Preece Family Tree

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Councillor & Mrs. Thomas Griffiths, J.P., Porth, Honoured.

Well-deserved Recognition.

Splpndid Responsefor Subscriptions.

Close upon £500 Collected.

The public presentation to Councillor and Mrs. Thomas Griffiths, J.P., Cymmer, Porth, took place at the Cymmer Library and Institute on Wednesday evening last, and the respect and esteem in which they are held in the district was clearly manifested by the large and representative gathering which came together to shew their appreciation. The presentation was the result of a general feeling in the district that the splendid services which Mr. Griffiths had rendered should receive suitable recognition, and it speaks volumes that such a liberal response for subscriptions has never been excelled in the district.

Alderman W. H. Mathias, J.P., presided, and he was supported by Mr. D. Watts Morgan, Councillors W. T. Davies and Ben Davies, Mr. Octavius Thomas, Mr. N. Llewellyn and Dr. Lionel H. Lewis, whilst amongst others present were Mr. and Mrs. John Griffiths, manager, London and Provincial Bank, London; Mr. W. T. Griffiths, A.R.S.M., mining instructor, Calcutta, India (who has just returned for a holiday); Misses Sarah and Lizzie Griffiths, Maesgwyn; Mrs. Griffiths, Llantrisant; and Mrs. Thomas, Cymmer. They were accompanied by Mrs. Ioan Evans, Cymmer; and Miss Davies, Garth Hall.

Amongst the general public were Mr. W. North Lewis, secretary, Insoles, Limited, and the Windsor Steam Coal Co. Mr. David Hannah, Ferndale; Councillors W. D. Wight, Pentre; Griffith Davies, Pontygwaith; D. O. Evans, Trealaw; Dr. Parry, Ferndale; Dr. C. E. Cochrane, Cymmer; Dr. Ivor H. Davies, Porth; Dr. Burke, Abertridwr; Dr. E. N. Davies, J.P., Penygraig; Mr. David Jenkins, Glaiiffrwd; Mr. Thomas Richards, M.E., Mr. and Mrs. E. S. Williams, M.E., Mr. H. E, Thomas, M.E., and Mr. Thomas Yorath (Taweiiog), the veteran colliery manager; Dr. Chalke, LL.B. Mr. and Mrs. T. W. Young; Mr. John Preece; Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Davies, Waenlas, Cymmer; Mr. and Mrs. G. F. Martyn; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Davies, chemist; Miss Thomas, Ynyshir Schools; Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Jones; Mrs. W. T. Davies, Brynbedw; Mrs. Octavius Thomas; Mrs. Lionel H. Lewis; Rev. W. Thomas, vicar of Cymmer and Porth, and Mrs. Thomas; Mr. Joshua E. Williams, Bronglyn; Mrs. D. Watts Morgan and Miss Morgan Mr. Llewellyn Davies, Pontygwaith; Miss Lewis, Llandaff; Mr. D. Llewellyn Evans, Cardiff; Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, Washington Temperance Hotel; Mrs. N. Llewellyn, Porth Hotel; Mr. Thomas James, ex-colliery overman; Mr. Ebenezer Morgan, under-manager; and Mr. John Jenkins, electrician.

The Secretary (Councillor W. T. Davies) read letters of apology for inability to be present from Councillor L. P. Griffiths, Porth; Mr. Lewis Williams, Aberdare; Mr. Christmas Eivans, Merthyr; Councillor David Smith, Tylorstown; Mr. Leonard Llewellyn, Clydach Vale; Mr. W. W. Hood, Llwynypia; Mr. H. T. Wales, M.E., Cardiff; Mr. W. James Thomas, J.P., Ynyshir; Messrs. Kensholes, Aberdare; Dr. T. H. Morris, Tylorstown; Mr. Edward Dawson, Cardiff; Mr. William Evans, Porth; Mr. John G. Barclay, Kilmarnock; Eos Dar; and Mr. W. Hutchings, T.V.R. inspector Porth.

