Llais Llafur

=- =- =- =- = =::==: = ==:=2::=: =- = = =- ==: :=: =: = = ===:=- =- =:=:=- = = :=:: = j, I JONES & MORGAN I Stocktaking SALE NOW P ROCEEDING m A FEW OF THE NUMEROUS BARGAINS TO BE HAD: ? «II < Walnut Semi Divan Suite in Saddlebags -1-6 15 o j| Walnut Full Divan Suite in |y Green Velvet, only 8 10 o Walnut Suite in Blue Velvet, j Panel Backs 7 10 o Chesterfield Suite with Solid j| ] Walnut Queen Anne Chairs. m To Clear 13 10 o Fumed Oak Bedroom Suite, large size, only 5j Guineas j Sheraton Mahogany Suite, 1 Oval Glasses 81 Guineas J 5 feet Sheraton Mahogany 'j S 1 G ¡ Suite 142 Guineas r| 5 feet Fumed Oak Bedroom I Suite. To clear 14 Guineas m All Square Brass Beadsteads from £ 3/18/6. Black and Brass massive and other shop-soiled Bedsteads from 18/6 to clear. Fenders, Curbs, Tables, Chairs, Carpets, Floor-cloths, all GENUINELY reduced. Any Article purchased at this Sale may be Stored until required. SEE WINDOWS! SEE lVJIVDO lJTS Note Address 9Oxford St., Swansea j j — OPPOSITE EMPIRE — j :ô:: ==:

PONTARDAWE I POLICE COURT. t Friday. Before Messrs. H. X. Mie- s (presiding). E. G. Benthall, and Samuel Jenkins. GODRE'RGRAIG MAX "SET DOWN." Daniel Davies, a labourer, of Godr;, 'r- praig, appeared on a warrant to answer two summonses, one for having been drunk and disorderly on August 2nd last, and another for having made use of bad language on Oct. 18. He ad- mitted both offences and had nothing to say, and when asked why he did not appear at the time the summanses were issued, replied that he had no money. Inspector David reported several pre- vious convictions and said the man always went away when summoned. He had not worked regularly for two years so so, and was a great trial to his parents. The chairman said it appeared to he impassible to reform the man, so far as he could see. Davies would have to go to gaol for fourteen days on the first charge, and would be fined 5s. and costs or seven days on the second. "LANGWIDGE." John Davies, Clydach, was charged with having used indecent language in High-street, Clydach, on Saturday, January 17th, and he pleaded guilty. P.C. Cook stated that defendant was fighting with another man and made use of several indecent remarks.—Fined 12s. 6d. inclusive. NEGLECTING HIS FAMILY. Thomas Evans, collier, Ystalyfera, was charged with having neglected to maintain his wife and two children, who had become chargeable to the common fund of the Pontardawe Poor Law Union. David Jenkins, relieving officer, gave formal evidence, also stating that the family became chargeable last August, for which Evans had not yet paid. The man was well able to work and to main- tain his family, but he kept throwing up good situations.—The Chairman said he must go to gaol for a month. FURIOUS DRIVING. Xoah Davies, Pontardawe, was charged with having driven a motor car to the danger of the public on Monday, Jan. 12, and also with refus- ing to stop when requested by P. C. Lewis.-Defendant admitted the first charge, but denied having seen the officer signal to stop. P.C. Lewis stated that en the night in question he was on duty in company with P.C. Marsh in High-street, Cly- dach, and from the point where he was standing he could see 100yds. ahead. Defendant was driving from the direction of Swansea, and was proceed- ing at a very fast rate—between 25 and 30 miles per hour. His manner of driving was reckless, and the ear was swerving to each side of the road. Wit- ness held up his hand for the man to stop, but he took no notice, nor slack- ened his speed. Himself And P.C. Marsh had to get out of way for safe- ty. There were about 300 people about at the time, the Globe Cinema just having closed. Witness 'phoned to Pontard awe and defendant wasstopped there. The following day he came to witness, said he had got into trouble with the car the previous night, and assured him that he saw no signal to stop. Witness replied that if that was so, defendant must have been drmking, and he admitted the fact. He expressed sorrow, and asked for leniency. P.C. Marsh gave corroborative evi- dence, and when charged, defendant said that his apparent recktasa driving was due to the fact that hie engines were not working properly. A fine of on the first charge was imposed, &n(-i def(-.ndant was ordered