The Cardiff Times

Blaenavon Man's Injufl'4 RIGHT TO COMPENSATION PROVED- fffl' An important case came before .TudgP. Kelly at Blaenavon on Monday. Wm. collier, of Blaenavon, clamed £ from the Blaenavon Company in re^jg injuries sustained whilst proceeding to bis (jjff at the Milfraen Colliery of the company llr night of March 30th last. The case applicant (for whom Mr Ivor Bowen aP?^^ was that he was proceeding to work > W company's train, m the last 0 one, and when the train was pulled Kiiyes Stope platform, where he was to. it was very dark, and the train stopped in the right place, the c°~\e ment he was in being a XoUP^tjUJ yards from the end of the platform- .-m leaving the train he fell on some old sustained injury, as the result of which unable to follow his employment for months. By Mr Parsons (for the resp^rt company): He had been told that the stopped where it was on account of waggon being on the line. Several corroborated the applicant. Joseph v jt# fireman on the train, said the train did 9 until it was fully opposite the platfof^jj tPJ saw the applicant as he was getting ^P^ 9&u ground, and asked him how he got ne rephed, I jumped ofE before tb stopped." Witness told him, Serve you,¥eIt then," and the applicant agreed, > it is serve me right." Mr Parsons submitted it was a case nT and serious misconduct on the part of tP^ plicant, and the accident did not C^J course of his employment. His Hooo^j & to the conclusion that the man ggfiojjj been guilty of any such wilful or misconduct, and as to whet» pltfT accident arose in the course of his ment it was impossible to distinguish »(>■ from that of Cummins v. Guest, b- Nettlefolds. He found for the applic3,1^ per week from March 30th to July costs on Scale B."

