The Aberdare Leader

Merthyr Board of Guardians. Saturday.—Mr. Itees Rees in the chair. The other members present were: Mrs. Richards, Mrs. Jenkins, Mrs. Williams, Revs. J. O'Reilly, J. R. Salmon, LI. M. Williams, D. L. .Jones, W. A. Jones; Messrs. David Vdwai-ds Dd. Jones, John Prowle, K. Ogwen Williams, Morgan Wil- liams, Idris Davies, Meth Davies, Kees Rees, D. J. Phillips,^ Wm. Thomas, Samuel Davies, Edward .Jones, Richard Abraham, Thomas Llewelyn, John Davies, Chas. Fen- wick, Hugh Jones, David Davies, .John Lloyd, Wm. Harris, Samuel Thomas, T. T. Jenkins, Wm. Jones, Thomas Andrews, Joshua Aurelius, D. J. Davies, David Evans (Hirwain), W. T. Morgan, Joseph Price, Roger Yaughan, John Williams, with Mr. Frank T. James (clerk) and Mr. Jones (assistant clerk). Judge Bryn Roberts and Relief.-One ot the relieving officers mentioned a case where a woman had asked for re- lief. Her husband had been killed in a colliery, and she had six children. Judge Bryn Roberts, in apportioning compensation, had refused to grant more than 2s. 6d. each per week for the children—15s. altogether.—Mr. T. T. Jenkins said he would like to pro- test against the awards of Judge Roberts. They as a Board should ap- peal and make a test case, to see whether a higher apportionment could not be got. He did not place much faith in Judge Bryn Roberts' idea as to what was required to bring up chil- dren. Two shillings. and sixpence was far too little. It was now while they were voung that the children should be properly looked after. The oldest child in the family under discussion was only nine years of age. He asked the Board to declare that 15s. was insuffieient.- Mr. J. Protfle said he was not a great lover of Judge Bryn Roberts. It had been pointed out to the Judge from 11 time to time that 2s. 6d. was too small, nnd he (the Judge) had replied: "Go to the Guardians if you want more." the Judge ought to stretch a point and grant a larger award, but it was ex- tremely difficult to budge him. He understood that the Guardians could not take the matter to the Appeal Court, for it was not a question of law. -It was moved and seconded that they make up the sum to 22s. (5d.—Carried. Fire.-Tlie Clerk reported that a fire had occurred in Pantseallog House, but had been extinguished before it spread very far.—Mr. J. Prowle moved that thev commend the action of the foster mother, the assistant, and the con- stable, for their tact in not disturbing the inmates, and for putting the fire out with such promptness.-iNIrs. Rich- ards seconded, and the motion was agreed to. Desertions.—A relieving officer re- ported that a woman whose husband was in prison for not maintaining her, required relief. She had a family. — Mr. fdris Davies suggested £1 per week relief, but the Rector remarked that they must not be too liberal, or they would have half the husbands in the TTnion deserting their wives. The amount lixed was 12s. 6d. per week. Setected only.—Mr. Ogwen Williams moved "That in future the reasonable expenses of selected candidates only be paid by the Board." Mr. Williams added that the present policy of the Guardians, when making certain ap- pointments, was "let 'em all come." This should be abolished, and so save the ratepayers from paying the tra- velling expenses of a large number of candidates.—Mrs. Richards said she would like to support the motion in a way, but it would be well to get as many candidates to attend as was possible, even if they had to pay their own ex- penses. The danger was that if out- siders would not attend incompetent locals would be ipl)ointef,].-Ml-. John Lloyd: That is the great danger of the resolution.—The Rector wanted to re- fer the question to the Home Manage- ment Committee, but Mr. W. Harries moved the previous question, which was carried.—Mr. T. T. Jenkins: What is the previous question, and what was the previous position P-Clei-k: You de- cided some time ago to ask a certain number of candidates to attend an ex- amination, and you paid their expenses. In future the best plan is to decide in each case, whether expenses are .to be paid. Paying Their Dues. — Mr. Richard Abraham called attention to the fact that the various parishes in the Union were not paying their dues as they ought to. Gelligaer Parish, for Ü1- stance, owed over £ 9,000.—The Clerk mentioned that £ 4,500 had just come in from Gelligaer. There were still ow- ing. however, another £ 4,500 from Gelligaer Overseers; £ 3,000 from Aber- dare" E5,233 from Merthyr; and ;Ca:34 from Penderyn.

