Llais Llafur

Mr. John Evans, Ystradgynlais, acted as judge in the Pont&rdulaia sheep-dog trials last week-end. AT THE FRONT. I There has been quite a large exoaus from Ystradgynlais and district of sol- liers for the front. Apart from the large number of men who left with the Territorials, many individual Reservists who had taken up residence here, have been called info service. An exceed- ingly sad story has come to us this week concerning the family of one of the men. The soldier in question has left a wife and six children behind, and the shock of the separation is said to very seriously affected the wife's health. COLLIERY MATTERS. J The question of re-starting the local collieries appears to be a most uncertain one. 88 far- as the Yniscedwyn, Ystrad- fawr, and the Diamond are concerned, the outlook is not at all hopeful, and the men know nothing as to when work is to be resumed. We understand that the ov^ters of the Gurooe Colliery have stated that they intend to find work for the men at least two or three days per week, and given this will be preferable to actual stoppage. MORE IRRESPONSIBLE STORIES. I During, the days leading lip to the present conflagration, the air has been ceaselessly charged with ramomw which have absolutely no foundation in fact. Mr. F. Berg, jeweller, who was in basi- ness in Ystradgynlais until a few months ago, and more recently occupied a shop at Glanrhyd, is a German, and sine* the beginning of last week all manner of silly stories have been heard concern- ing him. It has been said that he had teen arrested as a spy and that im- portant documents were found on him; -others declared that he had fled from the country. As a matter of fact, Mr. Berg is working peaceably in Swansea. ESPERANTISTS FLEE HOME. I A small party of local Esperantists, led by the curate at the Parish Church (Rev. W. H. Harris, B.A., B.Litt.), had arranged last week to take part in the international congress at Paris, and they actually crossed into France, but in re- sponse to the advice of the author: es, they took the earliest opportunity of get. ting baock to England. They were only in France for a few houra and ex- perienced much difficulty in crossing the Channel, there being huge crowds anxious to beard the ship. SPECIAL POLICE COURT. 1 T1L1- A special setting of the iooaj jroii^e Court took place on Tuesday morning before Mr. E. G. Benthall, when two local men, Charles Morgan, colliers' as- sista-nt, and Elias Ia.nto Meredith, la- bourer, were sentenced to 14 days' im- prisonment for sleeping out. "OFFERYN UFFERNOL." An Ystradgynlais bard, after waiting patiently for an hour to get through on the telephone, scribbled the following :— Offeryn araf uffernol yw y 'phone, Mai yn ffaith arwynebol, Rhwng y ffuss a ringo ffol Hawdd difa amynedd diafol. SPECIAL CONSTABLES SWORN IN. I No fewer than 44 special constables have been sworn in during the past week for service in this locality. On Saturday morning, before Mr. E. G. Benthall, 24 men were accepted for ser- vice in the guarding of the Cray water- works (this being regarded as a neoes- sary precaution at the present time) as well as the surveillance of the pipe track to Ystalyfera. The Cray supply is, of course, for Swansea only, but it is not difficult to imagine the consequences if this supply was tampered with in any way. At the Court Room on Tuesday, an additional 20 constables were sworn in, again before Mr. Benthall. Their work is to be the guarding of the pow- der magazines at the Abercrave col- Lieries. We understand that Sergeant Evan has warned all colliery proprietors of the necessity of having their maga- zines very carefully guarded. NECESSARY LOCAL PROTEST. I It is surprising and r-egrettable to learn that some of the local tradespeople have been raising the cost of goods to an altogether unnecessary level. SThe fact has caused great indignation in the district, and on Friday morning last, a large meeting of protest took place oni the Square. It was organised by the Yniscedwyn Works Committee, and County Councillor T. Prosser Jones pre- sided. There were several speakers, among them being Mr. Tom Thomas, checkweigher, Yniscedwyn; Mr. J. Ed- wards "tjMessra Edward and Page), Messrs. Lewis Thomas, Charles Hum- phries, Dd. Enoch Jones, and Dan Brans. The attendance included a. large I number of women. After the meeting, a committee was appointed to deal with all cases in which it was found that grocers and others had unduly raised the prices of goods. The members of the committee were selected from the vari- ous districts. TENNIS RACKETS. Repairs done on the premises at H. ATKINSON, Union Street, Swansea. FRUIT AND FLOWER SHOW I ERRATUM. I In our list* of awards at the reoent. Ystradgynlais Fruit and Flower Show, the name of Mr. Llewelyn Morgan ap- pears in several places. This we are asked to point out should have appeared in the Society's results as Mr. D. Llew. Morgan, Plae-y-fern, Brecon Road. HONOUR FOR LOCAL SOCIALIST. I Quite a signal honour has this week been conferred upon Mr. Llewelyn Mor- gan, secretary of the Ystradgnlais 1. L. P., and the Swansea Valley So- cialist League. Mr. Morgan has re- ceived a letter from Mr. C. M. Lloyd, secretary of the joint educational com- mittee of the I.L.P. and the Fabrian Society, inviting him to become one of the honorary lecturers or class leaders of study circles. The subjects to be taken up are in the main economic and civic. We understand that Mr. Morgan is at present giving the matter his con- sideration.

