The Amman Valley Chronicle and East Carmarthen News

Llandovery Town CounciL ANNUAL MEETING. ELECTION OF MAYOR. 1 he annual meeting of the Town Council was held on Monday. i. Watkins wae voted to the chair pro tem. Mr. Danl. Jones, the outgoing Mayor, said he had great pleasure in proposing the elec- tion of Mr. M. H. Nichols to be Mayor for the ensuing year, end assured him that any assistance he could give him in fulfilling the duties he would gladly extend him. He thanked the Council for the honour they had conferred upon him by appointing him Mayor for two years in succession. Aid. Watkins seconded, expressing the pleasure he felt at the outgoing Mayor having taken the course he had. He had always been of opinion that it was always better to b'* unanimous, especially in a matter of this sort. (Applause). It made it so much pleasant er for the Mayor for the coming year. He had known Mr. Nichols for many years, and had -had ample opportunities to judge his capabilities for undertaking the office. He was a man of many capabilities and of good repute. (Hear, hear). That was worth everything. He was suare when th: year came round they would have no cause whatever to regret having appointed him. He had served the town on the Council for 12 years, and had proved himself an ex- cellent member. He had done an immense amount of good work fAr the town gratuitously (applause) —for a good, number of years, and was fully deserving of this—the highest— honour they as a Council could confer on him. Aid. Roberts, supporting, said that he con- sidered Mr. Nichols the most useful man in Llandovery to-day—(hear, hear, and ap- plause). Nobody had given so much service free mi connection with different good move- ments in the town. He referred particularly to the Whit-Monday choral contests, which, like other matters, the incoming Mayor had taken in hand, and proved a huge success. (Renewed applause). Mr. Nichols was declared appointed un- animously. Responding, the new Mayor thanked them for the great honour they had confered upon him. He was specially thankful to the ex- Mayor for the very kind way in which he had proposed his election, and also to the other members for according him an unani- mous vote—(applause)—on an occasion of this kind. The coming year would be a very important one an the history of that Council. He hoped that whatever differences of opinion that might arise, the Council would give him as their Chairman their hearty support, and he assured them he would endeavour to hold the reins impartially and to mete out to both side--If there were two sides—strict justice according to the Standing Orders. He believed that they must look forward to a very eventful year. Amongst the matters that would come before them were two very important questions which ought to have been tackled years ago. He referred to the Housing and Drainage questions. It was common know ledge that these at Llandovery were not at all satisfactory. They were problems in respect to which there waa a striking difference of opinion both in and out- side the Council. But they had reached a point at which they would have to be tackled. He hoped that in the interests of the town they as a Council would see to the providing of sufficient housing accommodation, and a system of drainage second to none in the country. (Applause). Those, of course, would not be finished m his year of office, but he hoped that before he left the chair both these matters would be well on the way to completion. Referring to the proposed memorial to men from the town who had fallen in the war, the Mayor said he hoped that before he left the chair something would have been done, if not to complete it, to darry it so far on the way that it would be complete d during the period of office of the next Mayor—(applause)—and that it would be done as well as they possibly could. With the Council's support, he trusted he would be able to fulfil the duties to the satisfaction of the Council and the town generally. He proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the ex-Mayor for the very capable way in which he had filled the office for the last two years. He had always found that he had done ex- ceedingly well, and had taken the keenest interest in things happening in the town. He had supported every movement by his pre- sence and in every other possible way. (Applause). Aid. C. P. Lewis seconded. Ald. T. Watkins, who has held the office for many years, was appointed Deputy Mayor; Mr. C. Michael, manager of Lloyds Bank, was re-appointed Treasurer; and Messrs. D. Isaac Havard and James Hughes, Blue Bell, Mace Bearers. The following Committees were appointed en bloc:- Tolls, Market and Fairs Com- mittee, Finance Committee, Highway and Lighting Committee, and Water Works and Public Health Committee. The question of the revision of the tolls of the Cattle Market was deferred, as was also a motion by Mr. Rd. Thomas with reference to the buying or leasing of the Castle Ground for a War Memorial, pend- ing tho final selection of sites for the Housing Scheme. Mr. Lloyd Williams was re-elected Col- lector of Borough Tolls, at a salary of JL52 a year. A letter was received from the Clerk to the Board of Guardians and Rural