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I 8RYNAMMAN NOTES. I »  A BUSINESS-LIKE COMMITTEE Th;se be troublous times, and it may afford some comfort to -iiow that there still remains one such a body amongst us. The oommittee I have in mind is that which organised the recent benefit concert in aid of Mr Martin Griffiths. What was its exact parson-ell. I cannot for the moment recall, but it will suffice that it has proved one of the most busi- ness-like committees that has ever opera- ted in this neighbourhood.. The financial success that crowned its efforts, the J345 handed over to the deserving receip- ient, gave emphatic w arrant to that. To my mind, however, t he final proof of its soundness comes this week, in the form of a public balance sheet under the hand of the enterprising secretary, Mr. J Martyn Thomas. We heartily con- gratulate Mr Thomas on his initiative in undertaking what is practically a new departure as far as Brynamman is con- cerned. We uo also pleased to note how "John Bull," that greatest of all advocates of business Government, has awarded Mr. Thomas a £ 2 10s. Od. prize in a recent competi tion. That a balance sheet should be issued and made public, after all concerts of this nature is only right, and only what the public who supply the money should in all reason expect and insist on. We sincerely hope that Mr Thomas has herewith, established a precedent which will henceforth be honoured and observed by all future secretaries of such enterprises. The present balance sheet copies of which may be seen at the Public Library, as well as at several local shop-windows, shows a return of £ 46; £ 25 of which was handed over on Nov. 12th, and the remaining JS21 on January 22nd, 1914. It says much of the enthusiasm of the committee and of the public generally that L45 5s. Od. worth of tickets should have been sold by members of the Com- mittee during a house to house cam- paign. TAI'RGWAITH EISTEDDFOD I SUCCESS. The Misses Davies, Llandilo road, again scored at Tai'rgwaith on Saturday. Miss Mary Davies carried off the cup for the champion solo, while her si&ter, Miss i Esther Ann Davies, secured the laurels for the soprano solo. Congratulations! BEREAVEMENT I At Cardiff on Monday, tho mortal re- mains of Mrs. Lydia Davies, wife of the Rev. T. Davies (Pantyffynon), now of Llandyssul, "were laid to rest. Much sympathy is felt with the be- reaved husband, and a number of local friends and sympathisers attended the funeral, including Rev. J. Llewelyn, Bethania Mr. Richard Lewis, Sationer's Hall; Mr Gwilym Vaughan, Argoed and Mr Gwilym R. Jones, Bridgend Shop. Deoeased. was a native of New Quay, and was on a visit to her parents at Car- diff when death occurred. SILO AM COMPETITIV MEETING I There was a good attendance at Siloam on Saturday evening at a competitive meeting, over which Mr P. H. Cowling presided. The adjudicators were Music Mr E. Maddock, A.C.; literary section, Rev. J. L. Daviea. Awards—Recitation for children under 10, divided among Lizzie Llewelyn, A. Mary Jenkins, Bryn Maddock; recitation for children, under 16, divided among D. T. Griffiths, B. Roderick, E. A. Lewis; open recitation, Bessio Roderick; love letter, divided between Misses G. Hop- kin and A. Phillips; verses, divided be- tween Messrs. G. Phillips and Daniel Thomas; sola for children under 16, 1st Bronwe.n Moses; 2nd Maggie Davies; solo for children under 10, 1st May Thomas, 2nd Nellie Davies; soprano solo, Miss H. Thomas; tenor solo, Mr Garfield. Roberts; baritone solo, divided between R. Parry and Llew. Roberts; sight reading, Miss Annie Davies; choir, Mr Garfield Roberts' party. Mr F. Morgan acted as secretary. W. A. WILLIAMS, Phrenologist, can De consulted dailj at th* Victoria Arcade (near the Market), Swuwr

IPEKCY HUTCHISON IN "OFFICER 66G COMING TO SWANSEA There are few actors more popular among Swansea, audiences than Mr Percy Hutch ison. His performances here in "Brewster's Millions," etc., are still well remembered, and now local theatre goers are already briskly booking seats for the ing for the London production of "Cyrano do Bergerac" for Sir Chas. Wyndham.. In addition to his London experience, however, Mr Hutchison has, within the past twenty years produced some- fifty plays in the provinces, and has never Mr. PERCY HUTCHISON as "Travers Gladwin." Grand Theatre, next week, where he is appearing in "Officer 666." This is un- doubtedly one of the greatest farces of the day, just as "The Drums of Oude," by which it is preceded at each per- formance, is one of the most graphic de- piction of Indian Mutiny courage and dread. Mr Percy Hutchison personally produced both plays, having for many years been producer and stage-manager at the three London Theatres of his uncle, Sir Chas. Wyndham. During this time he came in personal touch with most of our greatest stars and authors. He frequently came in close contact with Sir Henry Irving, and has very pleasant recollections of his meeting with the great Coquenin, when in Paris arrang- been known to handle a failure. He also controls two of the finest theatres in the North,—the Theatre Royal, York and Opera House, Southport, and it- was after performing at the latter that Sir Herbert Tree remarked "If every pro- vincial theatre had equally energetic management, the drama would be flourishing." At Swansea, Mr Hutchison is bringing to the Grand the actual New Theatre, London, productions in both "Officer 666" and "The Drums of Oude," pla.yin.g the leading part in the former himself, although to support him, among others, fcuch accomplished} artistes as Miss Florence Hill, Mr F. G. Thurstans, Mr Heaton Grey, and Miss Elsie Stran- ack.

