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THE OMNIBUS. I
THE OMNIBUS. I ithimp Seen and Hemri by "CnJact.] Mushrooms are being soldi this week at 8s. 6d. per lb. To prove the strength of beer the Police Court is a just analyst. St. Patrick's-Day was quietly observed at Ammanford on Monday last. The recent floods played havoc at Llan- dovery. A repetition of '94. Eggs were selling at Llandilo on Saturday last at 1 d. each. What a fall! The benefit concert held at Brynamman last week was a real bumper." The Llandilo returned warriors propose organising a Brass Band of their own. We don't haM get some fishy yams, now that the fishing season has commenced. A man of 60 won the prize for the best love letter at an eisteddfod held recently. < The Monmouthshire Labour Party have captured the whole of the, aldermanic seats. A movement is on foot to establish a branch of the Discharged Soldiers' Federation at U-andeble. The performance of a local elocutionist was described at a recent eisteddfod as a triumph of artistic excellence. According to recent reports, a revival of the Soccer Code is contemplated throughout the Amman Valley. Congratulations to the gentlemfen who has been presented with a fine 10-polinder during the last week. At Dryslwyn, a number of rabbits were seen clinging to the bushes near the railway from the perils of the flood. ? A runaway horse jumped through a window into the front parlour at Carmarthen on Saturday last. Some cheek. At Carmarthen, a tree has been planted in the Park to commemorate the stay of the Belgian Refugees in the town. Belgian Refugees in the town. Owing to a dispute with reference to the demands of the collier-boys, about 3,000 men are out on strike at Llwynypia. A local demobilised soldier was recently asked as to when he intended starting work. He replied, Don't insult me. A defendant at the Police Court on Mon- day could not count the number of his appearances. A fine achievement. Ike Fow ler, the well-known Ammanford Rugbyite, has assisted the Llanelly team in all their chief matches this season. According to a contemporary, even the cats were found floating on pieces of wood at Llandovery. A pussy yarn. The eisteddfodic spirit is as keen as ever at Ammanford, judging by the attendance at an event held at Tirydail on Saturday last. ? Llanelly and Swansea are making extensive preparations for Peace celebrations. So far, matters in that direction are quiet at Amman- ford. Some of the members of the Australian and South African football teams who played at Newport on- Saturday last could converse in Welsh. Mr. Bonar Law said this week that, to the best of his belief, no hitch had occurred t. delay the presentation of the peace terms to Germany. Mr. Enrico Caruso, the famous singer, has sent a cheque for £ 7,700 in payment of one- fourth of his income tax to the American Government. Members of the Women' s Land Army were at Carmarthen on Saturday presented with good service badges by Mrs. Herbert, Brynmarlais. The League of Nations Union is appealing to over 30,000 Free Church local preachers, to whom will be sent about 200,000 separate publications. The Chairman of the Urban Council, Mr. J. Evan Jones, is one of the retiring Coun- cillors. He is a nominee of the Trades and Labour Council. The discharged soldiers at Ammanford are out for recognition," and have chosen theit own candidate for the forthcoming Urban Council election. There is a great demand for tickets for the concert to be held on April 2nd next, when Mr. Chailes Tree, the eminent London bari- tone, will appear. Since his elevation to the position of Vice- chairman of the Ammanford Urban Council, Mr. David George has attended all the meet- ings. A worthy record. Mr. W. O. Malyn, D.C.M., the organiser ia of the Swansea Branch of Discharged Sailors If and Soldiers, has contributed in the past many interesting articles to the columns of the Chronicle. Pontardawe intend1 bringing- a strong side down to Ammanford on Saturday, and will include Rapsey, Beynon, Haydn Evans, and Phil Hopkins, the well-known Swansea Rugbyites. A distressing incident was witnessed at a West Wales market last week. The wife of a farmer was seen in tears, and a sympa- thetic passer-by enquired from her the cause of her trouble. She replied that the price of eggs had dropped to such an extent that a loss of 8s. had been sustained by her. Mr. D. Morgan, Bridge Street, Llandilo, at a meeting of the Carmarthenshire Insurance Committee on Saturday, moved a resolution to the effect that representation be made that the medical inspection of school children be brought within the scope of the Ministry of Health Bill. The motion was adopted. ? A balance sheet recently jssued by the Llandovery Branch of the Welsh Federation of Discharged Sailors and Soldiers shews the total receipts of a social and dance held in January last to be £ 81 10s. 8id., and the expenditure V ]is. 3d. The sum of £ 73 1.. 5!d. has been paid into the bank. Buck up, Ammanford.
An Evening with the Spirits.
