An interesting event took place at the Dynevor Arms Hotel, Pantyffynnon, on Monday evening, when a considerable gathering of his friends assembled for the purpose of making a presentation of a handsome leather dressing case and a purse of money to Gunner Fred Jones, of the Royal Garrison Artillery.
There recipient, who is a fine specimen of a soldier, standing over 6ft., has served in France for a year, and had been home one a few days furlough. He was returning to the front on Tuesday morning.
Mr. Jno. Harries, J.P. (Irlwyn), presided, and made a very effective speech, remarking that Fred Jones had always been a friend in any matter affecting the colliery workers.
They were gathered together to welcome their friend and show a little appreciation of the heroism he had shown in the battles of Neuve Chapelle and Hill 60. they were glad to see he had succeeded in returning home out of that severe fight.
He was now going back to help crush the German autocracy which had cause the European war.
The presentation was made by Miss Owen, daughter of Mr. Rhys Owen, Dynevor Arms, who wished the recipient long life and happiness, and hoped that she might see him among them again.
In responding, Gunner Jones said he was pleased to see them all there, for Ammanford was the best spot he had struck in all his life. He had been well treated there, not only as a soldier, but also as a civilian when he worked amongst them. He thanked them for what they had done, not only for him, but for other soldiers who had gone to the Front. It was their duty to go, and as workmen those present were doing their share. He was proud of Ammanford. The recipient's health was drunk with musical honours.
Short addresses were also given by Messrs. D. Thomas, Hy. Esmond, Rhys Owen, F. Treavett ( Amman Valley Chronicle ), and W. Williams.
Solos were rendered by Messrs. Rees Davies, Garnswllt; Morgan Rees, Garnswllt; W. Williams and D. Jenkins, Penybank; Jonathan Davies, Jno. Williams, D. Jenkins, Jno. Williams, and D. H. Williams; and Mr. Rees Isaac, Tirydail, gave two recitations. Mr. Caradog Roberts was the accompanist.
