The Amman Valley Chronicle and East Carmarthen News

Amman Valley County School. ANNUAL PRIZE DAY. The annual prize day of the Amman Valley County School was held at the Y.M.C.A. Institute, Amman ford on Thurs- day, the 19th inst., when there was a very large assembly of parents and friends of the pupils. Lieut.-Col. W-. N. Jones, Dyffryn, pup' Is. L'eut.- C o l W? chairman of the Governors, presided. The proceedings opened with a. selection by the School Glee Party, conducted by Mr. Gwilym R. Jones. The Headmaster (Mr. G. O. Williams, B.A.) gave his report, and stated that it was with very great pleasure that he gave his report on the work of the Amman Valley County School during the foutth year of its existence. It had been a year which shewed very favourably in every way. The pupils had increased by leaps and bounds year by year, a fact which proved the need for such a school. During the first year there we;e 157 pupils in the school; second year, 199; third year, 222; fourth year, 259. As the room was so limited in the present building, it had been decided that in future no children be admitted from an outside district until the claims of those resident in the district had been met. The results of the examinations had been very satisfactory, and would no doubt have been better but for the outbreak of influenza which occurred at the time. Some children went to the tests when they were entirely unfit to be present. Mr. Williams I said he would like to mention a few cases. They were very proud of one of their scholars, who had succeeded in obtaining the highest marks in Wales for geography, and the highest marks that have ever been given. (Loud applause). His name is David Evan Thomas. Three candidates passed the Senior Examination before they were 14 years of age. They had passed the Senior Examina-I tion at an age before many scholars have entered the school, which proved that it was far better to send the children when they were young. For the first time in the history of the school a number of scholars had en- tered colleges, these chiefly being girls. Mr. Williams stated that four years ago he lamented the fact that this would probably be the only school which would not have a Roll of Honour, but now they had a modest list of honours. One old scholar- W. E. Thomas-had made the supreme saer fice. During the year, collections had been made for various funds, including the Prisoners of Wat Fund, the Y.M.C.A. Huts in France, Schools for the Blind, &c., and the speaker said he had to thank Miss Roberts for her work in this connection. In May last, the first school performance, Hiawatha's Wed- ding Feast," was held in the Palace Theatre, when the School Choir were assisted by th- Ammanford Male Voice Party, and which turned- out a complete success, judging by the verdict of those who attended the perform- ance. The most urgent need of the school was new premises. Four years had been spent in buildings which were only intended should be occupied temporarily, but the war was now over, anl they were looking forward to the dawn of a brighter day. Mr. Williams said that he admired a scheme which was being taken up in some districts of erecting schools as War Memorials, and here was a glorious opportunity for the Amman Valley to do the same. He concluded with a vote of thanks to the Chairman (Lieut.-Co!. W. N. Jones), the Clerk (Mr. T. M. Evans. M.A.), and all the Governors for their valu- able services during the year. Miss Daisy Williams rendered a solo in good style, and was well received. The Chairman said that, as they knew, every year he had had to address them, and it was no small job for him, who was an ordinary man. He felt they should have a change, and he had found him in Mr. W. Hammond Robinson, M.A., who was not only an inspector, but was a friend of their school. It was feared when they commenced tn's school that Llandilo would suffer in con- sequence, but Llandilo had more on their books now than they had before the Amman Valley County School was opened. He (the speaker) was not going to make a long speech, but he would like to tell the boys and girls how proud they all were as Governors of the school. They were very anxious to have new buildings. They were in a hurry to commence, but the war came along and put a stop to the building of the new school. He d;d not know how soon they should be able to get the new school ready. They had the land, and it was paid for, and there was a kind of foundation laid; but that was all. They did not know how much it would cost, but they had been told it would be a big sum of money. They would not be satisfied with only one school in the Amman Valley. He was sure that shortly afterwards they would see a new school, probably at Brynamman. What they would like to see was free education everywhere; then the poorest workmen would be able to educate their children. The Chairman then called upon Mr. Robinson to address the meeting. Mr. Robinson, in the course of his address, said: I think I will talk to you about the school and tell you a few stories. When we opened this school, we thought the difficulty would be to find pupils for the school, but the difficulty, as you have heard, is to find room for the pupils. I generally used to find it an easy matter