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

Across the Begwyns. I Work of Registration. PAINSCASTLE COUNCILLORS TO HELP I BELGIANS. j Mr J. Davies (chairman) presided at a meeting I of Paincastle Rural Council on Thursday after- noon. There were present Revs. Herbert G. Griffith and D. Morgan, and Messrs. -an Mere- dith, J. Gittoes, Jas. Davies, D. Price, R. T. Griffiths (clerk) and W. Sheldon (inspector and surveyor). A circular letter was received from the Local Government Board with reference to the National Registration Act, which was considered at some length. Each parish was regarded a district, but Clyro parish was divided into two districts, owing to its size. Names were submitted of persons who were eligible to act as enumerators in the various dis- tricts, and the clerk was authorised to ask them if they would do the work. The clerk was also given authority to call a further meeting, if necessary, on the matter. The letter from Mr F. L. Green (coroner), with regard to the jury's rider at the inquest on the late Mr Charles Ammonds, requesting the council to erect a fence at the dangerous spot where he was drowned, deferred from the prev- ious meeting, came up for further consideration. The surveyor informed the councillors that a long fence would have to be erected at the spot referred to, for, the path ran by the side of the river for a distance of half-a-mile. Where the accident occurred, the path was 20 to 30 yards away from the river. In other places, which were equally as dangerous as the one mentioned, the path was much nearer the river. The chairman did not think the council could do the work. Rev. D. Morgan moved that they do nothing in the matter, and this course was adopted. The inspector stated he had issued an order to the owner of Whitehall, Painscastle, requesting him to place the house in a proper state of re- pair. Since, the property had been sold, but the repairs had not been executed. The inspector was instructed to give the new owner the neces- sary order to have the repairs effected. The surveyor said, with reference to the fenc- ing off of the highway across the Begwyns, he had been told that some of the labour and haul- ing would be done by farmers there. Mr E. Meredith remarked that the work was very necessary. The surveyor did not think the work would cost more than X12. He promised to ascertain how many would assist in the work of hauling, &c. The surveyor remarked that Mr John Price, the roadman for Llandewyfach, had handed in a month's notice, and which had now expired. The ratepayers, in that parish, wished him to re-em- ploy Price, but he would only return to work on the condition that his wages were increased. The chairman pointed out that, if one man's wages were increased, they would have to treat the other roadmen likewise. He enquired what wages the man received, and the surveyor re- plied 17/- a week. Proceeding, the surveyor said he had had an application for the job. He told the man that, if Price did not go back to work, he would be pleased to employ him. The appli- cant was a young, respectable man. The council agreed that they could not increase Price's wages, and the surveyor promised to settle the matter. The chairman submitted a letter from the Bel- gian relief fund, appealing for help. He remark- ed that a house-to-house collection would be made by the councillors in their respective parishes. ■ I

I Radnorshire Police. -1 I Decrease of Crime and Vagrancy I Present at the meeting of the Radnorshire Standing Joint Committee, held at Llandrindod Wells, were Ald. C. C. Rogers (chairman), M1 Jas. Hamer, Ald. R. Morgan, Mr C. Corrie-Car. ter, Mr W. Green-Price, Dr. R. Harding, Mr W. Roberts, Mr J. Hurst, Mr Thos. Davies, Mr T. Thomas-Moore, Mr H. W. Duff-Gordon, Mr W. M. Bay lis, Mr H. Vaughan Vaughan (clerk), Mr H. W. Moseley (deputy-clerk), Mr R. Jones (deputy-chief constable) and Mr A. Millward (de- puty surveyor). The New Act. I A letter from from the Home Office certified that the cells at Llandrindod Wells might be utilised as places of detention under the Criminal Justice Administration Act, 1914, but, where there were less than three cells, they could not be so certified. Replying to questions, the deputy-chief con- stable said that the Government inspector could not sanction the use of other cells in the county for this purpose because they were less than three in number. Persons detained under the Act could be sent from Knighton or elsewhere to Llandrindod Wells. Mr Green-Price thought that, if they only had one or two prisoners and two cells, it would be quite sufficient. He proposed that the clerk write the Home Office to this effect, and point out the fact that they seldom had any prisoners in the county. Mr J. Hamer seconded, and this was agreed to. I Chief Constable's Report. The chief constable, in his report, gave the following figures for the 13 weeks ended 22nd June :—Crimes committee 10 (one undetected), against 12 in the corresponding quarter; persons apprehended 