Llais Llafur

HERBERT ROGERS, PRACTICAL SANITARY PLUMBER GAS AND HOT WATER FITTER, GTiANRHYD ROAD. YSTRADGYNLAIS All nrrlers promptly attend to I The MODERN CLOTHING STORES of SWANSEA. HODGES & SONS (CLOTHIERS) L-XD., Corner of HIGH St. & COLLEGE St, ♦♦♦ > he extensive alterations we have made in our prcmi. es are now completed, and we are now show- ing in our NLW WINDOWS, the Latest and Best Procurable in BOYS' YOUTHS' & MEN'S SUITS and GENERAL OUTFITTING HODGES & SONS, (CLOTHIERS) LIMITED, Corner of, Hfgh Stred, and College Street, ^Djct5 30 — Y SIOP A'R FILER MARMOR OI BLAEN. -a '1. :='J' .> -<W:s:>8t' :=z:t.c:

DULAIS VALLEY. ONLLWYN SOLDIER'S DEATH. M:s. W. Francis, 9, Fro:it-row, Onllwn has received a letter from Captain R. Howell Jarvis, "C" Company, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, notifying her of the death, from pneumonia in France, on January 25th last of her husband. Private Willie Francis, of the Royal Welsh Fusi- liers. The deceased soldier, who was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. John Francis, Ivy Cottage, was a native of Clydach, and was 28 years of age. A coal miner by occupation, he enlisted shortly after the outbreak of war. He leaves a widow and four little children. I CRYNANT CONCERT. A concert was held at Salem Chapel, Crynant, on Saturday last. The benefit had been intended for the late Miss Gladys Davies, but as readers are aware she died a short time ago, and the pro- ceeds are to be handed over to her widowed mother, who is in the sad posi- tion of having lost her husband and daughter in less than four months. We understand that a substantial amount was procured from the concert. Great credit is due to the secretary of the committee (Mr. Wm. Howell) and organiser (Mr. Roderick) for their untiring energy. Mrs Pegg, Crynant, ably presided over the proceedings, and the duties of conductors were ably carried out by the Revs. John Morgan (B.), and Urias Phillips, B.A. (C.) The local ambulance brigade had charge as stewards, a,nd look remarkably smart in their uniforms. CO OP DELEGATE. The delegate to the West Wales district meeting of Co-operative Societies held at Alltwen on Saturday was the secretary, Mr. D. G. Morgan. LOCAL COMEDIAN. I A local young ma.n in the person of Mr. LIew. Jore?, Standart-terr.ice, Seven Sisters, was quite a success a-s comedian at the Palace last week. It is stated he intends taking up the profession in the near future. PERSONAL. The inhabitants of the Valley are very pleased to see thtir geniai medico, Doctor Armstrong, about again after his recent indisposition. We regret to learn of the serious illness of Mrs. Bowen, caretaker of the Council Schcol. Congratulations to Mrs. D. T. Howells of Ty Islwyn, Seven Sisters, who gave birth to a baby boy on Saturday last, both mothers and child are doing well. OBITUARY. We regret to report the death of the child of Mr. loan Morgan, Seven Sisters. Tho interment took place on Tuesday at Scar Chapel. The Rev. Edmund Davics officiated. COLLIERY ACCIDENT. An accident happened to Mr. James D. James, Biyneglur, Crynant, on Saturday whilst following his employment at Ffos- ddu Colliery, Colbren, which resulted in his fracturing his foot. It is gratifying to learn that he is progressing favourably. FLAG DAY. Saturday last was flag day at Crynant. which was held under the auspices of the Salem Sewing Class. The proceeds went to the funds for the provision of comforts for local lads at the front. A goodly sum was collected. A SAD HOME-COMING. A sad home-coming was that of Pte. Roger Davies, Pantglas, last week. In the last issue, it was erroneously stated that he had been killed at the front. Readers will remember that a few weeks ago, we reported the death of his mother, Mrs. Jane Davies. Strenuous efforts were made to reach the private, and to obtain leave for him to attend the funeral of his dear mother, but unfortunately he was at the time in the front line trenches, and could not be communicated with. The deep sympathy of the inhabitants are extended to him in what must be a very sorrowful visit. TRAIN FACILITIES TO WORKMEN. I 1 .1 1 Workmen now engaged down tne iow-er part of the Valley will be pleased to learn that Mr. Talbot, manager of the Neath and Brecon Railway, has favour- ably considered the appeal sent him from one of the Labour advocates. Cheap work- men's tickets will be issued from Monday next frcm Onlhvyn, Seven Sisters, and Crynant to Cilfriw, or any intermediate station, and as the collieries up the I Valley are so slack this will be a great J boon to minibeis of workmen. COLLIERY RECORD. At the Cilfinv Colliery on Tuesday last a record output was established, the total amounting to 170 tons. This speaks well for the future of this new enterprise under the management of Mr. T. n. Evans, Ynysfforch, and his staff. COLLIER CRUSHED TO DEATH. oy- A fatal accident occurred at ilrynteg Colliery, Seven Sisters, on Wednesday, j resulting in the death of Mr. William Wittia.m?, Brynteg-terrace. Deceased was following his employment as a miner, when a fall of stone occurred, and he was crushed underneath, death being in- stantaneuis. Deep sympathy is felt with ,j the wife and four children left to mourn their loss. APPOINTMENT OF "CHECK." Great excitement prevails over the ap- pointment-of checkweigher at Brynteg Colliery. We understand that the appli- cations are numerous. We are pleased to see the genial gentle- man, Mr. Win. Rees, Pantyffordd, Seven Sisters, ,1hout again after his recent pro- longed illness. May his progress continue. CO-OP. NEWS. It will be end of quarter at Blaendu- lais Co-operative Society, Seven Sisters, on Monday next, and we understand that it is anticipated the business carried on drring Inst quarter will bre-'k all pre- Vi(i rrr;)\" +,1.. 1' {.!t ■ r e .;>• > .t -u fit »\ C ■ V ing reached the substantial total of over 30 for the quarter. In a conversation with the manager it. was elicited that the 100th point in members had been nearly i reached--a new member being enrolled during the present week with a share c.tpital of ESO, and that alone speaks well of the confidence of new and old members. It is the ambition of local co- operators to make the DulJi." V alley a centre of co-oper; t ve activity, with Seven S isters as headquarters. This society has already bM;n the means of keeping down _,the prices of commodities in the VaHey during the period of war and the society's progress is undoubtedly the result of having come to be regarded as the work- ing man's friend. SEVEN SISTERS HONOURS HER HEROES. The second presentation nuxi Jig was held at the Palace, Seven Sisters on Fri- day last, 0.1 this occasion to welcome Pte. David John Howells, cf the Mediteria- nean Forces, w ho has been invalided home suffrring from fever. The char was taken bv Councillor Prasser. The Town Band plaved before the? hero of the meeting to the Palace, and great praise is due to the band for their readiness to give their services on occasions of thi,s nature. The programme was opened by a solo bv 1r. D. T. Davies; recitation, Miss Isabel Rowlands; solo, in a very creditable man- lier by Miss Hidla Warner, and then a contribution from an old veteran, in the person of Mr. Evan Thomas, Bionwydd, who sang in excellent vo:ce "Unwaith eto'n Nghymru anwvl," receiving loud applause for his excellent effort. The col lection was then' made, which realised 30s., and this amount was handed to Pte. Howells, by another veteran in the person of Mr. Evan Jenkins, who made a speech full of Welsh fire and fervour. Pte. Howells responded in a few modest r,m;J;J ks. '-Dulais' then entertained the audience in his usual witty -manner, nd his hearty reception by the aud'ence proved that he is a prime*favonhte. Avail Fardd followed with a contribution; re- citation by Miss Ellen Williams solo I Miss Olwen Evans solo, Miss E. M. Lewi-, who is most active in selling flags; and in conclusion a short address bv the chairman, and the Nat;o-;al Anthem by 1 the band. '•Patriot" writes :—It is desirable to inform the public the relatives of the late Richard Williams, who fell in France, were made acquainted with the fact that a presentation would be held at the Palace last week. A rumour has been circulated that they were not advised, and this is an inj ustice to those concerned with the proceedings. —— 4k,

COLBREN. I On Alonday night a concert was held at Colbren to do honour to a young soldier, Private Black, of the Argyll Mountain Battery, Highland Brigade. who was on a visit to his uncle at Rhydffosddu Farm, Colbren. Private Black survived the land ing at Cape Hilles and Suvla. Bav, and was invalided home from the latter place having been stricken down by enteric. The concert was presided over by Mr. T. Price, and a substantial sum was col- lected as a present for the gallant war- rior. He is now under orders to report himself again for active service. We have received the following letter from Private Black :— Sir,—Kindly allow a little space in your paper for this letter from a grate- ful soldier .lad. I wa.nt to thank the people of Colbren for their great kind- ness to me during my stay with my uncle, aunt and cousins. It is the first time I have been in Wales, but had I been born and brought up in the place I could not have been more kindly treated than I was on Monday night, and when I go back to the front again I will always think of my holiday in Colbren as one of the brightest spots in mv memory. For none but the sol- d;er himself knows how he feels when he knows that the folks at home are thinking of him. My father joins in with me in thanking all for your great kindness.— Yours truly, R. BLACK, Argylle Mountain Battery, li igliland Brigade. ———— —————

THE PRUDENTIAL'S EFFORTS j I The Prudential's report for 1915, I reproduced in this issue, shows the effect of the war. Each week since '4 the war started the company Has paId lartre sums in settlement of claims under polIcIes on those who have lost their lives as a. result of the hostilities. It has paid more money in war claims than any other eight offices put to- gether. At a recent date, the sums so paid reached the enormous total of nearly £ 800.000. For the vast majority of those hundreds of thou- sands who held its policies prior to the outbreak of war, it has covered the heavy risks of the firing line with- ? charging an e?_ra penny m prem- iums. It has made up the salaries month by month of those thousands of its employees who have joined His Majasty's Forces. The result is a re- duction in its profits. It is not a re- sult to apologise for; it is one to be proud of. For, he it remembered, these btli-deng, R-hich has been mainly responsihe for the reduction in profits have been voluntarily and patriotically assumed bv the company. Its policies in anticipation of such a ilark possi- I bilitv as NN- %r, specifically excluded the i war 'risk. Its premiums were not eal- culated to cover so heavy a risk. Yet the eompanv, when the risk arose, i cheerfully, and in the public interest, took up the burden. The country has reason to he thankful to it. The conn. trv is thnnkful if we nuiy Tud^e bv :t'I1(f'" "1;" ,1 :i. tronr.jiP. X .er v* t* e t'?o' 1; ;1 ''? ?' = 't made so large an increase in its prem- ium income as it has made in the year just closed. The increase is marvell- ous, and inasmuch as the Prudential is looked upon by even rivals as the standard by which the public's confi- dence in industrial-ordinary assur- ance may be judged, it must bring a glow of pride to every person connec- ted with the business. Clearly, in- surance stands higher to-day in public esteem than ever it stood before. Popular loans have been issued by the Government at high rates of interest. Far from the savings of the people being diverted from the Prudential thereby, more money has flowed into its coffers. The people want insurance, and they trust the Prudential. They know that it is superlatively safe, and they know that there is no more truly patriotic institution in the whole They remember that the Pru- dential, investing the public's monev, made a "record" contribution to the last War Loan. They see that by en- trusting their money to the Prudential they are getting the insurance which they so much value, whilst at the same time and with the same money, the Prudential is helping the country to secure the silver bullets it needs. No directors and no institutions have shown a finer spirit. During re- cent months most of the ordinary life offices have charged almost prohibitive premiums to men who, on joining the combatant services, have wished to insure t.heir lives, and in many cases refused.the risks altogether. The Prudential-, realising that in the pub- lic interest these men ought to be in- sured. have taken the "risks at prices which they well knew could never yield a profit. As a consequence of the war—of expected legislation, and truly patriotic act,"on--tho, Pruden- tial's profits have recreated. We say again that such a result is nothing to 1"t\ ashamed or:" We, at least. are proud of what the Prudential has done for the country, and for .the good name of the business, in the time of stress. Once more it has proved that it-is "a • National Institution." —————

  D Since the war began, more and more people have used Puritan Soap. ED) Arff They have done so because they have l—    f] :e we U:u:use:ey be: what you can prove to-day if you will, that Puritan Soap saves the clothes from wash-day wear and tear. ft is the Olive Oif ifi puritan Soap which saves the cloth es. Th ere is no Olive Oil in ordinary soaps. r  The saving in the clothes is more than the cost of the soap. Use wise economy at this time; use the soap that saves its cost in the clothes it saves; use i PURITAN SOAP CHRiSTR THOMAS fr BROS. LTD BRISTOL. ♦ I9jx- •: [: j: j jj St- r-: :T; 1:1: j: fflNOillilffiiiliiWiiiiiiiiiiiililililillWiiiffl I

Mr George Rutter Fletcher, who died at Highgate in his 81st years, was for years an honorary secretary of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, and also a mem- ber of the committee, and devoted himself to its interests. He was espec- ially associated in this work with.,Wm. Morris, Phillip Webb, the architect, Professor Lethaby, and Dr.. Philip Norman. A great. link between him and William Morris was their mraion love of George Borrow at a time when Borrow was not so generally apprecia- ted. His special studies in Welsh pedigrees, and the history of Sir John Wynne and the Gwydir family wliicb displayed an intimate knowledge, were much appreciated by Welsh anti- quaries. -u,

♦% V # G ♦♦♦♦♦ HANG ON! ——————————- ■ • x X We Sell all Goods at Current Market Rates. T 1 Our Dividend reduces these prices by <. 4 10 per cent. v* ♦ If your "family" grocer or other tradesman < ? supplies you with EVERY article you need at a price 10 per cent. less than our prices, V hang on to him, he is a philanthropist. t «> !♦ ? Philanthropists in business are rare to-day, tferefore, "HANG ON:' "0 • y The Alltwen and Pontardawet Co-operative Society. it hns. Pontardawe, Ystaljifera&Ystva<lgjinlai<v .Q. + I- A'" +' ":<- +<+( .4; .+ ..V'( v.1' v_