could have been more sincere than those delivered that evening. A finished rendition of a solo was given by Mr. Tom Thomas, R.A.M., R.C.M. Mr. T. M. Walters proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman, which Mr. Geo. Goldsworthy, in a lengthy and interesting speech, seconded. The vote was carried with acclamation, and Mr. W. J. Thomas briefly replied, and proposed a vote of thanks to the artistes, which was seconded by Mr. Wm. James. Mr. Thomas thought that Ynyshir was richer in musical talent than any other place of its kind, and they had in their midst musicians of whom they might all be proud (applause). After delivering, an interesting and humorous speech, Mr. Gwilym Thomas, the celebrated veteran basso, led the audi- ence in the singing: of Hen Wlad fy Nhadau."

FATAL TRAGEDY AT WILLIAMSTOWN. Brothers' Quarrel. Elder Stabbed to the Heart! A tragic stabbing affair occurred at about 9.30 last night (Wednesday) in Penygraig Road, Williamstown, when Sydney Young, aged 15, of No. 8, Brook Street, Williamstown, stabbed his brother, George Young, aged 17, in the region of the heart, probably as a, result of a quarrel. The younger boy, realising what he had done, ran away, whilst his brother had to be helped home, only a short dis- tance away. On being conveyed there, it was found he was suffering from internal hemorrhage as the result of the stab, Medical aid was immediately summoned, but just about five minutes before Dr. Watkins arrived, the unfortunate youth was past mortal aid. A search was next made for the miscreant, who, however, was soon found, hiding by the coke-orensi with his eyes full of tears. On being arrested, he piteously asked the constable if his bro- ther was dead, and on being informed in the affirmative, he burst into almost uncontrollable grief. He volunteered the information that he had stabbed his bro- ther with a nail (probably a collier's spike). On enquiries being made last night, the Leader representative was informed that the dead boy was rather delicate and of a quiet disposition, whilst the other, Sydney, was more of a wild nature. It transpired that Sydney was behind the houses which front in Brook Street, talk- ing to some girls, when his elder brother spoke to him. In response it appears that Sydney, very likely indignant, threw stones, and. it is alleged, remarked I'll do for you." Thereupon his brother pulled open his jacket and told him to do it. Suiting the action to the word, the younger brother then rushed up the gully and stabbed his unfortunate victim, with results that have terminated fatally. Both youths have been working at the Cambrian. Clydach Vale. The mother and father of the two boys are, as only to be expected, grief-stricken at the way events have turned out. --+-- Another Report. A terrible tragedy wasperpetrate.d at Williamstown, Penygraig, late last even- ing (Wednesday), when George Young, 17 years of age, of 9, Brook Street, was, it is alleged, fatally stabbed by his younger brother, Sydney Young, aged 15, who is now in the custody of the police on a charge of wilful murder. ( The two lads, who lived at the home of their parents, were engaged as collier- boys at the Cambrian Collieries, Clydach Vale, where, as usual, they had been working during the day. The accused is said to have been keep- ing company which the elder brother and his parents objected to, and from the statement of a lad named Augustus Thomas, who was in company with the brothers and some other companions at Williamstown shortly before the sad occurrence, George ordered his brother to go home, and the latter refused. High words seem to have passed between the brothers, but what followed afterwards no one can fully state. The only person who can throw any light on the matter is Mrs. Baker, of Penygraig Road, who, although some distance from the brothers, heard a groan, and turned round just in time to see the deceased reel and fall down as in a fit, while Sydney ran away along the road. Mrs. Baker, on seeing the lad falling.. went to his assistance, holding him in her arms until a Mrs. Adams came along. The two women were horrified when they noticed that the unfortunate lad had been wounded, and that blood was oozing from his chest. He rapidly grew worse, and in a few minutes he became unconscious, and was then taken to his home, which was close by, and medical aid summoned. In a very short time, Dr. Spencer Watkins, assistant to Dr. Llewellyn, Penygraig, arrived, but, however, too late, as by that time death had super- vened. Upon examination Dr. Watkins found a small incised wound above the heart, which, in his opinion, had been inflicted by a small penknife or a sharp instru- ment of a similar size, which had pene- trated the heart. A most pathetic scene was witnessed at the death-bed. The parents of the deceased are very respectable people, and the deceased himself was also a lad of exemplary character. When it was real- ised what had happened the father and mother were distracted with grief. The police having been communicated with, a search was made for Sydney, which for some time proved fruitless. P.S. Thomas and other officers proceeded to search after the fugitive, and, acting upon telephonic communication from Inspector Hole, policemen were stationed at various points throughout the district so as to prevent the escape of the boy Sydney. Their vigilance was at last- rewarded about midnight, when Sydney was found at Ely Pit on the mountain side at Peny- graig. He was apprehended, and con- veyed to Tonypandy Police Station, where he was charged on the capital offence.

