Llais Llafur

CLYQACH NOTES An enjoyable chines, promote by a numbor of Mond eir.pl • yes, was hold at the Church Hall, Ciydacb, on Ihurs- day evening. There a gw. d attend- ance and a happy evening was spent, HHwfn Mon" was the subject of a lecture given by the li-cv. D. Roberts, pa/stor of Seion Church, Glaus, at a | titerarv mooting of the ) ounp; People 8 j Guild held at Calfaria (B.) Schoolroom, ■<Cly<iacii. The Rev. T. Valentine Evans presided, and at the close the lecturer j was wariiil37 thanked tor his eapib11 contribution. i A CJydad; soldier writing from France, describes how ho and his com- rades spent Christmas Day. "Official- ly," lie writes, "we have been for a .rest! lUv.liy, there is no such thing for troops of the line. I make bold to state that three out of every four sol- diers would prefer the line to resting. .Reasons? You get more food wlwll in the line, and you are settled in one billet, si nd not humbugged about from village to village with barm; and. stables for a. temporary home! Bathing or washing one's clothes under such cir- -eamstnnoes is impossible. The winter tip to now has been very severe march- ing has been the deifce of a job. So bad were the roads a couple of weeks aero that two miles an hour wan the best speed we could make. And yet we are in a sens- happy. The British Tom- toy is war-weary, -till lie goes on with his rim business, and I have not the slightest d,mut that he will finish it in a satisfactory manner if the workers ,*fc home will back him up. Christmas Day we spent in a M-dl French vil!ag,c. I Being 'on the road,' in other wordo on J the way to our rest L'tHets, we had to make the beat of things. I was one of ,a. party of 20 men billeted in a barn. [ We rigged up a table and borrowed p lato. and generally ma e-believe wo vism at the Ritz or th.. Savoy. Roasu foeef, gooee and spuds followed by plum ) wodding formed the menu for dinner. The Government had found Jozs. ot pBdding each. (The "Daily Mail" had led us to Bnfc it was tlie people at home who made our Ohristnias something like a d,.tv to i-e- USember. When the army ration had been delegated to its little corner, out cane a deaen paroels, and for the next bOur we made merry with the good things from home. The more utofortun- ate men reoeived the same share as the others- Toasts were drunk in tea, and tke one that impressed me most was ,one that I would commend to you at home. Here it is: my wife and kiddie's be half as happy us I am this O ixiiotmius Day. was ex- pressed by a 1914 soldier. Wo are now baek near the line again and more than that I cannot t: 11 YOLo It seems to be a quiet- front. }!y v. v kindest; regards aud best wiyhes i> r 1918." Corpl. D. Emlyn Thomas (Cheshire R< gt.). of Martin-stxxwt, who was home on leave over Christmas, writes this week from Franoe: "Am O.K. Have moved south to a far more interesting part of the front." "At last I have some rather good news for you," writes PtR. Richard: Facev (Clydacb) from 'Somewhere m tlH Balkans, "hut it has nothing to do with my leave. 1 have again to do. i%,Iti i iii n 1(,, ootnpcted for the walking cliampion- -&hip of the Balkans and once more came out victorious. It was only a mile walk, qii-I from the start I had things much my own way. I can assure you that the £ 10 stake c-ame in quite handy. Unfortunately my opponent is not yet satisfied, far he contends that lie was not giveu a chance or fairplay. Although I fail to see the justice of hie complaint, all I can do will be to walk him again over the same distance but not for the sum of £ 10. I shall insist upon a stake of £ 50, so as to niake it worth while going for. My op- ponent in that walk «n Sunday Jan. -9 was Eastham, who claims the credit of having walked second to Bishop at the Olympic in 1912. Tell the people at home that old Clydach is going strong even in the Balkans. Talk about Welsh buy& I Why, Wales seems to bo actually out here, judging by the host of Wekh Inds one meets and the lan- guage one often hears." A successful competitive meeting was held at Salem, Llangyfelacli, on Satur- day. Mr. Lewis Evans presided, while the adjudicators were, music, Mr. Hy. Alexander, Craigoefnparc; elocution, Mr. Isaac Evans, Yelindre. The The awards were: Solo for children, (under 10): 1. Miss Betty Evans; 2, Miss Hannah Vera Evans: 3, Master Tommy Urius Jones; consolation prize, Master Emir Lewis Hbvs. Recitation for children (under 10): Miss Jennie Walters Cra igcefnparc; 2 Miss Esther Samuel, Craisjeefuparc: 3, Miss Katie Samnd. Craigcefnparc: consolation, Miss Muriel Jones, Craigoefnparc. J Solo for children (under 14): 1, Master Glyn Williams, Nantymilwr: 2, Master Davfd Evans. Salem. Hesitation for -children (under 14): 1: Miss Maggie Jones, Salem; 2, Miss Ceiitwen Salem 3, Miss May Lewis, Craigcefn- pare. :;<:io for children under 14, who had not previously won a prize ex-j < ocdin? 2s. Miss Katie Evans, Salem. Solo for novices (tenor or soprano): ,Mi;-s (?weiidoline Hopkins, Craigcefn- parc. Solo for no? ?- (baritone or contralto): Miss A. Evans, Craigcefn- parc: soprano ?'!o. divided behn{'n "Misses Mar«Trettn Havavd and Gwendo- line Hopkins, both of Craigcefnparc; te.no r solo.- divided between MessrH. John ?.e<? (:?-.) and Mr. Wm. Jones ?VeUndre): baritone solo. Mr. E% an Evans, Salem; open recitation, Mr. [ Wis. J. Williams, Clydnch; duet, Mr. Noah J. Havard and Jacob Jones, Craigcefnparc. Interesting miscellaneous meetings, promoted in connection with the Sun- day-school were held at .Elim, Craig- oefnparc on Sunday afternoon and vening last. Rev. Rhys Lewis presided over brge congregations. Thanks to the admirable preparations made by Mr. David T. Havard (superintendent) and others, an enjoyable programme was provided, to which the following contributed: Afternoon meeting, reci- tations, Misses Rachel Jones, Hannah Hopkins, Lily Jones, Katie Samuel, Esther Samuel, Annie M. Williams, Rebecca Jones, May Lewis, Catherine Williams, Gertrude Havard, Bessie Havard, Ceridwen Jones, Muriel Jones, Masters Joseph Lewis, Luther Aubrey i and Joseph Ivor Da vies; songs. Misses Mary A. Walters, Jennie Owen, Nancy M. Roes, Maggie D. Hopkin, Lilian Hopkin, Rachel Walters, Masters Uriiwi Hopkin and Glyndwr Williams, Evening meeting: Recitations, Miss Elsie Jones, Messrs. John T. Jones, David T. Havard ane! Daniel H. Rees; dialogue, Messrs. Ben Hopkins, David T. Havard and Robert Thomas; songs, Misses Rosie Hopkins, Bessie Bowen, Gwen Hopkins and Mr. Thos. Victor Jones. A sacred concert will be lifeld at Cal- faria Clydach, next Sunday evening after service, when an attractive pro- gramme will bo provided by Mr. D. C. Jonrfi and his Pontardawe ooncert party. Driver Gomer Williams, of the M.T. A.S.C., son of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Williaills, Brook-street, has been home on furlough. He has seen 12 months' service in France, and two years with the colours. He was formerly employed at Messrs. Player's foundry. "Welsh Llewelyn." J i

