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

MR. W. T. L. ALLCOCK, Iloyal Flying Corps, younger son of Mr and Mrs J. L. Allcock, of Knighton. He was the first Radnorshire man who joined the Flying Corps, and was promoted to th rank of Captain, or Flight Commander, about the middle of February.

RHAYADER TRIBUNAL. FARMERS' APPEALS. A CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR. Rhayader Trubunal met on Saturday, when there were present Mr B. P. Lewis, J.B., C.C. (chairman), Mr E. Morgan, J.P., Mr Graham Clarke (military representative for Llanwrthwl), and all the old members, as well as Mr Jones, Talwru, as an added member. I There were 78 appeals, the majority being I farmers appealing for their sons or servants. Varied were the reasons given—some paltry, some pointed, and some pathetic. One aged father appealed for the exemption of his three sons. It was decided that one should go, and, when the chairman asked which of the three he £ would prefer to go. there was pairiful silence in the court. The father failed to answer. 'Several were disallowed. Some were con- ditionally exempted. These were farmers or farmers' sons, but the majority temporarily. These were farm servants whose time of hiring expired in May. Consequently, they were de- ferred until the 20th March, which gave them two months extra for appealing-that is to the 20th of May. There occurred one fresh diversion. This was the case of a father who appealed on behalf of his son. His son, being a. conscientious objector, war, in his opinion, was against the mercy of God and Christianity. The. chairman asked if he objected to saving life and carrying the wounded, which was an act of mercy?—No, he would have nothing to do with it. A members asked what he would do if a Ger- man attacked his mother?—He gave no intel- ligible answer. On the ground that one applicant was at home and necessary for the farm work, he was con- ditionally exempted.

A Knighton Appointment. I ECHO AT BOARD OF GUARDIANS. I L.G.B. PROPOSED INQUIRY. I Knighton Board of Guardians met on Thursday, when Mr J. R Bache occupied the chair. Mr T Jones (acting master) reported that there were 39 inmates as compared with 36 at the corre- sponding period of last year. Miss Wall and party kindly entertained the inmates with a cantata and other items of music on Friday, the entertain- ment being much appreciated. An old man named Simcox had died at 3 a it 1. on Wednesday, and the District Coroner considered an inquest would be necessary The Clerk stated that he had been requested by the auditor to write to the Guarantee Company with reference to one of the assistant overseers He had complied, and had received an acknow- ledgement. He also stated that he had received a letter from the Local Government Board with reference to the recent appointment of Mr and Mrs Jones as master and matron. A memorial signed by seven guardians had been received by the L.GB, and the latter authority proposed holding an official enquiry.

Knighton Primitive Methodists I QUARTERLY MEETING. I The quarterly meeting of the Knighton P M. Circuit was held on Friday at Knighton, and was presided over by the Rev. J. H. Veal (circuit minister), supported by Mr J. L Allcock and Mr J. Wilding, secretaries. It was agreed to hold tie next quarterly meeting at Llanguullo, and the usual circuit gathering at Monaughty Poeth. Rev J. H. Veal was elected delegate to the annual synod to be held at Bishop's Castle, and Mr J. L. Allcock was appointed vice-delegate. A resolution on the satisfactory condition of the I circuit was adopted. Messrs J. L. Allcock and J. Heywood were elected to represent the circuit on the Districc Com- mittee, and Mr E. A. Owen on the Christian Endeavour Council The work of the various departments was re- viewed, and the annual reports forwarded to the Synod. Mr J. L. Allcock was unanimously re-elected circuit steward, and Mr W Deakin quarterly meet- ing secretary Letters of sympathy were forwarded to Mr John Jenkins, Yew Tree Hall, in his illness to Mr James Palfrey, Llanbister Road, relative to the death of his son and the grave illness of another son, and to Mrs Richard Jordan, Llanfairwaterdine, on the serious illness of her father. A message of congratulation was sent to Captain W. T. L. Allcook, Flight Commander, Royal Flying Corps, France, on his recent promotion Committees and representatives ty the quarterly meetings, for the ensuing year, were elected. A resolution deploring the division in the ranks of the temperance workers of the connexion at a time when disunity is disastrous weakness, and exposure to our common foe. We believe that in preference to all this conflict between the advocates of state purchase of the drink trade and the advocates of total prohibition, we should do well to work with the newly-formed Temperance Council of the Christian;Churches, aud seek to popularise, where- ever possible, the reforms it advocated.

