The Aberdare Leader

ABERDARE DISTRICT COUNCIL, Monday. Present: Messrs. llltyd Hop- kins, T. W. Williams, William Rees, J.P., E. Stonelake, E. O. Williams, Idwal Thomas, T. \V. G1 ritiitlis, J. Lloyd, J. Martin, G. D. Powell, John Evans, E. Jones vB.), E. Jones (C.), W. Lawrence, D. Davies, J. Griffiths, and I,. N. Wil- liams, J.P. G.P.O. MESSENGERS AND CHEAP FARES. A minute in the report of the tram- ways committee dealt with an applica- tion received from the Postmaster that girl messengers whilst on duty in the employ of the Post-office should be granted the same facilities as school chil- dren in regard to cheap fares on the tram cars. The committee recommended the confirmation of an arrangement made by the clerk and engineer granting these facilities. Mr. T. Walter Williams, in moving the adoption of the minutes with the excep- tion of this particular item, which should he deleted, said that an, important mat- ter of principle was involved, and a ques- tion of precedent. If this concession was granted then it would be very difficult to exclude other large classes of the public from the same position, and within the next three months they would be cer- tain to have other applications. The cars were alfeady overcrowded, so much so that it was not safe. They really re- quired more rolling stock, but could not have it during the war. Mr. W. Rees seconded the motion. Mr. E. O. Williams said that if it were only a question of a temporary arrange- ment because boy messenger/ could not be got he would not mind agreeing to it for the term of the war. Mr. T. Walter Williams said that the Government now extracted 5s, the full tax, o. their tram profits. It was carried to delete the minute. ALLOTMENTS AND COMPULSORY POWERS. The report of'the allotments committee dealt with applicationns to several local landowners for land for the purpose of allotments. Mr. G. Powell, chairman of the com- mittee. reported with regard to the Ynys Meadow, that he had met Mr. A. P. Jones at Cardiff, and that gentleman had intimated his readiness in conforming with the express wishes of Lord Bute to meet them in every way possible in the matter, and it looked quite likely that five acres of land adjoining the recrea- tion ground would be available. Mr T. Walter Williams suggested that it might be desirable to put compulsory powers into operation in these cases in case negotiations carried them forward late into the season. Mr. Powell said h. did not agree with using threats of compulsion except in the case of unwilling landlords. They knew who these were and it did not apply in the present instance.. Mr. Stonelake said that if they could get land for this year without compul- sory powers, so much the better. SLr)lP IN POTATOES ORDER. Mr. David Davies inquired what quan- tities of seed potatoes had been ordered by the council. The Clerk said that an invoice had been received for 22 tons. Last year the council ordered 30 toil*. Mr. George Powell explained that the difference meant that allotment holders had banded themselves into associations and were ordering on their own very largely this year. Mr. David Davies said that some diffi- culty had been experienced in regard to supplies in some parts of the district. Mr. Powell said that they should be informed of any such instances. It was further explained that last year there were under the council 600 allot- ment holders and this year there would be a substantial increase on that number. Mr. Powell said that on the council's land at: Cwmaman 42 plots had been pegged out already while there were 48 at Treeynon. Mr. William Rees What are the prospects at Tonll wyd Mr. Powell: It looks as if compul- sory powers will have to be put into operation there. The Chairman: There is another piece of land below Brynmair. The report was agreed to. CONFERENCE OF AUTHORITIES A report was presented with re- gard to a conference of representa- tives of local authorities held in Car- diff on 31 ultimo with reference to applications made by municipal em- ployees for an increased war bonus. The report stated that a proposal was considered for the formation of a Conciliation Board, and that it was resolved to proceed with the form- ation of a provisional committee. Councillor George Powell, as one who attended, submitted the report, • and remarked that very few of the members who were present from other authorities were armed with plenary powers to form a Concili- ation Board. There was a very strong and general feeling that united action should be taken with reference to wages, and that some