to remember the names of the scholars in the fifth and sixth forms, but I am afraid I cannot do that now. If they were all called Pansy and Daisy, it would be an easier matter. I coujd remember them as the flowers of the field. An'd if the boys were all Thomas now, the matter would be simple. We are all justly proud of Thomas for his success. As the headmaster said, it was the highest number of marks that had been given in Wales for geography. But lest Thomas should get conceited, I must say this- I have one big fault to find with him, ajid that is, he is a shockingly bad writer. He writes almost as bad as I do; I know, be- cause the examiner sent me his paper to read, and unless he mends his manners and pen, he may come to a bad end. He may become an inspector. (Loud laughter). The staff is the mosr important part of a school. Your head- master is the son of the distinguished Watcyn Wyn. You have the worthy son of a worthy mar,-(applausel-apd he has got around him a worthy staff. He has already spoken of Miss Roberts, and I quite agree with all he has said. I would also like to speak of Mr. Comery. He has been, a very hard-working member of the staff, and whenever there has been a breach he was always ready to fill it. cannot go on further without speaking of Miss Hutchinson. If you ask Thomas, he wili tell you that Manchester is a great c.y with a great export trade. He will not tell you that Manchester keeps the best part of her goods for export to Wales, but thpr" are I Miss Hutchinson and myself, which is proof enough. I hope when you put up a new building you will strike out on a new line. The old idea is that it must look at least as imposing as the local workhouse. I heard a story of an Englishman who was in Wales, and a Welshman standing near said, Look, look.' Well, what is it?' asked the Eng- lishman. Look, look,' said the Welshman again. Well, I can only see a man,' said the Englishman. Yes, but it's Lloyd George,' answered the Welshman. Well, he's not God Almighty, said the English- man.. Ah, no,' replied the Welshman, but he's young yet. We shall have at least one man in Parliament who was edu- cated in Wales if tire Coalition member is returned, and I make bold to say that some women will be returned. I should like to see the Pansies and Daisies raising their heads among the green benches of the Houses of Parliament. Some people made money with- o-t education, but they always seem to be saying, Look at me, I have had no Zieduca- tion.' But they forget that they only made it through using those who have had educa- tion. A small boy was playing one day out- side a school and using what is generally called bad language, when some ladies passing said, Is that what they teach you in school? As I was there, I said, No, it is most probably what they teach him at home.' Once, when in North Wales, Dr. who has been here, and myself were going down the road, and a man was driving some pigs home. We tried to get out of the pigs' way, but the man turned round to us and said, You two gentlemen have evidently not- been to school.' (Laughter) As we had been there all day, it was rather hard. Well, you feed your scholars well, and it is a good thing, You could come here up to last year and could have three different things for lunch. Your school is in Wales, and you belong to a very distinctive county in Wales. Before I had been in Wales long I noticed the blue eye and the straight, narrow nostril. The Celt belongs to the aristocracy of Europe. I want you to teach both Welsh and English. I understand that pupils have to choose whether they wiU learn French or Welsh. Welsh children have a knack for speaking language. In the Middle Ages, I rather think that most people spoke three languages. I am very 'glad that the mistress who teaches Eng- lish introduces some of the finest passages in the Bible. It was very striking to those who noticed it, after the armistice had been signed, four of our leaders went across to Westminster Abbey and read passages from Isaiah and the Psalms." Mr. Robinson said he did not think it necessary to teach quite so much mathematics. (Loud applause from the scholars). And he did not believe in giving I so much set homework. (More applause from the scholars and loud laughter). But, he said, he did believe in hard work. There was a certain instructor who took his boys on the last days of the term to the slums, and said, Here," gentlemen, lies your work," and. pointing to the workhouse, said, And there lies your reward." The speaker said he believed all the help possible should be given to the so-called dull children; he had great sympathy for them. He concluded by using the same words as Mr. Lloyd George used on one occasion, I want this school to be a nursery of character and contentment." The next item was a song by Miss Louisa Davies, who was applauded for her fine ren- dering. Mrs. W. J. Williams, Brynamman, then distributed the certificates and prizes. Instead of the usual book prizes, the Governors had very wisely decided to give War Savings Certificates to the children. Mrs. Williams said it gave her very great pleasure to be present and to distribute the prizes. She was very pleased with the headmaster's report, and was very glad to find there was so much interest taken in the pupils by the staff. One thing she wanted to impress on the pupils was that they should not forget the great sacrifice the parents were making for their benefit. She concluded by proposing a vote of thanks to all the Governors and staff. Mr. W. L. Smith, solicitor, said he ha,d very great pleasure in seconding the vote of thanks. He was quite sure it had been a very enjoyable afternoon for all present. Mr. Robinson responded to the vote qf thanks, and presented books to three of the pupils—David E. Thomas, Pansy Lewis, and Daisy Williams. M r. G. O. Williams then called upon Vin- cent Rees, the youngest pupil in the school, to present a cheque of £5 to Mrs. W. J. Williams for Red Cross work, and a pocket wallet for herself. Lieut.