7, against 8; and persons summon- ed, 66, against 104. On 21st April I temporarily appointed an ex-police officer (not of military age) to fill the vacancy caus- ed by P.c. Richards having joined the Army. One constable had since re- signed, and, under the present circumstances, I have not thought it necessary toi replace him. In November last, agreements were entered into for the installation of the telephone at Clyro, Pres- teign and New Radnor police stations. The two former stations 'have been connected, but, with regard to New Radnor, the district manager is now asking for an amended agreement to be signed in which the yearly rental is increased from R5 to -67 7s 6d, and I shall be glad to re- ceive your instructions. The number of vagrants relieved through the police during the months of April, May, and June were 323 men, 22 women, and 11 children—total, 356-being a decrease of 443 on the corresponding period of last year. Dr. Harding and the P.O. j Dr. Harding pointed out that New Radnor police station had appeared on the official tele- phone directory for six months, and that the in- stallation was complete all but for a few minutes' work. The committee had agreed to pay the same rental as a private subscriber, and now they were asked to pay another £ 2 7s 6d, after the P.O. had lost a half-year's rent ( £ 2 5s). How were they to deal with a large Government De- partment which showed such a lack of business methods? He proposed the committee ask them to carry out their contract, and that a small sub- committee be appointed to deal with it and brinp. the matter to a head. Mr W. Roberts seconded, and the following I were put on the sub-committee, viz., Dr. Hard- ing, Mr Duff-Gordon and Mr J. A. Beebee. Repairs to Buildings. I The county surveyor, in his report, stated that, in view of the summer assizes, it became advis- able to have the kitchen servants' hall, larder, passages, etc., of the Shire Hall, Presteign, white-washed and, also, the "front steps and the spouting required attention. This work, being urgent, had been carried out. With regard to the prevention of the damp penetrating through Llandrindod Wells police station, this work had been executed, and the account of Messrs. Hop- ton and Griffiths to hand, and he recommended payment of X18 17s 2d. Mr Green-Price said that there always ap- peared to be a lot of things required at the Shire i Hall, Presteign, before an assizes, and he thought they ought to be furnished annually with particulars. Mr Corrie Carter Would the list include what was in the cellar? (Laughter.) The Clerk No, I am in charge of the cellar (being chief cellar-man) and, also, of your liberal contribution, which has not yet been spent. It is in the Bank.

War and Politics. I A very grave situation and a very painful im- pression were created by the strike declaration in the South Wales coal area. As the delegates' conference which decided on the strike refused to allow the decision to be put to the ballot, there were grounds for the belief that the strike was not approved by the majority of the miners, but that they had thought themselves obliged to fall in with the working of a machine manipulated by a group of extremists which did not repre- sent their views. A series of conferences be- tween Mr Lloyd George, Mr Runciman and Mr Henderson, acting for the Government, and re- presentatives of coal-owners and miners, result- ed in the production of a new agreement, which was submitted to the miners' delegates at Car- diff on Wednesday week. The new terms are to be binding until six months after the conclusion of peace, and terminable thereafter by three months' notice on either side. The terms negotiated by Mr Lloyd George and his colleagues concede the men's demand that the 1879 standard wage should be replaced by a new standard rate 50 per cent. higher. Surface-men are to receive a 10 per cent. minimum advance on new standard surface-men rates. Only members of the federation will obtain the benefit of the concessions, non-unionists being excluded from it. Questions of interpretation which may arise are to be referred to the President of the Board of Trade, whose decision will be final. -r -r "'T" -J"" Another aspect of the problems connected with our national coal supply was before the House of Commons last week. The principal order of the day was Mr Runciman's Prices Limitation Bill. After the President of the Board of Trade had delivered his speech explanatory of the mea- sure, he had to ask the House to excuse his fur- ther attendance, as in company with Mr Lloyd George and Mr Arthur Henderson (who combines a supervision of labour questions with the duties of President of the Board of Education) he was about to proceed to South Wales for negotiations towards the settlement of the strike. The Bill fixes a maximum price (4/- per ton above the current price for corresponding periods before the war) at the pit-head for all home-consumed (not merely household) coal. A voluntary agree- ment has been carried out