An Evening with the Spirits. TRUE DESCRIPTION OF A STRANGE MEETING. I Do the so-called dead communicate with the living?" is an old question. In this form it carries within it other questions and impli- cations appertaining to the larger problem of survival. It is not my intention in this article to attempt to answer the above ques- tion. I will simply describe as accurately as possible what took place in a si ttm* g with the Spiritualists. The war has occasioned a great revival in Spiritualism or is it Spiritism "? and the Psychical Research Society is very likely gathering a harvest of evidence to repudiate the scepticism still prevalent regarding this phenomenon." Sir Oliver Lodge, Sir A. Conan Doyle, and others have paid considerable attention to this matter, and the Press at the present time is giving a deal of publicity to the doings of these people. I have frequently heard it con- tended that this must be a fact," that it must be true," or why should such great men as the above-mentioned give credulity to it? This contention can easily be met by a similar one, such as that this must be un- true, or why do such men as Sir Edward Clodd, Mr. Joseph McCabe and others declare it is not true But it is not my object to deal with the pros and cons of the matter. I, some time ago, got into touch with Spiritualists, and immediately betraye d my scepticism, with the result that I was invited to inquire into the question. I reluctantly accepted this challenge, and decided to seek a sitting in one of their seances. The following is what occurred, as far as I was able to observe. I was told to come to a certain house in Garnant one evening by about 6.15 p.m. I turned up at the exact time, and found others had come there also. The medium was there, and four more came immediately after me. We at once proceeded to another room, in which there were the ordinary pieces of furniture, such as a couch, 16 chairs, tables, a dresser," &c. The. chairs were so arranged as to form a circle. I was asked to look over the place to see what there was. This I did, observing everything I could. One corner was set off by a curtain, inside which was a small wooden table holding the following articles:— Two rattles (child's rattles), a wooden box about 8 inches by 6 inches and %bout one inch thick, two trumpets made of stiff brown paper about 18 inches long. Standing on end alongside of the table was another trumpet similar to the others, but about a yard long. The box was opened by the man who con- ducted the circle" (not the medium), and on examination was found to be empty. A pencil, notebook with blank leaves, and a plain blank card were placed inside the box, which was then tied up and placed with the other things on the table inside the curtain. This comer inside the curtain they called the Cabinet." The medium took her seat in an ordinary armchair by the cabinet. I was now asked to tie the medium fast to the chair. Two of us set about doing this. The room was lit up by an ordinary oil lamp, and we were able to see all that was going on so far. Immediately the tying up process was over (body, arms and feet secured to the chair with rope and strings), we were asked to take our seats. The medium now became rather uneasy, and began, to breathe heavily, and to move her body as if she was in agony. She moved her head forward and backward (the other parts being securely tied up), and forcing her breath out with such force as to cause a whistling noise. It was here ex- plained to us that these were the preliminary signs that she was getting under control." I occupied the chair next to the medium on her right. The man next to me put his left hand in my right hand, and I was asked to place my left hand here again. We all did as we were told, sitting round hand in hand to form a chain." Neilfter the man on the left of the medium nor I touched her. All this being done and the light extinguished, the room was in entire darkness. I could see nothing. We all sat down quietly, the medium continuing to make these hissing sounds, when all of a sudden a voice was heard greeting us with Good evening, friends." This voice, I could distinctly dis- cern, emanated from the medium, but it spoke with a foreign accent. Some replied, Good evening." Again, Will fvends please sing a hymn." We sang Lead, Kindly Light." The "control," through the medium, now led the circle in prayer, calling upon the Divin Spirit to guide us all in whatever should take place there that evening—to help all con- cerned to realise that the gulf between the spirit world and the material world was a narrow one, and asking Him to lead us all to that understanding which would establish all the. evidence and proofs necessary to con- vince us of these great truths, &c. It was a fine prayer, characterised by a sincerity of the highest degree. We weie asked to sing an- other hymn. Whilst singing, the man next to me said, Yes, thank you," and all the others said,, "Thank you." This, I under- stand, was done in response to someone who had touched them on their heads. Iwas touched, but I did not respond. Next I felt something tickling in my hair on the side of my head, but I refused to say anything. When the singing ceased, the control," through the medium, asked if we all had been touched, and all but myself replied in the affirmative; I said npthing. The control now put a direct question to ze gentleman zitting on de right of de medium," asking me tf I had not been touched. I replied I had felt something, and asked what it was. The control became quite talkative now, and asked us not to be alarmed and to be ready to respond to any remarks directed to us individually. Nothing would be done to hurt any of us. Another hymn was sung, and in the midst of the singing the rattles made a Boise as if they were shaken, and seemed to I be hovering up above us. One of the mem- bers of the circle asked Who it was that shook the rattles? She was told through the medium that Mino" had come; "I am Mino," apparently a little child. Mino was asked to knock the ceiling three times I with the rattle, and this was