Council, complaining of the defective heating arrange- ments at the Town Hall, and Ald. Lewis said that under present conditions it was im- possible for the magistrates to sit there during the winter months. He urged that steps should be taken to improve matters. In reply to a question, Mr. W. J. Esmond was told that the amount paid by the two- bodies named for the use of the room was 12 a year. He expressed gurprise that what he described as two such rich bodies should pay so small an amount, and suggested that the Clerk should apply for an increase in both- cases. The Mayor said they could not discuss the suggestion that day. A motion by Mr. W. J. Esmond that all the meetings of the Council be held at 5.30 o' clock was carried. It was announced that a German gun had arrived in the town, and the Town Clerk was asked to find a temporary site for it until the .Council had fixed on a permanent one. The Treasurer's account showe d an adverse balance of £14 8s. 6d. in the Sani- tary Account, and a balance in favour of the Council of 15 1 9s. 4d. in the Borough Account. The Tolls Account showed a substantial balance in favour of the Council. Mr. J. Nicholas announced that he was resigning his seat or, the Food Control Com- mittee. He did not think it was right that tradesmen should sit on that body. The Mayor invited the Council to accom- pany him to divine Mnrice at Llaodingat Church next Sunday. After the meeting, he entertained members and officials to luncheon at Oak House Restaurant. ————————- '1 Printed and Published by the Anumn Valley Chronicle, Limited, at their Ofices, Quay Street, A ■■■nfotd, ia tb. Cmmty of Cm- ■axtfoen, November 13th, 1919.

THE OMNIBUS. I [Things Seen and Heard by the Conductor.] I Llaodilo Fair proved the centre of attrac- tion on Wednesday. The 7s. 6d. a week question is even worse than the milk agitation. < < Tommy Twist (ed) them on Saturday last, and in quite a friendly way. A Ratepayers Association is to be formed at Llandovery. What about Ammanford? < King Snow has already paid a brief visit. The hills around donned the cap on Monday. The Llandovery Workhouse was built some 80 years ago, and is still running strong. It is always well to remember that we seldom have to regret the things we didn't ■ay. ? Quite a patriotic colour—Red, White and Blue—on the Recreation Ground on Satur- day. • < The meeting to be held this afternoon at the Y.M.C.A. should attract the musical enthusiasts of the Valley. Since the seven-hour day was introduced, the South Wales coalfield has had fewer stoppages through disputes. The Rhondda District Welsh Baptists have appealed to Labour to hold their meetings on other than Sabbath Days. York City Council has ascertained that there are in the city 64 couples who are post- poning marriage till they find a house. A wag suggests that the colours sported by the football enthusiasts on Saturday last cost a lot. Why, we don't understand. Please close the door after you," reads an announcement at a local establishment. Strange that the door cannot be shifted. ,trang,e that the door cannot be &Lfted. One Llandovery man is making sure of his Christmas goose, and is fattening it up in his own little dug-out (we mean backyard). The local enthusiast who went down to the Mumbles Pier on Sunday. afternoon last is quite convinced now that the season is over. The First British Expeditionary Force landed in France on the 16th August, 1914, as many a Silver Badge man will remember. A pair of earrings were found by a local motor-car proprietor in his car recently. When questioned, he preferred to rmg off." And we did It is understood that the restrictions on the use of gas and electricity (Household Fuel and Lighting Order) are about to be removed. The Amman Valley means to have the 1922 National Eisteddfod, and everyone interested is expected to put his shoulder to the wheel. ? It was a death-bed scene, but the local actor was not satisfied with the hero s act- -ing. Come on," he cried, put more life into your dying." < A prominent member of one of the Valley- teams took the dummy so well on Satur- day, that the committee are now -oking far a bottle to fit same. ? The term casual workman has been defined by a committee of a local Council as an employee who can leave the Council s em- ploy at an hour's notice." ? We were pleased to see the crowd break into song at last Saturday's game. That' s all right; it's when the crowd breaks into the field of play the trouble begins. Councillor John Nicholas, Llandovery, is one of the few tradesmen who have resigned their seats on the local Profiteering Com- mittee. Is the example not a fine one? The Scriptural quotation, Lighten our darkness, strongly appealed to the offenders under the Lighting Order last Monday. The Bench took notice, and let them off on pay- ment of costs. ? < The Festival Committee of the Vale of Towy Congregationalists, along with those of Penygroes and Milo, have decided to arrange one programme for use at their next singing festival. The public will be startled to hear that pre-war courtesy is to be restored in the shops. At one London establishment, the assistants have actually been instructed to be kind to customers. # » At a country concert held