with the London coal- merchants to limit prices charged to the house- holder. Mr Runciman proposes, with the con- currence of the coal-merchants, to publish for London a list of maximum prices, as was done with the prices of provisions last autumn and winter. Local authorities all over the kingdom are to be asked to take similar steps after consul- tation with the coal-merchants in their own areas. The Bill, Mr Runciman explained, will not exempt excess profits on coal from taxation, and he would be much surprised if the Chancellor of the Exchequer did not fod. t necessary to tax excess profits pretty heavily. In the first half-year of 1914. Mr Runciman pointed out, the production of coal in this coun- try amounted to 142,000,000 tons. For the cor- responding six months this year the production only amounted to 127,500,000 tone-a. falling-off of 140t million tons. War bonus to the miners represents an addition to working costs of 1/- per ton. The total increase of cost of production, since the war, is over 3/- per ton. One-fifth of all the persons employed in mines—one-fourth of those of military age—have enlisted in the Army. It is highly creditable to the men who remain in the pits that the average output per man has in- creased since the war. It was evident, Mr Run- ciman said, that if no check was placed on pit- head prices now, coal might be forced up to an enormous price in the winter. Sir Joseph Wal- ton, speaking for the coal-owners, moved the re- jection of the Bill, on the ground that it penal- ised one industry alone, and, also, that it did not deal with existing contracts. But the motion for rejection was not pressed to a division. On Tuesday of last week the Prime Minister asked for, and received, a further Vote of Credit amounting to 150 millions. This brings the to- tal amount of Votes of Credit up to 1,012 mil- lions, and the amount voted in the current financial year up to 650 mil- lions. It was estimated that the additional pro- vision will last until September 21st on an ex- penditure basis of three millions a day. (Parlia- ment will adjourn this week to the middle of September.) But, Mr Asquith said there were further contingencies to be provided for. On pre- moratorium bills the Bank of England may want "a great many more millions." But the House was most impressed by the Prime Minis- ter's reference to the possibility that one of the contingencies to be considered is the "adhesion to our cause of States which did not take part in the war at the earlier stages." Equally signifi- cant was Mr Asquith's announcement that the new Supplementary Vote would not be bound by the restriction previously laid upon advances by way of grant or loans, which must be confined to our Dominions and Protectorates and Allied Powers, or to local authorities and bodies un- dertaking relief work. The House was asked not to press for details, but the suggestion of "the adhesion to our cause of other States" was very clear. Economy in national administration bulked large in the debate on the Vote of Credit, as well as being the subject of a special discussion in the House of Lords. A strong Retrenchment Com- mittee has been appointed and the names of the members announced. The committee will not touch the War Office and Admiralty. Lord Lansdowne declared, in the House of Lords, that a general inquiry into the spending of these de- partments would paralyse their activity. But the principles of economy are being vigorously applied here too. Mr Asquith, who indignantly repelled the random suggestion that waste is proceeding in this war such as scandalised the public in the management of the South African war, stated that the Chancellor of the Exche- quer is himself overhauling the expenditure of the War Office and Admiralty. The War Office has sent out a special financial adviser, with staff, to help Sir John French, and Lord Kit- chener has issued a curcular to commanding of- ficers, calling attention to the extreme urgency of economy. At the Admiralty, Dr. Macnamara explained, the expenditure is scrutinised by the Accountant-General of the Navy and by the Con- troller and Auditor-General. A finance com- mittee meets weekly and receives full returns of the expenditure. Mr Lloyd George, in his reply to a deputation of women who asked that the services of women should be fully utilised in the national fiervic-e at the greatest crisis through which this country has ever passed, thanked the women for coming to show their readiness to do all in their power, and said that an effective organisation for such a war was not possible until the women were organis- ed as well as the men. In establishments en- gaged on war work Government control is im- perative, and Government control will make sweating impossible. Mr Lloyd George added :— "The women of this country can help, and help enormously. I believe they can help ua through to victory. Without them, victory will tarry, and victory which tarries means victory whose footprints are the footprints of blood.

