Monmouth Guardian and Bargoed and Caerphilly Observer

BEDWELLTY COUNCIL AND A WAGES BOARD. At a meeting of the Bedwellty Council on Tuesday, Mr. Edgar Davies, J.P., the chairman, brought up the report of the conference in connection with the proposed form ation of a Wages Board for the principal urban authorities of Mon- mouthshire. —One of the members asked whether it was true that one of the larger councils had with- drawn from the Board,—Mr. J. Crew said he understood Tredegar had withdrawn. He was very much surprised to read in the Press that one prominent member of that council should say that the Board was out for cutting down the wages of the men. Nothing was further from the truth. The Board was out for establishing uniformity in the rates of wages, and to prove that they were not out for cutting down wages it had been suggested that the highest rate now paid should form the basis for the future work of the Board. When that basis was established future appli- cations for increases would come through the Workers' Union, and a uniform concession or refusal applicable to the whole of the affiliated authorities would be made by the Board. -Ivlr. J. Tillott op- posed the Board system because it took away the individuality of the council's workmen, who would no longer deal with their own authority, but with the Board.—Mr. R. J. Jones contended that the council could do better by not joining the Board. If they were affiliated then the same rate of pay would be applicable to the indifferent worker as to the most capable man. They had at present men in their employ who were worth considerably more than others in the same grade.— Mr. Isaac Jones said the Board sought to remedy the defects in the touncil's present system. By the action of the council in the past the men had been driven to join an organisation. The next thing the authorities did was to try to organ- ise themselves. Thus, as a collec- tive body they would meet to con- sider the collective application of the men, received through their union. The fact that the Board proposed to take the top figures as a standard at once disproved the theory that the Board was out for cutting down the wages of the men. He then referred to the organisation of the miners and the coal owners, and said that if the same system prevailed amongst the miners as was now advocated by some of the councillors (an organisation for the employees alone) there would be a revolution in a very short time. Those who denounced the creating of a Board were men of a reaction- ary council. Some councils were re-action ary because they contended they could do better with the men themselves. The reason for this- was that they could foresee that through the Board they would have to pay a higher rate of wages to their employees than by individual bargaining. These councils kept aloof from the Board, not because they were afraid of injuring the men, as they said, but because they were afraid they would have to pay the men what they were entitled to receive.—Mr. R. J. Jones said he could never advocate the employers to organise because they knew from other industries that such combinations were never out to do the best for the men. He maintained that Bedwellty could do better direct with their own men than through a combination. He moved that they do not join the Board. but that they set up a Wages Board in their own council. —Mr. Evan Thomas said that al- though the composition of the Board as at present formed may have representatives favourable to the men, there was no guarantee that representatives of a reactionary frame of mind would be elected in the future.—Mr. J. Tillott said that the ratepayers had elected the present council to carry out the business of the council, and if the powers of fixing the wages of the employees was given over to another authority, what would the rate- payers have to say? -Mr. J. Crew moved that the council do join the Board.—On a vote, Mr. R. J. Jones' motion was carried, and the follow- ing elected to form the Wages Board for the Bedwellty district:- Councillors Albert Thomas, J.P., Isaac Jones, Evan Thomas Edgar Davies, J.P., John Crew and W. Bufton. The council considered at some length the Food Control Order, and finally appointed a committee of seven councillors, four outsiders, and Mrs. O'Connor as the lady represenattive. to carry out the provisions of the Order.

j NEXT WEEK AT THE HAN- BURY THEATRE. Excellent audiences have been at- tracted to the Hanbury Theatre, Bar- goed, during the past week, and have appreciated the varied programme. The management aunounce another big attraotion for Monday next, and throughout the week, which includes an expensive engagement of the cele- brated mezzo-soprano, Miss Barbara Merle, the Yorkshire Nightingale, who will contribute dainty songs. The star picture for the first part of the week is entitled, "Humaa Sacrifice," a presont day problem, in which WID. Fox features Ormi Horley. There is also a funny Triangle two reel comic, Stars and Bars," with other star pietures. From Thursday to Satur- day, the magnificent picture, A Silent Conquest," in five long parts, will be shown. Others on the list are, The Love Fight," a Fox two reel scream, and a great Pathe topical, .entitled *'Birth of an Aeroplane."

