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

Wesleyan Methodism. I QUARTERLY MEETING AT BRECON. I Llandrindod Wells and Brecon Wesleyan Circuit quarterly meeting was held !at Lion Street Wes- leyan Church, Brecon, on Wednesday. There was a large attendance. The local preachers meeting was held ill the morning, the usual business being transacted. Rev. J. Reeves Brown (superintendent-minister) presided over the business meeting in the afternoon. The financial statement, submitted by Messrs J. Coombs and W. Morris, was considered satisfactory and adopted. The returns showed that there had been a number of removals, which accounted for a slight decrease in the membership. The Sunday school returns were also presented and considered satisfactory, as also were those on temperance. The foreign mission accounts and the home mission statement showed that despite the war, there was an advance in contributions. Rev. J. Reeves Brown, who will complete his normal period of service in the circuit in August next, was invited to remain for the fourth year, and promised to favourablv consider the matter Rev. C A Harris (Brecon) was invited to stay for a third year. Rev. E. J. Pike (Builth) was also invited for a second year, and Pastors J. J. Heal (Rhayader) and T. Buckingham (Hay) were asked to remain a third and second year respectively. All declared their willingness to accept the in- vitations. Mr Oscar L. Watkins (circuit chapel steward) presented the year's accounts, which showed that the various trusts were in a healthy condition. The meeting elected as representatives to the Synod at Cardiff in May, Messrs Geo. Robinson, senior (Brecon), and J. J. Heal (Rhayader). Through the kindness of Mr W. Morris (Llan- faes) the members of 1111" quarterly meeting and -other friends were after-- ds entertained to tea in the schoolroom Mr Morris was thanked Ío- his kindness on the motion of Rev. J. Reeves Bro w a. +-- -0--

I Brecon and Radnor Farmers I Discuss Female Labour. I PIGS AND POULTRY. I MEETING AT BUILTH. Brecon and Radnor Farmers' Union Executive Committee met at the Swan Hotel, Builth Wells, on Monday. Ald. Mervyn T. Davies (chairman) presided. Others present included Messrs. David Thomas (agricultural organiser), T. Davies, J.P., C.C. (Vronolau) J. Thomas, D. W llliame (Llawrtlan), A. E. Havard, J. W. Jones, J. B. Richards, 0. W. Davies, T. E. R. Price, John Evans, Wm. Price, J. Wooding and J. P. Grif- fiths (secretary). Pigs and Poultry. I The secretary said the Board of Agriculture wished the Farmers' Union to bring to the no- tice of its members the desirability of cottagers being allowed by farmers to keep pigs and pOlI- try. The letter was from the Secretary of the National Union, and referred to cottagers em- ployed on farms. Mr David Williams Yes, that's a grand thing, but there's a limit. (Laughter.) The secretary explained that a Herefordshire branch had the matter before them the previous week, and considered it rather, a, delicate question. Some farmers could trust men to handle meal, feeding-s,tuff.s, &c.—others, of course, could not— but, a-fter all, this, perhaps, was a point for the farmers themselves. The Herefordshire branch ultimately decided not to do anything themselves, but to give the question as much publicity as pos- sible, so that farmers would know what was in the minds of the Board of Agriculture. Thus, farmers were left to do what the-y thought best. The Chairman I think we might very well do this. Farmers could then use their own discre- tion. Mr J. W. Jones pointed out that, in Brecon and Radnor, the rule already existed that farm-ser- vants, occupying houses on farms, were allowed to keep pigs and poultry. He proposed that the fact should go forth from that meeting that the farmers assembled there considered cottagers should be allowed to keep pigs, &c. Mr Nicholls seconded, adding the course was wise. Every workman should be encouraged to keep as many pigs and as much poultry as he could without injury to his employer. Food-pro- duction was very important to the nation just now. He believed they should all supplement the Union 's efforts in this direction in as generous a spirit as possible. The proposition was carried. Sulphate of Ammonia. The secretary briefly explained the Govern- ment's arrangements relative to supplies of sul- phate of ammonia. Its exportation was stopped in the interests of agriculture. Gas-Works turn- ed supplies out in the making of ingredients for national purposes, and, if farmers did not use the sulphate of ammonia sufficiently, he feared the supplies would so accumulate that exportation would have to be resorted to again. He believed the Government price of the supplies was X6 153 per ton. Female Labour. A circular letter came to hand from Mr Waiter Williams (Brecon), dealing with the question of female labour. It appealed to the Union for help and co-operation and explained that meetings would shortly be held in Brecon and Builth on the question. Mr David Thomas (county-organiser) said the Board of Agriculture understood that, in certain districts, some farms were still carrying practi- cally their ordinary staff, while in other cases lab- our had been so depleted as to render it almost impossible to effect the cultivation of the farms. Lord Selborne desired, where such con- ditions existed, that war agricultural committees aand other organisations would consider seriously the possibility of initiating and carrying out some scheme for a re-distribution of the agricul- tural labour available in such districts. It was recognised that, as any such scheme must be voluntary so far as the farmers and their em- ployees were concerned, the matter was one of considerable difficulty. If, however, farmers un- derstood that the military authorities would claim for the Army all men liable to military service who were not absolutely essential on a particular farm, they would recognise that, in their own in- terests as well as in the interests of home food production, a re-distribution of the available lab- our might be desirable. Farmers who had more' skilled men than were absolutely essential under present conditions must be prepared either to give up their surplus laibour to the Army, or to agree to its transfer to their neighbours who had insuffi- cient skilled labour to enable them to maintain the production of food on their farms. The secretary, alluding to the letter on the or- ganisation of female labour, said he had suggested that the co-operation of secretaries of the local branches of the Union should be sought. He would, of course, help as much as he could. The chairman 'thought female labour should not be allowed to interfere with male labour on the farms, and the interests ,oi' men should be safe- guarded. Mr David Thomas explained what had been. done in Radnorshire on the question of female labour, and, also, the steps that had been taken in Breconshire. Proceeding, Mr Thomas observ- ed the conditions of farming in Brecon and Rad- nor were different to those of England, where women labour could be used to greater advantage. Mr Bache, speaking a.t Knighton the previous Thursday, said that women were doing their part well in Cardiganshire already, and instanced the several jobs they were tackling. There was, added Mr Thomas, a. great deal of light work on farms, and this should certainly be done by women. They must realise they were living in times of national crisis and were called upon to do, and sacrifice more, than in times of peace. There was no wish to displace men, but to supple- ment the efforts of the skilled hands on the farm in the production of more food. Mr O. W. Davies said he had three women en- gaged on his farm, and he could say he had new. had manure better spread in his life than they had done it. He did not see why women could not do a. great deal. Mr J. W. Jones questioned whether female labour would be the great success some thought. What would they be able to do for the next three months? He admired the intentions of the com- mittees in endeavouring to help the farmer out of the labour difficulty, but he was sorry the Govern- ment had not taken in hand the proper distribu- tion of labour throughout the country. If this had been done they would have surmounted the diffi- culty more satisfactorily. Practically the whole of the work on the farms for the next three months would be ploughing, sowing, &c., and women could not do this. Only 5 per cent. 9f female labour would be any use for the manage- ment of a team. Females were not "horsy" enough. Some thought farmers were prejudiced against women labour, but that was not so— farmers were placed in a very difficult position. Personally, he did not think they would be aible to use female labour to any great advantage, and the sooner they admitted the fact the better. Again, if the tribunals were to take their skilled men, because they had ferqale labour, they would be in a much worse position. Female labour in Brecon and Radnor was practically useless, and they should make the fact known. He did not disparage the effort and admired the sense of patriotism that prompted it, but he felt the ide.% was a mis-directed one. Mr David Thomas observed that he looked upon women labour in a supplementary sense. Mr J. Evans thought if women were employed they would be bound to retain skilled labour to teach and superintend their work. Discussion now ceased—most of the members regarding women labour in the supplementary sense., Miscellaneous. I The chairman further appealed to farmers to support the Agricultural Relief of Allies' Fund. The Finance Committee was re-appointed, the new chairman taking the place of his predecessor, j Legal committees were appointed as follow :— i Builth Section, Messrs. Philip James, T. E. R. ■ Price, E. T. Lewis, W. Price, T. L. Vaughan, T. Davies, J. Evans, V. Jones, C. V. Weale, O. W. Davies and J. L. Davies; and Brecon Section, Aid. Mervyn T. Davies, and Messrs. J. W. Jones, R. T. Rogers. J. Smith, G. P. Jones, B. Jones, D. W. Price, W. E. James, W. J. Price and E. B. Williams. The secretary said their solicitor, Mr Oliver, had been remarkably successful in the cases he bad taken up on behalf of the Union.