basis for a uniform rate should be fixed. The discussion was of a very scattered description, and quite a number seemed to be simply anx- ious for information as to what the position was. It transpired that. as compared with their own position (which was that they had granted 15s. on the pre-war rate), some of the neighbouring authorities, like Merthyr, had onlv given 12s., and that the application in their case was for 4s., bringing them up to 16s., whereas the application here was for a sum of 5s., bringing the men up to £ 1. It was true that three Councils were paying £ 1. It was ultimately agreed by the conference that a pro- ▼ isioaal "committee should lie formed to draft a scheme to be submitted to a,future meeting, The discussion was generally disappointing, and p 1 really the business was only done to- wards the close. Mr. Stonelake, who also attended the conference, confirmed the im- pression of disappointment. He said that he thought Aberdare had really shone at the conference-, and that Newport had struck out on their own. They dealt with the men according to their craft unions. A Member: That means that they do not recognise the Municipal Em- ployees' Association at all?—Yes. Mr. E. Ogwen Williams reminded the Council that they had voted from time to time against the principle of a Wages Board. He thought a Con- cilation Board was in the right direc- tion. Councillors Powell and Stonelake were re-appointed as two representa- tive to attend the next meeting. The Clerk That means that this application stands over? Mr. Stonelake: I don't know. Mr. Powell pointed out that, like Cardiff, for instance, they could submit the matter to arbitration. He favoured the granting of Is. on the present rate pending arbitra- tion and he moved to that effect. Mr. Idwal Thomas moved an amendment that the matter stand over until after the next meeting of the conference. Mr. Powell said that he would readily withdraw if that were the feeling. Mr. Stonelake stated that they would have the benefit of additional information. Mr. Wm. Rees seconded Mr. Id wal Thomas, whose motion was car- ried by 9 votes to 8. ECONOMISING TIME. Mr. Stonelake brought forward a motion that the Council, in the inter- est of economy of time, consider the advisability of merging all commit- tees for the period of the war into one and that they meet on one after- noon per month. In doing this he said he was representing the view of other members. At present they were engaged in one committee or another every night during the month. Mr. Wm. Rees: During the year, you mean! Mr. Stonelake added that the local Tribunal was now merely child's play compared, for instance, with the Food Control Committee. They were more hard-worked than mem- bers of Parliament, for one member there, out of 670, could get away into a snuggery without being missed. Mr. Geo. Powell: And they are paid £ 400 a year, and we do our public work for nothing. Mr. T. Walter Williams seconded the motion. f The Clerk asked that the Allot- ments Committee, who would be called upon very often until April, should be excluded. Mr. David Davies said that the committees now took about 3 hours, and that would mean they would be sitting up uftil 12 o'clock. Mr. Lawrence said that the resolu- tion was going to inflict hardship on some of the Labour Members, hav- ing regard to the difficulty of coming out of the mine.. They were not al- lowed now, by the New Mines Bill, to leave the workings while machin- ery were in motion, and they would be completely debarred from attend- ing to a good deal of the work of the Council. Mr. En-Ill Jones said that that ap-. plied to checkweighers, who could not leave until substitutes came from the mine. Mr. Wm. Rees moved that the matter be adjourned in order that those affected in that way could try to find a way out of the difficulty. Mr. Idwal Thomas seconded, and it was agreed that the motion should stand over until the Labour Mem- bers could go into the matter. CONFERENCE ON HOUSING. The Council considered an invita- tion to send representatives to a housing conference to be held at Newport.—It was decided to appoint the Chairman and Mr. Stonelake to attend on behalf of the Council. CENSORSHIP OF FILMS. A letter was received from Mr. T. Botting (Director of Education), stating that a sub-committee had met to consider the question of the censorship of, films in consulation with Superintendent Rees, and it was decided that Supt. Rees and Mr Botting should be appointed as cen- sors of films for the district.—The re- port was accepted.

