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

ABERCRAYE. THE HARVEST THANKSGIVING SERVICES in con- nection with St David's Church were held on Sun- day last, and continued on Monday evening. The church had been most tastefully decorated by willing hands, whose work had a very artistic effect. The order of the services held on the Sab- bath was as follows 8.30, Holy Communion 10.30, service and sermon in. Welsh 2.30, English, with sermon 6, English, with sermon. Appro- priate Psalms and hymns were sung, and the lessons, which were read by Alderman M. W. Morgan, J.P., were also in keeping with the observance of the day. Very eloquent sermons were delivered by the Rev. W. Davies, vicar of St. Jude's, Swansea, to" large congregations. The anthem, "Whils the earth remaineth" (J. H. Maamder) was admirably sung by the choir, under the able cofcductorship of Mr David Jones, Mr Thomas presiding at the organ. The co'lections throughout the day were in aid of the building fund. OP Monday evening the service was in Welsh, and very helpful and impressive sermons were delivered by the Revs. J. Davies, Glais, and D. Ogwen Davies, Cray.

GLASBURY. AIRMAN FOR THE FRONT.—Mr Bryohan Jones, sou of Mrs Jones, of Coed-y-Volen School, has been home for a few days on leave. He is a I member of the Royal Flying Corps, and is at present stationed in England, preparatory to a move to somewhere iu France." He was aotively engaged ia driving away the Zepps on their last raid. All his friends wish him success and a safe return.

The Taxpayer" Does His Bit." The nation has now had ample time to consider and judge the new war- budget. It is a budget without a parallel in history. Before the war our national expenditure stood at ^207,000,000, and we naturally regarded this as a colossal and an alarming figure. The war-budget presented to Parliament by, Mr. Lloyd George in November, 1914, raised our total national revenue to £272, I 10,000. A week ago we were confronted by what Mr. McKenna, with ample justification, described as additional and unprece- dented burdens." The revenue to be raised by a year's taxation was fixed at ^"387,000,000. In what spirit has the nation faced these charges, which could only be borne by a giant in financial stature ? Here and there we have heard murmuring raised half-heartedly. Pro- tests have been made, with a preface that those who feel impelled to utter them hardly like to disturb the general har- mony by bringing them foiward, and would gladly withdraw into obscurity to put up with their troubles as best they may. Generally speaking, John Bull has shouldered the huge burden with a broad and confident smile and given an I intimation by his bearing that he really would not object to carrying a bigger load if necessary. As Mr. McKenna observed, the nation has come forward and liberally asked to be taxed." Not only has the new war-budget laid upon us charges which would crush national wealth of less sturdy proportions than that which Britain possesses, it has also introduced a fiscal revolution. Strangely quiet have been the obsequies of l the strict octrine of Free Trade. The academic bonds of the theory of pure Cobdenism were as great an impediment I to modern commercial and industrial development in this country as the stiff uniforms and hampering accoutrements of the soldiers who stood in serried ranks at Waterloo would be for our gallant men in the trenches in Flanders at the present time. The text-books in which the Cobdenite precepts were first enunciated as final truths for all time had become as obsolete as the treatises on medicine and surgery published in the same epoch. But there is great tenacity in old habits of thought and to many minds the dogmas of the I I orthodox" political economists of the Victorian age and the era which pre- ceded it seemed to have an almost supramundane authority. They were not only believed in but revered. Since the war began the chief hierophants of the Free Trade cult have consigned its most familiar and most vaunted argu- ments to the lumber-room, but, even with this example to discourage fanatics, it has been amazing to witness what is practically the passing of the Free Trade" which was unadapted and un- adaptable to latter-day conditions accompanied by so little mourning, so little bitterness, so little resistance to fate as we have seen among the Cobdenite stalwarts." We gladly bear testimony to the patriotic attitude of the great mass of Free Traders in these islands. They have to endure not a little of the chagrin which for so long fell to the lot of Tariff Reformers, and they have accepted their disappointment in a manly spirit. They hope it will be temporary—as we all hope when we are in a similar position. But they have not permitted their sore- ness to blind them to their duty. For the minority of Cobdenites to whom these observations do not apply e can only wish a better power of seeing the things that matter in a true perspective and a stronger will to act on the lessons which the war is teaching us all. Tested by a very effective and searching ordeal, the spirit of the nation has shown that it has lost none of that cheery, indomit- able determination to win victory at all costs which enabled our forefathers to safeguard the liberty of Europe a century ago. All classes have proved themselves worthy of the ancestors who finished at Waterloo a struggle that had lasted through a quarter of a century and in which the British taxpayer had become the paymaster of all who were on his side. In the spirit which prompts men and women never to shirk their duty we shall conquer, and in no other spirit.

