The Brecon County Times Neath Gazette and General Advertiser for the Counties of Brecon Carmarthen Radnor Monmouth Glamorgan Cardigan Montgomery Hereford

The British Electorate and Home Rule. I I'v? the essence of the Parliament Act, both iu itn letter ard spirit, that a Bill which b. comes law r its operation:; must have commanded during three consecutive sessions the uoywerviug support; of the House of Comment, de-pendent directly, in its turn, upcn a#stable and consistent public opinion in the Conatitcu-iici-S."—(Mr. A(pith, De- cev.iber, 1911) Tbe by-election in South Lanarkshire last w, e was {;■by the successful Unionist candidate si:ao3t wholly upon the Irish issue, undo » co u-ber content is likely to occur during the present year, an examination of the manner in which the electors of England, Scotland and Wales have voted upon tbe vital question of Herne Rale ig particularly apposite and instructive, in view of the statement made by the Prime Minister in 1911 which we have prefixed to theses comments. Si.jce the details of the Home Rale Bill became known there have been thirty-three by-elections in Great Britain, many of thi m in constituencies re- yarded an strongholds d Liberalism, and tb c-reforp affording the tDaximum of ►u'iv.vntage to thd Government candidates. At the last G ntral Election, before the country was ibioirnwi concerting the oftiure oi the Minis- terial intentions towards Ireland, these thirty- three 'lec.ts were held by ten Unionists, twenty Liberal, and thre= Labour Socialists. As the result of the by-elections they are now held by seventeen Unionists and sixteen Liberals. From being iu a minority ot fifty per cent, in comparison with the Liberals, Unionists now I hod an actual majority of these constituencies. I In the bulk of these contests the Unionist vote has been increased on,1 the Ministerial poll diminished. The Unionists have gained seven seats, six from Liberalism and one from Labour. The Government have failed to capture a single Unionise seat in Great Britain since the intro- duction of the Homo Rule Bill, their only gains having beeo secured at tbe expeubO of their Labour-Socialist "allies." The by-elections plainly fbow that British opinion is opposed t) tbe present Bill just as it was to its pre- decessors. Judged by Mr Asqnith's own standard the measure bag failed tocomcaand a "stable and consistent public opinion in tbe constituencies," and, therefore, qaite apart from tbe menace of civil war in Ireland, it should no be forced into law under the P Act.

Income Tax for Working Men. Mr Asquith's recent speech at Old barn was a belated confession that Free Trade finance has reached the end of its tether, and that tbe necessary revenue for the requirements of the country cannot be raised without putting addi- tional and intolerable burdens upon the people. He clearly presaged the redaction of tbe limit j of exemption from Income Tax, so as to bring into the net large numbers of the working classes. At present, those who earn JE160 per annum, or 61s 6d a week, are exempt from this tax, but Mr Asquith believes that the time has come for a revision, both downwards and upwards, of the whole system of exemption, of abatement, and of graduation." Many of our skilled workers are in receipt of wages ranging from 50s to 60s per week, and have becon:e accustomed to a certain standard of Lving, and to the enjoyment of some of the minor luxuries of life. A large proportion of their earnings now goes into the National Exchequer through their consumption of such dutiable articles as tea, coffee, sugar, tobacco, and beer. If, in addition to these indirect taxes, they are to be taxed directly upon their incomes, it must mean the curtailment of many of the comforts to which they have become accustomed. This confessed failure of Free Trade finance will cause attention to be directed more etosely than ever to the proposals of Tariff Reform and the people, we are confident, will not take long to make up their minds as to which system is best adapted to tbe national needs. They will have to decide between a system which lays an unbearable and ever- iucreasing load of taxatiou upon the workers of th's country while encouraging the importation of competitive goods, and a system which would make the foreigner contribute to tbe support of our home market, and would provide more employment and better wages for our own people. Mr Asquith asked at Oldham Why do foreign manufactured goods ccme into this country and find a market here ? Was it not because, for tbe time being at anv rate, they could either not be made here at all, or couid be made better and cheaper than here in the place from which they cane ? No-one objects to the importation of goods which cannot be made here at all, but as regards competitive goods, they certainly cannot be made better, or—under fair conditions of competition— cheaper abroad than here. The British work- man, it is universally admitted, is the be-it and most skilful workman in the world. If imported goods are sold at a lower rate than home-made goods, it is largely because these countries have their protected home maikets reserved for their own producers, and can therefore afford to II dump" their surplus production in our free market a* or e-i.;u below cost price. During a trade chImp and there are signs of one pproacbmg— evils of dumping enormously increase, because productiop takes some time to adjust itseii 10 the altered circumstances; hence whe t ibe home market in a foreign country is depressed, increased shipments are made to this country. We are even now having a foretaste of wbat is in store for us. At the general meeting of the Blaenavon Company, Limited, held on December 3, the Chairman, Mr R W Kennard, said "If some means could be found to stop the cruel dumping of finished material into England, they Aould all be in a more prosperous condition. During the last teu months there were imported into Newport alone 93 330 tona of bus, 59,786 tons of other bars, angles, and rods, 99,373 to is of blooms and billets, and 1,700 tons of pig iron. That was a total cf 254,196 tons. He thought it was disgraceful that they and other manufacturers should be obliged to sit down to such a scandal as those figures showed them." Such a state of things is apparently regarded by Mr Asquith with equanimity, but it will not be so regarded by the thousands of British workers whose labour is displaced by such unfair competition. The choice which Mr Asquith has placed before the people is, in effect, Income Tax for the working classes on the one band, and Tariff Reform on the other. We cannot doubt which they will choose.