The County Schools. BRECON GOVERNORS' RECOMMEN- DATIONS FOR LONGER -STAY OF PUPILS. There were present at the Brecon County School, Governors, on Tuesday, Prof. John Evans (vice- chairman), Mrs M. F. Thomas, Miss Bevan, Principal Lewis, Rev. Hilary Lewis, Rev. D. Saunders Jones, Rev. T. C. Richards, Messrs. Edward Butler, Evan Morgan, J. L. Davies and T. J. Parry (clerk). Changes in Teaching Staff. I Of three assistant-masters eligible for enlist- ment at the Boys' County School, the clerk re- ported that the headmaster had received a letter from the Board of Education that two who were medically unfit for general service would, by the a-ssent of the. military authorities, be retained, but in the case of the third it was decided by the Board that there was no case to go to the Army Council, and as a result the mathematical master had been called up and had left. The headmaster said to fill this vacancy he had appointed temporarily Mr H. W. Midgeley, B.A., Emmanuel College. Cambridge, who was senior optime in the Mathematical Tripos in 1888. and was formerly assistant-master at Swansea Gram- mar School. The Governors confirmed the appointment. The headmistress also reported the appointment of Miss Bunney, Liverpool, as domestic science mistress at the Girls' School, and the appointment was confirmed. Miss Olive Tyler, senior prefect, who assisted the teaching staff for three weeks, was voted a remuneration of 30/- for her services, the head- mistress saying she had been extremely helpful at a time when the staff was depleted through the illness of one or two of the assistant-mistresses. I Parents and the Agreement. The clerk reported that two boys, who were awarded internal scholarships 18 months ago, had left the school without their parents giving the necessary notice. He had received letters from the respective parents giving their reasons. One of the parents pointed out that he had paid the tuition fees for two terms. The other parent said that until a short while ago he was totally ignor- ant that it was necessary to give formal notice. The clerk said in both cases the boys were re- commended internal scholarships. and when ac- cepting them the parents entered into an agree- ment which specified a certain period of notice be- fore they could be withdrawn from the school. By the agreement the Governors could compel them to pay the full fee. Principal Lewis I presume you explain to par- ents what that form means. I cannot under- stand some parents attaching their names to forms like that without knowing what they are committing themselves to. The Clerl, This form of agreement has been in existence since the schools commenced. In this case, being internal scholarships, it would be half the amount, £ '3 5s. The Governors decided to remit part of the fees and demand payment of a Is 8d. The Chairman I think something should be done to make the contents of these forms of agree- ment thoroughly known to parents before they sign. We have these things cropping up con- tinually and parents plead ignorance. I Pupils' Length of Stay. The sub-committee appointed to report on the length of stay of pupils in the schools recommen- ded that a stamped agreement should be entered into with the parent that the pupil should attend school for a period of three years, and in default the parent should be required to pay a penalty of t,3, and that the tuition fee of paying pupils should be J64 10s per annum. It was also recom- mended to ask the Education Committee to ap- prove of a scheme in the scholarship examin- ations under which junior candidates might re- ceive an age allowance of one per cent. of the marks they obtained each month. There were a large number of other recommendations concern- ing the question of the length of stay of pupils. Rev. T. C. Riehards contended that before such drastic alterations in the regulations were agreed upon they should be submitted to the managers of the contributory districts. Principal Lewis said this meeting of Governors had representatives of those districts, and the sub- committee had been duly appointed to report upon the matter to them. The whole, thing was per- fectly in order. Rev. T. C. Richards Mr Butler and myself have no right to come here and tie down the whole of the Governors of the Hay and Talgarth district to any scheme before we go back and consult them. Mr Butler The alterations are very drastic and I think they ought to be consulted. The Chairman Hadn't we better discuss the proposals and then if necessary submit them for further consideration. Rev. Hilary Lewis That is quite wrong. You are going to submit what you as Governors do to an inferior body. (Laughter.) Rev. T. C. Richards Oh Under no consider!, tion will I vote for this unless you submit them to the Hay and Talgarth, Crickhowell and other contributory districts. Whether they are infer- ior bodies or not. (Laughter). Of course, added Mr Richards, we don't belong to the aristocratic district of LIanfrynach. (Renewed laughter). Rev. Hilary Lewis I don't mean to say-you seem to take it as a matter of insult when I re- ferred to an inferior body, but you don't mean to tell us that Hay and Talgarth district committee are going to decide their way and over-ride the consideration of the Governors, when their repre- sentatives have been summoned to this meeting. Rev. T. C. Richards I never said anything at all about over-riding. I said "the House of Lords" (Laughter). Rev. Hilary Lewis You said nothing about the "House of Lords." (Renewed laughter). The Chairman I think we are quite in order and we might consider the report. Principal Lewis in the course of discussion gave a resume of the sub-committee's discussion and said the whole object was to encourage par- ents to keep their children in the schools for a longer period than at present was the case. County school education was not effective unless pupils made a stay for at least three years and that was the object when the schools were first started. witli Rev. T. C. Richards I thoroughly agree with the speech of Principal Lewis provided we get the parents to agree to this. I think it is absurd that pupils should come into the schools for just twelve months for in that case it is money spent in vain. But before you make that rule you should submit it to the governors of the different contributory districts. (Laughter). Mr Butler agreed and said he thought the Jre. commendations excellent. Principal Lewis In view of the fact that our friends from Hay and Talgarth have not had sufficient time to digest these recommendations, I move that we postpone the matter for a month. (Laughter). I do so simply for the reason that my friend Mr Richards should be able to under- stand them. (Renewed laughter). It was agreed to postpone the final adoption of the recommendations for one month.

