Llais Llafur

YSTfiAOGYtiLAlS NOTES. I The fierce gale which raged through the country on Saturday, caused con- siderable damage to property locally. Several windows and doors were blown in, and sheds reduced to ruins. The sheds of Mr Sidney James, contractor, were badly damaged. The death occurred on Monday of the infant child of Mr and Mrs. Frank Best, of Glanley terrace. Intercession services were held at all the churches in the neighbourhood on Sunday last, and throughout the week prayer meetings are being held I' -each evening at all the places of wor- ship, as is usual in the first week of the year. Private* Dan Jeffreys and' John Rees have been at home during the 'week. Both are attached to the R.A.M.C., and in all probability this was their last leave before going to the front. They have now returned to Salisbury Plain, and expect to he drafted to France in the course of a week or two. They are looking fit and well. Private Tom Griffiths, of Gorof Cottages, has also been at home on leave. He is a gunner, and stationed at present ion Ireland. He was former- ly am active member of the Church choir, and on Sunday evening was presented with a handsome Bible, as a token, of remembrance and regard from his fellow members of the choir. A very successful competitive meet- ing was held at Cwmgiedd chapel on Christmas day. The chapel was crowded, and entire satisfaction was expressed as a result of the adjudica- tions. On New Year's Eve a dance and social was held at the I.L.P. Hall. The function was well attended, and dancing was carried on until the small hours of the morning. All the schools in the district will be re-opened on Tuesday next. There was very keen competition between the hooters and railway whistles on Friday night, to welcome in the New Year. We think that in the Ystrad district the hooters would have taken the prize. Ystradgynlais st-ill keeps in the front rank in eisteddfodic and other com- petitions. Mr Wm. Terry (Gwilym Cynlais), won the chair at Aberdulais eisteddfod on Christmas day for the poem on "Mair ac loan yn dychwelyd oddiwrth y groes," and was chaired "yn ol braint a defod beirdd Ynis Prydain." He also won a prize for a recitation entitled. "Y Rhyfel," after very keen competition, no fewer than -27 competitors striving for this prize. Another successful competitor this season is Master Trevelyan Rees, son of Mr Taliesyn Rees, of Penrhos school. He brought half the first prize for pianoforte playing from the Pantteg eisteddfod on Christmas day, and on New Year's day won the first prize at the Ystalyfera eisteddfod in the Church Hall, for pianoforte solo. His success is the more marked, be- cause he is only eleven years of age, while several of the other competitors were twelve and thirteen years. Well -done, Trevelyan! Still another success! We hear that Mr T. W. Davies, Dryslwyn, has won a valuable prize from a purchase made at the shop of Mr Harris, -chemist. An accident befell Mr Wm. Terry (Gwilym Cynlais) one evening last week. While riding down the station hill he fell from his bicycle, and broke one of the glasses of his spectacles. It might have been worse! We regret to announce the death of 11 rs. Lizzie Jones, wife of Professor I Ernest Norman Jones, of Aberystwyth. "which took place on Tuesday last. M-s. Jones was the second daughter d the late Alderman Samuel Morgan ■an< ?* .i. Morgan, of Glancamlas, and •de^p sympathy is felt throughout the Istnet with Mrs. Morgan and the family in this sad bereavement, coming so Boon after the death of Ald. Mor- gan. Mrs. Jones had been in delicate health for several years, and naturally felt her father's loss three months ago very keenly. Just alter that time .she suffered a severe attack of illness, and several complications set in. cul- minating in her death as stated on Tuesday last. She leaves a widower and a little son ten years of age. The funeral took place on Thursday, at Aberystwyth, only members of the family being present. We regret-to record the death of Miss Margaret Jones, daughter of the