The Glamorgan Gazette

BY THE WAY. (By RAMBLER.") "That the war will last long is certain, but the longer i lasts, the more will the great reserves of strength which the British Empire possesses show themselves equal to filling the gaps, maintaining the position and achieving the ultimate and complete victory. The Empire is on its trial and the experience of the past three months inspires us with the confident hope that the longer the trial lasts the more severe it becomes, the more clearly shall we emerge from it champions of a just cause, and as having achieved not only for ourselves, but for Europe, for civ- ilisation, for greater principles, for snia'l Nationalities, for liberty and justice, one of the most enduring victories." To a House of Commons, that by a mysterious process tha.t none can understand, but the effects of which we all feel, united as it has has never been before, the Prime Minister addressed these words. They were as strong and dig- nified as His Majesty's the King's reference to the detemillation of the Empire "'to secure at whatever sacrifice the triumph of our arms and the vindication of our cause." Both speeches were in striking contrast to the Kaiser's hysterical and venomous exhorta- tions to the soldiers he hopes will succeed in parrying the stroke that is being made to de- molish the German Empire and to kill the evil influence that it has spread so many years among the nations. A bully always meets his conqueror. Germany has fostered and fed her ignoble ambitions for too many years, the results of her own teachings were made manifest when she sought to buy Bri- tain's neutrality at the price of honour. She regarded the offer as one that might be ac- cepted; placed in a similar position probably Germany would have accepted the bribe and escaped all the horrors of war and the sacri- fices entailed. She would have been doing the proper thing according to her code of honour and standard of morals. Her own corruption led her to judge others by her own standards. And because she was mistaken, Germany has concentrated her hate and her energies upon the little Army of ours, which the Kaiser called "contemptible." His offi- cers termed them "hirelings," cartoons in German papers gave Tommy Atkins "long legs to run away with." Germany was mis- taken again. Our Army has met their at- tacks with confidence and with bravery un- paralleled. It bayonet charges are the hor- ror of the German hosts and the stirring deeds of the London Scottish have been emu- lated time after time wherever the British Army has been called upon to do its duty. It has shown to the world that the spirit and the courage shown by their forefathers are inherent in the British race, that great odds can beat back by weight of numbers, but they cannot discourage much less defeat. The record of the past has been lived up to and surpassed. Britain can still rely upon her sons. • • • But the call for help is still heard in the land. "More men and still more" are want- ed, and when Lord Kitchener asks he will not be disappointed. The Prime Minister s says the longer the contest the more would the Empire's vast reserves of strength be called upon. Is Central Glamorgan contrib- uting the quota it ought? There are hun- dreds still hanging back for reasons that can- not be understood. The entrance of the Turks makes our task somewhat harder, though it will not affect the result. It will, however, prevent our whole strength being launched against our greatest fcQ- Germany. And for that reason the need for men is greater than it was. It is a need that must be satisfied at once. We can not do better than quote Mr. Lloyd George as to the truth of that statement:— "As for the young ajid vigorous, a few of them are ask- ing, 'Why they should be called upon to place their lives upon the altar of their country. Are there not plenty of young men available, who are eager to do so without dragging their precious lives into the zone of danger? Yes, there are, thank God. It is only the minor- ity of people who are cowards. All the same, unless the men and women of this country are prepared to tender all they pos- sess and all that they can command to help their land in this most fateful hour of its destiny then Britain is indeed doomed for she shall stand alone in the world, alone as the only land whose children are not pre- pared to sacrifice themselves for their hon- our. I should despair of my country if I thought that were true. Let us be fair. Frenchmen are rushing forward, giving all; Germany is doing it; and if Germany does it, with such a code of honour for her sons, cannot Britain rely upon her sons?" « It all sounds as if the Chancellor of the Exchequer would favour conscription if the response. of men is not more satisfactory than it has been during the last, few weeks that have passed. It cannot be said now that the young men of the country do" not know what Britain is fighting for, what she has staked her existence upon and how existence depends entirely upon the men of the Navy, the men of the Army, and the spirit of her sons all the world over. They have been made thoroughly acquainted with the causes that led to our intervention; it has been drummed into their ears the valiant work of our soldiers in France and Beilgium has been read of. The silent watch of our Navv over us saving us from the horror and devas- t?-It i on that the (k, tation that the German butchers carried into the land of Belgium, where three times more civilians than soldiers, old men. women, and children were put to death in a fiendish blaze of fury, is another indication of the spirit of the sons of the Motherland who face sudden death with less chance of escape even than our soldiers. Heading all these things now can our young men still stand about the streets, near the lampposts reading the latest war news and football ? j • The Rector of Coity has a strong com- ment in this month's Parish Magazine upon the matter. He says: "It looks more and more as if this war is to be what is called a War of Attrition-that means, a war of wear- ying down the enemy. From the German point of view or from that. of the Allies this must mean time-such a long time—money, and men. We've put men last just forthe reason that we wish to urge as many men as possible, who haven't yet done so, to offer their ser- vices to the King and for their Country's sake. We feel th;\t even in oux own midst there are many who, for reasons known only to themselves, are holding back. A note was struck by the two male speakers at the re- cruiting meetin,, receiitl-v held in the Town Hall, which we trust will not escape notice. They each said: 'I say it, ADVISEDLY (that means, they had beon told to say this by the authority of the Government), if men won't go now of their own free will, they will HAVE to go later on.' We believe lots of difficul- ties stand in the way of--and, we sometimes fear, are put in the way of-men who are eli- gible to serve for their Country's cause. Com- pulsory Service, men say, is bound to come, if men do not volunteer. It is said there are still five million men left here who could join the Sea-vice if thoy so wished. If compulsion comes, and some from amongst us ha-ve to go. we cam scarcely hope to see admiring and cheering crowds up Station Hill when those go away who are compelled to go. This is the sort of thing we heard only this last week —a mothe,r who has five sons declares that none shall go if she can help it. Thank God, that woman does not live in Bridgend, though not a hundred miles away. We speak emphatically, if we had a son of military age and he wouldn't go, we would turn him out of house and home for good, as a coward and reprobate. Mr. T. J. Hughes says in his letter, which is published in another column, he says: "As an old Bridgend boy, I am sad, at heart to read in last week's "Gazette" of the number of my fellow townsmen who have not yet responded to the clarion call to act for King and Country, and all we hold dear." Mr. Hughes quite understands that Bridgend has not failed to play its part, many of the best of its young men have gone, but there are many mere left behind and among them some we should expect to be the first to rally to the defence of their country in which they have obtained comfort and comparative ease, in addition to wealth, and now they are ask- ing and allowing others to take up arms to keep it secure for them. The aristocracy and the working classes have come forward with fine spirit. Are we in Central Glam- organ to say that middle classes or the trad- ing classes are showing a lamentable lack of patriotism and axe willing to shirk while oth- ers do the fighting. They have sons; they ought to know where their sons should be. < The recruiting meetings that have been held in the district have roused the young men this week and it is gratifying to be able to note that at the Bridgend Recruiting of- fice a record for any week since the office was opened has been established. It will be understood that the men have come from all