The Glamorgan Gazette

ABERAYON HOSPITAL. I MEMORIALS TO THE LATE LIEUT. R. I HALLOWES, V.C., M.C. As mentioned in our last issue, Saturday was a red-letter day in the history of the Aberavon and Port Talbot Hospital, as in the afternoon a complete X-ray apparatus and a newly-built -receiving ward were presented to the board of .managers by the local troops of Boy Scouts and the staff and employees of the Mansel Tinplate Works, in memory of the late Lieut. Rupert P. .Hallowes, V.C., M.C., who was assistant mana- ger of the Mansel Tinplate Works. There was a large and influential company at the function, together with a creditable: muster of Boy .Scouts, under Scoutmaster Wyadham Wilkins. The chair watt occupied by Mr. Bishop, accom- panied by Mrs. Hallowes, senr., Mrs. W. B. Hallowes, Mrs. Llewellyn (Baglan Hall), the Mayor of Aberavon (Alderman J. M. Smith, J.P.), Mr. S. H. Byass, J.P., Rev. D. W. Davies, B.A. (Vicar of Aberavon), Rev. D. J. Jones, M.A. (Vicar of St. Theodore's, Port Talbot), Alderman David Williams, Messrs. Ivor H. Gwynne (Swansea), F. C. Mullens, S. H. Rogers, George Butler (chairman of the Mansel Works Committee), C. Routledge, Dr. Hellyer, Mr. J. M. Turnock, Mr. S. Clement, etc. The Chairman stated a telegram had been re- ceived from Mr. Charles Hallowes, in France, Expressive of appreciation of the memorial pre- sentation, and of his wishes for success in the hospital work, now rendered more efficient by that day's gifts. Proceeding, the Chairman said he felt highly honoured at having been asked to preside on so important an occasion. The deceased gentleman was highly respected and esteemed as a thorough gentleman. As one of a party of Labour representatives who visited the Western front, he (the speaker) said they were quartered one day at a place called Blendecques, in an old chateau. They found there two rolls of honour—one to the winners of the V.C., and the other to winners of the M.C. To their surprise and delight they saw that Lieut. Hallowes' name was inscribed on both. Ou returning, they wrote to Lord Derby, and through his instrumentality, obtained photographs of the two rolls of honour, and also of the chateau, for the staff, so that they might place it in the new receiving ward at the Hospital, and along with these photographs was also one of the group of delegates who went to France. As many visitors other than em- ployees from the Mansel Tinplate Works were present, he (the Chairman) thought it, would not be out of place to give an epitome of Lieut. Hallowes' history, and also a few words re- specting what the employees were doing to show their appreciation of the sacrifices made by their comrades in the Army and Navy. Lieutenant Rupert P. Hallowes, V.C., M.C., was assistant manager at the Mansel Tin- plate Works. He joined H.M. Forces in the Artists' Rifles on Aug. 5th, 1914, as a private, gained his commission in the Middlesex Regi- ment on April 7th, 1915, the M.C. after brilliant gallantry at Hogge, France, on July 19th, 1915, -the V.C. at Hogge for consistent and conspicu- ous bravery on Sept. 25th, 1915, and was killed in action at Hogge Sept. 30th, 1915. He was interested in the Boy Scout movement, and was district secretary for a number of years. The Mansel staff and employees decided to erect a receiving ward and X-ray room to perpetuate his memory. The Boy Scout Association de- cided to install a complete X-ray apparatus to his memory, at a cost of nearly XM. The ret t'ceiving ward and X-ray room cost about X400, which has been entirely borne by the staff and employees of the Mansel Works. At the com- pletion of the Rupert Hallowes Memorial Fund, • it was decided to convert the same into a fund to be called the "Mansel Heroes' Fund," which is doing noble work in acknowledging all the boys, who return from active service on leave, with presentations, and assisting the dependents of those who- have made the "great sacrifice," adopting prisoners of war by sending them parcels of food, helping St. Dunstan's Hostel for Blinded Heroes, the Y.M.C.A., Miss Lena Ashwell's Concert Fund, and a Central fund contributed to by weekly donations for the wel- come home of soldiers and sailors; "fflso recog- itisfng all boys w ho gain their commissions from the ranks, and boys who gain military honours. The total number of boys having joined active service is 225, out of which number 23 have made the "great sacrifice." Councillor Ivor H. Gwyn (Labour leader), on being requested to declare the receiving ward open, said they had met to do something that would perpetuate the memory of one who vali- antly, and to the death, defended the rights and liberties of- the country and empire. When he was invited to attend and take part in the ceremony of opening the new ward, he felt highly delighted, and realised he had never before been so- highly honoured. It was a source of great pleasure to him, on behalf of the employees of the Mansel Tinplate Works, to declare the receiving ward open, and he felt that such