The Amman Valley Chronicle and East Carmarthen News

THE OMNIBUS. I [Things Seen and Heard by the Conductor.] I A Happy and Prosperous New Year to all our Readers. Scores of local soldiers and sailors have been home on leave recently. < Christmas pudding was in evidence in many homes during the festive season. Sugar has been conspicuous by its absence from a local establishment for the last three weeks. Extraordinary rumours were in cirtulation on Saturday last. One was to the effect that Towyn had a majority of over 10,000! Did you have a good time on Christmas Da%r 'J'*mmy? I should think I did. I had to take four kinds of medicine after it. I • • An Irishman, struggling to get a pair of new boots on, exclaimed: I shall never get 'em on at all until I wear em a day or two." The Board of Ttade give notice that the Motor Spirit Consolidation and Gas Restric- tion Orders, 1918, will cease to have effect as from January 10th. < I wonder what your father will say, dearest, when I ask him for your hand? Don't worry about that, dear. He rehearsed it with me last evening, and he does it beau- tifully." < If the Pacifist M.P.'s had their way, the Germans would have no indemnities to pay, and the boys who, have won the war would come home and find that they were expected to pay the cost. ? After seeing the result of the poll in the Llanelly Division, some of our local Council members came to the conclusion that their next bid for local representation does not appear to be very hopeful. The Labour Party, being the second largest party in the newly constituted. House of Commons, expects to become recognised as the Opposition. The choice of leader will probably fall on Mr. J. H. Thomas. < In response to strong representations from Sir Alfred Mond, the Army Council has decided to become responsible for the medical treatment of discharged soldiers and prisoners for a period of six months from the 3rd Dec $ At the Guardians meeting on Saturday, a tender was received for supplying milk to the Workhouse at 2id. per pint. As the price now paid for milk is 4d. per pint, the above quotation indicates that farmers must be making big profits. The Board of Trade have made an Order revoking the Lighting Order as from Decem- ber 23rd. The effect of this is to remove restrictions regarding hours within which hot meals may be cooked and served in hotels and restaurants. Old Woman (to engine-driver): Do ye think ther'H be a collision to-day? Engine Driver: I hope not. What makes you ask? Old Woman: "Well, ye see, I'm taking a basketful of eggs to town, an' I don't want 'em broken." President Wilson and Mrs. Wilson have thoroughly enjoyed their visit to this country, and there is authority for the statement that they have been greatly and most favourably impressed by the warm-hearted welcome accorded to them on all hands. The result of the General Election has illustrated quite conclusively that the country will not be led by such men as Ramsay Macdonald, Philip Snowden, W. C. Ander- son, Geo. Lansbury, and Robert Williams. whose stock fell heavily as a result of the polling, < It is stated regarding demobilisation that of ten million or more men and women who were engaged in the country's war effort, 775,000 have been released. These included 270,000 men m the forces, 115,000 returned prisoners of war, and 390,000 munition workers. < A local shop assistant complains that she has to do the work of hauling goods about, until her face is blue. 0 Before she works much longer, She'll give herself the sack; f And leave the shop and counter, And never more come back. The Election results strongly shew the confidence of the country in Mr. Lloyd George to carry through the Peace negotia- tions to a satisfactory conclusion; and fur- ther proves that it is the will of the country that Germany must pay for the war and make reparation to France and Belgium. » Two young ladies were proceeding along I College Street one evening recently, when they espied a vanity bag on the road. They picked it up, and believing they had found something worth having, hurried to a side street to examine their find. On opening the bag, it was found to contain a few Welsh round cakes of (foubtful quality! The Roman # h at Nome, on The Roman Catholic church at Nome, on the Pacific coast of British North America, it surmounted by an immense cross, blazing with electric light. It serves as a lighthouse for miles up and down the coast, and has been the means of saving many lives from ship- wreck. It is also useful as beacon to miners coming to town from the wilds. 0 A return of Parliamentacy electors on the first register under the Representation of the People Act, 1918, for constituencies in Eng. land and Wales, discloses a grand aggregate voting strength of 17,225,990. The total number of women electors (exclusive of the Parliamentary counties of Derby and Wilts, where they have not yet been ascertained) is 6,778,530. We are strongly of the opinion that better facilities should be p—mted for travelling between Llandebie and Penygroes and the adjacent villages. The motor- 'bus on Satur- day last was dangerously overcrowded, and some of the passengers were perched on top of the 'bus. Representations should be made to the Railway Company to provide at least an additional 'bus on Saturdays. < < The Labour candidate for the Llanelly Division polled exceptionally vell, and there are many who believe that, but for the un- seemly and unfair conduct of some extremists who obstructed the Coalition candidate's meetings both at Llanelly and at Amman- ford, the result would have been otherwise. It is a pity the cause should be jeopardised by these ijrnatve Rn,4 unthinking adherents.

