The Aberdare Leader

Special Grants. It was reported that a regulation had been received dealing with special grants. The amount for the whole country was zC350,000, which would be divided among necessitous areas. A proportion of the amount claimed would be given in each in- stance. Major Gray: Make the claim as high as possible. (Laughter.)

"Disorderly Intrusion." The County Council sent in a copy of a byelaw to punish persons for disorderly intrusion in school pre- mises. Rev. E. V. Tidman What is meant by disorderly intrusion? The Director replied that any per- son other than a teacher or child who would refuse to leave the school pre- mises when requested to do so would be liable to be summoned. In reply to Major Gray and Mr. W. Millar, the Director said that the byelaw applied to schools in autono- mous areas.

New School. The tender of Mr. T. W. Davies, Mountain Ash, for erecting York St. School, Miskin, was accepted.

Fire Brigade Display at Aberdare. On Thursday afternoon last the mem- bers of the Aberdare Fire Brigade gav a magnificent display at the Park be- fore a huge crowd of spectators. The function was under the auspices of the Park's Amusements Committee, and was ably organised by Mr John Davies, cap- tain of the Brigade. This was the first display of its kind ever held in the town. The proceedings opened with a display of various kinds of nozzles, which was followed by a three-man engine drill. No. 2 team were the winners, having accomplished their work within the short space of 42 3-5 seconds. The next item on the programme caused shrieks of laughter. It was a most amusing representation of a sea serpent. Then followed a race between an engine and a hose cart. Then engine gave the hose cart a start of a 100 yards, and, greatly to the amusement of the spectators, the engine completed the drill before the appearance of the hose cart. This was an actual demonstration of the utility of the engine. The men on the engin4 were quite fresh after completing their work, whereas the hose cart attendants appeared to be thoroughly exhausted. The fifth item was illustrative of a jumping sheet drill. A man clambered on to the escape, a height of 22 feet, and dropped on to the jumping sheet. Lieut. James was in control of the sheet. A striking feature of the programme was a duel between two of the firemen, which was arranged as follows: —Two men opposed each other with jets of water at a pressure of a 100 lbs to the square inch. Although the combat was a source of merriment to the onlookers, it was not very pleasant to the com- batants, and Messrs Probert and Voyle must be complimented upon their pluck in withstanding the enormous pressure of the water. The men were well ap- plauded at the close of the duel. The remaining items, viz., the dress- ing drill, tug of war, and combined drill had to lie postponed owing to darkness setting in. The Brigade were, to a cer tain extent, hampered in their work owing to the pushing of the vast con- course of people. On the whole the di play was both interesting and instruc- tive, and a lesson to many, some of whom are somewhat prone to decry the general utility of this life-saver.

Cwmaman Woman f COLLAPSES IN NEWPORT COrKT. 1 .s A woman, named Sarah Ann Jones, 1 who said she came from Cwmaman, 1 Aberdare, caused a sensation in the Newport Magistrates' Court on Friday. She had been locked up for di«orderiy conduct, but had to be sent to the hospi- tal as she was subject to epileptic fits. The Bench dismissed the case on her promise to leave the town. As she turned to descend the steps to the cells she collapsed and fell head foremost. 1 Police-sergeant Friend instantly leaped ( over the side of the dock. and, in com- pany with Police-constable Stenner. picked her up. They carried her in an I unconscious condition to a room ad- J joining the court, where restoratives were applied. f

J ( I For Cakes, Pastry, f Puddings and Pies. « I ijORWICK 987 BORwïërs BAKING POWDER ;J a I