Trams and the Snow. At the Tramways Committee the Engineer reported that they were just able to keep the traffic going during the last storm, and suggested that another snow plough be obtain- ed before next winter. Several of the members commented upon the splendid way in which the tramway service had been run during the storms, and it was resolved that the committee's appreciation of the ser- vices of those concerned be recorded. —Resolved that the Engineer be authorised to obtain, another snow plough. The Engineer reported that he was afraid, owing to the scarcity of labour, the difficulty in obtaining material, and the bad condition of the roads on the Cwmaman Route, that it would not be possible to keep more thou three buses out of the six running regularly. Resolved that the Surveyor's attention be called to this noad and that it be an'instruc- tion to him to effect as much repair as possible. The Engineer reported that the Rhondda Company had practically new Brush Trackless Buses fitted with a standard tramway motor, and suggested that it may be worth while to purchase or hire one or more of these Buses to cop vert to the Coun- cil's overhead system. Resolved that the chairman or this committee, and the Engineer, be authorised to examine these buses and report further thereon.

Hitch at the Cemetery. The following appeared in the re- port of the Health and Cemetery Coi-i-iniittee The Clerk reported that when a funeral arrived at the Cemetery on Saturday, the 26th ult., a grave had not been prepared. The Sexton stated that he had not received the instruction for opening the grave from the Burial Office. Tile-Clerk stated that the burial notice had been posted and must .have been mislaid at the Post Office.—Resolved that the Clerk be authorised to ex- press to the family the committee's deep regret for the occurrence.

Food Control Committee. A deputation representing the re- sidents of Hirwain appeared before the committee with reference to the closing of a butcher shop at Hirwain. The deputation requested that such shop now closed be re-opened, and pressed for further supplies of meat. —Resolved that the request to re- open the shop be not acceded to. but that every effort be made to increase supplies for Hirwain. The Clerk was authorised to re- commend to the Cwmbach Co-oper- ative Society and the Aberdare Co- operative Society that they join the Butchers' Association. The Chairman, Councillor G. D. Powell, and the Executive Officer, reported upon the profitable dis- -cussion with the Live Stock Com- missioner for Wales. The Com- missioner had promised to report to the Ministry with a view to amend- ing matters, and thereby increasing the supply of home-killed meat to SQuih Wales. A deputation of the Butchers' Association attended and requested an increase in the maximum price fixed for pork.—Resolved that the maximum price fixed bv this com- mittee heretofore, be increased by 2d. per pound. > The Clerk reported having re- ceived various complaint* that mem- bers of the Co-operative Societies who had deposited their sugar cards with other traders were not receiv- ing supplies of controlled goods from the Societies. Resolved that the Co-operative Society be requested to supply these members with commodi- ties (other than sugar), and that the Secretary of the Society he request- ed to notify the respective traders of the quantities' of the commodities so supplied. Reports of five Food Committee meetings appeared, some of the meetings lasting till 10.30 p.m.

ABERCYNON POLICE COURT. On Thursday, before Mr. R. A. Griffith, the Stipendiay; Messrs. W. Fenwick and Bruce Jones. DRUNK AND DISORDERLY. David John Hatton, in Main Road, Matthewstown, 12s.; Geo. Thomp- son, in Main Road, Matthewstown, 12s. INDECENT LANGUAGE. Frank Bowen, Main lioud, Matthews- town, for the above offence, was fined 12s. or seven days. it was P.C. Diniwiddie'es duty to collect a fine previously imposed on defendant in respect of his income-tax. Defend- ant invited the officer to "Come by the colliery office and 1 will pay you." The officer accepted the in- vitation, but was treated to some expletives, a sample of which he now handed up /to the Bench.— Fined 12s. or seven davs. AN UNCONTROLLED DOG.- Harrv Drew, of Matthewstown, told P.C. Diniwiddie that lie had given his dog to Billie Bwtch, of W all Street. When the officer called on Billy he denied it. For leaving the dog uncontrolled Drew was fined 10s. or seven davs. STRAYING DOG.— John James Rosser, Ynysybwl, was fined 5s. for allowing his dog to stray.—P.C. Chugg proved. ALLEGED COAL STEALING. — William Baker and William Cannings, Matthewstown, were sum- moned for stealing coal from the Pentwyn Level, the property of David Richard Jones.—Cannings did not appear.—P.C. Diniwiddie spoke to keeping watch, and seeing Baker pick coal up.—Baker denied being there, and told the Bench he could bring a witness to prove it.- The case was adjourned for 14 days. ,J

TRECYNON AND LLWYDCOEIJ NOTES. BY MARCELLO. "No bitters and no butter!" is the bitter lament of poor Bunkum. Cheer up, old chap, better days are coming. Remember what Solomon 'd said—and lie was no mug—"Sweet are the uses of adversity," and "Do not despise the day of small beer." Playing to the gallery is not com- includable, but playing in the gallery on a Sunday night is atrocious. Ye: youngsters who sit in the seat or the scornful, beware! Dean Swift told the tale of a tub. Marcello could tell the tale « f a cask if Bunkum would permit him. The Llwydcoed Bolsheviks have declared war on all and sundry and the once peaceful village is now in a state of siege. Mrs. M— talks of going out of town 'for the duration.' The 'lady of the lamp' is getting well known in Treeynon and even Ü; Robertstown, where the rays of her flashlight have penetrated the gloom. of the moonless nights. Once upon a time Aesop was seen carrying a candle through the streets of Athens. He said he was looking for a man. Is she on a similar errand P Man alive! More material for a romance. The scene this time is the vicinity of the Hospital. Some of these nurses are now getting the time and oppor- tunities of their lives. I will say no more now. Mayhap the wild bells will ring out the remainder of the s oi shortly9 Marcello is preparing some confetti and drafting his letter of Congrats.

