The Aberdare Leader

Mountain Ash District Council On Tuesday, Mr Bruce Jones in the chair. The other members present wer&: Messrs. J. Powell, G. H. Hall, Chas. MaddoA, James Evans, Evan Morris, Noah Bowles, Griffith Evans, J.P., D. Rogers, Wm. Davies, with A. Pincomhe (clerk). F. Stock (ac- countant), W. G. Thomas (surveyor) and H. T. Jones (sanitary inspector). Pay During Wartime. Mr. Noah Bowles proposed the rescission of a previous motion dealing with the pay- ment of Council employees during the war, and moved that half the ordinary salary be allowed to all permanent em- ployees of the Council whilst absent on military duty. Mr Rogers asked whether it would not be better to leave the matter open. In the case of a lhrge family, 10s. per week for a wife and Is. per week for each child, might be larger than half the husband's wage.—Mr J. Powell said it would be better to make a uniform grant.—The Chairman agreed, and said that if more money were paid to some persons than others, dissatisfaction might be caused. -Mr Bowles' motion was agreed to.- The Chairman referred to the lack of accommodation at military depots where recruits were sent, and moved that a letter be sent to the military authorities and also to the War Office, calling attention to the matter.—This course was agreed to. Loan of School.-)fr Alfred Morgan, Director of Education, said he had re- ceived a letter from Lady Aberdare, who is the Chairman of the British Red Cross Society, asking for the loan of a classroom in Caegarw Boys' School for a Red Cross Class. Mr J. Powell moved that the application be granted, and the motion was adopted.—Mr G. H. Hall suggested that similar applica- tions which might be made to I school managers or the Director be also granted.—This course was agreed to. Miskin Dust Nuisance.-A letter had been received from the PenrikjTber Col- liery Co. manager, with respect to smoke and dust rising from Miskin Colliery. The letter stated that the Miskin Colliery had been in existence for 25 years, and there had been no complaints until recently. He knew of no way of -uing away with the dust nuisance except by closing down the colliery. It was impracticable lo build a stack, but the Council could rely on the company doing everything in their power to abate the nuisance.—In reply to a question Mr J. Powell said that the Miskin Colliery was now closed temporarily.—Mr No Bowles said that when it restarted the Council should do all in its power to compel the company to abate the nuisance.—Mr. J. Powell remarked that the colliery had not been in existence for 25 years. He knew something of the history of Miskin. He moved that the Council consider the complaint later on, after the colliery had been restarted.—This was seconded and carried Abercynon Recreation Cround. In reply to the Council's application for powers to borrow zC3,000 in connection with the proposed Abercynon Recre- ation Ground, the Local Government Board wrote that an Inquiry would first be held by one of their Inspectors, who would visit the district shortly. War Distress Fund. — At the last meeting the Council decided to ask the L.G.B. if they should make a contri- bution out of the rates towards the Prince of Wales's Fund. The L.G.B. now replied that they were not aware that the Council had any such power to make a grant. Mr Bruce Jones re- marked that there was a great deal of misconception regarding that Fund. He had been given to understand that only the wives and other dependents of soldiers and sailors were entitled to re- lief from that Fund. — Mr J. Powell said they ought to have definite in- formation on the point. The Clerk said that all distress arising out of the war was reiieved from the Fund. Per- sons who were unemployed, for in- stance, were relieved. Street Improvements. Mr Noah Bowles called attention to Irene St., Miskin. and asked whether arrange- ments were being made for carrying out private street improvements in that street.—The Surveyor said that the re- sidents and owners had been given till last March to carry out their own im- provements. but nothing h&d yeu been done by them.—Mr Noah Bowles re- marked that in that case the Council should proceed with the work. He moved that a committee consider the question shortly. Mr W. Davies seconded and the motion was adopted. Another Distress Fund. The Marchioness of Crewe wrote asking the Council to assist in promoting the Queen's "Work for Women Fund. The Chairman remarked that the Council had their hands frill with other fi nds.—It was resolved to acknowledge the receipt of the letter. Ynysybwl Miners' Request. The miners of Mynachdu and Darrenddu Collieries had passed a resolution at their lodge meeting, which they for- warded to the Council. It was to the effect that the Council be asked to or- ganise various works in the district so as to give employment to peisons who had been thrown out of employment owing to the war. Mr Bruce Jones said that there need be no unemploy- ment in the Mountain Ash district. Every colliery was open to take on more men. He had communicated with the Labour Exchange some time ago, stating what numbers of workmen he required, but so far none had turned up.