Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder

NEATH AND DISTRICT BILL-POSTING CO. ADVERTISING CONTRACTORS. Owners of all the Principal Hoarding in NEATH and District. For Terms, &c., apply:— Manager, 45" London Road, Neath

ACCUSATIONS AGAINST j OFFICIALS I MR. REES LLEWELLYH AND DEPABTMEKTS Of "frit HMAM COUNCIL j A special meeting or the Margam Dis-j trict Council wao held on Monday after- • noon to deal with the accusations made at the monthly meeting, held a week previously, against the various depart- ments and officials of tie Council, hy Mr. Roes Llewellyn, a member of the Council, and orga!?i?:ng secretary of the MuDicipal Employees'' Association. I t b At the outset the chairman said that the hr?jt bu.s mess 'was to deal with the resignation of Mr. Hes Llewdhn as an oweEseer. Since the meeting la.t the clerk had received Mr. Llewellyn's j resignation. He asked the clerk to ex- plain the position. Tb4- Clerk: An overseer cannot resign. Chai'rmaw: \Ve have no power to accept your a esignation, Mr. Llewellyn. Mr..Llewellyn: The overseers cannot proceed whilst one of them is not pre- pared ti> sign the usual documents and papers. I have made up my mind, as 1 told yon last Monday, not to sign any more documents as an overseer until a full and complete inquiry had been held into the whole of the circumstances. I have no desire to hold the overseers up1 to ridicuA', and as you are aware three of the fotw, overseers are against me, and it places 11 le in an unreasonable position; therefore, 1- ask you to accept my resigna- tion. If yoie can tee your way to accept mv reeign-ati un, the documents will hear the signature e of three out of the four overseers. The Chairmun: I don't think that the Council can accept your resignation, and the onlv thing the overseers can do is to with I he majority. Cod Not be Accepted. Mr. Llewelyn suggested the sus- pension ot tV Standing Orders to deal with the matter, He pointed out that it was I-c,,c- -ar,; fckat there should be a complete under standing and unanimity of opinion. The Chairman then read the 800tion of the statut.e dl>ali, with the matter, to the effect that all overseer would only be appointed after an overseer had died or left the,(ii.,ti-lot or country. Mr. Llewellyn: TVuit section does not touch my resignation. Tiii, is a question of appointing a successor because I refuse to sign any ol the dot sumsiiAs. The Clerk advised Ciie Chairman that the Council <x»uLd not go against the section of the Act rEad. Tho Chairman: Under the circum- stances we can not accept your resigna- tion, Mr. Llewellyn. Mr. Llewellyn: Very well, the docu- ments will go forth without my signature. Mr. Wm. Lewis asked what the posi- tion of the oyersecrs would be under the circ umstanoes. Mr. Li-ewcAlyn: There is no doubt that the Clerk bus. in his mind that, there is a penalty for not carrying out bhe duties I am aware of that. Major Gray: Wlaat is the use of mak- ing speeches if we cannot deal with the Blatter. Eventually the Chairman ruled that the Council would not accept the resig- nation. Full Jnquiry Demanded. The Council then deci»&ed to resolve itself into a to deal with the charges made by Mr. Lieweilvn against the officials, and it was unanimously de- cided that the flnzss should remain. The Chairman thereupon called upon Mr. Llewellyn to substantiate the accusa- tions lie had made. Mr. Llewellyn: I haw fortified my posi- tion'with a shorthand note of all I said last Monday. This. I understand, is go- ing to be a full inquire, and ca rried out in the same way as otlaor inquiries should be carried out, and with the fullc.st in- vestigation. If I have wronged anyone I should be punished, and I am preparc-d to accept the punishment. But if my charges are substantiated, what about the punishment of the offidals I have made these charges, and I am going to ask the committee to give me the opportunity of proving these changes. My liberty is as precarious as amy member of this CounciL and if we disagree at this juncture it is possible that by the end we shall all be of mL- opinion. Proceeding, Mr. Llewellyn said that he had several reo nests to make before pro- ceeding with his charges. namely, that he should be allowed to have a competent shorthand writer, a solicitor, a full inquiry into th? whole of the charges, one by one; that Mr. John David, a member of the Council, would produce the promised affi- davit about the assistant overseers' affairs; and, lastly, that all the books, vouchers and papers would be left open for his inspection. He would deal with the separate do- partments, first the general department (surveyor's), than the gas department, the library department, and then with the assistant overseers. He believed that these were reasonable requests, and he hoped that the council would deal with them methodically, one by one. He wanted an opportunity to prove his charges, and he hoped that every facility would be given him to do so. The Chairman: I am sorry Mr Llewelyn is not prepared to go into these charges to-day. He made them last Monday, and I thought we should have gone into them to-day. Afr. Edward Lowther said he was sorry that Mr. Llewellyn was not prepared to deal with the matter that day. Position of the Officials. Mr. Tal Mainwaring said he hoped that every facility would be given Mr. Llew- ellyn in the effort to substantiate the charges he made. When he seconded Mr. Llewellyn's resolution on Monday last he stated that he dissociated himself from the allegations made. The statements made had cost a reflection upon the officials of the council, but he was of opinion that when they were investigated t.re would be a different aspect. Mr. John David said he did not object to Mr. Llewellyn's requests, but if Mr. Llewellyn was allowed to have a solicitor it would only he right that the persons accused should have the same privilege. Mr. Harry Davies agreed that the accu- sations were serious. Comment on the Audit. Mr. Wm. Lewis said that he thought that the charges made should be investi- gated at once. As far as the assistant overseer was concerned, he (Mr. Lewis) was present last Tuesday when the Gov- ernment auditor audited the books and the assistant overseer was complimented upoa the manner in which his accounts were kept, and he f43iirid everything cor- rect. Seeing that Mr. Llewellyn had xnade these charges last Monday, he should bave been prepared to go into them that day. Mr. Godfrey Line comb agreed that it was necessary to have efficiency on the Council, but it was exceedingly uncom- tcontiaued at foot of aext column-)