Mr. D. Watts Morgan, in reviewing Mr. Griffiths' past, spoke of the remarkable manner in which their guest had climbed the ladder of fame. Mr. Griffiths started working when 10 years of age, and even at this age he displayed sound abilities, and he (the speaker) had been informed that Mr. Griffiths was within an ace of being a miners' agent (laughter). Personally, he was sorry that the miners had lost such an able advocate (renewed laughter). At any rate, he was appointed on several occasions to represent the workmen. From a subsequent position as fireman, Mr. Griffiths was promoted to overman, and in 1876 he was appointed a manager. Mr. Griffiths' remarkable success was, however, not yet at an end, for some years later we find him appointed general manager of the collieries. Fourteen years later a still further promotion falls to the lot of their guest, viz., that of resident director. The position which Mr. Griffiths had attained was appreciated all the more when it is considered that the educational facilities forty years ago were comparatively speaking, very meagre; but Mr. Griffiths had surmounted all difficulties, and by pluck and integrity of purpose had carved a name for himself.

Mr. Morgan then dwelt on the indomitable pluck and courage which had characterised Mr. Griffiths in the many appalling mining disasters with which the South Wales coalfield had, unfortunately, been subjected. Mr. Griffiths had always taken a leading part when the call for help came, and this, he considered, was worthy of recognition, and they would ever cherish the noble services rendered by their guest in this direction. They were proud of the Rhondda, but they were still prouder of the race of men which it produced (cheers).

Alderman W. H. Mathias then made the presentation of the massive oil-painting, which stands over nine feet high, and which has been executed at a cost of 350 guineas, and in so doing said that it gave him the greatest pleasure to ask Mr. Griffiths. as a dear old friend, to accept of the gift. Mr. Griffiths was the oldest member of the Council, and he (the speaker) was the second oldest. He sincerely hoped that both the recipient and his good wife and family would be long spared to enjoy these tokens of respect (cheers).

Mr. George F. Harris, Cardiff, the artist who executed the work, was then introduced to the audience, and he received a most cordial reception.

Mr. W. North Lewis, Cardiff, said that he was exceedingly glad to be present to do honour to Mr. Griffiths. To look at Mr. Griffiths, one could hardly appreciate the fact in this age of quick changes that their guest was once employed as a collier at the Cymmer mines. Mr. Griffiths had, however, rendered good and loyal service to the company in fair and foul weather. Mr. Lewis also spoke in high praise of the successful manner in which the collieries had been managed under the able direction of their guest. They were proud to have Mr. Griffiths on the board of Messrs. Insoles, and the directors had gained much by Mr. Griffiths' ripe experience and sound commonsense (cheers). It was given to few men to be honoured as Mr. Griffiths was being honoured that evening (hear, hear).

Mr. D. Watts Morgan then presented the address, which was as follows:-

Presented to THOMAS GRIFFITHS, Esq., J.P., M.E., Maesgwyn, Cymmer, Porth.

"Dear Sir,- We, the undersigned, acting on behalf of the Committee and subscribers, beg your acceptance of this address and the accompanying oil-painting of yourself as a slight token of our regard and appreciation of the long and able services you have rendered in your profession as mining engineer, and your deep interest in the welfare of the inhabitants of those Valleys.

"The fact that you have represented the ratepayers upon the old Local Board and, upon the Rhondda District Council for the past 25 years is evidence in itself of the great confidence that is placed in you and the value that is attached to the services you have rendered to the inhabitants of the Ward you so ably represent.

"We have had the gratification of witnessing your elevation to the magisterial bench, the duties of which you discharge with becoming dignity and intelligence.

"We cannot but admire the perseverance you displayed in your profession, and heartily congratulate you on the position you have obtained among the mining engineers in the South Wales coalfield.

"We cannot forget how, when mining disasters of appalling magnitude have unfortunately happened in our coalfields, you have nobly and heroically laboured in the work of rescue.

"Every charitable movement in the district has found in you a warm patron and contributor, and the poor have recognised a practical sympathiser and warm friend.