to pay the costs in the second, the chairman observin g that if he did not step wheti requested by the police he vorJd get into serious trouble. !T' "OUT LICENCE. "1, ••• •• 7" a, was w fai'iry* • -in/due? hid motor driver's licence when requested to do so. He was defended by Mr. Edward Harris. P.C. Griffiths stated that on Jan. 12. defendant was driving a motor car in Gwauncaegurwen, and when witness asked to see his licence he replied that be lost it the week before. He totd' de- fendant that he would be reported. Answering Mr. Harris, witness agreed that a copy of the licence was obtained from Cardiff and presented to the police for inspection prior to the summons being taken out. Addressing the Bench Mr. Harris, on behalf of Thomas, admitted that a technical offence had been committed, but pleaded extenuating circumstances. The licence was lost on the 10th, but a cony was immediately applied for and obtained. Defendant was ordered to pay the costs, the chairman adding that he could not produce the licence if he had lost it. I UNJUST SCALES. I Edgar Arnold Davies, grocer, High- street, Clydach, was summoned for hav- j ing a pai r of unjust scales in his pos- session. Inspector Jones prosecuted, and Mr. Morgan Davies defended. The Inspector stated that at 11.45 a.m. on Jan. 13. he visited the defend- ant's shop for the purpose of examining his weighing instruments and his weights. He found the machine (pro- duced) considerably out of balance, and said that when he spoke to defendant the latter immediately ran to the machine and took something away from the flat scale, which witness later found to be two pieces of fatty paper which had been placed underneath. He weighed them. and found that they registered one ounce. He drew the man's attention to the fact, explained that it was a serious error, 'and de- fendant replied "Very good." Asked why he traded with an unjust scale, he made no reply. Further, the ma- chine was kept in a corner where no customer could see the goods being weighed, and when asked why he did not weigh goods in a place to be ob- served by the purchaser, defendant again returned no answer. Examined by Mr. Morgan Davies, witness said he did not look for an- other weighing-machine in the shop. The one produced was the only one there, unless there was one in the store room. He adhered to the statement that the machine wa.s unjust to the extent of one ounce to the detriment of the purchaser, and would not agree with Mr. Davies that the greasy paper would merely act as a balance for the loss of a piece chipped from the pot scale. Addressing the Bench Mr. Morgan Davies said his instructions were that there was another machine in the shop and that the inspector neither asked if there was such an additional machine or looked for one. He submitted that the paper referred to was merely to balance the loss of a piece from the scale, that there was no intention to defraud, and that customers had not been defrauded. The case was considered proved and a fine of 10s. and costs imposed. UNSTAMPED WEIGHING MACHINE David Watkins, of the Dderi Colliery, Cwmllynfell, was summoned for having an unstamped weighing machine in his possession. Defendant, who pleaded guilty, was represented by Mr. Arthur Hopkin, pleaded guilty. Inspector Jones stated that at 1.12 p.m., on Jan. 12, in oompany with P.C. Onions, he visited defendant's houso and found the machine, which had been unstamped for three years. It was, however, quite oorrect in ha- lanoe. For Mr. Watkins, Mr. Hopkins said he was told when he got the machine that nothing further was required. Defendant was ordered to pay the costs. SAD CASE OF THEFT. Victor Eugene Mar ans Hawes, un- 1 ti! recently in the en:ploy of Mr. E. ■ Hal! Hcdley, Pontardawe, was charged wih having stolen a mov-or car tyre of t'ro value of ;C:5 S;1Je properly or r. E. Hail Hedley. Ho p'eaded guilty. Hopkin prr,ocuted. and Mr Hy. Thompson (Swansea) defended. In opening the case Mr. Thompson said defendant had been chauffeur to Mr. Hedley for about two years, and during that time had been in the habit of obtaining necessary implements for the car from the premises of Mrs. Francis and Son, Pontardawe. On Jan. 8. he visited the shop of Messrs. Fran- cis, and on behalf of Mr. Hall