TERRIBLE CVBMER SCENE I HUSBAND'S ALLEGED ATTACK ON WIFE. I At Aberavon on Monday Michael TTar- rington. collier, of School-road, Caerau, Maesteg, was brought up in custody, on remand, charged with wounding his wife, with intent to murder her, on the 7th in-it. Superintendent Ben Evans said that file parties were married six years ago. but the marriage was apparently a failure. Th ree weeks ago the ijs-isoner left his I wife, and sh ? then we ret to Cymmer, to aci: as housekeeper ro a man named Francis Hanley. On the 7fh inst. prisoner called there, and attacked his wife with a knife, causing no less than ten wounds. Mary Ann Harrington (who appeared in Court in a very feeble condition) de- scribed the attack. She said that she the at t ,aci?'. shouted to Hanley. Oh. Frank, he is cutting my throat." Haniry rushed out to her assistance, and pulled her away from prisoner. She saw her husband trving to stab Hanley. He "was cut, and in the struggle which foilwa'l, when lilP was again attacked, her lmsliand's hand was cut In reply to Mr. Ewan G. Davies (for the prisoner), siie. aó,eed tJlnt the (.,a- se of the quarrel was the furni-Vnre, which she had with her at Hanley s aoiise. Mr. Davies: I put it to you 'bat, when your husband called at the houtle, Hanley picked up a knife and threateixsd him? Witness: Certainly not. Francis Hanley, a wiciower with four children, said lvi engaged Mrs. Harring- ton a.s his housekeeper at ;)s. a week and I her keep. He corroborated the evidence given by the woman. After other evidence, prisoner, when) charged, replied, What I did, I did in self-defence." He was then committed for trial at the next Assises, bail being refused.

-J "ALWAYS NAGGING." He's jealous, and always nagging me I about the lodger," said Martha Taylor, Ritson-street, Britonferry. to the Neath County magistrates on Friday, when applying for a separation .order against her husband, Robert Ta.vlor, on the grounds of persistent cruelty. Applicant aid she left her husband bp- cause he hit her on the head with a bag of rags. .The magistrates' clerk: Are you willing to go back to live with him again? Applicant: Yes, if he promisee not to throw the lodger into my face again- (laughter)—I don't deserve it. Mr. Dan Perkins, who appeared for the defendant, said the grounds for jealousy aros? from the fad that on one occasion! his client found the lodger's photograph in his wife's purse. The magistrates effected a reconcilia- tion. the Bench adjourned the case for a month, and the parties left the Court to gether smiling.

WELSH COMEDIAN'S DEATH I It is with regret we announce the death of Mr. Ned Edwarus, the popular Welsh comedian, which took place at his residence, 9. Florence-street, Neath, on Friday. Deceased was formerly employed at the Melyn Tinplate Works, and adopted the stage as his profession. Six years ago with his two talented daughters —billed as the little Queenies "—his success as a comedian was great. His tour in the Principality, London, and the provinces, was attended with popular success, and among Neath audiences he wa's a general favourite. Last Christmas Ned contracted a cold. Complications set in, and for the past three months engagements had to lie cancelled. The news of his death, al- though expected, will ho received with sincere regret in all circles.

I I m AM LANCES.. There was, at the Coal Conciliation Board meeting on Friday, a brief discus- aion as to the proposal for securing joint action to provide ambulances for the men at the front, as has l)ó"en done by the Northern miners and colliery proprietors. While favourably entertaining the pro- ject. the workmen's representatives ex- plained that they could not take decisive I action without consulting the workmen; but they were arranging to convene a conference of delegates to consider that proposal among other question.

