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

I Threat to Resign. I I BUILTH RURAL TRIBUNAL I FALL OUT WITH MILITARY REPRE- SENTATIVE. Builth Rural Tribunal met on Monday, when there were present Messrs R(.ger Evans (chairman), David Davies (Poityn), David Davies (Brynhaul), J. J. Hope, Rees Jones (Tynrhos) John Joues (Llwyncus), Roger Powell (Erwhir), Thomas Pugh (Wernfawr), and W. Walter Lennard (clerk). Mr C. W. Woosnam was the military representative. I Knocked in the Head. The chairman said on the previous Monday they spent over four hours in the consideration of cases, and he was under the impression that they arrived at a final decision, but since then the Military Representative bad appealed in several cases, and all they did had been knocked in the head." It was waste of time to come there and discuss cases if such action were going to be taken. As farmers they knew who could be spared from the district, and if they were not the right judges in that respect the best thing they could do was to resign "en bloc.' (Applause). He was anxious to send all that could be spared to serve in the army, and if he were young enough to join the forces he would not hesitate to do so. Mr Thomas Pugh (interposing) said the Military Representative appealed against the decision in every case except one, and that was the case of his own tenant. The chairman said all their work was in vain if Mr Woosnam would insist in his appeal. Mr Thomas Pugh said there was no encourage- ment to spend three or four hours going through cases, if they were going to be treated in that way. He had been taking part in public bosiness for twenty-five years or more, but he had never been treated in such a way before. He quite agreed with every word that the chairman had said, and he was in favour of the Tribunal resigning en bloc as their decisions were of no value. Mr John Jones and Mr J. J. Hope also voiced similar expression, and a number of members rose as if to leave the room. Military Representative's Views. I The Military Representative said, before he took up this post he realised the great difficulties that he would have to cope with, and what odour would be created, but he was prepared to see it through. He could not prevent the Tribunal resigning, but if that happened another body would have to take its place. All the cases that he objected to had been carefully considered by the members of the Advisory Committee, who had wide local knowledge, and after bringing those cases before the Tribunal and receiving their decision he conferred with the Ad- visory Committee, and they agreed with the action which he had taken. (Mr Pugh here interrupted saying that the members of the Advisory Committee were not unanimous). Mr Woosnam, continuing, said that it was with the full approval of the Advisory Committee that these cases of appeal were sent up to the Appeal Tribunal, and he felt that he would not be doing his duty to his country if he did not send them up for the decision of that authority, and if the decision of the Local Tribunal were upheld he would not mind in the least. The only exception he had taken to their decision was in seven cases out of about one hundred and forty- seven. I The Case of His Tenant. I They had referred to the case of his tenant where two men were in charge of two farms with buildings on both holdings, and by agreement they were supposed to occupy both places. He was prepared if it were their desire to send the case in question to the Appeal Tribunal. He wanted them to understand that he was absolutety willing that the case in question should be sent to the Appeal Tribunal. In most of the cases sent up he was willing to grant certain length of time, but that was not accepted, and on account of certain information that new restrictions were to be issued he was of the opinion that shorter time should have been granted. If the members of the Tribunal resigned because the Military Representative had taken advantage of the power placed in his hands by the Act, they were, therefore, going against the Act. He was quite prepared to stand by the decision of the Appeal Tribunal. He felt that it was his duty to send every eligible man who could be spared to join the colours, and it was their duty to safeguard the I interest of those whom they represented. They would also have the right of supporting their deci- sion before the Appeal Tribunal. Mr Thomas Pugh said that he wished-- Mr Woosnam asked the chairman how many times the same man was allowed to speak. Mr Pugh I wish to call Mr Woosnam to order. Mr Woosnam said he was in order, and had a perfect right to speak. The chairman said he was of the opinion that they were not doing right by resigning, as they had good knowledge of the cases which were brought before them. Mr Thomas Pugh said that they knew more about the cases than the members of the Advisory Com- mittee did, and he knew little farms of from 60 to 70 acres where the Advisory Committee had recom- mended three men. Mr Woosnam asked if Mr Pugh would substanti- ate his remarks. Mr David Davies said that he should like to know why all the cases were sent up to the Court of Appeal, with the exception of one. Mr Woosnam I have explained that to you before, and am quite willing to refer the case to the Appeal Tribunal. Mr Roger Powell said that he was opposed to the Tribunal being ruled by the members of the Ad- visory Committee. I Mr Woosnam said that they were in no way ruled by the Advisory Committee, but he considered that he could exercise his own opinion in these cases, and send what cases he considered to demand the attention of the Appeal Tribunal. Mr Thomas Pugh said that he considered the grounds upon which the objection was laid against his son ridiculous. Mr Roger Powell wished to know who suggested the grounds of objection. Mr Woosnam said the number of cases that been objected to at Builth was very small, and the grounds of objection had been set forward by him. Goes as Far as the Door. Mr Thomas Pugh said again that the Tribunal would resign, and with his coat and cap on he walked in the direction of the door, saying that he would not act, but eventually returned to his seat and said that he would sit it out. Mr J. J. Hope asked if the Tribunal decided to continue would the Military Representative with- draw the appeals. Mr C. W. Woosnam, in answer, said he would not withdraw his appeals, but if the decision went against him he would be quite satisfied Mr J J. Hope said that he considered that the appeal was unfair to the members of the Tribunal The Military Representative pointed out that thd Tribunal, if they resigned, were not going against him but against an Act of Parliament, and all that he was doing was in the execution of his duty. Mr Thomas Pugh remarked, that he was there to do what was fair between man and man. Mr D. Davies (Poityn) said that he wanted to do what was fair, and the Military Representative had sent cases that they had considered to the Appeal Tribunal. Eventually the Tribunal agreed to proceed with the work, and several cases were entered into. Temporary exemption was granted in the majority of cases.