YSTRADGYNLAIS MISSIONARY MEETING. The Tabernacle Chapel was crowd- ed on Tuesday evening on the occasion of the visit of the R?v. R. J. Williams, secretary of the denomination's Mis- sionary Society of Liverpool, and Mi as Dass, a native of India, who gave in- j formative addresses on the work being done in India by the missionaries of the society. Mr. Dd. Ellis, the well- known North Walian tenor, rendered two solos which were received with good applause. The Rev. Emlyn Jones pre- sided. A vote of thanks to the speaker was proposed by Mr. W. E. Jones, Penrhoe, seconded by the Rev. D. J. Davies, Ainon. The meeting was one of the most successful held in connec- tion with the society, and the collec- tion exceeded expectations. "GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN." About 12 months ago it will be re- membered that Mr. Thos. Thomas, of the Miners' Arms, was rescued from a watery grave by Councillor J. W. Morgan. He was watering his horse in the river near Ystrad bridge when he was precipitated into the river, and but for the plucky effort made by Mr. Morgan the consequences might have been serious. Since that time Mr. Tom Thomas has been anxious to repay the service rendered to him by his friend, and the opportunity came on Tuesday last. A party consisting of several councillors and others attended the funeral of the late Mr. Daniel Walters at Abercrave, and made the journey in traps. On the return Councillor Howells, Councillor T. Williams, and another gentleman were being driven by Councillor J. W. Morgan, and when near Abercrave House the horse bolted and Councillor Morgan was unable to oontrol the beast. Mr. Thos. Thomas was driving another horse and trap, and noticing that something was wrong he jumped from the vehicle and plucki- ly sprang at the head of the bolting horse. It was with great difficulty that he succeeded in bringing the infuriated animal to a standstill, and not before the occupants of the trap were very severe ly shaken. The shock to the nerves of the driver caused him to col- lapse, but he declined brandy, which was proferred to him, and as soon as he was sufficiently recovered he offered up a prayer for the providential escape they had had, and expressed his heart- felt gratitude that such a brave man as Mr. Thomas Thomas had been in the vicinity. There is talk of present- ing Mr. Thomas with a medal. I.L.P. MATTERS. A well-attended meeting of the I.L.P was held at the Workmen's Hall on Thursday evening. Mr. Ernest Phillips presided. An address was given by Mr. Richard Bennetta, in which he criti- cised the policy of the I.L.P., and suggested that more militancy and in- dependence should be shown by the party. The address was followed by a long and interesting discussion in which the following took part: Messrs. Hugh Powell, Ll. Morgan, W. Morris, B. D. Lewis, Lewis Wathan, L. Bowen, and others. Next Friday evening Mr. B. D. Lewis will give an address on Trade Unionism. The branch is making considerable progress and, in addition to a spirit of enthusiasm being shown by the old members new members are ooming into the branch every week. A billiard table has been installed at the Workmen's Hall in connection with the Library at a cost of L80.