—Mr Rogers said that certain im- provements were being carried out at present.—No action was taken. Housing.—There was a circular from the L.G.B. dealing with housing.—Mr G H. Hall asked the Inspector if there was much overcrowding in Darrenlas, and Mr Jones replied that only in eight houses had he discovered more people than the proper number. A large number of families lived in apartments there.—Mr D. Rogers: There is a scarcity of houses at Ynysybwl.-Clerk (who has not yet moved to Mountain Ash to live) And there is a scarcity of clerks' houses in the district, too. (Laughter.)—Mr William Davies said there was a great need of smaller houses in the district for families who could not pay large rents. He knew of several families who purposely lived in apartments because they could not afford to pay the full rent of a house. -Mr J. Powell said that landlords sometimes took advantage where two families lived in one house, and raised the rents.—Mr G. H. Hall moved that the clerk, surveyor, and inspector re- port on the question of housing by next meeting.—Mr C. Maddox seconded, and the motion was carried. The Staff and the War.The L.G.B. wrote asking what steps were being taken by the Council to replace officers who were volunteering for military ser- vice.—The Clerk said he had written to Dr. Llewelyn Williams, the medical officer, who had stated that Dr. Arthur Jones had promised to supervise at the Hospital, and do other work.—Mr. Rogers questioned whether one substi- tute, who also had his own work to perform, would be able to carry out all the duties. He moved that a com- mittee be appointed to investigate. Mr J. Powell seconded, and added that the whole district should be properly attended to. Dangerous Curve at Abercynon. — The County Council Clerk, writing in reply to a letter from Mountain Ash Council, stated that provided the local Council could make arrangements with the owners of the land, the County would favourably consider the matter. -Mr Bruce Jones My view is that the County Council should arrange with the owners and pay for the work. The Surveyor agreed.—It was resolved to write to that effect to the County Council, and also to the local County Councillors and Aldermen. L.C.B. Offer Assistance.—The Local Government Board wrote that an officer had been appointed by them to super- vise and advise in the administration of the Distress Fund. He would be able to attend the meetings of committee and assist in the organising work.—Mr Stock: He is the Canal Board Inspec- tor. We better take him to see our canal. (Laughter.) Ynysybwl and Garden Cities There was a lengthy communication from the Garden City Association, Cardiff, which was not read.—Mr Rogers: We have passed plans for a garden city at Ynys- ybwl. Why don't they proceed with it? They made a lot of noise about it at one time.—Mr Bruce Jones Yes, and it nearly cost you your seat on the District Council. (Laughter.) —Mr T. W. Jones: He wants to get rid of the question before the next election comes round. Firemen and Uniforms.—Mr T. J. Bryer, Captain of the Penrhiwceiber Fire Brigade, reported a fire which had occurred on the premises of Cash and Co., Penrhiwceiber Road, PenrJnwcei- ber. Nine men and himself turned up, and with a plentiful supply of water they succeeded in putting the fire out. It had been caused through a hole in the flue of the chimney in the shop. The damage to -de stock was estimated t60. The stock had been insured, and- also the building, which was the property of Mr J. M. Howell.-Capt. Bryer went on to press the Council to provide uniforms for the men, because their clothes were being spoiled.—The Surveyor said there was a doubt as to how many of the men were likely to be permanent members of the Brigade. There were only three of- them living in their own houses. —Mr Hall moved that the Surveyor and Captain make enquiries.—This was carried.—On the motion of \ir Rogers it was resolved that the members of the Brigade be paid their salary due June 30th, and that cheques be signed that day.—Car- ried The Canal.A t a meeting of the Canal Bridges Committee on September 1st it was resolved that the Clerk be instructed to apply to the Company of Proprietors of -<,c Aberdare Canal Navigation, asking them if they will agree to sell the Council certain parts of the Aberdare Cam,l site between Duffryn West Lodge and Abercynon, and if so, at what rate per acre. The portions required by the Council are :— (1) That portion of the Aberdare Canal from a point, say 20 yards north of the Bridge over the Canal near Bont Ddu, th&t is, near Duffryn House, to a point about 200 yards south of the bridge known as Strand Bridge, Newtown. (2) That portion of the Aberdare Canal from a point about 20 yards north of the road bridge crossing the Canal near Lock-yr-Odyn Galch to the point where the canal is crossed by the county road near the warehouse of the Canal Co. at Abercynon.

