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

NATIONAL SERVICE. With characteristic enthusiasm the local sub- Commi'ssiorier for Breconshire and Radnorshire, Prof. Joseph Jones, has quickly got to work in setting up the machinery for the National Service Scheme in these counties. It is the bounden duty of every limai to offer his services. In this matter Sir Francis Edwards. M.P., ever loyal to the appeals of the British Government, took advan- tage of the War Loan meeting at Llandrindod Wells to make an appeal for enrolment for National Service, pointing out that it is -the desire of the Government thlait ,all persons of the specified age should at least enrol forth with. We under- stand that this by no means signifies that aill who thus enrol will be asked to undertake service other than that in which they are now engaged, such as agriculture; but enrolment will provide the Government with a great deal of information which will materially assist in the wide and ex- tended revisions which have inevitably to be made in these days of crisis. Sir Francis very truly said that all cannot- go to fight; all cannot lend money; but all can offer their service to the Government, who has undertaken to see that ade- quate .remuneration is paid in all cases. In Brecon shire and Radnorshire the service which may be rendered by those who remain will be con- cerned with agriculture and gatdeni-ng-two of the healthiest occupations which it is the lot of man to follow. Whilst some may with great ad- vantage be altogether liberated for this work, there are scores of others who can render much valuable work in their spare time; and we trust that now the farmers will no longer fence with idlny genuine off car of help. Volunteers will not be able to plough, perhaps, but every healthy man and woman can do something, and farmers must put their thinking caps on and think out ways in which the help of one and all of the volunteers can be utilised. If they fail to do so, then volunteers will probably be drafted to other counties where all sorts of help is being eagerly laid hold of. Our rural a,nd urban councils must also get to work immedia,terly with a, view to drafting schemes for increased cultivation of land, and in these schemes originality and courage must be shown. The time bias 'gone by for any holding aloof from the claims of national service. No one who remains at home has a right to use the word sacrifice. The word should pass out of our vocabulary for the present. There is no sacrifice in investing in war saving certificates or war loan, or in working on the liand. In face of all that our gallant soldiers amd sailors are enduring all such service pales into utter insignificance, land is simply the very mini- mum of what it is our privilege to do. We can only express the hope that the sub-Commissioner for Breconshiro and Radnorshire will receive all the necessary support. So far National Service is voluntary, but it should be borne in mind that the Prime Minister, in his recent speech, made it clear that i,f voluntarism fails compulsion must bo resorted to. The recent War Loan has been a triumph of voluntaryism, why should not National Service be also? —————— ——————

A GOOD OPPORTUNITY. A week ago an influential deputation waited upon the Brecon Town Council to solicit their co- operation in the establishment of a horse mart. The deputation represented the local Chamber of Trade, tiic Shire Horse Society, the Farmers' rn- ion and Auctioneers. The strongest reasons were advanced in favour of .the project. It was pointed out that horse fairs—especially where held in the streets—wore decadent; and, as far as Brecon itself was concerned, the horse fa-lir was practi- cally dead. The district has inhvays produced, and still produces, as good quality horses as any in the Principality; but the best of these are taken away to other towns and centres, where the more expeditious methods of sale—the horse ni,a,rts-li;a,ve long been established. The tirade advantages which would 'accrue to the town itself through the success of such a movement are too obvious to need enumerating. It naturally fol- lows that whatever advantages the farming in- terest must beneficially affect the trade of the tDwíJ. We confess to some surprise that the Coun- oil did not immediately accept the suggestion. There seemed to be some reluctance, the meaning of which we-are at a loss to understand, unless it be that some members thought the movement was one for priva.,te enterprise. Assuming that to be so, is it wise from a trade point of view l j wsv* for it? The business hfe of Brecon' depends almost entirely upon the development of its mar- kets, a.nd this movement appears to us to Suggest a good opportunity of furthering tha.t object. The outlay, it was pointed out, would be, at first, com- paratively small; and, if the ratepayers had to bear it, we imagine they would be ill-iadvised not to, since the business brought to the town in- directly through the mart would amply recoup them. If the mart would bring "grist to the nilli" of the trade of Brecon, as its promoters say it would, it is scarcely worth while boggling over the initial cost. Looking at the matter fairly, we think the Council would be wise tQ give their favourable consideration to the scheme and im- mediately co-operate in the mlaitter. Otherwise there is the da.nger, as one of the deputation pointed out, of a. more enterprising council within the county popping in and depriving the county town of an opportunity which seems to us worth grasping.

