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

I l PRINTING! PRINTING!! I PRINTING! I ♦> THE BRECON & RADNOR EXPRESS" FOR OLEAR & CHEAP LETTER-PRESS PRINTING + Send on your Chapel Reports, Concert Programmes, Tickets, Handbills Circulars, Billheads, etc. ♦ POSTERS a Speciality. + We guarantee excellent and accurate Workmanship & prompt execution. NO ORDER TOO LARGE. NO ORDER TOO SM^LL. GIVE US A TRIAL ORDER & YOU WILL BE PLEASED. NOTE THE ADDRESS— "The Brecon and Radnor Express," THE BULWARK, Buisooisr. WORKS: Or Captain's Walk, Urecwi.

Black Mountain Tragedy. VERDICT OF SUICIDE. Scolded by her aunt because she 'had absented herself from the house, a girl of 18 living at a Clodock farm on the Black Mountains, committed suicide by taking strychnine. Deceased, Alice Ella Layton, had declined at first to say what she had been doing during the day, and then stated she had visited Garn farm and had been with a young farmer named Albert Evans. Specially called by the coroner, at the in- quest on Thursday, Evans said he was with the girl barely five minutes, and merely passed the time of day with her. Apparently, the girl was upset at the scolding. The jury laid no blame on anyone, and returned a verdict of "suicide."

South Wales Borderers. COMFORTS FUND. A good example set! Please copy The en- closed amount (R6 17s 5d) is for the S.W.B. Com- forts Fund. Our choir have very willingly sur- rendered the special collection made for the choir outing fund to the above object. E.L.J., b770 Rector of Llangasty Talyllyn.

