Llais Llafur

The Division of Glamorgan A MUCH NEEDED REFORM The Swansea Rural District Council having unanimously passed a resolution to the effect that it would be desirable to obtain the voice of all other District Councils in the County of Glamorgan as to the desirability of dividing the County of Glamorgan into two divisions for ad- ministrative purposes, a circular letter has been sent to -each of the Rural and Urban District Council in the County. In the letter it is pointed out that the duties performed by the County Council are so many and varied; that it is ex- pensive for the members of the County ,p C=?i, representing the Western and Northern parts of the County to attend .meetings at Cardiff; and that is is in- creasingly difficult for members represent- mg these districts to devote the neces- sary attention to the work that the Pap id growth of the County is causing a ^continual increase in the duties of the t County Council, apart from fresh duties from time to time entrusted to the County 'Councils by legislation; and that many persons who make efficient members of the County Council are debarred from standing as candidates for the County < Council because of the expeinse. It is also point-ed out that the know- ledge possessed by these persons, of the condition a-nd requirements of their re- spective districts would be utilised to "better advanage if they were membersl of the County Council, and if they were members it is probable that the rates would be more equitably expended, and improvements more fairly spread over the various parts of the County than is at present the case. Finally, the letter states that if the "County were to bo divided into two or three divisions, either of such divisions would compare favourably, both as to population and rateable value with the remaining County areas in Wales. Tha population of the administrative County in 1911 was 742,988; and the statutory acreage 489,529 acres. total rateable and assessable) value of the county for various purposes is contained in the following table Rateable Value t General County Rate Purposes £ 3,570,338 I Special purposes (Police) £3,501,476 Elementary Education £2,040967 The total rateable and assessable values of the various Unions in the County are £ 3,570,338 and' RZ,469,556 respectively, viz. Rateable Assessable Value. Value. £ J3 Br'gen d & Cowbridge 471,617 438,679 Cardiff 703,606 679,042 Gower 67,266 58,316 Llanelly 26,069 25,242 Merthyr 341,623 336,930 Neath 434,077 426,808 Pontardawe 113,713 108,882 Pontypridd 1,261,836 :1,251,698 Swansea 150,531 143,959 3,570,338 :3,469,556 The fact that Anglesey, with a, popula- tion of 50,928 and a rateable value of £223,893 is an administrative, county as are Brecon, Cardigan, Merioneth, Mont- gomery, all with populations of less than 60,000 and Radnorshire with a popula- tion of 22,590 is suffici-ent justification for the plea that the County of Glamorgan should be divided into two portions for administrative purposes. The division is badly needed, and it is hoped that some- thing definite in this) direction will be de- cided upon as a result of the replies re- ceived from the various Councils. 8.e..

W. A. WILLIAMS, Phrenologist, be consulted daily at the Victoria Arcade (near the Market), Swansea. RECORD SALE NOW Proceeding -At, CECIT s j BARGAIN STORES, 36, Castle Street, i Fancy and Heavy Drapery, Men's, Youths', and Boys' Clothing at Giving-Away Prices. SEE WINDOWS ——— SEE WINDOWS I Note only Address- i Cecil's Bargain Stores ] 36, Castle Street, Swansea l:>¿j Observe! Every Article a Bargain.