done. A voice called out the name of one of the women in the circle. The voice,' upon being askej who was speaking, replied she was the woman s mother. (I shall not mention names, so as to avoid possible offence). We could easily folloyc tke conversation that these two carried on. Another voice was heard, that of a man who wished to speak. He called out a name, and a man who was al entire stranger to me responded. This man asked the .spirit" who he was, and the spirit replied, "I am ———— You had a very trying and prolonged illness, didn't you? said the man to him. Yes," said the spirit, but I am quite well now." On being asked where he use d to live name the place, the spirit replied promptly and correctly, so it seems. The spirit was rather concerned about his widow, and asked this man to teil her to sell I the houses she had, so as to live comfortably during the remainder of her life. Mundane matters," thought I. We sang another Welsh hymn, and ere we had finished the verse I felt something touching me precisely as before. I told the man next to me that I was being touched, and he told me to speak to the spirit friend. I asjfed, Who is there touching mel" The reply came at once, I am here; don't you know me? Well, who are you? I asked. And a whispering spirit assured me he was my brother. He said, You were a small, small boy when I passed away, and that is many years ago.. How do you get along over there? I asked. Quite well; I have been trying to speak to you ever so many times, but you would not take heed of me." Do you see any of the others of our family? I asked, and he said, Yes, but I cannot get their attention." Is there anybody else over there that I know? I asked. Yes, father is here." Can I speak to him? Yes, he will come to you immediately." Can you say or do anything to me now that will convince me beyond all doubt it is you who is speaking to me Father will be here now. Let me know when father is there." Yes," said he, and he was gone. At this juncture one of the members of the circle became alarmed, and it appears he was touched on the face rather unexpectedly. The candle which was on the floor in the circle was at once lit at the request of the control, and we were instructed not to break the circle, but to keep our hands clasped. I took advantage of this little incident, and now that the light was on I had a look at the medium, who was still securely tied to the chair, so far as I could see. We sang one of the hymns again, and the control joined in through the trumpet. This voice in the trumpet sounded quite strange at times. I was informed it was a direct voice from the spirit wotld. Another voice-that of a young .woman, apparently—calls out the name of the young woman sitting next but one to me. Hullo, who are you asked the woman. I am ———— replied the spirit." Where is my furniture now asked the voice. It is all where you left it, quite safe." Having known this person when she was on earth, I chimed in and asked if she knew me. You, you are How is Mrs. -?" meaning my wife. Have you any message for anybody? I asked. Yes," said the voice, please tell mother to give my bangle to the little girl." Mundane matters again. And here comes another voice, supposed to be that of a young man, crying bitterly and calling out the name cf one of the group. But he was crying bitterly, and after a successful" attempt to pacify the spirit friend," he gave his name and the place where he used to live. He had a pitiful story to unfold. He was mortally wounded in the war under the most tragic circumstances. He said he was all right now, but he knew his mother was greatly distressed over the affair, and he had totally failed to .communicate with her and to make her realise that he was still in existence. The man in the group recognised the spirit friend," who desired that his mother should be brought to a sitting," so that he might communicate with her. The control" again instructed the man next to me to light the candle. This being done, I at once had a look at the medium, and saw that the rope and strings were still tied. We sang again, and the light was put out. In no time the rattles were hovering in the air above us again, knocking against the walls and ceiling. Evidently, little Mino was at her play again. The trumpets were thrown from the table and the rattles struck against the furni- ture the other side of the room, obviously thrown with violence. Hullo! here's some- thing tickling me as before. I asked, "Who' s there; anybody desirous of shaking to me?" The voice whispered my name. Yes," I I said, but who are you? I am your father. Who would have thought you would come here came the reply. Well," I said, I do strange things occasionally. How are you over there? "I am very well." Can you see me always? 1 enquired. Yes, I can see you all whenever I want to," was the reply. Can you do or say anything to let me know now that will abso- lutely convince me that I am actually speak- ing to you? No reply, but another voice comes to speak. This time it is a young women, who gave a name which most of us knew Her remarks were very incoherent, and were intercepted by another voice call- ing my name. This time a man who had recently passed away. Upon being ques- ioned, he said he was all right, and made some further and rather touching remarks. He added that he was now quite well. Other voices were heard, but we had no prolonged conversation. The things were thrown in dis- order all over the room, some of the group being knocked on their heads with trumpets and rattles. There was a strong gush of air, and I felt something drop in my lap. I felt something- hard press on my head, and it must have been the table which had been in the cabinet. I ducked my head forward, and down came the table and was placed in the middle of the circle. The control was speaking all the while, referring to the occur- rences and the conversations of the evening, and making remarks about the spirit friends. Orders were given to put the light on. I could see that the medium was still I tied fast to the chair as at the beginning. She was now leaning