Monmouth Guardian and Bargoed and Caerphilly Observer

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ACKNOWLEDGMENT. MISS JOHNSON, 11, Westville, Abertysswg, wishes to thank the many friends of her Brother "Ben" for kind sympathy shown, and for Floral Tributes.

I ———1^—■■ I RHYMNEY. I NEXT WEEK'S CONCERTS.—We take this, the last opportunity, of reminding the public of the grand concerts to be given at the Victoria Hall on Tuesday and Wednes- day evenings next, by the Gwent Choral Society (under the able conductorship of Mr Daniel Owen), assisted by popular artistes, in aid of the Welsh National Memorial Tuberculosis Fund. In aid of such a deserving object, and with such a fine programme, there should be two crowded audiences at the Hall next week. MINERS AND PARLIAMENT.—As stated in j a previous issue, the Labour Party in West Monmouth will next week take a ballot with a view to finally selecting a candidate to contest the seat in the Labour interest at the next General Election, Mr Thomas I Richards, the sitting member, having expressed his intention of retiring at the close of the present Parliament. Councillor Evan Davies, Ebbw Vale, one of the nominees of the miners, will address a public meeting at the Workmen's Institute on Monday next, at 6 p.m. All are heartily invited. VISIT OF SIR EDWARD ANWYL. An intellectual treat will be afforded the residents of the town this (Friday) evening, when Sir Edward Anwyl, chairman of the Welsh Central Board of Education, and the newly-appointed principal of the Mon- mouthshire Training College at Caerleon, will deliver his lecture at Goshen Chapel, on the subject, Cyn-drigolion Cymru." I The lecture is under the auspices of the Rhymney and District Cymrodorion Society. Knowing the literary tastes of the local public, we feel sure that a hearty welcome will be given to-night to this distinguished Welshman. C.E.M.S.—On Sunday morning at St. David's Parish Church, a service to in- augurate the Rhymney Branch of the Church of England Men's Society was held. There was a large congregation and the service was of a most impressive character. Thirty-eight members of the English Church were duly enrolled and received the badges of the society. A most appropriate and inspiring sermon was preached by the Rev. D, Davies, B.A. (vicar), on the words Quit ye like men." The singing was under the able conductor- ship of Mr David Davies. At the Welsh service in the evening, the section as- sociated with St. David's Church were enrolled, when an excellent congregation assembled. The secretary of the local branch is Mr R. Rutherford, J.P., one of the churchwardens, who has rendered valuable service in the formation of the society. ZENANA MISSION.-The quarterly con- ference in connection with the Baptists' Zenana movement was held at Penuel Baptist Chapel on Monday afternoon, when there was a large attendance of ladies from the various churches from Tafarnaubach to Pengam. Mrs Davies (English Baptist Church, Pengam), the new president for the district, ably presided. The Secretary, Mrs Z. Jones (Carmel, New Tredegar), having presented her report, the usual business was dealt with, and subsequently Mrs Gus Thomas (Beulah) read an interest- ing paper on Judson, of India," in which the reader pointed out the useful work accomplished by this Missionary, often under very trying conditions. An excellent solo was rendered by Mrs Clement Jones, and the delegates then sat down to an enjoyable tea provided by the Penuel friends. The tables were neatly arranged and presided over by the following :—Mrs A. L. Morgan, Miss Nellie Evans, Miss M. J. Williams (Manest-street), Mrs G. Williams (Cambrian-street), supported by a willing band of attendants. At the close a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the Church at Penuel for the complete arrange- ments made. A most exhilarating meeting closed with prayer by the Rev. Geo. Griffiths, the respected pastor of the church.

