The Aberdare Leader

THE MARRIED TEACHERS' AGITATION.-A. PLEA FOR ARBITRATION. THE employment of married women as teachers in schools is undoubtedly one of those systems that have their day and cease to be." There was a time when education authorities considered the method useful and essential, but the evolution of educational administration has now ruled it out of court. The system is dying in Aberdare, but let it die a natural death. In other words let the decision of the Aberdare Authority not to employ married female teachers be prospective and not retrospective. It is hardly fair that those who were engaged when the system was considered a virtue should now be ignominously cast aside when a whim of the same administrative authority has ruled it to be a vice. So the burning question that keeps bright the furnaces of controversy in Aberdare to-day is not the employ- ment of married teachers, but the question of a teacher's tenure. Is it right that a school teacher, who is com- pelled to contribute to a Superannuation Fund, and who is guilty of no miscon- duct, should be summarily dismissed, without right of appeal and without compensation, by any whimsical educa- tion authority, or should he or she partici- pate in the privileges enjoyed by a muni- cipal official or a poor law officer whose position involves permanency where there is no misconduct and who may appeal to a higher court against the decision of a local authority? The action of the Aberdare Education Com- mittee has been described as a grave breach of contract. That is hardly a correct definition. As the president of the N.U.T. put it at Monday's meeting it is rather a breach of faith. It is a violation of an honourable understand- ing. The attitude of the Labour Party in this crisis is difficult to explain. Where is the Labour point which has prompted them to take a united and determined' stand in the matter ? That there is a trade union point is clear, but that is on the side of the N.U.T. So we have the anomalous spectacle of a Labour Party opposing might and main a body on Trades Union lines which is strictly adhering to Trades Union principles. Who gave the Labour Party a mandate to take up this move- ment ? It has been said that they are holding a brief for working men's daughters whose promotion is delayed by the existence of the married teaehers But these young ladies have even gone to the extent of signing a petition in favour of the retention of their married sisters. This means that those who are supposed to be the aggrieved ones are satisfied with their position-or at any rate are prepared to sacrifice personal advantage on the altar of comradeship and loyalty to their Union. We believe that an amicable settlement of the question is now within view. Some fiery elements were displayed in Mon- day's meeting but the result has been to clear the air. Arbitration has been sug- gested, and we trust that the Labour Party, in whose economical faith arbi- tration is one of the cardinal tenets, will take kindly to this suggestion, and that the Education Committee as a whole will see the reasonableness of en- deavouring to obtain reconciliation by arbitration, and thus bring the conflict 1 to an end. The tenure controversy will 1 however go on, and evolve into a national problem. What agitates Aber- dare to-day will agitate Britain to- | morrow. (

