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

Vaynor and Penderyn Rural District Council have < written Merthyr Corporation, asking them to request the proprietors of the electric tram- ways between Merthyr and Cefn to run at least three cars to scheduled time each afternoon and evening. The Corporation decided to adopt a re- solution upholding the attitude of the Rural Council.

I Tolstoy." I Ideals of a Varied Life. I ARE THEY YET PRACTICABLE? I PRGFElSSOR JOSEPH JONES AT BUILTH. m Professor Joseph Jones, M.A., B.D. (Brecon) delighted a Builth audience at Foresters' Hall on Friday night with his popular lecture on "Tol- stoy." Mr H. Vaughan Vaughan, who presided, said they were all much indebted to Professor Jones for coming there that evening. The lectures they had had up to the present had been purely local, and they had been most enjoyable, but that evening they were to have the advantage of hear- ing Professor Jones (Brecon) on the most in- teresting subject, "Tolstoy." At the present moment anything, connected with Russia, was most interesting and vital, for, if it had net been for Russia, he did not know what would have be- come of them. (Applause.) Professor Joseph Jones said he agreed with the chairman that the subject was a timely one. Tolstoy was a child of his age. Dealing with the characteristics of that age and the country to which Tolstoy belonged, Professor Jones said that, as an artist, he ranked with Ibsen, Victor Hugo and many others, as a prophet, with Emer- son, Carlisle, etc., and as a philanthropist with King sky. Lincoln,v Shaftesbury, etc. He was a true child of Russia, the country which, in hie opinion, would, after the war, come to her own in more ways than one This country partook of the characteristic of Asia and Europe, and, in every sense, Tolstoy was the child of his native land. He imbibed all the traditions of the land which gave him birth, he became the victim of his native land, and died outside the pale of the Church he loved so well. In calling him a pro- pliet, the speaker did not mean simply a man who foretold-lie thought this was not the most important function of a, prophet, for, a prophet not only foretold but preached and lead men to a sense of their duties—one who pointed human society towards greater heights. Tolstoy was lborn in the month of September, 1828, of a fam- ily of German extraction, and, to his mind, there was something dogmatic in Tolstoy's character which might be attributed to his German ances- tors. When quite a small child, on his first emancipation from the nursery, he informed his nurse that "life was no joke." He went, even- tually, to the University at Kayan. where he was not a success—he was one of those men who do not fit themselves into the educational system of the world. After eighteen months of a student's life, ending in disaster, he went home, and, on his way, told a friend that the most important question to ask themselves was what they took with them from that sanctuary? What did it fit them for? For a time he interested himself in social reform on his estate. This did not satisfy him, and he made frequent journeys to Moscow and St. Petersburg. During one of these, he met a caravan of gipsies and his as- s?T.iat' n with tlie)ii nearl y r4esul  les and his as- sociation with them nearly resulted in a marriage with a gipsy woman. Soon afterwards a tribal war broke out in the Caucasus, and he went at once to the front and here it was that he first took up his pen and wrote "Life of my child- hood." Later, in the Crimean war, in which his uncle was Commander-in-chief, he rejoined the army, and kept up the spirits of his comrades at every point with jokes, puzis and vivacity. Here he wrote "In the Sortie" and Sebastopol sketches. After the war all high places were open to him, for, lie had made his mark as a soldier and author. But he could not stay an society, and again took to wandering, paying visits, at this time, to Germany and Switzerland. He was 32 years of age when his brother died of consumption, and this sad event caused him to review his past, and to say "life is terrible, and there is nothing worse than death." Here the speaker compared Tolstoy with Byron who, at 33 years of age, admitted that he had gained noth- ing but 33, showing that though both were wan- derers, Byron never found his way home, but that Tolstoy always did. Tolstoy's marriage marked the 2nd period of his life. He now lived the life of a quiet gentleman farmer, with literary pursuits, and, as a kind husband and father, there now issued from his pen his popular work, "War and Peace." The great note in his idea of edu- cation was freedom, and, in defence of this, it will be seen he recognised that education Wi! s not something to be tacked on to the life of a child, but the development of the life within him. Professor Jones admitted that Tolstoy's VíÎews overlooked the side of education, which valued discipline, authority, and social pressure. Tolstoy 'believed in training children in religion, and allowing them to read and study the Bible as it was. The lecturer also touched on the per- ion in Tolstoy s me, wnen wat- wab a siorm in lÚs bosom"when this great man thought that the only way out of his misery was suicide.. A second way open to him was to go deeper into the mire—a third, to ignore it—a fourth, to make the best of matters, hoping something better would come, and, under the inspiration of some of his own peasantry, something better came, and ,be went back to the New Testament, to the "Ser- mon on the Mount," and placed it on record that he saw a light that he never saw before. For the next 25 years Tolstoy's personality was one of great prominence, for, be consecrated the great genius that was his to writing and promulgating, the great ideas discovered in the "^Sermon on the Mount," and, at his death, the world awoke to the fact that one of the greatest of prophets had passed beyond the veil. Tolstoy believed the in- terpretation of the words, "resist not evil" should be "resist not him that is evil." His great ideals were personal purity, family chastity, peace between man and man, and international peace, and non-resistance to evil. The chief difficulties in the way of attaining these ideals were their relationship to the past-illustrated by the pres- ent war—which England entered through a treaty made in 1834,1 and though made by their fathers. ratified 30 or 40 years later, and theiir relationship to one another and to the State. These, he was a/ware, made it very difficult for them, as social beings, to carry out Tolstoy's ideal, but he thought it was one, to which they ought to be striving from day to day. Tolstoy's teachings, interpreted from the "Sermon on the Mount," forbade the taking up of arms and for- bade entrance into litigation. The speaker said he could not find any fault with that interpre- tation, but whether it squared with other teach-