TREDEGAR. The news of the sad bathing fatality which befel Mr J. P. Bell (19) son of Mrs. Bell, Bank House, and nephew of Aid. T. J. Price, J.P., at Porthcawl on Bank Holiday, has created a pain- ful sensation in the town, and general sympathy is expressed with the family in their affliction. At the inquest held at Porthcawl on Monday, by Mr L. M. Thomas, from the evidence of Mr John Morgan, uncle, it transpired that hit nephew and others went to bathe. Mr Bell suddenly disappeared. His nephew had previously bathed twice that morning, and had partaken of luneheon on the bank. Private W. H. C. Morgan said he found the body near Red House. Dr. Alexander said the cause of death was drowning. Verdict accordingly.

THE TRUE TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT. To the Editor. Sir.-It is fcignifieant to notice the with-drawals from the committee of the Strength of Britain,the move- mettt favouring prohibition in view of the food situation. Following the resignations of Dr. Stuart Holder and Mr Arthur Mee, the president, Sir Alfred Booth has now resigned. In his letter of resignation Mr Mee points out that the committee has ceased to serve the cause for which it has col- lected very considerable funds. He further points out that the movement has suffered the fate of many kindred societies through being wrapped up in themselves;" "forgetting the purpose of their being," and settling down to regard the collection of funds for their own maintenance as the all-irn- j portant thing." His charge that members of the executive "arrange public meetings and undertake to represent the Committee at those meeting. in consideration of very sub- stantial fees," needs no comment. Such facts, taken in conjunction with the heavy decrease in membership of the Good Templars (which totals thou- sands), is surely a sign that the public are beginning to realise the real char- acter of the teetotal propaganda. On the other hand it is pleasing to note the steady advance of public opinion in favour of The True Temperance Asso- ciation, of which the Earl of Halbury is president, and the Earl of Plymouth, the Chairman of Committee. This movement aims at abolishing drunken- ness by the only metbod-persuasion alone, without interference with the liberties and rights of individuals. It thus encourages temperance in its true sense, and does so in the least objectionable way. I will be pleased to forward further information to any- one desiring it, if they write to me. I am, &0., J. B. MADDOCKS. Penarth, August 15th, 1917.

OPEN AFTER HOURS. BABGOED CONFECTIONER FINED I will fight to the death this time, not the same as the last time. Such scum as you going about the place, I don't care for you. You are well- known." These words, it was alleged, were used by William Lewis (52), a Bar- goed confectioner, when teld by P.G. J. W. Thomas that he would be re- ported for keeping his shop open on August 1st after hours. He was sum- moned at the local court on Friday for the alleged offence. P.O. Thomas said that on Aug. 1st he kept the shop under observation, and saw a number of people being served between 8.20 and 9.20 by the defendant. AtlMiO p.m. be saw a girl named Gwendoline Williams (14), being served. When she came out he stopped her, took her back, and in the presenoe of Lewis she said she had purchased the pies. Asked why he had served her, defendant replied, They are hot." Witness said they were eold, and invited Lewis to feel them. This he refused to do, but remarked, I will swear on my oath they are hot." He then made the statement quoted above. Questioned by defendant, witness emphatically denied that be had given money to the girl Williams to pur- chase pies or pastry for him. The case was then adjourned for a I time for the presenoe of the girl Will- iams. When she appeared she said that she felt the pies when she pur- chased them, and thought they were warm. When the officer took her back to the shop the pies were handed to Lewis, but he did not refund the sixpence.—In reply to the Chairman (Dr. W. Leigh), she said her sister sent her for the pies. P.C. Thomas had never given her money to par- ohase pies for him. The Chairman (to defendant): I don't think yon are justified in making the remark you did unless yoa can prove it. I think it, most unfair to the police to make such a statement unless you can substantiate it. Defendant, on being fined 20s. said, ".Then I am not allowed to sell warm pies, although the law allows me to do so.The Chairman You have been very indiscreet, Mr Lewis.

