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h Conscientious Objectors' Heard by Brecon Tribunal. I THEOLOGICAL STUDENTS' CLAIMS. I A LIVELY INTERROGATION. There was a crowded attendance of the public at the Brecon Borough Tribunal, which was held at the Town Hall on Thursday evening. Chief interest appeared to lay in the cases of a number of claims under the conscientious objection clause of the Act, and the Mayor, when these cases came on, asked the public to keep their opinions until they got outside and not express them there by applause or exclamation. The Tribunal have given you the privilege of being present said the Mayor, a privilege which some other Tribunals have not granted, and, therefore, I hope you will respect it. (Hear, hear.) The members of the Tribunal were the Mayor, 'Messrs. James Morgan, T. E. Trew, John Davies ,and Edwin Davies. with Mr G. Hyatt Williams (clerk), Mr Best was the military representa- iiTCi, < Matheinatical Masted A mathematical master at Christ College, who claimed on the ground that no substitute could be Sand to take 1m place and &190 on conscientious ,aKi it was extremely difficult at pre- S to find a substitute; the headmaster had tried and fwas tin? mathematical master I trying. work of the sch001, and a3pre^ boys for the Army ex- ?m?tion to be heldm the eummer, and ms »(. xeady replacing a master who was now in the 'Army. With regard to his conscientious ob- jection, he based-bis belief on the sanctity of buman life, and he believed that an inter- national war, however just its claims, could not achieve its des Ired end. The Mayor Don't you think that is very in- consistent since you are receiving pay for pre- paring boys for the Army? Applicant said the Mayor s Objecti<ku would b,- justified if he were doing nothing else but pre- paring boys for the Army; but when boys were in & school which was not carried on simply to send boys to the Army, it seemed very difficult for tifei to refuse to train them when it was their own special wish. If be were doing nothing else but preparing them for the Army, the Mayor a ob- jection would be justifiable. He was a mathe- matical master, and boys came to him who wished to join the Army, and if he were to refuse to help them in that aim. to a certain extent he would come under the Defence of the Realm Act be would be hindering recruiting. The Mayor (to Mr Best) Do you wish to ask him any questions? Mr Beet I don't think it is worth it. In a sense, if he is preparing boys for the Army there cannot be much conscientious objection about it. The Mayor The unanimous opinion of the Tribunal is that the appeal is not assented to. Applicant Can I make an appeal? The Clerk Yes. if you make it within three davs. I Trefecca Student. F. T. Davies (Brecon), a student of Trefecca College was a conscientious objector on religious grounds. He had been at Trefecca two years, and out of 38 students there were now about six or seven remaining as supply ministers to the dis- trict. Replying to Mr Best, applicant said he might be in college another three years. He was prac- tically at the commencement of his career. There was one other member of his family serving in the Territorials. You really desire to be exempt from all service to your country ?—From all military service. If there is any service I can do which is not directly or indirectly connected with military service I will do it. He could notdlStmguish between non-combatant and combatant service. Do you drink tea.?- Yes. Don't you think it is against your conscience to help to pay for the war with the taxes on the tea?—It is one thing to serve the country through the necessities of life and through civil circum- stances. Do you think when you drink a cup of tea that you are helping to pay the taxes which are paying for this war?—I am conscious of this war. Has it ever occurred to you to give up tea?- No, it has not. Do you eat bread?—Yes. I suppose you know that the bread consumed in this country partly consists of foreign wheat or flour, and in order that that might come in to this country it has to be protected by our fleet?- Yes. Are you willing to accept that protection and to get your bread at the expense of the lives of men without giving anything in return for your f country ?—I am willing to give return in this way so long as mv work will be for the preserva- tion of life and not for its destruction. You are quite willing that other people should sacrifice their lives in order to keep you alive? (Applause.)—I don't look at the question in that way. You know what Daniel did. He did without those things which he thought was wrong for him to take, May I commend that to your notice. If you have a conscientious objection to in any way serve except in your own way, you should do without those things for which you pay to keep up the war. Applicant I am following the new dispen- sation. I am following as close as I can Christ's teaching. Mr Best I am offering you a suggestion that you can follow that, but at your own expense. The Mayor The decision is no exemption in this case. (Applause.) Applicant Under the leaflet issued Iby the Army Council I find that I am free from mili- tary work. The Mayor We decide not. The leaflet mentioned by applicant had refer- ence to a list of theological students who "may be" excepted from the provisions of the Act, if they so desired. Memorial College Students. Richard