parts of the area the Ogmore and Garw have contributed well, and Maesteg has again sent huge numbers forward to swell the ranks of all branches of the new Army. We hope this gratifying reawakening will mean a con- tinual stream of recruits from now on until the supply is adequate to meet all the needs of the Country. The need is great, there is no doubt. In the words of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, "It is still dark. and the cries of rage and anguish still rend the air. But the golden morn is at hand and the val- ia.nt youth of Britain will return from the stricken fields of Europe where their heroism has proclaimed to the world that justice is the best sustenance of valour; that their val- our has won a lasting triumph for justice." It is not surprising that Labour men. the Miners' Federation of Great Britain and our Free Churches are not satisfied with the re- organised scale of pay for dependents and the pensions that has been published this week. Nothing under £ 1 per week for the widow, the disabled soldier or sailor, or for the wife left behind, while her husband fights his country's battles, will meet with approval. The sum is a modest one and certainly tho claim is a just one. Even that is little enough wherewith to pay rent and secure the bare necessities of life. It is admitted that the Government have got to economise and that the last million of money will count, but Britain, the richest country in the world, is better able to withstand the financial drain than either Germany, France or Russia, and it would be more in accordance 'with the de- sire for fair play and justice that is attract- ing men to the ranks of the Army if the Government acceded, to claims that would at least give heart and more courage to those married men who arc already with the col- ours. It would also have considerable effect upon married men who are still waiting for a more honest wage from the country that is asking them to give up their own lives, if called upon, and to cast at the same time-- as under present conditions they would have to—their wives upon the mercy of the world which in the past has not been a very tender quality. It is not a lack of patriotism that is keeping these men back, we are sure, but purely this thought for those they have taken to themselves and who are entitled to fair treatment at their hands. The Government allowance is not fair. It means that many men, whose wives have lived in comfort, would suffer want and the degradation of re- ceiving charity. And then there is the pic- ture on the other hand of young single men of comparatively wealthy fathers staying at home and enjoying the best that money can buy. These are the two causes that are hindering married men from answering the call. Sympathy with Col. J. 1. D. Nicholl, Mrs. Nicholl and the family is general. The death of Lieut. J. D. H. Nicholl, reported early in the week-, was the cause of much sorrow, es- pecially among tenants of the estate, who knew him and held him in high regard. The letter in another column, from his brother officer, is an eloquent tribute concerning the manner Lieut. Nicholl entered upon and dis- charged his duties as an officer and above all as a Briton. "He enjoyed the life. He had been through a good deal in the short time he was with us. Some of the heaviest shelling I have ever seen with the big Ger- man guns. and some close fighting, and through it all your boy had done splendidly." What finer testimony could we have of the indomitable pluck and doggedness that is prompting great deeds among our little army in France. In their sad loss the fam- ily of the deceased valiant young officer will have consolation in knowing that their son has worthily upheM the traditions of his country and his family and has set a glorious example for all young men to follow. "Who dies if Britain lives." One of the most glaring and outrageous in- stances of religious bigotry and rudeness was brought to our notice this week. The re- liability of our information is not to Ixv doubted. As is well-known, the majority 0 Refugees who have sought homes amongst us are Catholics. We ought to be sufficient,y broad-minded in this country, and the great majority of people are, to allow a man or I3.j woman to chose their own creed and persist a in their religious faith without interference of any kind. At ordinary times any attempt at coercion would be strongly deprecated and vigorously denounced. But when people who may profess a. different faith to our own are our guests, the need for tolerance, justice, and good feeling is even more imperative. It is strange then that individuals should so far forget cr ignore the canficle,nee that has been placed in the residents of Bridgend as hosts of a Belgian family as to commit the outrage on honour, decency and good taste which we now relate. A party of females sought ad- mission to Litchard House, where the "town's I family" has found a home from home, and, although the hour was late, they were cour- teously received and admitted. In the first place, we should have thought that these fe- ¡ males would have had some thought far the I refugees a.nd respected their desire for priv- acy. Inside, however they demanded to know the religious faith of the occupants and were informed "Catholics." "May we see your prayer books." This question led to the production of the books. Next, certain pic- tures. which Catholics regard as sacred, were shown and these, the females referred to, took hold of, threw to the floor, and stamp- ed upon. Naturally, horror and indignation found expression on the part of the refugees a.nd the matter has been reported to the authorities responsible for their safe care and comfort. But, whoever the females were, we feel we are voicing the* opinion of the whole populace and the whole country when we say that such conduct is infamous, intol- erable and a slur upon the fair name of Bri- tish women, who in this time of national cri- sis have shown noble qualities of self-sacrifice, religious tolerance and womanly sympathy to those who fle-c-I to us from molestation, mutil- ation and torture at the hands of iha rba,rians, Let not even they put us to -,haRV. We urge upon the Committee responsible for the Refu- gees to now ensure that the Refugees shall be freed from these intrusions which, in the majority of cases, are committed by the curious. m Although the Maesteg children have at pre- sent ample room to use as a recreation ground, the town as a whole has for a long time felt the want of a recognised recreation ground. Up to the present, however, the finances of the Council have not been such as would allow the local Parliament to indulge in the, price of a piece of land which could be ,conferted into a proper and recognised recre- ation ground for the place. But at last the Council have, in its wisdom, taken the step, and at the meeting on Tuesday a report was presented on the visit of a deputation ap- pointed by the Council to Mr. Hutchinson, the agent for Messrs. North's. It has been found, however, that while Mr. Hutchinson could speak optimistically of Messrs. North's action, they were in fact the leaseholders of a comparatively small portion of the land which the Council require, and the matter has been shelved till the committee interview the lease- holders of the whole of the land in view. The delay is rather unfortunate, but it is a point which frequently crops up when a considerable portion of land is required in such a place as Maesteg. Let us hope that the postponement of the definite result will not prejudice the hope of a large portion of the inhabitants, and the time will soon arrive when they will be able to hold open-air gatherings in a space the property of the town. Some disappointment has been caused in Bridgend by the non-arrival of refugees. The charitable have come forward, have subscrib- ed handsomely for the upkeep of the guests and have furnished gratituously, a number of houses. Everything was ready, but there were no refugees. Some are apt to put the blame upon the leaders in the movement, in the lo- cality, but we can assure them that no fault lies at the doors of those who have worked in the forefront of the movement here. The experience of Bridgend is not an isolated case, it has been the same all over the coun- try since the war started. First there was a delay, then a rush, and it has gone on al- ternately ever since. The reason is simple. The whole country has opened its arms to welcome the refugees, but from what onecan gather, there is not at the present time a great influx of refugees from Belgium, and the accommodation awaiting them here is greater than the supply of guests. Conse- quently, some districts will be disappointed and Bridgend, unhappily, is one of them. Should the Germans, however, commence an- other wanton attack of destruction and cruel- ty on the people of Belgium, we can be sure that the facilities now ready for refugees in Bridgend will be readily taken advantage of by the authorities without loss of time.