late Mr David Jones and Mrs. Jones, of Glantawe row, which took place on Sunday night. Deceased, who was 2ovears of age, and very highly ne- .speeted in the district, had been in failing health for upwards of six months. Much sympathy is felt with the mother in her sad trouble. Another daughter is practically an invalid. The interment took place on Thurs- day, the Rev. R. M. Rhys officiating. Much sympathy is felt with the widowed mother in her sad bereave- ment. MILITARY FUNERAL OF YSTRAD II PRIVATE. The funeral took place on Sunday last, of Pte. Samuel E. Fletcher, of the R.A.M.C., whose death was re- ported in our last issue, at the Baptist Chapel, Lydbrook. At the wish of his widowed mother, the body was brought to Lydbrook on December 24th for in- terment in the family burial ground at the above mentioned chapel. Pre- vious to the 6tart or the cortege, the hymn, "Jesu, lover of my soul," was sung by the large assembly. The pro- cession was headed by the Trafalgar Brass Band, who played the "Dead March" from the home to the chapel, soldiers on leave joining in tfoe pro- cession, also th-o Lydbrook Volunteer Training Corps, and a large number of frienda also attended to pay their last respects. The manifestations of sym- pathy shown along the route to the graveyard were universal. The ooffin, which was covered by the Union Jack, was borne into the chapel by six soldiers. In the chapel, "0 rest in the Lord," was rendered as a voluntary. A very impressive service was con- ducted by the Rev. Mostyn M. Jones, Lydbrook, who gave an appropriate ad- dress. The hymn "Aberystwyth" was afterwards sung. The coffin was lowered into the grave by soldier- bearers, "The Last Post," being sounded by a bandsman of the 1st Herefords. The chief mourners were Mrs. Fletcher (wife); Mr John Fletcher (son) Misses L. C., Bertha, and' Gladys Fletcher (daughters); Ivor and, Idris Fletcher (sons), John and Isaac Fletcher (brothers) Mrs G. R. Jones and Mrs. J. C. Martin (sisters); Mr J C. Mortin (brother-in-law); Mr and Mrs. W. Price (sister and brother-in- j law); D. and G. Price (nieces); Migs B. Roblins, Stowport (sister-inlaw); T, H., and A. Price (nephews). Telegrams expressing sympathy and regret at being unable to attend were received from many friends. De- ceased 's mother, who is an invalid, was also unable to attend. There were many beautiful flowers, including one very artistic wreath from the Ofifcers, N.C.O.'s, and Men of the E. Company, R.A.M.C.. Aldershot. Other floral tributes were from the wife, the children mother (Annie, George and Merwyn, Cissie, Jim and family, Bertha (sister-in-law); Mrs. Hodges (nurse); Mrs. Bvans (Yniscedwyn) and others. A memorial service was held the same evening at the Baptist Church, when the Rev. Mostyn Jones preached an impressive sermon from the words, "He thanked his God1 and took courage." NEW YEAR SOCIALS. A well attended "watch-social was held at Ainon Vestry under the aus- pioes o fthe Young People's Society. The tea provided was greatly enjoyed, and when cleared, a concert was held, over which Mr Longville Bowen pre- sided in the absence of Mr Lewis Watham. Those who took part, in the concert were Messrs. D. R. Roberts, L Phillips, Willie Phillip David Mor- gan, Elwyn Davies. Miss L. M. Harris and others. Mr W. J. Griffiths ac- companied. Much credit is due to Messrs. L. Wathan, and T. Jones, chairman and secretary of the com- mittee, for the success of the function. The children's tea was held in the afternoon. The members of Bethany also held a social at the I.L.P. Institute on Saturday. Owing to the failure of the electric light, candles were used for a short time, but this did not mar the success of the proceedings. A concert was subsequently held, Miss Flossie Williams accompanying. LOCAL COLLIERIES AND HOSPITAL. It has been decided at most of the local collieries to make a. special levy of Is. per member for one week, to be divided in sums of threepence, between the eye hospital, general hospital, Neath hospital, and wounded soldiers abroad.