ICORRESPONDENCE. I I THE BALLOT FOR SUB AGENT FOR I THE ANTHRACITE DISTRICT I To the Editor. I I I Sir,—Now that the ballot for sub- agent of the Anthracite District has I entered upon its last stage, I venture j to claim that in fairness to your read- ers who are members of the district, I you should allow a plain statement of the circumstances to appear in your columns. During the first and second ballots, when there were candidates in the field with equal claims upon the consideration of the district, and equal abilities and experience in public work, —Trade Union and Anthracite District ,affa,i,rs-it may have been right and proper to shut out controversy, but, as I have intimated, the case is now al- tered. Our choice is now limited to two, and the importance of our selec- tion justifies plain speaking. I want it to be understood that, personally, I have equal respect for both candidates. Let us then take them under con- sideration in "alphabetical order." Mr. Stephen 0. Davies, from all accounts, is a gentleman who has had a varied career, before he settled down as a collier in the Anthracite District; and his experience and educational attain- ments are doubtless valuable. The ques- tion for us, however, as workers in the Anthracite District, is Does that ex- perience, and do those attainments qualify him in a special degree to fill the post of sub-agent for colliery work- ers ? Ministerial studies bring much desirable knowledge, no doubt; and a manager's certificate proves much cleverness. But what of that know- ledge of men and affairs, that ex- perience of the thousand and one pro- blems of colliery life and labour—that can only be gained by years of patient living and working amongst them P Those things that cannot be covered by a certificate, or indicated by a degree—how does Mr. Davies stand in relation to them P With all respect, I say that, like a certain distinguished statesman, he is "a child in these things." Being a comparative stranger to the Anthracite District, we cannot, of course, tell what his potential abili- ties may be; but the matter is too im- portant for us to take anybody on trust. It would be the height of folly for us to place at the helm of our district a novice when we have amongst us men who are battle-scarred in our service, men who have lived and laboured amongst us all their lives, men who know the district and its needs through and through. What of the other candidate, Mr. John James, of Cwmgors? What is his record? I shrink from anything like fulsome flattery, but it is only bare justice to admit that for the last de- cade he has been regarded by the rank and file as one of the unofficial leaders, not only of the Anthracite District, not only of the South Wales Miners' Federation, but of the whole Labour movement in South Wales. In times of national dispute he has been the chosen of his fellows, colliery and dis- trict, to voice their aspirations and demands. With the skill of the born advocate, strengthened by the know- ledge gained by his long experience, he has argued the cause of the colliery worker before local and government I tribunals; and the numerous success- ful issues bear striking testimony to his ability. In the less prominent field of local negotiations, Mr. James has been called upon for his help for many years, and his skilful generalship and wide know- ledge of district customs and colliery- practices have resulted in valuable concessions for the men he represented. On the other hand, however, strenuous and bitter opposition from the side of the owners may have been, there has been a ready admission of the tact and powers of resource possessed by Mr. James. Nor must we forget his career on public bodies, and here again on all and every occasion, has he patiently and forcefully advanced the interests of his fellow-workers. And how often have our ranks been inspired and our enthusiasm aroused by the silvery tor- rent of his matchless eloquence? Fellow-workers of the Anthracite District, there are men In our midst who have laboured for years on our be- half and in our interests, men who have, borne the heat and burden of the day, men whose lives are interwoven with the history of our labours: and when occasion presents itself for appreciation of their services, shall we disdainfully pass them by? No; not while there remains a spark of gratitude in the heart of the Anthracite colliery work- er. Let every member of the district bear in mind that of these men not the least is John J. James, of Cwmgors. Yours fraternally, I RANK-AND-FILER. Ystradgynlais.