TO BRIDGEND BOYS. I To the Editor. "I Sir.—As an old Bridgend boy, I am sad at heart to read in last week's "Gazette" of the number of my fellow-townsmen who have not as yet responded to the clarion-call to active service for King and Country and all we hold dear. The war in which we are plunged is a great tester. There is no half-way house between sacrifice and selfishness—between courage and cowardice Lord Kitchener's appeal comes as a trumpet call-" Men—and still more jjjgji!" I earnestly appeal to the young men of Bridgend-so many of whom I know—who are physically fit-with no home ties-to play the man-to make the great resolve—and to enlist NOW. I have already been able to obtain expert military advice for several young men of Brid- gend as to the particular unit of service for which they are best adapted, and shall regard it a pleasure and privilege to do so again and again for anyone who will write to me or come to see me here. Bridgend parents! A tremendous respon- sibility is yours. I implore you not to put any further obstacle or restraint on your sons' bounden duty, but rather encourage their patriotic desires to fruition in immediate ser- vice. Young men of Bridgend! To each one of you comes the trumpet call to duty. You cannot shirk it. The call comes to you from the shell-torn trenches, only sixty miles from our shores, where your brothers are fighting like heroes-it comes to you from stricken Belgium, whose sons have lost their cities but kept their souls—it comes to you from the dear home-land, whose shores you must de- fend from the modern Huns! There can be no evasion-no excuse. It is a plain "Yes" or "No." The choice is be- tween courage and cowardice. What shall be your answer—your choice? I am, Sir, yours faithfully, j City Hall, Cardiff, T. J. HUGHES. City Hall, Cardiff, j llth Novembpr, 1914. ?

In the death of Lieutenant Nichol, of Bridgend, the Rev. J. I. D. Nicholl, of St. i T heodore's Church, Port Talbot, has lost a ther. And Miss Talbot, of Margam Castle, a nephew. It is of interest to note also that General Nicholl, the father of deceased, was one of the stalwarts of the Crimean War. And fought throughout the whole of the War in the trenches.

D. Thomas, Decorator, Nolton Street. Fin. Art and Antique Dealer. Best Prices Given. HERMON C.M.—Preacher next Sunday, Rey. j James Llewellyn (Pastor). Morning, 10.30 (Welsh) Evening 6 o'clock (English). 3891 The Celebrated Lipton's Teas and Provl. sions may be had of the Agent for Bridgead- T. Woodward, near The Bridge. Business as Csual at H. Woodward and Co.'s, Ltd., Adare Street and near Station, Wholesale and Retail. Inspection Invited. MARTIN FINN, BRIDGEND. Painless Dentistry Guaranteed. Daily, Ii I to 8. REPAIRS to any make of Teeth.