I Child's Black Eye. MOTHER AND DAUGHTER FINED AT HAY Jane Hannah Owens and her daughter, Mary Jane Owens, were summoned at Hay on Monday, for ill-treating Thomas William Owens, aged nine and a half years. Mr W. Jones- Williams (Brecon) prosecuted, and Mr E. Powell Careless (Llandrindod) defended. Dr. T. S. H. Hincks said the child had a very black eye, and a slight cut on the left side of his head, with a soft diffused swelling on the same side four inches long and about two inches wide. Both ears were blackened. Defendant, Mary Jane Owens, was in his opinion weak-minded, but knew the differ- ence between right and wrong. Such people frequently showed a want of control of their temper. Each defendant was fined j61, and bound over, the boy to be taten to the workhouse.

I Conscientious Objector A Breconshire Case. QUESTIONS AT CRICKHOWELL. At a meeting of the Crickhowell Tribunal on Saturday, a school teacher applied for ex- emption, chiefly on conscientious grounds. He said he objected to taking life, although he was prepared to sacrifice his own. He had tried twice to get into the R.A.M.C. He was a member of a Christian church. Replying to the chairman, applicant said the only objection he had was to taking human life. The Military Representative (Mr Gwilym C. James) Suppose the Germans came here, would you do nothing to defend your own relatives? Applicant said he thought he would. The Military Representative Of course you would Applicant My position is I have a very high conception of human life. The Military Representative Surely you do not mean to say that you have a higher conception of human life than we have. Applicant: No, perhaps not. The Military Representative This country can- not be handed over to the Germans. Applicant appeared to be strong young man, and the training he would get in the army would do him a lot of good. Mr A. J. Thomas remarked that the idea of tak- ing human life was abhorrent to them all, but they had to defend humanity against oppression and aggression. (Hear, hear). A member of the Tribunal said there was little doubt that the applicant was sincere in his beliefs Exemption from combatant service was granted. A farmer and limeburner who said he farmed 140 acres of land, of which 10 acres are under plough, applied for exemption for his two sons, whose ser- vices he said were necessary to carry on the farm. The lambing season was now coming on The Tribunal decided that one of the sons must join the army. In 42 cases the Tribunal granted exemptions vary- ing from 6 to 3 months, all the applications being in respect of farmers, farmers' sons and servants. In a number of cases sons were stated to be in the army, and only one left on the farm The Military Representative said they may have to review the cases. All depended upon the trend of events.

FAMOUS -MOUNTAIN INN. FAMOUS MOUNTAIN INN. CARDIFF CORPORATION AND THE STOREY ARMS. I PROBABLE RE-BUILDING. "The wonderful precipice of Craig Cerrig Gleisiad, with its sheer walls of naked rock some five hundred feet in height, within a stone's throw of the road, strikes a fine note amid the solitude. The noisy Tarrell falls to a trickle, and from a trickle into silence till the summit of the pass is breasted, and a few hundred yards beyond is an inn whose isolation might suggest untold situa- tions for sensational fiction." This inn, thus described by Mr A. G. Bradley in his well-known "Highways and Byways in South Wales" is the Storey Arms, the hostelry so well-known to visitors to the Beacons, but for the past eighteen months no excise licence has been taken out in respect to it and the house has been closed as licensed premises. At the adjourned brewster sessions at Brecon on Friday, before Messrs. E. A. Wright, Evan Morgan, A. A. Mitchell and F. D. Dickinson, the I objection of the police to the renewal of the licence on the ground that for some time no excise licence had been taken out, and that the house was not needed as a public-house was considered. Mr F. Ensor, from the office of the Cardiff town-clerk, applied on behalf of the Cardiff Cor- poration for the renewal of the licence, observing that in the near future, or as soon as the war was over, they hoped to build a substantial house there which would be of benefit to the tourists who visi- ted the Beacons. The Corporation had intended re-building the place on capital expenditure but for the war, and did not care to use it in its pres- ent condition. If the bench refused the certifi- cate the house would have to go for compensation. The Bench decided to renew the licence but re- commended that an excise licence should be taken out.