"We have great pleasure in asking Mrs. Griffiths to accept of the accompanying silver epergne and cake baskets as a slight token from the subscribers of their regard and esteem, and they earnestlv hope that you both may long be spared to enjoy every happiness and prosperity.

- W. H. Mathias (chairman), D. Watts Morgan (deputy chairman), R. Conway Joyce, Ben Davies, Lionel H. Lewis, Octavius Thomas (vice-chairman), N. Llewellyn (treasurer), W. T. Davies (secretary). August, 1906."

The address, which was a splendid work of art, and which was executed by Messrs. Waterloo Bros., London, was enclosed in a massive gilt frame, and contained the photo of Mr. Griffiths and his Cymmer residence, together with pictorials of the following collieries - Mardy, Pentre, Wattstown, Cymmer, and Cambrian.

Mr. Griffiths, in responding, said that one would have to take a note of everything that had been said that evening; and one's mind would have to be thoroughly concentrated on the evening's proceedings to enable him to fully reply to all the kind expressions which had been made that evening. He was more than proud of the oil-painting, which, he considered, was a real work of art, which had been executed so artistically Some of the speakers had very kindly referred to the part he had taken in mining disasters. It was quite true that, unfortunately, he had had occasion to assist in the work of rescue in a number of them. He had always considered his duty to do so (cheers). The effect of such accidents was such that it oftentimes made one say that he would never go underground again. But it was their bounden duty to render what assistance was necessary, and as long as he lived he would give his services as willingly and as readily as he had done in the past (cheers).

The mining legislation of this country, he ventured to say, was based upon the experience of the colliery managers. Still, he was in a position to cite several instances where colliery managers had adopted certain features towards safe working of the colliery but were not touched upon by any legislation enactments. Mr. Griffiths then passed on to his connection as a representative the old Local Board and the District Council. A representative of a public body, he stated, was not always able to carry out his promises. He had first to gain the sympathy of his fellow-Concillors. A representative on a public body should always take a broad view of the requirements of the district. There were other people's claims which should be respected as well as their own (hear, hear). He desired to take that opportunity of referring to the splendind services rendered to the Council by Alderman W. H. Mathias and Councillor Wight, especially in some of the huge engineering undertakings which the Council have been confronted with. He would, in conclusion, ask them to accept of his most sincere thanks for their kind sentiments. Mrs. Griffiths, who had always taken a great interest in the locality, would have been delighted to be present that evening, and his concluding wish was that he hoped they would always merit their esteem and confidence (cheers).

Unfortunately, Mrs. Griffiths was unable, owing to illness, to be present, and the presentation of a most beautifully and highly chased silver epergne and cake baskets was made to Miss Sarah Griffiths (daughter) by Mrs. Dr. Lionel H. Lewis.

Miss Griffiths suitably responded.

Addresses were also delivered by Councillor W. D. Wight, M.E., Pentre; Mr. David Hannah, M.E., Ferndale; and Mr. E. S. Williams, M.E., Cymmer, whilst bardic effusions were composed and read by Tawenog and Mr. Towy Thomas. Carn Ellian also sent a contribution.

The meeting was interspersed with songs rendered by Mr. Taliesin Hopkins, Mr. Dewi Davies, and the Misses Davies. Mr. Tudor Yorath, L.C.M., accompanied.

PRESENTATION AT CYMMER.

Large and Enthusiastic Gathering.

Councillor Thomas Griffiths, J.P., Honoured.

The respect and esteem in which Councillor Thomas Griffiths, J.P., Cymmer, is held by the inhabitants of Cymmer and district was manifested on Wednesday evening last, when that gentleman was the recipient of a magnificent life-size oil painting of himself, by the brush of Mr. Geo. F. Harris, Cardiff, and an illuminated address beautifully got up.

Mr. Griffiths was not by himself as regards receiving the appreciation of the public, for his dearly beloved wife, although unable to be present through sickness at that vast assembly which was held at the Workmen's Hall, came in for a fair share of the honour bestowed on her husband by being presented with a massive silver epergne and cake basket.

