The Glamorgan Gazette

NOTES & COMMENTS. I Those who saw the film, entitled, The Warning" at the Bridgend Cinema a short while back will bear us out in saying that it was a really powerful indictment of the drink ¡ —a "warning" that could not fail to impress the least thoughtless. I i i i The Cinema is so often pitched on to bear I the blame for whatever goes wrong, especially for what goes wrong among the street arab I, fraternity, that it is pleasant to be able hon- estly to speak a good word for it. If the cinema can be a powerful agent for evil, as it, undoubtedly can, its power for good is in pro- portion. Ill The Drymma Institution for Fee ble-minde-cl, which the Bridgend Guardians (as Rev. David Phillips is fond of reminding them) are at con- -siderable expense to help to maintain, seems likely to prove somewhat of a white elephant as far as they are concerned. The thing is not without its humorous side—at least, if you don't happen to be a ratepayer. (If you do, then perhaps the joke will not appeal to you). The position is this: The "Institution" is not intended for certified lunatics-. On the other hand, the merely feeble-minded, for whom it is intended, cannot be incarcerated against their will, or the will of their friends, and, to their pained astonishment, the Guardians find that no one is exactly yearning to enter it, or to send their friends there. Extraordinary! But there it is. j 1i i Two attempts were made on Saturday by the House Committee, through their spokes- j man (Rev. David Phillips), to get recruits for the Institution. In the first place, there were the three or four feeble-minded persons living at Maesteg, whom it was proposed to force into the Home. Here the gods were against Cato—we beg his pardon, Rev. D. Phillips— and his committee, and the Board decided, by j a fairly decisive majority, not to stop the' "relief" now being paid to the relatives of these men. Not that there was any difference of opinion as to the desirability of getting: the poor creatures into the Home. On that! point the Board was practically unanimous. I But it was instinctively felt-and, on the i whole we think, rightly felt-that to force ¡ them there, and to force them by the rather! I ugly method of "starving" them-was not a j procedure that ought to be adopted. As ( Mr T. W. Job put it, the remedy would be, worse than the disease—even if it proved a remedy at all, which was by no means certain. I « « or It n II In the other case the proposal was to trans- fer a couple of mild and more or less "suit- able" cases from the County Asylum to the Home. Here the committee, and their ener- getic representative, had better success in their efforts. In spite of Mr. T. J. Job's ar- gument that to send these two "cases" to the Home would be tantamount to an acknowledg- ment that they ought never to have been sent to the Asylum-a damaging confession, as Mr. Job remarked; in spite also of the Clerk's ruling that the two men, being certified luna- .tics, could not go to the Drymma unless form- ally discharged from the Asylum by the Commissioners, the Board sided with Mr. Phillips, and the two cases are to be sent to the Home. Ill To keep the Drymma Institution half empty, when there are Asylum cases which would be obviously better there than in the Asylum, does, on the face of it, seem a little absurd. On the other hand, we certainly think the other side had all the logic of the argument. And what about the legal aspect? 1 1 1 The Government evidently means to speed things up in the matter of getting men for the Army. "No conditional exemptions for men under 30," is the latest word that has gone forth The Tribunals can grant such ex- emption—no attempt is made to interfere with the free exercise of their judicial rights in this respect—but the Military representatives have given notice that their instructions are to .appeal against them. These instructions, moreover, are retrospective that is to say, all -cases where conditional exemption has been granted to men under 30 are to be revised. In short, a general "combing out" of young men is in full swing. •i I 1 T ) At Friday's meeting of the Ogmore and, Garw Council, Dr. Peebles, the Council's I medical officer, was able to report a most gra- vtifying decrease in the death rate in' the i Council's area, especially in the Garw. This is a state of things on which the people of the two valleys are to be highly congratulated, for a decreased death rate means a decreased Bickness rate—a decreased suffering rate. Putting it at its lowest, it means a decrease of expense. The death rate for the two, galleys for the quarter was 8.5 per 1,000, as fcattipared with 9.2 last year. This, Dr. Peebles pointed out, is extremely low. In- deed, he added, it might be doubled and yet ,be considered satisfactory. Dr. Peebles is a man who weighs his words, and this pro- nouncement from him must be a matter of sin- pere congratulation both to the Ogmore and IGarw Council and to the people in the area Concerned.

