Papurau Newydd Cymru

Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru

Cuddio Rhestr Erthyglau

18 erthygl ar y dudalen hon

THE OMNIBUS. I

- -IInvestiture Day.I

Newyddion
Dyfynnu
Rhannu

Investiture Day. I BRYNAMMAN EN FETE. Brynamman patriotism was all aglow on Saturday, it being the occasion of the investiture of the local heroes who had distin- guished themselves on the field of battle. The village's postal area was one mass of colour. From the farthest end of Brynamman Road to the extreme northern point of the place-a distance of about two miles—and from Rhos- amman on the extreme eastern outskirts to the farthest cottages on Llandilo Road-a similar distance-flags and bunting bedecked the routes. A friendly competitive spirit pre- vailed among the residents of each respective street as to the best display made in honour of our gallant defenders. About nightfall, the Brynamman Band came forth and paraded the streets, led by Mr. Willie Llewelyn. Following in their wake were the 50 odd demobilised, disabled and discharged soldiers and sailors, forming the guard of honour. A tremendous crowd bordered the route, and a long and thick civic procession marched behind the ex-service men. The long-missed strains of the local instrumental public com- bination attracted the less enthusiastic from their corners to the edge of the thoroughfare, and soon the main route was well-nigh im- passable. The venue of the human flood was Gibea Chapel, where the ceremonial gather- ing was scheduled to commence at 7 o'clock. Lieut.-General Sir James Hills-Johnes, V.C., G.C.B., and Mr. John Hinds, M.P., Lord Lieutenant of the county, were advertised to speak thereat, together with several local gentlemen. The edifice was soon overcrowded, hundreds. having to retrace their steps dis- appointed. Mr. E. J. Morgan, chairman of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Society, conducted and opened the proceedings. He regretted to say that Sir James Hills- Johnes was not able to keep his appointment that evening, owing to indisposi- tion Referring to the crowd which had joined in the rejoicings, he was sorry that there were many who had lost either husbands or sons in the conflict who were unable to share their happiness. They as a Society were not going to disband until they had built some monument or other to commemorate their fallen heroes. Mr. G. Williams, C.C., occupied the chair, and said he was not used to the work, but would do his best. They had met under pleasant circumstances at the end of a most destructive war. Material damage wrought by the war could be somewhat replaced, but the lives that were lost could not be compensated for About 360 had joined the Colours from Brynamman, and of these 33 had made the supreme sacrifice. 1464 had been distributed in £ 2 cheques among the soldiers and sailors on leave, and S-80 would be handed over that evening to those who had gone to serve their country before the Society came into existence, making V-544 in all. Four Bryn- amman lads had distinguished themselves on the battlefield, but only one of the quartette was present that evening, viz., Mr. Johnny Davies, R.A.M.C-, who, like the other three, had won the Military Medal. Mr. Wm. Hicks, Rhosamman, sang sweetly The Death of Nelson," and was loudly applauded. Ald. W. J. Williams remarked that had that meeting been held before the armistice was signed, Brynamman would have cheered the soldiers and sailors all the same. He was glad that it did not come off before the terms were accepted by Germany. We were prouder of our heroes under the circumstances. Our joy found vent in many and various ways, but greater and purer was the joy of those who had made the most sacrifice. The per- centage of young men who had answered the call of their country was very high indeed. He remembered just at the commencement of hostilities, before conscription was en- forced, at a meeting held at the Public Hall 19 young men intimated their readiness to go forth to battle. Some persons doubted whether our war aims were fair or not, and even now there were many who were dubious of its objects. Did they think that the millions who had fought in the world war did not know what they were fighting for? That meeting could betaken as a criterion of the people's feelings and convictions. Our gallant warriors have saved us from slavery. There is no question about what were the aims of Ger- many. They had meant to invade this coun- try. Belgium can be taken as an example of their cruel designs and heartless doings. Let us not forget our great debt to those who have suffered for ua. and saved us from calamity. He expressed his regret for the absence of Sir James Hills- Johnes, who had won the highest distinction possible on the field of battle. He was heartily glad to see that Mr. John Hinds had arrived. He had served his country well and represented his constituency most faithfully. He had had bestowed on him the highest honour of his native county. He (the speaker) hoped he would retain his seat during his lifetime. Miss Hannah Hopkin, the promising Bryn- amman contralto, rendered The Boys of the Old Brigade in a most effective manner, winning great applause. Mr. John Hinds, M.P., on rising, was accorded a rousing reception, which, as he said, was beyond his expectations in warmth. It was the third meeting he had addressed that day. He thanked them for their great welcome. He