The Cambria Daily Leader

SWANSEA'S PART. Ex-service Men Not Forgotten.! I KIDDIES' GREAT DAY. Peace Day will live long in the me-mory of the people of South Wales, and particularly to the minds of the younger generation. For this reason, and because of the greatness of the occasion, we give fairly 'full reports of the events in Swansea and districts and throughout South-west Wales Incidentally, Swansea seems to have had special consideration from ~fee Clerk of the W eather, for we bud little or no rain, whereas in oth..f parts of the country, and even in South Wales, rain fell fairly heavily. There were a few unfortunate mishaps. A boy fell into the cutting at Mumbles, and a brake overturned on the Grower Road. These al" reported elsewhere in this issue. S?n?a/c, Peace Day, after an op?n? 1 that threatened rain, was lIlhl1late]'j almo?t ideal from the point of dew oi ?'cath?r, and from the standpoint of tl-i(,] rejoicings themselves must be voted a I big success. The fact that the night revelry seemed rather forced happiness may be forgiven, tiinco the occasion was, • after ai!, the greatest any of us is likely 'rto eee, and with it.s passing goes the last iexcuse tor failing to face fairly the pro- blems which, inevitably and more pres- sing than rejoicings, the peace has brought in its train. MORNING. The opening was quiet. St. Mary's r bells entout merry peals across a town more decorated than on anv of the recent festive occasion?, although even now not lavishly &0. There was a fairly large influx of visitors, hut travellers to the Mumbles were in the early morning not numerous as on the ordinary holidays. To the procession from the Guildhall at 31 o'clock, and the march past in the Cricket Field at noon, attached the largest and deepest interest of the day. EVENING. After this the sports drew large crowds, although Mumbles trains became packed. riTae evening revealed the fact that .those "responsible for the day's programme well anticipated the feelings of a very con- siderable section of the community when they arranged the park concerts. At Cwradonkin there was the Swansea and ■District. Male Voice Party; at Victoria the Ebenezer Male Voice Party; at the Promenade Fabian's Bay Choir; at I)-yfatt-r. the Salvation Army Band; at Brynmelyn, St. Joseph's Band; and at Llansamiet, the Llansamlet Silver Band. THE APPEAL OF MUSIC. I Of these, the Cwradonkin concert had this finest setting. and the gathering here, crowded round the bandstand and mitring on the elopes above hearing tine full-throated singing of pieces having in them a spice of home, of the eea, of the soldier'* daring, and but the most insig- nificant. note of boasting, will-live as one of the most pleasant memories of the ctar. This open, leafy setting, the true one, Ibis vaethod for the fittest, for a JtrtM: celebration of peace, not a few must rl2axe felt. The Fabian's Bay (mixed) J •choir had not so large an audience on the jfPromenade, but it was an appreciative :and impressive one. There was a sense of fitness in the choice of a well-known and beautiful setting of Sun of my Soul and the chorus Glorify, Mag- nify!" for the two items before the [National Anthem. The rich gold of the eetting sun was then stiffuring half the heavens, and a shaft of it came through, and for a few minutes magically illu- mined Mumbles Had and the steamers peacefully at. anchor just off it. NIGHT. I Meanwhile the din in the rodd I street,s from detonators, sing- ing and shouting had been increasing. At ten o'clock I)onfires flared out from Kilvey. Town Hill and Mumbles, and thousands got to places of vantage to see ,these and the fireworks that were appear- ing from many parts of tlie town. Later there were even bonfires in come of the eide-streets. and it was long after mid- night. when some of the revellers reached their homes, exhau6ted. II THE MARCH PAST. I An Impressive Ceremony. I Ex-Service men rightly dominated the morning procession which the Chief Con- stable and Deputy Chief Constable formed in the vicinity of the Guildhall. There were probably about 2,(X)0 of them, mixed in appearance, in regimental badges, in everything—a most impressive lot. There were. at least at" many mor? in the crowds which lined the route—the-tr bearing, the look in their eyes were enough (wi'hout badges) to betray them the others passed. Next to the ex-eervice men the mercantile rearm?, the nurses and two jWaaos wi h three and two blue chevrons jsreepectively. received moat attention. ri- b o% attendance of representatives of carious aspects of the towns actidie5 twas large, if not full, and the Mayor and Town Clerk brought up the rear, with an escort of javelin men. D'cabled men in motor-cars were however, th-i real end of the procession, and Jhese were about the only people to evoke che?rs from the ■- itorholy.wedged thousands of spectators, iwhose faces were very set as the dis- charged 11 en pas* through them, march- ing well. There wera five bande-the Ð. and D S and S.. the Police, the Sal- vation Army, Penelawdd, and the Tele- igraph Messengers. THE MARCH PAST. I At the Cncket Field two flags had been arranged in front of the grand stand, and between them a platform on which the Mayor presented deeor.