ANNIVERSARY. Anniversay services were held at the English Congregational Church on Sunday last. Special hymns were .rendered and the pi-eachcr was the Rev. John Williams, of Sandersfoot. CONCERT.—A capital concert was given at the Union Workhouse, Bridgend, on Wednesday last week. -Vlr. Michael Da vies presided and the followingcontributed to the programme Fairfield Ladies Choir (under the conductorship of Mr. J. Sims Dayies); Miss A. Evans; Mr. J. Williams; Miss J. Griffiths; Mr. Day Jones. The accompanist was Miss J. Griffiths." COMING OF AGE CELEBRATION.—The coming of age of Mr Frederick Albert Higgins, son of Mr. F. Higgins, of Nolton Street, was celebrated on Wednesday night, when a large number of relatives and friends were present. Mr. Frederick Higgins, who is a member of the Glamorgan Yeomanry Reserves, was pre- sented with a cheque for £100, and the even- ing was spent in a convivial manner, to the accompaniment of songs and music. SACRED CONCERT FOR YEOMANRY. —It was a kindly thought which prompted the authorities of the English Congregational Church, Bridgend, to arrange for a sacred concert at the Church on Sunday evening for the Yeomanry. The men were invited to attend and about sixty accepted the invita- tion. The gallery had been reseirved for their use, but the majority preferred to sit in the body of the hall with the congregation. The concert, which was arranged by Mrs. Michael Davies and Mr. W. Leyshon, the organist of the church, was held immediate- ly following the evening service. Mr. W. Powell presided. Sacred songs were sung by Mrs. Tredgold, Miss Doris Davies, Miss Elsie Davies and Miss C. Toms. Miss Doris Dav- ies and Mr. Hubert Davies sang a duet, while Messrs. W. G. Simmonds and G. Clarke also gave a duet. Mr. Pickerman played some exquisite violin solos, and Mr. Leyshon played selections on the organ. The concert, which lasted about an horn- and a half, was a distinct success and gave consid- erable pleasure to all those present. FUNERAL.—Miss Ann Rees, formerly of Llampha, passed away at 60 Grove Road, Bridgend, at the age of 58, and her mortal re-* mains were conveyed to their last resting- place at St. Bride's Major Churchyard on Thursday last week. The funeral was a large one, and numerous representatives of the Vale farmers attended, together with, a large number of relatives and friends. The Rev. James Llewellyn (Hermon) and Rev. Gregory, Ynysybwl, officiated at the house, and the burial service was conducted by the Rector of St. Bride's Major. A number of floraTtributeswere sent by friends of the de- ceased who was particularly popular on ac- count of her genial and cheerful disposition through many years of great suffering. In- deed, she had borne 18 year s or more of acute pain without a murmur, but on the contrary, was always most content in her captivity. She was a life-long member of Ewenny C.M. Church, but owing to her ill- ness she had not for nearly 20 years been able to attend the services, but many a service has been conducted at her residence in Bridg- end by the Rev. John Davies, late pastor of Hermon and the Rev. James Llewellyn, the present pastor, which helped her considerably to bear her pain with fortitude. Her favour- ite hymn, which was in daily use, was "Gwaed dy groes sy'n cedi i fynu." She leaves a brother, Mr. Jenkin Rees.

BRIDGEND LAW SUIT. I HEAVY COSTS DESCRIBED AS A I SCANDAL. END OF LOCAL LEGITIMACY CASE. I The Bridgend legitimacy case again came before Mr. Justice Eve in the Lord Chancel- lor's Court on Tuesday. His Lordship said he hoped it was the last time he would be occupied with this affair. The case concerned the history of the late Mr. Henry George James, builder, of Bridg- end, who died last year at the age of 93. All the parties come from Bridgend and are re- latives of Mr. Henry George James. Plain- tiffs are sons, George and David James, ad- ministrators of the will; the defendants, James James and David tJohn James, de- ceased's grandsons. The summons was for the direction of the judge as to the alloca- tion of the costs of the inquiry which had been held as to the legitimacy of George James, son of the deceased. Mr. Tyldesley Jones appeared for nine chil- dren and George James, son of the intestate, who divided a quarter of the estate among them. The costs of the inquiry were said to be nearly £ 2.000. Mr. Tyldesley Jones ap- plied now to have the question decided who should pay for the voluminous shorthand notes and transcripts of the long hearing. Evidence was taken before the Master in Chancery. Mr. Rowland Rowlands disputed that Mr. Tyidealey Jones's clients were entitled to these costs, which came under a special cate? gory. His Lordship: We spent goodness knows how many days reading these notes, and I -an- not possibly see how I could have decided the case without them. Had I been in the posi- tion at the beginning of seeing the course this case would take I should have seen that it did not take that course. It is nothing short of scandal that the inquiry has taken the time it has. and involved the heavy costs it has. Having regard to the fact that the shorthand note has saved time, and that it was a great advantage to all parties that it had been taken.. I cannot accept the pro- position of Mr. Rowlands as applying to this case. Instead of a ten days' hearing before the Master, if there had been no shorthand notes the hearing would still be continuing. This is a case where a not? was properly taken, and a case where I ought to allow, in the costs of the successful litigant, the charges for taking and supplying transcripts of the notes. The costs must be allowed as asked for.

BRIDGEND DENTIST 0 AND HOUSEKEEPER'S CHILD. Alice Jane Jones, widow. Cardiff. sum- I moned Augustus Henry Finn. described as a Bridgend dentist, before the Cardiff Deputy- Stipendiary on Wednesday in respect of her child. Mr. Harold Lloyd appeared for applicant. The woman stated she had been a widow for five years, and had acted as defendant's housekeeper at Bridgend. Mr. E. L. Thomas, managing" clerk to Mr. Lloyd, stated that the parties met at his em- ployer's office and defendant signed a docu- ment agreeing to pay os. a week and costs. An order was made for this amount.