SAVE MONEY BY Paying a Visit to H. J. POWELLS Clearance SALE Boy's Overcoats from 3/6 Youth's „ „ 4/11 Men's 99 „ 12/11 Winter Stock must be cleared, regardless of cost to make room for Spring Stock. H. J. Powell Clothier, etc., Wern & Commercial St. YSTALYFERA Leslie B. Beynon v Architect, Surveyor, and Valuer, Respectfully begs to announce that he has started Business at Ystalyfera and Gorseinon, and is prepared to carry out any work in the above branches. Consul- tations daily at the following Addresses— The Square, Gorseinon Tynywern, Ystalyfera "I look different Well, I j certainly s* feel differ- JJTX eat. too, since jmM I be- gan £ 1 taking I | Dyspepsia 111 Tablets for those distressing digestive irritations. They are pleasant to take, soothe the irritable stomach. strengthen and invigorate the di- gestive organs, relieve nausea. and aid in the proper assimilation of food. They're guaranteed to give satisfaction, or your money back. 80 I'd advise you to take them if; you're looking for Relief from Indigestion. REXALL DYSPEPSIA TABLETS are sold in Two Sizes 1/- and 2/- Sold only in this vicinity by J. M. ROBERTS, Dispensing Chemist, COMMERCIAL STREET, YSTALYFERA. Priated and Published by .]&ù Llafur" Co.. Ltd., Ystalyfera, in the County of Glamorgan,. Januarv 31st,. 1914. w

YSTALYFERA NOTES. P.« E. SOCIETY. I tkvt the auspices of the nivove ••Fooiiy-v a successful competitive even- ing \1: hold on Sunday at the Insti- -tnt(>. TVre a fairly good attend- js-nr^e, arid the proceedings were much •fMiipved. Miss A. Williams kindly un- dertook the duties of .adjudicating the .speeches. There were three distinct competitions, the first being "termed Novices Competition., In this there were eight entries, the f-.ist being termed Novices Competition. 1\1 thii there v, ere eight entries, the froecches. being of three minutes' •duration. The first prize was awarded to M". J. H. Williams, the second to Mr. W. J. Davies. The second competi- tion was open to all present, the jffteecTea heing of four minutes each. The first prize was awarded to Mr. 1. S'ephprd. and tho second to Mr. G. A. C^enwood. In the final competition, whir h was of a rather novel and origi- rf.t1 character, it being a "telephone fall- of four minutes duration, tho first nrize went to Mr. G. A. Green- wood. nad the second to Mr. I. S11en- fcord. In addition to winning this prize Mr. Greenwood was also adjudged to have the best efTort of the even- ing. thereby soeurinci a prize of in- ere-,I,-d vallie. Refreshments were during the evening, and a ■of thinks was accorded to Miss Wil- liams for her services. On Sunr!}' evening Mr Tom A;"I,g, of Cur-.io-. wHt .lafcteire on "Razzle Dazzle' a. FvfTHent.lv perpli-xing subject to Btimrla-io a largo .itcfendaTicP. On former <o('<a;r. when- Mr King lips lectured, ♦hi h'uHing'hAs been crowded, and it is twnr>(1 thorp- will be a large .attenda-nce rrrt Su^dav evening. The meeting com- mences at 7id& p.mi», prompt. v- V, Yst-lvfcra journeyed to Llanellv '°\:m SituHfiv. and met the Seconds of that jjVicp. and. returned victors by a dififfppf-d goal to nil. Geo. Largdon scored for the visitors. 1 Y?~\t,vveea U.e CLUB -1J: j "s-nr-hmg concert in connection With t'p Ybh,fera United Cycling C!uh*will "e h-]-! at the YFtalyfera Hotel, on SiCtur- div. Frbniiry 2Lsi, and If Is hoped that, there will he a large attendance. Tickets jinav o^t^ined fr^^fflifny of the corn: "tmHw*. Mr' T. P. 'Lewis, Cycle Agent, ard Mr W. D. Jenkins, stone-cutter. AN INTERESTING DEBATE. I Tho s.ttencance at the weekly meet- ;n'v of tho "Ddraig Goch Gymdeithas" }M it Tor-iiaalem Vestry on Friday *r>rsing last, was somewhat disappoiut- ;.nz. particuWly in view of the fact •that tl,,N eiib ¡PM. to be considered was ono nf e;Tw' ial importance to Guild Members. ri-,t- attraction of the even- •jT.rr vm <\ debate on "Nationalism v. '■fintf-N^ojjn' Wn." arfttifwai|" lyvtwecn *T' I"jn.»!e Shepherd (who spoke for .4 and Mr- W. S. Collins. T.,I,ftir" (who argued as an r .•ori.V'jt. Speaking generally. -4 ""f>o -,k"q li't,le essential difference in •?*-•» vt^ of the speakers. Mr. Shep- t. i (ine-ecl. spoke for the saner 1'- )4, ,m es against Chauvinism, ex- m "nVfl patriotism,'■ and imperialism, r-'y »i-tT(vI the virtues of a nation main- ti.'rinc its own individuality, its own and its own characteristics. T-r n. dpl"I:'1red that a true Nationalist his country's failings as well lvq its vi-tiiea, and rose and worked for the ,imin:\+ion of all that was un- vorthv in the national life, encourag- ing the highest and noblest. Mr. Col- lins aid he differed very little from the greater part of Mr. Shepherd's address but he proceeded to give a smashing exposure of the manner in which Nationalism has been exploited as the tool of capitalism, and declared that whilst he had all possible sympathy with the aims and aspirations of in- dividual nations he wanted a growth of international fellowship which would eventually kill the present economic system. Among those who took part in the subsequent discussion were Messrs. J. Davies, T. Morgan, H. Wade Evans, J. W. Jones, B.A., and S. Jen- kins/and upon a vote being taken, Mr. Shepherd's views were accepted by a very large majority. The vicar (Rev. -J. S. Jones) presided. 