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

BUILTH GUARDIANS. ME Thomas Davies (chairman) presided over the fortnightly meeting of the Builth Board of Guardians, held on Monday last, and others present were the Revs. David Owen and W. 0. Williams, Messrs Thomas Davies (vice-chairman), David Davies, Isaac Davies, Rees Davies, J. J. Hope, David Jones, Rees Jones, James Jones, John Jones, William Powell, William Pr other oe, Joshua Price, Thomas Pugh (Newbuilding), Thomas Pugh (Wernfawr), J. R. Richards, S. G. Tulk, H. Evan-Thomas, Isaac Thomas, C. W. Woosnam and W. Walter Lennard (deputy clerk). VOTE OP CONDOLENCE. The Rev. D. Owen referred to .the death of Mr William Jones (Dolberthog) who he said was a faithful member of that authority and always regular in his attendance, and moved that a vote of condolence be passed with the family in their bereavement. Mr T. Davies, in seconding, said that Mr Jones Teas a faithful member of the Board and was highly respected by them all. He would be snissed at Builth and also, throughout the County of Radnor. The vote was passed by the members standing. THE RATE. The Deputy Clerk reported that the Finance Committee met that morning and recommended that a rate of 6 Jd in the £ be levied for the coming half year, and this was agreed to. THE STRAIGHT TIP. A communication was received from the Local Government Board requesting the I Guardians, if they had any men suitable for service in the Army, to make arrangements for older men to take their places or for I women to do their work. The communication was referred to the House Committee.

LLANGAMMARCH WELLS. PERSONAL.-Amongt;t the visitors now stay- iag at the Cammarch Hotel, is Mr Williamson, ex-champion fisherman of the Midland Coun- ties. BGGS FOR WOUNDED SOLDIERS. During the past fortnight the Rev. J. and Mr Evans. The Rectory, have collected and forwarded nearly 600 eggs for the wounded soldiers. BELGIAN REFUGEES.—Col. H. H. Holden presided over a public meeting, held in the Alexandra Hall, on the 13th instant, to discues the possibility of taking more refugees in the village. The motion that more refugees be taken was unanimously passed. LECTURE.—A most interesting lecture, deal- ing with bis experiences in the present war, was given by the Rev. Staoley, at the Church Institute, on Tuesday, the 16th instant. The Rev. J. Evans presided.

BEULAH. MILITARY.—Mr H, C. W. Williams, Mill House, was, on the 16th instant, gazetted seccud lieutenant in the 11th (Service) Batta. lion, South Wales Borderers (2nd Gwent), tbe appointment to date from February 12tb,— Pts. A. D. Jones and J. E. Price have trans- ferred from the Brecknock Reserve Battalion to the Royal Engineers, and are now stationed at Cardiff.

NEW ZBALAND REINFORCEMENTS.—An inter- esting statement was made by the New Zea- land Minister of Dafence recently concerning the despatch of reinforcements to tbe original contingent of the eight thousand New Zea- landers now io camp in Egypt. We want to I keep the foroe that has gone up to its full strength, and not only that, but to make it stronger at the end than at the start," the Minister said. As soon as one contingent sails another slightly larger takes its place in camp. k

