The Amman Valley Chronicle and East Carmarthen News

In the industrial world, accidents day after day are reported, many of such a serious consequence that life is held in jeopardy. Often it is the case that, had an operation been promptly per- formed, the life of a bread-winner might have been saved. To meet with emergencies such as the case instanced, it is essential that a Hospital be in the neighbourhood. The Amman Valley, as matters stand at present, leaves the door open for the Angel of Death." Serious cases have to be taken to the Swansea Hospital, and it takes at least an hour for the fastest motor-car to get there. The Trades and Labour Council have made a move in the matter, and there is some possibility of an arrangement being come to between them and the Swansea Board of Management. The scheme suggested is the building of a wing at Amman- ford. Now that hostilities have ceased, the matter should be pushed forward with all speed. It is up to the different public bodies to be unanimous on the question to secure a speedy adjustment of a difficulty which has confronted the Amman Valley for some years. A misunderstanding has arisen be- tween the Amman Valley School Managers and the County Education Authority. The matter is one of vital importance to the miners, and require* a satisfactory clearing up from their standpoint. Mr. Clyn Jenkins, the miners' representative, brought to the notice of the Managers at their last meeting the generous way in which the miners supported the Swansea Hos- pital. There is, however, one impor- tant fact, and that is the laxity of either the latter Institute or the County Edu- cation Authority in dealing .satisfactorily with the providing of glasses to the school children of the Amman Valley. It is also possible that other Managers are in the same dilemma. The County Medicail Ofifcer, when the occasion arises, simply instructs the parents to have the defect remedied. He says nothing relative to the additional ex- pense to be borne by the miner. They (the miners ) contribute handsomely to the Swansea Hospital, and yet if they take their children there for treatment, are referred back to the County Eye Specialist, or the County Education' Authority, the latter assuming the role of a Board of Guardians or a similar charitable institution. They say that if the circumstances of the parents are such as to justify their financial aid, they will come to the rescue. The miners of the Amman Valley abhor the very idea of assistance being given in the form of charity, and rightly so when one considers the extent to which they contribute to the rates of the county. Another very serious aspect of the ques- tion is the lackadaisicall way in which the subject is dealt with. The eye- sight of a child, if neglected, may lead to the blasting of its whole future. The advice given should be that of a trained oculist. Yet it does not appear that, as far as this survivor of Bumbledom is concerned, any precaution is taken to see that he person who recommends glasses is competent for the work. A few years ago, a case the- non- attendance of a child aLschool was heard at a local police court, when it was stated that his absence was due to his eyes being thrown out of focus by being supplied by some quack or other with unsuitable glasses. The question naturally arises as to whom is the County Eye Specialist, and whether that noble body contributes towards the upkeep of that position. Then if there is n* recognised eye specialist, the miners will have to come to some arrangement with the Swansea Hospital authorities.