Oswald Davies, of the Brecon (Memorial College, aged 26 years, said he had been in col- lege three years. He applied on conscientious grounds, but he had knowledge that there were certain instructions 'from the War Office pertain- ing to theological students, and he was aware that he was excepted under a clause there. The Clerk There are permissive instructions to the Tribunal—the undermentioned students "may be" excepted. Applicant May I ask the Tribunal if I may be excepted under that clause? The Clerk You wish to withdraw your con- scientious objection and apply under that clause? Applicant No, but I was not aware of these instructions when I filled my form and sent it in. (To the Mayor) I am in my last year but one at the college. Answering Mr Best, applicant said he did not aba a don any of the grounds he put in his form for exception. He would be content to take ex- emption under this Army Order. Your conscientious objection does -not arise so far as that is concerned?—There is no need to bring forward a conscientious objection if ex- emption is granted under that Order. But this is an Army Order, not a civil order?- I cannot see there is any need to bring forward anything I put down in my form if I understand I may be excepted according to these military instructions. I understand that although you object to war, or participation in war in any shape or foim, you are quite willing to be exempted under a Military Order?—Yes, because I know this Order has not OOGn issued strictly on military grounds. Further questioned, applicant was understood to say he was willing to be dealt with under that Order. He understood that it did not limit the Uribunal from making exemption conditional on his taking up some other work. Are you really determined ,in your mind to do nothing to help your country in this war except that which you yourself are settled upon?—Yes. You heard the questions I put to Mr Davies about the consumption of those things which pay the taxes towards the support of the war, and also the consumption of bread, which is only pos- sible by the risk of the lives of men, what are your views on that?-In the first place I am ask- ing for-- Do you think it right that the bread supply of this country should be protected by our Navy?— I simply stand on the same beliel- ,Say "yes" or "no." It is simply a question of is it right or is it wrong?—I cannot answer that. Are you content to take that bread, brought at the price of other men's blood, and yet hold your conscientious objections?—The only thing I can say is that they are privileges which, in a sense, I cannot help. You know the story of Daniel? Are you pre- pared to do the same?—No. Prepared to give up drinking tea?—No, that is one of the things I have got to take involun- tariiy. Isn 't this an involuntary Act? Isn't it dictat- ed by the nation that you should serve in some form? Why can't you take that involuntarily?— Because it has to do with my conscience. Your conscience allows you to contribute to the Stat-e for the purposes of the war, but it does not allow you to help a wounded man?—Well, that is in a sense much more voluntary than the other. Which is? Taking tea?—It is part of my food. You need not take tea?—It is almost indispen- sable in this country. What did they do before they had tea in this country?—They drank something else. (Laugh- ter.) Principal Lewis here asked the Mayor if he would allow him to ask a question. The Mayor Not at present, you shall have an opportunity. "Prolonging the Agony." I Levi John Evans, another student, said he iud been seven years at the college. Mr Best I don't want to prolong the agony, so to speak, you heard the questions. Do you agree with the previous applicants' answers?- I agree with the spirit of the answers. You substantially agree?—Yes. Edward Morris Jones and Geo. Lewis, other students, also claimed on the same grounds and I said they agreed generally with the answers given to Mr Best. Mr Best's Interpretations. I R. E. Jenkins, another studtnt, replying to Mr Best, said he did# not agree with Mr Best's inter- pretation of the answers given. "One thing you assume," said applicant, "is that a man is not willing to help a wounded man." Mr Best I asked him if he were. Applicant Well, if you asked me that, question I could not agree with the answer you assume. That is, a man is quite willing to help a wounded man, but he is unwilling to help him in the way in which the army is required to do so. We are prepared to do any remedial work in so far as it is consistent with our principle. Mr Best Tell us plainly how are you prepared to help the wounded?—I have already been work- ing with the Y.M.C.A. and I think that work is regarded by the Army as helpful to a man either in or out of the army. I ask you a plain question—you say you object to my interpretation of the answers given.—I ask you how are you prepared to helpsthe wounded?— In the way in which I should find in the sphere of the Christian ministry. You wouldn't take any practical part in help- ing, only in preaching to them?—I would use all my efforts to do any remedial work I had in my power to do—but not work that means the further- ance of the war. You would not be prepared to carry them on a stretcher?—Not in connection with the Army. You are not prepared to help the wounded of the Army by even helping to carry a stretcher?