South Wales Weekly Post

LLOYD GEORGE'S STRAIGHT TALK. WARNING TO THE I BRmSH WORKER. | fn accordance with his re-arrallged pro- gramme, the Minister of Munitions addressed a- meeting at St. Andrew's Hall. Glasgow, at, ten o'clock on Christmas Day, on the sub- ject. of the imperative need for a measure of dilution of labour. The Eight Hon. Arthur Henderson presided. Over 2.000 workers were present. At the outset attempts to disturb the pro- ceedings were made, and there was a good deal of interruption and some Binding of "The Red Flag" by the Syndicalists present and by a small section who were apparently opposed to the war. The interrupters, how- ever, were in a distinct minority, and the XPeetiug- was on the whole good-humoured. Mr. Lloyd George said: Mr. Henderson and I have come here on behalf of the Govern- ment, at the request of the British Army, to make arrangements for manufacturing big puna and projectiles to support our gallant fellows at the front, and we reed your help to accomplish our task. Jt is a weird busi- ness for a Christmas morning- but I want you to remember that whilst we are comfort- ably home looking forward to a pleasant evening, there are hundreds and thousands of our kith and kin ill damp, dreary trenches, with the whistle of death hurtling1 around, and their comrades! falling, and I have come to place before you ijroposals upon the ac- ceptance of which depends not merely vic- tory, but the saving of nrmberless lives amongst these brave men. I feel certain you will sive us a fair bearing and favourable consideration. A scheme of dilution was pro- posed by a committee on which were several Trade Union members. Voices: "Oh, we do not trust- the Trade 1' nion leaders." "fr. Lloyd George: Whom do you trust, thcn? (More Voices: "Nobody.") It is essen- tial that we should equip our Army with a large number of these heavy guns and pro- jectiles, and in order to do this we are setting up great national factories all over the kingdom, State owned, Mate aided. State controlled, State equipped, -and no profit for r.iiy capitalists. To man these factories we Need 80,000 skilled men. j no¡ s "ere is only one way to get tneui, and that is by taking for the period of the war skilled men from work which unskilled males or f"males can do after a week's or a fortnight's t raining, and transfer the men thus released to those factories to perform highly skilled v Mr&. If we fail, at the best you prolong the ,.?,r, with its tWo!d tak el' misery and lose; ??'" wit.h hs u?t.o!d t.??.L c' rjisoy and lo<&: rthe worst, we lose tbe war, and all that defeat portends for the future of democracy in this and in every other European country. It is, therefore, vital that we should get these prilled men to help us. Voice: You won't get them." '[r. Lloyd George: I have come here t.o face :(100 Glasgow Trade Unionists with my state- ment of the case. Will that gentleman ven- ture to zo to Flanders and face 3,000 British soldiers ill the trenches with his statement? (Prolonged cheering from the majority of the audience). Mr. Lloyd George then explained how these t'lsj gillis were required to demolish deep Gorman trenches which conceal the machine- jruns that slaughter so many thousands of our men, and he proceeded, I can give you an illustration of what it means. Early in the year the Russians had conquered Galieia. 'i hey were on the Carpathians, prepared to overrun Hungary. They had invaded a Prussian province. TlieFi came a change. What happened. The German workshops during the winter were kAvt busy manufac- turing shells, and in the month of May they rained torrents of the«e enormous projectiles on the Russian trenches. The Russian lines were pierced- the Russian armies were driven back. Who won the great victory for the German armies? It was not the German Staff; it was not the German generals; it was not, the German army; It was the Carman workman helping his comrades in the field. How was Franee able to face successfully this terrible machine, to resist without quailing the well- crinipped legions that rolled back the Rus- sian armies? It is an interestÍlJg and in- structive story. The French army also was "encb a rny also wa,.3 short of munitions, and the French workmen came to the rescue. The French engineer realised that by virtue of his craft., he was Jsfpt safe at home, whilst lijg oomra-des were facing death. He wag enjoying high wace?— though not so high as ours—and he thought t,hc least, he could do was to work his hardest and to give of his vct-y best to help the men who were facing peril on his behalf and on ben If of the country he loved. So at the bidding of a of Munitions he rast aside regulations. customs, practices, and called to his aid every man and every woman who could assist, piled up guns, ,'ill I), mullitions, and equipment of all kinds, aDd hy his patriotic devotion saved his country, and his country will never forget it. That is what the French workmen did for their country. That is what even the German i workmen did for their I atherhimi. Victory i;, not possible unless the 'Uritish workman follows franklv The exampl-e of his French comrado. n)\i -ms ai'idr r n:iy ru!c rod y, tangles the footsteps or victor*, Dnd unles"s "i he does it without oavil and ¡¡¡!y;v(' ail with- out delay. I cannot go back to Parliament and reocrt to the House of ( ororaons, and throngn the House oi Commons to jhe Britidl Army, that the skilled workmen will 110t alte- or suspend iheir rules to save their fellow- workmen's lives on the battlefield. V,rc wan1 to put skilled men on skilled work, fijiine the vanancies by meat's of the employment "t women, who are able in a short ticoo to &<■. quire the necessary experience to do that class of work. I have been through several' war shops during the last few day. I ba,, seen women performing taske hitherto allotted to skilled engineers, performing them successful s-wiftly. and yet it had only ta "en them some few days, some a week and gome a fortnight, to learn how to do tin worK. 1 have s?.n m?n engaged oh very work which required strength suu: ucmie*s, I h.VÐ seen them- perform highlv eKilled which require ot training. Our P rol) Lwa I is that, which requires nether B(.irprictfl npv that, can be a"il,d by short, training chould bo performed by women, so that p" skilled men should be taken away Jo man the national gun and projectile factories. If w, fail to obtain your adh«ri0i, to thjs pro gramme we are faced ?-"?h one of ??? ait?:r natives. Te can go to the trenches ana m-• to the British soldier, W, are sorry we cannot get the necessary gil-lia to f 1; able you to win through in 1916. Trade Union Regulations stanct in the I- Way. If you can go on for another yea" perhap t)ie American workmen will help us to gf,, yon A sufficient supply for 1917. It is tn-" that meanwhile you will have to tact ait.i >.• from yteafc glijl, and howitzers and rnoit^ construried by German workmen for th mates. Still, somehow, we will get throng" hut wt; are bound to tell yon what the por- tion is. The other alternative is that w< should send to the KaieH, telling hi frankly that we cannot go on. He might I, „ off with the annexation of Belgium, the payment of an indemnity, with a. Britial: Y'lony or two, but one thing be will cor- MinJy demand, and that that Qre; ;■ Britain shall surrender her command of tJ? j é!IOh\1 f\)Jt; t ¡ sanded. If be w?'e yictorlon he WGuld t??e j nothiH? Ic?s, for that is the great monace to j r i t a-* 3 1. would then be as j Comclotely at the mercy of Prussian I D«spots ac Belgium is to-day. -I cannot believe thai the highly skilled workmen of this country, whose patriotism-has been manifested by the readiness with which they have given their sons to fight the country' battles—I do not believe that they will give us this anewer. There are no better craftsmen in the world. We know that. from the class of work they are turning out for us, We know that tho vast majority of them are prepared to make any sacrifices. We are asking them to make this sacrifice, which has already been made by the French workman for his country. Time is vital; time is victory; time is life. There ha- been already over 530,000 casual- ties, 300,000 smce the agreement was entered into between the Trade Unions and the Government in March. Furt-her delay mea-ns further losses, and J appeal to the workmen to help us oiiickly and help us thoroughly, They may depend upon it that it will strengthen their claim at the end of the war upon the people of this country for a re- dress of any grievances they may suffer to- day. The patriotism of the French workman has given him a deep and abiding claim on the consideration and gratitude of nis fel- low-countrymen, and his demands when put forward in the future Trill he heard with the respectful attention which is the reward of their sacrifices during the war. In spite of the Protests of a mirwwitv at this meeting I foe! that 1 can th&nk the vast r-iaiori c?' the appreciative hearing they have given to my right hon. friend ?th? ?hyaa,vs? ?, Tae position of a Minister of the /G-2rPow3 n In a -Teat war is Dot an pnyi&Me one. A doctor who is called in to advise in a. &enou? e.a.sp has ai! anxious decision to f if iti, gi Yes this advice it might save ? me: i.t h? t, akes the other ccur? it might W! d-eatb. That is a, matter of 03i n gle "Ic But here upon the decision of Min- isters .may depend sopres of thorsaiidR of gp ilait, ii ve's' The position Is en anxious one, which no man would seek of his own free will. In what I have counselled to-day I have given the prescription; it is for you to dispense. If you tell me kloii mean to rej_ ect iiiiat the Government prescribes loe- cause the ingredients are, not in your pharmacopoeia the responsibility must ic-st Up on -you. I wonder how many people realise the magnitude of the war aLd, the tremendous issues that depend upon it. Sometimes I fear that tlisy treat it as a passing shower- heavy, drenching perhaps, but transient. Foon the sun will shirio again and quickly dry up the puddles, and we can once inure walk along the same old roads in the same old shambling way! But this is not a pass- ing shower. It is not a epell of bad weather. It is a deluge. It if a. convulsion of Nature. If you will c-arefully watch, what is going on in the bUligerent lands, you will find that this war is bringing un- heard of ,hange,? in the social and indus- trial fabric. It is a. cyclone vv ,eh tear- ing up by the roots the ornamental plants I oJ modern society, and wrecking some ot the flimsy trestle bridges of modern ClVll- i.nation, it is an Earthquake which is upheaving the very rocks o European life. It is one of those sieemio disturbances in which nations leap forward or fall backward generations in a single bound. All his chaffering about relaxing a rule here^nd suspending :t custom there is out of 00. You cannot, ha-ggle with an earthquake, lina I beg the skilled workmen of this country, J. boL?, ?lie ,?-i in whose keeping are the destinies ot labour, to lift, up their eyes above the mists of distrust and suspicion, and ascend to the height of the greatest of opportunity that, ever opened before their class. Then there will emerge after the war that future of hope which the great leaders of demo (Til>0Y in ait ages have pictured, ia their I dreams. Mr. Lloyd George answered a number of questions.