trecently, a victim of amateur singing casually remarked to a fellow-sufferer: Why does that s inger close her eyes when she sings? The reply given was: Because she can't bear to see us suffer." ? There is only one thing more surprising than the unexpected discovery of the stranger which U hidden in each of our friends, and that :s the awful moment when for the first time we come face to face with the alien who is secretly lurking in ourselves. » Tirydail again. L Two cats were about to have a duel. Let us have an understand-, ing before we begin," said one. About what? asked the oth,r. Is it to be a duel to the death, or shall we make it the best three lives out of five? ? Thirty-two years to-day (Thursday) Mr. John B' ms. together with Mr. R. B. Cunninghame Grahame, was arrested, tried the next day, and after an adjournment of a couple of months, were each sentenced to six weeks' imprisonment. They were then the most picturesque and aristocratic of agitators, but both have mellowed with time. The occasion recalls a great meeting in Trafalgar Square in 1837, which was broken up by the military when it looked like getting out of control of the police. < The dawn of Winter has been symbolised, and already the hedges and the trees are stripped of their beauty. To-day their beauty is lost io the human eye, and the richness of the crisp and frosty air counteracts the law of Nature. One morning this week we noticed him," the heralder of the new season. As he gently hopped on to the win- dow, with all earnestness he begged of a share ot the princely cromb, and with which we have loathed to part during the prosec.i- tion of the war. However, we never could forget" him "—the Robin, L—

Amman Valley Sporting Gossip [By FREELANCE."J I AMMANFORD v. GLYNNEATH. I UNLUCKY AMMANFORD. I Last Saturday, Ammanford paid a visit to the Vale of Neath, and encountered Glyn- neath, who held a ground record and had only been, defeated once this season. Ammanford put in a late appearance, and a start was not made until ten minutes past four. Glynneath set the ball rolling. The visitors at once became aggressive, and beau- tiful passing by their backs brought play into the home quarters. The ?)ome forwards car- ried all before them until brought up by Will Griffiths, who found touch inside the home 25. From here the visitors made determined rushes for the home line. On several occa- sions they were only brought up on the brink of the line. The Vale of Neath forwards relieved and carried play to the visitors' half. The visitors made a mark and sent to touch near the centre. The home forwards made a rush for the visitors' line, but L. Thomas saved and found touch on his 25 line. Quick following up by the visitors carried play to the centre. Thompson, the visitors' new out- side-half, was feeding his threes in fine style. The home forwards, however, relieved, and play was seen on the home 25 line. A little later, the homesters again crossed with a try, which it was contended had been touched down a foot at least from the line. On resuming, play was confined to the visitors' 25, W. Griffiths, however, finding touch over the quarter line with a lovely kick. From the line-out, Stan Rees gathered the ball, and with some interpassing between him and his wing nearly ended in the homesters cross- ing. The visiting forwards relieved. Ivor Thompson 16rought further relief for the visitors by finding touch near the centre. The. homesters dashed back to the visitors' 25, but quick following up by the visitors again saw play at the centre. A bout of passing by the home backs was quashed by the deadly tack- ling of the visiting backs. A simple try for the homesters was the outcome of lackadaisical play on the part of the visitors. The interval was then called with the homesters leading by eight points. Ammanford restarted, and at once- took matters into their own hands, the homesters conceding a minor. Play was taken to the, centre, but the visitors were not to be denied, and carried the ball to the home 25. At this juncture W. J. Evans was injured, and had to retire for a while. A bout of passing by the home backs terminated on the visitors' 25 line. A mark by the homesters gained nothing. The home backs got away with a bout of passing, and one of the centres attempted the dummy," but L. Thomas was not having any and brought man and ball down. The homesters' stay in the visitors' 25 was of short duration, as the visiting forwards were now playing with determination, and carried all before them to the home half, and the visiting backs gave a fine exhibition of handling. Several times they were only brought up in time, and seemed fated not to score. Relief came to the homesters through the forwards going away with a dribble, which was not brought up until they reached the centre. The visit- ing backs again shewed superiority in hand- ling, and carried play over the centre. A bout of passing by the home backs was inter- cepted by the visitors, who carried play to the home 25. The game was now played in semi-darkness, and it was hard to distin- guish the players. The visitors held the whip hand and could do anything but score. The homesters at this stage found touch on their own 25 line. Further