NÐu Wreichion Oddiar yr Eirrgion. By CADRAWD WYDDON. Royal National Eisteddfod of 1911. The Eisteddfod of next year will be the third great Eisteddfod held in the ancient town of Gaecmarthen. If the proclamation which took place on the 23rd of last month was a symbol of what the Eisteddfod will be, the following Triban is not too hastily spoken— Rhwng meini hen a chyfrin, Cyhoedda'n beirdd cysefin, Y drydedd ,heddy w—uwch y 11awr, Eisteddfod fawr Caerfyrddin." The number of bards which attended at the proclamation was surprising, not even from Dyfed and Siluria, but also from Powys and Venedot, or Gwynedd. The old town was no doubt seen at its very best; nothing could be more enthusiastic than the way the inhabitants of the ancient borough turned out and attended on those who parti- cipated in the interesting ceremony from different parts of Wales. It was truly a Welsh welcome from the people — they spared no effort to assure us that they were glad to see us, and to make our visit a pleasant one. From the account we have already given in this column of the two great Eisteddfodau held in Caermarthen.it is obvious that they would never have gained distinction without the patronage and even the presence of lords, temporal and spiritual. The life and soul of the first great gathering was Gruffyth ap Nicholas, of whom it is said that he was illustrious for his power, riches, and family. Some of the lines written of him ore to-day included among our proverbs. We. *hail only quote a few— Y llyn dyfnaf o'r afon, Isaf fis haf yw ei son." Y doeth ni ddywed a wvr, Nid o son y daw synwyr. A to doeth ef a dau, Annoeth ni reol enau." A dj ni ddowtia, A ddel o'th law fe ddaw'n dda." QwSym Ieuan Tew wrote to Gruffydd ab Nicolas— Dy hun yr wyt Lutenont, A phen cynheiliawdr a phont; Ag Arlwydd megis gwrl is, Ag Ustus wyt ar gost y Sais Saith gastell sy' i'th gostiaw, t A saith lys y sy' i'th law." Gruffytii, by his influence, obtained the required permission to hold the Eisteddfod, and it is reasonable for us to suppose that all the expenses were subscribed by him, and besides that he attended the meetings and presided over them during the tune they were held. In 1451 the personality of one great lord was essential to make an Eisteddfod successful. In 1911 it will be the mass—the people who will make it a success, the lord may attend if be choses, but the Eisteddfod will go on Whether he is a patron or not. Tref Caerfyrddin heddyw sy' Ar Gymru Fydd yn gwenu Clych Sant Pedr clywir hwv Yn adsain drwy y clochdy, rn croesawu o bob man I dawel lan y Towy. In 1819 thenatronage of the Right Honour- able George, Tjord Dynefor, and the presence of the bishop of the diocese, could only make the success of the Eisteddfod possible. In the unavoidable absence of Lord Dynefor, who 'was the president of the Cambrian Society in Dyfed, Bishop Burgess presided at the meetings of the Eisteddfod, and to his credit may it be said not a greater friend of the Welsh people ever presided over a Welsh diocese; and if the bishops who have succeeded him in the four Welsh sees had shown half his industry and learning, the Church in Wales would be in a more flourishing condition. The proclamation of the National Eisteddfod fast month had to be done without the rreaence of either a lord or a bishop. However, I am glad to say that the vicar of St. David, the Rev. T. Walters, and the Rev. Griffith Thomas, of St. Peter's, were first and foremost in their endeavour to make the next Eis- teddfod at Caermarthen the greatest of all. To me, if I may here express a personal feeling. it was a real delight to find clergymen working with might and main to make the Eisteddfod —the greatest of oar national institu- tions — a thorough success. There has been too ranch indifference to wajjowal upirationa shown by many of the clergy. The Archdruid in his speech at the banquet said that the Eisteddfod and the Gorsedd yrere increasing in strength and influ- enee year by year, and there was a possibility of the Gorsedd meeting becoming more popular than the Eisteddfod itself. They could compare the modern Eisteddfod with the old, and see in it and the Gorsedd points which bore testimony to the great strides which had been made. The popular member for Caermarthen, in his excellent Welsh speech from the Maen Llog, said there was more necessity for the Eisteddfod now than at any time in our history. They had their colleges and universities, but he ventured to say that the Eisteddfod was the University of Wales to-day, more than ever before." Nothing more true than the following words he said— u I don't mean to be disrespectful to learning, but I am afraid that the genius and the best characteristics of Welsh are rather in danger of being suppressed by the introduction of too much role and learning." The Subjects for Competition. We have been told by some who may be con- sidered authorities on the matter of Eistedd- fodic subjects for competition that the pro- gramme for 1911 reaches high-water mark. Of course, there could have been no other subject for the chair prize than Edward the Peace- maker (Iorwerth y Tangnefyddwr)." Forty, eeven years ago the chair subject at the Swansea National Eisteddfod was the late King's father, Albert the Good." Who would be bold enough then to predict that his son would gain by universal acclamation a higher WAe-to be a peacemaker. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God." As to the chief literary subject, A critical 'examination of the worksof LewiirGlyn Qotbi," ? seems to me that it will be JE30 thrown away, f&nce the work has-been already performed by two oft he best Welsh scholars the Principality can boast erf, viz., the Rev. Walter Davies, ÎLA. (Gwallter Mechain), and the Rev. John Jkmes, M.A. (Tegid). Lewis Glyn Cothi, a native of Giyncothi, in Caermarthenshire, flourished in the reign of four monarchs— Henry VI., Edward IV., Richard III., and Henry VII., or fregk A.D. 1430 to 1470. He served aa an officer under Jasper,, Earl of Pem- broke, to whom he addressed several of his poems. His compositions have been pub- lished by the London Cymmrodoiron in two neat volumes, in 1837.. illustrated with notes, critical asfxd other wisely the above-distinguished Welsh scholars. This work will compare favourably With any late performance in reproducing the works of oar primary hards. Here is what (thanwhom notoefcfcer authority could be found), the late Rev. J. Montgomery Treharne, M.A., wrote of this performance —" Ther Cymmrodorion Society has dis. ttngnisbecf itseif of late by printing the poems of Lewis Glyn Cothi, with annotations in Ifoighsh. These poems are of special-value in throwing a light on various points m the his- tory and manners of Wales in the middle Mgee." Why nofcseiect Gwilym Bgwad, who lived at TEnys Wen, at Hanegwad, and was a pupil of Lewis Glyn Cothi, in his poetical efforts. He nonrished-from A.D. 1460 to 1490, and was per- sonally acquainted with Sir Rhys ap Thomas^ KJG., who fought exparte Henry 3&wl 0f Rich-. H*ond, at Bosworth, and whombe constantly? praises in his Cywyddan. I must leave the other subjects-toll neactA WMk.

MYSTERY OF PARENTAGE. The curious case of a London gentleman who is in the unfortunate position of not ] knowing who he is is causing the Caersws Board of Guardians (Montgomeryshire) some trouble. Many years ago a woman on tramp with a seven months old offspring was admitted to the house. The offspring became a foundling went out into the world, and has prospered in the Metropolis. Recently he gained a good post in Paris, and went over to take it up. But he could not pro- duce a birth certificate or give his parentage, mid had to relinquish it. He has now reported the board of guardians to the Local Govern- ment Board for neglect in not having a record of who he is. But they cannot help him, and the only per- son, it was reported to the board, who can solve the mystery of whether he is a duke's son or a cook's son is an octogenarian lady at Caersws. She, however. lends more romance to the story by resolutely keeping her liPS-I sealed.