CUSTOMER, FINED I SUNDAY TRADING PROSECUTION DEVELOPMENT AT NEATH A departure in the usual Sunday trad- ing prosacixfcions at Neath l'oli te Court on Monday led to considerable public interest. The list included the names of purchasers, and the casas were defended i by Mr. T. W. Lewis, Pontypndd. It was mutually agreed to take the | summons against John Berni, confec-1 tioner, 4s a test, and P. C. Edwards spoke to ?eiug a young man named Samem Dummer coming out of Berni's stiop witil a bar of chocolate in his hand Mrs I Berni subsequently admitted serving Dummer with the chocolate. Reply to the Chief Constable, witness) said Berni hdd been convicted in that court 3(,9 tifiies for Sunday tracing. Mr. Lewis, referring to the recent Hign Court decision, said the judges were ray, titled as to w bother ice-cream vas uitv.'• within the meaiiing of the Act. In this particular case there could be Lo doubt that chocolate was meat. He -cntendeu that a certain number of io"al refresh ment caterers were subjected to a wave of persecution, whilst others w ho traded were not noticed by the police. The Bench docided to convi t; John Berni was fined .5&. and Saii-uel -)uii-I mer, cliarged witll aiding and abetting, was alto fined 5s. Mr. Lewis gave notice of appeal. j

MORE AIAMARMED ABETTORS IN COURT I A I Arising out cf the Sunday trading pro- secution at Ammanford, in which a cus- tomer lined for aiding and abetting. about 50 young mora appeared at the local j court on Monday in answer to similar summonses issued la-st spring, but which were adjourned pending an appeal to the High Court. Mr. Henry Noyes intimated that all present, with one exception, would plead guilty. A few did not answer to their names, and 10 had enlisted. Those who had enlisted were struck out. us was one who had suffered an accident in the mean- time. Ed. John Cudlip pleaded not guilty, and as the police offered no evidence against him he was discharged, I u reference to tho general cases, Deputy Chief Constable Evans said that as the only object of the police was to stop the practice in future they would he willing that defendants should be treated under the Proltation of Offenders Act, and pay costs only. Tlip Chair:uan (Aid. W. N. Jones) men- tioned he and one of his colleagues had sat on the test caso. They then tried to be as careful as they could, because they telt it to be an important case, and it was only after due consideration extending over a month that tlnev gavo judgment. The appeal wai given, and now, as the other conviction had been upheld, these others were brought up for judgment. The Deputy Chief Constable had really fore- stalled what was in their minds. It was not their wish that these young men should bo dealt with harshly at all, their great aim being to try and stop this busi- ness being carried on or Sunday, and they were willing to dismiss defendants on pay- ment of costs.. The Chairman added that many of their parents had thanked him for the action he had taken at Ammanford.

A NEAT Pi PRIZE DAY. Prize Day in connection with Rugby I House School, Neath, was observed en Thursday afternoon. Alderman H. V. Charles presided, and the proceedings com- menced with an enjoyable programme cf music, song and eloqution, conrtibuttd to as followsChorus, Welcome," Ladies' Choir; pianoforte trio, Misses Dilys Davies. Irene Walters, and Gwenda Bowen; song, Miss Gladys Samuel; piano- forte solo, Miss Gwienny Bush; mando- line solo, Miss Violet. Williams; pianoforte solo, Miss Dilys Davias; recitation, Miss Florrie Evatvi; pianoforte solo, Miss Dorothy Griiffths; song. Miss Gwenny Bush; violin solo. Miss Dorothy Williams: pianoforte duet, Misses Dilys Daviets and Irene Walters. After distributing the prizes, Alderman n. P. Charles complimented the prin- cipals on the success the pupils of Rugby lIou<;C had achieved, lie was pleased to say that his own two boys were pupils at Rugby House School, and he attri- buted their success in life to the excellent educational grounding they had at that school. (Hear. hear). He was afraid that in some of tlie ele- mentary schools today too many subjects were being taught. In his opinion the essence of education was ground work. Whilst congratulating the prize-winners. he encouraged others to do their best in an endeavour to (teservo them. An exhibition of art and needlework by the pupils was much admired, especially the drawings and paintings by Dorothy Griffiths, and the drawings from cast and freehand by Violet M. Williams, both c.f whom passed with high honours at the Royal College Society's recent examin-i- tion- A successful tableaux of Our Allies brought to a close a pleasant afternoon.

CHRISTMAS FOOTBALL There will be an attractive run of patriotic football in Aberavon over Christinastide. On Christmas Day the attraction will be a game between Mr. W. J. Trew's (Swansea) Team and the local XV. The proceeds will be entirely devoted to the local funds for soldiers and sailors, also the Voluntary Aid De- tachment of the Red Cross. There will be another attractive event devoted to the same fund on Boxing Day, when Maesteg will be the visitors. Both games will be played in the afternoon at 3 p.m. On Christmas Day the Mayor of Aberavon (Mr. Percy Jacob) tjuH kick off, and on Boxing Day Councillor Edward Lowther will perform that duty.