i Notes and Notions. I Cefn-eoed has 55 men serving at the front. Crickhowell's rainfall for January was 2.07 inches. Brigadier-General Owen Thomas has received a knight- hood. sjs Baroness Ctxlerstrom (Madame Patti) was 74 on Monday. Sir .John Llewelyn and family subscribed £ 63,000 to Sir .John Llewelyn and family subscribed £63,000 to the War Wan. An eisteddfod for war funds was recently held at Llandefeilog. *>i< Talgarth War Savings Association owns over 1000 war certificates. The death has occurred at Llwynfron. Llanfrynach. of Mr John Prosser, aged 86. Pte. J. Williams (South Wales Borderers), of Ccfn, has been, killed on active service. Gunner T. Williams (Royal Field Artillery), of Brecon, has been wouned on active service. The casualty lists contain the name of J. Davies, Cefncoed, S.W.B., accidentally killed. ijt Pte. M. Beavan, Grenadier Guards, son of Mr John Beavan (Crickadarn), is reported killed. Thirty-two degrees of frost were registered at Llan- viysg, Llangattock, during the severe frost. Lance-Corpl. J. Phillips (Loyal North Lancashire Re- Laii,-e-Co,)f rp BI recJo? np, llhilalis ps been wounded in France. ,,inient), Major A. Lindesay Careless (Brecknocks' Battalion), is home at Llandrindod Wells on leave from India. Pte. W. Havard (Welsh Regiment), of Builth Wells, was officially reported wounded in last week's papers. Pte. Daniel Freeman, A.S.C.. has just been home on leave at Cefn-eoed, after serving 18 months in France. Dr. Thomas (pastor of Myddfa-i Calvinistic Methodist Church, Llandovery) has held that position for 54 years. The girls' department of C, in-coe-d Schools was closed again one day last week on account of shortage of coal. 51: Glanenig Lodge of Oddfellow^ shows, a balance on the year's working of over .£5i, and has 85 members on war service. Pte. M. Beavan, son of Mr John Beavan. Crickadarn, has been killed in action. He belonged to the Grenadier Guards. ,¡: Sergt. W. J. Jones (South Wales Borderers), son of Mr J. Jones, Castle Hotel, Abc-rcrave, has just received the military medal. >:< > Second-Lieut. J. H. Pickering and Corpl. W. L. Perrott. of Gilwern, have been promoted first-lieutenant and sergeant, respectively. Damage to hay, amounting to about £20, resulted at Mr N. Whitmore's. Tram Road Cottage, Glasbury-oil- Wye. one day last week. Radnorshire subscriptions to the War Loan include £ 1,000 by Rhayader Board of Guardians and C500 from Rhayader Rural Council No less than 29 degrees of frost were registered at Criekhowell during the recent cold snap, a colder record than that of the hard winter of 1895. -p The Cyfarthfa Iron and Steel Works, Mertbyr, were ilJfuJl swing on Saturday, and the first- roll was put through mills which had. been idle for a long period. # Mr Leonard Dunning, His Majesty's ^Inspector of Con- >tabulary, has been made a knight. Sir Leonard visits the Hreconshire constabularies in the course of his duties. ,I.. I.. 'j' Pte. George Rees Probert (27524), 3rd Battalion South Wales Borderers, was wounded at Kut. on the 26th January, and is now in hospital at Shaikhsant, Mesopo- tamia. > Major Wilfred Bailey, Grenadier Guards, eldest and only surviving son of Colonel Lord Glanusk. C.B., D.S.O., has received the insignia of the Distinguished Service Order. ;'< Pte. W. Smallman has been killed while on active service with the Canadian Contingent in France. His father and two brothers are now all serving with the col- ours in France. Messr". Greenway Bros., Ltd., Widnes, the well- known iron and steel workers, a firm in which the High Sheriff of Radnorshire is closely interested, have Mibscribt-d L70,000 to the War Loan. Vaynor and Penderyn Council have arranged for the allotment of spare land for garden-plots and pig-styes at Goitre-Coed Outfall Works. A sum, ranging from fid to 1 per annum, will be charged each holder. Proceeds, amounting to £5 17s 6d, was given to the