Llais Llafur

BULAIS VALLEY. ] The quarterly meeting of the Blaen- dulais Co-operative Society, Seven Sin. ters, was held at the Reading Room on Tuesday night last, the president of the Society occupying the chair. The attendance was very encouraging, and the balance sheet was adoptoo as being highly satisfactory, taking into con- sideration that the Society was only established in July, 1914. The trade for the quarter ending 21 December, 1915, was £1,122 18s. M., an increase of L504 2s. 9d. over the corresponding quarter of last year. The quarter's profit after allowing for depreciation, upon bulding, rolling stock, interest on share and loan capit- al, and collective life assurance, allow- ing a dividend of 9d. in the £ with a substantial sum to reserve and edu- cation funds. The four elected committee-men were Messrs. Wim. Rees, Pantyffordd district David T. Howells, and Thoe. Williams, Seven Sisters; and David Lewis, Crynant. forNantycafan district. The president in his address appealed to members to be loyal to their own stores in all of its departments, as the Society's future success depended up- on this. He outlined the penny bank system that was newly entered upon, and urged members to inculcate thrift among the children upon Co-operative principle. The president moved a hearty vote of thanks to the staff for the efficient way the business was conducted, and Mr Geo. Jones, the ex-president, seconded, and Mr Samuel Lloyd sup- ported with encouraging words, and the members unanimously approved. Upon responding, Mr J. W. Davies, manager, was- cordially received. The total new members for the quar- ter was 13, and the secretary reported that the current quarter would be a record in enrolment of new members. Already 22 new members had joined the Society, and the future of Co- -operation in Dulais Valley was bright. A Parish Council meeting was held at the Council Office on Thursday evening of last week, when Mr Daniel Wm. Thomas occupied the chair. Members present were Messrs. John W. Davies, John Edwards, Crynant; Wm. Davies, and David T. Davies, Seven Sisters, with the Clerk. The Water Connection Committee's report was received, and it was re- ported that in the recent audit of N.R.D. Council, surcharges were made against officials of that Council over some trips that were made to London, also that the Audit had been ad- journed. So that this committee may investigate other matters of import- ance concerning affair appertaining to Dulais Valley. Mr E. Evans Beavan was re-appoint- ed school manager. The overseers' report was received as satisfactory, two more names were included in the rates excused list, namely, Mrs. Davies, of Seven Sisters; a Mrs. Eedgemore, Cryna-Ht. The lighting of Seven Sisters and OiiHwvn was combidered, and left is the hands of the chairman, and to arrange the necessary lamps required in the Bryndnlais Avenue, Stickle rd, and Mnesyfeont. I A letter was read from Mr E. Evans Beavan in connection with the sug- gested path from Bryndulais A venus to the main road near the sewerage, and was to the effect that he was pre- pared to do everything possible to eist the Council, and no doubt the ratepayers can look forward to this improvement being effected very shortly. On Wednesday night of last week, a presentation was made on behalf of the Patriotic Fund by Mr H T Moore, at the Palace, to Pte. Teddy Bennett, RoyaJ Riflee Brigade; Driver Morgan Death, R.F.A., and the relatives of the late Private Rees Benjamin Mor- gan, who had fallen in action—the two former were home on leave from the front, and both looked remarkably -well. On Friday a presentation was made to Private Willie Rowlands. R.R.B., on behalf of the Patriotic Fund, by Miss Beatrice Alexander. We regret to report that an accident occurred at