LLANGAMMARCH WELLS. PERSONAL.—.Mr D. Davies, Poityn, was one of the judges at the recent stock show held at Llanwrtyd Wells. VISITORS—Visitors are still numerous, the leading; hotels especially being well patronised. SPORTING.—Mr R. S. Griffiths, J.P., and Mr J. Griffiths, Clydach Vale, and Mr Powell, Aberdare, have recently secured line bags of partridges here. GOLF. At the recent bogev competition here the result was Mr W. B. Stephens, 5 handi- cap, 2 down Capt. Broekleburst. 24 handicap, 6 down and Mr P. Collier, 11 handicap 8 down.

BEULAH. MILITARY, Lieut. H. C. Wayley Williams, of the 11th Service Battalion S.W.B., eldest son of Mr and Mrs Charles Williams, Melin Cwm, has been selected for a special course of training at the Staff College, Camberley. Trooper Gilbert Wi Hams, Montgomery Yeomanry, and Ptes Ifor Williams and Alf Morgans, 2/lst Brecknocks, have recently been home on Eurloagh.

TOWN AND COUNTY Today there is printed in the "County Times" the fall story of the greaS desert rnnrch of the Brecknockshire Tirutomla and their part in the subsequent Q^h'.iug and retreat from L-thej, written by their gallant colonel, Lord Glanu«k. No-one with a arind fio under- stand and a heart to feel rsti read that vivid narrative of hardship and suffering without being deeply moved. Unfortunately it was not the luck of our btave BreconRhire lads to aohieve a fine victory over the enemy but it is clear from their commanding officer's account of the trials they endured iu the trackless desert beyond Aden that they did their duty I right weli; and that regular ttoopa coold not have done more rrider tbe adverse I conditions—both natural aod human, and par- ticularly the loss of their stor -n and maohinc guns through native treachery—which they bad to meet. The force of Turks aud An attacking Lahej proved to '03 overwhelming in number", and it is au open qiicMiou whether the British force sent from Aden to it« relief would have been sncoer.sfal even tnJ there been no disaster in the de«ert but it is certain that bad luck gone with the Expedition the j enemy would have had to pay (Jeiriy for hiw enterprise. As it was, thn retreat from L&hej J was a feat of endurance and discipline thus j Breconshire may weil bo proud of, for circum- stances more diepiriti?!<? i1: would be difficult to I imagine. That men ex;jan?t'ad by a tropioai I mMcb of nearly 30 miles over a burning desert, lacking sufficient food and wafer, and deprived I of much of their most effective equipment, should have successful^/ f-icsd the retarli march and kfpt off the hordes of Tctrka and Arabp, is sufficient teb'itr.ouy to the gris aud t pluck of ou? ooaoty b lU ihoij. T..e Brecon Chamber of Trade did well to meet and decide to petition the Government to drop that small part of the great War Badget which involves the abolition of the baif-peuxsy post. Had they protested agninat this proposal solely on Btv-fifih grounds, the sympathy of ';he I writer would cot have been with them, for tha simple reason that any part of the Bndget might be objected to on that score by very large numbers of people. A vast sum of money has to be raised by additional imposts, aDd those whose convenience or inte'-ests maybe affected by tbe withdrawal cf half penny postage ought to be willing-one believes they are willing-to bear their share of the national sacrifice. The Brecon Chamber wigely tcok higher ground, that to do away with the half- penny post would mean to injure a number of interests without benefiting thetrewcaae. Is ia beyond doubt that a very large sum w.oold bo lost to the Post Offioe if people could 1 ao longer send post-cards, circulars, news- papers, tea., through the post for a half penny, because an enormous proportion of this postage would cease altogether, instead of be- ing continued at a higher rate, as the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when be framed his Budget, seemed to expect. There is a growing volume of public opinion in all parts of the country adverse to the abolition of the half-penny post, and in a small measure the voice of Brecon will help to swell it; perbaps—who can say no—supply the last argument needed to convert Mr McKenna. As farmers have