ESTEEMED SWANSEA SOLICITOR. THE LATE MR." JOHN JONES LEWIS. i REPRESENTATIVE GATHERING AT FUNERAL. The funeral, of the late Mr. John Jones LeWiiis, of the firm of Messrs. Kartland, j feaac. Wa-tkins, and Lewis*, solicitors, Rrti-1 land-street, took place mi Monday morning, leaving th- roKidctiac, No. T. Hichrr.oud Villas, Uplands, for Crynant, near Neath, where the interment took place. The -coffin was of unpolished oak, with brass fittings, and the inscription on the breastplate read: ''John Jones Lewis; born Alareli 9th, 1854; (lied December 22nd, 1915. The chief mourners were Mr. Harold Rees (son-in-law), and the following cousins Messrs. David Daniel, Daniel Daniel, Harry Lewis, Robert Lewis, Norman Sa- yan- T. Hopkins, W. Hopkins, and H. Lewi." (Oxford). Tho friends in- cluded: Mr. John Reefl, J.P. (di- visional superintendent, G.W.R.), Mr. E. M. Lewis, Mr. J. B. Edwards, Mr. J. CorfieId. Mr. Horatio Watkins (one of de- e,ea-seO,'E p,,irt,-aers), Messrs. Rd. Lewis. J.P.. Richard Martin, J.P.. H. J. Thomas and E'-aa Lewis (representing Walter-road Con- gregational Church, of which Mr. Lewis was a faithful member), Mr. David Roberts, J.P., Mr. John Williams (Dula-is House), Mr. Edw-ard Harris (solicitor), Lieut. T. R. Harris (solicitor), and the office staff at Rut- land-street Lieut. Bertram Watkins (son of Mr. Horatio Watkins), Messrs. E. E. Sweet, P. J. Arnold. D. J. Jones, B. A. Willett. D. W. Watkins, and Stanley Isaac. The Rev. Evan Jenkins (pastor, Walter- road Church, officiated). FLORAL TRIBUTES. There were a number of very beautiful tributes from "His sorrowing wife," Harold. Amy and Glyn, Mr. and Mrs. John Bees. office staff, "A small tribute from G. .Sidney Hartland for the final severance of many years faithful association," Mr. and Mrs. Horatio Watkins, An old friend of! the family" (Mr. J. B. Edwards), !\1r. and Mrs. Daniels (Bryneoed), Mr. and Mrs. Evnn Lewi? (Belgrave Villas). Major and Mrs. George Isaac, and Captain C. Leonard Isaac and Mr. Stanley Isaac. Thf arrangements were in the hands of Messrs. D. C. Jones and Son. Castle-square, j

"SOME" WINO AT SWANSEA. GLASS AND HOARDINGS SUFFER. I A W.S.W. gaJc broke over Swa/nsea on | Monday rooming, the seas washing well nee the ullctdie head at the Mumbles, f At Swansea- two la.rgc windows oi ?)osN'?. YYuoi worth and Co. blew in a sign over the domestic bazaar blew down and feU on a man who, however, was only shaken. A sign over Lennairds in Castle-street was Mown down, and the flagstaff outside the Swansea Club was smashed in t.wo. There was some alarm in the private bar oi the Adelaide Hotel, Mount-street, when i lai-ge quantity of bricks displaced from ,¡IC top of the newly erected buildings next door were blown into it, and there was much smashing of glass. A large sheet of corrugated iron was blown off on to the road from the same building in Mount- street and narrowly missed hitting a- milk- and his horse. LIST OF "CASUALTIES." i u to 2 P'?- the police hd received the ilig further reports of damage by the :a.tR:- hotter blown down at Dd. Thomas' .;eller, Oastle-st-reet. Yee blown (lowit iiet-tsg G lan mar-road, I -;f lVala" Lodge. T;rt ladder blown down from the Publio Library. iTi at IZubengteiii'?, 25, }■over-street. .Urn-board blown aown at, Domestic premises. High-street. -endard's Boot vvin-ri-boa.rd blown down «t Lennard s Boot i '.bow, Kins Edward-road. ¡ Hoarding blown down at AbeTdyberthi. ""t^rding down at Quarry-street. Window smashed at Kitley's Florist Shop t m •, far nobody had been injured. 'l'he vie moderated somewhat towards the fI eriioou, but the wind waa still very high. At Pt. Thomas the posters wc s stripjied "IV th? boarding and lay in a heap on the I i.?it. POST OFFICE DELAY. elegraxus to .London irom iSw-tusea <j>.i fuinlay were delayed about two hour?. One ? was working—and that badly—instead i '.our. Thevo viw no wire comniunication iuw ?v.'ansp? u? al), and the only places .h' c the telegraph was working from Swau- j ?;) ?erp Ii<ondon; Cardiff Hnd Dristoi—?uc 'Mi e eacit,

