The Amman Valley Chronicle and East Carmarthen News

I PENYGROES. Two grand performances of the Welsh drama, Y Prentis Plwyf," were given by the Blaenau Amateur Dramatic Society at the Penygtoes Council Schools on Friday and Saturday last. The chair was occupied at Friday's performance by the Rev. Garmon Thomas, Thornhill, and on Saturday by Mr. John Morris, Penygroes. The performances were huge successes from every standpoint, the building being well filled. The per- formers did their parts remalkably well, and the drama was excellently received. Although similar performances have been, given at the neighbouring villages, and most of the audi- ence had witnesse d the production before, the opinion was that the oftener the Blaenau Dramatic Society staged the drama the better the performance. All the players are worthy of praise, and it is impossible to make any distinction from among them. The Peny- groes Reception Committee publicly thank the Society for their willingness ifi coming to Penygroes, and thereby swelling the funds of the Reception Committee.

TRADES & LABOUR COUNCIL NOMINEES. At a meeting of the Ammaanford and Llandebie Trades and Labour Council, held at the Y.M.C.A. last night, it was unani- mously decided to contest the six vacant seats on the Urban Council at the forthcoming election, and also the Board of Guardians and Rural District Council. The nominees are as follow:—Urban Council: Messrs. Saml. WaMers, D. J. Edwards, R. T. Jones, Jas. Griffiths, and the two retiring Councillors, Messrs. John Evan Jones and David George. Board of Guardians: Messrs. W. Cathan Davies, Rufus Evans, and Arthur Thomas.

Forthcoming Events. [All forthcoming events which are adver- tised in the Chronicle, or for which printing is done at our Works in Quay Street, Amman- ford, will be included in the following list.] Mar. 15.-Church Hall, Gorslas: Grand Victory Bazaar, Fancy Fair, Drawing, and Sale of Work. Mar. 15.-Caersalem, Drefach: Grand Com- petitive Concert. Mar. 19.-Palace Theatre, Ammanfecd: Per- formance of the operetta, Bold Robin and the Babes," by English Congregational Band of Hope Choir. Mar. 27.-Moriah, Brynamman: Lecture by Rev. J. Lee Davies. Mar. 27 -29 .-Hermon, Brynamman: Three performances of the sacred cantata, The Children's Saviour." Mar. 29.-Penygroes: Grand Eisteddfod. Mar. 29.-New Bethel, Garnant: Grand Organ Recital. April 22.-Catmel Chapel, Gwaun-cae- gurwen: Grand Eisteddfod. Mar. 29 & 30.-Nebo, Tai'rgwaith: Half- yearly Preaching Services. April 9.—New Bethel, Garnant: Grand Organ Recital. April IO.-Public Hall, Gwaun-cae-gurwen: Grand Dramatic Recital by Llaeth- ferch." April 18 (Good Friday) .—Soar, Llandyfan: Second Annual Eisteddfod. Whit-Week.-Amman ford: Annual Conven- tion for the Deepening of the Spiritual Life.

