Free Press July 5th 1929 – Pontypool School Teacher’s Achievement

Industrial History Research

Among the results of the Post Graduate research degree examination of the University of Wales, recently announced is the name of Mr Thomas Evan Jones, M.A. “Abergwellan” Goytrey who has been awarded his M.A. in Industrial History for the successful completion of a study upon “The Development of the Industrial Revolution in Monmouthshire.”

His large and difficult work, spread over a period of three years comprised a wide specialised investigation, chiefly of the economic, industrial, commercial influences of the Revolution in the restricted area of Monmouthshire during the 19th century. He has devoted special attention to the rise and progress of the metal and mining trades in the Afon Llwyd valley particularly to the pioneer work of the Hanbury’s of Pontypool.

Operation Disturbs Studies

As his distinction is the only award of it’s kind at Cardiff University college this year, Mr Jones success is all the more outstanding, especially as his research was greatly disturbed on account of a serious operation a few months ago, it was feared that his dissertation would not be completed in time, but a rapid recovery happily just averted that misfortune.

Mr Jones is presently Master of commercial studies at Twmpath Central School Pontypool. For some time he was on the staff of Panteg Wern School Sebastopol, previous to his appointment as senior French assistant at Hatherleigh Central School Newport where his vigour as house and games master made a great effect both as teacher and colleague.

A Farmer’s Boy

He received his primary education at Goytrey Council School under the late Mr W J Croot who laid solid foundations for his scholastic career. Before entering Abergavenny Grammar School he started as a farmer’s boy, but the call of learning was greater that that of the plough and after becoming top boy of his secondary school he had several years commercial experience before proceeding on his university course at Cardiff. He is a member of the Royal Society of Teachers and a registered teacher of commercial subjects with the Pitman’s Institute.

Mr Jone’s latest achievement is a fine example of what grit and determination can accomplish in the face of great difficulties. It is his intention to develop psychological side of his subject in preparation for a higher university honour.

Mr Jones acknowledges with thanks the help he received from the files of the Free Press of Monmouthshire which he carefully perused in search of material.