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MERTHYRMAWR HEJR j LIEUT. J. W. H. NICHOLL KILLED IN I ACTION. LEADING HIS MEN UNDER SHELL FIREI WHEN KILLED. BROTHER OFFICER'S FINE TRIBUTE I TO LIEUT. NICHOLL. We regret to announce that Second-Lieuten- ant John William Harford Nicholl, elder son of Lieutenant-Colonel John Illtyd Dillwyn Nicholl, Merthyrmawr, and of Mrs. Nicholl, was killed in action on the 29th October. Lieutenant Nicholl was attached to the 2nd Battalion the Welsh Regiment, and was formerly of the 1st Battalion Rifle Brigade. He was only 22 years of age. He was edu- cated at Eton and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, and was gazetted to the 1st Bat- talion Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort s Own) on the 22nd January, 1913, shortly before his coming-of-age. His father, Lieutenant- Colonel Nicholl, is the officer in command of the Glamorgan Yeomanry, who is now on duty with his regiment. The late Lieutenant Nicholl was the heir to the Merthyrmawr Estate, and on his coming- of-age a little over a year ago the tenantry were entertained by Col. and Mrs. Nicholl at the celebrations at Merthyrmawr House. Lieutenant Nicholl was a great favourite with the tenants of the estate. The sad news of his death has been received with deep regret in the town of Bridgend, with the social and public life of which the Nicholl family have been closely identified for so many generations and where they are held in the highest esteem. Colonel Nicholl has served for many years on' various public bodies in the neighbourhood, and at a meeting on Saturday of the Penybont Rural District Council, of which he is a mem- ber, a vote of condolence was passed with him and Mrs. Nicholl in their bereavement. The following letter received by Mrs. Nicholl, Merthyrmawr, relating to her son, Second-Lieutenant J. W. H. Nicholl, speaks for itself. It is from Captain Berkeley, D.S.O., 2nd Battalion, Welch Regiment, now in hospital in London :— I" Although he had only joined us a short time before, he will be much missed in the regiment. He joined my company, and it was so nice to have him. With his experi- ence he was so thoroughly able to take his place at once, and was doing so well. He was very brave and cool and such a good officer in every way. For the last few days he and I were the only two officers in the company, and had our little mess together, and were able to talk of home topics and get some amusement out of the life out there, to which he seemed to settle down at once and enjoy. Then on the 29th of October, in the fighing east of we heard the Germans had broken through part of our lines, and the regiment was sent forward to re-take the trenches. We ,got some way through a village, when we came under a rather heavy fire from the Germans. I had gone on in front with another platoon, and was wounded as we were trying to get a firing line out beyond the village. I had seen your boy coming on with his platoon just as we got into the village, and then later the whole regiment advanced and drove the Ger- mans back, and I understood did very well. I was then sent back to hospital and home, and next day a wounded man of ours told me that he thought your son was hit too, but he was not certain-had only been told so; and I could get no more news till I opened the paper to-day. No doubt you will hear more details from those left behind, but I thought I would tell you what I could of him up to that morning. We had been through a good deal in the short time he was with us. Some of the heaviest shelling I have ever seen with the big German guns, and some closer fight- ing, and through it all your boy did splen- didly, leading his men with great judgment and steadiness, and looking after them well. I am sure they, too, will feel his loss.

INSPECTOR FRED SMITH, HONORARY LIEUTENANT. POPULAR APPOINTMENT. I HIS SERVICES IN SOUTH AFRICA. I Police-Inspector Fred Smith, of the Gla- morgan Constabulary, who has been gazetted quartermaster and honorary lieutenant of the Glamorgan Yeomanry Reserve, is among the most popular police officers of the county, and, apart from his valuable work in the civil force, he has been an admired figure both on the football and the battle fields. As a sturdy forward he played for Cardiff for ten years, including the Metropolitans' invincible year, when Percy Bush captained the team, and among the sides he faced were the New Zealanders and South Africans. He has also played for Glamorgan on several occasions. Inspector Smith joined the Glamorgan Police Force in 1895, but two years latfcr he resigned in order to become attached to the British South African Police, and with this body he took part in the quashing of the Mashonaland Rebellion. Returning to this country in 1899, he re-joined the Glamorgan Constabulary, but he had only been with the force four months when he enlisted in the Glamorgan Squadron of the 1st Im- perial Yeomanry, led by Colonel (then Major) W. H. Wyndham-Quin, being appointed squadron sergeant-major. The work of the Imperial Yeomanry in the South African War is too well known to II nœcl. recapitulation, but the merit of indi- viduals is partly forgotten. Sergt.-Major Smith behaved with great gallantry in the field, and for his bravery was awarded the much-coveted medal for distinguished con- duct. He also holds the South African medal with four clasps. After the war the squadron formed the nucleus\for the Glamorgan Yeomanry, for which SeVgt.-Major Smith, who had re-joined the police force, acted as regimental sergeant- major up to 1911. when he was appointed in- spector in the police force, and his increased responsibilities led him to resign his Terri- torial appointment.

MAESTEG MAN CHIEF CONSTABLE I RAPID RISE. I The newly-appointed chief-constable of Clitheroe (Mr. Charles Griffin) is only 32 years of age. He was educated at Maesteg Higher Grade School, and became a schoolmaster. In 1903 he joined the Glamorgan Constabulary, and was stationed in the Rhondda Valley. Here he gained valuable experience under the present deputy-chief-constable (Superinten- dent J. Williams). Three years late*- he was appointed clerk at Grimsby, where he gained a knowledge of police office routine. His pro- motion was rapid, and he was appointed to the rank of detective in 1910. and afterwards be- came chief-clerk, with the rank of inspector.