Y.M.C.A. and Llanwrtyd Wells Knitting Class through the recent popular lecture, given at Llanwrtyd by Prof. D. Mia 11 Edwards, M.A. (Brecon Memorial College). Brecon shire Education Authority was represented at the Royal Commission on University Education in Wales, a few davsi ago, bv Professor Joseph Jones, M.A. (Bre- ,.on). Mr W. S. Miller and Mr W. E. Jones (finance- clerk). '1< The death of the sole surviving son of the great Wal- ter Savage Landor,* and father of Mr Savage Lanflor, the explorer, reminds us that Llanthony Estate has been in the Savage Landor family for over a century. The property includes the picturesque ruins of Llan- thony Abbey. sje # As Major F. T. James (military representative for Merthvr) is still in France, where hi& son. Lieut. W. F. T. James (Glamorgan Yeomanry, attached to the Roval Flying Corps) is in hospital wounded. Colonel J. J. Jones, Cefn-eoed, deputised for him at Tuesday's meeting of Merthvr Tribunal. The storv of Daddy Long Legs is partly told in verse Uv Oliver Herford in "London Opinion's" chatty dram- atic notes this week, the change in the fortunes of Judy Abbot being described as follows:- "She told the Trustees, right to their face. That their orphan home was a dreadful place. And it shocked them awfully, all hut one— The susceptible Jervis Pendleton." > "I mn told there is great difficulty in the district in getting house coal at the present, time, even for money." said the Stipendiary (Mr R. A. Griffith) at Aberdare last week during the hearing of a coal stealing .ase from Hirwuin, the coal being the property of the Mar- f|iie-s of Bute. In the circumstances, Lizzie Holt was fined 5/ and another summons against a lad was dis- missed. > It ha- been remarked in regard to the late Rev. John Davies (Pandv) that his antiquarian knowledge was sup- plemented by a wonderful memory, particularly in re- gard to genealogies, and that. in addition, he had a -ingutar faculty of remembering names of places, gathered during his long residence in the district. For example, he could name all the farm-houses on both -ides of the roads leading from Abergavenny as far west as Carmarthen. Military medals have been awarded to Pte. J. Davies, ,S.W.fi. Cpl. (acting-sergeant) F. Griffin. S.W.B.; Sgt. W. Jones, S.W.B. The following, who have been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field, are since deceased, either killed in action, died of wounds, or disease, subsequent to the date of the award of the medal :-Lee.-Cpl. R. Drewitt, S.W.B.: Cpl. W. Harris, S.W.B.: Pte. D. J. Wallace, S.W.B.: Pte. W. H. Williams, S.W.B. lian,e won the The following South Wales Borderers have won the appended honour: Major (temporary lieutenant- colonel) Richard Ellis Solly-Flood, D.S.O.. Rifle Bri- gade, Order of the White Eagle. 3rd Class, with swords: Colonel (temporary brigadier-general) Hugh Gilbert Casson, Order of Karageorge, 3rd Class, with swords: PU. Hugh L!. Jones, Welsh Field Ambulance. Royal Army Medical Corps. Cross of Karageorge. 2nd Class, with swords; and Pte. James Hy. Finn, and Acting-Sergeant Wm. Sullivan, silver medals. Cross of Karageorge, 1st Class, with swords. :<' Sec.-Lieut. W. J. Sandys Thomas (South Wales Bor- derers), who was killed in action on the 4th int., was the elder son of the late Mr Walter Sandys Thoma.s. Lindoola. Ceylon, and Mrs Sandys Thomas, of Llan- thomas. Hay, and a nephew of the late Col. W. Jones Thomas. A.D.C.. who for so many years was in com- mand of the 3rd Batt. (Militia) South Wales Borderers. Lieut. Thomas was 24 years of age. Educated at Marl- borough College, he went to Ceylon in 1912 tea planting, and became a member of the Ceylon Planters' Rifle Corps. In February. 1916, he came home to take up a eommisision, and was gazetted to the 3rd Batt. S.W.A. in March. His brother holds a commission in the Royal Flying Corps and is now a prisoner of war in Ger- many.

