The Amman Valley Chronicle and East Carmarthen News

BLAENAU. Miss Annie Letitia Davies, daughter of Mr. David Davies, Bronderi, has successfully passed the Associate Diploma of the London College of Music, which entitles her to the letters A.L.C.M. Miss Davies is a promising pupil of Mr. Gwilyifc R. Jones, and has been very successful in passing all the examinations of the above college. We congratulate Miss Davies on her success.

BRYNAMMAN. The pulpit of Gibea Chapel was occupied by the Rev. D. Tegfan Davies, Christian Temple, Ammanford, on Sunday, when strong discourses were delivered. Next Monday, the electors of Upper Bryn- amman will meet to choose a representative on the Carmarthenshire County Council :n place of Mr. Gv/ilym Vaughan, who has removed to London. Speculation is rife as to who will offer themselves as candidates. Some names are freely introduced in street meetings. We regret to announce this week the death, which occurred on Saturday, of Mrs. Leyshon Thomas, Nantymelun Terrace, Brynamman Road. Deceased Was- but 27 years of age, and leaves four young children and a sorrow- ful husband to mourn their irreparable loss. The interment took place yesterday at Carmel Cemetery. ( The attraction of Valleyites last Saturday, especially music-lovers, was the Semi-National at Ammanford, and a large number, attended the event. The test pieces of the principal musical event, being those of the next National Eisteddfod, undoubtedly drew many to the scene. There were but two choirs, led by conductors well known at Brynamman, one being A native. Mr. Gwilym R. Jones' choir won the praise and the prize. Miss Lottie Griffiths, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Griffiths, New Road, has become a military nurse, and has entered upon her duties at a Manchester hospital. She is but the third nurse Brynamman has yielded so far. Miss Griffiths was in service at Amman- ford when she decided to join the Red Cross. Every success to her in her new sphere of duties. Lieut. J. Henry Jones, writing his parents from Karachi, India, describes his meetings with many old friends from the Old Country, among whom were an old fellow-student from Llandovery College, and a pupil of his uncle' s (Mr. N. H. Thomas, barrister, London) when a tutor at Abcrystwyth. Also Lieuts. Tom Lewis, Cwmtwrch; Jim Richards, Ammanford; and Hamilton Lloyd, formerly employed at the Amman Valley Chronicle Office, We regret to announce this week the death of Mr. Edward (Ted) Harris, Old Company Row, who died on Monday, at the age of 4S years. Deceased had been suffering from bronchial trouble for a long period, and this, aided by a strong attack of the new flu," caused his death. He was of a quiet disposition, and was employed as a larnpman at Gwaun-cae-gurwen Colliery. He leaves a widow and three children to mourn their loss. Messrs. Thomas Jones and W. T. Jonel attended the Perth Bird Fanciers' Exhibition during the week-end, and won first honours with one of their birds. About 6 o' clock on Saturday morning, while at the show, they let loose two of their homing pigeons which they had taken with them to be exhibited. They reached home about 5.30 the same day, having travelled a distance of about 320 miles from Perth, Scotland, to Brynamman. The son' s bird arrived about a minute before his father' s. At St. Catherine's Church Hall, on Satur- day evening, Mr. T. J. Thomas, B.Sc. (Sarnicol), Aberfan, delivered an interesting lecture on the subject, Y Cymro mewn Cywair Lion (" The Welshman in a Happy Mood"). The chair was occupied by the Vicar (Rev. E. Jenkins-Davies). There was a good audience, although there were several counter-attractions in the neigh- bourhood. We understand that the tickets had sold well. The beneficiare was Mr. Lewis Owen, doubler, who has been unable to follow his employment owing to ill-health. Mr. Thomas J. Thomas, Park Street, has been officially notified that his son, Priv. Willie Thomas, who has been in action for the last 3A years, is missing since the 30th of May last. Priv. Thomas, who is 27 years of age, was wounded in the Battle of the Somme during the British forward push. It is probable that the young hero is a prisoner of war ;n Germany. We hope so, for of the two misfortunes, this is the most desirable; as while there is life, there is hope. We trust that news of his whereabouts will soon reach the family. Dr. Peter Price, M.A., Rhos, administered to the spiritual needs of Hermon worshippers last Sunday. The meetings were well at- tended, despite the inclemency of the weather. A lecture scheduled to be given by Dr. Price on Saturday had to be postponed till Mon- day evening, he having lost train connections on his journey, and consequently failed to reach Brynamman in time. His subject was Teyrnas Nefoedd ( The Kingdom of Heaven ") The lecture was quite congenial with the elevated spiritual views entertained by the speaker. Mr. T. M. Jones, M.E general manager, Gwaun-cae-gurwen, pre- sided. The Soldiers' and Sailors' Committee have been forced by circumstances to change ths date of their proposed sports from August 6th to August 5th (Bank Holiday). Since the original date was fixed upon it has beens decided by the Neath National Eisteddfod Committee to hold the chief cKoral