WAR NOTES AND COMMENTS, THE PLAN THAT FAILED. At the commencement of the war the whole German nation was oonfident of the success ol the tactics of attrition which Grand Admiral von Tirpitz had adopted for the destruction ol the British fleet. Taking for granted the incapacity of British naval commanders—which German strategists assumed as apostulate before experience bad taught them to revise their estimate—the German public expected to see one British Dreadncught after another sunk by the cunuing exploi's of German submarines till the Kaiser's battle-fleet, safe behind mine fields in the shelter of its fortified harbours, could command a preponderance over the re- mainder of the British Navy. Then would come the day." Admiral von Tirpitz would sally forth, crush British sea-power, annihilate the British Empire, and clear the way for the triumphant march of the German army on London. This grandiose plan failed, and because the tactics of II attrition failed, and for no other reason, the submarines which were to have demolished the British Navy piecemeal were diverted from that object to torpedo merchant ships, hospital ships, and ships filled with refugees from the regions devastated by German invaders. Then the submarine block. ade was heralded by pompous and truculent German official announcements the new hope of the German nation was that the men of the British mercantile marine would be too terrified to leave port and that Britain wosld be starved into submission. I THE BLOCKADE. How futile the "blockade" of Britain has been is concisely shown by tabulated figures issued by the British Admiralty a day or two ago. From these it appears that in the first week of the war the total arrivals and sailings of over. sea steamers of all nationalities to and from United Kingdom ports, over 301 tons nett numbered 801, and the gross tonnage involved was 6,800. One vessel of 227 tons fell a prey to a hostile cruiser. In the week ending January 27, when the Germans commenced to attack merchant ships with torpedoes from submarines, though they had not yet announced their atten- tion of doing so, the total of arrivals and sail. ings according to the classification quoted above amounted to 1,503. Two vessels of 222 tons in the aggregate were sunk by German mines, and one struck by a submarine. In the follow. ing week six were sunk by submarines; the total of arrivals and sailings amount to 1,420 and the tonnage involved in this move- ment to 15,825. In the first week after the proclamation of the blockade" the total of arrivals and sailings stood at 1,381, involving tonnage amounting to 26,941, and seven vessels were sunk by German submarines. Last week the total of arrivals and sailings was 1.539, involving gross tonnage of 22,825. Eight vessels were sunk by submarines. British maritime trade has been continued practically without interruption caused by German action, and the loss of vessels last week did not exceed that which was recorded iu the last week of September. AN INSTRUCTIVE CONTRAST. A correspondent in Switzerland has contri. buted to "The Times" a highly instructive article which vividly illustrates the contrast between the humanity of the Swiss people and the gross barbarism by which the Germans have marked their apostasy from civilisation throughout the war. From Neuchatel this cor. respondent writes:The Swiss Federal author- ities, after first sounding the Governments of Germany, France, and Austria established at Berne towards the end of September a central organization for the repatriation of civil prison- ers interned in the three belligerent States sit. uated north, east and west of their boundaries. The way in which they set about the work and the growing enthusiasm with which it has been supported from one end of Switzerland to the other, are worthy of the traditions of the country which is the parent source of all the Red Cross Societies of the world. All over Switzerland busy hands have for many weeks been bard at work collecting and making clothes for these prisoners, and at Geneva, Schaffhausen, Berne, Lausanne, and other towns through which they pass on their way home bands of willing helpers have occupied themselves with the daily task of feeding the hungry, clothing the almost naked, and wiping out as far as they can by the warmth of their kind hearted welcome the bitter and humiliating memories of captivity." THE VICTIMS. Who are the beneficiaries of this work of true charity ? They are a class altogether apart from prisoners of war as hitberto recog- nised, and the Newchatel correspondent of the Tijaes thus describes their position The important point to bear in mind about these civil internes is that the bulk of them are a class of prisoners entirely new to civilised warfare, though it existed in the days of Nebuchadnezzar and the Jews. The word internes means properly those who at the out- break of the war were visiting or living in a foreign hostile country. But the French internes are in a class by themselves, an entirely new class expressly invented for and during this war by the Germans. When hostilities began they wereflliving peacefully and peaceably in the frontier towns and villages of their own country. As soon as the invader came they were ruthlessly torn from their homes and dispatched in droves across the boundary into the interior of Germany." The pilgrimage of suffering aud terror "began for most of them with the horrors of the battlefield, the defeat or at all events the retreat of the soldiers of the Republic, and the burning and pillaging of their homes, during which they were often shut up in churches and other buildings with little or nothing to eat. Then they were led out, some of them to be shot, others to walk for distances of 20 or 30 miles, women and children an old men, as well as the young and strong, however feeble they might be and however ill, till they came at last to some station where they were packed into cattle trains and carried far into Germany to the fortresses, schools, convents, camps or barracks, where they were to be interned." HOW THEY FARE IN GERMANY. To the Swiss authorities belongs the credit for initiating the arraugement under which women, children and male civilians under 17 or over 60 years of age are delivered from the miseries of their captivity in the land of "Kaltur." The correspondent of the "Times" from whose article we have quoted, describes from his own observation the plight in which these victims of German brntalitv come under the care of the kindly Swiss. "The olotbes that they are wearing are generally inadequate, ragged and dirty. Some of them are covered with vermiu." "Good warm food, the un wonted luxury of a waeh," and clean clothing are provided by Swigs hospitality and gener- osity. "All this is for everyoue, bat especially for those who are in comparatively good health. There are others too ill and weak to think of these personal comforts, who are at once visited in their carriages and attended to nurses and doctors. Some of them have to be carried on stretchers. Often there are little children among them who ba.ve not seen a drop of milk for three or four months and are too weak to stand; sometimes there have been women ncaring the hour of childbirth. More than once there have been deaths in the trains as they passed through Switzerland, for the desire to get back to France is so strong in all of them that sometimes those who ought to be kept in hospital insist on making the journey." THE SOURCE OF OUR SAFETY. We quote one more extract from the graphic depiction of wantonly inflicted suffering. "But sadder even than these cases is the general air of desolation of the whole convoy, when, as is

G. R. I aM I THE BRECKNOCISHIRE BATTALION SOUTH WALES BORDERERS. A LIMITED NUMBER OF RECRUITS 0 URGENTLY REQUIRED < for the above Battalion willing to undertake IMPERIAL SERVICE OBLIGATION. A DOUBLE COMPANY TO BE STATIONED AT BRECON IS TO BE RAISED AT ONCE. For particulars apply to the Armoury, Brecon, or the local Recruiting Officer. GOD SAVE THE KING.