I Breconshire Constable. I COMMISSION IN COLDSTREAMS. A former member of the Breconshire Constabulary has been promoted from the ranks to a lieutenancy in the Coldstream Guards. He is Sergt. John Mitchell, who was stationed at Brynmawr and Brecon. He re- joined the Armv at the outbreak of war, and his case is cited as the first, where a ranker in the Coldstreams h-,i, been honoured with a commission in his own regi- ment.

I 1 Brecon Horse Mart. I TQwn Council's Attitude. DISCUSSED BY CHAMBER OF TRADE. At a meeting of the Brecon Chamber of Trade oil Tuesday Mr W. H. Gimson. the new president, presided. Members present were Messrs. D. Morgan, S. Garratt. W. D. Griffiths. D. G. Owen, E. J. Lewis, J. E. Willis, T. Jones, W. H. Jones Parry, A. Quarrel!. E. H. S. Hughes, G. Iveighley, E. A. Watts. F. Lambert, Joe Meredith, A. Adcock. D. Percirrine and the 'secretary (W. J. Knight). The Horse Mart. I Mr W. Jones Parry, a member of the deputation which recently waited upon the Town Council, said in regard to this matter that Mr J. Smith was excellent in his opening remarks. as he spoke with authority on the matter, and he was a regular attendant at Here- ford, and, therefore, knew all the dealers. The Town Council, he thought, had hardly ever received a better deputation—(laughter and ■applause)—as they were men who could speak wit,h great authority, and were indif- putably very representative of the agricultural com- munity. Several questions were asked and a number of points placed before the council. They invited the assistance of the Town Council as the principal au- thority in the town. On practically all the points they were agreed, with the exception of one, and that was the question of putting up the ring. On that point the Town Council were not prepared to move. He under- stood that the council had no authority to spend money on anything of that nature. The council looked on it as a speculation. The deputation, when, they withdrew, understood that the council would discuss the matter and let them know their decision, and they consequently expected an official reply. Since then he .Had seen the town clerk, and he understood from the conversation with him that it was not the council's in- tention to reply any further to the deputation. It was a big surprise to him to know this, and he told the clerk that the deputation expected an official reply from the council. He had seen members of the depu- tation that day, and their opinion was that a meet- ing of the different representatives be held there. The representatives of the agricultural community were get- ting extremely keen on it, and were much more so now than previous to the visit to the Town Council. All were very much in favour of its establishment. The council, he might say. had received them with every courtesy, and he could say that the visit was a very pleasant one. (Applause.) The chairman said they were indebted to the depu- tation for their valuable services. They should not let the matter drop, but follow it up. and have a definite "yes" or "no." Mr E. B. S. Hughes: What did the deputation think they were going to get out of the Town Council? What did they hope to get? Mr Jones Parry said that to hold a mart meant do- ing away with the fair. The council thought the horse fair would disappear altogether if a mart was agreed to and instituted. Mr J. Smith said that the mart should he on the day preceding the Hereford niart-m a Friday. Mr Smith ai-o said that he had spoken to several dealers, and they had promised to attend the Brecon mart on the Friday and Hereford on