for the well being of the district. A vote of thanks was proposed by Coun. Samuel Lewis, J.P., and seconded by Mr. Frank Jenkins, vice-chairman of the Association. Treasurer of the Association is Mr. I. T. Evans, and the secretary, Mr. R. Rees, Heol Iago, Fochriw. The Hall was dedicated by Rev. E. Adams Evans, Vicar of Fochriw.
: Bright Future For Fochriw Area: Coal Board Chief And £3,000,000 Project   The National Coal Board is spending roughly £3m. on a project at Ogilvie Colliery, near Fochriw, said the Board’s area general manager, Mr. D. G. Corfield, on Saturday. Mr. Corfield was opening a Hall at Fochriw, towards which the Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation has contributed £7,300. “During the next 50 years, I forsee this mountain hamlet of yours becoming quite an important locality,” said Mr. Corfield. “The prosperity of this valley, and the top end of the Rhymney Valley is assured, as far as I can see, not only for this generation, but also for the next.” The Board had erected 200 houses, at a cost of £350,000 at Fochriw. “I would like everybody on this new estate to make it as beautiful as possible. It is most important that the houses are kept beautifully and properly.” Mr. Corfield hoped that everyone would make full use of the Hall, and enjoy the efforts it would stage.
The Rt. Hon. Ness Edwards, M.P., said that he was glad to see that the dead-ends of the valleys were at last getting some attention. “When we look at the lack of amenities in these mining areas, we do not wonder why the mining industry is steadily losing manpower. The Coal Board is now doing at Fochriw what ought to have been done a generation ago, and it deserves our congratulation for this excellent start.” He said that unless the young miner could find compensation in his “above ground surroundings,” he was not likely to tolerate “life below ground.” Referring to the recent Commons debate on coal, Mr. Edwards said that for the years ahead, coal was never again going to be in adequate supply to meet the power needs of expanding industry. He went on: “And we must realise that we cannot export coal in its raw state, and in the form of motor-cars, steel and engineering goods. If we are going to have an industrial future, the export of coal as fuel will have to end. The mining industry has been harassed because of the failure of the Government to make up its mind on policy. The Coal Board has been pressed to get on with a large capital development programme: to rehabilitate the industry, and to squeeze out ever-greater quantities of coal. On top of it, it is urged to provide exports, and at the same time to pay for coal imports to fill the nation’s fuel gap.” Mr. Edwards said that far too few people realised the burden on the mining industry. “The miners have to carry the cost of buying the pits for the nation, and the cost of filing the fuel gap with imported coal. Until atomic power and the use of oil play a full part in power needs of the country, the fuel gap will increase, and the miners will have to bear the cost. It is this problem and the Government’s inability to handle it, which is likely to take the heart out of the mining industry. There can be no bouyancy in an industry that is kept in the ‘red’ by Government policy. And an industry that is not buoyant cannot hold and attract the manpower it needs.” Mr. Edwards said the future of coal was certain. “As in 20 or 30 years time, it loses its place as a fuel, more and more will it find a new place as a basic raw material for the chemical revolution that is taking place. The greatest need of the moment, is that the Government should give the mining industry a chance,” he said.
Coun. W. J. Payne who presided, said this was a memorable occasion in the history of Fochriw. They were indebted to the Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation for its assistance, and to the Board for the provision of 200 house. Mr. W. H. Crews, J.P., secretary of the South Wales Area of Mineworkers’ Union, and joint secretary of the Social Welfare Organisation for the area, said it was estimated that £95,000 would be allocated by the Divisional Welfare Organisation on recreation grounds, workmen’s institutes and halls during the coming year.
Coun. Cledwen Williams, J.P., chairman of Gellygaer Urban Council congratulated the local Welfare Association on its efforts, and said he hoped this latest amenity woul help keep young people in the area. “The population of Gellygaer was greater 20 years ago than it is now,” he said.