Llanelly Star

Big Increase for Teachers ALLOCATION OF THE FISHER GRANT. | A special meeting of the Borough Edu- cation Committee v.-as held on Wednesday evening for the purpose of revising the scale of teachers' salaries, and at the outset the Chairman (Coun. J. Walter Thomas) suggested that the members should first of all look over the scheme prepared by the clerk whereby it was pro- posed to allocate the supplementary grant allowed by Mr. Fisher, the President of the Local Government Board. He (the Chairman) suggested that for the moment the Committee should not consider the question of revising the scale of salaries but that they should confine themselves to the one concrete proposal before them, viz.. the allocation of the special grant. The Clerk's scheme showed that it ap- plied to 43 males and 129 females. The proposed increase varied from £ 50 to £10 per annum, according to length of ser- vice. The total increase amounted to £ 5,175 per annum, but there was also a sum of JE120 required to raise the salary of certain teachers to the Govern- ments suggested minimum, bringing the total to £ 5,295. It was further suggested that the war bonus which cost £1,372 an- nually should be merged in the increase, leaving £ 3,923 to be provided. Ald. H. D. Rees: Is it understood that in discussing this matter we are going to consider the withdrawal of the present war bonus ? The Chairman: The Clerk has men- tioned in the scheme what that would mean. Ald. Rees: I take it that the statement which the Clerk has prepared is simply based on the claims put forward by the representative of the N.U.T. ? The Chairman That is so, sir. I would have the committee understand that Mr. Fisher does not ask you to allocate the £ 4,000. Coun D. Jennings: But it is wiser to do so. Coun. W. E. Clement: If we grant the teachers ;C4,000 this year, we shall be able to get a grant of C6,200 next year. Because of the accumulative effect it pays us to spend as much as possible on teachers' salaries. The Chairman: You will also have to decide from what date you are going to spend this money. The Clerk It has to be from April 1st J last. The Mayor: Then we shall have to be careful. Coun. Jennings: As far as I under- stand it the idea is to allocate this money and then appoint a committee to go in into the revision of the scale of salaries. I take it that the new sc&W of «nlarie-9 would then come into operation on April 1st next. After further discussion, Coun. Jen- nings proposed that the figures as sug- gested by the clerk be accepted. There was now a general feeling that the educa- tional autnorities throughout the country had to treat the teachers in a proper and fair spirit. Unless good inducements were given to persons to enter the teach- ing profession they would not do so. Furthermore, those who had been in the profession for some time deserved the suggested increase as they had served the town and country well on the pay- ment of small salaries. The scheme would mean a total cost of £ 3,823. At the pre- sent time there were anomalies in the present scale cf salaries, and in moving the adoption of the Clerk's scheme he proposed that the new Committee which would come into existence in November should be asked to take in hand imme- diately the consideration of a new scale of salaries for the teachers of the town which should come into operation on April 1st next. The Mayor seconded the motion. Aid Rees: I should like Coun. Jennings to indicate precisely what he means. Coun. Jennings: I mean that the amounts as set out by the clerk of an in- crease of ilO to each teacher plus long service grants which amount in all to £1,175 should be paid. Ald. Rees: Then I contend that you are paying C4,000 plus the war bonus. Coun. Jennings: 'Ye shall be paying £ 4,000 plus a part of the war bonus. Aid. R-ees: I only want to make it clear that you are giving an increase of £ 1,295 above the grant assuming it to be £ 4,000. Coun. Jenning: But we are already paying £ 1,372 as a war bonus. Eventually it was decided to increase the pre-war salaries by £5,295, and also to ask the new committee to consider im- mediately the revision of the scale of salaries and to take at the same time the salaries of the administrative staff. It was further decided to increase the salaries of the student teachers to JE30 per annum in respect of males and £ 26 for females.

At a meeting cf the Enfield War Pen- sions Committee it was stated that a soldier's wife and three children had been turned out of their house by a landlord who owned between 300 and 400 houses in the neighbourhood. It was resolved to protost to the War -Office.