Cefn-y-Bedd and District Notes. [By "YspityD LLEWELYN." ] During the past week much discussion has taken place as to the place where Llewelyn Ap Griffith was killed in the locality of Cefn-y-Bedd. Several of the local farmers hold the opinion that the Prince met his death on their farm, and give reasons for their opinion. The country around Cefn-y-Bedd was very different in 1282 to what it is to-day. Then it had not been divided into fields, and roada here were hardly thought of. It is difficult to fix upon the spot where the gallant Prince fell, but we may suggest that it was most likely near the site of the present bridge, as he was sure to be somewhere near his eighteen archers, who were holding the bridge against a large body of the English Army. Now that I am on the subject of Llewelyn, the last Welsh Prince, it may not be out of place to say that inaccurate statements about Llewelyn have recently been circulated. The tale that he was betrayed by the British people has been proved untrue, and the old saying that the black- smith of Aberedw shod his horse reversed is no longer believed by students of Welsh history to be authentic. The Ptince Llewelyn Inn at Cefn-y-Bedd has an admirable sign, and the picture of the last Welsh Prince on horseback is a credit to the designer. The old statement of Llewelyn's horse having been shod reversed is also set forth on the sign, and the footmarks in the snow are well shown. Those who are accustomed to horses must have smiled at the statement, because if the horse had iron shoes reversed, it would be easy for an observant person to discover what had been done. The point of the hoof would mark the ground, i the mark of the frog would also be clearly visible in the snow or soft ground the horse wcuid have to traverse between Aberedw and Ceiu. y-Bedd, The Aberedw blacksmith of that day i, no longer a traitor before the reading public, and when the landlord of the Prince Llewelyn next has his sign renovated perhaps he will obliterate the footprints of Llewelyn's horse, in order to be strictly in accordance with authen- tic local history. On Wednesday in last week we had a pretty wedding at our Parish Church. The contracting parties were Mr Thomas J Jarman (Kimberley House, Cefn-y-Bedd), and Misa Isabella Blythe (Bwlch-ty-gwynt, Llanafan). The Vicar (Rev. H Davies) performed the ceremony, Miss Jane Jarman was bridesmaid, and Mr Mrpp acted as best man. The happy couple left for Swansea, where they will spend their honeymoon. With regard to my recent notes, I am glad to say that I have received a letter from those interested in Cefoporth Farm conveying to me their thanks for the meanings of the names of two fields on their farm but I feel that my thanks are due to them for their enquiry. I shall always be pleased to have questions of the kind for explanation in this column. I have been asked by several of my friends to alter the heading of this column and to give it a more comprehensive name, as it can be made of interest to the inhabitants of the whole county, as well as those living in the Cefa-y-Hedd district. I have no objection, and I am sure the Editor of the County Times will not object, if he finds that sufficient inquiries are addressed to me to justify the change.

XMAS WEEK PUBLICATION. Notice to Agents, Advertisers and Correspondents. Nf-x'iWf.f.kthe "Brecon County Times" will bo published on Tuesday morning owing to Xm.< Day falling on Thorsduy, and in order to catch the local markets. Wiil agents, advertisers, and correspondents kincly fi;;i alteration. Advertisements | a'-id rr|ioc;s tdioni.f reach the "County Times" Otli:" rot l&t<-r than Monday morning to ensure in-t>! tinn.