I LOST WILIJUIT SETTLED On Monday in the Probate Court, Mr. Justice Bargrave Deane granted letters of administration of the estate of John Davies, of Morton-street, Aber-Ciydach, Llangyfelach, to Mrs. Elizabeth Thomas, Clarence-street, Swansea, daughter of de- ceased; in accordance with the copy of a will which fad been lost or destroyed. John, Davies, a son of deceased, who claimed a house, consented to his Lord- ship disposing of the case on the motion, as he did not want to waste money in a i'robate action. W

CHRISTMAS EVE AT NEATH. Neath Borough Magistrates on Monday granted an hour's extension to licensed houses on Christmas Eve, and half an hour's extension on Boxing night. The application was made by Mr. Wind- sor Williams on behalf of the Neath and District Licenaed. Victuallers Association. t

AN UPROAR AT ABERAVON THE MAYO! AND 4 STREET MEETING. I A meeting of the Aberavon and Port Talbot Independent Labour Party was ar- ranged for Sunday last, to be held at the Grand Hall, Aberavon, to hear speeches uRainMt conscription. When the promoters and speakers and about 00 followers ar- rived they found the doors of fhc hall locked, and on making inquiries were told that the owner would not let the hall for the purpose advocated The promoters and crowd then adjourned to Bethany- square to hold an open-air meeting. Mr. Harry Davies (Taibach) presided, and several speakers protested against the action of the proprietor of the Grand Hall. in seconding a resolution against con- scription, Mr. Harry Davies (Cwmavon) said a certain individual at Aberavon I went about advocating conscription in tho I district. At this stage the speaker was inter- rupted by the Mayor of Aberavon (Mr. Percy Jacob), who said he was not going to stand there and hear himself slandered aDd lied about. (Loud cheers.) The statements made were not true, and he could not allow them to be made without denying them. This interruption caused considerable uproar and shouting, and during the up- roar Inspector E. Rees, who with several police constables was present, ap- proached the platform and advised the speakers not to cause a breach of the pearo. After tlus the meeting again proceeded, and the resolution was carried with several dissentients. Whilst Mr. Fenner Brockway was speaking afterwards, lic-. was interrupted by the Mayoress, who suggested that he would be better em- ployed in the Army—a remark which was greeted with applause.

INTERESTS OF WELSH SOLDIERS. General Owei Thomas has promulgated a scheme for safeguarding and promoting the interests during and after the war of every man who has joined the Colours in any Welsh unit. The organisation is in- tended to rally all the national forces of the Principality, religious, political, edu- cational, sodial, and municipal, round the Welsh Army to safeguard and promote the interests of every soldier in every Welsk unit at home and abroad. The objects include the care of the moral and spiritual interests of the men on ser- vice. whether at home or abroad, to pro- vide suitable literature in Welsh and Eng- lish;.to ad vise and assist in. providing programmes of amusements, entertain- ments, and recreation; to advise and assist the men in the production of Welsh plays; to keep their families constantly in touch' with them wherever they may be stationed; to encourage their enlistment in Welsh units; and, above all. to be- come Welsh soldiers on their return to their homes after the war; to assist them in taking the fullest advantage of the financial provisions contained inkany Gov- ernment scheme and of any scheme of employment which may herea<fcr be for- mulated by the Government; to render assistance to them in obtaining reinstate- ment in their former posts or seen ring other suitable employment at home or abroad: and to give financial aid in ex- ceptional cases of need either of soldiers or their dependent?." At the head of the organisation General Owen Thomas proposes to have a Welsh National Executive. "Under it would be four great Provincial Councils, each Province being roughly identical with the old Welsh Principalities of the Middle Ages. Advantage is to be taken of the educational organisation of the Provinces, and all schools, colleges, churches, chapels, and similar institutions will be invited to supplement in various ways the generous private subscriptions towards the common National Fund.

I LLANWiDA BARRISTER'S DEATH The death occurred suddenly on Monday of Mr. D. Jones Lewis, J.P., barrkter-at- law, Llwyricelyn, Llanwrda. Deceased (contracted a chill after a long sitting of the Llangadock Petty Sessions on Thurs- day',s list. Pneumonia set in on Sunday, i and he passed away as stated on Monday, Mr. Lewis was the eldest son of the late Mr. Frederick Lewis, of Llwyncelvn, and was 67 years of age He was educated at Shrewsbury School, and called to the bar in 1873. He married in 1867 Miss E. Mariam DaviM, daughter of the late Rev. Henry Davies, Vicar of Caio. He was chairman of the Llandovery and Llan- gadock Bfench of Magistrates, and acted as deputy county court judge for Sir Sherston Baker. He leaves a widow and one son. Lieut. Elydyr A. Lewis, of the i First 4th Welsh Regiment, who is at 1present in the Dardanelles. A surviving brother i" Mr. C. P. Lewis, Llandovery. the old international football player and Oxford Blue. I J

I CHIEFSHIP OF THE CLAM At Edinburgh on Monday, the Lyon King of Arms delivered judgment in the claim by Mr. David P. Mensies, of Plean Castle, Stirlingshire, to the chiefsliip of the Clan Menzies and to the Nova Scotia baronetcy held by Sir Neil Menzies, who died in Imo. The claim was opposed by Miss !enÛes of Menzies, sister of SirJ Neil. Lyon King of Arnu; held that the peti-' tioner had jailed to prove his case, and that the petition should be- refused.