Building of Schools. Should Aberdare Education Com- mittee have their own Architect? The Aberdare Education Com- mittee are going to build a new school at Gadlys to meet the in- creasing need of accommodation in that district. The site is on some allotment gardens to the west of Gadlys Road below the Park, and the cost of the schools is to be some- thing like £ 20,000. With such a big contract to start with, one would imagine that this would be a favour- able opportunity for the committee to appoint a permanent architect, who would always be at the service of the authority for advising on re- pairs, alterations and additions at the large number of schools in the district. The question was briefly discussed by the Education Com- mittee on Wednesday last week, but the attendance was very small, and the matter should really be thrashed out by a full committee. The Chair- man, Councillor George Powell, was strongly in favour of appointing a permanent man, but he did not find much support, and a resolution was passed that an architect be adver- tised for to do the work on com- mission. Now the ordinary, and I think the "trade union" rate is 5 per cent., so on the basis of a 220,000 contract zCI,000 will be paid to the architect for that job alone. A good man could be found for E300 a year, and thus his salary would be saved for three years and four months out of that single contract. During the next three years it is certain that many additions and alterations to our schools will be required, and there is little room for doubt that plenty of work could be found for Lim. Mountain Ash Education Com- mittee have had their own architect for years, and have saved hundreds of pounds thereby. It would be in- teresting to prepare a table show- ing what salary has been paid to the architect, and what sum would have been paid for all the work done on a 5 per cent. commission basis. In the course of the discussion at the Education Committee last week, Mr. George Powell referred to an effort made some time ago to ap- point an architect under a dual con- trol, i.e., he should be responsible to the Education Committee in re- spect to school buildings, and would also be liable to help the Surveyor. Mr. Powell added that he was quite aware that the surveyor's office was vnder-staffed, and that Mr Owen Williams, the surveyor, was opposed to such an arrangement, but he (Mr Powell) could not see any insuper- able difficulties in such an arrrange- ment. Mrs. Rose Davies remarked that Mountain Ash haa their own archi- tect, and that by such an arrange- ment they had been able to save his salary over and over again. Mr Jackson Thomas questioned this, and added that his information was that the committee had not sufficient work for him. It would be interesting to know where Mr Thomas obtained this in- formation. There is no truth what ever in it. It was stated by the chairman, and the members agreed with him, that the best school in the district had cost the least amount of money per head of the accommodation, and that was the new Roman Catholic School in Aberdare. A

fWI III Largest Stock of LINOLEUM and CARPETS in the District. VICTOR FREED, | Mountain Ash. 4 %0%04 »

| Cwmdare Hitcher Killed. Conflicting Evidence at the Inquest. An inquest was held at the Castle Inn, Cwmdare, on Monday, by Mr R. J. Rhys, coroner, touching the death of John Mitchell. Mr W. Watkins was foreman of the jury, and P.C. Bendall was coroner's officer. William Gibbs, ostler, stated that deceased lodged with him at 10 Broncynon Terrace. He was 24 years of age, and a single man. He was assistant hitcher at No. 2 Bwll- fa Colliery. He had performed the work of hitcher for about two years. George W. Chilcott, hitcher at No. 2 Pit, said that deceased was an assistant hitcher, and on the day of the accident (Friday) worked as hitcher. He was on the opposite side to witness. There were signals on the east side only. There was good light at the shaft bottom. el Mitchell came to witness round the "slum," and asked for a drink out of his jack, which was given him. Witness turned round to placelihe jack on the wall near by, and de- ceased left him. He did not know which way deceased went. The pit was running at the time. The next thing he