Ynvsforch Colliery on Saturday, to Mr "David Owen Davies, son of Mr Wm. Jenkin Davies, Bron- wvdd terrace, Seven Sisters, a stone falling upon his head and causing fracture to the base of the skull. At the time of writing, the unfortunate young man has not recovered normal consciousness, and serious complica- tions are foaa-ed. The Salem M.C., Crynant Sewing Class sent a parcel of 17 pairs of socks to the local men at the front, and en- closed with each pair of socks was a 21b. cake for each man, and no doubt the boya in the trenches will enjoy the little luxury. We also learn that the Crynant General Sewing Class are busily en- gaged making shirts, socks, etc., for the newly opened Neath Infirmary War HespitaJ. Readers of the "Llais" would, be glad to know what has become of the local Crynant Committee formed to do something for the gallant boys return- ing from the front. A movement is on foot at Crynant to hold a concert for the benefit of Miss Gladys Davies, daughter of the late Mr Tom Davies, precentor at Saron Chapel, so that an artificial leg I may be procured for her—we under- stand that Mr Wnj. Howells, Bethania, is secretary, an d that Mr Roderick: Evans is to arrange the programme, and no doubt a musical treat is in store for the locality, with a united effort to make the concert a success, as the cause is deserving. We regret to report that the Rev. Edmund Davies, Seven Sisters, is in- disposed this last week, and has been confined to his bed with an attack of influenza. We hope his recovery will be speedy. On Sunday evening last, the Zoar Band of Hope, Seven Sisters, held their quarterly meeting. Mr Davies, the pastor, being ill, the chair was occupied by the superintendent of the Sunday School, Mr D. G. Morgan. A most enjoyable evening was spent. Several children took part and render- ed songs, solos, and recitations. Great credit is due to the young men that are assisting the children in the Band of Hope. It is intended to hold an- other meeting shortly. It would be a great help if a few of the older mem- bers of Soar would assist- in this good work with the children. The ladies of Zoar Chapel, Seven Sisters, are busily preparing accommo- dation for the quarterly meeting of the West Wales Congregational Union, which will be held at Zoar Chapel on February 24th. Work has been very slack at Dulais Colliery the lest few weeks, an aver- age of two or three turns a week only being worked. The competitive concert held at Bethania, Crynant, on Monday, pre- sided over by Rev. John Morgan, was quite a sucoess. We regret to record the death of Mrs. Wm. Harries, Bryn villa, Seven Sisters, at an advanced age. Her hus- band had pred ecease d her some years At a meeting of the Neath Rural District Council on Wednesday, Mr W. B. Trick, J.P., presiding, a dis- cussion was raised by Mr Prosser with regard to the completion of the Dulais Valley water connection, and it was decided to give the chairman and Mr 0. L. David plenary powers to settle the dispute and so expedite the com- I pletion of the work. EISTEDDFOD SARON, CRYNANT At Olygydd LLais Llafur. Six.Canlatewck i mi ofod fechan o'ch newyddiadur i rhyddhau fy hun, parthed y nodyn ymddangosodd yn eich newyddiadur mewn perthynas a dy- farniad Creunantydd ar y cyfansodd- iadau llenyddol yn yr eisteddfod ucnoo. Dymunaf wneud yn hysbys drwy hyn fy mod yn hollol rhydd oddiwrtho, a chan fod fy nghyd-ymgeiswyr, sef Dewi Glan Dwlais a Mr William Davies, Henllan, wedi eu rhyddhau oddiwrtho, mae yn naturiol i'r cyhoedd i feddwl mai myfi sydd yn gyfrifol; fellT- Mr. Gol., erfyniaf amoch estyn yr un dru- garedd i minau. Yr eiddoch yn gywir, i Crynant. DAVID N. MORGAN [Gyda phob parodrwydd dywedwn mai nid Mr Morgan, ychwaith oedd ys- grifenydd y nodyn sydd wedi achosi cymaint o ddrwgdybio. Gol.]