Liandrindod Wells Conscientious Objector. At the Pontypool Tribunal, on Tuesday, Mr Richard Beversley Watkins, son of the late Mr R. B. Watkins, of Rhonllwyn, Penybont, and Mrs Watkins (who now resides at Llandrindod Wells) applied for complete exemption. Mr Wa-tkins is a member of the Society of Friends (Penybont meeting), and is in the employ of the L. & P. Bank. For a long time he has been in very indifferent health, and long absences from busine-sa have been necessary. He met with the usual severe cross-examination at the hands of the tribunal, but stood his ground firmly. The chair- man confessed himself unable to understand the position, and Mr C. M. Binyon, of Llandrindod WeHs (clerk of Hereford and Radnor Monthly Meeting) was permitted to address the tribunal, I using his opportunity to point out that the posi- tion of Friends was not tha-t of shirkers, but was the result of firm convictions which had been held for 250 years. He also pointed out that ever since the beginning of the war young Friends had rendered splendid service'in France in connection with the Ambulance Unit and in other ways. Exemption from combatant service was granted, but we understand Mr Watkins -is appealing.

Presteign Council. CLOCK WINDING AND TREE FALLING. At Presteign Council on rid ay a vote of sym- pathy was passed with the clerk, Mr F. L. Green, on the loss sustained by the death of his son, Lieut. R. E. O. L. Green, who had oeen killed in action. Maflket Hall Clock. An account from Mr Millichamp for winding the Town Clock was presented, which the clerk said the surveyor was unable to certify. The sur- veyor said he had not certified it because he had received instructions to discontinue the winding. The chairman asked when the winding was dis- continued. The surveyor said it was about last March when the district rate was made. The chairman said if this were a yearly charge he thought the council were liable, unless they gave him notice. The surveyor said he did not object: he only pointed out that he had notice to discontinue the winding. The chairman said Mr Millichamp charged 'so much per year, and therefore he thought the council should be liable. The Rev. H. L. Kewley said the winding only ceased for about two months. Mr Morris moved that the account be paid and this was agreed to. Only one tender for hauling was received, from Mr James Powell, and this was accepted, the tenders showing a slight increase. The chairman hoped that the surveyor would be able to get the man out early in the morning. Surveyor's Report. The surveyor, Mr J. J. Griffiths, reported that he had written Mr Wishlade, in regard to the ex- cessive traffic but had received no reply, and had also written the clerk to the Education Commit- tee as to the Temple Road, and had received an acknowledgment from the latter. No tenders had been received for the purchase, of the trees on Warden which had been marked for felling. The chairman said there seemed to be some slight opposition to the number of trees they had decided to fell on Warden, and he did not know whether they should have been prepared to take the responsibility of selling thesm even if tenders had been received. It was agreed that the matter should stand over till the next meeting.

In respect to Radnorshire collections towards the National Relief Fund, Rhayader topped the list of districts by over X50. ThB tv- tal now remitted to the countv fond stands at S,308 as 4d.

YOU MAY FAIL to get your next week's copy of the 44 Express unless you order it. To help our fighting men, the ships are needed, paper is scarce, and newsagents may only. be supplied with the actual copies they order. FILL THIS IN NOW To your own Newsagent or Bookstall Clerk. Please deliver me a copy of the Brecon and Radnor Express each week till further notice NAME .u. ?DD?? .? ? WRITE PLAINLY,

I CHER r CYCLE TYRES i have just been ordered by H.M. G.P.O. r Such a choice proves that Clinchers can more than satisfy every cyclist. THE NORTH BRITISH RUBBER Co., Ltd, 19, Barwich Street, Birmingham. Factories Castle Mills, Edinburgh.