heard was someone shout- ing that Mitchell was under the cage. Witness signalled to the banksman to raise the cage. De- ceased was lying on the sump line about a yard from the edge of the sump. The cage rested on cross timbers, which might have saved de ceased somewhat. He was alive when taken up. Had he returned '.hrough the slum it would have .P)cen impossible for him to have gone under the cage. There was a rule prohibiting anyone crossing the sump while the pit was working. He had never seen Mitchell doing that. Deceased had worked as a hitcher for two or three years. Mr Davies, Inspector of Mines: If the gate had been closed any one attempting to cross would have come in contact with it 1 Witness: Yes. Witness added that he usually opened the gate when the cage ap- proached the arches. Mr. Davies contended that this was a breach of the rules. Coroner: Two blacks will not make a white. Inspector But I am suggesting a remedy for the future. Inspector to Chilcott: Do you cross the pit bottom_at all?—No. Coroner: He is not going to say if he did. The forman of the jury submitted the theory that deceased might have opened the gate himself. Chilcott: No, I opened it, after giving Mitchell the drink. When I turned my b1. k to place the jack on the wall I missed Mitchell. The Coroner remarked that the probability was that Chilcott gave Mitchell the drink, and when the former turned aside to place the jack on the wall the latter slipped in. Gomer Jones, under-manager at No. 2 Pit, said he was standing on the face side of the shaft when the accident occurred. Mitchell had a drink from Chilcott. The gate was across the pit at the time. Witness helped himself of the drink and put the jack back himself. Coroner: 1 ms is confusion worse confounded. Who opened the gate? Witness I cannot say. Continuing witness said that the last he saw of Mitchell was drinking from the jack. At that time the gate was closed. Deceased must have opened the gate. The Coroner remarked that he be- lieved that the gate was open, and that the open gate gave deceased the opportunity of going through. Continuing the last witness said that the gate was shut when Mit- chell took the drink. Mitchell must have opened the gate himself. Chil- cott could not have opened the gate before deceased went under the cage. Mr Davies You still hold that Mitchell opened the gate ?—Yes. But you did not see him do it No. The Coroner remarked that there had been a great conflict of evi- dence. It was difficult to say which of the witnesses had given accurate information. So they (the jury) had to fall back on first principles. Deceased had got under the car- riage. He had evidently broken the rules It made no difference who opened the gate. If Chilcott had opened it that was'an invitation --a temptation—to Mitchell to go across. Tnis incident should be the means of drawing attention to the need of better discipline at the pit bottom and a better arrangement with regard to the gate. The jury returned a verdict of "Death from misadventure." There were present: Messrs. C. B. Stanton, miners' agent; E. Stone- lake, minimum wage agent; W. M. Llewelyn, M.E., agent of the Bwllfa Collieries, and E. Pugh, M.E., manager No. 2 Colliery.

Inquest at Abercwmboi. The inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of Edward Davies, 10 Tan y Coed St., was held by Mr R. J. Rhys: coroner, at the Capcoch Inn on Wednesday of last week. Mr W. Moore, JVLE., the manager of the Lower Duffryn Col- liery, Mountain Ash, represented the Powell Duffryn Co. Evidence of identification was given by Ed- ward Davies, father of the deceased, who resides in Llanwonno Road. Mountain Ash. Witness said his son was 26 years of age. John Harris stated he was the first to find deceased. He found him under a big stone, and immediately went to fetch help. John Johnson gave similar evidence, and said that when deceased was extricated he was dead.—Thomas Evans, the fireman of the district, said that when he examined the place everything was safe and in good order.—A verdict of "Accidental Death" was re- turned. The Coroner remarked that coal- cutting machines inevitably in- volved some peril always, inasmuch as some portion of the roof invar- iably lacked sufficient support.