— Nothing so far as- Mr Best (sitting down) Oh thank you, thank you D. J. Davies and Gomer Davies said they ag- reed with the answers given by the others. I Over Again. Oswald J. Francis in reply to Mr Best as to whether he agreed said, "I should like you to ask, them again." (Laughter.) Mr Best concluded several questions to applicant with "You 'are one of those people who don't like doing that which other people tell you?—It is a question of God's voice in the human heart which I cannot gainsay. The last applicant, David Price, said he agreed substantially with the answers given by the others. I Principal Lewis. Principal Lewis obtained the Mayor's permis- sion to ask a. question, and after being told that speeches were not allowed said You have here an Army Council instruction. The question I want to ask is this whether you are of opinion that the interpretation which you have given to the clause marked 1 is the only interpretation pos- sible, or is the probable interpretation. The Mayor Have you any further question? Principal Lewis Only under that clause. The Mayor I would not give you the answer to that at present. Principal Lewis Am I allowed to make any remarks with regard to the applications which have come before you. They will be explanatory remarks. The Mayor assented. Principal Lewis said it was with regard to the stage which these students had reached in their training for the ministry. As a rule their course extended for six years. They spent three years in their arts course and three years studying theo- logy. All the men of their first year had enlist- ed with the exception of two; all the men in their second year had gone: all in their third year had gone with the exception of one. Those three were in Cardiff. All the men in their fourth year had gone. They had before them to-night, nine students who were in their last year or last year but one. The next question he would ask was whether these applicants did not come under "D" of the Army Council Instruction, and whether, if they did they were not really excepted according to the regulation? In other words whether they are not in the same category as clergymen and ministers of religion, who are outside the Military Service Act altogether? I Tribunal's Decision. The members of the Tribunal then retired and upon returning, The Mayor said the majority of the Tribunal had decided not to assent to the applications. (Ap- plause from the public which the Mayor immed- iately rebuked, reminding the audience that he had previously asked them not to express their opinion.) Town Clerk and Principal. I Principal Lewis May I be allowed to repeat my question which I think you said you would answer. And will you allow me to ask one or two more ? The Mayor The Tribunal have decided that I am not to answer any questions. Principal Lewis And I am not allowed to ask any question? The Clerk The application is not assented to and you have a right to appeal within three days fronr now. The Clerk here rose to leave the court saying "The court is finished. You are not here as an applicant." (A laugh.) Principal Lewis It may be very smart but hardly courteous on the part of the Town Clerk to answer me in that way. The Clerk I do not think so. Why didn't you oome here as an applicant on behalf of the stud- ents yourself ? The inlay*r I should certainly answer your questions if I were allowed to. but the decision of the Tribunal is that no questions ought to have been allowed. Principal Lewis Then I am to understand from the Town Clerk, who has gone, that we are al- lowed to make an appeal within three days. The Mayor That is so. Principal Lewis I think a great deal of trouble would have been spared if it had been made un- necessary to appeal. I wanted to ask a question on the interpretation of the Order, and I am sorry that the Town Clerk is not there to answer it. The court then closed. Other appeals will be f.nd in another column.
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Brecon Tradesmen I
Brecon Tradesmen I Appeals to Tribunal. I DIFFICULTIES OF "CARRYING ON." I At the Brecon Borough Tribunal on Thursday evening, beside the cases reported in another column, there were a number of appeals under the group system for exemption. Assent was given in several instances to the claim conditionally upon family and business circumstances remain- ing as at present. Mr J. Griffiths (builder), who applied for the exemption of his son, said if he were taken it would make it very awkward. Mr Best (military representative) It is only a question of awkwardness. You have another son with you?—He is working for himself. Whv should not he work for you?—Because he has a perfect right to work for himself if he likes. Exemption refused. Mr Hoskins, an assistant master at Christ College, asked for a temporary exemption for one month. He said he had been given to un- derstand lie would 'have a commission, and had sent in his papers for it. He only wished to stay until the end of the school term. The Mayor On these grounds we will assent for an exemption for one. month. Mr Fryer, LromriOhgef, applied for the ex- emption of a workman, Edward Evans, on the ground that lie was in a starred trade, he being a sheet and metal worker. He was the only man of military age lie had in his trade. All their men had gone beside two—this man and another who was 57. Evans, in reply to Mr John Davies, said he had three brothers already serving, and he was practically the mainstay of the home. Replying to Mr Best, Mr Fryer said when he made a previous application he said this man was doing plumbing work since the other man had joined the Army in July, 1914. His principal occupation was sheet metal work. Mr Best On that evidence I am willing to except it as a reserved occupation under the Ministry of Munitions. That need not prevent us applying to the Ministry of Munitions. It would be much better if he made his application on personal grounds. An exemption was granted, the Mayor saying the Tribunal was of opinion that the man was in an exempted trade. Mr David Williams. Brynich farm. made an application on behalf of a workman. The Mayor Where is the man. he ought to be here?