Saturday— thus killing two birds with one -tone. With regard to railway facilities, they did not get much encourag. nient. Their .suggestion that the field near the cattle market should be used. and that the covers in the present cattle market should be used to keep horses there for a certain time. was submitted, but the council were not inclined to spend any money on the setting up of the held. It was also suggested that the council put up shelters for the horses. Mr J. Smith also pro- posed that the surveyor meet the deputation on the spot, but nothing was decided in regard to it. They expected that the different authorities would assist financially in erecting the mart. as the initial expense would be very small. But the Town Council were not prepared to Wnd any of the ratepayers' money in that way. The chairman said that the mart was the most im- pi rtant question that they had to deal with that year. Mr G. Keigiiiey Is the Town Council prepared to ask tli railway companies whether they arc prepared to take the matter up? Mr Jones Parry: I asked whether the council were favourable to the suggestion, but I was told that the question was out of order. Mr G. Keighley said that the field near the cattle mar- ket was rather unsuitable owing to the trains passing. Mr G. Owen said they should follow the matter up and get a definite reply from the Town Council, stat.in what ttyev were prepared to do in the matter. Mr David Morgan remarked that they were all favour- able to something being done. It appeared to him that they must not take the fair from Llanfaes though. Mr Jones Parry suggested that they leave the matter in the hands of the various representatives, who would bf meeting shortly. This was agreed to.

The Sugar Supply. I bRECON FIRMS E-\ PLANTATION. I To the Editor. I Sir.—Will \oii kindly allow us through the medium of our yaluallie paper to explain the position the retail grocer is placed in regarding the distribution of sugar. The Food Controller states that everyone should not Use more than J lb. each per week. but the Sugar Com- mission onlv allow the grocer half the quantity that he had in 1915. which was a lean year, in consequence of a shortage of supplies in that year. The quantity is quite insufficient to enable us to ohey the behest of the Food Controller. and until sugar tickets are issued and we are supptied with a corresponding quantity we are compelled to continue doing as we are at present, that is to endeavour to let all our customers have as much as we possibly can, hut we are quite unable to ensure a supply of 3 lh. per head per week. Thanking you. sir. for> allowing us to explain our position. Yours. &c.. MEREDITH & SONS. f :i??-.H?h .1?tr,t, MEREDITH & SONS. 

Crickhowell Soldier's Wedding. I On Wednesday at P!a-newydd Presbyterian Church, Carditt. the marriage was solemnised of Quarter-master- ('rgt. H. ?. Town??nd, 2.7th (CwIi4) Battalion, Wc)?h R?pimcnt. voungest ,on of Mr and Mrs Joseph Towns- ?nd. CrickhowcH. and Miss Nancy Davies, younR?t t' daughter of Mr and Mrs J. Lloyd Davies, of Ninian Road. Cardiff. The officiating ministers were the Revs. E. P. Jones, B.A.. and J. Viner (brother-in-law of the bridegroom). Whitchurch. The bride was attended by her sister. Miss Mary Davies, while Company-Sergt- Major Hayes acted as best man. The bride wore a charming Ire, of crope-de-ehine and ninon, with a veil and sprays of orange blossom. The bridesmaids dress was of blue Georgette over rose taffeta.

I TO CORRESPONDENTS. I "A Voice from Wales": Communication arrived too Ilate for insertion this week. Will appear next.

