Monmouth Guardian and Bargoed and Caerphilly Observer

Btrtfes, Carriages;, ant* Beatfrsi Announcements will be made in thi3 column for the nominal charge of la., if under 24 worda, and Id. for each additional word.

RHYMNEY. UNEMPLOYMENT. —In connection with the Evening Continuation Classes, Mr J. Stanley Jevons, M.A., B.Sc., delivered a very interesting lecture at the Workmen's Library, on Tuesday, upon the subject of 1 Unemployment." There was a good attendance. OVE:RSEERS.-At the meeting of. the Urban District Council, held on Wednes- day evening, Councillor Philip Lewis having retired, by rotation, as one of the overseers for the Rhymney Council, Councillor W. T. Hopkin was appointed to the vacancy. The others were re-elected, viz., Councillors E. J. Richards, J.P., and David James, and Messrs John Maddocks (Rhymney House), and John Evans (Princetown), for the Parish of Llechryd. FLOODS AND DRAINAGE.—At the meet- ing of the District Council, on Wednesday, considerable discussion took place upon a report of the Surveyor as to the damage caused by the recent floods. In many instances it was the people who suffered were to blame because of throwing ashes and other refuse into the culverts, instead of putting them out for the scavenger. Eventnally, the Surveyor was asked to make a report upon the suggested precau- tionary measures in various parts of the district. PROPERTY SALE.—As will be seen by our advertising columns, Mr A. A. J Watknis, auctioneer, will submit to public auction at the Royal Hotel, on Wednesday next at 7.30 p.m., those two desirable leasehold dwelling houses, lot 1, No. 58, Hill Street, Rhymney, let at 15s. per lunar month; lot 2, No. 5, Gladstone Terrace, Rhymney, now let at 28s. per lunar month. These premises are in excellent repair, and in view of the great demand for houses in the town, consequent to the colliery developments at the Mardy, the lots offer a sound investment. Mr W. H. Trump is is the Vendors' solicitor. "PEARL, THE FISHER MAIDEN."—We wish to remind our readers and the public generally of the grand performances to be given on Tuesday and Wednesday even- ings next, of the popular cantata, Pearl, the Fisher Maiden (in full character), at the Victoria Hall, by the Tabernacle Choir, under the eonductorship of Mr W. G. Brown. The capabilities of this admirably trained choir are well-known, and bearing in mind the signal success which attended previous performances, next week's pro- duction of this interesting piece can scarcely fail to provide a seasonable treat. The principals are all experienced artistes, and no effort has been spared by the choristers to place before the public a performance worthy of the good name of Rhymney. A public rehearsal for school children will be given on Monday evening, admission 2d. and 3d. SILVER WEDDING.—On Wednesday, the 4th inst., Mr and Mrs William Duggan, Hill Street, who are well-known and re- spected inhabitants of Lower Rhymney, celebrated their Silver Wedding. A com- pany, numbering 60 friends and relatives, sat down to a splendid spread, over which the Rev. T. M. Richards (pastor of Beulah English Baptist Church) presided. During the afternoon, the rev. gentleman, in the course of an appropriate address, heartily congratulated Mr and Mrs Duggan upon such a happy and interesting occasion. He referred to the fact that their worthy host and hostess had been actively associ- ated with the church at Beulah for a groat many years, and in wishing them continued prosperity, expressed the hope that they would be spared to celebrate their Golden Wedding. It should be added that Mr and Mrs Duggan have been the recipient* of quite a number of beautiful presents from friends and relatives to mark the occasion. PRESENTATION.—A quiet, but very interesting presentation took place at 3, Alexandra Place, the home of Mr Lewis J. Thomas, on Saturday last. Mr Thomas had for a considerable period been on the surveying staff of the Rhymney Iron Co, at the Groesfaen Collieries. After his promotion to a post at Cardiff, under the National Insurance Act for Wales, his former colleagues desired to show their appreciation of his genial character, his strict adherance to duty, and his readiness to give a helping hand at all times. This culminated on Saturday, when ex-Col. Sergt. Jordan, Mr J. D. Parry, the under- manager of the colliery, and Mr Jas. McCarty attended at Rhymney on behalf ef the officials and friends, to present Mr Thomas with a valuable gold watch, suitably inscribed. Each of the deputation made brief speeohes eulogising Mr Thomas. These were reciprocated by Mr Thomas, who expressed his indebtedness to all with whom he had come in contact.