Vale of Neath News. CLYN NEATH. KAY'S Linseed Compound (Ani- seed, Senega, Squill, Tolu, etc.), for Coughs and Colds. LET JAY supply you on their easy payment system. THE BIBLE SOCIETY. On Thursday evening, at the Church Hall. a meeting was held, when the Rev. Crwys Williams addressed a large audience. The Rev. J. LI. Thomas, Vicar of Aberpergwm, presided. MISSIONARY MEET NIG. On Sunday the English Wesleyan Chapel held their annual missionary meet- ings, when the Rev. R. E. Roberts, B.D., of Neath, officiated morning and evening. Special hymns were sung. Miss Hoskins and Miss Lunn were the organists. SOLDIER WELCOMED. On Saturday evening, at the Butcher's Arms, Pontwalby, Driver Gwilym Jenkins was given a hearty reception. Mr. W. H. Curtis presided, while Mr. R. Roberts and Mr. Rees Havard were the accompanists. Songs, by Messrs. D. Jones, M. R. Havard, Henry Baskett, J. Creswell, William Cor- nelius, E. Burrell, D. Jones, and Ralph Roberts. Addresses by Mr. G. Glover Davies and H. Wiggs. The chairman presented Driver Jenkins with a cheque. WELCOME HOME. On Thurs- day evening, at Mr. J. Ham's Tem- perance Rooms, Lamb and Flag, a concert was given to welcome Private F. Watts and Private E. Evans. The chair was taken by Air. Tom Boyn- ham, and the following artistes took part: -Selections by members of the Glyn Neath Silver Band. Solos, Mr. G: Davies, Miss Mann, Mr. E. Ed- wards, Mr. Iestyn Jones, Miss Beatrice Vovce, Mr. F. Sandry, Miss Thomas, Mr. Ed. Morgan, Mr. Fred Billing, Mr. William Howells, and Miss Evans. Miss Jennie Howells gave a pianoforte solo. The chair- man handed both men a present each on behalf of friends and neigh- bours. Mr. W. E. Shaw was the secre- tary, and Mr. Llew Evans was the accompanist. FANCIERS' ASSOCIATION. — Under the auspices of the Glyn Neath Fanciers' Association, a local members' show was held in the Lamb and Flag on Monday week. The successful exhibitors were: Class 1, D. B. Chesterfield. Class '2: 1st. Havod; 2nd, Jones. Class 3: 1, F. J, Eynon; 2, M. Phipps. Class 4: 1, R. S. Jones; 2, P. Jones; 3, J. Chester. Class 5: 1, D. B. Chesterfield: 2, W. Richards; 3, R. S. Jones. Class 6: 1, Trevor Davies; 2, Stanley Crane; 3, F. J. Eynon. Class 7: 1, Stanley Crane; 2, T. Chester; 3, D. Howells. Class 8: 1, F. J. Eynon; 2, St. Crane; 3. Llew Williams. The silver cup, given by Mr. Ben Harries, jeweller, was won by F. J. Eynon, D. B. [Chesterfield losing by five points. Jack Thomas, late of Merthyr, was the judge, whose awards gave the ut- most satisfaction. The hon. secre- tary- was D. B. Chesterfield. RECEPTION. On Wednesday evening an excellent concert was given as a welcome htme to Gunner Gwilym Jenkins at Bethel Chapel. Gunner Jenkins has seen. 32 months' service, and is now enjoying his second leave from France. He was a 'member of the Glyn Neath Silver Band' for many years. The chair was taken by Mr. William Morgan, deacon, and the following took part: —Misses May Davies, Florrie Jones, M. A. Hopkins, Thomas Thomas, Stanley Thomas, Miss M. A. Wil- liams, Madam B. Morris, Rosina J ones and Ted Evans. Topical verses by Mr. Jenkin Jenkins. Gunner Jenkins was presented on behalf of the church by the chair- man. Miss Olwen Morris, A.L.C.M., and Mr. D. Parry Williams were the accompanists. Mr. J. Jenkins was the secretary. SACRED CONCERT. On Sun- day evening, at the Church Hall, a sacred concert was given to Driver David Godsell, who has come home from the front for a few days. Mr. Charles Purchase presided. Miss Ada Lewis (Llinos Nedd), Miss Bessie Da vies. Misses Rosina Jones, Elsie Hutchinson, Rachel H. Lloyd, Olga Thomas, Messrs. Tom Cynon, Ted Evans, Willie Morgan, David Rees, Gomer Wrilliams, David Harries, Thomas A. Cole gave items. The Rev. J. LI. Thomas, M.A., delivered an address, and referred to Driver Godsell as a member of the Church and Sunday School. Miss Davies, Council School, Cwmgwrach, pre- sented the hero with a suitable gift on behalf of friends and Sunday School members. Miss Olwen Morris, A.L.C.M., Mr. W. R. Thor- burn, Miss Mary Hutchiiasoip, Mr. D. Parry Williams and Mr. J. Rees were the accompanists.