Nurse Annie Roach, of Swansea, has succumbed to enteric contracted at Great Yarmouth, while nursing a sailor patient. The "Rev D. Teifi Davies, pastor of Moriah Church, Kenfig Hill, has received an d accepted a call to the pastorate of Hirwain, in succession to the late Rev. W. J. Williams. > News has been received by his wife, who lives at 6a, Benthall-place, St. Thomas, Swansea, that Pte. Jeremiah Boswell, of the Swansea Battalion, is vvounded, having 'been shot in the arm. He is at present in hospital in France. go

W. A. WILLIAMS, Phrenologist, man be consulted daily at the Victoria Arcade (near the Market), Swansea

PONTARDAWE GUARDIANS UNION MASTER AND ENLIST- MENT. The quarterly meeting of the Pont- ardawe Board at Guardians was held on Thursday, Mr H. J. Powell, J.P., pre- siding. Others present were the Rev. Evan Davies, Messrs. D. T. Jones, J. Thomas, Lewis Thomas, Wm. Walters, David Lewis (Colbren); Ben Williams, Rhys Chapman, David Jenkins, D. Lloyd, Morgan Davies, J. M. Davies, J. HowelLs, Wm. Davies Ynisymond); David Lewis (Gwauncaegurwen; John G. Harris, Herbert Gibbon, John Thomas, Win. Davies (Brynamman) Richard Thomas, and Evan Hopkin. INMATES ENTERTAINED. The Master reported that gifts had been sent to the inmates of the Work- house during Christmastime by Mr D Smith (Alltwen); Mr David Jones (butcher, Alltwen) and Messrs. Lewis Bros. Mr and Mrs. C. G. Gilbertson, of Gellygron had also enteretined the inmates on January 4th. Mr John M. Davies moved that the resolution of the Guardians, dated Nov. 25th, with respect to the salary to be paid to the Master when serving with His Majesty's forces be rescind- ed. In doing so, Mr Davies suggested that the Clerk should read the letter of application for enlistment from the Master, and also the resolution 01 six weeks ago. This was agreed to. At this stage Mr Morgan Davies said that the letter of the Master had been replied to, and Mr Jones had ac- cepted it. Assuming that,, Mr Jones was called up in his group, he main- tained that they were I-egally bound to Mr Jones on the strength of the letter. Mr John M. Davies objected to the [ statement of Mr Davies. Mr Morgan Davies suggested that the Clerk should give his opinion OR the matter. He thought it was ab- surd to discuss the matter until they had the clerk's advice. He considered that they had entered into a contract with the Master. Mr John M. Davies said he did not think it was fair to place the onus or the responsibility on the shoulders of the Clerk. They as members ought to have their say, and decide finally with- out even the advice of the Clerk. Mr Morgan Davies said he knew nothing about the letter sent to the Master until that morning. The Clerk said he looked upon the matter as the law of contract. They had made an offer to the Master, and it had been accepted. Further than that, there was the question of honour to be considered. He considered that the Guardians had placed themselves in a very awkward position, indeed. Mr John M Davies said that if that was the Clerk's advice, they were deal- ing unfairly with the other officers. He considered that the application of the Master was simply to attest, and that there was no application in regard to salary. At the request of Mr Morgan Davies the application of Mr Jones was again read over. Mr Davies added that they had acceded to the Master's request, and that they were under a contract. Mr J. M. Davies said that the ad- vice of his legal friend was only a stumbling block. He asked if he was in order to move his resolution. Mr Morgan Davies again interposing said that the Master had heen attested on the strength of the Guardians' re- solution. He had acted upon the letter. Mr John M. Davies then remarked that the inference was that the Master would not have been attested by the Guardians' reply had been un- favourable. Mr Morgan Davies: The Master has been attested under Lord Derby's scheme, and he is going in his group. Mr John M. Davies: The same ap- plies to the other officers. Mr Morgan Davies: We have no con- tract with the others. The Chairman remarked that the question was whether the letter of the Guardians was a contract or not. Mr John M. Davies said that the Master was in one of the last groups, and he may not be called up at all. Mr Morgan Davies said he did not care a toss what they did, but there they had an agreement or a contract. Mr John M. Davies next called at- tention to one of the Standing Orders, and he maintained on the strength of that Order, that the resolution passed