I HEREFORD MARKET. Wednesday. At Hereford to-day there was a.n excellent supply in all departments, except that of sheep. There was a good supply of fat ca.ttle, which met with firm demand at latcrates., Best beef made ten- penoe to elevenpence per pound, and others, 8!d to 9!d. Store cattle met with slow demand at prices ruling easier. Trade for sheep was on the up- ward grade. Tegs made 1/- and 1/2 per lb. Pigs were a moderate supply, and there was keen demand for best quality.

PENOYRE RED CROSS HOSPITAL. I Sir,—We wish to thank very gratefully the fol- lowing kind friends for gifts sent to the Hospital Sheets, pillows and bolster cases, and towels, from Cefn Ladies' Working Party, sent by Miss Violet Jones, Cilsanws scarves sent by the Misses Jones; eggs and apples from Mrs Jones, Tyfry, Llanfrv- n?,rh eggs from Mrs Cole-Hamilton, Llan- ga tack Rectory; vegetables, Mrs Garnons Wil- liams eggs and vegetables, Cantref Parish, Mrs Saunders Jones; eggs, Mrs D. Williams; eggs, Mrs Davies, Groes; bread, eggs, jam, books, Miss Vaughan; potatoes, Mr D. Phillips; chicken, Mrs Vau«han; two chickens, Mrs T. Jones, Llwyncelyn; eggs and jam, Mrs Price Jones; milk and apples, Miss Griffith, Battle End; milk and eggs, Miss Morgan, Ynismoch; eggs, Miss Davies, Cwmwysg, collected in Sennybridge and Aberyski, r district; eggs, Corporal Evanson; ap- ples, illbs. butter, eggs, collected in the market by Miss Best. Chickens are the greatest help for the sick and we are extra grateful to our friends who send them. Mrs Graham Clarke very kindly came up and sang for us on Friday, anti the patients and staff think it was very kind of her and Lady Pelly to come up on such an arctic day.-Yours, &c., ALICE M. deWINON, March 13th. Commandant. (Through an oversight, this did not reach us till after we had gone to Press last weqk.) b73 Dear Sir,—Will you kindly allow this expression of grateful thanks to appear in this week's "Bre- con and Radnor Express." There are so many kind friends to thank I fear it may trespass on your space. Our friends in Cantref and Llanfry- nach parishes are supporting most splendidly their V.A. detachment which is now on duty at the' hospital :Cantref parish, 51-; Mrs Watkins, Cefn Cantref, potatoes; Mrs Evans, Tycue, eggs, cigarettes and oranges; Mrs Williams, Cwm- cwnyn; Llanfrynach parish, per Miss Faith de Winton, eggs; Mrs Davies, Pentwyn, Mrs Dav- ies, Tynllwyn, Mrs Evans, Caerau, Mrs Larkin, Mrs Bottom, Mrs de Winton, eggs and potatoes; Mrs Price, Tregare, eggs and butter; Miss Dav- ies, Penmaen, potatoes; Mrs Walters, East View, eggs, vegetables and cigarettes; school children, rabbits and eggs; Mrs Powell, Pentwyn, cigar- ettes; Mrs de Winton, marmalade, vegetables, cake, eggs; Mrs Randall and Misses de Winton, Tymawr; Mrs Bolton, 2/ Miss Haines, 1/ Miss Price, 1/ Miss Davies, 1/ Miss Thomas, 1/ this money to buy chickens for which we are specially grateful. The Rev. Hilary Lewis, vegetables, nuts; a kind friend, papers; Jack and Blake Larkin, matches, bread, cigarettes and swedes; Mrs Jones, Tyfry, eggs a,nd bananas, oranges, cigarettes, matches; Mrs Williams, Brynich, 12 Cardigan jackets; Miss Evans, Llan- sandffread, eggs; Mrs Mitchell, honey, cigarettes, matches, papers; Sister Blanche and Miss M. de Winton, eggs; National egg collection, per Mrs Cole Hamilton, Llangattock; eggs, Aberyskir parish, per Miss Davies; Mrs Curtis. chicken and butter, scarves and shoes; Llansaintffraed, parish, 4 small pillows, 12 pillow cases; Lla.n- gasty parish, vegetables; Mrs Evans, Ffrwd- grech, milk daily; The Hon. Mrs Parry de Win- ton, eggs; Miss Davies, Cwmwysg, vegetables; Mrs Garnons Williams Miss Best, stall in Brecon I market, Illbs. butter and magazines. The pat- ients and staff also wish to thank Miss Davies and I the members of the Old Gjrls, Brecon County School Association for the very excellent enter- I tainment they kindly provided for our amusement I on Saturday, March 18th, the whole programme was much enjoyed. A handsome collection of shells has been, must kindly given to the hospital, to he raffled for. by Mr Bown tickets fid each, to be obtained either I from Mr Bown, High street, or the hospital. I Apples, oranges, cigarettes, potatoes, turnips, from Mrs Morgan, Llanfrynean, Llanfrynach; 5j-, Miss Davies, Tymawr, 2 chickens, Mrs Jones, [ Pentwyn, Llanaefaelog; -2 mattresses. Mr D. Price, High street, Brecon.—Yours truly. t ALICE M. DE-WINTON.

r Brecon Rural Tribunal Student's Conscientious Objections. •AN APPLICANT'S POLITICAL VIEWS. A large number of appeals from agriculturists again came before the Brecon Rural Tribunal on Friday, the members, under the chairmanship of Mr Owen Price, sitting practically for the whole of the day. In the majority of cases temporary exemptions were granted, the rule being post- ponement till over May fair in the case of hired servants. There were a, few applicants who ap- plied on conscientious grounds. Willing to Pay Penalty. I Rees Morgan Thomas, Abertrewern, Cray, a Calvinistic Methodist theological student at Aber- ytswyth College, applied for absolute exemption. He stated his- grounds as follow :—"I conscien- tiously object to the undertaking of any form of war service, as I deem war to be a violation of. the law of Christ, Whom I serve. To preach Christ in times of peace and then deny His spirit in war time I cannot. If it can be proved that by being loyal to Christ I am disloyal to Britain I shall willingly pay the penalty, for a soldier I can never be. Britain I am anxious to serve, but this form of service I can never undertake. But I maintain in all humility that I shall serve my country best by continuing with the work in which I am haibitually engaged. I cannot aban- don my commission to preach. I feel that it is expedient in the national interests that I should continue to be educated and trained for this great