I Brecon Infirmary. I ANNUAL MEETING I SPLEXHD WORK AND MANAGEMENT. The annual meeting of the Brecon County and Bor- I ough InHrmary wa he!d at the SWre Hall, Brtecn, on ?."??,da'i.. Mr David Powdl presided and others pres- ent ?r?.Mi-?Ad?)aJ<)e Williams, Nlrs F. Thorn aRev. Haundi r-i Jcnes, Messrs. W. F. Parry de Winton. W. A. Wright. David Morgan, T. Griffith Jones, Evan Morgan, James Morgan. G. Hyatt Williams, John Mcrtdith. John Price. H. F. Harries, W. Jones Parry, H. C. Rich. *r*d W. H. Gimson, with the secretary (Mr John Price). THE REPORT. The committee, in pre-senting their report for the past year. were pleased to record that, despite the adverse balance and outstanding liabilities with which the year was commenced, there is the substantial balance in hand of £ &2 6s f-d; but as against this many necessary re- pairs and improvement" had to be postponed owing to the scarcity of labour and the high price of materials. Repairs and improvements must be carried out when normal time-, return. The repcrt prooe :We have been singularly fortunate during the year in receiving malJ- substantial donations, and particularly would we mention tv. sums amounting to 1-57 155 id, the pro- ceeds of entertainment* given by Mr T. J. Parry's Amateur Dramatic Company; aho two sums amount- ing to t63 from the High Sheriff (Alr Rees Lieweilyn. Bwllfif. Aberdare). Fifty guineas cf the latter amount have been put on deposit and ear-marked towards painting the ward- and the exterior of the building generally. The late Miss Watkins (Wat-ton) bequeathni a sum of f-100, which fiad been placed to the permanent fund and invested in War Loan. Last year a special appeal was made to the. employees of the. various local railway companies. This has met with a generous re- sponse. for which we are deeply grateful, th- em- ployees of the Brecon and Mertlivr Company (Brecon and Talyllyn) contributing £ 16 ISs 3d. and those of the Midland Company £ 4 15s 6d. It is hoped that the m. n connected with the other companies will 'follow c,n.' The agricultural .ommunitv have not yet realised their obli- gations to s0 valuable an institution. W, hope, how- ever, that many of their names will appear in the sub- scription list fci the current year. The hou-e to house and street collections show thè substantial increase of £ 1S 12s 8d over the amount collected in :915. The general expenses have been kept down as low as pos- sible. The X Ray apparatus is quite justifying the ex- penses incurred in it* erection, and especially at the present time when so much is being done fc.r our wounded soldiers, for whose benefit we are only too anxious to render all the assistance we can. Many gifts of blankets linen, garden produce, etc., are con- stantly being given by kind friends whose names do net appear in this report. For these we are very grateful, as siu'h artii.Jes are continually required and would en- tail a heavy expense- if they had to be purchased. The committee, are delighted to know that Dr. Ree* is. nearly well again, and that very shortly he will be able to resume his splendid work for the infirmary. We are equally glad to know that Dr. Francis, who also renders invaluable r'. :c> to the institution, is restored to health. We are pkiase^ also to record the recovery of the Matron after a serious illness contracted in the dis- charge of her duties, and we hawe reason to think that by the time this report is in the hands of the subscribers we shall have had the pleasure cf welcoming her bck to the duties for which she is so eminently qualified. During the Matron'" absence the administrative work of the institution has been efficiently carried cut by Nurse Murray, to whom the committee desire to exprecs their gratitude for so readily coming to their assist- anee." The receipts for 191fl amounted to R12fl lis and the expenditure £1207 Os Id. The report wa.<, adopted. House Surgeon's Report. The houst surgeon (Dr. L. S. Smith), in his report of the work doner at the Infirmary during the yea.r, -said: There were 144 patients treated as compared with 149 in 1915. 154 in 1914. and 116 duriruf ]91:3. Of these 34 were medical cases, and 110 surgical eases. {If the me- dical cases 15 were discharged cured, 9 relieved or im- proved, and 2 died, the deaths being due to heart- dis- ease andmeningrt-is also 2 were discharged in statu quo, and 2 still remain in the institution. Of the surgical eases 83 were discharged cured. 12 relieved. 