six weeks ago was out of order. The Clerk said that once a resolution was passed they could not raise a point of order. Mr. John M. Davies said he did not want to make a charge against the clerk or anyone else, but he again maintained that they were dealing unfairly with the other officers. He also protested against Mr. Morgan Davies placing that stumbl- ing block against them. Mr. Morgan Davies said the remark against him was an unfair one. Mr. John M. Davies Then I with- draw. Mr. Morgan Davies said he was quite open in the matter, and he was anxious to save the reputation of the Board. The Chairman said that to him tlx contract looked binding. Mr Morgan Davies said that assum- j ing Mr. Jones was called up and went away with the foroes for 12 months, at the end of that period he returned and put an application before the Guardians. What would be their position ? Mr. Jones I had acted upon the contract. I. Mr. John M. Davies That is patriot- ism now with a vengeance. The Chairman said he would have to rule against Mr. John M. Davies --51 I they had already made a contract. The chances however of Mr. Jones being j called up were very remote, and in thai case it would not be necessary to do any- thing in the matter. Mr. D. Lewis (Colbren) also drew at- tention to the standing orders. The Chairman said lie was quite pre- pared for the matter to be sent to the Local Government Board and he would suggest that the matter stand over for a fortnight. Mr. John M. Davies said there was no doubt that when the resolution was put six weeks ago there were several mem- bers under a misapprehension. In fact they had made a mistake. Mr. David Lewis asked if they had no right to rectify an error. The Clerk said it would be perfectly in order for any member to send the matter to the L. G. B., and he was pre- pared to render assistance. The Rev. Evan Davies Why not form a deputation to go to London ? I should be very pleased to go up. (Laughter.) Mr. Morgan Davies moved that the matter be sent to the L.G.B. This was carried unanimously Mr D. T. Jones said it should be in- cluded in the communication that they had made a mistake. There was no doubt about it that they had been misled. The' Chairman said he could not accept that suggestion. Mr. David Jenkins said that when the resolution was put six weeks ago he was clear enough on the matter. Others knew as well as he did and he failed to see why they should bring the matter up now. He could not understand his oclleaguee in that respect. The discussion then dropped. I THE RATE COLLECTORS. Mr John G. Harris moved: "That the resolution of the Guardians, dated the 9th December, 19151,- fixing the sal&ries of Mr Hy. James, Poor Rate Collector for the Caegurwen District at £ 110 per annum, and that of Mr David Davies, Poor Rate Collector for the Rhyndwyclydach Parish at JE170 per annum be respectively rescinded, and secondly that the salary of each of the above officers be reconsidered." Mr Wm. Davies (Brynamman), asked if they could have some legal advice on the matter. (Laughter). Mr John M. Davies asked if letters had been sent to Mr Hy. James and Mr David Davies after the Board had arrived at their decision recently. The Chairman replied in the affirma- tive, but the parties had not. accepted. Mr John M. Davies said that if they increased the salary of Mr Hy James as suggested to Ei20 per year, there would only be a difference of £ 5 be- tween him and Mr Tom Morgan, and yet the latter had 331 more assess- ments to attend to. Mr Morgan's district was also much harder to get at, whilst Mr Hy. James had no less than 100 houses in one group. If Mr Hy James was to get R120. then Mr Tom Morgan was getting too little. Personally, he could not support Mr J. G. Harries. Mr Herbert Gibbon said he felt they should try and arrive at an amicable settlement with Mr David Davies, be- cause he was an old officer, and had only two or three years more before he was entitled to superannuation. Mr Davies had worked for 15 to 20 years at the low salary of £ 50, whilst the average for the whole period only worked out at JE85 per annum. As a Committee they had succeeded in knocking the poundage system on the head, and they had stopped the salaries increasing. Rev. Evan Dav;es said he con- scientiously believed that Mr Hy. James was getting too little. After further discussion it was de- cided that the saltry of Mr James should be £ 110 as fixed and that the salarv of Mr David Davies, for Rhyn- dwvclvdach should be raised from £ 170 to '£190. to ;ei