Hedley, ordered a new tyre, with which he was supplied, the cost being put to Mr. Hall Hedley's account. He took the tvre away with him, and on Jan. 14. forwarded it by the G.W.R. via Cardiff to Bristol, for the purpose of selling it. It was received by Mr. Frank Rider, of the Auto Motor Co., whoso suspi- cions were aroused, and he reported the matter to the police. hence those proceedings. When charged by Inspec- tor David, he admitted the offence and expressed regret. George James, mechanic, to Mrs. j Francis and Son, Jno Edwards, G.W.R. agent at Pontardawe, and Frank Rider of the Auto Motor Co., Bristol, gave corroborative evidence. Inspector David spoke to charging defendant with the offence, and said he replied: "Yes, I took it; I am very sorrv it is the only wrong I have ever done, and I did it through being in poor circumstances." Examined by Mr. Thompson, the In- spector agreed that that was the first occasion on which defendant had been in trouble. Hawes came of an exceed- ingly respectable family. Defendant did tell witness that he had taken part in a motor car speculation in London by which he had lost his savings, and by which he had been brought into poor circumstances. Addressing the Bench. Mr. Thompson said it was a very sad case, and on behalf of defendant, who had pleaded guilty to the offence, he appealed to them to treat him with the utmost possible leniency. Hawes felt his posi- tion very keenly. Mr. Thompson re- ferred to the fact that that was the first lapse during the two years de- fendant had been employed by Mr. j Hall Hedley, and had previously pos- sessed an excellent character. He en- tered into a foolish speculation with another man for the purchase of a motor car in London, which it was pro- posed to let out on hire, and this ha-d brought about his straitened circum- stances. His father was an exceeding- i ly respectalbe person—a pensioner in the Metropolitan Police, and viewed his son's position with great sadness. Moreover, defendant had only been married about 12 months, and his wife was expecting confinement any day. In view of all these facts he appealed to the Bench to deal with Hawes under the First Offender's Act. Mr. Hopkin, speaking on behalf of Mr. Hedl ey, said the latter did not desire to press the case unduly. The Chairman said that obviously defendant had had a very serious les- son, but in view of his previous excel- lent character, they would bind him over in his own surety of E20. AFFILIATION. Mary A. Price, in service with Mr. Tom Davies, Ty Gwyn, Ystalyfera, summoned Frederick Jones, a farm labourer, lately of Llandovery, in ro-, spect of her child, a boy. She stated that defendant had admitted paternity and had offered to pay to the child. An order of 3s. 6d. per week with the usual allowances, was made. BRIGHT YOUTH IN TROUBLE. A bright, but diminutive youth, giv- ing his name as Edward George Bur- ton, and his age as 17, was charged with having wbolon a silver watch and chain, valued at 30s., the proper- ty of a collier named Williams, resid- ing at Ynismeudwy. Wm. M. Williams, a workman at the j Tarreni Colliery, living at Ynismeudwv, said that on the previous Thursday, j the 22nd inst, ho saw the defendant in j the smith's shop at the pit top. He j was told that the lad got work at the pit, hut had nowhere to stay, and tak- ing pity on him, he consented to the boy going to sle?p at his houso. Tea and food was prepared for him to go to worV ru xl morning, and he left the house at ah"lit C. L¡ a..in. and took tho ;rx:\ -i :1 !ii:u. \itne%s returned at 10 o'clock in the morning, and going to the kitchen, found that his brother's watch and chain, which usually hung on a nail in the wall, were missing. The boy did not return, and the police were informed. 