Aberdare Appointment.—Angry Scene Between Members. It was reported that. there were about 40 applicants for the post of farm bailiff at tho Aberdare Industrial Farm, which the Guardians are taking over. The Clerk remarked that the Farms Com- mittee had been commissioned to re- duce the number of applicants to 3, who should appear before the Board. .J. H. Salmon objected to the appoint- ment of three being relegated to a sniall committee. It was not right. 311. Hugh Jones Why not enlarge the com- nlittee-Jfr. J. Prowle said he was chairman of the committee in question and remarked that that was the usual policy of the Board. Why should Rev. really he had forgotten the rov. gcutlonian's niiiii, for he (Mr. Salmon) M'idctll nttended the J. If, Salmon: Has Mr. Prowle a right to hit about as he does? (Laughter.) MY duty, I suppose, is to turn the other clieeli to him.—Rector Yes, and take a kidnev nunch as well. (Renew- ed -R. Salmon Let us have the names of the committee.— Chairman: We cannot give them. Next business please.—Mr. W. Harris: Well, that is a knock-out blow. (Laughter.) —The Clerk then read the names of the eight members of the coii-ililittee.-Mi-. David Edwards: Has any member of the Board a right to attend that com- mittee ?—Clerk Any member can at- tend, but he cannot sneak or votè. Hector: Is it possible to enlarge that committee? It seems to me it ought to he strengthened.—Chairman: 1 see no harm in that.—The Rector moved it, and Mrs. Richards seconded. Mr. Prowle protested against the motion. He remarked that he had taken a great interest in the Farm Committee, The Karm could be made an asset to the hoard, but owing to the jealousy exist- în amongst members he would give up his position. Some of the g meanest men on the Board were trying to upset the arrangements. There was no one less attentive to the work of the Board than Mr. Dd. Edwards, and yet he wanted to insinuate that the committee would not do what was right.—Mr. Ed- wards I have not insinuated anything. I am very dubious as to whether the farm will pay.—Mr. Prowle: The farm ia Bedlinog, with fewer acres than we have got, yields a profit of £ 200 a year, and this farm can be made to pay. If you (pointing to Mr. Edwards) have a pet farmer, stick to him and be honest with the Board. Look up Mr Edwards' record for the last 10 years and see how many meetings ho has attended. I think I shall enjoy more leisure in future. These are. the people who im- pute dishonesty to others. I will have nothing more to do with this job.—Mr. David Edwards said it was the work of the full Board to have the appointment made. As to his attendances, Mr. Prowle would not be able to put in an appearance without proper health.—Mr Prowle: I'll wash mv hands of the business. (Cries of "No, no." and the Rector: "Don't be foolish.") Mr. Meth Davies pointed out that it was the Rector who had proposed the strength- ening of the committee. The Rector himself was a member of that com- mittee, and why did he not attend? Every time an appointment was made they could get plenty of members to come, but when there was no appoint- ment very few turned up. It was time to say a word or two on this matter. He moved that the committee stand.- Rector I appeal to the committee to be reasonable. There is no reason why members should not be increased. There is no imputation in that, and Mr. Prowle and lr. Meth Davies have no right to accuse anyone of not attending committees. I am not pleading for my- self, but for others, and I am surprised that Mr. Prowle should threaten to wash his hands because we propose strengthening the committee. — Mr. Prowle said the spirit underlying the remarks was that they had no faith in the committee.—Members No, no. Mr. Prowle: Yes, yes. I have not fin- ished polishing some of you, yet.—Mr. T. T. Jenkins said if he were a member of that committee he should look upon the Rector's motion as a vote of want ot confidence. If the committee had performed its work properly in the past, why not in the present instance? At the same time he should like if the number of candidates selected to appear before the Board was more than 3. Members: That has already been de- cided.—Mr. T. Andrews: If that can- not be altered how can you alter the committee? I move the previous ques- tion, and that means that this com- mittee shall complete its work.—This was carried, the Rector's motion being defeated. Elections.-It- was resolved to hold thf elections on April 7th, the same day as the District Council elections. Repayment of Strike Relief. — The Warrant Officer submitted a list of cases who had received relief during the Strike, and it was recommended that other notices be sent out inform- ing them that if they do not pay or ap- pear before the Maintenance Com- mittee, proceedings will be taken against them, and that a meeting of the committee be convened at the Memorial Hall, Aberdare, on February 26th.

