The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

EXiAHHAU FESTINIGet. Catar,h iser. -Tii c) Rev. Thomas Hughes, B.A., llhiw, has been appoisted catechiser under the C.M. Sunday School Union of Festiniog district for the next three- years. With (h3 Colours.-A large number of young men serving with the colours at \Vrexham and Northampton paid a brief visit, home during the week-enù: It is stated that the Festiniog Territorials at Northampton will shortly leave for foreign service. Appointment.—Miss Katie W. Roberts, B.A., Llys Dorvil, sister of Captain Owen, J.P., who is private secretary to Miss Douglas Pennant, of the Welsh Insurance Commission, has received an important appointment in London under the Church Cb.tnmis.si on. Persona §.—Mr. w. Williams Jones, accountant of the Urban Council, has been overtaken by a severe illness. His wide circle of friends in and outside Blaer.au Festiniog unite in wishing; him a speedy restoration to health. Si.iECCSS.—Mr. Meirion Lloyd Jones, the Library, who is preparing for the minis- try, has passed the Welsh matriculation examination. --A large number of young men from Bloenau have recently joined the colours. The first, school teacher from Merionethshire to join Lord Iviteehener's army is apparently fr. Walter Williams of Ma-nod School. Ho lcftior Rhyl last week.

The War S B <! w w FAILURE OF DESPERATE GERMAN ATTACKS. ¡ PRUSSIAN GUARDS REPULSED. NAVAL INCIDENTS. An eyewitness with the General Head- quarters of the Allies under date Novem- ber 13ch gives a narrative of recent events in the fighting in Northern France and Belgium. After eight days of a com- parative relaxation of pressure—from Tuesday the 3rd to Tuesday the 10th—the 11th saw a repetition of the great attempt to break through our line to the French coast. In spite of the immense losses suffered by the enemy during the five days' attack against Ypres, which lasted from October 29th to the 2nd of November, the cessation of their more violent efforts on the latter day was not an abandonment of the whole project, but a temporary re- linquishment of the main offensive until fresh troops should be massed to carry on what was proving to be a somewhat costly and difficult operation. Meanwhile, the interval was employed in endeavouring to wear out the Allies by repeated local attacks of varying force and to shatter them by a prolonged and con- centrated bombardment. By the llth, therefore, it seems that they must have considered that they had attained both objects, for on that day recommenced the desperate battle for the possession of Ypres and its neighbourhood. Tuesday, the 10th, was for the British uneventful. Beyond our left flame the enemy advanced in force against the French, but were repulsed. On our left, however, along the greater part of our front the shelling was less severe, and no infantry attacks took place. South-east of Ypres the enemy kept up a very heavy bombardment against our line as well as that of the French, and on our left centre the situation remained unchanged, both sides contenting themselves with a furious cannonade. In our centre the Germans retained their hold on the small extent of ground they had gained, but in doing so incurred heavy loss from our' artillery and machine- gun fire. Wednesday, the llth, was another day of desperate fighting. As soon as day broke the Germans opened up on our trenches to the north and south of the Menin-Ypres road what was probably the most furious artillery fire they have yet employed against us. and a few hours later followed up that bombardment by an infantry assault in force. That was carried out by the 1st and 4th Brigades of the Guard Corps, which, as we new know from prisoners, had been sent for in order to make a supreme effort to capture Ypres, that task having proved too heavy for the infantry of the line. As the attackers surged forward they were met by our frontal fire, and since they were moving diagonally across part of our front were also taen in flank by artillery, rifles, and machine guns. Though their casualties before they reached our line must have been enor- mous, such was their resolution and the momentum of the mass that in spite of the splendid resistance of our troops they succeeded in breaking through our line in three places near the road-. They penetrated for some distance into the woods behind our trenches, but were counter-attacked and again enfiladed by machine-guns and driven back to the line of trenches, a certain portion of which they succeeded in holding, in spite of our efforts to expel them. What their total losses must have been during the advance can to some extent be gauged from the fact that the number of dead left in the woods behind our line alone amounted to 700. A simultaneous effort made to the south of the road as part of the same operation, though not carried out by the Guard Corps, failed entirely, for when the attacking infantry massed in the woods close to our line, our guns opened upon them with such effect that they did not push the assault home. The portion of the line south-east of Ypres held bp us was heavily shelled, but did not undergo any very serious infantry attack. That occupied by the French, however, was both bombarded and fiercely assaulted. On the rest of our front, save from the usual bombardment, all was comparatively quiet. Thursday, the 12th, was marked by a partial lull in the fighting all along our line. To the north of ous the German force which had crossed the Yser and en- trenched on the left bank was annihilated by a night attack with the bayonet exe- cuted by the French. Slightly to the south the enemy was forced back for a distance of about inree-quarters of a mile. Immediately to our left the French were strongly attacked and driven back a short distance, our extreme left having to con- form to the movement. But our allies soon recovered the ground they had lost, whfeli enabled us to advance also. To the south-east of Ypres the enemy's snipers were very active. On our centre and right the enemy's bombardment was maintained, but nothing worthy of special note occurred. The fact that on this day the advance against our line in front of Ypres was not pushed home after such an effort as had been made on Wednesday tends to show that for the moment at least the attack- ing troops had had enough. The narrative concludes with extracts from a German soldier's diary in which the German soldier complains that the