always borne the reproach of being grumblers, whatever the state of the weather, the trend of the markets, or even of politics, the Executive of the Brecon and Radnor,.Farmere'Un ion must not be blamed over- much for acting up to their reputation and criticising the Budget. But it was not a loud complaint they made at Talgarth last Thursday, and one is inclined to think they grumbled as much because they were expected to as because they bad any very deep-rooted hostility to the new taxation. Something was said by w-a1 of objection to the raising of the Schedule A assessment from one-third, of the rent to the ftill amount, but it seeuaed io be recognised that the option to be asp;emioed to income tax on profits, under Schedule D, is a fair alternative. It may involve the production of books or at any rate of accounts, but that is a little grievance shared by all other people in business and farmers cannot expect preferential treat- ment in this respect. The income tax always carries with it a sort of inquisition to shop- keepers and manufacturers, but they manage to survive the ordeal and so will the agriculturists. One is glad to find that the leaders of Breconshire farmers declined to be carried away by the notion, reported from one or two places in the daily Press, that the Budget is grossly unfair to agriculture. The proposal of the Breconshire County Council, adopted to meet the agitation of the Farmers' Union, to ask the Local Government Board to hold an inquiry with a view to scheduling a number of places in the county as dangerous for motor traffic and getting a very low speed limit fixed, has already been objected to in this column, in the belief that it must lead to considerable expenditure without any result. If, however, the proposal is to'be carried out, it is up to the various branches of the Farmers' Union to do something more of a practical nature to forward it than they have yet done. The County Council have called upon them, the complainants, for evidence, and though plenty of time has been given, the County Secretary bad to admit to his executive at Talgarth that a number of the branches had not replied to his letter asking for the names and situations of dangerous points. The County Council have taken up the position they now occupy with some reluctance; it would be ironic if those who worried them into it should furnish them, by neglect, with an excellent reason for withdrawing from it.

— CATHEDINE. COMING BACK.-Truly has it bean said that Here and there in our cities and towns and qoiet country places men who have been fighting for King and country in the present war are slipping back quietly to the homes from which they went io health and vigoor a few short months age. Some of them will rest and recuperate and perhaps return again to the scene of conflict, but for others, alas 1 fighting days are over." 10 the latter cateaorv we this week regretfully record the ram-e of Sergt.T.C. Iladley (eldest son of Mrs Hadley, Nantyfelin). of the South Wales Borderers, who, while serving with the Mediterranean Force in the Dardanelles, was killed io action on September 4tb. Charlin was unquestion- ably au enthusiastic soldier, and carryiug about with bim, as be always did, a cheerful coun- tenance, he made uiiny friends, especially amongst his old schoolfellows and neighbours at Catbedine. He was also an affectionate and dutiful son, aud much sympathy is felt for the widowed mother and the other members of the family in the 106s they bavo sustained.

1 4 CRICKADARN I SERIOUS ILLNESS OF THE REV. H. V. G. PHILIPPS.—We regret to have to announce that through serious indisposition the Rev H. V. P. Philipps was unable to officiate at the Parish Church last Sunday. The rev. gentleman has been unwell for some time, and during a short holiday iu August had a severe attack of influenza and throat trouble. Ever since he has been more or less under medical care, and he had a serious relapse on Saturday night. Those who assembled at the church for morning service on Sunday were naturally grieved, but promptly rose to the occasion. One of the churchwardens, Mr J. B. Richards, drove into Builth and secured the Rev D. Owen for the evening service.

