Llais Llafur

PONTARDAWE ALLTWEN i GLEANINGS. RESPECTED PONTARDAWE LADY I The remains of Mrs. Mary Jenkins, Uplands, Pontardawe, widow of the late Mr Daniel Jenkins, auctioneer and mother of Mr Owen Jenkins, the Pontardawe newsagent, were interred at St. Peter's Churchyard Pontardawe on Thursday last in the presence of a large and. representative gathering. The service at the house and the Church was taken by the Rev. Joel Davies, V.A. (vicar), and the Rev. J. Jenkins (All Saints). The principal mourners were Messrs. Tom Jsnkins, Owen Jenkins. Lance-Corporal D. Jen- kins (sons); S. J-enkins, J.P. (Cwm- gorse), Daniel Jenkins, auctioneer (Cwmgorse); Tom Evans (Llwynrhid- iau): R. Morgan, Tom Jenkins, W. Jenkins, D. Rees, T. Jenkins. D. Griffiths, M. Jenkins. D. Thomas, etc. Mr Willie Harries was the under- taker. PAVILION LICENSE RENEWED. As explained in our last issue the license of the Pontardawe Pavilion was renewed at the last Council meet- ing, after the plea put in by Mr Wm. Coutts, the proprietor, and by Mr Tom Jeremiah on behalf of the public. The suspension of the license a couple of weeks previously had created a good deal of interest locally, but it should be mentioned at the outset that the Council had never entertained the idea of a permanent auspension of the license. What they wanted to empha- sise was that Mr Douglas Milton, the manager of the Pavilion could not hold Sunday concerts without the permis- sion of the authority which has the power to sanction the license. In this the Council have accomplished what they desired, and the proprietor and manager have been obliged to toe the line The oourse adopted by the Coun- cil will certainly be a lesson to others in the district. THE LLAETHFERCH COMPANY. The Llaethferch Dramatic Company, J of Ynismeudwy, has been booked to give two performances of the Welsh drama "Gruffvdd o'r Glyn" at be Coliseum, Ystalyfera, on Monday i nd I Tuesday, February 7th and 8th. Tl,re I should be large houses. RHYDYFRO FARMER'S WIFE. I The death took place on Friday last at RfivdN-fro Ucha Farm, of Mrs. Gittins,-w-ife of Mr Lewis Gittins. Deceased, who was only 38 years of age, was the daughter of Mr Henry Rees, Gellinudd, and had only been ill for a few days. She leaves a husband and one child, for whom the deepest sympathy is felt. The funeral took I pLace at Cilybebyll Church on Tuesday. MEETING OF THE TRIBUNAL. I The first sitting of the Pontardawe Tribunal for the purpose of consider- ing the appeals under Lord Derby's scheme took place on Monday at the Council Chamber in Holly Street. Mr Morgan Davies (solicitor) was the chair- man, and Mr D. T. Jones (Cwmllyn- fell), vice-chairman; Lieut.-Col. A. Pearson, of Cardiff, was present for the military authorities. There were 58 claims for hearing, but 20 out of this number were not contested by the military authorities. It was explained that the three grades of tinplaters which were starred men were furnace- men, doublers and foremen, although quite a number of the two former grades had already enlisted from the district since the outbreak of war. In regard to rollermen it was mentioned that there was no shortage in the dis- trict of this class of workman. There were a number of appeals from be- hinders, and most of these were post- poned for ten groups, in the hope that some pronouncement would be made at anearly date by the Central authority. In one or two cases by behinders their appeals were refused. Their cases were treated on their merits, and accord- j ing to the conditions prevailing at the works where they were employed. Al- together 24 appeals of a general character were refused, two farmers were starred, and 14 postponed ten groups. The Tribunal started at 10.30 and all the appeals had been dispensed with bv 5 o'clock. The Tribunal will sit again next Friday, February 4th. AT SALONIKA. I A Pontardawe soldier writing home j from Salonika to his mother says that some weeks ago aev?rai Taubes flew over them, and although they dropped bombs, no damage was done, as the air guns of the Allies' would not allow the ueroplances to get very low. In a sub- sequent letter he states that the Allies were preparing for the enemy, and if the latter did come their way, he (the writer) was sure "the enemy would wish they were somewhere else. I TROOPER H. L. MORGAN Among the passengers on the 11.30 train from Pontardawe to Brecon on Wednesday were Troopers Harry L. Morgan, of Clydach, aDd Davies, of Morriston, both of whom joined the Welsh Horse soon after the outbreak of war. The former was the manager of the Ynis Brass Foundry at Ynispen- llwch, Clydach. and has had one brother, Private Archie Morgan, killed at the front. Trooper Morgan has spent a number of years with a trading firm in Southern Nigeria. Trooper Davies is a brother of Mr George Davies, solicitor. Morriston. Both were proceeding to Brecon to join a draft which is about to leave