SUFFOCATION AT BIRTH. Mr M. Roberts-Jones, coroner, conducted an Inquest at Cwmbran on Monday on the infant daughter of Mr and Mrs Twissel, Ventnor-road, Cwmbran. Susan Jane Pranglen, a neighbour, stated that at 3 o'clock on Friday morning she heard shouting and screaming, and on going into the back yard saw Mrs Twissel, who was ill, endeavouring to attract the attention of her husband. A midwife was sent for, and when she returned she found that a baby had been born. She at once communicated with the police, as the child was dead. Dr. Murphy stated that he saw the child, which had had a separate existence. It was folly developed and healthy. In answer to the coroner the doctor said that if the child had been properly attended to at birth it would have lived. A verdict of Accidental suffocation through mat ol *tten&on.at bkth waa returned. ->

INDUSTRY PIONEERS South Wales Leaders. NO. XXI.-WILLIAM ADAMS. Errgineer: Geologist: Naturalist. We briefly indicated last week the part played by the mining engineer in the develop- ment of the South Wales coalfield. The phenomenal progress of industrial and com- mercial South Wales has not been, of course,. dependent upon any one class of men thera; has been mutual effort in a common cause ;.v co-operation has been and is the practical prin- ciple. Some men contribute in greater degree according to their gifts and their opportunities;" not a few have been commanding Imperial flgitres. But the engineer, no less than the ç colliery owner, has been a powerful factor and „ in this class no name is more distinguished than that of William Adams. An Ebbw Vala Boy. He was born at Ebbw Vale in 1813, the off- spring of a family that at the close of the 18th century had come to South Wales from Shrop- shire to engage in the iron trade, then in its early days. We find him a diligent pupil at Cowbridge later on articled at Newport as an engineer and then chief in control of the Ebbw Vale Collieries. Early in life he retired into private practice, and had as his partner Mr Theodore Vachell. They became the managers of Nantyglo and Blaina Ironworks. I WILLIAM ADAMS.

Of Wide and Varied Knowledge. William Adams was a man of wide and varied knowledge and his name is remem- bered in many spheres. But not the least of his labours was in connection with the historic Royal Commission on the duration of our coalfield, called for by Sir H. H. Vivian. The theories of Hull and J evons created a sensa- tion, and in the House of Commons Sir H. H. Vivian fought with all the authority of know- ledge and conviction. In June, 1866, he delivered a great speech in the House on the Welsh coalfield, and moved for a Royal Com- mission. He analysed the theories of the great economists and he succeeded in his demand for a Commission. It was one of his great achieve- ments in a distinguished career. Wales and the Commission. William Adams undertook' the responsibility of inquiry in the South Wales coalfield with him was associated -Mr Daniel, of Swansea, whose knowledge of the Western district was proverbial at that time. The report of the Commission is well-known. The theories of the professorial economists were disproved, and time has already justified the Com- missioners With that historic inquiry will always be associated the celebrated publicist, Sir H. H. Vivian, and the eminent engineer, Mr William Adams. A Pioneer in Societies. Adams was of a scholarly type of mind, and he became examiner of candidates for engineer- ing managers, and was elected a Fellow of the Geological Society. He was one of the founders of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society in 1867, and in the fitness of things became its fir-t presi- dent. The work of that society in South Wales is known to alL Adams was also a prominent figure at the Institute of South Wales En- gineers, and was president in 1861 and 1862. A Popular Figure. He was a popular personality in social life, and when he passed hence in 1886 his death was mourned by a wide community. As a type of the mining engineer he will always be known to fame a man of varied interests and the highest accomplishments and he is worthy to rank among the celebrated pioneers to whose genius and industry and enterprise South Wales owes its stirring and unparallelled development.

Ferment at Caerleon. COUNTY COUNCIL'S DffACUlTY,: A large and animated meeting of Caerleon, ratepayers took place at Caerleon on Monday t' consider the proposal of the Monmoutbshire [ County Council to close the right of way' through the site of the proposed training col-O lege at Caerleon. Amongst those-present were Alderman S. N. Jones and Mr C. Dauncey, the chairman and clerk of the County Edoc& tion Committee. When Mr C. Dauncey essayed to speak there., were loud cries of Is he a ratepayer ?" Permission having at last been granted him to speak, Mr Dauncey dealt with the purchase of the land by the County Council. He said they had paid it, not knowing therewas-a right' of way through it. (Loud cries of Wrong.") He also said that it was a question of no path, or no college. In reply to a question, Mr Dauncey stated, that he did not think the Board of Education* would allow a diversion of the light of way. 11 Alderman S. N. Jones dealt with the advan-, tages of the college, and stated that a greats portion of the cost of erection would comev from the Imperial Exchequer. £3!).<XX> was to, be spent. During his speech he was subjectedi to considerable interruption. Mr Humphries, the secretary of the locate ratepayers' association, stated that un- doubtedly •' trickery" had been at work.. (Loud cries of Order.") Mr W. Harris, the chairman of the local, ratepayers' association, also spoke, and during his speech the Rev. D. B. Jones endeavoured^ to interject a remark, but was refused a hear-1, ing. Ultimately, after a protracted meeting, Mr/ S. Richard moved a resolution welcoming the college, providing there was a diversion of the right of way. This was seconded. As an amendment the Rev. D. B. Jones moved that they accept the college and support, the County Council in closing the right of way. Only 27 voted for the amendment, and the resolution was carried by an overwhelming majority.