Radnor Roads. Employment at the Harvsst. TELEPHONE POSTS. Capt. Gibson Watt (who is on active service) has been re-appointed chairman of the Radnorshire Main Roads and Bridges Committee. Mr J. Hamer presided over the last meeting. The recommendation of the urgency commit- tee—that it was desirable that roadmen should be released for harvest work-was adopted. A letter, from the secretary to the executive committee of the Brecon and Radnor Farmers' Union, asked the highway authorities to instruct the surveyor to release for local employment, dur- ing the summer months, wherever possible, men usually employed on the roads. The executive also called their attention to dangerous telephone posts, and suggested that the danger would be obviated if such posts were removed back into the fence. The renewal of posts on some roads this summer would afford an excellent opportunity for bringing about the alteration of positions. The chairman said they had anticipated the first part of the letter, and he thought they would have noticcd that the telephone posts were placed in better positions in Radnorshire than in some other counties. The surveyor said he had had posts on the Rhayader-Llangurig road placed farther back, and others had been removed at his request. A letter, from the correspondent to the manag- ers at Llanfihangel-Rhydithon school, suggested that, if the road were tar-sprayed for a short dis- tance, it would do away with the dust-nuisance now experienced inside the school. The chairman observed that this was opening a big question, and no action was taken. The surveyor was authorised to have the por- tion of road from Builth railway station to Builth bridge, and the portion over Rhayader bridge, tar- sprayed, as these had been so treated previously. A communication from the Llanelwedd Parish Council called attention to a dangerous place on the main road near Llanelwedd, and they suggest- ed that the bend be widened and a danger-signal erected, as many accidents had occurred at this corner. Instructions were given to Mr Wbislade, who said he could attend to this matter. The surveyor, in his report, stated that he had had two interviews with Mr Lant, re his stone- breaking machines at Llanelwedd. He consider- ed that all machinery was well screened, and Mr Lant had promised not to work the machinery on fair days or important market days, and, as little as possible, on ordinary markets. A letter was read from Mr Lant, stating that he was anxious to meet the views of the council without in any way prejudicing his rights. He would endeavour to do no crushing on Builth fair days, or more than he could possibly help on large market days. The survevor said that Mr Lant told him that, if a man were about to tip a tram of stone and he saw horse traffice approaching, his instructions were to wait until the same had passed. He had urged upon Mr Lant the necessity to work the danger-signal provided to warn approaching traf- fic. Mr Whislade considered that a double stone culvert would be better than a 24-inch pipe cul- vert for improving the Greenway road at Norton, as suggested by the Knighton R.D.C. Mr Green-Price pointed out that this would im- prove the present junction with the main road, and he considered that rural councils should be encouraged in undertaking work of this kind. He proposed that they recoiiiniend the County Council to pay half the cost, which the surveyor estimated at from X22 to 425. Mr E. P. Lewis seconded, and this was carried. Mr Whislade reported. that he had inspected the corner at Heartsease, K^ nighton, and he thought Ald. C. C. Rogers agreed with him that the best thing to do to improve this "blind" corner was to remove the quick fence and replace it with iron fencing (65 yards) and widen the road a little. Mr Rogers undertook to pay the cost of painting. With reference to taking over Dolfan road, Rhayader, the surveyor said that some "siding" still required to be done, and he had not received the particulars asked for from the Rhayader R.D.C. surveyor. Mr B. P. Lewis understood that everything had been carried out by the Rhayader surveyor, but Mr Whislade replied that this was not so. Instructions were given Mr Whislade to meet the Rhayader surveyor and explain what was re- quired at an early date-) Ald. C. C. Rogers moved that they place on re- cord their appreciation of Mr T. L. Whiaiade's I yaluable services to the county, as on the follow- ing dav, Saturday, he would' complete 40 years service. They hoped his services would continue to the end of a very long life. Mr J. Hamer seconded, and said Mr Whislade had discharged his duties to the satisfaction of everyone in Radnorshire. Acknowledging the complirnent paid him, Mr Whislade said he very much appreciated the kind remarks of Mr Rogers and Mr Hamer. He had always been very anxious to perform his duties to the committee's satisfaction, and he had tried to do so. He thanked them for their appreciation of what he had done. Taxation Connnittee. I There was probably a record number of reports before the Local Taxation Committee, of which Mr W. M. Baylis was re-elected chairman. Most of them related to persons who had not taken out dog-licences or exemptions, while a few dealt with trap and gun licences. An interesting point transpired when the case of one defaulter was be- ing considered. It appeared that an employer, who did not possess a gun licence, sent out one of his men to scare crows. If lie 'had gone him- self there would have been nothing wrong, provid- ing that he only "shot at the crows and did not actually shoot them. In order to send an em- ployee to do this work, the employer should be I the possessor of a. licence. In the majority of } cases the persons reported stated that they had ) forgotten to take out the necessary licences or ex- I emptions, and for this lapse of memorv they were called upon to pay the nominal fine of 5/ ) Finance. I Mr James Hamer was re-appointed chairman of the Finance Committee. Mr T. G. Sprague, of Kington, who had held the office of county treas- urer for eighteen years, wrote asking to be re-. leased from the duties. He suggested that they should employ the bank as treasurer in future. He thanked the members for the kindness and courtesy which he had always received from them. On the motion of Mr E. p Lewis, seconded by Mr S. B. Meredith, it was resolved that Mr Sprague's suggestion be adopted, the clerk stat- ing that the Bank acted as treasurer to the Rad- norshire Insurance Committee and to the Brecon- shire C.C.

Patriotism In Patches." NEW SUFFRAGAN BISHOP ON THE WAR. I j Addressing a men's meeting at St. Mary's I Church, Brynmawr, on Sunday, Archdeacon Bevan (the new Suffragan Bishop of Swansea), chaplain to Brecknock Territorials, said it had been his privilege for some months to have been with the Breoonshire Battalion. The Breconshire men had not been side-tracked into a position on- tirely out of the real work of the war. Some people found it hard to believe that the battalion was really doing necessary and useful work, but it was as necessary and important as that carried out by any part of his Majesty's forces in any part of the great area of the war. While some towns and villages had made a splendid response to the country's call. there were other parts where the knowledge or. at all events, the appreciation of the fact of the war was very hard to find. In South Wales, for instance, patriotism had been displayed in patches. He had been told of one district in which thcrf were 120 men, but only two had volunteered for ac- tive service. When he returned home from the Near East he was shocked to find that the same sort of indul- gences was being carried on as before the war, and he saw in one month a great many more cases of drunkennes than he had in the previous six months. He greatly regretted that the chal- lenge of the King on the drink question had met with so little response.

I j Mr Hughes, Newb-t Ie has been award- | ed a prize for the efficient teaching of the Scrip- i tures in the day school.