XMA5 IN WEST WALES j HOW YULE"r-DE WAS  CELEBRATED. Xuuis Day, though -pent cjuietly at Swan- sea, was unique in many • respects. The streets were thronged on Xmas Eve—the numbers suffered through so many men be- ing absent—shopkeeper? did a. record sea- son's trade, and in the market poultry keepers were sold out. v. ;th no turkeys or geese to be gat at prices which had risen up to Is. 6d. a Jh. The khaki-ciad soldier was TIrominrnt everywhere, and it was <1. matter of great- satisfaction that so many were at home on short leave. The reception they met with on all baiids was cordial The cinemas throughout the town \w;re filled—in soma cases to overflowing. On Christmas night high water i-nark was reached in this direc- tion. Enquiries at the local railway stations on Xmas EYe showed that traffic, though not abnormal, was decidedly busy. In fact, with the depleted staffs and services the stations presented the appearance of being busier than usual. Though this was not the caae many thousands entered and left Swan- sea. Between 7 and 10 p.m. on Xmas Eve 8,000 passengers were dealt with at High- street Station alone. Notwithstanding the crowds a,round and about, Xma-stide Y us marked by subdued festivties. Many households restricted their observances to the narrowest limits, and consequently parties were fewer this year than lsnal There was a. marked decrease in carolling in the streets, and practically no drunkenness over the whole holidays. The weather was inauspicious, tempting comparatively few out, but fioving hands and hearts made sure of making our sol- diers, the inmates of the public institu- tions, happy. At the va-itous Red Cross Hospitals special festiv-ities were arranged, though, these had to be limited by reason of the 11 conditions. The good odd English, fare for the most part, was enjoyed, followed by the usual etceteras, and it c's pleasing to know that. presents of fruit,, and grifts of all kinds, flowed liberally jn. At the Y.M.C.A. on Sunday afternoon an open house was kept for lonely sol diers, every- thing being supplied free. The Mayor was birsy touring round most of Christmas Day, visiting here and there, and leaving tangible tokens of good will and good cheer. At the Hospital, where lie visited, amongst other places, it was a good ftiglit to see Drs. Lancaster, Reid, and Cameron carving the turkeys for the patients. The wards were all decorated, and the matron and staff dispensed un- grudging service t,o make everyone happy. To-morrow (Tuesday) the children in the Dyer AVa-id have their Song-looked-for Christmas Tree, which is being arranged by Mrs. Watkins, and on Thursday the little ones in the out-patients departments will have their diftBtmaa Tree. During the week a tea and concert will be given in each of the wards by the Ladies' Samaritan &Jcicty. At the Workhouse. At the Workhouse, where there aa-e 500 inmates, the Mayor, Councillor Owen, Dod many cithers, were noticeable throughout the day, and a. real good time was spent. Roast beef and Christmas pudding was the fitaple fare, followed by sweets, tobacco. snuffy and tea-the latter for the aged women jnmates Tom Concert Party, including Mis* Lily Harris, provided the 1 ng t fie' evening's amusement in the large hall. The Belgian refugees in our midst were also remembere.d in the festivities. In the Blind Institution, that for the deaf and dumb, the civilian hospital, the convales- cent home, the orphan home, nothing was wanting to give the inmates a really happy day. But the thoughts ot all were with the brave lafts doing their duty and the t, h e i? diitn- -,?ii d the thousands of prisoners in German camps, j It was a g5ad thought to know that many thousands of Parcels had been sent to the latter, while the former, of course, came in for a. hearty measure of good things. A. suooessftd eisteddfod was held at Hen- on C'brictmas night, under the presidency of Mr. Ben Davies. Glasfryn, Heat-hiiaSd, who made an admifrabfe chaiTOian. The adjudicators were —Music, Mr. A. E. Davies, A.R.C.M., F.R.C.O.. Swansea, and recitations, é.. Mr. D. T. Llewelyn, .Swansea accompanist. Mr. Elwyn Da-uiel. The singing of several of the numbers reached a very high stan- dard., and was much appreciated, whffist some of the literary contributions proved humorous and interesting. The awa,ros were as follows —- Song (children under 10).—1, Elfed Lewis | 2, Nance Thomas. Song (boys under 16).—1, Aneirir. Wal- ters 2. J. Jf, OWen; 3, Ens-or Morgan. Recitation (under 10).—Eluned Jonee. Song (girls under 16).1, Aneirwen Mor- gan 2 and 3. divided between Ronwen Morgan and Mary James. Recitation ^6)_—Annie Price. Soprano fo8o. Dorothy Jorit s. Tenor solo.—A'r- Emrys Thomas. Hymn T?M (fotr adu? over 50).—Mr. Isaac Jones; consolat:ou prize given to Mrs. Edwards. love-letter competition.—Mkt Jenkins. For reciting the. best short story.—Mr. 1 Wm. Evans. Reading piece "Without Mr. John Hughes; 2, Mr. Onllw^Ti Ree.s. Extempore speech.—Mr. T. Praece. Champion solo. Mr. W. Tanner. An excellent patriotic reeitataon, "The; Song of the Empíl'f'" was given by Ronald Summers. Mou-lt Pleasant, whilst, the ren- dering of the Eisteddfod Song by Miss Katie Eva-r s wnis charming. The Pasitor (Rev D. Eurof Walters), in a few happy remarks^ thanked all who had contributed in bringing the eisteddfod to a successful tissue, making special mention of the chairman, etc. | An organ recital was giyien at St. Mark's ll Swansea, on Sun- p a ril. li C l IL171(-" I I' k d('Iig .htful pro g raiiirne Av is day afternoon. A delightful programme wm arranged by Mr. F. Drew, the organist- a.nd choirmaster. Roautiful carols "Angels S ing,?,tig C l i-)j- v from the Realms of Glory," "Singing Glory to God," and an asi^hom "Glory to Clod in the Highest," were rendered by the choir, the solo part in the anthem btcing sung by Miss Lily Gear. Miss Hetty Davies rendered three solo-, in her hest style, and Mr. Drew was heard to great advantage in his splendid renderings on the orgau of the "Hallelujah Chorus," and "The Christmas, Pastorale." The collections were in aid of providing com- forts for the sailors and soldiers from the church who are serving the country. AT PARK IIVF-RN HOSPITAL. rarK VV Mil. Led osb Hospital row con- tains 60 wounded soldiers, 22 having arrived in the past week. Every bed is occupied, but when it is fully equiPped shortly there will be iLccommoda-tion. ill all probability for another 40. The dining-room, vestibule, a,nd wards were gaily decorated by hclly, mistle- toe, evergreens and flagS on Xmas Day by the nurses and orderlies, and the latter wil- lingly took turns of duty. Thanks to the generosity of the uommerctel men at tbe docks, there was an abundance of tho season's good things, to which ample justice was dme by the poor fellows able to partake of them. Amusements also were provided, and the chief attraction was a fishing pond." Com- mandant C. Cleeves and the matron also were most attentive, and the "TommiM" ?eemed thoroughly happy and comfortable. In the evening the dining-room was thronged with an enthusiastic and apprecia- tive audience, every artiste taking part in the excellent concert. arranged by Mr. Roger Thomas, being compelled to respond So a, re- call. Fruit was provided by Mr. Chidzoy. sweets by Mr. Green and Tti-. Jayue, and eiga-rettes by Mr. Glyn Price. Miss Va.1 Terril happily selected a monologue, intro- ducing characters from Dickens, and faith- fully portray el the obSequions Uriah Heap, and the feeble old grandfather of Little Nell; Ma,dame Hale was haPPy in her vocal solos, and P.C. Price was thoroughly enjoyed in his well-chosen songs. Master Edgar Williams in his '"ello selections made a great impres- sion. Roars of laughter were evoked by Mr. Harry Moreton, and all the singers were grateful to Miss Gertrude Davies for her piano aocompaniments. Commandant Charles Cleeves told our re- presentative that, thanks to the generosity of many people, an abundance of fruit and vegetables .had be:t) sent to the hospital; also that a committee of business men had been formed, with Mr. If. Stanley Cook as trea- surer, to approach people to give regularly in money ov kind to the hospital, and thus relieve the burden of its falling on two or I three. _=-=-=-=:==: AMMANFORD. At Ammanford Christmas was very quietly spent. White some families rejoiced in happy re-unions, the gloom of war hung heavily over others. On Christmas night, on excellent sa.cred concert was held at Capsl Newydd, Bettws, Ammanford, the following well-known artistes taking part: S,opra.-no, Madame Jennie Ellis (Swansea); contralto, Miiss Bronwen Willi arm* (Llan- diilo) tenor, Mr. W. Amman Michael, R.A.M. vioflimst, Mr. R. J. Thomas, A.C.V., Ammanford and elocutionist, Mr. lorgan Davin; (Ammanford). Mr. T. M. Evans, M.A. (Ammanford) presided, and a high-class treat was provided to the evident appreciation of a large audience. Miss Geiinwen Williams and Mr. Geo. 1. Thomas, L.L.C.M.. Bettws, accompanied on the piano. BRfTON FERRY. Christmas Day passed off very quietly at Briton Ferry. During the whole of the day it rained incessantly, and most people spent t'te time indoors. Services wore held at several of the churches in •tb-e morning. In the< afternoon a Soccer footbadl match was played between Briton Ferry Albion* and Port Talbot, the pro- ceeds of which were for the wounded soIcli ers at Baglan. In the evening enter- tainments were held at various school- rooms, while the periormancos at the Pllbliu HaD and licturedrome Cinemas were crowded out. j ABERAVON—PORT TALBOT. Trado was exceptionally brisk in Aber-i zi i-on and Port Talbot over Christmas, and' most of the game and poultry clpaJers., both in the market- and private shops, wero sold out early on Friday evemng. The theatres and picture palaces of the town and district catered adnilra-bly, a-tid were filled to overflowing on Christmas night.. In the afternoon a splendid crowd assembled on the Athletic Ground to wit-j rmss a Rugby football match between Mr. I Willie Trew's (Swansea.) team and Mr. Willie Hopkins' (Aberavon) team. The Mayor (Mr. Percy Jacob) kicked off, and the proceeds were in aid of the local war funds. The game was a very bright and; sparkling one; and ended in H. win for, Aberavon by one try (scored by Ivor Hop- i kins) to nil. Mayor and Mayoress's Gifts, Orer Christmas the Mayor and Mayoress of Abeiavon (Mr. and Mrs. Percy Jacob) displayed a commendable spirit of magnanimity by, on Christmas Eve, presenting all the soxdiers' wives with a 5s. 2d. parce l of Yule tide cheer,' and Is. to each of the children. A similar gift M as also made to the deserving poor ] of tlio tow n The Mayor and Mayoress were assisted in the distribution by a number of w-illing helpers, and each beaming and thankful recipient of their civic ray of \uletido sunshire wa.s wished a Happy Christmas and Prosperous Now Year." I- GENDROS. T1_: r\1_ I liis years coxupeviiax u meeuiiig a.T, uia Babell proved no exception to tliose of former years fur the k&cnnesj in competi- tions, and the numerous attendance. The chief awards ware:—Recitation under 16: 1, Annie Thomas; 2, Annie Owens. Trio (under 16): Divided between B. Mainwaring and party and W. Fisher and porty. Best map: 1, Dd. iiopkin John. Soprano solo: 1, Beatrice Mainwarm-g. Recitation (open) I 1, Miss Annie Thomas, Gendros. Om- j tral.to solo; Divided between Mrs. Maggie Simons and Miss Jennet- Emmaaniel. Iit- 1 fens: Between Edith M. Griffiths and Annie Owens. Bass solo: Mr. Isaac Moar- gans. Crown Poem: Mr. Wm. Phillips, I Pontregethin. Best essay 1, Mr. Powell Thomas, Cwmdu. Duett: 1, Messrs. D. J. Williams and Leyshon Williams. Solo (over 40): 1. Mr. b. J. James. Pentre- fetliin. Quartette: 1, Mr. E. Williams and riends. Children's cliora 1; 1, Cwmdu choir. Chief choral (-eTid-cos choir. Vio- lin solo: 1. between W. Fisher Williams and Winnie Thoma.s. RAVEN HILL. Well attended competitive meetings were held at Jerusalem Chapel, Ravenhill, on Christma.s Day. The adjudicators wera: Literstiu'e, Rev. Rawson Williams; mufic, Mr. John Nicholas, R&venhiU; prize bags, Mrs. Davies. The chief awards were;- Solo for boys (under 10). 1, Meidrim Thomas; 2, between Elvet Thomas and Dd. Hughes. Solo for girls (under 10): 1, Gwennie Collins; 2, Doris Thomas and Miriam TioiveL. Recitation for girls (mider 10) 1, Miriam Bo wen 2. Elvet Thomas. Solo (boys under 16): 1, Glyn Thomas 2, between' Tom and Ivor William?. Sole (girls under 16): 1, Katis Thomas; 2, Louisa Thomas. Recitation (under 16): 1. Sarah H. Thomas 2, between Ena, Rogers and Louisa Thomas. Duet (under 16) 7 1, Tom Williams and EJiz. Jenkins; 2 Beatrdco Puliner and Glyn Thomas. Best esaay: Divided between Tom Williams and W. Palmer. Children's choral: 1, and Lizzie Tluunas' party. Quartette: 1. _Nll Ghm Thomas' (Ravenhill) party. Sülo: 1; divided between Mrs. S. Williams and Mr. J. H. RMf. Impromptu speed 1.; Divider j between Mr. Gwilym Emmanuel and Mise Ma-ggi-c. Jenkins. Prize bags 1, Miss Mary i EmmaifHeL G«ndro-s. Mr. Joseph n. hew dm aster Gcndros Council Schools, ably conduclesd the g-itherms.