-Col. W. N. Jones proposed a vote of thanks to Mrs. Williams for her kindness in coming forward to distribute the prizes; to Mr. Robinson, to Mr. WIIiams and all the staff. Mr. W. J. Williams, Brynamman, asked that the Chairman might be included. The Rev. W. Williams, vicar of Cwm- amman, seconded the proposition, and the meeting closed with renderings of Hen Wlad fy Nhadau and God save the King by the Glee Party. I CENTRAL WELSH BOARD EXAM I-1 NATIONS, 1918. Higher Certificate ( J ) ,-John Emrys Beynon. Senior Certificates (46).—Winnie Bowen Bessie Child, distinction in history; Cordelia Davies; Gladys Davies; Dora Davies, dis- tinction in drawing; Hannah Davies Hannah Jane Davies; Mary Jane Davies; Hannah Evans; Jane Evans; Martha Griffiths; Dor:s James, distinction in history Mary Jane Jenkins; May Beatrice Jones Edna Leonard Alice Lewis, distinctions in history and arith- metic; Morfydd Lewis; Maggie Lodwick; Ida Parry; Gertrude Rees; Nina Rees, dis- tinction in French; Lizzie Roberts; Muriel Robert; Annie Thomas, distinctions in botany and needlework; Maggie Thomas, distinction in needlework; Enid Williams; Gwyneth Williams Doris Williams; Thomas George Dav es, distinctions in Latin, Welsh, and geography; David Howells, distinctions in history and arithmetic; Idris Hughes; Stanley Jenkins; Arthur Douglas Jones; Griffith joh:i Jones; Johnny Joshua; Glyndwr Morgan, dis- tinction in drawing Stanley- Owens, distinc- tion in drawing; Eliot Rees; Fred Rees, dis- tinction 'n drawing; Gwilym Rees, distinction in drawing; Hubert Richards, distinction in drawing; David Evan Thomas, distinctions in history, chemistry, and geography; David John Thomas; Ivor Treavett, distinction in drawing Ivor Watkins, distinction in history; and Clifford Williams. Supplementary Certificates (8) .-Ethel Evans, distinction in drawing; Margaret Evans; Phyllis Fletcher; Jane George, dis- tinction in drawing; Pansy Lewis; Amelia Thomas; l Muriel Williams; and Trevor Williams. Junior Certificates (34).—Edith Davies; Lizzie Davies; Margaratte Annie Davies; Lilian Dunn, distinction in botany; Gwenny George Anni Mary Griffiths; Margaret Ann Griffiths; Bessie Jenkins; Dora Jones; Mar- iV'ret Ann Jones; Violet Jones, distinction in arithmetic Nellie Morgan Mattie Rees, dis- tinctions in arithmetic, mathematics, Latin and Welsh Annie May Samuel Maggie Thomas, distinction in French; Margaret Williams; David Samuel Edwards, distinctions in draw- ing and woodwork; William Gwyn Evans, distinction in drawing; Evan John Griffiths, distinctions in arithmetic and mathematics; John Watkin James; Sidney John, distinction in drawing; Ivor Llewellyn Jones, distinc- tions in English, arithmetic, mathematics, French, chemistry, and geography; Thomas Idris Jones, distinction in woodwork; Emrys Lake, distinctions in chemistry, woodwork, and drawing; Elfed Lewis, distinction in drawing; Arthur McCarthy, distinctions in mathematics, French, and chemistry; ldwal Phillips, distinctions in chemistry and draw- ing; Arthur Richards, distinction in drawing; Brinley Roberts; Alfyn Thomas, distinctions in drawing and woodwork; Gwyn Thomas, distinctions in drawing and woodwork; lorwerth Thomas; Irwyn Walters; Thomas Madden Williams, distinction in Latin. The following have qualified for exemption from the Matriculation Examination of the University of Wales:-Dora Davies, Hannah Davies, Hannah Jane Davies, Phyllis Fletcher, Alice Lewis, Pansy Lewis, Ida Parry, Amelia Thomas, Annie Thomas, Maggie Thomas. Muriel Williams, Thomas George Davies, David Howells, Stanley 'Jenkins, Gwilym J. Rees, David Evan Thomas, IvOr Watkins, and Trevor Williams. FORM PRIZES. I Form Vl.-J. Emrys Beynon. Form VA.—Girls: Alice Lewis, Maggie Thomas, -Nina Rees. Boys: Thos. George Davies, D. Howells, D. Evan Thomas, Ivor Watkins. Form VB.- Girls: Doris James, Edna Leonard, Maggie Lodwick. Boys: Stanley Owens. Form IV A.-Margaret- Thomas, Mattie Rees. Boys: Ivor Jones, A. McCarthy, Madden Williams. Form IVB.-Girls: Bessie Jenkins. Boys: E. J. Griffiths, Emrys Lake, Idwal Phillips. Form Hi A.—Girls: Sarah Elizabeth Davies, Margaret Parry. Boys: M. Cohen, Cyril Davies, Douglas Treavett, Geraint Williams. Form IIIB.-Gi-is: Doris Jenkins, Edna Brin l ey Rees, Myfanwy Williams. Boys: Brinley Thomas, W. M. Thomas. Form IIA.-Girls: Fanny Coates, Gladys Davies. Boys: Hubert Lewis, Gilbert Jones, Meurig Jones, Vincent Thomas, ldris Vialters, Austin Williams. Form JIB.-Gnls: Betty Mainwaring, Prim- rose Rogers. Boys: Ronald Evans, Anthony Williams.

