The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

RURAL COTTAGES. Throughout the Rural Districts the shortag-e of housing is becoming acute and the farm labourer has been an unwilling witness of cottage after cot- tage falling into decay because it has not been repaired by the owner. The problem of repairs in connection with housing is not such a simple matter as it would appear to those who have made no study of the subject. To re- pair some cottages would absorb a sum equivalent to more than their rental for a number of years. One of the aims of every housing- reformer is to utilise the material found on the spot, and for this reason it would certainly appear to be more economical to use the old cottages—or at any rate the material in them-in preference to building new houses which, although they might be pretty, would probably j be less convenient than the old struc- ] tures. There are cottagcs which are falling into decay and there are also cottages which have become ruins. The former should be dealt with in as reasonable a fashion as the Govern- ment is adopting in connection with the new buildings. It surely is better to help the owner to repair his pro- perty than to allow it to fall into ruin and then subsidize a builder to build afresh. The greatest agent of des- truction in connection with the country cottage is water, and once the wood work becomes rotted the cost of repairs increases to a big figure,. A little care at the proper time will save many pounds at a later date, and if the Gov- ernment are serious about this they should put forward some practical scheme for helping landlords to save' existing- buildings. The Ministry of Health are anxious to do what is pos- sible under existing arrangements and announce that they are ready to advise whether the existing buildings ought to be condemned, or are repairable. The other class of cottage—that which has fallen into ruin, is of little value apart from the bare rpaterial which remains, and this in the majority of cases amounts to only the cost of the stone. There are many districts, how- ever, where to-day's costs of haulage create in this stone a value which was not realised when a man and a horse and cart was obtainable for 3s. 6d. per day. Thef re-building of these old houses is a subject to which Rural Authorities might well give very care- ful consideration, because small hold- ings do not fall into disuse, owing to any defect in the land, but nearly always the cause is lack of housiing accommodation. r ■