————— 4 ———.—— RHYMNEY URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. WANTED immediately a BOY to assist the v V Collector and Assistant Overseer. Wages, 12F, per Week. Applications, stating Age, with two Testi- monials, to be sent to me, the undersigned, not later than 12.0 noon, on Saturday, March 28th, 1914. LL. REYNOLDS, Solicitor, Milbourne Chambers, Merthyr Tydfil,

LOCAL ELECTIONS. I SOME SURPRISE WITHDRAWALS. I RHYMNEY. I Tuesday was the last day for withdraw- als of nominees for seats on the several Urban Councils in the district, and several surprises were created. At Rhymney it was anticipated by the Labour Party that there would be a contest in the Upper Ward, but at the last moment Mr Henry Davies, acting upon the advice of his committee, put in his withdrawal, thus allowing Mr Rees Harris to be returned unopposed. In the Middle Ward two of the five nominees have surrendered, but a contest still takes place. It was expected that one of the two Labour nominees would surrender, and the lot in this respect fell to Mr George Jones, leaving Mr T. B. Lewis to champion the cause of the working classes. A rumour was current on Tuesday morning of at least another withdrawal, and as the appointed time, 12 o'clock, arrived, this was correct, Mr T. D. Hanoock (grocer), retiring. Thus, there will be three candidates for the one seat. From the time of the nomination it was understood that Mr D. S. Istance would go to the poll, and seek re-election to the seat which he has ably filled for several years. in the Abertysswg Ward, the two nominees, viz., Mr. Samuel Lewis (the retiring member), and Mr W. Wilcox, both miners, will go to the poll, and a spirited campaign is proceeding. The contested Wards are:— MIDDLE WARD (One Seat). *D. S. Istance, House Agent. H. M. Thomas, High Street, Outfitter. T. B. Lewis, Manest Street, Miner. ABERTYSSWG WARD (One Seat). *Samuel Lewis, Miner. Wm. Wilcox, Miner. Unopposed returns :— UPPER WARD (One Seat). *Rees Harris, The Terrace, Cashier. LOWER WARD (One Seat). William Griffiths, Schoolmaster. I BEDWELLTY. I Although there was every prospect of contests taking place in each of the six Wards of the Bedwellty Council area for the triennial election, two have dropped out, leaving unopposed returns. Pr bably, the greater surprise of all was tliit Mr Reuben Gold, the nominee of the Trades and Labour Council should have retired, together with Mr Evan Jones, an indepen- dent candidate. Mr Gold, however, did not withdraw upon his own initiative, We understand that the compromise which was made, and which has led up to this condition of things, has caused much dis- satisfaction in the Ward generally, but a full statement of the circumstances will appear next neek. Aid. N. Phillips, Coun. J. Tillott, and County Councillor Albert Thomas are, therefore, returned unopposed, and without disparaging the abilities of others who sought honours, we feel sure that New Tredegar have three champions who will ably represent the three sections of the community. At Pengam, Councillor Edgar Davies is also returned unopposed to continue the splendid work which he set forth to do three years ago, and has accomplished so well. He will be partnered by Mr Sidney Beaver, who will take the place of Mr John Bevan. Mr T. J. Headington and Mr W. H. Williams having retired. In Blackwood, Aberbargoed, and Cwm- syflog the nominations stand unaltered, but at Argoed Mr Edwards has retired, leaving the two old members, with Mr J. O'Connor and Mr George Herbert to fight for the couple of seats. Next week we hope to give an exhausted resume of the position and the candidates. UNOPPOSED RETURNS. NEW TREDEGAR WARD (Three Seats). *Ald. N. Phillips, New Tredegar, Colliery Agent. Joshua Tillott, Commercial Street, Outfitter. Albert Thomas, Tredegar Road, Miners' Agent. PENGAM WARD (Two Seats). *Edgar Davies, High Street, Butcher. J. Sidney Beaver, High Street, Miner. CONTESTED AREAS. ABERBARGOED WARD (Three Seats.) Thos. Sidney Griffiths, Bedwellty Road, School- master. Wm. I. Jones, Bedwellty Road, Engine Driver. John Moore, Neuaddwen Street, Miner. *R. J. Jones, George Street, Agent. W. J. Davies, Commercial Street, Butcher. ARGOED WARD (Two Seats). *Wm. Bufton, Glen View, Miner. *P. L. Lloyd, Argoed Arms, Licensed Victualler. J. O'Conner, Argoed, Colliery Manager. BLACKWOOD WARD (Three Seats). *J as. Coleman, Ladysmith Road, Miner. *Sidney Godwin, High Street, Outfitter. *J ohn Crew, Hall Steet, Miner. Thomas Jones, Brynheulog, Schoolmaster. Lewis Lewis, Cefn Road, Carpenter. CWMSYFIOG WARD (Two Seats). *David Jones, Tanlan, Agent. Isaac Jones, Queens Road, Miner. Wm. Jas. Morgan, Queens Road, Miner. GELLIGAER. I As indicated last week, there are contests in only two of the six Wards in this exten- sive parish. The cantre of attraction in these two districts, however, is Bargoed, where a cosmopolitan population make it difficult to decide. One nomination not recorded in our last issue is that of George Walters, but he has withdrawn. Much speculation prevailed regarding the course of action which Mr Arthur Williams would adopt. Contrary to anticipation, however, he is in the field, and pursuing his candi- dature in a spirited manner. Mr W. Ebsworth, the nominee of the Chamber of Trade, is leaving no stone unturned to capture one of the seats. Both the old members (Messrs. Morgan Jones and Edmund Jones are also working most strenuously to retain their seats. In the Hengoed Ward Mr Coslett Beddoe has retired, leaving Mr Sidney Jones, the sitting member, to oppose two candidates The position up to date is I UNOPPOSED RETURNS. I PONTIFOTTYN WARD (One Seat). *Ben. Hughes, Farm Road, Grocer. TIRPHII, WARD (One Seat). *W. Hammond, Rising Sun, Checkweigher. BEDUNOG WARD (One Seat). Jonah Evans, Trelewis, Grocer. FOCHRIW WARD )One Seat). "'John Edwards, Deri, Miner. BARGOED WARD (Two Seats). ♦Edmund Jones, Cross Street, Checkweigher. "'Morgan Jones, Hillside Park, Schoolmaster. Arthur Williams, Gilfach, Contractor. W. Ebsworth, Hillside Park, Solicitor. HENGOED WARD (One Seat). *Sidney Jones, Hengoed, Builder. George Jones, Ystrad Mynach, Contractor. Thos. Humphries, Hengoed, Miner. Indicates Old Members.

