The Brecon Radnor Express Carmarthen and Swansea Valley Gazette and Brynmawr District Advertiser

i BY UÑCLE TOM." t Brecon, July 20th, 1915. My dear nephews and nieces,—How quickly the week comes round It seems but the day before yesterday since I wrote my last letter to you all. Well, I promised to comment on the efforts of the 4th, 5th and 6th competitors in the June com- petition. Number four-Miss Mary Powell, Bed- whir farm, Gwenddwr-did exceedingly well for a child of twelve. Her essay was brmiful of in- telligence, choicely expressed and of high tone. The phrase, pure, beautiful sparkling Nature," was overdone, but I very much apprecia- ted her historic allusions to the two Roman roads and the fact that all Welsh people loved and re- vered the Edw as it reminded them of Prince Llewelyn, who made his last stand for right and liberty in that district. History always brightens geography, and Mary was highly successful in this direction. Her English was natural and the composition contained some really excellent and well-written sentences. Spelling was faultless, and the handwriting, careful and of a bold, legible style. Some of the letter formations indi- cated lack of control over the pen, and, perhaps, a little nervousness. Master Reggie Gardner, of Ffynon-gyndd school, Glasbury-on- Wye, aged 13 (number five), wrote a page of well-arranged facts, and crowded a great deal of intelligence into re- markably few words. His essay was concise ana he dealt with his points without unnecessary words and in good order. Reggie's English was very good, and he, too, was very careful not to lose marks through bad spelling. Writing is not a strong point with Reggie, and I would recom- mend him to practise a neater "hand." I now come to Master Ralph Jones (Beulah)—number six. Ralph is a familiar name in these competi- tions, and he must be congratulated on his suc- cess month by month. He was the first nephew to win a first prize in this column, and he has Hot been far from the top ever since. Ralph does tlot believe in resting on his- "oars" but finds Pleasure in improving himself—month by month- through these competitions, realising in a gamely and unselfish spirit that he cannot be "top" every time. Ralph's essay was one of the best for in- telligence, but he lost marks on writing, and a oouple of spelling carelessnesses such as "posess" for possess, "Radnoshire" for Radnorshire and "Camarthenshire" for Carmarthenshire. His English, as usual, was excellent and merited a tigh mark—76 out of 80. I hope you are all look- ?g up the railway stations of Brecon and Rad- ?, and their respective altitudes-the subject of ?ia month's competition. Orderly written lists and correct altitudes will go a long way towards Access. With best wishes, Your affectionate UNCLE TOM. P.S.-More comments on June competition next eek.

LIST OF MARKS. I June Competition. PRIZE-WINNERS. I 1st, Miss Esther M. Morgan, Gwenddwr.- Writing, 78; spelling, 80; English, 77; intel- ligence, 154; total, 389. 2nd, Miss Eleanor G. Evans, Upper Chapel.— Writing, 80; spelling. 76; intelligence, 154; Eng- lish, 75; total, 385. 3rd, Master Albert E. Jones, Flynnon-gynydd School, Glasbury-on-Wye.—Writing, 79; spelling, 80; English, 76; intelligence, 149; total, 384. Yery Highly Commended. 4th, Miss Mary Powell, Gwenddwr.—Intel- ligence, 153; writing, 76; spelling, 80; English, '4; total, 383. 5th, Master Reggie Gardner, Flynnon-gyndd School, Glasbury-on-Wye.-WritiD, 74; English, 76; intelligence, 152; spelling, 80; total, 382. 6th, Master Ralph Jones, Beulah.—Writing, ?; English, 77; intelligence, 153; spelling, 76; t,otal, 380. Highly Commended. 'th, Miss Nellie Haines, Glasburv.-Intellig- ?e, 150; spelling, 80; writing, 75; English, 74; ?,379 8th, Miss Mary Stephens, Glasbury.—Intellig- ?, 151; spelling, 78; writing, 74; English, 75; **»1. 378. ]. ?h. Miss Cissie Edwards, GI&sbury.—Intel- ?Qee, 149; spelling, 78; writing, 74; English, total, 377. '??h, Master Leonard Smith, Beulah.-riting, *?.'• English, 75; intelligence, 148; spelling, 78; ?I, 377 ?th, Miss Hilda Mav Morgan, Gwenddwr.— ?"' ?g. 80; intelligence, 146; spelling, 76; Eng- lI'fi 74; total, 376. l? th, Miss Bessie Powel Prytherch, Upper a ].- riting, 75; English, 74; intelligence, spelling, 80; total, 374. Commended. » 13th, Miss Lucy C. Smith, Beulah.-Writing, English, 75; spelling, 76; intelligence, 144; total, 369. 14th, Miss Lucy A. Lewis, Builth P-oad.- Writing, 74; English, 75; spelling, 78; intel- ligence, 138; total, 365. 15tb Miss Lizzie Stephens, Ffynnon-gvnydd khool' Glasburv .-Writing, 73; spelling, 78; in- digence, 140; English, 72; total, 363. >J-6th, Miss Agnes M. Morgan, Gwenddwr.- lifting, 73; spelling, 72; intelligence, 142; Eng- 1'; 71; total, 358. 7l th, Master Willie Jones. Talgarth.-Enghsh, W Writing, 68; spelling, 80; intelligence, 135; 7'. 354. 8th, Master Robert Williams, Builth Wells.- lintlng, 71; English, 72; intelligence, 140; spel- 68; total, 351.

RIVERS OF BRECON AND RADNOR." Highly Commended. ?.?h, Master Leonard Smith, Beulah, aged 12. 'The subject of this competition is one on k^ich nearly all the children of Brecon and Rad- '? can write. The chief rivers of these counties ? the Wye, Usk, Irfon 1 and Ithon. The first- ^ed has its source in Plynhmmon. It flows in A? easterly direction and borders the two counties. ?f pasain? through Herefordshire and skirting tC?mouthsl?re it combines with the Severn in ? Bristol Channel. The Usk rises on the boun- ty line, between Carmarthenshire and Brecon- .?. Brecon, the capital of Breconshire, is .'??ed on its banks. This river does not form tt'?utarv to any larger river as in the case of th'B ?on?nd Ithon, but flows on steadily till ??ches the channel at a lower point than the TH?- The Irfon joins the Wye at Builth and the h°n a little higher up. The Brecknock Beacons for'n a water-shed to quite a number of rivers. &I.- rn_ of the largest are tne xan, i?eaMi auu j-.nvc Ile river Teme news between Herefordshire and adnorsilire Although the rivers of these ?Dties are not suitable for naviga- ^r> they afford excellent sport for 11,lgl?,trF3 during the salmon and trout seasons. )ll?e-h more could be written on rivers, but, owing t..? limited number of words, I think I had ?r conclude." J-lth, Miss Hilda May Morgan, Gwenddwr, sed 12—.? see in the 'Express' that the com- aSpid tion is on the 'Rivers of Brecon and Radnor.' Tb is my second trial in your competition. I ? the second prize the first time I tried, and ?Pe to be successful this time. Breconshire.  chief rivers of this county are the Wye, TJst and Irfon. The river Wye rises in Plyn- ??on mountain, near Aberystwyth, and flows I

I Llyn-y-Van-Fach. I I A Mountain Pool. I 1 I FISH AND LEGEND. I I A writer in the "South Wales Echo" has an interesting article on the Van Pools, which are situated in the mountains above Trecastle. The Van Pools, savs the writer, are the wildest I lakes in South Wales. They will repay the rough scrambling necessary to reach them, yet I have met with very few people except those living in the vicinity who have ever been there. The fact is we visit all manner of places except the beauty spots of our own country From the back of Craig-y-Nos far up the Swan- sea Valley, the mountain mass of the Carmar- thenshire Vans rises from south to north in a long wedge. It is about five miles in length, and its northern end attains a height of 2,600 feet. Here it terminates in magnificent precipices of some 800 feet, and directly beneath these lie the Van Pools. They are about two miles apart, be- ing separated by the northern spur of the Van Mountain. The larger of these lakes is about half a mile in length, and this lies to the east- ward. It is in the wet mountain side just below it that the infant river Usk, there known as the Wysg, has its source. Fish. I There is a curious contrast between these twin pools of the Van Mountain. The smaller pool is full of trout. The larger one has no fish in its waters. It is to the former, known to Welshmen as Llyn-y-Van Fach, that I want more especially to refer. Enclosed on two sides by steep preci- pices, it is a weird place on a stormy day, when the wind rushes down the rock gullies and lashes its water into foam. I have seen it under these conditions, but I have also wandered, rod in hand, round its margin in the glorious sunshine of a summer day, when the sweet love-call of the sand- piper, about the only bird which regularly fre- quents it, echoes and re-echoes against its rocky ramparts. On such occasions you may see the trout coming up from its clear depths to take your flies, but unless you have a slight ripple on the water you will have small hope of fish. The trout of Llyn-y-Van-Fach run small, mostly about four or five to the pound. Mr Jeffreys, the well-known Brecon solicitor, who probably knows the pool more intimately than anyone else, has, however, occassionally had trout from there of half to three-quarters of a pound. [The late Dr. James Williams, of Brecon, writ- ing of these lakes many years ago, says "the smaller one abound with trout. If advantage is taken of the wind, when blowing sufficiently in a north-easterly direction to cause a ripple, some extraordinary sport may be had. Col. Watkins, M.P. (Penoyre) caught 25 lbs. here in one day. It is unusual to make a cast without having one or two fish at every throw. They are rather small, running six or eight to the pound, but very lively. A few years ago a sewin was taken in this lake. "] Legend. I But Llvn-j-Van-Fach has its legend, continues the article, and a pretty story it is. The tale goes that one day a young farmer was collecting his sheep near the pool, when three beauteous maidens came out of the pool and approached him. Their ravishing glances awakened tender feelings in the heart of the susceptible agriculturist, and lie attempted to capture one of them. They at once turned and vanished in the lake. After this the lovelorn swain haunted the lake day after day until at length he saw them again. On this occasion they were very affable, and the hopeful farmer's talk of love was received with ap- parent pleasure. At length the girls agreed with him that if he made choice of one of them and could recognise her the next day—they were all exactly alike—he should have her for his wife. The story goes that one of the maidens looked at the farmer and then winked at her foot. He no- ticed that she had her sandal tied in a peculiar way. This served him for purposes of identifica- tion when he came next day to the pool and car- ried off his fairy bride in triumph. She promised to make him a good and true wife until he hit her thrice without a cause. Waving her hiind to- wards the lake, several fine milking cows emerg- ed, and with these in procession the farmer and his bride descended from the lake to his home The union proved a great success, despite the fact that the religious people of the neighbourhood looked askance at the match. The fairy mother bore her husband four sons, and they all lived happily together. But there is an end to all things. One day the farmer wanted his wife to go an errand for him, and, and as she was some time in starting, he tapped her playfully three times on the back. In a moment the fairy wife vanished. The cows also disappeared, and the farmer and his sons were left lamenting It is said that the sons used to go often to the pool in the hope of again seeing their mother, and that she once appeared to them and gave them each a talisman to bring them luck in life. The sons are said to have become surgeons in the Towy Valley, where they became famous as "the physicians of Mvddfai." Such is the story that comes back to the memory as you tread the stony strand of Llyn-y-Van- Fach.

Agricultural Instruction Is It Worth the Cost? A RADNORSHIRE DISCUSSION, I ORGANISER' USEFUL SUGGESTIONS. I Radnorshire Education sub-committees held their quarterly meetings at the County Buildings, Llandrindod Wells, on Friday morning. Mr James Hamer occupied the chair at the meeting of the Agricultural Instruction Commit- tee, at which a letter from the University College of Wales re the estimate for the ensuing financial year was the subject of a lengthy discussion. The College authorities estimated the cost of agricul- tural instruction in the county of Radnor at X458, made up as follows :—Salary of organiser (who is also in the employ of the Breconshire County Council), £ 105; expenses of organiser, £ 50; hor- ticultural, £ 45; dairy and poultry, £ 40; scholar- ships, £ 130; experiments, 120; special classes, £ 25; college farm, £ 18; and administration (in- cluding printing, etc.), X25. Replying to questions, the chairman explained that the total amount of the estimate was the same as for the last year, but then they only spent the sum of X183 out of the X450. They had had the services of the organiser for 9 months only. Although the estimate was again for X458, they would only have to find the amount of money that was actually expended! Mrs Rogers remarked that in that case it was altogether a bogus estimate, and Mr C. C. Rog- ers observed that amounts estimated for had to be found. Mr D. Davies said that if oiilv tl85 had been spent last year some of the work must have been left undone; and the chairman said, in reply, that some of the scholarships offered had not been taken advantage of. This was not the commit- tee's fault, as the scholarships were advertised, but sufficient applicants were not forthcoming. Mr C. C. Rogers said that this year there was a greater probability that the scholarships would not be taken up, and he proposed that the college authorities be asked to revise the estimate on, what he might call, a successful war basis. Both Mr and Mrs Rogers considered that the item of X25, under the head "administration," was unnecessary. Mr J. Hamer pointed out that, with Brecon- shire, they had already agreed to the scheme. They obtained a grant conditionally upon their spending a certain amount annually on agricul- tural instruction. If, therefore, they did not adopt the estimate now before them, the whole thing would fall through. Mr Moseley said this was so, and the minimum which they must spent to secure a grant under the Development Act was X458. Ald. Rogers asked what the Commissioners had to say to their only spending X183 last year, and the chairman said that they could not do more than advertise the scholarships. Mrs C. C. Rogers contended that all agreements of this character entered into before the war had now gone by the board," and she referred to the numerous appeals which were being made continu- ally in the House of Commons and elsewhere to be as economical as they possibly could in every way. There were no young men to benefit by the scholarships now, as they wanted them to be on the land, or serving their country in some other way, and not to take on scholarships. Mr T. Davies said if the estimate was reduced, they should not benefit by the development .grant. Mrs Rogers We don't want it. Ald. Rogers said that some development grants were being deducted this year. Mr W. Roberts thought the time bad come when they ought to economise in every way they could. Mr T. Davies enquired as to what would be the consequence if they did not "fall in" with the es- timate, and Mr Hamer replied, "We shall have to pay the organiser and he won't have any work to do. Mrs Rogers Will he have any work to do? Mr Hamer said they had better hear the or- ganiser's report before discussing the matter fur- ther. There would be work in connection with field-experiments, hedging, &c., for the organiser, apart altogether from the scholarships which the estimate provided for. Mr T. Davies hoped the hedging classes would be continued, as they had been a great success, and many had benefited by the instruction given. Organiser's Report. I Mr Thomas (organiser for the two counties) read his report, in the course of which he said that the time, since the last meeting, had been chiefly taken up in carrying out field experiments (manuring on meadow-hay, ditto on pasture land, seed mixtures for temporary leys, top-dress- ing on wheat, spraying on charlock and potatoes, &c.). The instructress of the dairy class at Rhay- ader had reported that the work of the pupils was highly creditable. Ten out of twelve had made the full attendances. Mr Jas. Hamer (secretary to the Fur and Feather Association) acted as sec- retary, with the result that the class turned out a success in every respect. As there were no ap- plicants for the dairy scholarships advertised, it was thought possible that some of the Rhayader pupils might proceed to the course at Aberyst- wyth College, and, as there was no time to con- vene a meeting, he consulted Councillors Jas. Hamer and R. Hughes and the clerk, with the re- sult that three of the pupils were at Aberystwyth, and would complete the four weeks' course that day. He hoped the committee would formally sanction the scholarships, and, also, that they would grant a scholarship to the best at the ex- amination for the advanced course. The butter- making class at Old Radnor would commence on the following Tuesday, local arrangements having be undertaken by Dr. R. Harding. Nature Study in Schools. I No doubt the committee's attention had been called to the report of H.M. inspector of schools, advocating the formation of school gardens in the county. Out of 52 schools, only 4 had taken this matter up, whereas, in the adjoining county of Montgomery, gardening was taught in about 50 schools. A great majority of the boys, who were eventually employed on the land, did not enter the secondary schools, and it was evident that the only way to create interest in them in agricul- tural work was by some kind of nature study, through the medium of the elementary schools. An effort was being made, in several Welsh coun- ties, to establish school gardens, and Radnorshire should not behind in this matter. Proceeding, Mr Thomas outlined his scheme of instruction for the ensuing year, and he suggest- ed that the work be carried out on similar lines to those of last year, and as suggested by his pre- decessor (Mr Jenkin). The scheme provides for tutorial classes and lectures on agriculture, cours- es of lectures and demonstrations on poultry- management, dairying, horticulture and bee-keep- ing, hedging, and, possibly, horse-shoeing, field experiments of different kinds, advice on all mat- ters relating to the agricultural industry, and four dairy and nine agricultural scholarships, with one of a degree. I Advisory Work. Relative to advisory work, the organiser report- ed that be had visited farms in the county and given advice on various matters. It should be made known to farmers that the county organiser was prepared, in conjunction with other members of the college agricultural staff, to give advice on matters relating to agriculture, to investigate, as far as possible, local problems, and, in every way, to give or obtain information likely to be helpful to farmers. Samples of seed, sold by some of the merchants in Radnorshire, had been sent to the advisory botanist at Aberystwyth, and these would be reported upon in due course. The tests were not for trade purposes, but for information as to existing conditions regarding the quality and purity of seeds in the district. He went on to state that he had attended a conference, held at Carmarthen last month, when different phases of agriculture were dealt with. Food Supplies. In view of the requests made by the Board of Education for increasing the food supplies of the country, Mr Thomas made the following obser- vations :—According to statistical returns of the Board, they found that there were 2,249 holdings in Radnorshire which, after deducting mountain and heath land, average in size about 75 acres. 'The average under wheat, in 1914, was only 1,934 acres, an average of a little over three-quarters of an acre per holding. The average under potatoes was only about one quarter of an acre per hold- ing. He thought,that the acreage under these two crops-which were important human food- could be considerably increased without making drastic changes in the general routine of farm- work. Regarding live-stock, they found that the aver- age number of pigs per holding was under two, whilst in Cardiganshire, where the holdings only averaged 45 acres, the number per holding was over three. The pig was considered the most economical meat making machine at the farmers' command. He also thought that farmers, in view of the lightness of the hay crops this season, should con- sider the advisability of sowing catch-crops in the autumn. Rye, being a hardy cereal mixed with vetches, should provide an abundance of green- stuff for feeding stock in the early spring, and the land could be sown down with swedes and turnips, afterwards. Gcorl and Bad Seed. Ald. C. C. Rogers elicited the information that the organiser obtained the sample of seeds from the merchants, and said he did not think it worth while taking such samples unless they had some system of control whereby the farmer (the buyer) could send the seed, which he purchased under a guarantee, back to be re-tested, and he proposed the committee pass a resolution that the buyer be given an opportunity of having the seed re-tested, such resolution to be forwarded to the authorities at Aberystwyth.—Mr T. Davies seconded. The chairman thought the test, referred to,by the organiser, would be a good thing, as farmers, if they knew that a seedsman sold seeds which were not up to what he professed them to be, they would give him a wide berth. Mr D. Davies and Mr C. Vaughan Weale point- ed out that farmers could now buy under a guarantee, and the chairman asked how many farmers could they get to do this? Aid. Rogers said that, if they could have their resolution adopted, they could then communicate with chairmen of parish councils, as suggested by Mr S. B. Meredith. The chairman said this question of purchasing seeds was one which callie under Mr Powell, their inspector, but all such samples had to be paid for, while those taken by Mr Thomas would be an- alysed free of cost. Mr R. Hughes presumed that farmers could tell the difference between good and bad seeds when they saw them in the shop, but Aid. Rogers and Mr D. Davies replied that this was an impossi- bility, the former stating that not one man in a million could tell. Mr Hughes differed with their opinions. Reverting to the question of the estimate, Mr D. Davies said that if they could adopt this, as submitted, and spend less than half the amount, their pockets would not be touched by the amount of such estimate, but only by the sum actually spent. Mrs Rogers enquired as to why they should not ask the college authorities to state that Radnor- shire should not be called upon to spend more than last year's amount ( £ 183) ? The chairman replied that, in that case, the scheme would fall through. Aid. Rogers said that last year they only spent that amount, and the scheme did not fall through. To this Mr Hamer replied that he did not think they were justified in breaking faith with the au- thorities at Aberystwyth and with Breconshire County Council. Mrs C. C. Rogers suggested that the estimate be drawn up so as not to exceed a total of £183. They did not want large estimates if they did not propose to carry them out. Aid. Rogers agreed to embody this in his proposition, that the esti- mate be revised, and Mr Win. Roberts seconded. The chairman said they only had their organiser nint! months out of the last year, and Mrs Rogers asked how were they to know that they should have him for more this year? Mr Hamer explained that the estimate of R458 had already appeared in the Education Commit- tee's estimate for the year, and had been adopted. The clerk said that they only receive a grant for the amount which they expended in excess of the average sum for the three years ended 1912, viz., £174, so last year they would only be en- titled to a grant of X9. The proposition seemed to be one to relieve the Board, and not the county. If the Board wished to reduce their ex- penditure, it was a wonder that they had not stopped these grants, but, if this money had been voted for agricultural instruction, some counties would, of course, get it. Mr T. Davies said that that was the danger. Mr and Mrs Rogers said they wished to save the Board's expenditure, and the former stated that he wished to save the ratepayer, and was particu- larly anxious to save the Chancellor of the Ex- chequer at this time. They bad all seen the ap- peals to practice economy, and here someone sug- gested that they should spend money so that there might be a chance of obtaining more money (a grant), but, if they did not spend it, there was no object. He went on to say that the applicants for scholarships were few and far between, and that last year the estimate of R450 was brought down to £183. Mr J. 0. Jenkins remarked that the applications were falling off, and Mr Thos. Davies said that, if they passed the proposition, they were encour- aging that mode of procedure. Mr Jas. Hamer said he, with Mr Bache was responsible for part of the scheme. They (Rad- norshire) had been held up as being backwards in these matters, and he was, in the interests of agri- culture, anxious that the scheme should go on. He thought it would be a mistake to cut down the estimate, and, if they did this, it would be better to give the scheme up. On being put to the vote, Aid. Rogers' proposi- tion was lost, and therefore, the estimate of e458 was adopted. Mr Thomas read a letter from the Agricultural Commissioner for Wales with reference to labour- saving devices for the harvest, &c., but, as the season had so far advanced, the committee took no action. A letter from tne vveisn Agricultural Council enclosed a resolution drawing farmers' attention to the fact that they might obtain the necessary labour for the harvest, &c., by applying to the Labour Exchanges, and they appealed to the women to give all the assistance they could. The chairman said it was fairly well known that extra labour could be obtained by applying to the Newtown Labour Exchange. Mrs C. C. Rogers called attention to the para- graph in the organiser's report with reference to school gardens, and remarked that some of the head-masters at rural schools should be made to take up this subject. She thought they were wasting opportunities if they did not use their headmasters to the best advantage. They were wasting money and giving big salaries to masters that were not wanted unless they gave instruction in gardening. Mr D. Jones did not think they could discuss a scheme of this kind (school-gardening) in five minutes. He was prepared to take this subject, or any other, if it was likely to be more beneficial, but he thought they should appoint a sub-commit- tee to draft up a scheme. This was agreed to, and the following were elected on the commit- tee :—Mrs Rogers, Mr J. Hamer, Mr D. Jones, Mr R. Hughes, Mr J. 0. Jenkins and the or- ganiser. -R On the motion of Mr R. Hughes, a vote of thanks was accorded Mr J. Hamer (secretary to the Rhayader Fur and Feather Association) for the excellent work he did in connection with the dairy class held there.

