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BRIGADE NOT WANTED I
BRIGADE NOT WANTED I BACLAN PROPERTY OWNER AND A FIRE AT HIS COTTAGE Mr. James Revnll, clerk to the Briton- ferry Urban District Council, applied to the Neath County Justices on Friday to determine the expense lor the attendance of the Britonferry Fire Brigade at Baglan on July 17th, when three thatched cot- tages were demolished by fire. Mr. Revall pointed out that the account, made out by the Council according to scale, had been sent to Mr. G. Llewelyn, of Baglan Hall, who denied liability and refused to pay the bill. The amount claimed was £ 31. John David Jones, chief officer of the brigade said they were called to the scene of the fire, and worked heroically to save the buildings- They saved the furniture at great risk, and at the request of Mrs. Llewellyn they saved from destruction an ancient and valuable door which for- joerlv belonged to the Old Vicarage. Mr Church, agent to the estate, also urged them to save a lean-to .'milding, which I they did. Mr. Jenkins (Pontardawe): As a fire- man, you pledge yourself to take risks like a soldier on a battle field?-' Lives for Lives. Witness: We risk life tor lives, not property. Mr. Jenkins: Did you attempt to ship the thatch roofs of the cottages, which was the only way to save the buildings? Witness: -Nio, there was a policeman on the roof attempting to do it when we arrived. Mr. Jenkins: And you poured water on him. (Laughter). Addressing the Bench, Mr. Jenkins said they never called out the fire brigade, and did not want it. They succeeded in saving nothing, and if they had stayed away things would have been far better. At all events, the end house would have been saved. Inspector Morris and his men were doing better work than the brigade, and to force upon them services net required was adding insult to injury. Air. Revell: Will you give Mr. LJow- I' ellyn's reasons for not requiring the brigade ? Mr. Jenkins: I could, but he was not there at the time. ¡ May Suggest What You Like." .Afr. Revell: May I suggest that the I cottages were insured, and Mr. Llewellyn did not care what happened? Mr. Jenkins: You can suggest what you like. William Williams, one of the tenants of the demolished cottagos, said the furni- ture was carried out by the occupants and neigh bours. He was corroborated by Ivor Church an 1 John Gronow, the latter adding that he was on the roof stripping the thatch when the firemen played the hose on him- The magistrates' clerk ruled that it was th" duty of the Fire Brigade, having been called to attend the fire. Whether thev did more damage than good was out of tin question, and he asked Mr. Jenkins to confirm nis observations on the amount claimed. The Beach awarded the brigade £18 is. 2d.
SKEWEM RED CROSS SOCIETY I
SKEWEM RED CROSS SOCIETY I Qn Saturday evening the Skewen detachment of the British Red Cross Society held its first annual social. Fol- I lowing tea, County Councillor Thomas W. Davies presided at an interesting meeting, and congratulated the brigade upon the excellent progress made since its forma- tion in the spring, and especially upon the efficient manner Commandant J. S. Cole had directed the training. He referred also to the foremost part which Dr. D. Samuel had taken in its initiation, and the thorough instruction he had given in the theoretical and practical branches of the work. The Rev. J. Evans Jones (Tabernacle) and Mr. J. E. Evans (headmaster of the ?toy? school) also addressed the gathering. The presentation of certificates.! medallions, and labels to the men and?, women students for successes in the ¡ county council ambulance and home n;¡rsin examinations was made by lirl.16 Samuel. The Chairman stated that these successes were the best throughout the county. Then followed the presentation to Dr. Samuel by Commandant Cole on behalf of the brigade of a handsomely carved oak framed enlargement photo group of the Skewen. detachment. Mr. Cole and Mr. William Davies referred to the doctor's aetf-sacrificing services to the brigade, and also to the ambulance and home nursing classes. Dr. Samuel feelingly responded, adding his hope that they would think of going in for winning the ambulance shield. During the evening, solos were rendered by Messrs. J. H. Trott, Harry Goulding, Lewis Davies, and Walter Kirk (comic). Mrs. Lewis was the accom- panist.
ENTERTAINING THE SOLDIERS.…
ENTERTAINING THE SOLDIERS. I "With a ch..oo'ist;¡ spirit of patdo'-I xm. the Port Talbot Glee SOI,jty, under the conductorship of Mr. John Phillips, J.P., gave a splendid concert, at the Porthcawl Rest on Saturday night to en- tertain a number of Australian, Can- adian. Welsh, English, Scotch, and Irish officers ami men, with about 50 nurses who are in residence at The Rest." The event was organised by Councillor D. J. Itees, porthcawl. The chair was occu- pied by Mr. Harry Lambert, who was supportt,d by Capt. the Hon. Fitzroy merset. A variety programme was contributed to Miss Daisy Rees, Messrs. John Wat- kins, Ahvyn Thomas (aged 10), T. Ace Bees, W. D. Da we, W. Lewie, and some magnificent comic items by Mr. C. Bounds, Port Talbot Steelworks. On the motion of Councillor D. J. Rees, seconded by the Hon. Fitzroy Somerset, an enthu- siastic vote of thanks was accorded the party a-nd artistes. The party was conveyed from Port Tal. bot to Porthcawl free of charge in Messrs. G. Barnes and Sons' motor charabanc, and Mr. Wyndham Petty's ) motor oar. After the concert the visitors I were entertained at the Rest.
