Llais Llafur

j ^^♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦  ? L?st TT?rt Days of j| ?? ?W N_?BF?BB_ !?*?) ?  J  I T T^ft I  B IT S it :?: ? ?F ? B a ? JB B )L !? <t?-? ? B ??? IGREAT SALE ) A Few Bargains Still Left tt 1/3 Ladies' Trimmed Hats 1/11 Babies' Pinafores J} t|t j Gent's UmbrleilnlaO gs s Aof d5 dreOss WEN'S ] H A Few Bargains Still Left n ? 2?(L to (?<i Men'8 Hest W<?h Flunnel Shirts 4/11 Sheeting 6?d per X^ tX t A •y/ard' Towelfrom If*± d. p«r yard ;■ 1 doz. only Patchwork Quilts XX ?? v?rd; ToweU.ngs from I?d. p?r yard; Idoz. only Patchwork Quilts {{ ? ? 5/6 each. ? 12 doz. Gent's Ties 1 d., J d., and 2?d.-worth from 6d. to 1/ ?; ?? A Large quantity of sample Hosiery, Undervests and Shirts to be {? $! cleared regardless of cost; Blouse Lengths 1/- for 3 ya.rd; Curtains 1/6 to 1/11 5 yards Curtain Net for long CUI taing for 1/4. {? r?oto t?<? Address: XX +  ul MWWHM ? UMUt! u!! ? u t Bt I J. T. I nCompton House, Ystalyfera § ?  .+.+.>i.

YSTRADGYNLAIS BROTHERHOOD. J At the Brotherhood meeting last bun- day, an address was given by Rev. W. MarshaU Isaac, of Cardiff, upon "The l Brotherhood Movement" to a large at- tendance. The speaker said that those denominations who now opposed the Brotherhood would in time to come, realise their mistake and welcome the movement. Instead of robbing the churches the Brotherhood was adding to them, by bringing men in who had not attended churches for years.-The speaker noxt Sunday is Miss Ahvcn Davies, late nastor of Wattsville Church Monmouthshire.

ABERCRAVE NOTES I "A DISGRACE TO CIVILIZATION." I At a special meeting of the Yst-rad- gynlais Council on Tuesday, Mr David Lewis raised the question of the Cefn- byrlo road and stated that no guarantee had been received from the Council that, after gathering money from those who -%vel,o anxious to have the road, the work would be proceeded with. It was a matter, and if the Council gave it 'guarantee- there would be something 'Minito to work upon. If the Council dill rot intend to proceed with the work why did they see the landlords in re- spect oi ihe reuuter'. The Chairman said they wanted some information as to the cost of the Told, I and he did not think it wojild be fair to discuss tho question that day. He thought they s hould leave the matter stand over until the next meeting. Mr David Lewis said it appeared to be the policy of some of the Council when important niatt-ei-s came up for discussion to adjourn the, questions. If the Coun- cil was determined t- throw the thing on one side, why diid they not say so. Everyone who kncws the circumstances of the case will give Mr David Lewis crodit for possessing infinite patience. Meeting after meeting of the Council he ha.? raised this question of the Cefnbyr- lø road until it has come within the sphere of "practical politics." Instead, however, of applying themselves to "practical politics," the members of the Council have a tendency to fly off at a tangent when anything appertaining to the needs of the Higher Parish is men- tioned, and thus it is that question has no yet go beyond the preliminary stages, yet the people of Abercrave and Col brcn may rest assured that the Council will be compeJlftd to do something in con- nection with the road at the next moot- ing. Mr Lewis would do well to con- tinue worrying his colleagues ard, as- sisted by the sledge hammer arguments used by Mr W. Walters, it is probable that the Council will yet be compelled to solve the problem of making Colbren more easily accessible than it is at pre- sent. The road leading from Abercrave to Colbren is a disgrace to civilization and the wonder is that the people of the district have remained passive so long. CHAPEL CONDEMNATION OF I AMUSEMENTS. "Observer, Aborcrave, writes as iol- lows Will you kindly permit me space to say a few words on a discussion which took place in one of the chapels in the upper part of the Valley last Sunday, on the impropriety of chapel members attending theatres, cinemas and other places of amusement. Certain persons taking part seamed to think it is im- moral to pass one's time in amusements such as we have in the dis- trict. I believe there are times in one's life when one requires some kind of amusement, somewhere to spend an en- joyable and cheerful hour after a, hard day's toil. As a rule it is persons who have never been inside such places that are the ones to condemn them. I should like to see these persons attending for once the places of amusements in the district, to satisfy themselves what immorality there is be- fore condemning them. Moreover, I do not soo it reasonable that they should ask to do away with these places with- out offering something better in their plaoc. It is not through misdirection that the young people are attending the theatre or cinema, bu because these places are more in accordance with modern life. What do the churches provide for cul- turing the minds of their young mem- bers ? It is true our forefathers lived a. good and happy life without the luxuries we have to-day, but things have changed. All this is the outcome of social evolu- tion. In fact the good and evil resulting from the evolution of society are so even- ly balance that it depends very much on place, time and temperament whether we a.re optimists or pessimists. If my liver acts properly, I am an optimist; if it is out of order, a pessimist. Personally, I incline to optimism—that is, I think that this would, if not exactly "the best of all possible worlds," is yet on the whole a very tolerable! world, and life on the average is worth living. I also think that progress is certainly towards higher and very probably towards happier con- ditions. We do not all want the same things in order to be happy. What have the churches done to im- prove the condition of the poorer class? Although it rests to some extent with the person himself to improve his con- ditiovi by itaprcviug his personal habits, his ways of iiv.ng, his manner of spend- ing his time, and if he spends less on what injures his health, he will have more to spend for the happ nosa and im- provement cf his family. I believe the churches have be-on indifferent :n giving o-ny practical help. I hive no desire to say anything unjust about the churches, but I h??i ?,tlv b?,liev3 th?v ore, inactive in the improvement of social cond itions. ABERCRAVE COLLIERY "CHECK" The triennial electien for the- office of checkweighcr at. the Aberscrave Colliery is at present in progress, and the first ballot took place list. ivec-k-eiid, when votes were recorded as follows. :—John Morgan, 75: D. H. Lewis \the present holder cf the. post), 68; Edgar Griffiths, 40; a.nd Charles Davies, 10. The final ballot between Messrs. Morgan and Lewis takes place this week-end, and it is generally anticipated that the latter will hold the position. DEATH OF InS. WM. EDWARDS A glocm was cast over the district on Saturday by the announcement of the death of a, popular and highly respected local resident in the person of Mrs. Edwards, wife of Mr Wm. Edwards, grocer, of Cartref. Deceased, who was 38 years of aye, had only been ill for two or three weeks, and her death was hardly expected, which adds to the sadness of the affair. She was the daughter cf the late Mr Wm. Watkins, and cf Mrs. Wat- kins,* Glanafes. and by her bright and kin-dlv disposition, made a, great many friends. She was a strong Church- woman, and prior to her marriage occu- pied the pcsition of organist at the Call- wen Church, Craig-y-Ncs. She is sur- vived by her husband, and three young children, with whom the deepest sym- pathy is felt. The interment took place on Tuesday at Callwen Church, and was very largely attended by relatives and friends. The chief mourners were Mr Wm. Edwards, a.nd his two eldest ch'ldren (Brychan and Glyn) Mrs. Watkins (mother): Miss Wat-kins, s ister, and Mr Geffrey Watkins (brother) Mr and Mrs. Willie Watkins (brother and sister-in- law) Mr Edwards (Ystradgynlais), father of the bereaved husband, and the Misses A. and L. Edwards. The service was conducted by the Rev. J. Hughes (Callwen), and J G Hughes (Abercrave). There were numerous beautiful floral tributes. INTERESTING HOCKEY MATCH An interesting and enjoyable hockey match was played on the local ground on Saturday, when Neath Firsts were the visitors. Unfortunately the weather was very unfavourable, and this seriously in- terfered with the attendance of specta- tors, but nevertheless a fair number were present. The visiting team included no fewer than five players of international repute, in view of which fact their ulti- mate victory by six goals to two cannot be regarded as surprising. The home- I.lter\ however, fought a plucky gam?, end if dcfca?d were e<?ta"?y net dis- ?-tid if n-?? t d,? s- MUSICAL FESTIVAL RHEARSAL In connection. with the forthcoming musical festival to be heJd during Easter- tide, a rehearsal took place at Neuadd after the usual service on Sunday even- ing, the congregations of Neuadd, Beth- lehem, and Tynycoed being in attend- ance. Mr R. J. Lewis, liadrdaster at Abercrave Schools, was the conductor, and this the second rehearsal, auguis well for the forthcoming event. It will doubt- less be very successful. CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY I At the quarterly meeting of the local Cos-operative Society held the other even- ing, the report of the committee was passed, and it was decided to pay a small dividend on th2 past thirteen weeks' trading. The following members wer.e elected on the committee for the ensuring twelve months Messrs. Wm. Morgan, Yniswen; J. G. Jones, Old Shop; John Jones, Davies St-i-eet Rd. Morgan, Bronyrallt; and Ivcr H. Lewis, Twynyrodyn, The two latter are local I.L.P.'crs. LABOUR MATTERS I There was quite ft good attendance at the I.L.P. Rooms on' Monday evening, when under the auspices of the Branch, a meeting took plaoe, at which Mr Hugh Powell, of Ystradgynlais, gave a force- ful address on "Is Socialism opposed to civilization?" Mr 1,1. Morgan occupied the chair. After the a.bove meeting, a consider able number gathered to hear an ad- dress by Mr J. J. James, G.C.G., one of the candidates in the final ballot for the Anthracite District Sub-Agency. Mr Harry Thomas, Penyeao, presided over the meeting, which was of an enthusi- astic character. LOCAL SPORTSMEN ON GROUND I RECORDS Mr Tom Morgan, secretary of the Abercrave Hockey Club, writes us as follows A ground retord is a nice pos- session, but the subtlety of certain teams to keep them intact is not "cricket." Ys- talyfera Hockey Club was due to enter- tain Abercrave on a recent Saturday, but found at the last moment that they could not raise a team. Why ? Because they are a one-man team (Todd was playing in the West v. East match that day) or is it that they think heir record would be safer if they play such teams as Abercrave only when they are at full strength ? Probably they have not yet forgotten the shock they received at the commencement of the season, when they were distinctly lucky to run the Aber- cravites to a draw on the Ystalyfera ground, th-tnks to thp.ir referee being ignorant of the TUlc of hockey, which be acknowledged by leaving the field at half time. Not, however, before he had left Ystalyfera in possession of three goals, one of which they were legiti- mately entitled to.

6 I W. ERNEST TATE DENTAL SURGERIES 128 LONDON ROAD NEATH. I PAINLESS EXTRACTIONS GUARANTEED m TRAIN FARE ALLOWED TO M COUNTRY PATIENTS. ATTENDANCE DAILY 9 a. m. to 9 p.m. 'Phone, No. 13. (..=== :co: :=č=: =!=:-=:=.

DULAIS VALLEY CHAT. I (Gan Ymtioithydd.) In connection with the final ballot for the sub-agency of the Anthracite Dis- trict meetings have been held through- out the Valley during the week, at which both candidates, Mr J. J. James, (-  watiiicae,gurwc-,ti, Gwauncaeigurwc-.n, and Mr Stephen 0. Davies, Ammanford, have given ad- dresses. The ballot is. to take place this week-end, and is arousing the greatest interest thi oughout the district. The result will not be declared until next wee k. I am able to announce a very import- ant development this week in connection with the Shorter Saturday agitation. A meeting took place> at Colbren on Satur- day last, over which Mr George Jones presided, and at which the agent, Mr J. D. Morgan was present. The latter gave a report of the proceedings in re- gard to the matter at the Contra,1 Execu- tive meeting. Mr Morgan stated that the members belioved that the workers in the Dulais Valley had. a very strong case to fight fcr, in fact a better case than in any other part. of the Anthra- cite district, inasmuch as the majority of the workmen in the. district are al- ready enjoying this right, and they con- sidered th;:t it was only fair oil the part of Mi" Evans-Bcvan to grant the men's request. Since than Mr Bevan has con- sented to meet representatives of his four collieries committees, together with Mr J. D. Morgan and Mr Enoch Morrell, of Merthyr, representing the Central Exe- cutive, and the. deputation will wait up- on him shortly, either during this week- end or- early next week. It has been de- cided to postpone the handing in of notices until the conference has taken place, and there is now decided hope that- an amicable, settlement will be ai rived at without recort to the terminating of contracts. The above subject- has also aroused considerable discussion in regard to, the proyfekVn of baths at the pit head, and I leartt that among the Neath men espec- ially, the proposal has great support. It has to be rememhered t hat under the terms of the Coal Mines' Regulation Act the owners are compelled to provide baths if the men demand the provision, but the owners can claim from the workers fifty per cent. of the cost of the up-keep of the baths. We would be only too glad to see !-his question taken up in all s eriousness throughout the. whole district. The establishment of these in- stitutions, by means of which a collier could goto and from his duties cleanly and respectively clad, would increase his own self-respect, and that of the people among whotm he resides, in addition to relieving the busy housewife of the pre- paration for this daily task. I should be delighted to see the Dulais workers in- sisting on pit head baths. After much preliminary discussion, and not a, little speculation, a building club for Seven Sis-tors has now been formed, and a meeting took place, on Wednesday evening, at which the first contributions were received. There are upwards of fortv members, a.nd the entries have now been closed. The site decided upon is at Ynisdawly between the Co-operative Society's plot and the farm, and the- official;3 of the club are as follows :— Pre-ident, Mr George Jones; secretary, Mr T. G. Harris, Gwvnfryn treasurer, Mr John Morgan, Bryncae; and archi- tect, Mr J. Stanley Griffiths, Penybank. At the important conference held early in the week at Cardiff under the aus- pices of the South Wales Miners' Federa- tion to consider safety in mines, the sur- face workers' wages, and other questions, the Seven Sisters lodge was represented by Mr William Jenkins ("Billy" check). W. A. WILLIAMS, Phranologiet, can be consulted daily at the Victoria Arcade (near the Market), Swansea. The arrangements for the bazaar to be held later in the year in connection with the Zonr Independent Chapel, Seven Sis- ters are now well in hand, and an auspious start has been made. The workers com- menced duties on Tuesday, when up- wards cf sixty ladies gathered in the Vestry, and spent the greater part of the day in making preliminary preparations. I understand that the members of Be-ion Chapel, Seven Sisters, have also decided to held a similar event in a few months' time, their object being the re- duction of tho chapel debt. Mr J. W. Thomas, the local schoolmaster, is presi- dent and organiser of this effort. Can it be tha.t the people of Seven Sisters h ave long had great artistic talent in their midst lying altogether idle? At a.ny rate, there is talk of the discovery cf a new musical "star'' in the village in the person of an old resident, a well known haulier, and when he was called upon to contribute to the pro- gramme at the local, picture house the other evening, everybody present gasped with astonishment, awaiting his appear- ance with great eagerness. They were, unfortunately, doomed to disappointment, it being announced that the newly dis- covered artiste could not, through some reason or other, appear. Everybody is hoping for better luck next time. Serious complaint is once more being made regarding the disgraceful state. of Commercial Street. This, of course, is a private road, and the owners and tenants, mostly tradesmen, are responsible for its condition, but it being such an important thoroughfare it is surprising that' the Council do not insist on the street being put into proper repair, and then take it over. At night the street is positively dangerous. The pastor of the Onllwyn Congre- gationa! Church (the Rev. A. D. ThonMs) was away preaching in North W.es during the week-end, and his pla(} at Onllwyn was taken by the Rev. J. Roberts, the English Baptist minister at Seven Sisters. A remarkable operation, performed re- cently at Colbren, has just come to my notice. Several months ago,, a little girl named Jessie Thomas, the eleven year old daughter of Mr Thomas Thomas, miner, of Colbren, developed tubercul- osis in the leg, and the ailment grew to such an extent that it was found that the leg would have to be amputated at as high a point as possible if the girl's life was to be saved. This operation, cer- tainly one of no small danger has been successfully carried cut- by Drs. Edwards and Armstrong, of Seven Sisters, with- out any further assistance, and the girl is now progressing quite favourably. W. A. WILLIAMS, Phrenologist, 0'* consulted daily at the Victoria Arcade (near the Market), Swansea.

FOOTBALL SWANSEA'S SENSATIONAL OPENING II Queen's Park Rangers a Trifle Too Classy I By The Wasp. Taking everything into consideration Swansea. Town did exceedingly well to reach the second round proper of the English Cup competition, but their luck was phenomenal. From September 27th when they defeated Port Talbot by four goals to nil in the preliminary rour^d for "th' Coop," until January 12th, when they were drawn to play against Queen's Park Rangers (as is subsequently trans- piredj they were, on no less than eight occasions, drawn to play at home. The supporters of thje Club—and' since they have been following ä'vin-ning side these be legion—were confident that the Swans would at least reach, the third round, and there were many prepared to take small odds that the Swan A would be seen at the Palace. As one of the 16,000 spectators who watched the game on Saturday, I must confess that the reason. for my presence was the hope I cherished that tho Swans would win, but even in the first great pitch of excitement "when Greer sent the home spectators into par- oxysms of joyfulness, I still numbered myself amongst the peS-Siimists; For why? It was a drear, dull day, and the Vetch field is a dingy sort of place, anyway. Surrounded by Slum property and a prison the prospect from any quarter of the field is anything" but pleasant. It dimly recalled memories of the field upon which, years ago, I was in the habit of watching a Second Division' team win matches in both League "atnd Cup encounters, until having amassed a goodly balance by means of sixpenny "gates," the Club ont only gained a sub- stantial following but a ground which is the pride of the county. That Swansea will event uallv possess a ground worthy of the Association game is almost inevitable providing the con- fidence of football enthusiasts is inspired but this will not be attained by "bleed- ing" them whenever a "class" team visits the Vetch field. Despite the fact that there were over 16,000 spectators pre.sent en Saturday there was still space to accommodate several thousands in ad- dition. From early afternon until the time fixed for the commencement of the game the crowds poured in, and even at half-time stragglers were seen passing the turnstiles. The visitors brought plenty of supporters with them, and they were quietly confident that their team would be the victors. Favours were plentiful, and some thousands of white rosettes were worn, but here and there the green and white of the visitors could be distinguished, and the huge green and white bow worn by one of the visitors' supporters was a cause of much gocd humour. For some time prior to the start of the game the Swansea Temperance Silver Band kept the crowd interested by play- ing rag-time and other melodies, and the collection taken by the supporters of the band must have well repaid them for their efforts. There was plenty of enthusiasm Evi- dent when the "Swans" entered the field of play, and the reception accorded the Rangers was a hearty one. The wind was sweeping across the field in bluster- ous fashion, and when it was seen that Swansea had lost the toss a groan as- cended from the crowd, but their spirits rose as soon as the game commenced. For the first bout of exchanges the homesters had decidedly the best of matters, and the visitors apeared to be nervous, due no doubt, to the strangeness of the sur- roundings. It was seen that the home- sters intended to force the game, and make the best of their advantage of play- ing on their own ground. Following a free kick Wear passed to Mitchell who put it straight across to Greer on the left wing, and that player put in an oblique shot which Nicholls simply failed to get near, and a roar such as must have been seldom heard on the field before went up from the crowd whilst the Swans-ea. players ran to congratulate Green on his great shot. The visitors began to settle down to the play and within ten minutes from the start it was clearly seen that Swan- sea would have to play as they had never played before. The visitors were decided- ly more than holding their own. The crowd, however, were still well pleased with themselves as although the visitors were showing a better combination, and more precision in the movements, the homesters made good by bustling about. The visitors worked the ball down beautifully t4a- the Swansea half, and Thompson passing to Birch who put in an almost straight shot which Storey ought to have saved, but failed, and the crowd fully appreciated the movement by loudly cheering. Pretty headwork enabled Mayo to open up the game to the home- sters' advantage, but shortly afterwards Sutherland was compelled to concede a corner following which Storey saved a stinging shot from Fortune. The Swansea, backs were kept on the defensive for sometime until Mayo being out-manoeuvred by Wake, Gregory got in a shot which Storey save with some difficulty, and he was almost charged through his own goal in possession. Cub- berley was playing finely, and repeatedly beat Thompson and Birch. Ball was not playing up to his usual form—he was probably too keelly watched! Fortune, for the visitors, was persistent in his efforts to reach the Swansea goal, but was ruled offside time after time. Greer obtained posses ion on one oc- casion, but Pullen was watchful. Ball initiated- an attack by gaining possession from Thompson, and some exciting play was witnessed in front of the visitors goal and a fine effort was spoilt by one of the home forwards being offside at a critical moment. The game was fast, and the play ruled from end to end with rapidity, and both goalies were called upon to save on several occasions. During a particularly strenuous attack by the Rangers, Miller was tackled by one of the "Swans," but failed to get possession. The Swansea man, however, held on to Miller, who was brought down and as he sat looking at Allman with a perplexed look, the humour of the situa- tion burst upon him, and he laughed with the crowd. Half-time arrived with level score. The opening of the second half showed that the visitors were in deadly earnest and the home backs were called upon to break up some formidable combination. which time after time placed their goal in danger. A misunderstanding between Duffy and Sutherland caused Storey to have to run out of goal and clear. The atta-cks were resisted, and then Weir get- ting possession took the ball to within five yards of the visitors' goal, but PuU- en was able to spoil the effort. The Rangers had another spell of determined attacking, but the home backs were play- ing a safe and sound defensive game, and nothing resulted. Then Ball electriffl the crowd by getting in a terrific shot which, had it been straight would have beaten Nicholls to a frazzle, and a groan ascended as it was seen that the shot was wide. An- other deteorminedi rush by the visitors made things look dangerous, but Storey cleared a straight shot from Miller, and threw out, but Birch got the ball and again beat Storey. Then came some strennous efforts on the part of the home- sters, and Weir was again seen to ad- vantage, but he lost the ball before lie could get in an effective shot. The hokpe-s, of the home spectators that the "Swans" would equalize were now doomed to dis- appointment as with victory. Almost certain the visitors played a time-wasting game, and although there were individu- al flashes of brilliance on the part of the homesters, the Rangers' tactics succeeded in keeping the "Swans" out of the danger zone. Fifteen minutes from the time the visitors were the masters of the situation, and thus ended the Swa.ns' pluck efforts to re-ach the third round. The only observations necessary to sum up the game is that the visitors were the more accomplished team, and that the homesters were unfortunate on at least three occasions. Both Weir and' Ball should have scored and the latter, especially, had extremely hard lines in. not doing so.

SAVE MONEY BY — Paying a Visit to H. J. poms Clearance SALE Bey's Overcoats from 3/6 Youth's „ „ 4/11 Men's „ 12/11 Winter Stock must be cleared regardless of cost to make room for Spring Stock. H. J. Powell Clothier, etc., Wern & Commercial St. YSTALYFERA Leslie E. Bern Architect, Surveyor, and Valuer, Respectfully begs to announce that he has started Business at Ystalyfera and Gorseinon, and is prepared to carry out any work in the above branches. Consul- tations daily at the following Addresses- The Square, Gorseinon Tynywern, Ystalyfera

Counsel "And I can conclusively prove to your Lordship that at the time the prosecution say the prisoner entered the house, he was at home singing to- his little baby boy." Prisoner "Y us, ole sport! We cans prove a lullaby

Time was when it was considered enough to wash the hair occasionally, and that nature would do the rest. That theory has been exploded. As well believe that a drink of water will sustain the lium ,t body as to think that merely washing the head will keep it in proper condition. Rexall "9.V Hair Tonic is valu- able in the proper care of the hail" because it offers the needed nourish- ment for the delicate cells and pores,. and invigorates the scalp and stimu- lates its circulation. After using this treatment for a-t few weeks, if you don't find y0' scalp healthy and free from dandruff.. and your hair glossier, more abundant, more beautiful, and easier to dress, tell us so and we will give you Back, your money. That's how much. faith we have in this, treatment. ficxall "93" Hair Tonic 2/- and 4/- Sold only in Uaï. vicinity by J. M. ROBERTS, Dispensing ClkowtiA, COMMERCIAL STREET, YSTALYPERA. Printed and Published fcy .J mar. TJafur" Co.. Ltd. Ystalvfera, in the County cf Glamorgan, February 7th, 1914.