The Amman Valley Chronicle and East Carmarthen News

Llandilo Board of Guardians. I The usual fortnightly meeting of the Llandilo Board of Guardians was held in the Board Room, on Saturday last, present: Mr. R. Mathews, Chair- man; Mr. W. E. Richards, Vice- chairman; Mr. W. Hopkins, Mr. D. Pritchard Davies, Mr. L. N. Powell, Rev. Thompson Jenkyns, Mr. J. Richards, Mr. J. Lewis, Mr. Jno. Jones, Mr. D. Davies, Mr. Gomer Harries, Mr. J. Bevan, Mr. T. James, Mr. Jacob Davies, Mr. D. Thomas (Talley), Mr. D. Glyn Jenkins, Mr. W. Williams, and Mr. H. Herbert; also the Clerk (Mr. R. Shipley Lewis), the Deputy Clerk (Mr. D. Jones Morris), and other officials. Mr. James, Relieving Officer for the North District, stated he had re- considered his application for an in- crease of salary, and he now begged to withdraw. The Master (Mr. D. Evans) re- ported that there were 69 inmates of the House, as against 56 on the same day last year. The vagrants relieved during the fortnight numbered 20, as compared with 39 in the correspond- ing fortnight of last year. The Rev. J. E. Thomas, Methodist minister, had conducted service at the House. It was reported that four children of Mrs. Hannah Sullivan, the wife of a soldier, living at Llandebie, had been admitted to the Workhouse. She was in receipt of 25s. per week, and would not go into the Workhouse her- sel f. The Board considered she ought to earn her own living, and decided to write to the War Office to get the money paid for maintenance of the children. The House Committee rep6rted that the little girl, Annie Copstick, who was ready for service, had decided in favour of going to Cilymaenlhvyd Farm, and the salary propo^d was f-7 a year. Mr. Evan Davies said that was too little, and he proposed it be 19. Mr. J. Bevan seconded, and the motion was carried by a large majority. RELIEVING OFFICER'S SALARY. Mr. W. Popkins, Relieving Officer, appfied for an increase of salary, in consequence of the great and con- tinued increase in the cost of living. Most authorities in the kingdom had already granted their officials substan- tial increases, he said, and trusted his application might receive the Board's favourable consideration. Mr. J. Bevan: What is the total income of the Relieving Officer from the Board at present? The Chairman elicited the fact that he received £ 105 for relief work, £26 for vaccination, and £ 15 for collect- ing; total, 1]46. Mr. D. Glyn Jenkins: Does the Relieving Officer get any travelling expenses ? Mr. Popkins: No, sir. Mr. J. L. Williams: Only when he goes to the Asylum. In answer to the Chairman, Mr. Popkins said he had journeys to Llan- dilo, and was on the train train every day with the exception of Fridays, and sometimes on that day. The annual cost was about 126, and now with the increase in fares about £39. Mr. J. Richards proposed that any advance be in the nature of a war bonus. Mr. Gomer Harries seconded. The Chairman: Until the war is over or six months after? Mr. A. Williams moved, in face of the increased travelling expense, they give a bonus of £, 2 a year. Mr. Jacob Davies said it didn't cost him i- I a month to go every day to Llandovery, and if the Surveyor asked for a privilege ticket it would cost him £ 12. Mr. W. Popkins said it would not pay him to have a privilege ticket, because sometimes he only went once a week to Ffairfach, and another time three times a week. Mr. J. L. Williams seconded the motion, but believed that the increased cost of travelling and additional ex- pense would be a little more than 1]2. He thought it should be higher. Mr. Evan Davies said the amount might be small compared with the in- creased cost, but they must expect Mr. Popkins to some extent to sacri- fice himself. He did not think for a minute the Board had any intention to pay it all; suppose they paid a good part of it. Mr. Popkins was a very good officer-one of the best; but still, he did not think that would be out of the way. There were hun- dreds of ratepayers without a penny increase in income, still had to pay the increased cost of living. He pro- posed an amendment, which he believed would find universal ap- proval. He proposed £ 10. Mr. W. Lewis seconded, remak- ing