THE WAIL OF A CHILD BABY'S PITEOUS CRIES FROM A CELLAR! Painful relations were made at Neath Police Court on. Friday, when Mr. Jestyn Jeffreys, at the instance of the N.S.P.C.C., applied for an order to re- move three children of Robert and Hetty I Petifold, Glamorgan-s-treot, to the work- house. Mr. Jeffreys stated that the parents were before the court last Monday week, and the case was adjourned for a month, but things had gone from bad to worse. Inspector Richard Bost said be visited the home on Thursday afternoon and found conditions deplorable. The mother was out, the house was in darkness, and the baby was in a room insufficiently clad, and very much neglected. The room was so foul that lie could scarcely remain in it. The mother came in sub- sequently, and she was either drunk or had taken drugs.. The magistrates ordered the removal of the children to the workhouse, and directed the Chief Constable to arrest- tho I parents. Arrested on a warrant, Robert and Hettj' i Penfold, of Glamorgan-st., was brought before the Neath magistrates on Satur- day, on a charge ot neglecting their three infant children. Mr. Justyn Jefferys prosecuted on be. half of the N.S.P.C.C., and stated tha the case came before the Bench a fort- night ago and adjourned for a mont] Subsequently investigation proved tha the alleged cruelty still existed, and on the previous day the magistrates ordered the removal of the children to the W ork- j House and instructed the arrest of the parents. According to a statement made by In- spector C-Bist, the male defendant was a rag and bone gatherer, and his average earnings S3 a week. He blamed the wo- man more than the man. She had cul- tivated intemperate habits and associated with undesirable companions. Describing the conditions in which he found the children, Inspector Best said that, the room was so foul that 'he could scarcely remain in it. The children were in a dark cellar, insufficiently cald, hun- gry and dirty. There was no one in thej hoiwc, and when he subsequently saw the woman 6he was under the influence of drink. Chief Constable Eiggina said that in company with the Mayor he visited the home of defendants on Wednesday after- noon. They heard the cries of a baby in the cellar, and on going into the room, which was so dark that they had to strike matches to gi-upe their way about, they found the baby lying on a heap of rag6 srying piteously. It was insufficiently clad and cold. A stout bottle, which had containde milk and water was by the side of the child. Continuing witnes s said he went in ?isearch of the mother and found her in.a j publie-houae in the company of a lot of men drinking. At his request she )?ent home. He <jive the child into custody of ?a siib-t-eiiaiit and mitiated proceedings. I The male defendant said he had done his best to improve matters, but his work carried him out day and night. The Bench sent the woman to prison for two months, ami imposed a fine of 40s. on the male defendant.

I SHORTAGE OF TlH BARS. I It is said that tinplate makers are now being faced with a possibility of tin-bar shortage in the immediate future. The Government and the Allies' requirements aro such that with the scarcity of labour it is feared the tin-bar shortage will prove the most difficult obstacle South Wales makers have been confronted with. A gentleman prominently connected with the tinplato trade, asked by one of our representative's whether there was a probability that the tinplate exports would suffer during the coming year was of the opinion that, he would be a wise man who could say anything definite upon the subject at the present juncture, and it is a matter that should be left alone. However," he added, it will be sate to assert that the output of tinplates will largely depend upon the requirements of the Government during the opening months of the New Year."

I SOUTH WALES TINWQRKS HOLIDAYS Operations at tinplate works will be carried on until 6 or 7 o'clock on Christmas Eve, and work will be resumed at 6 o'clock on the following Tuesday morniag. The demand for steel is so great that tho Sieilwn's steel works are carried on with scarcely any break at week ends, and during the holidays stoppages will be reduced to the lowest possible limit. It is reported that early in the year the Government will requisition a larger per- centage of the acid output. Should this prove to he correct, the result will very greatly reduce the. production of tin- plates.

SEVEN SISTERS SOLDIERS TRICK Privates Howell William, of Seven Sisters, near Neath, and Thomas Roberts, of Tyldesley, were at Leigh on Saturday handed over to an escort as absentees from the Royal Welsh Fusiliers' Camp. It was stated that prisoners, since December I 4th had been going round obtaining money from various influentiall gentlemen by falsely representing they needed railway fares. They obtained 10s., 5s., and other amounts. The Bench characterised their conduct as contemptible.