A protest has been made by the execu- tive committee of the National Union of Railwaymon against the employment of women as shunters.

Twenty thousand women clerks are em- j ployed on British railways.

Heavy Fines. I LICENSEE AND HIS CUSTOMERS I CONVICTED. John Griffiths, Great Western Hotel, was summoned at the Police Court for selling intoxicating liquor during illegal hours, and Florence Bevan, 67, High street, was proceeded against for supply- ing during illegal hours, while four men were also summoned for attempting to contravene the Central Control orcier.- The cases were part heard. Mr D. Jennings appeared for the prose- cution and Mr. T. R. Ludford defended. Det.-Sergt. T. Davies said he visited the Great Western Hotel at 9.30 p.m. on Sept. 7th and saw Mrs. Bevan coming out of the room behind the bar with a tray. In the room were three men. Mrs. Beran said "I served them a few minutes ago," and one of the men said "I am a lodger here." Further evidence having been given, Griffiths was fined £ 10, and Mrs. Bevan was fined L2 while three of the men were nned JE1 each, the other case being dis- missed.

I CHAIRED BARD. At the Resolven Chair Eisteddfod on Saturday, Mr. G. E. Williams, Glevering street, won the prize of £1 Is. and chair, for the best poem, out of 15 competitors. The winner is a most successful competi- tor and has many eisteddfodic trophies to his credit. In our last issue we pub- lished a song of welcome to Sergt. Rees, V.C., from the pen of Mr. Williams.

QUADRILLE CLASS. QUADRILLE CLASS. T~\ANCING CLASSES will be resumed at Thomas Arms, on TUESDAY NEXT, October 9th, at 7.45 p.m. Old members please note.

I LLANELLY'S BUTTER PRICES. I j To the Editor of the "Star." Sir,—Can anyone inform me why the k butter in Llanelly market, patted and in tubs, is still 2s. 3d. and 2s. 4d. lb. It is bought by the merchant from the farmers at Is. 10d., the fixed price. What is the local food committee doing ? In the market at Carmarthen on Saturday last it was fixed there at 2s. ld. pounded and Is. lOd. unpounded. Now, it is well known in our market it is sold straight from the tubs at the highest price. If the farmers who make large quantities and so help to feed the townspeople sell it at Is. 10d., why should the middle man have 6d. per lb. profit for simply patting and paying a small market toll ? Thir should be brought to Lord Rhondda's notice who would soon end this enormous profit-making. l I am, etc., Llanelly, MODERATION. I Oct. 3rd, 1917. regmai in m fl

FAIR GROUND, ¡ U.V 1\, LLANELLY. Messrs. H. Studfs & Sons ( Have arranged that ALL CHILDREN will be admitted on the Scenic Railway This Afternoon From 3 o'clock tp 6 o'clock, for j??a?S?? R??B?'E?a?L? ONE PENNY (Half-Price).

PRICE OF MILK. 1 At the meeting of tke Borough Council Ald. Nathan Griffiths called attention to the fact that the price of milk had been increased, and asked whether the Cor- poration had any powers to deal with the matter. The Town Clerk: The local Food Control Committee have powers within certain limits to fix prices. There are several things such as butter ani milk in connec- tion with which they have power to exer- cise their discretion. Ald. Griffiths: That will do for me.

SUCCESSFUL WHIST DRIVE. I Complete success attended the whist drive and dance at St. Peter's Hall last night. The affair was held under the auspices of the R.A.O.B. (Llanelly Pro- vince) and was in aid of the Widows and Orphan Benevolent Fund. There was a large attendance, and the proceeds are likely to reach a substantial amount. The nrr.°ngements were in the hands of the secretary, Mr. Dewhurst, Mr. Will Richards acting as V.Ci.