"BUSINESS AS USUAL." The Dog and the Wheet. A correspondent of the "Morning Post," writing from tb« headquarters of the British Expeditionary Forces, tells the following re- markable story :—" One shrinks from that hor- rible phrase "Business as aeaal," which enshrines so much of our incapacity to envisage the very fundamentals of war, and epitomises our smog satisfaction with that lack of imag- ination which we oall imperturbability yet one cannot leave the Beat of war witboot recording the most charming example of an adherence to the maxim one could have wished to have. come across. Outside many oottages in Northern Franoe a wheel, some six feet in diameter, may be Been fixed into tbe wall, the purpose of which seems rather puzzling, even after one has seen a lurcher-like dog enter it, and in squirrel fashion set it continuously revolving for about an hour. At the other end of the wheel's axle, inside the dwelling-room, a ohurn is fixed, which is filled witb milk every morning, and always at the Bame moment the dog arrives, steps into the wbeel, causes it to revolve its needful boor, steps out of the wheel when the boar is ended, and goes his way to play, like other dogs, leaving the family to enjoy the traits of bis labours when they retorn in the evening. That is no doabt bat an ordinary exhibition of dog intelligence. One morning man began to exhibit his intelligence by pooring a bail of shells on tbe village, strip- ping the roofs from the oottages or converting them into little mounds of ruins. The inbab- itants fled precipitantly, in too great terror probably to affix the churns to the wheels. But that made no odds to the dogs, nor did they apparently consider that the shells con- cerned them. Panotually to their boar they stepped into their wheels, and began to torn them. At a oorner of the market-place three flash wheels were visible. A dog was in eaob of them when the action was at its height, and the booses were crumbling aboot the men who were endeavouring to defend them. But the dogs went on as tboogh the burly-burly were no concern of theirs. The fragment of a shell struck one of the wheels, and all but put it out of action, a splinter of spoke acting as a brake against the wall. The dog stopped in amaze- ment at so unexampled a circumstance, and then, seeing the other two dogs still at work, set himself to overcome bis diffionlty, and suc- ceeded presently by a succession of bounds in making bis cage rotate uncertainly. A abrap- nel bullet bit him while thus engaged, and be collapsed without a groan on the floor of bis wheel. A few moments later on one of the other houses was bit, and dog and wbeel dis- appeared under the debris. The third dog completed bis churning, trotted off out of his wheel, and nothing more was seen of him. Doubtless the incident has been matched else- where, but it seems to lift a most objectionable phrase out of the slough of one national com. placenoe, and even to invest it with a sort of dignity."

Friendly" Brecon Neighbours. At the Brecon borough police court on Mon- day, before the Mayor and other magistrates, Sylvia Sandford, Prospect row, Bracon, sum- moned Annie Martin, Prospect row, for OBing threats. Complainant said her husband was Sergt. Sindford. She lived next door to defendant, who bad been making allegations against wit- ness's character, and had threatened to "knock her brains out with a poker." Witness told defendant sbe would go for the polioe, and de- fendant said 11 she did not care for forty —— police." Witness was in bodily fear of defend- ant. Evidence was also given by Ruth Davies, Prospect row, and by complainant's husband. Defendant alleged provacation, and said five of them came to my house." Owing to the contradictory evidence the Bench dismissed the case.

BRYNMAWR. RESTRICTION OF HOURS. — The Brynmawr magistrates, on the application of the Acting Chief Constable for Breconsbire, deoided on Monday that the licensed bouses within their area should close from 10 p.m. to six a.m. ithe order was to take effect from yesterday. The houses formerly closed at 11 p. w.

LLECHFAEN. POLICE NEWS.—At the Brecon County Petty Sessions on Friday before Messrs C. H. deWinton (in the chair), and A. A. Mitchell, Edward Protberce, Doiymaes farm, Llacbfaan, was summoned for fuiling to bury the caresse of a sheep on March 15b. Defendant said he sent bis children to bury the sheep the morn. ing it died but they did not do it. He was ordered to pay the costs, 516.

AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION IS ONTARIO.— Classes in agriculture conducted by r;jpreaeuf- ativea of the Ontario Dopartment of Agrical- ture are being conducted in 43 points in the province. The pupils are farmers' sons rang- ing from 18 to 25 years of age, and the instruc- tion is given free. The courses last from four to six weeks, and the average attendance is 25.