YSTRADGYNLAIS COUNCIL The Ystradgynlais Council met on Thursday, Mr David Lewis (vice-chair- man), presiding. Others present were Messrs. Ben Williams, Rees Chapman, J. Howells, W. Walters, Lewis Thomas, Jestyn Jeffreys (clerk); Thee. Watkins (surveyor) and G. T. Rees (inspector). Messrs. J. W. Morgan and D. R. Morgan were unable to at- tend on account of illness. APPLICATION FOR WAR BONUS. An application was received from Mr Rees (inspector), for a war bonus on account of the increased cost of living. It was decided to defer the matter for a fortnight. N.U. CLERKS AND COUNCIL. A letter was read from Mr Herbert I H. Elvin, general secretary of the National Union of Clerks, in regard to the application of Mr Cynlais Watkins recently for an increase in salary. The writer said he understood that the Council granted an increase in salary of 5s. per week plus the war bonus of 3s. per week. He understood that Mr Watkins had been with the, Council I for the past 3i years, and that in ad- dition to his clerical duties, which were somewhat heavy, he did survey- ing, and for this purpose he supplied his own surveying and drawing inatru- ments. He (the writer) was rather I surprised to learn that he had to find his own tools, and when it was borne in mind that clerks working in the district after two or three years' ser- vice in a colliery office, were in receipt of 35s. per week (and owing to the war received a bonus of 15 per cent. on the standard wage), he thought the Council would agree with him that 308. per week plus a bonus of 3s. per week was not an adequate salary for Mr Watkins. He, therefore, hoped that the Council would reconsider the matter, and grant a further increase, sufficient at any rate to bring him up to the local standard for clerks, apart from his surveying duties. Mr David Lewis said he would say again that he considered that the Council had treated Mr Cynlais Wat- kins very liberally. His salary had been increased every year since he had been in their employ, and the money paid to the surveyor's department had been increased by P.126 per annum since 1911. Mr J. Howells asked if he was in order to move that the matter be left on the table. Mr Ben Williams said it should be made clear to the secretary of the Union that Mr Watkins had not been engaged as a surveyor. Clerk: He was engaged as an assist- ant in the surveyor's department. Mr Wm. Walters said that Mr Wat- kins had applied to be put otn as as- sistant rurv.eyor. Mr Ben Williams said he failed to he argument of the Union secretary applied to Mr Watkins. If lie was taking up surveying and pur- chasing drawing instruments, he was doiag so ox his own account, in order to advance his position at scant future date. Mr Lewis Thomas said that at the last meeting they had agreed to ad- vance the salary of Mr Watkins by 6s. per week. Mr Wm. Walters said that since Mr Cynlais Watkins was engaged he had had his salary increased by 100 per cent and war bonus. Mr Ben Williams said if the wages of the colliery clerks dropped 50 per cent, he wondered whether Mr Watkins would accede to a similar drop. I It was decided to write to the Union to the effect that the Council were of the opinion that they were paying a reasonable wage to Mr Cynlais Wat- kins, and that he did not come under the same category as colliery clerks. NO MONEY IN HAND. A letter was read from the Receiver of the Blaenewm Colliery to the effect that the Company was being wound up voluntarily, and that there was not a penny piece available to be spent on protection of the disused shaft. Mr Ben Williams said that the work should be done by the receiver. Clerk: The Company is dead, and he survives. It was decided to write notifying the Receiver that he was responsible. THANKS. A letter was received from the Rev. R. M. Rhys, pastor of Sardis, Chapel, I thanking the Council for accepting the terms offered for tie plot of land on the Square. I NOTHING DOING. I A letter was read from Dr. W. R. Jones, the Breconshire Coroner, in re- ply to the Council's letter which asked for an apology for his reference to the Councillors in which he stated that their meetings reminded him of a "Bear Garden," and his remark to a jury man congratulating him upon not being a mem b er of the Council. There was a request also in the Council's letter that the Coroner be asked to pay the fee of the Clerk for attending the inquest in connection with the Teddy Bear Bridge fatality. Dr. Jones' reply was very brief. It was to the effect "that he had already replied in regard to the fee. and he had nothing further say. M.O.H. AND MEASLES. I Dr. Walsh, the Medical Officer of Health, reported that during the month some sparodic cases of measles had occurred both at Abercrave and in Ystradgynlais. Those at Abercrave had been isolated by removal from the home of their parents. He had that morning received notification of two fresh cases of measles. From this it was apparent that if they could avert an epidemic of measles, which should be most inopportune during the present severe weather, they must endeavour by every means in their power to in- culcate in the parents or guardians the salient laws of sanitation and isolation, and see that they were carried out. The severe weather now