are choos'n g tl-,etv Gifts fr tri ?b? thou s a i d s o f l money savi ng I Ibnrga-Rs a1. I m s?M?L'?   ? 70 ?ep§ X  a Gat yours to-day ? ?EE PRIZES «% ? for &U buyers! Ca-f ???? ??? now! Typ!cal s O aOLB PHOTO ??S?S?' <f?t Beautifully designed, K 1 "■ ^7 /fi set whh&?? B!AM8M3 Ri c ftA P=??-   set with fi u ston6s in   ???S?—? ? ? iSc?.Gold !?g?'/?/ %??????????T?-????!????? !???? P plated Tea- 3'6 a  ???USWRtSf?TCH. M?S!VE SIGNET S Shews te time by day & R?ES. LMg?heiec- a? tion of l,atest d-i. rs I | night. 7-jewe!mov.nect. tMnonatestdMgns I P«rfcct nme.?/ ??1Q/6 I h Keepe.,m N1Ckd I I Silver case. (In ?o? i M?? ?  I ease,yo/S<her,?/.) ??ti..? H SAMUELR V/{,I,m,,¡,r In'! A.d,r,¡' ;1J.£& ? 265 OXFORD ST., ? ? ????") SWANSEA. Clock, n ij;jI 1 S And at Ca. diff,Mtrthyr, ?u?poy?&c. W A iii at Afcrthyr,,Vcwport,&,c, II H. S??! l? M?i?ot St, ?tE?mm??BE??SSSmNMNMMM!?