that several of the ratepayers could hardly make two ends meet to-day. He thought it was too hard to put too much on the ratepayers and give too much to the officers. Mr. L. N. Powell said was sorry to see a difference of opinion between i.2 per annum over a man who really deserved well at the hands of the Board. They had never had a better officer. Mr. J. L. Williams: And we all appreciate him. Mr. L. N. Powell: My own opinion is £ 12 is too little. It won't half cover the increased cost to the man; but rather than have a division over 12, let us be unanimous. The proposition for £ 12 was agreed to. NORTH DISTRICT SUGGESTION. I Mr. J. Richards said as they had granted something to Mr. Popkins, he did not believe they should penalise their other officer, because of his timidity. He had withdrawn, but at the same time they all knew he re- quired it as much as Mr. Popkins. They ought to give him some little allowance for the cost of travelling and living at the present time, as his salary was very small, and he had the keep of a horse. If he were to tell them the experiences he had gone through this last month, he could shew them the cost of a horse and cart had gone up much more than railway travelling. He (Mr. Richards) proposed a bonus of S-5. Mr. Evan Davies seconded. Mr. J. L. Williams: This is a new appointment. Mr. J. Bevan asked what was the total of his expenses, and did he give his whole time, same as the other Relieving Officer? It was stated the salary was £ 80, the vaccination fees £ 3 or £4 a year, and the collecting i 10 a year. Mr. D. Glyn Jenkins said when there was a vacancy for a relieving officer in the North District, candi- dates were canvassing for the work, and he noticed every one of them said it was only work for three days a week. Therefore, f.80 a year meant at the rate of f- 160. The Chairman said he was afraid people before they got in-as they did when they were young men-promised lots of things. Mr. L. N. Powell said he was loth to say a word, but really they could not compare the two officers. He did his best to get Mr. James the work, but if they paid for the work done, this man was certain to be as well paid as Mr. Popkm--even after the £] 2. Really the man had with- drawn his application for an increase, and he did not think it was consistent on their part, when the work was done in three days a week. The Chairman: He is a full-time officer. Mr. L. N. Powell: My argument is a fair one; you must take into con- sideration the work done. In answer to Mr. Richards, the Relieving Officer said he could not do the work in three days every week. Mr. J. Bevan: According to salaries, Mr. Popkins gets il22, and Mr. James for three days £ 101. Mr. J. Richards: I object to that; it is misleading. Mr. Evan Davies: Mr. Bevan is making a mistake. He is forgetting the horse and cart. Mr. J. Bevan: Don't jump down my throat. (Laughter) Mr. J. Richards: The salary of Mr. James is 180. Mr. Gomer Harries remarked that Mr. James had said he did not wish for an increase; he was quite satisfied, and the majority of the Board thought the same. It was a very recent ap- pointment, and while they wished him well, in his (Mr. Harries') estimation he was well paid for his services, and he felt that himself. Mr. D. Davies said they were not against an advance, but they were not justified in dealing with it. Mr. J. Lewis: There is nothing before the Board, because the appli- cation has been withdrawn. THE ASSISTANT CLERK. Mr. D. Jones Morris application for an advance as Assistant Clerk was next considered, and it was stated he was receiving £ 40 a year. Mr. D. Glyn Jenkins said he would like to know what was the total income of the Assistant Clerk. Mr. J. Richards: That is nothing to us; we only employ our Clerk. Pro- ceeding, he said he understood" Mr. Morris was given a salary in order to qualify as Assistant Clerk. He was more in the employ of Mr. Shipley Lewis than in the employ of the Board of Guardians. If he was entitled to an advance on the cost of living, he believed he should apply to Mr. Lewis for it, and not to that Board. He (Mr. Richards) proposed they should not give an advance.. He did it with all