Allowance from Works 1 NOT A QUESTION OF CHARITY. I At the Llanelly Tribunal on Thursday, John H. Hughes, Class A, labourer at the Steel Works, said that if he joined the Colours his mother would be depen- dent on the earnings of his two brothers. Lieut.. Ingrams: You have two other brothers ? Hughes: Yes. 0 How many of them are in the Army r- None, they are under age. One earns 14s. and the other 15s. a week. There are also four young children at school. What rent do you pay ?-It is our own house. Lieut. Ingrams: I do not see why you should not get 17s. 6d. to 20s. a week allowance. Hughes: That would not be sufficient. The Mayor: The South Wales Works would allow something. Coun. Roberts: I do not think that should be considered. That is charity. The Mayor: We are considering the domestic grounds. Lieut. Ingrams: These allowances should not be called charity. The money is given in recognition of services to the firm. Coun. Roberts: The man's case would be considered as partly dependent by the Joint Board. Lieut. Ingrams: There would he no serious Hardship. At the minimum the man would receive 17s. 6d. from the Government. Hughes stated that he was prepared to go in six months. Lieut. Ingrams: I think that is too long. Appeal dismissed, the man not to be called up for three months.

PROMOTED ON THE FIELD. I The friends of Mr. Oswald Charles, son of Mrs. Charles, 12, King's Square, Llan- elly, will be glad to hear that his ser- vices on the field have been recognized, and that he has been promoted to Sergt. "Oswald" was on the staff of the Llanelly Post Office and is well known in the town.

WITH THE R.F.A. Among the local soldiers now home on leave is Driver Ivor Evans, R.F.A., son of Mr. and Mrs. William Evans, Lake- field. He has been on active service for nearly two years and has seen most of the severe fighting in France. Our young townsman, in spite of his trying ex- periences, looks remarkably fit. He will be returning to France next week and his many friends trust that the good luck that has hitherto attended him will con- tinue.

CONCERT AT STEBONHEATH. Under the auspices of the B.W.T.A. a very pleasant and enjoyable concert was given to the wounded at Stebonheath on Wednesday when the following pro- gramme was gone tnrough :—Pianoforte duett, Mrs. lVm. James and Miss Agnes Johnes; solos, Misses Anita Jones, M. Thomas, Agnes Johnes, and Mr. John Davies; vocal duetts, Misses Agnes Johnes and Matilda Thomas; violin solos, Mr. W. H. Rees; elocution, Mrs. Sidney Morris; musical monologue, Mrs. John Phillips. A glee party consisting of ten ladies, viz., Misses Florence and Ethel Adams, Etta Morris, Gwen Glover, Florrie and Jessie Thomas, Evelyn Jones, Elsie Glasonbury, Mrs. Adams, and Mrs. Phillips also contributed much appreci- ated selections. Mrs. Dr. Francis pre- sided.

LOCAL PRESENTATION. A pleasing ceremony took place at the G.W.R. Goods Offices on Monday even- ing when Mr. H. Ll. Harries was pre- sented with a gold watch, suitably in- scribed, by the railway staff of Llanelly and several business friends on his sever- ing connection with the G.W.R. Co. after many years' service. The chair was taken by Mr. C. C. Talbot, and Messrs. G. L. Williams, L. and N.W.R., W. T. John, D. Donoughe, and F. C Morgan spoke of the esteem in which Mr. Harries was held by his colleagues and the general public. The presentation was made by Miss A. Davies, one of the members of the staff, who in a neat speech expressed regret at Mr. Harries' leaving, and wished him success in his new sphere. The recipient suitably and feelingly responded. Mr. Harries is now in the employ of Mr. Clifford A. Bowen.

CLANMOR MALE VOICE PARTY. I We are glad to hear that this talented party has again commenced practices. The object is to provide attractive pro- grammes for the benefit of our soldiers and sailors. A practice will be held at Bethel Vestry to-morrow aternoon at 3.30 and it is hoped that all old choristers will turn up. There are vacancies for good voices in all parts.