EDITORIAL NOTES. The proposal which is now before the Mer- ioneth County Education Committee, to increase the salares of secondary school teachers is one in which parents are keenly interested as it is almost bound to affect the school fees. The raisng of the fees s <ems at present the only way to provide the extra money needea for tha increase^. Eva-ybody will admit that secondary school teachers like 2.f.1 other profes- sionals deserve higher salares, but, unless the cost can be guaranteed by the Government, the parent" will suffer. Nowadays it is a con- tinual struggle to make both ends meet and the raising of the school fees is sure to become a hajrdship on the poorer paxrnts, many ot whom now sacrifice a good deal in order that their children may benefit. Every effort should bo made by the Eddcat'On Committee to geu Government grants to cover the extra coot. The statement iJ:1at the rapid increase in drunkenness which is taking place iI due to imported American whisky is ridiculous. The nation has consumed during tho first. nine months of tVa yoar 13,564,677 proof gaUnu, of spirits. The quantity of spiff's of all kinds imported from the United 6t?.tos during 1he same period was stated on the 1st inft, in a Parliamentary answer, to be 478,000 proof gallons, and this includes all kinds of spid's, and not whisky only. All whi ky imported Scotch or Irish, has to be "broken down" to 30 under proof ab least. According to a ^nirirfc mercha.nt in Manchester, quoted by the "Mancherter Guard fan" of the 4h inst "it 11 preposterous to suggn-t thaV ever, if it ware 301] put on the market it could appreciably teoroarte d1"Un)cet1íns over tihe whole lOOun. try'. the nill months the consumption of spirits ha^ .been inoreasacl by nearly 3,000,000 proof gaJlons, so that it js absurd to attribute ^he evfi results to » fraction of 4RO.OOO proof g&^ons and to exonerate at. least 2i million gallons of hGme- made and ovheT spires. The numerous outbreaks of wart disease that have occurred this season in districts hitherto wellnigh free must g- ve rise to considerable anxietj. Some years sgo, the disease was almost confined to the industrial areas in South Lancashire and South Wales. To-day, with the exception of Suffolk and Cornwall, no county is entirely free from it. The trouble is still most p-evalont in the industrial districts in the North, the Midlands, and in South Wa.)e8, and it has been found necessary to schedule a number of large districts as "in- fected areas." The largest stretch of land so scheduled comprises the counties of Carnar- von, Denbigh, Flint, Merioneth, and Mont- gomery in North Wales; the county of Staf- ford and the northern half of the county of Salop. Next comes a large acreage < n South Wales, scheduled as one area and comprising the county of Glamorgan, with part of the counties of Carmarthen, Brecon, and Mon- mouth ♦ » » The news that the Government has derided to make provision for the incease of old-age pensions from 7s. 6d. to 10s. weekly will be received with joy by hundreds of pensioners who have a hard st-uggle to live these da,ys. I is a fine Christinas box and it could not I have come at a more opportune time. The new scale will be 10s. a week in cases where mean" do not exceed JS31 10s. per annum. Those whose means do not exceed 12s. a week w il get a pension of 8s.; those who have 14s. a week will draw a pension of 6s.; those with incomes of 16s a week will get a pension of 4s.; those in receipt of 18s. s. week will get 2s. pension; and those in receipt- of 19s. a week will draw a peion of Is. There will be no pension where the means exceed 19s. a week. It s evident that prohibition is of benefit to America, for the Chief of Police of the City ot Worcester, Mass., which in 1917 had a population of 166,(p0, writes :—I find that the adoption of prohibition has resulted in a large decrease in the number of crimes. The arresh made in this cÍ-ty from the 1st July, 1918, to the 25th November, 1918. were 5.309; whereas, in the corresponding period in 1919, from the commencement of prohibition, arrests, have falien to 2,597, being a decrease of 2,712. 4» • 9 The generous gift of Mrs Misses Davies, LlzTdinam, of fifty thousand pounds to the Ca.1 vinist;c Methodist fiends to increase m- t |rfa.l stipends should prove a. decided incentive to the laymen of the Connexion to further efforts for this dwerving object. Few classes n the community have cuffered more acute;} during recent years than the spiritual nrim- bers who have no t-adc union or other aponcv to take up their undoubted grievance. It j unfortunately a fact that cannot be disputed that th'1 lives of good and devoted Tnv»i<;tcrs and thér wives and famines in hundreds ot well authenticated case;, have been embitt rea beyond precedent, by cark;hg and soul-dostroy- care for the tneans of the ordinary decent livelihood, <horn of all nCQl:e::8 luxur'cs. That those condit org have been borne without pub- licity, has hut addrfd to their intensity. Much has been said and written On the matter dur- ing recent years and certain am^'orative schemes hnvo been taken in hand by'ths denomination as Well as others, but much yet remain to be done to redress wlmt is notlViip lesss than a crying social scandal. There are prosperous churches on the Carrfbr an Coast frov of debt or other eneumbcrance who are Viet callous and unChristian enough to effo their pastors, in some cages, mon of academic distinotior.s, salaries of mnch below a hundred pounds for a year's devoted service. It is on fairly credible authority that there exists sonio oodo of honour amongst thieves, in th's ro pe~t churches that cou'd be named appear to fall beneath even that level. Churches formed of families in fairly affluent circum- staneas have no twan-e- of right to expect n'f ni>toria'. service from their victims on salaries that barely keep the homes together aaid where the wpjf of want is daily hovering rear the doorstep. It is to be hoped that the action, of the LlancTnapi family will f-t;inu!ate the coE-ciences and generosity of particular eonnesioji ajtd othtCi of this glaring sweating system.

LLANYBYTHER. PRESENTATION.—On the occasion of his recent marriage to Miss Davies, of Waunar- Iwydd, the Rev David James, pastor of Rhydy- bont Congregational Chapel, Llanybyther, was on Thursday the recipient at a. meeting of a substantial cheque and an ilium- inated address, whi'e Mrs James, was presenteo with a silver tea and coffee service, suitably it-scribed. Mr James has been pastor of Rhydy- bont since 1905, and through his efforts s magnificent new ed;fice was opened in 1911 which is free of debt. He has given his ser- vices freely to Nonconformist chapels in the district, and is held in high esteem by mem- bers of all denominations. The Rev D. C. Griffiths (Baptist) presided over the melting, which was largely attended, and congratu- latory speoeluj* were delivered by Noncon- m;nist&irs and d'ng laymen of the t. dtatrifbt.

NEWCASTLE EMLYN SESS!CN3. COUNTY COUNCIL AND ALLOTMENT HOLDERS. At Newcastle Emlyn Sessions on Thurdav, be Jo re Crupt Lowes, John Lewis, D. G. Lloyd, J. E. James, Henry Davies D. E. Davies, Al- fred Jones, Wm. Lloyd and Thomas Davies, Esqrs. David Jones (seii or), Bangor House,' V elindre, was fined 3s 6d for neglecting- to cause h s child David to attend school John Jeme Penlongoytre, Penbovr, 2s 6d.; and I T. i W i 'ams. Penralitfaich, Penbovr 3s 6d. Wílliam Evans, Dolwerdd, Llangeler, applies to recover possession from J. B. Phillips, Bar- goed Shop, Drefach; Ben Harrs, Bargced Vilia; Rotert Cole, Pensarn, and John Davies, Pensarn, Drefach, allotment holders; under ta < Smaji Hc-.d^gs Act, 1838, of plots of laird granted to them by the County War Agricul- tural Committee.'—Mr. Trevor Hunter ap- peared for applicant, and Mr. T. R. Ludford, Ll'aneUy for m pon,dents.—App! cant, a butcher, and the riispcin.dents oocupjcd rncnts at Drefach, the freehold of which ho purchceed in 1917, and the deed was dated iSta August 1918. The contract of sa]., I was made in Sept 1917. He served notices to quit to all, ard serviie was admitted. He had not received rent d r jet from re pondents, but iecoived rent at the rate of 9s per annum per plot from Mr.- Johns, executive offic tr of the County War Agrxu'tural Comm ttee. It was m him in ihUt capacity he received he rent up to 29th September, 1919, and the four r pondcnts were st-11 in occupation — cross-examined by Mr. Ludi'ord; When he pa.d for the :and in August 1S18, he core-. dered there was a tenancy. He thought that re,ponderts wor I his tenants, paying 9s per t to him. He went to Carmarthen to get Mr. Johns to collect. He did not th nk they were yearly tenants of h's. He instruct-d his sohdtor (Mr George) to write better of 11 ih March, 1919. He was not pres tat when the Agricultural Committee took the land being then interested m it. Mr. John Thomas' Red Lioai Hotel had the land when Com- mittee took it.—Re-exmamined: He never got any rent from respondents as the of Mr. George's letter.—Dr. D G L oyd, Newcastle Emlyn, said he was part- owner of the land before oonvrjyance to appli- cant in September, 1917. It was proposed to ?fiG7r w Pr°PertJ for sale before September, 1917. He met Mir. Johns, some of the m.irioer, of the Commit^, and some (if not fa Vf „ I"csP°IlfleQte- Tho using of the land tor allotments was discussed. There was a ta k of the County War Agricultural Com- mittee acquiring the land compulsorily. He said that would be foolish and that he and his co-owners: were w.lling to let the land for aiuAtments Ho produced a letter race v<d from Mr. Johns. The auction was in a day 'or two after.—Cross-examined by Mr. Ludford- He neve.r gave thti men an opportunity of purchasing.-J. B. Philips, Bargoed Shop, Drofach, one of the respondents, raid- he took the allotment in May 1917 from the Agricultural Committeo acting through Mr Darnel John, a:t 9s per annum. Ho was told ho should hold the plot for two yearS- after peace. He started cultivating the allotment on May 1917 and had been working hard on it (/ver sjice. He kept the house g^oing w t" tho products and sold a little. He never paid ;;ny rflfc Wm- EVM1s and had nothing to o witj, him.—Lro s-examined He refused to recognise Mr. Wm Evans.-The c-thrr three ie,pondents corroborated the. evirlence.-After d.s™,on the B(inch disced tho -app^ hodmg that therei was not suffioient proof ot tiie reat^hip of landlord and toJnt-Ll £ T/iomas Danes, and Dr. D. G. Llovd did not sit this c^c.

U.C.W. ACRJCULTURAL SOCIETV. ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING. At the annual bW5 ness TeLins on Saturday of the ^-C.w. Agricultural Society, a letter a^ntmc^'f, fr°m Mr' Geor-e MacQueen accepting «n honorary membership. A vot of condolence was passed with the widow and'son of offi Pnncpa1 Roberts.-In the election of officers Principal J. H. Davies, M.A. Mr. Bryner Jones, and Professor- A. E. Jones, RSc., were elected hon. Presidents; Mr. J. J. Griflith, B.Sc. (U.C.W.); Mr. D. W. Price (Nantyrharn, Cray, Brecon); Capta-n Rice D. iains^ B.Sc. (U.C.W.); and Miss D M Evans, VD.D. (U.C.W.), were elected lion' vice-pres,dents; Mr. T. W. Fagan, F.l.C. AIC A'TPW; RICHARD. PHILLIPS- B-SC> A.i.e. (L.C.W.), were appointed editors of the journal: treasnrer, Mr. W. Jones, M.A., M.Sc (W elsh Office Board of Agriculture); gen- eral secretary, Mr. T. J. Jenkins, M.Sc. • focal secretaries Mr. D. Thomas (Brecon and Rad- nor); Mr. J H. Evans, B.Sc. (Carmarthen). Mr D. J. Morgan, B.Sc. (Cardiganshire); Mr.' J. T. John, B.Sc. (Montgomery); Mr. W E B Jon-, (Pembrokeshire); Mr. W R. W'}]jams. County School, Towyn (Merioneth).—During a discussion on the means of resuming and de- veloping the. activities of the local branches, it was resolved that a conference be convened forI the dewing up ,of a pvovisiona: programme to be submitted to the local branches. It was also decided to. raise the entrance fee and annual subscription to 2s. 6d., and that the next summer meeting be held at Rothamstead. In consideration of the fact that Sir Thomas Middleton was already an honorary member of the Society, it was found impracticable to further honour him and the Secretary was in- structed to convey to him an express on of the Society's appreciation of his kindness in I delivering the annual address. ANNUAL DINNER. The annual dinner was held at the Lion Hotel on Friday evening when Professor A. E. Jones presided. After the loyal toasts had been honoured, Mr D. W. Prices, of Nantyrharn, Brecon, and Mr. D Thomas (organiser for Brecon and Radnor), both o.'d students, gave the toast of S r Thomas Middleton, in which they eulogised the qualities and the good work of the guest, who responded in a suitable speech. The toast of the "Society" was given by Mr Blyner Jones, who coup ed with the toast the name of Professor A. E. Jones aud Mr. T. J. Jenkins (the; hon. secretary), both of whom replied. After the dinner, a social was held when songs were given by Mr. Martin Thomas, Captain R. D. Williams, and Miss Dora Evans; a recitation by Miss Davies, and penillion singing. In the competition for an impromptu speech, the first prvzo was won by Mr. G. James and the second prize by "Hiss Fisher, whilst prizes were also given for the best story. Altogether a most happy time was spent.

DEVIL'S BRIDCE. DOCTOR'S RETURN—Dr. Gi!bert Morgan, M.C., (on of Dr. Morgan, Pontrhydygro Ji, has returned homefl A REAL NECESSITY.—Mr William- Gray, Gaa.ngor'lwyd, who has had several years ex- pe ienca in, mining is now utilizing an old building as a smithy. The villagers wish him all success. SURPLICE CHOIR.—It is the intention ot tho Rev Stephen Harris-Lewis, of St. Iago, to form a surplice choir. .f!IoIIf' -11

CORRESPONDENCE WHAT COAL CONTROL MEANS. Sir,—When trade is governed by the laws of supply and demand it follows a natural course as most people will agree. Wheg, however, d'-lificial restrictions are introduced and the natural laws are interfered with by outside contro all sorte of conditions are created which do not arlDe in the ordinal course of events. This state of affairs is what is happening in the staple trades of this country just now, I and there can be little doubt that as long an these artificial controls and restraints exist trade difficulties will ba Constantly occurring, and their correction by fresh artificial amend- ments and regulations will result in the crea- j tion of fresh difficulties. I Sir Eric Geddes very trulv remained at Bristol on December 15th—" If we can only > get trade back into normal channels I be- I lieve we should begin to see an immediate I improvement." It seems quite clear that anfc procedure that tends to r vet Government control on indus- tries, or to increase its intensity, is quite wrong. Every step now taken ought to be in the direction of removing artificial restraint, rather than of Increasing it. j Probab'y to no Brti h industry has control been so ruthlessly applied as to the coal trade. Divorced from ts natural clian- nels and subjected to Government control fn *11 its business aspects, the general result is j tho present complete mudd.lgi. Any flesh | additions to artificial restraint would only accentuate the unnatural state of trade con- ditions. It is to be hoped, therefore, that m. stead of adding artificial restrictions the Gov- ernment w 11 turn its attention to the real remedy—the gradual removal of control and the restoration of the coal trade to its natural channe's.—Yours truly, H. J. Mayhow. I Longdon Hil's, Laindon, Essex, j 1

CHRISTMAS, 1919. It is usual at this season to look backward and think of the Christmases that are past. I think the poet whose words are given below has found some- thing worthy of our earnest thougm and i pass it on to. you this Christmas- tide with every good wish for the com- ing year. R. READ, Editor-Manager. MY PSALM. I mourn no more my vanished year*: Beneath a tender rain, An April rain of smiles and tearfc, My heart is young again. The west-winds blow, and, singing low, I hear the £ lad streama run; The windows of my soul I throw I I Wide open to the sun. No longer forward nor behind I look in hope or But, grateful, take the good I find, The best of now and here I plough no more a desert land, To harvest weed and tare; The manna dropri ng from God'a hand Rebukes my painful care. I break my pilgrim staff, I lajr Aside the toiling oar; The angel sought so far awajr I welcome at, mj door. The airs of spring may never pi ay Among the ripening corn Nor freshness of the flowers of May Blow through the autumn morn; Yet shall the blue-eyed gentian look Through fringed lids to heaven, And the pale aster in the brook Shall see its image given;— The woods shall wear their robes of praise. The south-wind softly sigh, And sweet, calm days in golden haze Melt down the amber sky. Not less shall manly deed and word Rwbuke an age of wrong; The graven flowers that wreathe the sword Make not the blade less strong. But smiting hands shall learn to heal,— To build as to destroy; Nor less nv heart for others feel That I the more enjoy. All as God wills, who wisely heeds To give or to withhold, And knoweth more of ail my needs Than all my prayers have told! Enough that blessings undeserved Have marked my erring That wheresoe'er my feet have swerved, His chastening turned me back; That more and more a Providence Of lova js understood. Making the springs of time and tense Sweet with eternal good;— That death seems but a covered way Which opens into light. Wherein no banded child can stray Beyond the Father's sight; That care and trial seem at last, Through Memory's sunset air, Like mountain-ranges overpast, In purple distance fair; That all the jarring note* of 1 r. Seem blending in a psalm, And all the anples of its strife, Slow rounding into ealni. And so the shadows fall apart, And so the west-winds play; And all the windows of my heart I open to the day. Whittier. .r;