I COUSINS TO FULLER, V-C. I Pte. Tom Fuller. Pte. John Fuller. Gunner C. Fuller. Pte. J. B. James. I An .;tr:-ldgabis lady, of 3, Cross- street, Glantawe, can boast of a family of heroes. They came of good stock, being all cousins of Lance-Corporal Fuller, the Swansea V.C. Mrs. fowell had four sons by her first marriage, viz.: Private John Fuller, L'nd Welsh, who was killed at Dixmude two days before his cousin earned the V.C.; Private Jno. Puller, of the 1th Welsh, wounded at the Dar- danelles, and preparing soon to return to the front; Gunner Clement Fuller, of the R.F .A., now with the B.E.F. in France; and William Fuller, 19 years of age. now at home with his mother. Willie was last week attested under Lord Derby's scheme. Mrs. Powell has also a son-in-law, Private J. B. James, in the 11th (Gwent) S.W.B.

NECLECTED CHILDREN PARENTS SENT TO PRISON. I At Aberavon on Tuesday, William and Hannah Gibbs, formerly living at Bwlch Farm, near Cwmavon, and latterly of Britonferry, were charged on a warrant with neglecting their four infant children. —Mr. Dan Perkins prosecuted for the N.S.P.C.C. and Mr. Ewan G. Davies de- fended. Mr. Perkins said that the defendant's were before the court on Serjtember 13th last, and the case was adjourned to give defendant an opportunity to reform. At the resumed hearing, defendant's failed to answer, and it was ascertained that they had left the district, and on Saturday were traced to a common lodging-house at Newport Docks, where they were ar- rested. Inspector Best described his visits to the house, and said that he found the children ingrained with dirt, and the eldest child was nearly, blind. They were ill-clad and had sores on the bodies. The two beds were filthy dirty, and in an in- describable condition. After they left Bwlch Farm he visited them at various addresses at Britonferry, but found the conditions just the same. The defendants denied that the children had been neglected. The woman was sent to prison for three months in the second division, and the husband to three months' hard labour.

COMPETITIVE CONCERT AT YNISTAWE. A successful competitive meeting was held at Hebron Schoolroom, Ynistawe, on Saturday. The Rev. D. Eiddig Jones (pastor) presided, and the adjudicators were:—Music, Mr. Tom Stephens, Cly- dach; elocution, etc., Mr. John Meredith, Ynistawe. Mr. Gwilym Grove, Clydach, was the accompanist, and Mr. Tom P. Williams, of Ynistawe, made a most effi- cient secretary. The awards were :— Solos for children (under 12): Myfanwy Martin, Ynistawe. Recitation for children (under 12): Katie Grove, Cwmbach, Clydach. Solo for children (under 16): 1. Blodwen Martin, Ynistawe; 2, William D. Davies, Caemawr, Clydach. Duet for children: Gladys Davim, Cwm- bach, and William D. Davies, Caemawr, Clydach. Consolation prize,, Blodwen and Myfånwy Martin, Ynistawe. j Recitation, of children (under 16): Enid John, Ynistawe. Tenor solo: Mr. William Thomas, Fac- tory-road, Clydach. Baritone solo: Divided between Mr. George E. James. Caemawr, Clydach, and Mr. Morgan Havard, Craigcefnparc. Duet (open): Divided between Miss Sarah H. Rees and Master William D. Daviet Caemawr, Clydach, and Messrs. William Thomas and Richard Jeffreys, Clydach. Extempore address: Mr Arthur Morgan, Llewelyn-street, Clydach. Mixed choir compel ition, U Bwthyn a r Jr Bryn": Cwmbaeh Music Lovers, Clydach I (conducted by Mr. Gwilym Grove).

MANSELTON TRADE UNIONIST — The late Mr. James Johns, of 39, Iorwerth-street, Mansel ton,Swansea, He was closely a"sociatød with the work of the Dockers' Union in Swansea, and had | taken an active part in the de- velopment of the Trade Union move- ment. in the dis- trict.

DEATH OF A MORRISTON LABOUR LEADER The death occurred at the Swansea Hos- pital on Saturday of Mr. Enoch Evans, of 61, Crown-street, Mofristol1. The deceased gentleman, who was 44 years of age. was employed as a shearer at the Worcester Tinplate Works. He was held in high esteem at Morriston, where he had taken a very active interest iu al- most every movement for the bettering of the working men. He was actively associated with the British Steel Smelters' Association, with which he was for three years an Executive member. He was appointed branch secretary of the association at its inception 17 years ago, and retained the position until his demise. During his long tenure of office he made himself very popular amongst a wide circle of freinds, with whom his demise will be greatly felt. He was also a member of the Morriston War Fund and Nursing Institute Committees, and was a. faithful member and Sunday School teacher at the Tabernacle Chapel. He leaves a widow and three children, with whom the greatest sympathy is felt.