Sir Leo Chiozza Money, M.P., says there is no ground for fear regarding Britain's war finance for 1916. Breconshire Quarter Sessions were held this week before the Hon. R. C. Dever- eaux. There were no cases for trial. A hundred years the price if an inside seat on the stage coach from Car- marthen to London was j54 2s.. and of an outside seat £ 2 ts. 6d. The pair of horses which drew the hearse containing the remains of a well- known Llandovery man the other day were aged 34 and 37 years, and were the same horses that conveyed his grandfather to his last resting-piace. ————— —————

I W. A. WILLIAMS, Phrenologist, can be consulted daily at the Victoria Arcade (near the Market), Swansea

YSTRADGYNLAIS COUNCIL AUDIT. To the Editor. Sir,—Your report of the proceedings at the last meeting of the Y stradgynlais District Council with reference to the audit contains certain statements which call for more tifan passing comment. Before touching upon them, however, I would like to point out that none of the councillors, or the clerk, attempted to deny the truth of any of the complaints and charges contained in my letter in your issue of Dec. 18th. Indeed, no at- tempt was made to discuss them. but rather to distract attention by the intro- duction of side-issues. Referring to the audit, the clerk is reported to have said that "tke audit had closed satisfactorily in every sense of the word, and that was what he said at the' previous meeting." Further, he stated, "he could not say what the. ,L.G.B. had to do with the matter." Now, did the clerk really mean to lead the councillors to believe that the audit was so. satisfactory that nothing more would be heard of it? If that was his intention and belief, on what authority did %he make the statement? Surely the clerk is not the person to pass judgment om the matter! Is it not a fact that the only person competent to do so is the auditor ? And does the clerk venture to maintain that the L.G.B. have no control over Council affairs, when they are not in order ? Now what are the facts ? Does the clerk wish to deny that, at the adjourned audit, Mr. Pughe Jones closed the interview by remarking to me, while the clerk stood by "Your com- plaints Mr. Morgan, will be included in my report to the L.G.B. Understand, yor complaints will come back t8 your Council for an explanation." In face of this, will the clerk still per- sist in maintaining that "the audit had closed satisfactory in every sense of the word," and also that "he could not say what the L.G.B. had te do with the mat- ter V What are we to infer from this atti- tude of the clerk ? Ignorance of procedure or indifference to, and defiance of the rights of a mere ratepayer ? Now, as to the remarks of certain coun- cillors. The chairman stated that the whole affair was only a personal grudge against the clerk by one man, and that was why the letter had appeared in the press. With all respect to Mr. Tom Williams, J.P., I would suggest that the scope of his duti e-, as chairman of the Council does not include passing judgment on the motives underlying complaints and griev- ances brought hefore the Council by ratepayers. He has to concern himself with facts only, and to the best of his ability see that justice "1 fairplay are administered in all matters. I have always held a high opinion of Mr. Williams' uprightness and sense of honour, and I shall be greatly mistaken if on reflection, he does not admit that my case did not receive the consideration at the hands of the Council, which the serious nature of my charges called for. It would profit little to follow the ami- able quibblings of Mr. D. R. Morgan, and his loquacious efforts to gloss over unpleasant facts. This is his usual prac- tice, and will surprise no one. But one is glad to learn that, when the complaints are sent back from the L.G.B., MT. Mor- gan will be pleased to give then his ''conscientious consideration." We know that "conscientious consideration." It helped to mulct the District to the extent of JE500 to £ 400 in solicitor's costg and architect's fees over the ill-digested and crazy plan of a palatial building for the Council offices. Incidentally it would be interesting to hear how much of these legal costs went to the clerk in his capacity as a solicitor? I confess to considerable surprise at the remark of Mr. David Lewis, Colbren, to the effect that he failed to see why some members should take any notice of these complaints after the matter had been finished with." I should be sorry to think that this represents the Col- bren Labour member's idea of his public duties and responsibilities. For his benefit as well as that of others, I may inform him that the matter is only just begin- ning and the sooner this is realised the better it will be for the reputation of some of the councillors. Yours faithfully, WILLIAM MORGAN, Glanrhyd, Ystradgynlais.

News has been received by Mrs. Roberts, of 2, Caerbrvn-terrace, Llande- bie, that her huhband, Private Jack Roberts, was killed in action on Dec. 17 in France. Private Roberts unlisted at the outbreak of the war, and before that was a collier at Caerbryn Colliery. He was a well-known local billiard player.

KNITTING MACHINES.—Round or Flat, only Best Makes kept; good Home Work for either sev. Lady Tutoirs in most chief centres in South Wales. Lists free. You can rely on Best Value, over 43 years in the trade. Call or write. SEWING MACHINES.-Save, and boycott the Hire. No agents, no shop expenses, no middlemen, no second-hand sold as new. Good reputation. Only Welsh House send machines to Chili and Canada. Est. 1-871. Chief Welsh Der)ot.-W. Griffiths, 30, Queen-street, Neath. 13023-

