The Carmarthen Journal and South Wales Weekly Advertiser

LLANDILO MEDICAL OFFICER ("JETS A MONTH'S NOTICE. The fortnightly meeting of this Board was held on Saturday, 5th inst., when there were present: Mr. Johu Lewis (chairman), Mr. Evan Davies (vice- chairman), Mrs. E. A. Roberts, Rev. Thompson Jenkins. Rev. Edryd Jones, and Messrs. J. Mor- gan, W. Hopkins, W. Williams. H. Herbert, Robert Matthews, D. W. Lewis, Gomer Harries, W. Roberts, Garnant, Arthur Williams. Caleb Thomas. Daniel Jones, Lewis Bowen, D. Glyn Jenkins, Rd. Thomas, J. L. Richards, John Bevan, D. Pritchard Davies, W. Stephens, J. L. Williams, W. E. Rich- ards, W. Lewis, D. Thomas, John Thomas, W. Roberta. Llanfynydd; the cleric. Mr. R. Shipley Lewis; the deputy clerk, Mr. D. Jones Thomas; and the other officials. THE HOUSE. The Master reported that the number of inmates was 64, against 71 corresponding period last year. Vagrants 80. against 78 corresponding period. The sum of 14 was voted for Christmas cheer to the inmates. THE MEDICAL OFFICER'S DUTIES. The Clerk, referring to the Vaccination Returns, said he had obtained the returns from all tho doctors except Dr. Owen. of Cwmllynfell. Ho had written to the doctor, but received no reply. Replying to Mr. L. N. Powell as to whether that was the first complaint in regard ro Dr. Owen. the Chairman said he believed it was the first they had officially. An5\\ering questions. Mr. Popkin said he could not get returns from the doctor, and he had seen him himself. He had promised over and over again to send in his returns, but had never done so. Mr. John Morgan asked if he was paia for his work. Mr. Popkin said he had nob been paid for the last two or three years. He did not send in his bills. Mr. W. Williams asked if they had any assuranco that the vaccination work had been performed in the district. Had the children been vaccinated? Mr. Popkin said they were. The onlv difficulty was that ho could not get the forms. He made a general complaint. There was a lot of trouble with private doctors. He could not possibly get the •forms. He had no remedy because it was a weak case and he could not tak it to court. In further discussion. the Clerk said that the post was held subject to one month's notice as to its ter- mination. On the motion of Mr. L. N. Powell. seconded by Mr. Evan Davies, it was agreed to give the doctor one month's notice. Mr. W. Williams pursued the subject further, and, in reply to a question, the Clerk said that the only remedy was a prosecution. Mr. W. Williams proposed that Mr. Ponkin be asked to report to the Board those failing to supply the returns. Tho Clerk said that would be done. Mr. Evan Davies—In that case we should prose- cute. The Clerk said he had received a letter from tho Local Government Board concerning Mr. E. C. Davioa, relieving officer for the North District, who, it will be recalled, was lately suspended by the guardians. The latter was accompanied with two enclosures—one from Mr. E. C. Davies himself and the other an extract from the district auditor s re- port. In his letter to the Local Government Board, Mr. Caradog Davies explained that his failings wore due to his being afflicted with piles, from which complaint he had suffered for some years. The pain and consequent exhaustion from which had hindered him from doing his work. Owing to the unpleasant nature of his complaint- he had refrained from dis- closing it to the guardians, and when he had been called to account beyond apologizing he had offered no explanation. On the evening previous to the meet- ing of the guardians, at which he had been sus- pended, he had been away and found himself too ill to proceed home. On the following morning— th? day of the meeting—he cycled home for his books intending to return for the meeting of the guardians. This he failed to do owing to the pain- ful nature of his complaint. He. enclosed certificates from the medical men who had examined him, two of whom were medical officers of the Union. With reference to the irregularity in the payment of one of the paupers referred to. he explained that there was a discrepancy of sixpence between the entry on th card and that on the books. It was purely a clerical error, and was rectified immediately on dis- covery- Mr. J. Bevan said that the letter read from Mr. C'aradog Davies a month ago in explanation of his absence" was not consistent with the one he sent to the Local Government BoaLd. In that letter no mention was made of his being at Llandilo on tho Friday night, but that he was ill at home. Mr." Robert Matthews and Mr. L. N. Powell did not think there was any real inconsistency between the two statements. Mrs. E. A. Roberts moved, and the Rev. Thomp- son Jenkins seconded, that Mr. Caradog Davies bo reinstated as relieving officer. The Chairman said that he thought it waS his duty as chairman to move a pretty straight resolution. He moved, as an amendment, that this Board after considering the enclosures forwarded by the Local Government Board re Mr. E. Caradog Davies, re- lieving officer for the North District, resolves to give him an opportunity to resign, and that if the Clerk does not receive such resignation by Tuesday morning next that his services as relieving officer be dispensed with. and that the permission of the Local Government Board be asked to advertise for a successor. Mr. D. Glyn Jen kin* seconded. Mr. L. N. Powell said that it was with extreme regret and diffidence he rose to support the amend- ment proposed by the Chairman. He felt that they would not be justified in taking any other courso after what had passed. He should have been glad if he could have seen his way clear to support the other resolution, if it were only for the fact that Mr. Davies had a widowed mother dependent on him. That weighed heavily on his (Mr. Powell's) mind. As against that they had to consider other mothers find their orphans. Hr* did not think they would be justified in taking any course other than that proposed by tho Chairman that day, and he felt verv reluctantly compolled to support it. Mrs. Roberts said that the paupers were all very anxious tht Mr. Caradog Davies' services should be retained. They all gave him a gocd word. For tho amendment 12 voted. For the original motion that Mr. E. C. Davies be ^reinstated 14. The result was received with applause.

