Llais Llafur

CRYNANT. On Sunday last the annual "Cymanfa Ganu Undebol" was held at Salem Chapel. The conductor was Prof. David Evans, Mus. Bac., Cardiff, who, at the evening service expressed how pleased he was to renew his old friendships locally, and to find that the choir had done ex- ceedingly well, taking into consideration that tno programmes had been only pub- lished six weeks. At the children's ser- vice in the morning the Rev. J. Morgan, Bethania, presided. In the afternoon Mr W. Morgan (Ynis- wen), presided, when a paper was read by Air iNuuh Jones on "Ieuan Gwyllt" as a musician. At the evening service Mr D. Jeffrey, A.C., presided over a crowded congregation, when Mr J. E. Jones read a paper on "WiU'ams Pajitycelyn" as a bard. The successful competitors in the competition for composing adults' and children's songs for next year's Cyman- fa were, for adults, Mr D. R. Morgan, and children's, Mr Roderick Evans. The organist and pianist for the occas- ion were Air W. D. Howells and Miss G. Garbett. COMPETITIVE CONCERT A competitive concert was held at Salem Chapel on Monday evening, Mr H. Jeffreys, presiding. Mr D. Pricie and Mr D. Hopkins (Dewi), were adjudicators of music and literature respectfully. The awards were as follows :—Solo for child- ren under 10, Master Tommy Hughes, Ashgrove; recitation for children under 10, Master D. Idris Evans soprano solo, Mrs. W. Donavon, Brynawel; open reci- tation, Miss Dorothy Edwards, Mcesyr- haf. PANCAKE TEA AND ENTERTAIN- MENT On Shrove Tesday a pancake tea was held at the Church schoolroom by the St. Margaret's Church. The following presided at the different tables :—Mrs. Cadogan and Miss Harris; Mrs. Jenkins and Mrs. Jones; Miss E. J. James and Miss Evans; Mrs. P. Davie-i and Mrs. Harris; Misses B. Wines and C. Cadog- an; Mrs. James and Mrs. W. L. Wil- liams. After all had partaken of the good things prepared, aai entertainment was held in the evening, when the hall was crowded. The Rev. D. Morgan occupied the chair, and the following artistes took part :— Pianoforte solo, Miss Gladys Thatchell; songs by Misses S. B. Evans, M. W. Donavon, L. Wince, P. Jones, Sally Lewis, and chorus of Sunday School Scholars recitations by Mss M. Cadogan, Glyn Davies, Johnny Williams, Harold Jenkins, and another. A duett was given by Mifts S. B. Evans and Miss C. Cadog- an; dialogue by Gwennv Rees, V. Sedge- more, S. J. Aplin, S. J. James, B. Jen- kins aaa;.Q. Ca,clogaiLl The arrangements were well carried out by Mr G. Cadogan and Miss M. Harris Wo regret to note that Mr Rhys Jones, the precentor at Godre'rhoe Chapel has been indisposed for the last few weeks, suffering from an attack of severe influ- enza. We trust his recovery will be speedy. At the Assessment Committee held a.t Neath on Thursday, there were only two applicants locally for reduction in the rateable vaJue of the last list. We learn that one of the Parish Councillors was in the fray, and made a. good fight for re- duction. The result of his appeal is not yet to hand. FOOTBALL T The First XV. on Saturday last were entert,-i-iil,-d by Bryncoch in a cup tie match, and resulted in a win for the visitors by 7 points, to 5, but we find that an objection has been lodged by the local committee against the Junior League Neath, and they have docidted to give Crynant the option of a. replay or leave it entirely to the decision of the Neath Junior League. If Crynant Committee care for ad- vice on the point, decide for a replay, as on the run of play last Saturday, the best team lost, through the lucky drop goal of Bryncoch. Our First XV. have qualities that ought to get them the cup this year. ♦

E400 is to be paid for a foolproof high- tension board for the electrical station of the St. Pancras Borough Council.

t S .t.?t'f t?t-t-t't't- t*t-t t t t t t t t t t 't' t-  f ? <S- ?<T' Comer Shop.  j Castle and Temple Streets, t 1 SWANSEA. I .øo.dIL4.A.tII¡. r I D. THOMAS! .t J II i Jeweller, r "i Has REMOVED to temporary premises at ? I 26a Castle Street I —— t Absolute Clearance of all Stock ? Great Reductions in every t | Department i | | Gymry, Cofiwch am y Cymro. i S!