—But he would not come. (Laughter.) Applicant This is the only man I have got on the farm. The Mayor Therefore lie is a "Jack of all trades." (Laughter.) Replying to Mr Best, applicant said he had a son. not of military age who was an invalid, and another boy on the farm. He could not get cas- ual labour. His farm was 200 acres. The claim was not assented to. Dual Application. I A dual application was made on behalf of I Robert Lewis, printer, by Mr Thomas Jones, his employer, and Mr J. R. Morgan, acting for the Rechabite Society. Mr Jones said at the time the war Ibroke out he had three young men working for him. Two of them were now serving with the Territorials, leaving him with one man to carry on the work. From that time he had been doing with casuals, and had advertised frequently without any suc- cess. The man for whom he was appealing had sole control of his machinery, and he could not get any one else to take his place. If he were taken it would mean the closing down of his works, for he was certain he could not possibly fill his place. » The Mayor How many men have you working now?—This and another man, and an apprentice. Answering further questions, Mr Jones said it meant that if this man were taken away he would ,have to close down his business, and his opinion was that Lord Derby never intended that his scheme should ruin any man's small business. He himself had worked for 40 or 50 years in Brecon, and that was quite long enough, and he could not undertake work. Mr Best What would you do if this man was taken ill?—I don't know what I should do. Would you have to give up business?—I really think I should. It is not beyond the bounds of possibility that this man might leave you for a better job?—I don't think he would: ho is already engaged in other work in the town. What about the claims of the country?—I consider I have contributed a very fair share. I have given three out of the four workmen I had. I am now asking that one should remain with me to keep my business alive until the war is over. Mr James Morgan, on behalf of the. Executive Committee of the District of the Rechabite Order, said the Manchester headquarters were willing to send a deputation down to support the appeal. A district secretary was a very difficult office to fill. It was a big undertaking and a lot of work. Replying to Mr Best, applicant said Mr Lewis had only been district secretary for about five months. The Mayor said by a majority the Tribunal refused exemption. iMr Jones Then might I ask that this man be put back a month or two. Is it possible for any- one to close his business in a day. I am under several contracts. The Clerk You can appeal. Mr Jones Then I will appeal to the County Tribunal. A son of Mr Fryer, ironmonger, was informed that his claam was assented to upon the circum- stances remaining as stated in his application. F. T. Bufton, a milkman and shepherd, 18 years of age, claimed exemption. He had one brother at home doing similar work. Applicant's father said he had 50 acres. He was engaged in another occupation. He had ten cows and between 60 and 70 sheep. His other son had been exempted while another son was serving with the Territorials in India. Exemption was refused. Mr E. E. Jones, B. and M. Railway, applied on behalf of a carter who he claimed was in a certi- fied occupation as railway contractor's carter. He had applied to the Labour Exchange without suc- cess for a man. They could do with another man if they could find one. One month's exemption was given. Applicant and Business Difficulties. j Mr Walter Middleton, sole proprietor and manager of a boot' and shoe shop, who applied said if he went it meant closing down his busi- ness or selling it, nothing less. Mr Edwin Davies Can you get a young woman to manage it? Applicant asked who was going to look after her, and said that where women were so employ- ed they usually had inspectors over them. Mr Davies You may be able to get your mother as inspector? Applicant Don't talk rot. The Clerk You must answer the questions properly. Answering further questions applicant said he had been 16 years in the business with his par- ents and the business had been his own 51 years. The business was managed before by his mother. Mr Best Have you any relatives dependent upon you ?-No. Is your mother and sister alive?—Yes. Couldn't you get them to manage this business for you?—No, I have nothing to do with them. You know this war has been going on for 18 months, hasn't it ever occurred to you that it might be your duty—?—I have tried four or five time to sell my business to go. You say in your application there is likely to be a great deal of loss in disposing of your stock?