1-1* identified the watch and chain (pro- duced) and valued them at 30s. Wm. J. Jones, a haulier, of Craig- cefnparc, said the lad approached him at Moody's Colliery on the same morn- ing and'asked witness if he would buy the watch for 5s. He said it was his father's watch, and that his father and brother had been killed in the Sf-nghenvdd explosion. Witness offered him 4s., which he refused, but even- tually he gave him the 5s., afterwards handing the watch to Inspector David. Inspector David spoke to receiving the boy into custody from the Swan- sea police on Jan. 24. When charged he admitted taking the property, and expressed sorrow. He further said he sold it to a man at Clydach the same morning for 5s., and Ixrnght stockings and food with the money. Afterwards he made an elaborate statement con- cerning his prviolls life, stating that his father was killed in the Scnghenydd disaster, but subsequently all this was found to be untrue. He now stated that his correct name was James Cook, that lie was born in Cardiff, and had no knowledge of where his parents were, or whether lio-liid anv relatives. He had supported himself for the past two years, last working at Llanhilleth. When formally charged the lad tear- fully admitted the offence, and said if Mr. Williams would forgive him he would never do such a thing again. The Bench considered "-he case at considerable length, and the chairman said they were at a loss what to do with the boy. The magistrates did not want to make one so young into a gaol-bird, and felt that if given a chance, he might turn out well. Even- tually, however, if they bound him over, and set him at libertv, he had no where to go and nothing to do. The bov said he had some informa- tion that his parents were at Fish- guard. He would go and see, and if they were not he would join the Navy. Eventually Mr. S. Jenkins, J.P., promised to find the boy work, and Mr. C. B. Jenkins, solicitor, very kind- l- undertook to pay his board and lodgings for a month. Upon this course being adooted, the lad was bound over, the Chairman giv- ing him some kindly advice regarding his future conduct.

HONOUR FOR CRYNANT AGENT. AFTER FORTY YEARS' SERVICE Mr. W. J. Rees. J.P., of Swansea, for 40 years the agent for the Ynis- gwern Estate, Crvnant, and Mrs. Rees, have just been the recipients of a choice set of table silver in a cabinet, as a token of esteem and respect from the tenants on the estate. The event took place at the Crynant Council Schools, where County Coun- cillor Daniels presided over a. large company, which included Sir John r D. Llewelyn, Bart., Colonel C. L. D. Venables Llewelyn, Alderman David Davies, Dr. and Mrs. Edwards, the vicar of Crynant, the Rev. D. Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur M. James, Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Rees, and Mr. and Mrs. John John (Lonlas). The presentation was made on behalf of the tenants by the two oldest among them. Mr. Noah Thomas (Gellia) and Mr. William Jones (Llwynfelaeh). Mr. John John, proprietor of the Llwynon Colliery, in supporting, said that Mr. Rees was a most excellent man, in negotiations a "hard nut to crack," but thoroughly straightforward and honourable in all his dealings. (Ap- plause. ) Sir John Llewelyn, who followed, said he felt that his most capable and re- spected agenfc had striven successfully to do justice between landlord and tenant. Unless that were so the gather- ing would hardly have been possible, Referring to proposed legislation in re- spect. of land, Sir John reminded the audience that as a member of the Welsh Land Commission twenty years ago 110 placed on record his opinion regarding security of tenure and other important matters. The rapid growth of Crvnant, he continued, duo to the mining indus- try, had created difficulties, but lie believed that all such were adjustable by the principles which he (Sir John) and his father had adopted, which prin- ciples Mr. Rees who was a just and fair, as well as strong man, had kept steadily in view. (Applause.) Colonel C. Venables Llewelyn said that Mr. Rees was a perfect glutton for work; no task was too trying or too strenuous for him, and he never tired in bringing it to an end. Alderman David Davies and Mr. A- M. James also supported the presenta- t i on. Mr. W. J. Ree-s, in reply, said that the present indicated the nature of hia relations with the tenants the referen- ces of Sir John and Mr. Venables Llewelyn, for whom he had the honour to act, gave the other side of the pic- ture, and he was encouraged in conse- quence to believe that, occupying a position between landlord and tenant. ho had succeeded in his efforts to hold the balance fairly and honestly between them. (Applause.) Mr. Rees also replied in a graceful speech.