Llandilo Rural District I Council. The monthly meeting of the above Council was held on Saturday last at the Union Offices, Llandilo, Mr. John Richards, Chair- man, presiding. The Clerk referred to the recent address of Mr. Chappell, the Local Government Board Inspector, and said that the total num- ber of houses required under the proposed Housing Scheme was 315. „ The Council were asked to make enquiries as to the cost of the land, and to endeavour to acquire freehold land for preference. LLANDEBIE WATER COMMITTEE. Mr. W. Williams read the report of the above Committee, which had received com- plaints. regarding shortage of water m some parts. At Penygroes and Gorslas there was a great shortage. Mr. Jones, the Sanitary Inspector, referred to the continual complaints which were being received regarding Penygroes and Gorslas. It had been decided that extra pipes should be laid, but during the war the matter had been left in abeyance. The time had arrived for them to proceed with the scheme. In some parts water was very deficient, and a great deal of suffering was the result. It was decided that the Surveyor should draw up what was necessary to have a tem- porary supply of water from Llandebie, and also the approximate cost of the work. Mr. Evan Morris said that he made a report last summer regarding the shortage of water at Pentregwenlais, and he understood the Sanitary Inspector was instructed to attend to the matter. He (Mr. Morris) would like to know what had been done in the matter. Mr. Evan Jones remarked that the only arrangement made was for enquiries to be made of the Llanelly Council. Their reply was that they were prepared, as far as they were concerned. The only question now was the preparing of a scheme. The Clerk, in answer to an enquiry, re- marked that the Llanelly Council were ready to make the connection. Mr. W. Williams moved that the Sanitary Inspector prepare a scheme ready, so that they could be ready for the mains to be tapped. This was carried. Mr. John Bevan referred to the condition at Pwll-y-Lord. It was decided to recommend that a com- mittee should be appointed to inspect Raw- lings Road and Margaret Road, Llandebie. The Sanitary Inspector, in answer to an enquiry, said that he had no idea of the cost at present. The report was adopted. TRAIN ARRANGEMENTS. Mr. Gomer Harries called attention to the present train arrangements, which were un- satisfactory. He suggested that the Council should write to the railway authorities with a view of having the train service improved. This was adopted. STORAGE OF MATERIAL. A communication was received from the Rev. D. Richards, claiming an amount in respect of the storage of materia! during the construction of the sewerage works at Llan- sawel. Various materials had been stored for many months. A Member remarked that at a meeting of the Committee it was resolved that the sum of 35s. should be paid in respect of the damage done to Miss M. Davies' property. He knew of the claim of the Rev. D. Richards, and he would recommend that the same amount be paid to Mr. Richards in full satisfaction. There was a discussion on the matter, and as the members differed in their opinions, it was decided that the Sanitary Inspector should call the Committee together once again and that they make an inspection of the place. STEAM ROLLERS. A communication was read from a firm suggesting that the Council should purchase steam rollers, &c. A discussion arose concerning the reason* for the change of conditions. Mr. Wm. Williams said it was possible that the Governmen might have commandeered some of the steam rollers, &c. It was decided that the Clerk should write pmaking enquiries as to the charge made for the hire of sleam rollers, and that he write to the Eddison Steam Roller Company to en- quire whether they can supply the Council with steam rollers this year. REPAIR OF ROADS. The Clerk, read a letter from the Roads Board, in which it was stated that the Board were prepared to make a grant towards the cost of repairing roads damaged by traffic of lorries, &c., in the haulage of timber, &c. The Clerk said that the Council would have to submit particulars as to the damage, &c. It was resolved that the Council should make an application for a grant. NOTIFICATION OF DISEASES NOTIFICATION OF DISEASES. The Clerk reported having received a form from the Local Government Board, stating that certain diseases were notifiable. SALE OF LAND. A communication was read from Lieut.- Col. W. N. Jones regarding the sale of a piece of land. He was prepared to entertain an application from the Council. CLAIMS OF DISABLED MEN. The Clerk read a letter concerning the special claims of disabled men who had served in the Army. It was hoped that the Council would give preference to such men when they had an opportunity of giving them suitable employment. MAERDY BRIDGE. A letter was read from the Ammanford Urban District Council regarding the costs of Mr. David Thomas, Surveyor to the Amman- ford Urban District Council, and Mr. Evan Jones, Surveyor to the Llandilo Rural Dis- trict Council, for services rendared in respect of Maerdy Bridge. The bill amounted to Y-100. The Ammanford Council desired to know whether the Llandilo Rural District Council were prepared to pay the agreed pro- portion After a lengthy discussion, it was decided that the matter be deferred, Mr. Jones, the Sanitary Inspector, remarking that though the amount was needed, he preferred that the matter be postponed until the two Councils concerned came to a correct understanding. MEDICAL OFFICERS' REPORT. The Clerk reported having received the Medical Officer of Health's report for the year 1917. It was decided to have the same printed for circulation among the members.

GARNANT. I Congratulations to Mr. Edwin Jonas, Rock House, who at the recent examination passed the final stage in Musical Expression. His tutor was Mr. R. J. Hughes, F.T.S.C. The many friends of Mr. John Morgan, Gamant, will be pleased to hear that he has secured the degree of L.L.C.M. We con- gratulate him on his success. Mr. Morgan is always ready to give his services, in aid ol any deserving cause, and out of 70 reception concerts held for soldiers and sailors he has accompanied at 66. Truly, a good record.

LLANDEBIE. I We are sorry to have to report the death of Mrs. Thomas Phillips, Riversdale, Llan- debie. The deceased, who had been in failing health for many months, passed away peacefully on Monday morning, at the age of 48 years. Her son, Signaller Tudor Phillips, is away on active service, and, it is feared, will be unable to attend the funeral, which takes place to-morrow (Friday) at 3.30 p.m., the place of interment being Llandebie Parish Churchyard. The deceased leaves a husband and three children to mourn their loss.

