The Amman Valley Chronicle and East Carmarthen News

I THE OMNIBUS. ithinp Seen and Heard by the Conductor.) The Quaker Girl," the Christmas attrac- tion at the Palace, is of the right stuff. Cwmamman and Llandilo are to oppose the Ammanford proposed extension of boundary. A witness at the last County Court described a horse to be like a glove. (G) lovely. When a man asks you for a frank opinion of himself, he wants you to say what a fine chap he is. « Another German gun has arrived at Llan- dovery. A wag asks if the oldicastle is once ssore being fortified. The heavy rains of the past few days gives some of our leading thoroughfares a "sloppy" appearance. S'lush 1 The new poor, after having sat on golden nails all their lives, must expect at some period to feel the income tacks. Mr. Sam Griffith, one of our local advo- cates, is keen on Scriptural quotations, and on Monday made another hit." » » A Tirydail lover of sport writes to say that he has an alarm clock to dispose ot. Why not send it to Joe Beckett? Llandovery pays its Mayor the princely cum of one shilling per annum. There is no cecord of it ever having been accepted. The question of a suitable War Memorial to the memory of the fallen of the town is still ia -beyance. Will it mature? < The Guarantee Fund of the National Eis- teddfod Committee has now reached the four- figure mark. And it still is swelling. } The best allotment producers, says a corres- pondent, are railway workers. Is it because they always have their eyes on the signals? Our Office Boy gives a popular song with slightly altered words: "'Willie, my boy, what are you waiting for now?—Christmas." An up the Valley public man, recentlf tackled on his knowledge of cows and milk, recognises it as a watery subject. He retain* his taste for cream. • What was the actual weight of the tub I of butter brought into the railway carriage one evening this week? There can be no shortage, judging by appearances. A light (en) ing announcement was made at the last meeting of the Llandilo Urban Dis- trict Counc.il. £300 has been lost on the electric lighting of the town. ? While shepherds watched their flocks" was written by Nahum Tate, who became Poet Laureate in 1690. Charles Wesley wrote Hark! the Herald Angels sing. ? ? A Swansea contemporary described the wire received by the secretary of the Amman- ford A.F.C. on Saturday last as a "puzzler." Better had it been a Twist (er), but we must not Crow (e). Mr. Jones (looking up from his paper): It says that a cyclone in America has swept away an entire town in five minutes." Mrs. Jones (gloomily) And it takes Jane half-an-hour to sweep our doorstep." One of the best known medical practitionen received by post the other day a basket of pippins, with the following couplet attached:— Mae Nadolig with y drws, v Apple sauce is nice with goose." ? Two Amman Valley ex-Service men recently got into conversation. The one said to the other: Is that a wound stripe? Yes," was the reply. "Well, how did you get it?" enquired No. 1. Shaving myself witah an Army Tazor," retorted the other. The Scripture lesson was about Noah, and one bright little boy thought Noah's life must have been very dull during his confine- ment in the Ark. What could he do The schoolmaster, among others, suggested occu- pations, mentioning fishing. But," objected the boy, he only had two worms! < The Lord Mayor of Penniless Cove is a popular Christmas character at Tenby. One of the fishermen is annually appointed to the dignified office, and is then carried round the town on a chair, the procession halting at each house in order that the Mayor may wish the occupants a Merry Christmas." ? The Food Controller has decided, in view of the necessity of maintaining the operations of the Ministry of Food in cheese on a self- supporting basis, to raise the maximum retail price or -e-made hard cheese, issued through the Government Cheese Pool, by 2d. per lb. The increase will take effect as from Monday !?SL l'he maximum retail price now established for home cheese, i.e., Is. 8d. per lb., is the same as that which was in force l throughout last winter in respect of all Government cheese, both home and imported. Merry Christmas, sir! cried the young- ster cheerfully to the old gentleman who was, walking along a quiet road. The old an's genial face grew thoughtful when he saw that I his well-wisher handled a well-made snow- ball, while a pile df icy ammunition lay at I his feet. What are you going to do with thme?" he asked, trying to make his voice fnendly. I'm trying to sell them," rep!'ed tlad. Why, that's a strange idea! How you charging Shilling the KeiUF?rte? the business-like youngster; Fts don't buy em gets em for I i bought them. Book your S 1