I Llandilo County School. I I ANNUAL PRIZE DISTRIBUTION. I The annual distribution of prizes of the Llandilo County School took place at the Victoria Drill Hall, Llandilo, on Friday last. Lieut.-Col. W. N. Jones, chairman of the Governors, presided, supported by Mr. John Hinds, M.P., Lord Lieutenant of the county, and most of the School Managers. The prizco by Mrs. W. N. Jones, Dyffryn, Ammanford. The Chairman said that this school had been established now for 24 years, and he was very proud of the fact that, although it had done exceedingly well ¡rom the outset, its record for the present year surpassed all previous ones. He referred to the large number of distinctions gained, and pointed out that this was the sixth year in succession that this school had won one of the County Exhi- bitions—a most creditable achievement, having regard to the fact that only two were offered for all the schools in the county. The num- ber of scholars was larger than ever before, viz., 232. He had atlended on the previous day the distribution of prizes at the Amman- ford School, where they had also done ex- ceedingly well; but this being the older school, they naturally took a more fatherly interest in this than any of the other schools. He regretted the unavoidable absence of the Rev. Wm. Davies, The Walk (the. vice-chairman), who took the keenest interest in the work of the school, and 25 years ago worked most energetically in estab- lishing it. Another Governor who was absent through influenza, as well as one of his chil- i dren who had won a prize that day, was Mr. Thomas, Penrhos, Llanfynydd. He intimated that instead of books this year the prize- winners were receiving War Savings Stamps. The Headmaster, in his report, stated that over 200 old boys had enlisted and taken part in the fighting. Twenty-one had been killed or died of wounds. Over 50 were wounded, and three had won the Military Cross. One had gained the Serbian Deco- ration, another the D.C.M., and three the Military Medal. Large sums had been con- tributed to the War Fund. The School War Savings Association had collected practically £ 1,000. Five had passed the Higher Certi- ficate, 20 the Senior, 4 the Supplementary Certificate, and 18 had gained the Junior Certificate. He wished to mention parti- cularly the record of Odon Charles Schram, a Belgian refugee, who came here four years ago with only just a smattering of English. He passed the Higher examination with two distinctions, took the first place in the county, gaining the County Exhibition, and also a Scholarship of f20 at Aberystwyth College. Under the new Education Bill, which was almost revolutionary in its scope, the County Education Authority would have to formulate a scheme dealing with all grades of schools. The aim of the Bill was to enable every boy and girl to get his or her school continued until the age of I Q years, and ultimately see that they every lad and girl may have a chance equal with those livi::g in the big towns. It was hoped that a generous scheme of scholarships and maintenance grants would be made so as to enable the poorest to pro- ceed, if he had the capacity and was desirous, from the smallest country school to the Uni" versity. During the proceedings, an interesting little function took place, when Master Ronald Morris, son of Mr. and Mri. D. Jones Morrii, Eirianfa, was presented with the Royal Humane Society' s Vellum for saving the life of a schoolmate, viz., the son of Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, Pengoitre, Llanfynydd, from drowning in the River Towy, by the Lord Lieutenant, who said it gave him the greatest possible gratification to hand the recipient the certificate. These certificates were only! given by the Royal Humane Society in cases! of great bravery and heroism, and he was very glad that they had a boy in Llandilo wht. had done such a brave and noble deed. He hoped he would frame the certificate, .and that it would be kept as a heirloom in the family. Subsequently Mr. f. Hinds delivered an address bearing on education and the steps that would have to be taken by way of re- construction all round. He touched at some length on the Education Bill introduced by Dr. Fisher, and pointed out that under its provisions opportunities would be given to the poorest lad to attain the highest positions. He also touched on physical culture, the better feeding and housing of the nation, and paid a tribute to the brave boys from tnat school who had mad e the supreme sacriifce. The School Choir gave ax excellent ren- dering of The P* td Piper of Hamelin (set to music by Sir Hubert Parry), led by Mr. John Evans, B.Sc. a solo was given by Miss May Thomas; a recitation by D. T. Bowen; and selections of Welsh airs by the School Glee Party. EXHIBITIONS AND SCHOLARSHIPS. I Carmarthenshire County Exhibition of 125 per annum.