LLANDILO. 1 Mr. Douglas Harries, son of Mr. A. E. Harries, J.P., Chairman of the Llandilo Urban District Council, has successfully passed the entrance competitive examination of the Royal Sandhurst Military College. The Young People' s Guild at the Eben- ezer Baptist Chapel was held on Christmas Eve, and took the form of carol singing. Mr. Eve, an d  Owen Jones, Greenfield Place, presided. The programme was arranged by Mr. Johnny Morgan, the musical conductor of the chapel. Mr. A. E. Harries, J.P., Chairman of the Llandilo Urban District Council, presented the following with a wallet each on behalf of the Llandilo and District Soldiers' and Sailors' Welcome Committee:—Lce.-Corpl. Thomas Evans, Ashley, Ffairfach, who had been in France for over four years, and had been three times wounded; Sapper Geo. Beynon, Tregeyb Lodge, Ffairfach, who had served of 30, Towy Terrace, Ffairfach, who had 2b years in France; and Priv. Ivor Thomas, been with. the Colours for over 31 years, and had seen service in Salonica and France. Among the speakers were Colour-Sergt. G. W. Jenkins, Sergt. W. C. Stephens, D.C.M., Sergt. Morris, Ffairfach, etc. All the re- cipients suitably returned thanks. Lce.-Cpl. G. A. Taylor was also later presented by Mr. Harries in a like manner witli- a wallet. A grand concert was held at the Drill Hall on Christmas night, under the auspices of the Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, New Road. There was a crowded house, and all the artistes acquitted themselves well, and were deservedly encored. The proceeds will be divided between the Calvinistic Methodist Chapel and St. Dunstan' s Institute for the Blind Soldiers. The secretarial duties were in the able hands of Messrs. Eben Thomas and Tom Davies, B.A., County School. Appended is the programme:—Introduction by the accompanist, Miss Nancy Jones; quar- tette, Regular Royal Queen," Miss A. M. Davies, Miss Bronwen Williams, Mr. Herbert Teale, and Mr. Dyfnant Davies; solo, Cymru," Mr. Dyfnant Davies; solo, There's a Land," Miss Bronwen Williams; solo, Sound an Alarm," Mr. Herbert Teale; pianoforte solo, Troisiene Ballade,' Mrs. Winnie Bowen-Rumble; duet, Sol-fa Duet," Miss Bronwen Williams and Mr. Dyfnant Davies; solo, Baner ein Gwlad," Miss A. M. Davies; duet, Watchman, what of the night?" Mr. Herbert Teale and Mr. Dyfnant Davies; pianoforte solo, Sonate," Mrs. Winnie Bowen-Rumble; duet, Springtime," Miss A. M. Davies and Miss Bronwen Williams; recit. and air, (a) Deeper and deeper still," (b) Waft her Angels," Mr. Herbert Teale; solo, "Miserere Scena," Miss A. M. Davies and Mr. Herbert Teale; solo, "Shipmates o' Mine," Mr. W. Dyfnant Davies; solo, Gwlad y Bryniau," Miss A. M: Davies; solo, "The Last Watch, Mr. Herbert Teale; quartette Good Evening," Misses Davies and Williams; and Messrs. Teale and Davies. A Special Police Court was held at the Shire Hall, Llandilo, on Thursday of last I week, before Messrs. Wm. Hopkin and A. E. Harr es, when Llewellyn Richards, of I Alltyferin Farm, Llanegwad, charged Wm. Jones, of Danygraig Farm, with the theft of a cask on Thursday, the 19th ot December last. Porsecu-,or sa 'd that on the 8th of December he had a cask of about 40 gallons capacity, which he used to keep in the fowl- house. He missed it on the following morn- ing, and gave information to the police. He identified it as the one produced, which bore the letter L," the initiaf of his Christian name, and also by other marks.—P.C. Rd. Davies, Cothi Bridge, said that, accompanied by the prosecutor, he visited Danygraig, where he saw the prisoner, and told him he had a search warrant respecting a missing cask from prosecutor's premises. He read the warrant to the prisoner, and after the prosecutor had identified the cask, he cautione d prisoner and charged him with the theft. Prisoner replied: I bought this cask at Carmarthen last Friday, but I cannot say from whom. It was a gambo from Brechfa that brought it here. I cannot say whose gambo it was; I don't know the man." Prisoner was then conveyed to Llandilo.—Prisoner, sworn, said he was in Carmarthen on Friday, the 6th December, and called at Mr. Crossman, the grocer, in Blue Street, to know whether he had a cask to hold water. He did. not know the man he spoke to, but he was middle-aged and fairly tall, and of slight build with light moustache. The missing hoop of the cask was at his home. He paid 5s. for the cask, but did not take a receipt. He had painted one side of it with Brunswick black.—Cross- examined by P.C. Davies: He met the gambo which brought the cask to the house, in Blue Street, Carmarthen. The driver told him he was going on to the Brechfa Road, but he did not know who the driver was. Subse- quently he found the cask on the roadside by his house. The gambo was empty when he met it.—Prisoner was fined f-2, and given one month to find the money.