Our Xmas Number. The "Brecon County Times" next week' will bts a special Xmas number, and will 000- tain a budget of seasonable literarure, inolud- iug spleudid new stories by Beatrice Heron- Maxwell find Harold Bindloss. two of the foremost writers of the day a column of Xtasa fon, aDCi two column* of cl(-v(,r puzzler which will interest ol i t'.nd young1 ahk- O-' Cit-f at once to APcore a copy ot this interesting num- ber, which will be published on TUESDAY MORNING.

LECTURE ON CANADA AT TRECASTLE. A Vicar's Testimony. On Wednesday, the 10th instant, a lecture was given in the Council School, Trecastle, on Canada and its opportunities. Mr S W Pugh, Canadian Government emigration agent, who had been announced to speak, was unfortunately unable to attend owicg to indisposition, and his place was filled by Mr D Beynon Davies, B.A., who proved himself a good substitute, as he was able to address the audience both in English and Welsh, an advantage at Trecastle. The chair waa taken by the Rev. P W Green, Llywel Vioarage, who, in his introductory speech, laid emphasis on the fact that hard-working people were sure of success in the productive land of Canada, and it was utter folly for loafers and idlers to go out there expecting to earn a living with their hands in their pockets. He was proud to inform the audience that he had two sons out there, and both were doing well, even better than he expected from young men in such a ahort period and ho would not hesitate to advise ambitious young people to go to that beautiful land of endless opportunities. Mr Davies spoke a short time in Welsh, and then proceeded with his lecture, which was much appreciated. Readers will find on Page 2 a report of a similar lecture delivered at Sennybridge the previous night. Amongst the Trecastle audience we noticed the Rev. and Mrs P W Green and family, Misses, Watkins (Fountain House"), Watkins (Oakloy House), Edwards (Login House), Evans (Ynis- marchog), Moses (Llwyncelyn), Morgan (Llwy- non), Morgan (Pencae), Mrs Winter and Miss Morgan (Council School), Messrs W Edwards (Login House), D Evans (Llywel), J Rees (Cross Keys), W Morgan (Pantcrafog), L Thomas (Blaenwysg), D W Powell (Fountain Terrace), J Watkins (Bryntywarch), Price (Ffynorwrgan), G Jones, bailiff (Camden), D Thomas, cowman (Camden), D Evans (Aberhydfer), T Jones (shoe- maker), 0 T Harrys Howells (Pantyglas), etc. The usual vote of thanks to the Chairman and the Lecturer were accorded.

Death of Mr. P. Williams, Aberbran. The death took place on Friday morning last, at Aberbranfach farm, of Mr Philip Williams, late of Gyffog farm, Llanfihangel nantbran, at tbe age of 88 years. Deceased was a well- known farmer, and was for many years a deacon at Soar Baptist Cbapel. He was the father of the late Air John Wiiliams, Aberbran, vice chairman of the Brecon Bpard of Guardians and Rural District Council, who pre deceased him ladt May. Tbe funeral took place on Monday at Soar Baptist Chepel and was very largely atteuded. A service waa held at the house, where the Rov. Owen Evans, Sennybridge, read a portion of the Soriptures and the Rev. H J Wiiliams (Soar) prayed. At the chapel the Rev P Mot- gan, vicar of tha parish, reaci a portion of the Scriptures, the Rev Ow.,n Evans prayed and the Rev H J Williams gave a !mort addrees Mr Williams also officiated at the graveside. Favourita hymns of the dedeased's were sung at the house and chapel. The chief mourners were Mr D Williams, Castle Street, Brecon (broth Mrs Johu Williams, Aberbran (daughter-in-law), Mr Price, Abercray (son-in law), Mr Phillip J Williams, Fiosygsrwn (grandson), M,93r4 Sid- ney and Oscar Willi vras, Aberbran (grandsons), Mr Trevor Price, Aberumy (grandson), Mrs J Janes, Pentregwyn (gran Jdaugbter). and Jones, Mrs J Powell, Ycysbonfc (grand- daughter), and Mr Powell, Miss Norab and Miss Blodwen Willisms, Aberbran (grand- daughters), Mrs D J Thomas, Talachddu (granddaughter) and Mr Thomas Mrs E Ellis, Carmarthen (>>randdaugbter), the Rev H Jones, Tongwynlais, and Mr J Williams, Blaeucamlais- fawr (who arc married to granddaughters of the deceased), and also many nephews and nieces. A number of floral tribute rj were sent, The bearers werci Messrs Ctiaries Davies, Abet- bran, Lewis Powell, Aber^wuiu, W Price, | Ftyukut, J Lew;s, Soar, Wm, Williams, Ftynant isaf, and D T Jones, Upder Giltacb. Mr J Powell, Aberyscir, supplied the coffin, which was of poHshed oak with brass tihiag9.