I MISSING FOWLS. i SAILOR CHARGED AT BRECON. I COOKING IN THE EARLY WATCHES. I At the Brecon Police Court on Monday, before the Mayor, Ald. Wright, Messrs. James Morgan, C. J. E. Large, J.C.B. Morris, and Evan Mor- gan. Thomas Jones, 1st class stoker, Royal Navy, I was charged with stealing two fowls, value 8/ the property of Frederick Stubbs, Nythfa Lodge, I Bnecon. ( Prosecutor said he missed the fowls on Sunday morning from a fowl scot iin a field in front of his house. The cot was locked up on Saturday night and the lid was down, but when he saw it on Sunday morning the staple had been drawn out and the door left open. He examined the ground, saw tracks of rubber heels and gave in- formation to the police. P.c. Pearce said on Sunday morning in com- pany with P.s. Evans he examined the place in a held near Nythfia. They found two rubber heel marks. Casts were taken of the prints which witness produced. These marks corresponded with those on the shoes worn by defendant. Defendant Am I the only person wearing rub- ber heels in this town? P.s. Evans said he made further inquiries on Sunday morning, and in consequence of informa- tion he received he went in company with P.c.'s Newell and Pearce, to King street, where defend- ant's father and mother lived. He received per- mission from defendant's father to search the house. In the pantry P.c. Pearce found a. cook- ed fowl which was, almost warm. Defendant came downstairs and said "that fowl I bought of a man .last night at 10/30 in the Watton." Wit- ness advised him not to say any more and told him that he would arrest him on a change of stealing two fowls. He replied "I have got nothing more to say, the least said the better." P.s. Evans further said no feathers were found in the house, but some feathers were seen on an ashpit near by, but it was not fair to state that in evidence since the ashpit was used by other people. When he and the constables entered the house there was a strong smell of burnt feathers. Defendant, when putting his boots on, volunteer- ed a statement to the effect that he was up most » part of the night completing the feathering of the fowl as it was half-feathered when he bought Lt. Defendant, in .reply to the usual questions, said he desired to be dealt with summarily and elected to give evidence. He said he was a stoker- mechanic in the R.N. On Saturday night lue met a man who had some fowls and rabbits in his tail coat pockets. He asked him if he would buy a hen and he paid 'him about 3/- for it, but he was not quite certain what he paid, as he was half-drunk. He took the fowl home on the slv and got up in the middle of the night to cook it. (Laughter). He did not know the man. He I had only been ,to Brecon once before and knew no one there. It was between ten and eleven o'clork when ihe bought the fowl. The man had a big poacher's coat on. Ald. Wright What time did you get up to cook the fowl?—About 3 o'clock in the morning. Aid. Wright Very funny time I (Laughter). P.B. Evans Why did you get up at 3 o'clock in the morning to cook the fowl if you bought it, as you said ?-I thought tto give the old people a surprise. My brother was with me at the time I bought the fowl. A brother of the defendant who also appeared in the uniform of the Royal Navy, corroborated defendant's statement as to the purchase of the fowl. Witness said, however, that the time they met the man was about 9 o'clock. The Mayor said the bench considered the case proved and defendant would be fined £ 1 inclusive of costs, a week's time being given him to pay. Defendant's brother said he would see that the money was paid. An Absentee. I Jones, the defendant in the previous case, was further charged with being a deserter from H.,M.S. Vivid. Defendant said he was not a deserter but he came .away with a liberty ticket and had extend- ed his leave. P.s. Evans said he asked defendant for his leave paper and travelling warrant and he said he had lost them. Witness saw by the "Police Gazette" of the 21st March that Jones was "gaz- etted" as a deserter on the 5th inst. Defendant when told of this said he was not a deserter but an absentee. Defendant told the bench that he had intended going back that morning only for this other business which had detained him. The Mayor told defendant that a constable would take him back to his depot at Devonport. I Another Absentee. I Later in the day T. B. Jones, brotlier 01 me defendant in the previous case, was brought up as a deserter from H.M.S. Vivid. P.s. Evians said whilst at the police court he told defendant to consider himself as being a de- serter from the Navy. Defendant produced his pass and return half-railway ticket. The ship commander was communicated with and a tele- gram sent. From the reply witness bad no doubt but tliiat defendant was the man mentioned in the telegram. Defendant said he had been in Brecon 12 days and 3 days at Bangor before he came here. He was a first class stoker and the leave ticket pro- duced was his and had not been tampered with. Defendant was ordered to be taken back to Devonport by the police.