*These columns are freely open to the ventilation of any matter of public interest, local or general. 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. 1-

AUGUST FOURTH, 1915. I Sir,—May I draw your attention to the series of meetings the Central Committee for National Patriotic Organisations is holding throughout the United Kingdom and the Colonies on August 4th —the anniversary of the declaration of the pres- ent war? We hope by this means to enable the nation on this day to reaffirm in no equivocal terms its growing realisation of the paramount necessity of carrying the war to a victorious conclusion and of its increasing determination to do so. The scheme and resolution to be passed at the meetings have the approval of the Prime Minister and the Colon- ial Secretary. Meetings are being held in all parts of Radnor- shire on that day.—Yours, etc., J. L. GREENWAY, (Hon. Local Secretary.) P.S.—Speakers are greatly needed in country par- ishes. Any ladies and gentlemen willing to speak are kindly requested to communicate with the Hon. Sec.

LLANDEWY SCHOOL WATER SUPPLY. Sir,—At the meeting of the L.E.A. for Radnor reported last week, it was stated that there wds a good. supply of water only 50 yards away from the school, inferring I presume that the children' could manage with things as they are. May I state that there is a good supply of water 80 or 90 yards away which at present is running waste. This supply is situated on a very dangerous cor- ner, and all the water that is used on the school premises has to be carried in small buckets by the children. As cleanliness and hygiene have to be taught, I should like to ask how it is to be done practically under such unmodern conditions as these? If the water is so near (and yet so far) would it not be a good work, well accomplished, if the water was taken on to the premises, knowing that this can be done at the small cost of £6 or ;C7 ?-Yotirs. &c., A. R. A. LANE. I

LLANDRINDOD F.C.C. AND THE TROOPS. I Sir,—Mr C. H. "Williams's letter, in your last issue, seems to be based on some misunderstand- ing. The F.C.C. and the Churches of Llandrin- dod Wells, as a whole, were most anxious, throughout the period for which the troops were billeted here, to be of service to the men. They did not spare themselves" nor their buildings, and, so far as three of the Churches were concerned, there was no financial return in any shape or form. The service rendered was disinterested and well done. The F.C.C. letter to Col. Delap and his reply are eloquent of the good relation- ships which existed. The F.C.C. attitude on the licensing question has been consistent throughout. Before the troops came, whilst they were herfe, and since they have gone the F.C.C. stood for earlier closing of public- houses for the sake of all concerned. Their first interview was with the Chief Constable, and in this they were headed by the Rector, who stated the case for earlier closing. The Chief Constable was in full accord with the deputation. Second ly, they had an interview with Col. Delap, and gave him definite evidence as to unseemly hap- penings, which evidence was not challenged. Thirdly, when there was a prospect of more troops coming, whilst the town was full of visitors, the F.C.C. again took up the question, and decided to ask the U.D.C. to support any effort that might be made to secure the earlier closing of the hous- es, not against the troops merely, but against -all. The F.C.C. knows its own business quite well, and has throughout its life sought to be con- sistent, charitable and fearless. I do not think it has failed, and I consider that the F.C.C. has done the right thing in again asking the U.D.C. to receive a deputation in reference to Sunday concerts in the Grand Pavilion. The F.C.C. knew full well that no deputation could be re- ceived before September, but they recognised that the question is not one that ends with this season. From some points of view, they may be all wrong in this matter, but a F.C.C. which allows a muni- cipality to violate the sanctities of the Lord's Day without a protest would be unworthy of existence, especially in view of the fact that when the ratepayers' pavilion was opened, it was proclaim- ed from the platform by a representative of the council that Sunday concerts would NOT be per- mitted. Right is right whatever expediency has to sav.-Yours, &c., July 21st, 1915. MEMBER, F.C.C. I

