Monmouth Guardian and Bargoed and Caerphilly Observer

The monthly meeting of the above Council was held on Wednesday even- ing at the Council Chamber. There were present :-Messre H. M. Thomas, J.P., chairman; W. C. Williams, vice-chairman; T. R. Jones, J.P., John Evans, Reos Harris, J.P., W. T. Hopkin, D. T. Williams, P. Lewis, W Griffiths, with Mr W. Lloyd Marks, surveyor; for. Redwood, M.O. Mr W. H. Trump, clerk; Mr B. Jones, J.P., collector. FI.ANCI.- The report of the Finance Committee was submitted, at which meeting the Collector reported that since the last meeting General District Rates, repairs, house rents, water rents, Ac., had been collected to the amount of jel,923 3a. lOd. The committee examined the various bills against the council, and cheques signed on the General Account for jEMI 5s 2d; Water Works Account, iC19 Is 7d, and on the Llechryd and Small Dwellings Accounts for PA 13s 8d, making a total of E467 Os Ad. It was reaolved, on the motion of Mr W. C. Williams, seconded by Mr Thomas R. Jones, that the council's workmen be granted an increase of I wages at the rate of 5s per week as from 11th October last, and that a cheque for the amount of snoh in- crease from that date to 3rd January, 1919, b", drawn and paid into the Wages Account. PUBLIC HIALTII.-The Medical Offioer reported that there were still a few scattered cases of influenza, but of a mild type. In his quarterly report, Dr. Redwood stated that 12 cases of notifiable disease had been received, which was quite satisfactory for the time of the year. The general sickness had been heavier, but not excessive for the time of the year. Abut HORSEq.-The Surveyor re- ported that the Horse Committee, with the Council's Veterinary Sur- geon, had attended the public auction conducted at Gloucester for H.M. Secretary for War on the 28th December, aud they had succeeded in buying two suitable horses at a cost of Z84 58. The horses had arrived, and commenced working on Tuesday, the 31st ultimo. RoAD GRANT.—On the reoommeuda- tion of the Surveyor, it was decided to write to the Roads' Board for a grant of S3,030 to meet the require- ments of roads improvements for the next two years. WILL MSRIT.D.-The Colleotor was complimented upon having made a record collection of f,2,523 during the month. Babul Fus Ixckiaisd A letter was read from the Local Government Board approving of the increased burial fees from 2/6 to 5/- for ordinary graves and 5/. to 10/- for brick graves. —A Member: Why do they charge more for burying in a bricked grave P -Mr P. Lewis: Because they think the people can afford it. It is the oase in everything. War Mimoriau—The Chairman drew attention to the need of moving in the matter of a war memorial. He aid there was a strong feeling in the town that something should be done, and that the council should take the initiative. Some of the churches have mooted the matter upon a small seale so far as their own members were concerned, but there was a general feeling that it should be an united aotion. He understood that Abertysswg had already done some- thing in the matter for their district. He ifc*Bght that they should do something at Rhymney to commemor- ate the supreme sacrifice which so many of their men had made.-The Surveyor suggested; that a tangible form of memorial would be the erection of new council offices with a large town ball overhead, capable of holding 3.000 or 4,000 people.—Mr W. T. Hopkin moved that a publie meeting be convened for the purpose.—Mr W. Griffiths: What does that mean ? Does it mean that we will do some- thing out of the rates ?—Mr J. Svans: No, we cannot do that.—The motion was carried, and it was decided to ask for the use of St. David's Hall for Wednesday, the 29th inst.