work which the Government has recognised in I' exempting ministers and clergy from military service. Rev. T. C. Richards Are you a fully ordained I minister? ) Applicant Xo. The Military Representative (Mr de Winton) There is a non-combatant battalion being formed. Rev. T. C. Richards And he could join that. Mr de Winton Of course, he can. Mr Tom Morgan What have you to say to this verse from Luke, xxii., 36—"Then said he unto them, but now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his script, and he that hath no sword, let him sell his ga-ri-nent and buy one"? Applicant said he thought the interpretation of the verse was very different to the construction put upon it by his questioner. He thought they would find in many instances in the Scriptures the term "soldier" and "sword" was used as a figure Of division—the division between Christ's ideals and those who would not accept them. Proceeding, applicant said he had to be consistent with himself as a disciple and follower of Jesus Christ. He must follow Him at all risks and in all circumstances. Mr Tennant, he believed, stated in the House of Commons that a man who disobeyed the military oath was liable to be shot. "Rather than take the military oath," said appli- cant, "I pretty accepting that penalty. The military oath I can never take." A Member Not in the non-combatant ser- vice-Ko. The Chairman Let- us come nearer home. Aren't you going to apply on the ground that you are a student, and that you are going to sit an examination next summer?— Yes, I have a conscientious objection, but I also appeal on that ground. I have got an examin- ation next June for my final B.D., and I am pre- paring my thesis for M.A. degree. Mr T. Morgan Is not that selfish-you ob- ject to military service because it would prevent your own advancement? Applicant No, sir, I object to military service on conscientious grounds. Rev. T. C. Richards AVhat would you do if a German attacked your mother?—If you think it is a fair question to ask, I reply that it is really very hard to know what I would do under circumstan- ces of that kind. Applicant, added that if a person attacked another in this country they were direct- ed by the law to report to the nearest police, and the offender would be dealt with by law. Rev. T. Griffiths Suppose the Tribunal grant you exemption until after your examination next June, would you be willing afterwards to join a. non-combatant corps?—No, sir. As a conscien- tious objector, my examination would make no difference, although I should very much like to get my examinations through rather than lose them altogether. It is quite natural that having done a. lot of work I should like to go through with it. Mr John Ricketts Howd Harris. you know, was a regular good soldier and a preacher. Why can't you follow him? The Chairman It would be a bad look out for Christianity and everything else if the Germans came over here. We have decided to grant you an exemption for two months, which will cover your examinations—then you will have to join a non- combatant corps. Mr John Jones In that time it might be pos- sible you will get to know more about your con- science. Life-Long Principles. W. J. Lewis, Cwmcar farm. Dolygaer, shep-I herd and mason, employed by the Merthyr Corpor- ation, in his application for exemption declared :— "I cannot take up military service in any shape or form. I make this declaration with the full knowledge of what it means and after long and serious consideration of the. ethical principles in- volved. My conscience will not allow me to de- part from principles which have been taught me since my birth." Applicant also stated fully in his declaration how he was medically unfit, which necessitated special treatment and diet. A medi- cal certificate was enclosed supporting this. He owned sheep in Herefordshire and ponies in Breconshire. Replying to questions, applicant said he would not proceed with his appeal on conscientious grounds, but only on the grounds of his medical unfitness. The Chairman We shall refer the case to the medical officers. Student's Political Views. Morgan Jacob, Ashgrove, Sennybridge, school- master, now studying economics at the London University, applied for exemption on the follow- ing grounds :—Sole support of his mother. Con- scientious objection to taking any part whatsoever in this war—combatant or non-combatant. Work now doing is vitally important, and spent con- siderable time in getting into position to take up this special work. Could not absolutely take any part, and this not from any selfish motives. Considerable discussion ensued as to whether the Tribunal could hear the application, since ap- plicant was engaged in London. He said his per- manent address was at his home, Sennybridge, I and there he was registered and he had been or- dered to join at Newport. It was decided to hear the appeal. Applicant, responding to an invitation to state his case, said in the first place he was the sole sup- port of his mother. He had seen a statement by Mr Asquith, less than a fortnight ago, in answer to Mr Snowden, that a person who was the sole support of a widowed mother was as much entitled to exemption as any other. Further, he would not be able to finish the course of his studies if he entered upon soldiering. He had examinations to go through in July of next year. He did not read into the war as others. He did not take the popu- lar view of the war at all. Mr T. Morgan In that case you a.re not able to judge of the merits of the war?—Simply be- cause I don't take a popular view? How can we help the war?—We could stop it. Mr J. Smith How? I should like to know very much. The bulk of the English people would very much like to know. Mr T. Morgan If you could bring eut a suc- cessful scheme you would be a millionaire. (Laughter.) Applicant The first thing would be to ask the