DULAIS MINERS AND THE SHORTER SATURDAY I Employers' Disappointing Reply PROBABLE DEVELOPMENTS-PIT. HEAD BATHS. Contrary to the hopes and beliefs of a .considerable number of workers in the Dulais Valley, the conference between Mr E. Evans Bevan, J.P., of Neath, and the men's representatives on the shorter Saturday agitation, has terminated in an- .other deadlock, and it is not yet certain what the future developments will be. This agitation has now been In progress for several months, and on more than one .ooca.sion the miners have made every effort to obtain a final settlement of the -question. "In the first place, individual -colliery committees made the application for a stoppage at one o'clock instead of .3 pm. on Saturday afternoon, and this met with a refusal at the owner's hands. Upon receipt of this reply a consider- cable number of the men were eager to hand in nottcea to bring the matter to an early and definite issue, but subsequently the matter was taken in hand by the South Wales Federation, as a result of which Mr Beva.n consented to receive a deputation from the Seven Sisters works -committee, together with the chief agent '(Mr J. D. Morgan), and the Federation representative (Mr Enoch Morrell). As forecasted in the "Llais" last week, the deputation met Mr Bevan at Neath on Friday, representatives of the joint work- men's committee being also in atendaaice near by. The inembers-of the deputation laid the case for the men in an admirable ni-ainner, pointing out in justification of the miners' request that the circum- stances were quite exceptional through- out the whole of the Anthracite area. Mr Bevan in his Teplv sttted that he was not disposed to make the alteration as desired by the men and said that even if he were he would be prevented from doing so by the rules of his own associa- tion.. Since that time, Mr Bevan's decision has boeoi conveyed to the S.W.M.F. Executive, and the replv is being awaited with much eagerness and some specula- tion. VIEWS OF MR GEORGE JONES, CHECKWEIGHER. Interviewed on Wednesday by our re- present itive, Mr Jones, check- "weigher at the Seven Sisters colliery, gave his opinions on the present position for the benefit of "Llais" readers. Mr Jones said I am afraid the short Saturday will not now be granted, even at the cost of a strike, permission for which I do not think will be given by the Executive. I now believe that the men are drifting towards a demand for pit- head baths as an alternative to the re- duction in hours, and some would now prefer this to the short day, having re- gard to the fact that the latter seems almost hopeless. "You do not think the Executive would agree to the adoption of the strike w,eapon ? "I am afraid not," said Mr Jones, "for the reason that this would mea.n that the I Masters' Association would have to be fought, and we have to remember that this is only a sectional demand. It does not affect the whole coalfield, and the probability is that all the workmen of South Wales would not be prepared to support one section in a matter of this kind. The case would be different if all the mi ilea's were asking for the shorter Saturday. Mr Jones added that the men were ready to fight the matter out if they could see that the end would be success- ful, and would be willing to sacrifice a great deal if they could hope for the de- mand being guaranteed, but it was little use taking this step without some possi- bility of achieving their object. Referring to the pit-head baths ques- tion, Mr Jones re-emphasised the fact that the proposal was gaining considerable support among the men, and reminded them that the owners were compelled to provide them if two-thirds of the workers desired theon. On the other hand, the men have to contribute to their main- tenance, but this would be comparatively slight. W —————— »»,»

I UNHAPPY LIBERALS. I In view of the Labour opposition, the Portsmouth Liberal Seven Hundred have adopted the recommendations of the exe- cutive to run only one candidate at the next General Election. The voting was 198 votes to 75 and an amendment that two candidates be run was defeated. This discussion was of a heated charac- ter and distinctly showed that just now the Liberals are by no means a happy family.

—————— t r A special meeting of the Licensing Committee of the Carmarthenshire County Council was held on Monday, when an application by Air-S. T. Powell, for fifteen years manager for Madame Patti, was granted a dramatic licence for the palace being etected at Ammanford. A licence was also granted for what used to be the Baptist Chapel, at Saron, Llandebie.

Previous to Stock-taking EE'S "z SPECIAL (t L L '¡' E 0" Heavy & Fancy Drapery All Goods at the Actual Cost Price. SE§ ^WDOWS—V^TDERFUli BARGAINS -P"r Our only AddreSB- CECIL'S BARGAIN STORES, 36, Castle Street, SWANSEA. Observe! Every Article a Bargain.

