The Aberdare Leader

Working of the Cemetery. Alleged Victimising. A Warm Meeting. A mass meeting was held on Saturday morning by the Mount Pleasant Hotel, Tre- cynon, to protest against the action of the Sexton in giving notice to one of the grave- diggers named Tom Moore. There was a large attendance, Mr. Thomas, the sexton, being present. Mr. D. Lewis Edmunds was elected chairman. The first speaker was Mr. D. Jackson Thomas. After speaking of some of the changes that had been brought about on the Burial Board through the instrumentality of the labour members, he condemned the action of the Sexton in dismissing Moore simply because the latter had dared to state a few facts to him and others concerning the working of the Cemetery. There was no other complaint against this gravedigger. He was a good workman and always did his duty honestly. He (the speaker) would say that if the Sexton stopped Moore, the day might come when they would remember Mr. John Thomas. The speaker went on to point out the different prices paid now to the time when Edwards was sexton. Mr. S. Hawkins, who followed, said they had no intention of doing injury to the Sexton. What lie wanted to change was the system. The Sexton had now the right to engage and dismiss men, and pay them what lie thought proper. The speaker held that the Burial Board alone should have this power. The Sexton ought not to be sexton and contractor combined. Mr. John Thomas (the sexton) said the labour members had acted wrongly in going behind him to one of his workmen to en- quire as to the general working of the ceme- tery. These men had induced this parti- cular gravedigger to say several tilings which were not true. As for the contract- ing system lie had never loved it. He had always co isistently opposed when a collier any contracting work. He accepted the present situation because lie could not be- come sexton witnout undertaking the con- tracting part as well. But lie never made one penny as contractor. He paid the full scale to the gravediggers. Coming to the dismissal of Moore. the speaker said that this man had declined to obey his order; and further that lie had asked him (the Sexton) to save him "tho sack." Moreover, the three other gravediggershad sworn that they would no longer work with him. Mr. D. J. Thomas, after replying to the Sexton, was proceeding to read the resolu- lution drawn up by Mr. Kensliole and which was carried at the last meeting of the Burial Board, when the Rev. John Morgan, Bryn Seion, interrupted with the words "And do you now withdraw those charges and are you sorry that in your ignorance (Great uproar and cries of "Mind your own business.") Mr. D. J. Thomas: I was told that the Sexton threatened me with a libel action, but Mr. Kensliole assured me lie could not, and I am sure this preacher cannot do any. thing (hear, hear). Proceeding, Mr. Jackson Thomas said it was not right tnat the Sex- ton should dismiss a man without first asking the permission of the Board. The Sexton: At present it has nothing to do with the Board. If they alter the system I am bound to comply. Rev. John Morgan said that the charges made against the Sexton by Mr. Jackson Thomas, and which appeared in the" Aber- dare Leader," were of a very serious character, and ought never to have been made without some ground. It was the duty of the "Leader," in order to be fair (if it wished to be fair), to publish the withdrawal afi well as the charges. Mr. Prowle deprecated the conduct of the Sexton that day in blackening the character of the man Moore. Moore was a good and sober workman. They had only heard the Sexton's view that day. They ought to hear what Moore had to say. Mr. John Griffith supported the action of the Sexton. Mr. J. Bruton asked the Sexton how was it that Moore had only three graves to dig during the last fortnight. The Sexton: Would you like to see some of your rela,tivef1 dropping to give him more than three graves? Mr. Bruton; That is not answering my question. Rev. J. Morgan moved that after the ex- planation given by the Sexton that a vote of confidence in him be passed.— This was seconded, Mr. J. Prowle proposed an amendment that they do nothing until further enquiry should be made, Mr. Bruton seconded. On being put the amendment was carried Mr. Jackson Thomas, the Chairman and others suggested that the Sexton should withdraw the notice for a time until further enquiry could be made. The Sexton replied that he had to choose between one and three. Were Moore kept on the other three would leave. Mr. Bruton observed that two of the three were his sons, so practically it was one against one, Ultimately it was decided that the Chair- man, Messrs. J. Prowle and Jackson Thomas and Rev. J. Morgan should wait upon the three gravediggers with the view of getting them to continue to work with Moore. The deputation waited upon the grave- diggers on Monday evening, but found that Moore had ceased working there since Satur- day and had found work elsewhere. The three gravediggers were not prepared to continue operations were Moore re-instated. [If the Rev. J. Morgan will look once more at the report of the Burial Board meeting in our issue of the 2nd inst., he will find, that the statement prepared by Mr. C. Kensliole and unanimously adopted by the members, was published in full by us.-Ed. A.L."I

To Our Readers. A short article by Mr. W. J. Heppell, chairman of the School Board, on the fur- ther developments in the Education Bill will appear in our next number.