Beautify the Home Dainty Mats, Comfortable Rugs, Choice Patterns in Linoleums, Carpets, Hand- some Mirrors, Bedsteads, Bedding, Wire Mattresses, Overlays. FURNITURE of every description manufactured on the Premises. Pianos, Organs, and other Musical Instruments. H. TARR, 71, Wind St., AMMANFORD. The Amman VaHey Furnishing Stores. To the INHABITANTS OF THE DISTRICT. Please NOTE THAT, "r, '.fl' j: If t' § MARTIN LEDWAms (Member of the National Association of Master B B Monumental Sculptors)  Has OPENED A BUSINESS ':fii¡1N AS MONUMENTAL SCULPTOR and STONECUTTER, Opposite Christian Temple Chapel, High St., AMMANFORD. In the meantime (until a Residence is acquired), please call with Mr. Rees Jones, Cabinet Maker, for all infoimm seti- PALACE, Ammanford. TO-NIGHT & FRIMY al 7-M. SATURDAY at 1.30 & 9. Miss MAE MARSH N • •«.' It k, POLLY of the CIRCUS. "FATTY" as a Cowboy in 'Out West.' Next Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The Great Ideal Film LEST WE FORGET. A great Super-Drama of Love and Danger, introducing the memorable crime of the sink- ing of the Lusitania, and starring Rita Jolivet, the famous French Actress, who was saved from the Wreck. Don't Miss the Palace Easter Week. GOOD NEWS FOR AMMANFORD. Professor LOUIS L.D.O., P .L.E.I. The Most Brilliant Optometrist Eyesight Specialist of the Day, From 125, Rue Royale, Paris, & 182, King's Road, London, S.W. CONSULTING ROOMS: 54, College Street, Ammanford, (LATE COMMERCIAL HOTEL) pr- FOR 5 DAYS ONLY. Tuesday, March 18, to Saturday,, Maroh 22. HOURS 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6-30 p.m. N response to repeated invitations to visit the Ammanford District, the Eminent Eyesight Expert has at length been able to find time from many other engagements to accept these pressing invitations. The residents of the Ammanford District will thus have a splendid opportunity of con- sulting PROFESSOR LOUIS, of Paris and London, the foremost Consultant Sight Specialist of the day. Countless testimonials from grateful patients testify to his unparalleled and amazing success in their cases, very many of whom had consulted other Eyesight Specialists with results so entirely futile and disappointing that they had resigned them- selves to the feeling that their case was hope- less, until induced by friends who had con- sulted the Professor with splendid results they submitted their case also to him, when to their astonishment they found they had been sent to a man who was a past master in his pro- fession, who at once diagnosed their com- plaints with complete success. The following letters will be of interest to those suffering from Eyesight trouble as shew- ing the Professor's surpassing ability and magical success in dealing with visual defects. At this point, in connection with our remarks upon the great skill and experience required in examining, testing, and advising, and pre- scribing in Eyesight defects, we wish to refer to a matter of imperative LMportance-that is, the practice which prevails in some places, not yet informed of his futility and even danger, of buying any kind of spectacles offered for sale anywhere, without having the sight tested by a professional and highly qualified Optometrist, as Professor Louis is-an-d suit- able glasses prescribed in accordance with such test. It is greatly to be deplored that, owing to want of thought, or it may be want of infor- mation, many imagine that to buy suitable glasses for defective eyesight is as simple as going into a chemist's to purchase aromatic perfume; a jeweller' s for some tinselled gew- gaw, or a baker's for a Bath-bun. « The two things are as wide apart asunder as the Poles, and this indiscriminate purchase of glasses which may seem suitable for the moment, has been found in thousands of cases, after a time, through then- absolute unsuit- ability, to have irreparably damaged the sight. If your sight be defective, then consult a man whose sole occupation is, and whose sole time is devoted to, the one subject of sight-testing and supplying the most effective and suitable lenses for arresting, correcting and curing the complaint. Verbum sat sapientibus" (A word to the wise is sufficient). To enumerate some of the many complaints and symptoms incident to defective vision:— Far-Sight.—Evidenced by the necessity of holding a newspaper at an unusual and awkward distance. It will be observed that to bring the paper closer to the eye, that is, to hold it at the usual distance, the print immediately becomes blurred and indistinct. This defect must be at once dealt with, for if neglected, very serious and sad conse- quences will certainly follow. Fatigue and confusion of sight when reading or sewing in the evening, especially if tired, which, unless promptly relieved, will soon result in a similar difficulty in using the eyes even by daylight. Other defects upon which expert advice should at once be sought are: Myopia—Near- Sight-when the object to be seen must be held painfully close to the eyes. This is a most dangerous form of Eyesight defect, and unless relieved, may cause total blindness. Astigmatism, Squinting, are other forms of abnormal vision, affecting very many persons —these defects urgently require prompt and scientific attention. ALARMING SYMPTOMS.—Ocular dis- comfort, vertical headache, nervousness, vertigo, photophobia (intolerance of light), burning and stinging of lids, eyes hot and bulging, eye-fatigue. None of our other senses supplies us with such accurate and external knowledge of the world as that of sight. To ensure the satisfactory discharge of duty and the full enjoyment of our pleasures, in all of which our eyes play a prominent and exacting part, it is necessary that our sight be of the best that can be secured. If this faculty be less than normal, if we cannot use our eyes naturally without strain- ing them, then the sooner we see to it the better, for not only is our present enjoyment marred, but our future health and happiness are seriously endangered. The longer we postpone seeking the proper remedy for our complaint, the more aggravated will this complaint become, no matter how small the derangement may appear to be, or how apparently insignificant, or how inter- mittent the symptom may be. The man of money is poor if his Eyesight is poor, his enjoyment in all things where sight is required is marred and blighted, his business dependent upon his sight is a para- mount and all-important duty. If therefore the reader feels that his sight is affected in the slightest degree, he may rest assured that he requires to have the advice and examina- tion of a skilled Optometrist, whose time is entirely occupied with such cases, and whose business is the examination and correction of VISUAL DEFECTS of every kind, tracing their source, and supplying the suitable corrective glasses. Very few people enjoy good vision, and the number is growing smaller owing to the ever-increasing use of the visual organs re- quired by the exigencies of this workaday world and of modern conditions of work. Yet most can retain excellent sight by taking proper precaution. To those who suffer from any form of Eye- sight defect, whatever we say, as you value your health and happiness, do not postpone the matter any longer. Take time by the forelock. CARE FOR YOUR EYES NOW. Do not neglect the opportunity which you may never have again of obtaining the advice of Professor Louis, the Brilliant, Talented, Experienced and Successful Eyesight Specialist of Paris and London. The Professor has experienced in his prac- tice that his wonderful speciality lens-" The Eureka is most effective in preserving the sight of Miners and of Workers in Foundries, for whose cases it is specially adapted. All who already have glasses which they may have purchased without having their sight tested by a qualified expert, and which are unsuitable and injurious, will be welcome to bring them for examination and correction. Examination, Test, Consultation and Advice are absolutely FREE to all. The stereotyped remark, My fee is one guinea, please," is never heard in the con- sulting rooms. Where required, lenses can be supplied at prices ranging from 4s. 6d. N.B .-Appointments can be made to suit miners at any hour. Don't put down this Paper until you have fixed your mind and time to go and see Prof. LOUIS. Let him tell you exactly how things are with your Eyes. Remember, Examina- tion Test, Consultation, ?nd Advice are Absolutely Free to all. Prof. LOUIS may be Consulted ot 54, ,Cc!ie:.Ie St. (Late Commercial Hotel), A^nanford, .oommecin' Tuesday, March 3t! to Saturday, Marh 22nd. 4ft 46- «

AMMANFORD. At a meeting of the Ammanford and Dis- trict Choral Society, held on Tuesday even- ing, it was decided to compete at the next .National Eisteddfod, to be held at Corwen. Mr. Gwilym R. Jones is the conductor. The chaired bard, Gwili, who has been ill in London for some time, is now con- valescent, and hopes to return to his home in Cardiff in the course of the present week. His many friends in Ammanford will be pleased to learn of his recovery. Anniversary services were held at Gwyn- icryn Chapel on Sunday and Monday last. The preacher for the occasion was the Rev. D. J. Davies, B.A., Capel Als, Llanelly. Powerful sermons were delivered at each service, and large attendances were noted. We regret to announce the very sad death of Tommy, the four-year-old child of Mr. Brutton, Villiers Road, which occurred on Monday. The deceased was a victim to influenza and pneumonia. Much sympathy is felt with the sorrowing father, who only a short while ago suffered the loss of his wife from the same complaint. A meeting was held at the Church Room on Monday evening last to decide upon the organising of a Pageant of Wales at Ammanford. The Rev. D. Spenser Jones, ,B.A. (curate), presided, and an address was delivered by the Rev. D. Maldwyn Davies. Another meeting is to be held on Monday next to go into details. At the Palace Theatre, on Sunday even- ing last, Mr. Jas. Hodson, of Thornton Heath, delivered a very powerful address upon The Greatest of Preachers and His First Address." The building was thronged with ardent followers, and interesting facts were submitted. During periodical visits to Ammanford, Mr. Hodson has done much to further the religious cause, and his services in that direction are greatly appreciated. Local heroes recently demobilised include Priv. Vemon Jones, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Jones, Hall Street. He served for over two years in German East Africa. Priv. David John Morgan, Bwlchymynydd, BeTtws, served with the Labour Corps at Salonica for three years. Priv. Willie Davies, Quay Street, visited his home, after two years' absence, during the week. He served in Mesopotamia, and was prior to the war em- ployed with Mr. Rees Jones, cabinet maker. Sergt. Brychan Richards, Pantyffynnon, was also this week demobilised. He took part in the Gallipoli landing and served in Palestine. On Sunday morning last, there was an inrush of waetr into the new Saron Drift of the Blaenau Colliery Company, Pantyffynnon, and the workings have been completely flooded out. Fortunately, there was only one man in the works at the time—a pumpsman— aud he managed to escape. It was known that the workings were approaching a disused shaf' called Pwll-y-Lord, filled with water, and efforts were being made to tap that shaft into a new drift. About 100 men will be temporarily thrown out of employment, and it is anticipated that as soon as the water is cleared the workings will develop exten- sively. At the Palace, this evening, Friday and Saturday, the great picture, PoUy of the Circus," featuring Mae Marsh, the favourite heroine of Ammanford picture-lovers. There? also is in addition Fatty in the two-part comedy, Out West." At Pooles will be screened the beautiful drama, Stella Maris," and a comedy, entitled The Milky Way." Another instalment of The Enemy Within will be shewn. For next Monday evening, at Pooles, the management have secured Stoll's masterpiece, Dodging a Million," with Mabel Normand as the "star." and supported by a strong cast. It is an un- usual mystery drama, and will be screened in five parts. The sad death occurred on Monday last Monday of Nurse Hannah Walters, daughter of Mrs. Lydia Walters, Pentwyn Road, Bettws. D *<• • 1, who was only 31 years of age, was oi cheerful disposition, and had during hostilities rendered much service at our military a:, I Red Cross hospitals. She was serving in hospital at Oswestry, when she wc~ ken seriously ill and brought home about a fortnight ago. Much sympathy is felt with the bereaved mother. A regrettable incident is the fact that a sister of deceased is due to land ui this country on Sunday next from Australia. A brother is alio serving in Salon'ca, ard has been for the there fer the past three years. The funeral took place to-day. At the Cross Inn Hotel, on Saturday evening last, a very interesting presentation took place, the recipient being Mr. John Davies, Bettws, and who for seven years has been electrician at the Tirydail and Llan- debie Collieries of Messrs. Cleeves, Ltd. Mr. T. W. Lewis, M.E., Tirydail, pre- sided, and paid a glowing tribute to the ster- ling qualities of Mr. Davies. He had during his presence among them won the admiration of both the officials and workers. They all regretted his departure, and wished him every success in his new sphere. Mr. David Lewis, the under-manager at Tirydail Col- liery; Mr. W. J. Davies, Llandebie; and Mr. Edward Davies, mechanic, also spoke, and handed over the gifts, which comprised a gold watch, Albert and pendant. Mr. Davies leaves to take up an appointment at St. Ives, Cornwall, as chief mining engineer of the tin mines of the Thermo-Electmc, Ltd.

BRYNAMMAN. I The Brynamman Bit-Badge League paraded the streets on Saturday evening, headed by the local Band, which played stirring mili- tary music. The membership is continually on the increase, there being over a hundred members. The Bethania Juvenile Choir, under the conductorship of Mr. Tom W. Jones, organ,ist of the church, will make its debut next week, in the way of presenting that beautiful operetta, The White Garland." Everything possible has been made to ensure the success of the project. As far as pretty dresses, appropriate scenes, and good singing and acting are concerned, nothing has been spared. The public are sure of a treat in every respect, and all should make a special effort to be present. The performances will commence on Wednesday and continue for three nights. The election of a representative for the Quarter-bach Division on the County Council took place on Saturday, the candidates being Mr. Griffith Williams- (Labour) and Mr. Comer Harries (Liberal). The result of the ballot was announced the same evening, it being as follows :-Griffith Williams, 661 Comer Harries, 463; 198 majority for Labour. Of the 2,000 odd electors, only 1,124 recorded their votes. At least 876 refrained from voting at all. The old-time enthusiasm was not manifested on this occasion. We hear that Mr. J. R. Jones, formerly of London House, has been elected to the County Council for Llanelly in the interests of Labour. Another concert was given by the Ladies' Choir during last week. This repeat was in aid of the Belgian. Fund, which was in a very low state. The crowd, in dimensions, did not compare favourably with those of the previous week. A similar programme was gone through. There were albeit many necessary changes and omissions. During the proceedings the Lower Brynamman refugees bid adieu to the place, and thanked the public for their shelter and hospitality during the last four years. They left on Friday for their homes -in Belgium. Since their advent to the village, two of their number have bad a grave in Welsh soil, the eldest of them, M. Matthew Corwyn, being interred at St. Catherine's Churchyard. Of the eight refugees, three are left in Upper Brynamman, and will eventually return to their native heath. A concert was held at Bethania, Rhos- amman, on Saturday evening, to welcome home Corpl. Godfrey Hughes and Priv. Arthur Lowe, Rhosamman, a hero of Mons, and who has been a prisoner in German hands for four years. He has terrible ex- periences to relate, which will eventually appear in the columns of the Chronicle. The artistes were:—Soprano, Miss Mary Davies, who sang Y mae Gwlad," England," and also sang duets with Miss H. Hopkir. the contralto of Lower Brynamman, who in addition vocalised several solos. Mr. J. Glyn Davies, Cwmllynfelil, was the bass, and sang H Landlord's Daughter and Alawon Cymru Wn." Miss Bessie Icies (Celyn- ferch) recited Hullo and Y Mab Afraalon. Verses from Mr. Willie Lowe were read to his (released brother. All the artistes did very well. Mr. Fred Harris ""ompmied, and the pastor, Rev. Job- Llewelyn, presided.

LLANDEBIg. Congratul ations to Miss Maude Evans (Llanferch) on her success at Gams wilt Lis- teddfod on Saturdiay llast in winning the open recitation. This is the seventh occasion on which Llanferch has been successful during the last two months. We are also pleased to refer to the able way in whicii she carried out her duties as adjudicator and conductress at Penygroes Eisteddfod, when she won the approval of all present. She appears next Saturday at a grand concert to be held in Brynamman. Dos yn mlaen, Llaniferch, Dos yn mlaen yn hy. Yr wyt yn arweinyddes Adroddreg nawr o fry. Dos ymlaen yn wrol, Wrth fynd o fan i fan; Cofia wueud dy oireu I godi cymn"r lan. CARWR LLWYDDIANT.