Rural District Council. A mooting of tho Rural District Council was held afterwards, when the chairman, Mr. Evan Davies, J.P., Pistillgwyn, presided. Mr. Matthews said the committee had no plans to present that day. The committee appointed re the Cwmllynfoll water reservoir had met on the 3rd inst., when Mr. Herbert and Mr. Powell, the contractor, were also present and tho caretaker. The reservoir was thoroughly examined and found in good order with tho exception of a small crack in the cement on the south-western side which would probably account for the leakages. The contractor under- took to make good tho leakage as soon as the weather became suitable for the work to be carried out. The committee had also under consideration the application of the Pontardawe Rural District Council for a supply of water from Cwmllynfell for thoir district. Now, in tho winter, there was an ample supply and a Large quantity running waste through the by pass. But the quantity in dry weather and during the summer months had not been ascertained. This should bo done by careful guaging, and the committee recommended that this Council should not commit itself until this had been dono. In the winter months water could bo spared and 6d. per thousand gallons would be a fair charge, the quantity to be ascertained by meter to be fixed at tho expense of the Pontardawe Council, together with tho cost of all necessary work, including con- nections. Ten thousand gallons would supply 80 houses. The Pontardawe Council should be asked how many houses they required supplying, and the guaging ought to bo taken in the summer before this Council bound itself to anything. The Chairman said tho most important part of the report was that in reference to the leakage. Ho should like to have Mr. Herbert's opinion. Mr. Herbert said the leakage was on the south- western side where the embankment was a bit higher. This was just what he anticipated. The embankment must in time sink. There was nothing much the matter. As muoh time as possible was being allowed for tho embankment to sink. Mr. Gomer Harries seconded the adoption of tho reports and added that tho contractor should bo asked toive an undertaking. Mr. Herbert said he had done so. The Chairman asked if it was anticipated that the subsistence would tako place why had it not been stopped. Mr. Herbert explained that it would take too muoh time. They would have to stop for two yeara« Mr. Gomer Harries said that the subsidence was in the soil. Mr. Herbert said tho contract would be carried out properly. The contractor had written to him that he would make good, and carry out everything to their satisfaction. Any cracks would be re- medied by the 25th of March next. The Chairman asked if that was sufficient. All might be good at that time, but it was possible that there might be a crack again within six months. Mr. Gomer Harries thought the contract should be more comprehensive. Tho Chairman asked who was to be responsible 6 or 12 months afterwards Mr. Herbert—You can't do that. Replying to Mr. J. L. Williams. Mr. Herbert said that he wished to give as much time as possible for the embankment to sink. Mr. Gomer Harries—We have it in the contract that it must be kept in repair for six months. Mr. J. L. Williams pointed out that the contractor had extended the guarantee by three months to the 25th March. Mr. Herbert repeated that he did not anticipate any trouble. It was a very small matter. The Clerk read a letter from tho Pontardawe Council with reference to Cwmtwrch water service in reference to this Council's enquiry whether there were any houses outside their district close to Cwm- twreh that would take a supply, and suggesting the putting up of a standpipe in that case. The Pontar- dawe Council asked what this Council's charge per house would be. Their charge was 6s. per house per annum. They wanted to avoid putting up a standpipe if possible. They endeavoured to get the consumers to take, in a private supply. The Clerk thoukht 6s. would hardly be sufficient. The Clerk also read a letter in respect to adjoining houses, asking if they could supply isuch quantity as may be required to supplement their supply from y tradowen. Mr. Matthews thought the decision of the com- mittee was quite right, viz.. that they should wait until such time as the lowest amount of water came into the reservoir. After further discussion the decision of the com- mittee referred to in the report submitted by Mr. Mfttthews was adhered to. Mr. Gomer Harries complained of the wretched arrangements made at present by the Great Western Railway Co. for the conveyance of children to and from the Ammanford Intermediate School from Brynamman, Cwmammau. Penygroes, Garnant, and other parts of the district, and moved that the Railway Co. and tho Governors of the School be written to calling their attention to the neglect. Rev. Edryd Jones seconded, pointing out that the children living in the valley had to leave their homes at 8 a.m., whilst the school did not begin until 9. In the evening they could not leave Ammanford until 5.30. Meanwhile tho children played about and did mischief. There was a danger that much of the good influence imparted during school hours was thus lost. Mr. W. Williams said the Railway Co. did nothing to meet the demands and conveniences of the public.. He was speaking particularly of Penygroes, from yhere a dozen children went to the Ammanford Intermediate School every day. a distance of five miles. They had na facilities for going or return- ing provided for them by the railway company. They walked or cycled. Even having con- sideration for the health of the children, they ought to address a strong protest to the Railway Company drawing attention to their neglect. Letters and deputations had been sent from Penygrocs, but they did nothing. They possessed a monopoly of the passenger service ill. these places, and did nothing only what suited themselves. Whereas in other places where they had to meet competition, they had in their own intrests to study the public. They had some kind of a motor 'bus running down in the day and in the night, but that did not suit the children, and even if it did, it was overcrowded, and did not run at the proper time. Mr. D. W. Lewis supported the motion. They ought to try to save the children's time to enable them to follow their studies. In his time they lost their time, or he did not know what he might have become (laughter). Let them do all they could to save the time of the rising generation. Mr. J. L. Williams said the whole difficulty arose through the G.W.R. Co.. who seemed to be ignorant of the fact that they had an Intermediate School in Ammanford. He hoped the reporters would make a note of the discussion. Mr. Gomer Harries said that the local people had done their utmost. He hoped that strong pressure would be now brought to bear on tho governors and the railway company. The motion was agreed to. On the motion of Mr. D. W. Lewis, seconded by Mr. Gomer Harries, it was decided that the Council should take over Llwynmoch Road so far as Cwm. llynfell Reservoir. Mr. Gomer Harries moved that they should carry out the resolution a considprable time ago as to tho laying of pipt's on Mountain Road, whih was now a regular nuisance. It should be proceeded with as soon as possible. They had already laid somo pipes there. Mr. Evan Jones (surveyor) said that if Mr. Gomer Harries' suggestion as to carrying out the extension now was acted upon it would mean that they would hayù to rp-do the whole of the work when the sewerage of Brynamman was -carried out. A nine- inch pipe would have to be laid instead of a 6-inch. 1 The Chairman said that as the question was a debatable one. It would be better to refer it to tho Surveyor and the Sanitary Committee to report on that day fortnight. This was agreed to..