event on August 6th. It is to be hoped that the alteration will not affect the success of the venture in the least, rather to the contrary. Splendid prizes are offered. A convenient and suitable field has been acquired for th" purpose. The event will include poultry and horse shows, sports, carnival, & c. See advertisement. An eddying miscellaneous meeting was held at Bethania on Sunday evening. The meeting was opened by Mr. Samuel Wil- liams, and the following programme was gone through:—Recitations, Gomer Griffiths, David Elwyn Davies, Nellie Evelyn Williams, Griffith J. Bowen, Nancy Bowen, Morfydd Bowen, Annie Davies, Gwen Selby, Rees Aneurin Bowen, V. Bowen, Betty Lewis, Hannah Maud Bowen, and Olwen Bowen dialogues, David Thomas and Nancy Thomas. and Morfydd Bowen, Nellie E. Williams. and Nancy Bowen; songs, Edith Murray, Mary Alice Jones, Mary Annie Murray, Mary Elizabeth Hicks, and Dora Evans. The Rev. J. Llewelyn (pastor) conducted. The Rev. Alva Richards won his 122nd chair at Ammanford on Saturday last. The subject was Dyffryn Aman," for which lie best ode was claimed. The successful bard was not present, for the simple reason that he received no previous intimation that he was the winner, as is the custom and the object of the committee to seek the proper names oi the competitors. His pseudonym was Mm y Mynydd." He also won the chair at Birchgrove for the best cerdd goffa to a pious old character named David Rees at Birchgrove, the same day. AHa" is gathering in the eisteddfodic timber at such a rapid rate that several of his latter feats have not been recorded. Last Saturday week he won a similar trophy at Llwynhendy foi the best poem on Onid HwTf yw y Saer)" We must hasten to finish this note, else an- other chair will arrive at Hafodygan. The prospects of the re-organised Bryn- amman Band are getting brighter. The old itinerant players are returning to the fold, and soon the ranks will be as complete as ever. We hope to hear the cheerful strains of the Band in the streets ere long. There is ample space in the atmosphere for music nowadays. In some villages our heroes, on returning from the fray, are escorted home Ly the local band; and they of everybody fully deserve it. This, of course, was not possible at Brynamman, owing to the non-existence of such a combination. In most towns, when a soldier or sailor wins distinction in the world- war, flags and bunting figure everywhere, but Brynamman valiants who have made a mark are treated comparatively cold indeed on such occasions. Now that the public's music medium has been re-formed, we ven- ture to anticipate an improvement in these respects. 0 The gardener has been ardently wishing for a copious downpour of rain, his produce shewing unmistakable signs of deterioration and stagnation, whereas the farmer, whose crops m the majority of cases are waiting to be conveyed to the granaries, seeks a pro- longation of the drought. The gardener's desires have been complied with, and what has proved a blessing to him yields consider- able dissatisfaction and anxiety to the other. It is not for mortal to decide which of the parties' wishes should be conceded, but this we know-that gutters, drains, and streams needed a bath badly. The mephites arising from these during the recent dry weather makes us wonder that those residing in their proximity have not been stricken with fever. All who have occasion to pass within a hundred yards of certain channels, either suppress their breathing apparatus or protect their lungs with a handkerchief placed over their nostrils. Clouds of germs arise from these stagnant, putrid gutters, and the odour arising therefrom is repulsive, repugnant, and obnoxious. They are roaring hives of restless vermin which hise in myriads on the approach of any person or persons, seeking, a billet in the eyes, ears or the nostrils of passers-by. The Spanish Flu," as it is modestly termed, marches rampant through the country, and has not forgotten to pay Brynamman a prolonged visit. It seems to find the village a very favourable spot in which to conduct its" felling work." In one family alone no less than eight persons were laid up last week, while the colliery and tinworks' time- books provide splendid testimonials to the thoroughness of its mission. In one colliery alone no less han 150 odd were rendered un- able to follow their vocation by this distress- ing malady, while another pit had to be stopped as a consequence of dearth of hands to keep it going. It is maintained that the most effective means to quell the spreading of the fever would be a torrential downpour of rain and floods to sweep the rubbish from the conduits. This implies as a necessity that the cause of the ailment has its source in odiferous water channels and drains. No astonishment, therefore, should have creation that Brynamman has been so seriously and generally affected. The brook known as Nant y Gwaith," during days of shine, is extreme ly unhealthy, and runs through a most populous part of the village until it plunges into the otherwise beautiful glade, Cwm y Gwaith," the very atmosphere of which it contaminates with its unbearable stench. Nantymelyn also, which has its source right in the middle of the place, is similar in these insanitary respects.