Operetta at Brynamman. The English Congregational Church Juvenile Choir, Brynamman, numbering about 60 voices, presented its second operetta during the end of last week. Despite the fact that four performances of the delightful work, Playmates," were given, the seating capacity of the edifice proved regrettably n- adequate to accommodate the crowds which assembled up to the last occasion (Saturday _e ning). It is estimated that about 1,500 pz pie wtneSbCd the produ?ti?i. II CAN be safely surmised that the high standard of merit this choir won on their debut as operetta producers was to a great extent responsible for the great attraction. All went well from start to finish without a hitch. Madam Fred Hargreaves, an adept organiser of such events, had striven hard to train the juveniles, and the success of the performances was to a great extent due to her good judgment and effective discipline. She is an able and ex- 1 11 in is perienced stage manageress, and her services on such occasions are much requisitioned nowadays. The conductor of the choir was Mr. Enoch Bowen, precentor of the church, who had the choir well in hand. The various choruses were well rendered, power and blend being notable features of the com- bination. The curtain rises and a pretty scene meets our gaze. A throng of smiling youngsters, dressed in, various attires of different hues and tints. While the symphony is played, the children are engaged in innocent merriment, skipping and dancing alternately. This scene represents a lawn in front of Mother Goose's cottage. Jack Goose's playmates had been invited there in great numbers to be enter- tained. Among the playmates are Farmer Jack (J. Ll. Morgan), followed by his friend Flora Macdonald. They both part, as Farmer Jack goes to fight the Giant Killer. Then comes a tug-of-war," when Dick Whittington comes in, wearied and dis- appointed with London; but he again hears the bells, and proceeds to sing his story. At last he comes to the conclusion that if at first you don't succeed, try, try, try again, and starts to return, but is detained by Mother Goose. His playmate, Annie Laurie, comes on the scene, and they meet; but Dick leaves for London. Then Mother Goose very sweetly sings with a number of little girls, known as little Lammies on the Sea." Aunt Sally appears with her stool and tub, and goes on washing, singing very artistically the while. The next comer is Simple Simon with his fishing rod. When he sees the tub, he starts fishing in it, and falls asleep while waiting for a catch. When he awakens he finds all the water all gone. Cowboy Jack makes his appearance, and then leaves on an exploring expedition to the clouds. The atmosphere changes here entirely from laugh- ter and song to weeping and sorrow. Three little mites are seen weeping after their play- mates, and plead for a volunteer to go and find them. Simple Simon and his four High- landers volunteer to make the search. They march across the platform in true military style. Simple Simon disappears to dress for the expedition, and returns with his kit upside down. This causes convulsions of laughter. The first part finishes with a dance by the older girls, which they do very gracefully, and the second part opens with a chorus. Simple Simon returns with his band and the missing playmates. Farmer Jack returns as the Giant Killer and, and Dick Writtington as Lord Mayor of London. Three girls decorate Simple Simon for his bravery, and the choir sings What a merry meeting." Mother Goose sings about the morals they learn. The singing of the chorus, Good Night," terminates the proceedings. The principal characters were:—" Mother Goose," M. A. Jones; Jack Goose," Leslie Howells; "Simple Simon," Horace Hopkins; "Dick Whittington," Griff. Williams; Jack the Giant Killer," Llew. Morgan; Aunt Sally," Nancy Williams; Jack o' the Beanstalk," James Morgan; Flora Macdonald, Millie James; Annie Laurie, Nellie Westwood; "Maggie Lander," Florrie Davies; Highlanders," Gwyn Williams, T. J. James, Caradog Evans, and Gwyn Harris. Miss Sallie Williams ably accompanied. The Rev. D. E. Harris (pastor), Messrs. Jenkin Jones, Upper Schools, and Griff. Morgan, Lower Council Schools, presided.

RE MIDWIFERY. To the Ealtor, Amman Valley C hronicle. bir,-With reference to rro Bono Pubtico's contribution on the above matter, I thought once to ignore it as being beneath notice; but subsequent events have proved that policy to be unwise, and I feel that the general public is entitled to a fuller explana- tion. I maintain that Pro Bono Publico has written on a subject he does not under- stand. In his last letter he made a request for an explanation of the word on,ly" in the advertisement which has so annoyed him. I may say that word is quite applicable, aad its purpose is to distinguish the difference between Nurse Llewelyn and the other mid- wives. She happens to be the only trained midwife in Ammanford; the others are only bona fide midwives. A trained midwife must have theoretical and practical knowledge of midwifery. Nurse Llewelyn, I gather, has both of these qualifications, and has a certi- ficate to that effect. The other midwives in Ammanford, I understand, were in bona fide practice previous to the year 1902, and have only practical knowledge of midwifery, and hold a certificate accordingly. If Pro Bono Publico desires, he can get this fact easily confirmed. Some of the midwives may, though, use the initials C.M.B. after their signatures, but they are not justified in doing ?so.-Yours, &c., LOVER OF FAIRPLAY.