an acquisition to the hospital would lead to the benefit of future patients, for whose needs they were helping to provide. The em- pire had proved itself to be anything but decadent. During the four years of the terrific struggle there had been deeds unsurpassed and a greater number of gallant heroes than ever iu the history of the world. So bravely had our troops behaved in the fact of apparently unsur- mountable obstacles that every one deserved a Victoria Cross. lie (the speaker) had followed the history of Lieut. Hallowes from the time o" his joining the Army as a private on Au;.pst 5th, 1914. Lieut. Hallowes bravely went for'h .for King! Jlld Country and in defence of our homes and loved ones. They Old met to t'lT- petuate the honoured memory of one amomrt many who had not only lived and fought, but also died a hero on the battlefield. They had all h card of li,, genial disposition, but what im- pressed him (the speaker) mostly that after- noon was that they were commemorating one -A. who fell in 1915, and that their meeting tor i that purpose was being held on the eve when they were about to see the glorious result of U.e heroic sacrifices, and at last he believed Ufcwn of the day of peace was breaking—a peh t; which they all hoped would prove to be an en- during peace. The speaker went on to say he had no sympathy with the Pacifists and their (ry of "Peace by negotiation." Where was ti e enemy whose word they could trust in ega-(1 to any negotiations? Sir Edward Grey, befo-.e the war, did his utmost to have peace by negoti- ation, but Germany would not have it. When Itace comes, it will only be after Germany 1 a* been beaten and driven over- the Rhine. He H-MS p eased to see present the ihother of their hero. I Credit and honour was due to the fathers wh< se had fought; though a still greater dtbc of gratitude was deserved by the mothers ani the wives When the sons and husbands went i .rth to fifht in foreign lands, their anxiety was tar keener than that of the fathers who weie at work all day and had something other»v:fe tu occupy their minds. Mr. F. á Mullens, commissioner of the Boy j Scouts, in formally handing -over the X-ray ap- paratus to the board of governors, said they had met to perpetuate the memory of the great- est hero of the town and district, and in so doing they by no means depreciated the other heroes in the grand and glorious list. (Hear, hear.) It was their duty and proud privilege to do honour to Lieut. Hallowes, to whom was awarded the great honour of the Victoria Cross, not only for one gallant deed, but for conspicu- ous and consistent bravery covering a long period. His glorious record of service and his splendid character, coupled with his heroic self- sacrifice, shed upon the town an incomparable glory such as no services other than those he had given could bestow. Under the circum- stances he (Mr. Mullens) felt exceedingly proud to have the honour, on behalf of the Boy Scouts, to present an X-ray apparatus, com- plete in every. detail, to the hospital authori- ties as a lasting and fitting memorial of Lieut. Hallowes. "t times, he almost dreaded the coming of peace, and its natural rejoicings, as there were so very many who had Tost their loved ones, and he had often wondered how the grieved could be asked to shout with joy. How- ever, he had come to the conclusion that the be- reaved would feel the truest joy, since they who had sacrificed the most would rejoice the most. He sincerely hoped the X-ray apparatus would be found of much service to the institution. In addition, he presented a framed portrait of Lieut. Hallowes, which had been given by his brother to the Boy Scouts and framed in the Scout style, and they -felt it could find no better home than in the new ward. Mr. S. H. Dyass, as president of the board of governors, in accepting on behalf of the trus- tees, expressed his appreciation of such gener- ous gifts from the workmen and the Boy Scouts. He also considered it very good of Mr. Gwyn to find time to visit them. He had known him a great many years; they had had differences of opinion, but they were none the worse friends on that account. It was a very great thing for a man in his position, so much in touch with Labour, and a prominent Labour leader, to come and give utterance to the senti- ments that had so encouraged them that after- noon. With Mr. Gwyn, he too thought there was some reason to hope that the end of the terrible war was not far off, but they were rather too prone to forget the daring deeds and sacrifices which had brought about the happier position they were now in. The memorials which had just been handed over to that bene- ficent institution would form everlasting testi- mony to a brave man, of whom they and the town were justly proud—one who had been such a typical example of a soldier and a gentleman. In regard to the Boy Scouts, he wished to say it had been a great opportunity for them to be in- terested in the good work of helping to provide so acceptable and suitable a memorial of a brave and good man. Lieut. Hallowes' example was a good one to follow anil emulate. Mr. Byass, continuing, next referred to the want of a larger hospital for the district, and the need for an enlargement in order to meet with the demands of so rapidly growing an industrial district. In the near future, the need for hos- pital treatment will be more than trebled, and when peace was declared, and thoughts were directed to the best means of perpetuating the sacrifices that had been made by our brave sea- men and soldiers, he hoped one of their schemes would be the enlargement of the hospital. He had the extension himself very much at heart, and hoped such movement would be enthusias- tically carried out. In conclusion, he wished to express thanks for a donation he had just re- ceived for the hospital of = £ 25 from the Aber- avon Horticultural Association ,as part of the proceeds of the recent show, and there was also another donation-that of .£10 for the Baglan Hall Hospital, for which Mrs. Llewellyn wished him, on her behalf, to express very great thanks. Mrs. Hallowes, mother of Lieut. JEallowes, wished most deeply to thank every man, woman, boy and girl who had assisted in con- tributing to such beautiful memorials of her dear son. They were proofs of much love and sympathy. After she had inspected the receiv- ing ward, so efficiently equipped, and the X-ray apparatus, complete in every detail, with so many devices for combatting disease and alle- viating suffering, she was sure there was noth- ing her son would have preferred to perpetuate his memory. Although he was buried in a foreign land, she felt he was still in the spirit working with them, and she hoped his example would prove a help to the boys when they had to face temptation-not now only, but for gene- rations to come. She was very sorry neither of his brothers were present. One was in France, and the other in Northumberland doing his best to provide coal. They, too, felt very thankful for the honour that was being done to their brother's memory. Her son's record, as His Majesty the King told her on handing her her son's V.C., was a grand one, and one that everybody was proud to possess. As had been said, our Army had been an Army of heroes, who had dared all for the sake of the country, and every one of them deserved at least an M.C. When her son brought home his M.C., he said, "Mother don't think too much of my obtaining it; verybody deserves it, and I only have had it because of my having been seen-a matter of chance. It is not that I deserve it a bit more than any other boy." Dr. Hellyer, in expressing thanks for the gifts, said he did not think two more fitting and appropriate memorials could have been given to the hospital. Lieut. Hallowes had given his life to preserve ours at home, and now they were presenting to the hospital gifts which would help to preserve life and alleviate suffer- ing. An X-ray apparatus had been one of their greatest wants, and it so happened that the first patient for whom- it was used was one of the Boy Scouts, so the boys could feel that by help- ing the memorial, they had already assisted to alleviate the suffering of one of themselves. As one who had been in the district for the last 10 years, he mentioned that an enormous amount of suffering might have been prevented if they had had such appliances earlier. He also ex- pressed thanks for the photos. A cordial vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Byass for attending, on the proposition of Mr. Butler, seconded by Mr. Routledge, and after Mr. Byass had expressed his appreciation of the kind sentiments expressed, the function closed with the singing of "God save thevKing."

YOUNG HELPERS' LEAGUE SALE OF WORK AND CONCERT. The members of the Aberavon and Port Talbot branch of the Young Helpers' League, in connection with Dr. Bernardo's Homes, held a successful sale of work in the Masonic Hall, Forge Road, Port Talbot, on Thursday afternoon last week, followed later in the even- ing by a most enjoyable concert in Bethany English C.M. Schoolroom. Councillor Percy Jacob presided, and amongst those present at the sale of work were: Mrs- Percy Jacob, the Vicar of St. Mary's (Rev. D. W. Davies, B.A.), Rev. D. Arnold Evans, B.A. (Bethany C.M. Church), the Mayor and Mayoress of Aberavon (Alderman and Mrs. j. M. Smith), Mr. Lemuel Jones, Inspector Beet, Miss Amy Jones, Swan- sea (warden for Wales).. Mrs. John Phillips (local hon. treasurer), Miss Bertha Hooper (local hon. secretary), and others. The Chairman expressed his pleasure at the invitation given him to preside at the sale of work, and also at seeing so many present, testi- fying to the interest taken in the well-being of Dr. Barnardo's Homes. He was glad to state they had the advantage of the presence of the warden in charge of the movement in Wales (Miss Amy Jones), and before calling on his Worship the Mayor to declare the sale of work open, he would ask Miss Jones to say a few word& about the beneficent movement they had met together to assist. Miss-Amy Jones said she first of all wished to thank the Young Helpers for having worked so enthusiastically to bring about such a splen- did sale of work as the company were privileged to see that afternoon. Mrs. Percy Jacob, as president, together with the hon. treasurer and the hon. secretary, were especially deserving of thanks. The Young Helpers' League had been in existence in Aberavon and Port Talbot for a good many years, and had carried on- a very creditable work on behalf of Dr. Barnardo's Homes. They were supporting a cot in a Lan- cashire Hospital for Incurables, established in connection with Dr. Barnardo's Homes. In connection with the Young Helpers' League, it .was interesting to know that last year there were.58,000 members, all ci whom had paid at least the minimum subscription of one shilling. She was sometimes asked about the question of age at which members could be received, and her reply was "From one year up to 90." They had earnest workers who were from 70 to 80. She made an eloquent appeal for the enroll- ment of still more members, as the needs of the institution had been greatly extended by the present war conditions in the country. Speak- ing of the war, reminded her of the fact that former occupants of the Homes were doing a splendid war work, and had nobly come for- ward in the defence of the country. They had a record of 10,500 of their old boys serving with the colours, in the Navy, and in the Mercantile Marine. They had come from all parts of the world at the call of King and Country. The purchasing power of a sovereign was about half what it was in pre-war times, thus necessitat- ing a very extended subscription list in order to provide for the 7,000 under their care. It was. a gigantie, and at the same time, noble and grand work which was being carried on at the Homes. They were doing their best to rescue destitute children, and make good and indus- trious citizens of them. The Young Helpers' League movement, she was glad to say, was spreading, and they had League at the present time doing an excellent work in New Zealand. The Mayor, who was well received, remarked that he was sure they had been greatly in- terested and stimulated by the words they had heard from Miss Jones. He hoped her appeal for more members would prove highly success- ful during the coming year. He also wisher" to express his gratification at seeing such well- laden stalls, and hoped they would all be cleared before evening. There was no need for him to expatiate on the splendid work and re- snlts achieved through the self-sacrificing efforts of Dr. Barnardo, and it was very satis- factory to know the work was still being carried on. It was a gigantic humanitarian work, deserving of hearty and generous sup- port. In declaring the sale open, he most sin- cerely hoped it would prove a great financial success. I THE CONCERT. I The concert in Bethany Schoolroom was one of the best of the season, and the crowded audience time after time expressed their appre- ciation of the various items given. Capt. W. Barrett, of the Prisoners' of War Camp, Port Talbot, made an ideal chairman. Amongst the audience were a large number of wounded soldiers from Baglan Hall. The programme in- cluded :—Humorous song, "My Bassoon" (with instrumental imitations), Mr. W. Hutchinson (encored); song, "Joan of -Are, we are calling you," Madame Lind (encored); violin solo, Mrs T. Joseph ^encored); recitation, "A Parable," Mr. McNeal; Welsh song, Mr. William James (encored); song, Lo! hear the Gentle Lark," Miss Stevenson (encored); recitation, The Scrapper and the Knut," Mrs. A. V. Goodman (encored); Welsh duet, Madame Lind and Miss Thomas; humorous song, "Burlington Bertie of Bow," Mr. Hutchinson (encored); recitation, "Spottie," Mrs. Goodman (encored); song, "Very Good Company," Mr. W. James; humor- ous song, "0 Johnnie," Mrs. Thomas, Cwm- avon (encored); violin solo, Mrs. Joseph! re- citation, "What was it you saw out there, my lad?" Miss Stevenson. The accompanist was Mrs. David Smith. The Mayor proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the artistes and to Mrs Smith and Mrs. Thomas, who had arranged the concert; also to the chairman.

PORT TALBOT METAL CASE. I At Glamorgan Quarter Sessions at Swansea on' Tuesday—before Col. J. 1. D. Nicholl and other Magistrates—Reginald Walter Beckett (20), labourer, was acquitted of receiving 421bs. of lead, the property of the Port Talbot Railway and Docks Company, well knowing the lead had been stolen. He pleaded guilty to stealing an overcoat, and was sentenced to three months' imprisonment.—Thomas Evans (50), marine store dealer, Port Talbot, pleaded not guilty to charges of receiving the 421bs. of lead, 331bs. of brass, and an oil can, well knowing them to have been stolen, the property of the same Com- pany. Only the charges of receiving the brass and oil can were proceeded with. The' juiy found Evans not guilty, and he was discharged.

*'Wh W H :?What We Hear.?: That at the Quarter Sessions, held at Swan- sea on Tuesday, the following were sworn in as Justices of the Peace for the County of Gla- morgan,. and will sit for the Petty Sessional Division of Aberavon:—Messrs. Percy J. Jacob, Humphrey Jones, Lemuel Jones, and John Thomas. Mr. W. 1>. Hallowes was absent, having joints the French Red Cross Motor Ser- vice Corps. That the condition of Mr. D. E. Jones, the Aberavon Magistratef( Clerk, is still very seri- ous, and gives his friends great anxiety. That it was only in the fitness of things that the first patient for the X-ray apparatus at the hospital should be one of the Boy Scouts, who were the generous donors of the apparatus. :1 That the Aberavon Horticultural Society have paid .£25 to the Aberavon Hospital, and .£10 to Baglan Hall Soldiers' Hospital, being proceeds of the rarest show. That soldiers on leave express indignation at seeing the hundreds of stalwart young men walking about the town. That they contend "munition work" is only a selfish excuse. [ •••••• That after the presentation meeting held by the Port Talbot Steelworks employees, it may i be said that if the stacks do produce grit, to the annoyance of pedestrians in Station Road, the enterprise itself has produced a manager and staff possessed of "real grit." a, That the Food Control Committee have made arrangements for a communal kitchen in the Sandfields area. t: That St. Dyfrig's Vestry has been rented on reasonable terms, and a kitchen will shortly be established there. That the chairman of the committee (Coun- cillor T. S. Goslin) has gone uup to town" to obtain the necessary\jitensils. 10* • • I • • • That our energetic. Councillor has, for this purpose, gone up to "London on the Thames," not to "Berlin on the Spree," as some light- hearted persons have suggested. That the Food Control Committee have taken the necessary steps to secure a quantity of vine- gar for allotment holders who have paid their rent.

MEMORIAL SERVICE. Last Sunday evening a memorial service was held at Wern Chapel for the late Miss Margaret Williams (Peggie), of 28 Llewellyn Street, Aber- avon. The minister (Rev. J. Griffiths) officiated. Miss Williams was a very highly esteemed lady, and had attained her 83rd year. The represen- tative attendance at the funeral indicated how Miss Williams was appreciated. The Mayor, Magistrates and Councillors were present, to- gether with members of Wern Church, with the general public. The minister preached on -the verse, "Be ye also ready," and spoke of the characteristic virtues of the deceased. 'There were present as mourners: Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Jones, Mr. Evan Davies, Mrs. P. Llewellyn, Mrs Derie, etc. Mr. J. M. Phillips presided at the organ, and special hymns were sung. I

iÆ C '-1 S ? Cvmavon News. Jules Edvard Soermus, the distinguished Russian fiolinist, gave a capital recital at the I Church Parish-room last Saturday evening,- under the auspices of the I.L.P. Only on rare occasions have Cwmavonites the opportunity of enjoying the best in music. Bach, Chopin, and Bruner were requisitioned, £ nd the artiste was finely accompanied by Miss Catherine Jones. Among the pieces rendered were Bach's "Chaconne" (violin only), Bruner's "Romance," Chopin's "Nocturne," Sarasate's "Gypsy Airs," as well as "Ar hyd y Noes," "Annie Laurie," "Song of Despair," and the Revolutionary and Funeral Marches. Soermus played with great purity of technique and style. Humour, pathos, tragedy, comedy all came alike to the artiste, who held his large audience enraptured. For this concert also were enlisted the ser- vices of that excellent tenor, Mr. David Harry, R.A.M. (Llanelly), who is a national prize winner. Mr. D. H. Webbe accompanied for Mr. Harry, who rendered solos which were en- cored: "Lorene," "Mountain Lovers," "Death of Nelson," "I Hear You Calling Me," 0 na Byddai'n haf o Hyd," and "Dat Little Fellow with his Mammy's tiyes." Mr. Harry had a rousing reception. The other artistes were Miss Maggie Davies (accompanied by Miss Olive Griffiths, both of Port Talbot), and Messrs. R. D. Thomas and Martin Phillips. The first ren- dered "Gwlad y Delyn," "An old-fashioned Cot- tage," and "The Pipes of Pan"; the second two, "Watchman, What of the Night?" and The Moon Hath Raised her Lamps Abover." Mr. Tom Evans presided. A presentation, subscribed to by friends as well as the Money Club, was made on Saturday night at a "smoker" at the Britannia Inn, in honour of Pte. W. Wyatt. There was a good muster of friends. The proceedings were pre- sided over by Mr. Charles Sage. The presenta- tion, made by Mr. J. Corcoran, took the usual shape of a purse of money. Apart from the musical items, Messrs. E. Elliot and D. Michael delivered appropriate speeches. The soloists were Messrs. W. J. Morgan, J. Corcoran, T. Davies, R. Williams, L. Sage, T. Jones, A. Thomas, O. McNeil, J. Reynish, F. Jones, and D. Lewis.