Told Her Fortune I With Pack of Cards. I PROSECUTION AT HAY. At Hay special police court, on Friday, before Mr John Morgan and Rev J. J. de Winton, Louisa Knight was charged with pretending to tell fortunes. Mrs H. Brush, Newport street, stated that, on the 8th instant, defendant called at her house, about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, and asked how she was. She seemed pleased that witness was married. De- fendant asked for a'pack of cards, and, after they were given her, she sorted them out, and picked them out again by nines. She then asked for a shilling. Witness was at the time doing fancy-work, and defendant said she liked it very much. Wit- ness promised that she should have it, so defendant called for it the following Thursday. She called again on Saturday, and begged money, saying she was bound to get a shilling. Defendant was given 5d. and two articles of clothing. She threatened witness, who, thereupon, informed the police. Harriet Stephens (sister of first witness), also of Hay, gave similar evidence. P.s. Evans said he received information of the case on Thursday, and obtained a warrant for defen- dant's arrest. He subsequently called at the Lodg- ing House, apprehended defendant, and conveyed her to the police station. Defendant was asked if she had any cards, and she replied in the negative. A search revealed the fact that there was a pack of cards in an old pocket. Defendant was sentenced to one month's impri- sonment with hard labour.

Talgarth Concert. CHILDREN'S PERFORMANCE. I The Town Hall, Talgarth, was filled on Wed- i nesday evening of last week with a large and ap- preciative audience, assembled to hear a variety concert held on behalf of the funds of the C.M. Chapel, Bronllys, and the Red Cross fund, the proceeds being divided between these two objects. Mr Howell Powell, Pontybat, presided. This annual concert, in aid of the Bronllys C.M. Chapel, is usually held in Bronllys, but. owing to circumstances over which the promoters had no control, it was found necessary to hold it this year at Talgarth. Notwithstanding this, it' was throughout a Bronllys concert, and consisted altogether of Bronllys talent, trained mainly by by Miss A. Watkins, Post Office, who was accord- ed much praise for the high state of efficiency dis- played in the various items, and who, during the proceedings, played the several accompaniments. Nearly all the songs were rendered in character. One of the popular items was a song illustrative of the Army, given by "Pte. Gallavan," who was impersonated by a youug lady, who brought out with dramatic effect the main theme, and was in consequence accorded a grand reception. An- other young lady very cleverly took the role of a "footman to Dr. Spencer Jones," in the rendering of "Buttons." The performers were all young people—many of them just "wee mites." It was quite apparent that much time must have been given to their training, because the per- formance was well staged and the standard throughout very good-quite in advance of ordin- ary concerts. The platform was tastefully decor- ated, thereby greatly enhancing the effect of the tableaux. The. grateful thanks of the audience was accord- ed to Mr H. Powell for presiding by Mr D. J. Morgan and Mr David Jones (Parcybrain). The party gave a repetition of the programme at the Sanatorium on Thursday. The concert demonstrated the fact of a large amount of musical and dramatic talent among the young people of Bronllys, all of whom are worthy of much credit for the success of the proceedings. The programme was as follows :—Address, chairman; solo, "Mr Conductor," Mr Joyce; ac- tion song, "Japanese," girls; dialogue; song, "Army of to-day," "Pte. Gallavan" action song, "Teddy Bear," girls; action song, "Knit," i i- I 10 girls: recitation, "The fireman's wedding," Mr W. Pritchard; action song, "Our model police- men." boys; song. "Buttons," Master Snell- grove: song, Mr Hitchings; action soog, "Pilia- fore." girls: recitation, "Christmas night in trenches," Miss S. Weale; solo. "Until," Miss G. Davies; action song, "Gipsy," girls; solo, "Mr Conductor," Mr Joyce: action song, "Tramps," boys; solo, "Friend," Miss Lewis; action Bong, "Hag dolls," girls; solo, Mr Hitching: action song, "Rainbow, girls; action song, "Orange girl," girls; and mixed choir, Bronllys party (con- ducted by Mr Joyce).

