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

SIR FRANCIS EDWARDS, M.P. Sir Francis Edwards, M.P., has been invited to represent Wales on the Central Appeal Tribunal under the Derby Scheme.

I Pluck Rewarded. I BRECON LADY WHO HELPED POLICE. I POLICE AND MAGISTRATES- APPRECIATION. A very pleasing function was performed at the Brecon Borough Police Court on Mondav, when the Mavor presented Miss Alice Powell, daughter of Mr Wm. Powell, haullage contractor, Silver street, Brecon, with a wristlet watch suitably in- scribed and a purse of money, for the assistance she rendered to a police constable in the discharge of his duty. The facts of the case briefly stated are tlia:t whilst on duty in Llanfaes on the night of the 28th January last, P.c. Pearce had occasion to speak to three soldiers who were under the in- fluence of drink and were quarrelsome. Two of the men, after being spoken to, walked away, but the 'third remained, became disorderly and sub- sl'l!uen'tly attacked the constable, who was thrown to the .round. Miss Powell hearing the scuffle, ran out of her house and realising the constables danger, compelled the prisoner to release his hold which he had on the officer's throat, the prisoner being thrown heavily. The scuffle continuing, the plucky voung woman afterwards made an at- tempt to obtain the constable's whistle which she aid with difficulty. Such was the force she had to use in this act that the button to which the whistle was attached was torn off. Having pro- cured the whistle she made good use of it and was 'the means of assistance being obtained, The man was ultimately arrested. The Presentation. I The Mavor, with whom on the bench were: Messrs. James Morgan, Evan Morgan and C. J. E. Large, at the Police Court on Monday, in mak- ing the presentation to Miss Powell and address- ing the court said You will agree with me that the order of things to-day assumes a totally differ- ent aspect to the general proceedings on a Mon- day. We have met to-day to applaud and not to censure, to reward merit where honour is due. We admire the courage of Miss Powell in so nobly aiding a King's officer in the manner she did. (Hear, hear.) It was the duty of anyone present who had the power to step in and help the constable who was in personal danger while endeavouring to carry out his duties in preserving the peace, and we are pleased that fl lady came to his assistance. We Hppreciate very highly your action and great courage, Miss Powellju, g I y y°ur others will bear it in mind when found under similar circumstances. On behalf of my col- leagues on the bench, the constabulary and others, I have now much pleasure in presenting you with this souvenir, which will recall a very brave act. (Applause.) On this wristlet watch there is an inscription, "Presented to Miss Powell by the borough justices, police and others, for assisting a constable, January. 1916. I have very great pleasure, indeed, in handing you this, together with this purse containing the balance of the lui a. (Applause.) Miss Powell thanked the Mayor, sayi. ng she only did what she considered it was her duty, be- ino- that she was the nearest person who could have come to the assistance of the police in time of need. It was very kind of the Mayor, justices and police to present her with such a present. (Applause.) ??upF ?even Jones, on behalf of the Brecon- shire Constabulary, said it gave him great plea.sure to associate himself with the remarks of the Mavor. Miss Powell, at considerable risk to her own life, went pluckilv to the assistance of the constable. Actions of this kind occurred from time to time in different parts of the county, and the police always considered that persons who came to their assistance should be recognised (Hear, hear. ) The police were a lso desirous of thanking Mr Morris, Bridge Street, who came to the assistance of the police constable on this nigrit. This was not the first 'time that Mr Morris had rendered assistance to the police, and they desir- ed to thank him. It was due to such actions that the constabulary were able to spare so large a number of men to the colours and were able to carry out their duties satisfactorily. They al- ways found the public of Brecon very willing to assist the police when occasions such as this arose. Proof of this was found at the present time in the very efficient ldt of special constables, who were doing their work admirably. (Hear, hear.) He thanked Miss Powell for her brave action. The Chief Constable also expressed his satis- faction at the services Miss Powell had rendcred, and thanked his Worship, the borough magis- trates and the friends who voluntarily subscribed to the present for the interest they had taken in the matter. In bringing such actions as these forward the public would understand that the police highly appreciated assistance of the sort Miss Powell had given them. (Applause.)

Crickhowell Rural Council. I LLANELLY WATER SCHEME. I Mr W. G. James presided at the monthly llJed- ing of this council on Monday at the Town Hall. Crickhowell. The Llanelly Water and -Sanitary -Committee reported with reference to the surveyor's report upon the Llanelly Hill water scheme and the ap- pointment of a scavenging foreman for Llanelly parish, that while recognising the necessity for carrying out a scheme of water supply for Llan- elly, they could not advise the council to enter- into any contract Ifor the preliminary works which the. surveyor stated would bc necessary, in view of the scarcity of labour and the abnormal prices of materials at the present time. The recom- mendation contained in the report, however, with regard to the re-construction of the main in a part of the parish was deemed by the committee to be urgent and necessary for the continuation of the water, and the surveyor was instructed to present an estimate. With a. view to assisting the sur- veyor in superintending scavenging work during Inspector Morgan's absence on military service, tno committee recommended that two of the road- men be employed for a day each week in Llanelly and Gilwern. The report was adopted. Tenders for team labour for scavenging, &c., in Llanelly and Crie-lhowell were considered, and Mr Hicks secured the contract for the Llanelly district and Mr Geo. James for Crickhowell. Mr A. J. Thomas drew attention 'to the differ- ence in the cost. Llanelly paid t;3 5s a week for team labour and Crickhowell about £ 1 a week. Why was this? Mr T. Ll. Jones said there was no comparison in the districts. Llanelly was much larger and very scattered and mountainous. It was decided to refer a communication from the Welsh National Fund for Welsh Troops to the Crickhowell War Hospital Supply Depot, with a suggestion that the proceeds from the -sale of flags should be equally divided between the county bat- talions and other Welsh troops. The clerk, referring to a suggestion that the council should Organise a flag-day, said it -was quite impossible to do the work. It was very dif- ficult to cope with the work under the National Registration Act and that of the local tribunals, which had grown enormously and required a great deal of care and attention. On last Saturday 68 cases were considered by the advisory committee, and few people had ;any idea what work i-tineant to deal with them. Mr E. Pirie Gordon, who is chairman of the local tribunal and a member of the council, said he had been requested 'by the Local Government Bpard to become a member of the County Appeal Tribunal, and he had written explaining that he was already a member of the Crickhowell R.D. Tribunal. In reply, lie had received a telegram from the Local Government Board that they would accept his resignation from the local tribunal to join the County Appeal Tribunal. The chairman said that they could not do with- out Mr Pirie-Gordon's services. Several councillors agreed, and it was unani- mously decided that Mr E. Pirie Gordon should intimate to the L.G.B. that the council declined to permit him to resign.