Builth Eisteddfod. County School Competitions. ADJUDICATORS' COMMENTS. Builth Wells County School organised a most successful eisteddfod for the evening of St. David's Day. The event, which drew a large au- dience to Church Hall was much appreciated and sustained, with every satisfaction, to the close. Mr H. Evan-Thomas, J.P., C.C. (chair- man of the Governors) occupied the chair, and the several officials were :—Adujudicators of music, Messrs. Wm. Prothero, J.P., and James Pro- thero; adjudicator of art, Mr Telfer Smith; ad- judicators of pianoforte solo and knitting, Mrs Telfer Smith and Mrs Amos Williams; adjudi- cator of literature (essays), Mr R. R. Williams, B.A.; adjudicator of English recitation, Mrs Amos Williams and Mrs Telfer Smith; and Welsh recitation, Rev. Lewis James. Mr Rees Thomas, B.A., delivered a suitable address on St. David's Day, and Mr G. R. Thomas, B.Sc., re- cited one of his poems, "Dydd Gwyl Dewi, 1916." Proceeds were in aid of the Welsh Troops' Fund, and the accompanists were Misses Hilda Pugh and Gwennie Edwards. Mr H. Evan-Thomas. who was given a hearty reception, said he was very pleased to preside there that evening. Referring to school work, he remarked that the past year had been a very suc- cessful one in every respect, and congratulated Mr Rees Thomas and his staff upon the success of the school. Education there was of a very high standard. Results of examinations gave but a vague idca, of the standard of a school, but the reports of the past year's work, although carried on under very adverse circumstances, were highly creditable. (Applause.) The Awards. I Awards were as follow :— Eisteddfod song, "The Blackbird," Miss M. Harries. Solo for girls (English or Welsh, own selection, of a national or patriotic character).—Miss Gwen Edwards. Welsh recitation, "Ti Wyddost beth ddywed fy nghalon. "—Miss Olwen Price. Singing at first sight.—Miss Evelyn Rice. Solo for boys (English or Welsh, own selec- tion, of a national or patriotic character).—Mas- ter Wilfred Jones ("Come to battle"). English spelling bee.—Master Ernest Jones. Pianoforte solo (own selection).—Miss Eileen Eadie. Essays ("The Welsh Nation" or "Great Men of the District").—Senior section, 1st prizes, Miss Patricia Thomas and Master Ernest Jones; junior section. Miss Evelyn Rice. Chief choral competition, "Y Deryn Pur."— Senior form. English recitation. "The Vigil" (Sir Henry New'bolt).—Miss Patricia Thomas. Welsh spelling bee.—Miss Olwen Price. Girls' whistling solo competition, "March of the men of Harlech. "—1st prizes, Miss Olive Bowyer and Miss Blodwen Pugh. Adjudication on knitting (pair of mittens).— 1st prizes. Miss Dolly Tulk and Miss Olive Bowyer. Impromptu speech.—Miss Minnie Pugh. Best amusing story.—Master Harry James. TJnpunctuated reading.—Master Harry James. Blackboard drawing.—Master Leslie Pritchard. Comments on Competitions. I The Adjudicator, eommenting on the efforts of I the competitors in the solo for girls, said the first competitor (Miss Hilda Pugh) had a very I good voice, but her phrasing was not good. Her singing was a shade flat in certain places, and some of the movdlneuts were done rather too quickly. The second singer (Miss Gwen Ed- wards) had a beautiful voice, and sang in good time. She gave a. really excellent performance. Number three (Miss Madge Harries) had a good I voice, sang in good time, and her phrasing was also quite good. However, taking all points into consideration, he had no hesitation in awarding the prize to Miss Gwennie Edwards. Two competitors entered for the Welsh recita- tion, viz.. Master Edmund Price and Miss Otwen Price. The first competitor (Master Edmund Price) gave a good recitation, but made several mistakes in the vowels and expression. The other competitor did much better, uttering the vowels splendidly. He hoped some day they would be able to have an eisteddfod, wholly in Welsh. The -second reciter gave the better performance, and, therefore, he awarded her the prize. Four pupils attempted singing at first sight, and the winner made only two mistakes. Others made from six to nine, so he had no alternative but to award the prize to Miss Evelyn Rice, the competitor who made only two mistakes. Three boys entered for the solo, English or Welsh iown selection), and the prize was awarded to Master Wilfred Jones, who gave. a good ren- dering of "Come to battle." His expression was good, and he knew well the nature of the song. The first competitor was not so good, and lacked vigour. He possessed a good voice, but was not nearly such a. singer as the winner. Number three had a, very good voice, and sang carefully. His tones seemed very muffled, and he had no hesitation in awarding the prize to the second singer, viz., Master Wilfred Jones. Master Ernest Jones proved to be the best speller out of the 22 competitors. This was a very creditable performance. There were three competitors in the pianoforte solo, viz., Misses Patricia Thomas, Eileen Eadie and Dorothy Tulk. They all played very well, but, in certain cases, notes were slipped, and, in one instance, the selected piece was considered unsuitable. The. adjudicator awarded the prize to Miss Eileen Eadie. Three essays were forwarded in the senior section, under the nom-de-plumes of "Puella," "Dafvdd ap Gwillym" and "Megan." "Megan's" essay had several blem ishes, chiefly in regard to the phrases. These were used wrongly and too often. Puella" reviewed Welsh history from the days of the Iberians to modern times. The essay was quite a. good one. "Dafydd ap Gwil- lym" sent in a, good review of Welsh history to the time of Owain Glyndwr, and described, to a great extent, the religion of the Welsh. This was also a very good composition, so the prize was divided between "Puella" and "Dafydd ap Gyillym," viz.. Miss Patricia Thomas and Mas- ter Ernest Jones. Miss Evelyn Rice was the successful competitor in the junior section. Five essays were sent in from "Diana," "Irfon," "Allen Raine," "Hope" and "Gwynneth." All the essays were very well written, but Welsh words were the stumbling blocks in most cases. Penmanship, in all cases, was very good. There were very few English mistakes, "Irfon" and "Allen Raine" being practically without a flaw in this respect. "Allen Raine's" essay was very descriptive, and, in this respect, beat the other competitors. If the others had written more de- scriptively they would have stood a better chance. "Irfon" and "Allen Raine" ran closely, but the latter was considered the better composition. "Allen Raine" proved to be Miss Evelyn Rice. Four entries were received for the choral com- petition, each choir representing a form. The first form choir was faulty in its phrasing, and there were several other minor blemishes. Prac- tically no alto was to be heard. The voices were very well belanced in the second choir, but there was, in this case, too much alto. The third choir gave a good rendering, the voices balancing well. Expression was good, but time not perfect. The fourth ohoir contained some very good voices. The time was much better in this choir, and the par- ties balanced well. The fourth choir (fifth form) gave the best performance, and, therefore, he awarded it the prize. The conductor of the winning choir was Miss Hilda Pugh. There were three entries for the English reci- tation, viz.. Misses Patricia Thomas, Eileen Eadie and Phyllis Jones. The adjudicator said the competitors had done splendidly. They had recited clearly, but Miss Patricia Thomas had put