-tt;ons. The first Union JacK to be reached as the proces- Ition circled th, field wo* at half-mast, while underneath it a lanrel-rinimed emblem In memory of our glorious dead." By the time the procession was ready to march past there were many thousands of people on the ground, the grand stand (was full, and there were on the platform ,with the Mavor, the ex-Mayor (Aid. Ben Jones), Mr. rlltyd Thomas (chairman of iWar Pensions Committee), the Town Clerk, Chief Constable, M. le Bare, Mr. (W. F. Francis (sefietary D.D.S. and S.), vW._ Ma-yor? s?Mtary (Mr. W. J. Itoderick). and the following who ware to receive decorations: Mrs. Hurley, Mr. D. ^Thomas,. Lance-rCo.pl. A. E Morgan, P.O. G. Quirk, R.N .D., Corpd F. G. Burge, Serg. L. Richardr, Corpl. D. Waters, t>apce-Corpl. G. Miron, and C.S.M. T. 3Jf. Langley. The march-past lasted tweleve minutes. C-omniander Gilchritt led the small de. tachment representing the Navy, and Capt. Sinclair (14th Welsh) and Mr. (ex- Lieut.) W. O. Malyn the ex-soldiers. The Federation Band played first "Ap Bhsniin." the old 3rd (jUaaaftfB&a Aud later the 6<h Welsh regimental march. and then Tipperary as the march past proceeded. Always impl'eE6in" the ceremony was very moving as the ex- I Servico men, with eyes right," colours dipped, and hats removed, passed the half-mast flag in perfect fours and step. This over, the procession and the crowd watched the following presentations by the -Alavor:-To fanc,Corpl. A. E. Morgan, a D.C.M., for attacking and capturing an enemy machine gun between Cambrai and St. Quentin and making prisoners the whole of the crew; Pettv Officer Quirk. R.N.D., the M.M., for kill- ing the crew of a sniper's gun, capturing the gun, rallying his forces and uioving forward with the advance although wounded; to Corpl. F. G. Bridge, Welsh Regiment, the M.S.M. in recognition of valuable services rendered with the Armies in France and Belgium; to Sergt. L. Richards. Welsh Regiment, the French Croix de Guerre for gallant services in 1918; to Mr. D. Thomas, the 191 i Star earned by his late son, Pte. D. Thomas, R.I.F.; to Mrs. Hurley, the 1911 Star earned by her late son, Pte. Hurley; to Corpl. D. Waters. R.E., M.M. with two bars, the Croix de Gusrre for splendid reconnoitring and saving his battalion from a serious set back in 1917, and for repeated good work and contempt of danger in keeping communications open: to Pte. Miron. the M.M. for conspicuous gallantry at Cambrai; and to Sergt.- Major Lang-ley, R.A .S.C.. the Belgian Croix de Guerre for bravery under shell fire. All these heroes were loudly cheered. I MEMORIAL FUND GIFTS The Mayor announced, amid cheers, that, in addition to smaller sums, the following, to celebrate Peace Day, had been received for the local War Memorial Fund: 1,000 guineas, the Swansea Steam- l'ihip Co. (per Messrs. Richard Turpin and Co.); Mr. R. J. Matthews and Mr. Roger Beck. With three lusty cheers for Peace and a good rencbring of the National Anthem by the massed bands, conducted by Mr. hackleford. the ceremony ended. THE SOLDIERS' SPORTS. The sports at the Cricket Field during the afternoon proved a great attraction. The military arrangements were in the hands of Ir W. 0. Malyn, D.C.M., who was assisted by a number of officers and N.C.O.'s. Mr. Illtyd Thomas, president of the D. and D.S. and S. Federation, was very active. A number of councillors and public officials did good work on the field. The secretary for the whole arrangements was Mr. W. F. Francis. The Discharged Sol- diers Band rendered selections from to a.m. to 9.15 p.m. The prizes were presented by the Mayor (Coun. W. H. JILIKS). Mr. W. T. Morgan (A.A.A.) acted as referee, and Capt. E. W. O'Donnell and Mr. W. Griffiths (S.C. and F.C.) as umpires. RESULTS. I 120 vordft flat: 1, —. Jenkins; 2, Wilfc?«; 3, Corpl. Jones. Iligli jtiiiii): 1. Keeley; 2. S..Williams; 3, Simniom. Wrestling on horseback: 1, Simmons and Donnell; 2, Brooks and Bragg. Throwing the cricket ball: 1, Thompson 2. —. Bey- non. Tug-of-war: 1. Mannesniaun; 2, Morris's team. 220 yards flat: 1. Keeley; 2, J. Jones; 3, Lynn. Pillow fighi; 1, Coates; 2, Adams. Assorting boot race; 1. Lynn; 2, Ash. 100 yards veterans' handicap. W. Tuckett; 2, D. Williams; 3. S. Green. 120 yards thr?e-legged race: 1. Griffiths and Williams; 2, Ash and Lynn. 220 yards bandsmen's race: 1, W. Tuckett; 2. A. Day; 3, J. Connors. One mile walking race: 1, Sullivan; 2, C. Evans; 3. a tlugh<?s. Cock-fight; 1, Payne; 2, Treherne, 15 yards potato race: 1, Lethaby; 2, Bennett; 3, M. Griffiths. 