BRIDGEND RED CROSS HOSPITAL. I First Aid Classes will be held on Thursday evenings, from 5 p.m. to 6.30. Anyone wish- ing to take the course are asked to send in their names to the Commandant, Red Cross Hospital Bridgend, at once. Fee for the Course, Two Shillings. Date of commencement and place of Lecture will be advertised next week. 8848

PRIZE DRAWING (P. Roberts), Postponed. 8871 D. Thomas, Decorator, Nolton Street, fine lrt and Antique Dealer. Best Prices Given. HERMON C.M.—Preacher next Sunday, the Rev. R. C. Lewis, B.A., Pencoed. Morning, 10.30 (Welsh); Evening, 6 o'clock (English). 8851 The Celebrated Lipton's Teas and Provi- sions may be had of the Agent for Bridgend- r. Woodward, near The Bridge.

EISTEDDFODIC SUCCESS—On Saturday last, at Cymmer, Miss Jenny Griffiths, Nanty- ffyllon, a pupil of Madame Sambrook-Jones, carried off the first prize in the Contralto com- petition. 8883 MABON AT BRIDGEND. Yesterday Mabon," the doyen of the miners' leaders, was in Bridgend, looking remarkably well and fit, with a familiar nod, a genial smile, and for everyone a word of cheer. CORRECTION. Mr. Rees Jones, junr., Coychurch, writes to correct the statement that he is the contractor for the collieries that are being sunk at Meiros. He writes: The pits have not yet been let for contract, to my knowledge, and I am only the contrac- tor for the surface preparations." STREET ACCIDENT.—A rather serious ac- cident happened on Wednesday night to Mr. Richard Cheesman, a driver in the employ of Stiles' Brewery, who, near the Town Hall, was thrown from his cart, and sustained injuries which necessitated his removal to Bridgend Cottage Hospital, where he was detained. WILL OF LATE CAPT. FOOT.-Captain James Stanley Root, the Welsh Regiment, attached Gloucester Regiment, of Dolcoed, Park-street, Bridgend, one of H.M. Inspec- tors of Mines for the South Wales district, who was killed in France on July 30th, left £ 1,109. Probate is granted to his father, James Nathaniel Foot, of Ilford. The testae- tor left all the property to his wife for life or widowhood, with remainder to his children. HARVEST SERVICES.—The thanksgiving services of the Tabernacle Chapel were held on Wednesday last. A prayer meeting was held in the afternoon. At the evening ser- vice Rev. James Llewellyn (Hermon) preached an excellent sermon. The chapel had been tastefully decorated by the ladies of the con- gregation with corn, flowers, fruits, and vege- tables, which are to be given to the hospitals of the town. The singing, led by Mr. Rhys Williams (the precentor) was of a high order. Miss G. Williams was at the organ. The pastor (Rev. H. E. Rogers, B.A.) presided, and the collection was towards the L.M.S. WOUNDED AT SOUTHERNDOWN.— Another successful concert was given at Mr. Hardee's Cafe, Ogmore-on-Sea, on Thursday of last week by the wounded soldiers at Tus- kar House Red Cross Hospital, assisted by the nurses and some friends. With the ex- ception of one (Billy Pip-Squeak) all the I members of the celebrated Whiz-Bang Min- 1 strels have left the hospital, fully recovered, j so the artistes were all. new. Mr. D. J. I Gwyn, Biidgend, occupied the chair. The programme was as follows:—Pianoforte solo, Miss F. Pearce; song, Driver Thomas (A.S. C.) song, Signallei Stubbins (D.C. L. I.) recitation, Niti,,e Mcllquham; I song, Miss Wilkins; song, Nurse Ace; reci- tation, Mr. D. J. Gwyn; song, Pte. Ward (Loyal Noith Lanes); mandoline solo, Miss i V. Williams; song, Miss Wilkins; recitation, Nurse Mcllquham; song, Pte. Ellis (Gordon Highlanders); duet, Nurse Bevan and Nurse Jones; song, Signaller Stubbings; recitation, Mr. D. J. Gwyn. KILLED IN ACTION.—At the English Congregational Church, Biidgend, on Sun- day night the announcement was made that Sergeant Joseph Bennett, a former member cf the church, had been killed in action. Sergeant Bennett was at one time employed by Mr. George Dobbins, tobacconist, Bridg- end, as a traveller. He was a native of Totnes, and bclorrad to the Somerset Light Infantry.—A memorial service for the fallen soldier was held at the Church on Tuesday. The pastor (Rev. W. Evans, B.A.), who pre- sided, made reference to his genial disposi- tion and his active and, willing services ren- dered to the church, especially with the chil- dren. A touching part of the service was the presence of some little children of his Sunday morning class, who presented flowers "I n loving memory of a faithful teacher and Band of Hope worker. One of Britain's gal- lant heroes, v, ho gave his life for his coun- try. Lovingly remembered by many mem- bers of the Band of Hope and Morning Sun- day School."

