Glamorgan Gazette 15/12/1916
Seven small boys hailing from Pontycymmer and Blaengarw, viz., Francis J. Healey (9), Arthur G. Pullen (16), William Williams (14), Thomas Williams (15), Clifford Williams (12), Arthur Williams (12), and Bertie Williams (10), were summoned for “Noisily shouting out the newspapers on the Sabbath Day.” Police Sergeant Watts, in proving the case, said “on Sunday night, the 3rd inst., between 8.30 and 9.10.pm. He saw the defendants selling newspapers and noisily shouting at the top of their voices, causing great annoyance.” He had previously had reason to caution them–all except Pullen.
The Magistrate expressed the view that it was a scandalous thing on the part of the employers, who should be punished heavily. As for the young boys, they were only trying to earn a copper or two and quite rightly so.
Inspector Rees Davies said the Free Church Council had already complained very strongly and it was only after frequent complaints had action been taken by the Police. Francis J. Healey, who’s father had recently been killed in the war was bound over in the sum of £2.00 for 6 months. (£185.53) The other defendants were fined 2s 6d (£12.60) each and admonished by the Magistrate to respect the Sabbath Day in future.