. A PRISONER IN GERMANY. !
A PRISONER IN GERMANY. Private Darid Jones, of the 1st Wefeh Regiment, who was taken prisoner in the early stages of the war, and is now at Munster (Westfaler). has sent his mother, who lives in Lloyd's-court, Wine-street, Neath, a photograph of hdmeelf taken by a German soldier. He makes an appeal for fags," and Mf. Lawton, assisted by some friends, has juat sent him out a box of Wild Wood- bines. In the photo Davy Bach" is holding a German pipe and wearing Jø boots.*
BBITOHFEBRY COUNCIL MATTERS…
BBITOHFEBRY COUNCIL MATTERS I INTREASE OF WAGES FOR GAS STOKERS I At the monthly meeting of the Briton- ferry L'rban District Council, Councillor James Thomas, J.P.. presided. Arising out of the Gas Committee s re- port, it was decoded by that committee that the reoommemdation of the Gas Manager that the charge for street light- ing bo increased to SA 5s: per lamp. Councillor Hill however now proposed that instead of £ 4 ,5s. that it be increased to fA per lamp.-Coumi,Uor James secon- ded After a discussion Councillor Roberts proposed, and Councillor Branch secon- ded, that the minutes. the committee be confirmed, and on going to the vote the latter was carried. It was decided that an increase of wages be made to the leading stokers at the gasworks to 6s. per day, and to ordi- nary stokers, 5s. (id.—It was also decided to increase the price of coke from 13s. 4d. to 15s. per ton. A letter from the Secretary of the Salem Baptist Church asking for replace- ment of a gas lamp outside the church was referred toO the Streets Committee. There were three nominations tor a governor of the Xea.th Group of Schools in place of Mr. David Davies (resigned)- Rev. John Davies, B.A., Councillor J. Branch, and Mr. Morgan Hill.—On the vote being taken, the Rov. John Davies was appointed.—Mr- John Morris was re- elected as a representative of th Council for the University of Wales. An application was made by the Coun- cil's Kate Collector stating he intended joining the Army, and asking if his posi- tion would be kept open. The reply was in the affirmative, the same having been taken with all the other employes of the Council. A question dealing with some altera- tions of the Villier's-street subway in con- nection with the Great Western Railway was heard in camera.
CALLING UP BEGRUITS.I
CALLING UP BEGRUITS. I According to the London correspondent of the Sheffield Daily Telegraph," the War Office is likely to make the first call for Lord Derby's recruits about December 18. so that the new recruits will assemble on January 1. The call," says the correspondent, would be for the men in the first four, or possibly the first five, classes, and the authorities are hurrying up the establish- ment of local tribunals in order to hear the apjjeals in time. The Government, now that the Derby scheme does not close until December 11, cannot carry any proposals for dealing with slackers before the New Year. It may, indeed, be some time later before Parliament and the country can be told what proportion of the unstarred population has refused to attest. That de- lay, however, has no bearing on the call- ing up of the young eiioble6 who have volunteered under the scheme." The first five classes comprise single men of the following ages:— < Class 1 18 „ 2 19 3 20 4 21 „ I) 22 Armleterrs and the Salute. I Some misapprehension has apparently J been caused by a statement in the press regarding the saluting of officers by men wearing armlets. On inquiry at the Wa,. Office it was learned on Tuesday that no orders have been issued to the effect that a man wearing an, armlet should salute.
NEATH OFFICER'S FATE. J
NEATH OFFICER'S FATE. J News has been received at Neath of the II death of Major John Llewelyn Davies, 11th Essex Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. D. J. Davies, Rugby Avenue, Neath. He was reported wounded and missing at I the great advance at Loos—Hulluch. Major Davies was born in September, 1879. and educated at Alderman Davies's School (where his father was headmaster), University College. Aberystwyth; and later became a scholar of Emmanuel Col- lege, Cambridge, where he graduated with First Class Honours in the Natural Sciences Tripos, 1904, proceeding M.A. in 1908. He was for seven years a Lieutenant in the Oiffcers' Training Corps, and at the outbreak of war gave up his post of science master at the Perse School, Cambridge,' to join the 11th Essex Regiment as Captain of A Company. He was gazetted Major in April of this year. In May last he was appointed to the lieadmastership of the Cardiff High School for Boys, with permission to commence duties at the close of the war. In August he was married to Miss C. Fraser, B.A., of the Training Col- lege, Bingley, Yorkshire. One of his brother oiffcers has written: He was such a fine soldier, and they all had such implicit confidence in him. He was so capable, and absolutely to be relied on. The regiment feels very much his loss. for he was one of the ablest ofifcers."