relief came to the homesters when their forwards dribbled to the centre. Quick following up by T. Thomas caught the home custodian in posses- sion, and the line was at the visitors' mercy, but he held on and was penalised. W. J. Evans missed with the kick for goal from an easy angle. Play here was again brought to the home territory, but the home backs re- relieved with a bout of passing, which was brought up near the centre. Time was called with the visitors pressing hard. Final score: Glynneath, one goal one try; Ammanford, nil. I COMMENTS. When the followers of the Blue and Blacks see the score of eight points against their treasures, they must not run away with the idea that their play has deteriorated in any way. Far from it. The Blue and Blacks gave the best exhibition of football this season, and the Vale of Neath Club con- siders itself lucky. After the game, their most ardent followers admitted that the Blue and Blacks were very unlucky, and were by far the superior side. The commendation of the Glynneath followers on the handling of the Ammanford backs was very high, with not a bit of flattery attached. Last week I had occasion to criticise the back play of Ammanford, and hoped for an improvement in the next game. They did so, and gave me an eye-opener on their handling of the sphere. The threes were fed with precision by the outside-half, but the big item of luck was against their scoring. There were two changes in the back division from the game with Llanelly Seconds. Danny Thomas failed to turn out owing to illness, his place being filled by Ivor Thomp- son, whose play was of the best. Trevor Williams stood down from the centre, and his place was filled by T. H. Thomas, one of the forwards. His play was good, but I think he is a better forward. Jack Williams has not yet shore on the wing. L. Thomas and Rosser, the other centre and wing, are playing well. The custodian was not so safe as usual, the reason being he wasn 't feeling up to scratch. The forwards T)Iav-1 a sterling game, as they have done throughout the season. The one and only fault to be found on Saturday with most of the Blue and Blacks was the tackling. As I said last week, Go low for your man." Several times the home out- side-half got away in the loose owing to the boys tackling high when a low tackle would have been of great advantage to them. I hope they will take this in a sporting manner and try 'to remedy the fault. Some will say it is easy to criticise. Most of you know that the interest and welfare of the Blue and Blacks are uppermost with me, and it rests with you wheth er the team is to attain the high standard it possessed before the war broke out. Now, boys, put your minds to it, and if you play the same standard of football next Saturday, your luck may turn and favour you against your old opponents, Gowerton. A word to the Committee. What is the use of choosing reserves if you drop them at the last moment? That is not the way to encourage the players, is it? In time to perhaps you will require their services, and then find yourselves left in the lurch. If the man is not good enough for the position, why choose him? This is not sarcasm, but fair play; so I hope the Committee will take it in the spirit given. In next Saturday's game with Gowerton on the Recreation Ground, the Blue and Blacks will be represented by :-F ull-back., W. Griffiths; three-quarter backs, J. Wil- liams, T. Williams, L. Thomas, and A. Rosser; half-backs, Abbot Griffiths (capt.) and Danny Thomas; forwards (selected from) W. J. Evans, Frank Davies, R. Barrett, J. Richards, T. H. Thomas, D. Richards, Ken Howells, Gwilym Morgan, F. Spinks, and D. Davies. AMMANFORD v. ABERPERGWM. I FIRST ROUND FOR SWANSEA CUP. I The above game, regarded as the "Derby" ot Valley Soccerites, was strenuously fought 0.1 Saturday last. The Aberpergwm Club have met with a most successful season, and held an unbeaten record. Their supporters were numerous, and boastfully displayed in their coat lapels their colours, red and white. Ammanford at the last moment were forced to be without the services of Parrot, one of the leading forwards. The game was a remarkable one, and opened in the favour of the visitors, who hotly cornered the homesters well within the danger zone. Cudlip, the home goalie, saved repeatedly, and one shot particularly noticed was that from the visitors' outside-right, who undoubtedly was a thorn in Ammanford's side. The visitors paid particular attention to forward rushes during the earlier stages of the game, and their combination was creditable. There was, however, a spirit of selfishness prevailing on occasions, and probably is an all-important factor in the mind of the offenders at cup- ties. Again and again the visitors pressed, and made matters rather uncomfortable for the homesters. There was one very signifi- cant fact in the play of the homesters. They were unquestionably cool, and, led by Twist, prepared for big things. Johnny Morgan, Chaw, and Rees were continually in the limelight, and once Bob Thomas came to the rescue. The latter is pretty sound and is reliable. Brinkworth was working hard, and shewed some fine headwork. Eventually the visitors' inside-right completely baffled the