— Yes. Isn't it a fact that during the past six or twelve months the prices of boots and shoes have gone up?—Yes. Then you could dispose of them- at a profit ?-If you think that, I am quite prepared to sell you the 'business. The Mayor You answer the questions. Applicant I will, reasonable questions. Mr Best Supposing you have to buy some boots and shoes you have got in stock to-day wouldn't they cost you more?—They would. How much?—Ju3t depends upon the nature of the leather, taking them on an average I should ssj 15 per cent. Yet you allege that if you have to sell the stock you will have to sell it at a loss?—Certainly. If you are going to sell your business you know very well that you are not going to get anything like the cost prioe of the business. You will have to sell at a 15 or 16 per cent. reduction. If I have
Peeps into the Past. I
Peeps into the Past. I GENESIS OF THE BRECON RAILWAYS. I A correspondent kindly sends us a leaf from an old book in which are.printed "Lines Composed on the 10th April, i860, upon the cutting of the first sod of the Hereford, Hay and Brecon rail- road." This heading to the "poem" is somewhat perplexing, for we always thought that the first sod of this line was cut in 1863. Looking up some old records weAind that the firet railway that entered Brecon was the B. & M., which was opened for traffic on the 1st May, 1863. The Mid-Wales railway was opened on September 1st, 1864. When the Hereford, Hay and Brecon line was opened is not quite clear. The original scheme provided that the line should take quite different course to the one it did take, and with considerable rejoicing the first sod was cut in Penlan Park by Lady Tredegar in August, 1863. This scheme was, however, abandoned and the present route constructed. On the 1st September, 1869, the line was leased to the Midland Railway Company. Thp Neath and Brwh was opened in the year 1867. However, we have pleasure in giving the bard's effusion, and, perhaps, someone will put us right as to the exact date. "Thomas, the lawyer," and Williams, the doctor," mentioned ill the lines; I were two Breconians well remembered by pre- sent old townsmen. The former was the grand- father of Major D, W. E. Thomas and Mr Molvneux F. Thomas, now with the county regi- ment in India, and "Williams, the doctor," will ever be remembered as Brecon's G.O.M., who has, as his memorial says, "loved Brecon. Ye Minstrels of Cambria, from slumbcf awake, A subject more worthy your Muse cannot take, The Railroad, the Railroad, this day that's begun, When Brecon and Hereford will soon be as one. The old town of Brecon in times that's gone by, On the banks of the Usk, as a goddess stood high, Our countrymen throng'd it like bees on the wing —'Twas once the abode of a high blooded king.* But now it's o'ershadowed with darkness and gloom, Resembling in silence the churchyard and tomb, Entirely neglected, and thrown from the world, To darkness and misery quite heedlessly hurl'd. Some gents in the Country, we know that right well, Made Brecon so gloomy, their actions well tell: By stopping the Railway, long time should begun, From Abergavenny for Brecon to run. But Thomas, the Lawyer, well known for his fame, And Williams, the Doctor, quite dauntless the same; 'Contrived that a Railroad be quickly laid down, From Hereford city to Brecon old town. As soon as Siluria's men heard of the route, They gathered to join them in hundreds about: The wealthy proprietors from Talgarth and Hay, Came forward like Britons to aid them this day. Is this not a day for rejoicing throughout, The rich mav be merry, the slender be stout, The day when some thousands are seen in the town, That Brecon once more through the world may be known. Famed Lady Tredegar, in splendour and grace, Dug up the first sod for tbl, line to this place! Now let us cry loudly, and quickly upstand, "May Lady Tredegar long live in the land I" George IV. Y CYFIEITHIAD. I "Vel deffro, fy awen, yn gymen dyro gas. Ni chefaist fath estyn gan undyn o'r la-D, Sef dechreu ffordd haiarn, dda, gadarn, ddigryn, 0 dref Aberhonddu i Henffordd ei hun. Trc' Honddu uchelwedd fu'n rhyfedd ei rhwysg, Fel duwies dan goron ar lanafon Wysg. Trwy hon 'roedd yw erin Ifel gwenyn yn gwau, Yn hon bu'n lletya wr pena' ein pan.* Ond 'nawr mae tref Honddu er's blwyddi (dro blin), Yn edrych yn waeledd a llariaidd ei llun, Fel wedi ei thaflu a'i baeddu o'r byd. I ganol rhyw dewfw,, o'r golwg i gyd. Bon'ddigion uchelwedd a dewraidd ar daith, Osododd dref 'Honddu drwy gulni yn gaeth. Rhwystrasant y Railway fwyn, ddifai. i ddod, I'r lan o dref Fenni -er c'lymu ein clod. Ond Thomas, c vfreitliia-rl cynlluniwr tra lion, A Williams, y Meddyg. gwr diddig ar don, A Williams y '1 Yn fedrus ddyfelsiodd i Henffordd dda hynt, Gael Railway i redeg fel gwaneg y gwynt. 'Rol tynu y cynllun yn ddiflin o dde. Daeth pawb i'w gofleidio drwy'r wlad a thrwy'r dre,' Gwyr Talgarth a'r Gelli, o ddifri a ddaeth, I weled yn ddilys mai gweddus y gwaith. Wel dyma dvdd dedwvdd, dydd hylwydd, dydd bael, ,J Dydd mawr o lawenydd i'r gwycb ac i'r gwael,— Dydd yw pryd daeth miloedd o bobloedd yn nghyd, Gael c'lymu'n tref feohan wrth bob man trwy'r byd I Arglwyddes Tredegar, yn llawnder ei llwydd, A dorodd y d'warchen yn gywrain i'n gwydd, 'Nawr gwaeddwn yn hwylus, tra gweddns yw'r gwaith, "Arglwyddes Tredegar fo byw amser maith I" Sior IV.