PONTARDAWE and ALLTWEN GLEANINGS I [BY BIRKS.] I "Hereditary bondsmen! Know ye not Who would be free, themselves must strike the blow!" There is a possibility that the strike will be ended before March, but it is probable that it will last another month. The men who "downed tools" are as determined as ever they were not to give way on the crucial point of seniori- ty. The only basis upon which work can be resumed is that the firm will grant the men's contention in respect of seniority. The men a.re prepared to go back to work on that understanding, and allow the outstanding grievances to be dis- cussed by the Conciliation Board. Mr. T. W. Hughes, organiser for the Dockers' Union, addressed a branch meeting of the affected men on Wed- nesday afternoon, and after a great deal of discussion it was decided that a request should be sent to Mr. F. W. Gilbertson, the managing director, ask- ing him to meet a deputation of the men. Several further employer v. workmen cases will be dealt with at the police court to-day (Friday). When rork is resumed it will be a considerably depleted batallion of for- mer employees that the officials will have to deal with. I hear that many offers, referred to in this column last week, have been ac- cepted, and a number of the skilled workers employed in departments other than the mills have obtained good jobs elsewhere. Messrs. Tom Jeremiah and D. J. Thomas have been sent as a deputation to the executive of the Steelsmelters' Union to place the case of the members of No. 2 branch before that body. A grand sacred concert to assist the men with large families affected by the strike is to be held at the Pavilion on Sunday week, Mr. Coutts having kind- ly consented to lend the building for the occasion. An orchestra is being formed for the occasion, some fine pictures will be shown and some of the best of local talent will appear. Notwithstanding the fact that the steelsmelters at a general meeting held on Saturday evening decided to with- draw their notices by 42 votes to 35 (out of a total membership of 270) they are working short time in consequence of the dispute. It would appear that the steelsmel- ters are forging more chains for them- selves, as the greater the stock when work is resumed the lesser chance of their being in a strong position. Thus, Shelly; "Have ye leisure, comfort, calm, Shelter, food, love's gentle balm ? Or what is it ye buy so dear With your pain and with your fear? The seed ye sow another reaps; The wealth ye find another keeps; The robes ye weave another wears; The arms ye forge another bears!" Mr. Ben Tillet is expected to speak at Pontardawe on the 28th inst. Efforts have been made by the Trade and Labour Council to induce Mr. "Jim" Larkin to appear at Pontardawe on Sunday, March 1st, as he will be at Llanelly on February 27th. Alltwen Fair, the first, and most im- portant gathering if its kind at one time, was held on Wednesday, when there was a large gathering of cattle drovers and dealers from all parts of South Wales and the West of England. Prices fixed at this fair influences, to a great extent, those ruling the cattle market during the year. The death occurred on Tuesday at High-street, of Sarah, wife of Mr. Al- bert Hill, manager of Eastman's branch shop. Deceased, who was only 28, suf- fered from consumption, and was only married about two years ago. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rees Lloyd. The funeral will take place on Satur- day at St. Peter's. At Tyncoedcae, AIltwen, on Sunday morning, Mr. Thos. Bowen (63) collier, passed away very suddenly. He suffered a paralytic stroke on Saturday even- ing. Deceased was a widower for many years, and only recently lost a daughter and one daughter survives him. He was a native of the district. At a special meeting of the commit- tee of the co-operative society last (Thurs.) evening a statement relating to the damage caused by the recent fire was considered. The adjourned general meeting will probably be called during next week. The railway station is being titivated —and it needs it; also some decent waiting rooms and more shelter for the passengers on the platform. A fire brigade, with appliance to serve the district will probably be formed some time during the next ten years. Anyway, the Chamber of Trade has dis- cussed the matter seriously, which is something to be going on with. How long it will take the Water Sup- plies Committee of the Council to pre- pare a report cannot, of course, with an exactitude, be stated, but it ought to be laid upon the table before the present councillors vacate office. After that, it might be discussed by the next batch, and so on, ad lib. Ii The Trebanos sewerage scheme, ac- oording to the progress being, made, ap- pears as if it will be ready before the Ystalyfera scheme, although the latter was commenced upon nearly two years ago, whilst operations did not com- mence at Trebanos until the middle of last month. It looks as if it takes a longer period to put the finishing touches upon a job of this character than it does to do the main part of the work. By the time the Ynismeudwy, Y&- tradgynlais and YstaJyfera schemes are completed the people of the district should become thoroughly trained sewage disposal experts. Wm. Henry Davies, of Ynismeudwy, who had a foot amputated at Swansea Hospital about six weeks ago as a re- sult of an injury sustained at the Glan- tawe Works, returned home from that institution on Monday, and has made very favourable progress. The Pontardawe Hockey team defeat- ed Llanelly at Pontardawe on Satur- day by 7 goals to 3.The scorers for the homesters were Gwilym Lewis (4), Dai Lewis (2), and Sid Hopkin (1). The operetta "The Royal Jester" was given by the scholars of the Higher Elementary School at the Public Hall last evening. There was a large attendance of com- municants from the various churches in the district at the St. Peter's School- room on Tuesday evening, when a pa- rochial church council was elected. It was also decided that a parochial tea should be held in connection with every church in the district on Shrove Tues- day. Last Friday and Saturday at the Pavilion an interesting item was added to the specialities introduced in the plays presented by Mr. and Mrs. Wil- son Benges' company, by the appear- ance of Little Irene Doherty, who ren- dered two songs each evening. Her performance was marked by consider- able ability, and though a juvenile, dis- played much spirit and finish, and she well merited the hearty applause she received. This was only her second time before the public. THIS WEEK'S STORY. At the next meeting of the Council a petition, signed by some dozen Tre- banos house owners, will be submitted praying the Council to divert the pipes of that section of the sewerage scheme near their respective houses to run underneath their gardens, on the score that it will not be so expensive to con- nect their houses. One resident, how- ever, not only refused to sign the peti- tion, but refuses to allow the pipes to be laid anywhere near his house be- cause, he argues, it would be un- healthy This resident's olfactory organ must be very highly trained, as the pipes will be buried some seven feet underneath the surface. DANYGRAIG'S CHOIR'S SUCCESS- FUL OPERETTA. A very successful performance of "Esther, the Beautiful Queen," in full character, was given by the members of the Danygraig Chapel Choir, on Saturday, at the Public Hall, before a crowded gathering. The proceeds will be handed over to the building fund. Mr. Edward Mathias, Alltwen, was the conductor, and much credit is due to him for his painstaking services. The stage manager was Mr. W. D. Main- waring, and the accompanist, Mr. Rees Lewis. The chief characters were: Esther, the Queen, Miss Elizabeth Mor- gan; King, Mr. Dd. Davies; Haman, Mr. Dd. Thomas; Zeresh, Haman's wife, Miss Ann Williams; Mordecai, Mr. Dd. Daniel; Hegai and Harbonah, Mr. Tom J. Lewis; Prophet, Mr. Geo. Griffiths; Messenger (reader), Mr. Tom Jones; Maids of Honour, Mrs. S. A. Davies, Miss Maggie Thomas, and Miss May Jenkins; Maids to the Queen, Mis- ses Annie L. Jones and Bessie Mathias. Other members of the choir acted as Jews, Guards, Shepherds, etc. The various artistes all did excellently and the performance was greatly enjoyed by all present.