At one illustration of ei.1I perfectioa-the throade of every spoke are rolled on. not 1 Cttt in. all iu other bicyl., thereby retaining full strength where strain Î8 greatest. tH '?N B BC' t <M??B?'tm)'w??7rwE ? RAL ?G"MLL-3TEEL Jttrf?wN Tt ja )L?&F?t?R i t n t B??r?LE??? ? J? <?'?< ft?<—<?«? « ?w«?nc? of f a  J= <? '?wto< « ?www to local nd*v* *3 .=  It ';eIh ?  'Cye1: Co. Ld. I have ridden the Raleigh 16,000 m i le, 0 Nottlicoili- miles on rough Welsh roads, and it is as  -T¡; true now 48 when new." Girl Guide (Signed) E. H. Martin. OUARANTEED FO,av.a:: A. d. WALDRON, The Arcade, Ammanford.

CWMAMMAN. We are very glad to see Mr. Rees Owen about again after his serious accident some time ago. Glanamman folks would be very pleased to see the list of awards at the eisteddfod held cently. The Glanamman Children' s Choir committee have decided to refund the prize of 15 which they captured. Well done, Daniels; that is the way to have a good backing. We are very glad to see Gunner Willie Low and Priv. David Jenkins, R.A.M.C., with many others amongst us again. The latter is the father of Mrs. M. Daniel, who, by the way, is one of the survivors of the ill- fated hospital ship Lan franc, which was sunk some time ago by the enemy. At Bethania (C.M.) Chapel, last Thurs- day night, a most excellent concert was held. The artistes included Miss May Davies and Mr. Rees Thomas, Pontardulais; Mr. G. Roberts and Madam Ceinwen Morris-Thomas, Gwaun-cae-gurwen; Master Dai Bevan and Miss M. Evans, Glanamman. Miss S. A. Lewis, L.L.C.M., was the accompanist. The Rev. J. Oliver and MT. John Phillips, Post ¡:,1í:z;{'i" t:k, Office, were the conductor and chairman re- sp ctively. The proceeds were in aid of Mr. David Jenkins, Cwmgrenig. Cwmamman is in for an excellent treat this week-end. A carnival, eisteddfod, &c., will be held on the Park in the afternoon an ex- cellent concert will be given in the evening in Bethel Chapel; the usual pen chwarter" will be held at Bethania; and the last, but not the least, will be a grand concert at Bethania on Sunday evening to help the funds of the Children's Choir, who intend com- peting at the Neath National Eisteddfod. 1,:??in g at the Neati Some of the best singers and elocutionists in Wales, as well as the choir, will take part.