Olympic Cinema. Swansea "Dia.na's Decision," a fine two-part "Nordisk" drama was the "star" pic- ture a.t the Olympic Cinema. Lower Ox- ford Street, Swansea, at the beginning of the week, in addition toO which th"re was a fmie programme of humorous and dra.ma.tio pictures, and the Vivaphone sinking picture,, which have given tho hall a reputation for being right up-to- date. The capable manager, Mr Art-hii-i- Eldon, has worked hard to give all his patrons tho keenest satisfaction, ao-id he is one t»f the most popular ci tierna man- agcrs in the district. Vi.vtors to Swan- sea from the Valleys should not fail to pay a visit to the comfortable place of entertainment, and introduce th"ro*elvc3 to Mr Eldon, who is an enthusiastic Labourite. Thh wcrk-frd th- star at- traction will be "A Clr.ld of War."

YSTRADGYNLAIS POLICE COURT. On Tuesday. Before Messrs. J. E. M<Mre-G?'yn. J. D. Morgan, M. W. Morgan, Howel Walters, C. G. Gi)))ert- son, Rees Davies, and J. B. G. Price. STAGE PLAY LICENCE. Mr. W. Jones-Williams made an ap- plication on behalf of Messrs Edwards and Pago for a stage play licence in respect of the new cinema and theatre in Brecon-road.—Granted. CINEMA LICENCE. Mr. J. Edwards made a further al)- plication for the renewal of the licence for the portable huiicling on the Square. The building was for sale and they would have less difficulty in disposing of it if it were licenced. The Chairman: You don't mind oppo- sition ?-N o. The licence was granted on the same terms as previously. j The following persons were fined, as stated for being drunk and disorderly in various dates: D. Lake, College- row drunk and disorderly in Commer- cial-street on 16th January, 0S. and costs; Geo. Clarke, no fixed abode, drunk in Church-road on 31st January, os. and costs Thos. Lewis, The Firs, Ystradgynlais, at the Square, on the 10th January at 6.30 p.m., 7s. 6d. and costs, 14s. altogether Robt. Williams, Gough-biuldings, at Cough-buildings, on 10th January, at 8.30 p.m., 7s. 6d. and costs; Wm. Hughes. Gough-build- ings, in Brecon-road, on 13th January, 10s. and costs. In the cases of John Harding and Geo. Jones, Old Shop, Abercrave, who were summoned for lacing drunk and disorderly in Brecon-road, on 17th January at 11 p.m.. the defendants stated that they had several witnesses to call, but they had net yet turned up. The chairman ordered the cases to stand "over until the end of the Court, but as the witnesses did not put in an appearance both defendants were fined 7s. 6d. and costs. Geo. Jones stated that he did not drink and had only had three glasses of beer that day. DISGUISING HIMSELF. Albert Henford, collier, Glantawe- row, was charged by P.S. Lewis with Iwing drunk an d disorderly, and fur- i ther with wearing the uniform of the Glamorgan Yeomanry, of which he was not a member. P.S. Lewis stated that defendant was in Church-street and was challenging another man to fight. He was then wearing military uniform and witness had since found after in- quiries that defendant was not a mem- her of the Yeomanry. Defendant was fined 7s. 6d. and costs for being drunk and disorderly, and 10s. and costs for unlawfully wearing the uniform. The j chairman remarked that, for the latter offenco defendant was liable to a fine of L-5. ) FIGHTING ON THE HIGHWAY. I Boy Cooper and Samuel Parker, Glanrhyd, were charged with fighting on 17th January. P.C. 57 Williams proved tho case. Cooper (to the constable): Did you see any blows struck ?—I saw you striking Parker. Cooper: It was ten minutes after, but you never saw it. Parker: It was just at the time the constable came on. Fined 7s. 6d. and costs-14s. alto- gether. For \inla.wfully provoking another man to fight at Gough-buildings on 6th December, James Price was lined 7s. nd. a.nd costs.