Welsh Industries. Exhibition to be Held at Aberdare. A public meeting for the purpose A 3t organising an exhibition under j the auspices of the Welsh Industries Association, was held at the Memor- ial Hall, Aberdare, on Thursday. Lord Aberdare presided over a re- presentative gathering, and he was supported by Lady Aberdare, Mr. R. H. Miles (High Constable), who < wore his official robes and chain of I office, and Mrs. Miles, Mrs. Godfrey Clark, Miss Mabel Hill, Miss Davies (Bryngolwg), Mrs. Thomas (Brynawel), Mrs. Edwards (Fedw- hir), Mr. and Mrs. Llewellin Smith, Miss Price (Rose Cottage), Mrs. D. M. Richards, Mrs. Rose Davies, Mr. and Mrs. Howell Morgan and the Misses Morgan, Mr. and Mrs. Nicho- < las, Mr. and Mrs. T. W. Griffiths (solicitor), Col. Morgan Morgan, < Mrs. T. Walter Williams, Mrs. Dan- < iel, Mrs. Cox, Mrs. Eddy, Mrs. J. H. Powell (Danygraig), Mrs. Walter Lloyd, Mrs. Edgar Morgan. Mrs. Emrys Evans, Miss A. Thomas (Oak- hill), Mrs. (Rev.) R. Williams, Mrs. James (Abernant Road), Miss Giles. Mrs. Phillips (Victoria Square), Air. and Mrs. A. E. Harmston, Mr. C R. Vicary, Mrs. Williams (Park Lane), Mrs. T. Botting, Rev. John Robert- son, M.A., and the Rev. J. Lewis Jenkins. Lord Aberdare 'briefly explained the objects of the meeting, and said the Association and its work had not in Glamorgan received the support it should as the most prosperous coun- ty in Wales, commercially and indus- trially. Great good had been done in the Principality by the Associ- ation, and Glamorgan stood greatly to benefit by its work. He hoped the response would be greater than it had been in the nast. Mrs. Godfrey Clark nointed out that already a great improvement was shown in regard to fabrics, and also in the pottery products. They were iust now on the turn of the tide, and the best way in which u I further. ^eir objects was by holding an exhibition and by get- ting markets for the manufactures of their weavers and potters. Mr. R. H. Miles (High Constable) remarked that the work of the Asso- ciation had been a revelation to him, and he had been moved to take an enthusiastic interest in the Associ- ation and in the movement for the holding of an exhibition in the town. It was a matter in which they could all work shoulder, to shoulder with- out any distinction of party or sex, for the uplifting and the betterment of the mass of the people. He pro- posed that the exhibition be held. Mrs. Walter Lloyd seconded, and hoped that if they took the matter up it would be a great success. (Al)- plause). Miss Davies (Bryngolwg) support- ed, and on being put to the meeting the resolution was carried with ac- clamation. Miss Hill said that since the Asso- ciation was first formed some t25,000 had gone into the pockets of the workers, while the smaller Welsh in- dustries had been greatly benefited. Lord Aberdare then read out the list of the proposed committee. which included the names of several present, as well as the Hon. Mrs. Green and the Hon. Misses Lewis. It was decided to hold an exhibi- tion at Aberdare on Wednesday and Thursday, October 15th and 16th next, and Mesdames Walter Wil- liams and Llewellin Smith were ap- pointed as hon. secretaries, while a strong committee of local ladies were also elected, headed by Mrs. R. H. Miles.

Tramway Appointments. The following appointments have -)een made on the Aberdare District Council Tramways:— Car Depot Fitter: Mr. H. Bates- g lones, from Clough, Smith & Co., London. Inspectors: Mr. D. Alfred Jones. < rom the Merthyr Electric Traction Jo.. Ltd., and Mr. S. W. Summer, rom the South Metropolitan Tram- vays Co., Ltd. Ticket Clerk: Mr. E. H. Rickets. i rom the Reading Corporation Pram ways. Correspondence & General Clerk tfr. R. V. Evans, from the Uxbridge jid District Electric Supply Co., jtd.

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Mountain Ash Education Committee. ] Tuesday, Sept 2.—Mr. J. Powell in the chair. The other members present were Capt. G. A. Evans, J.P., Major F. X. Gray, J.P., Rev. E. V. Tidman, Messrs. D. Rogers, Bruce Jones, W. Millar, Griffith Evans, Noah Bowles, Wm. Evans, E. Morris, James Evans and W. Davies, with Mr. Alfred Morgan (Director) and Mr. Salusbury Roberts (assistant direcifbr).