Newtown Solicitor's Appeal. I ONLY UNMARRIED ELIGIBLE LAWYER I IN THE COUNTY. At the Newtown (Montgomeryshire Tribunal last week, Mr Richard Edward George, a well- known advocate and the only unmarried eligible solicitor in Montgomeryshire, obtained three months' exemption. Mr George said that, be- ing unable to secure a. qualified substitute, he must close his office and discharge two clerks. Solicitor members of the tribunal promised assist- ance, but Mr George thought this would be .but little help. In advocacy work he was always op- posed to- Mr Woosnam, the clerk to the tribunal, and Mr Woosnam could not take both sides. (Laughter.) He also partially supported a widow- ed mother and uncle. Both Mr George and Mr Woosnam are well- known in Radnorshire.

I &cond.T..ieutenant Frederick D. Phillips (Holly I Cottage, Cathedine), Princess Charlotte of Wales's Royal Berks Regiment, has been promoted to the rank off temporary lieutenant.

XOHl DEAR DOCTOR I X STOP ONE MOMENT. MUST MY DARLING DIE? THERE IS VERY LITTLE HOPE, BUT TRY TUDOR WILLIAMS' Patent BALSAM OF HONEY WHAT IS IT? Tudor Williams' Patent Balsam of Honey Is an essence of the purest and most efficacious herbs, gathered on the Welsh hills and valleys in the proper season, when their virtues are in full perfection, and combined with pure Welsh Honey. All the ingredients are perfectly pure. WHAT IT DOES I Tudor Williams' Patent Balsam of Honey- Cures Coughs, Colds, Bronchitis, Asthma, Whooping Cough, Croup, and all disorders of the Throat, Chest,, and Lungs. Wonderful Cure for Children's Coughs after Measles. It is invalu- able to weak-chested men, delicate women and children. It succeeds where all other remedies fail. Sold by all Chemists and Stores in Illi, 2/9,, and 4/6 bottles. Sample bottles sent by post for 1/3, 2/9 and 5/ Great savings by purchasing larger size bottle. WHAT IT HAS DONE FOR OTHERS I A Stipendiary and Magistrate in the County of Glamorgan remarks "I feel it my duty to inform you that I have been using your Tudor. Williams' Balsam of Honey in my family, which is a large one, for many years, and have proved its great value, having used nothing else for Cough during M-easles, Whooping Cough, and Bronchitis, and can highly recommend it to all parents for such complaints. YOU NEED NOT SUFFER! Disease is a sin, inasmuch that if you act rightly, at the right time, it can, to a great extent, be avoided. Here is the preventative. The first moment you start with sore throat, take a dose of TUDOR WILLIAMS' Patent BALSAM OF HONEY It has saved thousands I It will save you. It is prepared by a fully qualified chemist, and is, by virtue of its composition, eminently adapted for all cases of Coughs, Colds, Bronchitis, Asthma, etc.; it exercises a distinct influence opon the mucous lining of the throat, windpipe, and small air vessels, so that nothing but warmed pure air passes into the lungs. The Children like ft. It's the product of the Honeycomb chemically treated to get the best results. THEY ASK FOR IT I So different from Most Medicines. Nice to take. Cures Quickly. For vocalists and public speakers it has no equal. It makes the voice as clear as a bell. Be not deceived. The popularity of Tudor Williams' Patent Balsam of Honey has resulted in many imitations being placed on the market. When buying, therefore, see that the name TODOR WILLIAMS is on each bottle, and refuse any preparation advanced as being "Just as good," or "A little cheaper." Insist on Tudor Williams' BALSAM OF HONEY. Manufacturer: D. TUDOR WILLIAMS, MEDICAL HALL, ABERDARE. LOCAL AGENTS. -M ez,,ra W. Tudor, Charles and Gwillim, J. C. B. Morris, Chemists, Breoon; G. M. Perkins, Chemist, Knighton; T. A. Colt- man, Chemist, Builth Wells; D. 1. Williams, Chemist, Llanwrtyd Wells; W. Thomas, Chemist, Talgarth. b989