PENYGROES. I On Monday evening of last week, a con- cert was held in the Penygroes Congrega- tional Vestry in honour of Stoker D. Griffiths, Bridge Street, Penygroes, when the chair was occupied by Mr. Lewis Thomas. The following was the programme:—Selec- tion, Penygroes Silver Band (conductor, Mr. David Williams) solo, Miss Lilian Hughes, Miss Alice Bowen, and Mr. Dunvant Davies; recitations, Mr. David Roberts and Miss Mary Evans; storyette, Mr. Rees Rees; and octette conducted by Mr. Tom Davies. Miss Lilian Hughes presented the hero with the usual gift on- behalf of the committee. Mrs. Clutterbuck proposed a vote of thanks to the artistes .which was seconded by Mr. Richard Rees. The proceedings terminated with the singing of the National Anthem, Mr. Dunvant Davies taking the solo.

[ BRYNAMMAN. I A series of evangelical meetings were held at the Gospel Hall during the past week, when the Rev. J. Evans, Llantrisant, delivered effective spiritual discourses to crowded assemblies. He was assisted by the Rev. Griffith P. Hughes, another popular ad- ministrator of the Gospel. Mr. J. Panty- celyn Jones presided at the organ, while Mr. J. T. Howells led the praise. There passed away rather suddenly on Christmas evening Mrs. John Lewis, Station Road, better, known to Brynammanites from home as the daughter of the deceased original character, Rees yr Halier." Mrs. Lewis was 62 years of age, and had been a life-long resident of the village. She was of a kind and industrious disposition. There are left to mourn their sad loss a husband and tour children-Mrs. Tom Samuel Williams, Moun- tain Road Mr. Rhys Thomas, penillion singer, Bryn Avenue; Mrs. Griffith J. Jones, Cwmgarw Road and ex-Priv. Willie Lewis. Priv. Johnny Thomas, of the Welsh Guards, who fell in the great war. was also a son of hers. On Christmas Eve, at the Farmers' Arms Hotel, a most enjoyable social and smoker was held under the auspices of the Bryn- amman Branch of the National Federation of Discharged and Demobilised Sailors and Soldiers. The happiness of the event was greatly enhanced by the fact that there were present, on leave and for good, a large num- ber of local lads in khaki and blue. It was a most joyful re-union of our gallant heroes and old friends. The atmosphere was laden with that geniality which is unknown on ordi- nary occasions. Dr. Corkey, M.D., in his usual original and piquant manner, presided over a very animated throng. -Mr. Sam Williams, A.V.C.M., A.R.A.M., presided At the pianoforte, and gave a selection. Mr. Willie Llewelyn gave a cornet solo in his usual style. Sailor Jonah Evans gave one of his favourite selections on the clarionette, and was at his best. Mr.* Gwilym M. Jones, the one-armed player, accompanied the latter, and had a rousing reception. Solos were ren- dered by Messrs. W. J. Thomas, Jack Lewis, Dan Moses, Priv. A. W. Jones, Messrs. Ted Moses, Sam Evans, Comrade Griff Davies (encored), Messrs. Griff J. Jones, Jonah Jones, and Flight Lieut. Glyndwr Jones in good style. A comic recitation by Mr. Oliver Edwards was hailed with side-splitting laugh- ter. Mr. A. R. Williams, Gem Confec- tionery, a great favourite in the district, gave a couple of patriotic songs in that excep- tional'ly effective style of his, and the audi- ence's appreciation was unbounded. Always welcome is an instrumental quartette by the s of the Brynamman Band, and so it was on this evening. A substantial collection to- wards the branch' s administrative fund was made. Sailor D. J. Isaac Davies, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Davies, writes an interesting letter home describing his voyages o'er many seas and his experiences on many coasts. His latters news is directed to Brynhafod, Bryn- amman, and deals with his experiences whi at Malta. Being now," he continues, allowed to write a more detailed account of my travels, I might refer to my leaving Falmouth on September I st, arriving at Gibraltar on the following Sunday. We spent four days here, where there 'are very fine sights. After a five days' voyage we reached Bioesta, on the African coast. The dresses they wore here gave us quite a shock. We sailed again to Malta, and got there in five days. From here we went to Alexandria. On the way we were attacked by a sub- marine, and the torpedo only missed us by a few feet. That' s the only thing in the way of a fight I have seen. We reached Alex- andria the next day, and stayed there for three weeks. We travelled then to Mudros, in Greece, stopped here a day, and left for Dedigatch, Bulgaria. While there we swept about 25 mines. Then back to Mudros, and waited here for four days. By then, Turkey had declared peace. So we started up to Imros, in the entrance of the Dardanelles, sweeping all the way to Cape Helles. In a few days we were at Jerack, in Turkey, and soon at Constantinople. Things were very dear here, bread being six shillings per lb. Tke natives were on the point of starving. As you can see, I have seen a bit of the world in a few months." Sailor Davies, in another descriptive letter home, sends a chip of the elusive German battleship "rflioeben home as a curio. To the writer it seems to be in a state of decomposition, signifying that the evasive ship is far from middle l age.

