The Amman Valley Chronicle and East Carmarthen News

PALACE, Apmpfpri TO-NIGHT At V-30. fRIDAY at 7-30. SATURDAY at 6-30 & 8-30. (November 21, 22, and 23, 1918.) The Latest Film of MARY PICKFORD In Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm. Our Triangle Exclusive Comedy. War Topical containing Latest War News. IMPOHTANT.—The Theatre is sprayed and disinfected with the strongest Germ-killing Agents, and the risk of infection is less than at home. 0LLOYDS BANK LIMITED. HEAD OFFICE 71, LOMBARD STREET, E.C. 3. COLONIAL AND FOREIGN DEPARTMENT 17, GORNHILL, lC. 3. This Bank possesses exceptional facilities for the transfer of moneys to or from France, including payments against documents, &c., in connection with its French Auxiliary, i y.LGYDS BANK (FRANCE) & NATIONAL PROVINCIAL BANK (FRANCE) LTD., i J of 60, Lombard St., E.C. 3 Paris (3, Place de FOpera),  Biarritz, Bordeaux, Havre, Marseilles and Nice. JJ ———————————————————————————————————————— !? .? r-)m..e.—?f<t".f<' <<(??t.?M????/ftp)!MaBMtMBBS?aata.at'Mftt?

AMMANFORD. I You will want to send your Photograph to your friends at Christmas. The best work is always obtainable at A. Bryant's Studio, 8, College Street, Amman ford. Have them taken early and avoid the rush. On Saturday last, the funeral of David Stanley Jones, the little child of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Jones, of Cooper' s Well, Panty- ffynnon (who died on the 12th inst.) took place at Bethany burial-ground. The Rev. W. Nantlais Williams officiated. The little child was 19 months old. The funeral of the late Mrs. Letitia Evans, M of Wemoleu Road, Hopkmstown, took place at Ebenezer Baptist Chapel burial-ground on Saturday last, and was largely attended. The deceased expired on the 12th inst., and was 36 years of age. The Rev. Havelock Roderick officiated at the funeral. Driver Teddy Bartlett, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett, of Talbot Road, is home on leave from France, where he has seen about two years' active service. He is attached to the R.F.A. Previous to enlisting he was employed as a collier at Ammanford. Driver Bartlett has a brother in the Army. The mortal remains of Lewis Oswald Jones, aged 10 years, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jones, of 12, Coronation Terrace, Tirydail, were conveyed to Abercanaid on Monday last, where the interment took place. The de- ceased passed away on the 14th inst. The funeral arrangements were in the hands of Messrs. Rees Jones and Son, Quay Street. Among local boys home on leave is Priv. Stanley Fletcher, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher, Boot Stores, Wind Street. Priv. Fletcher is attached to the Army Ordnance Corps, and has seen several years' service. He has taken part in the operations in Italy. Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher have another son, Priv. Gilbert Fletcher, who is a draughtsman in the Army Ordnance Corps, and who has served his country for about three years. Driver Stanley Davies, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Davies, saddler, College Street, is home on leave from France, where he has served since the early days of the war. Driver Davies is attached to the R.F.A. He was present in the heavy fighting on the Somme, and fortunately escaped injury. He has a brother, Wireless Operator Milwyn Davies, who is at present in this country. Another brother, Mr. Ben Davies, was discharged from the Army some time ago. Priv. W. J. Lloyd, a son of Mr. and Mrs. F. Lloyd, of Gethin Terrace, Tirydail, has written to a friend stating that he is recover- ing from the effects of the 'Flu," and that he hopes to be allowed to come home to recuperate at an early date. Priv. Lloyd makes touching reference to the pathetic news of the death of the late Priv. Charles Fletcher, son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Fletcher, College Street, who died in France recently. Privs. Lloyd and, Fletcher were out in Palestine to- gether, and were very great pals. Marconi Officer D. L. Jenkins, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins, of Station Road, Tiry- dail, has written to his parents stating that he his left these shores and was embarking on a voyage to a foreign part. He has previously served for some years, and this is his second experience of such a voyage. Marconi Officer Jenkins expects to be away from home for three years. His many friends wish him a pleasant voyage and a safe return. Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins have three sons who have done their bit for King and country. We are sure our readers will sympathise with Mr. P. F. j. Bosisto, of The Lean-to, Ammanford, who on Thursday, the 7th inst., attended the funeral of his sister, Mrs. Mervyn Davies (nee Miss Vera Bosisto, gold medallist, L.A.M., L.R.A.M.), at Bristol. A sad feature in connection with the above was the death of Mr. Bosisto's mother from heart failure following shock in the early morning of the 7th, the day of interment of her daughter. The funeral of Mrs. F. G. Bosisto took place on Tuesday, the 12th inst. The sad news has been received by Mrs. Jones, of Walter Road, of the death, on Saturday last, at Bedford, of her son, Priv. Rees Jones. The deceased was attached to an infantry regiment, and had seen- service in France, where he was wounded, and even- tually transferred to England. He had been in the Army for several years, and had been in France for about ten weeks. The body will be brought to Ammanford, and a military funeral will take place on Saturday next. The deceased was a brother of Mr. Idris Jones, the well-known local boxer. Sailor Idwal Phillips, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Phillips, of Talbot Road, has written to a pal" in Ammanford a very humorous letter, of which the following is an extract:— The weather here is absolutely it.' Quite like summer at home. I was seasick for five days, and I can tell you there was a huge dent in me. The boat rolls like old boots when she is out, and that makes it worse. Whilst crossing the Bay of Biscay she was rolling some.' his all over now, thank goodness. Whilst un loading, the coal- dust was awful; quite like Gwalth Bach.' It did remind me of the time I was a collier." Sailor Phillips, though only about 15 years of age, was a very promising footballer, having figured prominently in the County School matches, of which he was once a pupil. The annual meeting of the Free Church Council was held at Bethany Vestry on Friday evening. The vice-president, Mr. W. Cathan Davies, presided over an excellent attendance of members. The new members were warmly welcomed by the Chairman and Secretary. The following officers were elected for 1918-19:-Presid-ent, Mr. W. Cathan Davies; vice-president, Rev. B. Ellis Jones, B.A. treasurer, Mr. Georg, Fox; vice Mr. W. Popkins, resigned; secretaries, Rev. D- E. Harris and Rev. W. Meirion Wiiiiams. The retiring president and trea- surer were accorded a most enthusiastic vote of thanks for their excellent services during the year. The officials of the Council were ap- pointed a sub-commrttee to formulate a pro- gramme for the sessiop, and to report at the next meeting of the Council. On Sunday afternoon, a united thanksgiving servIce to commemorate the end of hostilities was held at AU Saints' Church. The large edifice was filled to Its utmost capacity by jthi Nonconformists and Church-peopl e of the town, and the service was one of the mott impressive ever held in the history of Amman- ford. The following officiaied:-Rey. J; W. Jones, B.A. (vicar), Rev. D. Spenser Jones, a.. At (assistant curate). Rev. D. Tegfan Davies (Christian Temple), aiid the Rev. W. Nantlais Williams (Bethany). Appropriate hy fnns were rendered and prayers were offered. The National Anthem was alto sung. Mr. E. T. Davies, F.R.C.O., Mer- thyr, played the Introductory Voluntaries, and the Hallelujah Chorus at the close in his own masterly style. In the evening, the service was continued in the local places of worship, and at All Saints Church the Rev. D. Maldwyn Davies, M.A., organising secretary of the Church of England Waif*' and Strays' Society, officiated. Special col- lections were made in the afternoon to help the Belgian