TWO SHIPWRECKED | CREWS ?-— ¡ I LANDED AT SWANSEA? I i EXCITING EXPERIENCESI AT SEA. j I T?-,o ve^els have been ?rcck'?d off the j Bristol Channel, and the crews of both landed at ?'v?nsra on Monday morning, with tho exception of eH'n in one of the boats, and these have not, at the time of writing (early afternoon) been heard II of. Three of the iiijs,,J-ng ilic-n lyeio??l to Swansea, t?eir names being: Henry B?noake (?.B.), I Charte-s Roberts (tireman). Jack Lewis (fireman). All these, when at Swansea,, stayed at I the Sailors' Home, w lie re the remainder of the crews are at present. The vessels wrocked arc: S Cottingham, Glasgow (Captain Mitoheli). S.s. Minisfcre Beernaert, Belgium (Cap- tain Lam be). The occuriences happened in the one case I at 3 o'clock on Sunday afternoon, and m the other shortly alter four o'clock. BoLh crews had no time to take anything with them. The Cottingham" as coming from Rouen to Swansea light, and the cap- j taon had an elastic boot on one foot and a I slipper on the other when he clambered over into one of the ship's boats. One I V>at contained eight, including himself and I the other ECVen. The eight were Picked up by- a patrol boat arter sv>. boars in the open boat. and brought to Swansea, but as indicated the othor seven have not yet been heard of. The seven in this boat included the three Swansea, men mentioned, together with the chief mate. A. McEail. of Gouroch; the second mate, also of the same place; Geo. j Pearson, the ehief ongineer, of Hull, and Fred Cooke, also of Hull. III the otlier case the Relg-i-an vessel was in the same area, of the Bristol Channel. and was bound for the River Plate. from I Newport laden with coals. Captain Lambe's expeneices were all similar to the other. His vessel was of 7,200 tons, and the crew numbered J2, all of om were saved, one of the boats beiii-.g p10, up by the Dviievor Castle, a.nd tbe other sailing into Swaaisea j (including the captain) after sixteen hours in the water. These were all exhausted j when Landed, and the captain had to be carried out. In this case, Loo, the men had only what they stood up ill. Both captains give graphic accounts of I theiir experiences, and the suddenness with which they weie forced to leave them with- out bringing anything. Ca.pt. Lambe just managed to get his articles out of the chart- room, and these with himaelf were wet through on arriving at Swansea. O11 this boat, too, was Captain's pet canary which had been voyagung with hint lor five years. Thjs shared the fate of the vessel. Captain Lambe had dm-wig the previous voy-1 a.ge left his wife at Las Palmas, and this was his only satisfaction. Captain Mitchell saw his vessel sink, but Captain Lambe says his boal, was still just afloat when lie last saw her, though she would not keep up much longer. Captain Lambe's two open boats kept well together and their ?s.res showed then- positions at night for a time, but somehow t.bey dnft?d apart, and though Captain Lambe searched round for tihe others there was no trace aai tlie darkness. Both captains and crews are loud in 1 their praise of the kindness of those on J the patrol beat, the fishing vessel I(Dynevor Castle), and at the Sailors' Home, where complete outfits llerc soon in readiness for all the men. Boat Which Reoslvsrf Admiralty Gratuity. The Cottingiian-), it \\) 11 be recalled, ib the vessel whose master and crew received a gratuity of £ 100 from the Admiralty in connection with the sinking of a ai submarine. She was a regular fewauseu trader. LINER ASHORE ON THE GOODWINS. The Deal lifeboat- has gone to the assist- ancc of a four-ma.st.ed Dutch passenger liner, winch has gone ashore on the Good- wins, in the Straits of Dover, in a i southrJy gale.

WATER FOR NURSES' HOSTEL, j Discussion by Briton Ferry j Council. The questxn of supplying water to the new Court Sart schools, which were being taken over by the A-rrn 'y authorities for a 1 hostel for nurses, caused a long d-iscikssion at Briton F-erry Council meeting. A water supply had been put in, and a meter gupphpJ for water i?r use as a school, but the County CouncH now wanted a larger supply of water, as baths, etc., had ?en fixed for the use of the nurses. The Water Engineer reported that he had been in communication with the County Council, authorities, and they wanted to have a two-inch supply meter put in and wished to rent it. The cost of such a meter, state 1 tbe Engineer, would be £ 25 to £ 50. and was one which may never be required agaiu, amd the rent would mean very little, and at the conclusion of the war very 'likely the meter would be left on their hands. The County Council, however, refused to purchase the meter outright, and they now demanded wafer to be 3uppi:?d as for 'domestic purposes .accc'Tdu? to a certain far dorneitt?, pUr P L?SC.-i The Water Engineer a&ked for instructions in the matter, and aftF a long discussion it was resolved to confirm what the Water Engineer had done, and that the County Council be written to stating that the Council were prepared to supply them with water at. Court Sart Schools on the terms i which they had suggested when the property is rated on the same prihciple as other pro- pertieg. A notice standing in the name of Coun- cillor Gethin That this Council urgently appeals to the (?oven'mpnt to give ?mm'?- diate consideration to tbe question of n- creasing oid-?gc p?.n?ions, was adoptd. and it was deeded to send copies to th? Prime Minister and ]oc?I M.P. 's. The Chairman w?hfd aU members and ofHcia?s a happy Chri?tma? and New Year before concluding.

I TRAIN PASSED OVER HIM. PANTYFFYNON MAN'S FATAL INJURIES. John Thomas (38), a married man, residing at Cathan-terrace, Pantyffymion, was run over by a passenger train on the G.W.R- branoh line about twemty yards above t.he Pantyflynnon crossing on Friday night. The engine-driver, believing that. aji acci- dent had occurred, reported the matter ylien he reached Airii-i;Lr,.ford. a foreman, then went along the line and found Thomas lying between the metals in an un- conscious state. The whole train had passed over him. There was a severe wound on the head, a-nd liis skull had been fractured, but the rwst of the body was untouched. 'p C. Edwards, Dr. Erwin, and some railway am- hulance men wero soon ou the scene, and Thomas was conveyed on a stretcher to his Icine, which is not far off. Lpon I'esichiug che house he expired. Deceased had to pa.S5 the crossing on 11M; wav heme, but it is not known how he -or CD the spot where the accident occurred.