I ARCTIC WEATHER. I Severe Snowstorms. f TRAFFIC IMPEDED. During the past week snowstorms of unusnal severity have been experienced all over the country. London and the South of England suffered more heavily than they have done for many years past, but in the north and Midlands the weather was even more severe. Traffic has been dislocated, and a great deal of outdoor work suspended. In our district the snowfall and bitterly cold winds have been the worst experienced for many years. Fortunately the lambing season is later than usual this year, but shepherds have bad an anxious time. The upland roads have betn blocked with deep snewdrifts, some of these being eight to ten feet deep. The G.W.R. cars on Saturday suspended service from Brecon to Abergavenny, and the rail- way service was badly impeded on Saturday morn- ing by the electric tablet system being out of gear. A midnight goods train drawn by two engines from Merthyr got into a snowdrift at the base of a high embankment on nearing Dowlais, snow being up to the funnels of the engines. After many hours work the engines were extricated by breakdown gangs. After a week of real arctic weather a cold thaw set in on Wednesday.

Crickhowell Farmers. I RESULT OF JUMBLE SALE I A meeting of the committee of the Crickhowell Farmers' Union was held on Monday, under the presidency of Mr J. H. Furmedge, to consider the financial statement of Messrs Wm Powell (Wern), and W. M. Chaawick (Abergavenny), with regard to the recent Jumble Sale. The total proceeds were shown as E228 Is 8d., and much satisfaction was expressed with the result. Special reference was made to the work of the canvassers in collecting subscriptions &c., and they were cordially thanked for their services. Mr Powell and Mr Chadwick were also complimented on the manner in which they had carried out their duties. The accounts were unanimously approved.

» ■ Brecknocks at Football. 3/1st BRECKNOCKS v. 3/5th WELSH. The re-play, in the 1st round of Col. Tempest Hicks Regimental Cup competition, took place be- tween 3/lst Brecknocks and 3/oth Welsh at Fort Hub'berstone on Thursday afternoon. The pre- vious encounter, which took place last Saturday week, resulted in a draw of 2 goals aside Play was hampered by a high wind. After a hard tussle, Larkin netted for the Welsh late in the first half. The same player 'also registered again in the second moiety, thus giving his side the victory by 2 goals to nil. The Brecknocks were awarded a penalty, bu't Hamer, who was entrusted with the kick, failed to put it to the best advan- tage. The Brecknocks were represented by the follow- ing :—Goal, Lance-Corpl. Kernick; backs, Lance- Corpl. G. Price and J. H. Thomas; half-backs, T. Pug'h, T. Probert and Lance-Corpl. W. Smith; forwards, Lance-Corpl. W. Edwards, T. Perry, A. Hamer. 1. Davies, and D. W. Davies. Sergt. H. D. Wood was the referee.

Builth Rural Tribunal. NUMEROUS EXEMPTIONS. Builth Rural Tribunal met for the first time, under the Military Service Act, on Monday, when there attended Messrs Roger Evans (Tynmaes), Roger Powell (Erwhir), J. Jones Hope (Llwyn- derw), Rees Jones (Tynfoes), John Jones (Llwyn- cus) Thomas Pugh (Wernfawr), D. Davies (Brynhaul), and W. Lennard (clerk). The military authorities were represented by Mr C. W. Woosnam. Mr Roger Evans was appointed chairman The clerk drew the attention of the members of the tribunal to Mr Long's instruction, forbidding the members not to be canvassed to support appeals brought before that authority. The military representative pointed out that the present Act was a penalised one, and applicants should be most careful that statements made should be accurate, for if any persons made false state- ments they were liable to imprisonment. One hundred and forty seven cases were pre- sented. and sixteen out of this number were objected to. In the majority of the 131 not objected to temporary exemptions were recommended by the advisory committee and military representative. All these were agreed to by the tribunal, the cases being nearly all connected with men employed on the land. One applicant said his man had been in his service eleven years, and was not able to do anything but look after the cattle. The man. in respect of whom the claim was made, when asked if he was willing to learn to plough, said there was no harm in trying-he could not make hedges, but there was no harm in trying. (Laughter). He had no objection to try to be a soldier. The tribunal granted temporary exemption. Another farmer .said he could not do without his son, and when asked by the military representative what he would do in the event of his son getting married, the answer was that he would then have to do without. An applicant who could not spare his man, was asked what would happen if his man died, and his reply was, he would be dead, then." One applicant, a farm labourer, wanted to be exempted to support his aged parents, and stated that it would be very awkward for his mister, who was at home, if something should happen to the old people at night. His application was refused. One of the members of the tribunal, appealing for one of his men, maintained the man who produced anything for the maintenance of the nation, was rendering as valuable service to his country as those who were fighting in the trenches He backed up his argument with reference to Lord Seiborne's speech. The appeal was granted.