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR CIVIL LIBERTIES ANTI-CONSCRIPTION CAMPAIGN. To the Editor, Amman Valley Chronicle. Sir,May I crave the hospitality of your columns to draw the attention of your readers to the above Campaign and to the mass meet- ing to bL- held at the Palace to further its object (particulars of which will be found in your advertisement columns) ? The N.C.C.L. was formed during the war to work for the maintenance and restoration of our civil liberties. The President is Mr. W. C. Anderson, and among its Vice-Presidents are Dr. John Clifford, J. A. Hobson, and Robert SmiHie. The Council is now organising a Campaign for the abolition of Conscription. To this end they are arranging over 300 mass meetings throughout the land v;, MTM-LI 2UJ, 1919. The reason for fixing upon that date is that it is the third anniversary of the coming into operation of the first Military Service Act. I venture to think that the object of the Campaign is one that will commend itself to most of your readers as worthy of their fullest sympathy and support. Compulsory Service is alien to the spirit and outlook of the British people, and it was only in the stress of the war that they acquiesced to its intro- duction, and even then only on the repeated assurance that it was only a war-time measure. The war being now, actually if not technically, at an end, there is no reason for its further perpetuation. I do not think it is the desire of the great mass of the people that it should any longer remain on the Statute Book. This was conclusively shewa by the fact that in the recent election every party of standing repute gave explicit under- takings that they would work for its abolition, and the Premier himself gave an assurance to that effect. It is because there is a small but influential section of the community who are bent upon making it a permanent insti- tution in the land that the need for this Cam- paign has arisen. The reason why this section want to retain Conscription is aptly expressed by Colonel Sir Augustus Fitz- George, who said: Compulsory Service was necessary at this time when the people were getting out of hand." The workers will realise the significance of that statement. Efforts are also being made to introduce mili- tary drill and methods into the schools, to militarise our education. Indeed, a book on Elements of Military Education has been issued from the County Education Office, Leicester (July, 1916), which contains in- structions for Bayonet Practice." Is there a parent in the land who desires his child to be taught how to bayonet? It is imperative that all lovers of Peace and Progress should bestir themselves to frus- trate the efforts of these Mad Mullahs of Militarism. It is to be hoped that as a result of this Campaign we shall see an end to the reign of Militarism in our country-as a neces- sary prelude to the Dawn of Universal Peace. May I finally, on behalf of the Trades and Labour Council, urge all workers to rally to the mass meeting. We are seeking the co- operation of all the Churches in our task. We hope that by our united efforts there will be such a response to. our call as will ensure that Ammanford and its environs will take no mean part in this glorious Campaign. Thank- ing you for your kindness.—I remain, yours, &c., JAS. GRIFFITHS, Secretary, Trades and Labour Council.

County Council Election. NOMINATION DAY TO-MORROW. To-morrow (Friday) is nomination day for the County Council election, and there is every likelihood of a contest at Ammanford. The present member is Mr. Erne Hewlett, whom it is expected will seek re-election. The Labour Party are well to the front, and have chosen Mr. Thos. Evans, checkweigher, as their prospective candidate. On Tuesday, a deputation consisting of influential business men, irrespective of party views, awaited upon the Rev. J. Griffiths, B.A., B.D., with a view of his standing on Progressive lines as a candidate. To this the rev. gentleman has agreed, and he will go to the poll. An effort is being made to come to an under- standing with the Labour Party, and whether Mr. Tom Evans will withdraw his candi- dature in favour of Mr. Griffiths it is not yet known. Other gentlemen who will stand in the Labour interest are Mr. John Davies, Llety'rywen, Blaenau (Llandebie Parish) Mr. Thomas Parry Jones, Tycroes (Uanedy Parish) and the Rev. Thomas Thomas. Carmel (Llanfihangcl-Aberbythych Parish).