Children and Fairy Tales. H.M. Inspector's Report on Trerobart School. H.M. Inspector of Schools sent in a full report dealing with the Tre- robart Boys, Girls and Infants' Schools. He stated that in the boys' dept. the staff was composed of intelligent teachers, and several of them were doing good work. Two or three of them had not learned to control the boys' answers. Lessons were given to the top classes on the need of careful chewing, etc. In the Girls' Dept., two uncertifi- cated teachers were in charge of un- duly large classes. The top classes were not so numerous, and on the whole the staff was adequate. Pro- per organisation was hampered be- cause there were only five class- rooms for six classes. The head- teacher and staff were taking great interest in their respective duties. Infants School. The staff was weak in qualifications, there being only two certificated assistants. An improvement in this particular should be effected as soon as possi- ble. Director: I don't know why he points this out. We knew this. Major Gray It is on a par with the rest of his report. (Laughter.) The Director proceeded to read the Inspector's report, which stated that more of the fairy-tale element was required in that school. (Laughter). A member: We get plenty of that. Inspector's Report: It was desir- able that the head-teachers should have a private room for themselves. Rev. E. V. Tidman: Who are the head-teachers in these schools ? Director: The head-teacher in the boys is Mr. Harris; girls, Miss Glover; infants, Miss G. Lewis. Major Gray: What do the head teachers want private rooms for 1 Director: To do clerical work in peace. Rev. E. V. Tidman: Is it to have a chat with each other? Director It is desirable fota head- teacher to meet an irate parent in some place other than in front of the children. Rev. E. V. Tidman: They can j meet those parents with the new County Council byelaw. Mr. J. Powell: The best place for them to meet is in the playground. (Laughter.) The Director said that with regard to the girls school the committee had already made an improvement in the staff by sending a certificated teach- er there Major Gray: How far are we di- recting the teachers to instruct the children to tell fairy tales ? They are pretty good hands at that al- ready, I think. Mr. Bruce Jones moved that the report be left to the Director. Mr D. Rogers remarked that quite a different report with regard to that school, reached the committee some time ago. And he believed it was the same inspector, too. Major Gray: Perhaps he was tell- ing fairy tales, or he is telling them now. (Laughter.) Rev. E. V. Tidman referred to a portion of the Inspector's report in which he referred to intelligent teachers, and certain teachers who lacked intelligence. The Inspector ought to go further and give the names of those teachers. Abercynon Higher Standard School. The Inspector also submitted a report on the Abercynon Higher Standard School, and stated that both teachers were thoroughly well qualified. It was a pity that the number of pupils decreased to- wards the end of the term. The girls were given good lessons in domestic science, but largely of a theoretical character. A sewing machine was required for the girls.

Overcrowding. Mr. David Evans, Abertaf School, complained of overcrowding at his school. The Director was instructed to re- port.

Resignations. Miss Ajinie Hughes, Caegarw Girls; Miss S. J. Davies, Abercynon Infants; Miss Edith Williams, Aber- dare Road, Mountain Ash; Henry Lloyd Jones, Duffryn Boys; H. A. Evans, Maesyffrwd, Mountain Ash; W. Bevan, Clarence Street, Miskin; Miss Margaret A. Evans, Penrhiw- ceiber Girls. Mr. Bruce Jones: Are they all go- ing to college ? Director Some are going to col- lege. Major Gray: Where are the others going to ? A member: The others are going to "college," too. (Laughter.) In reply to Mr. Powell the Direc- tor said that the notices in almost every instance expired at the end of August. Mr. Powell: So they are 'working' out their notice while on their holi- days. (Laughter.) Major Gray (to Director) Could you not get them to send in their notices so that the notices might expire at the end of July ? The Director replied that as a rule the teachers were appointed straight after the holidays, and so the holi- days were due to them. Major Gray: I see you are their advocate. Director I am an advocate for fair play.