Breconshire Delegates To Congregational Union of I Wales. NOTABLE GATHERINGS. I BY "A CORRESPONDENT." I The annual meetings of the Union of Welsh Congregationalists were held at Merthyr Tydvil, last week, the place of meeting being the spacious Zoar Chapel, long the scene of the ministry of the late Rev. John Thomas, who died during his chairmanship a few years ago, when, as our readers will remember, the Rev. D. A. Griffith, C.C., of Troedrhiwdalar was appoint- ed to fill the vacant chair. The historic pulpit is now occupied by the Rev. Gwilym S. Rees, B.A., who was one of the special preachers at the Brecon and Radnor Joint Assembly held re- cently at Cerrigcadarn. In spite of the unfav- ourable conditions arising out of the war and the coatl strike over 450 delegates assembled from different parts of the Principality. Monday's proceedings included a welcome tea given by Mr S. Sandbrook, J.P., of Merthyr, treasurer of the Memorial College, Brecon, and a children's meeting, presided over by Mr J. Lloyd, Peny- darren, followed by a young people's meeting, presided over by Mr Isaac Edwards, of Carnar- von (formerly of Merthyr), the speakers at the latter being Mr Abel J. Jones, M.A., Ph. D., Cardiff, Prof. J. Oliver Stephens, B.A., B.D., of Carmarthen College, and Rev. P. E. Price, Glan- dwr, Pem. Monday's proceedings opened with a ministers' meeting, presided over by the Re-v. W. E. Evans, Tresimwn, three of whose sons, by the way, are serving with the colours, and also a layman's meeting. The council met at the same time, and transacted important business. This was followed by a public meeting held in support of the Sustentation Fund, which owes so so much to the energetic efforts of the Rev. W. James, of Swansea, the retiring chairman of the Union. An address was given by Mr J. Dyfrig Owen, Cwmtwrch, and a report was presented by the Rev. W. James. Annual Business Meeting. I The annual business meeting was held on I Tuesday afternoon, presided over by the chairman of the Union, the Rev. Lewis Jones, of Tyny- coed, Abercrave, when the several reports were presented and adopted. The Rev. Jacob Jones, of Bethesda Church, Merthyr, brother of the late Rev. Rhys Jones, of Talybont-on-Usk, was ap- pointed chairman-elect, in succession to the Rev. James Charles, of Denbigh, who now becomes chairman. The Union was publicly invited to hold its next annual assembly at Pontypridd, and also at Brynamman. On a show of hands there was a large majority in favour of the latter place, a populous, and strongly Congregational district, where the Union meetings have not yet been held. In Brynamman itself, and within a' rad- ius of three miles of Gibeah Chapel (Rev. W. D. Thomas) there are thirteen Congregational churches, the majority of which have a member- ship of between five hundred and a thousand com- municants. Mr S. Sandbrook, J.P., was elected treasurer of the Union in succession to Ald. E. H. Davies, J.P., Pentre, Rhondda, who had held the office for many years, and only now re- linquishes it on account of indifferent health. For the same reason, a twelvemonth ago, he re- tired from the treasurership of. Brecon College, Mr Sandbrook also succeeding in that capacity. Revs. D. A. Griffith, C.C., Troedrhiwdalar, and H. Eynon Lewis, Cardiff, were respectively re- elected financial and statistical secretaries, and the Rev. D. M. Davies, Waunarlwydd, was .ap- pointed junior secretary of the Union. Two Union sermons were delivered on Tuesday I evening by the Rev. S. Roberts, of Llanbrynmair (the pastor of a historic church to which the late Principal Rowlands, B.A., of Brecon once ministered), and the Rev. D. G. Williams, of I St. Clears. The annual conference was held on Wednes- day morning, when the Rev. Lewis Jones de- livered his address from the chair, on "Congre- gationalism in the light of history." A deputa- tion from the Free Churches of Merthyr was then introduced by the Rev. Gwilyn S. Rees, B.A., who, with the Rev. T. B. Matthews, of Penydarren, had undertaken the arduous duties of the local secretaryship. He explained the un- avoidable absence of the Mayor of the youngest borough-an esteemed Cirigregationalist, who was, to his own great regrlt, unable to be pres- ent on account of urgent business connected with the settlement of the