For some time past a feeling has existed in the district that Mr. Griffiths' yeoman service should be recognised. A committee was formed by some of the leading men of Porth, and it was resolved to present Mr. Griffiths with a public testimonial. Subscriptions were invited, and a ready response was met with, and the subscriptions flowed in abundantly, and a large sum was soon in the hands of the treasurer. As a boy Mr. Griffiths worked in the mine, and as years rolled on, by his diligence and perseverance, reached the pinnacle of fame in the mining world, and had been the means of saving many lives.

The spacious Workmen's Hall was well filled, and amongst those present were: Alderman W. H. Mathias, J.P. (in the chair), Councillor W. T. Davies, Mr. D. Watts Morgan, C.C., the Misses Sarah and Lizzie Griffiths (daughters of recipients), Miss Davies, Mr. John Griffiths (manager L. & P. Bank), London; Mrs. Griffiths, Llantrisant; Mrs. Thomas, Cymmer; Mr. Ioan Evans, Cymmer; Mr. W. North Lewis, sec. Insoles, Ltd., and the Windsor Steam Coal Co.; Mr. D. Hannah, Ferndale; Mr. W. T. Griffiths, mining instructor, Calcutta; Mr. W. D. Wight, Pentre; Mr. Griffith Davies, Pontygwaith; Mr. D. S. Evans, Trealaw; Dr. Parry, Ferndale; Dr. Naunton Davies, Penygraig; Dr. Cochrane, Cymmer; Dr. Lionel Lewis, Cymmer; Dr. Ivor Davies, Porth; Dr. Burke, Abertridwr; Mr. D. Jenkins, Glanffrydd; Mr. Thomas Richards, M.E., Dr. Chalke, L.B.B., Mr. John Preece, Mr. and Mrs. T. W. Young, Mr. Thomas Yorath, the veteran colliery manager; Mr. and Mrs. E. S. Williams, M.E., Mr. H. E. Thomas, M.E., Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Davies, Waenlas; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Davies, chemist; Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Jones, surveyor, Cymmer Collieries; Mrs. W. T. Davies, Brynbedw, Mr. and Mrs. Octavius Thomas, Mr. Jos. E. Williams, Rev. and Mrs. W. Thomas, vicar, Porth and Cymmer.

The address presented to Mr. Griffiths read as follows :-

"Presented to Thomas Griffiths, J.P., M.E., Maesgwyn, Cymmer, Porth.

"Dear sir, - We, the undersigned, acting on behalf of the committee and subscribers beg your acceptance of this address and the accompanying oil painting of yourself as a slight token of our regard and appreciation of the long and able services you have rendered in your profession as mining engineer, and your deep interest in the welfare of the inhabitants of these valleys.

"The fact that you have represented the ratepayers upon the old Local Board and upon the Rhondda District Council for the past twenty-five years is evidence in itself of the great confidence that is placed in you and the value that is attached to the services you have rendered to the inhabitants of the ward you so ably represent.

"We have had the gratification of witnessing your elevation to the Magisterial Bench, the duties of which you discharge with becoming dignity and intelligence.

"We cannot but admire the perseverance you displayed in your profession, and heartily congratulate you on the position you have obtained among the mining engineers in the South Wales coalfield.

"We cannot forget how, when mining disasters of appalling magnitude have unfortunately happened in our coalfields, you have nobly and heroically laboured in the work of rescue.

"Every charitable movement in the district has found in you a warm patron and contributor; and the poor have recognised a practical sympathiser and warm friend.

"We have the great pleasure in asking Mrs. Griffiths to accept the accompanying silver Epergne and Cake Baskets as a slight token from the subscribers of their regard and esteem, and they earnestly hope that you both may long be spared to enjoy every happiness and prosperity.

"W. H. Mathias (chairman), D. Watts Morgan (deputy-chairman), R. Conway Joyce, Ben Davies, Lionel H. Lewis, Octavius Thomas (vice-chairman), N. Llewellyn (treasurer), W. T. Davies (secretary)."

"August, 1906."

The epergne and cake basket bore the following inscription :-

"Presented to Mrs. Griffiths, Maesgwyn, Cymmer, Porth, by her many friends as a token of their regard and esteem."

"August 29th, 1906."

The Chairman, on rising to open the proceedings, was received with loud applause. He said he was glad to see so many there to pay their respects to Mr. and Mrs. Griffiths. However, he regretted that Mrs. Griffith was unable to be present through illness, but was pleased to say that she was getting very much better. Sometimes honour was conferred on people who were not deserving of it, but it was not so in this case. (Hear, hear.)

The secretary was then called upon to read letters of apology from the following persons who regretted their inability to be present :- Mr. L. P. Griffiths, Porth; Mr. Lewis Williams, Aberdare; Mr. Christmas Evans, Merthyr; Councillor D. Smith, Tylorstown; Mr. Leonard Llewellyn, Cambrian Colliery, Clydach Vale; Mr. W. W. Hood, Llwynypia; Mr. W. Jas. Thomas, Aberystwith; Mr. H. H. T. Walis, Switzerland; Mr. Kenshole, solicitor, Aberdare; Dr. T. H. Morris, North Wales; Mr. E. Dawson, Cardiff; Mr. W. Evans, Pentre; Messrs. S. Dickinson & Co; Mr. J. G. Barkey, Kilmarnock; "Eos Dar," and Mr. W. Hutchings, Porth.

The majority of the above gentlemen were away on their holidays.

Mr. D. Watts Morgan, in his remarks, said that when drawing out the programme the committee thought it wise to appoint some one to say something about the great amount of work done by Mr. Griffiths. That gentleman commenced as an ordinary workman, and for ten years he did the ordinary work of a colliery youth. Some old workmen had said that he had been on the verge of being made a miners' agent. It was a loss to that fraternity that he was not made one. (Laughter.) After serving those ten years he was appointed fireman, which position he held for five years. Six years later he was elevated to overman, and three years later - in the year 1876 - he was appointed one of the managers in the district. Soon after he was appointed general manager of the colliery. Fourteen years later a further promotion fell to his lot, when he was given a seat on the Board of Directors, which controls the collieries at which he was at one time a mere workman. (Hear hear.) He was now resident director to the company at Cymmer. (Hear, hear.) His indomitable pluck and talent had stood him in good stead for many years. He had but little early education - he was the son of a workman. (Hear, hear.) His natural pluck and talent had enabled him to surmount all the obstacles which confronted him. In the process of growing - going upward - he was elected public representative in the Rhondda and was now the oldest. (Applause.) He was a member of the old board, and was now a member of the District Council. In 1896 he was elevated to the Magisterial Bench, and he (the speaker) thought the Lord Chancellor, or whoever made these appointments did but right, though that work was not at all times pleasant. They were living in a coalfield that produced the best quality of coal, but in consequence of that superior quality they had to face disasters of appalling magnitude. He (Mr. Morgan) was proud to say that during those regrettable occurrences, Mr. Griffiths had done heroic work. (Applause.) In conclusion, the speaker said "Our thoughts will always remain green and our memories will ever cherish the name of Griffiths and those in the valley who have acted as volunteers of rescue in those dark days of disaster." They have done excellent work, and I am proud of the men (and the recipient is one) who have made the Rhondda itself. I wish to name the following gentlemen who have proved themselves during colliery disasters in the valley and who deserve the greatest honour that the community can bestow upon them: Messrs. W. D Wight, M.E., Pentre; John Thomas (Standard); D. Hannah (Ferndale), - Richards (Llwyncelyn), and Mr. Llewellyn, Penygraig. (Applause.) The presentation has been brought about solely on the fact that the recipient deserved it. The subscriptions are entirely voluntary, and the subscription list is probably the biggest yet been in the valley. Still, it is not too much. (Loud applause.)

The oil painting was then presented to Mr. Griffiths by Ald. Mathias, who remarked that it gave him very great pleasure to make the presentation, because Mr. Griffiths was one of his oldest friends in the valley extending back over a period of 42 years. They had always been friends, and had worked together on public bodies for many years. Mr. Griffiths was the oldest public man in the district, and he (Mr. Mathias) came second. (Hear, hear.)

The artist (Mr. G. F. Harris), who had so beautifully painted the picture was then introduced to the audience by way of appreciation of his work.

Mr. W. North Lewis, secretary of the Board of Directors for Insoles, Ltd., spoke very highly of Mr. Griffiths, and remarked that the Cymmer Colliery had been fortunate in securing such a man.

Mr. D. Watts Morgan presented Mr. Griffiths with the address, and Mrs. Lionel Lewis presented Miss Griffiths with the silver epergne and cake baskets.

Miss Griffiths warmly thanked them on behalf of her mother.

Speeches were delivered by Mr. W. D. Wight, Mr. D. Hannah, Dr. Parry and Mr. E. S. Williams.

Mr. Griffiths rose to respond amidst loud and prolonged applause. It was difficult, he said, for him to reply to all the good things said of him. It was impossible for him to concentrate them all in his mind. He thanked them for the great interest they had taken in collecting the funds which were so freely and willingly given. The artist deserved praise for the splendid painting. The address was also excellent, but the phraseology was above any standard that he could claim. He remembered the time when there were not many engineers of great ability in the district, but he made up his mind to follow in the wake of the best. He watched what they did. He received every education from them and did what they did. With the exception of two he thought they were all gone, still he had the utmost regard for them for the great amount of good they had done him. (Hear, hear.) Those deplorable colliery accidents had a detrimental effect on one's mind, not so much with regard to the exploration work but the after thoughts - the devastation of humanity. It made one feel that he would never go down a pit again. But they were bound to do so and he was ready in the future as he had been in the past. (Applause.) In conclusion Mr. Griffiths asked them to accept his sincerest thanks on behalf of his wife, who was in the hospital. He hoped that he would merit a continuance of their confidence and appreciation during the remainder of his life. (Loud applause.)

A vote of thanks to the Chairman was proposed by Dr. Lionel Lewis, seconded by Mr. Octavius Thomas and carried with applause.

A vote of thanks was also accorded to the Library Committee for the use of the room.

During the evening the company were entertained with songs, etc., by Messrs. Dewi Davies and T. Yorarth, Miss Davies, the Misses Thomas and others.

Several eulogistic Welsh poetic compositions were read.

ENGLYNION

Cyflwynedig i Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Griffiths.

Arwydd o serch yw'r anerchiad - a pharch
Hoff orchwyl gwir gariad;
Gemau heulog amlygiad - yw'r melyn
Aur, yma yn dilyn er mwyn ad-daliad.

Darlun glan, cyfan, er cofio - y Dyn
A'r doniau diguro;
Oes sain ar ei wefus o,
Ac offrwn fel pe'n cyffro.

Onid hwn yw'r "Ynad Hedd" - och y fi,
Clywch ei farn, o rhyfedd!
Ah! hwn saif, pe yn ei sedd,
Hyn a heriwn yn wiredd.

Dymunaf yn awr i'r ddeuddyn rhagorol
Wenau y Duwdod, a'i heddweh tragwyddol;
Eu nawnddydd fo'n ddysglaer, a'u diwedd y fywyd
I dreulio'r tragwyddol yn mhalas y Gwynfyd.

G.D.

[MINUTES

Presented to Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Griffiths.

The talk is a sign of love - and respect
The true task of true love;
Games sunny exposure - is the yellow
Gold, here follows for reward.

A clean, whole picture, though to remember - the Man
And the unrivaled talent;
Is there a sound on his lip of,
And we will offer as if our excitement.

Isn't this the "Justice of the Peace" - oh my,
Hear his views, oh wonder!
Ah! this stands, if seated,
This is what we challenge in reality.

I wish now to the outstanding duo
The whites of the Godhead, and his everlasting peace;
It is their patron saint, and their end of life
To spend the eternal in the Palace of the Good.]