R.A.M.C. AT LLANDRINDOD. INTERESTING DOINGS. The Welsh Society has already fixed up a con- cert for next Friday evening at the Emporium Icert ?oojns.? | There were church parades on Sunday to the Congregational Church (Welsh service), Wesley 'all Church and Church of England. The Welsh Church parade on Sunday was to the Congregational Church, when the preacher 'Was the Rev. W. 8. Jones, a member of the Unit. At the Baptist Tabernacle, Pte. Willis took the introductory service in the evening, and other members of the unit assisted at the children's Service. At the Wesleyan Church, Pte. H. H. Part- idge, of Headingley College, Leeds, preached an ? 4ble sermon in the evening on "The Fatherhood ? ? of God:" Saturday afternoon sunshine attracted a number of men to the Rock House Dole, where some foot- ball practice wa-s immensely enjoyed by a number of players. Both Rugby and Association were in- dulged in. At the Baptist C.E. on Tuesday, the meeting -as taken charge of by members of the Unit, and was an excellent one. The subject was thoroughly discussed, and keen interest shown. The room was crowded. It is rumoured that the men may not be here I for very long, possibly for not more than another knonth, as the War Office is desirous that the men Shall be got into huts or under canvas as soon as Possible. At the Congregational Church, Pte. W. R. Bowen, of Brynainman (Brecon College), took the introductory exercises, and, in the evening, the full service, including the sermon, was taken by Pte. D. A. Thomas, of Brynamman (Cardiff Uni- versity College). At the Presbyterian Church, the evening ser- „ Tice was taken by the Rev. T. Jones Parry, ? M.A., B.D., D.M., of Prestatyn, who preached Br from the words, "The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth and in thy hea.rt." The rev. gentle- man also took the Communion service. Some difficulty has arisen about the proposed dry canteen at the Public Library. The appli- cation of the men for permission to open a buffet has not been passed by the U.D.C. Committee, which deals with these matters; and consequently there is a. blockade. men, who are keen on the opening of the are disappointed at the decision of the comm^ue. and they have "asked the committee to reconsul r its decision. Students from Handsworth and Headingly Col- lege, Leeds, provided a capital debate at the Wesley Guild on Wednesday,, the subject being, "Does civilisation add to human happiness." Councillor W. A. Sims presided. Pte. T. J. Bell opened in the affirmative; and Pte. Cartwright on the inegative side. Those who took part in- cluded Ptes. Hooper, Burnett, A. T. Rich, Wood and Partridge, Messrs. J. Coombs and R. Wil- liamson. In the final vote 14 voted for the af- firmative, and 21 for the negative. 'Speaking at the St. David's Day Soiree, Mr 0. E. Hughes said the position of the members of the Unit at the present time was very peculiar. Most of them had been called to preach the Gos- pel, and they must not forget that even under the present circumstances. Although they had lost their congregations to a certain extent, their duty as preachers of the Gospel seemed to be as heavy, if not heavier, than before. Their service would be amongst men who realised more or less that uncertainty of their lives, and the seriousness of many cases with -which they would undoubtedly have to deal would give them exceptional oppor- tunities of showing the Saviour whom they had been called to preach. Who knew but what they "had been called to the Kingdom for such a time as this?"

Llandrindod Wells Library. APPOINTMENT OF LIBRARIAN. A special meeting of the Joint Public Library Committee was held at 'the Town Hall, Llan- -drindod Wells, on Thursday. The following ap- plications were received for the vacant position of librarian :-Miss M. Evans, Maesyrhaf, Maple Terrace; Miss Mabel G. Moore, Glenlyn, Alex- andra. Road; Miss Gertrude E. Lewis, Cecil Villa; Miss A. Burton, Sprink Bank, Bewdley, Worcest-orabire.: Mr J. J. Lees, Ivy Cottage, 'Kinsley Road, Knighton; Miss Laura Deakin, Tresleigh, Wellington Road; and Ex-Sergt. Thomas E. Evans, Tremont Road. The appointment was secured by Miss Deakin.