GODRE'BGRAIG- At. i'autuig Chapel- vestry eu Men- day, a musical evening was held under | the auspices of the Pantteg Mutual Improvement Society. The fallowing took part: Pianoforte solo, Miss Caro- line James, Ynismeudw; sengs, Misses j May Williams, Wufcoie Hopkin, E. A. Joshuah. and Mr. Rd. Williams; duets, Misses Enid Davies and E. A. Joshua, Messrs. Jno. Williams and W. Parry; quartette, Messrs. W. Parry and Rd. Williams, Misses Enid Daries and Gwladys Daries. Mr. John Williams read a very interesting paper on "Asaph Glandyfi" (James Rowlands), oonductor at Worn Chapel about 401 years Pfo. Mr. D. T. 'Jones, "Tarren- ydd," Lieut. Brynley Thomas and Mr. Geo. James spoke, and Rev. Ben Davies presided. Mme. Brinley Tkomas and Glyn E. Williams accompanied. The programme was arranged by Mis- ses Gwladys Davies and E. A. Josuah. At Godre'rgraig Chapel on Monday evening Miss Lizzie Thomas, Ystaly- fera, read a paper an "Gwasanooth" (Service). Two local heroes were presented at I Godre'rgraig Chapel on Tuesday even- ing. TheV were Corpl. Harry Walwyn, M.M., and Pte. Archie Macdonald. The following contributed to the pro- gramme: Penillion singing, Master R. Edwards; son, Mr. Llew. Bevan; violin solo, Master Levy Hopkin; recitations, Mrs. Jenkins and Miss Evelyn Davies; duet, Messrs. Luther Evans and Wil- liams; quartette, Mr. Evan J. Thomas and friends. The Godre'rgraig Child- ren's Choir sang "Saf i fyny dros dy wlad." Lieut. Brinley Thomas presided and also made the presentation on be- half of the S. and S. iteoeption Fund. Two local bards read compositions. A very enjoyable evening was brought to an end by Mr. Luther Evans singing "Hen Wlad fy Nhada.u." Mme. Brin- ley Thomas was the accompanist.