RHYMNEY HELPERS. I If Rhymney needs encouragement and help, sorely both will be found in such an earnest message as the one we are privileged to give to-day. It is from a Rhymney man and rings with sincerity. Read it and bear in mind that it is only one of many such stirring messnges. On June 26th, 1915, Mr C. E. Birch, of 100, Hill-street, Rhymney, said I used to be subject to backache, arising from kidney disorder. Many a time I have found it very difficult to stoop and then to straighten myself. There was some disorder in the urin- ary system, but taking the advice of a friend I started using Doan's back- ache kidney pills. These proved very beneficial and relieved me of the com- plaint. I have taken Doan's pills, on and off for two years now, and always find in them a speedy remedy especially after a cold. I recommend the medi- cine with every confidence. (Signed) C. E. Birch." On April IItb, 1916-NEARLY TWBLVE MONTHS LATER-Mr. Birch said :—" I have been splen- did for some time now. I always keep Doan's pills in the house in case of need, they are the best kidney medicine going." The whole body suffers when the kidneys are congested, for then the human drainage system is obstructed. The kidneys filter the blood, and drain off poisonous solids, and liquid waste, which if retained cause dropsy, rheumatism, gout, sciatica, stone, bladder inflammation, etc. And it is in these ailments that Doan's pills are so nuocesaf al, for they remedy the cause, the weakened kid- neys. Of all dealers, or 2/9 a box, from Foster-McClellan Co., 8, Wells St., Oxford St., London, W. Don't ask for backache or kidney pills,—ask DISTINCTLY for DOAN" backache kidney pills, the same as Mr. Birch had.

CAERPHILLY. I MARRIAGE—An interesting marriage was solemnised at Twyn Methodist Chapel on Monday, between Mr E. J. Boobyer, stationmaster, and Miss Mag Lewis, third daughter of the late Mr David Lewis, colliery manager, Bar- good. The officiating minister was the Rev. D. L. Jenkins, Bargoed The bride was given away by her uncle, Mr T. D. Williams, Kenfig Hill, and the bridesmaids were Miss S. Lewis and Miss Sis Anthony, Aber- dare. Corporal bd. Lewis, Devon Regiment, was best man. After the ceremony Mr and Mrs, Boobyer left amid the best wishes of their friends for Llandudno for the honeymoon.

GRAND PROMENADE ¡ MILITARY CONCERT BY THE Famous 18th (QUEEN MARY'S OWN) HUSSARS BAND (By kind permission of Col. W. P. M. Pollock-Morris, D.S.O., Commaading 5th Reserve Cavalry Regiment, Conductor, Mr. T. W. PAYNE, Bandmaster. Under the Auspices of the Caerphilly "Silver Bullet" Fete r Committee, at 1 CAERPHILLY CASTLE (By Gracious Permission of the Most Honourable the Marquis of Bute). On TUESDAY NEXT, AUGUST 21st. Gates open at 6 p.m. Concert to commence at 7 p.m. Admission lo Grounds and Concert, Cd. each, inclusive (War Tax extra) Other information from the-Hon. Organising Secretary, Mr. E. E. Johnsow, 6, School Street, Caerphilly. The services of the above Band are given Free in aid of the National Institute of the Blind-Cardiff Branch.

FATALITY AT LLANBKADACH, I John Morgan (42), f ireman carpen- ter, of 2 Clive-street, Caerphilly, met with an accident on August 4th in a shaft which he had been repairing in No 2 Pit, Llanbradach, tho property of the Cardiff Collieries (Limited). He succumbed to the injuries in the King Edward VII. Hospital. Cardiff. An inquest was held on Friday by the Cardiff coroner (Mr W. L Yorath) w hen, according to the evidence of Harry Perrian, carpenter, T. Morris, Obadiah Hendy, hitcherj it appeared that deceased was crammed in a box' with three others going up the shaft, after finishing work. The box' jam- med against the beam, and J. Morgan was struck in the neck, forced to the floor of the box, and sustained fatal spinal injuries. The Coroner commented on the faot that if there had been more room in the box, or a less number of people in it, deceased would have had a chance of avoiding contact with the beam. He thought some means should be devised to prevent the recurrence of such an accident. A verdict of "Acci- dental death" was returned.

FORTHCOMING ATTRACTIONS AT PENGAM. Charity movements in the Pengam and Fleur-de-lis district are receiving every encouragement, and the effect- ive organisation, under the direction of Councillor Edgar Davies, J.P., con- tinues its useful work, week after week, On Monday, the 27th instant, quite a series of attractions are (an- nounced to be held at the Fair View Council Schools, Pengam, which include a vegetable and flower show, baby show, eight open classes for boys and,girls under 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Special prizes are offered to babies I registered at Fleur-de-lis Clinic, for best progress shown. In addition there is a brass band contest (class C) Recollections of Flotow (prizes R7 93 and 92) also a male voice contest, the test piece being The Sailors Chorus," minimum number 20, and the prize is P,5 and medal. The test piece is well known and with the number of male voice parties in these valleys there should be a spirited competition, Competitors will please note that the entries in all the events close on Monday next.