RHYMNEY VALLEY MINE..s' I ASSOCIATION. SPECIAL DISTRICT MEETING. I DEMOBILISATION. I A special meeting of the Rhymney Valley District of the S W.M.F. was held at the Federation Olfieeg, Bargoed, on Wcdntsday evening. Mr John Hawkins presided, and supporting him were Mr Mark English (vice-president), New Trede- gar; Mr Albert Thomas, sab-agent and secretary, and Mr Walter Lewis, J.P., agent. A supplied report states that the business of che meeting was to con- sider the question of the conditions of reinstating demobilised miners at the various collieries; secondly, The Six Hours Shift for miners, and thirdly, arranging of the Surface Workers new hours of work under the 8J hours per day shift arrange- neat. The Agent and Sub-agent reviewed the Situation on the three matters, and in connection with the reinstating of de- mobilised miners, the district meeting ex. pressed the opinion that all 1914 men who had no connection with the mines previous to the war should be drawn out immedi. ately in order t. make room for the bona- fide pre war miners who responded to their country's call, and left their occupation to join the Army. At all costs the pledges given to these men that they would be reinstated in their old occupations should be redeemed. The Agent and Sub-agent were instructed to take the necessary steps with the local employers to get them realised.—On the six hours' day question a resolution was passed urging the Central Executive to make this an accomplished fact at the earliest possible date -The Agent reported that in the matter of details re the surfacemen's working hours, generally speaking, there were no insur- mountable difficulties in the district, the only important exception being in the upper collieries of the valley, the difficulty there being the question of whether the men were to work 8 houre per shift or 8.. This had been referred to the Conciliation Board, where it would be finally dealt with. Further referring to demobilisation, it was reported that very strong views were expressed on the fact that so many men who had been demobilised had been unable to And employment at the collieries. Delegates expressed the opinion that it was not fair to men who had enlisted in the Army, and that they were a souree ef danger to the industrial peaee of the dis- trict. It was hoped that the local em- ployers would co-operate in order to get the men work. A resolution was passed on this matter, calling upon the local authorities (the tribunals), who had directed many men to collieries as being work of national importance, should now take steps to get these men demobilised from the collieries." -10.

THAT MOTOR DEPOT. I I am bound to refer once again te the extraordinary folly of the War Offioe in persisting in wasting a million and a half pounds on the Motor-Repairing Depot at Oippen- ham, near Maidenhead, when the war is over. These people are trying to save their face." Private firms oonld do all that is required. I am told that the aobeme will invelve the building of a thousand onueoessary new honsea. k

I QELLIQAER FOOD PROSE- CUTION. BAKER FINED £10. The Merihyr Stipendiary (Mr R. A.. Griffiths) was occupied on Friday for several boorR witn proceedings instituted by the Gelligaer Food Con- trol Committee under the Hoarding and Rationing Orders involving intri- cate points of the law The defend- ant was David Joneo, described as a baker, of Pontiottyn, nod he was .summoned for acqniring quantities of butter in excess of that rt q lired for ordinary use and conanmption in his own establishment. The evidence for the prosecution was that defendant received during the month of August five consign- ments of butter, aggregfttirg more than 100 lbs. In explanation, Jones stated that batter and other far-n produce was forwarded to him fcy his brother, who was a farmer in Car- marthenshire, and he preserved t,he batter for the use of his family during the winter months. I Eventually, the Stipendiary fined defendant £10 (or 31 days) on the first summons. The other case was dismissed because he was not qoite certain that the Merthyr Court had jormdiction in the matter.

I ABERBARQOED. A highly succelisful social was held under the auspices of the Abarbargoed Branch of Qe National B. W.T.A., at the Central Hall, on Wednesday afternoon last, in honour of Mrs Perry, president of the branch, who is leaving the neighbour- hood. A good many British women sat down to an excellent spread and a very enjoyable time was spent. In tha evening a miscellaneous pro- gramme was given which was ar- ranged by Mesdames Lewis and Willkrcns, the vocalists being Miss Elsie Williams, Mrs T. Lewis. Messrs Meyrick, Williams and W. Webley, all of whom sang in fine style. Mrs Perry was afterwards presented by Mrs John Powell, on behalf of the Bra.noh" with.. B. W. Badge made of gold, set with pearls and suitably in- scribed. Addresses were given by Mrs Tudgay, Mrs ReeS Jones and Miss Gaorge (the county organiser). Mrs Perry, in her nsual able manner, suitably replied. The aooompanists were Mesdames Davies and Locke. The meeting was presided over by Mrs Evans.