THE SENNYBRIDGE & DISTRICT BRANCH OF THE FARMERS' UNION. Devynock and District Jumble Sale, February 8th. 1916. Statement of Accounts. Receipts. £ s. d. By Proceeds of Sale 157 15 0 Donations and Subscriptions 68 1 4 Proceeds from Sale of Tea, &c. 7 9 7 Suit of Clothes Drawing 2 5 6 Watch Drawing 1 4 9 R236 16 2 Payments. £ s. d. To Goods purchased for the Tea- (Miss E. Jones £2 2s. lid. and T. Jenkin: 28. Id.) 2 5 0 Labels (Mr E. Davies, Post Office) 0 3 0 Advertisements and Posters 4 11 0 Cheque Book 018 Postages, Incidental Expenses, &c. 1 17 6 Balance to be Aliocated 227 18 8 zC236 16 2 Compared with the Vouchers and Bank Book and found correct. W. F. PARRY deWINTON, Auditor. DAVID W. PRICE. Chairman. W. WILLIAMS, General Hon. See. JESSIE MILLER, MAGDALEN PRICE, Joint Hon. Sees. Ladies' Section. The cost of publishing this balance sheet has been kindly paid by the Auditor. b606

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

[ FARMERS' COLUMN. —— Erwood market- prices, Oil Thursday, were Butter. 1/4 per lb. eggs, 9 for 1/ chickens, 1/- per lb.; rabbits. 1/- each; turkeys, 1/2 per lb. and apples Id. Prices at Talgarth produce market, on Friday, were :-Eggs, 7 and 8 for 1/ butter, 1/7 per lb.; trussed fowls, 1/ apples, 2d: a.nd rabbits, 1/- and 1/1 each. Presteign produce rates, on Vv ed nesday were :— Live fowls. 4/6 to 5/6 per couple: trussed ditto. I and 1/1 per lb.. eggs, 7 and 8 for 1/ but- ter, 1/5 to 1/6 per lb. and rabbits, 1/ each. L At Rhayader, on Wednesday, there was but a. small attendance and limited supply- Rates 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.; and rabbits, 1/- each. Owing to the recent depth of snow in the drifts on the Black Mountains. large numbers of sheep were lost and shepherds had a most anxious time. Some were dug out from under eight feet of snow still alive. Erwood stock-fair, last week. was somewhat smaller than usual, owing, no doubt, to the bad weather, and the fact that Wye Valley had been practically cleared of saleable animals in most departments. There was a fair supply of produce at Builth market on Monday. Quotations were :—Eggs, 9 for 1/ butter, 1/3 and 1/4 per lb. fowls, 4/- to 4/6 per couple: trussed ditto. I per lb.; and rabbits, lOd each. Hay produce market, on Thursday, was char- acterised by a poor supply, and only fair demand. Ruling prices were :—Eggs, 8 for 1/- butter, 1/6 per lb.: live fowls, 9d per lb. trussed ditto, 1/- and 1/1: apples, ijd: and rabbits, 1/- and 1/1 each. At Knighton market on Thursday trade was brisk although the supply was not very plentiful. The prices realised were:—Butter, 1/4 per lb.; eggs. 8 for 1/ fowls, 5/6 to 7/6 per couple; chickens, 4/6 to 6/- per couple: rabbits, 2/- and 2/2 per couple. At Bu 'Itli stoc k fair, At Builth stock fair, on Monday, prices were good. A large supply of cattle was on offer but fewer sheep, these being very dear. Yearling bullocks made X9 to ZCIO, and two-year-olds, Cl3 to £ 14. Barreners realised £ 13 to £15. and cows with calves fatched £17 to X24. Beef made 42/- to 45/- per cwt. Xo pigs were in evidence. Prices at Xewbridge-on-Wye stock fair last week were slightly below the average, and there was practically no dema.nd for yearling cattle. Barren cows made tl2 to £ 15. demand for this- class being brisker. Cows with calves made fairly good prices, the average rate being £ 18 to 4124, according to the quality. There was a large at- tendance of buyers. Breconshire War Agricultural Committee has adopted the suggestion of the Board of Agricul- ture that an organisation of women be formed in each county to secure female labour for agricul- ture. A committee of ladies has been appoint- ed, and Mrs Silyn Roberts, organiser of female labour for South Wales, is to be asked to come to assist it in organising the movement. Lady canvassers will be chosen for every village to keep a register of women willing to work on the land. Mr R. G. Stapledon, M.A.. advisory botanist, of the University College of Wales (Aberyst- wyth), has arranged to address the annual meeting of the West Brecknock Agricultural Co-operative Society at Bethel Hall, Brecon, on Priday (1.30 p.m.). The subject of his lecture will be the im- provement of grass land. and it is hoped farmers will avail themselves of the opportunity of hear- ing it. especially at a time when it is of the ut- most importance that every effort should be made to increase the productivity of the soil. Welsh poultry-keepers, including a few in Bre- con and Radnor, contributed freely to the con- signment of 1.000 birds which have been sent by the Agricultural Relief of Allies Committee (16, Bedford Square, London. W.C.) for dis- tribution among French peasants. whost lands have. been devastated by the Germans. Many of the birds were of pedigree stock and prize-win- -ners and were valued at several pounds each. To ensure their well-being as far as possible a poultry specialist travelled on the same steamer to super- vise the loading and unloading. This shipment brings up the number of birds collected by the fund to nearly 3.000. The ladies present at Knighton s conference, on Thursday, discussed the question of female labour on the farms with much intelligence and common- sense. They expressed their