BLAZE AT BRIDGEND. I REFUGEES BURNT OUT. I To be practically shelled out of one's own country, and then burnt out of one's home in another, is the fate that happily falls to few. It is, however, the fate that has overtaken the Bridgend Belgian Refugees, for on Fri- day of last week the house they occupied in Ackland Road, Coity Fields, Bridgend, was gutted by fire, and had to be evacuated. The fire broke out late in the afternoon. The police, under Inspector Rees Davies and Sergeants Snow and Loveluck, were soon on the scene, and the fire brigade, under Captain Hodder, also quickly assembled on the sound- ing of the syren at the electric light works. The police and firemen and the neighbours removed a good deal of the furniture. With I some difficulty the fire brigade managed to I subdue the fire, which had got a strong Tiold I on the upstairs rooms and the roof, which I were practically destroyed. The tire appears to have broken out on the staircase landing, and is believed to have come from the chim- ney. The Belgians staying in the house have found temporary accommodation with some hospitable townspeople.

Advents*; in the Glamorgan Gazette." If you want to sell, buy or exchange; you I I cannot do better-

WINNING THE WAR. ♦ CALL FOR FIT YOUNG MEN. PENYBONT REVIEW EXEMPTIONS. At a meeting of Penybont Local Tribunal, held on Tuesday night at the Union Offices, Bridgend (Mr. T. Butler presiding), a letter was read from Mr. Walter Long formulating suggestions for the cultivation of land with a view of releasing as many men as possible for Military servive. Fit young men were of the highest value for the Army, and only on the strongest grounds can be retained in civil employment. Mr. R. L. Knight, Mili- tary representative, wrote applying for a re- view of all exemptions affecting men up to the age of 30, whether such men are married or single, attested or unattested, or whether the exemptions already granted to them were absolute, conditional, or temporary. A Member asked what was the reason. 1 Mr. J. P. Williams (on behalf of the Mili-, tary authorities) replied that the application j was made upon the ground of Military ur- j gency, and did not apply to men engaged in agriculture. ) After some little discussion, the Tribunal agreed to the request. I I HIS YOICE-HIS LIVING. In the adjourned case of William D. Rees, a native of Maesteg, and now living at 11 Picton Street, Kenfig Hill, music hall artist, applicant, who is 28 and married, set out that if he were to go serious hardship would follow, as his wife and family were entirely dependent upon him. An ex-collier, he now earned his living with his voice, and, with his wife, travelled from town to town. His wife also sang with him, but she could not carry on without him. nor could be without her, one alone not being a success without the other. Adjourned for a fortnight for the appli- cant to go before the Medical Board. I ALREADY IN V.T.C. I John Francis Powell, hotel proprietor, Marine Hotel, Southerndown, and the "only man on the premises," appealed on the score of financial hardship. Applicant, who, in reply to a question, said he was in the V.T.C., was conditionally exempted. William Anthony Jury, Mill Cottages, Ogmore-by-Sea. -Applicant is aged 18, and is in the employ of Colonel Nicholl as a gar- dener. Applicant's mother appeared, and said she already had in the Army three sons, one of whom has been wounded.