1. c' 'I," ,.I .r I PLAYHOUSE AND COLISEUM It is pleasing to note that the- Play- hcuso is rapidly rogainir-g jta former prestige as a. highly popular, ..entertain- ment rendezvous, and sfaarlv good'houses have this week enjoyed a. v^jy attrac- tive all picture programme. The star film on /Monday and Tuesday was. "The a thrilling story, whilst on Wednesday apd Thursday, the, dramatic film pla. "The Scarf Pin," was screened. To-night (Friday), and to- morrow. the great attraction ia a picture portraying th.1etivitie.s of a panof rogues. "The Black Thirteen." and thiere are a.lso seme fi.ne humorous films. ■> At the Coliseum, both pictures and variety turns have appeared, and have attract ad i;o,vl attendances. Tho ftar picture CoIl Wednesday and Thursday, entitled "Whan tho Earth Trc-mbled," was remarka bly fire, and was praised by all who saw it. For ths week-end. the chief film is "When the heart speaks.' a.nd the. are three other excellent, dramas, as well as thret, COMI(I. The varietv turn is supplied by the four Garrick Clares, dancers, etc. I LOCAL POLICE CHANGES. L During the past week no less than 16 policemen stationed in various parts of the "H" Division have been trans- for red from their stations to others. It would appear that the Glamorgan W a,ten. Committee has been watching I events. Amongst those who have been removed are P.C.'s Carpenter and Svphus from Ystalvfera, the former to Pontarda we, and the latter to Glvdach P.C. Cook has I)-en removed. from Clv- dach, and P.C. U. Jones from Pontar- dawe to Ystalvfera. During the time P.C.'s Carpenter and Synhus have been stationed at Ystalvfera they have gained tho respect of the residents and Yst-alyfcra's loss will be the gåin .of Clydach and Pontardawe. Oivr readers will be interested to learn of the suoeess of Mr D. J. Phillips, of Lr. Gwmtwrch, in securing the appointment of mine manager at the Betting Colliery, Lower Gwmtwrch, which is owned by The Gil wen Colliery Co. Ltd. Mr Phillips is a. most ambitious young man, and very determined in his sphere of life. In addition to being certificated as. a First-class Colliery Manager, he is an Honours-man in Mining, under the Board of Education, South. Kensington, and ap- proved as a Member of the Institute of Mining Engineers. He is also certificated as a Sanitary Inspector under the Public Health Acta 1875.. He is one of the old pupils of the Ys- talyf,e,ra County School, and the- educa- tion he there received has provided him with a good foundation upon which to build up a successful career. THE PREMIER CINEMA The great popularity enjoyed by the Premier Cinema, since its auspicious opening in December is being well maintained, which, having regard to the fine programmes screened is not to be wondered at. Again, the building is one of the oosiest in the Valley, and the kindly courtesy of the management adds greatly to the pleasure to be derived from t 11." picture. During the early part of this week a, fine film dealing with the ad ventures of Lieut. Daring was screened, as well as an excellent dratna entiled "Poul^te^' Necklace" and some screaming c^nvcs. During the week-end the star n' cturee will include "The Girl a.nd the Gangster" (which will take the place of "An Arabian Fanatic," already announced), and "Britannicos," a really magnificent coloured feature film dealing with the life of Nero. This is given in a. superb sett.ing, and oertainly ought not to be mifesed. >■»>,

Two little invalid brothers at Newport, Mon., on Monday, got out of bed and started playing with fireJ. The room waa set ablaze, and William Fitzgerald (6) perished in the flames. She: In Turkey a man never sees the face of his wife until after they are married. He: Great Scott! Do they use paint and powder over there, too? A Scotsman while walking with a friend passed a jeweller's shop where there were many precious stones in the window. "Would you not like to have your pick?" asked Sandy. "Not ma pick, but ma shovel," said his friend. *• • • 1 -)0.6 ■

I POSTPONEMENT. I' Notice.—The result of the draw in connection with the benefit for the late John Cope, of Ystalyfera, has been postponed until February 23rd.—S. E. Fletcher, Secretary. ). fr. :õ

It is stated that the British Mannes- mann Tube Company have definitely decided to take 107 acres of land at Newport, Mon., for their new works. The Clydach Parish Council have granted the Clydach Estate, Ltd., per- mission to deviate the public footpath leading from Gellionen-road to Peny- bank in order to enable them to pro- ceed with the erection of dwelling- I houses on Eithrim meadow. J'