Presteign Tribunal. I j Chsirmans Remarks. 1 I A SINGULAR CASE. I At Presteign Tribunal, the chairman (Mr II Whitmore Green-Price) said the administering of the Act was a difficult subject, and one over which there was a great difference of opinion. They should think first of national interests, secondly, of industrial interests, and thirdly of the individual interests. Their first consideration 'should be their national interests, by which he meant their duty to find the men for national forces. Their second should be the industrial in- terest, which was to say those big interests which fed and equipped the country. With regard to their individual interests, they had some difficult cases to deal with, and, no doubt, some people j thought that they were enduring serious hard- ships. But he thought that one must view these serious hardships in a normal time in a different hght than at the present, and, therefore, their I decisions were bound to be drastic. A father said if his son were not granted exemp- tion it would mean losing his business and liveli- hood. He could not carry on the business alone. The Cliairmaii Supposing you had no son, what would happen?—Applicant: I should not I' have been in business very likely. The Chair- man You were in business before he was born I wern't you?—Applicant No, sir, not for many years after. Rev. H. L. Kewley Have you tried to find a substitute?—Applicant How can I carry on my business without my son's assist- ance?—The Chairman You are not solely depen- dent on him, are you?—Applicant I am in a great measure. A man between 60 and 70 can- not do a lot. The Chairman It may not be for a long time. The war may be over and he I can come back again. The question is whether you arc solely dependent on him or not.—Appli- cant I and my business solely depends upon him. Capt. Shrimpton said there were daughters in this case, and, in answer to the chairman, applicant said that- he had two daughters at home —one of whom was a teacher at the school. Postponement for three months. A dairy farmer and milkseller claimed exemp- tion on the ground that his was a certified trade. Applicant said he farmed 44 acres, 9 of which were tillage. He was under notice to quit in consequence of the farm having been sold, the notice having expired on the 13th February. He did not know whether he was to stay on. Even if he received notice to quit to-morrow, lie was entitled to stay and conduct his business till 1st May. Postponement for a month. A farmer's son applied for exemption, and the clerk pointed out that the applicant was starred and did not need to apply till the military au- thorities objected. A father made application for his son, who was described as a beastman, stockman, waggoner and shepherd. Applicant said he farmed 109 acres. 15 of which were tillage. He had a daugh- ter aged 19 and a wife, and had nearly 100 sheep, 14 cattle, and 4 horses. It was absolutely im- i PGssihle to fill his son's place. Postponement for three months. Rev. H. L. Kewley said they were badly in need of advice as to the position of farmers. A farmer and owner of entire horses applied for total exemption. Capt. 'Shrimpton agreed, and the chairman said applicant was engaged in a certified occupation, and granted the exemption. A Strange Case. I An ironmonger, aged 24, applied for exemp- tion. His father said his son was partner and manager of the business, and, owing to his ill- health, was indispensable. Without his father's knowledge or consent, the son applied to join the Royal Flying Corps, chiefly because he had been jeered at as a slacker. His only brother was I serving with the Army in France. The chairman said this case had been before the old tribunal and had been put back 10 groups. He knew this was a hard case on account of the father's ill-health. Capt. Shrimpton said the applicant, when he had applied for a vacancy in the Royal Flying Corps, stated that they could manage the business without him. I The chairman said he understood that the ap- I plicanrt joined the Flying Corps without his s father's knowledge or consent. Applicant said he had joined because of being jeered at, and, also, because of white feathers being sent by post. The business would be ruin- ed if he went. The father was absolutely de- pendent upon him. Applicant was granted three months' post- ponement. In one case the applicant was granted total exemption, the chairman remarking that several brothers had joined the Army.

I Advertising judiciously employed never fails to i justify itself-if the goods are good goods. Buy advertised goods.