The Aberdare Baths. Cleanliness is next to godliness" is one of our treasured national maxims, and our predilection for soap and water is one of our strongest national traits. The foreign Svengali may laugh and grin at Little Billee "trying to get himself clean," but at the same time perhaps his godliness as well "as his cleanliness would be the more conspicuous if lie were to practise a little more of the gospel of the bath preached by hisneighbourEnglander. The baths which' were last Saturday christened "the Corona- tion Baths" by the Chairman of the Aber. dare District Council will, doubtless, be a boon and a benefit to a district the chief in- dustry of which necessitates the frequent application of the element to which Svengali entertained such an aversion. These baths have a dual purpose. Apart from the virtue of cleanliness which they promote, they foster and encourage the practice of swimming. The art of swimming is a most valuable acquisition, and its benefits are manifold. Not only is it important as a mode of obtaining muscu- lar exercise and fostering physical culture but also as a life-saving art. How many lives are saved annually in this country by means of this noble art ? And on the other hand how many lives are lost owing to in- ability to swim? Our modern civilization is not an unmixed blessing. The savage untutored Indian in his babyhood takes to, the water like a duck. while the average European is a mere landlubber. The man who strives to infuse a love of swimming into our rising generation and who provides every facility for the exercise and development of that tendency is, with- out doubt, a benefactor of ^humanity. The District Council, and especially Councillor L. N. AVilliaiiis who has been the prime mover in this enterprise—deserves not only our gratitude, but our practical appreciation of the boon which they have conferred upon us.

The ABERDARE LEADER may be had in Hirwain of Mr. R. H. Morris, High Street, n and Mrs. Nicholas (by Station) after the arrival of the 7.40 train, every Thursday evening. Down the Valley it may be had of all Newsagents after the arrival of the 7.20 T.V.R. train from Aberdare on Thurs day eveuiegs.