"M UNO VERITAS As Illustrated at Builth. At Builth Wells Police Court, on Monday last, before Mr C. Woosnam (chairman) and other magistrates, Mr A. Gwynne Vaughan, solicitor, applied for the case against James Harris, of no fixed abode, summoned by the N.S.P.C.C. for neglecting his two sons, to be further adjourned. The summons was made returnable on Monday week, and defen- dant then appeared in Court, but was considered by the Bench to be so much, under the influence of drink as to be unfit to plead, and the case was adjourn- ed for a week. Mr Gwynne Vaughan stated that the defendant had not turned up, and the inspector was unable to attend owing to indisposition. P.S. George Davies stated that defen- dant was told the previous Tuesday, when he was sober, that he would be required to attend the Court that day, and he promised to do so. He had not been seen since and he was not at Llan- gammarch Wells where he had beer* living of late. Mr Gwynne Vaughan remarked that defendant told the Bench last Monday that he might be 50 miles away to-day. They could not try the case in his absence. The Bench decided to adjourn the case till next Monday, and P.S. Davies promised to make further enquiries as to his whereabouts.

CWMDU. NEWS FROM AMN.—Private T. H. Howells, who is at Aden, met with an accident recently in the GymnaBinm with the Territorials. Ho fell about 12 feet from a ladder, and fraotsred hie right leg. He was immediately attended to by Dr. Townley (Qrickhowell) at the Section Hospital, and afterwards transferred to the large hospital at Steamer Point, where his leg was examined under the X rays. Tom writes to say that he is progressing favourably nndet the best of treatment. LADY GLAHPEN's PBTTTION. We believe every woman in this neighbourhood baa signed this petition. Even the men wanted to sign. All were nnanimons in supporting bet Ladyship's proposal, and everybody hopes that the effort to obtain 3,000,000 signatures will prove successful, and lead to the removal of the alien enemy danger. SUNDAY-SCHOOL WoigiR.-Miss Ellis Morgan, Church Sunday-school organiser, daring the past four weeks has been giving interesting lectures, with practical bints on the prepara- tion of leBBons at the Parish Hall, Crickhowe.1, to the teachers in the Raral Deanery. Tbis parish, as uaual, was well represented. Tbe leotures terminated on Friday evening last, when Miss Morgan gave a medel lesson to a class of boys and girls on a portion of t be Catechism. At the close, on the motion of the Rev. W. Arvon Davies, seconded by Miss Kite Treloar, and supported by the Rural DtWJ (Rev. R. P. Somerset), a cordial vote of thanks was given to Miss Morgan for her practioal lectures. CIGARETTES FOR THE TRINCIgEs.-The cigar. ettes sent by the school children for the soldiers in the trenobes have been greatly appreciated and were thankfully acknowledged last week by No. 9654 Private H. Mancey, B Company, East Surrey Regiment, who got a share of them. Private Manoey wrote from o, 4 General Hospital, Tersailles, France, where be is lying wounded.

CRICKADARN. QUEEN'S THANKS TO SCHOOL CHILDREN.— The Queen bas sent a letter to Mrs H. A. Christy, Llangoed Castle, expressing He* Majesty's sincere thanks for the donotion ol women's and children's garments made by Criokadarn School children for the Work for Women Fund. NEWS FROM ADEN.—Writing from Aden !o a friend at Criokadarn, Pvt. David Wiliiams, 01 E Company, Breoknockfbire Territfrials, says: —" Sorry to bear that it has been so wet with yon. Quite the reverse here, no rain and when the thermometer registers 80 degrees in the shade it is a cool day. The Arohdeacoo bad a groop of the O.E.M.S. photographed last Thursday, one to be sent to each parish represented. T Richards and myself stood for Crickadarn, and Mr Pbilipps will get one. When yoa recehe it just let me know what you think of the exiled members of you* society. It will be very gratifying for you to bear that the Archdeacon paid a fine tribute to the Crickadarn Branch of the C.E.M.S. in ote of our opening meetings. He was not por- prised to see members of the branch in Aden, for Crickadarn is never behind in anything connected with the Church,' was, what be said to me when I told bim I was a member of that branch. Trusting X may hear the hell9 of the old cburoh ring merrily once again as they have done in generations past."