—Odon Charles Schram. Entrance Scholarship of £ 20 per annum at University College, Aberystwyth. -Odon Charles Schram. Entrance Scholarship of £25 per annum at the Technical College, Swansea.— Thomas Glyn Stephens. CENTRAL WELSH BOARD EXAMI- NATIONS. Higher Certificate (5).-Annie Olwen Morgan, English language and literature, his- tory, and Welsh; Odon Charles Schram, English language and literature with dis- tinction, French with distinction and conver- sational power, additional mathematics, and chemistry; Thomas Glyn Stephens, English language and literature, history, additional mathematics, chemistry with distinction David John Thomas, English language and litera- ture, history, Wolsh, and chemistry; Edgar Thomas, English language and literature with distinction, history, additiona l mathematics, and chemistry. Senior Certificate (20) .David John Davies, distinctions in arithmetic and chemis- try Dorothy Davies; Edith Dalies; Aerona Constance Edwards, with conversational power in French; *Marion Hilda Francis, distinc- tions in English language and literature, his- tory and botany; John Howells; Thomas Ernest Hughes, distinctions in shorthand, and conversational power in French; *Margaret Hannah Jones, distinctions in botany, and conversational power in French *Margaret Helena Jones, distinction in Welsh; Jannet Morgan; *Magdalen -Morgan, with conversa- tional power in French Annie Maude Morris, with conversational power in French; :David John Rces; "Horace Gontran Schram. distinctions in arithmetic, Latin, French, chemistry and chawing, and with conversa- tional power in French David Marcus Thomas, distinction in arithmetic; Jennie May Thomas; *Rachel Maud Thomas, with Welsh at Higher Stage; Annie Bronwen Williams, distinction in arithmetic, and con- versational power in French; Elizabeth Anne Williams Margaret Williams. The asterisk denotes that the pupil has passed in all subjects required for exemption from the Matriculation Examination of the University of Wales. Supplementary Certificate (4).—Rees Davies, Latin, and English language and literature; Elizabeth Ann Davies, Latin; Laura Christiana Lewis, elementary mathe- matics; Margaret Alma Smith, historv. Junior Certificate (18).-Ralph Vincent Bowen, distinction in chemistry; Elizabeth Blodwen Davies, conversational power in French; Hugh Rees Davies, distinctions in elementary mathematics and chemistry Rupert Picton Davies, distinctions in elementary mathematics, chemistry, agriculture and draw- ing, and conversational power in French Elizabeth Hannah Evans, distinctions in ele- mentary mathematics and cookery; Louie Beatrice James, distinctions in elementary mathematics, botany and cookery, and con- versational power in French Reginald Mytton Jones, distinction in chemistry and conversa- tional power in French; William Alfred Jones; Mabel- Nancy Langley, distinctions in English language and literature, history, elementary mathematics and cookery, and con- versational power, in French; David Thomas Ronald Morris, distinctions in agriculture, drawing and woodwork, and conversational power in French; Margaret Evelyn Morris; Thomas Noel Morris, distinctions in elemen- tary mathematics, woodwork, and agriculture; Meurig James Price, distinction in drawing, and conversational power in French; Dilys Mary Annie Rees; William Martin Row- lands Margaret Mary Thomas; William Haydn Thomas, with conversational power .in French; William Evan Williams. I FORM PRIZES. I Form VI.-I, Odon Charles Schram; 2, Thomas Glyn Stephens; 3, Edgar Thomas; 4, Annie Olwen Morgan; 5, David John Thomas. Form V.—Boys: I, Horace Gontran Schram; 2, David John Davies; 3, David John Rees. Girls: 1, Margaret Hannah Jones; 2, Marian Hilda Francis; 3, Margaret Helena. Jones; 4, Annie Bronwen Williams. Form IV.-Boys: I, Rupert Picton Davies; 2 David Ronald Morris; 3, William Evan Williams. Girls: 1, Mabel Nancy Langley; 2, Louie Beatrice James; 3, Margaret Evelyn Morris; 4, Dilys Mary Rees. Form IIIA. (Upper) .—Boys: 1, Daniel Owen; 2, John Owen; 3, Cecil Nelson Smith. Girls: 1, Gwladys Rees; 2, Mary Davies; 3, Olwen Rees; 4, Muriel Evans. Form IIIA. (Lower) .—Boys: I, Basil Harvey; 2, Daniel Oliver Jones; 3, Ronald Roberts. Girls: 1, Rachel Evans; 2, Hannah Thomas; 3, Muriel 1 homas 4, Jane Arien- wen Morris. Form IIIB. (Upper) .—Boys: 1, Mervyn Edwards; 2, Thomas Williams; 3, Edgar Jones; 4, Marcus Davies. Girls: 1, Phyllis Langley. Form IIIB. (Lower).—Boys: 1, David Bowen. Girls: 1, Jennie Lewis; 2, Mona Jones; 3, Gwenllian Morris. Form II.—Boys: I, Tudor Davies; 2, Stephen Davies and Mervyn Williams (equal). Girls: 1, Marjorie Thomas; 2, Mary Bowen Davies. Welsh Prize (given by the Ven. Arch- de aeon Williams, M.A., vicar of Llandilo- fawr) .-Annie Olwen Morgan. I

