Monday, May 24, 1937

l Expenditure on Education - Welsh Conference Resolutions

The Federation of Education Committees (Wales and Monmouthshire) at Llandrindod Wells passed a motion, proposed by Mr. W. J. Williams, Cardiff’s Director of Education, expressing great disappointment that the Board of Education had not appointed a departmental committee to inquire into the whole question of Government grants in aid of local expenditure on education.

Alderman William George (Criccieth) said he was surprised that Mr. W. J. Williams of all people had proposed such a feeble resolution.

The real trouble was that Wales had no united education policy. They would never see such a policy by passing resolutions expressing disappointment with something that had not been done. Wales should make up its mind as to what it really and formulate its policy accordingly and stand by its demands until they were realised. He hoped that before the Federation met again they would accept the task of formulating a policy and seek to unite the various units in support of that policy and in seeing it carried out.

Mr. D. T. Jones (Pembrokeshire) moved: “That this Federation commends to the careful consideration of the local authorities in Wales and Monmouthshire the recently-issued Board of Education report of the conference of representatives of the Association of Local Education Authorities and the County Councils on ‘co-operation in technical education.’”

Some steps had been taken towards horizontal co-operation in Glamorgan and Monmouthshire in regard to mining, he said, but further development was essential and urgent if they were to re-adjust themselves to the new situation which was upon them. Those pursuing the technical trackway should have first-class technical colleges to which they could go in Wales, and such colleges should have power to grant diplomas to craftsmen.

Mr. W. J. Davies (Chairman of the Swansea Education Committee) seconded. Unless Wales co-operated in the sphere of technical education, he said, there would be duplication which might lead to extravagance or else to inefficiency in equipment and preparation. The term technical education included art, and there was no opportunity for co-operation in establishing one art college for wales.

Mr Brynmor Morgan (Monmouth) said co-operation was essential because of the cost of technical education.

The resolution was passed.

l Territorials Pleased with Abergavenny - Extensive Training on the Modern Lines

The Manchester Brigade of Territorials, now under canvas at Abergavenny, are delighted with the training facilities and amenities afforded by the district.

The Territorials are undergoing extensive training on modern lines, and already there is a marked improvement in the appearance and in the abilities of the men,

One battalion there have about a hundred men who saw service in the Great War. On the other hand there are Territorials who joined only a month or so before the camp. These young soldiers find their first experience of camp life very interesting. Camp life is having a beneficial effect on these men. Under the new regulations each battalion is allowed to recruit a certain number of youths under 17 for special training; lads of this category in camp at Abergavenny are very enthusiastic and keen. I saw them on parade (writes a South Wales Argus reporter); their appearance and bearing were impressive.

Great interest has been taken in demonstrations of the new Bren gun, which to all the world looks like the familiar weapon used by gangsters. It can be used as a machine gun or as an anti-aircraft gun. It is easily loaded, and it fires rapidly. It has no comparison with its old and trusted friend, the famous Lewis gun.

All the main training is done in the morning: from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. the Territorials have a busy time. In the afternoon, foot, kit and other inspections are carried out.

During the week there will be night operation, and exercises will be carried out in co-operation with aircraft.

The social and recreational side of the Territorials’ life is also well looked after, and there have been a number of interesting events.

A rugby football match played under ‘Northern Rugby League Rules between Territorials from Oldham and Wigan, was exciting, and it was very much enjoyed by Abergavenny people.

During the week-end the Lord Mayor of Manchester, Alderman J. C. Toole, was given a civic reception at Abergavenny. Among those who welcomed him were the Mayor of Abergavenny, Lieutenant-Colonel J. G. Bishop, Councillor Max L. Beveridge, Chairman of the Camp Committee of Abergavenny Town Council.