The Llanelly Mercury and South Wales Advertiser

BURRY PORT. Congratulations to Mr. Abel Thomas, M.P., upon his magnificent return to Parliament. —o— The traffic at the Docks has been brisk of late. Several large cargoes of coal have been given quick dispatch. On Friday morning another new locomotive arrived for the Burry Port and Gwendraeth Valley Railway Company from Messrs. Huds- well Clarke and Co., Leeds. This is the No. 10, and is similarly built to the No 3 (Pioneer). Another new locomotive for the railway com- pany goes to prove that the output in the Gwendraeth Valley is rapidly increasing. —o— Th&- question of street numbering has been under consideration for manv years, and the work is nearing completion. -0- Burry Walters and Co., The Up-to-date Grocers, for Christmas Fruit, etc. Currants, 3 £ d.; Raisins, 4.kl.; Sultanas, 6 £ d.; Pure Lard, 6 £ d.; Best Cheese, 7d.: Best Lemon Peel, 3d.; Cooking Eggs, 12 a Is.; all Sugars reduced. 9411 —o— We have to rF;IJ::n:i de:lth Mrs Thomas. Silver Terrace, which took place somewhat suddenly on Sunday. Wa tender our sym- sii(ider!l v on ? Liridf?-c. y 111 l,athy with t',te wi(io%?-ey i?i It has been decided bv the members of the Tabernacle Chapel Choir, under the conduc- torship of Mr. David John, to perform the cantata "City of Gold" on Tuesday, Jan. 10th. -f)- The Copperworks Schools have now been sold by the Carmarthenshire Education Com- mittee. and the Committee totally ignored the protest made hy the ratepayers. A strong feeling prevails, and the matter is a question of much comment throughout the district. The half-yearly services in connection with Bethany C.M. Chapel were held on Sunday and Monday evening, when the Rev. S. .,ffi(,iate(i. ITis 1-eac h Prydderch, Lampeter, oiffciated. His preach- ings were highly appreciated by large con- gregations. -0- Now ts the time for Spectacles. Can you read +hia without straining the eyes in some way? If you can't, you must have Spectacles. John Walters, Chemist, Optician, &c, opposite the Station, has a special room for testing the ayes. Watch the children how they read.

9 i KIDWELLY. The concert lit1 > here on Saturday evening, in aid of the Town Band, was only fairly attended. The .V i\7Tr (Mr. W. D..Tames) pre- sided. The arti&te-: were Miss Seli.ru1 Orum, j Miss Hilda Williams, and Mr. John Bowen, all of Burry Port. The accompanist was also a Burry Portian, Mr. D. R. Williams. The band, under the leadership, of Mr. Christmas, rendered several selections in splendid style. Miss Cassie Rowlands also contributed a piano- solo ,itll good effect. The framed photognph of Kidwelly Castle, presented, by. Mi-. James H. Dr\i s. and drawn for at the I concert, was won by Mr. T. Jenkins, Water Street, a member d the band. Mr. D. J. Hughes was an energetic honorary secretary. The General Election, as far as we are con- cerned, is once more a thing of the past. The Liberals held three public meetings here to the Conservatives' one. It seemed funny to notice that new men had charge of the local election this year, the o'd bands who have worked hard for years on both sides having b-op.rj,ousted by cliques. Henry Martin, a c aged man. who only came here a short time ago to reside with his daughter, Mrs. Styles, at Mynyddygarreg, died on Friday, and was interred on Tuesday at Kidwelly Churchyard Deceased was air old- age pensioner.

LLANGENNECH. We are glad to find Master Rhys Roberts, of Afon Road, scoring so often as a reciter in our local eisteddfodau: and our promising young soprano, Miss Winnie Freshwater, also. —o— Mr. Oliver Mathews, son of Mr. John Mathews, of Newport, who resided here many years ago, was buried on Tuesday afternoon at Salem. The deceased had been an invalid for the last twenty years. Much sympathy is felt for his aged father. -0- There is evidence of keen competitions in the coming eisteddfod at Salem, which is to take place on Monday, the 26th instant, and not on the 27th, as has been stated in the column for coming events.

FELINFOEL. The billiard tournament, which has been in progress at the Hall during the last fortnight, concluded on Monday night. The winners of the first second, and third prizes were Messrs David Rees, S. C. Ellis, and Dan Bassett, re- spectively.