Treherbert. At a well-represented meeting of the Treherbei-t Athletic Club, held at the Stuart Hotel a short while ago, it was decided to form a cricket team' for the coming season. This team of course will be a branch of the Athletic Club, as some of the members contemplate having a baseball team for those who do not participate in the cricket. Mr. S. W. Bull presided over the meeting. The officers for the season were duly appoin- ted. the football treasurer, Mr. Joseph Lewis, being re-elected as treasurer for the cricket, and Mr. L. R. Webb being chosen secretary for this branch of the club. A strong committee was also ap- pointed, and Mr. L. R. Webb was elected captain, with the privilege of choosing his own vice. Various matters were dis- cussed at great length, and it was finally agreed that the team should enter the Rhondda Valleys Junior Cricket League. Most of the members of last season's Tre- herbert Boys C.C. intend throwing in their lot with the Athletics for this season, and consequently a very strong team will easily be raised which should do well in the League. An interesting and happy event last week was the marriage of Mr. William Thomas Pratt, electrician (son of Mr. William Pratt, Boverton House, Ty- newydd), and Miss Mary A. Haddock (daughter of Mr. John Haddock of 12, Mount Libanus, Treherbert). The wed- ding was solemnised at St. Alban's Church bp the Rev. James Davies, B.A., Mr. William Pratt bekig best man, and the bridesmaids being Misses J. Haddock and May Pratt. The bride was charmingly attired, and after the wedding breakfast, which was attended by a good number of guests Mr. and Mrs. Pratt departed on their honeymoon, which was spent at the Mumbles. The presents were both numer- ous and costly, a presentation meeting being held on the evening before the wedding day by the workmen of the North Dunraven and Fernhill Colliery, who presented Mr. Pratt with a hand- some marble clock as a token of their esteem and regard. The Rev. James Hughes. of Cardiff, preached a very interesting and appealing sermon to a large congregation at Bethany I (E.B.) on Sunday. Next Sunday, the pulpit will be occupied by the Rev. J. T. Griffiths, of Mardy. At Hope (E.B.) Chapel on Wednesday a grand pictorial concert was held the proceeds of which- were in aid of the Sunday School and Band of Hope funds, The various items were beautifully illus- trated and were much appreciated by the audience. The programme included the —Ridings, "The Stowaway" Meets, of Gambling"; sofos For all Eternity" and "Mary of Argyle"; recitation, "The Little Match Girl"; and a quartet, Jesu, Lover of my soul." In connection with the St. John Ambu- lance Brigade (Treherbert Division), a general meeting was held at Jones' Tem- perance Hotel on Wednesday evening. All who were interested were cordially invited to attend, especially those holding" first- aid." certificates, for the purpose of enrolling them in the Ambulance Class and the Division. Those who were unable to attend, but are desirous of joining may do so by sending their names and addresses to Corporal A. Swift 121 Bute Street. Hopkinstown was defeated by Treher- bert Athletics m a match on the Cricket m 10n Wednesday last. The score was lieherbert, o points; Hopkinstown 3 points. Subsequent to the game the Athletics entertained the visitors at a social tea at the Stuart Hotel, and pro- vided a good musical programme. An agreeable surprise was sprung on Mr. Will Gamlin, secretary of the League, who was presented with a writing case by Miss M. Lewis (Stuart Hotel), on behalf of the officials and pliers of the Treherbert I Club. The gift was made in -appreciation of the splendid services rendered by Mr. Gamlin, who was instrumental in the formation of the League. The evening was very pleasantly spent. Cwmoarc The report of the Hillside Club banquet given at Park Hotel last Tuesday is un- avoidably held over till next week.

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