I Stray Sheep at Builth. I MAGISTRATES DISMISS CASE. Mr Edwin Stantoli Davies, High Street, Builth Wells, was summoned for allowing nine sheep to stray in Irfon Road. Builth Wells, on the 16th ult., and the case was dismissed. The police prosecuted and Mr Powell-Careless (Solicitor, Llandrindod Wells) appeared on behalf of the defendant, who pleaded not guilty. Poiice-Sergeaut Geo. Davies deposed that, at 11-33 a.m. on the date in question, he visited Irfon Road, and found ten sheep straying. Nine of the sheep had defendant's pitch and raddle marks on them. He left them on the road and went in search of the owner, and, failing to find him, he went to look for his shepherd, Mr Isaac Davies. He was not successful in finding the shepherd, as he was I not at home. Later on, in order to remove the sheep off the road, he went back, accompanied with P.O. Williams, but by the time they arrived at Irfon Road, the sheep had been taken away. In consequence of something that he was told, they went in the direction of Irfon Bridge, and in a field belonging to Mr Davies, they found the ten sheep he had seen on the road. He noticed a glat, about six feet long, in the fence between the field and the road, and discovered the foot-marks of the sheep "going in and out," and the marks were quite fresh. They also saw in the field a man named Benjamin Price, who mended the glat in their presence. He came back and reported the case to the owner. About 9-30 that evening, de- fendan came to him and said the sheep were not his property, but that they. belonged to Mr Price Davies (Caepandy). Witness, in reply, told de- fendant that nine of them bore his pitch-marks, but \1 as to the other one. he did not know to whom it belonged, but that he would have to find out. The ¡ tenth was a small sheep. He made inquiries and described it to Mr Price Davies, who acknowledged it to be his property. ¡ ( P.C. Williams corroborated. Defendant said his sheep were not out of the field that day. I Mr Isaac Davies stated that the sheep were in defendant's field at 11 a.m on the date in question, and in consequence of what he had been told, he went into the field in the afternoon and found there sixteen sheep which did not belong to defendant. There was a glat in the hedge, but he did not be- lieve the sheep had been out that day. He also turned to some stray sheep he found in Mr Price Davies's field on the other side of the road. Mr Price Davies added that he had nineteen; sheep in his field on the dd.te in question, but about 1-30 he took sixteen away and left three behind.

I Women on the Land. Important Scheme. i I I. CANVASS OF THE VILLAGES. I MEETINGS TO BE HELD AT BUILTH AND BRECON. 1. I To the Editor. Sir,—With the continual drain on the manhood of the country, including those who work on the land, women are .being drafted into all occupa- tions. They are already doing work that before the war was entirely done by men. It is not a new thing for women to work on the land, but in many districts it is a thing of the past. An effort is now being made to enlist as many women as (possible to help with farm work, and a scheme has been promoted by the Board of Agri- culture in conjunction with the Board of Trade with this end in view. I quote from the circular :—"In many districts Women's County Committees, working either in co-operation with or as sub-committees of War Agricultural Com- mittees, have been established and are achieving excellent results." A Woman's Committee of the type mentioned is to be appointed in each county. Members of such committees will act as district representatives who will undertake responsibility for a general supervision of the work of canvassing, etc., in all the villages in her district. A village registrar will be appointed who will keep a record of names of those willing ,to assist in farm work. The loyal co-operation of farmers and of those who are willing to render help in farm work is needed. There are many-married women who used ito,work on farms still left in the country, and they can render valuable assistance. It is 'being said that women working on the land is out of fashion in this country; fashions must go by the board at present—it is the national duty that should be our first consideration. We must have soldiers, and we must also grow as much food as possible. Meetings will be held during March at Brecon and Builth which will be addressed by Miss Strachan, and Mrs Rob- erts, the lady organisers who have ,charge of this work in Wales. Notices of these meetings will appear in due course.—Yours, etc., WALTER WILLIAMS, Secretary, South Wales Branch of the 40, High Street, Agricultural Organisation Brecon. Society.

Penoyre Red Cross Hospital. FURTHER LIST OF DONATIONS TO THE I ABOVE FUND. £ s. d. Crickhowell Entertainment (per Miss -Mealc) 16 3 9 Private Ostell's Shawl 3 6 6 Gwenddwr Patriotic Council Com- mittee 3 0 0 -Irs C'hambem 2 2 0 Entertainment- at ISennybridge (per Rev. J. P. Evans) 2 1 11 Private Davies, 1st Brecknocks 1 0 0 Donations—Total to date £2.774 3 11 Yijurs faithfully, J. H. FURMEDGE. Sir.—We have this week received <a number of generous and much needed gifts, and wish to Thank most gratefully the following kind friends Miss Davies (Cwmwysk) for eggs collected in the Sennybridge district: Miss Davies (Aberyskir Vicarage), for eggs collected in Aberyskir parish Mrs Phillips (Troedyrharn) for celery; Miss Price IPenkelly Castle) for eggs; Mrs Smith (Green- way) for milk, eggs and oranges; Miss Smith (Greenway") and Miss Davies (New Inn, Llan. hamlaoh), cigarettes; Mrs Fred Williams and Mrs Davies (White Hart, Talybont) for eggs. The children and infants in the Meant Street School, Brecon, who sent per Mr and Mrs Fisher a splen- did box of oranges and money for cigarettes. Mrs Evans CFfrwdgrech) and -Mrs Powell (Castell Madoc) for vegetables and rabbits; Mrs Williams (Brynich) for eggs, cake, tobacco, cigarettes and matches: and Miss Best and kind friends in the Market for the eggs. butter, chicken, and pigmeat collected there.—Yours, etc., LUCY MAYBERY (Commandant). Feb. 22nd, 1916. Sir,-We are anxious to thank most gratefully' the very kind friends who sent the following gifts last week to the Hospital Miss Davies (Cwm- wysk), and Miss Davies (Aberyskir Rectory) for eggs collected in the Sennybridge I district and Aberyskir parish: Mrs Busfield (Coity Mawr), vegetables, 'apples & rhubarb; Mrs Evans (Ffrwd- grech),vegetables & rabbits; Mr J L Price, apples: Mrs Hore Rut'hven, butter; Hon. Mrs Parry de Winton, milk given daily: Miss Best, a chicken and magazines given in the market. Also the patients and staff wish to offer their very warmest- thanks to Mrs Powel (Castell Madoc), the Misses Powel, Miss D. Murray, and Sub.-Lieut. C. V. Powel, R.N., who most kindly braved the cold and snow and gave a niost excellent and enjoyable en- tertainment at the Hospital on the evening of the 26th.—Yours, etc., LUCY MAYBERY (Commandanti. Feb. 28th, 1916. 73