leadership is really scandalous, the officers remaining far behind safely under cover and sending the men into purposeless actions. The result was enormous losses, partly from the fire of their own men, for the leaders neither know where the enemy lies nor where German troops are, so ihat they were often fired at by their own men. The German writer :-Still in the trenches shells and shrapnel burst without ceasing. In the evening a cup of rice and one-third of an apple per man. Let us hope peace will soon come. Such a war is really too awful. The English shoot like mad. If no reinforcements come up, especially heavy artillery, we shall have a poor look-out and must retire. The "Daily Post'' sums up the situation —This is the history of the fighting: slight advances and slight retreats is all parts and then a general straightening out of fronts. "Some progress" is announced by both sides daily, but they automatically cancel themselves. Modern weapons dominate the situation so effectivelv that no substantial and continual advances are possible. When a position has been won it is immediately enfiladed and a retreat is at once imperative to avoid annihilation or capture. This applies both to the Gcr- j mans and to the Allies, and the war will j continue on these lines until we. have Kitchener's young men at the front. Never has their presence been so markedly wanting as in the present stage of fight- ing. Numbers are necessary to accom- plish an advance in force—numbers and guns. Further official lists of killed, wounded, and missing officers and men bring the Prussian casualties up to a total of 549,247. This figure does not include t-lie losses of the Bavarian, Saxon, and Wur- temburg armies, which are enormous, and are reported to be more than A00,CCQ. THE: WAR IN THE EAST. The Russian forces in East Prussia against the Germans as well as in the Caucasus > against the Turks and against the Austrians in Galicia have made pro- gress during the past week. The Germans have been strongly reinforced and have made a counter move in East Prussia so that a fierce contest is anticipated. The Turks have also been reinforced in the Caueasus and the Russian advance Was temporarily checked. The "Russian ad- vance guards have since continued their j approach to Erzeruu, Turks and Kards j have been defeated near Khamur, and an attack on Russian posts along the Black Seacoasts has been defeated with the aid of Russian warships. In Galicia the Russian troops have invested Cracow and a portion of the town is- reported to have been burnt. In a message to the Mayor of Moscow, the Tsar says:—"Let There he an end to any doubt in the matter. With faith in the help and the blessing of the Almighty, > i and in the strength of the mighty Russian armies, our great Russia will not make peace until the stubbornness of the enemy has been completely broken; until the realisation of the aims bequeathed to us by our forefathers has been attiined. I Central ISews. The "Echo de Paris" Belgrade corres- pondent says that according to Swiss news- papers between 70,000 and 100,000 German refugees have arrived in Berlin flying be- fore the. Russian invasion in East Prussia and Silesia. IN SOUTH AFRICA. It is reported that De Wet, who is slightly wounded, is losing his influence with his followers. Tho rebels arc short of ammunition, and only one effort is re- quired to end the rising in the Free State. Rebels arc daily surrendering in small 'parties. An account of further fighting with De Wet comes from Pretoria. It tells of Do Wet's movements after his de- feat on the 12th and how lie doubled to cross the railway near Virginia, where he was opposed by a body of Enslin's Horse, and two armoured trains. The fighting was severe, and a considerable part of the rebel commando was prevented from cross- ing. On Monday the first Rhodesian conting- ent for service against German South-West Africa left Salisbury. BRITISH OPERATIONS AGAINST THE TURK. Since the outbreak of war with Turkey a brigade from India, under the command of Brigadier-General W. S. Delamain, which was present in the Persian Gulf for the protection of British interests, has been engaged in operations against the Turks at tne head of the gulf on the right bank of the Shatt-el-Arab. The Turkish forts at Fao were silenced on the 8th November by the fire from the ships accompanying the expedition, a portion of the force was landed, and the town was occupied by our troops. Since that date two actions—on the llth and 15th Novem- ber—have been fought with the Turkish forces, who on both occasions were very severely handled and defeated after a stubborn resistance. O'n the llth, the Turks made a determined attack on our outposts, but were held in check by the 117th Mahrattas, and finally routed by a counter-attack made by the 20th Infantry supported by fire from a mountain battery. On the 14th further troops arrived from India under the command of Lieutenant- eneral Sir A. Barrett. On the 15tli the latter, hearing that a strong force of the enemy with mountain artillery were occupying a post about four miles distant, sent General Delamain with three bat- talions and two mountain batteries to evict them. After a sharp action, in which his Majesty's ships "Espigle" and Odin" co-operated, that was successfully accomplished. The enemy's entrenched camp was capturcd. and his losses were very heavy. Several prisoners, including a Turkish major, were taken, and two of the enemy's machine guns were destroyed. Successful operations have also been carried out in the Red Sea bv Indian troops, assisted by H.M.S. "Duke of Edinburgh." The Turkish Fort Turba is situated oil the rocky heights eastward of Bab-el-Mandcb, at the southern entrance to the Red Sea, and is close to the boundary line- between Turkish territory and the Aden Protectorate. Three bat- talions of troops were landed in face of opposition, .but under cover of fire from H.M.S. "Duke of Edinburgh," which had previously disabled the Turba forts and which assisted during the operations. After landing, onc-and-a-lialf battalions of infantry attacked the enemy's position, and were opposed by well-concealed artil- lery and infantry fire. When the hills commanding Manheli were occupied the opposition weakened, and about 200 of the enemy escaped by the isthmus on camels or in boats by sea. The forts were occu- pied by us, and large amounts of muni- tions of war and six field guns captured. I NAVAL AFFAIRS. The Admiralty have assumed the loss of the "Monmouth" and the "Good Hope" after the unequal fight off the Chilian coast on November 1st and a list of 693 names of the crew of the Monmouth" has been published. The whereabouts of the "Glasgow," which escaped from the fight, was not announced until Wednesday when she was reported to have arrived at Val- pariso. The Canopus which was not in the fight is also reported to be safe. On Monday it was announced that a French torpedo boat had rammed and sunk a German submarine off the Belgian coast. On Monday morning the German aux- iliary cruiser Berlin" mvsteriously put into a Norwegian port and as she did not! leave within twenty-four hours she was dismantled and interned. THE PRINCE OF WALES. Second Lieutenant H.R.H. Edward A. C.G.A.P.D. Prince of Wales and Duke of Cornwall, K.G., Grenadier Guards, has been gazetted aide-de-camp to Field-Mar- shal Sir J. I>. P. French. G.C.B., G.C.V.O. K.C.M.G. MORE MEN FROM AUSTRALIA. Mr. Pearce, the Commonwealth Minister of Defence, announces the formation of another infantry battalion for overseas service. GERMANY'S "INFANTRY." A German prisoner captured at Ypres on Tuesday—a. big boy for his age was enly thirteen years old. Be cried bitterly as lie was taken to Lyons and begged that his life should be spared so that he might return to his father and mother. GERMAN PRINCE GOES MAD. The Copenhagen correspondent of the Standard" wires that Prince Ernst: August, Duke of Cumberland, and father of the Duke of Brunswick (son-in-law of the Kaiser), who has been reported miss- ing for several weeks, has been discovered wandering about in a demented condition. It is reported that the horrors of war have affected the Prince's brain and he is now confined in an asylum. x GERMAN TREATMENT OF BRITISH WOUNDED. A Dutch correspondent of the Tijd" states that he is ready to declare on oath before any impartial Dutch or German commission a statement he made as to German brutality to British wounded prisoners. He declares that "On Friday, October 9th, I saw a long train at Landen with about two thousand wounded, and two or three hundred German soldiers partly wounded, and partly belonging to the garrison of Landen, promenading be- fore the open carriage doors of one of the last cars, where three seriously wounded British soldiers and some French prisoners assured me that they had had no food for five days. The wounded were called swine and rifles were pointed at them. When I remonstrated with a German non-com- missioned officer, he answered: "Those English swine! They get paid for their dirty work." According to the German communique, soup was offered to the wounded, but two refused. I saw the Germans holding basins of hot soup under the noses of the wounded, while they said: "You want food swine" You ought to be dead. You can have that! Saying which I they pointed their rifles at the unfortunate 1 Englishmen. Others threatened the prisoners with their fists. The French prisoners were treated differently. The Germans said: "The French are soldiers. They can have some; but those three are swine!" One civilian of Landen who wit- nessed the outrage, and remonstrated, was forcibly ejected. The German soldiers, the correspondent declared, belong to the force of occupation at Landen. A girl who witnessed the outrage confirmed the essen- tial parts of the correspondent's report.

LLANGEITHO. improvement Society.—On Wednesday evening in the chapel vestry, the second meeting of the session was presided over by Miss Da vies, Derlwvnfaeh. Notwith- standing inclement weather a good num- ber came together and thoroughly enjoyed an interesting programme. The President having delivered a short timely address, excellent papers were read by Miss Davies of Birch Hill on "lago Trichrug," and bv Miss Jones, of Caeglas, on "leuan Glau Geirionydd." The following took part in the discussion on the invitation of the President :—Messrs. Peter Davies (p.m.), Birch BiB; E. Jones, Tymelyn, J. Lewis, Chapel House; D. J. Evans", Bvonaeron; D. Iiew is, Cilpyll; and T. Williams, Gwyn: fil, all of whom praised the papers read. Mrs. Lewis, Chapel House, proposed, and Miss Kate Lewis. Cilpyll, seconded a vote of thanks to the President and the reader of the papers. The meeting terminated with the singing of a hymn composed by the late "lago Trichrug."

TREGAILOIN. Belgian Fund. A concert was announced to be given by Belgian artistes at Bwichgwynt Cfiapel on Thursday night in aid of the fund. The movement to promote the, fund was supported by the townspeople generally. All classes and creeds were represented on the Committee. The chairman of the concert was the Rev. T. Madoc Jones, B.A., vicar, and Mr. T. Jones, chemist, conducted. A fuller report will again appear. Parish COUJlcil. -1 he ordinary meeting was held on Friday night. Present: Messrs. J. Jones (B.), T. Williams, R. Lloyd, D. Davii >, R. Jones, D. Thomas, D. Rowlands, ,.id Miss. Jenkins, clerk. The Lamps Committee reported that the new lamps had not arrived, and the Coun- cil again urged the necessity of putting them up. The Seats Committee were authorised to place the seats under cover over the winter. The Trebrisg path was again reported to be in the same unsatis- factory condition. Mr. R. Llovd, on be- haC of the Paths Committee, undertook to see that repairs were carried out with- out further delay. The Clerk was asked to report to the District Surveyor the bad condition of the footbridge. Cuil-a Of St. Garcfl.—War pictures were the attraction of the Guild meeting on Thursday nigh-tf of last week. School children were entertained at an early hour and their eiders late". Excellent pictures were shown and appropriate solos sung. h. I). Thomas, Cambrian House, pre- sided, and delivered patriotic speeches. Mr H. Powel Evans, Werna, manipulated tho lantern. Wedding.—On Tuesday morning tho wedding was solemnised at) Bwlchgwynt C.M. Chapel of Mr. James Davies, Bryn- glas. Camddwr. and Miss Elizabeth Roderick, late Brvnai-tilivg. The bride was given awav by Mr. John Thomas, Tangarnfelen (uncle), and was accompanied by Miss iS. A. Roderick (sister), and Misses Da vies, Blaencaron. Mr. Morgan Davies. Tangoppa, was also present. The Rev M Evans officiated, in the presence of Mr. P. Williams, registrar. Hiring Fstir The annual fair drew a fair attendance on Tuesday and good busi- ness was done. There was the usual number of stalls, and side shows but no merry-go-rounds. The local contingent cf Yeomanry recruits attracted a good deal of attention -and devoted their time mostly in persuading; friends and others; to join. Sergeant T. Davies, Lampeter. was -also ror-ruitin"-• but the response was' unsatisfactory. Messrs D. L. Jones,

v' )' J. t CHILDREN LIKE and THRIVE UPON iptons Margarine Overweight 3 BEST GRANULATED] -IDS. SUGAR a A 11 «hfc MARGARINE I ||i 2 -IDS. OVERWEIGHT J- "3 I Made with NUTS and CREAM. J I UPTON Ltd. 1

msw v Sad News.-On Tuesday morning the sad news was reeeire-l that M". Evan Tom Evans. Principality House, had passed away nt Prnang .(M:>lay Stat?.) Deceased who was twenty-five years o! age, was well known in tho place, and his early- death is deeply lamented Herrings.—Splendid captures c.f herrings were made on Wednesday morning. They- found a ready sale at a penny each. Concert.—A miseclkuieous concert was held at the Council School cn Wednesday evening. There was an overcrowded: audience. Alderman E. J. Davies occu- pied the chair. Those who t-;)ok. p3,J.t in. I the programme were Mrs. Maud Dnvies. I Misses Elsie n-niis, Pohuan; Hilda. MûHer, Gwladys Jenkins, Milfrid Hense; ¡ Naomi Jones. Gwvnfor; Ryda Jones, C-arnowen; and Lizzie M. Williams, Messrs Simon B. Jones, W. Bryn Thomas, Ji:, Oswald Davies, Towyn Davies, W. O. Jones, Jfck Jenkins, Frank "Davie. Glan- eigion; Jenkin Jones, Brynteg; E P. Jenkins, T. W. Jones, Lewis R. Jones, R. 8, Hughes, Evans Jones Field-place; A. E. Gardner, H. R. T. C. Worthing- and Gwilvm Evnns. Rr>h>-i*>n in the town also contributed three items. j The proceeds were devoted to the funds of I the local Ambulance CI as,-

Death of Lord Roberts. The death of Field-Marshal Earl Roberts occurred on Saturday evening while on a visit to France to greet the Indian Army. Lord Roberts contracted a chill which led TO an attack of pneumonia. Though eighty-two years of age, Lord Roberts had made a special journey to France to add his congratulations to the Indian soldiers who have fought so gallantly with the allies. The veteran earl was colonel-in- chief of the Indian troops and the grief occasioned by his death will be softened by the fact that lie passed, away among the forces he loved so much, after having accomplished the purpose of his visit. Lord Roberts was born in Cawnpore in September of 1832. In 1852 he received a. commission in Bengal artillery; in 1857-8 served in Indian Mutiny; 1863, North West Frontier Expedition; 1868, Abyssinian Ex- pedition 1871-2, Looshai Expedition 1870- 80, in the Afghan War; and in 1885, Com- mander-in-Chief in India; in 1886 Burmese Expedition; and in 1895, Commander-in- Chief in Ireland; 1899-1900 he took part in the South African War. In the early days of 1858 he won the Victoria Cross. The official record of his prowess reads:—Lieutenant Roberts's gal- lantry has on every occasion been most marked. On following the retreating enemy on January 2nd, 1858, ax Khoda- gunge he saw in the distance two Sepoys going away with a standard. Lieutenant Roberts put spui-s to his horse and over- took them just as they were about to en- ter a village. They immediately turned and presented their muskets at him, and one of them pulled the trigger. Fortun- ately, the cap snapped and the standard- bearer was cut down by the young officer and the standard taken possession of by him. He also on the same day cut down another Sepoy who was standing at bay with musket and bayonet keeping off a sowar. Lieutenant Roberts rode to the assistance of the horseman and, rushing ac the Sepoy, with one blow of his sword cut him across the face, killing him on the spot. In 1879 Sir Louis Cavagnari, with the escort of the British mission, was assassinated in Kabul in Afghanistan. Major-General Roberts, as he then was, took command of the force dispatched to Kabul To avenge the murders. He de- feated the Afghans at Charasia on Oct- ober 6th, 1879, and occupied Kabul on the 12th of the same month, taking command of the administration of the country on the abdication of Yakub Khan. The lattei was sent as a prisoner to India and the Kabul forts were destroyed. Yet the Afghans continued to menace the place, and General Burrows was defeated at Maiwand. A British garrison was also besieged at Kandahar, where the remnant of Burrows's force had taken refuge. Roberts was ordered to proceed thither with 10,000 men. He started on the memorable march on August 9th, and arrived on the 3lst, having covered in that period a distance of 313 miles. On the following day he engaged and defeated the enemy, capturing all his artillery and dis- persing his camp of 100,000 men. For this exploit he received the thanks of both Houses of Par- liament, the Government of India, and the Governor-General in Council. His longest day's march was 221, miles. The features of the march was the masterly handling of the small Anglo-Indian force and the bringing it up at the appointed time, fit and ready to do battle. In addition to the votes of Parliament Major- General Roberts received a baronetcv and £ 12,000. Lord Roberts married in 1859 Nora Henrietta, daughter of Captain Bews. He had two sons, one of whom died in infancy while the survivor was killed in attempt- ing to save" the guns at Colenso. He was awarded the Victoria Cross after his death. It was presented to Lord Roberts who ever afterwards was able to wear the two decorations. He had two daughters, and is succeeded in the earldom hy the elder, Lady Aileen Mary Roberts, who was born in 1370. Lady iRoberts survives her dis- tinguished husband. He was a very amiable man. He loved to mix with soldiers who had been through his old I campaigns. He has been known to dis- appear from his sear at the. table of hon- our at a military banquet to find a place by the side of a man he had noticed in the company wearing a familiar medal, and often at the inspection of the Corps of Commissionaires he has singled out an old campaigner for a chat as to past doings and inquiries as to his welfare. The body was interred in St. Paul's Cathedral this (Thursday) afternoon near the burial place of Lord Wolseley and near those of Nelson and Wellington. c-

NOTES FROM ABER AYRON. A list of subscribers, for the Prince of Wales Fund, is in tht, press. It is impossible to think of a more inter- esting book and one that. is more looked for, "vi }} ,be annual publication called ?fr Cyhoeddi&dau among the Calvinistic Methodists. Mr Morgan Evans, J.P., Oakford, has had an accident one day last week. He fell and .sustained slight injury. Mr Evans has been an invalid for some time. The Belgian Refugees have not yet arrived. A commodious and well-furnished house has b, en ready for their reception for some time. The delay is not owing to any dilaioriness at this end, but is caused by the difficulties at headquarters in London. We have a guaranteed weekly fund of RS 7s 6d or E435 10s per annum, which leaves a margin after providing for all contingencies in the matter of the maintenance of twelve people. Later, the news has been received that four refugees are on the way to Aber- ayron, being husband and wife and two children. The weather this week marks the change from summer to winter. It can hardly be said inat there has been an intermediate stage. Frost has set in. The hoarfrost in the morn- ings is blistering. The temperature at two o'clock in the afternoons in sheltered places is thnt of a hot summer. To-day a starling basking in the warmth sang the song of the thrush. Ic was subdued as if the singer was four fields away. The art of the ventriloquist was perfect. The variety of the russet shades of the trees baffles the proffered services of ineffectual words. The haws and hips, in their best glory of blood ted, crimson and scarlet, embroider the stubble and the seques- ered dells. After 3 o'clock the evening quickly withdraws the sunbeams. There is a sudden I change. The huge smoke and blue-coloured cloud above the church tower is shivering against a clear and cold sky. The sun which I thought had gone for the night over New Quay Head sends back before it goes a flood of effulgent light. The sombre cloud is lit up. showing according to the thickness of the layers of its drapery, every hue of the rain- bow, with a wealth of intermediate shades, and making of the great pile a gorgeous chariot which moves slowly and majestically to the south. The sun now is a flaming forge of blazing Australian-gold coloured fire. A great company of starlings are flying right into it and are lost. The chariot has lowered its lights, following London under the German menace. The sea to the right is raftered by amber beams and from the lustrous recesses of the west a flock of silver plovers wheel their flight for their night quarters on Crugy- feiliog heath. Mr W. George Lloyd, fourth son of Captain David Lloyd of Aeron Queen House, has completed his degree of L.D.S. at Guy's Hospital. Probably he is the first of Aber- ayron boys to qualify as surgeon dentist. In a newspaper it is stated that at a recent Lampeter fair there was a scarcity of young men. At Aberayron on November 13th a conspieuous feature was the preponderating numbers of young men. On the arrival of the 12 30 noon train a regiment of men might be j seen walking in as if in marching order. The news of the death of Commander Price Lewes of Llanlear and of Colonel Morland, fymawr, has brought home to us the fearful and overwhelming terrors of the war. The whole people share their sorrow and cherish with an affectionate fondness their services and memories. There have been two genuine applicants for joining the army during the week to the Local Recruiting Officer but their names were John Thornton and Moses Worral. We learn from Mr T. J. Samuel that the congregation of Aberystwyth people who dislodged Dr Ethe was not a .f mob" but a I kind of procession- resembling a funeral cortege. No one will blame the people for disturbing the complacency of the College Council authorities. A reliable witness reports that the manner of the reception of Dr Ethe by the officials of the College who met him at the railway station was such as to convey the impression "Never mind what England says, or Wales, or Aberystwyth. We are here to welcome you." That was the irritant. On the other hand, the method adopted by the "mob" which was not a "mob" was not exactly what we in this country would expect from our seat of learning" and "seat of authority." Why not have appealed to the constituted authorities in the first instance. If they refused to listen, then there would be an excuse for a touch of coercion. Some Aberystwyth men whom I have met have been vehement in their terms of ex- pression in defence of the action of the "mob" which was not a "mob." The vehemence seemed to be a proof of a lack of faith in the action adopted. The question which they would not answer was—"Are you willing that the measures which you applied to Dr. Ethe should be applied by a mob which was a mob or not a mob to every Englishman, similarly situated ?" v For the first time in 100 years there was no show or "Cytfylaubach Ffair Lan-mor. In living memory we always had a "Fat Woman or a SKeleton man" "or a wild Fairy and savage man from Bonhoola as eats snakes alive and dresses himself in serpents;" "or the ass-tonishing Lady Paulinoletti as did swaller swords, sabres, bag' nets, also chewin' up glass, and bottles;" "or Catamaplasus, the "Fire Fiend" what burns hisself with red hot irons and likes it, drinks liquid fire together with flame and sulphurous smoke or the conjuror who sells a tissue paper full of chains, rings, with 2/6 in the bargain for a shilling;" or the Quack-Salver who offers ItlJ Elixir Anthropos for colds, coughs, and rheumatics, for sore throats, sore eyes, sore backs, good for croup, scurvy and chicken pox, and a certain cure for dropsy, scurvy, and the Kings evil. This year there was no peeping show, or shooting gallery, or "try your strength" or 'Cinema." There was not to be heard the sound of a bugle, or a concertina, or a drum, or a tin whistle. Our ears itched for the perpetual out of tUDe steam organ which we used to execrate. "Pwll Cam was a land of shades. The dead body of the fair, it seemed to be, for the soul was gone. Some people remarked "oh, those shows used to take away all the pence." Just so; but what is the use of gain- ing the whole world with the soul gone. The children sobbed in vain. There was some flannel for the ancients, less than usual, but no romance for the infants. It is said that the Urban Council was deliberately or incidentally the cause of keeping off a" Merry- go-round." If they did it deliberately, it was a grievous fault. 1 plead for the children. If they kill the fair in the attempt to make "Pwll Cam" pay, it is a poor bargain. "The Estate" the Estate that was the bogey. The children will soon be praying "Give us back our old Masters."

BORTH. Reservoir.—The contract of Mr. Page, Cardiff, for making the new reservoir and Laying the new sewage pipes has been accepted, and the contract will be exe- cuted by the Rural District Council at Aberystwyth on Monday. Local labour will be employed. Telephone.—The telephone service is now completed and will be opened on the 25th. The following are the sub- scribers, to whom Bor-th owe a debt of gratitude for the installation of the ser- vice into Borth:—Mr. R.. E. Jones, high sheriff; Miss Crompton, 5, Cambrian-ter- "afe: Mrs. Wathins, Mr. Reos, Taliesin Htuse, Mr. W. T. Lewis, L(¡IJt.} House, the Cambrian Hotel, and the Golf Club. The exchange call office is at Mr Williams's, chemist. Concert.—A concert in aid of the Bel- gian relief fund was given at the Cbngre- gatlnnal Chapel on Tuesday evening. R. E. Jones, the high sheriff, presided. The chapel was full to overflowing with an appreciative audience, and the artistes gave entire satisfaction. The artistes were M. Copens, Mdlle Fonsny, M. Eng. Guiilaume, and Mdlle Somers* Captain J. Davies, Neptune House, sang the Welsh and English national anthems. The accompanist was Miss Mary Davie*. A.L.C.M., Nathaniel House. The Rev J. C. Evans, Tremydon, proposed, and Mr. Frederick. R. Roberts seconded a vote of thanks to the performers which was re- ceived with loud cheers, as was a veto of thanks to the Chairman, proposed bv Mr Prosser and seconded by Pnrrv. 10 stationmnster. The Chairman, in acknow- ledging the vote, said1 he was pleased to be able to say that as a. result of that con- cert a substantial sum would ,1)(' added to the fund. This result is largely due to Mrs. R. E. Jones, Miss S. M. Evans. Miss Bithurst, Miss A. Williams. Miss Green- wood, Mr A. C. de Boinville and James Williams, who undertok to sell tickets.

Cardiganshire and Belgians, AN APPEAL BY THE COUNTY COUNCIL. At the request of the Local Government Board, the Cardiganshire County Council at its recent meeting decided to issue a strong appeal on behalf of the Belgian refugees. A copy of the appeal aippeara in our advertising columns. The Belgian people are threatened with extinction by the war. Since the declarat- tion of war, three months ago, it is estimated that there have been at least 500,CQ0 labourers unemployed, iqjr with their wives and children, a population of a million and a half. These numbers have been increased by invasion and its conse- quences, till it now amounts to at least a million men, or a population of three mil- J lions without any means of subsistence, j So long as the war goes cn their lot can- not improve. In the same way the whole Ii official class is destitute. The adjoining country of Holland is invaded by the I Belgian refugees, who are now more num- erous than the population of that country, and it is obvious that a small country like Holland, with a normal population of four or five millions, cannot support so 'I great an invasion without suffering consid- erable hardship. The brave stand made by Belgium in the,, war has given her a claim on the Allies- i for which there is no precedent. The I honour of England is involved in the re- storation of Belgium, and in assisting itet: poulation in their present disastrous con- ditionj His Majesty's Government is doing much to relieve the refugees, who. every day for some time have been pour- ing into England in their thousands, and is appealing to tne public for offers of hospitality. Already a number of the refugees are being hospitably treated in certain districts in Cardiganshire, and the refugees are being hospitably treated in certain districts in Cardiganshire, and the, I Clounty Council make a strong appeal for offers of further assistance. The refugees who have arrived in this country are gen- erally in families or groups of families, 11 and each group is almost invariably accom- panied by at least one man. There have been hardly any boys and girls unaccom- I panied by older relations. Offers of hos- pitality therefore, for children alone, cannot be utilised, and offers of hospitality for families should usually include accom- ¡ modation for a. man. Families should be housed as far as possible in the same I house, and where this cannot be arranged they should at least be housed in the same street or village. The refugees are largely of the peasant and tradesmen class, in- eluding fishermen who might be usefully employed on our coast. The Council feel that the condition of these brave people cannot fail to appeal to the inhabitants of Cardiganshire, and hope that individuals-, who are in a position to do so will respond. to the appeal and offer to house and main—- tain a certain number of families or in- ) dividuals I If help cannot be given individually friends or relations are requested to join.. in the offer and to bring the question!, I before the officers of churches to which, they belong, as the work cannot fail to appeal to Christian churches. Some churches in the county have already made I arrangements to entertain a certain num- ) ber of the refugees. Any offers of hospitality should be addressed to the Rev. John Williams, Cardigan, chairman of the County Coun- cil, or Mr. Evan Evans, clerk, who will forward the same to the Central Com- mittee, for communications may be addressed! direct to the War Refugees Committee, Central-huildings, Aldwych, London, W.C. For the information of the public, it may he stated that the Committee have already received one offer from Mrs. D. C. Roberts, Awelon, Aberystwyth, who has undertaken to hire a furnished house for the purpose of housing and maintain- ing fI, number of refugees. Snme of the I inhabitants of Lampeter, as well as Lam- I peter Town Council, are also making arrangements to entertain a number of refugees.

Progress is being made with road im- provements in the Towyn and Aberdovey district to comply with tho demands of modern traffic. Several landlords have displayed commendable public spirit in giving the necessary land for widening narrow roads. -x- Over 30,0CG recruits have been enrolled in Glamorgunshiie and, of course, Cardiff claims the credit of being a proud example to the rest of Wales. There is hardly a district in Cardiganshire and Merioneth- shire, apart from other parts of the! world, that has not contributed a share of this numher. -x- 7:- One of tho most progressive local authorities in Wales is Dolgellley .Rural Council. Particular attention is paid to j the water supply and housing questions. The improvements effected in recent years show that the officials are energetic and vigilant and set an example to other local authorities. It is regrettable that Fair- bourne should remain a black spot. Up to the end of October the number of British casualties in France and Bel- gium was 57,000 officers and men, includ- ing dead, wounded and missing. That is at the rate of 780 a day since the begin- ning of the war. The large proportion of officers k: ilon, notably sons of the nobility, exemplifies a degree of reckless bravery which is characteristic of the race. The extent of the 'enemy casualties is not known, but is calculated to be, at a con- servative estimate, a million and three quarters. At last week's meeting of the Denbigh County Council, Mr. D. S. Davies said he had been asked by the National Memorial Committee, who were spending £ 80,000 a year in an endeavour to stamp out con- sumption in Wales, to say it was absolutely useless to send patients to sanatoria, get them cured or partially cured, and then permit them to go back to their insani- tary dwellings. In the war against con- sumption there are -no greater enemies than the owners of these dwellings and the local authorities who a-Dow the hovels to be inhabited. Portmadoc has reason to be proud of its Intermediate School. The School has this year had a remarkably largo number of successes in examination, the number of scholars is gratifying, and the Central Board, in its report of the triennial in- spection, praises the work, adding that the pupils are keen and eager and their behaviour and manners praiseworthy. The Governors of the School, at n meeting on Friday night, congratulated Mr. J. Rhys Evans, the headmaster, and his staff on the excellent report and expressed gratifi- cation -it the announcement) that over forty old pupils of the School had joined the colours. A suggestion made by Mr. Lloyd George, which has been discussed in the House of Lords, is that he would like to see each county called upon for its quota .()f recruits. Whether this suggestion can be ciri-iejiiit has no doubt had or will have the consideration oi the military authori- ties. Lord Crewe said there were diffi- culties in the way, such as in districts where armaments, clothing, boots, and -similar industries necessitated the employ- ment of all the men available, and it was impossible to make a fair comparison between one area and another. What we think Mr. Lloyd George intended, was that by the cultivation of the county spirit it would be more inducive for the territorial Hrea to meet the requirements in propor- tion to its population and local conditions. That, at any rate, was the merit of the old militia system in each county. Could not this idea be put into effect by the County Territorial Associations P Mi-. Lloyd George is still trouble- some to his opponents. Lord C'urzon, in the House of Lords on the opening of Parliament, said the Chancellor was not always very precise in the use of lan- guage. No doubt. Sometimes his lan- guage has been too straight and pointed for those whom he had to attack, but it has never failed in its object. His Sanguage has been the language of the people and he has worked well and spoken well for them. Lord Inchcape. president of the Institute of Bankers, speaking on the effects of the war, said the action of the Government throughout had been worthy of all praise, and the trade of the country was under a, deep debt of grati- tude to Mr. Lloyd George for the courageous manner in which he had tackled the situation. Neither Mr Lloyd George's action nor his language require any further vindication. At the first meeting of the recon- structed Agricultural Education Confer- ence, Lord Lucas, president of the Board of Agriculture, explained the changes which had been made in the constitution of the Conference and the assistance which the agricultural colleges and other organ- isations engaged in the work of agri- cultural education had rendered to agri- culturists since the outbreak of the war. Agriculture is one of the few industries that have been stimulated by the war to the greatest degree of prosperity. What is mostly lacking is labour, though there are complaints that rural districts have not responded as well as might be expected to the appeal for recrunits. How the colleges and oilier organisations can provide the deficiency in the labour market to meet the increased demand for agricultural produce it is difficult to see, } ..hoca.use something more than aca-demic knowledge is necessary for practical work. It is interesting to note that one- of the questions brought before the Conference by the Board of Agriculture was the devel- opment of the agricultural education of women students. -1;- Education of all grades has suffered "largely in Germany, which is as it should be for the teachers and professors of "Germany for many years past have been assiduou.siy fostering militarism and the spirit of conquest. Even professors have I)eeii made prisoners. Schools are con- verted into hospitals, and numerous teachers and students are ort active For- vice. The supply of teachers in this country has also been affected, if not diminished. An interesting experiment 'has been approved hy the London Educa- tion Committee to deal with the diffi- culty. At present intending teachers secure scholarships to secondary schools "before reaching twelve years of age. Pro- vision is to be made for 150 girls to take t scholarships, not on examination, hut. on I the nomination of the headmistress. The failure of young pupils- 1ri examinations prevent them from entering the teaching and other professions, though they may -slioii, a liking for the work and have the necessary temperament If the ex- periment in T.ondon should have the desired effect in increasing the supply of suitable teachers, it will show that exam- inations alone are not a sufficient test of personal fitness and professional worth. j i There will be contests in the three wards at Aberystwyth on Saturday for six seats OIl tho Town Council. The election addresses of the most enterprising candi- dates appear in our advertising columns. The Prince of Wales has joined the Expeditionary Force in France as an aide- de-camp to Sir John French. The sug- gestion has been made that he should be- come tho titular head of the new Welsh Army Corps. The provision of a standard weighbridge in the market fieb1 of Tregaron is an enter, prise particularly deserving the support of farmers for whose benefit it is in- tended. The old question of the water supply makes no progress and retards other necessary improvements. Whet her the County Council or the Urban Council is at fault, the roads at Machynlleth are no credit to