strike. Congratulatory ad- dresses were delivered by the Revs. D. L. Jones (Baptist), W. H. Evans (Calvinistic Methodist), and D. Pugh (Wesleyan), to which the chair- j man gracefully responded. Subsequent solemn reference was made to the loss by death during the year of prominent leaders, and the assembly was led in prayer by the Rev. James Charles. Missionary Meeting. The missionary meeting is always a popular feature of the annual assembly. After a weighty paper by the Rev. D. Lewis, of Ford, Pembroke- shire, a charming address was given by Miss Myfanwy Wood, a young Welsh lady mission- ary who has already spent six years in China. The Rev. Robert Griffith, the L.M.S. represen- tative for Wales followed. One of the most at- tractive features of the programme was the pub- lic meeting held on Wednesday evening, the vast auditorium being crowded, and many being un- able to gain admission. Mr Owen Evans, of Liverpool, presided, and eloquent addresses were given by the Rev. E. J. Rosser Evans, Amman- ford, B. Davies, D.D., Newcastle Emlyn, and J. Morgan Gibbon, of London, whose subject was "Henry Richard, the Apostle of Peace." It will be rememered that Mr Henry Richard—the member for Wales—wa-s for many years a re- j presentative of the Merthyr Boroughs in the im- perial Parliament. Preaching services were held throughout Thursday. In the morning at 7, Rev. W. Pari Huws, B.D., Dolgelly, preached; at 10, Principal T. Rees, M.A., of Bangor and Rev. D. Adams, B.A., Liverpool, the introductory service being conducted by Dr. Owen Evans, of Liverpool, still active and vigorous, though in his 85th year, and after many arduous years of i service in the pulpit and through the press. In the afternoon the preachers were the Rev. Joseph James, B.A., Llandysilio, Pem., and Stephen Thomas, Llandilo, Carm., and in the evening the Revs. T. Mavonwy Davies, Solva, Pem., and O. L. Roberts, Liverpool.—Among those present from Breconshire were Principal Lewis, and Profs. Evans, Jones, and Miall Edwards, Revs. I D. A. Griffith, C.C., R. James, Llanwrtyd Wells, R. Williams, Devynock, D. Lloyd, Cwmrhos, Gomer Harris, Llangynidr, T. Gwyn Thomas, Brecon, J. Tertius Prillips, Scethrog, E. T. Parry, Cerrigcadarn, Wm. Saer, Pennorth, and T. Jeremy, Gilwern, while a considerable num- er of Breconians motored over the Beacons to at- tend all Wednesday's meetings, and were richly I rewarded for the effort.

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I Teachers and Summer Schools. RADNORSHIRE LADY'S COMMENT. Mrs C. C. Rogers presided over the Higher Education Sub-committee, at which it was decid- ed not to grant the scholarships to enable teach- era to attend summer schools this year- Mr D. Jones pointed out that the applicants were all lady-teachers, as the teachers in the county had decided among themselves that men should not apply. They thought that their ser- vices might be more usefully employed in doing something for their country during the holidays. The Board of Education had made a strong point of bringing physical exercises to the front at these summer schools, and stated that a number of grants would be made to teachers going in for this training. One of his assistants applied, but the application was not granted. As far as he knew, not one teacher in the county had received this grant, and only 250 applications in the whole of the United Kingdom had been accepted. Mrs Rogers said that, at the present time, they did not want to spend money instructing teachers paper-culling and kindergarten things. Last year they sent a school-mistress, and they never heard that she passed any examination. She might have been playing with the babies on the sand all day for what they knew. Before paying these grants, Mrs Rogers thought the work done by the teachers at the summer schools should be made known to the committee. Mr D. Jones said they received a report be- fore the second part of the grant was paid. With regard to the training in physical exer- cises, Mr Rogers said they could see from the M.O.H.'s report that the physical state of Rad- norshire children was below those of other coun- ties in England. Mrs Venables Llewelyn remarked that teach- ers could not be doing physical exercises all day at the summer schools, as they would have to take other subjects as well.