for Mesopotamia. MRS. GEORGE BOWEN DEAD. We regret to record the death which took place at Glanhelyg. Brecon road, Pontardawe, on Tuesday, of Mrs. Ann Bowen, wife of Mr George Bowen, late teamer at Messrs. Gilbertson's Steel Works, and mother of Mr Daniel John Bowen, Frondeg. Alltwen. The de- ceased. wh% was 61 years of age, had been in failing health for some months, but it was about three weeks ago that she was obliged to take to her bed. She was a native of Cilgerran, but came to Pontardawe about 30 years ago. Deceased was of a sociable and kindly disposition, and b.,ia been a faithful member of Zoar (C.M.) Chapel. She had also taken a very keen in- terest in temperance work, and had identified herself very prominently I' with the "Merched y De." The deepest sympathy will be felt for the husband and son in their sorrow. The funeral takes place to- morrow (Saturday)at 2.30 p.m. for Tre- banos (C.M.) Burial Ground. RHYDYFRO FARMER'S DEATH. I The death also took place this week at Brynteg, Gellygron, Pontardawe, of Mr David Harries, after several months' illness. Mr Harries was 68 years of age. and had kept Brynwith Farm on Baran Mountain up to about I 13 years ago, when he retired. It will be recalled that Brynwith Farm was the scene of a murder in the early part, of 1908. Mr Harries was a native of Llandilo, and was held in the hihest respect by all in the (ustnct. t His remains were interred at St. Peter's Church, Pontardawe, on Wed- nesdav afternoon. GELLYNUDD FUNERAL. The funeral of Mrs. Mary Morgan, j wife of Mr John Morgan, late of the Gellynudd Arms, Pontardawe, took place on Monday at Babell, Cwmbwrla. The respect in which deceased was held was testified by the large number at the funeral. The service at the house was conducted by the Rev. Roland Evans, after which the body was con- veyed by hearse to its last resting place. The service at the chapel and graveside was conducted by the Revs. John Richards (Babell); W. Edwards (Cwmbwrla), and Roland Evans. The chief mourners were Mr John Morgan (husband) Mr and Mrs. Tom Morgan (son and daughter-in-law) Mr and Mrs David Thomas, Mr and Mrs. M. Thomas (Cwmbwrla); Mr and Mrs. j Thomas (Cwmbwrla); Mrs. David Thomas (Gellynudd). etc. The wreaths were from the follow- ing:—J. Rees (Llanguicke) son and i daughter, Rees and Ellen; from Ethel, David, Maggie, and Willie; brother and sister; William and Elizabeth; Mr and Mrs. S. Hopkins; Mrs. Michael (Dolycoed) son John, Mrs. Idris Gabe, W. and B. Davies; Willie and Mona; Ellis Thomas and Margaret; Mrs. Thomas and family, Primrose cottage; Thomas Williams, Sketty Mr and Mrs. James Thomas, etc. /Mr Prosser Davies was the undertaker. GELLYNUDD COMPETITIONS. An interesting competitive concert j was held at Bryn Seion, Gellynudd, on Satiii-dav last. There was a splendid attendance over which Mr Wm. D. Thomas (Gellynudd), presided. The adj'udicators? were: iMr Wm. D. Williams, L.T.S.C., Alltwen; and WiUiams, H ir fr yn, AHtwen. Mr literary. "Hirfryn," AlItwen. Mr Rbys Thomas, Gellynudd farm, was the secretary, and Mr Isaac Thomas, Graig- fryn, the treasurer. The proceedings were opened with a song by Master Lewis Dennis Rowlands, Gellynudd, and a recitation by Miss Gwen Bennett Gellynudd. The awards were:— Recitation for children (under 14): Miss Gwladys Thomas (Trebanos). Open recitation, Miss Maria Jane Jones, (Alltwen). Best verses on "1915," "Traeth- fryn, Rhea. Best story: Howard Davies, Rhos. Engly-n on "Goleudv," 15 competit- ors, winner, "Min y Graig." Solo for boys under 14: David Enoch Thomas, Rhos. Girls solo: Miss P. Ada Lewis, Allt- j wen. Solo for Women: Mrs. John L. LewisI Edward street. Chief Choral, "Rwyf yn disgwyl." The winners were Danygraig, conduc- ted by Mr Tal Davies, Alltwen. There was an interesting debate on the questi-on of "Drink," those who took part being Mrs. J. Hughes, Miss Esther J. Evans nd Mr Rhya Thomas. There was also a debate on "Y mgom Gweithdy y Crydd," by 14 members of Bryn Sion. The next concert will take, place on February 19th. INTERESTING WEDDING. I A pretty wedding was solemnised at Tabernacle Chapel, Pontardawe, on Thursday morning. the contracting parties being Miss L. Rees, daughter of the late Mr David Rees, boot stores, High street. Pontardawe, and Mrs. Rees, and Mr Llewelyn Williams, son of Mr David Williams, Francis street. The bride, who was given away by her brother-in-law, Mr John T. Davies (High street), looked very smart in a grey tailor made costume with black hat to match. She was attended by the Misses Lizzie Hannah Williams and Ira Williams (nieces), as bridesmaids. Both were attired in white embroidery dresses with hats to match. The duties of best man were carried out by Mr D. J. Williams (brother of the bridegroom), whilst the ceremony was performed by the Rev. H. Seiriol Wil- liams. The wedding inirch was played on the organ by Mr T. J. Davies, A.R.C.O. After the ceremony the