refugees in this locality to return to Belgium. h is with regret that we have to report the death of Nurse Gracie Fletcher at Griffiths- town Hospital, near Newport, on Saturday last. The deceased was the eldest daughter of Councillor and Mrs. Thos. Fletcher, news- agent, College Street, and was 28 years of age. She was of a kind and genial disposi- tioi and was very popular. The news of her death will come as a shock to many, as she was on a visit to her home recently. The body will be conveyed to Ammanford and will arrive at the station at 5.30 p.m. on Friday. The funeral, which is for gentlemen only, will take place on Saturday next at 3.30 p.m., the place of interment being St. Michael' s burial-ground. Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher have recently received notification that their son, Gunner Archie Fletcher, who is attached to the R.G.A., has been wounded, and is at present in a hospital in this country. Fortunately, he is progressing favourably. During the last three weeks the family has lost two of its members, and a third has, as reported above, been wounded. The greatest sympathy is felt with Councillor and Mrs. Fletcher and family in their sad bereavement. The Rev. Pedr Williams' visit to Amman- ford in the interests of the Young People' s Popular Meetings to be held at the Y.M.C.A. on Friday evenings during the winter, came off on Thursday in last week. A preaching service was held in the afternoon, and a lec- ture was delivered in the evening, both ser- vices being held at the Christian Temple. The Rev. Pedr Williams was at his best. Both services were marked by the living touch of the prophet and orator. In the course of the lecture on Dr. Parker-Preacher, Wit, Orator," those who had had the inestimable privilege of hearing the eminent City Temple divine imagined that they were listening to him once again. Mr. Pedr Williams, with h:s rich and powerful voice and dramatic powers, was able to do full justice to his versatile and immortal subject. The vice- president of the Freo Church Council, Mr. W. Cathan Davies, presided at the lecture in the absence of the president, the Rev. John Griffiths, B.A., B.D. The audience very cordially received the Chairman on his first appearance before the public in this capacity. At the close, on the motion of Mr. John Lewis, J.P., seconded by Mr. Rhys Thomas, due acknowledgment was made of the excel- lent service rendered the Council by the Rev. Pedr Williams. The lecturer proposed and the Rev. W. Richard seconded a hearty vote of thanks to the Chairman for presiding. On Wednesday evening of last week, a grand organ recital was given at the Gwyn- fryn Chapel. The organist was Mr. T. Ll. Jenkins, F.R.C.O., L.R.A.M., Cilfynydd, Pontypridd. The artistes were-Soprano, Madam John Thomas, Llanelly; contralto, Madam Rachel Jones-Rees, Cwmllynfell; baritone, Mr. W. T. Rhys, Ammanford; and elocutionist, Mr. D. Clydach Thomas, Clydach-on-T awe. The chair was occupied by Mr. G. O. Williams, B.A., Gwynfryn, and the following programme was contributed: —Organ solo, Introduction and Allegro," Mr. T. LI. Jenkins; song, "There's a Land," Madam John Thomas (encored) recitation, Stori Gadair Tregaron," Mr. D. Clydach Thomas; song, (a) Absent," (b) Vale" ("Farewell"), Madam Rachel Jones-Rees; organ solo, (a) Chant Solennell," (b) Prelude in C Sharp Minor," Mr. T. LI. Jenkins; song, Blow, Blow, thou Winter Wind," Mr. W. T. Rhys (encored) duet, In Springtime," Mesdames John Thomas and Rachel Jones-Rees; organ solo, Prelude and Fugue in A Minor," Mr. T. LI. Jenkins, which was excellently Tendered; recitation, Tomos Bartley ar godi Mochyn," Mr. D. Clydach Thomas; song, Gwlad y Bryniau," Madam John Thomas (encored) organ so lo, Scotch Scenes—(a) "Pastorale," (b) "Rondo Ecossais, Mr. T. LI. Jenkins (encored) song, 01 Star of Eve," Mr. W. T. Rhys; song, Idle Words," Madam Rachel Jones- Rees (encored) organ solo, Variations de Concert," Mr. T. LI. Jenkins. There was a good audience present, and the proceeds were in aid of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Fund in connection with the above church.