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Striking Plan I
Striking Plan I Suggested by F.C.C. President. I TO FEDERATE THE FREE CHURCHES. I A very striking address was delivered by the Rev. J. H. Shakespeare, president of the Free Church Council, at their meetings at Bradford last week regarding the unity of the churches. A .resolution, proposed by Dr. Meyer and car- ried unanimously, recorded the council's strong approval of the principle and proposals outlined in the address, and instructed the executive committe to bring them before the representative bodies of the Evangelical Free Churches of Eng- land and Wales. The President said :— It is certain that things are not going well with us. I think the situation is more serious than we are prepared to recognise. All through this century, the Free Churches, perhaps all the Churches, have been labouring in the trough of the sea, If the remedy could be found in money, it would be provided at once. The people have been magnificent. T¡\i)i generosity has never been equalled. But they are troubled and anxious, They would like the facts to be faced even if it gave ns pain. For years there has ;Dn a continuous decline in members and Sunday I school scholars, and, unless it can be stayed, the Free Churches must slowly bleed to death. "Out of Touch with the World." I It is net strange that we should be evidently i losing ground, for Denominationalism is a decay- ing idea. It makes less and less appeal to our own people, that is, to the very people upon whom its success depends. The old feuds have died out. Every great truth or sacred principle which was the ground of a separation is now accepted by the entire Free Church. The things that divide us are forms of government or an ordin- ance. Nothing coukl be more ominous than to get out of touch with the living and actual interests of the new world, to be insignificant or in antagon- ism to its mind. to be profoundly and hopelessly at variance with its most earnest conceptions of the things that matter. Puritanism captured the intellect and the conscience of the best and greatest of men of its day. What is the real thought about 'us of statesmen like Mr Asquith, of our thinkers and teachers, of the noble and cultured women who are entering the professions and guiding so many of the movements of to- day, of the most brilliant of the young men at our universities—what do they think of us when they think about us at all? They have an en- tirely different view of the things that matter. They see that the real issue of our time is not in the things that divide us, but in the war we wage together ,against materialism and Godless- ness. They are amazed that we obscure our com- mon witness by a false emphasis and an illusion. Losing the Young Men. I If the Free Churches stand for these things," cried an officer to one of our chaplains at Mudros, "why are we not told so?" Mr Lloyd George has that strange gift of genius that under the guise of humour casts a great light like a sudden flare upon the battlefield. As he drove one day with one of our number through North Wales he said, "The Church to which I belong is torn with d fierce dispute—one part say that it is baptism into the name of the Father and the other that it is baptism in the name of the Father. I belong to one of these parties. I feel most strongly about it. I would die for it, but I forget which it is." Denominationalism affects the ministry most disastrously. A richly endowed ministry is vital to the Free Churches. Our most gifted young men are more and more unwilling to risk what the Free Church ministry has to offer. The idea is circulating in our homes like a slow poison that the Free Church minister in most cases has no chance. We can never make our full impact upon the life of the nation while we are split up into sec- tions. The extraordinary thing to-day is that our numbers are so enormous and our power so comparatively small. I The New Renaissance. I Any ,finr1 solution must be the work of many minds. The only United Free Church of England which is practicable at the present stage must be on the basis of federation and not of absorption or amalgamation. It should be on the model of the United States of America. It should be a cardinal principle that the autonomy of each con- stituent church shall be respected, and that what- ever is of permanent value shall be conserved. Look at a single aspect of the case. In a cer- tain village, with about 1,000 inhabitants, there is an Anglican church and there are two Non- conformist chapels. A recent census was taken on a Sunday morning. One chapel contained five men and four women, and the other con- gregations were somewhat larger. Is it either rational or Christian that in the typical English village three should be the Anglican church, the Baptist, Congregational, Wesleyan, and perhaps the Methodist chapel? The cry for efficiency is heard everywhere. It will reach the churches. It should have begun there. We are on the verge of a new era. Our world will never be the same again. We may find some par- allel in the birth of Christianity, the Renaissance, the French Revolution. All things will be changed—the sense of security of our island home and of the inviolaible seas; the place of women in the world and their share in the world's work. Above all, three million men will return to civil life who have faced the realities of life and death, of time and eternity in the trench and in the gallant charge, and who have done this at the call of a united Empire, and for the grandest and most splendid ideals. They have got new measurements, new values, they have seen how little there is to separate the Free Churches at a parade service. We need something great, something arrest- ing, something to take us out of these ruts, these monotonous ways in which no one expects any- thing to happen and nothing does happen. It is the awakening of soul that we need—some- thing to make the finest and most gifted of our young people proud to belong to the Free Church.
Catarrhal Colds and Stubborn…
Catarrhal Colds and Stubborn Coughs. THE REMEDY YOU CAN TRUST IS j VENO'S LIGHTNING COUGH CURE. I Every fourth person you meet has catarrh. It begins with running at the nose, the result of catching cold. If neglected it soon becomes chronic. Then it passes to the throat, the stom- ach, the bowels. It causes asthma, deafness, huskiness, hoarseness; it sets up dyspepsia and bowel troubles-there is no end to the dangers of catarrh. "My life was a perfect misery with breathlessness and 'bronchial catarrh," savs Mrs Hall, of 89, Clarence Street, Shieldfield," New- castIe-on-Tyne. "I was frightfully choked up, and if I ventured oat I would have to stop to get my breath, perhaps twenty times in a street's length. Nothing did any real good till I got Veno's. That quite cured me." Ask for Veno's Lightning Cough Cure. Hid, 1/3, and 3/ of all chemists.