Interesting Wedding. On Wednesday, September 3rd, at Summerhill Chapel, Newport, by the Rev. G. H. Cooke, ex-pastor of the church, assisted by Rev. R. Williams, Nazareth, Aberdare, Mr. T. Eynon Davies, B.Sc., son of Mrs. and Mr. John Davies (Glan Dulais), Aberdare, was married to Miss Sophie Williams, B.A., Morden Rd., Newport, daughter of the late Mr D. G. Williams and of Mrs. Williams. previously of Mountain Ash. The bride was given away by her mother. The bridesmaids were Misses Lizzie Williams, Newport, and Winnie Williams, B.Sc., County School, Barry, sisters of the bride, and Morfudd Davies, headmistress of Aman Schools, Aberdare. sister of the bridegroom. The bride- groom was attended by Messrs. Leslie Russell, Newport, and D. Felix Davies, B.Sc., Aberdare, brother of the bridegroom. The wedding breakfast was partaken of at the bride's home. Afterwards the wedded pair left for Eastbourne for their honeymoon. Mr and Mrs Davies will reside at Trevor Street, Aberdare. Mr Davies is engaged as ét science teacher by the Glamorgan County School. <

r. North Glamorgan District I.O.G.T. The first executive of the above was held on Saturday evening at the Rail- way Coffee Tavern, Aberdare, under the presidency of Bro. Len Cooke, Dis- trict Chief Templ&r. Representatives attended from Hirwain. Aberdare. Cwmdare, and Mountain Ash Lodges. It was decided to visit Aberaman, Cwmbach, and Abercynon to endeavour to resuscitate those lodges. The D.C.T. reported bright pros- pects regarding the Juvenile Templary in the district. The following were appointed Visit- ing Deputies: Bro. David Walters, Cwmbach; Bro. James West, Mountain Ash; Bro. D. J. Beynon, Cwmdare; Sis. (Mrs.) S. A. Jones, Cwmdare; Bro. (Rev.) K. Wern Williams, Hir- wain; Bro. A. O. Perkins, Hirwain; Sis. (Mrs.) Mason, Hirwain: Bro. Geo. Parr, Aberdare; Sis. Price, Aberdare; Sis. Cooksey, Aberdare. It was arranged to present the D.L. Quilt on the occasion of the P.G.C.T. Bro. H. S. Hughes' next visit to the district, and Sister Pugh, Mountain Ash, was deputed to make the presen- tation. The next District Meeting will be held at Mountain Ash the second Tues- day in October.

THE U N' The Ford Touring Car is five-seater of 20-h.p. Fully loaded it will climb any hill. On the flat it is fast, quiet and comfortable. It will live with, last as long as, and cost infinitely less than anything in the same power category. T '-■ Runabouts 125. Five-passenger Touring Car £ 135. Town Car £ 180 Complete with full equipment, head lamps, side and tail lamps, horn, hood, windscreen, tyre pump, repair outfit, two levers, tools and jack. All prices at Works, Manchester. Full particulars from— i A. J. SHEEN, SOLE DISTRICT AGENT, ABERDARE. WOOLLEN COMFORTS for our SOLDIERS & SAILORS. Balaelava Helmets, Cuffs, Socks, Mufflers, Mittens, Body Belts, Sweaters, Cardigan Jackets, Hot Water Bottle Cover, Bed Socks. KNITTING INSTRUCTIONS BOOKLET Free on Application. 10 per cent. Discount on all Purchases of 20/- & upwards 10 per cent. Discount on all Purchases of 20/- & upwards for our Soldiers & Sailors. USE GREENOCK KNITTING WOOLS SUPPLIED ONLY FROM Scotch Wool & Hosiery Stores, OVER 260 BRANCHES. 2a Canon Street, ABERDARE. PROPRIETORS: FLEMING; JREID & CO., LTD THE WORSTED MILLS. GREENOCK. Do your Eyes trouble you ? it so,, OALL AND CONSULT I. E. THOMAS, M.P.S., Chemist Opthalmic and Optician, Medical Hall, Aberaman. Sight Scientifically Tested by the moot approved methods with modern apglianoeB. Personal supervision given to *11 oaaea, and 11 w»ade for Examination. C RBAM. Tel. 111. For High-Class Dairy Produce call at THE CARMARTHEN DAIRY, Seymour St., & Whitcombe St., Aberdare ————- Raw and Devonshire Cream Fresh Daily. BUTTER MILK. Choicest Dairy Butter. Fresh as a Daisy. Guaranteed New Laid Eggs. Pure New Milk delivered Twice Daily. Tea Parties supplied A Trial Solicited. W. T. EVANS. C. F. WALTERS, F.S.M.C. OPHTHALMIC OPTICIAN, HAS MADE ARRANGEMENTS TO OPEN THE EYESIGHT TESTING ROOMS 49a COMMERCIAL ST., ABERDARE, AS FOLLOWS:— MONDAY, TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY 9.30 a m to 7 THURSDAY 9.30 tQ P' FRIDAY ••• -WO „ to 8 SATURDAY -9.30 tog. John Morgan & Son (Aberdare) Ltd. Suocesoope of the late John Morgan (The Old Pipm), Building Contractors & Undertakers, Pendarren Street, ABERDARE. Complete Funeral Furnishers. The Cheapest Undertakers In the dlstrlet. Orders taken at the Oflloe, Pendarren 8t. Note. John Morgan Son (Aberdare), Ltd., have no oonneaf whatsoever with a. Howard Morgan A O0, I