BRYNANTMAN. I The distressing epidemic, Spanish Influenza, is somewhat on the wane at Brynamman. There are but few cases in the village at present. The faithful and enthusiastic members of the Brynamman Band complain of lack of attendance on the part of many of the players. Come now, boys; success cannot be expected without perseverance. A series of preaching meetings were held at the Gospel Hall during the week-end, when the Rev. D. Jones, Crynant, officiated. The edifice was packed at each gathering, and most effective sermons were delivered. Dr. Richard Jones, Argoed, is gradually recovering from the effects of a painful acci- dent he sustained the other day. While driving in a trap to see a patient at Tal r- gwaith, the horse bolted and the medico was thrown out, with the result that he fractured his shoulder-blade. The incapacitated medico is being attended by Dr. W. Corkey, M.D., who is himself again on the road to recovery after a period of illness. A cordial send-off was accorded Air Mechanic Leonard Thomas, son of Mr. and Mrs. D. D. Thomas, Tanymynydd, on Tues- day evening at Bethania Chapel, The pastor, Rev. John Llewelyn, presided, while Mr. Tom W. Jones accompanied. A fine pro- gramme was excellently gone through by the following artistes:-Solos, Meurig Jones, Mary E. Hicks, Meurig Wyn Williams, Sallie Williams, Percy Jenes, Annie Mary Jones, and Madam Johnny Thomas; recita- tions, Getta Williams, Morfydd Bowen, and Bessie Jones; violin solo, Mary Eurfron Williams. During the meeting, the pastor personally presented Air Mechanic Thomas with a valuable book, and also handed over a cheque on behalf of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Society, while Mr. Jacob James, on behalf of the congregation, presented him with a Welsh Testament. The meeting was also addressed by Mr. T. Morris Walters (Butts).

I CAERBRYN. I A grand reception concert was held at Peniel, Caerbryn, on Friday evening last, in honour of Privates John Evans and Maldwyn Lewis, also Stokers William Davies, Roger James, and Emrys Richards. Mr. Morgan Davies, Bryntalbot, ably carried out the I duties of chairman. There was a very long programme of high standard, and many encores were responded to. The accompanist was Miss Alice Davies, Bryntalbot, and the able manner in which she fulfilled her duties will ensure many engagements for her in the future. The usual gift was presented to each of the boys by Mrs. Davies, Waungron. The programme was brought to a close by the 1 singing of the National Anthem by Miss L. :M. Da vice (Llinos Blaenau).

r CROSS HANDS. A Unqualified success attended the Fancy Fair and Carnival held at Cross Hands last Satur- day. k had been organised by the leading ladies of Cross Hands, under the chairman- I. ship of Mrs. (Dr.) D. H. Griffiths, to provide funds for the Soldiers' and Sailors' Reception Committee, and the stall-holders are to be congratulated on the fine display they had got together. Mr. C. E. Cleerves, Swansea, per- formed the opening ceremony, while his niece. 'ss Cleeves, London, judged the carnival. A full list of awards will appear next week.

GORSLAS. I A successful eisteddfod was held at the Parish Hall on Saturday, the 9th inst., in aid of the funds of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Reception Committee. The chair was occu- pied by Mr. D. Stephens, D.C., Capel Farm, and the adjudicators were:—Music, Mr. John Bevan (Perorydd Myrddim), Saron; litera- ture, Mr. S. Gwyneufryn Davies, Cwmcoch, Llandebie; pencil sketch, Mr. Robt. Jenkins, Gorslas. The duties of accompanist were efficiently discharged by Mr. D. W. Hughes, T.C.L., Gorslas. Awards:—Solo for chil- dren under 10: S. M. Lloyd, Cefneithin. Recitation for children under 10. S. M. Lloyd. Duet for children under 14: Percy Hughes and Lena Lake. Solo for girls under 16: Annie Child. Recitation for children under 16: Divided between A. M. Anthony and I. H. Hughes. Pencil sketch: Divided between John Davies and Leslie Hughes. Pianoforte solo: 1, Percy Hughes; 2, Handel Hughes (both pupils of Mr. D. W. Hughes, T.C.L.). Contralto solo: Miss E. Thomas. Tenor solo: Mr. H. Williams. Soprano solo: Miss L. M. Davies. Bass solo: Mr. Hugh Jones. Love letter: Mr. John Pugh. Essay: Divided between Mr. D. J. Walters and Miss Maude JEvans (Llanferch). Duet: Mrs. Nicholas and Miss E. Thomas. Octette: Gorslas Music Lovers. The chairman of committee was Mr. W. Hughes; treasurer, Mr. Eben Hughes; and secretary, Mr. Lewis Morgan.