Death of Mr Stephen Robinson, J. P., Lynhales. BR-FEDER OF HEREFORD)?. We regret to announce the death of Mr Stephen Robinson, of Lynhales, near Kington, whicli oc- curred at Bournemouth on Sunday morning. The deceased gentleman had reached the age of. 86 years. He was a prominent figure in the public life of the county until recent years, when the infirmities of old age prevented him from following his many activities. As a county gentleman he took a, great interest in agriculture and in Here- ford pedigree cattle. The Lynhales herd became famous. Mr Stephen Robinson was born in the year 1829, at Croft House, Underlea-in-Craven, York- shire, and was the second son of the la'te Mr John Robinson,of Skipton-in-Craven, Yorkshire who was a banker. He married, in 1863, Miss Mary Louisa Herron, daughter of the late Mr J. S. Herron, and lie is survived by her and by two sons and three daughters. The eldest son died in 1888. The surviving .sons are Major Stewart Robinson, of The Ovals, Lyonshall, now with -the 4th Provi- sional Brigade at Norwich, and Mr John Spier Robinson, who is with the Inns of Court O.T.C. The daughters are Mrs A. R. Wood (formerly Mrs Evelyn). Mrs Walter B. Het-ate and Mrs J. S. Ark wright.

Soldiers and the Land WHAT ABOUT WELSH INTERESTS? A meeting Of the Wels'h Agricultural Council was held at Shrewsbury on Friday, Mr C. Bryn- ner Jones presiding. Mr Evan R. Davies, Pwh- elli, complained of neglect of Welsh interests by the Departmental Committee for the settlement of soldiers and sailors on the land. He said that al- though that committee had been sitting for eight months, it had not given any consideration to the claims of Wales. There was not a .single Welsh representative on the committee, and not a single witness from Wales appeared to have been exam- ined bv the committee. He moved that the at- tention of the Board of Agriculture be directed to the master. Mr J. H. Davies seconded the mo- tion, which was carried. Among those present at the meetng were Mr J. R. Baohe (Knighton) and Mr James Hamer (Penybont).

CRICKHOWELL TRIBUNAL. I The Crickhowell Rural District Tribunal met at the Town Hall, Crickhowell,. on Monday after- noon following the Board of Guardians meeting. Mr E. Pirie Gordon was appointed chairman. Twelve appeals were heard, ,and conditional cer- tilicatts of exemption were granted in each case. A number were certified occupations. It was de- Cided to hold another meeting, on Saturday, to consider about 70 applications which have been sent in.

Ii \The Tribunals. v 1 Builth Wells Claims. I THE CLERK'S POSITION. Builth Wells Tribunal met for the first, time, under the Military Service Act. on Friday. There were present Messrs. Gilbert Eadi'e (chairman), J. Morris, H. T. Price, T. H. Worthington and W. W. Lennard (clerk). The military authorities were represented by Mr C. G. Inglis, J.P. I Assistant Manager. I A lady employer applied for exemption for an assistant-manager. The case had been considered- by the advisory committee a. few days previously, and, with the approval of the military representa- tive. they recommended a certificate of exemption till October 31st. The chairman, commenting upon the appeal, said the case was a genuine one, as the person in question was the only male employed by the firm for in-door work. He ('the chairman) was proud to say 'three of the lady's sons were at present serving 'their country in France, and no one. could think, at present, of depriving a lady, who had already made such sacrifice, of the only experienced man she had in the business. Mr J. Morris held 'the same opinion as the chairman, viz., that the man could not be spared, especially as he was the only man of experience in the business. Mr H. T. Price considered the case a strong one. but. on account of family connection, he de- sired to take no part in the discussion. The chairman favoured the granting of the re- commendation of the Advisory Committee and the military representative, and a certificate of ex- emption was allowed till 31st October. I Machinists. In a case in which the advisory committee had recommended two exemptions and which was approved by the military representative, the tri- bunal only agreed to one exemption. The appli- cants were two brothers—machinists, who sup- plied threshing machines and binders for the use of farmers in the district. They also claimed to be general repairers of farm-implements. Eventual- ly, the tribunal agreed to grant a certificate of exemption to the elder brother, and. expressed the hope, that they would find it possible at the time, when help would be necessary, that a man albove military age could be secured. Threshing and reaping only lasted a short period of each year, and a good deal of the labour for such work was found by the farmers 'themselves. I The Clerk. An appeal from the Clerk of the Tribunal for "absolute exemption" was next considered. Mr W. W. Lennard (the gen'tleman in question) observed he would be called up in the married group, as lie was about the first to attest at Builth under Lord Derby's scheme. He could see no possibili- ties of any change in his circumstances, tha't -was, that would release him for active service, for, he could not leave the business till his employer came back to civil life. Lieut. Reginald J. Owen join. I ed the colours in 'tbe autumn of 1914, and a derk I from his Offices went -about- the same time, leaving all the work to be carried out by him. Mr Owen held as many as 14 public offices, several of which were Local Government Board appointments. It would be most unfair to his employer if he were to give up the work now, and it was only right Mr Owen should know that someone would be allowed to look after the business till he returned, as he had already made very great sacrifice. After Mr Lennard had retired, the tribunal con- sidered the case. The chairman pointed out that Mr Lennard's case was a strong one, and lie felt quite sure no one had done more for recruiting in Builth Wells than he had done. As they all knew Mr Reginald J. Owen. despite age and business, joined the colours, and, since then, all the work of the office had fallen on Mr Lennard's shoulders, and he had discharged his duties in a, very able manner. %-If r C. G. Inglis (military representative) 5-aid lie had no desire for Mr Lennard to join 'the col- ours. hut. if he were granted "temporary exemp- tion," his certificate could be renewed any date. Mr Lennard had taken up the work of the tri- bunal and had mastered the rules and regulations, and he felt they could not manage very well with- out him. He looked upon him as a clever young man. who, at present, was indispensable. Mr H. T. 'Price said Mr Reginald Owen must have already sustained a great loss in business, owing to the fact that he had acted so patriotical- ly. Therefore, it was only right everything pos- sible should be done to retain the service of his clerk. Mr Lennard had thrown himself into the work, and, in the albsence of Mr Owen, had car- ried out the work of the Urban District Council ;ind other local bodies most satisfactorily. Absolute exemption was granted.