LLYSWEN. SUCCESSFUL SHEEP BREEDER.—At the annual cattle show of the Sraithtield (Jmb, held at the Agricultural Hall, London, last week, Mr H. A. Christy, Llangoed Castle, captured the first and second prizes and cup for the best pen of Reyland or Kerry Hill sheep. i

[Continued from Page 2.] j FOOTBALL. Mid-Wales League. Talgarth Y. Llandrindod. Played on Saturday last. Teams :— Talgartb-Sid Hughes Len Shehon, Vin! Davies W Powell, W Shelton. W Holmes W Thomas, R Parry, R Price, A Williams, C Price, Llandrindod — W Thomas H Gougb, W Davies; A Thomas, S Thomas, T Evans; A Oliver, E Morris, C Towins, .JH ughe-, J Davies. Referee, Mr J Davies, Rhayader. Talgarth played down the field. Llandrindod left win" commenced well. Early on the? rnshed up and drew first blood, E Morris scoring H' ghes was agai i called soon afterwards and savfd well C Price, gettine possession, made an individual run. which led to a corner that was not improved upon. Talgarth were then given a free kick for a foul, but sent wide. The visitors a Hacked, but W Powell and Yin Davies relieved the pressure. C Price, atter another bit of good work, in which he beat the visiting backs, put Talgarth level. A home player was next fouled in the penalty area, but the incident was not noticed by the referee. The Talgarth forwards came again, but Shelion sent over the bar. Llandrindod then scored their second goal through J Davies, who gave Hughea no chance. The visiting forwards were plaving a good combination game, slinging the ball from wing to wing well, but Leu Shelton broke up the play at the right moment. Once more a Talgarth player was again fouled in the penalty area, and this time the referee allowed a penalty kick. Len Shelton made no error and put Talgarth level again. R Price sent in a ] long drive, but the ball was tipped over the bar bv The eoilkeener. Half-time- i 1. Talgarth 2 aoals. Llandrindod 2 goals. On the restart Llandrindod gained a corner, but the ball was headed over the bar. Both teams strove bard to score and there was some fast play. Another corner to the visitors was put behind. Talgarth were aeain fouled, but Leu Shelton just missed the bar. Tbe home- sters were soon in fiout of goal again, but were given off-side. The Talerartb backs were now playing a strong game, but Llancirindod would not be denied, and rushed their third goal. Talgarth had one more free kick awarded, but W Shelton sent over the bar. W Thomas made a good run and sent acros? to C Price, who put the ball outside. Each side afterwards gained a corner that came to nothing. Final score— Llandrindod 3 goals. i Talgarth 2 goals. it was a very last game, Toe Talgarth team were very nippy but had no sting in their kick- ing. The best of the forwards were C Price, Thomas and Williams. Neither the backs nor half-backs were quite up to their form on the previous Saturday. The Llandrindod men were a much heavier team than their opponents, and they played good football, there being plenty of combination amongst their forwards, wailst their backs were strong and sure. At Rbayader on Saturday Rhayader and Builth Wells made a draw of one goal each.

.— Northcote Cup League. GOALS. P. W. L. D. FOR AGST P. C. L. Brigade 1 1 0 0 6 1 2 Rechabites A ..1..0..1..0..1.. (i..0i The first match in connection with the North- cote Cup League was played on tbe Brecon Sports Club ground on Saturday between the Church Lids' Brigade and the Rechabites A team, and resulted in a win by six goals to one in favour of the Church Lads.