—The Tri- bunal gave three months' exemption. ASYLUM EXEMPTIONS. The Military authorities laised no objec- ticn to the condit:. n 1 exemption of John Isaiah Tbcmas, farm bailiff and Samuel Lloyd, cowman, at Glamorgan County Asy-1 lum, and as many cf the attendants as could possibly be spared, were rlso conditionally exempted until November 30th. John Wilfred Jaccbs, chauffeur to Dr. Parrv. Abei kenfig:. having been reiected on I medical grounds, was given conditional ex- emption. The doctor, in reply to a questionr, said he had made no effort to get a lady chau- ffeur, and were he to try, he was sure he would not succeed at Aberkenfig r Albert Bond, working foreman for E. A. Bond and Co., builders, Aberkenfig, was I specially wanted to finish a school contract, and was allowed three months' exemption. I MILITARY SERVICE MEN. I Pionounced to be medically unfit, Emman- uel Cornelius Chivers, manual teacher, St. Bride's Road, Aberkenfig, was conditionally exemp ted. Glyn S, ttcn. Wick, is a timber haulier, with cne brother in the Army and another in tli3 Navy, ard ft present occupied in sup- plying p' wood to ecll''rV —Adjourned for I a mon fc. the employers to find a substitute, I ineligible f: L the Army.

ORDER OF BUFFALOES. INSTALLATION CEREMONY AT BRIDGEND. The interesting ceremony took place at the. Lord Kitchener Ledge, No. 2025, of the Royal Antediluvian Older of Buffaloes, held at tli J Ship Hctel, Bridgend, on Wednesday! of last wcrk, of laising to the Second Degree and the office of Primoship of the Order three brothers of the Lcrd Kitchener Lodge, viz., Fivd James Powell (Kenfig Hill), John. Pcttinger, and Wm. Bcnehill The install- ing officer was Knight "Sir" Frederick Hurley, K.O.M., Worthy President of the Maesteg Distiict Primo Lodge, who was ac- companie d by the Right Hon. "Sir" Charles Nicholls, R.O.H., R.O.M., Deputy President of the Certifying Council; "Sir" Thomas Lawton, K.O.M., Vice-President; "Sir" T. E. Thomas, K.O.M., Secretary of the District Primo Ledge; and "Sir" Arthur GodfeeltJ K.O.M., one of the Lodge founders. The proceedings commenced with the open- i ing of the Lodge by Knight "Sir" Pfeter; Morris, K.O.M., accompanied by "Sir" M R. Scott, K. O.M.. Lodge secretary, and » good I assembly of Pi imos and brethren of the I Order. Regalia visiirs were paid by the, Maesteg District Ftlrno Lodge, the Prince of j Wales Lodge, Abeik?nng; the "S? Chafes Nicholls Lodge, Tandu; and the Brogden Lodge, PorthcawL The recorded attend-, ance for the evening was 70 Knights, Primos and Brethren of the Order. During the eve- ning the ceremony of placing each of the newly-installed Primes to occupy the Lodge chair was carried out. Each filled it with great distinction. During the evening songs, etc., under the direction of Brother Weeks, wera rPTIoprpd bv Brothers Tudor Daea, Newman, W. Hargreaves, and E. Lewis, and Primo Fred James Powell, a prize offered for competition being won by the latter. The Lodge was closed by Knight Sir" Peter I Morris, K.O.M., the Worthy Primo of the: Lodge. I

I Advertise in the "Glamorgan Gazette. I [f you want to sell, buy or exchange; you I cannot do better.