DAFEN: Next Monday will mark another epoch in the industrial welfare of the .community, when the new nulls now completed at the Dafen Works will be sot in motion by Master Hugh John, son and heir of Mr. Llewelyn John, managing proprietor. Gelli House, Bryn, Llanelly. The have been equipped with modern appliances of the first rank, and it is j hoped that Dafenites will show their appre- ciation of the enterprise by bunting, decora- tions, etc. We are pleased to learn that Mr. David Wil- liams, roll-turner, is progressing favourably, the accident being not so serious as was at first anticipated. We wish hini a speedy re- covery. We chronicle the decease of Mr. David Da vies, New Rc-ad, D&fen, after a short illness, The interment took place at Dafen Church- yard, the Vicar officiating. We tender our sympathy to the relatives in their bereave- ment. -,0- The Dafen F.C. tried conclusions with the Wanderers F.C. on Saturday last, the former winning by a try to nil.

i LLWYNHENDY AND DISTRICT. A very popular tion took place on Tuesdav last, at the resi- dence of Mr. John E\. > Bt jdawel, Pember- ton, to his son. Mr. Edwin W. Evans. The latter was for over eight years the faithful and competent organist of St. David's Church, when, through a recent long, trying, and pain- ful illness, he was compelled to relinquish his services. A unanimous desire was expressed by one and all to make him a testimonial, to mark their sympathy and appreciation of the faithful and valuable services he has rendered the church. An energetic committee was formed, and, through their efforts and the in- strumentality of tout young ladies, a sub- stantial sum of o^t was subscribed by Edwin's numerous fun. Ex-sergt. Davies introduced the deputation into the bed-ridden and surprised recij .u presence, with a few well-chosen and suitable remarks. The popu- lar curate, the Rev. T. R. Davies, made the presentation, in conjunction with eulogistic remarks, on behalf of the committee, which took the form of a purse of gold. Messrs. T. Longhurst and William Thomas also spoke in high praise of Mr. Evans's services and ster- ling character. The recipient cheerfully, though touchingly, thanked the deputation for their kind and encouraging words and kindness. He also expressed the hope that he would soon be amongst them again. Mr. Edwin Evans wasl a most willing worker at the church, and all his labours were "labours of love." Everyone look forward to welcoming him back to his former place and position.

i OYSTERS. OYST3?RS.-Jonah Thomas. i

TUMBLE. The visit of the Excelsiors to the village on Saturday last was looked forward to with great interest, the Excelsiors having the dis- tinction of being one of the smartest com- binations in the town. The smallness of the score in no way indicates the trend of the game, the Excelsiors for more than three parts of the game being hard pressed by the home- sters. There are sufficient reasons for the smallness of the score-one try to nil. The ground was not only muddy, but treacherous. Nearly a dozen occasions can be recalled when the defence was completely beaten by the homesters, and, had the ball been dry, it is inconceivable that the score would not have been much more. The referee was Mr Edward Roberts, Welsh Union. —o— TrimsaTan Soccer Team were to visit the vil- lage on Saturday last, but for some reasons the match was abandoned. —o— The Llannon pleasure fair was held on Saturday last. It was well patronised by the young folks of both sexes from this village. The Co-operative Society, it is said, does not intend holding any more' meetings this side of Easter. The young lady ho recently lost her slipper has gone in for clogs. For defence or defiance nothing can compare with a reliable clog. The distribution of the Sunday paper in the village has been discontinued. -0- A grand competitive concert will be held in Bethel Baptist Chapel next Saturday evening. A tremendous lot of entries has been received for both, sections, and the event promises to turn out a great success. Rev. T. Phillips, Tylorstown, a renowned scholar and one of the greatest thinkers' iit, the Principality, will lecture at Tumble on New Year's Eve. Another treat in store for the villagers. It is said that one of the pulpits of the vil- lage has just been graced by a "brand new" politician. Where was he during the recent contest ? -0- Mr. Dan F. Griffiths, during one of his meetings in the village, said that if Dr. Wil- liams, the Labour candidate, was to scamper about the country in a motor car he would be more respected. Every time Trim has seen the doctor in the village, he was in a brand new car, and if he and Dan stayed more at- home they would also be more respected. -0- The Congregationalists of the district held their first rehearsal in Tabernacle, Cross Hands, last Sunday. In the absence of the conductor of the "gymanfa," which will be held next Easter, the baton was wielded by Mr John Mainwaring, Cross Hands, the young and talented son of the veteran conductor' Alaw Wyn. The singing was exceptionally good. -0- Tumble boys that are scattered all over the country will be only too pleased to hear that Mr. Evan Davies, the well-known young athlete, still retains his place in the Llanelly Football Team. We expect to see another Tumble lad inside a Scarlet jersey before long. He only wants half a chance. TRIM SHANDY.