was going to speak in Welsh, as he loved the old and dear language of his fathers. What inspired patents and others more than a Welsh-written letter from the sons of Wales at the Front? There were great times awaiting Wales. Great changes and improvements were to be introduced into the life of Cymru. This was a period to con- gratulate, to sympathise, and to co-operate. He complimented Brynamman boys for the excellent way they had served their country. One out of every ten had answered the call to arms. The speaker went on to say how Mr. Asquith and Viscount Grey (then Sir Ldward Grey) had done their best to avoid war. It was a good thing they had strived to do, but Germany had determined to fight and to win a victory, with the power and glory that would accompany such a triumph. Mr. Hinds suggested here that the Doxology should be sung as a manifestation of our gratitude that the victory had fallen to our lot. The audience, led by Madam Kate Morgan-Williams, responded. Proceeding, the speaker said he believed that Almighty God had given us such a victory. He re- called the time when he had to go forth to the country to seek the services of young men for the Army. He was told that everyone had to go. It was unpleasant work, but it had to be done. Diolch, he feelingly added, the work is over and the tribunals are no more. I am glad that a little Cymro like Lloyd George has steered us through so successfully. His cry was shells, shells, shells, at any cost. God sends good men to help us in all crises, such as Lloyd George and Wi". I don't want to be too harsh with a beaten foe, but we had to get justice. We have gone through the greatest dangers of our lives to secure it. You have done your share at Brynamman. I regret that there are hundreds of homes irreparably affected by the war; but their consolation lies in the fact that their sons and fathers and brothers did their duty to uphold righteousness. We shall treasure their memory for ever. It shall be eternal. We must see that the maimed and dependents and relatives get justice. They have first claim oa the Government. They must not suffer distress in anyway. We can- not realise what they have done and how they have suffered for us. They must have all they require in every respect. It is a dire pity that there are so many slums in our towns. Better houses and higher wages should be pro- vided for the masses. We should not be so hard on the public-houses until we find some better counter attractions for the working men to spend their leisure. We can make England better and Wales brighter. Class barriers should be broken down for ever. The duty of every member of Parliament is to serve as a medium between the poor and lowly and the well-to-do in the land." Mr. Hinds, at this juncture, invested Mr. Johnny Davies with the Military Medal, uttering words of praise to the gallant young man the while. The action was hailed with deafening cheers by the throng. A cheque from Sir James Hills- Johnes was also handed over. A similar sum had been received for the other medallists, but the trophies and gifts were retained until some future occasion when they arrive home. They are: Priv. Emrys Davies, Kanowna; Priv. D. J. Davies, Rhosamman; and Bombr. Pritch Jones, Rose and Crown, Rhosamman. I A number of relatives of those who had not received the £ 2 cheques (mostly fallen warriors, unfortunately) were made the re- cipients of these small tokens of recognition. Among the bereaved group there toddled up the pulpit stairs two little children of a fallen Mons hero, Sergt. Arthur Powney. This portion of the proceedings was a most soul- stirring one. The one-armed pianist, ex-Priv. Gwilym M. Jones, who was the accompanist of the evening, struck up the Dead March," and the throng paid reverence by-bending low their heads. Mr. Jones, who received a rousing welcome on his appearance at the outset, was the cynosure of all eyes, and the strains which he so melodiously produced arrested the atten- tion of all. His performances were marked features of the programme. The speech of ex-Priv. Gregory, secretary of the Swansea Branch of the Demobilised and Discharged Soldiers' and Sailors' Fede- ration, had the irresistible force of sincerity in it. Every word he uttered reached the inner- most chambers of all hearts, and touched the most tender chords of our feelings. He made an ardent appeal to aU to support the soldiers and sailors who had been maimed in the strife br freedom and justice. The demobilised, disabled and discharged warriors have in him an ideal person for such work. His speech was most effective, not inasmuch as it was clamorous, but as it was full of real pathos and earnestness. You in Brynamman have done your best for them," he remarked, but there are many who have not realised their responsibility to these saviours of our coun- try and their dependents. The hands of our representatives must be forced to assist the maimed and the dependents of the fallen. It :s a pity to think that the authorities cannot do anything to assist injured soldiers because they do not come within their regulations, and yet they are on the very edge of the law. These regulations must be mad e more elastic." He cited an instance of a maimed soldier at Swansea having to seek refuge in the Work- house because he did not come within the bye- law", of the country's rules. This announce- ment caused an uneasy stir throughout the