ABERKENFIG SOLDIER MISSING. I Pte. Thos. Price Nicholas, 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, 6th I.B.D., France, has been missing since 24th July. His mother, Mrs. Allen, who lives at the Rhyd Cottage, Aber- I Pte. Thos. Price Nicholas. kenfig, would be grateful for any news of her. boy. Prior to enlisting he worked at the Coy-' I trahen Colliery, and was only 18 last birthday.. He had only been a few days in the trenches, when be was missing.

it "0 i "OOR DAY." I v J BRIDGEND FLAG DAY EFFORT. The Red Cross Flag Street Collection at j Bridgend, for "Our Day," Tesultoo imt gross collection of £ 59 8s. 4d. Thanks are due to < the local detachments and the wounded soldiers for their work, and also to Mrs. Bentley and her helpers for the excellent re- suit of the cake competition. The collections I were as follows:— Cake Stall: £ 26 14s. 2d. Collecting Boxes:—Miss Bevan, 7s. 3d.; Miss Stockwocd, £ 2 5s. 7d. Misses Morgan and Hughes (Coity), tl 15s. 8d.; Miss N. Red- grave, ?2 8s. 7d. Miss Connie Redgrave, £ 1 12s. 3d. Pte. Vickers, ?2 12s. 5d.; Pte. Kelly, £ 2 10s. 5d.; Miss Daniel, ?1 8s. 1d.; Mrs. Fraser Jenkins, JE2 8s. lOd.; Misses Howells and Davies (Coity), JE1 18s. lOd. Mrs. Stock- wood, £1 9s. 4d. Miss Mason/ £ 1 18s. lid.; Miss Leach, Ll 12s. 3d.; Miss Powell, E2 Os. lOd. Miss Houlston, 10s. 3d.; Miss Elizabeth Rees, 18s. Miss Randall, R2 8s. Mrs. H. J. Randall, £1 17s. 8d.; Mrs. Harwood Jones, 8s. 5d.; Miss J .Pearce, 4s. 4d.; Miss Abbott, 10s. lOd.; Miss E. Abbott, tl ls. 9d.; per Mrs. | Verity, 4s. 6d. 8884

BRIDGEND BELGIANS' MISFORTUNE I To the Editor Sir,—Probably your issue of this week will contain an account of the fire which last Fri- day occurred in the house in Ackland Road occupied by Belgian Refugees, who are the guests of the Town Committee. It is unfortunate that, while most of the furniture was saved-thanks to the efforts of the Police and others-some bed clothes and the personal belongings of the residents them- selves were destroyed, the room selected by them for the storing and airing being the one in the attic which appears to have been the scene of the origin of the fire. The Committee are satisfied that the in- mates themselves were not to blame for the fire, and meanwhile the loss that they have sustained personally is to them very serious. There are now eight persons-the guests of the Towfi Committee—whose ages range from 10 to 87. The men of military age, and those capable of supporting themselves, have found occupations alsewhere, and some of the younger members are now commencing to work and earn their own living. Meanwhile the loss that they have sustained ought to be made up, and the Committee are asking for the help of those who sympathise with the Belgians in I their adversity, and especially under the cir- cumstances which pertain in regard to those at Bridgend, to make good the loss of clothes, bed-clothes, etc., which has been caused by the fire. May we also ask that those who have hitherto helped to maintain those of the Refugees who are unable to maintain them- selves, should continue their subscriptions, and that those who have not hitherto helped should commence theirs? Canvassers have been appointed, and we hope that their calls will not be made in vain. I The special object of this letter, however, is to ask for help to make good the personal loss sustained through this fire. A subscription list has been opened, and the following amounts have been promised. Further sub- scriptions are asked, and will be gratefully re- ceived by either of the undersigned. S. H. STOCKWOOD, Chairman. J. T. HOWELL, Secretary. Bridgend, 19th October, 1916. I £ s d S. H. Stockwood 5 0 0 Miss Stuchbery 2 2 0 Mrs. Allen 1 1 0 F. Hodges 1 1 0 J. T. Howell 1 1 0