CWMGWRACH. LET JAY supply you on their easy payment system. RECEPTION. On Saturday even- ing, at the Colliers' Arms, a welcome home concert was given to Driver D. Godsell, R.F.A. Mr. Tom Voyce pre- sided, while Mr. Ted James was the accompanist. Songs were rendered by Messrs. Richard Leach, J. Morris, H. Hart, David Leach, J. Giddings, Ted James, G. Jones. Driver Godsell was presented with a cheque. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Harrv God- sell.

LOCAL RATIONING SCHEMES. The Aberdare Food Control Com- mittee are issuing registration forms with the view of putting into oper- ation a rationing scheme, which is to apply tojbutter, margarine and tea. The Mountain Ash Committee are also setting up a similar achewe, to apply to butter, margarine, tea, cheese and jam. :< "4H

Your Second Order, Please. It is perhaps very premature of me to think about your second order before I obtain your first, but I wish to impress upon you that whilst I am serving you with a set of teeth, my mind is concentrated upon the members of your family, and to get their orders I must please your hpnour first. Let the First theq BE NOW. And I am certain of the family's. YOU can relv upon receiving Sound Advice about your Toeth. YOU can have your Decayed Teeth or Stumps Extracted absolutely without any pain or danger for II YOU can be fitted with a Beautifully Finished Case of Teeth just like Nature's. YOU con arrange to pay for them by Weekly Instlment. YOU can rely upon getting High Class work and every satisfaction. YOU can have that badly-fitted case re-made to fit you. YOU can have your broken cases repaired or New Teeth added. Cold Teeth, from £ 1 1s. to 93 3s. Complete Upper or Lower, from je2 2s. to £ 10. Those Decayed Teeth of Yours Ache most at the most inconvenient times. They detract from your personal appearance, and what is of more impor- tance your health is suffering in consequence of them not doing their proper amount of work. Your obedient Servant, J. HANBURY, 2 Cardiff Street, Aberdare. SURGERY HOURS: Daily, 9 a.m. to # p.m. PIANOS! PIANOS!! <t; MINK& PIANOS! I ABSOLUTELY 4 One of the Largest Stocks in Wales to select fronl, At Prices 20 per cent. CHEAPER THAN ANY OTHER FIRM. INSPECTION INVITED. We pay the highest possible Cash Prices for Secondhand Pianos, any make. VICTOR FREED, 57 & 59 Oxford St., Mountain Ash.

"MESSIAH" AT TRECYNON. On Wednesday and- Thursday evenings last two fine performances were given of Handel's "Messiah" at ixeolyfelm Chapel by the Heolyfelin Choral Society under the conductor- ship of Mr. J. J. Phillips, A.C. The. artistes were: Soprano, Madam Jennie Ellis, Swansea; contralto, Miss Megan Davies, Aberdare; tenor, Mr. David Harry, R.A.M., London; bass, Mr. Gwilym Jones, Ystalvfera. The choir were assisted by an orchestra under the leadership of Mr. Gomer Jones, R.C.M. The accompanists were: Piano, Miss L. Matthews, A.L.C.M.; organ, Mr. lorn James. Mr. Charles Kenshole, w j ,0T^ e, was chairman on Wednesday evening, and on Thursday evening Mrs. (Dr.) Banks presided. 4 ier JH;oeeeds were in aid of the- Y.M.C.A. The following acted as officers: Manager, Mr. Gwilvim Rees. Chairman of Committee, Mr. Ben Scourfield. Vice-chairman, Mr. William Davies. Treasurers, Messrs. Evan Evans and David Davies. Secretaries, Messrs. Thomas John and Richard Evans. There were large audiences, and on the second ^ening Mr. Haddon Jones, of the Y.M.C.A., addressed the assembly.