Breconshire Agricultural Society. NO SHOW THIS YEAR. At the annual meeting of the Breconshire Ag- ricultural Society, held on Tuesday at the Shire Hall, Brecon, Mr David Powell (chairman) said the question they had to decide was whether it was adisable to hold a show this year. Personally he was very much opposed to it, even if the war were finished, for he did not think they would be in the humour for an agricultural show when other things very much more important claimed their attention. He formally proposed not to hold a show for 1916. Mr Owen Price seconded and it waa agreed to. It was decided to transfer, from the "0 on cur- reiit account C70 to deposit.

l The Weather. I I HEAVY SNOWFALLS. I SHEEP FARMERS ANXIOUS. I The weather for the past week has been unpre- cedented for March, for although we are accustom- ed to a. fall of snow in this the first of the spring ruontlis, it usually clears off quickly and there is little frost. The bitterly cold north-east winds of the past fortnight have brought with them heavy snow showers and severe frosts at night. Farm- erg are verv much concerned over the lambing season and many losses among ewes are already reported. Shepherds have to exercise all their skill and they are having a. very anxious time. So heavy have been the falls of snow that the moun- tain road from Brecon to Merthyr via the Storey Arms is constantly blocked with drifts from eight to ten feet deep. Men have been employed clearing the track but almost every morning a. fresh fall occurs and more than one motor car has had to be dug out. A brewer's motor lorry had been stranded on the road for some days. The scenes in the vicinity resemble Switzerland more than Breconshire. Gardeners too are longing for a. change of wind and more genial conditions to commence their work which at present is, of 'Course, suspended.

Barclay & Company, Limited, and United Counties Eiank, Limited. The necessary Resolutions for the amalgama- tion of these two important Banks have been passed. The combined cencern takes the name of Barclay and Company, Limited, the larger of the two, and now becomes one of the most important financial institutions in the Country 'With assets over £ 100,000,000 sterling and 85i Branches spread throughout England and Wales. The amalgamation cannot fail to be advaafcige- f ous to the Customers and Shareholders of both Ranks. The Brecon Branch will remain under the management of Mr W. H. Gimson, and the Directors of the United Counties Bank will continue to act in Birmingham a-s a Local Board. WG1

TREATING ALL ALIKE. THEOLOGICAL STUDENTS & MILITARY I SERVICE. MiR SIDNEY ROBINSON'S QUESTION I IN THE HOUSE. Mr Sidney Robinson, in the House of Commons last week, asked Mr Tennant whether the Army Council instructions, dated 28th January, whereby students preparing for the Roman Catholic priesthood are on no account at any time to be accepted for service in the Army would be ex- tended to other theological students? Mr Snowden also asked if students in Catholic theological colleges had been given exemptions from the Military Service Act, as a class, and, if so, would this exemption be given to medical students who were training for a profession of the highest importance to the community? Treated Alike. I Mr Tennant replied that instructions were be- ing prepared under which theological students of all religious denominations would be treated alike. The regulations as regards medical students had been framed upon the same lines. Perhaps the treatment of the medical student was the more generous. We understand that these instructions have now been received by the military authorities, so that Nonconformist theological students will be treated in the same way as Anglican and Roman Catholic.

TALGARTH'S HELP I FOR DR. BARNARDO'S HOMES. I A PLEASING CONCERT. I Under the auspices of ,the Talgarth Branch of the Young Helper's League, ^n excellent concert was giwn in the Town Hall, on Wednesday evening of last week, which was organised by Mrs Jayne, Mrs Howat and Mrs W. Ifor Jones, and who were assisted by a band of Young Helpers, all of whom are most certainly worthy of great credit for the success and for the high state of efficiency attain- ed. Not only was the musical talent worthy of commendation, but the histrionic art attained by the performers reflected the utmost creclit upon the ladies who had trained them. The Town Hall was packed, notwithstanding the fact that there had been several concerts held recently,all of which, from the object of the proceeds, appealed to the popular sentiment, and in view of this the success of the effort on behalf of the Dr. Barnardo Homes was worthy of note. All the items were performed in character. It is not generally known that all the dresses were made by the committee, thus effecting a saving in not having to hire ex- pressly for the occasion. After payment of all the expenses incurred, the committee as a. result of this concert have forwarded X12 to the Homes. The stage management and characteristic repre- sentation of each item was thoroughly appreciated. A feature of the evening was the play. "A Dream of Nursery Rhymes," in which the following took part :-Olwen Goodwin, Annie Games. Doris Edwards, Jean Howat, Kathleen Price, Annie Evans, Gwnfa Owen, Maudie Price. Viola Dav- ies, Bessie Evans, Irene Price, Doris Leighton, Horatio Goodwin and Marjorie Jayne. In the mis- cellaneous programme the following took part Majorie Jayne, 'Miss Eva Owen,. Doris Edwards, Doris Leighton, Gwnfa Owen, Bessie Evans, Irene Price, Muriel George. Grenville Martin, Gwilliam Powell, Horatio Goodwin, Annie Games, Mrs Jayne and Mrs W. I. Jones (duet), Olwen Goodwin. Kathleen Price, and tableau, I "The Allies," Young Helpers' League.