DULAIS VALLEY CHAT. I (Gan Ymdeithydd.) I The heavy storm which swept over South Wales on Saturday did not fail to leave its traces in various parts of the Dulais Valley. The river rose to a considerable height and overflowed its hanks in many places, whilst build- ings were damaged, trees uprooted, and towards the bottom of the Valley chimney pots were blown down. For- tunately no one suffered personal in- jury, although the damage was con- siderable. SEVEN SISTERS GIRLS' ORDEAL. I Annie Morgan (13), daughter or Mr. John Morgan, Bryncae, Seven Sisters, had an exceedingly unpleasant ex- perience during Monday night, one which also caused no iittle consterna- tion to her relatives and friends. She was missed from her home early dur- ing the evening, and upon her failure to return, her parents, relatives and members,of the local police force, com- menced an investigation which proved fruitless. This occasioned considerable alarm, having regard to the wild and dangerous character of the district, and at 10 p.m., search parties were organised, several groups of men with lanterns going in various directions, such as Onllwyn, Banwen, Colbren. A bercrave and Ystradgynlais. The search was continued throughout the night until four o'clock on Tuesday morning, when a party of searchers on the mountain between Seven Sisters and Ystradgynlais found the child. She had seen the lights and had made her way to them. The girl was removed home in a thoroughly exhausted condi- tion, and when questions were put to her, she said that "Something came over her," and she could not really remember how she got on to the moun- tain. She said she walked about all the time and was almost frozen with cold. 'Fortunately she is now little the worse for her weird experience. INTERESTING GOLDEN WEDDING. Readers of the "Llais" throughout the Valley will join with me in hearti- ly congratulating Mr. and Mrs. David Williams, of Glas Fan, Seven Sisters, who on Thursday had the privilege of celebrating their golden wedding. Botn are well known and much esteemed in the Valley. They were married at Llan- crwys, Carmarthenshire, and came to the Valley about forty years ago, thus having spent practically all their wed- ded life in this district. During that time Mr. Williams has been engaged on the local railway line, and also at the Seven Sisters Colliery, but he has now been retired for some years. Mr. Williams, who is 78, and his wife who is 77, are particularly known as among the founders of the Baptist cause in Seven Sisters, of which they have al- ways remained very faithful support- ters. Upon the opening of the new Baptist chapel in the village nearly two years ago, Mrs. Williams, who per- formed the ceremony, was presented with a golden key. The happy couple, who, it is pleasing to note enjoy good health, have three sons and three daughters, the latter all being mar- ried. They are represented in Wales, England and Scotland, one daughter being married to Councillor D. T. Davies, Seven Sisters, one to Mr. R. Rees, farmer, Hereford (formerly of Pontardawe), and another to the Rev. Enfield Jones, Newcastleton, Scotland. DAVID LEWIS' BENEFIT FUND. I The concert given on Tuesday last at Messrs: Studts' picture house, for the benefit of Mr. David Lewis, Brick-row, was highly successful—the balance sheet forwarded to us this week, clearly in- dicates. The takings totalled R20 15s. 6d., and after all expenses have been met, a balance of J314 4s. 6d. has been handed over to the boneficiarv,an excellent sum. MR. VERNON HARTSHORN AND I LOCAL ELECTORS. I The adoption of Mr. Vernon Harts- horn, of Maesteg, as prospective Labour candidate for the Mid-Glamor- gan at the next general election has been received with much interest in this part