CONTRACTOR'S APPLICATION FOR ALLOWANCE. BEDWELLTY'S REFUSAL. At the ordinary meeting of the Bedwellty Council, on Tuesday, Mr S. God win, J.P., in the chair, the surveyor (Mr D. H. Price), said that the sewering contract for Twynffald had been completed by Messrs W. & G. Brown, snd involved extras above the contract amounting to d698 3s. 9d., or a total of 9,566 19s. fd Messrs Brown, the surveyor said, had shewn him vouchers for £784 7s. 9d., so that they had lost zC217 8s. 3d. on the contract. He added that Mr Brown wished to appear before the Council to make an appeal for some allow- ance with respect to his loss on the con- tract. Replying to Mr J. Crew, the Surveyor said he had told all the contractors that there was every probability they would have to contend with a deal of rock in the course of excavations. -Mr Edgar Davies said that the same thing may apply with regard to the cutting of the sewer at Waunborfa. If they conceded this man anything there was a possibility of getting more applications. -ir W. Bufton said that they should hear the applicant.—Mr J. Tillott opposed, and said that a contract Lad been estab- lished, and if he did not supply what he contracted for he would have to suffer.—Mr L. Watkins said that under exceptional cir- cnmstances they should have some con- sideration for a man who may have lost in his contract.—Mr J. Crew asked whether there was a possibility of their being sur- charged if they made any allowance --The Clerk said that he thought there was a possibility of them getting permission from the L G. B. to make a grant, especially as it was shewn that the man had been working very hard on the job.— Mr R. J. Jones said <hat he opposed any grant, because in jus- tice to the other men they would not be dealing fair with their tenders.—Mr W. Bufton said that tho man had to go to an extra depth in preparing for the sewer, and had himself worked to kuep down expenses, and they should deal i,otsoilably.-The Chairman If we are no', uranimous we may as well go on with the business, as we can do nothing v ithout a unanimous vote. -Mr J. Tillott I do not want to be un- kind, but look at it from a business stand- point.—Mr L. Watkins So do 1. It is the policy of this Council to accept the lowest tender, and if you are harsh in dealing with cases of this kind your tenders are going to rise. Reasonableness and justice always pay. If you are bard the prices will harden. -On the motion of Mr Bufton, seconded by Mr Coleman, Mr Brown was admitted to the room, and explained the circum- stances, which were to the effect that he bad had to go to the considerable depth of 13 and 14 feet in solid rock, and in other parts had had to go below gas and water mains, and had experienced far greater difficulties than ever be expEoted, To keep down expenses he bad worked himself, and was willing for the Council to inspect the accounts. The Clerk then read the amounts of the various tenders received, which varied from £4-68 15s. Od., the lowest, to £856 Us. Id., which gave an average price of £ 678. Mr Watkins appealed to the Council to come to a unan- imous decision, and to exercise a reasonable- ness as would characterise the way of a good firm.—Mr Lloyd remiaded the Coun- cil that they were dealing with other people's money. Mr J. Crew did not think the ways of great firms, as far as his experience of colliery companies went, were quite so reasonable from the workers' stand- point as Mr Watkins would have them suppose.-Mr R. J. Jones said he would not vote a penny.—As it was found there would not be unanimity, without which no- thing could be done, the Chairman closed the discussion.