Pillar of Congregationalism. I DEATH OF ALD. E. H. DAVIES. I The death was announced, on Sunday, of Ald. E. H. Davies, J.P., Pentre, Rhondda. Ald. Davies, who was born in Cardiganshire in 1847, was a successful business man in the Rhondda Valley, where he settled in 1870. He was an active member of the Congregational Church at Shiloh, Pentre, by whom his demise is greatly mourned. He was a deacon of the Church, and has been treasurer for 30 years. He was one of the pillars of Congregationalism in Wales, and, as a recognition of his worth and work, he was offered the chairmanship of the Un- ion last year, but, owing to ill-health, he felt compelled to decline the offer. He relinquished the office of treasurer of the Union last week for the same reason. He occupied the chair of the county association. At one time he held the office of chairman of the board of governors of the Welsh denomin- ational colleges at Bala-Bangor, Brecon and Car- marthen, and was the treasurer of Brecon Memor- ial College for many years. Mrs Davies, who survives her husband, is a I native of Pontypridd. There are four sons and one daughter, viz., Capt. E. H. Davies, A.S.C., Dr. Ivor J. Davies (Cardiff), Dr. Trevor B. Dav- ios (London), Mr Willie Davies and Miss Maud Davies.

Builth Guardians. I NURSE AND C.M.B. CERTIFICATE. 1 Builth guardians' meeting, on Monday, was at- tended by Mr T. Davies (chairman), Revs. D. Owen, W. O. Williams and D. L. Davies, and Messrs. H. Evan-Thomas, C. W. Woosnam, T. Pugh (Wernfawr), W. Prothero, J. L. Davies, Isaac Thomas, Roger Evans, E. Probert, Roger Powell, T. Price, T. Pugh (New Building), Dd. Davies. Rees Davies, Isaac Davies, John Jones, James Jones, and W. W. Lennard (deputy-clerk). Dr. W. Black Jones (medical-officer) was also present. The house committee recommended the follow- ing :—"That Nurse R. Grant be allowed to ter- minate her services with this Board at once, as she had been offered a free course of training for the C.M.B. certificate." The deputy-clerk pointed out that the matron would be prepared to carry on Nurse Grant's work with the assistance of a temporary nurse. The house committee, added the deputy-clerk, advised the board to advertise for one. On the motion of Rev. W. O. Williams, second- ed by Mr Isaac Davies, the report was adopted.

Llanwrtyd has just lost a nonagenarian-Mrs Susanah Edwards, Cambrian Temperance Hotel, agfcd 93. The deceased lady spent the whole of her "day" at Llanwrtyd, and belonged to a very old native family. Her remains were laid to rest in the old churchyard of Ystradffin—close to the cave of "Twm Shon Catti"- on Wednesday j afternoon of last week.

THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE DECLARATION OF WAR. Under the auspices of the Central Committee of National Patriotic Organisations, and in accordance with the wish expressed by the Prime Minister, PATRIOTIC MEETINGS will be held on WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4th, 1915. THROUGHOUT RADNORSHIRE. Including Presteign, Llandrindod Wells. Knighton, Rhayader, Nantmel, Newbridge-on-Wye, Llanel- wedd, Penybont, Bleddfa, Llanbister, Llaithdu, Llanbadarn-ffyndd, Cascob, Llangunllo, New Radnor, I Hundred House, &c. Meetings in other Districts of the County are also being arranged, and the co-operation of all interested is invited. Hon. Sec., Mr J. Luther Greenway, Greenway Manor, Penybont Station. SPEAKERS W ARTED.-Ladies and Gentlemen willing to speak are kindly requested to communicate with the Hon. Sec. br750 THE THIRTEENTH Llandrindod Wells Convention FOR THE DEEPENING OF SPIRITUAL LIFE. AUGUST 1ST TO 6TH (INCLUSIVE; 1915. Chairman and Convener, Mr ALBERT A. HEAD. The following Speakers are expected to take part:- Rev. CHARLES INWOOD, F.R.G.S., Brighton. Rev. W. GRAHAM SCROGGIE, Sunderland. Rev. G. C. GRUBB, London. Rev. the Hon. W. TALBOT RICE, M.A., Swansea. Rev. W, W. LEWIS, Swansea. Rev. R. B. JONES, Ynyshir. Rev. JOSEPH JAMES, C win bach, Aberdare. Rev. W. TREVOR JONES, Llanelly. Rev. NANTLAIS WILLIAMS, Ammanford. Mrs ALBERT A. HEAD, and others. The Meetings will be held in the Convention Tent, situate in Dyffryn Road, unless otherwise stated. Programmes free from H. D. Phillips, The Vista, Llandrindod Wells. br676 I J. W. OWENS. I COACH AND MOTOR HODY BUILDER, Hilandrindod Wells. Tel. P.O. 55. MOTORS. Cape floods & Wind Screens fitted. Car Springs renewed at short notice. I RE-PAINTING A SPECIALITY. CARRIAGES. I All kinds of Road Vehicles made and repaired or painted. All kinds of Rubber Tyres affixed on the Premises. I A Number of Good Second-hand Vehicles always on Sale. I t 213r I jgSSft HARVESTING & DAIRY APPLIANCES, Mowers, Horse Rakes, Haymakers, Reapers, Binders and all kinds of Harvesting Machinery. MBMjBM Mellotte and Wolseley Separators Fixed. figpl Oil & Petrol Engines of various makes, always nHKHA in stock. Inspection Invited. MEANLEY AND PUGH, KNIGHTON. R619, ENGLISH jj and 0. WATKINS. i ====== I AMERICAN DENTISTRY. PERFECT FITTING & NATURAL MliWf f iMi In. PAINLESS EXTRACTIONS and NO LOOKING AR-c- T- Set from ILL &I"rER EFFECM- EXtraCtion$ LOOKINGAB???.T.Set? ??t?S??? ?um irom ?i/ Filhncs ?om ?1/6 ?; Re- 15/6, Single Teeth from 2/— modeUin? and Repairs a Speciality. Guarantee for Five Years Given. Local Branch Surgeries: LLANDBINDOD WELLS, (Thursdays), Buxton House, Middleton Street; NEWBRIDGE-ON-WYE, Mr Hulbert's, Woodville (Thursdays); RHAYADBB, Mrs Pugh's Webt End, West Street (Wednesdays).