Ammanford County Court., A special sitting of the Ammanford County Court was held on Thursday last, before His Honour Judge Lloyd Morgan. STRAIN OR RHEUMATISM. A claim was brought by Henry Davies against the Gwaun-cae-gurwen Colliery Com- pany in respect of .compensation. Mr. Villiers Meager, Swansea (instructed by Mr. T. J. Randell) was for applicant, Mr. T. Samuel, Neath, was for the respondents. The applicant said that he was a haulier engaged at the Gwaun-cae-gurwen Colliery. On the 24th July last, while engaged in taking out trams, one of the trams went off the rails. During his efforts to get same back on to the rails with the aid of the horse, he strained himself. He could not move for about ten minutes. An empty tram also wt off the rails, and this again he attempted to replace. While doing so he dropped to the floor, and was in awful pain. Presently he saw a light in the level, and he shouted for assistance. His cries brought to the scene a man named Jacob Davies. Also, another person named Richard Morgan came along, and they assisted him to get away. On get- ting to the pit-head, he was put on a cart and taken home. Dr. Jones was immediately sent for and attended to him. He was poulticed for strain for four or five days, and as the result of the accident was unable to follow his employment for three weeks. At the ex- piration of that period he saw one of the clerks at the colliery office, who told appli- cant that he would have to attend for medical examination at Swansea. Applicant at that time was of the opinion that there was no need for it, and contended that he was fit to resume work. The result of the examination by the doctor was that he did not receive back his work. He did not receive the usual notice, and even now was of the opinion that he was fit for work. Under cross-examination, applicant admit- ted that he had worked irregularly prior to the accident. He admitted having only worked 86 days the year before the occur- rence. He had suffered from rheumatic fever when 15 years of age. John Jacob Davies and Richard Morgan gave evidence as to what occurred at the scene of the accaident. Dr. Richard Jones, Brynamman, said that he attended applicant for strain. There was a slight swelling on the left-hand side of the back in the lumber region. Cross-examined: He did not treat him for rheumatism. For the tjiefence, evidence was given by two Swansea medical practitioners, both of whom were of the opinion that applicant was an extensivd sufferer of rheumatism. The swelling in the back might be consistent with the result of rheumatism or the accident. His Honour, in giving his decision in favour of the applicant, said that he had made out a case. The two medical gentlemen called for the defence had been fair.. The man' s weak condition may have added to the effects of the accident. It was a very hard case he (His Honour) thought. Hit Honour awarded costs on Scale A. Anne Jones, a widow, now of Aberaman, brought a claim against the North Amman Colliery Company for payment of £300 com- pensation due in respect of the death of her son, Meredith, who was killed at the Cwm- gorse Colliery on the 2nd July last. Mr. Villiers Meager was for the applicant, and Mr. Samuel, Neath, for the respondents. Mr. Meager, in his opening statement, said that he would submit evidence to prove a case of total dependency. Partial depen- dency had been admitted by the respondents, and an offer of £150 had been made. It would, however, be made clear that the widowed mother was entitled to more. Anne Jones, Brook Street, Aberdare, called, said that she was the mother of the deceased. During the period he had served with the Navy she received an allowance of £1 Is. weekly, from him. On his demobilisa- tion he worked at the Powell Duffryn Col- liery, and there earned a weekly wage of £ 3 15s. 5d. The deceased's ambition had been to return to Cwmgorse, and for the first three turns he had worked there had received i2 17s. 10d., and £2 14s. lOd. for the following week. Deceased was 33 years of age, and the last letter received by her (applicant) was received on the day of his death. The contents of that communication showed his anxiety to get his mother to live at Cwmgorse. He also wished her (appli- cant) to send down to him Peggy." The sum of £ 1 was also enclosed. It later tran- spired that Peggy was a terrier owned by the deceased. There were two other sons, named Morgan and John. The former had been in the Army, and she asserted that he had been spoilt. He had become addicted to dunk, and had now rejoined the Army. During the time he had been at home with her she had made no profit. William, the other son, was married and had nine chil- dren. He had quite an army of his own to keep. (Laughter). Cross-examined: She now received 7s. per week in respect of Morgan, 3s. 6d. of which he contributed himself. The deceased son gave her £3 per week, although his earrings when employed at the Powell Duffryn Col- liery were only f-3 15s. 5d. He liked his drink, his smoke, and his "poaching. Further questioned, applicant was not quite clear on the definition of the word poaching. Her meaning was not the same. I William Jones, one of the sons, gave I evidence in support of the claim, and said that he was the father of nine children. His average weekly earnings were between 16 and £ 7. Under cross-examination, he admitted that his brother used to go out sporting years ago, and was very fond; of his dog and gun. The wages as given when he worked at the Powell Duffryn Colliery were considerably higher. Deceased had worked with him, and when he (witness) took jobs