I' HEREFORD MARKET. f wecintsday- At Hereford to-day trade, in all departments, was good. Strong demand for fat cattle and late rates were well maintained, 'with strong ten- dency to advance. Trade for stores was still j?ow. Fat s heep again sold well and first-class qnality were a halfpenny dearer. Other qualities made recent rates. Store sheep were in medium demand. Fat pigs were in great request, and baconers further rose sixpence per stone, whilst porkers made late ates.

Divorce Suit. I Incidents at a Brecon Hotel. I CASE AGAINST CO-RESPONDENTS DISMISSED. In the Divorce Court, on Tuesday. Mr Justice Horridge and a common jury heard a petition by Mr Horace Samuel James Marks, employment agent, of Despenser Street, Cardiff, asking for the dissolution of his marriage on the ground of the alleged ruisconduct ot lil's wife, Charlotte Jane Marks, with three co-respondents—Roger Price, Alan Builth and Arthur Allen. The charges were denied, and the case against Builth was not proceeded with, as counsel said there was no evidence against him. Mr Bell Hart, for the petitioner, stated that the marriage took place on 4th August, 1900, at St. Mary's Church, Cardiff., The marriage was not a very happy one, and matters came to a head in 1911, when the wife's conduct gave cause for serious complaints. The first occasion on which petitioner had cause to be indignant was when he and his wife were staying at the Wel- lington Hotel, Brecon, with petitioner's aunt in the middle of 1911. Petitioner then had cause to complain of his wife's conduct with Roger Price. He noticed familiar behaviour then, and heard terms of endearment pass. He remonstrated with both of them, and his wife denied there was anything wrong. Petitioner and his wife return- ed to Cardiff, and lived there till Christmas, 1911, when he decided to bring his wife to London to spend CJiristmastide. Mrs Marks refused to go, and said she would go to Hereford. At first she wanted to go to the Wellington Hotel, Brecon, but he refused, and eventually she went to stay with an aunt at Hereford. Petitioner had con- siderable difficulty in getting her back, but she came back for a short time. At Christmas, 1912, she went to Brecon to help her aunt at the hotel and remained over Whitsuntide. Petitioner went to Brecon and passed Whit-Sunday night with his wife, but that was the only occasion in the year he slept with her. His wife refused to ac- company him back on Whit-Monday, but she did return to Cardiff on the Wednesday. Her course of conduct, however, became so consistently bad that shortly afterwards petitioner had to make arrangements to separate from her, and she again went to Hereford to stay with her aunt. Peti- tioner was first put on to inquire by a letter he received from his wife's sister, whilst his wife was staying at Hereford in November, and the result of the inquiries he made were that he ob- tained certain facts as to what had been happen- ing between his wife and both Price and Allele. As to what took place at the Wellington Hotel, Brecon, counsel said that Price was found in the bathroom with Mrs Marks, and Allen was found outside Mrs Marks's bedroom in the night. Dur- ing an interview, Mrs Marks made certain state- ments and admissions, but such admissions, counsel pointed out, were no evidence against the co-respondents. Counsel said that in December, 1912, a child was born to Mrs Marks, as to the paternity of which there was dispute. Petitioner said it could not possibly be his. In reply to the Judge, counsel said there was no evidence against the co-respondent, Builth, and the case against him would not be proceeded with. Petitioner's Evidence. I The petitioner was called and bore out the opening statements. Counsel You had an interview with your wife in the solicitor's (Mr Willett's) office, and she asked you-to take her back home and forgive her? -I refused, and then caled in my solicitor and informed my wife that I was taking divorce pro- ceedings. Were any details or names mentioned?—Mrs Marks mentioned Mr Price and Mr Allen. What did she say about- Allen ?-She informed me that he went to her bedroom and was there about four hours, and he went there twice. She also mentioned Roger Price. The Judge What did she say about Roger Price?—She said a great deal—one thing one minute and another another. She contradicted herself. I asked her who the father of the child was, and she would not tell me. I asked her if it were Mr Allen,and she said "No." I again asked her if it were Mr Price, and she would not answer me. Petitioner added that his wife went to his office and said she had nowhere to stay, and he told her to stay at an hotel. She did 50-at the Central Hotel, -Cardiff. Respondent said that what she said about Allen was not true. Petitioner said it was a very serious matter. The Judge then directed that, respondent should be called, but there was no answer. Petitioner said his wife was a barmaid when he married her. Miss Nellie Peckham, now of the Lamb Hotel, Hirwain, and formerly chambermaid at the Wel- lington Hotel, Brecon, spoke to hearing voices in the bathroom on one occasion in 1912. About ten minutes later Mrs Marks came downstairs, and, after an interval, Mr Price came down. Miss Rew, late of the Castle Hotel, Neath, and formerly employed at the Wellington Hotel, Brecon, said that in 1911 her bedroom was op- posite Mrs Marks's. She 'was sitting up one night with the proprietress, and, about midnight, was frightened on the stairs by a. gentleman. She found out next morning that the gentleman was Mr Allen. He apologised to her. and explained that he lost his way going to the bathroom. He was outside Mrs Marks's room. His own room was in a different direction. Solicitor's Interview. I Mr George Francis Willett, of Cardiff, peti- tioner's solicitor, said that in January, 1913, he had an interview with Mrs Marks at her sister's house at Hereford. She was in bed. He told Mrs Marks that petitioner was annoyed at her conduct, and she told him that she had had a. child, born on Christmas Day-a little girl. He asked her who the father was. Mrs Marks said, "Oh, it is Mr Allen." Witness asked who Mr Allen was, and she said he was a. commercial traveller. She added that, -whilst she was stay- ing at Brecon, Allenrone night tried three times to get to her room. Afterwards she asked him to do what he could to get her husband to forgive her, and he tried to do so. He arranged an in- terview between respondent and her husband, at which Mrs Marks .told petitioner that there was nothing between her and Price. When Price called her "Lottie," she said, he was drunk. She knew Allen was a married man with children. She. did not care for him, and did not love him. She wanted to be with her husband, and alleged that what had happened was her husband's fault. Counsel for Price and Allen submitted that there was no evidence to go to the jury in sup- port of the charges against them. His Lordship agreed. The jury found respondent guilty of misconduct with a man unknown, and that there had fbeen EO condonation by petitioner. His Lordship pronounced a decree nisi, and dis- missed both Price and Allen from the suit, with costs.