Builth Wells Spa Cup Protest. The Welsh Football Association, having con sidered the protest of the Llandrindod Welsh Corinthians against the Wyeside Swifts in reference to their match in the Builth Wells Spa Cap competition, and the special appeal of the S'.vifts on the ground that particular:i of the protest were not at once supplied by thd Cup Secretary, decided that the information should have been supplied, and directed the Cup Com- mittee to enquire into the eligibility of the placers on both sides, the Swifts having in turn protested with regard to some of the LJao- drindod players. The committee met at the Drover's Arms, Builth Wells, on Monday, Mr Lloyd Prosser presiding. The Llandrindod Club was not represented, but the Secretary wrote stating that they would leave the matter in the haods of the committee. Mr C Whisiay produced documentary evidence in support of the Swifts' protest. Eventually the committee ordered the match to be replayed at Builth Wells and fined the clubs 10s eaih. <

■ ■ ■ <II mi ■■ Brecon Christ College Y. Crickhowell This Rugby match was played on the College 11 ground on Saturday, and after a somewhat roughly contested game the Collegians won by 16 points to six.

PATRIOTIC COMMERCE. The report of H.M. Trade Commissioners for New Zealand (Mr W G Wickham) on the trade of New Zealand for 1912 shows not only that preference for British goods is demonstrated by the Government in the pur- chases of State departments and by municipal bodies and Harbour Boards-some of whom will not buy elsewhere than in the United Kingdom but also that many agency firms will not, if they can possibly help it, take agencies for other than British manufacturers that retail as well as wholesale firms may be fonnd who will not handle anything but British goods wherever this is pos- sible, While among the purchasing public generally many may be found who will not put themselves to considerable trouble in order to procure what they require of British make. In the case of textiles and wearing apparel no less than 85-4 per cent. of the imports were proved to be of British manufacture.

:'i 'W South Lanark Won. The result of the Parliamentary bye-electinn in South Lanarkshire was iruioat'ccni on Satard'iy, as follows :— Hon. William Watson (U) 4.257 Mr G. Morton (L) 4,006 Mr T. Gibb (Lib) 1 674 Unionist majority 251 At the lavit Geneva! Election <-h« Liberals, who bad held the seat from 1906, h^d a majority of 1,197 in » straight fieht with Sht3 Unionists. T«« morc-asH in tbe U'jio»:.isS poll wos 294. aud the decrease iu the Liber*! poll was 1 154. It is admitted thsiS ft oorsiderabk; of those who voted lot Mr Gibh wGald have voted for Mr Watson if libera had been no intervention by be Labour Party, aud how^vtir the issue is regarded, it is a very serious blow to the Government', whose own declarations require "a stable and consistent public opinion iu tbo Constituencies to jostity them iu potting such messare& as Home Rule and «d»" Welsh Dis^tahii^bmenn aed Disen- itowojei-.t Bill ou the ctintute bock with the fid of tbe Parliament Act. Since tb¡ General EUctiou tbr^e years «..•»o tbe Unionists have woo 12 sfats.iiri addisk.n to Exeter awj.ide;l on r. Htirusii y, rt.orf bnv." lost one. There are now 284 Uaioubits in the House of Citairnous against 262 Radicals, and the Coalition majority has sunk from 126 to 102-

Vaynor District Council. The monthly meeting of this Council was held on Thursday last. Present Councillors R Vaughan (chairman), J Harris, D J Davies, J Price, T B Greatorex, M Thomas, and D Evam. CEFN SCAvljJGING. Eight tenders were submitted for scavenging at Cefn from 1st January, 1914, to 1st January, 1915. The highest was that of Mr W H Price, Llwynyrheos, £2 17s 6d a week, and the lowest- Mr Thomas Williams, Gwalia Houae, Cefn, 42 29 a week—the neareat to the latter being Mr Richard Owen, Bryncoed, at £ 2 8s. Upon the proposition of Mr J Price, seconded by Mr Greatorex, the tender of Mr Thomas Williams was accepted. This will effect a great saving to the ratepayers, the coat of scavenging for the previous year being £, 192. The amount realised on the Ille of the horse and cart hitherto used by the Council, after deduction of expenses, was £ 32 12a 3d, which was received by the auctioneer. PARISH COUNCIL COMPLAINTS. A letter was received from the Vaycor Parish Council calling attention to the unsatisfactory condition of the repairs to the culvert near Tabor Chapel, and to the gutter near the Cefn Hotel also asking if the Brecon County Council had authority to drain the water into the sewers } at the latter spot.The Surveyor reported that there was now no ground for complaint aa to the culvert near Tabor, the County Council's roadman having attended to it.—He was instructed to' report upon the other question. PONTSTICILL SEWERAGE. The Clerk reported upon the interview with Mr Gower S Merge n and Mr E Davies. They met and inspected the spot where the alleged nuisance occurred, and it was suggested the Council should deal with the sewerage by irri- gation works over a field and contribute towards the cost of cutting the necessary irrigation channels. The Surveyor was ordered to prepare plans of the land, and the Clerk to write Mr Gower S Morgan and offer him £1 per annum for a lease of 60 vears. The Surveyor also reported that very little had been done with regard to the sanitation of the huts at the Pontsticill Reservoir, and it was still in a very bad state. The Medical Officer was asked to report at the next meeting. NO INCREASK. Mr D Davies, the Penderyn roadman, applied for an increase in his wages. A motion that no increase be granted was carried against an amend- ment for 24s a week, by five votes to two. HOUSES UNFIT. The Clerk was directed to hand closing notices to the owner of No. 46, High street, Cefn, and to Mr Pickerell with regard to a house at Pickerell Court, Pontycapel Road, on the ground that they were unfit for human habitation.