LLANDEBIE. (By "Casual.") I am grieved by the loss of one of the noted natives of Llandebie, who has departed to the great beyond in his 78th year. He was a man who was very much respected, who was quiet and sincere always, and was one of the pioneers of the Wesleyan cause in the town. —o— Our venerable and respected schoolmaster is indisposed. May he soon be fit again. We respect Mr. Matthews very much, and we owe him a great deal for his readiness to do all he can at all times for everybody. -0- We are sorry that Pencae Colliery is on strike, to the great loss of this town; and many must be suffering. Six weeks of idleness are really more than. anyone can afford. May they soon settle their dispute. —0— I learn—or, to use the proper phrase, from information received I learn—that P.C. Wil- liams is in Tonypandy. -0- We really cannot follow the consequences of a strike, but one case has come very clearly under my notice of late. One loving mother here has worried herself so much because her son is a striker, that she has become seriously ill. -o- I was greatly disappointed a while ago. I saw on the hoardings an announcement that a lot of timber was for' sale, in the form of a couple of shacks; but the sale did not come off. This is the second or third- time this game has been played. It's very annoying. I have been investigating the great question of the day, i.e., infantile mortality. We are very free from anything of the kind in this town; but I do not like the tale that is going about lately. -0- The election passed off very quietly here on Friday. Certainly, there was some excitement, but, on the whole, it was very good. -0- Milo Chapel.—I learn that the Rev. Mr. Bowen, the pastor, has had six months' holi- days. He deserves it after all the trouble he has had. -0- "Ffail" Galan GanaE" passed off once more, and the fun some got out of it was great. But I can also tell you of something that hap- pened that night of far greater importance, and also most interesting; but I won't this time. Anyhow, I may add that Cupid had a fair go at some of our old folks in "Ffair Calan Gauaf," and the weddings are to come off, too.

PIT FATALITY. 1 I COLLIER KILLED BY A FALL. A distressing accident occurred at the Mountain Colliery, Gorseinon, about 11.30 on Saturday night, when a fall of roof took place, causing the death of a collier named George Thomas. "The deceased, who was 36 years of age, belonged to Aberdare, and came from that place to work at the Mountain only three weeks ago. He leaves a widow and five child- ren. It appears that deceased, who had finished his work was preparing to leave the heading when this sad fate overtook him. A pathetic fact is that the man had already sent his pay home to his family, and written to say that he would visit them on Sunday. t