LLANDILO. Mr. Tom Williams, of Church House, Manordilo, was successful at the Sketty Poultry Show held last week. He captured first and second in the Ancona (cockerel) Class, and second prize in the Ancona (pullet) Class. Mr. Rees Davies, of Bronafon, Thomas Street, Llandilo, who had acted as librarian for nearly four years during the absence with the Colours of Mr. J. R. Griffiths, was on Saturday night last presented by the mem- bers of the Llandilo Public Hall and Literary Institute with a wallet containing over £ 14 in Treasury notes, as a token of appreciation for services rendered. The Ven. Archdeacon Robert Williams, M.A. (vicar) presided. Information has just come to hand that the death has taken place in France of Sergt. Watts, son of Mrs. Watts, of 15, Railway Terrace. The deceased was home on leave a few weeks ago, and on his return to France contracted influenza, which developed into pneumonia, with fatal results. Sergt. Watts is the second son of Mrs. Watts that has died while doing service for King and country, the other son having made the supreme sacri- fice on the field of battle. Mr. A. E. Harries, J.P., Chairman of the Llandilo Urban District Council, presided at a presentation meeting held at the Public Hall, Llandilo, on Saturday night last, and presented the following on behalf of the Committee of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Welcome Committee, viz.Gunner W. K. Parry, who was given a razor; and Priv. John Thomas, of Redstone Villa, Rhos- maen, whose choice fell on a watch chain. There was a fairly good attendance, and the boys were given a hearty welcome home. It is with sincere regret that we have this week to chronicle the death, which took place on Saturday night last, of Mt. Herbert Thomas, of 16, Railway Terrace, after an illness of a few weeks' duration, at the age Qf 52 years. Deceased. had been in the employ of the late Mr. Pritchard Davies, plumber, Ship House, and latterly of his son, Mr. D. Pritchard Davies, for a term ex- tending over 30 years. He was well known and highly respected. The funeral, which was for gentlemen only, took place yesterday. The death took place at a hospital in Swan- sea, on Wednesday of last week, of Mr. Wililiam John Jones, son of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Jones, of Brynywawr, Penybank, Llandilo, at the age of 28 years, after an ill- ness of long standing. The deceased had been on the staff of Lloyds Bank, Llandilo, for ten years, and was most highly respected. The funeral, which was largely attended, took place on Monday last, the place of inter- ment being the Siloh burial-ground, Peny- bank, Llandilo. The Rev. Stephen Thomas, pastor, and Rev. W. Bowen, Penygroes, officiated. The chief mourners were the deceased's parents, brothers and sisters. A brother of the deceased was killed in the war last September. The death took place on Monday of last week of Mr. William Rees Evans, of Ty- newydd Farm, Golden Grove, from appen- dicitis, at the age of 78 years. On June 6th, 1914, he and Mrs. Evans, who survives him, celebrated their golden wedding. He was a great-grandfather. Deceased' was a carpenter on the Cawdor Estate, Golden Grove, for 18 years, which he relinquished about seven years ago. He had been in residence at Tynewydd all his lifetime. He was highly esteemed by all who came in contact with him. Great sympathy is felt for the de- ceased's widow, five sons and two daughters. The funeral, which was a large and repre- sentative one, took place last Friday, the 7th inst., the place of burial being the Taber- nacle Chapel burial-ground, Ffairfach. A short service was conducted at the house and chapel by the Rev. Thomas Thomas, Albion (in the absence of the Rev. Wm. Davies, The Walk, deceased's minister, who was indisposed), and at the chapel the deceased's favourite hymn, 0 fryniau Caersalem," was sung. The Rev. D. Corris Davies (W.) officiated at the graveside. The bearers were the deceased's intimate friends, viz., Messrs. J. Jones, John Ambrose, Walter Lewis, and J. Lewis. The coffin was of unpolished oak with heavy fittings. The chief mourners were:—Mr. J. R. Evans, London (son) Mr. and Mrs. T. R. Evans, Gowerton (son and daughter-im-liaw) Mr. and Mrs. R. J. Evans, Rhymney (son and daughter-in-law) Mr. and Mrs. George Board, Gowerton (son- in-Jaw and daughter) Mr. Charles Evans, Llandilo (son) Mrs. Baldry, London (daughter) Mr. R. R. Evans, Golden Grove (son) Messrs. D. J. Ambrose, W. Ambrose, and N. Wang land, Llanelly (nephews) and Mr. W. Bowen, Cwmdu, Llandilo (nephew). Floral tributes were sent by Tom, Bessie, George, Nellie and Victor, Gowerton; from Jack, Lil and May, London; and Mr. Surman, Golden Grove Gardens. At the Capel Newydd Chapel, New Road, a miscellaneous concert and cantata was held on: Thursday evening of last week, which was well attended and resulted in the sum of £ 37 Is. 6d. being handed, to the treasurer, Mr. D. Jones Morris, by Messrs. David Evans, Lloyds Bank, and John. Thomas, 46, Rhosmaen Street, the joint secretaries. The following was the programme:—Part 1 (mis- cellaneous concert): Violin concerto with orchestral accompaniment, Mr. Willie Ed- wards song, Cymru Fydd," Miss Bron- wen Williams; song, Gwlacl y Canu," Mr. D. Lewis; song, "Hoff Wlad fy Ngenedigaeth," Mr. D. J. Rhys. Part 2 (cantata, "Cambria"): Solo (contralto) and chorus, Deffroed eich meddwl"; chorus of Druids (tenors and basses) Mae 'n Nos, Mae'n Nos recit. and aria (soprano), Distawodd y Derwyddon"; chorus of Early Christians, Hosanna, Haleliwia so 10 (contralto), Da i ni ddysgu recit. (contralto and tenor), Pwy a gwyd i godi Cymru "? solo (baritone) w and chorus of ?Soldiers, Er mnvyn Llewelyrt a Chymru chorus, Gwae, gwae, Gymru brudd two-part song (soprano and contralto), Mae r hen delynau heddyw'n fuel"; Cambria invocationi, Cydunwn i alw recit. and air (soprano and baritone) and rhcrus, Duodd y Nos"; emyn wlado'l, IViae dewrion Gymru'n uchel fri song and chorus, Yn yr hen amser fu (solo, Mr. John Williams) four-part song, Aeth y dyddiau stormus heibio"; song (tenor) Hc.,i delynau sydd yn spinio quartette, Cj r 0 mor annwyl wyt"; epilogue (at tne Lake), "O dawel Nos"; finale, 0, A;'thur fawr, fe wawria'r dydd." The .¡rtlst-.S weil'e:-SoprnuQs, Misses Nellie Bowen and E. J. Ross; contralto, Miss oronwen Williams; tenor, Mr. D. J. D .vies • bass Messrs. D. Lewis (Llew Cib) and J. R. Evans; elocutionists, Mrs. John Williams and Mrs. H. W. Griffiths. The orcheUra consisted of:—First violins, Messrs. Frank jones (leader) and Willie Edwards; secovd violin, Mr. Edison Price; viola, Mr. lack Morgan; f Mr. T. Morgan; piano, Mrs. i. R. Dainlel; organ, MiA Olwen Williams. The conductor was Mr. John Evans, and the chairman Mr. J. Picton, J.P.

Under the Lamp. I fBy "THE WATCHMAN."] Many surprises have been sprung upon the electorate in the recent County Council elec- tions. It appears from the returns that that body is now constituted upon a more 3emo- cratic basis, and anticipations are keen in respect to reforms very much needed. Nearly all the newspapers have dealt with the lackadaisical attitude of the County Council under the old regime. Candidly, there was room for a change. The electorate had during latter years shewn very little interest in the policy of that body, and cared nought as to who represented them. As we have previously contended, had there been more criticism, we cOlloM have expected more elaborate and sounder results. Those cliques in the past have caused much dissatisfaction, and once introduced into the life of any public body, leads to its ultimate ruin. Such can be said of the Carmarthenshire County Council, and the sudden return of the old- time interest in public administration has resulted in its downfall. We will expect much from the newly-elected body, more especially from an educational reform stand- point. The sweeping majority of the Rev. J. Griffiths, B.A., B.D., proves the interest of the workers in that direction. The in- clusion of Mr. Percy Williams, the dis- charged soldiers' candidate at Carmarthen. will go a long way towards righting the many grievances of the discharged men. At Llan- dovery, the workingmen's vote and their ?,polkic,a?l tendencies can be accounted for the return of the Liberal candidate. We do not, however, submit that the election was fought on political lines. The defeat of Mr. Mervyn Peel is regrettable, in view of the fact that he has proved himself a very use- ful and energetic member of the County Council. At the last meeting of the Ammanford; Urban District Council, a bold attempt wasi, made to rush through the Housing Scheme. At that time, very li-tile consideration had been given to its magnitude and the ultimate results to be borne by the overtaxed rate- payers. True, as Mr. Evan Lewis contended, there is a pressing need for workers' houses, but-where do we stand with reference to the Sewerage Scheme? We can truly esti- mate that the cost of the proposed Sewerage Scheme will be at least 100 per cent. more than in pre-war days. The