Eisteddfod at Llandebie. I A successful eisteddfod was held at the Wesleyan Chapel, Llandebie, on Christmas evening, there being a good attendance and good competitions. The chairman was Mr. Fred Davies, Tanyfron; while Mr. W. Rees, Old Post Office, proved an able conductor. The adjudicators were:-Music, Mr. Henry Davies, Penybank Road, Ammanford; litera- ture and recitations, Mr. S. Gwyneufryn Davies, Blaenau. The duties of accompanist were efficiently carried out by Miss Nellie Evans, A.V.C.M., L.C.M., Llandebie. The treasurer was Mr. John Harries, Oaklands; |and the hon. secretaries, Messrs. G. Thomas and T. J. Evans. Awards:— Recitation under 10: Nancy Lewis. Recitation under 12: Willie Morgan. Recitation under 16: Gwynfor Lewis. Open recitation: Willie MPrgan. Speech (three minutes to cietiv-r) Divided between David Harries and S. Shaw. Impromptu speech: S. Shaw. Writing: Miss L..Davies, Caerbryn. Solo for girls under 10: 1, Maud Jones; 2, Florence Thomas; consolation prize, D. Nicholas. Solo for girls under 14: J, Decima Morgan 2, Martha Roberts. Solo for boys under 10: L Raymond Mor- gan; 2, Ernald Davies. Solo for boys under 14: W. T. Lewis. „ Open solo: Mr. Wm. Beynon. Solo for those over 50 years of age: Mr. George Evans. Quartette: Divided between D. Morgan and friends and R. Lloyd and friends. Male voice party, In the Sweet D. Morgan's party.

I BURIAL OF REV. PENAR GRIFFITHS. I On Thursday last, the remairrs of the late Rev. G. Penar Griffiths, the well-known divine, were interred at Mynyddbach burial- giOund, Swansea, amid general manifestations of regret and esteem. The deceased had been pastor of Siloam, Pentre Estyll, for 31 years. Prior to the cortege leaving the resi- dence, the deceased's little grandson, Eryl Penar Griffiths, was christened over the coffin by the Revs. Samuel Williams (New Siloh) and W. Bowen (Manordeilo). At the chapel the Rev. James Davies, B.A., con- ducted the service. There were a number of mourners present, and the deacons of Siloam acted as bearers. The service at the grave- side was conducted by the Rev. D. Morgan Davies (Swansea) and the Rev. Afan Jen- kins (Whitland).

I Brynamman War Prisoner. Following is a brief account of a BJyn- amman prisoner of war's experiences in Ger- many;- After being captured in Mametz Wood, on the Somme, on July 11th, 1916, we were taken to Cambrai," and from there, travelling in a railway van (60 in each van), with the doors shut, for three days-- came to Dulmen Camp, Westphalia. In the first few months we were treated outrageously, and suffered many indignities. We v/ere forced to be inoculated five times and vaccinated once in the first three weeks. The food was of a very poor quality, and exceedingly small in quantity. The only solid food we had was the daily ration of bread—one slice half-an- inch thick. We were forced to work every day, when we were unable to stand on our feet almost through weakness. It was a com- mon occurrence for us to go and look into swill tubs and refuse heaps, &c., for any- thing we could find, and aonsidered ourselves lucky if we got some potato peelings, which we ate with relish. in November, 1916, I was included in a working party sent to Russian Poland to work, and arriving at our destination after a train journey of four days, were sent out immediately to work. As soon as it was light enough to see in the morning, we started to work, and worked until it was too dark to work any longer, with half-an- hour's break mid-day. We were put in a barn to sleep on some straw. We were given no blankets, -and the cold was unbearable. Owing to ill-nourlshment and weakness, we were infested with vermin. After six weeks of this treatment we were sent back to Dulmen. Our parcels from England were coming through by this time, and things im- proved a little. The Germans would never try to make us comfortable, but they would go a long way out of their way to make us uncomfortable. I was shifted from Dulmen to the camp at Sennelager, where, after a little time, I was appointed the bandmaster of the British concerts; and in this position was given many privileges. I was an eye-witness of many murderous assaults and atrocities com- i mitted on our men by German sentries. Early in 1917 I witnessed the arrival of a party of British prisoners who had been made to work behind the firing line for two or three months. They were in a terrible and emaciated condi- tion. They looked like mere bags of bones, and they died at the rate of six and seven per day. Very few of them pulled through. All our thanks are due to our own Government for supplying us with food. We could not possibly live on the German rations. They are a barbarous set of people, and after being in their hands for two and a half years, I need hardly say how much I appreciate the fact that I'm home again. I HERBERT WILLIAMS, R.W.F." N.B.—The released prisoner, Mr. Herbert Williams, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Williams, of the Brynamman Orchestral ciety, Ardwyn Place, and is an organist at a London chapel, but now at home in Bryn- amman, recuperating. For some time after his arrival he could not quite realise that he was free, and often, through sheer force of habit, with alert eyes looked behind for the German sentry who followed him everywhere for the two and a half years he was a pri- soner. That the armistice was signed was made known to him at a Cologne Opera House, when the British flag appeared on the stage as the curtain rose. He is gradually divesting himself of the now imaginary fetters. —" Butts."