forward with her hair hanging down loosely over her face, all the pins and coombs having been taken out. A bottle which was kept in one of the cup- boards was on my lap. An ornament had been upset on the mantelpiece. The box referred to at the beginning was now on the floor. The man in charge of the circle loosened the strings and rope, and the medium had a delirious appearance—rubbing her hands and face. It seems she was still under control. A long-deceased Welsh preacher controlled the medium now, and he dis- coursed for about ten minutes, urging upon us to realise thp truth of the things we had witnessed that evening. Someone asked him, What about going to church? Yes," he replied, it is well to go to chapel and church, but it is by no means the principal thing in religion." He was in no mood to have a discussion, and left us very suddenly. He complained because he was always kept to the last to speak at the seances. The medium proceeded to give us a clair- voyance." I am given to understand she was still under oontrol. It appears a figure was building up right before us which she described to be of medium height. He is an ordinary sized man, with hair neither black nor grey. It is a kind of grey. He is about 50 year; old. His clothes are dust colour, and his coat is cut like this (indicating with her hand). He wears strong boots, which are thickly soled. One' of the group, after further description, recognised the person, but I could not make anything out of this. The medium was ..<YW coming to her- self,' and was quite exhausted. Everything being over, we opened the box, and found that the notebook and the pencil were miss- ing. These we found on the floor. We found the medium's comb on the mantel- piece. The card inside the box had M- how David written on it. On leaving I heard the medium asking what kind of an evening we had had. I am given to under- stand that the medium knows nothing of what goes on in a seance. If any of those who attended this seance should read this, they will probably find some minor details missing; but, on the other hand, they will find that I have given. a just and fair account of the happenings. I offer no comments; I reserve judgment until I know more about these strange but weird pheno- mena. The proceedings occupied one and a half hours. NEMO. I
Successful Concert at Brynamman.
Successful Concert at Brynamman. On Saturday evening last, arfother excel- lent concert was held at Gibea Chapel, Bryn- amman, in aid of Mrs. Fahey, Chapel Street, and her children. Mr. Fahey lies at a Bir- ming ham hospital, suffering from gas effects, which he contracted while in action in the great war, and his condition is serious. The edifice was full with a most attentive and appreciative assembly, which was treated to excellent singing and reciting. Almost every performance was hailed with an encore. Mrs. (Dr.) Jones, Argoed, made a capital president, and opened the proceedings with a most appropriate address dealing with the circumstances under which they had met, and the very deserving object of their charity. Mr. T. Morris Walters (Bults) conducted, and had to Tesort to do a very unusual thing on occasions of this kind, which was to dis- courage the repeated encores of the enthu- siastic audience, owing to the time getting advanced and the atmosphere sultry. The artistes were:—Soprano, Miss Hannah Williams, the National winner, of Ynistawe. She won the audience completely on her first I appearance, and had to re-appear. She is a gifted vocalist, possessing as she does a voice of splendid quality and range. She sang There's a Land in a most artistic and effective style. In the second part she gave a magnificent performance of Ynys y Plant" when again she had to return. The contralto also made a deep impression. Miss L. H. Thomas, Swansea, has a voice of rare quality and compass. Seldom does a con- tralto win such admiration from a crowd. She sang The Enchantress, and really enchanted her listeners. She also had to return to quell a storm of applause. Mr. David Daniels, Pontardawe, was in first-rate form, aft4 sang Mountain Lovers in such a style that he was not allowed to reach the climax before the cheers burst forth. He had to sing again to satisfy the congregation. The veteran vocalist, Mr. David Davies, Pontardawe, was in splendid voice. The experienced basso vocalised Y Marchog," and rode into fame from note to note. There was no peace possible untii he gave another song. Miss Maude Evans, the noted Llan- debie elocutionitt, waa never hccuxl to better advantage. She held the throng spellbound with a capital interpretation of Dan Ei Graith." The audience's appreciation knew no bounds. She responded with a pathetic recitation, entitled lesu." In the second part she gave, by special request, Comrade Jim," and was again encored, but Llan- ferch pleaded for mercy. The remarkable boy vocalist of Glanamman, Master Ernest Ben Jones, made a mark during the evening. He has an exceptional silvery soprano voice, and can utilise it to the best advantage. Youthful female vocalists have cause to envy him. He sang Y Gardotes Fach intelli- gently and sweetly, and had to respond to a lusty encore in the second part, when he gave Gathering Shells from the Shore." Messrs. Davies and Daniels sang a duet to end the first part. The contralto vocalised Y Ddwy Delyn in part 2, and again was recalled. The baspo gave Revenge with a similar result, and such was the conse- quence of Mr. Daniels' vocal portrayal of Blodwen. The demand of the audience had to be modified here. A quartette, en- titled Good Evening," by the artistes, was a fitting and well-sung climax. Mr. Arthur Williams, the able accompaniist, discharged his duties efficiently and won the praise of the crowd and artistes. The Welsh National Anthem was chorused to finish a most suc- cessful and enjoyable event. The energetic secretary was Mr. Jonah Jones, to whom the success of the concert is to a great extent due. Mr. J. Pia Morgan was the hon. treasurer, and Mr. Isaac Jones chairman of committee, each of whom worked unyieldingly to reach the goal in view.