respect; he quite appreciated his qualifications as Deputy Clerk as well as any member of the Board; h" was a very able man, no doubt, bat he (Mr. Richards) did not see they were justified in an advance to the Assis- tant Clerk, because really they had not work for two Clerks. The Clerk: You have plenty of work to do nowadays. Mr. W. Lewis seconded. Mr. D. Glyn Jenkins said he had not had an answer to his question. If it was fair to ask the Relieving Officers, he thought it -was quite fair to ask what was the total income of the Assistant Clerk. They were there to decide what was a man going to have for a living wage. Mr. J. Richards: We are not re- sponsible for the living wage of Mr. Morris. Mr. J. Bevan said Mr. Richards had put the case as well as it could possibly be put, and if there was an increase needed, Mr. Morris should apply to his employer. The Chairman said the Board of Guardians had employed Mr. D. J. Morris as Assistant Cle-rk, and paid him a separate salary of 140. That was all Mr. Morris received from the Guardians. They had asked Mr. Popkins what he received from the Guardians, and Mr. James also. Mr. Morris might be doing other work, and they knew he was; but he only asked for a bonus or increase on that £40. There was no motion, and the matter dropped. SOLDIER PATIENT. I The Clerk said he had written to the War Office, also to the Swansea Guardians and the Glamorgan Asylum Committee, and had received a reply from the Glamorgan County Asylum stating Llandilo Board was liable to them for the payment of charges for maintenance in the case of Thos. Ivor Howells, and a remittance at their early convenience would oblige. They had already received 35 such patients there, and the Guardians of no other Union had questioned the claim for maintenance of their patients brought there and chargeable to their Unions. The Clerk to the Swansea Board of Guardians wrote that it appeared to him that as between Unions the account should be paid, and then settled with the War Office. The Clerk stated that undoubtedly they were liable to pay this cost. He had sent the bill to the War Office, and he did not know what reply they would make; he had not received one yet. He doubted very much whether they would entertain the application. Mr. J. Lewis: Jog their memory. I have to do so on behalf of many people. Mr. Gomer Harries proposed the Clerk should write again. Mr. J. Bevan proposed the bill be paid, and that they should keep knock- ing at the War Office door and demand their rights. The Chairman: Keep the War Office nose to the grindstone. (Laugh- ter) The motion was agreed to. I MORE APPLICATIONS. Mrs. Evans, Matron, and Miss Lizzie Jones, Assistant Matorn, wrote asking for increases in their salaries. Mr. Evan Davies: Is that due to the increased cost of living there, rail- way expenses, or what is it? (Laugh- ter) The Chairman: No kicking. Mr. W. Lewis observed that all the applications were coming together. The Chairman: It is our own fault: we said any applications should come in this month. Mr. Gomer Harries: It was Mr. Evan Davies' proposition. Mr. Evan Davies: Was it? (Laugh- ter) Mr. J. Bevan: Why does the Matron ask, and not the Master? The Chairman: She receives a sepa- rate salary of £ 40. It was decided the application should be placed on the agenda for the next meeting.

Amman River Pollution. DETRIMENTAL TO FISH. At the annual meeting of the Towy Board of Conservators, held at Car- marthen on Friday, Mr. Oliver Jones was elected chairman, and Mr. David Evans, Manordaf, vice-chairman. The Executive Committee reported they were satisfied that pollution existed in the rivers of the county, in the Amman and Loughor, to an extent detrimental to fish, and they had instructed the clerk to take the necessary steps. Mr. Charles Legg, sergeant water bailiff, said he did not think it possible that fish could live very long in the River Amman, as it was polluted from three tinworks and nine collieries. The River Loughor was also polluted from fifteen various works. A catch pond built at the Glynbeudy Ti nworks, Brynamman, had effected an improve- ment. The works superintendent had promised to provide two more catch- ponds.