Attendance Half-holidays. Several schools had earned the at- tendance half-holidays, and it was resolved that the teachers be al- lowed to take the holday when they required it. The Director submitted a report in favour of lowering the percentage of attendance required to earn a half-holiday in the cases of Ynys- bo.eth and Pengeulan Schools. In the boys and girls depts. he suggest- ed a reduction from 93 per cent. to 91 per cent., and in the infants from 91 per cent. to 89 per cent. Mr. W. Millar strenuously opposed this step, and remarked that it sim- ply gave the teachers of these schools a holiday just because the other teachers got a holiday. There was no warrant for altering the per- centage, and he moved that no ac- tion be taken. Mr. Bruce Jones thought that the children of those schools obtained plenty of holidays by "mitching," etc. What the Director wanted was a holiday for the staffs. Director: No, sir. That never entered my mind. Rev. E. V. Tidman remarked that the teachers of these schools did not have an attendance holiday from one year to another. He moved the adoption of the Direc- tor's report. Mr. Millar: We shall have other applications after this. We are turning back the hands of the clock and encouraging parents to be care- less. Mr. W. Davies seconded Rev. E. V. Tidman's motion, and added that in Pengeulan children were unable to attend school because they had no boots. Mr. Millar: It appears to me there is laxity on the part of the attend- ance officers. Major Gray said that if any teach- ers wanted a holiday it was the teachers of those two schools. Mr. N. Bowles said that Ynys- boeth School teachers never received an attendance holiday. The Director's report was carried by a majority, and Mr. Millar ob- served: "We pride ourselves on be- ing a progressive body. We are re- versing our policy now." Chairman: Even progressive bodies make slips sometimes.

A Meeting of Two. The managers of the R.C. School submitted a report of a meeting. The only members present were the Rev. H. Irvine and Mr. P. Phelan. They stated that none of the three applicants received were qualified for the post of teacher at their school, and it was advisable for the committee to re-advertise. Rev. E. V. Tidman pointed out that there were only two present, and three was required to form a quorum. The Chairman said he had quite forgotten about the meeting. Rev. E. V. Tidman said there was an idea abroad that he was antagon- istic to the R.C. School. He wished to say that he was not in the least antagonistic to that school. He had taken a certain attitude in the inter- est of the children. On the motion of Capt. Evans the report was adopted, and it was re- solved to readvertise for teachers.