crowd. The speaker added that a band of discharged soldiers affected his release from the poor-house. They in Swansea had formed themselves into a little band, and sooner or later would declare war on these obstacles. We do not want charity, but we want you to help us to do what we can do." County Councillor T. Ebenezer Morris, J.P., Garnant, was called upon to address the assembly, which he did from the gallery. He expressed his heartfelt pleasure in being present on such an auspicious and worthy occasion to shew their deep and unfeigned appreciation of the services of the gallant lads who had been fighting for their country. The meeting has been convened," said the speaker, for their sakes, and it does not become me to take up the time, being that the event is somewhat outside my area. But still, I cannot refrain from expressing my admira- tion of the great work they have done, and the brilliant pluck and tenacity they have manifested throughout the campaign. When I heard that Mr. Hinds, the Lord Lieutenant, was here, I soon decided to be oresent. I have oftentimes come in contact with him, and the more one associates with Mr. Hinds the more we want to see and hear him. As you see, he has been gifted with a fine physique of exceptional dimensions, but more than that, he has been gifted with a most manly nature also. His philanthropy is well known through- out the country. His personality reflect honour on our county, and indeed on Wales. Well, we have won a great victory. Our triumph can be attributed to a great extent to the unity of command, and to unity of com- mand we must look for supremacy over the obstacles that lie in the paths of progress in the future. Where unity prevails, obstruc- tions must give way. Let us not on any account let time and circumstances wear away our appreciation of our heroes' stand for free- dom. Let us do our reasonable duty towards them as they have so nobly and heroically ,Tone theirs on the battlefield for each and all of us." Votes of thanks ended the proceedings, and the crowd dispersed to the strains of Hen Wlad fy Nhadau." The secretary was Mr. T. B. Williams; treasurer, Mr. Willie Owen, Glyn Road. The Rev. Alva Richards and Emlyn Aman read verses suitable for the occasion. BRYNAMMAN'S FALLEN HEROES. I Sergt. Arthur Powney, son of Mr. and Mrs. Powney, Cwmgarw Road. Sergt. George Powney, son of Mr. and Mrs. Powney, Cwmgarw Road; wife residing at same address. Corpl. John T. Evans, Military Medallist, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Evans, Glyn Road. Priv. Uriel Roberts, son of Mrs. Roberts, Pencorsto. Priv. Isaac Davies, husband of Mrs. S. Davies, Llandilo Road. Sergt. Willie Greenwood, son of Mr. and Mrs. Greenwood, Quarry Road. Privs. Cyril and Brinley Jones, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Jones, Stafford House. Priv. Gwyn Williams, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Cluil Williams, Llandilo Road. Priv. Clement Thomas, son of Mrs. Thomas, butcher, Station Road. Priv. Rees Stanton, Chapel Street (a native of Llangammarch). Priv. Wm. Arthur Jones, son of Mr. Wm. Jones, Park Street. Priv. Aneurin Jones, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Jones, Llandilo Road. Priv. Johnny Thomas, Welsh Guards, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Lewis, Station Road, and husband of Mrs. B. Thomas, Cwmgarw Road. Priv. John Walter Evans, brother of Mr. Enoch Evans, Cwmgarw Road. Priv. Morgan Morgan, Seaforths, son of Mr. and Mrs. David Morgan, Park Lane. Priv. Vivian Morgan, Seaforths, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Morgan, Mountain Road. Priv. Rufus Griffiths, Seaforths, son of Mrs. Griffiths, Glyn Road. Priv. Noah Jones, son of Mrs. M. A. Jones, School Road. Lee.-Corpl. W. B. B. Morgan, Glynbeudy Works Offices. Priv. Fred Burbridge, Park Street (employed at Glynbeudy Works). Priv. D. J. Evans, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Evans, Waunhen. Priv. John D. Lewis, son of Mr. and Mrs. David Lewis, Cwmtriwbit. Priv. Joel Morris, brother of Mrs. Richard Evans, mason, BTyn Avenue. Priv. Haydn Cowling, son of Mr. and Mrs. P. H. Cowling, Cefncroesaw. Priv. Rees Herbert Jones, London, son of Mr. Wm. Jones, Cwmnantymoel. Priv. George Peale (employed at Harris', Penybont House). Priv. Samuel G. Jones, son of Mr. and Mrs. Spenser Jones, draper. Priv. Lewis Moses, son of Mr. and Mrs. Evan Moses, New Road. Priv. Willie Abel, brother of Mr. Herbert Abel, Park Street. Priv. Phillip Owen, Australian Expeditionary Force, son of MT. and Mrs. John Owen, Brynamman Road. Priv. James E. Chapman (employed at Evans' Nurseries, Mountain Road). Priv. Bertie Ward, at Mr. Wm. Phillips', New Road (employed at Glynbeudy Works) The list is sorrowfuHy lengthy, but if the name of any fallen Brynamman hero is not recorded above, I shaH be very pleased to be informed of such an omission. It is regret- table to understand that no news has been received from or concerning Priv. S. G. Peregrine, Park Street, or Priv. Tom E Evans, Cwmteg Lane, since last March. It is to be hoped that tidings of their where- abouts will soon reach the relatives. BUTTS. I

Army Council's Thanks to to…

[No title]

AT EIN GOHEBWYR AC ERAILL.

[No title]

[No title]

GLANAMAN.

I ENGLYN I WY. I

[No title]

I ER COF I

FFARWELIAD Y MILWR. j

I CYFARCHIAD

M r Y TORRWR CERRIG -

- - _- _ - - -BRYNAMAN.

I PENYGROES.

IRHYDAMAN.

-_- - - - -Ammanford Police…