Funeral at Rhayader. THE LATE MRS CHANDLER. The remains of Mrs Chandler were interred at Rhayader Churchyard on Thursday afternoon, a large gathering of relatives and friends attend- ing. The cortege was met at the church gate-by the Rev. G. Roberts (vicar) and Rev. W. C. James. Service in church was conducted by the Vicar and Rev. W. C. James, the committal por- tion being said by .the Vicar. Chief mourners were Mrs John Evans (Vron- llvs), Mrs Davies (Stanage, Llanyre), Mrs John Davies (North Street, Rhayader), Mr and Mrs E. D. Prothero (Gwinllan, Rhayader), Mrs Morris (Stone House, Rhayader), Miss Maud Evans (Vronllys, Rhayader), Miss Eva Evans (Vron- Ilys, Rhavader), Mr A. J. Margetson (Barming- ham), Miss Louisa Ma-rston, Nurse Adam-son and Miss L. Jones. Bearers were Messrs. W. Fran- cis (Church Street), John Jones (Porch), William Jones (,C..Iiurch Street), Evan Morns (Stone House) and J. M. Mills (The Bwlch). The ooffin, of polished oak with massive brass fittings, was inscribed on the shield :—"Emily Chandler, died „ 19th March. 1916, aged 80 years. Among others present at the funeral were Revs. W. E. Prickard (Dderw), Frank Jackson, H. Howells, D. Maldwvn Jones and J. J. Heal, and Messrs. H. Vaughan Vaughan (Builth Wells), O. J R. Owens (Ijondon City and Midland Bank), Richard Morgan, J.P., John Roberts (chemist), E. W. Hughes (postmaster), G. M. Jarman, J. Jarman, J. Jones (Rhayader Bank), Richajrd Price (Dolfalli), G. W. Jones (Station House), T- Griffiths (Corner Shop), J. Harris (florist), T. W. Evans (North Street), Robt. Worthing (Tegid House), Richard Hughes. C.C., J. Jones (Cadog- an House), Walter Jones, George Dore (East Street) and E. Evans (East Street). Many floral tributes were placed on the coffin. Mr Morgan Lloyd (Rhayader) was the under- taker.

Furnish your Home Direct from the Makers. Furniture, Save Middlemen's Profits. SpSssfe j?jjs??? Bedsteads,  g f tfarpetsn^ ery ??? ?? LagestsFurnture at????   ???..?   ?-??     E ??s?ah t ? Linoleum and Manufacturer^ m the Provinces Drapery. doing Direot Trading. jS?t?Sj < s t '0" & So n China, Glass,  n?Beddih? every Ltd description. t ) Station Road, BUILTH WELLS. jL* I _IIIIi' Now

_m.. ..n_ SPRING HAS "COME™ Nev^T0C"K of Latest DUGGAN'S, BUILTH WELLS. ,SPRING ..L- AS COME!- Styles-TIp-Top Values. ll)UGGAN'S, BUILTH WELLSO