Mr Sidney Robinson, M.P. IMPORTANT PARLIAMENTARY APPOINTMENT. The value set upon Mr Sidney Robinson's ser- vices in the House of Commons is evidenced 'from the fact that he has been appointed on the Committee of Selection. This committee governs the choosing of fit members to serve on the va.st number of committees which are generally set up. At a meeting of the Welsh Liberal Parliamen- tary Party, held on Tuesday, Sir Herbert Roberts was re-elected chairman and Mr Sidney Robinson and Mr Ellis Davies were re-elected secretaries. Votes of condolence were passed with Mr John Hinds and Mr E. T. John, who had lost sons at the front.

February this year, writes our Glasbury corres- pondent, has well merited the epithet "fill-dyke" of 29 days there were only 5 with no rain or snow-fall, and the total recorded here amounts to 5.43 inches. With the l^st week being ac- companied ;by a north-easterly wind and a tem- perature often 5 degrees below freezing-point, some rigours of a severe winter have been exper- ienced, resulting in "colds" for human beings, and a serious check to the advanced state of vegetation, owing to the abnormally mild charac- ter of the bettej part of January. March opened with a similar record.

I Hay Town Topics. I Meeting of Council. COSTS OF SEWERAGE SCHEME. There were present at Hay Urban Council on Monday Councillors Rev. J. J. de Winton (in the chair), David Morgan (vice-chairman), Frank Cad- man, Evan Powell, Jas. Cater, T. E. James, T. J. Stokoe, Enoch George, Jas. Evans, W. J. Hiscox (surveyor), Dr. T. E. Hincks (medical-officer), and A. Howard (acting clerk). Medical Officer and War Service. I A circular letter was received from the L.G.B., asking for information as to whether their medical officer could join for war service without public inconvenience. The council decided that Dr. Hincks be allowed to go, if he could provide a substitute. A communication was received from Miss M. A. Bevan conplaining of the stones in Bear Street, and enquiring who was responsible. The surveyor was f instructed to remedy the matter. I I The Tribunal. Mr John Morgan wrote the council to the effect that owing to illness he would like to resign his seat on the local tribunal. The work, he said, was very important and pressing, and he realised that he would not be able to attend to it for some time. He requested them to appoint another member in his place. The council appointed Mr J. M. Maddy as the new member. Dr. T. E. Hincks submitted his annual report stating that there were no cases of infectious diseases. There were during the year 37 births, and 44 deaths. Mr Jas. Cater drew attention to the fact that there was no cottage inspection, and the medical- officer replied that he understood that the act rela- tive to the inspection was in abeyance. The surveyor stated he had received a circular from the L G B., intimating that the Housing and Town Planning Act was in abeyance during the war. The matter then dropped, the medical-officer pro- mising to mention the matter in his report when it was printed. Mr Ferris offered the council an old house in Maiket Street for a price. It was resolved to leave the matter in abeyance until such time as the council undertook the improvement of the road in which the site was. Messrs Frank Cadman and S. M. Jones were appointed overseers. Relative to the fencing of the refuse tip, the sur- veyor was iustructed to find out what Councillor Powell wanted and then prepare his estimate. Sewerage Scheme. The deputy-clerk said that the matter of the engineers' cost for the sewerage scheme should be settled. Mr Griffiths (clerk) recommended asking them for some allowance. £ 66 18s. was the charge made for work outside their commission, and he re- commended asking them to accept zC26 18s., taking off £ 40. They would also be asked to accept 2! per cent. instead of 3 per cent. The deputy-clerk ex- plained that they would have been entitled to 5 per cent., if they had carried the work out, but as they had not, they wanted 3 per cent. Asking them to take 2! per cent. would mean that, with the other deduction, the whole account would amount to £100. The council agreed that the clerk's suggestion be carried out, and that if the firm accepted they should be paid at once. A motion, by Mr David Morgan for the purchase of a refuse destroyer, received no seconder. The account of Messrs Cheese and Armstrong for the preparing of the agreement for the sewerage scheme, amounting to jE2 7 17s., was ordered to be taxed. Surveyor's Report. The surveyor reported that he had asked Mr Rees Morris if his directors would allow a rebate on the lighting, and had also asked him to light alternate lamps, or the lamps at important junctions, from 7 to 9 p m. Mr Morris thought that his directors would meet the council in the matter. He had also asked Mr W. Lilwall if he would only light one lamp at the Town Clock from 7 to 9 p.m., and whether he w- uld allow a rebate to the council. Mr Lilwall agreed. The surveyor asked permission to purchase 5 trucks of stone granite, and one truck of chippings to complete the roads in the district. The council agreed. He had had the lamps removed from the corners of Forest and Brecon roads. Roadman Called Up. I The Surveyor further reported that one of the roadmen would soon be called up for the army He had a man sick at present, and he was bound to have two men He asked the council's permission to employ another man in his place. The Surveyor was instructed to do so. One of the council's lamps, he further stated, had been broken by boys playing football, and he was informed that the boy who actually broke the lamp was one he had previously reported. He proposed to have the well at the filter reservoir taken out and repuddled, as soon as the weather improved. He had been unable to gauge water owing to the weather. The works' committee reported having nominated the following councillors to interview Mr E. T. Powell, and together visit the Dingle, and obtain terms for its public use as a refuse tip :-Messrs Rev. J. J. de Winton, James Cater and Enoch George. The surveyor estimated that a general district rate of 3/6 would be required. The council adopted the estimate.