DEMOCRACY OR ANARCHY? I To the Editor, Amman Valley Chronicle. Sir,—During the election, the cry of the so-called Labour Party has been: Labour versus Capital; this is the issue of this elec- tion. They say there are only two parties- Labour and Capital-in this election. For my own part, I consider the only two parties are Anarchy and Democracy. As everyone knows, the Parliament will contffn Liberals, Conservatives, Coalitionists, Sinn Feiners, Nationalists, and Labour, making six parties. S? you will see how the so-called Labour Party misleads the people. Mr. Stephen Walsh, M.P., the great Labour leader, says that this so-called Labour Party's policy is leading to bloodshed; and the best men in the Labour movement are giving us a timely warning to put a stop to this Pacifist- Bolshevic Party's aim. The Independent Labour Party says that the capitalists are the workers' enemies. But the truth is this. the I.L.P. and Bolshevic Party are working for the downfall of the British Empire. How can we know that? Did you ever hear an I.L.P. orator condemning Germany for what she has done? When Dr. Williams #eferred to the Lusitania, it was about the royalty on the coal used by her. He did not say any- thing about the women and children that were drowned by the Germans when that famous liner was torpedoed. Did you ever hear any of them saying that the Germans ought to pay for the war? Did you ever hear one of them condemning Germany for invading Belgium and France without cause? Did you ever hear them condemning their friends for murdering Nurse Cavell and Captain Fryatt? What have we heard? We have heard them condemning Mr. Lloyd George and the Coalition Government for everything they have done. Did you ever hear them congratulating the Government and our brave soldiers and sailers for winning the war? No they wanted Germany to win. I hope our brave soldiers and sailors will treat them as they deserve to be treated. In conclusion, I want every working man to remember what Stephen Walsh and Havelock Wilson, the patriotic Labour leaders, think of these men, and that their policy is revolution and bloodshed as ir. Russia.—Yours, &c., I A WORKMAN.

I BRYNAMMAN UNITED SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' SOCIETY. I To the "Editor, Amman Valley Chronicle. Si,r,-About a fortnight ago I wrote on behalf of the above Society a letter to the Chronicle with a view to putting a stop to the action of certain individuals who went about collecting the photos of the lads killed duriftg the war, these photos to be subse- quently enlarged and sold for personal gain. The Society itself has decided to adopt such a scheme, and feels that any profits derivable from sales of same Aould certainly swell the funds of the Society, to enhance the project of forming some kind of memorial to the fallen heroes, and not for the benefit of certain individuals, whose conduct in this matter is anything but laudatory. The Society is of opinion that the practice of persons in thus seeking to line their pockets from sources of this nature is reprehensible, and should be suppressed; hence I again ask you to be good enough to insert this in your next issue.-Yours, &c., T. B. WILLIAMS, Secretary.

AT EIN GOHEBWYR AC ERAILL. Ysgri/an, Barddoniaeth, Nodion, Harission, a Gohebiaethaa j'w hanfon cyn GYNTED YN YR WYTHNOS ag y byddo modd I'r GOLYGYDD, CRONICL DYFFRYN ttNIAN. I AMANFORD. I

[Er sin bod yn rhoddi pob cyjlenstra i ohebwyr ddatgan eu bam ar gwesttynnau lleol, nid ydyw hynny i otyga ein bod yn cydsynio &'a daliadau.—GoL.]

Nitl ydym yn ymrwymo i ddychwelyd unrhyw ysgrif annerbyniol os na anfonir amlen 4 stamp gyda chais am hynny ar y pryd. Cofier hyn, gan y rhoddir toll drom i'r lasged bob toythnos. Rhaid bod yn fyr ac i bwyr.t.—GoL.

_H_- .n n -I Gohebydd y "Darian" ar II Etholiad Rhanbarih Llanelli. I Fel hyn yr ysgrifenna (L," o dan y pennawd, Nodion o Wlad Myrddin," yn y Darian am Rhagfyr 19:- Fel yr awgrymais yr wythnos ddiweddaf, yr oedd teimladau y ddwy blaid yn yr ethol- aeth hon yn bur frwd, yn enwedig pleidwyr Dr. Williams. Aeth rhai o'r rhain dipyn yn rhy bell yn eu gwrthwynebiad i Towyn. Ymyrwyd a'r holl gyfarfodydd a gynhaliwyd ar ei ran yn Llanelli, an nifer o bleidwyr y Doctor, fel mai gwrandawiad digon gwael gafodd y rhan fwyaf o' r siaradwyr. Clywais mai yr un rhai—rhyw ddwsin neu ddau—oedd yn creu mwstwr yn yr holl gyfarfodydd. rchwyl pur hawdd yw proffwydo, ond nid hawdded proffwydo yn gywir. Er hynny, hwyrach y gadewir i mi ddweyd fy marn am yr hyn a gredaf fydd canlyaiad yr etholiad. Os nad wyf yn camgymeryd arwyddion yr amserau yn fawr, mae Towyn wedi ei ethol gyda 2,000 o fwyafrif. Ac i bleidwyr annoeth Dr. Williams y mae d  .ic I ei ddiolch yn ddyledus. Hyd nes y dechreu- wyd ymyryd a chyfarfodydd Towyn gan y giwed anystywallt hon, yr oedd Dr. Williams yn ennill tir bob dydd. Ond pan welodd y rhai oedd yn cloffi rhwng dau feddwl ym- ddygiad anfoesgar ac annheg yr ad ran hon- adran fechan ei rhif, mae'n wir--o blcidwyr yr ymgeisydd Llafur, penderfynasant ar un- waith bleidleisio dros Towyn neu aros gar- tref a pheidio a phleidleisio o gwbl. Clywais dri neu bedwar o' r dosbarth hwn yn siarad a u gliydd wrth fynd adref o'r cyfarfnrl » gynhaliwyd yn Neuadd y Farchnad, Llanelli, nos Lun. Ebai un, Dw i ddim yn credu yn y Coalition hyn o gwbl, ond 'dw i ddim am i lywodraeth y wlad hyn fynd i ddwylo shwd greduriaid a rheina. Son am ymladd ag anifeiled yn Ephesus, wir! Good-bye i Dr. Williams am vote gen i ar ol hyn.' Same here,' ebai'r ail, mae tair vote yn ty ni. Alla i ddim yn gydwybodol voto dros Towyn a Lloyd George, achos y reactionary crew sy nglyn a nhw, ond os dyna'r sense of fair play sy 'da' r Labour Party, well da fi aros 'sbo nhw wedi dod i' w senses.'