0- GWAUNCAEGURWEN Owing to the state of dissatisfaction at the old coal-hauling conditions, the men at the Cwmgorse Colliery have purchased a horse and cart, each mait having a nominal share on co-operative lines. They have also engaged a full- time haulier, who will receive a miai- mum wage of £ 45s. a week. The Gwauncaegurwcn mining class, under Mr. J. Henri Davies, county mining lecturer, visited the New Cwm- gorse Colliery on Friday on a. tour of inspection. They were met by Mr. Dl. Jones, M.E., and Mr. Wm. Davies, and made a thorough tour of the work- ings of the mine at which the road and stall method is the usual one adopted for the working of the coal. The i-1nerai of Miss Elizabed Jones, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. I). Jones, Gwauncaegurwcn, took place amidst manifestations of defp regret on Tues- day. The officiating ministers were the Revs. John Thoma-s, B. D. Davies, and T. M. Hoderick. The fnnera] of Mrs. Griffiths, wife of 'iNIr. Eynon Griffiths, who died at Gar- annt, took pla-eo at Old IJethel ceme- tery on Monday. The Revs. T. M. Roderick and I). Williams, B.A., offi- ciated. i.

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

[ LOCAL FOOTBALL A football match was played at Y5trdgynla on Saturday, the oppos- ing teams being the Ystalyfera County School and Maesydderwen County School. This was the third encounter of the season, the Ystalyfera boys hav- ing won the two previous games. Y stalyfera won the the toss and start- ed playing with the sun at their backs, fielding 13 men. After some midfield play the visiting forwards carried play into their opponents' quarters, and Canning crossed, only to be recalled. Ystrad then forced the play which end- ed in Owen scoring, Phillips adding the extra points. Ystalyfera then "woke up," and with a rush carried play to thoir opponeifts' line. Moreran Watkins crossing. The kick at goal failed. Soon after the same player eross-kicked and Ellis Hopkin receiving, scored a bril- liant try, the kick again failing. Fur- attempts at scoring were made, the visitors being unfortunate every time. Then Ellis Phillips receiving the ball in mid-field made a brilliant run beat- his opponents, only to be tackled near the line by the Ystrad full-back. Ystrad then forced matters and from a scrum T. Ll. Thomas scored, the kiek at goal failing. The half-time score was, Maes- ydderwen 1 con. goal 1 try; Y stalyfera 2 tries. After the interval a ding-dong tussle ensued to the end, both lines having narrow escapes. In a forward rush Baden and Jack Evans just missed their objective. From a scrum EUies Hopkin received, and tried a drop at goal, the ball going just outside the post. The 'Fera forwards then pressed and from a scrusa Morgan passed out to Ellis Lewis, who transferred to Myrddin Thomas, and the moverflent ended in Ellis Phillips scoring. The kick at goal was again unsuccessfhl, the ball striking the upright. The final score was Ystalyfera County School 3 trios (9 points); Ystrad County Sdhool, 1 ronverted goal, 1 try (8 points).

THE NATURE CURE FOR CONSTIPATION HELPS THE SYSTEM TO CURE ITSELF. You cannot cure constipation by violent methods. That is why the use of morning salts and purgative pills so easily becomes a habit. These things do not cure tho trouble;. they only force matters, and weaken the bowels till natural action becomes impossible, and you have t-o go on taking your pills or salts indefinitely. Compare Dr. Cassoll's Instant Relief. This great tonic laxative halps nature by strength- ening the bowels, natural action is restored and a lasting cure effected. Take Dr. Cassell's Instant Relief for constipation, biliousness, torpid liver, sick headache, dizziness, specks before the eyes, flatulence and windy spasms, acidity, heartburn, and impure blood. Ask your chemists for Dr. Cassell's Instant Relief and take no substitute. Prices 1/- and 3/ from all chemists aNd stores. Dr. Cassell's Instant Relief is the companion preparation to Dr. Cassell's Tablets.