I B. & M. Secretary. MR. HEARD'S PROMOTION. Mr W. W. Heard, who has been appointed secre- tary to the Brecon and Merthyr Railway Company, has for a number of years been assistant secretary. Mr Herbert H Price, who for a number of years has held the dual position of secretary and general manager. Mr Price has been secretary of the com- pany since 1889. Mr Heard, who is a native of Bude, Cornwall, was trained in the Railway Clear- ing House, and has 23 years' service with the Bre- con and Merthyr Company. The secretary's office will continue to be in London.

New Sheriffs FOR BRECON AND RADNOR. I At the Court at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday the King held a Council, at which sheriffs were appointed for the year 1916. The following were appointed for Brecon and Radnor: t.ireconshire.-Rees Llewellyn, of Bwllfa House, Cwmdare, Aberdare, Esq. Radnorshire.—J ames Luther Greenway, of Green- way Manor, Penybont, Esq.

Brecon Concert. I PLEASING PROGRAMME FOR A WORTHY I OBJECT. A successful" and enjoyable entertainment was given at the Plough Chapel Schoolroom on Tues- day evening, the proceeds being devoted to the funds for purchasing material for the making of comforts for the. Welsh troops by the Plough Women's 'Sewing Guild. The entertainment, which highly deligh'ted a, crowded audience, 'was organised and the programme arranged by Mr and Mrs W. T. Jones, to whom every credit is due. Rev. R. J. Williams (pastor) presided. The feature was the patriotic vein running through the programme, and quite the most pleas- ing items were those performed by the children. The accompanists were Mr R. W. Musk, Miss Elsie Letton and Mrs Oscar Watkins. The following was the programme :—Recita- tion, Master Ieuan Evans; action song. "The Red Cross Nurses," the children; recitation, Olwen Evans: solo, Miss Dorothy Owen: duet. Nora Parry and Gwen Powell; recitation, Ivy Moses; patriotic song, the children; recitation, Hilda Cootes: handkerchief drill, the children; pianoforte solo. Mr iMusk; song, Mrs D. G. Owen; duet, Messrs. Oscar Watkins and W. T. Jones: recita- tion, Mr Brenig Williams; song, Mr Walter Wil- liams: quartette. Principal Lewis and party; song, Miss May Lewis; violin solo, Sergt. Angus; song. Mr Oscar Watkins; quartette, Principal Lewis and party. Votes of thanks concluded a very pleasant evening.

I HAY NONAGENARIAN. I BRECON ASSOCIATIONS. I INTERMENT OF MRS MARGARET -NIRS -MARAGAR-ET I WILLIAMS. The funeral took place at Hay Cemetery, on Monday afternoon, of Mrs Margaret Williams., who passed away at the age of 91 years, and who for 30 years had resided at Hay in one of the. Harley Cottages. I)revious"to residing at Hay, she was for 30 years proprietress of a noted and old-time hostelry, The Lamb, at Brecon. Ill. this capacity she was very widely known and respected, for .she cater- ed for most of the public functions of t'he county town, including county 'balls, cricket club din- ners, and for the large number of dealers who at- tended the noted sales of the late Mr McTurk. In her younger days she was in the service of Dr. North, of Brecon, as cook. Her hnsband. who became, through rheumatism, an invalid, and died 35 years ago, was for a number of years ari d died 35 year, a,, coachman to the Rev. Garnons Williams, of Aber- camlais, the father of the late Col. R. D. Garnons Williams. Her mother was for 30 years head- mistress of the National Girls' School at Brecon. Although her eyesight had failed her of late, yet she maintained an independent and dignified manner to the last, and it is related of her that when visfted a few years ago by a district visitor, and when she enjoyed to the full the blessing of good eyesight, she refused to allow the visiting ]7adv to read to her on the grounds that she bad had "the benefits of a good education in her young days.

I Mr Sidney Robinson, M.P. I QUESTION IN THE HOUSE. Mr Sidney Robinson aed the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture on Tuesday, if he could state the amount of money to be paid for the land and buildings to be used as horse-breeding establishments, whether some of the horses are leased out for racing purposes, if so, how many, on what terms, and to whom ? Mr Acland said the properties have been valued at £ 65,625. Seven two-year-old fillies have been leased to Lord Lonsdale on condition that they are returned to the National Stud at the end of their thrfee-year-old racing careers, or at an earlier date should they be found to be unfitted for further racing. All expenses incurred in connection with the training and racing of these fillies are to be de- frayed by the lessee, and any prizes won by these hor, es will be divided equally between the lessee and the lessor after the expenses incurred by the former have been defrayed.

Breconshire Belgian Relief Committee. » The following have promised weekly subscrip- | tions in addition to those already acknow- ledged :— 2s per week—Mr Hando and Mr John Price. Is per week—Mr Gimson, Mr C. Willis, Mr Brinley Morris, .Mrs John Meredith, Miss Gibson, Mr Rosser, Miss Morgan, Talbot House, Mr J. Meredith. 6d per week—Mrs T. E. Trew, Mr Thomas Jones, Mr Hargest, Mr W. Williams (Devynock). 3d per week—Mrs Ferris, Mr R. V. Williams, Mr W. J. Price. Mrs Bond-stockings. Further subscriptions urgently needed. b545 T. GRIFFITH JONES, Hon. Sec.