Municipal Notes. I Housing Scheme. I The all important question of housing is being taken up in real earnest by the Corporation. At the last meeting, Lady Howard said that the need for addi- tional houses was as great in Llanelly as in any town in the country. Everyone familiar with local conditions will agree with this view. Application has already been made for sanction to erect 600 houses in the town, but the Looal Government Board "do not consider that, on the information before them, they could at present sanction loans for the purpose of a housing scheme at Llanelly." Undeterred by this refusal, the Corpor- ation have now appointed a committee to prepare a caw for submission to the Ministry of Munitions. The committee will include the Mayor, Ald. R. P. Thomas, Nathan Griffiths, and Council- lors Dan Williams, Evan Roberts and B. Sherlock. I Land adjoining Gt. Paul.'s Depot. The Borough Surveyor reported that ho had communicated with Mr. John Thomas with reference to his reducing the price of £1,400 asked by him for his interest in this land, but that Mr. Thomas was not prepared to do so. The Surveyor further reported that Mr. Mansel Lewis con- sidered the sum of L570 for the freehold a fair price (being equal to 25 years pur- chase), but he is agreeable to reduce the figure by £ 5. The Committee considered the matter and decided that they could not entertain Mr. Thomas' offer. I Electric Lighting Contract. I The Deputy Town Clerk read a letter from Mr. A. H. Beatty offering an abate- ment of 12s. 6d. per incandescent lamp standard per annum, provided the Cor- poration takes over the responsibility for lamp renewals afid maintenance; the current to be supplied by the Company at the lampholder, and maintenance and renewals up to this point to remain the responsibility of the Company. No change is proposed as regards the arc r lighting. The committee directed the Borough Surveyor to report fully upon the proposal. I Building Plans. I f The plan submitted by Mr. Joseph l Jones for additions to No. 2 Lloyd street, was reported to be in accordance with bye-laws, and accordingly approved. The plan presented by Mr. Fred Arthur for additions to four houses in Prospect place, the taking down of two old cottages in Gilbert road, and building threo houses on the land is recommended to the Town Council for approval. With reference to the offence committed by Mr. John Evans, contractor, in allow- ing a house at Park Crescent to be occu- pie,d without having obtained a certificate of completion in respect thereof, the oom- mitiee recommend that one month's notice to carry out the necessary work be given to Mr. Evans, proceedings to be taken. in the event of non-compliance therewith. I Certificates. I The following certificates were author- ized to be granted:- Mr. H. Harries: 1 house in Trinity rd. Mr. John Evans: 1 house in Park Cres- cent (No. 9). [ Collector's Return. I The Collector's return for the period ended 21st September shewed that he had received and paid to the Borough Treasurer in respect of :— £ s d General District Rate 6226 14 2 Water Rent (Urban) 1286 5 9 Water Rent (Rural) 203 13 7 Water Supply 2206 15 9 Rents 103 4 7 Fittings 169 4 10 Costs 2 19 7 £10,198 18 3 [ Various. I The tender of Mr. Robert Stuart for officers' beaver overcoats and heavy serge suite and caps has been accepted, and that of Mr. W. B. Nield for light serge suits. In return for the free use of Stepney Hall by the Food Control Committee, it has been decided to place the Athenaeum Hall at the disposal of Lady Howard whenever her Ladyship may require it. The Corporation have placed on record their appreciation of the excellent ser- vices rendered by the Town Clerk in the r of war pensions. The half-yearly sale of periodicals at the Library realized t5 8s. 2d. The County Council are to be urged to secure the services of special constables wksnerer feasible, so as to reduce -the cost of the policing of the town. The market revenue for the period August 2nd to September 24th amounted to £847 lis. 2d.

IN MEMORIAM. I In Loving Memory of Hilda, the dear little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sydney James, 24, Ty'rfran, who died October 1st, 1916. "Suffer little children to oome unto Me."