Rival Clays. EVIDENCE IN CARDIFF ARBITRATION. Questions relating to the construction of the Llwynon reservoir again came before Mr Sandeman (arbitrator) at the Sur- veyors' Institute, London. Mr Louis P. Nott, of Bristol, contracted for the construction of the re- servoir, and claims about X35,000 from Cardiff Corporation for extras and alleged work in excess of the specifications agreed upon. Mr Nott was examined by Mr SzluillPif- Wit- ness said he was forced to use the Cyfarthfa clay, though he could have got better clay from Neath at less expense and trouble. Witness said he did not wish to charge Mr Priestley with bad faith, but he thought Mr Priestley had great bias in going to Cyfarthfa. Mr William Murray, agent for Mr Nott on the Llwynon Reservoir, gave similar evidence. He said that Cyfarthfa clay was certainly not good. Mr Priestly. Cardiff waterworks engineer, gave evidence Answering Corporation counsel (Mr Fitzgerald) he said that Cyfarthfa clay had been used in both the Cantref and Beacon Reservoirs, and had proved most satisfactory. In June, 1910, witness received samples of Neath clay, with the view to its use in the Llwynon scheme. Mr Fitzgerald Tests were made of the Neath clay, and it was found that it was not suitable?— That is so. Mr Cotterill, resident engineer at Cardiff, and Mr James Watson, civil engineer, gave evidence in support of the case for the Corporation. Mr Watson said he had examined a sample of the Neath clay and found that it was not as tough or as tenacious as the Cyfarthfa clay. The hearing was adjourned. Arbitration regarding the construction of Llwynon Reservoir, between the contractor, Mr L. P. Nott, and the Cardiff Corporation, was continued on Thursday. Mr Fitzgerald (for the Corporation) addressed the arbitrator on the question of the clay used. Mr Szlumper said he imputed no bad faith to Mr Priestley, who had acted as a perfect gentle- man throughout the business. The Court then proceeded to deal with a claim for e2,041 in respect of concrete, and Mr Szlum- per examined Mr Nott on the clause in the speci- fication. Mr Nott dealt at some length with the inter- pretation of the various clauses in the specifica- tion. and expressed the belief that most of the claims woul d have been settled long ago if Mr Priestley had had to deal with them. But Mr Priestley, he added, had to deal with his commit- tee. Mr Ferguson, a Glasgow contractor, gave evi- dence. He said he was one of those who had tendered for the construction of the reservoir. His tender was about R6,000 higher than that of Mr Nott. Mr Szlumper Do you see anything in the con- tract that would compel the contractor to remove the surface? Mr Fitzgerald (for the Corporation) objected, and the question was withdrawn. Mr Szlumper Have you formed any idea as to the fairness of the charge made by the con- tractor in that respect? Witness Yes, perfectly reasonable. The hearing was again adjourned.