GLASBURY. TEA PARTY.—Over 100 children from the Glasbury Day and Sunday School sod Veliodre Day and Sunday School were regalell with a sumptuous tea in the Schoolroom on Fri- day last, the treat being psid for oat of the pro- oeetls of the "repeat" concert bald on Feb. 153b. The ladies of the parish were Logicluous io seeing to the wants of the little ones and amusing them witb games, etc. Eaoh ahild reoeived an orange and a packet of sweets 00 leaving. UNITED BASD ov HOPE.-Tho repetitioD of the entertainment The Crystal Cup" on fbe 10th inst., resulted in the sum of 43 lOa being available for aiding hospital nursiog, ted cross work or some other good object in oocnecfioa with the War. FUNERAL.—Tbo iofant child of Mr and Mrs Ricketto, Ffynongwynydd Common, was buried in St. Peter's churchyard, on Saturday last, the Rev. H. Griffith officiating. Wreaths were sent by tbe parents and sister Millie, Grand- mother and Aunt Jessie, Bessie and Walter, unole Bert and cousins Sydney, Eric, and Phyllis, Price's family, Aunt Harriet, and ancle Diok. NONAGENARIAN FARMER'S DeATH.-On Mon- day morning, the 15th inst.,the death occurred at Coalbrook Villa, of a well known and highly respected Breconsbire farmer, viz. Mr Willie tcs, late of the Bradwys, at the scivaloed age of 95 years. He bad farmed the Bradwy* for years, but on the death of his son, 5 or 6 years ago, be had retired to Coalbrook Villa, which be bad previously bought. The fnueral rook place on Wednesday, the 17th inst., when tbe body was interred in the family grave in St. Peter's churchyard. The officiating clergy were the Vicar (the Rev. H. H. Gibbon), and the Rev. T. Beavan (Vicar of Bronllyf). Floral tributes were sent from "Muriel and Jack," "Skyniase," "BesBieand Jack," "Bessie and Henry," "Artbor and Jane," "Arthur and Nellie," "Cilgwyn."

FREE COURSES FOR FARMERS* SONS.—S: sty- eight farmers' sons who were winners in tbeir counties in the aero profit and hOIl feeding I competitions conducted by the Ontario Do. partment of Agriculture were seat to tbe Ontario Agricultural College to take 1;1J,j two weeks' coarse in live stock and seed jadging, their tuition aud living expenses beiag paid by the Department.

SHORT WEIGHT AT BRECON. General Complaints not Justified. Two Bakers Pined. At the Brecon Borough Polioe on Monday- before tbe Mayor (Councillor Evan Morgan), Messrs J. C. B. Morris and O. H. Rich. John Arnold, 90, the Watton, Brecon, was summoned by Mr James Campbell, inspector of weights and measures, for selling bread otherwise than by weight. Mr Lewis W. H. Jones, who appeared for the prosecution, said the case was taken in oonsequenoe of a general complaint by the public. The Act was passed for the protection of poor people and having regard to the high price of bread it was specially desirable that proper weight should be given. Charles HeapeB, assistant with the com- plainant, said that on the 106h inst. he saw Thomas Arnold selling bread in the Watton. j Witness was instructed to bay a small loaf of bread from him and be did so in the ordinary way. The leaf was not weighed in his presence. Complainant said Heapea gave bim the loaf and be weighed it and found that it was 1 os. and 3 drama light of 9 lbs., which was the recognised weight of a small loaf. Witness sent Heapes for defendant and the lstter saw the loaf weighed. In reply to the Chairman defendant said he provided scales for the van, but the man omitted to weigh tbe loaf. The Bencb intimated that they would hear the next case before giving their decision. Joseph Johnson, Free St., Brecon, was also summoned by Mr Campbell for a similar offence, on the same date. Mr Lewis Jones again conducted the prose- cution and Mr J. P. Jones Powell defended. Charles Heapes said be purchased a small loaf of bread at defendant's shop from Miss Ethel Johnson, defendant's daughter, who placed it on the eoales, but as she was between bim and the scales be did not actually see tke brekd weighed. Questioned by Mr Jones Powell witness said there bad been general complaints of bread be- ing short weight. Bread evaporated as it got stale. Re-examined by Mr Lewis Jones witness said bakers put more dough in the bread to make op for the evaporation. Mr Campbell said the loaf purobased at Mr Johnson's shop was 1 oz. and 7 drama short of the 2 lbs. When Miss Johnson's attention was cilled to tbe short weight she said that when she weighed the loaf she noticed it was a little light, but did not think it ezoeeded half an once, otherwise the weight would have been made np. Sbe did not know bow tnnoh was allowed for evaporation and witness remarked that it must have been light before it went into the oven. Cross-examined, witness said the loaf was a stale one, probably two days, but it would not have evaporated so much as 1 oz. 7 drams had it not been light going into the oven. Tbece were general complaints about bread being short weight. It was really no part of bis work to take the weight of the bread, only be did it in the interest of the public. He had purchased bread from all the bakers in Brecon and they were correct weight with the exception of the two cases that day. Mr Jones Powell maintained that tbe de- ficienoy in the weight of the loaf might be accounted for by the evaporation and bis client had no intention of defrauding the public. It was purely carelessness on his part. The Bencb fined each defendant 10/- and 9/9 costs.