—12s. altogether. P.S. Evans proved the case. LICENSING SESSIONS. I Superintendent Stephen Jones gave his annual report for the Petty Ses- i sional Division of Ystradgynlais, in which he stated that there were in the district 20 fully licensed houses and one beer house. Five were seven day licences, and 26 siv day licenses. There were one wine and four billiard licences. During the year 62 persons had been proceeded against, of which 62 had been convicted, an increase of two over last year. Tho population, according to the last census, was 10,671, which gave an average of 395 persons to each house. During the year licensed houses had been verv well conducted. Tho Chairman said they could con- gratulate themselves as a district up on the very good report. He was glad to find that the houses had been well- I conducted. They had received from the Homo Office a circular to which he had to call the attention of the licence holders. It was necessary that all licence holders should keep proper books of accounts so that they would be ready for inspection if necessary. The whole of the licenses would be re- newed.

SCHOOL TEACHERS ON STRIKE IN HEREFORD Herefordshire is now experiencing a teachers' strike, owing to the refusal of the loeal education authority to grant a scale of wages asked for by the teachers, through the National Union of Teachers, who have handed in their resignations. Most of the schools in the county are now closed or closing, and pickets are touring the country to in- duce any teachers still working to join the strikers. The six schools in Leominster are closed, only one uncertificated teacher having refused to sign. The ma,nagera of the Church of England schools and the undenominational schools have re- fused to make any fresh appointments, as their sympathy i3 entirely with the teachers. m m —

A m6eting of the South Wales Aiiti- Living-iti Committee in connection with the Shop Assistants' Union was held at Cardiff on Sunday, when it was decided to continue at fight for the total aboli- tion of the living-in system. It WM re- ported that there had been a settlement at Messrs..James and Son's establish- ment at Swanr-ea, and that it had been agreed to aholit'n the system, and that the asHFtnnts should receive 12s.6d. a week in lit:a of board ai:d lodgings. t A meeting of the Gorseinon Cymmro darion Society was held last Thursday. Mr W. Hughes, Dolan, presided, when the Rev. D. M. Davies, Waunarlwydd, delivered a lecture on "Ben BOWell." The lecturer pointed out that Ben Bowen stood alone as a poet and original thinker and his fine character ought to be an inspiration to the young men of to-day. The death occurred on Monday of Mrs. William Morris, widow of the great Socialist, poet, and craftsman.. Mrs. Morris (Miss Jane Burden) was born in Oxford in 1840, and lived there until her marriage. Morris first met her as a girl, and he was eo struck by her appearance that he asked her to sit for him. Since her husband's death in 1896 Mrs. Morris lived chiefly at Kelmscott Manor Houso. Her death took place at Bath, after a short ill- ness.

Eisteddfod Departure ORATORIO INSTEAD OF CHORAL CONTESTS The Committee of the Eifionydd Eis- teddfod, Carmarthenshire, are contem- platirig a new departure. They propose abandoning the choral contests and sub- stituting the performance of an oratorio. Dr. Lloyd Williams, BaJigor Collge, ad- dressing the committee at Criccieth on Monday night, enjoined the committee to open new ground, remarking that he had been filled with disgust as a musical adjudicator when called upon to adjudi- cate on the same choirs singing the same test pieces seven or eight times the same session, and those moreover, pieces which had been repeatedly sung for 50 yemris- Indexed, at the present day eminent Welsh composers had to rely 011 English choirs to perform their works.

— 40- Fines amounting to over £ 1.'2C0 v.ero imposed on motorists under the Motor C arAets, in tlio S'n'lthorne division of Middlesex during the year.