LLANDILO. I Mr. J. C. Edmunds, Clerk to the Llandilo Urban District Council, has been appointed Fuel Overseer for the urban area. Priv. Willie J. Lewis, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Lewis, 2, New Road, is now home on leave from France, where he hils. been en active servi:e for nearly two years. Another Llandilo boy home on leave from France .is Corpl. David John Maddy Morris, who has seen service w 'th the. Colours in France since 1914. Both the above look the picture of health. The death took place on Tuesday last cf ex-Inspector William Hancock, late of the London and North Western Railway, after a brief illness at his residence in Latimer Road. Deceased, who was widely known and greatly respected throughout Wales, leaves a widow and four children-tnvo sons and two daughters-all grown up. One of {h; sons is now in His Majesty's Forces in F ranee. The funeral takes place to-morrow (F riday) at the Tabernacle Independent Chapel burial-ground, Ffairfach, and will Le for men only. Deceased was one of the founders of the English Congregational Church, Llandilo, of which he was secretary up to the time of his death. Here his death will prove irreparable. He was a pillar of N oncon f orm.ity. A large audience followed with interest an address, entitled" More Broken Earthen- ware," by Brigadier D. A. Edwin, of the S.A. International Headquuarters, London, at Capel Newydd Congregational Chapel on Monday evening. The chair was taken by Mr. William Hopkin, J.P., Hepworth Villa, and he was supported by the Revs. Wm. Davies, T. Thomas, W. Harries, D. Hewid Williams, D. Corris Davies, G. Edmund Williams, and Messrs. G. Gwyn Jones, B.A., John Thomas (Rhosmaen Street), G. H. Williams (London City and Midland Bank), and H. W. Griffiths. A collection was made, which amounted to 13 5s. 6d., towards the Salvation Army's social and reli- gious works. Miss Olwen Williams fulfilled the duties of organist. The largest congregations witnessed for many years attended the annual preaching services at the Tabernacle Independent Chapel. Ffair fach. Indeed, the scenes beheld reminded one forcibly of the notable gather- ings of Independia years ago. The preachers were the Rev. T. Eynon Davies, London, and the Rev. D. J. Davies, Capel Als, Llanelly. We congratulate the minister and officials of this church on having inaugurated a fund to assist disabled soldiers and sailor boys connected with lhe church. The sum of 150 has already been raised by members of ihe church towards the object in view. We wish also to note that there is in existence already a committee, under the chairmanship of Mr. Gomer Henry, in support of the Prisoners of War Fund. The singing at the annual preaching services at Tabernacle was under the conductorship of Mr. Joseph Williains, Ivorites' Terrace, Ffairfach, whilst Miss Mary Evans acted as organist. On Monday evening of last week, at the Public Hall, Mr. A. E. Harries, J.P., Chairman of the Llandilo Urban District Council, presented Corpl. Tom Howells, of Walk Cottages, and Sapper Tom Rees, of Mount Pleasant, Ffairfach, the former with a fountain pen and the latter with a wristlet watch. The presentation was made cn behalf o! the Soldiers' and Sailors' Welcome Committee on the occasion of their visit home on leave after service at the Front. Corp!. Tom Rees, prior to the war, was a bugler to the Llandilo Territorials, and was the winner of the silver medal in the bugle com- petition at the annual camp for three con- secutive seasons. He has been seven months at the Front. Sapper Tom Rees was also a member of the Llandilo Territorials, and is the son of the late Mr. Richard Rees, of Mount Pleasant, Pontladys, Ffairfach. He was apprenticed to the drapery trade with Councillor J. R. Evans, Bradford House. The death has occurred, at the residence of his aunt in Dryslwyn, Golden Grove, of Gunner David Jones, of Bank Buildings. Deceased was one of the Old Con- temptibles," having been in France since the first days of the war. He was present at the retreat from Mons. He had been at the Front for three years, when he was badly gassed, and was in consequence discharged from the Army. He had also seen service all through the Boer War. The funeral, which was a large and representative one (several being In khaki, besides a large num- ber of discharged men being in attendance) to pay the last tribute of respect to the departed. The funeral cortege left Drys- lwyn by road, and proceeded to the Llan- dilo Parish Churchyard, where the burial took place. The body was met at the churchyard gates by the Rev. J. Richards, curate-in-charge, Court Henry, and the Rev. W. Arthur Jones, curate, who officiated. Corp i. Tom Howells, the prize bugler, now home on leave from France, sounded the Last Post at the graveside. There were a large number of relatives in attendance. The floral tributes were numerous and most beautiful.

