The Rhondda Leader

Rhondda Education Committee,, County Council and Ferndale Secondary School. Interference Resented. "Taxation with Representation." A meeting of the Rhondda Education Committee was held at the Council Cham- ber, Pentre, on Friday afternoon. The attendance included Councillors Dr. W. E. Thomas, D. C. Evans, W. T. Jones, Dd. Williams, Thomas George, E. Jones, Evan Williams, Thomas Thomas, J. Lloyd Wil- liams, WT. P. Thomas, David Rowlands, Dr. A. G. Tribe, Ben Davies, W. T. Davies, Thomas Evans, together with the Deputy-Clerk (Mr. T. G. Jones the Director (Mr. T. W. Berry), and the Architect (Mr. Jacob Rocs). Ferndale Secondary School. The Deputy-Clerk read a letter from the Clerk of the County Council, stating that the Board of Education required that the practice followed heretofore of teaching an elementary class concurrently in the same room with a secondary class must be discontinued. The Education Committee request-the District Council to see that this requirement is attended to." The Chairman remarked that he would like to know what the County Council had to do with the Ferndale Secondary School, and he suggested that a letter be sent them, asking what business they had with the Secondary School and how they received their information. The Director remarked that he was the official correspondent of this school, and no one else was allowed to correspond with regard to it. Councillor D. Smith: Do we receive any contribution from the Council P The Chairman No. Councillor T. George: I think it is time to move in this matter. They are doing their very worst with regard to our own schools. Councillor Smith I think that a strong letter should be sent to them, and I am quite prepared to support the Chairman's motion. This was eventually resolved. "Taxation with Representation. The Deputy-Clerk read the following letter from the secretary of the Associa- tion of Education Committees. It will be remembered that this question came before the Committee on a previous occa- sion, and it was then decided that, owing to the fact that Education Committees representing only 50,000 people had prac- tically the same representation as those representing over 100,000, the Rhondda Education Committee resolved that its membership be discontinued until the conditions had been readjusted. The following is a copy of the letter:- Dear Sir -1 am in receipt of Mr. Jones' letter, dated 21st inst., and regret to hear that your Committee have decided not to continue their membership of the Association until the rules with regard to representation are amended. This ques- tion is, after all, a very minor one in comparison with the most important sub- jects which are now coming before the Association, and at this very time it is most essential that Education Bodies should present a united front. I trust, therefore, that your Committee may see their way to reverse the decision which they have arrived at.—I am, etc., Thomas Groves." The Chairman pointed out what has already been stated above, and said that he objected to joining the Association unless their subscription be lowered, or the Rhondda Education Committee be allowed increased representation. Councillor Tom George inquired whether it would benefit them if they joined, in the face of the new Education Bill. The Chairman: It bears upon educa- tion in general. Councillor R. S. Griffiths said that he opposed it upon principle. Their fight against the Education Bill had been for taxation with representation, and here they were asked to subscribe to an Asso- ciation on which they were not allowed the representation to which they were entitled. The Director enumerated many bene- fits which had already been derived from this Association, and remarked that if the Rhondda Education Committee adhered to their former decision, they would be the only Education Committee in the country which had refused to join. Councillor L. P. Griffiths remarked that it was not a matter of policy, but prin- ciple. They were entitled to a larger share of representation- Councillor T. George: There is a proper chance of obtaining it by getting inside the circle. If there is some benefit to be derived from joining it, as the Director has pointed out, we had better join it under protest. Councillor^*#. Evans: We are spending all this time quibbling over a guinea, are wer (Cries of "No"). Councillor R. S. Griffiths: I know of some people who spend more time quibbling over pence. This is a, serious matter of principle. Councillor Evans I would suggest that act on the recommendation of the Direc- tor—that we join. Finally it was resolved that the matter be left to another meeting for recon- sideration. Distribution of Work. When the personnel of the various Committees connected with the Education Committee was about to commence, Coun- cillor L. P. Griffiths remarked that with regard to the sub-committees of the Edu- cation Committee he thought that the work of the latter should be more evenly divided among all the members of the Council. He thought that it would be well to elect a, General Purposes Com- mittee to supplant the many sub-com- mittec.s which were appointed at nearly every meeting. At present, the work fell upon only two-thirds of the members, and it would be much better performed if it were evenly distributed over the whole Council. Councillor Tom Evans thought that the idea was feasible, and could be easily carried out. At present, the various com- mittees did not come under the super- vision of the Council. It is like the Buffs. continued Mr. Evans. Once a Buff, always a. Buff. Once a committee- man, always a committeeman." Some of the members of the Council were not elected on these committees at all, and it would be very desirable for them to get on to know what was being done with regard to their schools, so that when a question was put to them they could be answered. Councillor R. S. Griffiths thereupon proposed that the committees should con- sist of the following —School Manage- ment Committee (which would consist of all the members of the Council), the Building Committee, the Staffing Com- mittee, and the General Purposes Com- mittee, the three latter committees. to comprise of ten members each, one mem- bet, from each ward. Councillors Tom George., D. C. Evans and Ben Davies were appointed on the South Wales and Monmouthshire Truant School Committee. The Chairman I think that we ought to have a report of this committee's doings. Councillor Dd. Williams (who was one of the committee appointed last year): I have a, report here for you to see it. The Director pointed out that he had received no report at all from this com- mittee, and Councillor R. S. Griffiths remarked that the Director ought to get a report, so that he could make some reference to it in his annual report. The Deputy-Clerk explained that a formal report was sent annually to the Clerk. Councillor R. S. Griffiths moved as an instruction to the committee that day appointed to see that an annual report was furnished henceforth to the Director. Councillor Dl. Evans, Ferndale, called attention to the bad condition of the Blaenllechau School, and said that he desired to propose a resolution to the effect that the Company's (Messrs. D. Davis and Son, Ltd.) surveyor meet the Council's Clerk, Surveyor, and Architect on the ground, and discuss what steps should be taken. The Chairman replied that he questioned the advisability of such a proceeding, inasmuch as the Clerk already had the matter under consideration, and they did not know yet what would be the conse- quences of that. Councillor Evans, therefore, did not proceed with his resolution, and the House rose at 6.30 p.m."