FOURTEEN V. C. 's. 11 The Church Lads' Brigade has established a war record which indicates the value of the character training given during the past thirty years. Some 200,000 of its members and ex- members have taken an active part in the war, and in addition to over five hundred honours, it has now obtained the fourteenth V.C. in the person of Arthur Knight (deceased), of the Canadian Forces, who was formerly a lad in Reigate Company, Church Lads' Brigade. This record cannot be claimed by any other organisation, or even by any of the great Public Schools, and commend this admirable organisation for lads to all who are really interested in the training of th°

Brynamman Prisoner of War's Story. Priv. Willie Thomas, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Isaac Thomas, Park Street, Lowei Brynamman, who recently returned home from captivity, having been taken prisoner on May 10th, 1918, tells our representative an interest- in story of how he and others were captured and subsequently treated by the Germar.s:- On May 9th we were in action in the Mame section of the battlefield. We were marched forward until we reached a wood, having been told that a French division w-te in front of us. Here we biiletted till next morning, when we espied in front of us, not French, but Germans. We were attacked on right and left flanks with machine-guns, and o ir men were falling fast. Soon we were made to understand that the enemy had broken through on both sides, and that detachments of hostile forces had managed to work a dis- tance of two kilos behind us. Our position became serious, and retreat was impossible. Surrender was therefore inevitable. Three British companies, including the 9th Welsh Regiment, were taken prisoners. I was con- nected with the latter. We were marched 20 kilos that night, and put in French huts which had been captured the day before by thj Germans. The huts were encircled by a labyrinth of barbed wire. Next morning we were told off to lay light railways. The food we had to consume (or perish) was simply repulsive. We had breakfast at 5 in the morning, comprised of coffee made of burnt oats. We were read the Martial Law, and had to sign our names. Then we were medically examined, and eventually allocated to the jobs that suited the state of each re- spective constitution. Most of us, however, were made to work in the coal-mines, and 1 was one of that number. These mines are in the Aachen district. We had to rise at 4.30 in the morning, and hauled down the pit before the German miners, and drawn to the surface after them in the afternoon about 4 o'clock. Asked what kind of people the Germans were to work with, Priv. Thomas replied:— They have nasty tempets. They expected us to understand them at once and obey orders. Failing to do this, they would get hold of a log and attempt to bash us. They would soon cower down if we stood defiant. Generally we were cruelly treated. Soup made of mangolds and swedes was doled out to us after working hours. This did not half satiate the inner man, and some of my com- rades felt so famished that they even drank slops not fit for pigs. We were given more bread while working in the pits. We were here two months, and then taken to Germany in vans something like our railway vans. We travelled two days and two nights. Why we took such a long time to reach our destination was because we were shunted to dead sidings on the way to clear the road for German traffic. We were put in camps at Cassell, and whilst here 250 of our boys died. Then we were taken to Limburg, where again we were made to work in the mines. On top of the pits were baths, but not a bit of soap. They weic ihvvveu iJdll1, anU we hac to lay OUT- selves out beneath to be cleansed. Small tablets of soap cost about 3s. 6d. each. To avoid any risk of escape, we were counted no fewer than about two dozen times a day. We slept in barracks, and the beds were alive with vermin. The camp was situated about two kilos from the frontier. When the armistice was signed, we were led like. sheep at midnight to the border, and left there to find our way further. Previous to being actually released, however, we were informed that the armistice was about to be signed, and we struck work there and then. They (the Germans) did not seem to relish the news, and looked jealously at us. A petulant young sentry, who had also acted as chaplain, cursed us and called us English swine. Most of the German miners came to respect us, but the officers treated us in a most heartless manner, and many a Tommy was ruthlessly kicked about by them when in a rage." Priv. Thomas looks well, and received a warm welcome home by old friends.