LLANDEBIE. On Thursday, the members of Sion Chapel held their annual tea on the Golden Grove Fields, and a large crowd of people attended. The weather was rather showery, but on the whole the event proved a great success. After tea was over, games and sports were indulged in, and all seemed to have thoroughly en joyed themselves. The Llandebie Choir, under the .able con- ductorship of Mr. D. J. Griffiths, grocer, Llandebie, was awarded the first prize in the second choral competition held at the Semi- National Eisteddfod at Ammanford on Satur- day last. The adjudicators said that their rendering was very good. The choir intends competing at Penygroes Eisteddfod on Satur- day next, when it will undoubtedly render a good account of itself.

Forthcoming Events. July 20.-Penygroes: Third Annual Eistedd- fod. July 20.-Cwmamman Recreation Ground: Eisteddfod, Carnival, Timbering and Splicing Competitions, &c. July 27.-Pentregwenlais: Annual Eisteddfod and Timbering Competitions. Aug. 5.-Brynamman: Football Tournament, Horse and Poultry Show, Carnival and Sports, &c. Aug. I O.-Gwaun cae gurwen Council Schools: Second Annual Horticultural Show." Aug. 24.-Ammanford Council Schools: First Annual Horticultural Show. Aug. 24.—Blaenau Grounds, Llandebie: Second Annual Eisteddfod. Sept. 7.-Palace Theatre, Ammanford: Annual Crown and Chair Eisteddfod. Sept. 21.-Gibea, Brynamman: Grand Crown Eisteddfod. r ?

A Shepherd's Morning Reverie. (Recitation for Adults). I THE TOILER AND THE TRAMP. I It was a glorious morning, so peaceful and sublime, A morn that e' en with Eden it could not fail to rhyme; I he shades of night had vanished in shame before the dawn, And crimson streaks of radiance all o' er the sky were drawn. When In its goiden chariot the sun rose o'er the hill, iti rays m wood and meadow aroused a joyous thrill; Where once deep gloom had settled, a wave of life held sway. All Nature in its glory now hailed the King of Day. 1% But yon spied a miner, just on the hillock's crest; He moved with steps that faltered, denoting I dearth of rest; His back was bent and crooked, his eyes sur- veyed the ground, As if his meditations to earth were tightly bound. The morn with all its splendour appealed to I him in vain; To all the woodland music his heart had no refrain Quite like a straying remnant of darkness from past night He seemed on yon horizon against the sky so bright. Forced from his homestead barren by the hungry wolves of need, And lashed to the post of duty by the steely hands of greed; How worn he looked, how haggard, tho' yet but in his prime- He seemed mid his environs a moving mass of grime. I thought of him, a human, clad in a garb oi grit, Wading through a sea of sunshine to the depths of rayless pit. Contrasting that grand morning with th human tool of toil, It made my soul to shudder, my nature to recoil; I pictured him descending to the dismal coal- pit's dell, As if he'd gone through Heaven to the catacombs of Hell. But hush! I paused and listen'd; a sound crept from the swamp, There, basking in the sunshine, quite happy, was a tramp, Laid out to all the pleasures Dame Nature could afford, And mid his grand surroundings he seemed a real lord. Close by were smould'ring embers of a fire just dying out, Where he had cooked his morning meal-a rabbit or a trout, With bread from someone's larder, which he had begged, I know, Perhaps from the weary toiler groping in the pit below. As he smoked his blackish briar, and the ringlets upward curled, I wondered whether sorrow was known within his world. His shaggy head was resting on a cosy grassy mound, And Summer had provided green carpets all around. Right o'er the spot a folious branch gave him its tender shade, While on it chimed a blackbird-its music filled the glade; Its charming notes were mingled with those of a sparkling brook Wh Ich flowed 'tween rosy bushes of that enchanted nook. The gorse around was blazing with florid wealth untold, Enclosing vagrant's chamber like a wall of glitt'ring gold. And Oh! the air was laden with perfume of sweet flow'rs. And Zephyrs played their harpischords among the leafy bow'rs. While 'neath the spell of gloried scene that won my soul's esteem, I queried, Was it Paradise? or was it all a dream? But when I woke from my reverie my doubts were set at rest; I murmured, No, 'tis not Paradise, for tramps are not so blest; In heav'n above, where lovely glades are grander than this spot. An idler there much more than here would surely be a blot. How is it, then, that things be so? There must be something wrong That tramps should revel free at ease in a beauteous vale of song; And Nature in her best of robes attending to his needs, While the toiler for his daily bread in Hades yonder bleeds! Are all his days to be all nights down in that prison deep? Is he for e'er to toil for wealth for other hands to reap? Ah! no, I now perceive faint beams of a brighter morn. And 'neath its cloak of golden rays a better world is born. A world without no idleness, and free from greed and pelf, With souls that never worship the golden calf of self. For lo! the Son of Righteousness will be its Life and Light, And known