Football Outfits Required IMMEDIATE RESPONSE TO OUR I APPEAL. In the last issue of the "Star" ap- peared a letter from a batch of Llanelly boys with the 15th Welsh in France, ap- pealing for football outfits. The letter explained that a Football League was be- ing formed, the head-quarters team of which would be composed of Llanelly players, and the appeal was on their be- half. We are delighted to announce that the response has been immediate. Thanks to the initiative of Mr. T. R. Mills, Salutation Hotel, who is always ready to assist healthy sport, a Fund is being opened which has been headed by a local tradesman with a generous donation of E5. Mr. Mills has also received several other promises, and in our next issue we hope to publish a complete list of sub- scriptions. Various things required— jerseys, knickers, footballs, etc., will be purchased without delay and sent out to the brave lads who deserve all that we can do for them-and more.

I "Sportsmanlike at any rate." What was described as a sportsmanlike offer was made and accepted at the Tri-, bunal on Thursday. The case was that of AYm. D. John (30), married, a credit draper, and now employed as a nitro- glycerine worker who had been in a local factory 18 months. Lieut. Ingrams: We have just sent a 'man with three children to the Army and you have one child. John said that in addition to the work he carried on his old business, and had a lot of new customers in the works. Lieut. Ingrams stated that if some little time were allowed it would meet the case, because men were still wanted. John: America has come in now. Lieut. Ingrams: We must not count on that. John offered to go in six months. Lieut. Ingrams: Very well; that is a sportsmanlike offer, at any rate.

Berwick Hamlet and County Council. 1 To the Editor of the "Star." I Sir, In your issue of the 29th ult., "Rate- payer" has given an effective expression to the feelings of the majority of the elec- tors of the above hamlet, anent the question of selecting a suitable successor to the late Councillor David Hughes. As already stated the meeting held on the 27th was expressly convened-and under- stood as such-for expounding matters connected with the War Aims campaign. f Why this meeting was used for the addi- tional purpose of nominating a new county councillor without any previous notification to the whole of the ratepayers is beyond one's comprehension. And those responsible for such discreditable and clandestine methods must be bluntly tcld that their action does not square with the principles governing election to public bodies. Certainly no disrespect is meant to the nominee of the above meet- ing when it is stated that others, possess- ing time, energy, enterpriso and ability, wish to contest this vacant seat. Another sore grievance is this: Why is a nominee, living outside the borough, invariably sought for by a certain fraction of the ratepayers ? Are the parochial affairs of this hamlet so intricate and the rosidents so intellectually bankrupt that councillors must be sought for from afar? The most important piece of news in a future issue of the "Star" will run thus "Berwick Hamlet has applied to the Kaiser for a councillor 'made in Ger- many' For the sake of justice and fairplay the best method of rectifying the error com- mitted is to convene another meeting notifying the ratepayers time and date, and requesting those who wish to contest the seat to attend and state their views. Not only will this procedure be instructive and interesting but it will serve as an index to select the candidate besli fitted by knowledge and intelligence, to trans- late into action the needs of the rate- payers. I am, etc., Oct. 4th, 1917. MARCUS. I

VOLUNTEER TRANSFERS. I The Borough Tribunal at their meeting on Thursday evening dealt with the ques- tion of transferring men from the V.T.C. to the Volunteer Battalion. In the case of W. H. Simmonds, who was employed by the Nevill's Dock and Railway Co, he was transferred and placed in section R. Thomas Davies, who was in the employ of the same firm, was also directed to join Section R; the cases of Oscar Thomas and W. J. Thomas being dealt with in the same way. W. T. Leonard, Grand Commercial Hotel, stated that since the last meeting he had been re-examined by the Medical Board, and classed R.R. "A bit of a drop, isn't it ? asked Mr. Leonard. Lieut. Ingrams: Then I withdraw the case.

l Borough of Llanelly. I -.& F INFANT WELFARE COMMITTEE. f 7th List. Amount previously acknowledged 179 8 10 Messrs. Buckleys Ltd. 2 2 0 Mr. David Harries, New road. 110 Mrs. Geoffrey Tregoning 1 1 0 Vitttt Palace 1 1 0 Mr. and Mrs. W. Y. Nevill 1 0 0 Mrs. Alphage Swindell 0 5 0 £185 18 10 Mary D. W. Spowart, j lJon. Treasurer, I Borough of Llanelly Infant Welfare Fund. I J