of the constituency. The various colliery committees have re- ceived from Mr. Meth Jones, regis- tration agent, a circular requesting that a joint meeting should be ar- ranged for consideration of future plans in the district. No definite steps have been taken up to the present, but the matter will no doubt be brought up at the next joint meeting of the commits tees. During the two previous elections contested by Mr. Hartshorn, strong local support was extended to the can- didate, and he may be assured that this will be repeated at the next fight. Mr. Hartshorn has always been 're- ceived with enthusiasm in the consti- tuency, particulary at Seven Sisters and Onllwyn, and so far as this district is concerned his success appears to 1.e certain. STUDENTS AT TREHARRIS. I About a dozen of the Seven Sisters mining students, accompanied by their instructor, Mr. Richards, of Swansea, paid a visit to the Ocean Colliery, Tre- harris, on Wednesday, making a tour of inspection of this well known mine lasting about four hours. This is said to be the deepest pit in Wales. GRATIFYING RECOVERY. I Mr. James David, of Scranton House, Seven Sisters, one of the en- ginemen at the colliery, who has been ailing for a considerable time from an internal complaint and has been a patient at Neath Hospital for about six weeks, is now well on the way to recovery, and his many friends will be glad to learn that he was removed to the Llanybydder Sanatorium a few days ago. NEW FRIENDLY SOCIETY LODGE. I A local branch of the Rational As- sociation Friendly Society has recently been opened in Seven Sisters, the meet- ings to be held every third Saturday in the month at the Federation offices. Any members in the Valley wishing to transfer from their present branch to the new one can do so at the next 11 meeting in March. The president of the new lodge is Mr. S. Lloyd, Mar- tin's-avenue, and the secretary Mr. E. Thornton, Brick-row. LOCAL WEDDING. A local marriage was celebrated at the Pontardawe Registry Office On Saturday last, the contracting parties being Miss Dorothey Hooper, of Dulais Gardens, and Mr. J. Herdman, of Caerdegar Farm, Seven Sisters. They were accompanied by a number of friends. SUCCESSFUL BENEFIT CONCERT. A large audience assembled on Mon- day evening at the Bryndulais Hotel, Seven Sisters, when a public smoking concert took place under the auspices of the local branch of the R.A.O.B. for the benefit of Bro. Walter Watkins, who recently lost his arm in an acci- dent whilst working at the Brynteg Colliery. Mr. Zachariah Meadows pre- sided over the gathering, which was very orderly throughout, and the en- tertainment was thoroughly enjoyed. Among the contributors to the pro- gramme being Mr. Arthur Thomas, the popular Neath comedian, and the blind boy pianist from Neath. The proceeds are expected to realise a good sum. ONLLWYN CHOIR, CONCERT. As forecasted last week the annuaJ concert promoted on Thursday and Saturday evenings by the Onllwyn Con gregational Chapel Choir, was of a highly successful character, reflecting great credit on the vocalists and those who had trained them. There were really good audiences, and the finan- cial result is also expected to be very satisfactory. The principal parts were taken as follows: Naomi, Madame Richards; Ruth, Miss Ethel Jones; Orpha, Miss Pugh; B(mz, /Mr. David Thomas; first reaper, Mr. John Rich- ards. The conductor was Mr. G. E. Griffiths, and the accompanists, Mrs. Thomas and Mr. Lewis. On Thursday evening the chair was taken by Coun- collor T. Prosser Jones (Seven Sisters) and on Saturday by Mr. \V. Wrilliams, M.E., manager of the Onllwyn Col- lieries. The members of the choir arc now starting to prepare for their an- nual festival to be held on Whit Tues- day.