100 yards flat race (one-legged men): 1, D. Quick; 2, Harrison. 440 yards flat: 1. Keeley; 2, W. J. Jones 3, Ivor Jones. ;#) yards blindfolded race (disabled meni: 1, W. J. Hughes; 2, N. Griffiths. Victoria Cross race: J, B. Jones; 2, Hughes. 50 yards wheelbarrow race: i. Cook and Griffiths; 2, Bennett and Ash. Boa,, race: 1. S. Williams' team; 2. Morris' team. 100 yards sack race: 1, J. E. James; 2, J. Bradley. The eight miles Marathon race was postponed to another date. I THOSE LEFT BEHIND. Tea to Widows and Children of I Fallen. Probably the most impressive function of Peace Day at Swansea, and certainly the most significant, was the tea at which the widows and orphans and others of the dependents of fallen men were the guests of the Mayor and Corporation at the Drill Hall. The affair had been organised by a special committee, and tickets inviting the attendance of about 2.000 were issued. The guests IØf the town commenced to arrive at the Drill Hall early during the after- noon. Tables had been laid the whole length of the great building, and these were rapidly filled. The catering was in the hands of Mr. Curran. Oxford-street, and it is due to him to say that from the first to the last his arrangements worked wonderfully well. With regard to the general arrange- ments it must be stated that Mr. Stanley L. Cook performed rp jraeles in directing the affair to successful issue. The Mayoress (MM. Miles). and the Ex. Mayoress (Mrs. Ben Jenes), were at the head of the ladiin charge of the tables. To name them would be to name all those kindly-hearted women who, year by year, render such willing service to the widows and Orphans Christmas treats. Forty or fifty ladies worked all day in the Drill Hall almost without ceasin? and kept at the task until 7 o'clock, when the last party left the tables. During the day the Mayor, accompanied by Mr. Ivor Gwynne and Mr. David Grey, visited the hall, and all spoke to the guests. Mrs. Miles also addressed them. At the close of tha proceedings — f Stanley Cook gathered around him the workers, and voiced the thanks of the town for their work that day. Mr. J. D. Williams endorsed all that Mr. Cook had said, and ami d applause expres-sed the feeling of thankfulness of the workers for the wonderful efforts of Mr. Cook, who was received with musical honours. The Band of the Federation livened things np during the afternoon by play- ing some fine selections, and if a few names of the mere males who helped should be amongst those mentioned, Coun- cillor Harry Griffiths and his brother and Mr. Purser must spoken of. But there, were a few others who also rendered hard and anonymous service. AT SWANSEA SCHOOLS The Oxford-street üirls School was J very tastefully decorated, and reflected credit on the headmistrees (.Miss Grant) and her capable assistants. Amongst the visitors were Kev. Robert Bren, Mies Dawson, Mrs. Alban Davies, Mrs. Hates, Mrs. E. R. Serle, and the Misses Griffiths. After tea -games and races were held. Prizes were also given for the best fancy and original costumee. QRPHAN HOME. I On Saturday afternoon the children of -he Orhpan Home were entertained to a peace tea at 15rook lands Mr. Roger Beck kindly bearing the expense. Miss Wal- iiker (matron) was absent through ill- ness. Mr. and Mrf3. Crawford Heron, Mr. C. Clceves, Atr. C. P. lurton, Dr. Arthur Davies, Miss Lovell, Mrs. D. M. Glaebrook, Miss Dillwrn, Miss Dorothy Davies were present, and ar- ranged game6 and races tor the children. After tea Flora (one of the youngest children) handed an autograph album signed by all the children, to Miss Dill- wyn, to give to Mr. Roger Beck, thank- ing him lor his kindness. Three cheers I were given for Mr. Beck, Miss Dillwyn, and Mr. Heron. The children had a I most enjoyable time. DYFATTYSCHOOL, The feature at Dyfatty was the wonder- ful decoration scheme. The children had a substantial tea. After tea various games were indulged in. It may be noted that Dyfatty remedied the omission of Wales from the Union flag by fastening a small Welsh flag to its centre. We commend this notion to the College of Heralds I ST. HELEN'S SCHOOL. I At the Boys' department sports were I provided. The arrangements were in the hands of Mr. Sschieswick (headmaster), who was assisted by Mrs. Sclileswick. The Infants' programme was made very en- joyable by Miss Cole, who had charge there, assisted by the teachers. At—the Girls' School the scene was gorgeous. Here Miss Williams was in charge, assisted by her teachers. The tables were decorated with flowers, and extras were supplied by the teachers. Councillor ""George Peacock, presented each child in the school with a bag of sweets and a new penny. Sports