home custodian with a fine shot, which landed in the net. This placed the visitors leading, but was responsible for the intro- duction of determination. From here on the homesters created a stir and soon had the visitors on the defence. In a melee Popple headed the ball into the net. Shortly after- wards half-time was called, with the .score: Amman ford I goal; Aberpergwm, 1 goal. Resuming, the game was of a ding-dong character, and rushes on both sides were con- spicuous. Ammanford by now were masters of the whole situation, and once or twice Tommy Twist created a deep impression. Charlie Rees had very little opportunity and was pretty well marked. He, however, managed a shot, and was fairly closely fol- lowed by Twist. This placed the homesters two goals ahead. The visitors then made a determined attempt to recover lost ground, and from a rush netted the ball. The Amman:fordians again took matters into their own hands, and secured another two goals. Final score: Ammanford, 5 goals; Aber- pergwm, 2 goals. The opening stages of the game did not quite justify the overwhelming victory gained by Ammaniford. Their play, however, throughout was of a clean and cool character, and they simply wore down their opponents. The game, taking it on all merits, was the finest witnessed this season. The combina- tion of the Ammanford backs proved un- beatable. Shaw was in himself a tower of strength. He is of the stuff required-fresh and powerful. Crockford, to my liking, did not do at all bad. He can, however, be a little more determined. He has plenty of dash, and should in the near future acquire the neces- sary qualifications for a permanent place in the team. Johnny Morgan is the pivot of the Amman- ford side. He is there when required, and, above all things, is possessed of a dangerous kick. I was highly satisfied with the result of the game, and have every confidence in the ultimate victory of the Ammanford Club. They must keep together and continue practising. Training will mean much in this fight, and then there will be great prospects of the cup being brought to Ammanford. Soccer, it can be plainly seen, is catching oa m Ammanford, and in the very near future the question of constituting a first-rate club can be considered by the enthusiasts of the Valley. LLANDEBIE v. CARMARTHEN I TRAINING COLLEGE. On Thursday last, the Llandebie team journeyed to Carmarthen to play the Training College, and emerged victorious by eight points to three. Reg Owens scored a bril- liant try, which he converted, and the second try was scored by Alban Jenkins. The Training College scored a penalty goal. The game was a very pleasantly contested one, though marred by the somewhat peculiar decisions of the referee. LLANDEBIE v. BRYNAMMAN. I The return match between these old rivals was played at Llandebie on Saturday. The previous match resulted in a win for Bryn- amman by eight points to three. The home- sters turned out a scratch side, several of the regular players being absent. The first half was a very evenly contested one, both sides in turn attacking. After about fifteen minutes' play, Arthur Jones dropped a pretty goal for Brynamman. Hattf time arrived with the; score: Brynamman, one dropped goal; Llandebie, nil. On the resumption of play, the homesters set to work with a will, and only just missed scoring. Geo. Evans and Emlyn Phillips were hitting it off well at half. Phillips was I using the touch-line to great advantage here- abouts, and Reg Owens made an excellent attempt to drop a goal from near halfway, the baR. falling under the crossbar. Soon after this Emlyn Phillips, securing the ball, dropped a pretty goal, thus bringing the scores level. On the re-start, the homesters made desperate efforts to score, but' the Brynamman defence was sound. Emlyn Phillips, securing from a scrum, jumped over an opponent's head and crossed, but was re- called. Brynamman hereabouts worked their way to the home line, but failed to score. Play was near halfway when the final whistle went, with the score: Llandebie, one dropped goal; Brynamman, one dropped goal. • COMMENTS. I Brynamman held the advantage in the tight, their heavier forwards controlling the majority of the scrums. Consequently, Geo. Evans and Emlyn Phillips were not seen to t. best advantage; but their play on Satur- day is worthy of the highest commendation. They are easily the best pair tried this season,and with further understanding will make a very dangerous pair. Phillips' drop goal, was a beauty. The forwards, ably led by Ivor Jones, did very well against a "heavier pack. The backs also acquitted themselves with credit. Mention must here be made of the sporting action of Dai Jones, our brilliant centre, who at the eleventh hour filled a vacancy in the three-quarter line, although he had not quite recovered from the effects of an accident received in the Pontyberem match. Arthur Taylor, at full-back, as usual, was safe. Brynamman have a very finely balanced team. LLANDEBIE H. v. LLANDILO. I The Llandebie Seconds journeyed to Llan- dilo on Saturday last, and Tetumed victorious by five points to three. Phil Reees scored for Llandebie, Bob Carrod converting. The Llandebie First XV. play Llandovery on Saturday next.