RADNORSHIRE ITEMS. I PERSONAL.—Mr A. J. Moseley, of Monachty, dfa., who has been recently assisting Capt. rlInpton in the discharge of hie duties, has been fretted a lieutenant in the Territorial Forces Oeserve. R.A.M.C. CONCERT.-The N.C.O.'s and men the the R.A.M.C. are to give a concert, in aid of 1Ii funds of Llandrindod Wells Nursing Associa- ti, at 1he Grand Favilion on Friday night. event is likely to be a great success, and Uene-tovers will do well to secure their seats. LAND LMTING.-MR Philip Davies (auctioneer, w,telgn) conducted a successful letting of the 'WWi t t charity Lands at the School on Satur- a ?ay The governors present were Aid. E. Kin-  and Mr H. Edwards. (Nantygroes). OveT l more than last year was made, an excellent ^ult. 'Some of the land realised about R6 an kre. OBITUARY.—The death took place at his resi- ??e, Bryn Cottage, Cwamavon, on Friday, of ?George Deer, J.P., chairman of the Rhondda elid Swansea Bay Railway, and general manager Of th-e Rio Tinto Copper Co., Port Talbot. The ?ceased gentleman, who was 62 years of age, *8 born at Skewen, and educated at the same kholl as Sir S. T. Evans. Both were of humble d rentage, and made their own careers. The d ??aF3ed gentleman and his widow were frequent tv16;1 ?rs to the Spa, particularly the latter. Mrs ;r stays at 1, Glen View, Park Terrace. OBiTuARY.—Mr T. Davies, Tynypant, Cwm- Uddwr, passed away on Saturday. He was in- tI,,red in Cwmdauddwr Churchyard on the fol- ?og Thursday. Rev. S. Morris and Mr Row- ja conducted the service at the house, Rev. ,?D'L t,ozaas (vicar of LIanwrthwI) officiated in the i Irch, and Rev. W. Gabe at the graveside. The i?_arerf. were Messrs. J. Williams (Clowynt), j Ues (Talwrn), E. Price (The Village), Stephens ?encwm) and Thomas Jones (Clym). Mr ZA?weii ?n Williams supplied the coffin and Mr "'108 (Rhayader House) made the arrangements. ge^€ral beautiful wreaths were sent. ?CAL TRIBUNALS.—Mr Evan Kinsey, J.P., ?b??ed at a full attendance of the Knighton 4?lai Tribunal on Thursday and Mr C. M. Nix- h)" ?presented the Military Authorities. About so oa&eg were dealt with, which completes the ?Ph ole of the original claims for single men. The l?jbunal has, up to the present time, dealt with t??erably over 200 cases. The Tribunal for  "?? parishes of the union also sat on Thurs- ^av under the presidency of Mr J. R. Bache, J a b' p the military authorities being represented (- ? Mackenzie. Only a small number of cases  ?p for hearing, but these completed the On '1■ Ilal claims for the single men. We under- o{ ? appeals have been made from the decisions "?h tribunals to the county authorities. dl>OINTMro.T.-With referece to the recent d^d. o ision of Knighton Guardians, who appointed r and Mrs J. Jones as master and matron of j "Workhouse by a majority of 17 to 13, the \,ers of the minority were highly dissatisfied 'th the decision, and a memorial. protesting jSainst the appointment, was forwarded to the Government Board, signed by Messrs. fthitmore Green Price, (chairman of the Quarter SIOns). Lawton-Moore (vice-chairman of the rd, John Bevan (chairman i of the Teme t.ncIl), P. 'Morris Matthews (vice-chairman of b- Teme Council) and J. Goodwin Finney, and wVfi- Ernest W. Brown. R.D. (rector of Bed- ne) and E. Lewis Jones (rector of Heyope). ?epiy to the protest, the L.G.B. fixed last ?Nd&Y as the date of an official inquiry to be ?' at Knighton, but. in the early part of the 4¡e k, information reached Knighton that the t4?t4,)riaalists, through Mr Green-Price, 'had a-?rawn their objection to the appointment y4HTf; ) ihat no inquiry would be held. In view of th N ? facts, we presume that the L.G.B. will %h"tlY issue the nece&sary sanction, which has en S010ng delayed. 1 "'4P LATE MRS. 'PowELL.-The funeral of the Mrs Powell (widow of the late Mr Robert ??ell)? Bridge End Inn, Howey, took pla-ce on '?&day afternoon. The deceased was one of the "Idest inhabitants of Howey and conducted busi- es in the above house for nearly 50 years. Her dly disposition and readiness to help everyone ill ever be remembered. Notwithstanding the & d weather a large number attended the last ob- 8?Illies showing the respect in which the depart- f,4 '%Fas held. The Rev. J. L. Herbert (rector) ?n4du,-te,i a service at the House, and the hymn j" Lover of my soul," was sung. The cortege the'll proceeded to Disserth Church. The mourn- ? were Mr Wm. Powell (son), Mrs Ernest Rees ^nd-daughter), Miss Jones (Lower lioytron, b Usm), Mr Harry Powell (nephew), and Mrs 1811, Mr Fred Collins (nephew), Mrs Coomes, (1:Is Bromley, Miss J. Price, Mrs James Jones firleces), Mr Hugh Powell (Cilmery, brother-in- \\1), Mrs Powell (Gilfach, sister-in-law). The were Messrs. Thomas Mills (Ashfield), 15411 Jones (The Cottage), Thos. Probert (Stone- r?.?), John Jones (Crossway), Arthur Price ??ygraig), a,nd Richard Cadwallader (New ??). The Rector met the cortege at the en- tr?6?e-e to Disserth Churchyard, and afterwards ?? the impressive burial service in the church, 1, hymn, "My God, my Father, while I stray," ^sung. The Rector officiated at the grave, ■ the hymn, "Our God, our help in ages past" VV46 also sung. The'singing was ably led by Mr E. Davies. K^UNERAL.—The funeral of the late Mr John I. aYles, Knighton (whose death was reported t Week), took place at Velindre on Friday af- tc,"loon. The iiearse and mourning coaches er,6 supplied by Mr Meredith Thomas (under- Jt ? *r), and the burial rites were conducted by v -v. T. R. Broad (Knighton). After a short ser- }lICe. at deceased's residence, the party (accom- D4"lied to the outskirts of the town by a number '4 friends) journeyed to the Baptist Church, vtlindze, a distance of 10 miles, where a service Aakk held, and the hymns, "Why do we mourn ^Parted friends" aad "Guide me, 0 Thou l'et Jehovah," were sung. Miss Griffiths (or- gar, accompanied the singing and also play- bd the "Dead March" in "Saul.—The party ending were :-Mrs Davies, Ddole, Mrs Price, "?ybont. and Mrs Watkins, Ecighton (daugh- ?s), Mr and Mrs J. Jones (brother-in-law and .?ter), Mrs Jones. Lane House. Skyborry (sis- Kr)> Mr G. Deakins (brother-in-law) and Miss .OP,kins Mr and Mrs L.' Lloyd, Cleobury (cou- ??), Miss Davies (grand-daughter), Miss Mor- ? (Tyllwyd), Mr, Mrs and Miss Griffiths, Velin- ?, Mr and Mrs Addis, Mr W. Jordan, Mr W. ?is and Mr David Davies (Knighton). The "?rment took place in the 'Baptist Churchyard, ? bearers being Messrs. T. Meredith (Cwm- ?chwedd), W. Deakins (Lane House), W. 'l'IOYd (Pound Gate) and W. Davies (Hanmadoc). lye coffin was supplied by Mr W. Roberts ?Mighton). At the evening service at Victoria r°ad Baptist Church, Knight?n, on Sunday, the ?stor (Rev. T. R. Broad) suitably referred to the ?'cnt. and specially selected hymns were sung. ^Tewbridge-on-Wve has made remarkable head- \ta.y during the last 20 years. A local trades- n, appealing to a tribunal on behalf of an em- t °Yee, said one of his men, a carpenter by tade, was leaving to join the oolours, but he c°uld not spare his wheelwright, as now they had 80 much work in the village that they could not oPe with it, although there were now four ^eelwrights there.