fa——. THE PROGRESS OF NERVOUS PROSTRATION Important Statement by a Well-known Journalist. The steady increase of nervous mala- dies among p r o f e ssional" and business men to-day is a serious fea- ture of modern c o n (I i t I ons. Yet there are many business men well a hIe to face confi- dently their ar- duous duties. That there is a reason for this is evident MR. A. WEBB. from the communication received from Mr. A. Webb, Editor of the "Lincoln- shire Chronicle," who aptly refers to this epistle as "a page from his diary." He writes:— "The following notes are connected with a personal experience during a per- iod when I was a victim of Nervous Prostration. "Some years ago my nervous system seemed to completely give out. I be- came what the doctors termed 'Neuras- thenic.' One day I was all keen for work, the next too limy to write a stroke or even think. Never had duties been so harassing as they became then. Naturally I had treatment, hut day by day I found my nervous energy at a low ebb; soon 1 was quite incapacitated, irritable and prostrate through com- plete nervous breakdown. "It seemed impossible for me to con- centrate my energies on any single duty, and 1 grew mentally and physi- cally ill. Then < became too perturbed to sit writing, and my fingers would not guide mv pen into words. Frequently I could not articulate the words 1 had in mind. "My nerve-energy had gone: soon I could not even walk In seeking a remedy, I spent much time and money. Then certain facts that had come to my notice regarding Dr. Williams Pink Pills for Pale People caused me to turn to this well-known remedy. "After I had taken the contents of a box or two of these Pills, my nerves were stronger and my mind brighter. I was more active and felt fresher and more alert. "Soon I to resume iny duties, and experienced less and less trouble in my work. 1 slept splendidly at nights, t found the general direc- tions accompanying Dr. Williams' Pink Pills a most valuable aid, for the hints given helped me to a more rapid re- covery. At present my journalistic duties occupy me frequently twelve hours a day, yet I am rarely tagged, and my nerves are full of, The Cry of the Nerves is satisfied only by creating rich, red blood oil which the nervous system depends for nourish- I ment. By this natural process Dr. Williams' Pink Pills for Pale People I have cured many Nervous Disorders— St. Vitus' Dance, Neuralgia. Sciatica, and disorders of the blood, including Amemia, Eczema, Indigestion and Rheumatism. Of dealers, or direct from Dr. Williams' Medicine Co., tf Holborn Viaduct, London, E.C., price 2s. 9d. one box, or 13s. !/d. for six. Nevet accept a shopman's substitute.

Letters to the Editor. RELIGION, ECONOMICS, AND POLI- TICS AT YNYSYBWL. Sir,—It appears that the Ynysybwl Free Church Council is developing into an economic and political tribunal. Ac- cording to the report in the "Leader" of the last meeting of this Council it was.seriously discussed there whether that body should set itself up as an arbiter between owners and workers con- cerning a certain disagreement at the local colliery, and it was only by a slight majority that it was carried not to proceed with the motion." Is it proposed that where the Conciliation Board and Minimum Wage Board fail the Free Church Authority should take action i' Again, I learn that the same meeting had before it the questiort whether the Coun- cil should become affiliated to the Gar- den Cities Association. This question was deferred—not abandoned. From what I gather this Association is a Socialistic organisation. So the Social- ists of Ynysybwl are going at it. might and main, to capture the Nonconformist Sanhedrim. After all this can it be called either a "free" or a "Church Coullcil.- Your. NOT TIED NONCON. THE DOCTORS' QUESTION. Sir,-It is evident that the poundage system of paying the doctors has caused deep dissatisfaction. Therefore, in the in- terests of the doctors as well as the work- men. the system should be changed, and it might be well that the doctors should not assume the part of dictators which they seem to be doing in trying to tie the workmen to the poundage (system. The companies are not compelled to deduct monies for the medical benefit of their workmen's families, and, therefore, may decline to keep the money back. But in their own interest they are not likely to do so. Then it stands to reason that if it is in the interests of the companies to deduct doctors' money, it is not in the interest of the workmen for it to be so kept back. I see by the report in your paper last, week of the meeting at Moun- tain Ash that the doctors objected to the committee on the' ground of expense. That is quite right, if it can be saved. In these days we look for labour-saving in all directions, and, therefore, saving in expenses. But why stop at the com- mittee r It is evident that the chief clerk or cashier in the colliery offices get their 5 per cent, from the deductions which they make, which would amply pay for a clerk to be in the <Ioctors' elliploy. Ac- cording to the balance sheet of the Cwin- aman Sick Fund. with a membership of about 