Treoastle News and Notes. (BY Novwø HOMO). Miss James, of Cwmbydfa Farm, whilst cycling to Brecon last Monday morning, met with a very bad accident. As she was turning the corner by Traiangks Vicarage road abe was thrown off her bicyble and was found lying nnoonsoious on the roadside. According to the time she started from her home and the time she was found by Mr Thomas Howells, blacksmith, Pontarhydfa, she must have been lying on the road for nearly an hour. As soon as practicable a conveyance was procured at Aberbydfa Farm, and Mr David Evans con. veyed the injured girl home to her parents. Dr W. R. Jones, Sennybridge, was also im- mediately seat for, and one is glad to state that Miss Jones is progressing favourably. Some time most elapse, however, before she will be able to leave her room. Another accident occurred last week at Pendre, Trecastle, but in this instance fortu- nately there was no eerions personal injury. Mr Harry Williams, cattle dealer, Llandovery, travelling in a motor car to meet a train from Brccou, met Mr Howell Watkios, of Llwynin Farm, leading a young horse, and the oar was stopped, but the young horse became very restive whilst passing the oar, and jumped on it, much to the discomfort of the chaffeur, who received slight injuries to bis face and bands. The car was damaged to the extent of about 95. The numerous friends and acquaintances of the Rev D. R. Williams, B.A., of Cymmer, near Port Talbot, will be glad to bear of the lucrative appointment conferred upon bim last week at Cardiff He has been appointed Organising Secretary of tbe Cbarcb of England Temperance Society for the DiooeBe of Llan- daff. Mr Williams is a graduate of St David's College at Lampeter, and has had varied experience in organising and secretarial work. At one time he was the headmaster of Llywel National Schools at Treoastle, before he studied tor Holy Orders in the Established Church. He is a native of Llansadwrn, in Carmarthenshire. Mr Riobard Watkins, of Fountain Hoose, is slightly better, and hopes to be able to go out- doors shortly. Mr Watkin is the elder deacon of the Calvanistic Methodists at Trecastle, and is a long way past eighty years of age. He has spent all bis life in Trecastle and the neigh- bourhood. Another deacon of the Calvanistio Methodist Chapel, in the person of Mr Thomas Evans, Baeliegleision, is also indisposed and confined to his room. Miss Muriel Powell, daughter of Mr and Mrs S. F. Powell, formerly of Caer Villa, Treoastle, bnt now of Cardiff, has undergone a serious operation at the King Edward Hospital, Cardiff, and it is gratifying to know that she is getting ou spleuoidly. Mrs Teague, Traianglas Vicarage, is a viotim to influenza, which is prevalent in the district. She is confined to her room under medical treatment. Miss Jeffreys, Castle House, has returned, and was discharging her duties at Traianglas Church and Sunday School as usual last Sunday.