Llandovery Gossip. I [By CIW BOWDDWR. "] I I hope that I have not been misunderstood in what I have written from time to time in this column. I don't wish anyone to run away with the idea that I am always bent on attack. I am as ready to accord praise where it is merited as censure when the occasion demands it. This week, I desire to give Councillor J. Nicholas a clap on the back for the course he has taken regarding the Food Control Committee. He agrees that it is not meet that a tradesman should sit on the Committee, and has announced his inten- tion of resigning his seat on it. Good! Let' s hope that other tradesmen, if there be any locally, on such Committees will follow his example. I ought to have mentioned last week that Mr. D. J. Thomas, Danyralk, one of the new members of the Town Council, is descended maternally from Kilsby Jones, the famous and eloquent preacher and writer. The eagerly expected discussion on the question of closing the Workhouse has taken place. Mr. Wm. Thomas, of Caio, who holds the view that the building is out of date and has outlived its usefulness, delivered a highly interesting address on the subject. His most telling point was that in which he showed that the upkeep of the Institution, which at present shelters only 14 persons, In- cluding children and mental deficients, costs in sound figures One Thousand Pounds a Year. In contrast, he quoted the cases of road labourers with a family of seven or more who had to eke out existence on a wage of under £ 100 a year. This in itself would, or ought to, prove sufficient argument to knock any plea that may be urged for its retention. One thing that I am really sorry about is that illness prevented Ald. T. Watkins, the Deputy Mayor, from attending and taking a part in the debate. For sentimental reasons, chiefly, I believe, the veteran is opposed to the closing of the Institution. The old-age pensioner, whose sufferings in these days must be terrible, although the coldest months of the year are in front of us, has still to eke out existence on a miserable pittance. He or she is old, and possibly very, very infirm, you see, and when the election day comes round, too weak on an empty stomach to record his or her vote, so what matters it? I should like to see every puhlic body in the Kingdom agitating for an increased dole for these poor old souls, and our religious bodies and leaders taking a hand in the move. When I read in. a certain London ra-ly the wails of the new poor," as they cail themselves, some of them folks with little incomes yet of a cool thousand or two, I feel very indignant indeed, and I am afraid that occasionally I give way to swear words. Think of it! A thousand or two, and the poor devil who mayhap has slaved for them or their parents often without a crust. What think you of these lines by a Mr. James Evans on the subject? They are headed The 7/6 per Week," and run:- Old age, why tarry on earth? Thy shrunken flesh, why not doff it? Heaven may be run at a loss, Earth must be run at a profit "J Old man, old woman so pale, So feeble, tell me why weep you? Is it because our land Cannot afford to keep you? Then wherefore tarry and starve? Pray aloud for death and get off it; Heaven may be run at a loss, Earth must run at a profit" I Ponder over those lines, reader, and do what you can to get our sleek, sleepy, well-fed legislators to move. Harmony prevailed at the annual meeting of the Town Council on Monday. Not a discordant note was struck. Councillor M. H. NichoIIs donned the red cloak and chain of office in the full enjoyment of the plaudits no- only of his fellow-members, but also the members of the general public assembled in the Chamber. As one of his old pupils, I wish to extend my heartiest congratulations to the new Mayor and his good lady, the Mayoress. I mustn't forget the latter, for she placed the key that opens the door of know- ledge in my hands, by teaching me the alphabet. my han d s, by teac h ing me the I doirt know who was responsible for it. Probably it was that dark-visaged imp who is always at the printer s elbow, but one folio of my Gossip last week disappeared. It was the one in which I tried to pay a neat compliment to Mr. Morgan Jones, manager of the Star Supply -Company, one of the candidates at the last election. He certainly deserved it. His remarks on Reconstruction, Comradeship, and the calls of humanity generally deserve to be remembered. The Christmas Market will be held on the 23rd of December. Mr. Addison Nicholas, The Pharmacy, Llandovery, has been registered as a Student Associate of the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. He is the elder son of Coun- cillor J. Nicholas. Mr. Willie Harries, who assisted the Llan- dovery Town Rugby Cltrb on Saturday last, is an old Llandovery College boy, and is a popular sprinter. He served with the Colours for four years.