2.000. the sum of £60 6s was paid to the cashier last year for deducting 6d per fortnight per member. So what does he get when deducting 3d in the < £ ? It amounts to over 11 per week from the fund for the doctors' poundage; it very likely amounts to £ 2 per week for keep- ing the doctors' poundage. There's a saving of i!2 per week, if the doctors at Cwmaman wished to do so, from one company alone. I don't expect the doc- tors' committee at the Mount, exceeded that amount. In one place the doctors object, and in the other they agree. Why It is plain that the doctors by their attitude are fast alienating the sym- pathy of the workmen, and the sooner the" IUpnd their ways the better. For if the committees cannot get better terms from the doctors they can at least advise all young men to refuse to pay the poundage, and it would be almost hope- less for the doctors to get 4d. in the < £ from people with families when work- men get better attendance for less per week in other parts of the country. I am inclined to think that if the work- men'fi committee discontinued the poundage altogether and allowed every individual member to treat with the doctor of his choice, it would be better for all of them. and in the course of time the doctors' attitude would chang(- Yours, ONE WHO PAYS POUNDAGE. APPROVED SOCIETIES AND LICENSED PREMISES. Sir,—As Chairman of the meeting of the Aberdare Welsh Free Church Council, at which the resolution was passed to urge upon the Churches to place their vestries at the disposal of the above Societies whenever applied for will vou allow me to refer to the regulations of the Welsh Insurance Commissioners touching meeting places of Approved Societies under the Act- II is stated therein as follows :— 1. No meeting of any Approved Society or Branch thereof, or any Com- mittee of such Society or Branch shall be held in :—(a) Any premises on which the sale by wholesale or retail of any intoxicating liquor is authorised by licence (whether the licence be for con- sumption on or off the premises); or (h) any premises where intoxicating liquor is sold, or is supplied or distri- buted to members of a club, society, or association, or in any part of any such premises. 2. (a) Nothing in the preceding regu- lations shall apply to any part of such premises which is ordinarily let for an^ other purposes provided: (1) that such part of such premises has a separate entrance; (2) that such part of such premises has no direct or internal com- munication with any part, of the pre- mises on which any intoxicating liquor is sold, supplied, or distributed as aforesaid (3) that there are no means of entrance to such part of such pre- inises otherwise than from a street or other public place; (4) that no other suitable premises are available and (5) that the sanction of the Commissioners is obtained to the use of such part of such premises by the Approved Socie- ties, Branch, or Committee concerned. (b) The Commissioners may, if they think fit in the circumstances of any particular case, dispense with the ne- cessity for compliance, with condition I (:i) nforesaid; Any offices or other building under the control of a Government 'Depart- ment (including offices or buildings oc- cupied by or in connection with a Labour Exchange) or belonging to or under ihe management of a local authority may be used, subject to the consent of the Government Department or of the local authority concerned, with consent of the Government Department or of the local authority concerned, with fit without payment, as a place in wnien anv Approved Society or branch there- of or any committee of such society oi branch may he held. 4. These regulations shall come to effect as from the date hereof (27th November, 1912) provided that the Commissioners may permit any Ap- proved Society to meet in any licensed premises during their existing tenancy thereof (if any) under a lease or other- wise. but not after the earliest date at which such tenancy can be legally deter- mined by such society or branch. Those are the regulations. It is evi- dent therefore that subject to the last provision, and to the discretion of the Commissioners, as applied to condition paragraph 2 above, no friendly society or trade union branch or district committee meeting on licensed premises is entitled to he recognised as an Ap- proved Society under the Insurance Act. if it can be shown that other pre- mises are available, or that there are I no means of entrance to the place of meeting direct from a street or public place, or that there is a doorway through which there may be direct or internal communication between the place of meeting and other rooms of a public house where drink is supplied or consumed. How many (.if any) friendly or trade societies there are in the A her- I dare district against which the above requirements do not tell is a question I am not entitled to answer. It is, how- ever, a matter of great importance to the members concerned. But in the last week's issue of your paper there ap- peared a communication from Mr. Stephen Lloyd, P.P.G.M., 1.0.0., Aberaman, questioning the right of the Welsh