With the Welsh in the Near East. The following letter has been received by our Brynamman correspondent, Butts ":— Dear Fr;end,-Although the cessation of hostilities has been celebrated in quite a num- ber of different forms in various parts of the universe, it is questionable whether a more fitting manner was observed than the function which .was held at Alexandria, Egypt, on Saturday evening last. In that vicinity a Division which has been greatly responsible for the great victories of the East was stationed, and being that its units comprised of several Welsh Battalions and Companies, it was decided to hold a. gymanfa ganu.' The American Mission Hall was kindly placed at the disposal of the promoters, and every en- couragement was given by the different authori- ties to make the affair a success. Special cars were requisitioned to convey those who were stationed at the outlying camps, and long before the appointed time of commencement the spacious edifice, had its seating accommo- dation taxed to its utmost. Quite a number of distinguished persons favoured the affair with their presence, and were seated on the platform. Amongst them were observed Brig.- General G. of C. of Alexandria and dis- trict, and Lieut.-General Mott, G. in ç. of the Division, with their respective staffs. Chaplain Edward Jones, in a few well-chosen words, explained the object of the gathering, and the singing of Huddersfield opened the proceedings. About twelve hymns were sung in all, Diadem being the only one in English. As a tribute to the memory of O'JI fallen heroes, Bydd myrdd o ryfeddodau' was sung with great emotion. Most 'of the hymns sung were from the programme of the Gymanfa which was held at Neath during the National Eisteddfod week, and notwithstanding the fact that the affair was more or less of an impromptu nature, it can safely be said that the singing throughout the evening was of a very high standard, and fully upheld the repu- tation attained in the world of music by gallant little Wales. The conductors were Pknnlm'nc N /f r 1 r*. *1 L/uvici>, ana v.*wiiym Williams. A Welsh solo by -ce.-Corpl. J. Pugh, R.W.F., and some pianoforte selec- tions by Lieut. Bradwen Jones., R.W.F., were greatly appreciated, whilst Chief Engineer D. Williams and Lieut. Bradwen Jones accom- panied throughout in an able manner. Ad- dresses by the afore-mentioned Generals were warmly received, and Mr. J. Davies Bryan, a prominent business man in Egypt, who bore the expense of supplying the programmes, spoke in Welsh in a manner that greatly ap- pealed to those present. The singing of the Welsh and English National Anthems brought a memorable evening to a close. DAVID J. DAVIES, Egypt, Formerly Goleufryn, Brynamman.

AT EIN GOHEBWYR AC ERAILL. Ysgrifaa, Barddoniaeth, Nodion, Hanesion, a Gohsbiaethaa i'w hanfon cyn GYNTED YN YR WYTHNOS all u byddo modi fr GOLYGYDD, CROWCL DYFFRYN AMAN," AMANFORD.

[Er ein bed yn rhoddi pob cyflcastra i ohebveyr ddaigan to barn at gwestiynnaa Heel, aid ydptv hynny i olygu ein bod yn eydsynio a a daiiadau.—GOL.]

lesu y Sosialydd. Allan o r Deg Corchymyn y mae yr lesu yn dewis yn fwriadol y rhal hynny yn unig ag oedd a wnelont ar bywyd cymdeithaso! Tarawyd y llywodraethwr yn fud pan glywodd mai trwy werthu yr hyn oil oedd ganddo, a ï rannu Î r tlodion, yr oedd iddo brynnu nefoedd! Clywaf rai pool grefyddol yn gruddfan, > gan ofyn mewn dychryn gwirioneddol. t: Beth? Cael ein hachub gyda pheth fet yna! Wei! ai tybed nad oes yna ryw gamgymeriad yn rhywle? A ydych chwi yn meddwl Î r lesu erioed lefaru y fath eiriau? Y n wir. y mae yn fwy anodd credu iddo ddywedyd hyn na chredu yr holl wyrthiau gyda'u gilydd. Y mae yn groes bron i r cwbl o hanesiaeth eglwysig y mae yn wadiad on hoff syniad ni y cawn fyned Î r nefoedd arn gredu mewn rhyw ddull aneglur yng Nghrist a'i addoli Ef ar adegau. Eto i gyd. y mae yr atebiad Î w weled yn ysgrifenedig yn y tair