experienced increased chest affections in children. Still the mortality was low. The general health of the dis- trict was good. THE LIGHTING QUESTION. A letter was read from the Giant awe Electric Supply Company in regard to the Ystradgynlais lighting. The letter stated that the Council's letter was fully discussed by the Board of Direc- tors at a meeting held in Swansea, and the directors were of the opinion that in view of the large concession al- ready made to the Council, the high cost of all materials and labour, the heavy and growing burden of income- tax coupled with excessive rates, made it impossible for them to meet the Council in the drection desired. If, however, the Council was prepared to reduce the concession to E20 per quarter instead of £ 40, they should be happy to met the Council ot herwise they regretted that they could not see their way clear te aceede to the Council's wishes. No order was made in the matter. AINON BRIDGE AGAIN. Mr T. W. Davies, clerk to the Y&- trftdgynlais Lower Parish Council wrote to the effect that his Council had passed the following resolution on Jan. 22nd, in regard toAinon Bridge:— "That we agree with. the District Council the necessity of a footbridge to cross the river near Ainon Chapel, but we canm-ot see eur way clear to erect one on the site, as the property adjoining en both sides does not come within the jurisdiction of the Parish Council." Mw J. He wells said he understood that ihe Parish Council wanted the District Council to do the work. Mr Ben Williams sa.id the fact of the matter was that the Parish Council did not want to pay for the work. The resolution had been very well worded, and it was necessary to have a pair of spectacles before they read between the lines. Mr Roes Chapman said it was evi- dent that the Parish Council were in sympathy with the District Council that the bridge was necessary. Mr. Lewis Thomas said he understood that a member of the District Council had told the Parish Council that pnless they would erect a footbridge the Dis- trict Council would do so. Mr. Thomas Watkins (surveyor) re- marked that a statement to that effect had been made at the conference between the Parish Council and the District Coun- cil. Mr. J. Howells said the difficulty was in xegard to the land on one.side and the road on the other side. Mr. Ben Williams reminded the Coun- cil that the Parish Council was the authority which should erect footbridges. The question of a wider bridge lay with the District Council. It was decided to reply to the Parish Council that it was their duty to erect a footbridge and to state further that the District Council would render assist- ance in regard to the acquiring of the land. I- LAMP WANTED AT METZ. Mr. Rhvs Chapman moved that a lamp j be fixed near Metz. He pointed out that the spot was most dangerous at night. Mr. Ben Williams We don't do any- thing with Germany now. (Laughter.) It was decided that the engineer should report on the matter. L.G.B. AND M.O.H. j The Local Government Boa.rd wrote I sanctioning the appointment of Dr. 17.01,11'?e as medical officer of health from Decem- ber 2nd with a salary at the rate of 1 £ 60 per annum for his services. I

-» «»■ SISTER OF YSTRADGYNLAIS JP DROWNED AT MUMBLES The funeral of Mrs. W. Richards, Marl- boro ugh-road, who waa found drowned at Mumbles on Saturday morning (as report- ed in another column), tock place on Tuesday afternoon in Bethel Cemetery, Sketty. Prior to leaving the residence a short service was conducted by the Hev. R. Cynon Lewis, Swansea, and the Rev. J. Gravvys Jones, Aberdare. Among those present were Mr. W. Richards (husband), Mr. Thoe. Williams, J.P., Ystradgynlais (brother), Mr. Jas. Jones, M.E., Porth (brother-in-law), Messrs. Hugh Powell, Richard Lewis, E. D. Howell. D. E. Howell (Cardiff), J. Cole Morgan, Fred Evans (Swansea), D. J. Johnson (Swansea), T. D. Jones (builder), and E. G. Bell Davies (Swan- sea). The English Congregational Church, Ogniore Vale, of which Mr. Richards had before settling in Swansea, been deacon for 14 years, was officially represented by the Rev. T. Davies, Messrs. Joseph Abel, Abel Jones, Wm. Abel, Dd. Peters, and Wm. Jajnts, who acted as bearers. An impressive service at Sketty was conducted by the Rev. T. J. Rhys (Rhyddings), assisted by the Rev. Grif- fith J. Evans. B.A. (Manselton), Rev. R. M Rhys (Ystradgynlais), Rev. D. B. Richards (Brynhyfryd), and W. B. Grif- fiths (Seven Sisters). ————— ————-

DEATH OF CWMLLYNFELL COLLIERY MANAGER. We regret to announce the death of Mr. David J. Thomas, late manager of the Blaencaegurwen Collieries, who passed away at his residence on Wednesday morning, after a long and painful illness, at the age of 60 yeans. Deceased was well-known and highly esteemed in the locality, and his many friends will learn with regret of his death. He took a keen interest in the affairs of this district, being a very pro- minent figure in the neighbourhood. He was a deacon of Cwmllynfell Chapel, I and was also a Sunday-school teacher for long years and always willing to assist the young. He leaves a widow and several grown- up children, one of whom is Mr. Gwilym Thomas, assistant master at Tro'rgleien Council Schools, Cwmtwrch. The funeral will take plaoe on Satur- day.