BEULAH. VACATIONAL,-The day school will close to- morrow afternoon for the usual Christmas holidays, and re-open on Monday, the 5th proximo. All the elementary schools in the Builth Upper District will also close and re open on the same date. MUSICAL.—A choir of mixed voices, under the conductorship of Mr William Davies, Gwynebyr- haul, ia busily preparing for local eisteddfodau. READING Room.A meeting of the Reading Room Committee was held on Tuesday evening. when moat of the members were present. Several matters pertaining to the management and wel- fare of the institution were discussed. The room has been recently coloured by Messrs J E and 1 W J Price, and presents a pleasing appearance. jit is very gratifying to note that there are over thirty members on the roll. PARISH COUNCIL.—At a meeting of -the Treflis Parish Council, held on Saturday evening, there were present Messrs Isaac Thomas, Caeran (in the chair) Isaac Morgan Thomas, Ffoesy- rhyddod C H Paines, Carpenters' Arms Thomas Jenkins, Lianwrtyd Wells and Rhys T Davies, Bronffynon (clerk). The business con- sisted of correspondence and the levy of a lighting rate. Goon ATTENDANCE. The attendance at the Evening School for the past half of the session has been moat satisfactory.

Mr Charles L. Conacher, traffic manager of the Cambrian Railways Company, is shortly to retire. He is a son of late Mr Jchn Conacher, formerly manager of the Cambrian and North British Rail- ways and at the time of his death chairman of the Cambrian and managing director of the Barry Railway Company. Mr. Charles Conacher, before going back to Oswestry, filleel various responsible positions under the Great Northern Company at King's Cross, Grantham, and Beeston.

I88it 37- TALGARTH. Father Christmas has arrived at BarShop ia 1; Joues' Airship with a splendid sstion of Scnrves, Tie-, Handkerchiefs and coves (uiceiy boxed); iu iaci with everyihusait- uel" lot- Xmas Pnnputs. TERRITORIAL ORDERS.—Tbe Xtnes pn dis- tribution of thy Talgarth Ccmpauy oferri- torials will take place at the Drill II oa tUtor3evening, at 7.30 dress, walk oat, Bcad.,t, I A LABOURER'S WEE);,END-At the'olice Court, on Monde. ,-tl"fortJ Dr H Willis and Mr J Mills—David Roberts, a labciirirora tbe Water Works, was charger; wifibeing drunk and disorderly breaking a no of glass at the Swan Hosd on Saturdaiigbt. Rei Wfis :rltcDce:1 ti seven days' iuison- ment iu eaoh case. PBIMBOSB LBAGUB SOCIAL.-A report this saccfcsBfai g-.theriog on pa.g. It should be bet Miss Bromfield, Lwen, played iX", llent music. PARISH COUNCIL — Vlonday; presectlessrs W T Dr ■ (obair-.jiai.i), C Davies (eicbair- mau), D Evans, J Evans, Wilson, E D saver, W Gwynne, J P Games, W Lewis, R Vgban, J A Powell, (Iud thl" clerk (Mr Jno Priiard). -Mr- Weaver proposed and MrLewis seconded, that the Xmas Gre-it Maet be advertiyed in both the local papers, at was carried.—The Clerk produced a draft py be had received from the Solicitor of t Ash* bornbatr. Estate of the conveyance of t lease- bold ct tb: Town Hall, aud the plot oirouud adjoining which the Council bad pobased, and after discussion it was resolved U the Council'- solicitor, Mr R T Griffiths, beaked I his opinion on the agreement.—The Joncil theD couaidertjci the requirements a con- I ditions of the Local Government Bra in regard to borrowing moullY for the pnose of improving the Towij Ifsll and baildio;, care- ¡ taker's bo'l"'( oil the plot of ground. Pas are being prepared.