Builth Eisteddfod—Continued. more expression into her rendering. She was, therefore, awarded the prize. Miss Olwen Price was successful in the Welsh spelling competition. There were six competi- tors, and each spelled creditably. Misses Olive Bowyer and Blodwen Pugh won the whistling competition on "The march of the men of Harlech," both whistling clearly and giving each note its full value. Two competitors entered for the knitting com- petition. One finished too tightly, and did a very difficult pattern. The other worked a good piece of knitting, but as both did well the prize was divided. Miss Minnie Pugh was successful in the im- promptu speech on "War-Time Economies." She gave several useful methods by which money could be spent. Other efforts were rather brief. Master Harry James gave a very amusing story and well deserved the first prize. He was also successful in the unpunctuated reading. He made very few mistakes and read the piece through with comparative ease. Master Leslie Pritchard, with a drawing of the leek, won first prize. His drawing was ex- ceedingly good and more suitable than the other specimens.

• THE NAME I Bonner Morgan I I In Connection With I Sight .Testing 6 Spectacles I Is a Guarantee of the Highest Quality 1 I and Absolute THOROUGHNESS at All Times I I 101 QUEEN STREET CARDIFF I B Park Hall Buildings I

[ FARMERS' COLUMN. Two ewes, belonging to Mr H. G. Prytherch, Llanwrtyd, recently brought, between them, seven lambs. At Erwood market, on Thursday, prices were as follow :—Eggs, 9 for 1/ butter, 1/4 to 1/6 per lb.; ducks, 1/ and rabbits, 1/- each. At Knighton market, on Thursday, attendance was very small, owing no doubt, in some measure, to the heavy fall of snow. The prices obtained were the same as on the previous Thursday. Fairs in Brecon and Radnor during March F a I' q in Brticon and are as follow :—9th. Hav and Knighton 13th, Talgarth and Cefncoed; 16th, Newbridge-on- Wye: 22nd, Rhayader; and 24th, Llandovery. 1 The supply of produce at Builth Wells, on Monday, wa-s not very large. Ruling rates were I Butter, 1/3 to 1/4 per lb. eggs, 9 for 1/ fowls, 3/6 to 4/6; trussed ditto, 1/- per lb.; rabbits, lid and 1/- each; apples, lid and 2d per lb.; and potatoes, 4/6 per cwt. There was not a very large attendance at Rhaya- der market on Wednesday, owing to the inclement weather. Limited supply met with ready de- mand. Prices were:—Eggs, 7 for 1/ butter, 1/4 to 1/5 per lb.; live fowls, 5/- to 6/- per couple; Trussed ditto, 1/- per lb. rabbits, II- each; and hares, 2/9. Inclement weather accounted for rather poor at- tendance at Presteign market on Wednesday. A meagre supply met with brisk sale. Ruling rates were :-Live fowls, 4/6 to 5/6 per couple, trussed ditto, 1/- and 1/1 per lb.; eggs, 7 and 8 for 1/ butter, 1/4 to 1/6 per lb.: rabbits, 1/- each; and hares, 2/9. Mr H. Byron (Hay) conducted a sale, by auc- tion, at Hardwicke Schools in aid of the Red Cross Society on the 29th ult. The sale was or- ganised by Rev. M. F. Harpur (Hardwicke), and over R50 was realised. Among the numerons things sold were two pigs, a sheep, a goat, fowl, rabbits, eggs, etc. Plr, ID There was a fair attendance at Hay market on Thursday. Prices had a, tendency to be higher, but there was good demand and early clearance. Prevailing rates were:—Eggs, 7 and 8 for 1/ butter, 1/7 per lb. chickens, 1/1 and 1/2: truss- ed-fowls. I. apples, 2d; live-fowls, 7/- to 8/- per couple: and rabbits, 1/1 and 1 '2 each. Only a limited supply of stock was in Brecon market on Tuesday. Quotations were :—COWB with calyes, Æ:18 to £ 20; bullocks and stores, a small trade: beef, 9id to 104d per lb.: mutton (very dear). 1/2: porkers. 18/- to tl per score; small pigs, very dear. Horses (small supply)- agricultural £ 50 to £ 70. colliers zt40 to £ 45, and ponies (.very little demand) X7 to £ 15. Out of nearly 60 applications before the West- morel and Tribunal, mainly from shepherds and farmers, all but one was granted other postpone- ment or exemption. Notwithstanding the appeal of the chairman and the recruiting officers, farm- ers declared they could not work their farms with fewer men and would give up if men were taken away. There was not a large attendance at Builth stock market on Monday. Several pens of cattle were on offer and realised good prices. Prevail- ing prices