Mr. Meuric Lloyd, J.P., of Del- fryn, Llansawel, has just purchased Cynghordy Hall, near Llandovery, from Mr. W. Powell Jeffreys, J.P., who now resides at Ludlow. Mr. W. S. G. Morris is removing from Ystrad- wrallt, Nantgaredig, to Castle Pigyn, Abergwili.

Llandilo Rural District Council. Mr. W. E. Richards, Chairman, presided at the meeting of this Coun- cil, held at Llandilo on Saturday. Mr. J. L. Williams read the report of the Roads Committee, which recom- mended that steps be taken to compel farmers or occupiers of land' to cut down their hedges, and that the road labourers be instructed to trash the banks. The road between Abergorlech and Llansawel needs to be repaired beyond Rhydymeirch Farm. This was passed a long time ago, and seemed to have been overlooked by the Sur- veyor. The Committee recommended it should have attention at once. The application of the Surveyors for IÍn- creases of salaries was considered and referred to the Council for further con- sideration, with a recommendation that if an increase be granted it should be as a war bonus. He moved the adop- tion of the report. Mr. Gomer Harries seconded. TRASHING OF HEDGES. Mr. Evan Davies said it was a new movement to ask the roadmen to trash banks. Mr. J. L. Williams: They are sup- posed to do it. Mr. Evan Davies proposed the mat- ter be considered that day fortnight. It was rather a big item. Mr. Gomer Harries said that two years ago farmers were made to trash the hedges in the lower district, and some people were very obstinate, and the Surveyor had to take drastic measures. If this was in force in one part of the district, why not in the other ? Mr. Evan Davies said he would like to know if that was quite correct, because he believed the road leading to Manoravon was in the South Dis- trict. The road was a very wide one, but owing to the hedge there covering the road, he had to keep right to the other side on the grass. The Surveyor said he had served these people with notices a fortnight or three weeks ago. He did so last year, but could not get the hedges done. Some" of the hedges had been done. Mr. J. Richards seconded that the matter be deferred. In reply to a question as to who should trash the hedges, the Clerk said he had been asked that at least twenty times in the last 20 years, and he could only give them the same answer. If there was any obstruction to the road, either of light or air, or the free passage of the highway, they could compel the adjoining owner or occupier. Mr. J. Bevan said the farmers of the North District forced the matter in committee, and the committee agreed if there was any benefit, because the claim put forward by them was that during the hard frost there was no work for the labourers to do, and they could trash the banks rather than be idle. Now he saw that other mem- bers from the North District were dead against it. The motion to defer was agreed to. BETTWS WATER SUPPLY. Some discussion took place on the question of improving the water supply at Bettws, and Mr. J. L. Williams wanted to know if they could com- mence now? The Clerk said he had seen from newspaper reports that proceedings had been taken in the matter of the late David Williams, and power was granted for the lease of a spring of water and surrounding land- situate in Bettws for 60 years, at an annual rent of £ 15. That was all they asked for. Mr. J. L. WiIIims said as they had waited so long for this lease, he proposed the Surveyor put in a tank for the spring. Now, during this weather, he believed he could obtain labour easier than later. It had been passed at the Parish Council to carry out the proposed waterworks, so the work was already in hand. They couldn't begin too soon. Mr. Gomer Harries seconded, in- asmuch as they had done their best to obtain a supply for Bettws and dis- trict. Now was an opportune time, and he was sure the Parish Council and all the ratepayers were anxious to proceed with the work. The Clerk: You have got no lease yet. Mr. J. L. Williams: We should get a lease first, but we can save time in going on with the preparations for the work. The Sanitary Surveyor said the letter from the agent said they could go on with the work. They were now in a better position to carry on excava- tion, because the Road Surveyor could let him have men for it. The Clerk: Is anyone else affected by this spring? We got into trouble with Ammanford in regard to a similar matter. Mr. Evan Davies said they had had experience. They had proceeded with work, and after it was carried out, got into