Lloffion o Lanfihangel. Nid amddifad y plwyf uchod o' i ddigwydd- iadau a'i newyddion, pa rai sydd yn deilwng o'u lie yn wythnosol yng ngholofnau y Cronicl. Cynhwysa bentrefi ami a bywiog, ynghyd a phreswylwyr dyfal ac urddasol. Yn naturiol felly, cyfyd o weithgarwch a rhamant gynhwysiad cyhoeddus teilwng i drigianwyr pell. Cynhaliwyd eisteddfod o fri yn y Church Hall, nos Iau diweddaf. Daeth cystadleuwyr megis o gyrrau pella' r ddaear ynghyd yno i ymarfer eu dawn. Deallaf ei bod wedi troi allan yn Hwyddiant mawr, ac fod codaid dda er chwyddo y drysorfa fendithiol er croesawi y milwyr a'r morwyr wedi deilliaw ohoni. Llwyddiant pellach i'r Gymdeithas a r cirysorf a. Ond er cymaint llwyddiant yr eisteddfod, methaf edmygu ymddygiad nythaid fechan o ——— gynhaliodd gyfarfod yn ymyl. Os na fedrwch werthfawrogi gwasanaeth y bechgyn ddioddefasant boethder y rhyfel yn amgenach na phoeri Ïw gwynebau megis, wel, braidd na ddywedaf, Trueni na chawsech eu profiad. Gwylied y sawl sydd yn tybied ei fod yn sefyU, na syrthied. Da calon gennym ydyw croesawi i'n mysg lu o ddewrion o' r meysydd gwaedlyd. Deallaf fod ilawer ohonynt wedi derbyn rhyddhad er dychwelyd at eu cyn-orchwyl. Yn fuan gwawried y dydd pan ddaw holl fechgyn y plwyf i fwynhau eu rhyddid cartrefol. Nos Nadolig, perfformiwyd y gantawd gysegredig, Gweithiau Crist." yng Nghapet? Carmel. Derbyniodd y gwrandawyr o aedd- fed ffrwyth ymdrechion Hafur y Cor. Am- lygwyd drwyddo ddiwydrwydd, ymdrech, a ffyddlondeb. Arweiniwyd gan y cerddoi wuanc, gobeifhiol, Mr. Esaiah Daies, yr hwn sydd yn gyflym ddringo yn tiwch hyd risiau cerddoriaeth. Pwy oedd y cyfryw ymdrechodd rwystro y gantawd am nad oeddent yn credu yn y fath sothach? Rhy gul, wir. Hunodd yn yr angau, yr wythnos ddi- weddaf, eneth ieuanc i Mr. a Mrs. Jones, Llettymawr, ger Pantyllyn. Claddwyd ei gweddillion marwol yn y Tabemacl, Llan- deilo. Heddwch i w Ilwch. Blwyddyn Newydd Dda i bawb. AERO.

DIARFOGIAD (DISARMAMENT). Y gynnau oil ar gennad-a'.r bidog Arbedwyd o' u bwriad; Esgorodd hedd drwy gledd gwlad Ar fwgyn diarfogiad. Gweiniwyd y cledd, ganwyd clod-i werin 0 Am wared erchylldod Llwydd i fyw, dim lladd i fod, Y durfin wedi darfod. Brynaman. D. BRYNFAB THOMAS. Brynaman.

Eisteddfod Carmel, llandebie; Nos Iau diweddaf, cynhaliwyd eisteddfod fawreddog, dan nawdd y Gymdeithas Groesawi Lleol ï r Milwyr a' r Morwyr, yn y lie uchod. Yr oedd yr ystafell yn orlawn o wrandawyr, a chafwyd cystadleuaethau luosog ac uwchracldcl ymhob dosbarth. Y be:rniaid oeddynt:-Cerdc"c,rlae,h, Parch. H. D. Clement, Mus. Bac., Treforis; amrywiaeth, Parch. E. Jenkins, Ciiycwm, Llanymddyiri; ar gv/aith llaw, Mrs. Williams, Y hicerdy, Golden Grove. Cyfeiliwyd yn ddeheuig gap Miss Eunice Thomas, A.L.C.M., Carmel. A ganlyn ydyw rhestr y buddugwyr:— Unawd dan 10 oed: 1, Lily Maud Lloyd, Cefneithin 2, Bess Lloyd, Temple Bar. Adroddiad dan 10 oed: 1, Nancy Lewis, Blaenau; 2, Millicent Collins, Cwmgwili. Unawd ar y berdoneg: 1, Emlyn Evans, Penrhiwgoch; 2, Lena Thomas, Celliror. Adroddiad dan 14 oed: 1, Alice May Bolton, Aman,ford; 2, Lizzie Davies, Stag and Pheasant. Unawd dan 14 oed: l, Martha Roberts. Llandebie; 2, Alice May Bolton, Arranford Unawd soprano: Miss Jennie Evans, Gac- nant. Darllen ar y pryd: Mr. T. Perkins, Temple. Bar. Pinafore P!entyn: Miss M. H. Jones, Peny- bank, Carmel. Unawd tenor: Mr. D. Thomas, Llandeb;e Ateb gofyniadau Ysgrythyrol: Mr. R. Perkins, Ffynnon. Unawd bass: Mr. B. Davies, Gorsias. Barddoniaeth: Mr. Joshua Jones, Golden Grove. Unawd contralto: Madam May Roberts, Llandebie. Wythawd: Parti Carmel. Adroddiad agored: Miss Maud Evans, Llan- debie. Her unawd: Rhannwyd rhwng Madam May Roberts, Llandebie, a Mr. Vi. Dyfnall Davies, Penygroes. Prif ddarn corawl: CarmeL

