The Opening Ceremony
of the
County Intermediate School for Girls, Aberdare

Mrs. Lloyd unlocked the door, and declared the school open. She trusted that it would prove a good and useful institution to the people of Aberdare. The assembly then proceeded to the main hall where a meeting was held.

The Chairman referred to the sad loss they had through the death of Alderman David Hughes. He was a most active and devoted Governor and a most faithful friend of the Aberdare County School. As Chairman of the Governing Body he had identified himself very closely and diligently with the work of the school, and with the County and Evening Classes. The late Alderman had for some time made this new school the centre of his ambition and interest, but before the consummation of his desire was attained was called away by death.

A vote; of condolence with Mrs. Hughes and the family was then passed, all present upstanding.

The Chairman remarked that the Governors were exceedingly fortunate in obtaining as: headmistress of the school a lady ;of such distinguished attainments and great, experience as Miss Cook. (Hear, hear.) She came there with excellent credentials second to none in the county. The town also should be congratulated on the possession of such a fine institution. He hoped d the inhabitants would make good use of it.

County Councillor T. L. Davies, M.E., said it was his pleasant duty to propose thanks to Mrs. Lloyd for opening the school. Mrs. Lloyd had for years worked hard to get that school for Aberdare, and that meant great labour to a lady of her years. The building was an expression of the time in which they lived. Education should take top place in their ideals for the future. As Governors they wanted the children of the people to have every facility for exploring the hitherto unexplored regions of knowledge. After a strenuous career Mrs Lloyd had reached an age when many would say, "I will do no more." Nevertheless she was as active as ever

County Councillor Tom Lewis, in seconding the vote of thanks, said that he had the greatest admiration for Mrs. Lloyd's activity and devotion to the cause of education. He believed with Dr. Macnamara that the child's brain was the greatest asset of the nation.

Rev. J. Morgan Jones, M.A., in supporting the vote of thanks, stated that he was going to take part in the opening of a church that evening, and there was danger that his speeches might get mixed. (Laughter.) Well there would be no harm if the church became more of a school and the school became more of a church perhaps. What they were trying to do in Wales was not to turn out a few great scholars and experts, but to educate the whole nation. He would like to feel that their educational, institutions were coming into a closer touch with the life of the people. He must say that he was disappointed with the growth and development of the County Schools of Wales. He had a vague feeling that there was danger of these institutions of learning getting out of touch with the life of the nation, and getting too much under the influence of experts and officials. He would like to see Labour leaders giving a more prominent place to education. He would appeal to the tradesmen of Aberdare and the people generally to pay more attention to the instruction of the children. Some would say that fine building; was too palatial, and that too much money had been expended on it. But they could do with better and more beautiful public buildings in Aberdare, and he hoped that the efforts of the Governors in respect of this school would culminate in good results. Reverting to the Welsh County Schools, Mr. Jones said that when they were first introduced the late Tom Ellis said, "Make room for 40,000 of the children of Wales." But now, after 20 years, only 15,000 children attended these schools. And they had about 250,000 boys and girls between the ages of twelve and eighteen.

Mr. J. Lowdon, Chairman of the Barry Governors, was the next speaker. He feelingly referred his associations with the late Ald. David Hughes. A better colleague he never had. He wished to congratulate them in Aberdare on obtaining the services of Miss Cook as headmistress. He hoped the parents would assist her by taking an interest in the education of their children.

Miss Cook, who was received with applause, wished to return thanks for appointing her, and for the kind references made to her that day. She hoped that parents would make it a point to visit the school. She would be delighted to see them always.

Mr. W. C. Cox, M.A., headmaster of the Schools, who was also received with applause, remarked that the fine structure filled them at the Boys' School with envy. He was sorry to lose the girls, but was glad that they were going to such a magnificent building. That school was not new in a sense. It had really started 17 years ago, when the other department was erected. The number of pupils grew from 140 to 380. Then the new school at Mountain Ash took away a good slice of theirs. They were just recovering from the effects of that surgical operation, and now came a second operation. However, he believed it was for the better, for they were getting rather cramped in the old buildings.

The Chairman moved a vote of thanks to the speakers, and County Councillor G. A. Treharne, M.I.M.E., seconded in a brief address. A vote of thanks to the chairman was proposed by Mrs. Lloyd, and seconded by Mrs. J. Griffiths, one of the Governors.

In May, 1889, Mrs. Walter Lloyd was appointed by the old School Board the first lady Governor of the Aberdare County School. Until quite recently she was the only lady Governor. She was present at the opening of the school, and took part with the late Lord Aberdare, Mr. Jenkyn Thomas, first headmaster of the school, and many other notables in that ceremony. She has been a most faithful member, having missed only one meeting, and has been unfailing in her attention to the school. Mrs. Lloyd has faithfully carried out her part at all examinations.

Description of the Building.

The schools are built of stone with Doulton stone for mouldings, bands, etc., and the roofs are covered with Pembrokeshire slates. The style of the building is a treatment of English Renaissance, and the aim of the architect has been to design a building indicative of its purpose and to sacrifice nothing in the planning and efficient lighting of class rooms for the sake of external effect. Good lighting and ventilation is obtained throughout. The building is on two floors, and the accommodation is provided for at least 175 girls. Five class rooms have desks for 30, and one with desks for 25 pupils. Occupying a. central position, and close to the principal entrance, is the Assembly Hall, measuring 56ft by 34ft, with a spacious corridor on three sides and opening into which are the various rooms and staircases. Abutting on to one side of the Assembly Hall, at the north side, is the Art room, measuring 56ft by 25ft. A large library, 39ft. 9ins. by 19ft, is provided on the ground floor; rooms for teachers and headmistress, changing rooms, stores, etc.: also three rooms are provided for teaching housewifery. These rooms are arranged in conjunction with the cookery and laundry room, over which there is a separate staircase.

The upper floor is reached by the two main staircases, and the corridor corresponds with that on ground floor. Along the front are class rooms, and in addition a large room for botanical study with a conservatory and photography room attached. A chemical laboratory gives space for about thirty students, and in connection therewith in a lecture room. The cookery and laundry room occupies a somewhat isolated position and communicates with the ground floor by a separate stairs; adjoining is a dining room 34ft by 19ft.