PONTARDAWE COUHCil CINEMA LICENCE WITH-HELD. The fortnightly meeting of the Pontar- dawe District Council was held on Thurs- day. Mr; John M. Davies, J.P., presid- ing. The Engineer (Mr. John Morgan) re- ported that Messrs. Scott and Middle- fcon, contractors to the Great Western Railway, had submitted plans and sec- tions of a temporary trestle bridge which they proposed to construct a.cross the Graig-glyn-meirch-road, Trebanos. to- gether with an application to the Council for permission to carry out the work. This was agreed too. PONTARDAWE PAVILION LICENSE When the question of renewing the licence of the Pavilion. Pontardawe, came up, Mr. H. J. Powell asked if another concert had been held since the last meeting. Mr. J. G. Harris replied in the afifrm- ative. My. Pew ell xext asked whether the engineer had tested the films used at the Sunday concerts? Mr. John Morga-n purveyor) gave evi- dence of visiting the Pavilion on the oc casion of the holding of the third con- cert in company with Inspector David. They tested the films- Mr. Coutts had been written to. and he replied that the responsibility and management of the Pavilion was in the hands of Mr. Douglas Milton. He regret- ted if any wrong had been done .and be gave his personal undertaking that 110th- ing would happen in future. Mr. Hy. Thomas a6ked if they were satisfied that Mr. Coutts was the owner j of the place. The Chairman replied that they had 'i card nothing to the contrary. Mr Davies said ft was very unfair to allow one place to open and close down others on a Shn- day ? Mr. Wm. Davies said they had chal- lenged the Council by hoJding three con- certs. I It was decid-ed to refuse the renewal of I the licence and to take proceedings. —————

Anthracite 5 Per Cent I I ENQUIRY POSTPONED. B Illness of Arbitrator. Although the Anthracite Miners' As- sociation officials (Mr. J. D. Morgan!. Mr. J. J. James, and Mr. Dd. Morgan} were awa.re of the communications which, have been received by Mr. T. Richards, M.P., the Genera] Secretary of the Souths Wales Miners' Federation, it will sur- prise the workmen that tho "lost five- per cent." inquiry was not formally opened on Thursday by Sir Lawrence Gomme. It had been screed that, thtr proceedings should be oomrnenoed on tb3. 6th inst., Sir Lawrence Gomme s.tliiijr as arbitrator, with three representatives of the CoaJowners and three representa- tives of the Miners' Federation, forming, a "commission," as directed by the (kn- ernment. Biit within the last week or so. it has become absolutely clear that Sir Lawr- ence Gomme would not be akLe to UlI- dertake the duties at the dafe fixed, uw- ing to the fact that he is suffering from a severe illness. As a matter of delicacy, and in tlia hope that Srr Lawrence Gonm««? might p«ssibly recover in time. there was no announcement made .f the cisShculty which had arisen through such a regret- table and unforeseen event, and only when it was certain that the inquiry would have to be postponed was an iTI- timation sent to those, w ho had m&endtx) attending on Thursdav that th y must make other arrangements, arid that a- later date would be fixed for the irnuur.

OOUOUOOOUOOO\OQ QJ!JWVJ1iJ; EIIAVE NO OLD STOCK! S? < All Our Goods are Clean & New I ?   -?????????'????????-????T?J??.?rCtT?tT-!??  ? N /P/? Y ? SA 7'??? ? NEX !?  g; We shall offer our Entire Stock of g I ?3c B L 0 u L4 6 s ? In All Wool Ddaine. Repp Crepe^de-Chine 1 S and Ninons at j?  an loons, at 5 HALF USUAL JPJ?fC? ? ? ? i 5 These are the same as shown in our Windows during ? our Christmas Disolav. »2* 6 • ■ ? A 3 ? -+. »J.. ? ?<? MILLINERY! ??' )tt? \w/t t ttt <! a !L? &! ?. t a t 8? ? ))Lr ? FF? ? \? ? ? g will be cleared at 5 i & < V § t Y ?? RIDICULOUS ?/?/?? § ♦♦♦ —— $ 3$csk ?50 Ladies Dresses in £ ilk and | Eolienne perfectly new, 2 £ ? Usual prices 45/- i 1 g S Coats and Costumes at S still Further Reductions. i » I —»— 5 i SEE OUR WINDOWS | Iwrrnw g Oxford Street, Swansea. g UUUUUQUUUUUuuouuuuuo: