The Amman Valley Chronicle and East Carmarthen News

Llandilo Rural District Council. The usual meeting of this Council was held at Llandilo, on Saturday, Mr. R. Mathews, Vice-chairman, pre- siding in the absence of Mr. W. E. Richards, J. P. PLASHING THE HEDGES. I The question of plashing the hedges was raised, and the Surveyor, Mr. W. D. Thomas, stated that in his, area there were 180 miles of road, nine miles to every roadman, and approxi- mately 18 miles of banks for each one. Allowing every one a month to com- plete the work, the total annual ex- penditure would be about £98. Mr. D. Glyn Jenkins said the banks were the property of the landowner, and he questioned whether it was legal for them to spend ratepayers' money in dealing with private pro- perty. He proposed that the roadmen should not do this work, but be em- ployed solely on the road. Mr. J. Richards seconded, agreeing that the banks belonged to the land- owners, and it was not the Council's business to interfere with them at all. If the trash interfered with the traffic of the road, the Council had their remedy. The expense was enormous. I f their men had not got enough work to do without plashing the hedges, with the state of labour to-day, he thought it was the duty of the Council to care- fully consider whether they could do with less men or not. If they had got time to plash other people's banks, it was clear they had not enough work. It was unfair to the ratepayers. Some farmers had large boundaries adjoining the road. His next-door neighbour with quite the same amount of hedge would have to pay for plashing his own banks, while the farmer adjoinntg the road got his done at the ratepayers' expense. Mr. W. Roberts (Llanfynydd) said that in Llanfynydd parish, where the work was not done voluntarily by the farmers, they seemed to have been done each year by the road labourers. The Chairman: I remember we had a farmer here, and he promised to do it. Mr. W. Roberts: He did not do it. Mr. J. L. Wiliams said his reason for supporting the motion was that there were varying customs throughout the district which should be righted. He thought it was a mistake for the road- men to understand that they have to plash hedges which belong to the famers. The roadmen could remove obstructions, and in that case they clear the ditches and that sort of work. In his district the roadmen never wasted much time in plashing banks. Mr. W. Lewis: What would you have done with the men the last three weeks ? The Chairman: Let them stay at home and not pay them. Mr. W. Lewis: Our man is walk- ing on the road back and forth trying to find something to do. Mr. D. Glyn Jenkins said this had been brought on under the guise of in- sufficient labour. If these people offered to pay these men for doing the work, it would be another matter altogether. Did they intend to have the workmen plashing the banks at the expense of the ratepayers? Mr. J. Richards: Yes. Mr. Glyn Jenkins: It is wrong then. Mr. D. Davies: Can you compel them to do It? Mr. Jacob Davies: They tried it in Carmarthen and failed. Mr. Evan Davies was against the proposition that things should be done as they are at present. At the same time, he knew, and the Surveyor knows,, that the workmen had been allowed during past years to plash the hedge banks of those people that were obstinate and absolutely refused to do it, while the people who were obedient had to do the work themselves. Mr. J. L. Williams said in some districts the roadmen cleared the ditches, and the farmers were glad to gather the refuse to their fields. In other districts where the roadmen did it, the farmers left the refuse there until they were paid for removing it, and it was good soil worth removing. Mr. W. Lewis proposed an amend- ment that the roadmen plash the banks. -r'1 /0'1. T 1 he Chairman: You can t do that any more than you can ask them to set my garden. If it was done everywhere, it can't be done legally. You can allow it to be done if you like. The Chairman said the Clerk had told them any number of times what the position is. They could compel the landowner to keep his hedges and banks in order where they are detri- mental to the road, or caused an obstruction. Mr. Evan Davies: The position is this. The roadman clears the roadside ditch, and the briars came out of the hedge, and they were an obstruction to the water, but the fanner refused to clear it. In that case the roadman should do it at the farmer's expense. The Chairman: That is it. Mr. Evan Davies said that in Llan- fynydd parish some farmers had the work done by the roadmen continually, while others were doing it themselves. In the future, if the roadmen are allowed to do the work, they should be paid for it, the Council charging the farmer for it. Mr. Jacob Davies said it would save much bother if they had a test case. Ultimately, on the motion of Mr. W. Williams, seconded by Mr. J. Richards, it was resolved that owners and occupiers of hedges and banks ad- joining the Council' s highways be compelled to trim and plash the same, so as to keep them in such a state as not to be detrimentai to the highway. The Surveyor was instructed to give notice to the owners and occupiers, and a month hence produce a list of defaulters. BETTWS WATER SUPPLY. I The Clerk to the Urban Council of Ammanford wrote forwarding a copy of resolution passed by his Council in reference to Bettws water supply, to the effect that if this Council pro- ceeded any further with the scheme, Ammanford Council would petition the Local Government Board in regard to the matter. The Chairman said they had had the matter before the Sanitary Com- mittee that morning, and they came to the decision that the Ammanford Urban Council couldn't supply Bettws with water. The Clerk: Whether they can or I not, how can they interfere with Bettws? The Chairman: The second thing is that water is very much needed in Bettws, especially if the summer is hot; and the third is the expense is very trifling. For the next ten, fifteen or twenty years they will not be in a I position to give these people water. They wiH have to remove their tank. Mr. W. Williams: Is it necessary to send a reply ? I don't think so. They simply send the letter for our information. The Clerk: I don't think it is. What right has Ammanford to tell us we must not supply our own district with water? Mr. Glyn Jenkins: Only the other day they told us if we didn't find means to supply Bettws with water they would take steps to see they were supplied. Now that we take steps, they send us a letter we must not supply them. (Laughter). Mr. J. L. Williams: They are not consistent. The Chairman: They are like their water, not consistent. The letter was laid on the table. WASTAGE OF WATER. II Some discussion ensued in regard to the wastage of water at Blaenau and Park Collieries, and the Company's reply was received. There was a complaint from Llandebie as to the state of Margaret Road owing to waste water. The Sanitary Surveyor said he had been over Penybank and Llandebie, and there was a great number of public standpipes, and private taps were run- ning full bore. He got a list of nine taps, and he sent it to the caretaker, Mr. Wm. Johns. He knew the latter had been in the district to repair them, but he was afraid it was only tem- porary work at present. There was something wrong inside the taps. He managed to stop them for the time, but the previous day they were running again. Mr. W. Williams said the taps at Llandebie didn't affect Penygroes, but those at Saron and Penybank did. Nearly the whole of last month, ever since the beginning of the frost, they had been without water, and were suffering very great inconvenience in- deed. They couldn't- complain. be- cause nothing could be done, and Mr. John was doing his best. The subject dropped. CARMARTHEN COMPLAINT. I Referring at the Carmarthen District Council meeting, on Saturday, to a resolution from a ratepayers' meeting at Gorslas asking that immediate steps be taken to secure a regular and adequate supply of water for the c'is- trict, Mr. D. W. Stephens said the matter was urgent. It was hard they should be without a drop of water in the place. He moved that the Llan- dilo District Council, who were respon- sible under an agreement, be called upon to provide an adequate supply. "The water. is going to collieries In the Llandebie district," he added. Mr. W. Brazell: It has been said that our agreement with Llandilo is not worth the paper that it is written upon. The Chairman (Mr. J. W. Lewis): The agreement is good enough. (Hear, hear) A sub-committee was asked to report.

Ammanford Brewster Sessions. Monday, February 12th .—Before Aid. W. N. Jones and other magis- trates. POLICE REPORT. I The Deputy Chief Constable (Mr. Jno. Evans) presented his annual report, which stated: There are 53 licensed premises in the division to a population of 23,034. This includes 47 public-houses, six off- licences, two wine and spirit, and four wine licences, all of which are held by chemists. Thirty-five public-houses are licensed for seven days, and twelve for six days. There was one public-house to every 490 of the population, the average for England and Wales being one to every 339 of the population. Five transfers were granted during the year. No proceedings were taken against any licensed person under the Licensing Act, 1910, as against two proceedings, resulting in one conviction and one dismissal, in the preceding year; but three licensed persons were proceeded against under the Liquor Control Order, two being convicted and one dismissed. During the year, 130 persons were proceeded against for drunkenness, with 126 convictions and four dis- missals; against 126 proceedings and 117 convictions in the preceding year, shewing an increase of four in the pro- ceedings and nine in the convictions. The conduct of most of the houses has been satisfactory. The sanitary con- dition has also been found satisfactory on each occasion when visited by the police. The boundary walls of the Colliers' Arms, Garnant, and the I Prince Albert, Garnant, are not in a satisfactory condition, and I formally object to the renewal of the licence of the Colliers* Arms, the conduct of the house not being satisfactory under the the present licensee. I also suggest the licence of the Prince Albert Inn be adjourned, so as to enable the boun- dary wall to be attended to. With the exception of these two, I don't object to the renewal of the remainder of the licences. No notice has been served of any intended application for a new licence under the Intoxicating Act, 1910. I have had notice of an application for a billiard licence, which will come before you to-day. There were 11 persons licensed at the last Annual Licensing Session to keep public billiard tables. I have had no notice from these persons stating they require renewal for another year. It is submitted that persons intending to keep public billiard tables should serve notices before applying under the Act, to be in order to make applica.- tion. I am sorry to say, from com- plaints received, some of these are not conducted as they should be. I CHAIRMAN'S COMMENTS. The Chairman said the magistrates found that drunkenness had increased to a very small extent, but one really hoped that drunkenness would have decreased, especially during war time, and that all the money that could pos- sibly have been saved would have been saved to help the Government to carry on the war. Let him hope this would be done during this year. They knew every effort was being made, and every effort ought to be made by everybody to do all they possibly could to help the Government to bring the war to a speedy close. After referring to the effort of the Ammanford Urban Coun- cil in reference to the War Loan, the Chairman went on to say that with regard to the public-houses mentioned at Garnant, the magistrates had held a meeting that morning, and had ap- pointed a committee, who would visit the Prince Albert Inn and the Colliers' Arms to see that these boundary walls were put in proper order. With regard to the Colliers Arms, the magistrates would also require some further proof that this house was going to be carried on in a proper manner for the future, otherwise the licence would be alto- gether refused. That was a matter they would deal with in the usual way. Regarding the billiard licences, he understood the billiard licence that was to be applied for that day would not be applied for until the adjourned session. As to the others, there were eleven persons licensed at the last session, and it had been felt that these licences, whether rightly or wrongly, had not been in the past properly granted; that was to say, they were not renewable licences like the licences of public-houses, but they are new licences, and if that was so. the holders would have to advertise in the usual way, giving 21 days' notice in the newspapers and to the Deputy Chief Constable and the Clerk. The magis- trates felt, assuming that to be correct, that they would not be quite fair to the holders of those licences to refuse them this year, because probably they didn't know about it, and, in fact, it had only been lately brought to the notice of the magistrates that that might be the proper legal reading of the Act. Therefore, they had come to the con- clusion that they would, subject to cer- tain reservations, agree to the renewal of all these licences, and if it was found later on that it wa* necessary they should be applied for in the usual way by giving the proper notices, then the Clerk would communicate with each holder of a licence, so that next year he would be able to put himself in order. For this year they would be granted, subject to two conditions the Bench would lay down. They had received complaints that a good deal of betting was allowed at some of these billiard hatls. They were will- ing to accept at once that the holders of the licences did not in any way wish this should be so, but it was probable the people playing there did gamble, and that must be stopped, otherwise that would be a reason why the licences should not be renewed. The condi- tions laid down were that no gambling should be allowed, and no boys under sixteen be allowed to play; also that on every week-night except Saturday night the billiard tables be closed at nine o' clock, and on Saturday night at ten o'clock. Mr. Jeremiah, Merthyr, proprietor of the Lucania Billiard Rooms, pointed out that under the Daylight Saving -Bill, if they made the hour nine o'clock they would really be closing at 8 in summer time, with two hours of day- light when people would have nowhere to go. He had intended applying for an extension of an hour. The Chairman: It will be nine o' clock really under the Act. Mr. Jeremiah Yes, but you will have two hours of daylight. The Chairman said if we were ever to win this war and bring England to a peaceful state and safe position, did not he think that this year every pos- sibleeffcrt must be made, and if these young fellows had access to a public billiard.table one hour less, they could go into the gardens and help to weed them, in order to assist in getting food to keep us going. Everyone would have to be up and doing. It had been felt in this country that we were not at war, but we were beginning to feel it now, and it was up to everyone to do what he could. They had lads at the trenches fighting at the Front, and wanted to get them back as soon as possible. Mr. Jeremiah said he was going to- apply for an extension simply because a billiard hall was a national asset at the present moment, and they were training young men to light the Ger- mans. He had had military experi- ence of 19 years, commissioned rank, and he had gone through a course of musketry. On one occasion he was second in the whole world at rifle shooting out of a competition where there were a thousand entries. He mentioned that to shew he knew some- thing about rifle shooting. Again, in biHiards, he had been champion of Wales more times than anyone else, and on two occasions was in the semi- r I 1 11 1 final ot tingland and Wales two years running. In both arts, alignment of sight, steadiness and nerve were re- quisite. When they were aiming with a rifle, every organ of the body must stop still. the only things to move being the trigger finger and thvimb, and it took a long tinpe to get into. The same thing applied to billiards, in which nothing must move except the forearm and wrist to deliver the ;irn. A man taken from a billiard hall and put on a range and through a, course of musketry, could give a man from the street a mcnth or six weeks' start. So he was going to ask them to extend the time to 10.30. to train :some of the young men of 18, 17 and 16 who might be yet fighting the Germans. Ald. Williams: How many of those frequenting your places are now pre- pared to go and fight for us? Mr. Jeremiah: They all are; boys of 17 and 18 when called up. Ald. Williams: How many of 25 years ? Mr. Jeremiah: Taking a rough esti- mate, we have sent 20,000 young men out of our halls to the Front. We have 37 billiard halls. The Chairman said the police and magistrates have had innumerable com- plaints from the parents of these boys, and it was in the interest of these chil- dren that the Bench are endeavouring to make this condition. The parents feel these children are constantly play- ing billiards, and are there until ten o' clock, and on Saturday nights until eleven. They had a certain moral duty to perform, and that was to see as far as they possibly could; the parents felt keenly the position their children might be led into when they might be study- ing at home, or doing something better. They looked at the serious side. Mr. Jeremiah: Last week, in Lon- don, Lord Derby said he for one was in favour of people having some sort of amusement. The Chairman: We agree with you there; but Lord Derby didn't apply to children. We agree that when a man has been working all day he should have a few hours' recreation, but surely he does not want to be found in a billiard room or public-house all night. Mr. Jeremiah: I wish you would extend the hours. The Chairman: Is it not better for a young man to be out in the fresh air during the daylight hours than in a stuffy^ smoke-laden billiard room? Later, it was agreed that the condi- t ions should be accepted, on the under- standing it was during the war only. The Chairman said the fact of their agreeing was fully appreciated by the Bench, and if the war was over next year, as they hoped it would be, they would deal with the. licensees as fairly as they possibly could. There was no feeling in the matter, but simply a desire to do the best for everybody under the circumstances. All the licences were then renewed, subject to the conditions laid down.

Performance of the "Holy City" at Ammanford. The Palace Theatre was crowded with an audience which had assembled in interested anticipation of the produc- ton by an augmented chcir from Christian Temple, of Gaul's sacred cantata, "The Holy Gty." The choir had for a considerable time been rehearsed by Mr. Gwilym R. Jones, and the undoubted success of the per- formance reflects the highest credit upon him as a conductor of ability. The voices generally were excellent, though occasionally there was a tendency to harshness in the sopranos, and the choir was admirably balanced. We can only hope, as is intimated, that they will stick togeth er and go in for the produc- tion of the higher classical works, as there is undoubted capacity in the voices. Of the soloists, Madame Bessie Morris, soprano, was at her best, her contributions being delightedly ap- plauded. Madame Rachel Jones- Rees was handicapped by a severe cold, which affected the richness of her voice, but sang well; while Mr. W. T. Rees, tenor, despite the disability of a cold, ma,de a great effort in his solos, and did splendidly. The bass solos by Mr. W. T. Rhys were well taken, especially the last, with the ladies' chorus, in which he quite outshone his previous contri- butions, admirably rendered as they were. The soloists had the assistance of Mesdames Vaughan- Joshua and Edith Jenkins, and the choir had the support of the Bettws Orchestra, ,largely augmented for the occasion, for the efficient preparation of which credit is due to Mr. G. Thomas, L.L.C.M., who also excellently manipulated the organ and harp during the perform- ance. As an aH-round musician—ac- companist, harpist, and orchestral con- ductor—he is a valuable asset to the town. Miss Ceinwen Williams also assisted at the organ. Mr. J. Towyn Jones, M.P., was chairman, and his remarks have been reported. The proceeds were in aid of the Solders' Reception Fund of the Christian Temple. The sacred canta, Holy City," by Alfred R. Gaul, was first per- formed at the Birmingham Festival' of 1882, and it is a remarkable fact that the work, although 35 years of age, is as popular to-day as at any previous part of its career. It not only secured immediate success at the festival, but has ever since gone on adding to fur- ther success; and it is to-day one of the most popular and well-known sacred cantatas by any British com- poser. To account for this is the tuneful- ness of its music, for it abounds with melodious strains that captivate the ear, that the singers find it a pleasure to sing, and never fails to win the interest of the audience. Still, the composer in this work has proved himself a master of fugue and counterpoint, for there are included in the work choruses of such merit that place Mr. Gaul among, our foremost composers. The work is neither long nor too difficult for chapel choral societies, and that is why the book is such a favourite. It may be interestng to mention that Mr. Gaul's works have been performed in Persia, Russia, China, India, South America, United States, and most of the English Colonies. Such a wide circulation of his music in itself is a proof of Mr. Gaul's success as a writer of vocal music. The work commenced with a quar- tette of exhortation, Love not the world," followed by a soprano solo and chorus, which gave a foretaste of what was to come. The contemplative theme, to which there was a capital instrumental introduction, followed by a most pleasing hymn chorus, No shadows yonder," gave work for the tenor In a fine air, My soul is athirst for God, and a charming trio for soprano, mezzo-soprano, and contralto. A contralto solo, Eye hath not seen, was followed by a chorus, They that sow in tears shall reap in joy, which was spiritedly rendered, and a pleasing feature of the chorus, For thee, 0 dear, dear country," was the excellent singing of the tenor and bass voices. The concluding chorus, "Thine is the Kingdom," was worked up to an inspiring cflimax. The second part, Adoration," was; introduced by an intermezzo, in which the band were inclined to drag. The best efforts of the bass soloist were here called for in the air, Thus saith the Lord," and he acquitted himself admirably in this and the succeeding airs, to which there was an interesting feature in the chorus behind the scene. The double chorus, Let the heavens rejoice, was very well rendered in- deed. All the soloists had a share in. the remainder of the work, a very nice number being a soprano and contralto duet. After the fine contribution of the bass soloist first referred to, the chorus came out well in the grancf finale, Great and marvellous are Thy works. From start to finish the interest of the audience was well maintained, and at the close, Mr. Gwilym R. Jones- received the warmest congratulatons on < the result of his efforts. It should be mentioned that early in: the evening the orchestra gave a splen- did performance of an overture, The Caliph of Bagdad, and Madaire* Bessie Morris a delightful rendering of There's a Land," prior to the work of the evening being entered upon.