SKEWEN SOLDIERS HONOURED'1
SKEWEN SOLDIERS HONOURED '1 One of the finest of the series of Soldiers' and Sailors' Reception meetings was held on Thursday evening at the English Wesley Schoolroom. Skewen, Mr. Henry Reason presiding. The four local heroes were Company-Sergt.-Major D. J. Oossey, of the Welsh Guards, one of the stalwarts of Hill 70 and the captured German gun; Corporal Wilfred Evans, King's Royal Rifles, recovering from a bullet wound; Pte. R. J. Cole (Remounts, A.S.C.): and Pte. G. Mainwaring, late of 2nd Welsh, discharged through loss c.f trigger finger. Warm speeches of ap- preciation and welcome were made by the Chairman, Revs. J. C. Beynon, B.A., curate of Skewen; J. E. Jones (Taber- -naele); Mr. Chris James, and Pte. A. J. May. of the 6th Welsh (on furlough from France). The latter mentioned how the lads at the front were glad to read in the Herald" how Skewen honoured their comrades. The presentations on behalf of the well-wishers in Skewen and Neath Abbey, were made to each by Mr. Philip Evans, who ^cidentally mentioned that i6 members of his Sunday School class in Wesley Chapel, were serving their coun- try, one of them being on board the Tiger when the Blucher was sunk.. The four recipients suitably responded. Messrs Geo. Taylor and B. J. Noot rendered a pianoforte duet. Miss Ivy France a solo, and Miss Gwladys Jones a recitation; during the meeting. An orchestral j chorus was given by Messrs. R. and G. Taylor, B. J. Noot, Brynmor Francis, j Phil Lane, and H. Burton. A vote of condolence with the widow and relatives of the late Sergt. Frank Spittle (killed in action) was passed.
[No title]
Mr. Larry Warner, manager of the Globe Cinema, Clydach, was given a bumper benefitQIl Monday night on his second anniversary a4f manager.
ILLITERATE BOYS -0
ILLITERATE BOYS -0 UNSATISFACTORY STATE OF EDUCATION IN NEATH DISTRICT (By our own Correspondent). Scandalous I call it. We are spend- ing millions of money on the education of children, and turning them out of school practically illiterate." Such is the ver- diet of Dr. D. LI. Davies, J.P., of Neath. A public man in every sense is the doctor, a man of action and of very few words! unless justified., For ten years he has been a member of the Neath Borough Education Committee, and now he has; dropped the bomb-shell. But let it be understood at the outset, Dr. Davies does not wish to injure any- body. He realises-as we all must-that the child problem is difficult to solve be- cause ignorant parents delight in defying legislation framed for their children's wel- fare. Time after time hasattentiou been drawn to the alarming number of illiterate youths in the town of Neath—youths who have muddled through the school process, and at, the age of 14 are turned out of school to start on life's voyage like a ship without a rudder. Unable to Read. I As the Home Office certifying surgeon to the Neath district, Dr. Davie6' pre- fessional duties bring him in personal contact with the majority of boys leav- ing school to work in the factory, the mill, or the colliery. They come to me," said the doctor to the writer, to be medically examined. I test their eye- sight, too, by giving them something to read. And it is during that test I made the discovery which must be painful to all who have the welfare of the rising generation at heart. They simply pass back the book I give them, look shy, and say they can't read. They cannot give you any reasons. I get cross with them, but its of no use. Not one, but dozens, have I examined during the past month who cannot read or write. I can only add, as I did at the Education Committee, that it is nothing but scandalous. My district covers Britonferry, Skewen, and Aberdulais, as well as Neath, so you see it is not only in the borough but in the district schools where this apparent in- difference to elementary education exists. What am I going to do? Well, I'll try to wake the people up!" Those who know the doctor best can depend upon him to prosecute his mission with a persistency that spells ultimate success. There are contributory causes for this alarming and unsatisfactory state of affaire. Visit the tips and watch the army of youngsters cinder picking and coal pinching. A bucket of fuel is a more valuable asset to some parents than their children's education. Clad in rags and tatters they are allowed to run wild ia their search for cinders, get into all sorts of mischief, and obtain their initial in- struction in hooliganism. What about the local educationalists? Aro they neglecting their duty to the child? Legislation is drastic enough if put into operation, but there has been a desire to allow sentiment to obscure the pale of duty by simply playing with the law instead of taking drastic mea- sures to secure for the children some kind of elementary education and a disci- plined mind. Parents who neglect their offspring deserve little consideration, ancl so long as they are allowed so much lati- tude as to render compulsory education a farce, it is only reasonable to expect that a small percentage of children will continue to roach school age illiterate. Medical certificates are sometimes issued indiscrimately. How often do we find, when a parent has been summoned for neglecting to send a child to school, a medical certificate handed in to prove that Mary Jonee or Tommy Thomas had during a certain material period been suffering from toothache or the measles and was un- able to attend school? Only recently a case came before the County Bench when the mother produced a certificate which showed that her child wa.s suffering from a sickness which necessitated con- finement and isolation, and the attendance officer who prosecuted deposed that he had seen the child running about the streets in all winds and weathers during the period named on the certificate. Are not thefte facts contributory causes to the failure of our educational system? The Remedy. I What is the remedy? Interviewed on the subject. Mr. Arthur Evans. clerk to the Neath Borough Education Authority, agreed with Dr. Davies that the facts are appalling. "We have on our books to- day," he said, a number of boys be- tween the ages of 13 and 14 years who have only reached Standard I. The re- sult is they leave school and in a few months forget all they have learnt at school because they are indifferent, and the parents either too neglectful or ignorant to encourage home studies. In many homes thA parents are obsessed with one idea-the immediate earning capaci- ties of their childrea, losing Right of the subsequent possibilities of an educated child. The attendance at school generally during the past twelve months has been anything but satisfactory in Neath. The only way to save the situation is to bring some of the worst cases under. direct school influence by sending them to a truant achool" Perhaps this will be done. There are, I understand, 22 summonses to be issued against defaulting parents returnable at the next Police Court, and some bad cases are included in this list. Drastic reform is necessary, and parents must be taught that they cannot trifle with their chil- dren's future. If they are proved un- worthy of their charge, it would be ih- finitely better for all concerned to put the children under the care of an authority who would instil discipline, create an appetitp for learning, and set their faces towards the goal of usefulness and com- mercial success.
