Welsh Newspapers

Search 15 million Welsh newspaper articles

Hide Articles List

20 articles on this Page

T ELECTRIC LIGHTING OF MARDY.

News
Cite
Share

T ELECTRIC LIGHTING OF MARDY. The New Installation and Formal Opening. Thursday was a "red-letter day" in the history of Maerdy as on that occasion a very large and representative company were brought to- gether to celebrate tha opening of the new plant laid down b ythe Maerdy Electric Light Company. The proceedings were very success- ful, interesting, and enthusiastic throughout. In addition, to Mr B. Davies, the chairman of the company, Mr Griffiths. and other directors there were present the Revs D. Davies, J. C: Davies, W. Richards, Hope Evans, and Silai Charles: Councillors Ig. Morris and Daniel Evans. Messrs J. W. Loyshon, (lecturer on telegraphy, University College. Cardiff), G. Southey (engmwring department, "Western Mail, Cardiff), W. W. Hughee (representing the contractors for the plant, Messrs Crompton) n ,r°ndon' Chelmsford, and Cardiff), Wm. J^oath Cardiff; (representing Messrs Robev and w., of Lincoln, the makers of the engines, bofl- er, pump, etc.), P. Millword Wyatt (repre- senting Messrs Edison and Swan Limited, who supplied the whole of the fittings), J. Nathan t*eprenting Messrs Chamberlain and Hookham, °J -BTmingham, from whom the meters were stained) Mr Evans, the electrical engineer of ue Barrv Railway Company, most of the Maer- y shareholders, and their friends, from Feru- Tylorstown, etc., and the leading residents the district. Hitherto the townlet has been supplied with gas from the Ferndale Gas Works, Jaut the price, wifiah was 5s per thousand—after- need wards reduced to 4s 6d—has always been a irreat tax and burden upon the trading community of t^-e pfe«e. Hence arose the present scheme ot electric lighting, by which plucky little Maerdy proved to be—as a body—the pioneer of the Rhonddas, at the same time linking its name to the great towns of England.. who hove been determined to keep pace with the times and to reap some of the advantages which science can give tkem. The plant which the directors have was pronounced on Thursday by all those Well-versed in the subject to be the best and most eminently writable that could be procured, and very great praise was bestowed upon Mr W. W. Hughes, the Cardiff manager of Messrs Crompton, for the very able way in which he L-4 carried out the whole of the work. Messrs Crompton have earned a great name in the electrical world, having most successfully car- ried out a great many very large schemes. The dynamo in the present instance is one of their latest patent shunt wound, Ipld has an output of 168 amperes and 220 volts when running at 750 Revolutions per minute. For charging the bat- teries there is used, in conjunction with the dy- ^nio, another small dynamo- called a Booster, which is capable of rising the voltage to 300, for charging the accumulators. Tills effects a Rreat economy in the runn. enabling the bat- tery to be charged while the evening load is on 80 that the plant is only required to be running some eight hours per day. Feeders, which sup- Ply the current to the mains, run; to the Maerdy ttotel, to the Royal Hotel; and to Griffiths street, and are so arranged that the distribution pressure shall be the same at each point. At Present there are some 600 lamps supplied but Jp,18 expected the number will soon reach 1,000. T j? k^th of cable is about 8,000 yards, installation!* at houses have been made by the •"laerdy dompany themselves, under the guid- ance of Mr Price, but Messrs Crompton have executed the work to business places, trades- People, public streets, ete. The machinery has been obtained from the eminent firm of Messrs itobey, of Lincoln. who .among the huge under- takings which they have carried out recently,can enumerate Newcastle-upon-Tyne (4000 horse power,—the War Offloe,-St. Helen's and other gigantic schemes, even as far as Hong Kong, in China. In the present case the boiler is of steel of the loco, multitubular type, and capable of generating steam at 150 lbs. pressure to the square inch to run a :J brake horse rower en- gine. There is also in conjunction with the above a duplex feed pump capable of pumping 1,000 gallons per hour against the boiler pres- sure of 150 lbs. The engine which drives the electric machinery is of the compound vertical type, having cylinders 85 inches and 141 inc with a 15 inches stroke of piston, the speed being 150 revolutions per minute. It is fitt.ed with patent automatic governor and link expansion gear. The whole plant is considered very com- plete, and of the highest quality, and the direc- to have the sincere wish of every one that to 1F v^?