within its fair domains will be no social might. This wQrId will be just like the glade I saw that morning fair; To mar this scene, remember this, no idlers will be there. The coalpit tho' will then exist-the toilers full of zest His work will seek, with back erect, for now he s not oppress' d. The birds of Freedom full of cheer their music will impart, And zephyrs sweet of equity will twitter in each heart; While mankind all in harmony will be one brotherhood, With but one aim with each and all, To do each other good." The flow' rs of happiness and peace will smile where'er we roam, And rays of satisfaction full will brighten every home. Tis then, yes, then, and not before, o'er this we need no strife That the toiler brave will deem his corns, the honours of his life; Don't let our thoughts seek such a life amid the clouds above; But here below upon this earth 'tis but the life of Love. Who. of your friends that really loves this picture dim I' ve drawn Who does not pray from day to day, God speed this glorious dawn "? B. B. I

"RECONSTRUCTION." ?R?ui?o i i\u? i MR. FRANK HODGES AT AMMAN- FORD. On Tuesday evening, Mr. Frank Hodges, miners' agent, Garw, addressed a meeting at the Y.M.C.A. Institute, Ammanford, on Reconstruction." The Chairman (Mr. A. Thomas), in intro- ducing Mr. Hodge:, said that they all knew ( l ucing, 1 of the excellent work he had performed, and he (the Chairman) was sure that the lecture to be delivered that ning on Recon- struction wou ld be a very capable one. Mr. Hodges then addressed the meeting, and said that in dealing with the question oi Reconstruction there were three different phases, known as Political Reconstruction, Industrial Reconstruction, and Social Recon- struction. He would deal first with political reconstruction. What were the conditions before the war? Was the new edifice which would be built in the place of the old edtnee to be on exactly the same foundation? Wa,. it to be designed by the same minds, and was it to bear the same shape or character? Would there be a marked change, or would there be the same kind of administration as that which preceded the war for a hundred years? That depended upon the people themselves. The people would have a great respoiis 1. hou i c er ng p-o i t;ca i responsibility to bear in shouldering poht,cat reconstruction, but to the speaker's mind they were quite capable of doing so. If the latent powers of Labour would only be cultivated and nourished, there .was no reason to doubt but that Labour would accomplish the task. Were they to return to the old form of government? The old form included the Liberals, the Conservatives, and the Labour Party. Before the war, the Liberals were in a position to influerce the minds of the coun- try. The Conservatives were also able to use the same power, but as for the Labour representatives, their number was hardly appreciable, and they lar-ked the power consequently to make it possible for them to use their influence. Was the new building that ^t'ould be erected after the war to in- clude the same form of material, as the old building? He (the speaker) advocated the reconstruction of the edifice on new founda- tions, with new materials, and with also a new design. He believed it would be neces- sary that Labour should be represented by 400 members of Parliament, as the members of the House of Commons numbered about 726. It would not be of any use to have only 350 Labour members of Parliament representing them. He was of the confident opinion that Labour could meet that necessity, and he himself was working towards that end. If the Labour Party became the greatest power in the Government, with that grave responsibilities would follow. Those respon- sibilities could be accepted. He wished to see the Labour Party in a position to supply the number required to enable Labour tc gam predominancy in our Government. There would be a great deal of hard work to do, but it could be accomplished. Though there ?fi t h ere had never been a Labour Government that one could really describe as having stood the test, yet it was possible for the working classes to exercise such an influence and such a power as would give them a Labour Govern- ment which would have solidarity as one of its features. He greeted with pleasure the news that in this constituency Labour had decided to make a stand on behalf of the working classes and to offer a Labour repre- sentative, who would form one of the 40G members of Parliament be had mentioned. To his mind, East Carmarthenshire, where there was so much industrial work where manual labour was so prominent, he could not under- stand the thoughts of any man who would return anyone to Parliament except a Labour representative of the working classes. ( Ap- plause). The new Labour Party, if it got into power, would have to stand a real test. Such an international relationship would have to be established that Labour could with- stand strong opposition, and that political government would have to make it impossible for any war to break out again. (Applause). The speaker next dealt with industrial re- construction. He said that the Whiteley Report