on contract he knew what his wages would come to. Thomas D. Wager, a clerk, cross-examined, said that a certain sum was entered into the books as being paid to the men. The money was, however, paid over to the contractor, and he paid the men. What the men actually received he did not know. By Mr. Samuel: The return of the con- tractor's earnings was being supplied the Income Tax Commissioners. The Rev. Evan Davies, B.A., Cwmgorse, said that he knew the family for the past eleven years. Referring to Morgan, witness said that he was never satisfied unless he was in some mess. The deceased possessed a good character, and was very fond of his rabbit. Witness knew the deceased was looking for a house so that he could bring his mother down to live with him. Cross-examined: Morgan was of intemperate habits before he went to the Army. John Morgan, ironmonger, Gwaun-cae- gurwen, spoke as to his promising the next vacant house owned by him (witness) to the deceased. He always spoke of his mother, and was anxious that she should come to him. His Honour said that it was a case of considerable dependence, more so if he took ,into account the present circumstances, which were a great deal higher. He would by law, however, have to take the position at the time of the deceased's death. Undoubtedly the deceased was the better son, but he would not accept the view that the other was altogether a bad boy. There were some good points about him. He would accept the view that men fond of sport were generally people who spent money. That was his (His Honour's) experience in life. He made an award for payment of £ 200. THE TALE OF A HORSE. I LIKE A GLOVE. I His Honour had to decide in the action brought by William Thomas, a farmer, of Cwmcathan, against Thomas Phillips, Llwyn- pryfed, whether a contract had been entered into for the sale of a horse. Mr. Whittington (from the office of Mr. T. M. Evans, M.A.) was for the applicant, and Mr. Noyes, Swansea, was for the defen- dant. The claim was for £21 balance due from defendant. Applicant said tlyit defendant called with him in September (ast, and asked him if he had a mare to sell. Plaintiff replied in the affirmative. Defendant then eexamined the animal, and asked the price. Plaintiff re- plied £ 28, and defendant offered £ 15. Deliberations followed, and the animal ex- changed hands at £22. Defendant paid £ 1 on account, and agreed that plaintiff should keep the animal until he sent for it. In about a fortnight's time the defendant sent for the animal, and he (plaintiff) took it up to defendant' s farm. Defendant was not at home, and he left the animal in the stable. He, however, informed defendant's wife that he had done so. Cross-examined: He admitted that defen- dant had sent him a letter on the following Monday asking him to come and fetch the animal back, and that he contended that there had been a breach of contract. The animal was not crocked in the four legs as defendant asserted. Defendant had also inti- mated that he intended claiming for her keep. His Honour (to defendant): How long did you keep the horse? Defendant: Only three days. Plaintiff, further examined, admitted that he had told defendant that after a hard day' s work the animal would be slightly lame on one hind foot, and that it would be all right in the morning. He did not agree to a four- teen days' trial. The defendant said that when he purchased the animal, the plaintiff said that the horse was like a glove. The animal was not then lame, but was not worth more than £ 20. He agreed to pay the ;E I down on the under- standing that there was to be a fourteen days' trial. The animal was to have been delivered at Tyuchafelin, and on October 4th was brought to his (witness') farm. He was not at home at the time. On the Sun- day, when he examined the animal, it could not move. On the Monday morning he sent a letter to ask the plaintiff to come and fetch the animal. There was no response to the letter, and on October.) 7th he (defendant) started to take the animal back, but could get no further than Tyuchafelin with the horse, which was absolutely crocked. Wm. Prosser, Tyuchafelin, deposed to sending to plaintiff to ask him to come and fetch the animal. He (plaintiff) did not do so, and witness took the animal back. He (plaintiff) would not take it, and it was on the mountain for some time. After a consultation with the solicitors concerned, His Honour made an award for payment of 15 and each party to pay his own costs. RECOVERY OF FURNITURE. Mrs. Margaret Thojnas, widow, and her son, Thomas Thomas, -A Llandebie, broughf an action against James Jones, of Cross Hands, for the recovery of furniture alleged to be lent to defendant's deceased wife, the daughter and sister respectively of the plain-I tiffs, on the occasion of her marriage with the defendant. Mr. Clarke Williams (instructed by Mr. Leslie Williams, Llanelly) appeared for the plaintiffs, and MT. N. H. Thomas (instructed by Mr. Howell Davies, Carmarthen) for the defendant. Plaintiff, Mrs. Margaret Thomas, gave evidence, and was un der cross-examination by Mr. N. H. Thomas when the Court rose, and the case was adjourned until the next sitting.