I Llandrindod Items. I TOWN HAPPENINGS. MR TOM NORTON AND THE J.P. LIST.—We arc asked to state that Mr Joseph Coombs, the vice- chairman. was in the chair at the time the ad- ditions to the J.P. list were considered by the U.D.C., 'and that all remarks attributed to the chairman were made by Mr Coombs and not by Mr Norton. This was made quite dear in our report at the time, and as a matter of fact, neither Mr Norton nor Mr Bufton were present when the motion of Mr R. Page was discussed. CHURCH NEWS.—The members of the Mothers' Union were on Friday 'entertained to tea by Mrs Adamson and Mrs Stead, 'and on the same occasion an address was given by Miss Griffiths (Machyn- lleth). The meeting took place at the Rectory Room. On Tuesday, Miss E. Morgan gave the last of her lectures to Church Sunday school teachers in the town and district.—The Rector is giving every' encouragement to the Church of England members of the Welsh Unit to identify them- selves with church work in the parish. PETTY SESSIONS.—On the 22nd ult., before Mr T. Thomas-Moore (chairman) and Mr J. Hurst, Joseph Price, Earlsfield, Park Crescent, was sum- moned for allowing a chimney to be on fire on January 28th. Defendant did not appear, a.nd the case was proved by P.c. Williams. He was fined 4/6,-Bennet Davies, Braddon, was sum- moned for a, similar offence on the 14th ult. Sergt. Morgan proved the case, and defendant stated 'that it was quite an accident, and was due to trying to draw the fire with a newspaper. A fine of 4/6 was imposed. REV. S. GEORGE BEREAVED.—We regret to state that immediately before the service on Sunday morning/the Rev. Stephen George, B.A., received a telegram announcing the death of his brother in Cardiganshire. Mr George had been in a prq§ar- ions state of health for some months, and the sad news was not unexpected. Instead of the usual service, a prayer meeting was held,and in the even- ing. Pte. A. G. Read, of Didsbury Wesleyan Col- lege, preached for the Rev. S. George, whilst other members of the Unit kindly journeyed to Gwystre to take the afternoon service there. CONGREGATIONAL CHCRCH.—The monthly ser- vice for young people was held on Sunday even- ing, when the Rev. D. Arthur Davies preached. Pte. Evans, Welsh Unit, of the Brecon Memorial College. conducted the opening, and Pte. Davies, also of the Welsh Unit and a student, at the Nor- mal College, contributed the solo, "Flee as a bird." A quartette was rendered by Messrs. Owen, Hen- derson and J. Griffith, and Pte. Williams, Barry. In the absence of Mr W. Vaughan Jones. Mr B. Idris Davies presided at the organ. At the morn- ing service, Pte. (Rev.) E. Kershaw, Haydon Bridge, led the devdtions. SERBIAN RELIEF FUND.—On St. David's Day, O n St. Dav d s Dav, Wednesday next, March 1st, a. social and dance are to be held in the Grand Pavilion in aid of this deserving fund, of which her Majesty the Queen is patroness, and the Lord Bishop of London is pre- sident. The proceeds will be handed to Mr Tom Norton, chairman of the Urban District Council, to be devoted to the fund of the Sertiian Flag Day. which is to be held at a later date. It is hoped that this attraction will be well patronised, as the object, a deserving one, and money are urgently needed. In addition to dancing, solos, etc., will be rendered by local favourites, and card-tables will be provided. r538

I HEREFORD MARKET. Wednesday. At Hereford market to-day there was a fair sup- ply of stock and trade generally was of keen character. Good demand for fat cattle iand prices easily maintained, except for third rate quality. Best beef made tenpence halfpenny pound. The store cattle trade was very slow. Trade for fat sheep was of keener character and prices ruled high. Shott trade bacons, advanced sixpence per stone.

THE NAME Bonner Morgan 8 In Connection With 1 Sight-Testing <5 Spectacles Is a Guarantee of the Highest Quality and Absolute THOROUGHNESS at All Times 1 101 QUEEN STREET CARDIFF f| ParK Hall Buildings ?t)!)!?!)! !)!t!)!m!)m!m??!n?m?!?t???t?! tm?tm?im!)!))!!) !< !!i- 