included the principle of establishing the relationship between Capital and Labour a permanent one, in which the working classes would have some form of control in deter- mining the industry in which they wished to work. Were they, as working men, prepared to accept such a report? Would it satisfy their wants? Was there anything in it which was different from the old regime? In his opinion there was nothing new. He would suggest that the youth of 18 years should not be employed in the mine or any other indus- trial work. He should be taken off the labour market, and given an opportunity o: I continuing his education. Another of his suggestions would be to remove the man of 60 years from the labour market. A pension should be granted him, which would afford i him in his old days decent and comfortable means of subsistence. According to the present plan, a man of 60 years of age had generally nothing to bring him comfort and happiness in his old age. His life had been a drudgery. It should be made possible for de possi b le for him to spend the years after 60 in rest and enjoyment, which would make him realise that life had been worth living. With regard to working men having their sons from school when they were 14 years of age, it was a shame. But he knew quite well the thoughts of the working men. As soon as their sons would become 14 years of age, they would be a lot of help in maintaining the home by working with their fathers in the mine. Such a procedure should not take place. L remained with the workers to render such a practice unnecessary, by improving their own conditions. He would suggest that the workers between 18 and 60 years of age should do all the work that would be neces- sary to support the country. According to his experience, he had been taught that a man of 60 did not improve in any way. He was inclined to believe that this quite true of members of Parliament. (Laughter). In Lancashire there was a movement afoot be- tween employers and employees in the cotton trade appealing to the Government to be allowed to continue with the system of half-timers." The youths of 18 were to remain as in the old system. He deeply regretted such a movement. According to the present conditions of industrial work, the employers were profiteering. Profiteering would be eliminated if he had his way. It was not right that employers should make such huge profits, and retain it all except only a small portion which was given to the ones who produced the very commodities which yielded such profits. The whole scheme should be nationalised, and the profits distributed in a more equitable manner. The people should have the control of the indus- tries, and that feeling for each other should be encouraged whereby we would realise that all were working for the common good and advancement of all. (Applause). According to the Whiteley Report, profiteering would exist. When the nations return after the war comes to an end there will be grave responsibilities. They must all remember that, and be prepared with their plans ready for the time of demobilisation. The labour market would be overflooded when the men returned, and the women who were now working on munitions would perhaps never again return to the drudgery and misery of domestic service. The withdrawal of the youths up to 18 and the aged men of 60 from the labour market would allow a good opportunity of finding employment for the troops when they returned. The next question was ..social reconstruc- tion, and the remedy for the present condition of things, and the only remedy, was Socialism. A comedienne on a London stage had de- scribed a Socialist as follows:-A Socialist is a man who has nothing, but who is bound to share it with someone else. (Laughter). The word Socialism dated back before the French Revolution. in Fisher's Scheme one found the greatest educational socialising in- liuence that had ever existed. With regard to the teaching profession, it was an under- paid one. What right has an Education Authority to pay a male teacher a higher salary than a female teacher, if they have equal qualifications? 1 he stand made by the teachers was fully justified. When they were underpaid they could not be expected to do their best, and it was ridiculous to imagine a woman teaching in one class, who had the same qua lifications as' the male teacher in the next room, being paid a lower salary than the man. It remained with the workers of all the countries to undertake the task of establishing that relationship between the working classes which would make war im- possible, and if the democracies of the wor!d decided against war, then there would be no war. Great applause followed the speaker' i remarks. A vote of thanks was proposed to the speaker by Mr. T. Daien Williams, and seconded by Mr. Cathan Davies. Mr. Hodges responded, and said he appre- ciated the attentive and kind way in which his lecture had been received. He only hoped that the working men or the town would do their best to carry out the ideas expressed by him. That would be a reward he should appreciate very much. Several questions were asked and satisfac- torily answered.