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NEWS IN BRIEF. .& WAR RENT ADVANCES RE- MOVED. In consequ-enoe of the Rent Act the L.C.C. has reduced to old prices those rents of dwellings which have been in- creased since the war. THREE MONTHS' TRAM ACCI- DENTS COST £ 10,000. During the last three months of 1915 the L.C.C. paid £ 10,000 in settling claims in respect of accidents in con- nection with the working of the tram- ways. WOMEN AMBULANCE DRIVERS, Women proposed to be engaged as I drivers of L.C.C. motor ambulances are to be paid at the sane rate as I men—38s. a week, with a six-monthly J war bonus of X5. MR FISHER VISITS WOUNDED AN Z AOS. n' ) I Mr Andrew risiier. trie new nign Commissioner for Australia, visited the military hospital at Wandsworth on Saturday, and charted freely with the wounded Australians there. THE REV. R. J. CA-M-PBELL I Towards the end of the present I month the Rev. R. J. Campbell will be ordained at the Cathedral. Birming- I ham. Mr Campbell will conduct both services at the cathedral on March 12. WIDOWS MANY BEREAVEMENTS I I Mrs. Swiney. or Eyemouth, has lost by drowning, her husband, while on patrol service; her brother, killed in action; and another brother is miss- ing. Her father was recently aeei- dentally killed. I BORN IN 1812. Mr William Perkins, of WThaplode Drove, South Lincolnshire, has just died, aged 103 years and 10 months. Mrs. Perkins, who is 92, had been ma.rried over 72, and had reared ten children. SHOT WHILST PLAYING AT "GERMANS." Whilst plaving at "Germans" a little boy killed his sister, Dorothy Allder, of Stew key. aged ten, with a shot from a small rifle. The ooroner's jury censured the father for allowing the boy to pl&y with such a danger- ous weapon. VALUABLE VIOLIN STOLEN. Among the prooceds of a robbery at St. George's College, Harpenden, Herts, wac, a vajuable vi-olin bflieve(I to have been made by Nicolo Amati, tutor of Stradivarius. With it in a. mahogany case was a goln-mounte>d. bow inscribed "Tubbs." SHORTAGE OF HOUSES IN BIR- MINGHAM. Owing to the shortage of housing accommodation in Birmingham the,- Trades Council have appointed a depu- tation to urge the Lord Mayor, who is chairman of the Housing Committee, to take immediate action to Relieve the- eivwafiw, TO PREVENT OVERCHARGING FOR COAL In order to prevent shopkeepers in- creasing the price of coal sold in small quantities the L.C.C. propose to intro- duce a bvelaw requiring dealers. as in ) the case of street vehicles, to exhibit- I the amount t.o be  j the amount to be oharged. MINERS OBJECT TO WOMEN S LABOUR. Northumberland Miners' Asstxnation executive have considered the County Coalowners' suggestion that women should be -emptoyed at the pithead during the war, and have decided against -it. The oommitt-oo say there are many oM men who might be re- engaged for the period of the war. BIRDS MISLED BY MILD WEATHER. Mild and springlike weather in Janu- ary has apparently misled the wild birds, for in several places in South Kent they have built their nests and. laid eggs. Last week a thrush's nest- with four eggs was found at Witter-- sham, Kent, while a blackbird's nest- with one egg was found at Lamber- hurst. ANGLO-FRENCH FRIENDSHIP. From this war will spring an Anglo— French understanding eo solid as to, be indestructible and making for tho- prr grees and liberty of humanity" throughout the world, said the French. Ambassador, M. Cambon, at the Man- sion House on Saturday evening, at the annual prize distribution of the National Society of French Professors- in England. COMPULSION ACT AT WORK. I The first notice under the Compul- sion Act will call up single men from 19 to 30 from March 3. Voluntary at- testing will cease on March 2.

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