^ure ma7 prove in every way satisfac- t 'Ji Harris ha* been appointed electrician n; + ^Pany, and it is anticipated that the sx.net Council will in a short time concede the i" £ 5^ of lighting the public streets. hon*T\ -party wero ewx,rto<1 to the engine- conV witness a series of experiments in King and ironing by electricity, and at 7.30 an ournment was made to the Maerdv Hotel, doW1 company, numbering about" 100. sat Mr T V* a sumptuous repast, presided over by Jur J- W. Leyshon. Maerdy has shown an example to many larger and more pretensi&us towns by the adoption of the electric light. A few months ago a company Was formed at that) remote locality in the upper- rt|ost end of the Rhondda Fach Valley, with the °"ject of introducing into the place ^0 new,but superior, system of lighting dwelling houses. shons, hotels, and even streets. The company floated with some fear in face of the. many °bstacles to be surmounted, but happily the best anticipations of the company have been realised, and upon this fact the directors may well con- gratulate themselves. The electric works j._ in a bye road which Uc"^ °ff from the main street leading from wn_xS to the town, and i-ere plant of the modern type is to be seen. The contrac- anH Mesm-s Crompton and Co., London, unri work -ha? been satisfactorily carried out \xr the supervision of their local agent.Mr W. • "Ugheg, Cardiff. The whole of the work was TIT af!r"on'anca with specifications prepared by r William James Price, consulting enp-ineer, and under his direct supervision. Mr Price has fiow also been appointed the permanent engineer of the oompany. On Thursday last the celebration of the installation of the light took Place. Abont 6.30 p.m. a number of gentlemen attended at the works, where Mr W. W. Hughes experimented in cookery and other matters. A short address was also delivered by Mr J. W. J^eyshon, lecturer on telegraphy at the Cardiff university. After V: the works, company proceeded to Maerdy jiotel, where a sumptuous repast bad provided by Most and Hostess Wheeler. ti were> appropriately enough, illumi- W TuW^h electricity. In the absence of Mr t'• Thomas, Brynawel, the ohair was occupied in 1 j ^Ltyshon, Cardiff. The attendance eluded Messrs Benjamin Davies, Golden Key. fnvard Griffiths, draper, and Thomas Thomas directors), S. Edwards (the secretary), W. W. i*ughes (South Wales representative of Messrs V.^mpton and Co.), G. Southey, electrician,Car- ("Western Mail"), T. M. Wyatt (represen- tative of Edison, Swan, and Co., London), — Tjathan (representative of Messrs Chamberlain (Birmingham), Coath (representative of Messrs ■fjobey and Co., London), Councillors Morris 7*orns and Daniel Evans, Revs W. Richards, D. j^avieei. J. Owen Davies, Silas Charles, J. H. kvans, Mr David Edwards, together with the Priority of the tradespeople of the town. Let- ters and telegrams expressing their inability to y present and wishing the movement everv suc- were received fromi Alderman J. Jones- .^ffiths, Penygraig Dt Thomas (District Coun- cillor), Ystrad Rhondda Mr David James, Dow- yais Iron Company Mr W. R. Davies, iron- monger. Ferndale; Councillor Rhys Griffiths, Rhondda District Council; J. E. dare y or8town Mr James L. Thomas, Aber- Th^r!1<irm?n °Wd the proceedings with an>>a;K,rr rimitd of expressed himself as bein„ .P tending that evening on such an auspicious ocoasion. He had been thinking when coming there of the old saying W o gan yv C.vmra 1 ?yd, but when he arrived at, Maerdy ^or p oleuni vw Maerdy 1 <ryd. (Laughter and applause), jf t.Ku. was not Welsa. he vras sure it wa^^a fact (r^ newed api)la-lus,). There was a great deal of romance connected with this wonderful electrici. ty. which had made such rapid strides in the reign of Queen. Victoria. During this reign the great electricians had arisen, and as an in- stance he would name Farraday. (Applause) They would again, in years to com^, lc^k back with pride upon the advance the tovrJct H IMjr M tl. Rho»", most in rcfrpect to electric lighting- pa. a well-deserved ooropliment to t.10 ni had und"-taken w.-k c-f light at Maeidy, lie r-.io^.ke! 'hat all vdio a little conversant with the subject o. eioctri ty would bear him or.t when he said the work was of a very high order indeed. (Cheers)- He wished the oompany every prosperity in its new venture, and hoped the dividends would be large. (Applaui"). The loyal t-casts having been submitted h" the Rev David Davies, and drunk with musical honours, an address was given by Mr W. W. Hughes (Messrs Crompton and Co.), who wished to thank them all for the kind words spoken of his firm concerning the works they had done. Tliey had don their utmost with the money allowed them. (Cheers). The Engineers' Strike had prevented the work being completed sooner, but he hoped that now it had been done, it would give satisfaction to all. (Cheers), "The Town and Trade" was proposed by Councillor Morris Morris, Ferndale. In the course of his address, the Councillor said that at Maerdy he bad worked the first day he came to the Rhon- dda—(applause)—and having resided now for some twenty years in the locality his sympathies were naturally enough with the Maerdy people. (Cheers). Before the trade of a district would prosper, it was, li, believed, necessary that mas- ters and men should go well together, and this was so in Maerdy. (Applause). The people of Maerdy had now surpassed those of Ferndale, and the latter, who had always taken the lead must now cive the card to Meardy. (Applause). It was a pleasure to