"COUNTY TIMES ly FIXTURE LIST Ffidsj', Oat. 1st. — Education St aDa Salaries inij Buildings Committees. Monday, Oat. lltb. Eiacatioa Committee. L'tiesday, Oct. 12 i b.-County General poses, Local Tuition, Small Hoidiogs, arid Executiyc C,).i, iij i I te-, FrMay, Oct. 15"h -Standing Joi'it ULI mail Roads CowlwitLtt-s. Monday, Oct. 18tb.-Couaty Finance Gj&' rait tee. Taeaday, OJJ. 19ih. — Brecoosbire QIJBrtÐt Sessions. Thursday, O^ober 21st.—Sr^nybridge FoV Sk. w and Sale. Friday, Oct ?2n.—Eiacati"*o Aath iHty. Fri-lay, Oct. 29:-h,—0->uuty Coctoil. EDteifcaium-r)! pui)! b:H3C¡¡:8, dc" are advertised ill tliq I- Brecon C, ulity TiaieSi will hu pntifi.rl tno abovo he* without further charge. Similar notice o other ovecta will be accepted It rat; i.

BRECONSHIRE ESTATE SALE. 1 Llangattock Court. i Z!) An important sale of a Brecoushire Estate too% place on Tuesday aiternoon last, at the Allg Hotel, Abergavenny when Messrs Stephenson an Alexander, of Oardi :'i\ were the auctioneers. property, which is reehoid, is situated at LlaD* gattock, near Cric' it (I. is known as-tb* LlangatLek Court "tate, the owner being Mr J, Conway Lloyd, ol Jinas, Brecon. Mr D. Jeffreys, of the firn Messrs Jeffreys and powell, •Brecon, was preSt as solicitor for the vendor. aud Mr Penry the estate agent, was Illst present. The property, v/hich was recognised as a valuabl* freehold estate, was divided into lots, comprisiw farms, accommodation land, cottages, and gardexis, together with tbe well-known freehold residence known as Llangat-tock Court. The total acreag* was given as 334a. Or. 30p. Lot 1 consisted of a mixed farm called Pencelht now in the occupation of Mr James Powell, reul £ 120, and acreage 132a. Or. 35p. The purchaser would have to pay a valuation price of £ 420 f°* growing timber on the farm. Bidding at £ 2,000, and was taken by £ 100 bids to £ 2,900. which figure the property was withdrawn. Lot 2, accommodation pasture land in occupation of Mr J. Prosser, with an acreage 3a. lr. 19p. and £ 7 annual rental, was purchased the price of £ lti0 by Mr T. Vaughan, solicitor Crick howell, for a client. d Lot 3 consisted of a well-known farm calle Village Farm. This farm was for many ye*Jr occupied by Mr David Lewis, and now by Mr A. T. Evans. The acreage was stated to be 135a. 20p. and the annual rent £ 150. Bidding started #■ £ 2,000, and by £ 100 bids reached £ 3,000. Th1' property was withdrawn. Lot 4 consisted of the freehold residence knoW* as kjangattock court, now in the occupation Of I Mrs Hilliard. The particulars of sale mentioned the sporting rights over this part of the estate, but the auctioneer announced that the sporting righto would not be included. This was challenged, bfl* the sale proceeded according to the auctioiieero ruling. The acreage of the land in this cafl* amounted to 2a. 2r. 20p. and the annual rent to £ 6"- Bidding started at £ 500 and was carried to £ 900, which figure the property was withdrawn. auctioneer said that perhaps the question of sporting rights had affected the sale.. Lot 5 consisted of another valuable freehold farm, called the Court Farm, now in the occUPI" tion of Mr W. Ralph, with an acreage of 33a. 19p. and an annual rent of £ 105. Bidding at £ 1,800, and reached X2,050. Withdrawn. Lot 6, consisting of a freehold pasture fieln measuring 6a. lr. 39p. and producing a rental £ 24 per annum, let with the Court Farm, was 0° offered for sale. Lot 7', an accommodation pasture field, acre-910 3r. 6p., rent £ 3 per annum, now occupied by W. Jones, was purchased by Mr T. Herritll Llangattock, for £ 65 Lot 8 consisted of a cottage and garden situat^ in the village at LlaDgattock, and now occup' by Mr JR. Owen, the annual rental being £ 5. T&* was bought by Mr D. J. Owen. Llangattock. » Lot 9, accommodation lands, plantations, 5^ buildings, with an acreage of 4a. 3r 17p.' rental of £ 14 10s per annum, fetched £ 350, bex^J purchased by Mr T. Vaughan, solicitor, for client. Lot 10 was the cottage, garden, and barn, nef* Llangattock Rectory, occupied by Miss Hilliard a rent of £ 5 per annum. This was purchased h/ Mr D. J. Owen. Lot 11. consisting of three accommodation pasture fields, measuring altogether 14a. Or. 26jP- and let on an annual tenancy to Mr A. W. Evans at ;C30, was withdrawn at X500.