trouble. Mr. J. L. Williams: It is a very small work, and we have such numerous tests. We have been wait- ing and preparing everything on the promise of this spring, and I don't anticipate there is any great trouble ahead. Mr. Evan Davies: How does it affect others? The Sanitary Surveyor said that Lord Dynevor was the riprarian owner most interested. The Clerk: I want all the riprarian owners. Mr. Evan Davies: That is the point. The least affected may give us the most trouble. The Clerk said he remembered telling them they must get consent to the lease at Llandyfan Forge before they constructed waterworks there. The Council then said they had got it; that they were not working there, and there was no trouble. What was the result? They took proceedings against Ammanford Council-they did not touch the District Council-and put them to very big expense. Mr. W. Williams thought all the riparian owners had been approached, and they promised not to give any trouble. The Sanitary Surveyor: Mr. Wil- liams has had a conversation with Lord Dynevor. The Clerk: I have not had their consent, and I should have it in writing. Mr. J. L. Williams said he had had a conversation with Lord Dynevor, and as this would be of immense value to his lordship' s estate, he thought he would support it. It was agreed to defer the matter. QUESTION OF ALLOTMENTS. Mr. Gomer Harries proposed the Sanitary Surveyor- produce a plan of plots on Cwmgarw Road, Brynamman, to shew the advantage it would be to the inhabitants and the public gene- rally to cultivate them. Mr. J. Bevan said he had seven applicants for allotments in Penybank, and they were very anxious to get a piece of land there. The Chairman: Is there any avail- able there? Mr. J; Bevan: Thousands of acres. They had, he said, written to Mr. Nicholas for some explanation, but up to then had not heard from him at all. They would be quibbling from one authority to another until the end of the summer. These men were not people who had neglected their gar- dens in the past, but put every foot of ground available under cultivation, and were anxious to get plots of land in addition. There was ample available land on the right-hand side of the main road close at hand. Mr. Wm. Williams: Open ground? Mr. J. Bevan: There is no open ground there. The Clerk said the matter of allot- ments was in the hands of the Parish Council, not in theirs. He had for- warded the letter he received from the Board of Agriculture with reference to the Brynamman land. He went espe- cially to see Mr. H. Jones-Davies, the Board's representative in this county, and gave him the letter. He had taken it to Carmarthen, and put it before the County War Committee at their last meeting. They had a discussion on it, and had agreed to support the District Council in the movement if the Council got a favour- able answer from the Board of Agri- culture. Mr. Gomer Harries said in view of that, he would like Mr. Jones to pro- duce his plan of this most suitable spot-all good cultivatable land. The Surveyor said he prepared this plan two or three years ago for the purpose of applications being made to take up building sites along the side of the road from Brynamman up to Cwmllynfell. Since the preparation of the plan-he was over the ground the other day, and found now that a great portion of the land that was included in that plan for the purpose of the site had been taken up by the people adjoining, so that the plan would have to be altered. Mr. J. Richards: Are these people allowed to occupy that land? Mr. Gomer Harries: They are tolerated, at any rate. The Surveyor: They are taking in portions every year. They have taken fields during the last two months. Mr. J. Richards: Who is the re- sponsible authority? Mr. R. Mathews: The Parish Council, and we are trying to do the work of the Parish Council. Mr. J. Richards: I have a good mind to take a bit of wire round the Black Mountain, then. Mr. Evan Davies: Better stay where you are. Mr. R. Mathews said it was time this discussion was closed. They had nothing in the world to do with it. They were spending their own time discussing this matter, when it did not belong to them. All the tracts they had had should go to the Parish Council. Why should this Council enquire ? Mr. J. Bevan: I differ with Mr. Mathews. We are considering and discussing the circular sent by the Board of Agriculture to this Board. Mr. R. Mathews: No, you are wrong. There is no circular come to this District Council. The Clerk: No. Mr. J. Bevan said letters had been read by the