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Old Aberdare. History of the District Written about 1880. ARTICLE VI. (Continued.) We have hitherto omitted any refer- ence to the principal event of import- tance in the history of Aberdare-the battle of the Waun Hir. This occurred in the year 1088, during the reign of William the Conqueror. The combat- ants were Rhys ab Tewdwr, Prince of South Wales (Tywysog y Deheubarth) and Iestyn ab Gwrgan, Prince of Glamorgan, the latter being supported by a body of Normans under the com- mand of Sir Robert Fitz Hamon. The question at issue was the throne of the Deheubarth (South Wales), which was contested for by these two princes. The Deheubarth comprised the greater part of South Wales—excepting Glam- organ, which had remained independent and boasted in a prince of its own. The Prince of Glamorgan-Iestyn ab Gwr- gan-was son of the donor of the Waun Hir, but diametrically opposite to his father in every inclination and desire. He was a dissolute ruffian, and de- lighted in nothing but deeds of blood- shed and darkness. Rhys ab Tewdwr, the other leader, was a descendant of the Welsh Royal Princes, as is shown by his genealogy —" Rhys ab Tewdwr Mawr ab Einion ab Owain ab Hywel Dda ab Cadell ab Rhodri Mawr ab Mer- tyn Frych ab Gwraid ab Eildr ab San- dde ab Alser ab Tegid ab Gwyer ab Dwywg ab Llywarch Hen ab Elidr Lydanwyn ab Meirchion Gul ab Grwst Ledlwm ab Ceneu ab Coed Codebog. His family had been driven from the throne of the Deheubarth, and amongst the earliest recollections of Rhys were those of his father's death in defence of his throne, and the hurried conveyance of himself to Brittany. After an en- forced exile of 50 years in that country, Rhys sought to win back his inheri- tance, the possessor of the throne being a relative of Iestyn ab Gwrgan. Having formed an alliance with the Prince of North Wales (who was also an exile in Ireland), they united their forces, and after severe encounters succeeded in their objects. Rhys's accession to the throne was approved of by many of the most influential people of the country, for great-was his repute for wisdom and the knowledge of government; and he of his full age and discretion ob- tained the good will of the people; for none loved Iestyn ab Gwrgan and his tribe, being that they desired war more than peace/'—So runs the old chronicle. U Brut y Tywysogion." Rhys ab Tewdwr, however, did not long retain his seat in peace, for Iestyn ab Gwrgan made assaults upon him, and retaliatory measures were taken by Rhys, who at one time was compelled to flee to Ireland, but returned with Irish re- inforcements. In 1088 another assault was led against Rhys by Llewelyn and Einion, the sons of Collwyn, Lord of Pembroke but their forces were van- quished by Rhys at Llandudoch (St. Dogmell's), Pembrokeshire. Einon fled for safety to lestyn ab Gwrgan, who was at the time preparing for another as- sault upon Rhys. In order to more effectually meet Rhys, Iestyn bethought himself of the aid of Norman troops. Einion, the new-comer, was thereupon despatched to the court of William I. at London to engage some Norman sol- diers from the King. As a stimulus, Einion was promised, if successful in his mission, the hand of Nest, Iestyn's daughter, and the lordship of Miskin as a marriage-gift. Einion went to Lon- don and counselled with Sir Robert Fitz Hamon, a cousin with the King. Fitz Hamon in turn counselled with twelve other knights, and they came to Glam- organshire to the aid of Iestyn. The Norman reinforcements comprised 12 knights, 24 superior officers, and 3,000 men-at-arms. Iestyn had also obtained the assistance of Cedrych ab Gweithfoed, Prince of Cardigan, with 2,000 men. Einion ab Collwyn himself also brought 1,000 men-at-arms into the field. In addition to these, there was Iestyn's own army, which was of considerable strength. The total force was over seven thousand men. Immediately Rhys ab Tewdwr heard of these preparations, he assembled his soldiers and marched to meet his ene- mies. The number of his forces is not known, but it was considerably less than Iestyn ab Gwrgan's. Both leaders were old men-each past 80 years of age. The opposing armies met on the Waun Hir—destined that day to become the scene of one of thp most sanguinary struggles fought even in war-ridden Glamorgan! Local tradition affirms that the first encounter took place near what is now the centre of Aberdare. The fighting was of a most terrific description, the field being covered with the blood of the slain. This spot was for many years afterwards known as Maes-y- gwaed (the field of blood), although it is at present called Maes-y-dref (the field of the town). Rhys's army was compelled to re- treat some half mile higher up the valley, to a ridge near the Gadlys Uchaf, and in the immediate neigh- bourhood of the spot where at present stand the Park Schools. A most deter- mined defence was made here. The wounded covered the ground in great numbers, and their shrieks and groans were of such a nature that the spot was then, and is now, known as Rhiw-yr- ochain (the ridge of groaning). But the stand was fruitless—Rhys's army was small, while Iestyn ab Gwrgan's Nor- man reinforcements were a host in themselves. Retreat was made for a mile and a half still further up the valley, to a spot now known as Bryn y Baneri Gwynion (the hill of the white flags). At this spot flags of truce were raised, and overtures made for a cessation of hostilities. This was not acceded to by Iestyn, and the fight commenced once more, ending in the complete discom- fiture of Rhys. Another massacre took place a little beyond Hirwain. Rhys and a few followers fled to the mountains in the direction of Ystrad- yfodwg. Closely pursued by his ene- mies, he was overtaken on the mountain between the two Rhonddas, and his head smitten off. That spot to this day I is known as Pen Rhys. His son Goronwy suffered the like fate of his aged father. Another son, Cynan, fled across the hills in the direction of Glvncorrwg, intend- ing to ultimately make for Dynevor Castle, in the Vale of Towy-Rhys's ( head-quarters. He was closely followed, j but in attempting to cross some marshes in the vicinity of Neath Abbey, was drowned, together with a few followers, in the lake Crymlun-since called Pwll Cynan. Tradition says that three thousand wives were made widows by the terrible encounters of this day. It may not be uninteresting to note how the Nemesis of Fate in a few short months avenged the death of Rhys. After the total vanquishment of Rhys's i army, the Normans claimed and re- I ceived their reward in gold. Einion also claimed his reward—the hand of Nest, Iestyn's daughter, together with I the lordship of Miskin. But Iestyn ab Gwrgan laughed him to scorn, de- claring that his daughter should never be the wife of such a traitor. Filled with unquenchable wrath, Einion has- tened after the Norman.hosts, who were on the point of embarking to return to England. By showing them the weak- ness of Iestyn's forces, he induced them to return. A battle was fought near Cardiff, at which Iestyn ab Gwrgan's army was defeated, and himself com- pelled to fly. He died in the monastery of Llangenys, in Monmouthshire, some years later. His domain was divided between Einion and the Normans-the latter, as usual, securing the fruitful lowlands, whilst the bare hills were given to Einion. Thus was the end of of the native Welsh government of Glamorgan. But let us leave those militant periods and come to what the old people de- lighted to term the good old times of one hundred years ago. At that period the inhabitants of the valley I were a few farmers, earning a bare sus- I tenance from the cultivation of the soil- almost ignorant of the treasures buried beneath the sod. The necessaries of life were brought on horseback (for there were no roads worthy the name) from the nearest town. which was Cardiff, to which place the butter and cheese were taken for disposal. Competition must have occurred even in those days, for an episode of that nature has been crys- tallized into rhyme by a local poet: — Mae gwr yn Fforest Llwydcoed Yn uchel iawn ei ben, Yn cadw gwraig a morwyn Mewn pob o 'ffedog wen; Ond Sian o Graig-y-Gilfach A'i 'ffedog wlanen gryf A faeddodd hwn o ddigon A'i mhenyn yn Nghaerdyf." An old man who recently died could remember the time when there was only one vehicle with wheels in the parish; when Aberdare boasted of two shops, and when the good people of Merthyr used to come over the hill to do theii marketing at Aberdare. (To be continued.)