Aberdare District Council. There were present at the above meeting on Friday morning, Messrs. E. Morgan (chairman), John Howell, Rhys Llewelyn, L. N. Williams, John Bucknell, Owen Harries, Morgan John, W. T. Morgan, Thomas Lewis, Rev. Thomas Humphreys, Col. Phillips (clerk) and Mr. Owen Williams (surveyor). COMMITTEES. The report of the Library Committee showed that certain amendments "were pro- posed on the Memorial Hall lease, and that it had been sent back to be confirmed by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. The Clerk read the report of the Finance Committee which recommenped (Mr. John Howell dissenting) £10 increase of salary to Mr. Price, road foreman. Mr. Rhys Llewelyn moved the adoption of the report and Mr. T. Lewis seconded. Mr. John Howell said the reason why he had opposed the advance was that the time was inopportune to do so. He would be very sorry to say anything disrespectful of Mr. Price or any of the Council employees, but lie really believed that under the pre- sent circumstances they were not justified in advancing wages. Messrs. Owen Harries and Thomas Humphreys [supported the recommenda- tion, which was carried. The report added that Mr. B. Lewis' ap- plication for an increase of salary was deferred until the beginning of the next year.—Mr. Thomas Lewis hoped the Com- mittee would adopt some scheme of fixing a maximum rate of wage with an annual increase until the maximum was reached. It was rather humiliating for a skilled workman to have to ask for an advance. MEDICAL OFFICERS' REPORTS. Dr. Davies, the medical offiper of health, reported 43 cases of scarlet fever, four deaths; one of diphtheria, one death three of typhoid, one of erysipelas and one of small-pox. Scarlet fever was rather preva lent in Trecynon, but with the schools closed he hoped it would be soon wiped off. Dr. W. Ll. Rhys reported seven patients at the Isolation Hospital. Since last re- port three cases had been discharged and two admitted. Since the admission of the small-pox case hospital work had been suspended. SANITARY INSPECTOR'S REPORT. Inspector James' report referred to the removal of Mary Ann Dixon from a lodging- house to the hospital. b 0 Mr. John Howell said lie had heard there were as many as 30 or 40 persons in this lodging-house on one night. He asked if there was accommodation for so many in any of the lodging-houses. The Clerk replied that there was. The lodging-houses were all in accordance with the bye Jaws. If they infringed that law the keepers were liable to a heavy fine. Mr. Rhys Llewelyn suggested that the Clerk should write to the police that they exercisa strict supervision over those houses. Inspector James further reported that there were two occupied houses in the Forge Trip, Abernant, not lit for habitation. The lease was long run out and the tenants had not paid rent since May, 1901. Mr. Thomas Lewis asked in case the people were to be turned out, where were they to go? Mr. L. N. Williams: Don't go to meet trouble. Mr. Lewis. Mr. John Howell: Why did you not 1iiiove the adoption of the Dwellings Act ? Mr. Thomas Lewis: I did twelve months ago—the Housing Act. Mr. John Howell proposed that the matter be referred to the Surveyor to report thereon. SURVEYOR'S REPORT.—The estimated cost of improving Cwmneol-street and Cynon. street was submitted by the Surveyor. The former being X74 4s. 3d. and the latter £41 8s. 9d. CWMAMAN PARK. The Surveyor asked that instructions be given him how to lay the new Park out.—Mr. John Howell moved that it be referred to the Parks Committee with full power to deal with the matter. CWMBACH IIOAD.-Tli(-, Clerk read a letter from Mr. Paxton, G.W.1L, stating that he did not think it would facilitate matters were lie to meet the Council. A reply would be given in due time to the Clerk's letter. Mr. John Howell: Patience. patience. LOAN OF PARK. Permission wás granted to the Salvation Army Sunday School to hold a meeting and tea at the Public Park. Mr. Illtyd Hopkins, on behalf of the Dis- triet Federation, thanked the Council for readily granting loan of Park for the Miners' Demonstration. BRAKE LICENSES.—Subject to the usual conditions. brake licenses were granted to John Evans, Aman-street, Cwmaman and Charles Powell, Aberaman. THE RATE ANOMALY. The Clerk read the following from Mr. 11. L. Berry Dear Sirs,—Having made known to the ratepayers at a public meeting held on July 21 the result of our interview with the Council, I was requested to inform you that the decision of that meeting was that no further public action would be taken until the Council had held two more meetings. I was- also desired to request the Council to instruct their clerk to com- municate with me as the appointed secre- tary of that public meeting, the result of their deliberation in order that same may be brought before the ratepayers meeting to be held August 81st." Mr. R. Llewelyn moved that the letter should lie on the table. Mr. L. N. Williams seconded. Mr. Thomas Lewis did not think they should let it lie on the table. Mr. John Howel 1 thought that they, an elected body, should not be dictated to. The letter seemed very dictative. He (Mr Howell) understood that the Council had nothing to do with the rate. Mr. Thomas Lewis said it was a question that affected all ratepayers. It was very strange that when the deputation attended before them no one could explain to them how things stood. He thought an answer should be given. t, Mr. John Howell agreed that an answer should be given the deputation, but as for the letter it was very insulting and dicta- tive. These people seemed to want to take matters out of the Council's hands. Mr. R. Llewelyn took exception to the statement that the members knew nothing about it. He had said that the Council had nothing to do with it. It was a matter put on by the County Magistrates 50 years ago when the mining districts were opening up. The Clerk then at some length gave an explanation why the owners living in their 13 qwu houses had to pay double rates, quoting Mi Act of Parliament bearing upon the matter. Mr. Thomas Lewis Then, in order to remedy this, the Act of Parliament would have to be reformed or repealed ? The Clerk: No; you may if you like abolish all the rating of the owners and rate every occupier or tenant. Mr. R. Llewelyn said lie would like to see every tenant paying the rates and incurring the extra cost of collecting it. If they—this Rate Protection Society or whatever they called themselves-would put it to the test they would find that it would be very much to his (Mr. Llewelyn's) advantage. But that was not the principle they as a Council should act upon. Mr. John Howell: Do I understand that an answer will be given the deputation ? Rev. T. Humphreys: They can see in it the Press. BRAKE-DRIVERS' GRIEVANCE.—Mr. W. Hill, secretary of tlie-Brake -drivers' Association, wrote complaining that the motor-drivers were still, to some extent, using Victoria- square for a stand.—Mr. T. Lewis stated thfit the police were very partial to motors. Mr. R. Llewelyn moved that the Clerk should write to the police. Mr. W. T. Morgan seconded. UNIFICATION OF RATES.—[Mr. J. Howell moved that the Finance Committee should go into the question of the unification of rates, and that they should give the benefit of their deliberation at a future meeting of the Council.—Mr. T. Lewis seconded, and the motion was passed. RIGHT OF WAY.—The Clerk said that lie and the Surveyor had visited the road by Blaenantygroes which had been closed to the public.—Mr. John Howell said he re- membered walking on the road 45 years ago. It was even then open.—Mr. Rhys Llewelyn thought the Council ought to do what they could to keep a right of way there. TOWN WARD VACANCY. Mr. J. Howell favoured a casual election at once to fill the vacancy on the District Council Caused by the death of Mr. W. Hodges.- Mr. L. N. Williams suggested that the seat be left vacant until March. Mr. Lewis supported Mr. J. Howell that the seat be declared vacant.—This was done.

Aberaman Serenaders. Two Grand Concerts. The Aberaman Screnaders have abun- dantly justified their title, for by their ineffably sweet and pure singing at the con- certs held on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, they have deservedly won the hearts of those who listened to them on these nights. Little has been heard of them during the past few months, but they have in the meantime been busily preparing for what turned out this week to be a grand success. The following members comprise the party:—First tenors: Messrs. Ted Barry, Sidney Stephens, W. J. Williams, and Dd. Griffiths; Second tenors: Messrs.W. Phillips, Dd. Jenkins and Wm. J. Jenkins first bass: Messrs. G. D. Phillips, Joseph Jonathan and W. Baker; second bass: Messrs. W. H. Williams, D. Rees Morgan, Tlios. Bowen, James Rowlands and T. n. Davies. Mr. Tlios. J. Phillips (Ap Gwilym Cynon) is the accomplished conductor, while Mr. C. S. Davies has been secured as accompanist. On Tuesday evening the concert was held at Saron Hall, Mr. John Davies, Aberaman, being in the chair. There was a full house. The glees rendered by the party were "Italian Salad," Ora Pro Nobis," The Tyrol," and The Huntsmen." These were all rendered with great power and effect. The voices were well trained and all the parts worked out their several pieces to the nicety. The applause of the audience and the encomiums showered upon them by the Chairman were well-deserved. The efforts put forth at the rehearsals must have been considerable, before such a high degree of excellence could have been attained. The Party have won golden opinions on all hands. They have fascinated even the unmusical ear. It should not be overlooked that some of the members of the Party have ere now carried away trophies in theulusiettl arena. It will be remembered that Mr. Watkin Phillips was successful in winning the tenor solo at the Cottage Hospital Eisteddfod, Mountain Ash, out of a large number of com- petitors. Then it was only a fortnight ago, that Mr. T. R. Davies won a chair for an open solo at Aberaman. Besides the glees by the Party, solos were rendered by Mr. W. H. Williams, The Sailors Grave," very skilfully given. Mr. Ted Barry sang Woe to the Fool." Mr. Barry possesses a very rich voice, and excellently acquitted himself. The Inchcape Bell followed by Mr. J. Jonathan, which elicited loud cheers. Two other songs given in a masterly manner were Sympathy," and Lend me your aid," by Messrs. W. and T. J. Phillips respectively. The renowned elocutionist, Mr. G. D. Phillips, gave very realistic representations of "The progress of madness," and "The man with the hoe." A successful concert in every sense of the word, terminated by singing" Land of my Fathers." The Aberaman Serenaders are leaving on the 28tli inst, for Devonshire and Cornwall, where they have a fortnight's engagement to fulfil. Their good name and fame has already reached these southern counties, and a few such musical treats given there as werf; given at Aberaman and Cwmaman this week, will soundly establish them as one of the coming male voice parties of Wales,

Town Ward Vacancy. It was decided at the District Council on Friday that a casual election should take place at once to fill the vacancy caused by the lamented death of Mr. W. Hodges. Notices were put up at once by the Clerk that the nominations were to be in not later than Wednesday. The nominations are:— Richard Lewis Berry, 47, Commercial- street, Aberdare, Photographic Artist; and David Hughes, Tydraw, Aberdare, Gentle. man. Mr. David Hughes is already a mem- ber of the Glamorgan County Council and the Mcrthyr Board of Guardians. Mr. R. L. Berry fought for a seat on the Council in Aprillast against Councillor L. N. Williams.

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