t ?l The Danger of Indigestion. Indigestion is a very real danger, a menace to your health and strength. It robs you of the nourishment you should obtain from the food you eat; it loads the system with impurities that find their way into the blood, caasing headaches, languor, and blotchy skin. Certainly you can't afford to ignore indigestion. It won't let you, in any case. You will, there- fore, b-3 well advised to take an occasional dose of Mother Seigel's Syrup, the great remedy for the com- mon ailments of the stomach, liver, and bowels. There is nothing better for indigestion, or for biliousuess, constipation, flatulence, headaches, and pains after eating. Not only does Mother Seigel's Syrup speedily banish the symptoms of impaired digestion, but it keeps them away I altogether. Ml

THE YELLOW PERIL. HOW IT MAY SOLVE THE SERVANT PROBLEM. Mrs' Churton Braby, discussing peace-time problems in the January "Pea.rson's Magazine," has some- thing to say about the servant ques- tion. There will, of course, be an influx of American and Colonial labour-sav- ing devices homes will be built on different tines, and blocks of service flats spring UR everywhere," she suggests. Tremendous aotivity in the building trade is one of the certainties of the new era, in which women will take a large and import- ant part. I expect to see women en- gaged in every branch of this, from architecture to plumbing, and thus at last homes fit to live in, capable of being worked with the minimum of labour, may be the reward of a very long-suffering race of wives and mothers. For the rest, as far as servants are ooncerned, we must bow the head and hopefully await the Yellow Peril.' Are not the Chinese the most perfect domestics in the world ? True, they often rob and occasionally go so far as to murder their employer; but you can't have everything, and these are trifling risks after what we have suffered, and shall suffer, from the Deadly Daily."

Sir Evan D. Jones will relinquish the post of Potrol Controller iu the next few days. — » «- —— i

THE DIRECTORS OF LLOYDS BANK LIMITED desire to call the attention of their customers and others to the advisa- bility of investing all available moneys in NATIONAL WAR BONDS, the present issue of which will be withdrawn on the 18th January, 1919.

THE NEW HALL. As will be seen by our advertise- ment columns there is a big attraction at the New Hall next week, when the favourite pantomime, Aladdin," will be staged by Messrs Nightingale's talented eompany of accomplished singers and funny comedians. The principals are all clever artistes, and will be supported by a London Beauty Chorus. Great attention has been paid to the setting, and the scenery and dresses are of a gorgeous character, so that the production will in every respect worthily sustain the best traditions of this popular enter- tainment house, and should ensure crowded audiences nightly.

THE PALAClES CINSMA. 1 Another fine programme is being provided at this famous Picture house during the coming week. From Mon- day to Wednesday Slumbering Fires" head the bill. This great Harry Cary Stunt film is a brilliant production, and oan scarcely fail to win the admiration of all patrons of the Palace. There is in addition a funny eomic, entitled, Taming Tar- get's Centre," together with episode 10 of the thrilling serial' The Seven Pearls." Equally fascinating is the bill of fare for the second portion of the week. The leading film is In Slumberland," in which the noted artiste, Thelma Salter, and Triangle Kiddies are to be featured. They practice Economy" is the title of an amusing comedy, whilst The House of Hate" will proceed a chapter.

HANBURY CINEMA. I Keeping up the tradition a of the Hanbury Cinema the management have secured a tip-top bill of fare for the coming week, in which some magnificent films are to be screened. For the first three nights premier place must be given to 'The Refugee,' a real masterpiece, in which those celebrities, Henry Edwards, Chrissie White, and Alma Taylor are being featured. Other notable subjects are, Luke the Terrible 'Tec," and The Seven Keys to Baldpate," featuring George M. Cohon. From Thursday to Saturday there is also a beautiful range of pictures, embracing The Flame of the Yukon," with Dorothy Dalton in the leading role. The popular Mutt and Jeff Cartoon and the great serial, The American Girl are also in the list.