LLANNON NOTES Over 200 articles have nr.w been sent away from tlit Cross Hands Sewing Class. Dr. D. H. Griffith-, of the New Cross Hands Col- lieries. has offered his services for the front, and is likely to leave in course of a few days. I A very sudden death occurred at the Great. Moun- tain Collieries. Tumble, on Monday morning. Mr. j F. A. Collins, 75, High-street, went to work as usual in the morning, but very shortly after he was found dead in the stables. An inquest will be held.

LOCAL POLICE COURTS Carmarthen County. SATURDAV. December 6th. before Mr. W. Dudley Drummond (in tho chair). Major T. H. Dowdeswell, Llanstephan; Mr. D. LI. Jones, Derlwyn; Mr. Thomas Lewis, Brynglas, and Mr. J. L. Thomas, Tanylan, Ferryside. COCKLE-FISHERMEN AND THE BYE-LAWS. A case in which much interest was evinced was heard at this court on Saturday, when .j.enry Dalton, Thomas Powell, Richard Davies. Thomas Davies, Elizabeth Jenkins. Titus Jones. Margaret Davies, Thomas Jones and Margaret Ann Marks of Ferry- side, Llansaint and Laugharne, were charged, some of them with removing from cockle-beds cockles that would pass trough a gauge having an aperture 2 of an inch, and others with using a cart in fishing for cockles, contrary to tho committee's bye-laws, and some with both offences. Mr. Thomas Hunter (instructed by Mr. A. H. Deer, solicitor. Port Talbot) appeared for the prose- cution. and Mr. Clark Williams (instructed by Mr. Hamilton W. Crawford. solictior. Llanelly and Ferry- side) for the defendants. v Mr. Trevor Hunter in hi opening remarks ex- plained that the South Wales Sea Fisheries District was created by order of tho Board of Agriculture and Fisheries in June, 1912, which dissolved two previously existing districts and united them in a new district for South Wales. The reason .for these bye-lays said counsel was that, it had been found by scientific in- quiries that cockles as a rule do not breed until they grow to a larger sizo than l of an inch. It had also been found that when carts or vehicles were wheeled over cockle, beds it had the result of crushing some of the cockles, and if one cockle was crushed it got diseased and it putrified and spread inflation very rapidly with the result that tho whole bed might be. spoilt. Then it was possible that it was spread from one bed to the other and ruin the whole cocklo industry. Tho Committee's Bye-laws were made for tho protection of the cockle-fishermen themselves. He added that the contention that. a gaugo of inch square was too largo could not bo taken in that court as a defence. Capt. Stephen A. Francis (Swansea), superinten- dent of the Sout.h Wales Sea Fisheries, said that on the 24th of September lie visited tho Ferryside cockle fisheries and saw Henry Dalton on the cockle bed with his pony and cart. and also lg bags of cockles. He examined the cockles and tested them with the gauge. He took two or three handfulls of cockles and about 25 per cent. of them passed through the gauge. On Konmbpr 2nd ho saw tho sarno person about the* same place, and he then had two bags of cockles and the cart and pony. He tested the cockles again and about. 90 per cent. of them were under size. Mr. Clark Williams—Do you agree that your guage is a little too big.—Yes, it is a shade. You have been badly received by cockle-fishermen in some districts?—Yes, I have. You had an unpleasant experience at Penclawdd some time ago?—I did. Have you anything to complain of your reception at Ferryside?—They behaved gentlemanly. While they behaved gentlemanly they gave you to understand that they fpIõ rather strongly with regard to these bye-laws?—I should think so by the way they spoke. Would you accept my suggestion that the cockle industry in this part is better than ever?—It is in a. very good condition now. The Chairman said this evidence rihould be put to the fishery committee or the Board of Agriculture und Fisheries. Mr. Clark Williams submitted that both these bye-laws were unreasonable and that it wa$a question for that court. The Chairman said the bye-laws had been ap- proved of by Parliament and had become law, and whether they wero reasonable or not was not for the justices to decide but for tho Fisheries Committee of the Board of Agriculture. Mr. Williams quoted certain cases t.o support his claim that the bye-laws were unreasonable and might be held invalid by the court. Mr. Hunter said that any unreasonableness in bye- laws was a point which related to a principle in general fact of the bye-laws. Those particular bye- laws were expressly authorised by statute, and there- fore there was no room for the argument that they were reasonable or unreasonable. Mr. Williams said that tho question of the Un- reasonableness of the bye-laws wa9 his principle line of defence, and added that the cockle fishermen, feeling very strongly as they did on the matter, had presented a petition to the Board of Agriculture tinrough their member of Parliament. Mr. John Hinds. In a reply received by Mr. Hinds, Sir Henry Verney, on behalf of tho Board, stated: "I am afraid we cannot help your petitioners. Can they not move tho local committee to take steps to remove the bye-laws." Counsel pointed out that that state- ment showed that there was no hostility on the part of the Board of Agriculture to any aleration of tho bye-Ia ws. The Chairman said ho did not think that it was within the jurisdiction of the Bench to consider the reasonableness of tho bye-laws. Mr. Clark Williams suggested that the cases should stand over until they should first of all call the attention of the Fisheries Board to the unreasonable- ness of the