CWMTWRCH AND GWYS NOTES AT A STANDSTILL I Several of the local collieries are idle, the Gilwen being the only one that started on Monday after the holidays. The Phoenix and Gurnos tinplate works are also silent. DEATH OF LOCAL FARMER. I We regret to announce the death of I William Griffiths, of Glyncynwal Isha Farm, which took place on Saturday. Deceased had been ailing for some con- siderable time, having suffered from a malignant disease. He was well-known in the locality, and had resided in Glyncynwal practically all his life. He leaves a widow and family to mourn their loss. The funeral took place on Tuesday afternoon and was well at- tended, when the remains were in- terred in Bethania (C.M.) graveyard, the Rev. W. G. Griffiths, Cwmgiedd, offi- ciating. SAD NEWS FROM CHATHAM. I The sad news reached the locality on Tuesday morning that Walter Trott, postman, Ijower Cwmtwrch, had met with a serious accident somewhere near Chatham, the naval station. It was only on Wednesday of last week that Trott was called to the colours, the Engineers, and left behind him a wife and six little kiddies. Details of how the accident occurred are not to hand, but we understand that the unfortunate man lies in a precarious condition in hospital. Mrs. Trott was summoned to her husband's bedside immediately. Col. Gough sent his car to convey her to Swansea.

I CORRESPONDENCE. THE RAISING OF THE FOOD PRICES. To the Editor, "Llais Llafur." Sir.—The present crisis has taught students of the Labour movement many a new lesson, or, to be more correct, emphasised the lessons already learnt. We haveseen the hollowness of the patriotism of the well-to-do who, with their motors formed queues outside the provision shops in London and the large provincial cities. They cared not in the moment of natural crisis more than they, care at ordinary times, what became of the poor and weak. We have also noted that some group of people are making handsome profits out of the crisis. But we should be careful to apportion the blame rightly. Whilst some retail grocers have been eager enough to advance prioes for goods already in stock, the bulk of the grocers are not to blame in the slight- est degree. The men who have made fortunes are the brokers and whole- sale houses. It is they who have ad- vanced the prices, and it should be re- membered that they raised the prices for goods bought during normal times and at the old figures. They have also laid almost impossible conditions on the poor grocer by insisting upon I cash with order. These people (the wholesale houses) with ample resources for the mast part, have no bowels of compassion, but we should be full of sympathy for the retail grocer who has to bear the brunt for the greed of the great wholesale merchants. Verily, the retail grocer is between the devil and the deep sea at the present moment, forced to pay for goods be- fore he gets them, and expected to gire credit to a needy and hard- pressed people at the same time. Yours, etc., Gomas. LOOKER-ON.

INCREASING PRICE OF FOOD AT YSTALYFERA. To the Editor, "Llais Llafur." Sir.—I note your remark in your last week's issue that the multiple shop of Ystalyfera were the fiiist to ad- vance prices. I may state you are wrong, and can prove such was not the caae. Will you also kindly note that the general run of prices are be!ow the other traders prior to the present crisis. Also, our position is far differ- ent to the other retailers. We get our supplies' of provision and sugars in weekly and not monthly lots, as some other traders do, which accounts for our goods being fresh and up to market prices. I think this remark Is very unfair, and your prompt attention will oblige. will oblige. Yours truly, E. JONES, Manager

ONLLWYN MAN SENT DOWN. John Mason, alias Morris, labourer, of no fixed abode, was sent to prison for two months for stealing two gallons of beer and a. Welsh flannel shirt at Onllwyn on August let.

BRIGHTER OUTLOOK IN THE SWANSEA VALLEY. TARRENI TO RESTART. I The colliery outlook for this district is much brighter than a good many people have dared to hope. We are officially informed that there is hope that Tarreni will restart for two or three days per week, next week. and that it will not be necessary to close down altogether. Pwllbach has already restarted, and if the Coal Conciliation Board suc- ceeds in its efforts to settle all out- standing disputes, Tirbach will proh- ably start next week. The Gurnos Tinplate Works are to resume on Mon- day, and it is probable that other works will also restart shortly.