DIED IN SURGERY. At au Inquiry heid by Mr. H. Shipley Lewis, coroner. Llandilo, on h. E. P. Jen- kins, M.R.C.V.S., who was found deacd in .is surgery, Dr. W. A. T. Lloyd attributed death to fatty degeneration of tht hEart. The deceased, he id, fat- one of the stoutest men lie had over seen. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the ijiedieal testimony. i

"GOAL DRAWS iz NEARER." KING'S MESSAGE TO HIS MEN. I CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FOR, ARMY AND NAVY. PRESS BUREAC, Saturday. Tbe Pie*? Bureau is charged to convey to ¡ the Press fox public information the follow- ing message from the King to bis Navy and Army. The message was published on Christmas morning in naval and military orders throughout the Eripire Christmas Day, 1915. I .Viicther Christmas finds all the resource* of the Empire still engaged in w, and I desire to convey on my cwn behalf and on oehal: of the Queen a. heartfelt Christmas greeting and our good wishes for the New ear to a'll who, on sea and land, are up- holding the honour of the British name. In the officers an d men of my Navy, on whom the security of the Empire depends, I repose, mi common with all my subjects, a trust that is absolute. On the officers and men oi ijiv armie-. whether now in France, in the East, or in other fields, I rely with an equal faith, confident that their devotion, their valour, and their self-sacrifice will. Under Cod's guidance, I lea.d to and an lionoura-ble peace. There are many of their comrades now, alas I in hospita l, and to the brave men II also I desire, with the Queen, to express our deep gratitude and our earnest prayers j tor their recovery. Oi6cer? and ma of the Navy and of the Army, another year is draw?-.? to a close, a. it. began, in toil, bloodshed and suffer- ing. and I rejoice to know that, the goal to which you are ktiivUiS- draws nearer into sight. May Goa bless you and ali your under- takings. SWANSEA'S REPLY. 1 tie followmg reply has been sent from Swansea "Officers and men of H.M. Forces at Swansea, offer thér respectful homage and heartfelt- thanks few their Majesties gracious message. "Commander and Senior Naval Officer."

FOR CHARITY SAKE. I TREW'S AEE.RAYON,! I SWANSEA MEN LOSE BY ft I TRY. The first Rugby match played at Aber-1 avon since the outbreak of war took ph. on Christmas Day on th", Port, Talbot Ct-n- j tral Athletic Ground, when Mr. W. J. Trew's Swansea team opposed an Aberavon team captained by Mr. Will Hopkins. The proceeds were devoted to the local Red CroM and Voluntary Aid Funds. There wprp about 3,000 peop? present, and a? over ;Cll,)O  £ 100 worth of tickets had been djmoed of prior to the game a sub?t?Dtia! I'm,; should be hande-d ovc. The Mayor of Aberavon (Councilor Percy Jacob) set the ball rolling and some keen and interesting play followed, j In the first half the Aberavon forwards kept up a spirited attack, and from one of these Private Con Evans, of the Bantam Battalion. got over with an unconverted trv for the ] homesters. There was no further scoring. Mr. W. J. Trew refereed. After the match both teams were entertained to tea at the ( Walnut Tree Hotel. On Monday Aberavon entertained thp Maesteg team, the proceeds being for the same object.

_U- -n [GERMANS TRADING IN OUR rIDST. SUPINE LENIENCY TO THE ENEMY. A Times" n ites | to thai journal — The country has for iome time past- I \:ewed with impatience and even indigna- tion the supine leniency which permits German firms and companies to trade in the United Kingooni during war-time. Since the cut break of the war, nine Proclama- bOllS have been issued and three Acts passed relative to trading with the .enemy. And yet. at this moment. German firms and companies still flourish in our midst and are permitted to trade in onr country, and to sue in our Law Courts. Lei me or-ve itbree typical cases. (1) A company rcg?terpd in England consisting wholly oi German enemies resi- d?nt u< Germany i? permitted to carry on busin?N- here, to trade with r?sid?cts here, and by reason of its delusive English dress, to sue British subjects in English Courts. (2* A German firm situate here Solely owned by a Gorman enemy resident in Germany, if German owns no similar business in Germany, lie is not. allowed to trade here. If he owns a similar business in Germany, he is allowed to trade heire. Such is the amazing result of a clause introduced for some undisclosed reason into the Proclamation of September 9, 1914. which expressly permits persons in this country to ti fide with a branch in England of an enemy firm in an enemy country. (3) .V company registered in England con- sisting wholly of German enemies resident dn Germany is aliow-ed to own and work British ships and to fly the British flag, And this in .M-)it- of tb, Merchant Shipping Acts, which enad that no alien may directly indirectly own any share in a British ship.

— I KILLED CHANGING GUARD. The Railway Fatality at Port Taibot. An iiiqu'est was held at Port Talbot- on Fri- (i,i,v on Pte. Joseph Chappell, of the 7th Com- pany 5t.h Welsh—» Peinhiwceiiber man—who was killed whibt changing guard on the R. and S.B. Railway on Wednesday. Corpl. Llewellvn Jones, who was in charge, said that at 6.30 a.m. he and three men proceeded t,) relieve the guard. De- ceased remained behind near the cabin for a few moments, and they proceeded across the line. A light, engine and van passed after they had crossed. Finding that deceased had not followed witness went back and f. und his body badly mangled in the four-foot way. I-icliard Landey, engine driver, who was in charge of the light engine and van, said he did not see anyone on the line, nor did he feel a bump. -Dr. injuries, and a verdict of "Accidental death" was returned.

I RAISED RENTS AT BRITON FERRY Council lor Crethm at Briton Ferry Council meeting referred to the raising of' rant- in the town. and said he bad previously brought this matter forward in committee. tie wished the pro-pertv owners should" know th-.t u they raised their rents and if it grew there would certainly be unpleasantness for them. Property ownc", had no r ea..S. oa I in Briton reriy for such an increase, as the rates of the parish had not been increased, If this system of rent raising grew the poss6- biiitv would be that they would be touched accordingly. As overseers they had the matter m hand und would see to it that

I t AJ5![,rIG- srD. Y TRADERS. ?- At Neath on lueeday, thirteen persons I were summon?} for :ud;n? and abetting in Sunday trading. T?n c? them pleaded I guilty. ;u:d the Ch;Ï1man. Mr. Ev.aJ1S I Bevar..?al? that as thes? WHe the f.rs< coses of the kind brought before that Bench they were ordered to pay the costs only. The remainder, who pleaded iguoi- aiHK of the la ,v, were fined 5> each*

I All the most I Beautiful Women use For Bea uty, Whiteness, Preservation, of the Skiii, Against Chaps and all Irritations of the Epldcrtris. t Alscltiieiy unrivalled• Does Pkt produce Hair. Of all CTiemi!,ts,Hit.ir<ire»&er« Perfumers and Stores.