readiness to find out whether there were women tn their respective districts who would be willing to give their ser- vices either as whole or part-time workers. The suggestion was made that probably some farmers in the county would be ready to take in a few inexperienced women and train them in farm work. and the agricultural organiser was asked to ascertain information on the point as well as to keep a list of farmers who, to his knowledge, wished to have the assistance of wome*. Speaking at the Knighton conference on women labour on the farms, last. Thursday. Mr J. R. Bache, J.P.. C.C., said he had only' just return- ed from Cardiganshire, where he had witnessed women taking active part in almost all kinds of farm work. They fed the caitle and pigs, clean- ed out the cow-houses and pig-styes, lifted manure to the carte and spread it on the fields. They even managed horses on some farms. He felt quite certain the women of Radnorshire would not be found lacking in coming forward and rendering useful service on the farms during the coming season. Mr W. T. Watkins, another gentleman at the conference, considered one problem to face in employing women ip that county was the lack of suitable accommodation. There were no cottages, on the majority of farms, where they could put up. Conditions differed there in thia respect to what they were in most English coun- ties. Builth district farmers experienced very rough weather for a long time, but the earlier part ° March was most trying. They had a fine autumn, however, which helped though the winter c*?n siderably, but. as the crops last season were under the average, fodder was now very scarce- All kinds of stock have done well up till the P?°°' but, with the scarcity of fodder and the  of labour, the future is certainly uncerhnn. T e lambing season commeMced with very ? rCSU there being a satisfactory percentage of t. ^uj bad weather caused some losses in the «oc pecially on the hills. With regard M the euldva- tion of crops there was more autuinn-sow than usual, chiefly winter oats and whea ^> however, was likely to be a failure, and would have to be resown. Horses "ere Tery (iear, so ha.ve t. o be rcsown. v were beef and mutton-in fact, eH'rythmg o}d well, and the "high prices were just ant to counter-balance the extra cost of product?ion. The Knighton conference on Thi" attended bv Mr C. Coltman Rogers (c.lullrmaJl).  Mrs C. -C. ?gers. Mrs Lewis Jones (Heyopt;Rec- tory), Mrs Harris (Henclre)? Ifrs J?Z Mglu). Mr. Watkins (aDtywellan), rrsJones (GrimnJiwvd). Mrs Price   (G r' Mxs Price. "Dd Dad TThho^- mas iW>tmtv agricultural °rga-ms'r). mas ?untv ag" ricuJtur? org??r). Th?e ? man exp?.in? the meeting had  ;n response to a resolution passed by the County War A?ri<.u??ra? Commi?e ?t Lhndnndod the previous Fridav, who were urged by the Board of Agriculture to take steps for the pnrpc.,e of or- ganising a. recruiting campaign for the enlistment, of women in agricultural work, The cultivation of the land and the production of goods depend on the sufficient supply of labour. A ery likely there would be a further depletion of men from the land to join the ranks, and one way of meeting the deficiency of labour was by makteg use of the se••vices of women as far as practicable. Farmeas should be prepared to employ women, and aa at; peal must be made to the women on <iational and patriotic grounds to offer their services. The ob- ject in view was to make :1, personal canvass of womn in the towns and villages, and to find out how many were available for work on farms. He bow many were avaHa Me for wor k on farms. e appealed for the co-operation of thoc;. present. im that period of national crisis.

l. Shameful." I Mother's Amazing Conduct. f. BAD CASE AT CRICKHOWELL. [ At the Crickhowell Police Court on Tuesday, before E. Pirie Gordon and Dr. P. E. Hill, Mary Ann Roberts, Ebbw Vale, was charged with ex- posing her four children and causing them un- necessary suffering and injury. Sergt. Evans said that at 10.40 p.m. on the pre- vious night, in company with P.O. M. Lewis, he found defendant lying down on the bare boards of an empty house in Mill Street, Crickhowell. Her four children, aged from 11 years to nine months, were with her. He had difficulty in awakening her, and when she got up she stumbled with the baby in her arms. Defendant was drunk, and there was a flagon of beer in the house and an empty bottle which had contained whisky. They had great difficulty in locking the woman up. The children "Were taken to a house in Church Street. He under- stood defendant was receiving 25s. a week separa- tion allowance and 7s. from a Colliery Company, as her husband was serving in the Forces in France. Some articles of clothing belonging to the children were found in an outhouse where carts, &c., were kept. Mr E. Pirie Gordon said it was shameful to think that defendant should neglect her children in this way while her husband was fighting for his country. Apparently she was not a fit person to look alter them. The bench had decided to send her to prison for three months with hard labour. It was stated that defendant had been previously convicted for the same kind of offence, and had been sentenced to short terms of imprisonment.