Commissioners to make such re- gulations, and suggesting that the Free Church Council had been misled in the matter. Fearing that assertion was true, I communicated at once with the Secretary of the Welsh Commissioners, and received to-day the following re- ply :—- 11th February, 1913. Sli-In reply to your letter of the btll inst. I am directed by the Welsh Insurance Commissioners to inform you that Section 27 (2) of the National In- surance Act empowers them to issue regulations as to the meeting places of approved societies. The section quoted reads as follows: "Every approved society and every branch thereof shall comply with any regulations made by the Insurance Commissioners as to the place in which meetings are to be held, and those regulations may provide for the use for such meetings, with or with- out payment, of any offices or other buildings under the control of a Govern- ment Department (including offices or buildings occupied by or in connection with a labour exchange), or belonging to or under the management of a local authority, but subject to the consent of the Government Department or the local authority concerned." I am to add that these regulations are practi- cally identical with those issued by the Scottish and Irish Insurance Com- missioners.—I am, sir, A. M. LEVEAUX, (for Secretary)." I suppose the intention implied in the last sentence is to remove any im- pression formed that these regulations are due to alleged narrow views on tem- perance that are peculiar to Wales. At any rate the reply shows that the posi- tion taken up by the Welsli Free Church Council was quite correct, and I repeat here that every Church mem- ber belonging to any of the affected societies should do all in his power to get them removed at once from licensed premises. I feel confident that the re- commendation of our Council to the Churches to offer the use of their ves- tries and committee-rooms will be re- sponded to quite readily. I welcome, however, the very cordial suggestion of Mr. Stephen Lloyd of having a joint conference of the Free Church Council and the Friendly Societies' Council to consider the whole matter, and I shall certainly recommend it at our next meeting.—I am, etc., R. WILLIAMS, President of Aberdare Welsh F.C.C.

9"¡ç A Twice-told Tale. Good news bears repeating, and when it is confirmed after a long lapse of time, even if we hesitated to believe it at first hearing, we feel secure in accepting its truth now. The following experience of a Hir- wain woman is confirmed after six years. Over six years ago, Mrs. S. A. Jones, of 3a Bethel Place, near the Bethel Chapel, Hirwain, near Aber- dare, said Mÿ trouble probably started with a cold I caught whilst at my work. I sometimes get over- heated, and, of course, am liable to get a chill. I had cruel, sharp pains in my back and round the loins, which made it very difficult for me to straighten myself after stooping. My legs and ankles swelled up, and I had very bad headaches. My kidneys were disordered, for the water was discoloured, and painful when seek- ing relief. I had heard about Doan's back- ache kidney pills, and was led to try them. I am glad I did, for the first box gave me great relief, and after using them for a time I improved in health. By the time I had taken the third box I was quite well, and better than I had been for a long time. I always recommend them now. (Signed) Sarah Ann Jones." After a lapse of over six years Mrs. Jcnes is still quite well. She says: I confirm all I said before about Doan's backache kidney pills. I still enjoy very good health, and only very occasionally do I get a touch of the .backache, when I take a few of Doan's pills, which never fail to put me right. I believe them to be a splendid medicine for kidney trou- ble, and shall always speak well of them." Price 2/9 a box. 6 boxes 13/9 of all dealers, or from Foster-McClellan Co.. 8 Wells St., Oxford St., London, W. Don't ask for backache and kid- nev pills,-ask distinctly for Doan's backache kidney pills, the same as Mvs. Jones had. u_-

Lloyds Bank, Limited. The 55th ordinary general meeting of the shareholders of Lloyds Bank, Ltd.. wns held on Friday, the 7th February. lU la. at the Grand Hotel, Colmore Row. Birmingham. The directors' report and the statement of accounts for the year 191:2 were taken as read and the auditors report was read. The chairman (al-r Vajisar-Smith), in his speech, anticipated that the report and statement of account, would lie considered satisfactory, as. in spite of disturbing influences, trade during 1912 had been g»od, and the re- turns the highest on record. He re- viewed the home trade systematical, eiving reports from the bank's different districts. The balance sheet, he said. showed most satisfactory figures, and the profit and loss account an improve- ment of ,£111,299 over the previous year. The number of offices had increased bv Iti; there were 10.663 more current, and 8,281 more deposit accounts. New pre- mises had been erected in several parts of' the country. The report was unani- mously adopted. mously adopted.

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