HOUSING CONDITIONS I In Knighton Rural District. I A DOZEN IN A COTTAGE At Knighton Rural District Council on Thursday, Mr Evan Kinsey presiding, the Clerk (Mr E. H Deacon) read a letter from the Committee for the relief of Belgians in Belgium, acknowledging the receipt of J637 13s. 3d., the amount of a dinner table collection which the council had made on Christmas Day. The surveyor (Mr John "Williams) reported that the rock in the Abbey Road bad been removed under the direction of Mr James Hamar, aild at the 'expense of the Penybont estate. Rev. Lewis Jones proposed and Mr W Watkins seconded a vote of condolence with Mr F. L. Green on the loss of his son. The chairman said he was glad the matter had been brought forward, and he believed Mr Green would greatly appreciate their sympathy. It was a terrible blow to lose his son in the war. He (the speaker) understood a letter had been sent to Mr Green, and he hoped it would be recorded on the minute book. The surveyor (Mr David Davies) reported that nothing had been done with regard to the well at Cleobury. Possibly the repairs would be done, but the time allowed by the notice had not yet expired. No doubt the weather bad made it impossible to attend to the matter. He had inspected a cottage in the p Irish of Llanbister, called The Dingle, which was in the occupation of Mr William Weale. It had a very small kitchen, scarcely any head room, and two small rooms upstairs. Eleven or twelve people slept in the house, seven children and four or five adults. He thought it was a bad arrangement from a moral as well as a sanitary point of view, and he suggested that the medical officer be asked to report on the matter. This course was adopted. He further reported that some cottages at Lloiney belonging to Mr Dove, presented an unsightly ap- pearance, and it must be dangerous for little children to sleep in them, as the windows were smashed. The tenants complained, but the owner dis- claimed all responsibility. Rev. Lewis Jones Is the damage the result of the recent storm? The Inspector No. The Chairman Is there some agreement about repairs between landlord and tenant? Mr Watkins I don't think that is our busi- ness. The medical officer was instructed to report on the matter. The clerk read a letter Xjom the War Agricul- tural Committee dealing, among other things, with the use of sulphate of ammonia. He was directed to obtain and circulate pamphlets on the subject. The chairman said he thought a meeting should be called. They were now in a better position to consider matters than when ,they met before. A circular, urging the council to join the Dis- trict Councils' Association, was discussed and al- lowed to lie on the table. At the close of the meeting, the clerk an- nounced that Mr T. A. Price, Yew Tree farm, had handed in 13/6 for the parishes of Discoyd and Cascob towards the Belgian relief fund.

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Dr. Valentine Rees (Brecon) recently held an examination of some of the members of the 12th (Hay) Btecknock Voluntary Aid Detachment (British Red Cross), and the results proved most satisfactory.