Ton-Pentre Police Court. Monday.—Before the Stipendiary (Mr. Arthur Lewis), Alderman Richd. Lewis, Mr. T. P. Jenkins, Alderman William Morgan, and Mr. J. D. Williams. A FOUL-MOUTHED YOUNGSTER. Win. Edwards, Gelli, was fined 15s. for using obscene language at Gelli. You are a foul-mouthed young man," remarked Mr. T. P. Jenkins, when P.S. Baker had given his evidence. COAL STEALING. David John Davies and William Davies, brothers, were summoned for picking lewt. of coal at Gilfach Goch on May 2nd, the property of Messrs. W. W. Hood and Co. P.C. Williams gave evidence. P.S. George stated that the defendants, on their own admission, had stated that they had bought no coal since about six months ago. Coal to the extent of half a ton in a night, continued the Sergeant, had on occasions been taken off the col- liers' trams. William Davies was dismissed, but David John Davies was fined 30s. STEALING PLANKS. Frederick Gale, T'onypandy, was fined 20s. for stealing a number of planks, the property of the Glamorgan Coal Co. CRUELTY TO A HORSE. William Morgan, oil salesman to Mr. James Rees, ironmonger, Pentre, was charged with working a horse in an unfit condition. P.G. Millet said that on Tuesday morn- ing, the 10th April, he saw defendant driving a, horse in Llewellyn Street, Pen- tie. It appeared to be in great pain, and on examination he found a wound five inches long on the withers, and also an- other wound on the left hip bone. P.S. James also gave evidence to the effect that there was a patch on the horse's back, quite raw, which had been blistered over with ointment. Defendant denied that there was a wound on the horse's back. A fine of j61 was imposed. NOT BAD, BUT THE BEER." Ruth Jones, Glydach Vale, summoned her husband, Richard Jones, for refusing to carry out the provisions of a main- tenance order of 10s. per week made against him in December, 1903, and on which £5 10s. and 4s. costs were due. Defendant said that he had been ill for three months, and had also, met with an accident. Complainant: It's drinking you've been, and not bad. The Stipendiary thought that defendant had made some effort towards paying, and adjourned the case for a month. A PAIR OF IRRECONCILABLES. George Mackay and James Boyd, of no fixed abode, were brought up in custody charged with being drunk and disorderly, assaulting and obstructing the police, and breaking the windows of the police cell. P.C. Lister said that on Saturday night he found both defendants in Taff Street, Pontypridd, under the influence of drink. Mackay, who was very rowdy, was taken into custody, and whilst on the way to the Police Station he became very violent, kicking the officer several times about the legs, and altogether behaving like a mad- man. Eventually, with the assistance of several civilians, he was taken to the Police Station, but not before Boyd had done his utmost to rescue him. The latter also was taken to the Police Station. P.O. Griffiths, giving evidence with re- gard to the damage, said that he heard a smash of glass on Sunday morning, and found upon examination that the win- dows of the cell in which Boyd had been confined had been smashed. Witness examined Boyd's body, and found that his heel was covered with broken glass. When he went to take their description, both men acted like maniacs, and he was obliged to take away their boots. Prisoners said that they had only just come to Pontypridd, having been sent up from Cardiff by the Chief Constable. They had been working on the railway for a fortnight, and having had their pay on Saturday,, took too much drink. Both men were sent to prison for four- teen days each for the two first offences, and seven days for the damage. OBSCENE LANGUAGE. A young man from Trealaw, named William Thomas Rees, was fined 10s. for using obscene language in Bridge Street, Tonypandy. INDECENT CONDUCT. William Roach, Pontrhondda, was charged with indecent conduct at Pont- rhondda. He was fined 10s. UNATTENDED BRAKE. Lewis Williams, of Clydach Vale, a brake-driver, was charged with neglect- ing to look after a two-horse brake in his charge. The constable giving evidence stated that he caw the defendant' brake on the road. The horses were walking about, with no one in charge. He went up to the horses and stopped them. A little later he saw the defendant run out of an hotel. When asked for an explana- tion, he said he had only left them for a little while. A fine of 10s. was imposed. "A PUSH, NOT A BLOW." Ann Lewis, of Clydach Vale, charged Richard Wilcox with assault. Complainant stated that she was on the pavement near her house at Clydach Vale, when the defendant came and spoke to her mother about something that had occurred before. She went on to defen- dant, and he struck her in the mouth. Sarah Ann Parson, also stated that she saw the defendant strike Mrs. Lewis. The defendant denied striking the