OVER DERBY SCHEME SINGLE MEN DON'T RESPOND. ThB "Dally Mairs" political 001 respondent declares that at a. special meeting of tht Cabinet on Monday afternoon the full resultf of Lo.d Derby's recrniting scheme, togethc-i with Lord Derby's final report on it, wJJl agiiin be considered by tbe Cabinet. A series of meetings will probably be necessary before the policy oi the Government is de- termined. In the i-nfant-I rne the Cabinet situation it extremely difficult, and may lead to great changes in the Ctovennment, and sven tc a general electi Single Men Faifurs. The (.abiiu-.i T.u-cLJ\ will be faced with th( hd that, a surprising number of single mer 01 military ace in this country have failed tC attest- under Lord Derby's scheme. Many estimates have been made. One pn1 the number at 400,000. but this is probablj under the mark, aud the totaJ is more likely to be over the half-million. Wo do not pre. fe;-s, of course, to give the actual figure. Tiiii failure on the part of the single mer is diic- to many causes. Many of the tota are in starred trades; others no doubt &rt physically unfit: some have dependents bU1 when every allowance is made thera is it-C dcubt.—tU-ixi the suppoit-ers ot compulsion in the Cabinet have 110 doubt—that the failure of the single men is so large that unaer th< terms of Mr. Asquath's pledge compulsion I: absolutely inevitable. It. u; understood that Derby hiriself is of the opinion that hi fcheme has failed to secure the numbe-r o' single men who should have come forward.

AT SHORT NOTICE. DRAFT OF THE HOWITZERS OFF. A draft of t.he Z;jht \Yehh I | Howitzer Rrdgadie. (R.F.A.; left 6wan6oa oil Friday eveaing (Christmas Eve) to joir, their brigade. The notice given of the nwc was 8 short that the Mayor was unable to attend in the afternoon owing to a previous engage- ment, but with his usual generosity he seat pipes and tobacco for the men. The draft paraded under the command oi Major W. A. Fold, with 2nd Lieutejiantf HoJ-e..i olUliSf.m and Wari-igiton. the lattei of whom took charge of the draft on tht | journey, 1 In the absence of the Mayor. Limit.-Col. J. Edward.- Vaughan, commanding Swanss* garrison, inspected tV- men, and prc&entec the pipes and tobacco. He gave the men a most cheery address and wished them God speed and good iuck- He was loudly cheered by i.he' men on the tonclusicn of his spccch. A huge crowd assembled al the ?ta.ti"f and its neighboürhood to give the men, who were in hich spirit, a hearty send-off.

"SOMETHING UNDER THE ENGINE." PANTYFFYNON MAN'S FATAL INJURY. An Inquest -?m held at Ypy?owk? Farm. rantyCynnon, on Monday afternoon, br Mr F. M. Olym; Price. on the bod? of John Thomas (6). a married man of Cabban- terrace. ho was run over by a passeujrei" train near PantyPyunon ?tB?tOn ?!) Cbr? nias En. Jt, transpimd that deceased had £ one IT to Ammanford with the 5,30 p.m. train, ac- oompanied by bis wife: He was seen by 1- friend about S o'clock scoing back towa>ru5 the station. 1ie had been drinkinr. The engine-driver of the 8.20 train from Amman- ford faaciec. he heard something under th* engine when near Pfl-ntyftynnon, and he re- ported the matter. A signalman, named Wm. Powell to! lowed rv Foreman Dalies, went un the line. and saw deceased between the m-lals. Tli wEi., then alive, but unconscious. The rail- way ambulance was orooured e,nd first Ðji rendered, and shortly after Dr. J. W Irvine arrived. Deceased had sustained compound, depressed fracture of the skull. The injuries were consistent with hj bavin? heen knocked down by the buffer, or some part of the engine. Death ensue*' in two and a half hours. The en srine-d river sa-id the night was stormy, blowing: hard, and rain in sr. The ;111. returned a. veidiet that deatfc resulted from injvres received throujrb beingr struck by a train whilst trespassing- on the line.

SAVE THE INFANT. Coroner's Remarks at Aberayon Inquest. Mr. Edward Powell, acting coroner, held an inquest at Aberavon on Tuesday on thf: j body of John Oliver Dyer, the seven week? old son of Josph Dye-r, Curwen-terrace. Aberavon, who died on the preceding day. 1)?,. liel-ivir saii tli-' tc Il,t death wa,s duoete I- The Coroner said that at th? present, time it w cvs necessary t.hat parents should do every,"tiling in their power to ?ook after the lives of inf T-?,at could only be don* by proper caiv -Vb.?- children were ailing, and they shouM can in a düdor. By do- I in? M r¡¡¿my 1iïes mi?ht be saved. A verdict in accordance with th? medico levidence ?a? returned.

I A BAGKWAROS-FORWARDS LANGUACE. I German professors, if appears- bar* lbee.n deterred from seeing up iu Consta3? tmople by the d'&culnes of th? T-urb? [lang" uage. But these should be somewat iese severe for Germans titan for us. Everybody who has tackled German kiows the strain of waiting for the verb ,t, the end of the sentence which will -^Piaan what it is all about. Sir Charl-^ Eliot cites as a. typical Turkish sotenop- Capital and V anla. beiweer running Lloyd of Company of Vulcan -earner on Stamboul to coming are we." Rr:oá. backwards, and its meaning p<>mes cleat- Obviously such a langua.gf:hold avoid long sentences. Popular" urklM does; but Turkish writt-rs ill,:ig6 in niighty col?,enl:a d to mazes that should be elle COJlSeilial to German professors.

BREWER A: LPEiiAL- -1 lllQe;Q "T' t>1gg1eswade The death was  S? « M' .«?, Lord of '??: iamryj brew.- •> ?9 to 1863. 'a Admiralty iru.?df? f<.rfart?t.? ??1 M.F ? 1395-and ?hS y??-?'? ?' election b?t ? in ^tW ofthepoUat three times inv?tL  pe. loo. He declined on acoount of his Sp.e<J.ker, bl 1r. Samuel \Vh.itbrea.d f'light deÆl';t'-A\" ;6¡¡'fS old, Was t.h w,h.u the .\N-h' tt",Il?4 d?-aety. irth ',}¿; hre'5T6r 8 clar. -ho wli The n iw crtunes ? tbe fam? &?. ?' hsbec