GWAUN-CAE-GURWEN. A grand organ recital was held at Taber- nacle Chapel, Cwmgorse, on Sunday evening, in aid of the Organ Fund. The organist en- gaged for the occasion was Mr. E. T. Davies, F.R.C.O., Merthyr, and he was assisted by the following artistes:-Contralto, Madam Esther Cooper-Davies, Cwmgorse (double National winner) bass, Mr. John Williams, Mountain Ash; elocutionist, Miss Ceinwen Smith, Cwmgorse. The Rev. T. M. Roderick presided. The treasurer was Mr. David Edwards, and the secretary Mr. Rhys T. Davies.

LLANDILO. I The Elementary Schools and County School have again re-opened. This is a good sign that the influenza epidemic is abating. Priv. Tom Rees, of the R.E., is home on leave. He is the son-in-law of Mr. Edward Butt, of Railway Terrace, Ffairfach. A child of Priv. Rees died a few weeks ago, and although a telegram was despatched to him in France, it was not received in time to enable the bereaved father to attend the funeral. A service of praise and thanksgiving was held in the Llandilo Parish Church on Thurs- day evening of last week, the Ven. Arch- deacon Robert Williams, vicar, conducting. There was a large attendance, and the ser- vice was a most solemn and impressive one. Mr. P. R. Daniel, organist, presided at the organ. Special thanksgiving services were held under the auspices of the Welsh Free Churches of Llandilo and district on Sunday last at l? Mon d ay at Sa l em Capel Newydd, and on Monday at Salem (C.M.) Chapel. On Thursday, services were held at Tabernacle, St. Paul's (Wesleyan), and Ebenezer (Baptist). The meetings throughout were well attended. Collections were made at each service in aid of the Llan- dilo and District Sailors' and Soldiers' Fund. The death has taken place this week of John Handel Jones, aged .10 years, and Stanley Jones, aged 11 years, the sons of Mr. Martin Luther Jones, of Brynafon, Stepney Road, from influenza. These make three members of the family who have passed away during the last few weeks. Sincere sympathy is extended to the parents, brother and sisters- in their bereavement. The funeral of the two lads took place on Wednesday, the place of burial being the Tabernacle cemetery, and was well attended. The service was con- ducted by the Rev. Win. Davies, pastor. Llandilo rose to the occasion during the Feed the Guns Week, and the magnifi- cent sum of £ 118,328 13s. 6d. was invested during the period llth-16th November. The following is a Ust of the banks, &c., with the amounts invested through each :—Gun Office, 166,374 Is. Lloyds Bank, £ 10,000; London City and Midland Bank, £ 10,000; Barclays, £ 10,000; National Provincial Bank, £5.000; Prudential Assurance Co., £ 12,000; Pearl Assurance Co., £ 1,600; Capel Isaac War Savings Association, S.3,132 12s.; sundry, S.221 2s.; total, £ 118,328 13s! 6d. The chief investors were Mr. G. Hem, Overdale, Llandilo, i.10,000; Mrs. Lloyd, Abercothi, £ 8,300. The quota fixed was £ 50,000. The amount invested works out at £ 23 per head. Bravo! Llandilo and district. Priv. Daniel Ivor Davies, attached to the R.F.A., came home on leave a short time ago, after serving four years in France, and became a victim of the influenza scourge. He died on Wednesday of last week, at the age of 24 years. He was a son of Mr. Morgan Davies, of Kenwyn Villa, Ffairfach. The funeral took place on Monday last, his mortal remains being buried at the Tabernacle ceme- tery with military honours, about forty dis- charged soldiers and sailors being in attend- ance to pay the last tribute of respect to their departed comrade. There was a large attend- ance of the general public. The Rev. G. Edmund Williams, pastor of Ebenezer Bap- tist Chapel, conducted the service, assisted by the Rev. Wm. Davies (Tabernacle), Rev. D. Corns Davies (Wesleyan), and the Rev. David Williams (Methodist). The singing was under the able conductorship of Mr. Joseph Williams, precentor of Tabernacle, and Miss Mary Williams, Ivorites' Terrace, the organist of Tabernacle Chapel, presided at the organ in her usual able manner.

MANORDEILO. I On Wednesday of last week, at the Pump Hotel, Bath, the death occurred of Mrs. Teresa Ellen Richardson, widow of the late Colonel John Crow Richardson, of Glanbrydan Park, Manordilo. Mrs. Richard- son visited South Africa with her late hus- band during the South African War; and spent 15 months with the Red Cross Society of Japan during the Russo-Japanese War, being a member of the Crown of Japan, and having written a most interesting book, en- titled In Japanese Hospitals during War- time." Mrs. Richardson was also the authoress of another book dealing with life in Japan, entitled An English Girl in Tokyo." One of her sons, the late Captain Ernald Richardson, served in the South African War, I and the only surviving son, Captain R. Eden Richardson, London Regiment, has been wounded during the present war.

TOWYN'S SELECTION. To the Editor, Amman Valley Chronicle. Sir,-May I, through the medium of your extensively read paper, offer my sincere con- gratulations to Mr. Towyn Jones, M.P., on h:s selection with such overwhelming majority by the Liberal Council of the Division? All my life I have been a whole-hearted supporter of Tariff Reform, a large Navy, and a Germano-Phobe, and have advocated these policies more than once against Mr. Towyn Jones in days when he was an out-and-out Free Trader, Little Navyite, and t a Germano- phile. Thus our politics have been worlds apart, and yet I would give him to-day my unstinting support, for two reasons:—( 1) The need of the times, as it appears to me, is a Coalition Government so overwhelmingly strong that the nation as a whole will speak at the Peace Conference. (2) I consider that Mr. Towyn Jones as a man and politician is infinitely preferable to Mr. Llewelyn Williams, who is condigned, and deservedly so, to plough his lonely furrow in the desert waste of no man's land. I have always regarded and found Towyn to be a man of excellent principle, but who harboured very short-sighted ideas of public politics. In other words, a good man with bad politics. Now that he is pledged to sup- port the Coalition Government to treat every question of Social and Tariff Reform on its merits, I am sure he thas the full confidence not only of the Liberals in the Division, but of the overwhelming majority of the Unionists as well. Whether he will be forced to con- test the election remains to be seen, but as for his being returned to Parliament there can be not the slightest doubt. I wish him every success.—Yours, &c., LIFE-LONG UNIONIST. November 20th, 1918.

j. I SIOP EVANS! Siop gwerin,a boned-d, SIOP EVANS Siop gwerin a bonedd, ( i A'i ffenestr yn orlawn a thlws; I A'r dynion yn Hinyn diddiwedd J Yn dyfod o hyd at ei drws. ? Fan yma mae cartref sirioldeb, ? f Beth bynnag fo helynt ein byd; I Mae'r Chemist a gwen ar ei wyneb T u aralI y counter o hyd. V Er cymaint y prinder sy'n ffynnu, I » Heb unpeth trwy' r cread yn hael; I i Mae tipyn o bopeth, er hynny, | ? Gan Evans y Chemist i'w gae!. I i Ceir ganddo ragorol gyfferiau | I Ar gyfer yr Anwyd a r F flw- ■ 4 Ei foddion ar hyd y blynyddau { Sy' n cadw Rhydaman yn fyw. 1 i I fyny mewn 'stafell fach eirian (Gwyr miloedd yn awr am y lie) .f I Mae HERBERT G. EVANS, Optician, ) l Yn gwella golygon y dre. y I Yn rhinwedd ei addysg wyddonol, 1 A'i feddwl a 1 lygad mor chwim, i Gall wybod ar unwaith pa spectol Sy'n ateb y llygad i'r dim. f i Ewch ato i fyny y grisiau, ( ( Gofynwch am spectol yn chwai, II A gwel wch y lleiaf lythrennau | j Mor eglur a strydoedd o dai. j Ar gyfer pob eisiau ac anaf Ceir yma ar lawr ac uwchben Gyflawnder o'r pethau rhagoraf ? Am brisoedd rhesymol dros ben. ) HEN GWSMER. j ¡ 1 ?_?  POOLES, Ammanford. i J TO^NIGBET—One of our Specials: BROKEN THREADS. Week commencing Monday, Nov. 25th, 1918. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. TUE Soul of Satan Featuring GLADYS BROCKWELL. EDDIE POLO In our New Serial: THE BULL'S EYE. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. TE LinLEBURGLAR THE FIGHTING TRAIL. Episode 7. The Comedies, Gaumont Graphic, and other Features as usual. IM JP O RT ANT •—Pooles is sprayed and disinfected with the strongest Germ-killing Agents, and the risk of infection is less than at home. TIMES AND PRICES AS USUAL.

Types of Conchies. (Contributed) Now that hostilities have ceased on the various battle-fronts, "and one is permitted to enjoy a little quiet respite in his old wicker chair, there is a little difficulty in assuming the whilom composure which characterised those restful evenings of pre-war times. One finds himself atween the dead and the living- the debris of the departing order and the resuscitating, palpitating, awakening life of the world that is to be. To one who has, in season and out of it, endeavoured to do what in him lay for the gloriously victorious issue thac has crowned his country's efforts, no one will begrudge these moments of quiet reflec- tion. And yet there is a disquietude of mind, a sort of resurging agitation which denies any real rest to the imagination. Reflection be- comes broken and incoherent as visions of future re-construction haunt and fall athwart the memories of gone-by deeds and scenes. Maybe that the strenuousness of the past four years and the unrelaxed tension for so long at a stretch, account for some degree of this perturbation of the inner being. Maybe, too, that the inequalities of the situation confront-I ing one at the conclusion of four years of war have some bearing on the matter. ? here is one comforting reflection which seems to me! worth a great deal. Although I have a prac- tically useless limb to carry through life as the legacy of my contribution to victory, i rather that than having two strong arms, and having done nothing for my beloved country. Since my return from the great Armageddon, I have been grateful above description to find my own native land much as I left it, free from the ravages of the enemy and the%ideons and heartrending spectacles of modern war- fare. I could often wish that memory of these became blank for ever, but it cannot be so, and if I begrudge the stay-at-homes one thing more than another, it is this—that they will be entirely free from any haunting memories of sights beyond human imagination which everv soldier experiences. Yet, after all, I prefer even that added burden to my maimed and lacerated frame, to the shame of the able-bodied shirker. And for this reason —I, at any rate, can look the world in the face knowing that my sacrifice has helped to save the defenceless, whilst the shirker and the Conchy ad hoc can have no such comforting consolation. Whilst on this sub- ject, the Conchy, I cannot help being amused somewhat at the variety of this species I have stumbled across. There is, e.g.:— (I) The Conchy Religious. As a rule he is not a profound student of religious or any other questions. His knowledge of compara- tive religion would be quite insignificant, and of his own pet creed perhaps even less. Reli- gion troubled him little before the war, but being requested to go forth and die for his country, he discovered his religious conscience. Hitherto this serviceable faculty had been cosily ensconced in oblivious desuetude, but a call for sacrifice for native land and freedom, for helpless mothers and suckling babes, roused this sleeping giant to a passion of revolt. I was as religious as he in pre-war days, at least if the fruits of the spirit are an indication of the Spirit's presence, but rather thar- die for others at his country's call, he would see every woman, child and daughter, wiped out of the country. So much for the Conchy Religious. (2) A more supple and incalculable quan- tity is another type of this honoured species which, for a better title, may be described as the Conchy on Principle. Like the much hackneyed and perverted word conscience," the word principle is capable of very different connotations. There are good and bad principles as there are consciences, and the Kaiser and his upholders could as justly claim conscience" and" principle" on their side as many of those abettors of anarchy in this country, reputed to be more or less in his pay and employ. The Conchy on Principle would disdain to uplift his little r against military aggression by the Hun on the fair fields and cities of Belgium. He would embarrass his own Government in its days of dire extremity; he would not wait to think of Tomrity ti-Ac trench with nothing but bare body to meet the advancing host of the enemy. Although guns and shells and coal would save many lives, the "Conchy Oil Principle had no scruple. He would demand his pound of flesh even from the backs of the Civilian Army in the field, and against the saner counsel of his accredited leaders. Shame on him! The Coney on Principle