I Pantydwr Meetings. I I SUCCESSFUL GATHERINGS. Upper Montgomeryshire school meeting was held at Sychnant on Sunday in last week. The Rev. J. T. Davies preached at Green Chapel in the morning to a large congregation. The council meeting of delegates was held at the close, when nearly all the schools were represented. The delegates and friends were entertained to lunch at Pantydwr Stores. At Sychnant C.M. Church, an excellent pro- gramme was performed by the children and choir. Addresses were given by Mr Morgan. Oakley Park, and Mr Bowen, station master, Llanidloes, who spoke very highly of the excellent way the children had recited their Psalms and especially in answering the questions from the "Mother's Gift." A capital tea was given after the meet- ing by Mrs Morgans, Gales, Rhayader, to all the school and friends. At six o'clock they again returned to the chapel and long before the time of commencing the build- ing was crowded-a large number failing to gain admission. Mr Kinsey Jones, Llanidloes, ad- dressed the meeting, stating his pleasure at seeing the school increasing, and also the beautiful way they were taught in reciting and singing. The adults class did very well at this meeting. Ex- aminer was the Rev. J. T. Davies. Mr Owen, Llanidloes, presided at all the meetings, and the conductor, who is to be highly congratulated on the excellence of the singing, was Mr E. W. Jones.

*These columns are freely open to the ventilation I of any matter of public interest, local or general. I Offensive personalities or abusive epithets are, however, rigidly excluded. Every communication must be duly and properly authenticated. In cases where anonymity is desired, the writer must privately and confidentially furnish the Editor with his name and address, as a guarantee of good faith. The Editor cannot undertake to return any rejected communication. Letters received on the Saturday preceding the week of publication are more likely to be in- serted than those arriving later.

SUNDAY CONCERTS AT LLANDRINDOD. I Sir,—I am requested by the Llandrindod Wells Free Church Council to write you stating* that Mr C. H. Williams, councillor for the East Ward, was sadly in error when he stated that there were only four Free Church people at the meeting when the resolution, in reference to Sunday concerts, was passed. The Churches in the town and dis- trict were all represented by their appointed re- presentatives, and the attendance was very satis- factory for a meeting held at short notice on a summer's evening. The council has decided to again request the Urban District Council to re- ceive a deputation, as it feels that it cannot accept the refusal of the council to permit us to state the views of many ratepayers. We hope that, in due time, the deputation of the Free Church Council will be heard, and that the public will learn that the Urban District Council is concerned to hear the views of ladies and gentlemen who are honestly concerned about the spiritual and moral wplf:ire of the town. n M. MORRIS, I Hon. Secretary, Llandrindod Wells F.C.C.