Rhayader Guardians. I AN INFIRMARY SUBSCRIPTION. Rhayader guardians' meeting, on Wednesday, was presided over by Mr D. C. Davies (chair- man). Others present were Messrs. Edward Price, E. Powell Careless, Evan Morgan, Jas. Price, John Jones, A. Edwards, J. Evans, Evan P. Jones, E. D. Prothero (clerk) and officials. The clerk stated he had received a letter from Newtown Infirmary, asking the Board to sub- scribe towards that institution. He believed the JNewtown Infirmary was connected with Shrews- bury Eye and Ear Hospital, for, Dr. Russwood, of the latter institution, attended at Newtown. Mr Evan Morgan considered patients from Rhayader should go direct to Shrewsbury and not to Newtown. Mr Edward Price knew that Dr. Russwood visited Newtown Infirmary, but he did not re- member any patient from Rhayader going to Newtown. Several had gone to Shrewsbury Hospital. The guardians decided that the question of subscription should be further considered when occasion arose. Mr G. W. Griffiths reported that, during the past fortnight, two vagrants were admitted to the "house" and one discharged. As instructed, 'Margaret Ann Davenport (14 years) had been handed over to Mr Davies (Stanage, Llanyre), who had engaged her as a servant. Thirty- seven vagrants were relieved, as compared with 61 for the same period last year, a decrease of 24.

The late Mr David Jones, whose funeral was at Llangammarch Church on Tuesday of last week, was a brother of Mr Edward Jones, Bris- tol House, Llangammarch Wells. The late Mr Jones had been in the employ of Dowlais Com- pany for over 40 years. Deceased had travelled in South Africa, and was a native of Llangam- march. He was a gifted musician and conducted a Llangammarch party at the first Llanwrtyd eis- teddfod.

T t < t t t t tt-t-t t t TTTTTTTTTT BEECHAM 8 T T 5 PILLS f T are one of the oldest and the beat tried of family medicines. "TIm tells ? all things" says a truthful adage. The test of time has been applied, T T most assuredly, to Beecham's Pills, for this preparation has been in ?. ? the public service for over seventy years. Such a record should surely T be a safe guarantee. It proves beyond the shadow of a doubt that "? <? people are fully satisfied with the results obtained by using this world ? famous family medicine, and appreciate the fact that in it they find an jT k easy and efficient aperient, a safe and sure corrective, and a speedy and ? ? reliable restorative of weakened or disordered digestion. No wonder,  then, that Beecham's Pills t ARE ALWAYS ± t TO THE FRONT t ? Sold wefy?tem In tMM. price Wt f?< pm.) & ?/p (/M p?t). :t ?t t t t t t  t t t t ? 4.4.4 t t t t.. t )  4 4 

I Waste at Camps. I MR. SIDNEY ROBINSON'S QUESTION IN THE HOUSE. In the House of Commons on Wednesday, Mr Sidney Robinson, M.P. asked the Under-Secretary for War whether he had any information explaining the cause of the death of 13 members of the Brecknockshire Territorial Force at Aden, reported on July 4, and whether there was any special reason, apart from the heat, to account for this loss of life? Mr Tennant No, sir. The deaths were due to heat apoplexy, and no other cause. Mr Robinson asked whether, with a view to avoiding waste at the various camps, he would cause to be issued a circular letter to the com- manding officers instructing them to appoint an officer, whose duty it would be to see that rations were issued only for those men actually in camp, and not for those absent on leave, and otherwise to see observed the strictest economy? Mr Tennant Circular letters of instruction have already been sent out to general officers com- manding in regard to the prevention of waste of supplies. Instructions has also been isued only for men actually in camp, and not those absent on leave. Officers commanding units are them- selves responsible for all matters affecting regi- mental economy.