DYCHWELIAD Y BECHGYN. ion.- Alexander No.1, 131. 0 bellafoedd cread lor, Dros y tir a thros y mor, Dod mae'r bechgyn tuag adref, 0 bryderon estron wlad; Melys hedd aelwydydd Cymru, Wedi stormydd maes y gad. 0 bellafoedd cread lôr, Dros y tir a thros y mor, A'u wynebau euraidd lewyrch, O'r un wawr a ser y nos Dod a wnani o Ffrainc a Ffiandrysr A gororau'r Eidal alos. 0 bellafoedd cread lor, Dros y tir a thros y mor, 0 gynhesrwydd Salonica, Gwlad yr Aifft, a Salem fro Gyda phell gylaredd Sinai, A Chalfaria yn eu co' 0 bellafoedd cread lor, Dros y tir a thros y mor, Dod o dud Mesopotamia, Dilyn llwybrau Abraham Tfoi o'r India, wlad anghyftaith, At berorus iaith eu mam. o beHafoedd cread lor, Dros y tir a thros y mor, 0 gaethiwed llwyd yr Almaen, .Ac o Gaer-Gystennin bell Newid ysbryd cystuddiedig. Am orfoledd dyddiau gwell. Arwain hwy O' Arglwydd lor, Dros y tir a thros y mcr: Hwylia'u llwybrau'n ol i Gymru, Llywia'u serch at demlau'n gwlad Talu wnelont oil yn Seion Addunedau maes y gad. NANTLAIS.

BRYNAMAN. Uarlith.-Nos Sadwrn diweddaf, traddod- wyd darlith benigamp yn Gibea gaR y bardd- bregethwr hyglod, y Parch. Alfa Richaid?. ar y testyn, John Penry, y Merthyr Cym- reig." Dyma'r waith gyntaf y clywyd Alfa fel dadithydd, ond gellir dweyd gyda sicrwydd (os Duw a'i myn) mal n'd dyma y tro diweddaf. Profodd ei hun yn feistr ar ei waith mewn trefn, defnyddiau, hwyl, a gwersi, a choronwyd yr oil ag arddeliad, a hynny, ni gredwn, am iddo ddechreu ar ei ddarlitrh—er mewn modd dieithr arddel [a d a hynny, h ?n?' er mewn modd di e t h r ïr oes hon, yn y modd priodol, er hynny— gyda gweddi daer. Yr oedd angerddol- rwydd ei ysbryd gweddigar wedi esgor a: ynni a brwdfrydedd santaidd, nes iddo hoelic y gynulleidfa wrth goffadwriaeth y merthyt o'i gryd i'w ddienyddle. Bydd traddodi hon yn sicr o greu cleffroad cenedlaethol ymysg y werin. Dyn wedi byw a marw dros ei ar- gyhoeddiadau-dyma destyn a digon o ad- noddau darlith i ddiwygwyr yr ugeinfed ganrif i gydio gafael ynddo; a theimlwn yn ddiolchgar ïr Parch. Alfa Richards am ei ddewisiad dpeth ohono. Bydd yn fendith i ardaloedd .glywed. hon, ac ïw dylanwad fyned drwy'r wlad fel llwynogod Samsom gynt, a llosgi pob rhith a ffug o'i blaen, fd bo'r pur a' r dyrchafedig yn cael eu cyfle at y ddynoliaeth. Cadeiriwyd gan y Parch. W. D. Thomas yn ddeheuig fel arfer. Gair gyda llaw: byddai yn werth i ddarlithwyr i gymeryd dalen o lyfr Alfa mewn dechreu wrth yr Orsedd. A phan ystyriom, nfd oes hawl gennym i gynnal un gwasanaeth yn y cysegi heb ei ddechreu felly. Beiddgarwch an- nuwiol ynnom ydyw .anwybyddu gweddi mewn cysegr. Dyna ddywedodd yr Athraw Mawr, « "Ty gweddi y gelwir fy nhy i." Boed felly o hyn allan ydyw dymuniad llu mawr heblaw D.B.T. Printed and Published by the Amman Valley Chronicle, Limited, at their Offices, Quay -i, Ammanford. in the County of Car- marth en, J-iu;2nd, 1919.