whoever is responsible for them. On Friday the main road leading into the town was im- passable owing to the flood. It is'in- credible that this state of things should be allowed to continue. Primroses have been gathered near Aber- ystwyth this week, though frost set in on Monday night and brought a seasonable change in the weather. Farmers are fair:'y forward with their work for the winter and are favoured with prospects of prosperity. The seaside resorts expect to be recouped for their summer loss by the billeting of troops. Addressing the grand jury at Bristol Assizes, Mr. Justice Atkin said anyone allowing young soldiers to drink to excess is guilty of a serious offence against the country. While drinking should be checked, there should he provided reason- able counter-attractions for the troops. It is hoped that this advice will be berne in mind when the troops come to Aber- ystwyth. -x- -x- The news that local Territorials have been ordered on foreign service has been received with pleasure. They wilil not only be able to see more of the world and realise the extent of the Empire they are serving, but will also have the opportunity of displaying- the benefits of their military and physical training on a scale not hitherto open to them. The officers and men deserve congratulations, and when the time comes their return home will! be the occasion of cheerful welcome and re- ception. -1 We have repeatedly called attention to the waste on armaments—not so much in this country only as in Europe generally, and there is a gleam of hope that one result of the war will b-e international agreement, to which Germany has hitherto declined to be a party. The building up of armaments for the sake of another war, after the terrible war in which Europe is now involved, is hardly imaginable for many generations to come, apart from the burden of immediate taxation which has to be undertaken. w The pressure put on the authorities by temperance societies to restrict public house hours is apparently intended as a lever to force more drastic temperance legislation. Under the new Act the re- sponsibility is pl'aced on chief constables to decide if special circumstances exist in a locality to justify earlier closing. The fact that chief constables known to be temperance advocates have refused to sub- mit to the pressure put on them in popu- lous centres shows that they are endeavouring to carry out their duties without bias, and we think it is presump- tuous on the part of temperance societies to interfere with the performance of those duties. -x- Dolgelley Guardians have passed a reso- lution protesting against incurring ex- penditure in building new schools, having regard to the financial strain caused by the war. There is a general increase in local rates, which is unfortunate in present circumstances. 80 many cltaims are being made to meet war exigencies with the prospects of new taxation that in all possible directions greater efforts in retrenchment are desirable. There are, however, two important considerations in favour of building new schools where necessary. We refer to the welfare of the children and the provision of employ- ment. -x- How long will the war last? The Prime Minister doubts that it will last as long as many people originally predicted, and Mr Bonar Law was also sanguine enough to hope that the war may not last a.s long as most people were inclined to believe. Economic pressure is undoubtedly having its effect in Germany, and the determina- tion of the Allies for ultimate and com- plete victory, strengthened by the suc- cesses already gained, will also have its effect in shortening the duration of the war. In qualifying his remark, the Prime Minister laid emphasis on the fact that the duration of the war depended on the rapidity with which our resources are brought into use. -x- The cause, of temperance has received an appreciative impetus through the actions of Lord Kitchener and his sister, Mrs. Frances Parker. While the War Secre- tary has appealed to the public not to encourage Soldiers to drink, Mrs. Parker is asking the men themselves to sign the abstinence pledge for the period of their r-rerviee and, through the agency of the Salvation Army, is issuing badges to be worn inside their jackets, bearing the initials "K. of K." This is another in- stance of tho good work accomplished through the medium of the Salvation Army, whose officers are labouring for the relief of distress and sorrow in Belgium and France. Newspapers have been seriously affected by the war. It is stated that French newspapers have been almost paralysed. In many cases all the staffs, including compositors, have been called to the colours. From the point of news, the papers are also working under great diffi- culties. As far as the newspapers of this country are concerned, it is not our inten- tion to criticise the Government, the Precis Bureau, or any other responsible body. Certain newspapers with their love of sen- sationalism and scares have made official restraint necessary. The Prime Minister has spoken sanely in regard to the circu- lation and dissemination of news about the war. In this country, unlike other countries, iN-e, are unaccustomed to censor- ship, but it is unfortunately imposed by the necessities of modern warfare, and its restrictions arc felt as much among readers as 'among newspaper workers. The Prime Minister assured Parliament that whatever news is withheld is withheld be- cause it is considered inexpedient that it should be divulged, lest it should give any advantage to the enemy. Everything has been divulged of the daily progress of the war, whether favourable or adverse, sub- ievt only to military and naval considera- tions. It is calculated that this country's war expenditure averages a million, a day, or i:ml guineas a second. Mr. Lloyd George has in hand the task of finding the neces- sary money, a.nd will no doubt succeed. Tho income tax will be doubled, increased duties put on beer and tea, and a large lean raised. -x. The Chairman of Barmouth Urban Council prefaced Tuesday's meeting by reading the Standing Orders. The hint had a good effect and the business was transacted more regularly and quickly. The purchase cf Cellfechan Farm by the Council has been, accomplished. Mrs. Williams, the vendor, has made a generous concession, and the Council unanimously thanked her for her public spirit edness. Gratifying statements were made by Mr Jonathan Davies in the course of an ex- planation of the position of Portmadoc Harbour scheme at a. meeting on Wednes. day of the guarantors to the bond for the preliminary expenses. The statements showed that the Committee is taking all steps possible to protect public interests. The guarant.ors passed a unanimous reso- lution expressing satisfaction at the posi- tion and of confidence in the Harbour Committee. Ba.rmouth claims that five per cent. cf the population have enlisted. Machynlleth claims a percentage of twelve and a half. London, it is said, has provided two and a half per cent. PWor London! Compari- sons of this kind only show that the larger the population the smaller is the percent- age, or otherwise. Barmouth and Mach- ynlleth, however, have made creditable records. It is interesting to note that the Barmouth Council is now anxious to billet troops, but objected to a Territorial camp in summer.

F.A.I., and Son conductedl a successfu sale of furniture and household goods..