Llais Llafur

YSTALYFERA NOTES. ,I Mr. J. T. Owen, Compton House, has this week received an interesting letter from his brother, C. S. Owen, who is a farrier with a Divisional Sig- ing his experiences theire. In view ing his experiences in Egypt. In view of the number of Valley bOfs eut East his letter will undoubtedly be read with interest. In the course of the letter he writes as follows from near the line: "1 left the base last week, and arrived here last Sunday niorn- ing. It was an unpleasant journey and we had to travel a couple of hundred miles across the desert in trucks, so packed up that we could not have a decent sit down, but it was certain- ly better than tramping it like the fellows that have fought and driven the Turks before them did. I got out of the train at 2 o'clock in the morn- ing, and found myself alone, being the only one going to join this company. I had not the least idea which way to go, so I made my bed and slept on the station. Just as I was dozing off, however, I heard someone calling, and found a man with a horse to meet me." Farrier Owen says practically all his mates are Welshmen, and there is nothing to be seen but sand. Things are quiet on the front, but it is the calm before a storm, and although the fighting is not continuous, it is very severe while it lasts. The aircraft is also very active. Writing to his parents at Craigy- merched, Stoker J. J. Gape, who is on H.M.S. Tiger, states that A.B. Tom Williams, of the same ship, and who previous to joining the Navy, stayed with Mrs. Langdon at Peny- wern-road, had met with an accident, and had undergone an operation which happily, had proved successful, and he is progressing favourably. Williams is a native of Glais. Seaman-Gunner Tom Hughes, of Henfelin, Gurnos, who has been at home enjoying a long leave, left on Monday to rejoin his ship. A general meeting of the Tawe and District Angling Association will be held at the Yniscedwyn Arms on Monday, October 22nd, at 7.30. All members are earnestly requested to attend. -1020. On Monday a very successful recep- tion concert was held at the Coliseum on the occasion of the visit home of Corpl. T. G. Samuel, who was wound- ed in the Ypres push on August 1st. Corpl. Samuel was recently discharged from a London hospital and returns to the front soon. The hall was packed with a very enthusiastic audience. The Ystalyfera Town Band quartette opened the concert with a fine selec- tion, under the oonductorship of Mr. Paul Evans. Other artistes who took part were Mr. E. Teiorydd Nicholas (the veteran tenor vocalist), Mr. Jack Walters, Ystradgynlais; Mr. William Walters, Penrhos; Mr. Johnny Grif- fiths, Godre'rgraig; Mr. Llew. Bowen, Ystalyfera Mr. eGo. E. Davies (come- dian), Ystalyfera. Mr. Evan L. Wil- liams, Ystalyfera, gave selection on the euphonium. The Rev. J. Thomas, Gur- nos, acted as chairman, and Councillor D. W. Davies presented Corpl. Samuel with a sum of money on behalf of the soldiers' reception committee. Corpl. Samuel acted as accompanist. One of the gallant corporal's musical eomposi- tions has bc-en sung in London with great success. The concert was organ- ised by Mr. Evan Williams, secretary of the Ystalyfera Town Band, and he is to be congratulated on the great success. Attention is called to the sale of live stock, implements, etc., at the New Swan Hotel Yard on Thursday next (particulars of which will be found in another column). The item which will perhaps attract the greatest interest in view of the scarcity of bacon is the herd of store pigs. Pig- rearing, which used to be practiced by almost every house-holder in years gone by, had practically oeased in the district until recently, but now in spite of the enormous increase in the price of store pigs, a very large number of people arc taking up the old hobby. In view of this demand it is stated that Mr. D. M. Evans, of the New Swan, proposes holding a periodical sale at the Swan Yard, at which store pigs will be the chief—but not the only attraction. The mortal remains of Mr. Bowen Rowlands, Tircoed, Glanamman (and late electrician at the Cambrian Mer- cantile Colliery, Ystalyfera), were con- veyed to their last resting place at Christ Church Cemetery on Monday afternoon. The deceased, who was only 31 years of age, succumbed after only a brief illness. He leaves a widow and two young children. At the funeral the Vicar, Rev. Hubert Williams (St. Margaret's Church, Glanamman), Rev t D. S. Williams (Tairgwaith) (cousins of deceased) and Rev. J. Thomas (Bethesda, Glanamman) officiated. We regret to announce that official news ha's been received from the War Office of the death in actfion of Lance- Cocporal