parties drove to th? Cameron Hotel, Swansea, where a reception was given by the bridie's mother. The others present were Mr David Williams (father of the brdegroom) Mr Thomas G. Williams and Mr Trevor Williams (brothers); Mrs. D. J. Jones, Mrs. S. Evans, Mrs. J. T. Davies, and Miss B. ( Davies. The honeymoon is being spent in North Wales. Mr and Mrs. Williams werte the recipients of a large number of presents. ALL SAINTS' CHOIR SOCIAL. ) A most enjoyable time was spent at Gellygron, Pontardawe, the home of Mr and Mrs. C. G. Gilbertson on Wed- nesday night, on the occasion of the annual dinner and social in oonnection with All Saints' Church Choir. There were about fifty present, over which; Mr Gilbertson presided. During the evening spe?ch?a were ?iven by the ( chairman, Mr F. W. Gilbertson, Revs. Joel Davies (vicar); W. G. Jenkins: (curate); Messrs. C. G. Giddings. Wm. Evans, and others. An excellent i musical programme was gone through, those who contributed being Mrs. C. G. Gilbertson, Messrs. C. G. Gilbertson Gwilym Lewis, D. C. Jones, David Davies, Hy. Jenkins (accompanist) and the Rev. W. G. Jenkins. The proceed- ings closed with a hearty vote of thanks with a heartv vote of thanks to Mr and Mrs. C. G. Gilbertson for thoir :c¡; "SUPERSTITIONS OF WALES." I Miss H. Ellis, B.A., the Welsh mis- tress at the Pontardawe Higher Ele- mentary School, read a paper at the Public Hall on Wednesday night on "The old superstitions of IVales." The meeting was hold under the auspices of the Pontardawe Welsh Society, and there was a good attendance. Mrs. D G. Jones presided. Miss Ellis was warmly thanked for her address. HOME AGAIN. Pte. Roger H. Edwards, of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, is home again. He returned to Shorncliffe last Monday vrook, and after a few days' stay he was sent home agaip. in pre- ference to being sent to Canada. During his stay at Shorncliffe he contracted a cold, and we are sorry to stat-e that his condition since he re- turned to Pontardawe has caused some anxiety. He has been confined to his bed since Monday. I rSHOPPO'S PREPARING. I A meeting of the Pontardawe Shop Assistants was held at Williams' Coffee Tavern in High street, on Wednesday, for the purpose of preparing evidence for the Shop Hours Inquiry. Comrade Hughes, organiser of the Shop Assist- ants Union, was present, and delivered a convincing addi'ess on the situation. It was decided that he should state the case of the assistants before Mr Huws Davies at the inquiry. Nothing pleases the boys at the front so much as news of home. Send them the "Llaisr> every wee k » ODDFELLOWS AT ALLTWEN. I The annual meeting of the Swansea District Oddfellows, Manchester Unity, was held at the Rock Hotel, Alltwen, on Wednesday. There were 60 dele- gates present representing 31 lodges with a membership of 6,500 members. Bro. A. E. Turtle presided. After the minutes had been confirmed, the elec- tion of officers was proceeded with. Bro. H. Gilling Williams, of Swansea, was elected Grand Master for the year, and Mr Emmanuel Griffiths. Swansea, as deputy Grand Master. The following were elected to represent the District at the A.M.C.: Bros. Rees Rees, A. E. Turtle, John Hams, treasurer; and John Morgan. The re- port of the management oommittee. which was 'submitted referred to the amalgamation of several lodges in the district. This was agreed to. The re- port also contained recommendations of grants to disabled members, viz. two of P-25 each, and a further grant of £100 after investigation. It was mentioned that a considerable number of members had joined the forces. In some lodges as many as 25 per cent. of the mem- bers had joined, and it was stated that their contributions were being paid by the various lodges. The announce- ment that Oystermouth Castle Lodge had contributed L75 in this respect caused much interest. At the close of the proceedings the delegates sat down to an excellent dinner prepared by Hostess Davies. TARRENI FATALITY. While following his occupation at Tarreni Colliery on Friday night 'last, Mr John Jones, residing at 26 High street, Pontardawe, received severe in- juries through being orushed by some trams. He was conveyed to his home by a number of workmen, and after being medically examined, he was re- moved to the Swansea Hospital. Al- though he received the best attention at the latter place, he passed peace- fully a-way about three o'clock on Sun- day afternoon. The depest sympathy is felt for the widow and two children in their loss. "Jack" as he was well known in the Valley, was only 36 years of age. He was a fine built fellow, standing 5ft. llin. high, and weigh- ing about 12 stone lllbs. He had a large circle of friends, aod was ex- tremely popular. He was also a very keen sportsman. The funeral took place at St. Peter's Church, on Thurs- day afternoon. The report of the inquest will be found in another column. 4am