and an impromptu concert followed. I FABIAN'S BAY CHOIR. I On Saturday night a-concert was given by the choir on the Promenade, the people going away feeling they had been well re- paid for two hours' standing. The choir rendered eight pieces in splendid manner. The soloists were: Sopranos, Miss H. Free- man and Miss Ida Hill; contralto, Miss L. Gi;ppy; Maiter Gwyn Evuns, boy soloist; baritones, Mr. Tom Richards and Mr. W. Williams; tenor, Mr. Syd Jones; duett, Mr. Syd Jones and Mr. W. Williams; con- ductor, Mr. Tom Morris; accompanist, Mr. W. aten.. j?e Swansea and District ?J?le Vo?e C?oir went tbr??gh an excellent pro- rfaaime on Saturday evening at Cwm- aonkin Park. Solos weTe alM rendered M. WiHia.ms (Morriston) and f iy.. M. Williams (Morriston ) and Messrs. W. R. John and Ben Thomas. Mr. Llew. R. Bowen conducted, and his daughter, Miss Irene Bowen, accompanied. Although the choir rendered the two Cor- wen National test pieces,, it is unlikely that the party will make the journey in view of the attitude of the railway oom- panics, who have refused to issuereduced fares. The choir has taken the matter up with the other ooi^peting South Wales ehoirs, who are all in sympathy with the movement for reduced fares. THE STREET SCENES. I A Sunday Evening Pulpit Protest. In a reference to Saturday 6 peace cele- brations at Swansea. Wesley Cnurch on Sunday evening, the Hey. W. J, Morgan said there was a danger lest the victory vouchsafed to us should degenerate into a drunken carnival; that our national life might; be disintegrated by immoral excess, and our proud Empire be reduced to rot- tenness In these days he would have every child taught the Rftoessional," Kipling's greatest poem- He did not see Swansea streets late the previous evening, but he heard 00' them something that illed him with dismay and disgust. Those who would not ceme back did not die to give the country a. drunken holiday. They died for liberty—not in order that we might have the privilege of doing what. we liked; of exploiting our fellow men; of amassing fortunes out of other's necessities. This latter was a tyranny, as equally was the ceasdng of work and the holding up of the whole of the industrial life of the country for their own selfish purposes. No, the men did not die for theee things, but to teach us that the way to life was the way of sacrifice and that, 86 our liberties could only be saifeguarded by sacrifice, so they could only be enjoyed by the exercise of that spirit. THE MAYORIS THANKS. I Workers who Made Local Celebra- tions a Success. The Mayor desires to express his high appreciation of the splendid efforts of the noble band of workers who contri- bnted so largely to the success of the Local Peace Celebrations. The Arrangements for the school treats. Procession, Review, Widows and Orphans tea, sports etc., entailed an im- mense amount of work which was cheer- fully done by the committee's concerned in the various items of the programme and the Mayor feels that he cannot speak too highly of the willing and hearty spirit displayed on all bands. He also desires to thank the Swansea Steamship Company for their magnifi- cent gift of one thousand guineas for the War Memorial Fund which he was able to announce on the occasion, and the kind donors of the valuable prizes which were distiybuted to the winners of the various events at the sports. With regard to the untnerous decora- tions presented during the morning ceremony before the immense crowds at the cricket Mid the Mayor would have been glad to arrange, if practicable, for he recent,n,s i t the presontations during the recent visit of the Prince of Wales to the town but, in view of the shortness of H.R.H.'s stay and the large number of tleeora- tions, the Mayor felt that it would be unfair to the other recipient* if he },tad singled out any individual case. MUMBLES. On Friday the scholars of the Elemen- tary school were entertained to tea. "ftiey afterwards marched to the Caetle and Norton Houee Grounds, where they iaduJged in camos, oondueted br th* schoolmasters (Messrs. John L. Clough and 1. Davies), Councillor J. J. Jones, and MS-. C. P. Bell, the lm-t named two gentlemen collected about S25 providing the scholars with an abundance of sweets and prizes. On Saturday a huge crowd of trippers poured intd the village, and in the even- ing a bonfire was lit on Mumbles Hill. There were private firework programmes, notably that at the Yacht Club, where the children were thrown handfuls of money by the members and set to run races. MORRISTON. I Peace Day paase l very quietly at Mor- riston, where no special local -preparations had been made. The chief attractions were the local "ine, which were well patronised. Towards midnight a large crowd had congregated in Woodfield- e-treel", where until the early hours