CEFN COED. LIBRARY.—Another billiard handicap iai pro- gress at this institution, and the Ig-start players sre very enthusiastic, having (ready disposed of several back markers. It itrmed the Chrism as Prizes Handicap," and thjrizes, which are all to be seasonable, are being pjentei by certain interested and well-known iendB, whoae identity causes much discuaaior Th» Choral Party (Mr Alan WiUiama condtor) is making -reat progress, and will be heard ore of in the near future. II G COMPANY'S PRIZES.—At the Drill H, this evening, he annual distribution of p;e3 t. G Company of the Breconahire Territodg will take place, and a social for the m and friends is to be held in conjunction. A fureport will be published next week. N.S.P.C.C.—A splendid concert was heat the Drill Hall on Thursday last, organised bjmd in aid of the local branch of the National Scsty for I the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Dixo. Walker, "Tan-y-bryn," presided. Thertistea were in fine form, and included Mrs Alowell (pianoforte solo), Mr P M Bendall (bioroui song), Mrs B Willis (song), Miss K id Mr | Russell Vaughan (piano duet), Mr Oliver 'lomas, j of Merthyr (character impersonations^Mr C Swash (humorous recitation), Mr B Powsonm, j and Mr 0 Davies (violin solo). At the terval, (J the farce Box and Cox was perfoied by Messrs W J Davies, P Bendall, and O iomas, and it waa a delighted audience which djersed, < still smiling, at the close. I V AYNOR STOCK FAIR ASSOCIATION.—At a eetiag held at the Cross Keys Inn, Cefn, on Tirsday last, it was decided to form a Stock Fah\.ssoci- I ation far Vaynor, and that stock fair^hould be held periodically in Cefn Coed. Ther was. good attendance of local farmers and traamen, all of whom were in favour of the scbem which they thought would prove beneficial to tbneigh- bourhood. No stock fair takes placewithim several miles of this village, and the newentur# promises to be a boon to Vaynor and Ioymta.1: farmers in particular. Mr Roger Vaugh, J.P., was elected chairman, Mr George Jones seetary, and Mr James Davies treasurer. A urther meeting will be held to-morrow (Friday) ening, when details will be discussed.

I LLANGAMMARCH WELS. I Fox HUNTING.—The hounds met at Firhiw- goch on Tuesday week. There was a gel field bnt no scent was fonnd. On Friday thejuet at Absrduhonwy, near Builth Wells, and anJid sport was obtained, but no kill. COURSING. A party consisting of lessrs GlaBsbrook (Swansea), Morris (Lladock) Morgan (Henllysfiwr, Llandovery), Ret, and J P Williams (Cefnllan), had some etelleat coursing on the Eppvnt. ou Wednesdajweek. They afterwards dined at the CammarcbHotel, with a number of frienda. Miss Price catei in excellent style. RENT AUDIT.—Mr Lewis's (Erwbailej half yearly rent audit was held at the Camarch Hotel on Saturday last. Miss Price proded a substantial luncheon.

ABERGWESSIN. SPORT.—Mr E Aubrey Thomas, The fcreen, Erwood, and party have recently had exdient sport on the Abergwessin Estate. Thebirds I were in excellent condition, and heavy bag were obtained. GIFT.—Miss Morgan, Bryndolan, has pre;nted St. Michael's Church with a lamp for lightig the porch. Churchpeople feel wry grateful she kind donor.

GARTH MUSICAl. -The following pupiia of Mis Eva Bourne Price, L.R.A.M., were successful the November examination in pianoforte plying, held at Hereford, under the auspices of the\.gao- ciated Hoard of the R.A.M. and K.H.M. her Division, with distinctions, Elithiu. May Leva, of Llanafanfawr, Garth Lower Division, Conduce Patricia Thomas, of Lochaber, Bnilth Wellsand Madge Harries, Dolgarreg, Builth Wells. SCARLET FEVEI!—Tnere is a case of scrlet fever in the district—a very unwelcome Chrisnas visitor. FOOTP,ALL, -Garth and Llangammarch !19 were to have played at Garth lfllst Saturdaybut for some reason or other the visiting teamlid not put in an appearance.