IA Pantyffynnon Collision._I
A Pantyffynnon Collision. I SIGNALMAN'S CHANGEABLE MIND. I Colonel Pringle issued his report on Tues- day on the railway collision which took place at Pantyffynnon, on the Great Western Rail- way, on December 2nd last. The 2.50 a.m. London and North Western down goods train (Shrewsbury to Swansea) passed signals at danger," and collided with the engine of the 10 a.m. Great Western Railway up passenger train, which was crossinglj^om the main to the Brynamman branch at Panty- ffynnon South Junction. Nineteen passengers, including three Great Western Railway Com- pany servants, suffered from shock and minor injuries. The guard of the passenger train was also slightly injured. The collision was practically head-on be- tween the two engines, and the two leading passenger vehicles were derailed and the rear end of the first was driven partially into the coach behind it. Colonel Pringle says that Signalman Thomas, since he had by 10.21 a.m. accepted both trains with the Line clear signal, had therefore two alternatives. If he wished to cross the passenger train towards Bryn- amman, before allowing the goods train to pass his post, it was his duty to keep all his up and down signals at danger, with the points in the normal position, and to bring both trains to a standstill. If he decided to keep the passenger train waiting, it was open to him to allow the goods train to pass for- ward by lowering his down line signals. He acted irregularly in setting the road for the passenger train to cross to Brynamman, when the good.; had not reached his home signal, and he was not in a position therefore to judge whether it had stopped. Thomas seems to have changed his mind at least four times, and to have had no very clear understanding of the block rules for junction working. He certainly had no dis- cretionary power under the block regulations to act as he did. Colonel Pringle acquits the drivers of blame.
Presentation at Caerbryn,…
Presentation at Caerbryn, Llandebie. A grand concert and farewell meeting was held at the Council Schools, Blaenau, on Thursday evening last, on the occasion of presenting Mr. and Mrs. Mansel on their departure from the district. Mr. Mansel has been the supervisor of the mechanical and electrical department at Caerbryn Colliery for the last eleven years, but is now leaving to undertake the duties of head mechanic and electrician at Blaenhirwaun Colliery, near Tumble (Simpson and Rogers, proprietors, Wigan) The chair was occupied by Mr. Henry Morgan, M.E., Blaenau, manager of Caer- bryn Colliery, who emphasised the fact that good men deserve good situations, and he was glad to bear public testimony to Mr. Mansel's conduct during his period of manage- ment at the Colliery. He was glad Mr. Mansel was leaving to better himself, al- though at the same time he regretted his departure. Master Willie Jones opened the programme with a masterly and lively pianoforte solo; bass solo, Mr. Harry W. John solos, Misses Gwladys Morgan, Annie Maud Jones, Martha Roberts, and Decima Morgan. The last four also rendered together an imitation of birds, and delighted the audience with their per- formance. Miss Decima Morgan finely ren- dered a recitation, and the programme pro- ceeded as follows:—Penillion suitable for the occasion, Master Tommy Rees; pianoforte solo, Miss Ray Morgan, which was extremely well executed; solo, Miss L. M. Davies, splendidly sung; recitation, Mr.. R. Morgan (Blaenfab), in this artiste's usual style; solo, Mr. Tom Bevan, which was well received by those present; solo, Miss M. H. Williams, whose fine contralto voice was heard to good effect; and a Welsh solo by Mr. John Beynon. At this juncture, the chief event of the evening was reached, viz., the presentation of a beautiful clock to Mr. Mansel and a silver rose bowl to Mrs. Mansel. The clock was presented on behalf of the subscribers by Mr. Wm. Thomas, engineer, the oldest em- ployee at the colliery; whilst the rose bowl was presented to Mrs. Mansel by Mrs. Jacob Evans, Llandebie, Mr. and Mrs. Mansel responded in appro- priate terms, and the audience sang For he's a jolly good fellow." A letter was read by the Chairman from I Mr. S. Gwyneufryn Davies, Cwmcoch, regretting his inability to attend, and en- closing the following verse:— Since you left our little hamlet, Many a heart is filled with pain; Oh! that Providence may lead you To Caerbryn some day again. May the future at Blaenhirwaun To your home new blessings bring, Full of joy and endless pleasure With the sweetness of the spring. The following verses were also read by 1\1r. R. T. Ro!rU.