GWAUNCAEGURWEN GIRL'S I DEATH. The death occurred on Monday at Caenewydd Gwauncaegurwen, of Eliza- beth Maggie Lewis, daughter of Mr. Henry Lewis. Deacesed had suffered from consumption and had been medi- cally attended by Dr. S. Jones, until October last, when another treatment was attempted. An inquest was held on Wednesday afternoon.

The New Trodegar (Rhymney Valley) Trades and Labour Council win make a bold bid to secure four mats, on the Bed- wellty Urban Council at the forthcoming triennial election.

GRAND THEATRE S'AlANSE! A. Lessees The Exors. of the late Mr. F. Mouillot. Resident Manager Mr. T. Bvrne. Monday, March 2nd, 1914 For Six Nights at 7-30, and Matinee—Saturday, March 7th, 1914 At 2-30. Mr. George Dance's Company, in the Successful Musical C THE GIRL FROM UTAH A Musical Play in Two Acts, by James T. Tanner. Week commencing March 9th- THE GLAD EYE USUAL PEIOE8 Seats reserved by telephone and not paid for cannot be kept after the advertised time of commencing the play  ?YM???A OXFORD ST., OLYMPIC CINEMA, °^kSaT-' SW Ah d..A. Resident Manager Mr. Arthur EWon. Continuous Performance, 7 to 10-30 p.m. Poors open, 6-30 At Every Performance during the Week., The Yivaphone injlt. Picture* TO-NIGHT, a Two-Part K.B." Draiiia- THE FAILURE OF SUCCESS And our usual Interesting Series of Pictures. Trams Pass the Doors. Prices-3d., 6d., and Is. "TSE& A S H f* P Herbert street Jgj???L-??E.? Pontardawe. Proprietor Mr. Rowland 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. Tr?Rttr??Ef'nt ?N?s irtm M PREMIER CINEMA ZIA" YSTALYFERA Proprietors Messrs. Mathias & Evans Manager •• Mr. Temple Evans The only All-Star Picture Hlluse in the Valley. CHANGE OF PROGRAMME MONDAYS AND THURSDAYS. Tip-up Chairs in every part of the Building. Pictures absolutely Fin kcrless. The Hall is properly Heated and Vctih ed. Friday & Saturday, Eeb. 27th & 28th-Great All-Star Programme .ncnMing THE BLACK DIAMOND and THE LOST MILLIONAIRE. Look Out for SPECIAL & EXCLUSIVE riLMS, Comi g Siinnh. CONTINUOUS PERFORMANCE ON SATURDAY From 6 to 10.30 p m. Doors open at 5-30 p.m. Prices of Adnilssion- ad., 9a Performance every Weilries<lav Morning1 for MATINEE FOH CHILDREN ON SATURDAY AT 2-30 Prices for Children — id. and 2d. Full Programme. .& B when you boy direct from as, and we deliver the instrument free to your door Immediately yon pay the sum of to/6. ,.}' We a the largest Piano and Organ firm in the world. Year by year we purchase, for spot cash, jHj?MnHNtNjttJMN? tM??SsH t ousands up?n thousands of instruments by the p"? NNiNMBB??B?NBB ??tBm? world's most renowned makers, and so command ??' SHB?M??E?E?*'B<m fN??B??? infinitely better terms than our rivals—That's  tgN?NJ?iB?Bamj???m?t??m??? why we are enabled to sen more cheaply, C«r ?S???g?jg???SB?'M)itMtHt  ?g? to give longer credit, and to ?rant f?r easier f £ > tr1DS than anvone else. haake.^OLLAIID/ •   and ALL other celebrated pianos tuppneo m terms ot > p D 'r>1T1I'I.¡ to sIJii :1aDs t-y rron 1' ■nfffnva moa: ly. Wo take old inetru-unts in part exchange, allow Igyk ralljp apn-oval, tune lor 12 months free and ivø a 23 years' WE BwJlffll guir-vntee. Write NOW for Cat4ogue No. NONTIipL ffiSffllSlu £ SOLE AGENT MARTYN THOMAS, DH 241. OXFORD STREET (Opposite the Empire). RWANSFA.

AGAINST WELSH CHURCH BILL l A public iroeeting will be held -it the 1 Drill Hall, Gurnos, on Thursday, March 12th, to be addressed by the Rev. E. L. Berven, M.A., Rural Dean, Archdeacon of Brecon, and the Rev. J. Fovai-gue Bradley, Congregational Minister, Bed- worth, when a resolution of protest against the Welsh Church Bill now be- fore Parliament will be moved, and strongly supported.

W. ERNEST TATE I DENTAL SURGERIES 1*28 LONDON ROAD NEATH. S PAINLESS I EXTRACTIONS GUARANTEED TRAIN FARE ALLOWED TO COUNTRY PATIENTS. ATTENDANCE DAILY: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. 'Phone, No. 13. I

GURNOS CHECKWEIGHEB ELECTION. An election for a checkweigher to fill that position at the Wernplemis (Gurnos) Colliery, created by the resig- nation of Mr Tom Petty about a monui ago, took place on Wednesday with the following result: —r T. Prosser Jones. 03 David Daniel Williams 33

l BOff BURGLARS TAUGHT BY CINEMA. Two 11-year-old school boys were stated at Scarborough to have been in- cited to break into warehouses, and stea l a quantity of aructu* 01 small value by frequent visits to picture theatres. The boys admitted that they had acen representations of burglars breaking into houses. They were placed on probation. a

Mrs. Lloyd George was not re-elected, president at the arwiuaJ meeting of th& Croydon Women's Liberal Association civ Wednesday, so she had twica failed to keep engagerrraarttj to m-et the iiK-mbe-a. Mrs. Llcyd George wea to havo taken, the chair at the meeting, but wrote. sayi-ng she wao detained, in Wades, On the other occasion, reas<:<n jjivtai for her absence was indisposition Tila appointment ci now preside^ was left to the executive. i ..y*