In the Gulf of Aden. I BRITISH RE-OCCUPY SHEIKH OTHMAN. I The following statement was issued by the Press Bureau at 1.50 p.m. on Saturday "Sheikh Othman, which in the withdrawal of our troops to Aden had been temporarily aban- doned, was re-occupied on Wednesday, the Turks being easily expelled and pursued for a distance of five miles. Sheikh Othman is now securely held, and the civil population is fast returning. The Turks are still near Lakej, but are said to be suffering from sickness. Our total casualties in the affair on Wednesday amounted to about 25 of all ranks." [Sheikth Othman is about ten miles from Aden, and Lakej is 30 miles from Sheikh Othman.]

I Registration Arrangements. r COLWYN COUNCIL'S STEPS. I I BAD DRAINAGE AT HOWEY. Present at Colwyn Rural Council's meeting, on Monday, were Mr J. L. Davies (chairman), Rev. D. L. Davies and Messrs. H. Evan-Thomas, Wm. Prothero, T. Davies, T. Price, E. Probert, W. W. Lennard (deputy-clerk) and J. Evans (surveyor). Dr. W. Black Jones (medical officer) also at- tended. The deputy-clerk stated he had examined the surveyor's quarterly cash account, which showed an expenditure of t40 4s Id. Correspondence was received from Mr W. B. de Winton (Kimberley, Llandrindod Wells), draw- ing the council's attention to the bad drainage at several new cottages in Howey. He asked them to take the necessary steps to have the nuisances remedied. The medical-officer intimated that this was the first intimation he had had of the nuisance and promised to inspect the cottages. The deputy-clerk observed he had not beard from Rhayader Rural Council with respect to Waterloo Flat road. He had, however, seen reports in the local Press to the effect that Rhayader Council, at its last meeting, rescinded the resolution not to repair the road, and had agreed to expend X10 to place the road in a proper state of repair. This was a. step in the right direction, for the road needed attention. Replying to the chairman, the surveyor said their end of the road was in passable condition. A letter, relative to the National Registration Act, came to hand from the Local Government Board. The deputy-clerk said that, in two cases only, had enumerators for the last census failed to volunteer to do registration work—Aberedw and Llanbadarn-y-garreg and Rhulan. They would execute the work, if paid, but could not afford to do it voluntarily. As far as the district generally was concerned, the response had been satisfactory. Mr H. Evan Thomas promised to assist Miss Price in the work in Disserth and Trecoed parishes, as also did Mr T. Davies in Rhulan. The chairman was of opinion that the represen- tatives of each parish should assist the enumer- ators. He intended doing so in his parish. Mr Wm. Prothero thought the work should be, equally distributed amongst the enumerators. Those who volunteered to act as enumerators were :—Disserth and Trecoed. Miss Price (Red House) and Mr Edwin Probert; Llanelwedd, Mr W. R. Whislay; Llanfarred, Mr Jas. Prothero; Llansaintfraed, Mr E. D. Williams; Cregrina and Bettws, Mr J. W. Evans (surveyor); Llan- badarn-y-garreg and Rhulan. Mr Albert Price; Aberedw, Mrs P. L. Jones; and Llandrindod Rural, Mr Morgan Morris.

I Builth Rural Registration. I FREE SERVICE PROFFERED. Mr T. Pugh, Wernfawr (chairman), presided over a special meeting of Builth Rural Council, on Monday, convened for the purpose of making ar- rangements in respect of national registration. Mr W. W. Lennard (deputy-clerk) reported that, in some instances, persons who act-ed aa enumerators for the last census were willing to do work, under the Registration Act. now. to Arrangements were mad e for enumerators for practically every parish, with the exception of a few in the upper district. Several persons (added the deputy-clerk) had promised to assist free of charge.