W. A. WILLIAMS, Phrenologist, can be consulted daily at the Victoria Arcade (near THE Market) Swansea.. Welsh Flannel and Wool Stores LONGTON HOUSE, Herbert St., Pontardawe. Stockiags Re-fqoted on the Shortest Notice. IOd. per pair. Post Free Send for patterns and price lists for all kinds of Wool and Flannel. Note Address— J. W. MORGAN, Pontardawe & Seven Sisters PUBLIC HALL PONTARDAV/E. Thursday Evening, Feb. 19, 1914 Grand Miscellaneous Concert by the Pontardawe roaic Voice partp Conducted by Mr. DAVID DANIEL, Assisted by the following Star Artistes. MISS CARRIE LANCELEY (The Famous Australian Soprano), MR. JOHN COATES (The Great English "Caruso"), MR. POWELL EDWARDS (The Popular Welsh Baritone), MR. GEORGE KENDALL (The Celebrated Elocutionist and Humourist)* At the Piano, Mr. T. J. DAVIES, A.R.C.O. Chairman: F. W. GILBERTSON, Esq., J.P. Admission, Reserved and Numbered, 6s. AND 3s. Unreserved 2s. and Is. Concert to oom- mence at 7.30. Seats may be booked and tickets ob- tained from members of the choir, or from the secretary,— W. THOMPSON DA VIES, Grove-road, Pbntardawe. BOOK EARLY. Special Motor Bus win leave at 10.20 for Neath (after the concert).

