Sons of Temperance: teetotaler organisation

Merthyr

The 27th annual session of the Merthyr Grand Division was held at the Coffee Tavern, Victoria Street, on January 25th, when representatives were present from the 13 Sub-Divisions which compose the Grand Division. Business commenced at 10a.m., when the G.W.P. read his report, touching briefly on the various affairs of the district and the prospects of the Order. The G.S. stated that in the face of the great depression in trade, the Order had made fair progress by increase of numbers during the year, and the G.D. now numbered 800 members. Financially, too, the progress was fairly good. During the year the amount received for the funeral fund, was £248 2s 10d; paid for funerals, £94; balance £154 2s 10d. It was resolved that a guarantee fund be established, the object being to assist Divisions who through any adverse circumstances might need help. It was also resolved to register rules for juvenile sections of the Order. The sum of £5 was voted from the benevolent fund to the brethren in distress at Briton Ferry, in consequence of the stoppage of the works for 32 weeks. Several sums were also given for members in distress connected with the Merthyr and Dowlais Divisions. The officers for 1886 were elected as follows:- Bros E Lougher, G.W.P.; A Steel, G.W.A.; Robert Meyrick, G.C.; Joseph Davies, G.T.; John Thomas, G.Sen.; H Lloyd, G.S. Bros J Harpur, P.G.W.P., John Francis, P.G.W.P., and J Davies, G.T., were appointed to represent the Grand Division at the next meeting of the National Division, to be held at Sunderland, on Whit-Monday next. Thanks having been given to the worthy manageress of the Coffee Tavern for the very excellent manner the dinner, &c., was served up, the officers were duly installed, and the meeting closed. The next meeting will be at the Black Diamond Coffee Tavern, Aberdare.

(The Son of Temperance, Mar 1886)