Bertie Lloyd, M.G.C., on Sept. 20th, in the 'big advance that took placA that day in the Ypres sec- tor. Deceased ho enlited in Nov. 1915, and had been in France since May of last year, was engaged at the j office of "The Labour Voice," and had lived as an apprentice (coming from Muller's Orphanage in Bristol) with Mr and Mrs. D. J. Rees, at Glanyranen, for the previous six years. He was a quiet, thoughtful and industrious lad and when war broke out expressed his determination to join the aimy as soon as he was did enough. Ho was a rnember of the English Congregational Church, and his death is very deeply mcmm?d by Ms friends and acquaint- m-rn,ed by "-friends -and acquaint- In announcing the departure, in our last issue, of local young men to com- mence thedr college course, an error was unwittingly made. It should have been stated that Master Haydn Evans eon of Mr and Mrs. Evan J. Evans; Alltygrug road, left for Cardiff' Uni- versity, where, like Master D. T. Lboyd, son of Mr and Mrs. Win. Lloyd, lie will commence studying for the medical profession. On the Sunday previous, Master Evans was presented bv the Sunday School class at Zoar, of which he was waa a member, with a handsomely, bound Bible, as a token of regard and good wishes. The pre- sentation on behalf of the class was made by their teacher, Councillor Dan Daniels. Master Aneurin Bodyoombo, of Pont- ardawe, in-other of the brilliant youno- pupils of the Ystalyfera County School, left last week to take up the scholarships in mait'ic at ( ard:i! Let- versity which, as aanoiraced in columns it few mouths ago, he had won. | ♦Still another pupil, M:t;?r iv.vart { Thomas, flf Ciyduch, leit lo u:, I'll a i scholarusat.p at tha SwiUibta 'i tvh: ica.1 College. The programme for the annual sing- ing festival to be held under the aus- pices of the combined congregational; churches of Ystalyfera at Pantteg on Easter Monday next, has now been issued, and is one of the best yet arranged by the committee of the cymanfa. Every effort is being made to make the event a success, and prac- tices and rehearsals are to be held with greater frequency. A rule lias also been inserted in the program that no persons except those holding a tic- ket of attendance will be admitted to the gallery on the day of the festival. Many popular now hymns have been l selected, and the "Dethoiiad y Canied- ydd" will be used in conjunction with the program. The anthem and chorus- cs include Mendelssohn's "Be not afraid," "Dyn a aned o wraig" (D. Christmas Williams), and "Arglwydd par i mi wybod fy niwedd," by W. D. Thomas, G.T.S.C., Ystalyfera. "Maesgwyn," "Rhondda," "Cymod" and "Lief" will undoubtedly prove popular hymns. In the children's sec- tion "Arglwydd ein Hior, ymwel, ym- wel," has been selected as an anthem, and an interesting catechism for the children has been written by the Rev. Ben Davies, Pantteg. The committee have published the programme at the low figure of 2d. per copy, and it is to be hoped that all, to prevent finan- I cial loss, will avail themselves of the first opportunity to purchase the hymn books. Rehearsals will be held at Pant- teg on Sunday of next week. On Tuesday evening a lecture was delivered by Rav. Samuel Wil- liams (Landore) on "Caleb Morris," under the auspices of the Gurnos De- bating Society. Mr. Williams gave a delightful lecture, which was greatly enjoyed by the largo audience. On the proposition of Mr. D. R. Williams, I M.E., seconded by Mr. J. Williams, Ty Gwvn, a vote of thanks was passed. Mr. Alfred Williams presided. On Tuesday, at Wesley Chapel, Neath, the marriage took place of Mr George T. Roberts, assistant manager at the London City and Midland Bank, Ystalyfera, a.nd fourth son of the Rev. J Roberts, Wesleyan minister Bargoed, to Mis-s Kathleen Thomas, only daughter of Mr and Mrs. William Thpmas, Central Stores, Ystalyfera. The officiating minister was the Rev. R. E. Rsoberts, brother of the bride- groom. The wedding was a very quiet one, only the parents amd immediate friends of the family being present. After the ceremony, the bridal couple left for Torquay, where the honeymoon is being spent. Mr and Mrs. ROberts wiPl take up their residence at Bank Buildings, Ystradgynlais. At the weekly meeting of "Y Ddraig Goch" Society on Wednesday, an in- toresting and thoughtful paper on "Service" was read by Miss Lizzie Thomas, teacher at the Wern Girls' School, while Mr. James Williams, Wern House, read an instructive paper on "Old Age." Both papers called forth warm eulogies from a number of members. The chair was taken bv Mr. John Morgan, B.Sc. On Tuesday evening the winter ses- sion of the Wern Chapel Young People's Society was opened by a lecture on the unusual subject: "Rheigl y Garreg Dreigl" (The Track of a Rolling Stone) by the Rev. J. P. Gough, Plasmarl. There was a large and interested audience and the lec- ture was thoroughly enjoyed. Mr. Gough was a sailor prior to entering the ministry and his experien- ces, some of which were most amusing, were laid in various parts of the world. On Thursday thanksgiving services were held at Jerusalem and Pantteg Chapels. There were no special preach- ers at either place of worship. There is very reliable authority for stating that Glantwrcli, the residence of Mr. Ernest Bent-hall, who, as al- ready announced in the.