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   ?? ?a??m?NM jL??BLt?L. NM l BRINGS UNIQUE BENEFITS, i ? M ADE from rich and rare herbal extracts, Zam-Buk J B t 9 supplies a healing, soothing, and antiseptic agent of J? J 8 t ? hitherto unknown power. Zam-Buk does good q ckly. M *?When a dressing of this unique herbal balm is applied to any ??  f cut, bruise, sore, or diseased place, all smarting or irritation ? ? ? is lessened and finally banished. Then, when Zam-Buk j i | f has thoroughly purified the place and killed all poisonous I disease germs, it helps Nature to grow new layers of < healthy skin. Zam-Buk Is 4 { i.-PUIELY HERBAL I tH ? T.-CONTAINS NO ANIMAL FAT, ?  ? a—SWtFTLY HEALING. ij ? M I 4.-YERY SOOTHING ? AMTMEme- j| N !t I ?—" KEEM PERFECTLY FOR ANY MRMD- J| ? S ? L-80 COMPACT & CONCENTRATED. p"??? | I 7.-MOIT ECONOMICAL IN THE END. ? ??? ? I ft ft)B-Bak!sunequatledfofEMemt.U!oefS.Hia<worms,Me'.PotMtM< ??'?t??Mm I L We?mda. Sprint Pimples, Rashes, and Sore Hp<. oz for Cuts, BadH.. ?p. v| '\?*? j 11 I I & Boms, Scalds, Sprains. Rheumatism, Ac. When aendin, parcel. to yOU ''< B m j k soldier and sailor friends always include a box of Zam-Buk. .•] ( I{ Obiainab to of all Chdwtisis aftd Drug Siores, or The ZaPPI-Buk PabO 'gi l } levies Leeds. Prices I/Ii, Plus lid. war tax. aftd 219. Plus Sd. war )r''
IA Loaf for Nothing. 1
I A Loaf for Nothing. 1 ALLINSON'S COMPETITIONS. I A question that may well be asked in conn^j tion with the present shortage of agriciilt?;4 labour is whether we, as a nation, realise V* added importance of securing the maxima value from every penny of expenditure. Surel; J in the case of wheat, for instance, it would ? < folly to disregard one atom of that spleD?j nourishment contained in the whole grain ? evident only in what is known as wheatjn? Just as it is an admitted fact that ordinary or? < contains not more than 60 per cent. of r?- wheat nourishment, so it is both interesting t note that the well-known Allinson bread is gur: < anteed to contain the whole of the wheat or øS actly 100 per cent. of those elements necesss1 ] for bone-making and body-building generally gnarantr!" such as this is to-day of national iØ, portan. i and should not only be noted but cepted as such by all thinking men and womeO- Practically evevv town and locality has n. its Allinson baker, and, in addition, the P.Oprie, tors ha ve arranged a series of interesting cO petitions, particulars of which are advertise A letter, enclosing 4d stamps for postage, \Vø < bring particulars of these competitions and, ,1- addition, a large specimen loaf—N.F. biscUl tJI and the name of our local Allinson baker. yo letter to be addressed to the Natural Food Ltd., 210, Cambridge Road, London, E.
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Only Wanted an Egg.
Only Wanted an Egg. THEFT OF A BANTAM AT SEVEN SISTERS. The theft of a prize bantam hen by David John Davies, of Seven Sisters, was the subject of investigation at Neath County Police Court on the 3rd inst. David Price told the court that a poultry show was held at the Workmen's Institute, Seven Sisters, on February 24. Defendant was one of the committee, of which witness was the ohair- man. After the show the hen, valued at Po3, was missed, and eventually a visit was paid to the defendant's house. The result was that the bird was found dead on the Crynant Road. Mr Edward Powell elicited that defendant had paid £2 to the owner of the bird, Mr Barrett, of Burton. Defendant pleaded guilty and said he was sorry he took the hen. Mr Powell stated that defendant had taken the hen homa with the object of obtaining from her an egg for breeding purposes. He had not intended to steal the bird. Defendant was bound over in the sum of C5 and ordered to pay the costs.
Radnorshire's First |
Radnorshire's First | Conscientious Objector. I COURTEOUS HEARING. I Mr Bernard A. Bentley, of the Springs Hotel. Llandrindod Wells, a member of the Society of Friends, was the first conscientious objector to come forward in Radnorshire, and he met with very courteous treatment a-t the hands of the Llan- drindod Wells Tribunal. He stated that he was 37 years of age, and had a conscientious objection to combatant military service. He regarded military service as being in opposition to the teaching of Jesus Christ and to the spirit and pre- cepts of the Gospel, and he wished to live in the spirit which did away with the occasion of all war. He objected to the taking of the military oath because he considered that conscience was a man's own possession in which no man had a right to interfere. He therefore claimed total ex- emption, and be considered that he was rendering the best service he could to the nation in helpnig to keep the business of his mother's hotel together. His mother was in a very poor state of health at the present time. He was a member of the Soc- iety of Friends and had been all his life, and the I position he took up was in accordance with the views they held. He had applied to the Friends' Ambulance Unit and the committee of the Friends' War Victims Fund, but they had advised him that it was his duty to continue where he was for the present. The Chairman (Mr Tom Norton) You would be willing to join the R.A.M.C. ?