—The recipient, it should be mentioned, is well- known and highly respected in the town. He is one of the most useful members and workers at Tabernacle Welsh Wesleyan Chapel, and at present the Secretary of that church. BUDGET" NIGHT. At the monthly meeting of the Urban District Council on Wednesday night, the Surveyor (Mr W. Lloyd Marks) submitted his estimate of the amount required to meet the expendi- ture in the next six months, for lighting, water, street works, scavenging, wages, new improvements, steam roller, &c. The amount required, after allowing for credits, road grants, &c., being 2649 8s. 10d., which, on a rateable value of t27,945, was equal to a rate of 2s. in the pound. The Finance Committee recommended that a rate of 2s. be fixed for Rhymney, and Is. for the parish of Llechryd, which recom- mendation was agreed to. Included in the above estimate the following improvements are provided for-Rhymney Jerusalem street, P.155 Carno-street, £ 192 High- street paving, etc. (Post. Office to corner of Lawn-terrace) zEI03 lis. 3d. Tar Paths Havard's row P,20 4s. 6d. Hill-street, £17 12s. 4d.; B. & M. Station road, £29 6s. 8d. Improvements at Abertysswg, Mc Laren-road, 9168; The Green, £ 165.

QWYL DEWI SANT AT YSTRAD MYNACH. I GRAND WELSH CONCERT. When the suggestion was first made that a Cytnrodoriou Society should be formed for Ystrad Myriach and the district, the most ardent Celt could not have hoped to see such a spontaneous, enthusiastic and general re- sponse to the call of Patriotism. For in no place in the Valley have Welshmen tallied together so well, and verified so spiritedly, the truth of the motto chosen by the Society vix., Cerals ly ngwlad, geiuwlad gu." Siloh Chapel, where the monthly gathering of the cause took place, always found a large and appreciative audience, prepared to listen to most able and eloquent discourses upon topics dear to the intelligent lover of his country. No less than to some of the favourite airs and folk songs, pennillion and part songs, of which the Land of Song" has such a rich store, Canu'r Delyn, a Chanu Gyda'r Delyn. and Canu'r Berdoneg, also formed important items in the monthly programme. But, however much the executive committee had aspired to arouse the national spirit by these gatherings during the long wiutor months, there were but a few who were prepared LO witness such a crowning success to the more ambitious venture of holding a thoroughly Welsh Concert, as characterised the celebration of St. David's Day on Wednesday evening lagt. The Cinema was packed long before the appointed time. On the platform was a choir of about thirty little tots from the Ystrad Mynach Junior Council School, and a larger choir from the Hengoed Mixed School, the girls of which were dressed in typical Welsh Costumes. We learn that the hats had been made by the Standard VI. boys, in their card modelling lesson, under the guidance of their teacher, Mr D. lorwerth Gibbon, while the dainty Leeks worn by all the children were the work of the older girls of the same school, under the direction of the lady to ichors. In and out amongst the audience little Welsh maids wended their ways .selling programmes, and their cries of Rhagleni, Ceiniog yr an," received due appreciation at the hands of the audience. The Rhagleu" was thoroughly Welsh in every respect, and annouueed t > all buyers, that from the Children's Choirs and the Artistes chosen a feast of songs thoroughly National in character was to be the one and all important feature of the concert. The assistance of such well known artistes as Mr Brinley Griffiths, Hengoed Miss Cassie James, Maesycwmmer, and the" Eus Morlais of the present day—Mr Harry Lewis, Nelson, had been secured, and the accompaniments were entrusted into the safe hands of Miss Llywela Lewis, the recognised accompanist of the Society. In the unavoidable absence of County Coun- cillor Edward Richards, the chair was taken by the Rev. Harri Edwards, B.A., Maesy- cwmmer, and no better choice could have been made. His remarks were apt and choice, full of Celtic fervour, and throughout quite in harmony with the spirit of the audience. He was supported by Mr R. J. Ellis, the indefatigable secretary, who must have felt highly gratified with the results of his efforts. But now to the programme. A long pro- gramme had been arranged, yet no one would desire it to contain one