were:—Barreners, £ 13 to 415 each; cows with calves, £16 to £22; yearling bullocks, £ 9 to £ 10; two-year-olds, £ 12 to £ 14: beef, 43/- per cwt. The few sheep on offer maintained last week's prices. No pigs were in evidence. Mr David Lewis (Cefnhafdre, Llanafanfawr), whose death is recorded, was one of the most pro- minent and highly esteemed farmers in the dis- trict. He was a. firm supporter of the local ploughing and hedging matches, often acting as judge of hedging. He was. for many years, a member of Builth Board of Guardians and Rural District Council, and always served his district with conspicuous faithfulness and regularity. At a draw held at Knighton recently, a pig (valued at 28/-) realised the sum of £ 19 10s. The money, which came from the sale of sixpenny tickets, was handed to the Ladies Working Party to provide material for garments for Brit- ish prisoners in Germany, and the success of the undertaking is due to the efforts ol Miss Roberts (Selly Hall) and other ladies of the parish. The pig, the gift of Mr John Bright (Selly Hall), was eventually sold for 30/ and the money given to the -w inner, Mr A. Jones, Knighton. There was a thin attendance an d wry quiet There was a thin attendam:l: and quiet market in wool at Bradford on Thursday. Users of tops were naturally holding aloof with a view to making advantage of the lowest point of the fall, and, at the same time. topmakers were not showing any eagerness to sell. Apparently, the main object at present was to bring wool to a cheaper basis, and the' restrictions on exports were helping materially toward? that end. Sums towards patriotic funds have been raised by the several branches of the Brecon and Rad- nor Farmers' Union as follow :—Glasbury and Hay, £ 151 10s 3d: Brecon, £56 lis Gd: Brecon (second sale), over £100: Talgarth (first sale), £ 80: Talgarth (second sale), £ 52 9s lid; Builth Wells, £ 45 Os 6d; Newbridge. £ 117 2s; Crick- howell. £ 250; Glasbury (second sale), R202 Knighton, £ 323 Is 2d: Upper Chapel, X"24; Er- wood, R73 9s 3d; total, £1,475 4s 7d. "The speaker was a boy who, accompanied by his father." states the "Daily Chronicle," "waa following, with great interest, the evolutions of the massive animals in the ring at Agricultural Hall last week. Presently, he turned to his parent and remarked, "But they behave the-mselves quite well, pa." "Of course they do," was the reply, "why not?" "But they don't seem to shy at any- thing," was the boy's next reflection. "No," answered pa, "they're usually very stolid beasts." Then the blow fell heavily upon the unsuspecting progenitor. "Then—then, why do they call them shyers?" queried the boy, without a. blink in bis- innocent eyes. And papa took hurried refuge in his catalogue. And, by the way, why do they call them Shires?" "The other day," writes a, correspondent, "I came across an illuminating example of the cause of the degeneration in Welsh agriculture. Travelling from Mid-Wa-les to a mining valley I had the company of a young lad of 18, whose rosy cheeks and upright sturdy frame bespoke his rural upbringing. I discovered he was working at one of the valley collieries, and, when I asked why he left the country for industrial life, he replied, 'Well you see, sir, I was only getting fourteen shillings a week at the farm, but I can get more than double that at the colliery.' He told me that very few of the young fellows remained in his village when they were able to get away to the industrial centres. After -two or three years absence they came back dressed alinost smartly as the 'squire and with a pocket fm! Of money.

Belgian Relief Fund. The Honorary Treasurer begs GO acknowledge the receipt of the following further contributions I to this fund, with ma-ny th-an);F, zC s. d. Col. J. J. Jones, Cefn, 2nd dcM?- 100 8 Mrs Powell Price, Morganwg 5 0 0 Mr H. A. Cbri6ty, Lla".1 9 2 0 Mr J. J. Joins. Fronheulog, C?iu  0 W Mrs David Powell, Caedryssu 1 1 Mi Cole-Hamilton, Scethrog 1 JJ 0 Mrs F. D. Dicknson, A?eryactr 1 0 (? Mrs F. D. Dickinson, Aberyscir 1 0 0 Mr D. T. Jeffreys, Camden House, Tre- castle 0 10 0 Box at Boar's Head, per Mr Alway 0 7 1 Weekly contributions— PPl" Mrs Griffiths Jones 6 20 Per Mrs Maybery-Best 1 18 6 Mrs Hammond Spencer, Siwch. 1 per week for the year 2 12 ft Contributions by Belgians 0- 2 1 0 b572 x £6 13 7