Clerk from somewhere. They don't come from Germany; he didn't think so. (Laughter). Had they not any power or influence to get at the proper authority, when the Government was appealing sd much for the cultivation of more land. They had got applications and no allot- ments. The Clerk said it was j matter o, the Parish Councils Mr. J. Bevan: The Parish Council of Llandebie only meet every two months. Mr. Gomer Harries moved the Council should press upon the Board of Agriculture to grant them powers. Mr. J. Richards seconded, because it was the most important thing that had come before the Council. They had taken a lot of time over it, and if they spent all day they would not spend too much. The Clerk was instructed to again: write the Board of Agriculture. NO INCREASED SALARIES. The applications of the two Sur- veyors for the North District for in- creases of their salaries were then. brought on. Mr. Evan Davies said they could cut matters short. He was going to make a proposition, and he assumed there would be no amendment. His proposition was that no increase nor war bonus be given in these cases. Both these gentlemen had places of their own, and produced milk and butter, and were freeholders. The work had not increased, but to a con- siderable extent decreased. He did not think there was on the roads ten per cent. of the usual stones measured. They had had no steam roller for the last two years, and he had heard a suggestion that one of the two could do the work. He quite agreed, and even with the salary Mr. Tho-rai got now he would be very well paid, too. It was rather an impositi.on to ask for an increase. Mr. Wm. Lewis seconded, and the motion was agreed to.

"Towyn" as Welsh Whip. The position of Government Welsh Whip has been offered to and accep- ted by Mr. Towyn Jones, M.P. It carries with it the post of Junior Lord of the Treasury, without salary-. His predecessor, Mr. Wm. Jones, also acted for a long time without salary, which was, however, subsequently provided. Mr. Towyn Jones, M.P., is a native of New Quay, Cardiganshire. In his early days he gained consider- able fame as a reciter who posessed an unbeaten record, and the training he thus received stood him in good F stead in later years. A break in his life took place when he left home and served for some years as a sailor before the mast. Happening, however, to return home for a short holiday, he was induced to become a student at the Towyn Grammar School. The Rev. Penry Evans, h:s pastor, there- upon urged him to qualify himself for the work of the ministry. After nine months of school he sat at the entrance examination for the Prcrsbyterhn Col- lege, Carmarthen, and succeeded in winning the Barman entrance scholar- ship of the value of £ 50. In 1880. at the beginning of his fourth year at college, he accepted a call to Gwern- Ilwyn Independent Chapel, Dowlais, one of the largest Congregational churches in South Wales, but was compeHed to resign the pastorate through ill-health after four years' successful ministry. In 1884 he was inducted pastor of Garnant Congregational Chapel, num- bering over 700 members, and only relinquished his charge when appointed secretary of the Welsh Congregational Century Fund. Last year, Mr. Jones was appointed president-elect of the Welsh Congre- gational Union at the Brynamman meetings—the highest distinction in the gift of his denomination in Wales. His public life has been as full as it has been varied. In addition to the denominational offices he has held, he has been a member of the Carmarthen County Council, chairman of LianAllo, School Board, governor of the Uni- versity College of South Wales and Monmouthshire, member of the Management Committee of the Inter- mediate School, Llandilo, secretary of the East Carmarthen Liberal Associa- tion, a member of the Executive of the South Wales Liberal Federation, etc. On the death of Mr. Abel Thomas, K.C., M.P., in 1912, for whom he had acted as agent, Towyn was selected as the Liberal candidate in an historic three-cornered contest, his opponents being Mr. Mervyn Peel (Conservative) and Dr. J. H. Wil- liams, Burry Port (Labour). He was returned by a majority running into several thousands. On Wednesday, at Llandilo, Mr. Towyn Jones was co-opted a member of the Carmarthenshire County Coun- cil, in succession to the late Lord Lieutenant of the County (Mr. J. W. Gwynne-Hughes) Printed and Published by The Amman Valley Chronicle, Limited, at their Offices, Quay Street, Ammanford, in the County of C. ■ mart hen, February 1st, 1917.