I BRYNAMMAN NOTES. I MISHAP AT LOCAL COLLIERY J r a I I I j-iic miyiwsvuenueu ruji 01 steady work, that has for some considerable time past been characteristic of operations at the Rhcsamman Colliary came to an abrupt finish on Friday morning since when the I colliery has lain idle. The stoppage, which fortunately will only be a temporary one, resulted'from a mishap that occurred to the pit-head standards. Winding operations were proceeding as usual on Friday morning, when suddenly, while the up-coming cage with its compliment of loaded trams., was approaching the landing stage, a break down occurred amongst the beams sup- porting the sheave, causing it to become dislodged, and to damage the structure supporting it. Piompt action on the part of the work- men and officials prevented the cage fall- ing down the shait, and causing further damage. A number of planks and iron rails were quickly placed over the open shaft, to support the suspended cage. In this way the delay usually consequent on occurrences of similar nature was pre- vented. ¡ It is not expected that a restart will bs made this week, as the whole pit-head standard is being renewed, and a new winding sheave fixed up. A larger and thoroughly tested sheave has already been obtained, and will be in position within a few days. It is indeed fortunate that the acci- dent occurred in this particular pit, else the toll might have been more serious. As it happens the workmen proceed to work through the horse-way, and return to the surface in the like manner. I AT HYMEN'S ALTAR i This is decidedly Cupid's week, "Aisle," "Altar," "Hymn," are again become the reigning favourites. Three weddings in the sanie week is most cii- couraging, a record which we hope to see maintained. There are a- certain num- ber of old fogies in Brynamman whose "haltering" it would do my heart good. to chronicle. I ATLLAN I I DILO I- a pretty weciaing ceremony was per- formed at Llandilo on Monday, when Miss Dinah Richards, daughter of Mr W. Ebenezer Richards, Llandilo road, was urited in wedlock to Mr Jack Johns. The bride was attended! bv Miss Bessie Wil- liams, Mountain road, and the bride- groom by Mr Daniel Williams, Cwm- garw road. After the honeymoon the young couple will take up their residence in Bryn Avenue. AT PONTARDAWE. I Mrs. Hopkin Hopkin, Glyn road, son of Mr John Hopkin, and Miss M. Llewelyn, daughter of Mr Joseph Llew- elyn, Glyn road, were the- contracting parties in a quiet wedding ceremony that took place at Pontardawe on Wednesday. LOCAL ENTERPRISES I Speculation in cinemas has become the ordier of the day. With the local new cinema in the course of erection, a similar enterprise has been launched into the competing arena this w-eek- at Cwm- gorse. Under the control of Mr W. J. Barnes, of "Glanamman Picture House fame, the New Gaiety Theatre, Cwmgorse, starts its career. Needless to say a. num- ber of local patronisers of Mr. Barnes were present at the opening. With all this competition in the district, we may look forward to being well fed with good things in the future. BRYNAMMAN BOY.. I Brynammanites will fee glad to learn of the progress made by Mr Johnny Lewis, son of Mr Edwin Lewis, Moun- tain road, and formerly- employed at the local electric station. Mr Lewis has re- oently been appointed engineer in charge of the Ystradgynlais Ptnver Station. GWYNFE EISTEDDFOD I We understand that Mr TEd Morgan, Banwen, is at present training a choir in preparation for the coming Gwynfe eis- teddfod. We wish the young conductor success in his enterprise. AMBULANCE CLASS REVIVED ¡ I- I Thanks to the efforts of enthusiastic promoters of the good cause, there is strong reason to believe that an ambulance class will shortly be re-started, probably on Wednesday evening next. It has been felt that so useful a class should not be allowed to fall through, especially when such a large number of young men maintained all interest in the work. A meeting was called' n;t the Upp?r Schools last Wednesday, when it was made known that Dr. J. W. Lewis was to deliver a course of of 10 lessons. These however, will not he under the control of the County Education Committee, b-at will be due to the doctor's own initiative. The classes were discontinued it seems, owing to the parsimonious treatment of the teachers by the County Education Committee, and to all intents and pur- poses it seems that the Education Com- mittee quite content to let the public suffer, rather than quit this stingy atti- tude, which seems to be it3 adopted policy whenever expense on education is in question. We admire the stand that has been made, but to a still greater extent do we cherish the public-hearted; spirit- of the doctor in ensuring that the cause shall not be sacrified, while waiting the time when: the epuoatiOIli shall come to its own. ».»«»«