bye-laws. Mr. Hunter agreed and said the Fisheries Com- mittee were looking after the interests of fishermen themselves. If tho fisheries committeo came to the conclusion that there was no substance in the men's complaints the cases wou1d come before them again. If the committeo found that there was substance in it. nothing more wou1d bp heard of their cases. It was the wish of tho committeo that the cockle fishermen should know that they were ready to re- ceive representations from them at any time, and that were anxious to help them in any way. The cases wpre thpn adjourned until April 3rcl ffi as to give time to the fishermen to make their repre- sentation to the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries. FULL TRANSFER. Mr. Wallis Jones, solicitor, applied on behalf of Mr. George James Walker, manager of the G.W.R. Hotel and Refreshment Rooms department, for a full transfer of the Refreshment Rooms at the Carmar- then station. The transfer was granted.

Carmarthen Borough. TCESDAY, Dec. 8th (Special).—Before the Mayor (Alderman John Lewis), and Mr. H. E. B. Richards. THE DRINK. Elsie Ford was charged with being drunk on Monday night. P.C. Lodwig deposed to finding the defendant drunk in Lammas-street. She was passing remarks to people in the street and causing a crowd to follow her. When he asked her to go away she made use of foul language towards him. She was then taken to the police-station. Defendant stated that sho had recently resided at Cardiff, and was a native cf Lancashire. She was remanded until to-day .Friday) so that the head con- stable could make further enquiries.

Llandovery. FRIDAY, December 4th.—Before Alderman T. Wat- kins and Councillor T. Roberts. NON-ATTENDANCE. David Davies, Garden-lane, was charged by Supt. Morgan with neglecting to send his boy, aged 12, to school. The Superintendent pointed out that the child's absence from school meant a loss to the child and to the ratepayers. Although he was 12 years of age he was only in the 3rd standard, whereas he should be in the 6th or 7th. If defendant did not send him regularly to school he (Supt. Morgan) would have to apply to the Bench for an order 10 remove him to a truant school, which would mean that he would have to remain there until he was 16 years of age. Meanwhile the father would have to contribute towards his maintenance. On the other hand if he was regular in his attendance the parent might be able to get him off his hands to a great extent when he attained the age of 14. He never applied for costs except, in cases where the summons was ignored, which had occurred in this instance. Defendant was served with a summons for the last Court, but did not appear. He failed to see why the ratepayers should be put to the extra. expense. Defendant said that he worked away from home, and was, therefore, unablo to enforce his instruc- tions as to sending the boy to school. He had, however, told them at home very strictly to do so. Asked why he did not appear at the last Court, defendant said he did not know about the matter. Probably his wife had not told him. She 6ent letters through and through to him, and he was ignorant about things half his time. P.S. Deans said he had been served personally with the summons. Defendant—Three weeks to-day it was. The Bench said his own admission then showed that he had been served, so why should he say an untruth. Supt. Morgan said it would be far better for de- fendant to isend his boy regularly to school. He might then get some benefit 'from his services when he attained the age of 14. Otherwise he would be deprived of them until the lad was 15 and would have to contribute towards his maintenance. Alderman Watkins urged defendant to &end tho boy to school, as did Mr. Roberts. Ho was ordered to pay the costs—13s.—and allowed a week to pay. Tho same defendant was charged with non-main- tenance, but as two magistrates were required and Alderman Watkins was disqualified from sitting on the case on account of his being a member of the Board of Guardians the case was adjourned. STRAY PIGS. John Clement, Llwynjack, was charged with allowing four swine to stray on the highway. De- fendant pleadlxl guilty. P.S. Deans said that at 9.20 a.m. on the 19th ultimo he found four pigs straying 011 the highway between 1 Pontrhydyceir and Cwmrythan Lodge. They were removed by defendant's son. Defendant in extenuation said ho had great diffi- culty in preventing the pigs from straying. There was land on each side of tho road, and the road to tho house was a publio one. Only that morning in a Yery short tinw througl1 the gates œing left open by someone tho pigs got to the road. Ho alleged that this was tho only road that) the police paid attention to from cases of this sort. Mr. Roberts said that was not correct. They had six cases of the kind before them at Llangadock at the last court. Alderman Watkins said that defendant had the sympathy of Mr. Roberts, his fellow-magistrate, and himself, but tho law must bo administered. There had been similar charges against him before. Defendant—No cattle. Ho added that it was not fair that ho should bo proceeded against in this way. Why did tho police go over this road more than others? In reply to this it was stated that complaints might have been made from tho neighbourhood. D.C.C. Evans asked defendant how did ho know about other roads. Defendant said ho had quwtionecl and had been told by people. Tho Bench said they wero going to deal very leniently with defendant, possibly too leniently in view of tho fact that he bad been unfortunate before. He would be fined 6d. each pig and 5s. 6d. costs.