5 in statu quo. 3 till remain in, and 7 died. There were 343 out- patients treated either at the infirmary or in their own homes. The X Ray department has still continued to do very satisfactory work, especially with regard to the wounded soldiers from Penoyre. The absence of the Matron has het T greatly felt-, but we hope and believe that she will he with us again in the near future, and I may add that, we were f-ingiilarlv fortunate in pro- curing such an efficient and able substitute. To add to our difficulties Dr .Rees is disabled through pneumonia, but is now. we are glad to report-, well on the road to recovery. Total number of patients from the foundation to the end of the year 1915. 8S.590: in-patients admitted in 1916, 144: out-patients in 1916, 343—S9,077. The chairman said they could congratulate themselves on the fact that notwithstanding the heavy deficit of the previous year, th.'y had in spite of abnormal con- ditions closed this year's accounts with an excellent credit balan.v. of £à? 6s 9d. (Hear, hear.) This was very creditable. They were very grateful to the donors and subscribers who had come to their rescue. It was owing to an increase in the numbtr of subscribers that they found themselves in such a satisfactory position. The committee of management had kept the expenses down. and this had also helped to make the balance. There was a lot of work needed to be done at the In- stitution, and they could spend 4:250 or £ 300 on renova- tion alone. Last year they had a lot of new subscribers which he did Dot expect to have this year. and so he hoped all subscribers would continue their support. Some of the railway companies, in response to their solicita- tions. had subscribed last year, and they should try to get the rallway companies who had not subscribed to do so. The Institution was not being contributed to by the agricultural community of the. county, as it should. The farmers seemed to think that it was en- tirely a Brecon Institution, and did not respond to its claims as they should. There vere seven patients in the Infirmary at, present, and four cf these were representa- tive of the agricultural community. In face of this they .shouldcertainly contribute towards the support of the Institution. He said this in a kindly spirit. He hoped the farmers would realise their responsibility and be- come subscribers to the Institution. Speaking on the statement of accounts, Air Powell further said that their happy position was dlte to an exceptional beome, which they could not hope to get year by year. Mr Jas. Morgan said the report was very satisfactory .:1]-.1 everybody. he was ,ure. was quite -satisfied with it. Tiie statement of accounts was pased unanimously. Mr W. H. <Jimson proposed the usual vote of thanks to the treasurtr. chairman and vice-chairmen, the honor- ary medical staff, tIlt" respective committees and tho ladies and gentlemen who had made donations to the Institution during the year. Mr W. H. Jones Parry seconding, said everybody he had spoken to about the Infirmary agreed that it was one of the best managed institutions in the country. This was very gratifying to the ladies and gdTfJoernen who were int-erest-ed in it. He had never heard a single word from anyone but praise for the way the Infirmary was conducted. (Hoar, hear). The resolution was carried unanimously. The chairman said they would be pleased to know that their -nrgeons were convalescent again. He re- ferred to the valuable services of Dr. S. Smith, and said they were ail glad to hear of the matron's recovery. Nur-e Murray had rendered valuable assistance during her absence, and tt. were exceedingly grateful to all. A vote of t.«.r:k« to the. chairman concluded the meet- ing. mwvum

I The Cyfartha Works. I RE-OPENED AFTER EIGHT YEARS. I'yfart-hfa Iron and steel works (Mcrlhyrj have been re-opened after a period of idleness extending over eight year- When the announcement was made some months ago that a re opening was contemplated, speculation fie- came rife as to its practicability, but old machinery has been steadily replaced, and though it is anticipated that only the rolling mill will be set in motion thi- wvrk-end, it is confidently expected that within a few weeks the- blast furnaces will also be in full swing. The number of men to be employed at present is small, probably net more than a couple of hundred, but this total will 1-3 greatly augmented in a short time. Many of the old hands have again been eTlJpk. d, and the prospects are of the richest.