— That we respect you one and all, Time will tell; Though y&u have had another call, Mr. Mansel, We don't know the track you wander, But if you shall be far from here, Come to Blaenau in the summer For a spell. You know all about electric And its play, And you are a good mechanic, So they say; All machinery you were after, Size of ropes and pipes and boiler, Amps and volts you treat like water Herc to-day. Simpson and Rogers will be lucky, Yes, indeed, To have a man who is so handy To their need. They will have electric lighting, Pumps and signals for the engine; All Blaenhirwaun will be working At top speed. What a splendid presentation, And so fine; It wiy have your daily attention For the time. Mrs. Mansel will prepare your dinner, Also with your tea and supper, So to-night it's Greenwich proper With the time. No one here, although you were keen, Heard your voice; To-night a present as esteem From the boys. No one saw you wild and sulky- Like this clock you were so steady; Well, indeed, you have been lucky With this choice. Perhaps to-night you may be ready Here to stay; But the time is very handy While away. Should you fail in situation, And turn back for this location, I suggest a demonstration For that day. She's your helpmate good and true, That is clear; She gets a share because you two Are so near. An our hearts are here* blending, Although to-night we are departing; May you both be always thinking Of us here. Mr. Mansel, though you. be missing From Caerbryn, You want the time to where you're going- Just the thing. May your path be bright and cheering, And the clock, when always ticking, All sweet memories and glad tiding May it bring. The following verses were composed and read by Rhydfab Hendre — We lightly touch the merry harp In song both true and hearty, Since Mansel with his steady tread Trod on the sod of Cymru; And now we sing on his depart, But every heart feels sorry. Were I a bard of finer art, My part would be far fairer, And bold I'd be to honour thee In verse that should be better; But still, I'll do the best I can To the man we hold so dear. Amongst the workmen of Caerbryn Thro' thick and thin he standeth, The best of men we've ever seen, Not ne' er had been adoreth, For Mansel is an honest man, And all he can he r, • We saw him with his clever hands With bands and glands and pliers; And all the colliery, I can bet, Is netted with his wire*; And while the boys are cutting coal, He's pumping all the waters. The darkness, too, he made to fly, The night is day for working; On all the deeps and slants and swamps Electric lamps are shining. And so we feel that we could cry To see the day he's leaving. I To shew our love and kind regards, Reciters, bards, and singers Are here to-night to hand him this Small timepiece from his workers. He's made our work an earthly heaven All thro' eleven long years. Short speeches were delivered by the fol- lowing gentlemen:—Mr. Andrews, Blaenau, one of Mr. Mansel's earliest and oldest friends, and who gave a brief history of the recipient's career, and referred to the the time when the first electric plant was erected at the colliery with Mr. Mansel as supervisor of the works. Then, on behalf of the sub- scribers: Mr. Oliver Emanuel, Mr. Ted Phillips, Mr. Wm. Morgan, Mr. Tom Edwards, and Mr. Jacob Evans (Mr. Mansel's successor ) The Chairman then called upon the oldest workmen present in the meeting, Mr. Wm. Lewis, to say a few words. Mr. Lewis said he knew Mr. Mansel well, and could testify that he was a good neighbour and friend, and he wished him every success and prosperity. Mr. Wm. Thomas, schoolmaster then gave a short speech, and said that he admired Mr. Mansel for the modesty of his manners, sim- plicity of his character, accuracy of his studies, and extent of his intelligence. He (Mr. Mansel) was indeed, as he appeared to the speaker, desirous of concealing the merit of his talent, and deceived himself in nothing but the value of his own life to the interests of his superiors and also of his fellow-workmen. He was a keen and strict official, but always treated his men with courtesy and straightforwardness, and these were the factors, in the speaker's opinion, which distinguished him and also endeared him to everyone. The meeting concluded by singing" Hen Wlad fy Nhadau," Mr. Jack Beynon taking the solo. Mr. Idris H. Rees was the accom- panist for the evening. May fortune smile on Mr. and Mrs. Mansel in their new sphere. R.T.R. I
Impressive Funeral at Ammanford.'