of the mo:mng they pl\,¡?d aavay the time (sing- ing pop.plnr -s,ongs and indulgi-iig in a. display oi fireworks. On the previous evening a huge bonfire was set ablaze at the cross roads of Cwm- rhydyc-e rw and kept on till wet: in the mornu. All the villagers enioved the Lreat in true British fashion. There was also a display of ifreworks i arranged by Mr T. HoweHTJone». Whilst the fire was blazing a^grand musical pro- gramme was provided, and the crowd was kept in good humour through the ram. The following assisted in the programme: Misses Doris Thomm, I Amy Thomas, Messrs. D. Bowen, B. G. Thomas. G. Jones and Dan Thomas. On kehalf of the boys of the village who had returned, a vote oi thanks (wiih musical honours) to Mr T. Howel Jones was pro- posed by Pie. J. Morgans. At Schoolroom a reception tea was held in honour of the soldiers and sailfrra of the chapel o had returned. Upward* of 300 sat down. Later an organ ren tal was given by Dilys Davies. the newly appointed* organist She was assisted by Messrs. Tom L:õ"w1.s. Idwal Jones, and T. J. Watkins as eoloMte. Mr. William Hedge presided. During the evening presentations of Treasury notes were made to ten of the members, who had recently been de- mobilised. the presentations being made by a number of the oldest members. Some 54 similar presentations had been made. Ninety-five of the members had answered the call. 12 of whom are still with the colours; whilst ten made the supreme sacrifice -4 PFORESTFACH. I P--ê was oelelbrated in fnidh an impres-, sive manner as to cause the occasion to lire long in the memories of all conosrned. Jerusalem C.M. Church was the scene of the children's singing festival, and swayed by the baton of Mr. John Nicholas, the younger element gave stirring renderings I of ajppropriate items of praise and thanks- giving, accompanied by Miss E. A. Thomas. The Rev. J. W. Jones, vioar of Coekett. conducted the service. The Rev. D. diaries (St. Illtyd's), the Rev. Robert Charles, Atr. T. P. Davies, the Rev. E. J. Hughes (Calfaria), Meærs. D. Jones (Cockett. Schools), J. H. Rees (Gendros\ J. Davies (Bleak House), and Thomas T. Thomas (treasurer Local Reception Committee) took part. The afternoon procession was undoubt- i edly the great event, from a spectacular point cf view.. The local branch of the D.D.S.S. Federation led the way, with I Lieut. R. H. Andrews .md Lieut. G. Davk.< -in charge. Fourteen hundred children fol- lowed in charge of the head teachers and staffs of Cadle, Gendros, and Gors gchoots. The children sang patriotic. songs as they marchod. and the villagers fell in in the rear. The children sat for tèad the schools, the stans receiving valuable out- side assistance, and later met on Garden Village field for the sports, tlie winners being:- 80 yards race (7 to 10).—1. F. Birt, GeD- drosr. 2, J. Alwyn Davies, Cadle; 3, Trevor Davies, Cadle. Boys' (10 to M) 100 yards.—1. George Morgan, Gendros; 2, Robert Williams. Cadle: 3, Herbert Jones, Gendros. Girls' (11 to 14) SO yards.-l. FAõitb Bon- ford; 2, Doris Halfpenny; 3. Muriel Thomas. Girls' (under 10) 80 rarU.-I, Lydia Wil- liams; 2, Lily M. Thomas: 3, Edith Davies. Infants' race.—1, Leslie Thomas; 2. Charles Ryan; 3, Francis Fa-eknoll. Frog Jumping.—1. Stanley Francis; 2. Leslie Thomas; 3, Elwyn Daviee. Three-leggerl race.—1, T. Webber and 1. Daniels; 2. H. Nott and 1. Boale; 3. G. Morris and S. Thomas. Mr. W. Morgan presented the prizes on behalf of the committee. Anions others present were Dr. P. McRifcchie, Councillors Dan Evans and W. Bevan. Great credit for the success of the function is due to Lieut. R. H. Andrews (secretary), the com- mittee, and the schools staffs. I CLYDACH. I At Clydaeh admirable arrangements had been made by the committee for a worthy celebration. The streets and principal buildings were tastefully deco- rated. The church bells pealed forth, and the local band discoursed inspiriting music, All local men who had seen active service were entertained on Friday evening at the Public Hall and ChurclI Hall. About* 400 ex-Service men sat down. After dinner, at the Public Hall, a mis- cellaneous concert was provided. Mr. Percy Player (supported by local minis- ters, officers of the Celebration Commit- tee, and others) presided. The chairman in 'an able speech moved a vote of grati- tude to the sailors and soldiers for the great service they had rendered the country. They could not forget those who were oboent, who had made the supreme sacrifice. The time had come, b& said. to put: away the labels of the past—the bloated capitalist and the hor- rible trade unionist. May they endeavour to judge and understand one, another. The Revs. Thomas Morris (dear), and D. Eiddig Jones (Hebron) respectively seconded and supported the vote, while Capt. T. Victor Williams and Comrade Stephen Boast (both of the Clydach Branch of the N.F .D. and D.S. and S.) acknowledged the vote. Misses Olive Williams and Hannah T'It.! mr i-v tr • n TV j» wiiiiams, messrs. u, morris Xivans, iju. Roderick, and Willie Griffiths contributed i to the programme. Mr. Rees Williams was the accompanist. The Peace Hymn was inspiringly sung, and the proceed- ings closed with the singing of the National Anthems. The children as well as the widows of fallen heroes and old-age pensioners were entertained to tea at their respective churches and chapel$on Saturday after- noon, the tea being preceded by a pro- cession. The widows of Clydaoh's fallen heroes will be presented with £1 each* and the old-age pensioners with 10s. each. Athletic sports and oarnival were also hold under the auspices of the N.F.D. and D.S. and S.. at Waver ley Part. The presidents were Councillors Richard Thomas and Herbert Gibbon and David RcKierick, all of whom, with Dr. John Jones, Messrs. F. J. Bloomer and W. J. Davies and Oemrade T. Victor Williams officiated as judges, whtf%Mrs. (Dr.) John Jones, Mrs. J. Davies, Mrs. C. Hill (Vardre House), Mrs. Herbert [Gibbm Mrs. Richard Thomas and 9 i Emily Morgan were the carnival judges. The principal winners ivere:-Carni,al events: Miss Maxted, Miss Lily Lloyd. Ladies' Fire Brigade, D. Parkhouse. Sports: J. W. Jones (Neath Abbey), Miss Jones (.Neath Abbey), Curl (Gors- einon), A. Lewis (Alltwen), T. H. Thomas (Ammanford), W. Stock (Gors- einon), Blakeway (Yst-afera), J. f Stock (Gorseinon). LANDORE. I 1 Several of the churches m the Lanoore I district held prayer services on Saturday morning. In the evening the Hafod Ladies' Choir, under the baton of Madam Ben Thomas, attended at Park Lleweiyn, and gave a fine musical treat to a large crowd of people. The programme in- cluded several individual items, whilst the choir gave the following renditions: Over the Fields of Clover," Sweet and £ »ow," Perfect Day," Huddersfield," Lead Kindly Light," God Bless the '?o d Bless the Prince of Wales," Little Shamrock," I and Hen Wlad fy Nhadau." At th? close of the performance, a hearty vote of thanks, upon the motion of Mr. W. Cle- ment, and seconded by Mr. Geo. Thomas, was given Madam Thomas and her choir, Mr. Clement pointing out that the choir had been successful earlier in the day in taking the first prize at the Central Ilall. During the latter part of the evening I several bonfires were held in various parts and the whole district was illuminated. PORT TALBOT. I The town and ships in port were gay with colour. Following religious services at the churches and chapels there was a procession at noon from Port Talbot Park through the main streets, headed by Major Llewelyn David (chairman of Mar- gam Urban Council), councillors and offi- cials. Boy Scouts. Girl Guides. Discharged Soldiers and Sailors Band, soldiers and sailors in uniform, discharged men, friendly societies and Sunday School chil- dren carrying banners and flags. At the rear were tliTee tableaux representing the Allies and a cartload of gipsies. The procession^ dispersed at" Grngos-terrace. In the afternoon the children were en- tertained to tea in the schoolrooms and presented with sweets. Then the band played in the park, and there were games and dancing. After dark there was a dis- play of fireworks. The sky was alight for miles around from the bonfires on distant hills. Employes of the Port Talbot Railway and Docks Co. gave a welcome home to men returning from the colours, and a fete and gala held in Mare-am Castle grounds by permission of Capt. Fletcher. Mr. Ed. Lowther. J.P., general maifager, was the president. The programme con- sisted of luncheon, sports, a concert and dancing on the green. NEATH. I The organised effort to make the cele- bration of peace memorable was a triumph. Old and young, rich and poor, joined in the festivities, and after the feasts and sports, the spirit of revelry broke loose. With the dusk raine fire- works, rockets soared and burst, and the humble craeker and the squib made fun and frolic for the boys. The illuminations in the gardens were most effective, whilst the Gwyn Hall, the Liberal Club, the Masonic Hall a^d Mr. H. R. Stone's premises in Station-square were admired. On Sundoy afternoon a drum-head ser- vice, organised by the local branch of the D.D.S. and S.F.. was held in the Gnoll Athletic Grounds. The service wae conducted by the Rector (Rev. Gwilym Francis), assisted by the president of the I branch (Rev. Degwell Thomas). The Mayor (Mr. John Rees, J.P.). who wore his robe and chain of office, was accom- panied by members and officials of e Corporation. w On Sundoy evening a united thanksgiv- ing service was held in Station-square, and a large concourse of people gathered at the invitation of the Mayor, to par- ticipate in a service which was devout