SOUTH WALES BORDERER V.C. j Should you perchance hail tasieab No. 6,848, and observe that the driver looks like^a, soldier, you may with propriety lift your hat,' to him when you pay him his fare for he is Private Frederick Hitch, V.C., of Rorke's Drift. When the old 24th Regiment (South Wales- Borderers) were on their mettle at RorkeV Drift, Private Hitch and Private Allen hel open the communications between the hospi- tal and the inner defence. Thay literally skewered the Zulus on their bayonets and tossed them on top of each other like trusses of bay. FREDERICK HITCH, V.C. {Topical Press.) At last a bullekeame along and blew Hitch's right shoulder half to pieces. He could not sboot or bayonet any more, but he helped as best he could serving out ammunition. Subse- quently he was sent home to Netley. Thither Queen Victoria went QnfJ day and found him lying in his cot. She pinned the Victoria Cross on his breast. Now Private Hitch drives a taxicab. A fine upstanding figure of a man is Private Hitch, strong in the face, clear of eye, with the unmis- takable cut of the old-time English soldier. I had to take to something," he explained to a Pressman. and as the taxicab business had practically ruined me, I thought it best to take it up, so as to get some of my own, back. I was doing pretty well as a cab-owner till the taxicabs came on the scene. I had 15 cabs of my own as well as horses, and the property was worth £ 600. Then the taxicabs' made their appearance, and, of course, we fellows were frozen out, so in a couple of years I was ruined. I had to get something to do. I knew all about the street traffic and the driving busi- ness, so I was taught how to become a chauff- eur. In March I passed the Scotland-yard ex- j amination and I ve been driving a taxicab ever since."

f t MONMOUTHSHIRE COALOWNERS TACKLE MINES RESCUE PROBLEM. I •. .*■ I 'j The new Coalowners' Rescue Training Station," which was opened at Crumlin on Saturday. In the foreground are the two well-known miners' agents, Messrs J. Winstone and Barker, the latter, a keen amateur photographer, camera in hand. £ Members of the committee and officials :-Front row Mr William Stewart, Mr W. Gregson, Mr R. Jordan, Mr Thomas Braithwaite, Mr T. H. Deakin (president), Mr W. H. Routledge, Mr B. Nicholas. Back row Mr A. F. Webb (architect), Sergeant A. T. Winborn (superintendent of station), Mr W. G. Dalziel (secretary of Coalowners' Association), Mr J. Fox Tallis, Mr A. S. Tallis. Il 4 v | y The'rescue squad Messrs George Skinner, James HoDy, <r. Jarvis, W. A. T.'Smith, and John D. Davies. Standing behind is Sergeant A. T. Winborn, in charge of the station.—(" S.'W.D.N, photos.) in charge of the station.-(" S.W.D.N. photOs.) ———-———^ I I TEACHERS' REPRESENTATIVES RECEIVED AT COURT. I I I The President and officers of the National Union of Teachers at St. James's Palace, where they on Friday presented a loyal address to the King at his Majesty's third Accession Court. Left to right: Mr Hamilton (treasurer), Mr Marshall Jackman (president), Mr Tom John, M.A., Llwynypia(ex-president), Mr C. Hole (ex-president), Miss Cleghorn (vice-president), and Mr Ellery (ex-president). This is the first time that the Union has been received at Court. -• ■ (-k-N-A.)

MABON'S UNINVITED VlSiTO11 A Coloured Suspect- About 10.20 on Saturday night a ifLy apparently a seaman on tramp. Mabon's residence at Llantwit oe0<r(4 entered by a side door, which was I passing through the breakfast-room a sitting-room, where Mr W. members of his family were seated- The entrance of the black man j be as he was walking in his stockings, first seen by Mr David Abraham. him, put him outside, and held vpa arrival of P.C. Evans, who took arrest to the police station. There the man said his name was v 3bO"it van Dermade, ship's cook, of no He was charged with entering Mr A íØ rør premises for an unlawful purpose, and he said, I shall not say anything* A