Impressive Funeral at Ammanford. The funeral of the late Nurse Hannah Walters, Pentwyn Road, Bettws, which took place on Thursday last, was one of the largest seen in the locality for some years. The deceased lady was held in hisrh esteem by her many iiionds, and her cheerful dis- position was a feature. Her sad death is much regretted, and after many strenuous months of war service at a Oswestry Hospi- tal, she passed away ere the fruits of victory could be enjoyed. Among the patients the deceased was, popular, and her sole ambition was to cater »for the needs of the war-worn heroes. As the solemn cortege wended its way to the lest resting place-Bethany burial- ground-tributes of great respect were shewn. The blinds of the houses along the route were drawn, and every sign of moiftning was mani- fested. At the house a short but impressive service was conducted, and also at the chapel and graveside. The officiating ministers were the Revs. W. Nantlais Will rams, B. Ellis Jones, B.A., and avelock Roderick. There were also present the Revs. D. Bryniog Thomas, D. E. Harris, J. Griffiths, B.A., B.D., and B. Davies (curate). The mourners were the widowed mother, Mrs. Lydia Walters, who was supported by Nurse Nina Jory, of Kent (a friend of deceased) Mr. David Walters (brother). Nurse E. A. Walters, a sister of deceased, was unable to be present, and is on the way home from Australia; as also was Driver Tom Walters, R.F.A., a brother, now at Malta, and ex- pected home shortly. Mrs. J. Gingell and Mrs. Rachel Thomas (aunts) Mr. and Mrs. Morgan Walters, Caerbryn, Mr. and Mrs. E. Davies, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas, Maesteg, Mr. and Mrs. Moore, Caerbryn, Mr. and Mrs. G. Morris, Cefneithin, Mr. and Mrs. Powesi, P omardulais, and Mr. and Mrs. Eyan Evans (uncles and aunts) Mr. Gomer Evans, Maesteg, Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Jones, Mr. David Gingell, Mr. and Mrs. Morgan Gingell, Mr. and Mrs. J. Morris, Caerbryn, Mr. and Mrs. D. Morris, Caesbryn, Mr. and Mrs. Howes, Burry Port, Mr. and Mrs. Popkins, Mr. T. Davies, Caerbryn, Mr. and Mrs. J. Davies, Mrs. Owen, Mrs. Davies, Miss Sybil Gingell, Miss R. Davies, and Miss Morris, Cebeithin (cousins). Wreaths were sent by the fot-lowing:-Mother; Esther, David and Tom; Meirion, Eirwyn and Mair, Maestwynog; Staff of the Morda Infi-,rD-ry: Oswestry; Nurse Jackson, Cottage Hospital, Oswestry; Mr. and Mrs. Popkins; Mr. and Mrs. Howse; Mr. George Prout; Miss Ba*ett, Shepton Mallet, Somerset; Mrs. A. Davies and Mrs. Julian; Mrs. Jones, Glan- ville, and family; Mr. and Mrs. M. Walters; Cwusins from Caerbryn Misses Davies, Ffair- fach; Mr. and Mrs. T. Davies, Carmarthen Mr. D. Phillips and family; Mrs. Thomas, Maesteg; and two wreaths from Friends.
IMr. J. Hugh Edwards, M.P.,…
Mr. J. Hugh Edwards, M.P., and State Control. Speaking at a meeting of his constituents held at Carmel Chapel, Gwaun-cae-guiwen, on Friday evening last, Mr. J. Hugh Edwards, M.P., said he was not at all dis- turbed by the industrial unrest, as he con- sidered it was always a good sign when they found the workers eager to improve their material conditions. If anyone i was entitled to a fair day's wage for a fair day's work it was the miner. Dealing with the question of nationalisation, he said that personally he had always been against the principle, as he considered State control meant control by one or more officials, a system which was not so efficient as private enterprise, and one that was more expensive and gave no better con- ditions to labour, and kept up prices at an artificial level. He hoped the Coal Com- mission would suggest a scheme of profit- sharing between capital and labour. Six Edgar Jones, who also spoke, said that next week he was going to ask that as soon as the report of the Coal Commission was published, the Government should print suffi- cient copies to enable one to be put into the hands of every miner in the country.
Nodien o Gaerbryn.
Nodien o Gaerbryn. Nid oeddem wedi deall yn iawn beth oedd amcan yr eira yr wythnos ddiweddaf, oad yl oedd 1m hen law yn dweyd fod ei eirieu i coolo yr I.L.P.' s sydd yn yr ardal yma. Gobeithrwn ei fod wedi gwneud ei waith ya iawn. < < < Wedi bod oddicartref am rhai blyaydd- oedd, a chrwydro led-led y ddaear, dyma- ni o'r diwedd wedi dychwelyd yn ol i'r hen ardal. Balch iawn yr ydym i weled popeth yn myned ymlaen mor hwy lus. Y mae yma. bethaa difyrrus yn myned ymlaen o hyd. C-awson Social ardderchog yn Ysgol y Blaenau yr wythnos fiaenorol. Y mae gennym ferched caredig aawn yn ein hardal. Yr oedd sponers dwy ohonynt yn rhy shy i fynd i sewn, ond chwareu teg i'r ddwy ferch, fe alethant hwy a chwpaned o de allan i' r ddau fachgen shy. Y Sul di < < d re f o r Y Su! diweddaf, pan yn cerdded adref o'r cwrdd, gwelem ddwy neu dair o wragedd yn dod o hyd atom. Aeth un ohonynt ymlaen at bar ieuanc, a dweyd with y ddwy arall: Wel, Duw, Duw, mae ——=—— ni yn dwad Ian gyda merch ifanc." Ond mawr oedd ei llawenydd pan welodd fod ei gwr yn Jrue iddi hi. DAU GRWYDRYN.
GOBEITHLU (Buddugol).
GOBEITHLU (Buddugol). Buddiol gymdeithas, byddin—DdirweetoL. Ddarostwng nwyd erwin Ein tywys wna o bla blin Y gwirod, nodded gwerin. BRYNFAB BRYNAMAN. DYFFRYNOG." Dyffrynog deffro i ynni—bur ddoniwyd A barddonol asbri; D'awen frwd, daw hon i fri Ar geulan Abergwili. BRYNFAB BRYNAMAN. Y TANC. Hyf ar rawd peiriant difrodoI-yw tanc. A teym ar daith frwydrol; Boera fellt o bair ei fol A"l ddyfais gywrain ddelfiol. Gwae-ol lyn gwal i ynnau—a' i tariar; Twria hwn drwy rwystrau; filain hyll oï fol yn hau Y troedd o'r pellterau. BRYNFAB BRYNAMAN.
BLODEUYN AR FEDD
BLODEUYN AR FEDD Tilly Williams, merch fechan Mr. a Mrs, Williams, Avondale, Blaenau Road, Llan- debie. Bu f9rw T^chwedd 30, a chladd- wyd hi Rhagfyr 3, 1918, ym Mynwent Milo, yn bedair blwydd oed. Wylwn, am Ra allwn beidio, Wedi'th golli, Tilly fach wylo, n hid! wrth dy gofio Yn dy wenau sinol iach. Holwn uwch dy weryd unig, Pam y cefnaist ar y byd? Ni'm atebi, end yn ddiddig, j Tawel huno 'rwyt o hyd. Cofiwn adeg y proffwydo Am dy wyn ddyfodol di; Heb un meddwl am ftarwelio Yn y glyn a'i gaddua dm. Yn dy wanwyn tyner. cynnar, Gwenei aiiiOiii ixiegis rhos; Gwenem ninnau nol bob amser Cyn im' ganfod Henni r nos. Dagrau hiraethred yn gyson Dros ein gruddiau uwch dy fan, Er fod gennym addewidion Am dy gwrddyd yn y man. O! ddistawed ydyw'r aelwyd Heb dy fiwsig tyner di; Heb dy gwmni yn ein bywyd, Pruddaidd yw'n teimladau ni. Tremia'th fam i'th grtfd yn ami, Fel yn disgwyl it' ddod 'nol. Gael cusanu'th fin yn annwyl, A'th gynnesu yn ei chol. Tilly annwyl, cwsg yn dawel, Na ddoed dim i dorri'th hedd Tra mae'th ysbryd gyda'r angel Wedi gadael byd y bedd. R. D. REES (Rhydfab Hendre)- Penygroes Llandebie. Y MILWR CYMRAEG YN JERUSALEM. O! ddinas, rhwng dy furiaa, Yn swn y cledd a'r dur, 'Rwyf un o filwyr rhengau'r gad 0 fewn dy sainctaidd fur; Yng nghwmni dewrion Gwalia, Yn nychrynfeydd y drin, Yn troedio'th lwybrau, ddinas hardd, Ac emyn ar fy min. I'm cof fe ddaw addoldai A chanu Cymru wen, Emynau am Galfaria fryn A'r Gwr fu'n gwyro't ben. Wrth gofio Gethsemane, Dychmygaif gofio'r lies, A Judas gydaï gyoan brad Yn gwerthu Crist Ï r Groes. Mor fyw, mor fyw dy hanes 0 cbn y cymyl mwg Sy'n deifio gwedd dy balmwydd gwyrdd Mal cenllysg g wen wyn gwg. Fel engyl daw atgofion I mi o fore foes, Y gwersi bletha'th enw di Wrth hanes Crist a' i Groes. Bu gwaed yr hen broffwydi Yn cochi dagrau Crist, Ac eto gwelaf waed yn lli Yn cochi'th weryd trist. Mae angau fel yn gwcnu Tra'n t,ramwy dros dy dir, A gwaed fy hoff gyfoedjon i Yn cochi th lasweilt ir. Ar adain hed fy meddwl I aelwyd mam a nhad, Lie dysgais gynt am danat ti. Yn gysegredig wfad. Mor annwyl im' pryd hynny Oedd swn dy enw glan, Ac mor wahanol ydyw'th weld Ym merw' r ddrycin dan. Rhy hir bu ysbryd rhyfei Yn llywod/raethu +h dir A dyn yn moli'r raegnyl mawr A gwrthod credu'r gwir. O! ddinas, gwawried bore Bydd heddwch fel y mor, A chlychau'T wawr yn deffro'r Wyd I rod Ei le i'r lor. Boed ynnot lan aelwydydd I godi'r byd i Dduw, A'th ddeiliaid yn anadlu'n rhydd Mewn cyfnod gwell i fyw; Pob mam yn ysbrydoli Eli phlentyn yn y crud, A'r byd yn tyfu tua'r Nef Yn rhin dy aberth drud. R. D. REES (Rhydfab Hendre). Penygroes Llandebie. Printed and PabUaked by the Ataman Vafley CkrcmiaJe, Lkaited, at their Oiffces, Qmjr Stseet, Amawfoid, in the County of Car. marthen, March 20th, 1919.