SAD ACCIDENT AT BARGOED. Mr R. J. Bbys, district coroner, held an inquest at the Police Station, Bargoed, on Thursday, on William Bamford, 48, a widower, of Graig- View, Hill-street, who was killed at I the local colliery on Dec. 19th.: E J. Steadman stated deceased lodged with him at Graig View. He was a widower with two children, aged 9 and 11. A. Harries said he was about eight yards away when the acoident hap- pened on the No. 2 parting off the main road. He received a journey of 25 empty trams from Chas. Evans, when the pin of the D -shackle and the tritme ran wild for a distance of j about 30 yards, The first twelve I trams left the rails at the opening of I the parting. They dislodged a post, and this struck Bamford, killing him I on the spot. By Mr McBride, H.M. Inspector: Bamford was a sheavesman, and witness told him to stand out of the way as the journey was coming. He stood at the junction of the $ NO roads, and under normal circum- stanoes would have been safe. Charles Evans, a rider, said he was positiveibe put the pin down through both holes when im the empty shunt. By the Inspector: One tram of the journey had left the rails between the shunt and where the wild run happened. Thomas Griffiths, manager, said the shaoklei were examined periodi- cally. The journey travelled nearly half a mile, and over the worst part of the road before the pin arose.—A I verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. -0

MERTHYR'S GREAT EVENT. As will be seen by an advertise- ment on page 4, the great winter sale at Merthyr's old establishment and up-to-date stores, commences on Friday, the 10th inst. The firm of Messrs R T. ] ones & Co are known over a wide area for the fine quality of the goods, and a visit of inspection to their huge premises in High-street and Market-square, Merthyr, will reveal the astonishing value that is offered. There. are some excellent lines in Costumes, Fur Capes and I Collars, Winter Coats, Rain and [Trench Coats, with a selection of charming Blouses in Crepe, Jap, Lace, &c., at most keen-cut prices. Dress and Blouse materials from 2d tov6d per yard.

WAGES OF THE GELLIGAER I COUNCIL'S EMPLOYEES. 2s. 3d. RATE SWALLOWED UP. I The question of the salaries and waes paid to the Gelligaer Council's employees, which came under dis- cussion at the meeting' of that authority on Tuesday, under the chairmanship of Mr D. Hopkins, re- vealed the startling fact that a rate of over 2s. in the £ was needed to meet these demands alone. The matter was first introduced when the Clerk read some letters from Mr 'Hill, the organiser of the Local Government Officials' Uuion, asking for a further increase in the salaries to its mem- bers. The letter pointed out that the demand asked for had been granted by practically all the neighbouring authorities. The Chairman reminded the Coun- cil that for some time the rates of Gelligaer had, been kept low, but for the current six months they had to increase it by 9d. in the 2. If the present application was granted it would mean an additional 3d. in the £ A letter was next read from Mr James, the secretary of the Bargoed Branch of the National Union of Workers, enclosing seven days' notice from the Council's workmen (about 100 in number) to terminate contracts on January 11th, in conse- quence of the failure of the council to grant the men an increase of 5s. per week as from October 11th, and in accordance with the award of the Fuel Controller. It was decided to deal with the officials first. Mr A. S. Williams moved that the request be not granted. They had I recently granted an advance, and he thought there was a limit to all things. As soon as they granted one application there was a request for more. Mr W. Hammond, the champion of the ratepayers, said he seconded Mr A. S. Williams' motion with the greatest of pleMure." He again emphasised that in the past four or five years they bad had an accu- mulation of officials until they (the officials) had become dominating bodies. They bad been increasing officials and increasing wages, and it was incumbent upon them as a Council to see whether they wanted so many Jockeys riding the rate- I payers." In rapid succession Mr Hammond ran off the list of offices, and said they had no proper respon- sible head to any department-ail were temporary." He wanted to treat everyone properly, but be be- lieved that the ratepayers should have value for the money they pay out. -Mr Morgan Jones did not entirely agree with Mr Hammond, and did not think it right that the latter I should make sweeping statements regarding the heads of departments I without good reason aud just cause. The temporary heads of departments I were there because the Council toler- I ated them, and neither they nor the Council were to blame because of the exceptional circumstances which had brought about the position. The deputy surveyor or clerks, etc., could not be held responsible for the sys- tem. They bad to work under the system thev found, and he did not think Mr Hammond should camoul- flage the position. The point for them to coi^idcr was whether the application was just or unjust. He did not fr.e- justified in increasing ia the mauler asked in some of the higher salari-s now obtaining under the Council. Eventually, it was decided to re- fer the matter back to a special meet- ing, and that only salaries under £ 200 should be considered.