-Applicant No nothing of a military character. Mr J. Jones You had better make that clear. Applicant I cannot take the oath to do military work, but I can do equally good work with the Friends' Ambulance Unit. The Chairman Suppose they are full up ? Applicant There is no doubt about that. The Chairman If they are full up, will you join the R.A.M.C. Applicant No, I object to that. Mr E. Bryan Smith I thought you said they did the same work ? Applicant The Friends' Ambulance Unit is not under military orders, and you have not to take the oath. If I joined the R.A.M.C. I might be transferred to a fighting force. The chairman thought not, but other members of the Tribunal stated that that had been done. Mr E. Bryan Smith said he objected to the ap- plicant's statement on this point as he could not be transferred from the RA.M.C. under the Mili- tary Service Act. Mr J. Jones But he must take the military oath to join the R.A.M.C. Every man who joins has to do that. Mr E. Bryan Smith There are a great many of the Society of Friends in the Army. Mr C. M. Binyon (clerk of Hereford and Rad- nor Monthly Meeting) said he had known Mr Bentley for a good many years, and he knew that the position stated that day had been held by Mr Bentley for years. He objected to militarism of any kind whatever, and he also objected to the taking of the military oath. Mr Bentley was per- fectly willing to do other volunteer work, and he offered his best service to the country. If he joined the Friends' Ambulance Unit, he would serve in similar work to that done by the R.A.M.C., but without any pay whatever. Mr Jones Is he prepared to join the Friends' Ambulance Unit? Mr Binyon Yes. He was prepared to join some time ago, but he was then advised that his place was at home on account of his mother's health. That is why he is a.t home at present. The Chairman If be joins the Friends' Unit, won't he have to take the oath ? Mr Binyon No: but the Unit is recognised bf the R.A.M.C. Mr Jones Is not your son in the Unit? Mr Binyon Yes. he is in France. The men). bers of the Unit recognise the claim to inatiorkal Service. Mr E. Bryan Smith But suppose he co home? and how long is he bound to remain' What bound the members of the Unit? Mr Binyon said he would stay for the duratioj of the war. They were bound by their word & honour. Mr Bentley said he understood that if lie cadle back he would be subject to arrest under tbe Military Service Act.. The clerk here read the clauses of the Act deal- ing with conscientious objectors, and the TOO& was subsequently cleared for private discussion. After about 15 minutes' private consultatio0t the chairman said that under the Military SerViOo Act, Mr Bentley was entitled to two months t- I ponement in addition to any period of cxelllpti which the Tribunal might give him. The TC'' bunal had decided to give him temporary exeinF tion for one week, and the Act gave him 8 wee'll after March 25th. This course wasttaken on tbo understanding that in the meantime the applied joined the Friends' Ambulance Unit. Mr Bentley Thank you very much. Mr Binyon asked if the Tribunal exempted tbl applicant from combatant service.—The chaIt' man Yes. Mr Binyon said he would like that made cleøt as otherwise if Mr Bentley did not carry out tP5 wishes of the Tribunal within the period allowf he would be liable to be called upon by the tary Authority and might be put on what weft, they thought fit. If the Tribunal was satisfif? I that his objection was a conscientious one, & were bound to give him absolute exemption. Mr J. Coombs We have done that in effect- Mr Binyon The least you can give is exempts from combatant service. The Clerk said the Tribunal had given oO' sideration to the domestic circumstances and t cided in this way so as to give Mr Bentley opportunity to carry out his own suggestion., Mr Binyon said he appreciated that, and he Mr Bentley then withdrew.
Brecon Tradesmen I
Brecon Borough T ribuna I-Continued. I to sell m"v business it means I shall lose £300 or £ 400. The Mayor said in this case he found he had to give his castifig vote, not an easy matter. Whilst the rmayor was considering this applic- ant said he did not know where it came in that the Tribunal should have let certain tradesmen's sons off, who had no responsibility at all, while he The Mayor (interposing) I should advise you not to express Tour views at all. The Mayor said he gave his casting vote in fav- our of the two members who decided upon exemp- tion for one month, which would enable applicant to make other arrangeaments. That would mean another two months, since applicant was not at- tested, so that he would have three months to make arrangements. Applicant When have I right to appeal again? The Mayor You have no right to appeal as an unattested man. A young lad iiamed Jarman, who said he was the only boy at home doing all the farm work .and the sole support of his mother and other children, was granted total exemption. Another total exemption was granted to a young man, the Mayor saying that such was granted entirely on the medical report. I Heard in Private. An application was made by Mr H. T. Jones on behalf of his brother, a correspondence clerk. Mr Jones said the Tribunal knew the clause un- der which he Was making this appeal, and if there was anything to add to it they would oblige him by granting him a private hearing. He could not adequately express himself in a mat- ter of this sort in public. The Mayor said they would take the applica- tion at the end of the sitting in private. We understand the application was refused. I Mope Useful as Baker. I Mr R. W. Phillips, in appealing for the ex- emption of a baker, said he had already lost three men out of the bakehouse. Two of these were now serving. He got one 50 years of age, an- other medically unfit for. the Army, and two boys left out of seven. He had advertised in trade papers and could not get a single applicant. This boy offered his services on November 8th and was rejected, but he had no papers to that effect. By Mr Best: This boy was a- baker and had been in the trade three years. I Mr Best (to the boy) You presented yourself at xftihf e Barracks, what did they tell you0—Too short. (Laughter.) The Mayor Although short he has proved him- self a baker. Therefore he is exempt. (Laugh- ter.)