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I LIEUT. MANSEL PHILLIPS. r LETTER FROM GERMANY. j EXTRAORDINARY KINDNZSS. I The TIv. David Phillips, vicar of New- castle, Bridgend, has received an interesting letter from his son, Lieut. Mansel Phillips, of the 2nd Suffolk Regiment, who, as previously reported, was wounded in the arm at the battle of Mons, and who has since been a pri- soner in the hands of the Germans. Writing from Aachen, Aix-le-Chapelle, Germany, on the 4th November, Lieutenant Phillips says: I left hospital on November 1st, and was transferred to this town after a two days' train journey. My wound is healing beauti- fully and I get little or no pain now. The officer said I might live in the mess of the German regiment for at least two or three days, when I should be removed to the officers prison camp not far from here. The kindness shown to me is extraordinary. I get every- thing I want. "I have just received a visit from the colonel of the regiment in whose barracks I a.m. He could not speak English, but I spoke to him in French. My coat was cut off by the doctors when I was wounded, so I had to take another belonging to a captain who died in the same hospital. After I had removed the braid and had had the bullet holes patched it fitted splendidly. I nearly jumped out of my skin w hen I arrived here and was offered some English tea—the first time since I left England. The officer in charge told me the English officer amused themselves at playing football and tennis." CARRIED BY A DRUMMER. I The Vicar has also received an extract from a letter written by Quartermaster Sergeant Williams, of the 2nd Suffolks, to a friend, in which is an interesting reference to the heroism of Drummer Jones, who carried Lieutenant Phillips out of the line of fire after he was wounded. Quartermaster-Sergeant Williams wrote:—" I am glad to see our Colonel's name (Col. Brett, who has since been reported killed) in General French's des- patches. as everyone who was present there agrees he was most cool and encouraging. Drummer Jones certainly deserved his place there also, as at the battle of Mons he carried Second-Lieutenant Phillips some distance from the firing line, under a very heavy fire, after that officer had fallen."

OVER 200 RECRUITS. I This week has been a busy one for the re- cruiting officers in the Bridgend &rea for over two hundred men have come forward and have enlisted. This number is the record for the district and the men can be commended on their patriotic action. There are still many men of martial age and who will meet the martial requirements, however, who could offer themselves if they would. Let us hope that their stay behind will not be prolonged much longer, and that they will come before the recruiting officer offering to join their comrades in the fight for hearth and home. The standard has been lowered to 5ft. 3ins. and, as practically all the regiments of the line are taking recruits, lack of selection cannot keep men from joining. The North Wales Battalion of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers is open for recruits for good- class commercial men. The minimum height is 5ft. 3ins.. In the past this Bat- talion has only been open for University men and school teachers. It is satisfactory to learn that the in- creased number of recruits this week is not due to any special rally in any one district. Each district has contributed its quota, al- though Garth and surrounding districts have rallied exceedingly well.

PENCOED. I One satisfactory feature of recruiting locally is the enlistment of a few young men from the outlying districts. Hitherto every recruit, without any exception that we are aware of, had come from the village. This week three or four have come forward from outside the village. This example, it is to be hoped, will be followed by farmers' sons and others. Amongst those at the front from whom news has been received are Private W. Jones, Croft House, Pen prisk. and Private Goss. The for- mer, although in France, has as yet not reached the fighting line. The latter, also, is in France, and is, according to latest accounts, doing well. One officer with local connec- tions is in command of a Fusilier Battalion at Malta. The officer we refer to is Lieut.- Colonel Arthur Howell. Colonel Howell is a son of the late Dean Howell, of St. David's, and a nephew of Mr. W. Howell, J.P.

YEOMANRY CONCERT AT BRIDGEND I SUCCESSFUL EVENT. I In these days when the very air we breathe seems to be permeated with the echoes of war it was pleasant to hear the concert given at the Di,ill -hall, Bridgend, on Wednesday evening. It must be confessed, however, that the present warring among nations was brought vividly before the attention of the large audience for the proceeds of the event were divided between the town Belgian Re- fugee Fund and the town fund in aid of Soldiers and Sailors. In addition, except for the lady contributors, the artistes were mem- bers of the Glamorgan Yeomanry. In a programme embracing near ly a score of items, some admirable contributiCJllls were put befdje a thoroughly appreciative audi- ence Trooper F. C. Rees introduced the pro- gramme with a pianoforte solo, very well rendered. The Reserve Glamorgan Yeo- manry Party gave a glee, "Soldiers' Chorus, in which the voices blended admirably and the piece was warmly appreciated. Lieut. J. Downes Powell. Sergt. R. O. Clarke. and Troopers C. G. Pynes, Llewellyn Walters, V. D. Cullis, T. Ford and Rowlands, all con- tributed songs with much sueoess. The hu- morous element was provided by Sergt. Ll. Howell and Trooper Griff Nott, who proved themselves adepts at raising laughter. Two charming duets were given by Miss Doris M. Davies and Miss E. Roberts;. Both these lad- ies are well-known in musical circles in the district, and they enhanced their reputation on this occasion. They were also individu- ally heard in songs, when again the audience showed their appreciation in no uncertain manner. Trooper Ernest Sterl provided an acceptable diversion in the best of songs when he gave an euphonium solo. Trooper L. Korth gave an admirable display with the In- dian clubs while Trooper Geoff Price with a female impersonate. "Come sing to me." "brought down the house." Quartermaster Sergt. J. Joshua, as an elocutionist, was also interesting and acceptable. Altogether, the concert was an unqualified i success and should materially help the worthy cause for which it was held. The accompanists were Trooper H. West and F. C. Rees, while the musical director was Trooper Llewellyn Walters, and the stage manager. Trooper Thomas Ford.

I BILLETING RECRUITS. I ALLEGED UNFAIR DISTRIBUTION AND PAYMENT. BRIDGEND COUNCIL'S RESOLUTION. At Bridgend Council on Tuesday, Mr. M. Stradling in the chair, the following resolution was proposed by Mr. G. Be van :— That this Council strongly protests against the action of the military authori- ties in compelling recruits of the Glamor- gan Yeomanry Reserve to billet in public- houses at Bridgend, as being injurious to the service and detrimental to recruiting; and also urges upon authorities the desir- ability of adopting a uniform rule of pay- ment for billeting in lieu of the present un- fair system, whereby many persons receive for the same accommodation 68 per oent. more than others. In moving the resolution, he said the matter of recruiting was troubling a goo d many people in Bridgend. The War Office asked the Council to take up the question and assist as much as possible. But lie did not think the Council could do much, in face of the fact that recruits were being compelled to billet in pub- lic-houses. He contended that that should not be. They should be allowed to billet else- w here if they did not desire to be on licensed premises. Then there was the question of payment. Those billetted at home were at first allowed only 2s. a day. Then it went up to 2s. 3d. Others were billetted in private houses at 3s. 4id. per day, while public houses remained at 2s. 3d. Then they reduced re- cruits billetting at home to 2s. again, and last week they only got 8s. for the fortnight. He did not blame the officers, who were aetingøn instructions from headquarters. But it was a public matter, and the Council ought to take it up in order to get at the bottom of things. The present scales of payment were manifestly unfair. Mr. E. Preece Is there any compulsion re- garding billetting? I have not heard of it. but I do think there ought to be a more equal distribution of recruits. I know of houses where there are as many as six, while other people who have had their names down on the books for a long time cannot get one. I think all those who desire should derive some benefit from the billetting. The Chairman Licensed premises are com- pelled to take as many recruits as they can accommodate. Out of the eight I have, four at least are teetotallers, and I have found them all a fine body of men. Three-fourths, I believe, are teetotallers. 1, Mr. J. G. Jenkins: The principles of the proposal are quite right. We ought not to compel men to billet in public-houses. Wher- ever they billet the payment should be the same. Parents have given their sons to fight, and yet while they remain at home they are being paid less than if they billetted other re- cruits. This notwithstanding they are losing the wages of the boys. Mr. Abbott also contended that the differ- ent scales of payment were unjust, and it oc- curred to him that the officers were somewhat lax. They had brought these different scales in. and were now getting muddled. The pay- ment made to the Yeomanry in Bridgend, he understood, was in excess of that paid in any other part of the country. The men were second to none, and he thought young men of good social standing should not be compelled against their desire to billet in public-houses. The resolution was passed, and it was agreed to forward a copy of it to Colonel Venables Llewelyn, commanding the troop in Bridgend; Lord Kftchener, and Mr. W. Brace, M.P.

YLAAMSCH NIEUWS. I VOOR BELGISCHE VLUCHTELINGEN. I (Door M. J. De HONT). I Verschillende belangrijke feiten vielen in de laatste dagen voor, maar die echter in den algemeenen stand de zaken, weinig of geen verandeling brengen. Het Fransche officieel bericht van gis^eren namiddag meldt dat alleen tusschen Nieuw- poort en de Leie de strijd hevig voortwoedde. Noordwaarts van Nieuwpoort gelukten de verbondenen er in Lombaertzijde terug in te nemen, en den vijand tot voorbij die plaate achteruit te drijven. Later in den namiddag konden de Duitschers echter Dixmuide stormenderhand innemen, maar dit ten prijze van hevige verliezen aan menschenlevens. Verwoc-de aanvallen werden nog op verschil- lende andere punten de linie gedaan, maar werden alien door de Britsche troepen afges- lagen. Langs de rest van het front* is er weinig verandering, uitgenomen dat een weinig vooruitgang gemaakt werd door de Franschen ten noord n van Soissons en in de streek van Vailly, op den rechteroever der Aisne. Buiten deze twee punten liet het slechte weder geene groote Krijgsverrichtingen toe. Alleen niet gewichtige gevechten tusschen afzonderlijke patrouilles grepen plaats. Deze week viel na belegering de Duitsche krijgsplaats Tsing-Tao (in het Oosten) in de handen der verbondene Engelsche en Japaan- sche vloten. Drie oorlogschepen en vijf transportschepen werden buitgemaakt. De vermaarde Duitsche Kruiser Emden, die sinds het degin van den oorlog zoovele handslsschepen buit maakte. werd deze week ontdekt terwijl hij trachte een telegraafkabel oevr te snijden. Hij werd door den kruiser Sydney der Australische vloot gedwongen te vee liter). wertl in brand geechoten t>n gezonken. Ongeveer 200 man der bemanning wa-i-en dood. de anderen, waaronder de kapi- tain en een Duitsche prins werden gevangen genonien.

BRIDGEND CINEMA. I Fasola, described as the Indian Fakir, is doing great business this week at the Cinema in his mysterious mysteries. Some of his work is startling. It is rumoured that by the aid of his gifts, Fasola will jump over the Town Hall at 7 p.m. on Friday. None should miss seeing him this week in his ex- traordinary performance. Milo, who is down on the bills'as the strongest man on earth. gives a wonderful exhibition of strength. Jack Harrison, is a comical comedian, and Beck, the Australian vocalist, is worth hearing. The pictures are again of that high class quality f»r which the Cinema is well-known and include to-night and to- morrow night "A Deal with the Devil." Next week another big engagement has been made by Mr. Pitt for the Cinema. The appearance of Miss Lottie Lennox, the star comedienne of the present day. will sing all her latest ditties. Miss Lennox lio-lds the same ixrsition in vaudeville at the present time that Miss Vesta Tilley used to do some years ago. and will visit Bridgend straight from her recent success on the big London halls. Another poweriul engagement is "The Marcus Sextette," in a strong vocal act. Some excellent pictures will be shown, including the star nims, "A Leaf from the Past," and the "Mysterious Leopard Lady." Mr. Pitt has booked the late Wilson Barrett's great photo play. "The Sign of the Cross," which is a beautiful production in six parts. to be shown at the Cinema shortly. This picture has caused a furore throughout the country.

# ♦ The 'Phone. «,* t RECEIVED BY THE OPERATOR, Mr. John Rowe. of^Lias Cottages, Porth- caw l, has joined the colours. He* has four sons. a son-in-law and two brothers berving with the oolours. t'our ;ons Mrs. Arthur, of PcrtL??I, h, four ?ons with the colours. Mr. William Loveluck, Porthcawl, a National Reservist himself, has three sons with the oolours. WWW A Welsh Army recruiting meeting, under, the joint auspices of the Liberal and Conserva- tive Associations of South Glamorgan, was held at St. Bride's Major on Tuesday, when appeals for recruits were made by Mr. David I Rhys, barrister, London, and Mr. T. W. Dob- son, ex-M.P. for Plymouth. Mr. H. O. Irvine presided. Mr. Llewellyn Davies. Liberal agent, and Mr. H. R. Topping, Conservative agent, were among those present. The Bridgend police are setting a good ex- ample to other young men. No fewer than four members of the staff left this week to join some branch of the new army. P.C. Charles James, P.C. Evan Parr, P.C. Thomas Franeh- combe. and P.C. Hugh Oliver have joined the 2nd Dragoon Guards, and P.C. Edward Hop- kins has joined the Glamorgan Yeomanry. Parr and Hopkins are two Bridgend Rugby footballers, and have both appeared in the ranks of the town's premier team. < < At the Cinema to-night and to-morrow night the star pioture is "A Deal with the Devil." We have been requested to state that the Kaiser being unavoidably detained spilling blood in France has sent his de- puty. "Italy has joined Austria" was the .startl- ing information conveyed by one Bridgend wag to another one day this week. The last message from the nurse is that he is progress- ing as well es can be expected. Think it out, or to save trouble, look at the map. Mr. Morgan Stradling has begun to assert his authority to try to keep his unruly col- leagues in order. We admire his pluck, for no other chairman has yet been able to stop the humour of the irrepressible Mr. Preeop. Congratulation to Insp. Fred Smith upon his appointment as Quartermaster to the Hon. rank of Lieutenant of the Glamorgan Yeomanry Reserves. We are sure he will be as popular in his new position as he was in the Police Force. • • • There appears to be an impression in the town that Mr. Karl has been taken to a concentration camp. He has. in fact, gone to Worcester, where he has taken apart- ments. It was bi consequence of the Gov- ernment order that he was requested to leave Glamorgan, which is a prohibited area. < Newbridge Fields is now a favourite walk, but it would be advisable, in view of the late hours kept, that the approaches should be given the benefit of lamps. w Three sons of Mr. L. O. Morgan. manager of the London City & Midlajid Bank, Ltd., Maesteg. are serving with the Forces. Their eldest son, Mr. Trevor O. Morgan. was until he joined atta.che-d to the staff of the Cam- bria Daily Leader," is a Lance Corporal in the 6th Welsh Battalion, which is now on "Active service at the front. The second son, Mr. W. Leslie Morgan (an old "Queenson- ian,") is with the Public School Corps, at Aslistead, Surrey, and their third son, Mr. Vernon Morgan, is with the 7th Welsh Cycl- ing Corps, at present located in Cardiff. This is certainly a very good record for one family. < The extraordinary number of young re- cruits in the district who do not know their parents Christian names, often cause some bewilderment to the recruiting officers. 0 0 One recruit was not quite sure where his parents lived—although he was sure they lived in the district—and having never mixed with his relatives, he gave the people with whom he had lived for some years, as his nearest of kin. although he knew they were not relatives! While some porters were pushing some trol- ley loads of fish across the rails at a railway station near Bl'idbnd. one of the boxe? fell off. burst open. and the fish were thrown all $<. over tlie metals! We were wondering wha.t the porters said and also what was in the mind of the fishmonger when he received his goods covei-oti xi-itli grease and dirt. » • "How old are you," asked the recruiting officer to a stalwart young collier who offered himself for enlistment, not fifty miles from Bridgend. "Nineteen in January," replied the applicant. "Ah, you are too young by two months," said the officer sadly. "But if er- you cared to er- He looked keenJy at the applicant, who returned the gaze and with a knowing wink replied, "I'm sorry. I must have made n mistake. I'm just 19." He was signed on. • • • A gallant young soldier writing home' to his parents in Bridgend tells how. having per- formed a small service for a French woman, 1 she rewarded him with a resounding kiss en the cheek. "But." he writes, "it was all right. She was Pit least fifty years old!"

SUDDEN DEATH IT PORTHCAWL. EX-POLICE INSPECTOR'S END. I While ex-Inspector Morgan Jenkins. who resided at Porthcawl. was having breakfast on Tuesday morning his wife noticed his cup slip out of his hand. He appeared to be very ill, and Mrs. Jenkins immediately sent for Dr. Hartland. who declared life to be extinct. Mr. Jenkins joined the Cardiff City police force in 1876. He was promoted sergeant in March, 1889, and inspector in 1903.

THE PALACE. BRIDGEND. The Palace has been showing some splen- did pictures this week and the management deserved the crowds tliat attended. Next week some exclusive films have been secured including a great war picture, "Whirlpool of War," and "Women of the People," for the first three nights. and a five-part drama., "Roeambole-the Terror of Paris. and "Sons of the Sea., a picture based on the nai-al figlit off Heligoland, on the last three nights. Nobody should miss the Palace next week.

The new Mayor (Councillor W. J. Williams) occupied the chair at the Borough Police Court on Thursday, and the first case which came before him was that of Blodwen Han- corn. of Water Street. Aberavon, who was charged with having obstructed the pathway by exhibiting goods outside her shop. His Worship, in view of its being the first case, exercised his clemency, and dismissed the case. ✓