1 Barclay & Company, Limited, and United Counties Bank, Limited. The necessary Resolutions for the amalgama- tlOn. of these two important Banks have been Passed. The combined concern takes the name I of Barclay and Company, Limited, the larger of the two, and now becomes one of the most lBaI>ortant financial institutions in the Country ith assets over £ 100,000,000 sterling and 850 Ranches spread throughout England and Wales. he amalgamation canndt fail to be advantage- a to the Customers and Shareholders of. both auks. The Brecon Branch will remain under t}¡6 management of Mr W. H. Gimson, and e Directors of the United Counties Bank will tinue to act in Birmin^aam ae a Local1 ard. b561

1ft TP> I BY UNCLE TOM." Brecon, March 27th, 1916. My doa-r nephews and nieces, I hope you have all prepared your essays either on Llangorse Lake or Elan Valley Water- works for the competition, which closes on Fri- day. I have already received several composit- ions and the contest promises to be well up to the average in every way. Please watch this column for the announce- ment of April's competition next week. Space for-bids the publication of the commend- ed essays of the March competition, but I am al- lowed room to include just a few of the most in- teresting extracts of each composition. Below are the examiner's comments on the re- maining commended essays of our last competi- tion. viz., 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th. With sincerest regard to you all I Yours affectionate, UNCLE TOM. Examiner's Comments. m I 15th, Master Morgan Walters benny).— Writing was fairly good. Attention must be given to English and spelling. Morgan mis- spelt independent, Cilmery, Cefnbrith, Llangam- march, Elizabeth, Knucklas and Trefecca. He also used capital letters unnecessarily lor inde- pendent, lords, remain and affectionate, but should have used a capital for. the word, Method- ist—not a small initia'l letter. Intelligence was good, but Morgan should have written some- thing about Maesyronen. 16th, (Miss Bessie Davies (Senny).—Writing, English and spellin, I though meriting good aver- age marks—must be improved to enable Bessie to "figure" in the prize-list. This, however, was her first attempt, and, no doubt, she will re- veal better things in later competitions. Intelli- gence was also a "good average" and her letter contained much valuable information. Bessie, too, omitted to write anything about Maesy- ronen. Spelling errors included the words, Penry, Puritan, Cradoc, mobbed, severely, denomina- tion, Harris, niece and Trefecca-fawr. 17th, Master Percy D. Evans (Gwenddwr).— Writing was clear and legible—though the style lacked command of the pen and continuity. Eng- lish wa-s very good. Percy will make a descriptive writer. His spelling was also good, though he made a. few blunders—particularly the words, "farther" for father, "off" for of, and "where" for were. Percy only wrote about three of the names, viz., Llewelyn, Howell Harris, and Penry, and, consequently, his total marks for in- telligence could not be expected to reach many more than he received, viz., 68. 18th, Miss Elsie Davies (Senny.)—Writing needs close pains, and Elsie must pay great at- tention to her spelling. Words wrongly written were independent, Cefn-y-bedd, Cefn-y-bnth, Penry, Cambridge, executed, Vavasour, Knuck- las, Clun, Radnorshire, preaching, Howell and Methodists. Elsie should also have written, "he fought the English"—not "he was fighting the English." etc. Intelligence was of average standard. If Elsie perseveres she wiU be able to write an interesting letter. The whole effort showed clearlt that the composition was her own un-aided work, and, for this reason espec- ially, the iSonny competitors were placed in the commended list.