Ammanford. MONDAY, December 7th.—Before Aid. W. J. Wil- liams (in the chair) and Mr. B. R. Evans. THE DRINK. The following were dealt with for drunkenness: — Roes Williams, of no fixod abode. discharged; Thomas Roderick, Pontregwenlais, 5s. and costs; Joseph Prouse, Hopkinstown, 10s. and costs; Jenkin Lewis and Evan James Thomas, of Gwaun-cae- gurwon, both bound over to be of good behaviour and to abstain from intoxicating liquor; David Thomas, and Evans Rees, of Penybank, 5s. and costs each; James Evans. Glanamman. 5s. and costs; John Dixon, Pantyffynon. 2s. 6d. and costs. SUNDAY TRADING. Both L genio Cresci (of Ammanford) and John Carraro (of Llandebie) wpre fined as usual for Sunday trading, and the Chairman appealed to them to respect the oustom of tho nation amongst whom they wero residing. Annio Rydon, of Cwmamman, was similarly summoned, and the Bench dismissed the case on payment of costs, and told the defendant to take that as a warning. A LONG WAY TO TIPPERARY." Thero were five charges preferred against David Morris, of Blaenau-road, Llandebie. Mr. Hugh Williams. Llandilo, said ho had been instructed by defendent's friends to appear for him. The Deputv-chief-constable (Mr. John Evans) said every facility had been given to tho defendant, and he did not wish to be defended. Defendant—No, I was drunk; I know nothing about it. Asked if he pleaded guilty to being drunk on licensed premises in the parish of Llandebie, ho replied, of course." To a charge of being drunk and disorderly he said, I don't know; guilty." Charged with assaulting P.C. Davies, his response was, "Go on; guilty again." To a charge of wilful damage to an overcoat, the property of the Carmarthenshire Police Com- mittee, he said, I know nothing about it; you go on." und a similar reply was given to a charge of assaulting P.C. Higgins. P.S. Davil's said on Saturday evening he was called to eject tho defendant from the Ivy Bush, Llandebie, whero he was challenging persons in the bar to fight. Later he kicked witness several times, scratched his face, bit his arm, and tore his coat. He was taken to witness's home, where ho again acted violently, and had to be tied down. For refusing to quit a fine of 10s. and costs was imposN"1. and a similar penalty for being arunk and disorderly. For assaulting the sergeant a sentence of three months'' hard labour was passed, one month for damages to the overcoat, and three months for assaulting thp constable. Defendant—What! Seven months! ChAirman-The spntences to run concurrently. You have a very black record. Defendant—Seven months. It's a long way to Tipperarv. Chairman—We are very sorry to see you hero again. Defendant—I can do without that. Seven months will do alright. So long now. SAD PENYGROES CASE. David Henry Thomas and his wife, of Peny- groes, were charged with nnglectin their child. The female defendant gave birth to a boyan the 31st October, and it was within three weeks of that date that tho cruelty was alleged. Soon after tho child was born it showed signs of a disease of tho eyes and as the result of neglect the child had lost the sight of one eye. and there was no hope that the other one would be saved. The neglect on the part of the mother was due to hor drinking habits. She had been drunk practically the whole time since the child was born, and on one occasion, but for the intervention of a neighbour, the child would have fallen into the firegrate. The house had empty beer, gin and whisky bottles all oyer, up- stairs and downstairs. Inspector T. Jones, N.S.P.C.C., said the male defendant told him, "My wife is a hopeless drun- kard and almost worries me to death. She has pawned her wedding ring. I am earning j34 per week. I allow my wife -62 to £3 per week. and am willing to pay anybody to look aftr thD child. The female defendant pleaded guilty, but said she would turn over a new leaf. Tho magistrates ordered the male defendant to be bound over and to pay the costs, also 5s. per week for the child's maintenance for a year. In view of the very serious case against thc. woman. the Chairman said she would be sentenoed to two months' imprisonment with hard labour. NO LIGHT. Cycling without light, Hy. Davies, of Cvvmgate, Ammanford, had to pay Is. and costs. DANGEROUS DRIVING. N. A. W. Owen, a dentist, of Ammanford. was summoned for driving a motor bicycle in a manner dUngerous to the public. Mr. Hugh Williams appeared for the police, and Mr. Hy. Noyes defended. vidence of the dangerous driving was given by P.C. Williams. After a long hearing the Bench fined the de- fendant £1 and costs. NOT PROPERLY LICENSED. For keeping and using a motor-car not properly licensed, Barret Shepherd, general dealer, of Am- manford, was fined £1 and costs. THEFT OF £24. A Penygroes youth, named Albert Sidney Jones, was charged with the theft of £24, the property of his foster father, Henry Jones, of Sunny Bank, Penygroes, between the 18th ult. and the 3rd inst. According to the evidence, an amount of JE31 was kept in a drawer under lock and key in the house. On the evening of the 3rd inst. Jones missed the money, and he communicated with the police. Accused had slept in the houo the previous Tue- day, but left the following day in order to try to re-enlist in the Army. He wtts arrested on Friday morning by P.S. Beynon in bed at the Gower Inn, Swansea, and the accused admitted taking JB15 at different times. It was all through the drink. Hy. Jones asked the magistrates to overlook the offence this time. The Bench said they had considered the appeal of the foster father, and were dealing leniently with the accused in sending him to one month's im- prisonment.