Sang the Night Through In Balkan Quagmire. HAY SOLDIER'S EXPERIENCE. BRIGHT AND CHEERY EPISTLE. Writing to one of the "Express' staff, Sergt. Cyril W. Marwood (formerly of Hay, and son of Mrs Marwood, Swan Terrace, Hay) interest- ingly states :— "15409-4, Platoon, "A" Co., 8th K.S.L.I.. Bri- f-lsl) Balkan Force, c/o G.P.O., London, Febru- ary 16th, 1916.-Dear I have just returned to duty again from hospital near Sa-lonique (Zene- tik). As you are aware we're waiting develop- ments. Hospital sounds all right and it is in ohe way-the rest is very welcome. That I think is the only thing we swoddies appreciate. While there I met a good many who were up with us when he skiddadled down these blessed moun- tains. We were able to "yarn" all day and there was a Southend chap in the R.F.A., who belong- ed to the abandoned battery, which you'll have read of. His feet were properly frostbitten- he came down to the railway from the hills with one boot so there's no wonder. It was rather strange that I met him—he was connected with the "Westcliff Graphic"- a Southend illustrated J paper. At night the parson used to bring us cigarettes and asked us if we needed anything. We badly wanted a pack of cards, but the chaps j daren't ask the worthy chaplain, but. one evening, I was chosen sponsor and with quivering lips utter- t ed the request. "Oh yes," he said, "but wouldn't ed the request. .Y e s you prefer books"? I thought I'd put my foot in it, but the cards came all-right. When pro- Inounced 'fit' we went to Base Details, and, after being there about a week, were drafted to our Units. We left the Base with a lot of I Irishmen, Real Irishmen, I I with the map of old Ireland written well all over j 'em. All these chaps had come into contact with 1 the Bulgars a-nd were 'hot stuff.' The journey to our battalion took ue three days, and, at the first halt, owing to such a number falling out, we were told to wrap our small kit in our water-proofs and put them on a limber. This we did and now, I regret to say, my shirt and pants are adorning the person of one of the aforesaid Irishmen and that means I shall have to 'scrape' mine until the next issue. Of course that isn't as satisfac- tory as washing, but I can't go about without a shirt-obviously I The rule in the army is, if someone pinches your tack, then you pinch some- one else's, but you have to be mighty sharp. The first day we leave the Base by divisions—in the morning by brigades and then by battalions and I shan't forget the third day in a hurry. We wore our skins to stop the harness cutting our shoulders for we had more kit than ever we had. Speaking for myself, my back was Hunched Like a Camel's and towards the end I believe my tongue was lol- ling out and my chin about touched my toes. Anyhow, knight's sleep put things right, and. in the morning, I joined in the general routine. Al- though we've been in front of the first line tran- ches twice, there's been nothing doing—I mean in the may of casualties. And, at other times, we're hard a-t work on the fortifications. To me they seem absolutely impregnable, and, if it takes as much breath of the Bulgars to climb these, mountains, then I'm sure they'll never survive. We always go to the trenches fully equipped for emergencies and these beastly crags would break a chap's heart at ordinary times. In the 'old days' we climbed the Black Mountain with many a. halt for breath, while here we negotiate a much steeper and higher hill daily, harnessed and with- out a halt. But we grumble not! • D'you know the 'C. of E. Johnny' told his congregation that he thought the fellows Happier Than Ever they'd 'been. He recounted one terrible night we spent 'on the retreat' in December, when it rain- ed heaven's hard and we had marched all day in it. We halted in a quagmire—piled our arms and hung about till dawn. We had not a bit Of cover, not a blanket and not even a ground sheet. That night we sang nearly the whole of the time and he (.the chaplain) said it was because we were happy. Now it's very plain were were beastly miserable, so N,ou ']I see a soldier, in most cases, doesn't sing be- cause he's particularly light-hearted, but because he's got the 'pip' and wants to make the best of things. When we arrive home (D.V.), it will be a pleasure to think of these times, to think of the water squelching through the lace-holes of our boots, how our packs stuck into our spongy cloth- ing like a great chunk of lead, and of our soldiers' meals-water and a cigarette and of finding our way from outposts and trenches over ravines scores of feet deep in pitch darkness, not to mention other innumerable unpleasant experiences. At present our 'camp' is situated among the hills, miles from civilisation and 2,000 feet above sea- level. This means that we get the full benefit of any weather that may be pleased to come. Last Thursday we came from the front line in pouring rain, and, of course, arrived 'home' rather damp. Towards evening a gale arose and the rain turn- ed to sleet. About two o'clock a.m., the wind Took Our Tent clean from over our heads and the first I knew of it was that I found myself staring into a grey- iblack sky and the sleet beating into my face. The first thing was to find a bit of underclothing and that's no easy job when there's a gale hurling sleet ,about-also, it was a bit cold floundering ab- out in the dark with only an identity disc on. But. we 'weathered' it and here again we sang—not because we were happy as I said before! I think I'll put my 'bed' down before continuing. You'd scarcely believe how difficult it is to write under the circumstances. The chap on my left is learn- ing to play a mouth-organ,%nd, above all things, he's vamping 'Don't' go down in the mine dad,' accompanied by another corporal whose voice is somewhere between a rook's and a kingfisher's. I might add that the company has just sung the Amen of a 'Dutch' Melody in which each selects a song singing 'em simul- I taneously. The result is neither edifying nor in ) any way musical-but anything for peace. It is essential in active service bed making, that you lay it with your muddy 'ammunition's' on, so that there is a fair sprinkling of earth and a few stones to lie on—otherwise there always seems something missing—also, when eventually you take the boots off, they must be placed in such, a manner that during the night they find their way into your ear. These preparations, together with the presence of the never-absent and indeispensable 'jaspar,' go towards making a. tired soldier's slumber peaceful. With us it's 'not wash and brush up,' but rather 'wash and crumb up'—what that means, I'll leave to your imagination. Be- fore we were settled as we a,re now we had to be content with a 'lather brush' wash, which didn't occur every time the dawn broke. As I have to mount the beastly mole-hill in the morning I guess I'd now better drift into a sleep."

Sergt.-Major White-house (1st South Wales Borderers), who, for liis bravery at Givenchy received the D.C.M. and also the St. George's Cross from the Czar, is now at Brecon Barracks. He is convalescent after suffering from gas poisoning and shell shock at Loos.