.FELL UNDER THE TRAMS.I
FELL UNDER THE TRAMS. I An inquest was held at Ystalyferu Police Station on Tuesday, touching tho death of Jacob Phillips, a shot-firer, who was kilted at the New Diamond Colliery on Saturday last. Mr. Edward Powell (Neath) was the coroner. Mr. Dyer Lewis, H.M. Insjiector of Mines; Mr. T. C- Bull (representing the Company), and Mr. JohA Walterr, (for the South Wales Examiners' Association) were present. Bees Powell, under-maaager, gave erv j- df-uco to the effect that about 2.55 on Saturday afternoon he was riding on the second tram of a journey when coming; (up the slant. Deceased ajid otbArx were Ion the front tram. When about 2S-? yards from the entrance two laggings gave way, with the result that a quantity of rubbjsh came down on top of deceased, knocking him under the trams. The journey was stopped, and it was found that two tram shad gone over. When extricated he was dead. A verdict of Accidental death." was returned.
IEDUCATION -IN NEATHi
I EDUCATION IN NEATH REFERENCE TO LATE MAJOR J. LL DAVIES At the annual meeting of the Neath Borough Education Committee held on Tuesday afternoon, Ald. Hopkin Morgan, J.P., was unanimously re-elected chair- man for the ninth successive year. Five assistant masters applied for, and were granted, permission to join the Army, and according to a report of the special meeting, it was decided to pay them half salary unless they received a commission, when the committee reserved the right to oonsider each case on its merits. Schools' Water Consumption. Ald. H. P. Charles again called atten- tion to the great desparity in the supply of water at the various schools. He pointed out that more water was used at the Gnoll Schools than in all the other schools put together, and further stated that at the Roman Catholic School 73,000 gallons of water was used as compared with 57,000 gallons at the Melyn Schools. He moved that the Borough Surveyor be asked to supply a report on the water question. Either the apparatus was out of gear or there was gross extravagance. Mr. W. E. Rees did not think the com- mittee should summon the widow of a i soldier who had laid down his life for his country for the non-attendance of her child at school. If they did, then the committee should pay the fine. Mr. J. R. Jones: The sentiment may he all right, but we are working for the best interest of the child. It was decided, to summon all the parents reported. Referring to the death of Major J. LI. Davies from wounds, the chairman pro- posed that a vote of condolence be sent to Mr. D. J. Davies, the bereaved father, who was the headmaster of the Melyn Council Schools. Not many months ago the committee congratulated him on his eon's appointment as headmaster of the Secondary School at Cardiff. Major Davies' educational career had been a brilliant one, and his death on the field of battle must have been most distressing to his parents a.nd young widow. Aid. H. P. Charles seconded, adding that the case was extremely said, and made them ponder over the my-sterious ways of Providence. The resolution was carried in silence.
AIDING A DESERTER. I
AIDING A DESERTER. I At Neath Police Court on Monday, Emily Amor, Arthur Amor, Glamorgan- street. and Julia Davies, Lakes-court, were jointly charged with aiding the desertion of a soldier, named Private Thomas James, of the R.A.M.C. Mr. Edward Powell, who prosecuted, said the proceedings were taken against defendants under the Army Act, and he had been instructed by Sir Henry Mackinnon to ask the Bench to inflict a heavy penality. P.S. Evans said that on the 5th June, Private James was sentenced by Court- martial for desertion. lie returned to Neath on October 30th, and went to the house of Mrs. Amor, changed into, civilian clothes, and again deserted the Army. He (witness) searched the house, and said he found defendant's uniform packed in a pillow slip under the bed. When he questioned the woman, she said Julia Davies brought it there. Mrs. Martha Thomas, of The Latt, a sister to Private James, said she formerly lodged with Mrs. Amor. and at the latter's request she went to a second-hand shop in Market-street, and bought a suit of civie's" clothes. Mrs. Amor told her the suit was for her husband, but it was her brother she saw wearing the clothes. The charge against Arthur Amor was withdrawn. Benjamin Davies, Lakes-court, pleaded not guilty to receiving the uniform, the subject of the charge. P.C. Edwards said he went to defend- ant's house on November 1st, and defend- ant handed him the pillow slip contain- ing the uniform, which he took from underneath the bed. Defendant was fined 10s., Emily Amor I 20s., and Julia Davies 30s.
AMMAN VALLEY SCHOOL MANAGERS.…
AMMAN VALLEY SCHOOL MANAGERS. 1 At Amman Valley Managers' meeting on Thursday afternoon, Mr. J. Harries (Irlwyn) presiding, a communication was read from the County Education Com- mittee in reference to the better lighting of schools for evening classes, in respect of which the managers had submitted a strong resolution. a The Education Committee stated that their chairman (Aid. W. N. Jones) had reported to them that it was desirable to instal electric light in Tycroes, Saron, and Periygroes schools, and recommended that it be done. The committee, however, felt bound to act upon the general resolution passed by them, that until the termina- tion of the war no new method of lighting either by gas or electricity—be installed in any of their schools. A similar request to them had been refused at Kidwelly, and the contemplated installation of elec- tricity had in the same way been held over at Brynaman. The desirability of such installation was of course recognised, but the need for strict economy was im- perative, and the imposition of further charges of this character upon an area already overburdened was to be depre- cated. At a time when there may soon be a dearth of bare educational neces- sities, the provision of every article not coming within that category could not be sanctioned, and for the present the light- ing of evening schools at these places must be by means of lamps as heretofore, and such, lighting, though of course capable of improvement, could not be described as inadequate. The managers' intention to communicate with the Board of Education was noted, and it was a course to which no possible objection could be taken. A resolution for a ratepayers' meeting at Tycroes in favour of better lighting was submitted to the managers, who decided, that it he forwarded to the Educa- tion Committee with their cordial support.
.MOUSE SOLD FOR X20 I
MOUSE SOLD FOR X20 I A novel jumble sale will take place at the Smithfield Cattle Show next week. It is being organised by the Agricultural Relief of the Allies Committee for the purpose of raising funds to assist the farmers in France. Gifts of almost every description have been received, and these range fro.u fat cattle to a typewriter. Large e-un-is of money have been raised in the provinces. At Northwich, a mouse decked out in a Union Jack, which was put up by auction and resold, made £ 20, which works out at 99 per ounce. A don- key at Stratford-on-Avon wa? resold 6fty- eeven times, realising 2162 15s. The amount raised by British farmers for the rf f of theIr ruined bHthn in France KOW approach? ?30,??" said Mr. J. P. Goodwin.
WAR EBONOMY
WAR EBONOMY MR. ASQUITH'S WARNING. A great representative Labour confer- ence was opened on Wednesday in the Central Hall, Westminster, London. It was called together to discuss national war finances as it affects organised labour. All the unions affiliated to the Labour Party, the Trade Union Congress, and the General Federation of Trade Unions were invited. A few societies out- side this circle also received invitations, includng the National Union of Journal- ists. Over 1,000 delegates attended, represent- ing more than 4,000,009 organised workers. Mr. Arthur Henderson, President of the Board of Education, took the chair, supported by, amongst others, Mr. J. W. Gulland (chief Government whip), Mr. E. S. Montagu (financial secretary to the Treasury), there being on the platform a large group of prominent Trade Union- ists. On entering the hall at 11.30, Mr. Asquith, Mr. McKenna, and Mr. Runci- man, were cordially received, the dele- gates rising and greeting the right hon. gentleman with cheers. Mr* Asquith, who first spoke, said he need not remind the conference of the enormous financial and economic burden which the prosecution of the v.-ar was imposing upon the people of this country. He believed our shoulders were broad enough. to bear that burden, and that the sacrifices which it called upon every class to make would, when the mag- nitude of the responsibility was clearly brought home to them, be gladly, and, in- deed, joyfully incurred. The aggregate of expenditure on the war had reached figures absolutely un- exampled in the history of this or of any other country. We were now spending something like £ 5,000,000 a day on the war, and it was absolutely essential that we should make the largest possible pro- portion of the national resources available for the conduct of the war and for the maintenance of our export trade. Any excess cither of profits or earnings which did not find its way back to the State in loans or trades, or was not em- ployed remuneratively in necessary in- dustries, was so much loss to the national revenue and to the national resources, and therefore, so much injury to the national cause He laid down that proposition both with regard to profits and to the earn- ings of the working classes, and he thought it ought to be applied in due measure to both. He proceeded to summarise in a few sentences what the State had done since the commencement of the war to exact, not only from capitalists, but from per- sons in respect of income which made them assessable to income tax, something approaching, at any rate, a fair contribu- tion to the common burden. It followed from this brief review that when he and his colleagues in the Government were asking the delegates to use their great in- fluence with their fellow workers whom they represented to prevent anything in the nature of a general demand for ad- vances of wages, that the Government had already done a great deal-he did not say they had come to the end-to make the profits or earnings of capital con- tribute its share to the cost of prosecut- ing the war. How did the matter stand in regard to wages ? There had been a rise, and in some cases a substantial rise, but his hearers would say, and say truly, that since the war began there had been a substantial increase in the cost of living. The general result showed an average increase of thirty per cent., but at any rate over large areas in which allowances