BRIDGEND POLICE COURT. Thursday (yesterday).—Before: Mr. D. H. Lloyd and Dr. E. J. Parry. I ABSENTEEISM. I William Nicholas (37), repairer, Ogwy St., Nantymoel, was charged with absenting him- self from military service at Port Talbot, on June 24th last. Inspector Rees Davies said defendant was a repairer, who had been working at Blaen- gwynfi. Some months ago he ceased work, and j never applied for exemption. Called: up on June 24th, he did not appear. He was traced to Blackmill, where his arrest was effect-ed by P.C. Mendus. Upon witness charging him, he replied that he never had a notice. He admitted not having notified his change of address to the Military authorities. He also alleged that he had been ill, but he was un-, able to produce a medical certificate in proof i thereof. j He was fined zCl, and ordered to be handed I over to the Military authorities.

I BRIDGEND GROUP OF SCHOOLS I i MANA GER'S MEETING. I A meeting of the Managers of Bridgend Group of Council Schools was held yesterday (Thursday) afternoon, at the Council Schools, Bridgend. The members present were: Mr. George Harris (chairman), Rev. Owen Davies (Llantwit Major). Rev. Owen Jones (Rector ) of Llangan), Messrs. James Palfreman (Heoly- cyw), and Mr. Harry Lewis (Bridgend). In the absence, through illness, of Mr. E. I Preece, Mr. D. Llewellyn (solicitor) acted as clerk. The school attendance returns having been considered, the Chairman, addressing the at- i uendanceofficers, said the Managers wished to appeal to them to do all in their power to in- crease the percentage of attendances. j One of the officers (Mr. Phillips) complained that the attendance at Llantwit Major was not what it ought to be. He summoned some I at the last Court, and certain of the children had stayed away ever since. He asked for permission to prosecute in all cases until regu- larity of attendance was assured. The Managers consented, and the Chairman said they would do all they could to assist. An application was read from Mr. I. Williams, one of the managers of St. Athan Rural School, suggesting that in the interests t of the younger children—many of whom had to walk long distances-the time had come for the hours of attendance to be altered to 9 until ¡ 12 in the morning, and 1 until 3.30 in the afternoon—an alteration which would be much better for the little ones who had to walk long distances these dark nights. It was decided to forward the letter to Dr. James for his approval.

BRIDGEND TRADESMAN'S FAILURE. I A meeting of the creditors of Arthur Regi- nald Mead, of Wyndham Street, Bridgend, and carrying on business at Wyndham Street, Bridgend, and High Street, Ogmore Vale, wholesale fruit and potato importer and com- mission agent, was held at the Official Re- ceiver's Office, Cardiff, on Tuesday. Accord- ing to the debtor's statement the gross liabili- ties are £ 1,145. of which £ 1,093 is expected to I rank for dividend. The deficiency is esti- mated at t834. The causes of failure, as given by debtor, are want of capital, payment of costs in action brought against him, and loss on branch at Ogmore Vale. The matter was left in the hands of the Official Receiver,

I SMALL TALK. Mr. J. G. Jenkins, headmaster of Peny- bont Boys' School, Bridgend, is one of the surviving members of Caradoc's famous choir. 1 1 1 Not many Oddfellows Lodges, one imagines, can boast of so faithful a member as Mr. Henry Davies, of Springfield, Massa- chusetts, a brother of the late Mr. William Davies (Gwilym Glan Ogwy). Ill Mr. Davies is a "member of the Bridgend Lodge, and though it is many years ago since he emigrated to America, he still continues to send his subscriptions regularly. Ill I Many ancient customs and offices have j fallen into oblivion, and from the wreck there j is urgent need for the restoration of the gentleman who used to hold the honourable and dignified post of "ale taster" 111 There are many beer tasters, but it is not given to everyone to be an expect. To be a complete success in that line pre-supposes long training and continuous practice. Ill As the Licensing Laws become increasingly drastic and severe, and the police more and more inquisitive, other people, as well, ever on the alert, and stung by what they deem to be methods, more or less inquisitorial, seek by devious means to evade the law, and de- ceive those whose duty it is to administer the law. Ill For one thing-bar drinks have been revo- lutionised, in colour and nature, in substance and in quality. The mere novice could once pronounce by colour alone. He could easily enough, by its very colour, say that this was beer and that porter, or cider, and the veriest tyro of a school boy could straightway distinguish "pop" or even the delectable "shandy gaff" from intoxicating beverages. Ill The sense of colour is now simply valueless, and even one's own eyes may be deceived— as that which has froth on the top is not necessarily beer. The average palate is a poor criterion, and would not be accepted in the Police Court against the professional ex- pert with a sense of taste so exquisite as to be able withopt any doubt to determine whether that which seemed to taste stronger than mild beer was really hop bitters (well matured), or whether the alleged hop bitters were really hop bitters or the product of malt and hops. n « The difficulty sometimes arises in the Court house, and since most policemen are tee- totallers, is it not a little embarassing to call upon a constable to fill the role of expert, upon the unwarrantable assumption that he, in his own experience, is not unfamiliar with the "drink habit" ? i i i In the interests of justice, and as between man and man, surely it would be better to appoint a professional ale taster, as a uni- formed officer of the Court, whom everyone would look up to and recognise equally, say, with the Court missionary, and whose word, in his own sphere, would be final and undis- puted 111 Mr. Donald Maclean. M.P. (Chairman of the Central Tribunal), the other day was very sarcastic at the expense of applicants who plead exemption upon the score of their wives, who are always indisposed, suffering agonies from eveiy ill (real or imaginary) that poor human nature is heir to. Ill Said Alderman Tumbull (Chairman of the Manchester Tribunal) the other day: "It is almost worth offering a prize to the first ap- plicant who has a healthy wife." A I I The same sort of thing holds good, and, indeed, is the general experience, at Local Tribunals. If the man himself does not suffer from rheumatism, or nerves, his wife is sure to be delicate, or inclined to be con- sumptive, or subject to fits, or afflicted with varicose wounds. It is not easy to square those doleful stories (always so singularly similar) with Bridge nd's exceedingly low death rate, and its splendid record for lon- gevity*. Ill Are all our champion sack carriers serving in the Army? If report in certain quarters speaks truly, the man who can carry a sack (of course, full of corn, or something) may well be looked uptn as the uncrowned king of Bridgend! Ill And yet it is all so simple—to look at from a distance! It is reported of the Carmar- then Tribunal that a representative of a Co- operative Society, appealing for two store- men, said youths under Military age could not carry heavy sacks. Rev. A. Fuller Mills (a member): I carried hundreds of sacks when only 16 years of age-flour sacks of 3 I cwts. each.—Mr W. J. Wallis Jones (solici- tor) They are not so strong these days.- Captain Margrave (military representative): Why cannot a man over 41 carry a sack of floun I will carry two sacks even now. (Laughter.) Ill The mysterious disappearance of Charlie Chaplin from Bridgend is the sensation of the hour. Ill No, Charlie has not yet visited Bridgend; and yet it is even so-the familiar face and figure have disappeared—from the board out- side the "Palace" Cinema. Fact is, the board has been "pinched." Ill Like the man that Albert Chevalier used to sing about, Mr. W. A. Howell "dearly love's 'is little joke." But one imagines that reverence is not his strong point. Fancy suggesting, as he had the temerity to do at the Board meeting on Saturday, that the ratepayers wouldn't mind if the worshipful Guardians went in a body to the Asylum and staved there! Ill Incredible irreverence! -J