Aberdare Education Committee. On Wednesday, Mr. T. Walter Wil- li ame, B.Sc., in the chair. The other members present were: Mrs. Richards, Messrs. D. P. Davies, J.P., Rees Llew- elyn, J.P., Wm. Rees, J.P., E. Stone- lake, J. O. George, Owen Powell, Tho6. Bowen, David Davies, J. H. James, D. Tyssul Davies, Illtyd Hopkins, M. J. Harris, W. Thomas, D, Jackson Thomas, and Thos. Lewis, with Mr. John Morris (director), Mr. T. D. Jones (assistant clerk), and Dr. Pritchard (schools medi- cal officer). BUILDING COMMITTEE. The report of the Building Committee was adopted. Mr. Stonelake and Mr. O. Powell asked that the piece of ground bought by the Education Committee for building at Capcoch be used as a play- ground until building operations com- menced.—This was agreed to. HIRWAIN JOINT SCHOOLS. The Director read the report of the Hirwain Joint Schools Committee, chair- man, Mr. J. O. George. Miss M. Jones, assistant teacher, sent in her resigna- tion, and the Director was instructed to fill the vacancy. Mr. T. Roderick sub- mitted sketch plane for proposed addi- tions to Hirwain Schaol, and it was de- cided to forward them to the Board of Education. VARIOUS. Mr. A. T. Davies, Board of Education, wrote suggesting that external doors in schools be not locked during school hours, and that they be made to swing outwardly as well as inwardly.—Referred to Building Committee. Mr. Austen Jenkins, Cardiff, sent a further communication regarding the return visit of the American teachers to this country. It was desirable to make arrangements for their reception, and a committee would soon be held in Cardiff for that purpose. Mr J. O. George moved, and Mr. Owen Powell seconded, that two delegates be sent. It was proposed that the chairman and Mrs. Richards be eent. Mr. Tyssul Davies: Will the expenses be paid? Chairman: No, members must pay their own expenses. Mr R. Llewelyn moved that the mover and seconder of the resolution be ap- pointed. This was seconded and carried amidst laughter, "A SENTIMENT." Arthur Cross, Llwydcoed, applied for the use of the school for a church function. The writer stated that there was no other place available. Mr. W. Thomas: Haven't they a vestry ? Mr. M. J. Harris: No. I move that the application be granted. Mr. J. O. George said it was not cus- tomary to hold such functions in the church building, and the committee should give them the credit of uphold- ing a sentiment. Mr. W. Thomas: It is a matter of ratepayers' money as well as sentiment, but I second the motion. The applicatiton was granted. The Operative Trade and Providence (Society were granted the use of Ynys- iwyd School, and the Aberdare Ambu- lance Brigade were granted the use of Town Council School. HONEST TEACHERS. Miss Blodwen Jones, Park School, sent in a notice terminating her engage- ment on July 31st. Miss Margaret Rees sent in a similar communication. Mr. D. Jackson Thomas commented on the honesty of these teachers in giving notices on July 1st. Some teachers were in the habit of resigning on Aug. 1st, so as to draw their pay during the holi- davs. UNEQUAL PAY. The Town National School teachers again complained of unequal pay for equal services, and applied for positions. as Council teachers in Council Schools. Mr. T. Walter Williams reminded members that the Committee had pro- mised to consider their applications in September if those teachers would satis- fy the members that they had been actually studying with the view of tak- ing a certificate. Mr. Illtyd Hopkins moved that the Clerk be authorised to write to these three teachers stating that the com- mittee could not consider the applica- ;ions until they resigned their positions tinder the managers of that school. Mr. W. Thomas mentioned that the Vicar of Aberdare had stated that if the teachers resigned and were re-appointed 3y the committee, the teachers would ;till be under the control of the mana- ^Mr. D. Jackson Thomas and others 'urther spoke, and ultimately the whole natter was referred to committee. PROBATIQNERSHIPS. The result of the examinations for prcbationerships was that 17 qualified for Part 2 of the examinations. It was resolved that the whole 17 be allowed to go to the County School. VACATION CLASS. Mr. John Davies, attendance officer, wrote suggesting that a Vacation Class be formed during August as an experi- ment. He estimated the cost at .£17 12s. for the month.—The letter was referred to the Staff and Management Committee. GADLYS HOUSE AND GROUNDS. Mr. Evan Williams wrote accepting the tenancy of Gadlys House upon the terms of the Committee's letter.—Mr. D. Tysstll Davies, who had been com- missioned to report on a piece of land adjoining Gadlye House, said it was most suitable for a workshed for the handy man.—The Chairman contended that Mr. Evan Williams had a perfect right to the ground, and his permission would have to be obtained.—Mr. D. T. Davies expressed his regret that Mr. Evan Williams had been agitating so soon again. The committee had been very generous towards him, and Mr. Williams was taking advantage of such generosity. He maintained that the piece of ground did not form part of Gadlys House premises.—Mr W. Thomas protested against the innuendoes uttered by Mr. Davies.—Mr. W. Rees eaid that Mr. Evan Williams had been to see "him concerning the matter, but Mr. Williams had not claimed any legal right to the piece of land. It was the chairman who suggested a legal right.—Fnally the matter was referred back to the Build- ing Committee. MEDICAL OFFICERS' REPORTS. Dr. M. J. Bees reported it was desir- able that each child should have the use of the same pencil case every day. By the use of the pencil oases it was hoped that the spread of infectious diseases in schools would be lessened.—Dr. Pritch- ard reported as follows: During the last month the following schools were ex- amined: Llwydcoed, St. Fagan's, Cwm- dare. Roman Catholic, Abernant, and Penywain. The result of the examin- ations is as follows: Defective teeth, 27 per cent.; dirty, 8 per cent; verminous, 25 per cent; diseases of throat and nose, i 28 per cent.; error of refraction, 25 per cent.; diseases of the skin, 5 per cent.; glandulus disease, 7.5 per cent.; external diseases of the eye, 4.5 per cent.; defec- tive hearing, 2.5 per cent.; dyspepsia, 10 per cent.; anaemia, 13.5 per cent.; diseases of the ear, 2 per oent.; tuber- cular, 1.5 per cent.; cardiac disease, 5 per cent.; lungs, 8 per cent.; abdominal disease, 5 per cent. Some of the children suffering from affections of the lungs were excluded from school, and sent to the country. During this month I ex- amined several children from the Poor Law School at Trecynon, and found that their teeth were carefully cleaned and attended to."—It was decided to print the two reports, copies to be handed to members.—Mr. Illtyd Hopkins suggested that these reports be printed every month, inasmuch as they were import- ant. CWMAMAN SCHOOL ACCOMMODAr TION. Mr. W. Rees moved that a piece of land be purchased near Fforchaman- road, with the view of erecting a school thereon.—Agreed.