More Iii liii 'I  (Q)ffæ It(Ç;(Q) IID (Q) llilli Y ¡ IMP Since the war began, more and more J JP people have used Puritan Soap. ?j???Lrj ?TTf??y have done so because they have  fjf :e we t::us:usne:ey be:;e ?i????? ??? what you can prove to-day if you will, ??!?=?;?i? that Puritan Soap saves the clothes from   i:  ?:: wash-day wear and tear? j !111111!I!!il!iililiii!I! It .i=:O:r: !?!? !? ?? which saves the clothes. There is no Olive Oil in ord inary soaps. The saving in the clothes is more than the cost of the soap. Use wise economy at this time; use the soap ;:=: that saves its cost in the clothes it saves; use ????i? ?: n ?PtL u?? JitL???TjBL T<?.JA&?RxNA ? j: ? ???% ??*??? ?  ?????i?i? ?1 ? CHR'STR. THOMAZ a BROS.. LTD.. BRtSTOL. W CHRISTR. THOMAS flk BROS., LTD.. BRISTOL. N!!???? ? ?\????. ?jrTL&  ?AB? w. i

L Rhayader Eisteddfod. MIXED CHOIR COMPETITION. The annual eisteddfod held in connexion with the Baptist Church, Rhayader, took place, in Bethany Hall, on Thursday. The ) weather wail very inclement. Nevertheless there was a full house, and competi- tors appeared from distant outlying localities, who all did their work remarkably well, the adjudica- tor paying a high compliment to the quality of the singing. The proceeds went in aid of the Baptist cause and one-third to the Rhayader War Fund. The President was Mr J. Pugh, Garth, Panty- dwr, who in the course of an interesting address said that he was always in favour of the eisteddfod for several reasons, one being that there was a tendency in some to think giantlike of themselves as they estimated themselves among their own limited surroundings, but when they appeared on the eisteddfod platform to compete they then found their proper measure. Also in observing the course of the life of young men he found that those who took interest in music, attending at a sacrifice, musical practices were those who also were active and prosperous in the ways of busi- ness. Rev. R. A. Howells conducted, and in in- troducing Mr Pugh, said he did so for in him es- pecially the Baptist denomination bad always found a true friend whose home was always open to its ministers. He was also this year the chair- man of their association. Professor J. T. Jones, L.R.A.M., Treorchy, was the musical adjudicator, and the Rev. James Jones, B.Sc., Llandrindod, was adjudicator of literature. Miss Evelyn Rogers, A.L.C.M., sil- ver medalist, was the accompanist: also Miss Davies, Newbridge, and Miss G. Llewela Jones, A.L.C.M., accompanied several of the items. The programme was as follows Eisteddfod song, "Thora," Mr 'Rees Thomas; children's solo, un- der 12, ''When He cometh," 1, Brynwen Price; 2, Trevor Pugh; a prize also was given to the 3rd, Irene Price: soprano solo, "Flower's mes- sage," Miss Watkins, Newbridge; recitation, under 14, "The mariner's hymn," 1, Lucy Wil- liams, Bwlchsarnau: 2, Cicely Jones, Abercdw; 3, Ruby Lewis, Rhayader; quartette, "Oh, flow- erette sweet," one party, Mr Tom Thomas and friends; children's solo, under 16, "Sinner for- given," 4 competing, 1, Miss Watkins, New- bridge; 2, Miss Lucy Williams, Bwlchsarnau; open solo, any voice, Mr Onfel Price; juvenile choir, 10 voices, under 16 years of age, action song, "Knit, knit," 2 choirs, conducted by Miss M. Price and Miss Olive Price, prizes equally divided; bass solo, "Noble boy of truth," 6 com- peting, Mr Tom Thomas; spelling bee, Mr Gor- don Davies, Cefnfaes; hymn tune, 8 voices, "St. Mathias," 2 parties, Mr Tom Thomas and party; best story told, Miss Lucy Williams, Bwlchsar- nau; contralto solo, "The miller's daughter," Miss A. Jones, Gaufron: six questions on general knowledge, Mr R. Davies, Cefnfaes; tenor solo, "Anchor's weighed," Mr Philip Jones; male voice party, 8 voices, "Soldier's farewell," 3 parties, Mr Philip Jones and party; recitation, open, "Mary Queen of Scots," 5 competing, Miss Olive Price; mixed choir, 12 voices, "I'm a blossom and I fade," 2 competing, prize £ '2.—Mr Tom Thomas' choir were the winners, whose rendering was de- clared to be artistically done, with voices of matured and excellent quality. The other choir, led by Mr Onfel Price, was highly commended, the readering being sympathetic and well expres- sed, but not of equaJ quality with the winners.