I COLLIERY ENQINMEN'S RAofBS OF PAY. Mr W. J. Wathen (Blaenavon) pre- sided at a meeting of the Executive Council of the South Wales Associa- tion of Cc;iiery Enginemen and Stokers held at the Park Hotel, Car- diff, Wednesday, when the standard rates of wag ,3 of lower-paid classes of men in thu mechanical department were discu.s>ed. Later in the day the Executive met the owners and placed before them an application on behalf of the lower-paid enginemen and craftsmen who had not been in- cluded in the 1915 agreement. It was agreed that a representative of each side should meet and go into the whole question regarding the classes mentioned and report back to the Joint Enginemen's Wages Committee. ———— #» » ————

RECALLED BY WIRE. This is thr very latest from White- ball. A young captain was recalled by wire to his duties as Civil Servant a few days after the armistice was signed. So enger was the head of the Hepartoa- nt to get his subordinate working that he would not give him leave of absence, although the officer had come d?r*'ct from I'Vance. had come d7j,f-et f roiii

In search of vanished applec, tbn Portsmouth food inspector ton red the local shops, hot could not find any,

MESSRS H. BOSANKO &SON MARINE STORE DEALERS. BARGOED, Are Authorised (Permit No. 1566) TO COLLECT WASTE PAPER OF EVSRY DESCRIPTION. Schedule Prices Paid for all Grades Send a Post Card to the above. We Pay Carriage. 827

) ST. KILDA SHELLED BY U-BOA1 In the House of Commons, Dr. Maci mara informed Mr. Hodge that on May ii aH enemy submarine bombarded St. Kil at loldg Tanc, and damaged tbe church a other buildup's. Such steps as were c( sidered prac; icable had been taken to d< with the po-sibilitv of a similar atta When whether there were H é1 casualties be-ides the church," Dr. Mac mara said he could not answer with- notice. St. Eilda- is the most remote of 1 Hebrides.

ALLOTMENT HOLDERS' SECURI1 Mr. R. E. Proihero, M.P., President the Board of Agriculture, has received deputation from the National Union Allotment Kolders. on the question security of t.-nnro of allotments held un the Cultivation of Lands Order. Prothcro siii that unices the land was « and was wart-ed to lw used for some pul purpose, or i-.uless it was sold and the j chaser was g.,itlg to utilise it for food I duction, allotment holders had their ten secured for t o years after the war.

o p I DAYLIGHT CHURCH SERVICES Sir Albert Stanley. President of Board of Trade, has sent a letter to Archbishop of Canterbury, Cardinal Boui the Chief Pa obi, the Salvation Army, the heads of churches of all other den< nations in England and Scotland Wales, calling attention to the serious < shortage, and suggesting that church Tioes should be held in daylight.

"Mother doesn't think she'll go to theatre with iis to-iiigbt, Albert." "Is' so c I have <r<>t three tickets. What f; I (io with t- third Give it to man \on always go out to iee between acts. He can pit with us, and you w have to go out to see him." At a christening ceremony the pa said, "Name this child." He was surpr to hear the reply, "Dinah M." "But," the parson, "I can't christen your < with an init'al." "Wt,ll. it's like this," father chippod in; "if she ahapet? well good, helpful girl iu the house, I shall her Dinah May. But if "he turns out a tempered explosive sort of a gir! like mother, I sh; ll call her Dinah Might."