Fruit Preserving without Sugar. I Choose sound dry fruit, place in clean dry bottles or jars. Place these in slow oven and gradually increase heat until moisture in fruit is absorbed, (about 15 minutes). Then fill with boiling water to half an inch above the fruit. Seal while hot by pouring on half an inch melted ATORA" Block Suet. Do not disturb until set and cold. Cover with paper. ATORA" Beef Suet in Blocks for Frying, Cooking, Preserving, or Ready Shredded for Puddings and Pastry. Sold by all Grocers and Stores.

DEBTORS TO BEDWELLTY I GUARDIANS. Bedwellty Guardians took proceed- ings against Evan Williams (33), a local collier, at Tredegar on Monday, for the repayment of a loan of 910 3s. granted.in relief to defendant's family. Warrant Officer JSvans stated that the wife and the ohildren, who were now dead, received relief for a con- siderable time. He earned P,3 4s a week, and he had refused to repay the money. Defendant was ordered to repay the amount at the rate of 15s a week. Thomas Jones (46), labourer, Tredegar, was summoned for leaving his two children chargeable to the Bedwellty Guardians. The defend- ant had been serving a term of six months' imprisonment for cruelty to his children, and the guardians assumed parental eontrol of them and maintained them. One of the I children had since died. His wages were 22 5s lOd a week. The children i had cost the guardians 421. An order was made ifor the repayment of the money at 14s a week. j 4

RHYMNEY VALLEY SEWERAGE BOARD. COUNCILLOR J. EVAV3 CONGRATULATED. A meeting of the members c i the Rhymney Valley Sewerage Board was held at Caerphilly on Wednes- day, at which there were prescnl Messrs. J. Edwards, Caerpbilly (chairman) Edmund Jones, J.P., J. Edwards' G. Morgan, W. Ham- mond (Gelligaer), W. S. Xash, J.P. (Mynyddislwyn), J. Morgan (Bed- was and Machen), Edgar Davies, J.P. (Bedwellty), J. Evans (Rhym- ney) Hubert Jenkins, J.P., T. James, R. P. Malyn, T. Evans (Caerphilly). with Mr. T. J. Thomas (clerk) and Mr. Harris (deputy clerk) The Chairman, at the outset of the proceedings, said he had great pleasure in referring to the honour which had been conferred upon one of the members of the Board, Mr. John Evans, in his being co-opted a member of the Monmouthshire County Council. He had known Mr. Evans for a number of year:: and he heartily congratulated him upon his well-deserved appointment.— Mr. W. S. Nash, J.P., in seconding the vote, said it was his great pleasure to propose at the meeting of- the Monmouthshire County Council the appointment of Mr. Evans as a member. He had known Mr. Evans for a number of years as a gentleman who took an active part in the administration of I public affairs. He was a gentleman who could always be relied upon and who never assumed more than he could comprehend. His ripe experience and practical knowledge had been of great assistance in the affairs of the Rhymney Council and particularly that of the Sewerage Board. He heartily congratulated Councillor Evans upon his appoint- ment and the people of the-district that they had been able to send so valuable a representative to the County Council. --The vote was carried with acclamation. —In ac- knowledging same, Councillor Evans said that it would be his business to endeavour at all times to repre- sent the true interests of the people. Messrs. Willcox and Raikes, the engineers, reported that fair pro gress was being made with Contract No. 3, and the average number of men of 45 to 50 were employed. Steady progress was being made at the river crossing at Fleur-de-Lis, the second and last tunnel having been driven and the sewer com- pleted for some distance. --Works to the value of about 34 per cent. of the tender have now been com- pleted, in about q6 per cent. of the contract time of two and a half years. The contractors having applied for a further payment on account a certificate for £ 665 due to them was ordered to be paid.

000 ABERBARGOED. The mends of Mrs Cowley of Commercial street, will be pleased to hear that the operation which she underwent at a Nursing Home in Cardiff, last week, has proved very satisfactory, and the patient is coming on splendidly. We sincerely wish her a speedy recovery to her normal state. w < Llanwrtyd seems to be an attraction for many Aberbargoedians this year, several of our leading townspeople having flitted or intend flitting to that salubrious spot in order to imbibe its sulphuric waters. Among the lucky persons we find Mrs Jenkins, the Home Stores Mr and Mrs T. Lewis, Bedwellty-road some of our lady teachers and Mr D Fisher and family

If you want PRINTING quickly and cheaply, go tdpfche Monmouth Guardie,n Offices, Rhymney i ">