come amongst them with such a glorious illumination surrounding them. Ferndale, he believed, would soon follow their steps. He must thank them, because by their action, they had been able to reduce the price ef gas at Ferndale. In conclusion, he wished the new company every prosperity. (Hear, hear) Councillor Evans responded in Welsh, amid cheers. He had supported this company in their venture, and could therefore say that he had done something for Maerdy. He made re- ference to the present crisis in the coal trade, and hoped a strike would be avoided, or possibly the new electric company would also fed ita effects. (Hear, hear). The Rev Sitae Charles, Ferndale, proposed the toast of the "Maerdy Electric Light Company." He made some in- troductory remarks stating that at present he was the worst man in the district, probably ow- ing to his candidature in the County Council election. (Laughter and cries of "No."). At a meeting held in the interests of his candidature at Fern-ale the previous evening, one of the questions asked him was "Did you or did you not attend a meeting of the electric company at Maerdy?" (Cries of "shame"). M did not know what that had to do with his candidature, but he had only one simple reply to make, and that was "No." If the question were asked him the following day he would boldly and unhesi- tatingly say "Yes." It was true that he had put in a word innocently for the electric light company at a Maerdy place of worship, and from this he could not refrain, havin seen the beautiful light given. (Cheers). He thought as little of the County Council then as the man in the moon. He admired the men who had made the advance in Maerdy. (Cheers). He then made reference to the opposition to the proposal for the introduction of the electric lisrht had re- ceived at Swansea, whillh he described as the weaJiiuest borough in Wales. Yet Maerdy, carried out the installation of the new light. He hoped Ferndale would soon follow their ex- ample. He did not think that. Maerdy should be leading the great central town of Ferndale. (Laughter and cheers). He was pleased to be in the company of the Maerdy folks, whom he characterised as a splendid set of men. It was a pleasure to associate with them. In conclu- sion he hoped the new venture would prove a success.* (Applause). Mr B. Davies, Maerdy (chairman of the company), responded briefly in Welsh, and remarked that the oompany when which was in a remote part of the world, had commenced were confronted with a great num- ber of obstacles, but he was pleased to say they had all vanished. (Cheers). They were deter- mined to get what they wished, and they had had it. The light had not come to Maerdy with- out some hard working. (Hear, hear). The Rev Hope Evans also replied, aiftl was very pleased to see such a bright light illuminating the town of Maerdy. In his opinion, there were brigh't prospects awaiting their town. (Ap- plause). "The Clergy and Ministers" was pro- posed by the Rev J. Owen Davies. In the course of a brief but eloquent address, the rev. gentle- man said he hoped that just as the two wires which supplied the electric light, would the unity which existed between the clergy and the ministers work for good. A friendship had ex- isted between them in the past, and he hoped this would still continue. (Hear, hear). The Rev W. Richards, responded, and also expressed a. similar sentiment. He then poured forth the following poetical effusion in praise of the electric light: Y Maerdy fendithiwyd o'r diwedd A goleu trydanol diail 0 bob celfyddydol oleuni Mae nesa' i oleu yr haul; 0 flaen ei danbeidiol ddysgleirdeb, Y t'w'llwch mewn c'wilydd yragudd, Nes bod em cymdogaeth fynyddig, Y nos, cyn oleued a'r dvdd. Diolchwn am oleu canwvllan A lampau, yn fychain a mawr, Hwy wnaethant wasanaetK difesur, Am oesau i deulu y llawr; Ond bellach mae'n rhaid iddynt hwythau, Roi ffordd i'w rhagorach, gwir yw, Y kydan oleuni yw hwnw, Nis gwedir gan neb sydd yn fyw. Mewn cysur, diogelwch, rhagora Ar drymaidd nwy oleu mor ddrud. Mae'n lanach, mae'n wynach, mae'n rhatach, Mae'n hyfryd i fyw dan ei wrid; Berbyni'r e'n lion i bob llety, Masnachdy, addoldy, heb ble, A buan daioni a ddeillia I iechyd a glendid y lie. "The Visitors" was proposed by Messrs John Williams and S. Edwards km.). and replied to by Messrs Southey, Coath. and Nathan, the latter remarking that Maerdy was now placed side by side in respect of lighting with many large cities. Minor toasts followed. During the evening songs, etc., were rendered by Messrs Enoch Davies, Mark Spriggs, David Hughes, and others, Mr G. Lewis was the accompanist. The proceedings wero brought to a close by singing the National Anthem.

EISTEDDFOD AT FERNDALE.

1\ Book for Ladies

Two Publicans Prosecuted.…

REPRESENTATION OF SOUTII GLAMORGAN.

Purified Petroleum for Stomach…

PONTYPRIDD GUARDIANS. --

jGRAND BAZAAR AT YSTRAD

/\ Lucky Dreary.

WATTSTOWN COLLIER'S GUILTY…

Poaching at Llantrisant. -

Porty.

Llantrisant.

Ystrad.

Pontypridd.

FIGHTING AT CAERPHILLY.

WATTSTOWN NEIGHBOURS IN COURT,

Treorky.

!THE LONDON K^UI.-.rLK EXCHANGE.

Advertising