Ammanford County Court. Thursday, Novem ber 6th .—Before His Honour Judge Uoyd Morgan, ECHO OF A COLLISION. Henry Hughes, Prospect Place, Gamant, a haulier engaged by the House Coal Committee at the Cawdor Colliery/claimed £ 75 damages against David Jones, The Garage, Amman- ford, for alleged negligence. The claim was as the result of a collision of a motor-car with a horse a rider on the Glanamman Rojad, and It was conr- tended that the night was a moonlight one. The plaintiff was represented by Mr. Villiers Meager, Swansea (in- structed by Mr. T. J. Randell), and Mr. Evan Rowlands (instructed by Mr. W. L. Smith) was for the defen- dant. The plaintiff said his average weekly1 earnings were 14 12s. He had some- times to work on Sundays, and for that was paid 5s. extra. On Saturday evening, March &th, he left the house at 8 o' clock to go to the stables, which were in the direction of Pontardawe. He gave the horses water, and found one of them lame and required to be attended to that night. He went to fetch the smith about la quarter-past nine. He was going down to the house, mounted on a horse. When he got to the house he pulled the horse up to the side of the road. He could get no closer. He went to call his wife, and just as he was telling his wife that he would not be long, the motor dashed into him. It struck the hind legs of the horse. It was a moonlight night, and no horn was sounded. He was knocked off the horse and rendered unconscious. 'I fu a result he was in bed for three days and three nights. The defendant and his son came to see him on the next morning. The elder said that his son would call again on the Sunday night. He did not say that the horse had shied. He lost five clear weeks and a fortnight' s partial disablement. He claimed for damage caused to his even- ing suit. A body belt cost him 5s. He paid a further i I for attendance upon him. Cross-examined: He did not have a conversation with a man named Ward on the night of the accident. The horse did not shy because of the light glaring on the heap of stones on the side of the road. It was not so that the cause of the accident was due to the horse jumping back. The horse did not back right into the motor-car. When he was picked up he did not say to Jones: You are not to blame. The old horse shied at the lamps shining on the heap of stones." The driver of the car, he was told, helped to carry him in. He knew that he was more concerned about the horse than himself. He did not remember a conversation in the room, in which he said to defen- dant in the presence of Ward that there was no fault on him, and that it wa due to the horse bolting. Plaintiff's wife had said that she would be ip the loss of this (meaning the result of the ace: dent), whereupon Mr. Jones, the defendant, said: Oh, no, my son will call this evening, and I will call again and compensate you with regard to the accident." As far as he knew, it had not been raining that night. He could not say what pace the car was coming at. Ozen Box, a collier working at the Raven Colliery, stated that plaintiff was coming towards him as he (wit- ness) was fitting on the step of the house before having supper. Plaintiff stopped by the house, and stood talk- ing to his wife. The horse was close up to the gutter, and he saw the car dash into the horse. He heard no sound or warning given. There were two persons in the car at the time. When he picked the plaintiff up, the driver said that plaintiff was drunk, to which ht (witness) said; You ought to be ashamed to say that. How wouid you be if you had a clout?" Plaintiff was groaning. Ward was nowhere in the place. He (Ward) afterwards came to the house as he (witness) vas putting Hughes to bed, and said to the driver: You have done it now, Jones, and you will have to pay." By his Honour: How far off could the car driver see the horse ?