and impressive. I ABERAVON. I Aberavon made holiday on Saturday, and celebrated Peace with great hearti- ness. The town was aglow with flags and buntipg, while a picturesque touch was added to the decorations by a beautiful triumphal arch erected at the entrance to the borough, bearing the words Right, Peace, Liberty on the one side, and Cyfiawnder, Heddwch, Rhyddid on the other. The proceedings opened with religious services at the churches and chapels in the morning ,and at two o'clock thre was a great procession through the prin- cipal streets. Assembling at the Fair Field, it was headed by the Mayor (Mr. S. If. Byass, J.P.), who was accompanied by Miss Byass, Mr. Moses Thomas, J.P. (Town Clerk), members of the Corpora- tion and officials, borough and county magistrates, fire brigade, band of the I Discharged Soldiers and Sailocs, soldiers and sailors in uniform, a strong contin- gent of ex-Service men, V.A .D. (male and female), friendly societies, boy scouts, etc.. and about 3,500 school children. The children were the feature of the pro- cession. and were, many of them, dressed in fancy costumes of very varied design and colour. Little nurses predominated. En route the Mayor, who has marked his year of office by great generosity, was given a princely reception, and Miss Byass was presented with three bouquets. There were thousands of people in Market-square, where the procession dis- persed. Tb", Mayor, from the balcony of the Municipal Buildings, and cheered to the echo, thanked everybody for the hearty way in which they had joined in the ce lebrations, referring par- ticularly to the discharged soldiers and sailors and the children. The school children were entertained to tea at the schools. and several hundred discharged men at the Beach Hotel, all By the Mayor's kindness. Before leaving town he and Miss Byass visited all the schools, and each child was presented with a medal and a packet of weetg. Sports had been arranged, but owing to bad, weather late in the afternoon these were abandoned. The band played selec- tions on the beach, and at night fireworks were let off from Aberavon Mountain and other parts of the borough. BURRYPORT AND PEMBREY. Peace Day will never be forgotten by the children Off Burryport. The day was gloriously fine. Hundreds of people caine from the Gwendoraeth Valley, Llanelly, Trimsaran, etc. The streets were gaily decorated, and from almost every house flags wiere flying. At 2.30 p.m. school children were treated to an excellent tea at the different echoole. At the Parish Hall the discharged soldiers and sailors were alao entertained to tea, together with the old age pensioners, while tie Town Band played selections, under the leader- ship of Mr. David John. The schools and Parish Hall were most beautifully deco- rated. Later a procession of the children and soldiers and -sailors paraded the principal streets headed by the IVxwn Band, and following tham oame the Rev. J. H. Reel, Rev. R. E. Williaams, Rev. Glyndwr Rich- ards, Councillor W. T. Eumunds, J.P. (chairman of the Urban Council), and a number of councillors. At the Burrows sports were held, and at 8 p.m. the carnival started from the i Burxraort aohools. Jiiia WU P huge #UO7 cess. With H Ole Bill" in his dug-out Councillor W. T. Edmunds, J.P., and his son, ex-Lieut. Howard Edmunds, fully de- served the first prize for the best fancy costume. The procession kept the thou- sands of spectator;. in roars of laughter. At the Stepney Hall a museum collected from the various theatres of wa.r. and "-a- piled by the members of the Burryport and Pembrey branch of the D.D.S. and S., was visited by hundreds of people. After the procession there was dancing on the Burrows, the Silver Band accom- panying, and at 11 p.m. there was a fire- works display. All the bourses at the docks were brilliantly illuminated. The awards were:—Best turn out: Ole Bill in his Dug-oat" (W. T. Edmunds); 2, Britannia and Her Colonies," divided between Burryport and Pembrey. Special. | "Travelling Menagerie" (Messrs. Reeves and Sons). PONTRHYDYFEN. j The ethoo-chvdren were presented witn mementoes, after which there was a car- nival, headed by the Afan Valley Workers' Band. Later discharged men, old age p?n?ioners. dependents, etc., and school children were entertained :-0 tea. Sports, concerts, fireworks, and a bonfire brought a full day's programme to a close. I CWMAVON. I At Cwmavon (Afan Vall-ey) the dis- charged soldiers and sailors were enter- ta.ine-d to a splendid luncheon, followed by sports. The school children will be en- tertained to-dar OIonday). I BRYN. The day opened with religious services, Ifollowel by a pI'o(:ion In the after- noon there were sports and tea lor children, discharged men. dependents, and old age pensioners. At njght there were fireworks and a