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7" -< I Children's CotmeF BY UNCLE TOM." # qI I ft##*##*#*# I Brecon, July 27th, 1915. My dear nephews and nieces,—Don't overlook the fact that July competition closes on Saturday next. Now, if you have not already sent, please sit down and write me to-day. If you have not won before you may be even "top" this time. Re- member the old saw, "nothing venture—nothing win." I must now write something about the efforts of the six competitors, who were highly commended in the June competition. Miss Nellie Haines, Glasbury (7th), wrote a most intelligent essay on the rivers of the two counties. She divided Radnor's rivers into two convenient groups —Wye and its tributaries and some of the Severn's tributaries. Classification of matter indicates, as a rule, a well-balanced and orderly mind, and, in this respect, Nellie must be congratulated. Her composition was certainly well arranged. English needed a little more attention. Her spelling, how- ever, was perfect, and hand-writing, very good. Miss M. Stephens, Glasbury (8th), sent in a most intelligent essay—carefully composed and brimful of accurate information. Writing required a little improvement. Mary's English was exceedingly good. Spelling, too, was careful. Miss Cissie Ed- wards, Glasbury (9th), wrote a good all-round paper. She "broke" her essay into brief read- able paragraphs, and her sentences were short, terse, and simple and what. is expected of a girl of twelve. I would just remind her to be care- ful not to repeat ideas, terms or phraseology, un- less absolutely necessary for the sake of clearness. Cissie's English was very good, and the same can be written of her writing and spelling. Master Leonard Smith, Beulah (10th), well maintained the reputation of his school. He secured a high position in the list for a well-written essay-full of ideas and not lacking, by any means, in de- scriptiveness. He also attempts style and var- iety of expression with a great deal of success. Leonard should be a good writer some day. His writing, spelling and English also secured de- servedly highf marks. Miss Hilda M. Morgan, Gwenddwr (fith), dropped a little in intelligence, but dealt with her subject ably and orderly, divid- ing the rivers and tributaries under two heads- Breconshire and Radnorshire. If Hilda only im- proves her vocabulary and avoids repetitions of words, she will become a graceful writer. The word, "rise," was used too frequently, and nearly all Hilda's sentences commenced with the little word, "the." I don't write disparagingly of the distinguishing adjective, but I like to see my nep- hews and nieces aiming at a natural and varied style of expression-just as they talk. Literature is simply thought expressed on paper—nothing more! Hilda writes a beautiful "hand," and I heartily commend her for this. Nothing is worse than slip-shod, bad, illegible penmanship I Eng- lish, as I have partly indicated, called for improve- ment, but the spelling was, apart from a couple of slips, very good. Miss Bessie P. Prytherch. Upper Chapel (12th), excelled in spelling. English was not quite so good, but her writing was excellent—though not so perfect as Hilda's. Bessie's essay was intelli- gently written and showed she had a grip of the facts. How desirable it is to obtain a thorough knowledge of one's subject before an attempt is made to write Bessie appears to have read before she wrote. Further, she very cleverly associated the river Irfon with a few historical facts—Prince Llewelyn's fall-a feature which helped to place her in the "highly commended" list. Comments on the work of the "commended" competitors will appear next week, and the result of the July competition will be announced in this column on Thursday. August 12th. With kindest regards to you all, and hoping to hear from every one of you within the next few davs. I remain, Your affectionate, UNCLE TOM.

Brecon Boy. I SUCCESS IN THE NAYY. I WARRANT OFFICER J. H. EDWARDS. I His very many friends will be pleased to hear that Mr J. H. Edwards, son of Mr G. H. Edwards, retired postmaster of Brecon, has been promoted to warrant officer in the Navy. Jack, as he was more familairly known to his friends, is a typical Navy man-as jovial as he is of fine physique. He is an old Mount-street school-boy, and another in Mr David Fisher's long list of boys who have achieved success in the services. He left home in 1900 and served two years in the training ship, 'Mercury," at Southampton, and entered the I Royal Navy in 1902. After serving for two years on H.M.S. "Impregnable," as first-class boy, he left for the China station, where he remained for over two years, and during the period of the Japanese war. In 1906, his ship was commission- ed to the Malta station, and, in 1909, he joined the submarine service, in which he served five years, when he successfully passed his examina- tion for first-class petty officer, and was promoted. in January, 1914. He was promoted warrant of- ficer on June 23rd last. We wish him the best of luck and still further success.