MARRIAGES- TOWNSEND—MORRIS. The marriage was soleimn'zed at Wesley Chsjpd. on Saturday morning between the Rev F. W. Towr^send of the English Wes eyam Church, Dartmouth, and son of the Mr J. Townseind and Miss Elizabeth Morris, daugh- ter of tho late. Mr. and Mrs Morris, Perce- field Farm, Penparke. The, Rev. J. M. Dar- lington, Birmingham, officiated assisted by the Revs. J. Whitehead Clegg, and Isaac Joel, Govern, Abtrystwyth. Too hride who looked charming in 111 mastic garbadine costume witn velour picture hat and French veil was given away by her uncle, Mr. Richard Richards, Gwarfelin. Miss Morris (sister of the bride) was bridesmaid amd was attired in a navy blue and tape stripe costume and pale hel'o picture hat, and Mr. David Morgan, Market-street, Aberystwyth, was best man. The service I WM cShoral, orgoaJ'sfc {Mr. L. iDaviee,) piayiriw hymns and the Wedd'ng- 3Tarch, the hjrmtis sung by Mr. M. T. Willianv's choir and the congregation. The reception was given in Piercefield, among the guests bc- ing Mrs Morris (mothea- of the bride) Mir ana Mrs R."cha"ds, Gwarfedin, Mrs a.nd Mrs ana Jim Morgan. Market-street., M' s Olga Jones, Miss Lilian Davies, B.A. Laitir the married couple left for tha'r honeymoon which is being spent in the Weish hil's. Amon", the numerous presents was one to the brid t from the pupils of Nar.berth secondary school where she wtais engaged as headmistress for n'net y<~(ars, the present being a. silver brooch and silver tea tra.y. The bridegroom a'so r ceivett a present from Brixham of a wal'et containing treasury notes, from Portsmouth. silver tea service, Kingswear din'ng- room o'ock; Cor*- wnrthy silver cnik > baakafc; Blaokhortcrt bis- cuit box, he having been in charge of churches i* those places. Mr Thomas Vaughan was registrar. CLAYTON—WARD. On Saturday at St. Michael^ and All Angels Church, Aberystwyth the- marringe took piace b,tween Miss Gladys Mary Ward, daughter of Mr. and Mrs W. H. Ward. of Great Dark- gate-street, and Ex-Major Charles Ptcharú Clayton, M.C., son of Mr. R. Ciayton, Gartb- myl, Mont. The bridegroom who gained his degree ot M.A., a.t the U.C.W., where he was connected with thn O.T.C., joined the army in 1914, ana served throughout the period of the war. Upon a&mobdJsation ho returned to the Call, a lecturer, but after remaining there for some time he received a post as Insp ot Schools which he still retains with head- quarters at Bridgend. The bride is well-knmvn in Aberystwyth, a popular favourite with a large circle of friends and acquaintances. Her fami'y is highly erteemed- and hra be-on connected with the town for a. large number of years. Thfj happy event created much interest and consequently tho Church waa well fiPed with friends to ,witness the ceremonv. Mr. Pank-hen who presided at tha origan played tV» "Bridal March" from Lohengrin as tho bride entered; the "Nupt/'aJly" and Mendelssohn's "Winding Ma.roh" at the con- q'œion of the service. The officiating clergy- man was the Rev. Camon Williams. The bride who was charm^gly dressed in white, with Brussels veil and csrrifcl a beautifui bouquets, was given away by her father. She was attended by Miss Dilys Ward (sister) ana Miss Mary Williams, who also carried bou- quets. The best man was Mr. Chas. Mason. After the. ceremony a reception was held at the Bella Vue Hat81 when about twenty guosta were entertained, and 1a,t.cr '-n th J day Mr. and Mrs Clayton left for London, where. the heneymoon is being spent, the bride trav- eling in a navy blue dress. STAFF ENTERTAINED. To ce'ebrate the event the staff of Ward's Cafe was ent -rtarnerl to supper in the evening when Mr. and Mrs Ward provided an excellent re- past. The taJb'es were gai y bedecked with flowers, and the guests were waited uncn by Mr. Ward (ex-ea.pt N.F.,) Miss Dilys Ward, End Miss Maggie Mason (Lcmdor). In a nea.t speech Mr. Ward referred to the happy event which had brought them kgfther and he also paid a well deserved compliment to his staff. Ex-Sergt. A. H. Jones, M.M.. also spoke and paid a high tribute to the bride- groom whom he had served in France. After supper games were indulged 'n, much amrudment being caused by the comic make- up of some of the staff. Music and dracinjj brought a' mcst e<njoyabl« t'me to an end.

PEWRHYNCOCH FELL DEAD.-—On Thursday, as Mr. Evan- Jone;, Cwrt Farm, was about to start for Aberystwyth with a number of cattle which he had sold, when ond of the beasts dead. He then proceeded with the. others and when neax Gogerddan anotlrr dropped out and tfed, and when he get within two mUes of Aberystwyth a. third It s surmi-ett that they had eaten form leaves off a tree near the farm which is very poisonous.

OT_TTr RHEIDOL VALLEY. SERVICE. The week n'ght serflboe* during; the winter months has b (cn. resumed in con- nection with the Wesleyan Church at Bethel, under the superintendence of tho Rev. II. R- Owen, Ystumtuen, and at Llwy^gToes C.M. by arrano-emeai of the deacons. RETIRING.—Some more fa-T-mem in tha vicin,ity are inteoidiii-r to give up ngr'exj"- tural duties. Applcatons for thesi Tiding; vaoant farms are pouring in from English farmers already.