Obituary. MR. J. LLEWELYN. On Wednesday, July let, the death of Mr. John Llewelyn, butter merchant, 7, Clifton-street, Aberdare, occurred. Mr. Ilewelyn had been ailing for some years. He was a native of Pembrokeshire, but had spent most of his life in Aberdare. He was a highly esteemed deacon of Cal- faria Baptist Church. When the elec- tion of deacons recently took place, the church decided, in order to mark its re- spect for Mr. Llewelyn, to re-elect him as an honorary deacon without a poll. He was 63 years of age. He leaves two sons.

MRS. ISAAC JONES. On Wednesday, July 1st, Mrs. Jones, widow of the late Mr. Isaac Jones, farm bailiff, Blaengwawr Cottage, passed away at the age of 65 years. It is only a few months since Mr. Jones departed this life. On Saturday the mortal re- mains of Mrs. Jones were interred at the Aberdare Cemetery, the Rev. D. Silyn Evans officiating. Deceased was a faith- ful member of Siloa.

I Aberdare. AN ELOQUENT London preacher is to preach at the St. David's Presbyterian Church anniversary services next; Sun- day. The Rev J. S. Roose, M.A., is no stranger to Aberdare, but already ie, known favourably. This will be the first visit he has made to the town since his taking the pastoral charge of Tooting Church. SILOA,-Last Sunday evening the Rev D. Silyn Evans, pastor, preached a memorial sermon, in respect of three departed members of Siloa church, viz., Mr Evan Jones, Bute street, Mrs Davies. Mary street, and Mrs Isaac Jones, Blaengwawr. OUTING.-Siloa Sunday school had an outing on Monday to Penarth. Many of the trippers visited Weston and Car- diff, while the remainder spent the day in Penarth. i CARMEL CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOUR SOCIETY,-Much activity continues to be evinced in connection wiih the above society. During the last few weeks the attendance has been remarkably good, some of the meetings being character- ised by much fervour, resembling those of the great revival period, several tak- ing part simultaneously. Excellent papers have been read on various topics by Miss Rachel Charles, Miss Hughes,, Mr Moss, Mr H. Williams. Mr Shaw and. others, the presidents being Rev A. B, Kinsey. B.A., B.D., Mrs Perrptt and Miss Rose Williams. On Thursday evening last, the topic was True Religion." Mr Shaw read a very able paper, in which he pointed out that the religious faculty was as real a part of man, as the eye, the ear, the reflective mind, or sympathetic heart. There was a spirit akin to that of the Divine in man which was restless until it found. rest in the Higher than itself. Religion meant conformity and submissiveness to the will of God, and genuine service to fellowmen. Papers were also read by Miss Hughes and Mr H. Williams. Mr Evan Evans presided. MUSICAL.—The Aberdare Amateur Operatic Society is about to commence work again, having just concluded, as we would remind our readers, performances, of H.M.S. Pinafore. A meeting is to be held in the Lesser Market Hall on Mon- day evening next, the 18fch inst., which all persons desirious of joining the Society are invited to attend.