Efengyl. Llefarodd yr lesu ddwy ddameg, testyn y rhai yw y gwr cyfoethog: mewn un sieryd am dano fel ffwl yn y llall gesyd c t- yn uffern, yn unol a syniadau poblogaidd ei oes. Yn Luc xii. 16 cawn y ddameg am y gwr, goludog, tir yr hwn a gnydiodd yn dda hyd nes yr aeth ei ysguboriau yn rhy fecnan, a r hwn a ddywedodd wrth ei enaid, "Gorffwys. bwyta, ,yf, bydd lawen. Eithr Duw a_ ddywedodd wrtho, 0 ynfyd, y nos hon y gofynant dy enaid oddiwrthyt." Paham ynfyd "? Paham ffwl "? Beth wnaeth y dyn? Yn Luc xvi. 19 cawn y ddameg arall- Yr oedd rhyw wr goludog, ac a wisgid a. phorffor a than main ac yr oedd yn cymeryd byd da yn helaethwych beunydd. Yr oedd hefyd ryw gardotyn, a'i enw Lazarus, yr hwn a fwrid wrth ei borth ef yn gornwydlyd, ac yn chwennychu cael ei borthi a'r briwsion a syrthiai oddiar fwrdd y gwr cyfoethog; ond y cwn a ddaethant, ac a lyfasart ei gorn- wydydd ef. A buÎ r cardotyn farw, a i ddwyn gan yr angylion. i fynwes Abraham. A'r goludog hefyd a fu farw, ac a gladdwyd ac yn uffern y cododd efe ei olwg. Sylwer! Ni ddywedir gair yn erbyn cymenad y dyn cyfoethog. Y r oedd yn oludog; éf threuliai ei fywyd fel rhyw ddyn cyfoethog, parchus arall oedd yn byw yn yr oes honno. Dyna' r cwbl! A ddarfu i chwi sylwi fel y mae meddwl yr lesu yn hofran yn barbaus uwchben dvrys- bwnc y dyn cyfoethog? Yn Luc xvi, 13 y mae yn crynhoi, mewn un frawddeg fyth- gofiadwy, wrthwynebiad cyfoeth i Dduw, "Ni ellwcti wasanaethu Duw a mammon." Yn Efengyl Marc xii. 41 cawn hanes arr. dano yn eistedd gyferbyn a'r drysorfa, ac yn edrych pa fodd yr oedd y bob! yn bwrrw JijoU1(a." Owciudd gyfOe1:00;IOn lawer yn bwrrw llawer"; ond nid oes yna yr un gair o ganmoliaeth iddynt. Cyffyrdd- wyd âÏ galon pan welodd "ryw wraig weddw dlawd yn bwrrw .1 mewn dewy hatling, yr hyn yw ffyrling." Y mae yr lesu yn barhaus yn ymdrin a r mater hwn, a phob amser yn yr un dull. Nid oes ganddo byth air da ï r cyfoethog na gair drwg i'r tlawd: nid yw byth yn canmol y cyfoethog nac yn beio y tlawd. Beth pe buasai i rywun bregc-thu yn y dull hwn? Cawsai ei alw yn wallgofddyn; arc un Saboth fuasai yr amser hwyaf y caffai aros yn yr un lie.-(Allan o'r "Geninen" ddiweddaf).

Y NADOLIG. Daethost ar ol disgwyl, disgwyl. Gu Nadolig, ar dy hynt Tecach yw dy wedd na'r rhosyn, H lion hedd yw plu dy edyn, Eirf dy ymdaith dillion. y'r.t, Gyda'r wawr yn dawel, dawel. Belmaist friwiau lawer bron; Llynoedd dagrau chwerwon lepiaist, Ac yn dyner teg addumaist Feddau fyrdd tuhwnt i' r don. Symud wnest yn esmwyth, esmwyth. Faich y werin, coron ddram Is y gwawd o ijir yr estron Adref dygaist garcharorion, 'N ddeadellau o dy flaen. Dwyn yn ol yn dyner, dynei, Hen aelwydydd wnest i iu Ac fe welwyd llawer deigryn Mam yn golchi tannau 'i thelyn Erbyn dydd dy urddo di. Ar dy daith yn wylaidd, wylaidd, D'est a'r drin yn rkuddo'th draed Fu dy helynt bed war cyfnod, Ddyga Ewrob o dan. warthnod Am roi'r meib mewn beddau gwaed Yn y bwthyn bychan, bychan, Treisrwyd ymaith dri o blant Dros yr aig i rengau' r Fyddin, Fu yn dwr l w mam rhag newyn- Heddyw n fud mae'r tri mewn pant Anodd moli, anodd, anodd, Pan mae'r galon frau yrf friw Muriau heirdd y tadau' n garnedd, A'u hallorau mewn dinodedd— Ffrwyth eu bru yn grin a gwyw. 0, Nadolig annwyl. annwyl, 0 dy flaen mae llawer seed Eto' n wag ar gu aelwydydd: Brysied iddynt yn Breswylydc, Y Bethle'miad, Brenin Hedd. Ar y muriau llwydion, llwydion, Lliaws o delynau sydd, Er yng nghrog fe fu eu tannau, Iddo n canu hen garolau Ac emynau 'slawer dydd. Mae dy newydd diddan, diddan, Er yn hen yn dal yn ir: Ganwyd i chwi'n Geidwad, Ipsu Ef a'11. gwared 0'0 calecli. Aed Ei glod dros for a thir. • Bendigedig, diolch, diolch, Canwn Iddo byth tra bo; Haf yn euro tioriau'r meysydd, Glaw yn golchi cris y mynydd, A thra'r Nefoedd 1 ni'n dô. DYFFRYNOG.

Printed and Published by the Amman Valley Chronicle, Limited, at their Offices, Quay Street, Ammanford, in the County of Car- marthen, December 26th, 1918.