ratepayers, from a sanitary standpoint, will have to put up with the cost, for is not prevention better than cure? Again, from a business aspect, can any public body rush thiough a Housing Scheme, once rejected and practically despised of man, without first giving careful consideration to the elaborate propositions of the Local Government Board? And, further, what limit is there to the spending and borrow- ing powers of the Urban Authority? The Government urge Local Authorities to adopt their Housing Scheme regardless of any pre- war schemes, and which are of the two of more importance. If the Council cannot see their way clear to go on with the Sewerage Scheme, then other powers will intervene and carry out the work under their direction. The election is at our door, and our activity must be shewn. With all due respect I submit the word Consideration to our retiring members," and maybe they will deem fit to adopt it as their motto in their forthcoming fight. There are six vacant seats, and the old ) members will all undoubtedly seek re-election. Rumour has it that there are likely to be fifteen aspirants for Urban honours. The ratepayers have a hard task before them, and may their selection-wliich is for their own betterment-be a wise one. < < On Saturday last, very important evidence was given at the resumed sitting of the Coal Commission. One leading daily sums up by stating that it would be difficult to exaggerate the gravity of the evidence tendered by three great captains of industry. Mr. Talbot, of the National Federation of Iron and Steel Manufacturers, gave it as his considered judg- ment that the miners' demand would involve a very serious addition to the cost of steel, and would damage our position in competi- tion in the markets of the world. Sir Daniel Stevenson, Bart., a leading Scottish magnate and a great coal exporter, said, Germany would soon be fighting us in the coal markets of the world. Sir Thomas Watson, Bart., of Cardiff and Newport, gave remarkable instances of how Britain had lost foreign markets to competing producers during recent years. The Medical Officer of Health forwarded a startling communication to the Urban Dis- trict Council at their last meeting. The Inspector of the N.S.P.C.C., who was re- sponsible for the report, stated that in a house in Park Terrace, Pantyffynnon, there was barely a whole pane of glass. Overcrowding and insanitary conditions prevailed, and the house was occupied by two families. Naturally, the Sanitary Inspector was in- structed to visit and report thereon. During the time the lads were" out yonder there prevailed a spirit of comrade- ship which was irreproachable. They re- turned in small numbers to dear old Blighty, many maimed for life. To safeguard their interests a Federation was formed, and the membership gradually increased, until to-day it is one of the finest and soundest organisa- tions in the country. At Ammanford there appears to be a missing link, and the real old pal feeling is disappearing. For why? The organisation in the past has been at fault. That can be remedied, and the lads brought together and given the opportunity to again serve their own interests. < Mr. A. E. Harries, J.P., reported on the conference held in connection with the pro- posed Llandilo and Lampeter Light Rail- way, at the last meeting of the Llandilo Urban Council. According to the delegate, there is every likelihood of the railway being instituted. The different Councils are full of enthusiasm, and successful1 conferences are being held. We can predict a great future for the district if the railway comes to stay." The district has suffered considerably in the past through lack of transport, and many industries have been neglected. < A discussion at the last meeting of the Llandilo Urban Council disclosed the fact that considerable damage was being done to Penylan Park. During the summer months the Park is frequented by visitors, and it is nothing short of a scandal if the Park is to be allowed to be stripped of its beauty Ly mischievous children. The Council should take a broader view of the question and. in- struct their officials to institute proceedings against offenders. < Events in Paris are moving with tremendous rapidity. The end of March will probably see the end of the Peace Conference so far as all the essential and immediate issues are concerned. It is understood that the Allies are aware that Germany will accept the terms offered to her without any attempt to prolong negotiations or delay a decision.