DROWNED.—The body of Thomas Edward6 (68) wa.s recovered from the riverCyoon at Hirwain on Monday. It is stated that deceased had been in failing heaith for some time and was missed from his home, Bethel Place, on Sunday. A search was instituted, with the result that the body was found not far from the house. i

I Brecon & Radnor Farmers-Continued. jl Relative to the suggested amalgamation of workhouses, replies as to cost of maintenance, staffs, &c., were received from Brecon, Builth, Knighton and Rhayader. No replies were receiv- ed from Hay and Crickhowell, and the chairman remarked that the question wonld have to be dis- cussed 'again. Mr J. W. Jones called attention to the serious injury that was being done to agriculture and to the hardships that were being inflicted upon farmers by the taking of indispensable men from the farms under the Derby Scheme and Military Service Act. Mr 0. W. Davies observed they had to see the war through and the sooner they finished it the better. He believed all young men would be taken, whether they wanted them or not.

Brecon Rural Tribunal-Continued. Government to put forward definite terms of peace, isn't it? A Member Peace at any price is no good. Mr J. Smith Didn't our Government do every- thing they could to ensure peace before this war started? The Governmeot offered every condit- ion of peace consistent with honour. Sir Edward Grey offered a conference to discuss the matter, but it was pooh-poohed by Germany. Applicant assured the Tribunal that he was not a pro-German, but was merely against the war altogether. He went on to state his political rea- soas and to give a history of the events which led up to the war. The chairman said they could not go into the history of the war. Were there any other ques- tions members wanted to ask? A Member How much do you contribute to- wards your mother's support?—I keep my mother. I daresay there are persons here who know that. Mr Morgan put to 'applica.nt the quotation from Luke mentioned in the other case. He replied For what purpose? Do you look at Christ as a, military leader? I don't. The application was rejected. There were, as stated, a large number of ap- peals from farmers for workmen on the ground of short-ago of labour.

NOTES AND NOTIONS—Continued. the late Rev. Thos. John, D.D., reminds a corres- pondent of a controversy that existed many years ago as to which of the two chapels, Capel Als (Congregationalist) or C-apel Sion (Baptist) would contain the greater number of people. This was the subject of a very heated discussion on one oc- casion among the visitors at Llanwrtyd, when the siden were pretty evenly divided. Rev. D. Rees, the then very well-known pastor of Capel Als, happened to be passing at the time, and it was decided to refer the'matter to him. "Well," he said, with his usual careful consideration, "they tell me that Capel Sion will hold two more peo- ple than Capel Als." The recent fall of snow was the heaviest ex- perienced for many years. In some places, no- tably on the road which runs over the Beacons between Brecon and Merthyr, there were snow drifts covering a distance of five miles, varying from 3ft. to 10ft. deep, one snow drift being 500 yards long. 'Several exciting incidents are re- corded of motor-cars being embedded in the drifts, and having to be dug out, of sheep being found buried in the snow, and one case is reported of an old lady who, after trudging through the drifts for some distance near Libanus, became exhaust- ed and was only just in time rescued by a road- man. A brewer's dray from Swansea was stuck for four days in a drift on the Hirwain road, which runs between the Cardiff Corporation reservoirs. On the Brecon and Abergavenny roads there were also drifts of about 10ft. deep, one near Bwlch being about 100 yards long. Here are some of the suggestions offered by Llandrindod Wells school-children in the direct- ion of war economies :—"Eat bread and jam, not bread and butter and jam; don't buy sweets; don't have iced cakes; cease using brilliantine; wear your clothes harder; avoid playing hop- Scotch, football and games which wear out your -boots; discontinue your comic papers; have two pairs of trousers made out of same cloth. and then the one will come to mend the other; be careful not to peel potatoes too thick; ask your uncle, if you have one, who is a fanner, to sow more wheat; keep fewer servants; buy war loan; eat fat as well as lean; never waste food, &c." Mr R. M. Morgan, who adjudicated, commended the suggestions of the children to the War Savings' Committee, and said the letters proved that the children in the elementary schools were being well instructed in this subject. A correspondent writes :-The interesting story, given in a previous issue of the "Express," re- specting wedding ceremonies and wedding cus- toms, when "some 45 couples presented them- selves one day for marriage at Vaynor Church," is rather startling. This must have been a very rare occasion, or there would soon be very few unmarried people in the parish, but, perhaps, the contributor meant that there were 45 couples pres- ent at a certain wedding celebrated at the church. This latter fact was a very ordinary one in my younger days, parties of 30 or 40 couples being very frequent. As regards the after proceedings, these were not very creditable even for the good old days.' It is a pity that many of the old picturesque customs maintained at weddings have been done away with, but, on the other hand, it is well that many others of a different character are not resorted to in these days." Dr. Mary Phillips, the well-known Brecon lady who has been serving with the Wales- London Ambulance and Hospital in Serbia, is another daughter of Wales who has done much ttI bring honour and renown to the Principality. For several years she has been practising in Yorkshire, and .has made a name for herself by her splendid ao'ad self-sacrificing labours on be- half of the physical land material progress of the workers in the great industrial districts of the North. Dr. Phillips is proud of her Welsh asso-I: clatJOn,as she indicated in her recent lecture at Cardiff. Whi-Ist she was serving at a Malta hospital, filled with Australian wounded, a man was brought in, and, after be had received atten- tion, 7e asked him how he was feeling. "Pretty tidy, indeed now, ma'am," he replied. Recognising the expression, Dr. Phillips inquired where he came from, and it transpired that he. like the doctor, hailed from Breoon I