FARMERS' COLUMN. Messrs. J. Evans (Great House, Talgarth) and E. Howis (Wernfawr, Talgarth) are the possessors of several early lambs. A ewe belonging to Mr B. P. Lewis, J.P., the Neuadd, added 4 bonny lambs to his flock this week.. Bates for farm produce at Erwood, on Thurs- day, were :—Butter, 1/4 per l'b. eggs, 9 for 1/ chickens-, 1;- per lb. ducks, 1/ geese, lid; tur- keys, 1/1; and rabbits, 1/- each. Prices at Knighton market, on Thursday, were as follow :-Butter, 1/4 per lb., live fowls, 4/6 to 5/6 per couple; chickens, 5/ to 7/ rabbits, 2/- and 2/1; hares, 2/6 to 3/- each: and eggs, H for 1/ Fairs take place in Brecon and Radnor during 'March as follow :-4tn, Prestcign: 9th, Knigh- ton and Hay; 13th. Talgarth and Cefncced; Ifith. Newbridge-on-Wye; 22nd, Rhayader; and 24th, Llandovery. Knighton market, on Thursday, was a small one. Prices obtained were :-Eggs, 8 for 1/ butter, 1/4 per lb.: fowls, 5/- to 6/- per couple; chickens, 5/- to 7; ra.bhits, 2/1; and hares, 2 5 to 3/- each. ————— • An average supply and early clearance cha.r- acterised the produce market at Hay on Thurs- day. Prices -were :-Live fowls. 6. 6 to 7/6 per couple trussed ditto, 1/- per ib., ducks, 1/ eggs, 8 for 1/ butter, 1/3 and 1,4 per and rab- bits, 1.. each. Rhayader market, on Wednesday, was weTl at- tended. There was a somewhat limited supply and early clearance. Prevailing prices were' Eggs. 9 for Ii.: butter, 1/4 per lb.; live fowls, 5, to (5/6 per couple; trussed ditto, 1/- per lb.; rabbits. 1 each: and hares. 2 9. At Presteign, on Wednesday, there was an average supply and moderately brisk demand. Prevailing rates for produce were :—Live fowls, 4/6 to 5/- per couple; trussed ditto. 1/- per lb.; egiza, 8 a)if 9 for 1/ butter (best). 1/4 per lb.; rabbits. 1/- each; and hares. Lord Coventry, the new president, was in the chair at the annual meeting of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Agricultural Society, when the members announced that. after due consideration, they ha-d" decided to hold the 191(5 show at Here-, ford, the dates fixed being June I), 7 and 8. North Herefordshire Shire Horse Society has re-engaged "Dowshy Forest King" (27253) for the coming season. He proved himself very success- ful last year. and the members should be glad they will be able to avail themselves of his services again. He was sold for tC)80 on the occasion of the recent sale at Norbury Park. Dorking. Leominster Town Council and the two North Herefordshire Shire Horse Societies favour the resuscitation of the one-time famous Leominster horse-fairs, and the committee responsible has de- cided to-establish periodical horse-sales by auction. Leominster is an important horse-breeding dis- trict, which extends well up towards Knighton. The volume of new business at Bradford wool- market, on Thursday, was not large, but there was a firm undercurrent and price? generally re- mained steady. In some cases merinos were quoted at 3/8, but most sellers stood ont for 3/9. Forties were worth 2/4 to 2i4J, English wools were quiet and unchanged. Spinners were well employed, but new business was lacking. At a recent special meeting of the Executive Committee (Contagious Diseases of Animals Acts) of Breconshire County Council, Mr NN-. S. Miller presiding, complaints were considered with regard to the worrying of sheep by dogs on the Hirwain side of the county. The members suggested that a special order should be made for the district to compel the shutting up of dogs between sunset and sunrise, but, after considerable discussion, they thought it unnecessary to take special action at present. February horse sale at Hereford, conducted by Messrs. Jackson and McCartney, showed trade improved for a big entry. An Abergavenny breed- er. Mr Morgan, won first prize in the gunner or vanner class, the animal fetching 80gs. in the sale ring. Mr Gale (Chepstow) was reserve with "Drayman" in the cup class for cart geldings or mares for town work. "Drayman" sold for 89gs., and. with his stable companion. Captadn" (8(5gs.), both by "Dewston HLX," has won first prize ifor teams and turn-outs two years in suc- cession at the Chepstow farmers' ploughing matches. 'South Wales and Monmouthshire were well represented, both by breeders and buyers. Mr A. E. Jones (Troy) secured second highest price of the day (90gs.) for Mr Perry, of Car- diff. for his gelding, and Mr Morgan, of Trede- gar. gave a similar price for the cup winner. Mr liarN.N' (Monmouth) obtain? 84gs. for a gelding, Mr Smith (Brecon) 74gs.. Mr Maddocks, of Aber- gavenny. 70 gs. (for Mr Howis. Talgarth), and Mr Williams, of Raglan, 81gs. For vanners, Mr Davies. Penrhos. Raglan. obtained top figure of 63gs., whilst, for shire bred in foal mares, Mr Thomas (Brecon) came out top with 65gs. "If there is any animal which deserves to have a show in war time" says the "Daily Chronicle," "it is certainly the Shire horse, which was at Is- lington last week. As early as we have any re- cords of horses we have evideneeyof the great size I ish b ed. ind, as the and strength of the English bed. and, as the early horses had to drag over the roughest of ground, the great war chariots of the old British tribes, and. later on, to carry warriors who with- their armour rode, as we put it. something like 30 stone, we have some ground for finding in the great war horse of early times the pa,rent of our modern shires. In the times bf the Tudors strenuous ef- forts were made to ensure the high standing of the breed, inferior horses were frowned on, and aft- Act was passed forbidding exportations. The value- of the "greate horse" in war is shown by the ac- counts of the fitting out of the expeditionary force -'in 1620, when more ordinary horses were taken a.s of a value of R9, while the "strong or greate horses" were valued at tl5--a very large sum in terms of modern money, while as late as 1713 Queen Anne, a great horse fancier, had her coach horsed by long-tailed mares'of the breed." Members off the Kerry Hill Flock Book Society. at their last annual meeting, agreed to make grants- of elO each to the Boyal Show and the Hereford and Worcester Show for classes of Kerry Sheep. Mr W. P. James also moved that prizes for a class for registered Kerry Hill Wool, belonging to mem- bers of the Society, be offered r.t the Newt own- Wool Sale. Mr James said he thought such prize5 would bt: a considerable help to the breeders by tending to improve the quality of the wool. Buy- ers were now keenly inquiring for wool from r6" gistered Kerry sheep at the Newtown Sale and i would enhance the competition if the members were induced to take more pride in pr?'p?r?S the wool for sale. Mr C. S. \Yillia!lis.f;1hngfn, seconded the motion. Mr R.aaden, Church Stretton, and Mr Mcl)e. KnighwD, op p.?ed the. motion on the grOlwd that it would e giving money only to the members in one guar r of the Society's a?r(,a which sent its w<?' to New- town. Bv fourteen votes to nine it was decided to o?er prizes to the amount of ?5. if?<- auction eers (Messrs. Morns, Marshall and Poole) would offer a like amount. At the recent annual meeting ?' ??rry Hill Deck Book Societv. ?r E. "ínsbury didg, H?e annual report of the council SIIOTU there  been an increase of six members dnnn? .?ie year, bringl ing the present. nuuubcrship?"P?.?_s ? ofl?. Tota r?ipts. inch?ing a b?ncP. amounted to 1-205. and. after rnecti' expenses o' ?11 ?° tf.?n. was a balance in hand of £ 94. Ihe council had issued ballot papers for the election of five members to the Council. There were ten nom- inees. and the following were elected Messrs. W. P. Jones, Brompton, and J. C. Jones, Graag (30 votes each); D. M. Hughes Pais Caersws (25 votes): J. Hamer, Gwerryheirdd (21 votes); W. P. Laithwood. Coedydinas 114 votes). The report referred with regret to xhedeaths of Mr C. C Nott. Wigmore, and Mr Heigh way Jones, Pontesbnry. Votes of condolence with families were passed. The retiring president, Colonel Wood (Gwernvfed) was thanked for his services. Sir Powlett Milbank was elected president, and Mr Charles Coltman Rogers. Sand wieh Park, Brampt.on Bryan, vice-president. Messrs. ,T.. B. Kinsev. J. Morris (Gwernygo), and J. E. VenabJes (Penyelli) were elected the editing committers 1w the members of the council the Inspection Com- mittee.