ØWLTH RURAL COUNCIL. Bridge Delayed and Rate Reduced Mr Thomas Pugh (Wernfawr) presided over the monthly meeting of the Builth Rural District Council on Monday last, and others present were the Rev David Owen, Messrs Thomas Davies (Glanoamddwr), David Davies, Rees Davies, J. J. Hope, David Jones, Rees Jones, James Jones, Joshua Prioe, Tbos. Pugh (New Building), J. B. Richards, S. G. Tolk, Isaao Thomas, C. W. Woosnam, W. Walter Lennard (Deputy Clerk), and W. Evana (Sanitary Inspector). "NOTHING DOING." The Clerk read a letter from Mr Evan Thomas, Garth, asking what steps the Council had taken to have the nuisance at Garth abated. The meeting took no action in the matter. PENTREF LLWYN LLWYD WATER SUPPLY. Mr James Jones reported that he had in. speoted Llwyn Llwyd water sopply, and was of opinion that it was not satisfactory. Mr Woosnam suggested that the Medical Officer should be asked to secure a sample of the water and report on same at a future meeting of the Council, and this was agreed to. ABERGWESSIN BRIDGES. The Surveyor reported that he bad not yet received any reply from Mr E. Aabrey Thomas and Mr T. P. Hope with regard to the guaran- tee for one-third of the money to be spent on the erection of the new bridge at Abergwessin. He wrote to them about three weeks ago, and be was only waiting for their reply to proceed with the work. The Chairman said it was understood that the work would not be proceeded with until someone guaranteed to collect one-third of the money in the district. It was important that they should know whether Mr Thomas and Mr Hope would be responsible for that money or not. If the bridge was not to be ereoted it would make a big difference in the rate for the coming half-year. About 7d in the £ would be sufficient if the bridge was not erected, but if they were going to proceed with the work they would require a rate of 1M in the JH. Mr Woosnam said that what he meant when be proposed this resolution with regard to the bridge was that Mr Aubrey Thomas and Mr T. P. Hope would be responsible for colleeting the money which was to be contributed by the district. Mr J. B. Richards proposed, and Mr D. Jones seconded, that the amount required for the erection of the bridge be not included in the estimate for the ooming half-year, as there was no guarantee that the third part was forthcoming from the parish, and this was agreed to. REDUCED RATE. A rate of 7d in the £ was then agreed npon, to meet the expenses for the ooming half-year. DIPHTHERIA IN THE DISTRICT. The Clerk to the Llandewi-cwm Parish Counoil wrote on bebalf of that authority ask- ing what steps had been taken to disinfect bouseB in Oaklands after cases of diphtheria. Tbe Clerk read a letter from the medioal officer, stating that three oases of diphtheria had been notified to bim from lOaklands and that the sanitary inspector (Mr Evans) bad reported to him that he had carried out the necessary disinfecting. The Sanitary Inspector said be bad disin- feoted every one of the bouses.. Mr Woosnam remarked that it was import- ant this matter should receive careful atten. tion, as they knew what had happened in the Urban District of Builth Wells. There were prospects of billeting about 2,000 troops in the town, and they did not come because of diph- theria. It was not his duty to interfere with what was going on in Bailtb Wells, but be wished to see that they were looking after the rural district of Builtb. He had reason to believe that all the houses in the Bailth Road district had not been disinfected after diph. tberia in fact be had evidence in hia possess- ion tbat disinfection bad not been carried out in some cases. Doe attention should be paid to the sanitary condition of Oaklands, and he would suggest that a committee be appointed to inspect the condition of the locality without any delay. Mr Evans (Inspeotor) said that he would like Mr Woosnam to give the names of the places referred to. Mr Woosnam Did yon disinfeot Nantyrarian Mill ? The Inspector: No, I did not disinfect Nantyrarian Mill, and the case was not reported to me. The oondition of the sanitation of OaklandB is better now than it has ever been. I was told the other day that there was a case of diphtheria in a house in Oaklands. On inquiry I found that the people did not know whether it was a case of diphtheria or not, and they sent for the doctor, who oertified that tbe obild was only suffering from cold, there- fore disinfection was unnacqssary. A committee, consisting of Mr Woosnam, Mr Tulk, tbe Medical Officer, and the Sanitary Inspeotor, was appointed to inspect Oaklands. ROADMEN'S WAGES.—A NARROW MAJORITY. Mr Woosnam, in accordance with notice, moved that the resolution passed at a recent meeting not to consider a petition for tbe in. crease of tbe roadmen's wages be rescinded, and that the petition be reconsidered. He said he believed that things had changed since the petition was made. The prices of commodities bad gone op, and tbe roadmen could not very well keep themselves and families. It was true that some of them bad small holdings, but they were not all in that position. Mr Woosnam gave figures showing that food prices had increased by 25 per cent., and that some articles of food cost even more. Mr Thomas Davies seconded. Six voted for the motion and seven against it, and the Chairman declared it lost.

LLANGYNIDR. FUNERAL. On Saturday last the mortal remains of Mrs Margaret Williams, of Pentwyn, who died on the 17th instant, were interred at tbe Congrecational Churchyard amidst many manifestions of sorrow. At the house the service was taken by the Rev. W. Llewelyn and William Evans, Cross Keys. In the church the Rev. D. O. Griffith, Watergate, Brecon, read and prayed, and the Rev. Gomer Harris gave a short address, in which he alluded to the many good qualities of the departed. At the graveside the Rev. Williams, Newport, con- ducted the service. The chief mourners were —Messrs John, Fred, and Noel Williams, sons; Mrs D. Powell Jones, the Misses Megan Myfanwy, Lily, Olwen, Marjery, and Lena Williams, daughters; Mr John Jones, Glasfryn, brother; Mr David Powell and Mrs Powell, Rbiwgwon; Mr and Mrs Richards, The Villa, brothers and sisters-in law, etc. The coffin was of oak; with brass fittings, and was supplied by Messrs A. Jones & Sons, tbe bearers being Messrs D Powell, William Tbomaa (deacons from the Congregational Chapel), and Messrs William Pugh and David Jones (deacons from the Baptist Cbapel). Wreaths were sent by Mrs Thomas, Talyllyn; Mr and Mrs Stephens, Ty Canol; and Mrs Jones. Portb. The deceased survived her husband, Mr William Williams, only a short time. She was an active member at the Baptist Church, and her loss will be much felt. A devoted mother, stic brought up a large family of three sons and nine daughters. She was the only surviving sister of Mr William Jones, Oaklands, aod Mr John Jones, of Llwyn Celyn.