- Ten ar twel ve yards off. Dr. J. R. Grice deposed that on the 8th March he was called to see plain- tiff, who complained of pains in his back and side. He made an examina- tion, and found that there was nothing much to be seen that night. He was suffering from injuries to back, side and head. On the following day there was slight discolouring and bruises. P C. D. J. Thomas said that he examined the scene of the accident. The mark of the rear wheel of the car ran approximately 3 feet from the gutter, until it got within 7 feet of the marks of the horse's hpofs. It then dierted at an angle of 30 degrees from the gutter and travelled 9 yards fur- I ther. The driver of the car could see 30 to 40 yards ahead. For the defence, evidence was given by John Benjamin Jones, the driver of the car, who said that he had been driving cars for the past eight years. He was coming from the direction of Gwaun-cae-gurwen to Ammanford. There was no one in the car with him. He had the hood up and it had been raining. The road was wet by Hughes' house. Before he approached the bend he struck the horn. It was a very good warning of approach. Just as he got round the bend he saw a man on horse- back. They were standing right across the road from the gutter. He had two acetylene lamps in front, and they were giving a bright light. Directly he saw the horse he kept away. On the other side of the road between Hughes' cottage there was a dip in the road-a very dangerous road. When he got to I the horse it suddenly sprang back, and the man was thrown off by the horse, and the latter dashed back into the car. The horse struck the rear side mud- guard and side lamp. He swerved as much as possible and applied the brakes. He got out of the car and assisted to pick plaintiff up. He did say that he thought the man was drunk. He afterwards expressed his regret. Plaintiff, on being picked up, caught around of his shoulder and said: Jones, is it you? The old horse shied; you could'nt help it." Plain- tiff's wife said: The old horse backed back, and you could not help it. In the house plaintiff said: Don't you worry, Jones." The man had been so nice to him (witness), and he had driven him before. He heard plaintiff talk to Mr. Ward. He was in the bedroom about three-quarters of an hour. He had never mentioned com- pensation at all. Cross-examined: He could see 15 to 20 yards ahead. He suggested that the marks described by the police officer were the marks of another car. In his opinion, the man was thrown off before the collision. Wm. Ward, a colliery repairer, said that he lived two doors away from the plaintiff. On the night of the accident he stood outside the Half Moon Hotel, and saw a horse bolting. He caught hold of the horse by the bridle and took it back. Witness described the conversation between plaintiff and the driver bf the car. David Millwyn Davies, a pay clerk a: a colliery, said that he was walking with another young man towards Gar- nant and saw the accident. Stanley Owen corroborated. David Jones said that he was the father of the defendant. When he called on plaintiff, he was in bed enjoying a smoke. On being asked how lie felt, he replied: Fairly well. Witness said that he was very glad to hear that he told his (defen- dant's) son that he was not to blame at all. Plaintiff replied: Oh, no, there was no fault on your son." Two men then came into the room, and the conversation finished. Witness spoke to Mrs. Hughes, and expressed to her his regret. He never referred to com- pensation. His Honour, in giving his decision, said that if the accident happened in the way suggested by plaintiff, it was a case of gross negligence, and the driver was either most reckless or hope- lessly incompetent. To his mind, the driver 's explanation that the horse shied when the car's lights shone in front was the more probable, and what occurred I 6mrriediately afterwards, according to the witnesses for the defence, whom he did not disbelieve, indicated that the driver was exonerated from all blame. It was also shown that the plaintiff was not in the unconscious state which he made out that he was, for he gave in- structions for the horse to be taken fo a particular place. Plaintiff had not established that the injury he sustained was due to the negligence of defen- dants. He therefore found for defen- dants. APPLICATION GRANTED. I Mr. W. L. Smith made an appli- cation on behalf of David Geo. Davies, a discharged soldier hailing from Lien- debie, for payment of his share of £261 paid into Court in respect to a compensation award by the Llandebie Lime Firms Co. on the death of appli- cant s father. The award, it trans- pired, was between applicant and his sister. Replying to His Honour, applicant said that he intended opening a hair- dresser's establishment at Llandebie. His Honour granted the application.