I MR. WILLIAM LEWIS. Mr William Lewis, prospective Liberal candidate for Radnorshire, was amongst the many leading people of Wales who were present at the National Conference at Shrewsbury on Saturday, when a national scheme for promoting the welfare of Welsh soldiers during and after the war was under consideration. Mr Lewis has rendered maomifa- cent service as Hon. Sec. of the Welsh C-omforts Fund.

f cent jumble sale at Grickhowell, the proceeds being Qn behalf of the local Red Cross Hospital. 0 Lieut. Trevor Francis (Queen's Own Oxford- shire Hussars, and son of Dr. G. P. Francis, J.P.), -Brecon, was home on short leave last week. r l .A. Quarter-Master Sergeant Thomas Davies, of the Australian Light Horse, and son of Mr and Mrs ¡ Navies, of Wern Wilk House, is now in Egypt. 1** i St eond-Lieut. (temporary lieut.) Sir John Han- } aiker Hil ton, Bart. (Welsh Horse) has just been gazetted temporary captain. Sir John is station- ed at Brecon with the third line of his regiment, Cyclist- Herbert Buckett (Cyclist Company of j the 47th (London) Division, and son of Mrs Buc- kett, of Lion street, Hay) was home on leave from the trenches in France during the past week. 1 Two heavy falls of snow have occurred since our last issue, and the whole of the two counties is How garbed in a mantle of white. The snow was as much as 6 inches deep around Builth, Hay and Brecon on Tuesday morning. There is a very interesting article beginning on Page 16 of the "London Magazine" for March. It is the first otf a series in which a lady, who was companion to Princess Victoria-, of Prussia, re- veals the intrigues of the Kaiser's Court. Radnorshire and West Herefordshire Hounds met at Whitton on Monday morning. They also meet at Red Lion, Brilley, on Friday morning. Teme YaHev Hounds met at Lloiney on Saturday, and at Purslow Hall to-day (Wednesday). They also meet at Heyope jjgain on Saturday (11 a.m.). AVritino- to his home people at Presteign, Pte. P. Newell, A.S.C.whü is in France, says ''I exptct vou have seen by the papers what has been going on lately—plenty of souvenirs, such as shells and bombs, flying about. George Hughes (Canadians) is lying very close to me, about four or five miles away, and I am going to try to see him when he comes out of the trenches. The cartoon by Bert Thomas on the fall of the German mark is one of the most striking that the "'a.r has yet provided. The Kaiser is shown in ■danger of being crushed by a vast column, labelled ''German Credit," which is slowly but surely fallincr upon him. Readers of "London Opinion" are again urged to place their orders direct with their newsagent to prevent possible disappoint- ment. A Breconshire postman has a good "tale" to tell. Going his usual beat, he came across a deep snowdrift and saw, as he thought, the 'thong of a driver's whip sticking out of the deepest Part. Somewhat alarmed, he waded breast deep to the spot, and, catching at the protruding whip, he was surprised 'to find a mighty upheaval of the snowdrift. The "whip" was the tail of a bullock, Which immediately made off for pastures new. "Hea.rts and Faces" is the title of a novel an- nounced for early publication by John Lane, the author of which is John Murray Gibbon, a well- known official of the Canadian Pacific Railway in Mont-real. Mr Gibbon was editor of the illustrated weekly, "Black and White," before entering rail- way life. This novel is a romance of the studies •of London and Paris, where, at one time, he him- self worked as an artist, and is looked forward to with much interest in artistic circles. The Lobby correspondent of the "South Wales Daily News," in Saturday's paper, wrote: ''The Welsh Liberal Parliamentary Party has not bad a meeting this session to appoint a chairman and secretaries, and so up to the present may be 'aid to have been headless and handless. A meet- ing. however, will, I i stand, be held on Tues- day for the purpose of -stituting the party on formal lines. It is hoped bv then Sir Francis Edwards's acceptance of the position as represen- tative. of Wales on the Central Appeal Tribunal tilider,the Derby scheme will have been received." L laii( l overv ) ), The roof Llanfair Church (Llandovery)), now bein? repaired, was restored in 1723. largely through the efforts of Mr Sackville CwvDne. of Glanbrane (an ancestor of the !ate Mr 'Gwvnne Holford, of Buck-land, Brecon), and Rev. John Jones (vicar of Llandingat). The town crier of that distant date announced in the market-place that heavy timber 'was required for the roof. and land-owners and farmers soon tendered. The old slate tiles were carted by the Jhousand from Khnn- dir Isaf, and the work was completed within a year. The roctf must have been in a bad state be- fore that date, for, there is frequent reference in the old church account books for payment made to various persons for keeping the crows and pigeons -out of the church. In a. leter home one of the Presteign lads, serving with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Forces, states they arc getting sweets and cigar- ettes occasionally from the Comforts' Fund. and, under the circumstances, are doing fairly well. The weather was "champion," but they got oc- casional sand-storms, and it was very cold then. They were sleeping under canvas 12 to a tent, and it would be a treat to lie on a good feather bed Briggs and T. Rumsey had returned to them, and were now quite -well. Herbert Greenhouse was in Malta, and was getting better. The writer asks if the funds collected weekly were sent to the Presteign boys there (the Mediterranean forces), or whether they were sent to Herefordshire's Comforts' Fund, and meant for the whole of the regiment, as the "boys" found some post-cards which came from Presteign, but they were not <riven to them. Was the box Mr Mackintosh sent out of the funds? The writer speaks of having visited Cairo, and had a peep at the Pyramids, which was a novel and interesting sight ifor them,- .but adds that "there is no place like England."