MR LLOYD GEORGE AP- PEALS TO WALES "OVERTIME SHOULD CEASE." Mr Lloyd George has issued an ap- peal to the Welsh nation (1) To keep staple the finances of the countr" y (2) not to buy more food than is ab- solutely necessary; (3) for emplo' yers of labour to strive their utmost to keep their workpeople erii;»lov<l. He adds: "Overtime should cease and extra workers be employed. Short time for all is better than no work for many. Will all employers, therefore, make t l lej-e f ore ma k e this their gift to the country: to dis- charge no workman where it is human- ly possible to keep him engaged, and to endeavour to find opportun ities for employing more men. It is by labour the nation lives in time of peace; it is by labour and sacrfice alone it can be sustained in times of war." ————— ————

PORTUGAL STANDS BY BRITAIN Whether in response to an ultima- tum from Germany, as some say, or of its own accord, and in agreement with Great Britain, as others declare, the Portugese Government convoked Par- liament on Saturday, and declared that Portugal will follow unconditionally the lines of policy indicated by Eng- land in accord with the old alliance and treaties. Parliament confirmed the attitude of the Government, expressing the fullest sympathy of Portugal with England and France. In consequence of this the British Fleet is expected in the Tagus, and order have been given to all merchant vessels on the river to re- move their Marconi apparatus.' Portuguese warships are also pre- paring for guard service along the coasts.

I AMMANFORD RESIDENT'S DEATH. The death occurred on Monday morning of Mr W. Higgs, newsagent, Quay street, Ammanford, from heart failure. Deceased was held in the highest esteem, and was a deacon of the Christian Temple Congregational Church. He leaves a widow and several grown-up children, including Mr D. Higgs (of the firm of Messrs. Morgans and Higgs. bookseller, Swan- sea), and the Rev. Gwilym Higgs. —————

For the Holidays T. 1 I D. LLOYO & SONS Are fully Stocked with Travelling Trunks, Cowhide Glad- stone Bags, Leather and Fibre Suit Cases, Week-end Bags, Dress Baskets, Rush Gladstone Bags, Rush Baskets All Sizes, a Splendid Variety. Rush Baskets from 1/U each. NOTE THE ADDRESS- Lloyd &Sons Ystalyfera, Ystradgynlais & Pontardawe. ESTABLISHED 61 YEARS. BON MARCHE YSTRADGYNLAIS B. M. LARKIN'S BREA T Summer SALE Now Proceeding. Everything must be Cleared. Astonishing Bargains will be offered in Every Department. MILLINERY Reduced to Less than Half- Price. A Large Stock of BOOTS & SHOES In all the Latest Styles. Must be Cleared. A Special Line of CHILDRENS' SMART BLACK PATENT LEATHER SHOES Suitable for Concerts, etc. Sizes 7 to 10, 1/6! p -r pair. Sizes 11 to 1,1/1 If per pair "THE SIGNAL," The Latest in Fountain Pens. Bored Vulcanite ") .inr-m.. Patent Spoon Feed ? ??????E?? !4ct G.P. Nib ) "?'* A Capital Line for Students. ttÆ I .Ifl '7\ ',( t.1< ¡" .I,.l. £ "1' ./r.-JrL(;   .J V AI" IZ h. I ????4?????? <—??/?P' ??<??? ØIIIII& <3. D. X-JSLXEJES, TBE STA6TIONER YSTRADGYNLAIS

LOCAL FARMERS AND THE ( WAR. I I Brecon and Radnor Farmers' Union Executive Committee met at Talgarth on Monday, Mr J. W. Jones (chair- man) presiding. Mr H. W. Palmer, secretary of National Farmers Union, sent a further letter stating they understood Mr. Runciman had gone to the Board of Trade with. a view to carrying out the Government scheme to secure food supplies—of which there was no scarcity nor likelihood of scarcity. It behoved farmers to keep calm and refuse to sell stock and grain recklessly at advanced prices. The Chairman said the idea was to avert the "cornering" of supplies, a system that imposed hardship on consumers, and was of no value to the growers. Mr J. P. Griffiths (secretary) said farmers should keep cool heads and go about their business just as if there were no war. The executive unani- mously supported the contents of the letter.

TO THE DRESSMAKERS OF PONTARDAWE. To the Editor. Sir.-I wish to make an appeal once more through your paper asking those women in Pontardawe who can dress- make, to spare a little of their time in helping to make the uniforms of the Women's Voluntary Aid Detachment in Pontardawe. They are all working women, and are giving their services to their country, and I feel sure those who ca,n work, will be only too glad to help them in any way they can, and b1 doing so will also be helping in the work that is before us. Each woman requires two cotton frocks, four regu- lation aprons, besides caps and sleeves. These are all easy to make, and those who undertake to make them will feel they are sharing in the work and saving a little of the expense which falls on the women of the detachment. I can supply patterns of each article. Yours, truly, ADA LLOYD, Commandant of the Women's Volunt- ary Aid Detachment. Plas Clybebyll, Pontardawe. ————

SWANSEA BYE ELECTION. SWAN SEA BYE-ELECTION. A meeting of the executive of the Swansea District Conservative and Unionist Association was held at Neath to discuss matters in connection with the bye-election caused by the appoint- ment of Sir Brynmor Jones to the reoordership of Cardiff. The following resolution was passed :—"That in view of the fact that the country at at war, it is desirable that there should be no differences, politically or other- wise, between the parties. Therefore, this meeting of loyal Unionists on this occasion will not oppose the re-election of S'ir Brynmor Jones."

-9. A HARD CASE ———— A young women carrying a baby told the Willesden magistrate on Tuesday that her husband was ordered to join his regiment last Wednesday, and because she owed a week's rent her landlady immediately distrained on her furniture. She was willing to give up the house and live with her mother, and could pay the baok rent directly her husband sent her some money. -The Magistrate said it was a very case, and he was sorry for the woman. He asked the missionary to isee, what ho could do for her. -<———- —————

It has been decided to devote the proceeds of the Royal National Eistedd- fod of Wales, to be held at Bangor next month, to the Prince of Wales's Fund, or any other similar patriotic funA. S .d +- Swansea residents are signing a peti- tionJ stating :—"We, the undersignied citizens of Swansea, call upon the Gov- ernment to immediately take over the food supplies of the nation, institute dis- tributing centres, and fix maximum prices at which food supplies, are to be sold. "We further ask that the law of dis- traint be suspended and that recipients of poor law relief be not disfranchised."

On Monday, Mr. Ellis Griffith, K.C., M.P., received a telegram from Mrs. Ellis Griffith and her daughter at Riffel Alp, Switzerland. It stated they were quite well, but were unable to get back to England. They had not received any of Mr. Ellis Griffith's letters, although he had written every day, nor had he received any from them.

It is announced at the Belgian Min- istry of War that forty thousand volun- teers have presented themselves for se' vice and that they will be formed into twenty regiments.

Prepaid Rates for the following Classes of Advertisements. WAN-XHD, TO LET, TO SELL, PER. SONAL, SALES, SITUATIONS VACANT, etc. No. of Once. Three Woràø. Insertion*. 26 6d Is 30 9d Is 6d 40 la 2s These rates do not apply to Trade Advertisements or those from PvMi Bodies. BUSINESS NOTICES PALMISTRY AND CLAIRVOYANCE., Consult PROFESSOR and MADAME: VIRGO on all ailairs of life. Daily, li- to 9, 238, High Street (side entrance M. Davies, Chemist), bottem of High Street, Swansea. Late of the Pier Pavilion, Aber- ystwyth. Certificate and Dipldma PaJmiates, ø C. YATES, the Sewing Machine Man,. 11 Waterloo Street, Swansea. Knife.' Cleaning and Sharpening Machines- The World's Wonder—5s.6d. Repairs and Parts for all makes of Sewing Machines, Oil, Needles, Shuttles, etc. Gramophones and Records.—C. YATES, the Sewing Machine Man, 11 Waterloo Street, Swansea. W. A. WILLIAMS, Phrenologist, can be consulted daily at the Victoria Arcade (near the Market). Swansea. IVOR L. ROBERTS' ANNOUNCEMENTS* 223, OXFORD STREET, SWANSEA SECOND-HAND Metor Cycles to clear; B.S.A.'s Triumphs, Enfields, Premiers, Singer's, Bradbury's, Rudge, Precision, etc., etc. Prices from 25 upwards. All; in tharough working condition. Send for list, or inspection invited. MOTOR CYCLES.-Orders no- being booked for early deliveries of the fol- lowing makes :—Douglas, A.J.S., Rudge,. B.S.A., Enfield, and Williamson's; also, the Calthorpe Junior Two-speed Model, 25 guineas. pEDAL CYCLES.—Agent for B.S.A. Enfield, Rudge Whitworth, Hum. hers, etc. P"ices from £4 198. 6d. Easy payments arranged. Send postcard for lists and terms, post free. LIGHT CARS.—Book now for delivery of the Humberette, Enfield, Autolett-e, and Perry Light Cars. Send for list, terms, etc. to Ivor L. Roberts, Motm- Expert, 223, Oxford street, Swansea. Large Range of FLANNKL m ROUSE RS F LANI,VE,L L j ROUSERS LANNEL ROUSERS And a Fine Selection of SUMMER SHIRTINGS UMMER HIRTINGS U.MMER HIRTIGd In all the Latest Shades, and at Rock-Bettom Prices. STRAW XT ATS TRAW g—1 ATS TRAW  ATS In all the Latest Shades. Buy your Straw Hat whilst the Sum Shines, at JAB, E. MORRIS' Bank Buildings, Ystradgynlais- AND AT Gurnos, Lower Cwmtwrch Pianoforte & Organ Tuning. REPAIRS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION First Glass Work, Moderate Charges PIANOS TUNED FROM 3&.6d. JAMES TARn, Compton Terrace, Ystalyfera War Declared! Death All Round r: Terrible Onslaught ia BEETLE Land. THOUSANDS SLAUGHTERED IN ONE NIGHT. Cho-kum Dust Ts a terrible pGisea t. small pests, but. harmless to domestic animals. Beetles- eat it ravenously an4 are killed on the ROOt. Nothing exactly like if in the world. Ask for CHO-KUM DUST and see that you get it. id. and Is. PER BOX. You will marvel at the terrible re.mlter, in one night. If you wish to rid your house of every pest USE CUOKUM DUST. IT IS THE VERY BEST. Kills all insects, Beetles, Bugs, Lioer Fleas, Moths. SPECIAL NOTICE: -National In- surance Proscriptions dispensed by me* personally. I hold the Major Diploma of the- Pharmaceutical Society the highest qualification as a pharmacist in Greats Britain. J. HARRIS, Ph.Cb., M. P.S. (Lond.) Pharmaceutical and Dispensing Chemist, YSTBADGYJiXAIS Agent for CHOKUM: T. HARRIS, M.P.S. (Lond.) Dispensing Chemist and Pharmacist, SEVEN SISTERS CRICKETERS, before purchasing else- where, should see the stock at H- ATKINSON, Union Street, Swansea. W. A. WILLIAMS, Phrenologist, can be consulted daily at the Victoria Arcade (near the Market), Swansea. 4

STOMACH TROUBLES Stomach troubles are soon banished by Mother Sei^el's Syrup. Take a few doses, md note how wonderfully effective this iiid old herbal remedy really is. Use it "W any of the symptoms of indigestion, *"<r tro';hiti, or constipation. Tens of "^usancls pin their fcpfth to ther Seigel's y "11p A U.e cue reflfly reliable remedy for 0 "Awnrt. ii, liver. and boweVtroubles.

f ONLltWYN SPORTS. The aiinual sports held at Onllwvn, j Neath, on Wednesday provided excel- lent competitions. Results:- Marathon race, from Neath, 10 miles. -1, W. Warren, Somerset; 2. J. W. Kitchener, Cardiff; 3, Powell, Neath. Boys' race.—1, Powell, Neath; 2, James, Neath; 3, Harry, Onllwyn. 100 yards.-I, F. C. Davies, Tenby; 2. M. Lean, Neath; 3, J. Edwards, Ystalyfera. ffalf-mile.-I, Chajining, Ystalyfera; 2, D. W. Jones, Onllwyn. Local galloway.—1, W. Davies, Serven Sisters, Dairyman; 2, D. Price, Seven Sisters, Little Dick. Half-mile cycle.—1, T. Tongue, Onllwyn; 2, Woodward, Barnsley. Two mile cycle.—1, Woodward 2, F. Williams, Bridgend. j

FOR PUBLIC ORDER. I To the Editor, "Llais Llafur." I Sir.-May I suggest to the trades unionists generally, but especially, to the Labour Representation Com- mittees, tliat they should follow the example of the Swansea Labour As- sociation in taking ,st0pS to safeguard the public order. No one oould do the work better or more efficiently than the various workmen's committees in assoc iation with one another. I would suggest that meetings of the Labour Representation Committees of Aber- cra.vo, Ystradgynlais, and Ystalyfera, and the Tradcx-, and Labour Council of Pontardawe be called at opce, and that the secretaries of each get full particulars of the Swansea scheme from Alderman T. MereSLs, of Swansea. Yours, in the interest of Labour, Pantteg. FEDERATIONIST