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Town Ward Election. ] ] Result of the Poll. « [COUNCILLOR A. P. JONES.] I Polling took place in the Town Wand yesterday, and the result was as follows: A. P. Jones 921 R. L. Berry 296 Isaac (Griffiths 173 Tremedous cheering greeted the figures, and Mr. A. P. Jones was sur- rounded by his supporters and carried shoulder high down Canon-street. He mounted a cab in Victoria Square, and made a short speech. He heartily thanked the electors, and added that i this was one of the finest victories that had ever occurred in the Town Ward. (Cheers.) The intelligence of the town was not dead, and he hoped that this was but an augury of what would hap- pen in the other Wards. He stood for economy and efficiency. Their oppon- ents had cried out for Education, but what was the object of education, if, when the child of the working man had attained a position of honour, he was to be regarded as the enemy of the work- men? He hoped to justify the choice of the electors and to do justice to the ratepayers.

MR. D. GRIFFITHS. After a long illness, Mr. D. Griffiths, Temperance Hotel, Aberdare, passed away on Friday at the age of 42 years, leaving a widow and three young chil- dren. The funeral took place on Wed- nesday at the Aberdare Cemetery, the Rev. J. Robertson, M.A., and Rev. D. Silyn Evans officiating. Mr. Griffiths was a member of St. David's Presbyter- ian Church, and precentor of the Sun- day School and Band of Hope. The nourners were: Mr. W. Davies, fathar" .n-law; Vernon and Harry, eons; Messrs. G. P. Davies, R. Broom, J. rones, R. Grace, and W. Grimths, brothers-in-law; Mr. Thomas, uncle; Messrs. T. Thomas, J. Davies, W. Davies, A. Evans, and H. Howells, ins. Wreaths had been sent as fol- Lows:(l) Mr. and Mrs. Davies, Miss Davies, and Mr. G. Davies; (2) wife and children; (3) Mr. and Mrs. Grace; (4) Mr. and Mrs. W. Griffiths; (5) Mr. and Mrs. Broom; (6) Mr. and Mrs. Jones; (7) Messrs. Watkins and Lane; (8) Mrs. Baker; (9) Mr. Mander's em- ployees (10) Mr. T. Grace, Swansea; (11) harp from the Presbyterian Sunday School, with the inscription attached, "In memory of our beloved conductor." The bearers were: Messrs. T. Lloyd, Davies (Lloyd's), D. Davies, D. Peters, E. Davies, and D. Ross. Mr. F. D. E, George was the undertaker.

Interesting Wedding. JONES—JONES. A quiet but pretty wedding was solem- nised at Hen-dy-Cwrdd, Trecynon yester- day (Wednesday) morning. The bride was Miss Tydien Jones, eldest daughter of the Rev. R. J. Jones, M.A., Bron- ic-styn, and the bridegroom was the Rev. Simon Jones, B.A., pastor of Swansea Unitarian Church, son of the late Mr. Simon Jones, Rhydyfene, LlandyssuL Rev. W. J. Phillips, Nottage, uncle of the bride, officiated, assisted by Mr. G. G. Jones, Registrar. Miss Lena Jones, B.A., Miss Olwen Jones (sisters of the biide), and Miss Mollie Phillips (cousin of the bride) were the bridesmaids. The best man was the Rev. Henry Dawtrey: B.A., of Manchester. Other members of the bridal party were: Rev. R. J. Jones, M.A. (father of the bride), Mr. Coronwy Jones, M.B. (brother of bride), Mr. David J. Jones (uncle of bride), the Misses Griffiths, Poplars, and Mrs. W. J. Phillips (aunts of bride). The bride's dress was of French grey chiffon taffeta, trimmed with terra cotta. passimenterie rose sprays, with white crinoline hat trimmed with silk net and terra cotta roses. Miss Lena Jones was dressed in pale- mauve shangtung and white crinoline hat. Miss Olwen Jones was attired in a. whitle silk dress trimmed with Irish lace and pink ribbons, with hat to match. Miss Mollie Phillips' dress was of vieux rose liberty silk, with hat to match. Mrs. Phillips was dressed in black silk crepe de chene, trimmed with silk Irish lace, with black crinoline hat trimmed with white and black plumes. Miss Jennie Griffiths wore a grey costume with claret hat, while Miss Bessie Griffiths was attired in a white costume with white hat. After the ceremony was over the bridal party drove back to the brides father's residence, where the wedding, breakfast was partaken of. Shortly afterwards the happy pair left, amidst the heartv congratulations and good wishes of their friends, for the English Lakes. Mr. and Mrs. Jones will be at home on August 5th and 6th at 7, Cwmdonkin- terrace, Swansea.