had been made for increased cost of liv- ing, wage earners were substantially better off than they were before the war began. (Cries of No, no.") It was not universal of courser—("Hear, hear)—but these facts had to be taken into account, and the Government asked the Conference to help them in securing that all classes, and not least the work- ing class, which had contributed so nobly in flesh and blood, which after all was the most precious thing that any of them could give, would in the same spirit of patriotism and self-sacrifice be prepared to deal with -,be question of wages. They applied to that class to contribute their share either in the way of taxation or by abstaining from pressing demands which under other conditions might be reason- able towards the task in which we all had a common interest—the successful prosecution of the war, on the complete achievements of which the economic for- tunes, as well as the honour, and indeed the national, life of this country depends. (Cheers) Mr. McKenna, who immediately fol- lowed, argued that it was not right to in. crease the cost of commodities indefinitely by indefinite demands for increased wages. Wages he regarded as oue factor in the cost of an article, but he did not say it was the only factor. In some cases high wages were earned and lavishly spent. (Interruption.) Such a course was in- jurious to the State and to their poorer neighbour. (Renewed interruption, and shouts of What about the upper classes ? ") He would come to the upper classes, but his general contention was that it was injurious to the State to in- dulge in more lavish expenditure during a war than in time of peace. Neither capital nor labour should be diverted to supply unnecessary goods. To pay for such commodities threw upon the State an extraordinary difficult task. An unnecessary increased demand led to in- creased price. The right hon. gentleman proceeded to illustrate the case of a man earning two or three pounds a week, but, being met with derisive laughter and cries of "Twenty-seven and eightpence," the Chan- cellor substituted 30s. or j £ 2, whereupon there was a shout of £ 5,000 a year." He did not suggest that the workman should not. have his enjoyment, but it ought to be at the right time, and by so acting he would be encouraging trade when it. 'would want encouraging. Before I the higher wages were asked for in speoial, trades the men engaged in these trades must snve their earnings. A reference by the speaker to the in- creased demand for pianos occasioned fur- ther dissent amongst a section of the dele- gates, and the chairman found it neces- sary to appeal for order. Mr. McKenna's point was that after the war tbey wfculd get far better pianos for I the same price. The Premier had told the conference what the Government were doing with the rich—t^jey were taking 50 per oent. of excess profits. (Voioes: "Take the other fifty."). What, he asked were the Government asking of the workers? (Voices: Every- thing.") They were prepared to take their excess earnings in War-Loan, give interest, and pay it back after the war. Those were infinitely better terms than the Government had given the capitalists. (Shouts of "No.") If all excess had been saved there would have been no necessity for his appearing on that plat- form. So long as increased earnings were cnly used to increase consumption they were in a vicious circle which could only have one end—ruin to the State. Mr. Runciman began by an allusion to the had doctrine of the Chancellor, Though the delegates had not liked it, they must have respected Mr. McKenna for his candour. A delegate had asked why the Govern- ment did not control the prices, but if, they fixed maximum prices at a level Mow what was miling in the world they would prevent supplies coming to these islands. Our first necessity was abundant sup- plies and God forbid we should follow Geimany's example." Every consumer ought to put to himself the question how best he could add to our national wealth by reducing consumption The President of the Board of Trade, in some further observations, gave an in- teresting and at times amusing descrip- tion of how the Government had con- trolled' purchases in frozen meat. coal and other necessities, and in regard to meat said the French Government had left us to make the whole of the purchases for their Army as well as our own. Replying to questions, Mr. McKenna complained that he must have been ab- solutely misunderstood from beginning to end. The whole burden of his argument was nothing more nor less than this—that i considerably higher earnings were made to-day by some, but not by all. Some were earning even less. But if those who were earning more than before the war put forward further demands they would be doing so at the expense of their poorer neighbours
DIED IN EPILETIC FIT. I
DIED IN EPILETIC FIT. An inquest was held on Saturday, at Mumbles, by Mr. C. J. C. Wilson (deputy county coroner), touching the death of, Mrs. Rebecca Sarah Morgan, 3. Marine- terrace, Mumbles. Mrs. Ellen Alice Gibljs i (daughter) with whom the deceased re- fdded, said that her mother was 74 years of age. She last saw her alive on Friday, about 11 p.m. Her mother was subject to epileptic fits, otherwise her health was very good. She went to bed directly after supper, apparently quite well. When wit- ness retired she went to see her mother. and-found her lying across the bed in a fit She covered her with bed clothes, and allowed her to remain in that posi- tion, which was their custom when de- ceased was in a fit. When witness saw her mother in the morning, the latter was dead. Witness then sent for a doctor. Dr. J. Cyril Curtis, Mumbles, said that hi attended the deceased for indigestion tome time ago. He was told that she was subject to epileptic fits. He was called in about 9 a.m. on Saturday He found her lying across the bed in a semi- prone position. From the position of the! body his opinion was that deceased died from suffocation following an epileptic fit.. The jury returned a verdict in accord- ance with the medical evidence.