MARCH LETTERS. I Some Interesting Extracts. I John Penry read the Bible for himself- and be- came a zealous Puritan. Vavasour Powell rode through Wales, preach- ing to the people. He was persecuted by rich and poor and spent many years in prison—he died for the religious freedom of Wales at 53 years of age. Howell Harris was one Sunday impressed by the remark of a clergyman and resolved to be a good man. He founded the Calvinistic Method- ist denomination and spent his life in the train- ing of preachers.—Miss Maggie Powell, Senny. Prince Llewelyn's head—after he was killed- was sent to London and placed on the gates of the Tower in 1282. John Penry was sent to Cambridge, where he met the Puritans. He pleaded for teachers for Wales, was misunderstood by Queen Elizabeth and cast into prison and executed, leaving four little girls. Vavasour Powell went to Oxford, became a cur- ate, heard Walter Cradoc preach and left the Church of England. He was baptised at Olchon and was cast into prison for preaching. Howell Harris commenced preaching at 21 years of age, and was helped by Lady Hunting- don.—Dorothy Belcher, Senny. Offa's Dyke was a wall built to stop the Welsh from invading England. Prince Llewelyn was the last independent Prince of Wales. He won a great battle at the foot of Snowdon, and went to meet the Welsh lords at Builth with only 19 soldiers. He was betrayed and met his death at Cefn-y-bedd. John Penry's parents were farmers. The people of Wales. were then Roman Catholics. Penry was sent to Cambridge and attended the prayer-meeting instead of the Roman Catholic service. Penry also had a printing-press and wrote books. Va vasour Powell was born at Knucklas. His uncle kept a school at Clun, and preached to peo- pie in that locality while they kicked football 011 the Sunday. He died in Fleet Street, London—a martyr to the religious life of Wales. Howell Harris was born at Trefecca, and was a school-master, training young men .for the Cal- vinistic Methodist denomination.—Master Wm. Williams, Senny. Prince Llewelyn died in the cause of Wales near Btilltli. John Penry was 'born at Cefn-brith, near Llangammarcii. He wrote to Queen Elizabeth, asking her to send teachers to explain the Gospel to dark Wales. Elizabeth became enraged, and Penry was imprisoned and executed. Vavasour Powell-before hearing Walter Cara- ooc-was a wicked man. Afterwards, he became a better man, and, for preaching to the people of Wales, wa-s imprisoned eleven years. Howell Harris was born at Trefecca-fawr farm. His parents educated him for a parson, but ho became a teacher of students for the Cal- vinistic. Methodist ministry.-Ma-rgaret Evans, Senny. Llewelyn called up all the Welsh lords to help him to win back Wales. They proved traitors, and, in conflict with the enemy at Gefn-y-bedd, he was killed. John Penry's first thought, while at Cambridge, was of the people of Wales who were then in darkness. He wrote tracts and printed books, and, for this, he was executed in Kent. Vavasour Powell was educated at Oxford, and, after heariag Walter Caradoc, became a better boy. He was sent to prion for preaching by Charles TI. Howell Harris was "meant for a clergyman

Free Church Council. I CENTRAL WALES FEDERATION. I The Executive Committee of the Central Wales Federation of Free Church Councils met &t Builth Wells on Monday, Rev. Stephen George, B.A., Llandrindod Wells, ex-president, in the chair. A cordial resolution of appreciation of the valuable services of the Rev. W. 0. Williams, a former president and secretary of the Federation, now of I Blackwood, Mon., was unanimously adopted, on the motion of the chairman, seconded by Rev. Rees Evans, C.C., Llanwrtyd Wells. A resolution of sympathy with the bereaved family of the late Rev. D. Rees, Devynock, who had long and faithfully served the churches in connection with the Federation movement, was aiso passed, on the proposal of the Rev. James Jones, B.Sc., Llandrindod Wells, seconded by Mr J. Williams, liangammareli Wells. The memorandum from the National Council with re- gard to the proposals of the president, the Rev. J. H. Shakespeare, M.A., was considered, and on the motion of Mr J. Phillips, Llandrindod Wells, seconded by the Rev. Lewis James, Builth Wells, the secretary was instructed to take steps to make the exact proposals known to all the councils within the area of the Federation. Mr W. Black Jones, J.P., Builth Wells, a vice- president of the Federation, was requested to re- present the Executive before the deputation from the Board of Control, to meet at Aberystwyth on the morrow, and to voice its conviction of the ur- gent necessity of applying to the whole of Bre- conshire the restrictions upon the sale of intoxica- ting liquor which ate I enforced in the Munitiou Area.