I THE BYHEA EXPLOSION. The Court of Appeal, consisting of Lords Justices Swinfen-Eady, Bankes, and Warrington, on Monday dismissed the appeal of Mrs. Ann Price, of Gerwen, Llwyrthendy, near Llanelly, from the ver- dict and judgment in fclie action brought by her against the Glynea and Castle Coal and Brick Co., Ltd., of Bynea, near Llanelly. At the trial, Mrs. Price was awarded 1:200, and her daughter £ 25, damages for the death of Daniel Price by an ex- plosion in the defendants' colliery on Oct. 19th, 1913. This amount she now &aid was inadequate. Lord Justice SwinTen-Bady said he was unable to say that the amount awarded in this case was inadequate, although it might be that, if Mrs. Price had pro- ceoded under the Workmen's Compensa- tion Act,:?, shfJ would have recovered £ 300 for the death of her husband. Lords Justices Bankes and Warrington concurred.

A MARGAM WAR TRAGEDY. Information reached Margam on Mon- day that two young and promising lads from that village had been killed at the Dardanelles, viz., Privates Cyril Ogden and Percy Morgan, of the Royal Engin- eers. The former is the son of the head coachman to Miss Talbot at Margam Castle, and the other is the son of Mr. J. V. Morgan, clerk of the works to Miss Talbot. Both lads are about 22 years of age, and joined together. They were at school together, played cricket with the Margam Club together, and enlisted at the same time and in the same regiment, and both were killed with the same shell. Percy Morgan was a very promising cricketer, and had done well for the Margam Club, and keen sympathy will bo felt with the relatives of both ill their bereavement.

"TOO LATE." MR. LLOYD GEORGE'S SENSATIONAL' STATEMENTS. f In the House of Commons, on Monday Mr. Lloyd George delivered his long-cx- peeted speech on the supply of munitions Mr. Harry Jones contributes to tief Daily Chronicle the following spirited; account of the speech:— Reviewing the work accomplished hy the Ministry of Munitions since establishment, last June, Mr. Lloyd. George spoke for nearly two hours in the; House of Commons on Monday evening.. It was for the greater part a business- like statement, concerned chiefly with facts and figures showing how vast and gratifying had been the increase in our output of munitions in the past iiva < months. But in the last part of the speech Mr. Lloyd George was very elo- quent and inspiring. The passion of an all-absorbing patriotism made him speak. with the fei-vour of a prophet. His tongue became a flame which kindled a responsive fire in the hearts of his audience. No more moving peroration has been heard for ma liy a long year; in the House of Commons. Those who listened to the speech will not readily forget his earnest, imploring1 I appeal to the skilled workers of th& country. There is not enough skilled, labour to go round, but what we have can be made to suffice if skilled men.. are engaged only on the processes that require a high degree of skill, and if semi-skilled and women workers are allowed to do the simpler parts of what is usually a skilled artisan's work. Owing to the shortage of skilled labour, not moro- than 8 per cent. of our lathes are now worked on night as well as day thifts." Given a liberal dilution of skilled labour by unskilled, our output of munitions would be largely increased. In accents of passionate entreaty, he appealed to or- ganised labour to permit of this dilution. for the duration of the war. Victory de- pends upon it; hundreds of thousands of precious lives depend upon it." It rests with British labour whether the war end-a next year or whether it is to linger along- its bloodstained path for years." H e knows that labour will eventually decide rightly = what he fears is that the decision may be tardy when it ought to be instant. In a passage to which a startled and silent House listened with painful intent- ness, Mr. Lloyd George rang the clialigea: on these direful words, too late." i have been too late in this, too late in; that, too late in arriving at decisions, too late in starting this enterprise or that adventure. The footsteps of the Allies have been dogged by the mocking spectre, of too late." Let not. tco late' be in- scribed on the portals of our workshops. This passage sounded very like an indig- nant reproach to the Government o f. which Mr. Lloyd George is a prominent member. As for the speech as a whole, it was in effect a damning indictment of our War Office. I say, in effect," be~ cause the Minister of Munitions waa obviously not out to frame an indict- ment. It was the cumulative testimony of a passionless record of events thai damned the War Office. Its lack of busi- ness capacity aud absence of provision in the first nine months of war, and its slowness in learning the war's lessons and adapting its plans to them, staggered tha House of Commons. Incapacity at tha War Office has coat us dear in this war. Mr. Lloyd George's speech, for all its sombre intervals, ended on a note (;f high confidence. He reminded the Houss that if the superficial facts of the "'ar are against, all the fundamental cactora are in our favour. As Germany had oer- fected her plans for land warfare, to '\H had ours for the sea. Wo have acconvi plished to the last letter" our task <r keeping command of the sea. In spite or, many errors all the advantages that make for victory in a long war are stiil ours." We have command of the sea; wo are richer in resources; above all we have the better cause. Nations do not endure to then for a bad cause." Awav witk jealousies and prejudices, industrial. professional, political. Let us be one people—one in aim, one in action, one in resolution, and to win the most sacred cause ever entrusted to a great nation." The huge dimensions that our muni- tions industry has reached surprised alft- gratified the Houee. Mr. Lloyd Georg'a spoke with disdain of those persons whoi think that we are likely to over-produce. What we stint in material we squander in life." The most fatuous way of economising is to produce an inadequate supply." What you spare in money YQU" spill in blood." Not that the Minister of Munitions is indifferent to economy. Sub- stantial savings in costs of production have now been effected; and millions ster- ling have been saved through the depart- ment's complete cohtrol over the supply; of metals. Contrasting the German scale of pro- duction with that of this country in May last. Mr. Lloyd George mentioned thai while Germany was producing 250,00!) shells daily, we were only producing 2,.101. high explosive shells and 13,000 shrapnel shells. It must be borne in mind that at this time our Army in the field was very much smaller than that of Germany that our industries had not been effectively mobilised; and that the Navy was making, as it always makes, a heavy demand eu our engineering resources. Mr. Lloyd George stated that our pro- duction of machiiie-guits has increased five-fold since the formation of tho Ministry of Munitions. He mentioned that machine-guns and artillery are re- sponsible for 90 per cent. of the casual- ties in this war. Two interesting facts disclosed in the speech were that the overwhelming neces- sity for more machine-guns was brought home to Mr. Lloyd George by the Primo ) Minister last June on his return from a visit to the front in France; and that the transfer of designs and the Ordnance Department to the Ministry of Munitions was made only three weeks ago by the Prime Minister when he was locum tenens for Lord Kitchener at the War Office. Mr. J. H. Thomas, the well-known Labour leader, who followed Mr. Lloyd George, commented on the fact that he ia asking for SO,000 more skilled men and 300,000 unskilled for munitions. How are theee to be obtained under a system cLi compulsory military service?

A SKEWEN SENSATIOil On Sunday, as a man named Jenkin Davies, who lives on New-road, Skewen. was walking through a small field Crumlyn-road, and near Cefnyresgyra Farmstead, he chanced upon a suspicious- looking paper-bound parcel. Upon ex- amination, he found it to contain the body of a newly-born child. The police were forthwith informed of the discovery, and Inspector Gill has the matter in hand. Printed and Published for the Swansea Prese, Limited, by ARTHUR PABNELIi HIGHAM, a.t Lea.der Buildings, Swansea.

„ — SKEWE8S HELP FOR ORPHANS I Organised by Mr. Harry David, Skewen, and )Ir3. A. Victor Goodman, Neath, a successful concert was given at Skewen Cinema Hall in aid of Dr. Barnardo's Homes. Professional and the cream of local amateur talent contributed to a splendid variety programme and every item was well received. Bert and Beryl," Swansea's clever juvenile dancers, were great favourites; Mrs. A. Victor Goodman was deservedly f-ncored for her musical monologues; Mr. Jack Barlow (baritone), Miss Eunice Waikins, L.R.A.M. (silver medalist), Nearth, sang a couple of soprano solos in a captivating manner; Mr. Arthur Salter, Neaih, gave piano- forte selections; Mr. Ben Davies, Skewen, tenor vocalist: Iig:noll.H the Scotch musical lassie, and Ted Workman (comedian), Neath, also contributed to the success of the concert. Mr. W. £ Harris, Neath, proved a most efficient and re- sourceful accompanist. At the close a. hearty vote oi thanks was accorded the organisers and artistes on the proposition of Dr. Jones, seconded by the Rev. J. Beynon.

fortable to have charges levelled against the officials and then to be asked to delay the investigation. The plea for access to the books, etc., was reasonable, but the delay was not fair to the officials on the Council. Mr. Rees Llewellyn, in reply, said he was not aware that the meeting was called for that day until he received the note, and he had come back from Plymouth to attend. He pointed out the eeriou-sness of the position, and he was anxious that the inquiry should be conducted on purely British lines. He possessed receipts bear- ing out the statements ho had made. With regard to the statement by Mr. Lewis about the auditor he could only refer them to the Gelligaer affair, where the auditors Daesed the accounts for several years. Inquiry en January 3rd. Eventually, o nthe proposition of Mr. T. Mainwaring, seconded by Mr. H. Davies. it was decided to agree to Mr. Llewellyn's requ, and Mr. Llewellyn 6aid that he would submit his charges to the clerk in writing a week before the next meeting would be held. The Chairman then announced that the meeting would be suspended until Jauuary 3rd. and asked the Press to give publicity to the fact that the meeting was suspended for the purpose of allow- ing Mr. Llewellyn to substantiate hia charges.