SEARCH FOR STAMP ON A 'FERRY…
SEARCH FOR STAMP ON A 'FERRY SCALE At Neafth County Sessions on Friday the Britonferry Co-operative Society were summoned at the instance of In- s-pector Evan Jones with having in their possession an automatic unstamped weigh- ing machine. For the prosecution it was contended that it was necessary when a weighing instrument was repaired, the Inspector should be notified in order to re-test and stamp. The instrument was correct, but it had not been re-tested for three years. Mr. James Revell, for the defence, said the machine was properly stamped. Inspector Jones: It was not stamped when I was there. The manager and I thoroughly examined it. Mr. Revell: Do you say it has been put there since. Inspector Jones: Well, it has been tampered with since I examined it. The machine was produced in court, and the magistrates and officers looked for the stamp with a magnifying glass. Henry Curtiss, a representative of Messrs. Avery's, Ltd., the makers of the machine, said the instrument was pro- perly stamped. The Bench adjourned the case for a fortnight.
HOW SKEWEN HONOURS ITS -SOLDIERS_1
HOW SKEWEN HONOURS ITS SOLDIERS 1 On Tuesday evening a crowded audience [filled Tabernacle Chapel, on the occasion of a miscellaneous concert for the benefit j of the f tinds of tli, Skewen and Neath Abbey Sailors' and Soldiers' Reception Committee. Mr. John Davies rendered an overture on the organ, and the following artistes took part:—Soloists, Mrs. Winnie John (Neath Abbey). Mies K. Abbott, Mr. Jas. Davies, Mr. Jeffrey Jones (Skewen) violinist, Mr. Ivor Francis (Skewen): elo- cutionist, Mr Tom John (Ap loan), Xeath Abbey. Presentations were made to the follow- ing soldiers, who are home from the front: Gunner John Davies, of the R.F.A.; Driver Sidney Hobday, of the R.F.A (both of Skewen); and Lance-Corporal T.M Bates, Military Foot Police, of Jersey Marine. Mr. Henry Reason, who handed them the gifts, on behalf of the com- mittee, gave them a hearty welcome home," and voiced the gratitude of all for their services to their country. The authorities of the chapel and the artistes Osrho all gave their services free), having been thanked, the concert closed with the National Anthem. As a result a substan- tial sum will accrue to the funds of the committee.
LOCAL SPELTER WORKS.I
LOCAL SPELTER WORKS. I The Chief Inspector of Factories, in his I annual report to the Home Official, states that good compliance with the regulations in the lead smelting trades is reported from Swansea. Considerable improve- ments have been effected in some of the spelter works during the year, and the majority of the workers appear to appre- ciate the facilities now provided for wash- ing and partaking of meals. They object, however, to leaving their ordinary cloth- ing in the places required for the purpose and this is frequently found to be hang- ing up in rooms in which lead processes are being carried on. The provision of in- dividual lockers with locks and keys would perhaps remove this objection."
LOUGHOR BOY KILLED. I
LOUGHOR BOY KILLED. I Private D. Edgar Powell, Welsh Fusiliers, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Dd. Powell, Grenfield-plaoe, was killed Somewhere in France." In a letter re- caived from, the Wesleyan chaplain to the parents, it is stated that the deceased's company were practi&ing at bomb-throw- ing when a bomb exploded, killing him outright and some of the others were badly wounded. He was buried close to the firing line, and a little wooden cross marks the grave. Deceased was 19 years of age, and was a tinplate worker. Before enlisting in October, 1914, he was a play- nig memher of the Loughor II. Rugby Football Club. He was well respected by players and workmen alike.