-A- columns, proposes removing to Torquay at an early date, has been acquired by a i well-known local colliery proprietor and county councillor. Anniversary 3erviocs were held at the English Ceng. Church on Sunday last, when the special preacher was the Rev. R. J. Willoughby, Swansea. The afternoon service was entirely musical, the well-known Ystalyfera Choir, under the leadership of Mr. Jack James, taking the chief part. Several choruses and anthems were rendered in an able and impressive manner, and solos were very effec- tively rendered by Miss Anetta Davies Master Elwyn Parry, Mrs. Parry, ?ir R. Willian Miss M Williams, and Mr R. Williams. At the evening service a solo was well rendered by Mr. Luther Evans, the local tenor vocalist. Second-lieutcnant J. A fan Jones, B.A., ef the Welsh Regiment, is at Ystalyfera on a short furlough from the front, and stays at Vine Stores. Lieut. Jones, who has seen heavy fighting, is in charge of 40 men. none of whom have yet been injured nor killed. He has now been in France for several months, and returns next week with the best wishes of his many Y stal- yfera friend^. He pays a high tribute to the spirit of comradeship prevailing between all ranks at the front. The Rev. J. Edryd Jones, Glanam- man, preached powerful sermons at Wern Chapel on Sunday aond Monday evening on the occasion of the anni- versary services. His sermons were much appreciated by the large congre- gation. PtR- Jack Hughe*, of the Royal Field Artillery, whose home is at Alltygrug, has been home on short leave. He ;s the son of Mr. and Mrs. Evan Hughes. He is stationed at Bedford. Lance-eorpl. Jas. Wood, whose home is at Darren-road, has been wounded in the knee in action." He has been at the front for six months. As announced 'in ti recent issue, the Cambrian Mercantile Colliery hns been re-opened by a now company, promot- ed by Mr. E. J. Smith, and the man- agement has been entrusted to Mr. John Evans, late manager of the New Pwllbaeh Colliery. The death took place on Sunday last after but a short illness, of Mrs. Mary Raber, Canal terrace, wife of Sergt. Jack Baber, who has been with the S.W.B. in India since the Battalion left this country nearly three years ago. Th" burial took place on Thurs- day aternoon, at Holy Trinity Church, the Rev. J. Secundum Jones, Vicar, officiating. The sad circumstances of the case have called forth the deepest sympathy with the three little child- ren left motherless and with the hus- band in Ind'ia. A number of very beautiful wreaths were sent bv the fol- lowing:—- Father, Sister and Brother, Gladys, Lizzie, Friends, etc. The chief mourners were:—Mr John Sebine (father); Mr J Baber (father- in-law) Lizzie, Kathleen, and En;d. (children); Mr and Mrs. F. Thomas (sister a.nd brother-in-law) Mr and Mrs. W. Sehiiie (rother and sister-in- )?l I I in- law) Mrs. Gladys Baber (sister-inlaw); and others. Lieut. D. J. Williams, son of Mr and Mrs. Ja. "rilFams. NVern House, M rep(yr'?M to be in ludiq, Ftiffet-- i ng. from an attack of ma laria. Limit. ;!i- of ina l a. -ia.. 1,;mit. ?VDHam s i> with B reck nocks, and joned up ea'rly in the war. The death to-ol, place early in the week at Sheffield of Mr. Rees John Richards, formerly of Bailor1 s-row, Godrc'rgraig. Dce;l.S('d, who was only 30 years of age. loaves a wife and one child. He only went to Sheffield three weeks ago to work, but con- tracted a cold, which afterwards de- veloped into double pneumonia. The remains were convoyed home on Thurs- day for burial. Master Levy Hopkin, tke young violinist at the Coliseum, won the first prize in the instrumental solo competition at the Ystradgynlais com- petitive concert on Saturday. This week at the Coliseu;t one of the finest pictures depicting circus I life is being shown. It is produced by the master Italian producer, Armando \ray, whose named is synonomous with the best Italian productions. The film is called "The Circus Dancer," and is screened in 5 parts. Next week the great serial "The Scarlet Runner" will commence.