I "The Board of Guardians." To the Editor of the" Llanelly Mercury." Sir,-It is not a pleasant duty to discuss persons and families through the press, but it is impossible to allow the heartless and misleading statement under the above head- ing in your last issue to pass without protest and correction. With your permission, Mr. Editor, I will take the two cases mentioned, and endeavour to place them before your reaciers in their true perspectives. Let me take the case of the "unmarried man" first. I well remember the person here referred to, ten and fifteen years ago, working in Pencoed Colliery, supporting an aged and i invalid mother, who was rendere'd helpless by 'rheumatism, and, of course, had to keep her daughter home to nurse her and keep house. This person, who is called "unmarried man," was the only support of the family, and never was there a more dutiful son and brother. The mother died after years of suffering; yet he kept the home well supplied, but failing health overtook him, he was unable to follow his work constantly, lie gradually grew worse year after year, until he was compelled and medically advised to give up his work for a time, in order to recover his health; and for nearly two years he struggled, tried every doctor far and near that was likely to help him, but without avail. As time went on, his health breaking, circumstances becoming straitened, one da.y the sister, who had been obliged to go to earn to help, said to me, the tears filling her eyes, Mr Evans, my brother and I have become poor, and he must ask the Guardians for relief." And I saw in her grief how terribly the prospects affected her. And "Ratepayer," who knows these people as a very respectable family, accuses them of fraudulently asking for parish relief. "An unmarried man owning a large house," are his words. Where is the large or the small house? No: the accusation is false; and "Rate- payer" ought to know, certainly ought to have carefully enquired, before charging per- sons and families with lying to the public. Nearly three years ago the sister, who has ever since worked every day to help, unless her brother is in too great pain for her to leave him, appeared before the Guardians, ex- plained to them how the brother was situated, and they were then satisfied that he owned no house, large or small, and granted him five shillings a week. And "Ratepayer" suggests it -is too much. I know that the attendance, nourishment, medicines, etc., are not nearly provided with that sum. Briefly, this is the story of the "unmarried man" case. The statement of it as set forth by "Ratepayer" is untrue and vicio11 s. The next case is a family of five—husband and wife, a daughter, and her illegitimate child, etc. "Ratepayer" accuses this old man of 65 years of age of being as able as anyone of his age in the neighbourhood. This is not true. The old man, some months since, has failed completely. He never was in robust- health. He came out fo help his good wife, now 69 years of age, a good woman, faithful wife, and noble mother, to carry in the load of coal. He did not carry the buckets, as sug- gested, because his feet are too painful, but he filled them for his wife, and she carried them. This desire to help is a commendable trait in the old man's character. "And has" (saith Ratepayer) "a son married, and earning good wages." He has a son, who is sober and industrious, but it is untrue to say that he earns big wages. What collier in the neigh- bourhood does earn good wages at present ? And, further, he has seven children. "Rate- payer" knew these facts well when writing. It is abuse to suggest that this" old man of 85 years is now pretending only to be in failing health. He said that the Guardians voted to the old man nine shillings. What about his wife? Is 4s. 6d. a week per person too much? But "Ratepayer" wants to say that the nine shillings were for the old man only. "A daughter and her illegitimate child." The cruelty and the heartlessness of this sen- tence is unbearable. It is true, and yet not true. This daughter had promised to wed, but before the marriage was consummated the young man was killed in an accident in Pen- coed Colliery. "Ratepayer" knew this when he wrote that cruel phrase, "her illegitimate child." This daughter works at dressmaking every day, from nine in the morning till nine at night, for a shilling a day. Her appearance at once tells its tale of hardship and struggle. Notwithstanding "Ratepayer's" cruel phrase, I consider this young woman virtuous. Yes, Mr. Editor, when you seconded that resolution to pay nine shillings to this old man and his wife, you did, in my opinion, what was Tight, unless you think the sum insufficient. "Rate- payer" further said, "And another boy, whose father is row Inirg"; but he does not men- tion. the sad story of that boy's mother's mar- ried life mercifully, a short one. That silence] he1 dees. it suggest? I earnestly and' ientl us1? chy commend the nobleness of in undertaking the bring- ing 1 r 1 < y. "Ratepayer" says, "And the i >> father is able-bodied." Yes, and moio "Ratepayer" knows all these facts: they are yet he wrole .those cruel and misleading statements. Art; -b the above false and bitter sen- tences, he says, "I do not want to harm any- one. What is. the intention of his letter? Is it not to x v the Guardians to take away the relief ext-nded j;0 these people? What if he succ Vant, hunger, and suffering must be theh' lot. Would that be no harm# Even if he fails in that, to put these poor people to the trouble of undergoing another visit from the officer, another investigation, and anotber u pearanee before the Guardians. YVonld 'h2t be a great harm? The hypo- crisy and malice of that closing sentence, "J do netware to harm anyone," etc. He has done iraiu as 1 1 1J harm already. He has wounded 1 si1} the of the people.' It is terrible to be 1 or, but unbearable to be insulted and 1 7 Vd as well. The charge against > Penceiliogi families of having g JVd the Guardians is base, cruel, false, and malicious. I apologise for taking up so much of your valuable space, but I could not endure the ordeal of standing idle, and witnessing the unfortunate, virtuous poor maligned, trampled, and wronged so un- merciful^ as is done by "Ratepayer.I am, etc., JOHN EVANS, Congregational M i 11 i ster. Bryn, Lh:ne!ly.

Haif-a-quid to Square it." LLAN ELLYITE" S OFFER TO A SWANSEA LLA'\i.ELL"1j'lE'S Ol"FEll TO A f)\,rA)¡EA POLICEMAN. Rees Thomas Globe Cottage, Llanelly, was dlarged Swansea with .stealing a woollen scarf, value 3s. lid., the property of Thomas John Humphrey, Llanelly, from the kitchen of the South Wales public-house, High Street, Swansea. Complainant said he was stopping at the public-house for the week-end., and l-eft his coniaiDing the scarf in the pocket.. On the previous evening, when he went to look for the scarf, it was missing, and he gave in- formation to the police. He had seen prisoner in the public-house just before. P.C. Piatt said that when he arrested the prisoner, at about 11.30 on the previous even- ing, he was wearing the scarf, which prosecu- tor identified. Prisoner said, "I will give j you half-a-quid to square it." i The case was adjourned for a week, and the prisoner was allowed bail, himself in £ 1Q, Printed and Published by the "Llanelly Mer- cury" Printing Company, Limited, at thei* Offices, 28, Market Street, Llanelly, in tbt County of Carmarthen. ? ?