I SWANSEA INQUESTS
I SWANSEA INQUESTS t THE PERILS Of INFLAMMABLE r CLOTHES A series of inquests was held at tlio; Swansea Coroner's Court on Tuesday afternoon by the Borough Coroner (Mr. J. C. Morris). Touching the death of George Bullcr (66), dock labourer, 31, Wellington-street, who expired at Messrs Harris's Dry Dock, where he was employed, on Monday even- in-Williain Henry Cook, dockman and caretaker, Cambrian Dry Dock House, said Buller had taken the screws oul of the dock gates for "un-docking" a ship. It was not a heavy task, and he had done it repeatedly during the past forty years. He was returning from this task when he dropped dead, his body being found in the dock bottom.—Dr. Trevor Evans said death was due to natural causes, owing to the diseased condition of the heart.—Verdict accordingly. A Fatal Meal. The cause of the sudden death of Pte. Win. Jones (48), the Welsh Regiment, who was found dead in his hut at the King's Dock, Swansea, early on Sunday morning, was also stated to be natural causes. Private Sylvester Boswell having de- scribed how he found deceased lying ou the floor of the hut, Dr. Trevor Evans, who made a post mortem examination, said death was caused by suffocation duo to obstruction of the larynx with food. The man must have eaten a very heavy meal, which proved too much lor the stomach. Inflammable Clothes Peril. The story of the death of Letitia Thomas, aged four years and 11 months, the daughter of Mrs. Florrie Thomas, of 28. Cross-street, Swansea, who succumbed at Swansea Hospital on Saturday mid- night as the result of burns received Oil Friday evening, was told by her mother, who said she left the room on the evening in question, and on returning about seven minutes later found the child in flames. There was very little fire in the grate at the time. She had a guard for the fire, but it was temporarily re- moved while she was cleaning up.—In reply to the Coroner, the mother said the child's clothes were composed chiefly of flannelette. When she bought them she did not ask whether it was inflammable material. I had to buy according to my means," she said.—The Coroner observed that the mother was in very poor circum- stances, otherwise he might have had something to say about buying this cheap stuff for children's clothes. There was net nearly enough care taken of children in this respect, and also the guarding of fires. No lees than 1,500 children lost their lives in this country from burning accidents Cabinetmaker's Death. The death of Henry Lloyd (40), cabinet- maker, employed at a carpenter's shop in Picton-lane, while at work, was also in- quired into.—Mr. Brook, who arrived aftfer the man had expired, expressed the opinion that death was due to hemorrhage of the lungs, which were in a phthisical condition.—A verdict of death from natural causes was again returned.
"LET ME DROWN."
"LET ME DROWN." A sad case before the Swansea Magia trates on Monday morning was that in which Rose Huntley (21), was charged with attempting suicide on Saturday by- jumping into the North Dock. Laurence Baglow, labourer. 47. Strand. said on Saturday about one o'oock, while walking down the town side of the North Dock, he saw prisoner run without hesita- tion into the dock from an archway. He ran to the spot, and other men came. Ono threw a rope to her, but she would not take hold of it, and witness then lay on the side, the others holding his leg, and caught her by the hand as she was sink- ing. She then said, Let me go; let me drown! She was taken out of the dock, and while waiting for the police she said she would do it agadn, as she was tired of her life. P.S. (1) Coombs said the prisoner told him she jumped into the dock, and she would do it again. Charged, prisoner said she had been. living at Vaughan's lodging-house, ami was turned out a week ago over another Vomau, with whom she went about sleep- ing in sheds. On Saturday, she said she could not stand it any longer, the woman slapped her in the face, and she did not remember any more. She was sorry, and would not repeat the offence. Prisoner was committed to the Quarter Sessions.
HEATH LADS WHO ARE UNABLE…
HEATH LADS WHO ARE UNABLE TO REAO At the meeting of the Neath Borough Education Committee, on Tuesday, Alder- man Dr. D. Davies called attention to the nrmber of scholars who left school who were unable to read. For the past twenty years he had been examining those hoys who stepped from school into the ranks of labour, and he had never discovered so irany who were practically -illiterate as recently. The Chairman: Were they all from tho borough ? Dr. Davies: Some were from the dis- trict. It seems to me that they are as negligent elsewhere as here. The Clerk (Mr. Arthur Evans) If the/ do not pass Standard 1. before they renca school-leaving age wliit' can you expect? Dr. Davies: My point is that there Iq negligence somewhere, and it must be remedied. The Chairman agreed, aiid "id the huge disparity between tho different schools called for immediate investigation.
KITCHENER'S PRIZE.
KITCHENER'S PRIZE. A raffle took place at ■ Velindre on Satiirdav la,t in aid of the National Fund for Welsh troops. A goat which had been disposed of by auction at the, Lin n- gyfelach Mart, and the purchaser, Mr. Llewelyn Williams, of Suaeb, decided to raffle it in aid of the same fund. 175 names were entered at tid., and the lOOt 11 name, Kitchener, was the wiuuing card. This name was given in hy Mr. David Evans, Pcrpidy, and when this was an- nounced great, excitement took place, especially being that Lord Kitchener's name was chosen by Mr. Dd. Evans. Mr. Dl. Davies, Plasycoed, acted as secre- tary, and Mr. David Sevan, Myddfe, was chairman. The goat was sold by Mr. Rees Rice, auctioneer, at Llangyfelach Mart three times, and the whole proceeds, which amounted to £ 50 15s., were handed over to the National Fund for Welsh troops. We understand that Mr. Rice has bought the goat again with a view of having it sold by auction again in aid of the "British Farmers' Red Cross. Printed and Published for the Swansea Prese, Limited, by ARTHUR PAKNELL HIGH AM, at Leader Buildings. Swmwmu