? 6 ?? < S C? tT t B COLISEUM Bw* This Week: I A CIRCUS, DANCER Next Week: Episode 1 of I The, Scarlet I Runner. I Something New in Serials. I A SPECIAL SHOW OF Men's, Youths' & Boys' Overcoats IN the Latest & Smartest Styles A NEW RANGE of Fancy Scarfs in all the New Colours. ——— SEE WINDOWS. __— H. J, Powell Wern, Ystalyfera,

I BfiYNABiAli. Pte. Emrys Davies, who is attached j to the R.A.M.C., and whose home is II at Kanouna Yiila, Bryn.;mman, was formally presented with tho Military I Medal at Blackpool last week. He has. been on furlougii at Brynamman sine" receiving the coveted distinction. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. liiomas Davies, and has been with the colours for over two years. I It is to be hoped that tho Pontar- I dawo Council will seriously consider the question of improved lighting for i Lower Brynamman, Gwauncaegiirwen, and Cwmgorso. The light used is, of j course, electric, and all the lamps icould be simultaneously switched out j in the event of a raid. The Council i seems, however, t.) be regarding the question from a financial point of view, but in view of l:n Let tk,t the j lamps are illuminated at i-pper Bryn- amman, this is felt by the people of the lower district to be bvth false- i economy and an injustice. At present j there is not a single, lamp in the dis- trict, but in other parts of the Pont- ardawe area lamps are allowed at dan- gerous places. It is to be hoped that local district councils will persist in their efforts to get an effective remedy Cwarter Bach and Manorabon are- in the throes of a great excitement; j nothing like the present wavo of j political fever has swept over these areas since the elections. The question of the appointment of a new county councillor instead of Mr. Gwilyrn. Vaughan, who has left the district, is the topic of conversation between all J and sundry, and a movement is on foot to call a publio meeting of ratepayer to consider the question. There is a strong opinion expressed that the mem- ber should be appointed from Upper Brynamman ou this occasion. Several names are mentioned, and it is to be hoped that the choice at the public- meeting will be a wise one. Still more- is it to be hoped that the meeting will be conducted on a friendly basis. t A distinct improvement has taken, place in the condition of the main road to Gwynfe since the steam tractor of the Silica Company has been done away with. It is to be hoped that the County Council will take the matter in hand at once, as some parts of the- road in question are said to be im- passable. Evening classes have lX-Cll started in the district, and are being well attend- ed. At one time it was feared that the mining class would lose the valuable services of Mr. Parry, surveyor to the- Cwmamman District Council, v. ho iE the instructor in mining and survey- ing. All difficulties have however, been overcome, and tlw classes will proceed as hitherto. Pte. Whitfield Morgan, who is with the A.S.C., is reported to be improv- ing in health at a Salonica hospital. The news was conveyed to Mrs. Mor- gan, Park-street, Brynamman, in a. letter from a chaplain at the hospital.. Pte. Morgan went out on foreign ser- vice in June. Further particulars hare been re- ceived regarding the allocation of the new supplementary grant to teachers in Carmarthenshire. 261 certificated teachers throughout the county will receive 917 10s. each; 220 uncertificat- ed teachers £ 10, and 183 supph nment- ary teachers £ 5 each. The grant ig only £ 7.238, whilst tho payment will -only E7.238, v, -Iii i st tlic, 1).I' vplpl-,t w i ?- I be ?7,682 10s. or £H4 10, in excess of the grant. In a brochure recently published by Hie Carmarthenshire 0ucation Committee, the administra- tion of the scheme is fnilv explained together with an explanationon the equivalent rate question.

-u CBYKANT Mr Thomas Williams, of AshgTove,- Crynant, near Neath, who died on July 1, left estate valued at £ 767 gross with net personalty £ 729. Probate of hi3 Will has he en granted to h:s widow. Mrs. Luev W-aHiams, and his nephew, Mr John Wtliams, of Duffryn Dulais, Crynaait, haulier in collieries.

I" Witt Short-Sighted Persons ff fej want to bring the book close to their eyes. It means that the object looked at does not focus on the retina, the focus comes in front—too soon—the eyeball is therefore too Ior, £ \VJ cannot change the eyeball, so we change the focus. We put a lens in front of the eye which throws the focus back to the proper position. Call upon us and learn more afcosi this important subject 01 defective visica. C. F. WALTERS F.S.M.C., QUALIFIED OPTICIAN, Oxford ?t, Swansea I (Near'y opposite .Vati.nal 8 Hfet x.1.  ..?