Bethesda, Abernant. The above Sunday School held its quarterly meetings on Sunday last, The afternoon meeting was presided over by Mr. John Thomas, the pre- centor of the church, and was opened .by Mr. Owen Griffiths. Recits were given by James Peters, David Thos: Davies, Rebecca Williams, Emma Howells, David Morgan Williams, Blodwen Williams, David Thomas. Blodwen Griffiths. Solo. Tommy Forey. Quartetts, D. A. Jones and friends, Mary Thomas and friends, and Lewis Davies and friends. The singing was under the conductorship of Mr. D. A. Jones. The evening meeting was presided over by Mr. Morris, and was opened by Mr. James Barclay. Recits: Tommy Forey, Willie Jones, Gretta Jones, Blodwen Griffiths, James Peters, George Reynolds. Solo. Rosie Marshall. Duet, Rosie and Maggie Ann Marshall, Cwmbach. Dialogue between Maggie Williams. Nana Watkins, Blodwen Griffiths, j and David Morgan. Quartettes. < John Thomas and friends, Lewis Davies and friends, Mary Thomas and friends. The singing was under the conductorship of Mr. John Thomas. The collections are given to the Sunday School Fund. The Superintendent is Mr Dd. G. Jones f treasurer, Mr. D. John Fo l ey secre- ba-rv, Mr. Henry Davies.