I RHYMNEY VALLEY MINERS. I NOTICES AT GROESFAEN COLLIERY. The monthly meeting of delegates of the Rhymney Valley Miners' Federation was held at Bargoed, on Wednesday, at which 13,000 members were represented. Mr W. Protheroe, Rhymney, presided, with Mr Tom Matthews, Abertysswg, vice-chairman; Mr Edmund Jones acting treasurer (due to the illness of Mr R?e..1 Parker), with Mr Walter Lewis (miners' agent) and Mr Albert Thomas (sub-agent and secretary). The agent having reported u pon the var- ious compensation cases during the month, then made reference to the recent winding accident at the Tynewydd Co!liery, Pont- lottyn, and the satisfactory arrang ment which had been made through the help of the Inspector of Mines for the safety of the men. Fourteen days' notice had been tendered at the Groesfaen Colliery, partly through non-unionism, and through the action of the management towards the workmen in connection with show cards, and the irritat- ing methods of the managers in dealing with disputes. Mr Lewis said there was a possibility of this eolliery being th-own ictle at the expiration of the notice, because the men were in such an excited state of mind that it was quite impossible to con- tinue work under existing conditions. The meeting unanimously decided to support the men in giving notice, and to see that fair play was given at this colliery with regard to disputes and other matters, as in the case of other collieries in the district. Mr Lewis reported that, generally, the last show cards throughout the district was very satisfactory. The returns showed that there was great unanimity among workmen, and that every effort was made on their part to keep in compliance with the federation funds.

MINES INSPECTORSHIP. Mr. T. Greenland Davies, Penarth, has been appointed to succeed the late Mr. F. Napier White as senior inspector of mines for the New- port district. Mr. Davies, who is a native of Beaufort, Breconsliire, served for many years in the collieries of the Tredegar Iron and Coal Company, Limited, and then acted for some years as assistant inspector of mines to the late Mr. Joseph S. Martin, in the Forest of Dean and Somersetshire coalfields, and the Metalliferous Mines of Cornwall and Devonshire. For the past four or five years Mr. Davies has been an assistant inspector of mines in the Cardiff area  f1 Wales district, under Mr. F. J. Trump, and latcr "? Colonel Pearson. The Newport district is one of the three in South Wales and Monmouthshire, under the divisional inspector of mines, Dr. W. N. Atkinson, I.S.O., Cardifl. Mr. Davies will reside in Newport.

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