Wesleyan Deadlock. WAR'S BURDEN. NO DRAFT OF STATIONS ISSUED AT I BIRMINGHAM CONFERENCE. At Wednesday's session of the Wesleyan Con- ference at Birmingham the Revs. Dinsdale T. Young and J. T. Wardle (Stafford) were elected to accompany the president (Rev. Dr. Waddy Moss) to the Welsh Assembly next year, of which the Rev. John Felix was elected president. Rev. Dr. J. G. Tasker (principal and tutor in Church History and Apologetics at Handsworth) was elected president of the conference for 1916, whilst the Rev. Simpson Johnson was selected as conference secretary for the sixth time. I Great surprise was manifested that no draft of stations was issued, and it transpired that a dead- I lock had been reached, owing to the unusual cir- cumstances which had arisen. In the course of an earnest inaugural address, the president declared that the men back from the trenches would not be able to stand Christian sentiment—they would expect passionate devo- tion. The stationing committee of the Wesleyan conference resumed its sittings on Friday, and completed its work in the evening. The stations, as revised, were brought into conference on Saturday. Amongst changes made since the former revis- ion were the following :—Herefordshire Mission, Rev. Stanley Cooks, vice Rev. Albert E. Pick- ard; Pontypool, Rev. Titcombe Pullen, vice Rev. Ellis Williams; Llandrindod, Rev. W. F. Mel- lor, vice Rev. George Knifton. The secretary, with regret, announced that Rev. W. H. Dimmock (Bilston), a young minister, had been killed in East Africa. Dr. Tasker, principal of Handsworth College, Birmingham, is the president-elect. During the proceedings, deputations were receiv- ed from Birmingham Free Church Council and the Anglican Church. Handsworth College, Birmingham, it was stated, had been placed at the disposal of the Government for hospital purposes. The conference resolved that the Home Mission Committee be requested to give special attention to the urgent problems which had been under the con- sideration of the Commission of Methodism in South Wales. The next conference will be held at Hull in 1916. A most impressive memorial service, to Wes- leyan Methodist soldiers and sailors who had been killed in the war, numbering 45 officers and 705 men, was conducted by Rev. Dinsdale T. Young (London), ex-president, when the principal speak- ers were Rev. F. W. McDonald (London), and Sir George Smith. Wesleyan Methodists serving their king and country, up to March 31st, numbered as follow Royal Navy Officers, 123: and non-commissioned officers and men, 4,908; army Officers, 1,280; I and non-commissioned officers and men, 66,436. I No war, said the Rev. S. E. Keette (Ports- mouth). speaking at the conference, ever happen- ed without the most appalling consequences falling I on the common people. He was anxious about the social condition of England after the war. There would be the question of unemployment. Three millions of men would be let loose after the war. If three and a half millions of people were on the verge of starvation in peace times, what would be the state of affairs after the war? War taxa- tion raised another problem, for it was a maxim of political economy that the great sufferings of war taxation had always been the sufferings of the poor. Methodists must stand behind the states- men who would try to relieve the burdens of the poor. Problems would be raised in educational matters, over the woman question and on the subject of trade unions It had been said that the war had dealt the trade unions of this coun- try a deadly blow. The country had always had the poor to deal with in social problems, but had not always had either the knowledge or the con- science. A nation that could spend three millions a day on the war could have solved long ago the question of the housing of the poor. Dr. Frank Ballard, Christian Evidence mission- er, said the more real their Chrsitianity was, the more it would face three great perils-the menace I of antiquity, false estimates of fixation, and mis- leading and mischievous ideals of uniformity. The living Church must not be in the grip of a dead hand, either John Wesley's or anyone else's. One item of brotherliness was to think and let think, to credit each other with thorough-going sincerity. The Rev. Dinsdale T. Young (ex-president) spoke of the sacrificial devotion to be found in out- of-the-way places all over the country. A proposal moved by the Rev. A. J. Norman that no candidates should be accepted for the min- istry this year was rejected by a practically un- animous vote. ——ja

l CHILDREN'S CORSE R-Continued, 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.-lst, 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 next, and these should be properly stamped and addressed to Uncle Tom, care of "Brecon and Radnor Express," Brecon.