item less. The solos were most appropriate, and the rendering left nothing to be desired. The concert opened with the singing of Gadwo'r Brenin," following which the little children of Ystrad Mynach School sang Dewi Sant" and Hen Fenyw Fach Cydweli." Though so young the little ones sang with the resolution of adults; every word pronounced distinctly; the intonation excellent; their charm captivated all. Little Miss Brown (Hen Fenyw Fach Cydweli) was indeed an Hen Fenyw Fach, while her deliberation in counting augured her business capabilities. She possessed a remarkably sweet voice for one so young. Mrs Brinley Griffiths then sang very sweetly I wisgo'r Aur Goron" (Lloyd Williams). Following her the little Ystrad Mynachites rendered Fy Nghariad" (John Morlais), to which they did full justice. Miss Cassie James rendered nicely her two I solos, Gwcw Fach" and Suo Gan," the latter solo suiting her powerful voice, and being very effectively sung. As an encore she sang that charming song, so full of pathos, Meddyliau Plentyn, which could not fail to draw a tear from the most stony-hearted man, when she came to that verse describing the child's intention of buying his father another mother. The next item ou the programme was "Myfi sy'n magu'r Baban" (Owain Alaw), was the turn for the older children of Heugoed Schools to show their worth. The old Welsh air was beautifully sung. There was a lovely swing; the boys showed much restraint in singing the high notes; the articulation was splendid. Mr Harry Lewis, Nelson, showed that his singing days are far from being over. He sang with the vigour and freshness of youth, and his rendering of Galwad Ty- wysog," fully merited the encore, for which he sang Gwalia Dlos." The Hengoed School Children then sang the chain songe, Hob y derri dan do," Ymadawiad y Brenin," Nos Calan (T. Prioe), which was a fitting climax to the first part of the programme, "Lili Lou" being given in response to the encore. Part II. opened with a pianoforte solo by Miss Llywela Lewis, the daughter of Mr John Lewis, the head master of Hengoed School. Miss Lewis showed that she had a thorough knowledge of technique, and that Clychau Aberdyfi" was appreciated, might be easily seen by the audience's attention and the applause at the close. Mrs Brinley Griffiths' singing of Unwaith eto'n Nghymru Anwyl (E. D. Williams), was excellent. She sang this affecting solo with a pathos which vividly recalled the days of one's youth, and especially when she came to those words, "0 'rwy'n hoffi rhodio'r llwybrau, Bu'm yn chwareu yu ddinam." As an encore she sang Bydd dyner wrch dy Fam," agaiu with much tenderness. A duet was subsequently sung by Miss Cassie James and Mr Harry Lewis. "Dew- rion Cymru was a duet admirably suited for the rich powerful voice of Miss Cassie James, and the sweet resonant voice of Mr Lewis. The singing was thoroughly enjoyed, there being loud cries of "encore." The singers responded by singing the latter half of the duet. The Hengoed children's stock of songs was still unexhausted. They were to be heard singing again. This time we listened to Alawon y Bryniau," Y Derin Pur," Pant Corlan yr Wyn," and Nos Calan," (E. T. Davies). This roused the audience to a high pitch of enthusiasm. The Rev. T. Powell (Tabor), made a request that the second air should be sang once more. Mr Lewis, the Headmaster and Conductor, generously al- lowed the three airs to be sung, There is no d ubt at all about it that the singing was delightful. It reflected high praise on Mr Lewis, who must have taken great pains before this standard of excellence could have been reached. Great praise is also due to Miss Thomas, the Headmistress of Ystrad Myuach Schools, for the really fine way in which the infants took their part. It is worthy of note, too, that of the 130 children, who took part, no more than 20 could speak Welsh. Hen Wlad fy Ngenedigaeth," (Jos. Parry), was sung by Miss James with proper warmt h and fervour. The song demanded an extensive rane of voice. Miss James, how- ever, showed herself capable of giving a fine rendering. Mr Harry Lewis was at home with Dewi Sant." The choice of the song was appreciated by the audience, while the rendering was as it could be rendered by him alone. "Tra bo dau" (Lloyd Williams) was delightfully sung by the children, and they were called upon to give auother, which proved to be that ever sweet air Llwyn Onn." The concert reached a happy climax with the hearty rendering of Hen Wlad fy Nhadau," Mr Harry Lewis leading with the solo.