I BREWERY AS POST OFFICE I Australians are the most prolific letter-writers in the world. More than two million letters and a quar- ter of a Jnillion parcels have reached London during the past month for those who are either training in this country or fighting in France. To deal with this enormous oorraspandenee the great upper floor of Bass's brewery in St. Pancras has been taken and a staff of 200 soldiers and more than 300 civilians, mostly girls, is em- o loved* The floor, without divskms, covers two and a half a«cres, and was formerly used as a granary. The restricted output of beer, however, has enabled the brewers to give up for necessary work the largest undivided upper floor of any warehouse in London. One of the special features of the office is the re-direction of letters and parcels to men who- have left one corps and joined another. Botme parcels there aro undelirerable becaaise the men are either miasing or killed. Thesae are opened—they are usually full of foodstuffs—and forwarded to the Red Cross.

SUGAR FOR JAM-MAKING. LORD RHONDDA HOPES SUPPLY MAY BE AVAILABLE. Lord Balfour of Burleigh in the House of Lords called attention to re- cent announcements that no sugar would be allowed to private growers of fruit in the present year for the pur- pose of i:ini-making, and asked if it was not possible to modify this policy. Ho askod for the iijiuree as to the available supply of sugar and the use that\ was being made of it, and said many people were apprehensive that more sugar was being used for the manufacture of beer and confectionery than was absolutely necessary. Lord Rhondda said he could not give the statistics relating to sugar at pre- sent, but at a later date ho might be able to do so. The advico given by the chairman of the Royal Commission on Sugar Supply that people should en- deavour to save sugar for the purpose of jam-making did not represent any official decision that had been arrived at on the matter. It was merely a note of warning'in view of eventuali- ties that might arise. Whether it would be possible to make allotments j of sugar to those who grew their own fruit or not must depend on the stocks l available at the time. He was discus- sing the matter with the chairman of the Royal Commission, and he hoped the supply would permit of a reason- able allotment being made, though he could not at present :ive any definite promise. He would do whatever was possible.

? PUBLIC HALL, I  PONTARDAWE  & PONTARDAWE i (Under the Auspices of the Pontardawe Sorters' and Sailors' A Welfare Association). + + ;v_ 4» e- A *5* q At the urgent request of a large number of the Public, e + + ? A REPEAT PERFORMANCE $ of the Charming Opera: £ A MARITANA! J t ? Played with sych remarkable success last week, & P1à.yed with svch remarkable success last wee, will be given ai the above place on  I; -'£:¡ ?  ¥z:? ♦ I Saturday Evening, Feb. 2 ? By the PONTARDAWE AND DISTRICT + | ♦ By the PONTARDAWE AND DISTRICTe OPERATIC SOCIETY, == | ❖ Assisted by the same well-known Artistes and g I FULL ORCHESTRA. N + t- — Delightful Music. Jf Beautiful Dresses. Excellent Staging.  jjj' ? ? <. ? ? ? ? ? ? ? < ? ? ? ? ? To COmmence at 7 o'clock prompt. § ADMISSION: Front Seats 2/ Second Seats 1/- g + C8) ..G.C,<. <>G+.G+ +G."G.>G1.. o CINEMA, YSTRADGYNLAIS. FEBRUARY 14th, 15th and 16th, 1918, ♦ ANOTHER COLOSSAL PRODUCTION T| ? ANOTHER COLOSSAL PRODUCTION:  ? THE FALL of a NATION f A forecast of what would happen if the 1 German Army landed here. A Great. Struggle between Democracy & Imperialism. J ♦ See the Grand Climax, where the entire population rises to defeat the forces of the Kaiser. f I Doors open at 7, to Commence at 7.30. Saturday at 3, 6.30 and 9. ADMISSION 8d., 1/- & 1/3. I School Children at 3 o'clock Saturday, 2!d. SEATS BOOKED FREE J .0. Great Scott I SEED POTATOES. ORDER EARLY. Joseph Davie, Manchester House, YSTALYFERA. (Registered Retailer). crmim-—mm—nnim—1^—grT1 1 3F2-16

AMMANFORD DISPUTE. At Swansea eta Wednesday was opened aai inqnipy in reference to a dispute which has arisen at the Am- manford colliery over what is known as "the stint," which involves an al- legation that certain workmen are re- stricting the output of coal. The in- quiry was held before Mr D. F. Davies M.E. (coatowners' representative) and Mr W. Jenkins (workmen's represen- tative), Mr E. Hewlett appearing for the company and Mr Robert Jones and Mr Tom Evans for the men. The findin .are to be reported to a Joint Conciliation Board meeting on Friday.