I Inquest at Ammanfori. Mr. J. W. Nicho l as, coroner for M.r. J. W. Nicholas, coroner for- the district, held an inquiry at Bettws. on Fciday evening, on the body of John Davies, 2, Park Street, a haulier at Ammanford Colliery, who had died as the result of an accident. Miss Lizzie Daniels, Caeglas, Llan- dilo, stated that deceased was her bro- ther-in-law, having married her sister Susan. There was one child. He was 31 years of age, and employed at the Ammanford Colliery. Witness was with him on Saturday; he was bad' then, and she remained until he died' at 6.30 on Monday evening. Orr Friday, the 2nd inst., he told her that soon after he began his work he was under a full tram, and that he was whistling a long time before he had' anybody to him. He was attended by Dr. Price, and had his arm bandaged, and had pains in his side. Evan Llewelyn, 104, High Street, Amman ford collier, stated deceased was a haulier on the sam- level as wit- ness was working. On Friday, at ten- o clock in the morning, he was work- ing in the coal face, when he heard whistling. Witness' rrate proceeded" from the face to look for the haulier, and was told he had left about fifteen minutes. Instead of going back to the- face, witness' mate turned down the slope, and when he got to the parting he heard groaning. He shouted to witness, and immediately proceeded back to where the accident occurred. They found deceased was under a full tram of coal. His whole body was under. They tried to shift the tram back, and found they wanted more help. Some men came, and they lifted the front end of the tram and withdrew deceased from under. They sent for some bandages and bandaged his arm upt and carried him up the slant on a stretcher, until they came to the main road, where they got an empty tram and proceeded to the sur- face. The deceased was then take- home. He was conscious all the tim è. Before he was bandaged he told wit ness he wanted to move the tram out a bit to hitch another on, and attempted to draw out the sprag, which slipped through the forewheel. He passed the tram while it was on the move, but-' before he could get into position with1 his back to the tram to hold it, he slipped under it. It was usual fM the rider to whistle when he was repdy for the haulier to send. out trams, so that there was nothing in the whistling to. indicate that it was a call to an acci- dent. In reply to Mr. Rannel 1, witness said deceased' s body was doubled up, under the tram. He was trying to stop it in the ordinary way. The tram could not have beei moving very quickly. It would have proceeded 30 or 40 yards if his body hadn't stopped it. It would not gather much speed. In reply to the foreman, Mr. Rhys: I homas, the necessary sprags were pro- vided 'further back than the spot of the accident. His right arm and shoulder was blocking the tram. The jury found a verdict of "Acci- dentally crushed under a tram."

Life of a Young Actress. A picturesque and romantic light is thrown on the early life of Mary Page, the pretty young actress now on trial for the murder of David Pollock in the great Essanay serial film, The Strange Case of Mary Page," in the third episode of the play, which will be presented at the Gwaun-cae-gurwen Public Hall this (Thursday) evening, Friday and Saturday. Some startling evidence is provided of her persecution by Pollock in previous years. In this- instalment, Mary is seen as a "flapper," and her sweetheart, Phillip Langdon, as a youth in his teens. The dramatic results of an attempt at an elopement on the part of the two young people are graphically shewn. Upwards of 1.50 frocks, including thirty-three creations by Lucille, are worn by Miss Edna Mayo, the heroine.

The Raleigh Cycle Co., Ltd., Nottingham, have subscribed f.50,000 to the Victory War Loan. Printed and Published by The Amman Valley N Chronicle, Limited, at their Offices, Quay Street, Ammanford, in the County of c. marthen, February 15th, 1917.