com- plainant, but admitted having pushed her in the passage. A fine of 20s. was imposed. ILLEGITIMACY. Edith Richards, a single woman, of Trealaw, smnmonecl Thomas Kelly, also of Trealaw, to show cause, etc. Mr. T. Millward, Pentre, appeared for complain- ant. Evidence was given by the complainant and also by her father, who spoke of having; taxed the defendant with being the father of the child. Defendant denied paternity, and also persisted in his denial at the Police Court. An order of 2s. a week was made. CHARGED WITH ALCOHOL. John Rees, Tynewydd, 15s. David Jones, Pentre, 15s. George Owen, Ton, 15s. Dd. Williams, Clydach Vale, 15s. W. J. Williams, Blaenclydach, 15s. Thomas James, Blaenrhondda, 24s. Wm. Davies, Blaenclydach, 15s. Wm. Poynter, Blaenclydach, 15s. Alfred Davies, Blaenclydach, 10s. A "CONSCIENTIOUS" OBJECTOR TO VACCINATION. A collier named William Griffiths made an application for a vaccination exemp- tion order. After some preliminaries, the applicant said: The only question you have to decide' is my honesty. The Bench Never mind what we have to decide. The Clerk: What is your objection? The applicant: I suppose you have a copy of the Act. (Laughter). The Lord Chief Justice- The Chairman You are not the Lord Chief Justice, or his son. We don't want to listen to your speeches on lords or members of Parliament. Applicant: Do you doubt my honesty ? The Clerk: You make your application. Applicant: According to the Act I am not allowed to. The Bench Vory wel!, then, we refuse the application.

Proposed Christian Endeavour Union for the Rhondda. Representative Meeting at Porth A meeting was helel at the English Con- gregational Church, Porth, on Thursday evening last, the 26th ult., when repre- sentatives of the various Christian En- deavour Societies in the two Rhonddas met to discuss the advisability of forming an Unioui of these societies in the dis- trict named. There were 35 representa- tives from about 25 societies. The chair was taken by Mr. Rhys J. Davies, Ton- Pentre, a member of the Welsh National Executive Council, who explained in a lucid manner the object of the gathering. He stated that there were unions of various other societies with different objects in the Valley, which were found toi be of great value in furthering the objects in view, and he contended that the same value would attach to an union of C.E. Societies also in the two Rhon- ddas. Meetings could be held periodically and reports of the doings of the various local C.E. would be submitted, sugges- tions would be received, advice could be given; in fact, a great fillip would be given to Christian Endeavour work in this populous district. Nowhere in the coun- try was the need of societies of this nature more felt than in this part, where there were such a large number of young people, both in and out of the churches, who spent their time aimlessly, doing but little, if any, to further the kingdom of the Great Master, It was one of the objects of the C.E. to get hold of these and make them worthy servants in the cause of Christ. These societies, as they were now, in isolated localities, had done a, great deal in this respect, but an union of all these would tend to give further vehemence to the efforts now put forth, and all would be united in an union of ideals, aims and objects, and acting thus unitedly, the future would be indeed a bright prospect for Christian Endeavour work in the Rhondda. He was glad to see present Mr. E. J. Powell, F.S.A., New- port, the hon. secretary of the National Executive Council also the pastor of the church, the Rev. R. E. Salmon; and the Rev. J. W. Matthews, Bethany, Gelli. Mr. Powell expressed his gratification at being present there that evening, and felt much pleasure, at the object of the meeting. He emphasised further upon the remarks of the Chairman re the ad- vantages of uniting the different socie- ties. There were unions of C.E. in many parts of Wales. The Rev. R. Ei. Salmon asked several questions relative to C.E. work. The Rev. J. W. Matthews, as an old Endeavourcr, also expressed his entire sympathy with the object in view, and hoped to see it, soon an accomplished fact. The Union, through its officials, could be instrumental in staring many Christian Endeavour branches in places where they were now non-existent. Several other representatives also spoke stronglv and appreciatively on the matter. It was unanimously resolved to call a mass meeting of Christian Endeavourers throughout the two Valleys, to meet at the same chapel on Tuesday evening, the 8th inst., at 7 p.m. The Itev. R. E Salmon will preside, and the speakers will incilude, the Rev. J. W. Matthews, Gelli; Mr. E. J. Powell, Newport; and Mr- Rhys J. Davies, T'on. All Christian En- deavour Societies are requested to respond heartily to the above resolution.

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