j National Service I National eryiCé In Breconshire & Radnorshire. I SUB-COMMISSIONER GETS TO WORK. Professor Joseph Jones, the newly appointed Sub- Commissioner of National Service for Breconshire and Radnorshire, has quickly got to work, and during the last few days has been busy setting in motion the necessary machinery. Prof. Jones has interviewed the leading men of both counties, and we understand that the respective County Councils will convene meetings almost immediately for the purpose of furthering the work. All men between the ages of IS and 61 are expected to enroll themselves whatever their rank, position, or profession. Doing essential work is no excuse, as the Government is desirous of emphasizing everybody's willingness to do what is necessary. It is scarcely needful to state that such a wave of national pre- paredness would have a big moral effect on our gallnnt Allies and our ruthless enemy. A form should be obtained L from the local Post Office. This should be tilled in, and then dispatched to the address given. The terms and conditions of service are fully set out on the form, and no difficulty at all should be experienced in tilling it up. On this will be found the rates of wages and allowances. Volunteers who, in the opinion of the Director- General, are already so employed as to be giving their best services to the state (for instance in agriculture) will not be called upon to change the nature of their occupations. At present the scheme is quite voluntary, but it has been made clear that if voluntarism does not succeed, compalsion must of necessity be resorted to. An im- portant part in the scheme is being taken by clergy and ministers. The Archbishop and Dr. F. B. Meyer, on behalf of the Free Churches, have both interviewed Mr Neville Chamberlain, and made arrangements for the enrolment of clergy and ministers. Rooms for the necessary interview of applicants have been arranged and places and times will be an- nounced in due course.

Llanwrtyd Nursing Association. I ANNUAL MEETING. I At the C.M. Vestry on Thursday the Llanwrtyd Wells and district Nursing Association held their annual meeting. Dr. Tarbett presided. The financial statement for 1916 was read. It was agreed that the nurse was to remain. A public meeting was subsequently held when Dr. Rees Davies, Builth, delivered an eloquent lecture on the importance of the health and cleanliness of rhil- dren and requested all parents to comply with the doctor's advise and carry out the instructions. It was very important that everything possible must be done to maintain and bring up a strong and healthy nation after the terrible diain of the war on our manhood. Rev. It. James presided. Mr Joseph Pritchard pro- posed a vote of thanks to the speaker and Mr Roger Evans seconded.

Ystradgynlais Licences. I Sn)ElUTEDEXl' JONES ON LIQUOR COXTROL I ORDER. I stiadgynlais annual licensing >e»sion> took place on Tuesday, when Supt. Steven Jones, referring to t-he licensed houses. said there were 27 houses in the district, 26 of which were fully licensed. 16 persons were pro- ceeded against for drunkenness, and proceedings were instituted against four licensed houses for various of- fences. The new Order was being well observed by the majority, and the houses were fairly well conducted. Referring to the Liquor Control Order Supt. Jones found that it had been most beneficial, not only as a measure for the reduction of actual drunkennes, but also for the general improvement of the division. The population of the district was 10,671, an average of 395 to each public house. Mr Benthall (chairman) said the report seemed very satisfactory. There had been very little drunkenness, ami, the magistrates had decided to renew all the licences with the exception of the Penvbont Inn, and the Star Inn, Y stradgy-nlais, which would be decided upon at the next licensing sessions in a month's time. The magistrates expressed the hope that the licensees convicted would be very careful in future. as there were more licensed houses than were actually required.

Lianwrlyd Council. I INCREASING THE FOOD SUPPLY. I A meeting held at Llanwrtyd Wells on Saturday evening, convened by the Clerk of the Council (W. S. Griffith) to consider the best method of assisting the townspeople to obtain plots for the planting of potatoes. There were present Messrs J. T. