Pioneer

ABERDARE. I ABBRDARE ENGINEER'S APPOINTMENT. Mr. W. H. Hughes, 9 Whitoombo Street, Aber- dare, was, at Saturday's meeting of the Mer- thyr Board of Guardians, appointed working engineer to the Auxiliary Workhouse. The Children's Homes Committee, Aberdare, had received seven applications for the post, but these were reduced to three, who were recom- mended for solection by the Board. WAR LOAN.—Aberdare County School Gover- nors have invested zC13,000 of the school fundj irt the War Loan.

Killed by a Stone I AT THE CWMAMAN COLLIERY. I An inquest was held at the Workmen's Hall, Owmaman, on Monday morning, touching the death of Richard Steadman Griffiths, 22 Llan- wonno Road Cwmaman, who was killed by a fal' of stone at the Cwmaman Colliery on Fri- day morning. Stephen John Griffiths (son) said his father wae 60 years of age last September, and had worked as a collier all his life. William Haymar, haulier, spoke to finding the deceased under a stone between 10 and 11 o'clock. Deceased was in the face of his work- ing side. Being unable to move the stone, wit- ness called Charles Gough, who worked in the next place. The stone was six or seven feet long, and between six and seven inches thick. Deceased's mandril was resting against the face. Charles Gough said he was working in the 7ft seam, but was not in his place when the accident happened. He helped to move the stone which fell crop to the coal. He had not been in the place before that morning. De- ceased was well, supplied with timber. Evan Rees, fireman of the district, said he examined deceased's working place at 6.50 that morning, and marked it right for working. He had not had time to get round again before the stone fell. There was a slant in the roof. It wap impossible to see the stone before it fell. He believed the deceased heard the sounds of tbf' top giving and tried to escape, but was lafe. He was the most careful workman in the district. Mr. Wm. Jones, the manager, explained plan of the working place, and also said the deceased was an excellent workman. The Coroner: He has timbered most syste- Byatically. A verdict of "Ajàental death" was re- turned

Penrhiwceiber Wages Claim. t MINER'S CASE DISMISSED. A claim of some interest came before the Stipendiary (Mr. R. A. Griffith) and other ma- gistrates at Abercynon on Thursday, when W. Charles Saunders, collier, of 7 Thomas St., Miskin, Mountain Ash, sued the Penrhiwceiber Navigation Colliery Company for the balance of wages, amounting to JE1, due to him for the week ending March 31 last. Mr. Ivor Parry (Pontypridd) was for plaintiff and Mr A. T. Prosser (Messrs. Kenshole and Prosser) for the defendant company. Mr. Parry, in his opening remarks, explain- ed that the question was purely one of fact. He explained that it was the practice of the company to make up the men's money and place it in a small tin box. The men were given their pay tickets on the Friday, and on the Saturday the men handed in their tickets, and a counterfoil was retained at the office, the other portion being stamped paid was handed back to each man with the box containing his money. In the case in question plaintiff's ticket showed that the amount due to him was £1 19s When the box was handed to him he dis- covered, upon opening it, that it only con- tained 19/ Plaintiff gave evidence in support of his solicitor's statement, and said that he had worked at the colliery for five or six years. On the date in question he opened the box before leaving the office window, and found that it contained 10/- in gold and 9/- in sil- ver. A man named James Bracey was stand- ing in front of him in the" gwt" (queue). Witness spoke to the pay clerk about the matter and the latter directed him to the cashier. Witness left the box, the money, and the ticket at the office. Later he was given a note to receive 15/- to pay his boy, and in si\ weeks' time he accepted the remaining 41- A Previous Mistake. I Cro^-examined, he admitted that on March 6 he thought that he was El short, but when told by a fellow-workman that the c I note was on the ground, he apologised to the clerk for his mistake in saying that he had no' received it. Re-examined, on another occasion there was ao error on his ticket, and he drew the atten- tion of the officials to the matter, with the result that it was put right. James Bracey, in evidence, said he was standing in the "gwt" in front of plaintiff on the pay-day in question, and when plaintiff found lie was short witness told him not to "hold up" the gwt," but to leave every- thing there at the office, and go to the cashier. David James Griffiths, who stood in the gwt" behind plaintiff, said he saw plaintiff comting his money at the pay window. At the same time witness saw the pay clerk do- ing, the unusual thing of counting his (wit- ness's) money before handing it to him. Wit- ness heard Saunders tell the clerk he was a £1 short. John Rees, chief pay clerk, who said lie made up the money which was paid out by another clerk named Phillips, stated that plaintiff came to him and said, ",You are playing a game for the previous Saturday, are you?" Witness, in cross-examination, ad- mitted complaints had been made by several from time to time of their money being short, but he mantained that the officials had ex- plained in all cases that the mistakes were on the men's part. It was true that a man named Mason had complained of being short bv £ 2. but witness had not heard any more about it. In the case of another man named Rawlings, who complained of being £ 1 short, a boy named Crisp found a zCl note on the road, and it was handed to Rawlings. The Stipendiary, in giving judgment for the defendant company alluded to the previous experience of the defendant when a JE1 note of his money fell to the ground, and he ex- pressed the view that the same thing might have happened in the present case.

ABERCYNON. I WEDDING.—On Saturday last the wedding took place at the Carmel Welsh Wesleyan Cha- pel of Mr. Evan Jones, painter, and Miss Myfanwy Owen school teacher. The bride was given away by her father, Mr. John Owen; the best man was Mr. Morris Jones, brother of the bridegroom; and the bridesmaids were M isses Blodwen and Annie Owen, sisters of the bride. The pastor of Carmel (Rev. Tho- mas) officiated, and after the ceremony the happy couple left ior Mumbles, where the honeymoon was spent. CRICKET MATCH. Saturday Treharris played Abercynon Juniors. Treharris scored 62, and Abercynon 28—Treharris thus wmning by 34. APPOINTMENT.—Mr. Tom Davies check- wcigher, Aberdare Road, was appointed joint Secretary of the P.O.W. Relief Fund on Mon- day last, in the place of Mr. Jack Taylr. SIOK FUND.—A general meeting of the mem- bers of the Dowlais-Carduf CoUl ,met on Tuesday last, at the Workmen s?Hall. on following were appointed committee-men: — W. Collier; Arthur Turner; W. Davies; Rees; Thomas; Joe Lewis; Griff Edwards; William Jones; Ernie Rees and John Thomas. Charlie Howe was elected auditor. SUNDAY SCHOOL TREATS.—The annual treat of the various Nonconformist Sunday Schools was held last Thursday. At 2 'clock the children started from their various churches and parad- ed the principal streets, after which they re- turned to the churches, where tea was par- take. of. After tea they all marched to the Abercynon Recreation Grounds, where a very pleasant evening was spent in sports and games HOME ON FURLOUGH.—We were glad to see the following soldiers home on furlough last week-end -Sergt. Harry Currey, Royal Field Artillery; George Phillips, 5th Welsh; Sergt. Cecil Williams, Monmouths; Morgan Rees Owen and Bert Wilton, of the Cycle Corps.

PONTYPRIDD. I PLEA FOR TOWN PLANNING ACT.—Mr. Edgar L. Chappell. of Cardiff, gave an excellent ad- dress at last week's meeting of the Trades and Labour Council, held in the committee- rocm of the Free Library, on the Housing and Town Planning Act of 1909. and urged the Council, in view of the early development in th0 Nantgarw district, owing to colliery enter. prise, to act with the Oaerphilly Urban District Council in adopting the Act. He very clearly and fully explained the provisions of this ex- cellent Act. N. U .R. DELEGATE MEETING.—The South Wales and Mon. District Council of N. U.R. Branches held their meeting last Sunday at the Greyhound Hotel with a good representation of delegates. A multitude of questions was dealt with, including the introduction of women lab- our, war bonuses, etc. Mr. Smith, a Cardiff delegate, addressed the Pontypridd branch in the afternoon.

I Aberdare Police Court.. I WEDNESDAY. Before the Stipendiary (Mr. R. A. Griffith), Messrs. F. W. Mander), D. W. Jones, and L. N. Williams. Drunk and Disorderly. I John Evans failed to answer a summoni3 for I being drunk and disorderly in Commercial St. I on June 28th.-A fine of 13/- was imposed. Supt. Rees Assaulted. I George Williams, Abertillery, was summoned for being drunk and disorderly in High Street and with assaulting Supt. Rees.—Supt. Rees said that at 5 o'clock on Monday evening he saw the defendant in Canon Street standing by the door of a refreshment house using of- fensive language towards a young woman. He advised defendant to go away. and took him some little distance. He then refused to go any further, and said if witness interfered he would put his light out." He got him 20 yards further on, and he then commenced dancing around, shouted, and then struck wit- ness in the chest. He closed with him, threw him, and defendant then hit witness on the wlist. Several civilians came up, also a con- stable. and defendant was taken on a crank- axle cart to the police station. He made en- quiries, and found prisoner had been begging. Defendant was given a month for being drunk and disorderly, and three months for the assault. An Amicable Arrangement. I Samuel Davies was charged on a warrant with owing C13 13s. arrears on a maintenance order.—Mr. Wm. Thomas, for defendant, said his parents had seen him, and offered to pay £ 5 down and £ 1 a month instalments.-Complam- ant was willing to accept.—Prisoner was accor- dingly discharged. Capcoch Amazons. I Elizabeth Davies and Lily Jones, married women, of Capcoch, were summoned for ob- structing Park View Terrace, Capcoch, by fighting on June 22.-Davies did not appear. P.C. Clarkson said that at 3.10 he saw the defendants fighting each other, and also mak- ing use of filthy language. Mrs. Jones said there was no fighting at all. She could get no peace when Mrs. Davies got her separaiton allowance because she got drunk.—Emily Hughes said Mrs. Davies tried to strike Mrs..jones, but failed. There was no fighting.—Re-called. P.C. Clarkson said it was a proper fight, and the motor 'busses were held up for five or ten minutes before they were parted. Jones was fined 13/ and Davies 19/6, or 14 days. Indecent Language. I Meredith Rees, Penderyn Farm, Rhigos, was summoned for using jndecent language 1 to P.C Rees.—Mr. Prosser defended. Defendant was fined 9/ Sunday Trading. I Giovani Cormi and Lazzaro Servini were fin- e' 5/- for selling ice cream on the Lord's Day. Miscellaneous. John Rees, summoned for stealing coal, the property of the Powell Duffryn Company, was f.r.ed 9/

Open-Air School at Aberdare. On June 19 the PIONEER published an in- tcjesting article from the pen of Mrs. Rose Davies, Chairman of the Aberdare Education Committee, on the new Open-Air School at Aberdare. On Thursday afternoon Mrs. Davies ana the other members of the Committee in- vited the mothers of the children to inspect t' school, and a good many turned up. The afternoon was just lovely, and the talk of Mrs. Dr. Howie to the mothers should carry weight, speaking, as she did, as a mother to mothers. This lady has recently been ap- pointed School Medical Officer. Mr. George Powell, who presided at the meeting, said the Aberdare Education Com- mittee had done a splendid work in opening this school. They were amply rewarded for their daring. The little children who were suffering from physical defects now had a chance in life, and he was sure no ratepayer would grudge the expense incurred. Mrs. Dr. Howie urged parents to see that the rules of the school were enforced as much as possible when the children were at home, and said too much attention could not be paid to cleanliness, good plain cooking and fresh air. She wished mothers would do away with the silly habit of giving children pieces." Mr. E. Owen Williams said every induce- ment was offered to parents to get them to seud their children to the school, and the suo- cess- had been so great that it was being enlarged.

MOUNTAIN ASH EDUCATION COM- I MITTEE'S VIEWS. On Tuesday, when the members of the Moun- tain Ash Education Committee met for their fortnightly meeting, a letter was read from Captain Mulling, of the 5th Welsh Administra- tive Centre, impressing the urgent necessity for male teachers being encouraged to join His Majesty's .Forces. A third line of the 6th Welsh Territorials was being formed, and men were urgently needed. Major Evans is a member of the Education Committee, and no doubt this fact led Mr. David Rogers to say that the letter sounded like a mild form of conscription. The Educa- tion Committee had done all they could to get the teachers to join, and had gone so far as tc give a premium. No teacher should be forced te join until Conscription came. if it ever did. Mr. Bruce Jones said his view was that the members were merely asked to aid recruiting. He did not read Conscription. The Chairman was asked to do what he could to assist re- cruiting. Mr. George Hall, speaking for the Labour section, said no indirect pressure should be put upon the teachers. The teachers might think that the Committee practically requested them to enlist. Mr. Bowles: We have done all we can. The Director was instructed to reply to this effect.

HIRWAIN. I BETHEL Y.P.S.-A very enjoyable day was spent by the members of the Bethel Young People's Society on Thursday last when the Ystradfellte Caves were visited. Refreshments were provided at the Blue Bell Hall. After tea, sanies and sports were held. The caterer was Mr. Thomas Davies, grocer. OBITUARY .—The death of Mrs. Ann Rees of 20 Station Road, took place on Tuesday last after a protracted illness. Deceased leaves a husband and daughter to mourn her loss. Also the young daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Prosser, of High Street, Hirwain, who died af- te. a very long illness. Profound sympathy is felt towards the bereaved families.

r" I The Best Way to use Your Money Wisely I j | During WAR TIME is to I ) Join the CO=OP. I i You get Goods of the Best Value, and by placing i  You got Goods of the Best Value, &nd by placing 2 I what money you have to spare In their SAVINGS BANK, I t you not only receive better Interest, but it is being j i used for your good. i IMERTHYR CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY ) LIMITED. s •

RESPECTED HEADMASTER OF TROEDY- RHIW BOYS' SCHOOL. W ith deep regret' we record the death of an old and highly respected inhabitant of our ittle town in the person of Mr. G. Bevan, the headmaster of Troedyrhiw Boys' School for the last 35 years. Deceased, who, on Thursday last, succumbed to a severe attack of pneumo- nia, was esteemed by a large cirle of friends and acquaintances, and was beloved by his pupils. The funeral, which was large and representa- tive, took place on Tuesday, the body being interred at Oefn Cemetery. Prior to the depar- ture of the funeral cortege for Oefn, a short and impressive service was held at St. Peter's Church where the deceased had been sidesmen for many years. Several beautiful wreaths and floral tributes were sent by sorrowing rela- tives and friends, and included the following: Dearest George, from his Sorrowing and Devoted Wife," heart; ''Trevor, Mabel and Phillys," cross; "Fred and Bess" anchor; "Kati and Arthur" cross; "Bus Loving Sister and Nephews, cross "His Loving Sis- tea Kate, David, Gertie and Gladys," wreath; "Sister Gwen and Willie," wreath; "Will, Annie and Cyril," wreath; Mr. Isaac Thomas and B. Evans, wreath; Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Daniel, wreath; Vicar and Sidesmen of Troed- yrhiw English Church, cross; Mr. and Mrs. T Lewis, Dowlais, wreath; Mr. and Mrs. Wil- liams, Troedyrhiw, wreath; Mr. and Mrs. Gor- don Daniel, Pontypool, wreath; "Rose, Chris Ponty t w & ( Z bers o f the Welsh and George, wreath; Members of the Welsh Church, Troedyrhiw, wreath; Merthyr Tydfil Teachers' Association, wreath; Staff, Troedy- rhiw Boys' School, wreath; Staff, Troedyrhiw Girls' School, wreath; Boys, Troedyrhiw Boys' School, wreath; "In Loving Memory of my Dear Master, from Harold Morgan," wreath; Vicar (Rev. Peter Williams) and .Family), wreath; Mr. and Mrs. J. N. Zetterstrom, wreath; Mr. and Mrs. Evans, Troedyrhiw House, wreath; Staff, Infants' Department, Troedyrhiw, wreath.

TROEDYRHIW. I I.L.P.—A branch meeting will be held at the usual place next Monday evening. W ill all members kindly attend. KILLED IN ACTION.—News has been received this week that young Hadyn Thomas, son of Mrs. Ford, Church Street, has been killed in action. We sympathise sincerely with the be- reaved family. MOUNT ZION ANNIVERSARY.—The anniver- sary services in connection with Mount Zion Srnday School were held on Sunday last. At the morning service, which was well attended, the pastor (the Rev. E. R. Davies, B.A.) de- livered a very forceful address to the Sunday School worker, and in the evening, to a crowded congregation, delivered another powerful address, "The Child: The Home In- fluence, Training and Environment." In the F lower Service was evening a very pleasant ".Flower Service" was rendered, under the conductorship of Mr. J. Davies. Madame Grocutt Thomas was soloist at the afternoon and evening services. At the afternoon service the pastor, who keeps in touch with many of his congregation who have joined the colours, read out two very interest- ing replies which he had received from two of his correspondents—one an engineer in the Navy, and the other in the fighting line in France SUNDAY SCHOOL TREATS.—The a-nnual school treats in connection with the various churches were held on Monday. The weather seemed rather unsettled during the morning, but cleared up about mid-day. and became every- thing that could be desired. The order of the day has greatly changed during the last six or seven years. It used to be a very pretty sight, each school parading the principal streets, their banners waving, but this year only the Ta bernacle Sunday School upheld the old cus- tom, and a brave show they made. too. The Saron Sunday School spent a happy time at Penddigau Farm, whilst the Zionites were at Penrhiwronen. The children of Carmel were entertained in Carmel Vestry, and after tea they adjourned to the Recreation Grounds for games and to indulge no doubt, in the old- time game of "Bobby Bingo." Nazareth scholars journeyed further afield, and spent the afternoon at Cyfarthfa Park, whilst the Wes- leyanB put in their time at Owmtaf. The Church scholars were, as usual, entertained at St John's Hall.

BARGOED. ALTERATIONS AT THE CHILDREN S HOMES. — Tho Merthyr Guardians, at their meeting last Saturday, decided to have specifications of the work required to be done at the Bargcad Cot- tage Homes prepared, and presented at the next meeting of the Children's Home Com- mittee. MUNITION WORKERS.—Excellent progress has been made in the Bargoed district in the en- listment of munition workers. More than 50 listment of mun per cent. of the availabled skilled men have bten enrolled for service. A meeting was held at the Higher Elementary School, Bargoed, lasi week, when Mr. Henry Davies. the county mining director, and others delivered addresses explaining how volunteer could help in the provision of munitions. Eighteen scholars at Pengam Secondary School have volunteered their servi ces for munition work during the school vacation.

I The Palace. The introduction of the cinematograph ver- sion of populai- works by well-known authors is greatly appreciated by Palace patrons, and Mr. Hall-Jones has not been slow to recognise this fact. He has, therefore, secured another fine picture on these lines, The Prisoner of Ztnda," by Anthony Hope, is sure to be a fa- vourite with the reading public. As is well known, it is a fine story of court life and ro- mantic adventure, and as such lends itself to exceptional staging in the various scenes. There is nothing lacking in sensation and movement, the whole plot being charmingly carried out. There is, too. a line 2-part drama on a subject at present much in evidence. "The War Baby" also an exciting picture, The Escape of the Fast Freight." The popular Charlie will continue to amuse with his scream- ing absurdities. The latest news of incidents at home and abroad, will also be in the prog- ramme, which, with a number of other excel- lent pictures, completes the entertainment for Monday to Wednesday next week. CP Thursday's programme next week will con- tain a very special and exclusive picture. A Tale of Florence." which is a most beantifully- coloured story of olden tl Tues. The charming Prince of Ballanza is desired to marry Prin- cess Beatrice of Cellini, but having never seen hea he does not wish to do so, and to avoid this match, sets out on a journey of adventure, wkich ends in sunshine and happiness for them both. Those who appreciate an artistic pic- ture and pleasing story will be greatly pleased with this fine subject. Several other picture? include "The Coun- tcrfeit Princess" and Broncho Billy." The an.using pictures are numerous, and include the indispensible Chaplin. The last three days this week will see the special picture featuring Madam Hesperia in "A Fettered Soul." a story of the drug habit. "Mrs. Van Ruyter's Stratagem" IS a fine two-part drama. Two verv amusing pictures are "The Mysterious Mr. if)ax-ey" and "For tloe Good of the Cause." The items of general interest are the Gazette. Liege before the Invasion," and Workers of the Frent^fc Soudan." Without Charlie this programme would not be complete, so be will be there as usual. ] j

Chance or Skill. ABERDARE LICENSEE PROSECUTED. I SLOT MACHINE TRIED IN COURT. I John Evans, licensee of the Commercial Ho- tel. Aberdare, was summoned at the Aberdare Police Court on Wednesday for allowing a game of chance to be played on licensed premi- Prosser defended. P.S. T. J. Williams said that at 8.45 on Saturday, June 26, in company with P.C. Batten, he visited the Commercial Hotel, and saw the landlord in the bar. On the wall he saw the machine (produced). The principle of the game was that one placed a penny in the slot and two bails were released. Stipendiary: He gets two chances for Id.? Witness: if you win you get a cheque of the value of 2d., 4d., 6d., 1/ 2/6 or 5/ One man placed three pennies in the slot, and had six balls. He was successful once. In all 26 at- tempts were made, and only twice wetre the players successful. All Over the Town." The landlord was behind the coun- tei serving. I told him I would report him for allowing gaming to be carried on on his premises. He said They are all over the town, and some are very lucky at it. I have seen a man coming in and drawing 2/6 the iirst time." The Officer made three attempts with the machine in Couat, and succeeded once. Cross-examined: The landlord had been in Aberdare for some time. He had visited the defendant's place twice or three times a week previously, and had not complained of the machine. A Recanted Decision. Mr. Prosser: I gather the learned Stipendi- ATJ tried a case a few weeks ago with a some- what similar machine, and the result is you are trying your skill on this machine; trying to get it removed from the house. Stipendiary: Other people have been sum- moned before the decision was given in the other case. Mr. Prosser: Not for this machine. Stipendiary: Well, a similar machine. Mr. Prosser: Mr. Justice Scrutton ruled that it was a game of skill. Stipendiary: Mr. Justice Scrutton has since icklantled for the same kind of machine. Daunted by the Sergeant. 1 1 1.1 ..L  • 1 1 1 11 ?l- 1- The Licensee said ne naa neia 1111t1 uwuw foi 29 years, and the machine had been in the bai for about 18 months. It was there quite openly, and no complaint had been made be- fore. The men were daunted when the Ser- geant came in. and this affected their skill. He told them not to get frightened, but to do their best. Witness went on to say that the commission was small, and sometime5 there wat. no profit. Cross-examined by Supt. Rees: He took the machine in because he thought it had be-en de- clared legal. Lucky Man's Failure. I Charles Oliver Harris said he had played the machine at the hotel and was lucky.—He was invited to try his skill, and had no success with two pennies. Stipendiary: That is not very good luck, is it? (Laughter.)—The witness tried again. and lost six balls. The Stipendiary said the Bench had come to the conclusion that the machine was em- phatically a game of chance, and the question wat what penalty should be imposed. They oould impose the maximum of LIO. They did not want to be vindictive, and if defendant would give an undertaking to remove the ma- chine and not have another, they would impose a moderate penalty. Defendant gave the required undertaking, ,and was fined 40/ Mr. Prosser asked if a week's grace would be given for these machines to be removed from other places. The Stipendiary said the request was reason- able and no doubt Supt. Rees would consider it.