Brecknocks at Aden. I TALGARTH MAN'S LETTER. I THOUGHT OF HIS CHURCH. I Through the courtesy of the Rev. J. J. Jones, I B.A., B.D., we are enabled to publish the follow- ing letter which was sent by Mr D. W. Pugh, of the 1st Brecknocks at Aden, through his mother (Mrs Pugh, Talgarth), to the Talgarth Calvinistic Methodist Church. "F Company, Brecknock Batt. Aden, June 22nd, 1915. My dear friends,—Inasmuch as we have received very kind letters from some of you, I am writing this in reply, thinking that the Church at Tal- garth—our spiritual cradle—will be glad of tid- ings from her children. Those connected with the Church will be pleased to know the links which bind us with you are not broken, only len- gthened, and that we cherish deep affection for the sanctuary of our boyhood and the sacred as- sociations of it and its people. These bright memories are, indeed, 'a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.' Judging from newspaper ac- counts, it seems there is a fine spirit abroad at home these days. The country seems to have turned from its attitude of comparative indif- ference to the great realities of life, and has turn- ed its eyes upon things that endure. Stirred by the crash of war, the transient pleasures which so absorbed and engrossed Britain have fled away like mists at the approach of dawn. Just as. in view of the mountains, men realise their humble stature, so in the shadows of those awful and majestic figures stalking through the land-war, tragedy, sorrow, and death—we see clearly, if through tears, the Vision Beautiful. Pity that only in sorrow do we turn from the things of this world and seek consolation in the Giver of all good and perfect gifts I Pity that the devastating, yet purifying, fire of tribula- tions must try us, and that we must witness so much of man's inhumanity, to man, making countless thousands mourn, ere we discriminate between the false and the true! Yet what a wonderful awakening from sleep the nation has undergone I The soul of the nation seems to have grown strong, purged by war, and fine flow- ers of chivalry have bloomed on the battlefield. The light of sacrifice has illumined the nation, producing myriads of martyrs, types of One who gave Himself for the redemption of the world. From all quarters of the earth come men in the prime of manhood—all stirred by a vision and following the gleam. Holding that might is right and sympathising with the weak and oppressed, they come at the Motherland's call from the ends of the earth. They freely give their lives in or- der that righteousness may prevail and truth flourish. 'Righteousness exalteth a nation,' then surely the nation is true to its highest and best self, also, to the God of battles, when it is pre- pared to make the 'great sacrifice' on behalf of righteousness and humanity, for 'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his 1 life for his friends.' It seems that, after the present sacrifices, the nation, and especially the Church, will be strong- er, more sympathetic, and more steadfast than ever heretofore. Holding fast to truth and righ- teousness, one can rest assured 'God's in His heaven, all's well with the world.' j From innumerable letters received in Tal- garth, since our six months' sojourn here, you will doubtless have heard all that can be said of ] interest concerning Aden. It is 'hot here—very j hot, and the surroundings are scarcely pleasant. Aden is barren rocks and sand, and produces < nothing. The seascapes, also the sunrisings and i sunsets, are however beautiful, and georgeous i colourings at dawn and dusk baffling descrip-I tion. Instead of describing further the town of Aden and its surroundings, I'll proceed to tell you ab-I out our Nonconformist services here. Barely ten miles from Aden, and reached by a good road made through the desert, is the large village of Sheikh Othman, nestling among green verdure and the leafy foliage of palms. Here in this pleasant oasis, surrounded by sandy wastes, one of the first missionaries to Arabia planted the banner of Christ. The Hon. Ion Keith Falconer, son of the Earl of Kintore, died here in 1886, after a mission, of barely six months. He was only 30, when he died, but was already recognised as one of the best scholars of his day. He was a fine type of the Christian atlilete a, giant of learning and stature, being professor of Arabic at Cambridge and champion long-distance cyclist of 1 tiie world. He gove up wealth, learning, posi- tion ,and future 'prospects to carry the Gospel to the Arabs. After six months of labour in the Master's vineyard he was cut off, like a flower in full bloom, at the age of 30. Though dead his work survives. The Free Church of Scotland have a medical mission station at Sheikh Oth- man, staffed by two medical missionaries and several nurses. The senior missionary, Dr. Young, acts as our Nonconformist chaplain, and we are very grateful for his ministrations. At Steamer Point, quite near our present bar- racks, is the Keith Falconer Memorial Church, where we worship with the civilian Noncon- Christians. Dr. Young takes great interest in ] our young men, and gives us good advice-moral and spiritual. Most of the natives here are Mohammedans, and pray aloud anywhere in pub- lic several times a day, with faces turned toward their sacred city—Mecca. Some of the people j are Parsees, and worship the sun. In their tem- ple is a fire, for ever burning and fed by sandaù wood and oil. This sacred flame was originally lighted by the sun's rays. Thanking you for your letters to us, also, for your kindness to mother since her return amongst you,—With kindest. regards, I remain, sincerely yours, D. W. PUGH. P.S.—Sergt. Charles Jones takes great interest I in the chapel services here, and Corpl. Price i (Bronllys) conducts the singing at our meet- ings."

I Comforts for Welsh Troops. JUMBLE SALE AT CRICKHOWELL. Crickhowell jumble sale, towards the fund for the provision of comforts for Welsh troops, on the 15th inst., proved a, great success. The auction- eers were Messrs. James Straker, Son and Chad- wick (Abergavenny.) One calf, 41 sheep and lambs, one goat and 4 pigs realised JB81 19s, several being sold and re- sold repeatedly. The tiny pig, which opened the sale, made X3 168. The goat (£3) and fat lamb (X3 9s) were amongst lots realising highest prices. Three tons of coal made up to 35/- per ton, and casks of tar, hives of bees and bags of lime were amongst the miscellaneous lots. The very larere assortment of lots, included palms, boys' trousers, furniture, boots, hams, tennis racquets, butter, fruit, bread, sacks of flour, sacks of corn, harness, poultry, watches, potatoes, oil-paintings, grocery, wall-paper, bottles of whisky, sugar, tea, hooks, plants, eggs, case spoons, and saddles were only a few of the items offered, and which all found most ready buyers, including a bottle of port which realised X2 8s. The various lots were so numer- ous that the sale did not conclude until 7.45. A large amount was collected in subscriptions, which, we understand, will also be added to the fund. Amounts to hand are as follows Crickhowell Branch of the Fanners' Union and collected by the members, zC33 18s 6d; per Mr D. Pritchard, Park, S-5 18s; per Mr Phillips, Lloyd's Bank, 3s 6d; per Mr Thomas, "The Bear, RI Is.; per Mrs Waters, "The Beaufort," 5/ and donation from Mrs Woodman, £1 4s. These subscriptions were apart from entries collected by the above mentioned persons. Proceeds of the sale reached, as far as could be estimated at the close, the gratifying total of X200.

fH?ARCHER&C? S MNMEMRETUNE !) M&: ??RECtSTEREO ??-? j? Facsimile of One-Ounce Packet. Archer's Golden Returns ft. Perfection of Pipe Tobacco. Coot., En

I Decrease In Vagrancy. I HAY GUARDIANS' APPOINTMENT. Hay guardians' meeting, on Thursday, was at- tended by Rev. W. E. T. Morgan (chairman), Mrs E. C. Crichton, and Revs. G. Leigh Spen- cer, Hubert G. Griffith and D. Morgan, and Messrs. T. J Stokoe, J. Davies, C. Butcher, E. D. Weaver, J. Gittoes, W. Jones, E. Meredith, Jas. Davies, E. George, R. T. Breese, D. F. Powell, Dd. Wall, D. Price and R. T. Griffiths (clerk). The Clerk reported he had examined the offi- cers' accounts, which he found in order. Collectors' monthly statements came to hand from Aberllynfi, Llanigon, Glasbury, Llandilo- graban, Llowes and Glynfach. Correspondence was received from the Local Government Board, sanctioning the Board to pay zcll to Miss M. A. Bevan for services as tempor- ary nurse at the Union. ai ev. G. Leigh Spencer proposed, and the Board concurred, that Alfred Warner should be boarded-out with Mrs Harley, of Clyro, on the usual terms. Miss Gore, who has been temporary cook at the workhouse for the past five months, was per- manently appointed to the position. Mr F. B. Powell (master) reported that, dur- ing the past fortnight, 31 vagrants were reliev- ed, as compared with 51 for the corresponding period of 1914—a decrease of 20. Five were ad. mitted to the "house, and three discharged.

I SMART UP-TO-DATE TAILOR-MADE I COSTUMES. CUT AND HADE ON OUR OWN PREMISES. I 9 ? ID nHHMI QJ MORGAN & LEWI5, Ladies' and (ient's Tailors, Tel.: P.O. No. 16. BRECON Agents for BURBERRY'S. jj "JAEGER UNDERWEAR, ETC b967 The Dean and Canons of Windsor have presen- ted the Rev. W. S. Probert (late vicar of Talgarth) to the living of Amesbury, Wiltø-worth about XWO a year-with residence. Amesbury says "Truth") is most pleasantly situated in the valley of the Avon. The church is large and interesting. Amesbury Abbey, now for sale, has been owned by the Antrobus family since 1824, when the es- tate was sold by the heirs of the fourth Duke of Qoeensbury. ]