Belgian Refugee Relief Fund. In addition to sums already acknowledged:— Mrs Williams, Plas, Llangorse, 6d. per week from February 6tb. Star Tea Company, 1/- per week from March 13th.

SENNY. PATRIOTIC CONCERT.—In connection with the Brychgoed Congregational Church, a successful concert was held at Senny school- room on Saturday last. It was a beautiful evening, and there was a large audience, some having walked a considerable distance, from the surrounding districts-Cray, Devynock and Cwmcamlais. The room was tastefully decorated with the flags of the Allies, by Miss Jenkins, Cellie and Miss Morgan, Blaensenny. An ideal chairman was found in Mr D. Williams, Blaenbrynicb, who gave a stirring speech, deal* ing with the present crisis, and the duty of agriculturists. He also pointed out that this was a patriotic concert to help to provide for the Belgians, and referred to the recent successes gained by the Allies on land and on sea, remarking that be believed it was only a matter of time to bring us complete victory. A long programme was arranged by Mr Howell Stephens, Pantglas and Mr Watkin Morgan, Blaensenny. It was regretted that some of the artistes engaged failed to attend, but never- theless a good programme was gone through. It was as follows :—Song, "Rule Britannia," the children recitation, Tom Evans solo, Miss Spacey fencored) recitation, Gwladys Thomas solo, Miss Morgan, Blaensenny reci- tation, Maggie Evans; solo, Mr John Brown; song, "Hearts of Oak," the children recitation, Bessie Jones, Devynock; comic song, Mr Howell Stephens humorous dualogue, Misses Misses Morgan and Jenkins solo, Misg Agnes Page, Devynock quartette, "Flee as a bird," Mr H. Stephens and party recitation, Miss Williams, Garnlwyd duet, Miss Morgan and Mr Howell Stephens humorous dialogue, entitled "Mr and Mrs Barker," Mr W. Morgan and friends solo, Mr Albert L recitation, Miss Spacey solo, Miss Williams. Penbryn duet. Miss Morgan and Mr Howell Stephens (encored) solo, Miss Agnes Page, Devynock recitation, Miss Griffiths, Troedrhiwdalar comic song, Mr Howell Stephens (encored) solo, Miss Williams, Penbryn quartette, Mr Howell Stephens and party. At the close the Chairman said he was sorry they bad come to the end of the programme. He thought the j work done conferred great credit on the talent of the district, and especially on the children and those who had been teaching them. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to the Chair. man, proposed by Mr T. Walters, Maeswalter, and seconded by Mr C. Stephens, Pantglas. A very enjoyable evening was brought to a close by the singing of the National Antbem. The proceeds will be devoted to the Belgian Relief Fund.

ALLTMAWR. S.P.C.K.—On Sunday afternoon last the service at the Parish Church was taken by the RPV. J. E. Hogbes, Secretary of the S.P.O.K. who also preached an excellent see. mon to a good congregation. The collection was iu aid of the Society. Miss K. Jones, Alltmawr, presided at the organ.

GWENDDWR. j PARISH MEETING.—On Friday last a parish meeting, of which due uotice had been given, was held at the schoolroom to consider the | advisability of collecting funds for the Welsh troops. The Clerk of the Paritib Counoil, the District Councillor, and one or two others, attended, and it was decided to oall another meeting. The little party were evidently of a different mind to that old vicar (well known in bis day), who, when asked to call a vestry meetiag to get the voice of the parish answered "What ia the use of calling a lot of foolish people together to have a row at the finish?" A LAMBINCT RECORD. We do not know whether it constitutes a record or not, but Mr j D; Jones, Cwm. Crickadarn, bad th9 good fortune to have 27 lambs in J4 benra, acd all 1 are doing well.

generally the case. it consists of nothing but old men and women and children. The qualid conditions of body and clothes to which their long captivity had reduced them, the sobbing of the women, the almost universal leok of be- wildered and miserable dejeotion oo their faces -all this is far stronger evidenoe of what tbey have suffered than any stories you may per- suade them to tell you, if you have the heart to question them." It behoves every man in this country to remember that if he rulers of Germany and the directors of the German war- machine had their way not only the misery and humilation inflicted on these hapless French internes, but all the deeds of massaore, rape and incendiarism by which Germany has branded herself with eternal dishonour in the invasion of Belgium and France, would be re- peated with our own people as victims. Be. tween the women, tbe obildren, the aged and the sick throughout our land and enforced surrender to the bestial vengeanoe which has devastated Belgium and Northern France stand the brains, the hearts and the thews and sinews that make the British Army and Navy what they are. Iu the valour and capability of our manhood is our defenoe, and every man in these islands most ascertain what his duty is and do it with all his might.