PEACE BEFORE CHRISTMAS. It is statea that certain official calculations i^re being made in Government circles based on the possibility of peace being concluded before Christmas—and a peace, too, which will not be of the German sort.

THE POLITICAL FRONT. BY AN M P. Westminster. Aliin-3. Lord Beresford opened the ball on th. subject of aliens in the House of Lords on Monday. The National Party leader in the Upper House was, as usual, very much on. the spot, and got valuable support from two Liberal Peers, Lords St. Davids and Lin- colnshire, and from Lord Denbigh, who ifl rapidly coming to the front as a man who both understands what the war means and plaoes national interests before those of party. Meanwhile, the Committee ap- pointed by the Government has reported with commendable promptitude, and the report has won the approval of all whose motto is "thorough" on the. alien ques- tion. THE HOUSE OF COMMONS ALIENS. The great debate on Thursday resulted in the Government supporting in principle the whole of the recommendations of the Committee, and the decision of the Gov- ernment has given general satisfaction on all hands. The German banks are to be closed, all enemy aliens are to be re- examined before the Advisory Committee, all mer. of German origin not born in this country are to be cleared out of Govern- ment offices except in a few csuses of nation. al importance. It is most satisfactory, and the safety of the country now will be assured, provided the administration it ruthless and just. Thursday in the House of Commons was a notable triumph for all those who have strived incessantly to stop the alien peril in our midst. THS DUTCH CONVOY. Interest in the House of Commons was at high pitch when Lord Robert Cecil made his statement on Tuesday. Members feel that the explanation is far from satisfac- tory, because if the assurances of the Netherlands Government are to be accepted and the right of search waived, the whole principle falls to the ground, and what if the Danes, the Swedes, and the Norwegians ask for similar treatment just once? Sea power is the greatest a.&-et we possess; in- deed, it is our life, our very existence, and who can help being disturbed when our Foreign Office, for no reason which is appa- rent, sets a precedent for allowing any relaxation of the right of search. We were told by our Foreign Office representative that they had to give way often on the rights of the blockade in connection with the United States, although we are now in- formed that the United States never de- manded or expected any special treatment. Are we quite sure that the Foreign Office it not imagining" also in this case witk Holland, and what does the Navy think about it? OLD GANGS AND YOUTH. In every sphere of action, save one, this war has proved to be a young man's war. In the Army, the Navy, in organisation, and in the Air Service, young men have come by their own, the one exception is in the political arena. In politics it is a curious fact that practically no young men have been tried. The principal political figures of 1910 still hold the political arena to-day in a firm "trade union," and Minis- ters one after the other fall by the wayside only to he sucked back into the whirlpool after a few months' rest in quieter waters. Disraeli once told us that "Youth wao divine," and we may well ponder whether the young iron in whom hope and faitk burn fiercely mi:}1t not replace some of our weary war lea-ders in the government of the country. THS PRIVILEGE OF AN M.P. War brings about many violent changee, but I never thought that during my lifetime I should hear of a case of an honourable member raising a question of national im- portance concerning the conduct of a Minis- ter in the House, and as a sequel having hie office raided. Apparently the Front Benchee justify this action because the Harris cor- respondence had fallen into the hands of the honourable member for Christchurch, and that it was "secret." Now there seems to be two flaws in this argument. Firstly, the letters were not secret Government corres- leondenoe, and there is no evidence that they did not come from the office of Meesrs. Harris and Dixon; and, secondly, the honourable and gallant gentleman who read the correspondence explained that he had mothing but the bare papers which were sent to him anonymously. Now, the nioe point has been raised as to whether any M.P. who discloses any scandal is liable to have his house ransacked. With all respect to th* authorities, it does appear to be a blow aft the liberties of the Houee. StCMT DOCUMENTS. Great play has been made of the fact that eecret documents were disclosed. As a mat- ter of fact their publication could in no way be said to be of use to the enemy, but they did disclose an irregularity which it appears to many of us S0. d have been exposed. Am rmatt-Dr of fact, no scandal can eTer be un- earthed unless someone speaks from interior knowledge, and the interesta of the State often demand that use should be made of interior knowledge when only by snch aeau max a scandal be brought to 1iP I .j