Ammanford Police Court. Monday, December 8th.—Before Ald. W. J. Williams, Ammanfryn (in the chair) and Mr. Arthur Williams, Y Gelly. DRUNK: I P.C. Jones, Tycroes, charged Thomas Jones, Bryndeilog, Saron, with being drunk. This was the first occasion for defendant to be summoned, and it was mentioned that he had served five years in the Army. He was fined 10s. NO REAR RED LIGHT. I David Williams, Meusyddhirion, Landilo, was fined £ 1 for riding a bicycle without a rear red light. P.S. Morgan, who proved the offence, said that defendant gave hirn a wrong name and address. A PRESENT. Evan Jones, Cilyrychen Farm, Llandebie, for allowing a dog to be without a collar or a muzzle, was fined 5s. in each case. P.S. Morgan, who proved the offence, said that when the defendant came to fetch it from the police station, where the animal had been impounded, he sad: You can have her; she is no good to me." SIMILAR. A similar charge was preferred against David Davies,, Maesygwaes, Llandebie. He did not attend the Court, and a fine of 7s. 6d. in each case was imposed. Arthur Fentiman, Company Row, Cross Hands, was also fined 7s. 6d. FLASHLIGHTS. David Davies, Penylan Farm, Llandebie; Albert German, 7, Norman Terrace, Peny- groes; and Walter Rees, Rose Hill, Cross Hands, were summoned for causing annoyance to pedestrians at Penygroes by flashing torch- lights in their faces. P.C. W. A. Jones said that as a result of complaints he kept observation, and saw the three defendants flashing lights in the faces of people returning home from chapel. He asked them for an explanation, and they had nothing to say. The Deputy Chief Constable said that a large number of complaints had been received in reference to the practice, which doubtless caused a good deal of annoyance. A fine of £ 1 each was imposed, and the magistrates were anxious to put a stop to this practice. Complaints were general throughout the Amman Valley, and it was a pity young men did not realise that this was a source of annoyance, to elderly people in particular. EJECTMENT. Evan Jones brought an ejectment applica- tion against Geo. Bartholomew. Mr. S. Griffith was for the applicant, and Mr. Whittington for the respondent. Mr. Griffith announced that the parties had come to a settlement that morning, the respon- dent having agreed to give applicant posses- sion on March 14th next, and this would be accepted by his client. He therefore asked that the case be adjourned accordingly to the next Court day to the 14th March. Deputy Chief Constable Evans, on looking up his diary, found that the 14th March was a Sunday. Mr. Griffith: The better the day, the better the deed. I A WHITE COCKEREL. Wm. Jones, Nantyci Terrace, Saron, was charged with the theft of a white cockerel. The owner of the fowl was David Rees, Bankyffynon, Penygroes, and the value was 'given as 15s. The offence was committed on a Sunday. Wm. Llewelyn Davies, 2, Bankyffynon Terrace, Saron, said that, accompanied by Thomas Davies, he went for a walk on Sun- day afternoon, November 2nd, to the Blaenau- mawr fields. They there saw the accused, and there were in one field a number of fowls and turkeys, including a white cockerel. The movements of the accused aroused their sus- picions, and they watched him, but lost sight of him for a time. Then he came away with something under his coat. Witness addressed him: This is the mcin that catches the hares," and the accused said that he had had a fowl in a snare. Witness told him it belonged to Dd. Rees, Bankyffynon, and the, accused asked witness to take it back to Rees. He then put down the fowl, and witness took off the snare, which accused put in his pocket. Thomas Davies corroborated, and David Rees deposed as to ownership. P.S. Beynon stated that on the 5th ult. he interviewed accused, who said: I did not steal the fowl. I went up to Blaenau-mawr field last Sunday afternoon, and as l was going along by ahedge to the top of the field I saw a white fowl in the snare. I picked it up and took it to the bottom of the field, as I had seen Thomas Davies and another man standing there. I told them I had caught a fowl in a smre over there. Llew Davies then said, I know who is the owner of it.' I told him, If you know who is the owner of J it, take it to him.' I took the snare off, which, I kept, and handed him the fowl. Accused denied the charge, and said he had gone for a walk and saw the fowl lying close to the hedge in a snare. He picked up v the fowl, which was choking, and the snare, and carried it underneath his arm to show the two "Vnen he had seen. Cross-examined: He did not take off the snare, but slackened it. He denied that it was his snare, or that he took it away. Mr. Griffith submitted that the evidence against the accused was of the flimsiest char- acter. He pointed out that the two witnesses for the prosecution had with them a lurcher dog, and they no doubt knew of the existence of the snares. He suggested