deserves the contempt of every returning soldier. Still this genus was our-Heroded by an even more malignant type, which for convenience sake may be designated (3) The Conchy Braggadocio. At the opening of hostilities this perverse specimen argued thusly:—" What difference would it make if the Kaiser ruled this country? What has this country done for me? Why should I go and endanger my life for others?" &c., &c. Then the women of the country volun- teered for war-work and covered him with lasting obloquy and ridicule. The woman- speaker came and baffled him in argument and overwhelmed him with contempt. Yet this octopus appeared in another form. He was the soldiers' best friend! He claimed the soldiers' rights (although he had cowardly shirked the soldier's duty). The dependents of men on active service were his most solicitous concern. With good reason did the Discharged Soldiers' and Sailors' Society dis- pense with his insincere and unwelcome patronage. Hands off, Bolshevist; hands olf, bloodsuckers, whether employers or em- ployed," say the returning sailors and soldiers. I l o?rs je,rs. People who have cared nothing but for profits" and selfish ease" when we, poor devils, were in extremity in France and elsewhere are ill-fitted to be entrusted with our rights now that we have won them. The Conchy Braggadocio will die for any- body or anything (so he says) but his own country. If" gab could do the trick, I have no doubt as to his success, but nothing will convince me that this putrid excrescence 01} the body politic is not something that can well be dispensed with. In the work of re- construction these various specimens of Conchies will be of as little help as they were to win the war. For one, I cannot help thinking that all we have suffered will he fully recompensed in the future. Still, I believe that the men who have fought and conquered, and not the vociferous nincompoops whose consciences and principles are comprehended by the single word selfish- ness," should have the prior claim and the premier position in the settlement and re- construction. The clock strikes twelve, and as I must be up at 6 a.m., I must bring my musings to an abrupt end. PRO PATRIA.

Church of England Waifs' & Strays' Society On Sunday last, the Rev. D. Maldwyn Davies, M.A., clerical organising secretary of the above Society for Wales, preached a striking sermon at All Saints' Church. The service was of a thanksgiving character, being that in use by order of the Archbishop of Canterbury throughout the Church on that day. Mr. Davies based his remarks on Abraham planting a grove, and described the act as one of absolute selfishness, since the planter did not hope to benefit. Planting trees was not a hobby, but a matter of vital importance. We had been depending for the past four years on the trees planted by out forefathers. Trees were not only useful, but ornamental, and added great pleasure to life and beauty to a landscape. So with children. What would the Empire do without strong healthy children? Our own country, the richest in the world, proved to have more rejected as physically unfit than any of the belligerents. Most of them through the squalor of slums had to face the battle of life terribly handicapped. The conscience of the nation had to be roused, but, as with siavery and education, the Church must de the pioneer work and care for the saplings in the meantime. Not only were children useful to the nation, they were the very life of it, and the nation must sacrifice of its best to give every child a proper chance in life. There were over 90,000 child deaths per annum under one year old. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers' children were orphaned by the war. The work had passed beyond being a work of benevolence and a matter for th3 charitable. It was of vital national interest. Such work had the Church of England Waifs' and Strays' Society been doing for the past 36 years. In that period it had rescued and given a start in life to over 23,000 children, but what was that compared with the hun- dreds of thousands who had gone under? Sir Edward Niciiol, of Cardiff, had lately offered £ 25,000 fcr the erection of three Homes at Cardiff on three conditions:-{1) No religious tct or qualification for admission to the Home; (2) that a free site be provided; (3) that an endowment of £ 20,000 be raised. He was glad to say a site of three acres had been given by Lord Tredegar, and he had now between receipts and promises over il6,000 towards the £ 20,000 needed.