Crickhowell Board of GuardianS. Mr Gwilym C. James presided at the fortnightly meeting of this Board on Monday.

POOR RATE ESTIMATB. The Clerk (Mr T. Vaughan) presented tll' estimate for the ensuing half-year, showing that rate of 1/- in the £ will be required to meet poor Law expenses. He explained that the county rat* had been somewhat reduced. Mr W. G. James and Mr Wm. Rosser respectivell moved and seconded the adoption of the estimate which was unanimously agreed to. Mr A. J. Thomas said there was a reduction ot one penny.

CONTRACTS. The following contracts were accepted for the ensuing three months, the Clerk explaining the shorter period had been decided upon owing to the fluctuation in pricesGeneral drapery, ,¡p. Morgan Richards, Crickhowell meat Mrs Barroll, Crickhowell coal, Mr Benjamin Watkio*' Llangattock cord wood, Messrs A. Jones and son" Llangynider conveyances, Lower District, Mr Meale, ^hckkowell flour, Mr James Crickhowell grocery, Mr Gomer MorgAll, Crickhowell funerals, Mr David Edwards, Llangattock boots, Mr Joseph Townsend.

TO STUDY ECONOMY. Mr F. W. Prole moved that the House co01' mittee be augmented and the whole question ot dietary and general expenses at the WorkhoU6* reviewed, with the object of reducing expenditure in any and every possible manner. He said the demand of the Government justified their makilo every effort to reduce their expenditure. Taxation was increasing and the burden of the ratepayet had become very heavy. The Chairman said Mr Prole did not clllI attention to any specific item upon which expen- diture might be reduced. Mr Prole mentioned the dietary and hinted might economise in coal. Mr A J Thomas seconded the resolution without prejudice to officials or inmates. He believed that the dietary could be revised, and if they mad' their case good the Local Government Board would probably agree to au alteration The Chairman, speaking as Chairman of tile House Committee, said the Committee did theif work thoroughly and he did not think they wou^ be able to economise anywhere. Of course thel might substitute one article for another, say, margarine for butter. » Mr Wm. Jones We will not have that. The motion was carried by ten votes to eight' and it was eventually decided that the matted covered by the resolution should be referred to te House Committee to report thereon, Mr Prolg being added to the Committee.

ANOTHER SUGGESTION. Mr T M Watkins moved that future meetings ot the Board be held at the Workhouse, stating tba.tí by doing this they would be saving the rent of the Town Hall to the extent of zC13 a year. Mr W G Watkins said it had already been stated by the Local Government Board Inspector th!!t there was not sufficient accommodation at tilo House for the present number of inmates. f¡( I Mr W G James said he would like to knovf where the Board were going to have their offices- There was hardly sufficient room in the present premises for their papers, &c. Mr Evan Williams said the Workhouse was very ifificult of access, and convenience of tb8 iuardians who gave their services free. many hom coming long distances, should be studied ome degree. Mr A J Thomas was of the same opinion. The resolution was rejected, only the proposer and seconder (Mr Prole) voting for it.

{ BORWICK'S ) CAKING,. POWDER.