Llansawel. TUESDAY, December 1st.—Before Messrs. J. M. Davies, Froodvale (chairman). H. Meuric Lloyd, Delfryn; T. Rees, Glanyrafonddu; D. E. Davies, Gelly, and T. Evans. Abernaint. CATTLE STRAYING. John Morris, licensed hawker, was charged by P.C. Andrews with allowing two donkeys to stray on the highway. The Constable stated that at 11.50 p.m. on the 21sv of November last ho found two donkeys, the pro- perty of defendant, straying on Llanybyther road in the parish of Llans¡Lwel. When spoken to defendant made me of very bad language. Defendant said that he did not know that it was tho constable that was there, otherwise he would not have made use of tho bad language referred to. Fined 5s. and costs. AFFILIATION CAuES. 11ar.garot Jones, Galltshedren, Pencarreg, sum- moned John Jones, Penybont, Pencarreg, to show cause, etc. Defendant did not appear. An order was made for 3s. 6d. a week and costs. Mary Jane Jones, Bwlchcerdinen, Pencarreg. summoned William Evans, Neptune Hotel, Burry I Port, to show cause, etc. The summons not having been served the case was adjourned. Another case from the same district did not come beforo tho bench, the parties having come to terms. Mr. David Griffiths, Edwinsford Arms, Talley, ably actod as magistrates' clerk in the absence of Mr. E. Long Price .who is now serving his King and country with the Pembrokeshire Yeomanry. Hjfrll

THE SUfFERINGS gF THE BELGIANS GRAPHIC STORY OF A CARMARTHEN » REFUGEE. Miss Malvina .turtewagen is a refugee from Bel- gium who camo over to this country and who first of all stayed with her brother at Bath. aifterwaids ooming on to Carmarthen, where sho is stopping with her nephew. Beforo leaving Bath she gave a graphic account of her experiences to a representative of the Bath Chronicle," and this we have repro- duoed below, by way of corroboration from private individuals of what wo have already printed on tho same subject from official sources. Tho following is the narrative:— When war was declared, on the 2nd of August, the telephone and telegraph were at once set to work, and in evory town and yillago of Belgium, wherever there was a church or a bell, the tocsin was rung. Every quarter of an hour through that memorable night the alarm clang wa, heard. You may be sure there was no sleep for anyone; it was dreadful to hear. Next morning the sound of cornets was heard through the streets; the men stood at tho corners of the streets, on motor-cars, wherever there was a high or prominent position, and in this way summoned the army to mobilise instantly. A good percentage of tho business houses closed immediately, as most of the principals were called up, being on the reserve; and the establishments have remained closed ever since. The prosperous jeweller had only time to lock up some of his valuables, trusting to tho doubtful fecurity of hi strong box; or perhLps to dispatch tho most precious of his goods by parcels post to Holland or to London. to be out of the wav of nos- sible capture by the hated enemy, and in the hope that when the war was over—if ho lived through it— he might come to his own again. And then he handed over his keys to the care of his servants, and he was off to serve his king and country. We all realised what it meant-not a war which we had sought, but a war that had been forced upon us. and in which we were compelled to assert our neutrality and to resist any aggression or invasion cf it. "I was in Antwerp when war burst, upon Us: I remained there until thp awful bombardment came. and aHer two days of that horror I fled, carin not whither, if only I could get away from its terrors. THE FIRST ZEPPELIN RAID ON ANTWERP. Naturally we followed the courso of the fighting with the utmost interest, realising what it meant to up. The enemy camo ever nearer. Then, at half- past one o'clock one morning, a loud detonation awoke us, and shook our neighbourhood. The first Zeppelin raid on Antwerp had begun. Rudely aroused from sleep I called out in abject. terror, Madamo, the soldiers are here.' The bomb fell within about a hundred metres of our house, and doors and windows in tho vicinity wero smashed to atoms. The second shell was dropped with the in- tention of destroying tho chimney stack of the establishment whero most of tho food was prepared for the military quarters. It missed its mark, and fortunately fell into a lady's garden. Tho lady, who, like the rest of the inhabitants, had been roused from sleep by the first explosion, rushed to tho window tio look out, and the explosion of the second bomb in her garden scorched her face. Another bomb was dropped for the Palais do Justice, but missed and fell upon houses in tho neighbourhood; and a bomb intended for the bank also went wide. Altogether nine bombs were dropped, and fifteen persons were killed. Tho populace betook themselves to the com- parativohcltcr of their cellars, and thero th0Y passed the night. Next morning the papers said this was no serious matter: but it was terrible enough while it lastN-l. After that timo no moro lights were permit- ted at night in the streets; the public-houses and cafes were closed at. eight o'clock at night. and even in private houses the light in every window had to be carefully masked. Other Zeppelin raid hy nig;1L took place later, but owing to tho absence of light to assist them, and also because our men were adopting measures to counteract their attacks, the damage done was inconsiderable. THE BOMBARDMENT OF THE CITY. "The bombardment of Antwerp began en October 7th at half-past eleven at night. Two hours notice had been given, and we had removed to our cellars. The civio guard was still on duty at ten o'clock that night, but next morning at nine o'clock they gavu up their arms by order of the commandant. Two day before, i.e., on tho Monday. I had counted about 200 cannons leaving Antworp during the night. Each was drawn by six horses. There were also covered ambulanoea which may have contained wounded. Next day, Tuesday, another lot of cannons, drawn by four horses each, came into Antwerp from Ypres way; but whether they pro- ceeded to the forts or passed out again I cannot say. When wo knew tho bombardment was about to commence, the carpets were gathered up and taken into the cellars. Acting on advico given through the press, wo had placed utensils filled with water in every storey, for use in case of fire. Gradually tho bombardment came nearer, the attack being from the north, and about half-past eleven the shells began to come over the city. We had packed our boxes ready for flight, as we intended in the event of bombardment. leaving a few necessary things ready for use if wo were driven to the cellars. At the first shell, I left my bedroom, and seizing pillow and blankets, made a bed on tho first floor. But it was no more possible to sleep there than it had been upstairs, for the whole town shook with the violence of the ex- plosions, and the terrified people began to signal to each other by knocking frantically on the dividing walls of the houses. We went into the cellar, and eventually there were eleven persons there—our- selves, some neighbours, and three members of the civic guard. Shells burst every five minutes; tho whole place was trembling; we clung to each other for support and for courage. When the shelling got strong, the three civic guards started to make a, hole in the cellar walls (90 as to open a communication with th" adjoining cellar, and thus afford us a means of escape if an explosion oocurred in our house. Day broke after the night of terror, and wo went upstairs to see if there were any signs of fire. We saw that some houses were blazing; and then people who had no cellars to their houses came and begged us to give them the shelter of ours. The earth shook so awfully that people running across the streets fell down. and some clung to the walls of houses to preserve their equilibrium. DETERMINATION TO FLEE. A little later in the morning we decided to leave our cellar, and to seek refuge elsewhere. At first wo had made up our minds to stay there as long as the bombardment lasted, but ono night's pxperience was too much for 115, and we determined io flee. We were absolutely dumb-foundered. So, although shells were falling about the streets we hailed a j large dray or waggon, and as many of us as were able climbed upon it. We did not trouble about our heavy luggage then, but each seized what was easily portable. Our one thought was to get away with our lives. As we passed down the Avenue du Sud, ono of the largest houses there was blazing so fiercely that the horse refused to pass it. The driver jumped down, and covered the eyes of the terrified animal until he got it past the house. We on the dray were obliged to shield our faces, as the heat was so ter- rible. At the end of the road is the railway station: and there the windows and doors had been shattered by shell fire and vibration. Wrc jumped down, to take a train, if there were one, to Ghent—or any- where out. of this. The answer was not only that there were no more trains, but we were immediately hurried under shelter, for the Belgian engineers were on the point of blowing up the Kial bridge. Imme- diately there was a staggering- explosion which took our breath and we started to run wildly one way and the other. We were perspiring with fright. When a detonation like that comes, you feel that the earth is opening and that you are pinking info it. We looked aghast at each other, but. assembling ourselves as best \e could. wc determined to get- out I of Antwerp across the Scheldt, where we supposed there was a bridge of pontoons. But on our way thither, we met other people returning, and from them wo learned that there was no bridge there and escape in that way was, impossible. BLOWING UP THE PETROLEUM TANKS. Coming back to the Avenue du Sud, another "0 explosion, more startling than the blowing up of the bridge, rent the* air. It was the petroleum tanks. Tho petroleum had been allowed to escape into the river; then the tanks were destroyed. The smell was horrible, and everybody was as black as a sweep. .Lis we returned, every houso was locked, and we went. on ringing any bell wo saw, trying to get under shelter somewhere. Meanwhile tho bombardment continued. I saw one shell strike the ground within two feet of a couple of ladies who were crossing a street; it rolled along some distance before it burst, and they escaped. Tho whistling of that shell was appalling. SHELTERED BY THE SPANISH CONSUL. f I rushed to a bell, and rang furiously, not know- ing whose house it was. I found it was the Spanish Consulate, and the Consul himself opened the door. I asked him if I might go down in h: cellar for a little time until the bombardment died down. He told me I was unwise to be out in the street, but ho took mo inside and I remained a little time. Then, as the bombardment scorned less violent, I asked to be allowed to depart, intending to go in search of my friends. In front, of the Musee. des Beaux Arts, a gentleman took me by the hand ar.d pulled me into a house, more detd than alive. He. gave me some brandy, which stimulated me; and then I set off home. On the way. I met four English soldiers who were carrying a wounded man and I saw four trams full of English soldiers, who were leaving the town, in the short time which had elapsed since I left home. terrible damage had been done. Many houses had been destroyed by shells or by fire. In one doorway there was a shell which had fallen. Appar- ently it. had not burst, but it was crushed in like a concertina. It seemed about twice the size of a coal scuttle. The doorstep had been ground to powder by its fall, and tho whole doorway was smashed in. M, Where only one house had been burning two hours before, there were now a dozen in different parts. HOUSE ROOF BLOWN OFF. \Yhen I reached home, and rang the bell, there was no answer. No one was there. I went to somo friends and stayed with a gentleman and his father- in-law until the following morning. In the afternoon I went back home, and finding my people, told them I should not return to them, having found shelter elsewhere. Whilst we were talking in the entrance down came a shell on our roof, carrying away the upper storey, what we call tho French roof. We rushed into each other's arms, and then went back together to the place whero I had spent the night. We remained there