OVER-WORKED OFFICIALS AT RHYMNEY. LOCAL COUNCIL'S STAFF. At the meeting of the Rhymney Urban Council on Wednesday evening, Mr. E. J. Richards, J.P., in the chair, Mr. R. Rutherford, J.P., in accordance with a notice of motion, moved a series of reso- lutions to the effect that Mr. George Gait be appointed Assistant Surveyor that an office boy be appointed at 12s. per week, and that half the cost of this be borne by the Council, and the other half by the Overseers. Mr. Rutherford said that at the last meeting it was pointed out that owing to new legislation which would come in force shortly, the Surveyor would require some assistance in his department. He (the speaker) had a very good idea of what the keeping of these accounts were he also had had some practical experience of the work of the Assistant Overseer. He knew, too, that in their district the work of the assistant overseer was much increased to what it was in others, because he made periodical visits for the payment of the rates, whereas in many other localities the Collector made only one visit. He did not know whether it was proposed to make any change in this respect. However, a new Act was now coming into force, and he could not see how it would be possible for the Surveyor to do it unless he had assistance. He will be expected to keep a schedule of every house in the parish, the number of rooms and the dimensions of each. Once this was done the remainder would be chiefly clerical work, but he had no doubt it would mean spending a lot of time. He had had the terms of the appointment of the Assistant Overseer, from which it would appear that he is being paid £ 150 per annum, of which £ 50 was to be in respect of the collection of the rates. He (Mr. Rutherford) had before him a return of 16 urban authorities as to tke payments made their collector, and the average was £ 140 per annum. He noticed, too, that in the terms of the appointment that the Assistant Overseer was not to receive himself any extra remuneration which the revising barrister may allocate for the compiling of the list of voters. When they took all these matters into consideration, it would be seen that the cost for the collection of the rates at Rhymney was extremely low. It was really only about one half of any other district. They would also be surprised at the smallness of the cost of the Surveyor's department. He did not think they should overwork their staff. He did not know how much they had to do, but they should have adequate assistance. By the appointment of another office boy, there would be the additional advantage to the ratepayers that there would always be someone at the office. Mr. Phil Lewis seconded the first portion of the motion. Mr. D. James and Mr. W. C. Williams said that they were not opposing the motion, orly that they desired to have it in order. Had an application been made for this assistance and increase in salary ? Mr. W. Griffiths said the matter arose from the Finance Committee, when the Surveyor reported that he must have Mr. Gait to devote the whole of his time to that department if the new Act was to be carried out. Mr. D. T. Williams supported the motion, adding that he was always in favour of paying their officials a fair wage.—The motion was carried. In dealing with the appointment of an office boy, Mr. W. C. Williams moved that a proper qualified Clerk should be en- gaged at a salary of 30 l- or 35 per week, but there was no seconder. Mr. Ruther- ford's motion was, therefore, canied, and it was decided to advertise the vacancy in the Monmouth Guardian."

TREDEGAR MOTHER IMPRISONED. At Tredegar Police Court, on Tuesday, Llewellyn Bosley (42), shoemaker, and Margaret Bosley (32), his wife, were charged with neglecting their child Samuel, aged nine, in a manner likely to inj ure his health. Mr R. H. Spencer, Tredegar, prosecuted for the N.S.P.C.C. Evidence was given that in May last the woman was fined £5 (or a month) for neglecting her three children, and in September was under the observation of the Society for neglecting her baby, who died the following month. The child Samuel, was a stepson of the woman. The man was a cripple, having lost both his legs, but he was in regular employment ana earned good wages. It was stated that he was greatly addicted to drink and that the woman was continuously drunk. The woman had acted cruelly to the child and had turned him out of the house on several occasions without food or proper clothing. On one occasion the boy was found fast asleep on some coke in a coal house. The boy had to depend upon neighbours for food and shelter, and his condition became so bad that it was deemed necessary to remove him to the Cottage Homes. Inspector John Evans, of the N.S.P.C.C., said the child and the home were in a filthy condition, the only covering on the bed being an old sack. The man was fined 20s. (or 14 days) in view of the fact that he was a cripple, and the woman was committed for threa mgjatbo, with hard labour.