bonfire. To-night (Monday) the children give a concert I PONTARDULAiS. Weather dull and sultry, but no rain; cold towards evening. t nprecedented scenes of enthusiasm and of rejoicing were everywhere witnessed, and flags and bunting were displayed with un- paralleled profusion. Everybody turned out and the scene will never be forgot- ten. Tea subscribed for by the local em- ployers, was provided at the various chapels etc., and all were welcome. Headed by the Pontardulais Town Band (Mr. Philip H. Jenkins, conductor), the discharged soldiers etc., made a parade of the streets, and in the late jpfternoon everybody adjourned to the March where fine programmes of sports were carried out by service and ex-service men and children Later a huge bon- fire was lit at Cae Gwyn and fireworks were let off till a late hour. On Friday and Saturday evenings Peace and Vic- tory dances were held at the" Gym n and at the Mechanics Institute. Every- thing passed off without a hitch, and Pontardulais rejoiced as heartily over the coming of Peace as it nobly respon- ded to the claims of war. HENDY. I Tea was provided tor all at xlendy Council Schools by Messrs. Thomas Williams and Sons, and Mr. and Mrs. Evan Williams, J.P., GJyndwr, and Mr and Mrs Henry W illiams, Jjlwyn Gwern were present. Sports and games fol- lowed and bonfires and fireworks at night. Houses were profusely decorated and the day was memorable. SKEWEN AND DISTRICTS. 1 1 T H I 1 At fcxewen ana er.f>ey U,dHt Lt." parishioners of Coedffranc were provided with tea at the churches and chapels, nearly lO,oOa being thus entertained. Thi6 was followed by a big procession led by the Skcwen Prize and Salvation Army Bands, the Service and ex-Service men (in command of ex-Sergt. Yibert), the local V.A.D. (Commandant. J. H. Cole), and Police (Inspector Gill), Councillors and other representative men. They marched from the Waun through the inain streets to the Cein fields. A heavy shower damped the ardour of come, but a great number assembled, the Jersey Marine contingent also joining. A religious service was held, commencing with the Doxology and God Save the King,' 'Revs T. Mai chant Lewis, Thos. Morgan and J. Evans-Jones officiating. Mr. Tom Lloyd conducted the singing. Sports and games followed. In the even- ing there was a display of fireworks. < Many houses were beautifully illumi- nated. At the Neath Abbey churches, tea was provided for the people of Dyifryn- Clydach and' Blaenhonddan. There fol- lowed sports and games at the Neath Abbey ruins. LLANELLY. The principal item in the programme at Llanelly was the function at the Mar- ker Hall, where the old age pensioners and widows and dependents of the fallen heroes were entertained to tea by the Mayor and Corporation, the guests num- bering nearly a thousand, were each pre- with a lOs."freasurv note. The bells of the old Parish ChurcS were pealing early, and in almost all the churches and chapels special services of thanksgiving were held. The town, from end to end, was a mass of decorations, there being scarcely a house wrhich did not -display flags and bunting. The Town Hall had hoen brilliantly decorated. Attractions during the day included yacht racing, sports at Halfway Park, while bands played in the public parks. CADOXTON. At Cadoxton, Neath, the celebrations were inaugurated by a pretty pageant re- presented by all the echolars of the Coun- cil schools. From the starting point, the school premises, the emblematic person- ages of Peace and Britannia led the pageant, which included scholars repre- senting soldiers in khaki, soldiers in red, soldiers of the eighteenth century, sailors in blue. Red Cross nurse6 attend- ing the wounded, the flag of France, the colours of Italy and of Belgium, the im- personations of Uncle Sam and Ger- mania-the latter escorted at the end of the column by eager and attentive sons of Britain—through the streets of the village. At central points the procession halted and sang songs of patriotism and peace. The whole affair reflected great credit on the teaching staff. REYNOLDSTON, GOWER. I I grower ia.tr ly let neraela go n in ex- uberant celebration. On the different headlands were built huge bonfires, and these were supplemented by a goodly supply of fireworks, admiralty flares, sky rockets, and other illuminants. These during the night made a highly impres- sive picture. Even the smallest village was en fete. A particularly pleasing feature wee the hearty oo-orperation of all sections. At Reynoldeton, the capital of Gower," the celebrations committee bad accumulated by subscriptions f65. The chairman of the committee was the -P.V. R. W. Lockyetr (vicar); vice-ohairrraan, Mr. T. J, Ooghlan (Wesieyan preacher); sports chairman. Dr. A. V. Moreton; general aec- retary, Mr. A. Anthony; sports secretary. (Continued <m Page 6 )