The Farmer's Girl. j j Mr W. S. Miller "He thought it was largely a matter of false sentiment that there was some- thing degrading in field-labour." Mr Walter Williams "He said it was quite possible for women to do a great deal on the iand during the coming summer." Mr O. W. Davies "He had three women en. gaged on his farm, and he could say that he had never had manure better spread in his life tha.n they had done it." The Editor Here is a new subject for our cor- respondence columns. Let work on the land be made the fashion by all means." Extracts "Express," March 23rd. Tommy, I take my pen in hand to write To let you know what we at home now do: You, for sweet Liberty, have fared to fight, The Splendid Shilling I have ta.ken, too I I write to you, and you must write to me. Tho' but a word, from out of War's alarm Somewhere—in France, or wheresoe-er it be,- And don't forget my new address—"The Farm. I, Tommy, drive afield your customed team To break the stubborn glebe that once you broke, And oft in vision do I see the gleam That tells of justice and the Sword's swift stroke. Tommy 'tis true your fields are gory-red, And mine present to-day a dreary scene, But blood and honest sweat, unstinted shed, Shall make both wear again their wonted green. Peace hath her Trench, than War's scarce less renowned, Where, digging in, that Moodier one is fed. Spade-work is duty done in holy ground; Dig, then, for Freedom I will delve for Bread. Khaki's the stuff for wear in your employ When through the earth the Hour for Deeds is struck; The mode for me shall be of Corduroy: Scatter, you, foemen; I will spread the muck. I'M do—and what can woman more—my part In mead and fold, in stable and in sty, I'll take the place that waits in fair and mart, Where bargains (sure!) will not escape mine eye. Some day the Guns will tire-soon may it come- And honest folk shall walk again at large, And hideous Voices evermore be dumb, And you and I shall gain well-won discharge. Some evening sun will set in hues that tell The blessed Morrow shall be bright and fair; The Night will pass, and pass the glooms of Hell, And other birds than War a yet wing the air. (I know full well that DAY shall come, when we Shall see sweet Peace again stand forth re- vealed For brother Jack is quite at home at sea, And. Tommy, you and I are "in the field.") o- NEMO JONES. I ?.

TOLSTOY "-Continued. ings of the New Testament was much more dif- ficult to answer. He wished each one in the audience to consider for himself whether it was practical or not—whether it was an ideal they ought to practice or whether it was one they could not. He believed that if it were not pos- sible now a time was coming whenhuinan society would be swayed, moved and actuated by love. (Applause.) Dr. Black Jones proposed and Mr G. R. Tho- mas, B.Sc., seconded, a vote of thanks was ac- corded the lecturer, and it was carried with ac- clamation. .On the motion of the speaker, seconded by Mr S. M. Bligh, thanks were also accorded Mr Vaughan Vaughan for presiding.

CHILDREN'S CORNER-Continued. but turned out a Methodist instead." He found- ed Trefecca College and died there.—Master Morgan Walters, Senny. Offa's Dyke was made to prevent the Welsh going into England. Prince Llewelyn tried to win back Wales, and, in the attempt, was killed near Builth. John Penry was sent to Cambridge at 19 years of age. Vavasour Powell was a Sabbath-breaker in his younger days, but, after hearing Cradoc, became a changed man and went all over Wales preach- ing the Gospel. He was mobbed and beaten, and he also fought for Oliver Cromwell. Howell Harris's mother said he was to be a clergyman, but he started a school for young children. Afterwards, he became a very good man, and went about Wales preaching. He also founded Trefecca College and trained young men for the ministry.—Miss Bessie Davies, Senny. No name is more well known in the religious life of Wales than that of Howell Harris. He lived in an age of great religious reformers, viz., Daniel Rowlands, George Whitefield and John Wesley. Howell Harris was born on January 23rd, 1714, and was the youngest of three sons— the father hailing from Carmarthenshire. Llewelyn went to a smith at Aberedw, bade him take the thin shoes off his horses and put them on again backwards, so that the foot-prints would deceive his pursuers, but he was betrayed and killed above Builth. John Penry. the martyr, was born in 1559, and spent his boyhood days, as happy as the birds, among the lovely surroundings of Cefn-brith, near Llangainniarch. Master Percy Dd. Davies, Bedw Farm. Gwenddwr. Prince Llewelyn fought the English for the land his father had lost. He went to Builth to meet some soldiers and was betrayed. Llewelyn was stabbed in the back at Cefn-y-bedd and pro- bably buried by the monks at Abbeycwmhir in Radnorshire. John Penry wrote books and sent them to the Welsh. Queen Elizabeth found this out, captur- ed his printing press and put him in prison, where he was executed at 34 years of age. Vavasour Powell was educated at Oxford, and his uncle kept a school at Clun. He was a wicked boy, but grew up a great and good man. Howell Harris started a school for preachers. Lady Huntingdon helped him and built a hall for the students' accommodation. He founded the Calviniatic Methodist denomination and died at 60 yearS" of age.—Miss Elsie Davies, Senny. March Competition. Best essay on "Llangorse Lake" or "Elan Valley Waterworks." Open to elementary school-children in Brecon and Radnor. Include name, address, and age in your con- tribution. Marks will be given as follow :-InteHigence, 160; English, 80; spelling, BO; and hand-writing, 80. Prizes.—1st, 2/6; 2nd, 1/6; 3rd, 1/ The essays must not exceed 250 words. The compositions must also be the bonafide work of competitors themselves. The last day for receiving essays will be Friday, March 31st, and these should be properly stamped and addressed to Uncle- Tom, oare of "Brecon and. Radnor Express," Brecon.