until five o'clock the next morn- ing. and then decided to make our way into Holland. It was now n, case of each for one's self, for the bombardment continued without respite. A STREAM OF FUGITIVES. So we marched on to Eeckeren, and joined the stream of refugees in that direction. All sorts and conditions wero there—tho rich, the poor, motor- cars, horses and carts laden with household things, people crowded on waggons, somo driving cows. iou could not picture cae scene. Pcor cows, lying down 011 the road, foot-weary, and crying out with hunger. Tho people who wero passing forgot their own misery, in contemplating that ot the animals, uiui gave taem pieces of bread to cat. It took three Hours to reach cur destination, 10 or 11 miles I think the distance, and wo did not walk slowly, you may be sure. Everybody was carrying something, but those who had packed their boxes expecting to get a conveyance, could not have got a cab or a taxi for a hundred pounds. A man who assisted me with my parcels charged me ten francs; and I paid the money gladly. "When we reached the station, we were told there were no more trains. The. last had been reserved to tako tho employees. with the money and docu- ments. But wo heard there was still another train to tako some of the employees; but instead of being a passenger train: it proved to be only a number of cattle trucks. Still that did not matter to us, the cattle trucks were as welcome as first-class carriages just then. o managed, by giving tips, to get on the train, and then a number of tho other refugees, like people out of their minds, climbed on to tho train, determined to submit to any discomfort. So we got ou. A MEMORABLE RAILWAY RIDE INTO HOLLAND. The man on the engine* was not a proper driver, but ho volunteered to do his best. At Eeckeren we saw thousands of soldiers, who had evacuated the forts, crossing the fields; and we also saw thousands of refugees making their way across the country as best they could towards Holland. As we were going along, the Germans fired at our train; and we stopped. We were not struck, however, and went on again. Some distance farther CIl. several waggon loads of women. inmate* of an asylum for the demented, wero attached to our train. They were packed together like cattle—poor creatures. At naif-past one in the afternoon we reached Rosondal, the first stopping place inside Holland. Wo wero very weary, very excited, and very hungry, but. wo were safe. NV,, had c 1 ten nothing since before five that morning. "The Dutch people were exceedingly kind to its; soldiers took c;ire of the refugees, carrying the children, and helping the infirm along. Refreshment was brought to us. and given in such a kindlv, heart- felt way that it made us feel we were not beggars receiving charity. There were so many refugees here, and the number was ever growing, that it was lato before we got away, and some had to wait thero until nearly midnight. A GOOD SAMARITAN AT ROTTERDAM. "Ar Rotterdam, food and drink were again brought to us, as kindly as before. The people there asked me if I had any place to go to, and when I said I had a married friend at Rotterdam, they got mo a cab. When I reached my friend's house, there wero already ten people there who had fled from Belgium; and at one time this dear good soul had no fewer than 34 refugees under her roof, thankful for the shelter. Mattresses were taken off the beds, and laid on the floors: others slept on tho bare springs. The mistress of the house herself slept on two chairs. People in tho neighbourhood also lent mattresses. I stayed in Rotterdam a fortnight, and then I camo on to London. NV, o journeyed from Rotterdam on the Batavia, leaving tho Dutch port at 11 p.m., bujj it was not unil 4.30 p.m. next day that wo reached Tilbury. The steamer had to proceed cautiously and strictly to order on account of the mines. In London wo wero welcomed by a com- mittee. and received every kindness and hospitality. On ascertaining that I was not without means. I was sent to tho Hotel Cecil, and stayed there three days,. being charged only two shillings a day. Then, having communicated with my friends. I came on to Bath. You English people can have no idea of tho horrors of a bombardment. Under tho terror, you do things which in ordinary time you would as little think of doing a.s trying to fly for you feel yourself to be absolutely helpless in tho midst of irresistible forces. Such ii tho terror of the shells. Then the sight of the wounded from the forts!' They were moved, as much as possible, under cover of the darkness; but it was a. ghastly procession, and we did not see tho worst of it-for we were underground so much of the time." Clibl.

Mr. D. J. Michael, LLANARTHNEY, Carmar- then, says:—I have given a thorough test to INTER- NATIONAL STOCK FOOD TONIC on pigs, and the result was most wonderful. I also tried it on a cow, and the increase in .quan- tity and tho quality of the milk was really surprising. Other Remedies have also been tested with plen- ,did results. I would impress on farmers and others who have not tried INTERNATIONAL STOCK FOOD and POULTRY FOOD TONICS and INTER- NATIONAL REMEDIES to do so, as I am sure they would be speculating in a sound and profitable investment. INTERNATIONAL POULTRY FOOD TO NT' for Poultry of all kinds gives the best possible suits,—more eggs fattens quicker—prevents disea: Of all Corn Chandlers and Dealers, packets If-, 2' and 4/ pails 14/ INTE1 NATIONAL STOCK FOOD Co., 19, St. Bri< Street London, E.'C. Agents:—D. J. Michael. The Stores. Llanarthn": S.O.; Mr. Evans. Cross Inn Stores. Golden Grovi R.o.O.; Farmers' Co-onerative Society, Ltd., Th Stores; D. Jones. The orge. Felingwm, Nant«?ai °dig, S.O. T. Lloy<T, Penrheol Stores, Nantgaredig •S.O.; T. Phillips, Ricket Mil!, Mvdrim. St. Clears D. J. Roderick, Glasfryn Stores, Llnnarthney, S.O. T. R. Thomas. Merchant, Talog; T. J. Workm-in Porthyrhyd. Llanarthney, S.O.; W. Gealv, Km porium, Porthyrhyd. Llanarthney; J. Nicholas Central Drug Stores, Llandovery.

VALE OF AEROM SCCCESS. Miss Ray Jones, daughter of the Rev. J. Jones. B.A.. Bryn Seion, Narberth, has W successful in passing the final examination for London University B.A.