LLANDRINDOD F.C.C. AND TROOPS. Sir,—I shall be obliged if you will allow me to make an explanation regarding my statement that there were only four persons present at the Free Church Council meeting, when the letter was read. I said that I had been informed that there was only four persons present. The clerk (Mr D. C. Davies) said that Mr H. D. Phillips was at the meeting, and that he could tell us. Mr H. D. Phillips on being appealed to, said that lie thought there would be fifteen or sixteen there. I at once accepted Mr Phillips's figures. I did not object to the letter because of the num- ber present, but to what I thought was an un- warrantable reflection on the men who were bil- leted in this town, last winter. I refer to the following, which is a part of the letter, "The Free Church Council asked the Urban District Council to take steps to secure the earlier closing of licens- ed houses, in the event of more troops coming to Llandrindod Wells." At the same meeting of the Free Church Coun- cil I believe I am correct in stating the F.O.C. decided to send a letter to the officer commanding the R.A.M.C., complimenting him on the good behaviour of the men. Then, if the men were so well behaved, why does the F.C.C. want the licensed houses closed earlier in case any more troops come here again ? I may say that all men under the rank of sergeant, and men who may be on duty, have to be in their billets by 9.30 p.m., with the exception of the summer months. I am sure everyone in the town will agree that taking' into consideration the large body of men who have been billeted here, that their conduct has been re- markably good, and far better than we could have possibly expected. There- fore, I moved that the letter should be laid on the table. As a Free Ch ureli man myself, I felt sorry to take this course, but I I considered it was in the interests of the town I to do so. Glaslyn, Glaslyn, C. H. WILLIAMS. Llandrindod Wells.

I Military Hospital. I I ARRANGEMENTS AT LLANDRINDOD I WELLS. Arrangements have been completed by the Llandrindod Wells Red Cross Society to take over the Highland Moors Hotel on Monday next for at least six months, and it is expected that the accommodation for 60 wounded and rheumatic soldiers will soon be taken up. It had become necessary, in consequence of the R.A.M.C. re- taining the former Red Cross Military Hospital (County Club), to secure other premises, and for some time negotiations have been proceeding with the Chief Medical Officer of the Western Com- mand urging that spa treatment should be pro- vided, and that a hospital be obtained by the Voluntary Aid Detachment to deal largely with rheumatic and stiff-joint cases amongst the sold- iers. Highland Moors Hydro is an ideal place for this purpose, being situated on high ground. It is a modern house, with large airy rooms, to- gether with sulphur and electric baths, and also pump rooms. There are large grounds and gar- t, 11 rounds and 9 ar- dens connected with the property, and the local Red Cross Society are to be complimented upon their enterprise, which has resulted in securing what will no doubt be one of the finest hospitals in the Principality. It will be known as the "Highland Moors Hospital," and it is hoped that Dr. Murray will be the Chief Medical Officer. Miss Venables has been appointed commandant of the local Red Cross Society in place of Miss Mansell, who left the town some weeks ago, and Miss Chune has again kindly consented to act as quar- ter-master. It is expected that several army nurses will be sent down, but the continued as- sistance of local Red Cross nurses is counted on.

——————. I Winter Assizes. f BRECON AND RADNOR GROUPED. I The "London Gazette," on Friday night, con- tained Orders in Council, stating that the King had been pleased to order that the County of I Brecknock and the County of Radnor shall for the purpose of the next winter assizes be united to- gether and form one county under the name of the er the narne of the Winter Assize County No. 7. the said assizes to be held at Brecon.

THE GREAT SKIN CURE. "DUDDEN'S S.R. SKIN OINTMENT will cure Itching after one application, destroys every form of Eczema; heals old Wounds and Sores acts like a. charm on Bad Legs; is infallible for Piles; Prevents Cuts from Festering will cure Ringworm in a few days; removes the most obsti- nate Eruptions and Scurvy. Boxes 7id and lIlt. —Agents for Brecon, Mr Stanton and Mr Morris, High Street, Chemists; Builth Wells, W. Price & Co., T. A. Coltman; Llandovery, J. Nicholas, Chemist; Hay, J. L. Davies and Son; Talgarth, J. Parry, Chemist; Crickhowell, Mr Kirkland, Chem- ist; Brynmawr, Mr A. M. Jones, Chemist; Knigh- ton, Mr Perkins, Chemist; Pontardulais, Mr Jones, Chemist. bsm

Rhayader Worthy. DESCENDANT OF WELL-KNOWN FAMILY. The death of Mr Morgan Powell, an old inhabit- ant of Rhayader, but lately of Pontardulais, took place on Monday at the age of 71. The inter- ment was on Thursday in Cwmdauddwr Church- yardj The Rev. W. Ga.be officiated. He was descended from one of the best known families in this part of the county—the Powels of Marchnant. One of his uncles was the late Rev. Evan Powel, Vicar of Llanwrthwl and St. Harmon. He died in 1827. In his day one of the champions of the "gentle art" of self defence. Of his prowess in this there are still many legends. Especially one of his crossing the trills to Tregaron Fair, where most cleared for the man in the red waistcoat as he was known. His heroics were sung in other fairs in old ballads which recounted the deeds of the great according to the standard and custom of those days. They were in Welsh of course. One commenced as follows regarding him "Ar unfed dydd ar bym theg, 0 Awst mi gofiar awr, Cyrhaedair i Dregaron, Prydnawn wedd yn ladd mawr." Which freely translated meant, on the 16th of August I reached Tregaron. where there was ter- rible fighting. Those days were just 100 years ago. The days when Napoleon disturbed the world as the Kaisfer does now. Several members of the family still live in the neighbourhood.

How Children Help. EGGS FOR WOUNDED. Probably, few people are aware what an enor- mous part children have played in the work of col- lecting the huge total of eggs for our wounded soldiers and sailors, for which the National Egg Collection has been responsible. Now that the holidays are commencing it ia earnestly hoped by the committee that these little patriots will, in no way, relax their efforts, but, on the contrary, with the more time they will have at their disposal, strive harder than ever to main- tain the full number required weekly. The time of year is such that eggs have become scarcer and dearer, and every egg and additional workers are badly needed. Luckily, as the sec- retary said recently, "there is no 'shortage of shells' with us so far," but, with the coming short- age facing us we must all work the harder to keep our numbers up. The Head Depot of the collection where eggs should be sent is at Messrs Harrods, Ltd.. Trevor Square, London, S.W., whilst all cash and corres- pondence is dealt with by the hon. sec., Mr R. J. Dartnell, at 154, Fleet street, London, E.C.

Lord Glanusk's Hymn. PROCEEDS FOR COUNTY WAR FUND. Col. Lord Glanusk has written a hymn, to be sung in War-time, copies may be had from Hon. Mael Bailey, Hay Castle, or from Mr H. Grant, I Castle street, Hay. Single copies, Id.; 3d. per doses; 2 per hundred. Proceeds to be given to the County War Fund. b749

CHILDREN'S CORNER—continued. I into the British Channel. This river divides Bre- conshire from Radnorshire, and thus forms two counties. The river Wye is shaded with some of Nature's finest trees. The river Irfon rises in the wildest part of the county-in Abergwesyn moun- tain to the north west, bordering Cardiganshire. The Towy also rises in that neighbourhood. The Usk is a beautiful river. It rises in the Fan mountain on the borders of Carmarthenshire, and flows at last into the Bristol Channel. Radnorshire. I The chief rivers of this county are the Ithon, Elan, Edw, Bachowy and the Arrow. The Ithon rises near Penithon, and joins the Wye below Newbridge. This is the longest river in the county. The upper course of the Elan is also in the county, and Birmingham Water-Works are very beautiful. The Edw rises in the moor- lands of Glascombe, and joins the Wye at Aber- edw. The Bachowy rises beyond Painscastle, and joins the Wye opposite Tyricket. The upper waters of the Teme are also in the county. The Arrow, too, rises on the eastern side of the county and soon gets into Herefordshire. I should like to say more about these beautiful rivers, but I see in the 'Express' that words willpaot permit me to do so." 12th, Miss Bessie Powel Prytherch, Upper Chapel, aged 13.—"Breconshire and Radnorshire are well-watered counties and rich in the posses- sion of beautiful rivers-the delight of anglers, artists and tourists. The chief of the Brecon- shire rivers are the Usk, Wye and the Irfon, to- gether with the following, which flow into the Bristol Channel :—Tawe, Mellte, Nedd-Fechan, Taff-Fawr, and Taff-Fechan. The river Wye flows through both Radnorshire and Breconshire. Its tributaries are the Elan, Irfon, Edw, Chwefri and Ithon, which are some of the Radnorshire rivers. Others are the Lugg and Teme. The Lugg enters the Wye an d the Teme, the Severn in Herefordshire. The Wye is the most beauti- ful of all the rivers and belongs to the two coun- ties. In parts it forms the boundary between them. The salmon-fisher finds, in the Wye, a river second to none in the kingdom for his favourite sport. The Irfon is the saddest of the county rivers, because, on its banks, Prince Llewelyn, the last Prince of Wales, fell. and, in his fall. lost his country's independence." July Competition. Fullest and most accurate list of railway-sta- tions in Brecon and Radnor, and their respective heights above sea-level. Open to elementary school-children in Brecon and Radnor. Include name, address and age in your contribu- tion. Marks will be given as follow :—Fullest list of stations, 120; most accurate altitudes, 120; spell- ing, 80; and hand-writing, 80. Prizes.—1st, 2/6 (given by Dr. Rhys Davies, Builth Wells); 2nd, 1/6; 3rd, 1/ The lists must be the bona-fide work of com- petitors themselves. The last day for receiving lists will be Satur- day, July 31st, and these should be properly stamped and addressed to Uncle Tom, care of "Brecon and Radnor Express," Brecon.