that the defen- dant, who was not a Sunday School scholar, was nevertheless carrying out a Biblical injunction, though it was not an ox that he rescued from a pit, but a cockerel from a snare. The Bench found that a case had been made out, but as there were some points which were not quite clear, they let off the defendant on payment of costs. BREACH OF REGULATION. Mr. W. J. Davies, manager of the Llan- debie Colliery, summoned T. Jones, shots- man, for breaches of the Coal Mines Regu- lation Act, through failing to himself couple up the cable to the detonator wire and to see that the place was clear. Mr. J. W. Bishop, for the prosecution, stated that as a result of the defendant' s omission a man named Rees was badly injured. Whatever" the excuse may be, it was a serious offence. Defendant pleaded guilty, and he was fined £ l and costs, with an advocate' s fee of one guinea. TRAVELLING WITHOUT A TICKET- David John Davies, a jobbing builder, of 20, Castleton Road, Mumbles, was charged with defrauding the Railway Company by travelling from Pontardulais to Pantyffynnon without a ticket. Mr. T. R. Ludford, for the prosecution, stated that the defendant alighted at Panty- ffynnon, and walked away over the bridge instead of through the exit. When he met the train in the afternoon, he was charged with having travelled in the morning without a ticket with intent to defraud the Railway Company. Two letters had since been re- ceived from him, in which he admitted that he did give way to a sudden temptation," and expressed his regret, and said that he would not do such a thing again. Mr. Whittington, on his behalf, also ex- pressed regret to the Bench. A fine of ii and witnesses' costs was imposed.

BLACK MOUNTAIN AND DISTRICT WELSH PONY & COB IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION A very enthusiastic members' meeting of the above was held recently at the Council-ê, Schools, Upper Brynamman, strong represen- tations from Llangjtdock, Dyffryn Ceidrych, Trapp, and Gwynt being noticeable. This movement for the improvement of Welsh mountain ponies and cobs in the Black Mountain district is seemingly to be enthused with a newness of life and vigour. « Resolutions were passed for submission to the Board of Agriculture for an increase in ,the amount of premiums for pony stallions to roam the hills scheduled under the Commons Act, 1908, and other matters appertaining to the welfare of the movement. The Horse Breeding Act of 1918 will come into operation on January 1st, 1920, when no stallion will be allowed to travel or roam unless he will be certified sound, and the owner in possession of the Board' s licence under the Act. Each licence will cost I N. 6d. The Act is being heartily wel- comed, but as the premiums for Welsh mountain pony stallions offered by the Board are so meagre in themselves, the feeling of the meeting was that Pony Associations should not fop- the present (until a substantial increase be made in the awards) be burdened with this extra expense, as it is only cus- tomary to send to the hills pony stallions that have undergone inspection and examination by qualified persons appointed by the Board of Agriculture. The Secretary was instructed to acquaint the Board of the meeting's feeling in respect to the question. A sub-committee was elected to deal with the work of securing five 'first-class Welsh mountain pony stallions to do service on the Black Mountain and Gamgoch Common, Dyffryn Ceidrych, during season 1920. The next matter to come up for discussion was the choice of a Welsh cob stallion to travel the Black Mountain district, with a Board of Agriculture' s premium for season 1920. Several names of noted Welsh cob stallions were mentioned, but the selection, by an overwhelming majority, fell upon "Matharahl Brenin," W.S.B., Vol. XVI., a stallion which was a. winenr at the Royal Show at Cardiff, and which at that exhibi- tion won the admiration of all lovers of the Welsh cob by his all-round qualities, and such as cannot be attributed to any other Welshcob stallion of to-day in so Luge a v degree. His advent to the district will no doubt create nich interest. He is at present owned by a gentleman—a Welsh cob enthu- siast—residing near London. Mr. J. Edgar Herbert, Brynamman, has already arranged to hire Maharafal Brenin at a big figure. It was also decided at the meeting tha next year's show will be held at Gwynfe, or: Saturday, August 14th, on a field near Capel Gwynfe. The schedule will be devoted ex- clusively (as on previous occasions) to Welsh ponjes and cobs and Welsh mountain sheep, when, apart from class prizes, valuable chal- lenge cups and other trophies will be offered for competition in each section. Mr. John Thomas, Carnaugwynion, Gwyn fe, presided at the meeting. Printed and Published by the Amman VaHey Chronicle, Limited, at their Offices, Quay Street, Amin.nfo-d, in the County of Car- marthen, Decamber 11th, 19ir.