GRAND THEATRE SWANSEA. Lessees The Exorg. of the late Mr. F. Mouillot. Resident Manager Mr. T. Byrne. Monday, February 16th, 1914 For Six Nights at 7-30, and Matinee-Saturday, Feb. 21st, 1914 At 2-30. Mr. William Greet's Chief Company in- THE SIGN OF THE CROSS Week commencing February 23rd- THE PEARL GIRL USXJ^X. PRICES 13eato reserved by telephone and not paid for cannot be kept after the advertised time of commencing the play OLYMPIC CINEMA, "fKki1- Resident Manager Mr. Art h irr Eldon. Resident Manager Mr. Arthur Eldon. Continuous Performance, 7 to 10-30 p.m. Doors open, 6-30 At Every Performance during the Week, The Vivaphone Singing Pictures Trams Pass the Doors. Prices-3d., 6d., and Is. "mil1 A I A pp U?rt??rt Str??? Jtr unutj Pontardawe. Proprietor Mr. Rowland Williams. Proprietor Mr. Rowlan d Williams. The House of Unrivalled Merit. Entire change of programme twice a week. Renowned for Star Pictures and First Class Varieties. Popular Prices: 3d., 6d. and 9d. PREMIER CINEMA YSTALYFERA Proprietors Messrs. Mathias & Evans Manager Mr. Temple Evans The only All-Star Picture House in the Valley. CHANGE OF PROGRAMME. MONDAYS AND THURSDAYS. Tip-up Chairs in every part of the Blwlding. Pictures absolutely Fllefceriess. The Hall is properly Heated and Ventilated. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 13th and 14th— GREAT ALL-STAR PROGRAMME, including Nick Winter and the Lost Prince A Picture which should not be missed. Continuous Performance on Saturday From 6 to 10-30 pun. Doors open at 5-30 p.m. Prices of Admission- SCI., ed., 9a. Matmee every Wednesday Morning for Nightmea, MATINEE FOR CHILDREN ON SATURDAY AT 2-30 Prices for Children—id. and 2d. Full Prograimme; ,vàn buy OC!roo1, us.. aDd we tbe lttce tOt (1'DOr the ttilUng of 10/6. t11$ world. yf-ar by J."car we pun:h6e. ,fur of ljy- too II! m;us" a!13¡hso command; tt! ,:uå-tt-iy terms th:'Ø' our ciV.allr-1:hat'it-IP!r. w.h:r are ena ÎJ led to, mare: c'&a¡\ply.. IV L'fi crldit, aut to, Waat, f; 3;er 'r.'n, tbn anyone else. ii.tari -= èOLLA1aÐ: n" I'M' sr'- reS? S   A?     ?'?'?? ??  .{ >' 'W"1" ,f'tII;t Y-t).s"ir. Or-gaDs by emjue"NtAuers fro mGi- I  won. ry" ;,u' !Ják old llstrumentfj iiii  cha.Dge.. allo t ?g?  V* V*"> twao £ 0r 12 months f" and give a 25, yea& ))? i:¿, 1i :,{..¡;. g|KLrant«tfe. Write NOfN:for fi&tolaga* 2 Mm F,i¡fY Q 1tSoD t'!117'nCheS in, MSHTHLYI^ ;ej;=, rane Sw i .?????/? SOLE AGENT MARTYN 'rn¡AS. ???-?????* ?1'. OXFON? STREET (Opposite th? B?p're). hW?NSEA.

————— WHO EARNED IT! hi continuation of our resolution to ke<jp, an -eye cn tho FinaiKsai papers, here is another little hint of the pace at which o;tr- masters make iwmey out of Labour. Harrod's Stares have declared a dividend øf.' 63 per cent, on the, founders' shares, and 26 per cent. c» ordinaries. The total profits for last year came to L296,000, wbieh was £ 26,000 more than last year. Have ttte shareholders reaJly earned this harvest ? Have the assistants, the carmen, and i>he rest of the workers in the business, including the managers, all got their fair share of what they have made by thedr labour? We should DOt discuss these problems of iudustry in vague terms and philosophical language. Far better deal with the hard facts of balance sheets..—"Daily Herald/'

The Revival of Roller Skating beaag now tB accomplished FACFE TSiE L.A SKATING RINSF, PONTAKDAWE, WUL BE OP&N EACH EVENING^ MOt\$>AY TO SATURDAY (Inclusive) From 7.30 to 10 N.M. I DANCING ON SKATES KVRRY THURSDA Y EVENING. Admission and STATES, Sixpence. Late 'buses leave for Morriston, Neath and Ystalyfera each evening. Late trains on Saturdays for Swansea at 10.10 p.m., and Ystalyfera, Gwya. and Brynamman at 11.30 p.m. An Ideal Floor and Beautiful Musio.

MR HUGH IE-DWARIDS, I-P- AND THE TRUTH. CHALLENGE BY MR VERNON HARTSHORN. To the Editor. I Sir,—From reports in the press I notice that Mr. J. Hugh Edwards, M.P., has had the coolness to claim before a Garw Valley audience that the miners owe the Minimum Wage Act to Liberalism. This is really the limit in political audacity, and I challenge Mr. Ed- wards to debate with me before a. mass meeting of Garw Va:-1ey miners the question of the attitude of the Liberal Government towards the claim of a minimum wage for miners. I am prepared to prove (1) That prior to the national strike the Liberat Government were opposed to the prin- ciple of a minimum wage; (2) That all the benefit there is in the Mininanm Wage Act the miners owe to theii: own organisation, the Miners) Federation of Great Britain, and the Labour Party; and (3) That all the defects in the Act are due to the opposition Qf the Liberal Government to the prono&,tls of the Miners' Federation and thy LaTwjr Party. Mr. Edwards will no doubt 1)0 glad of this opportunity of proving; before an intelligent body of miners th*» truth of his claim at the Plmtyeyaimer I Liberal mesting.-Yours, VERNON HARTSHORN, Miners." Agent, Maesiteg, Feb. 10, 1914.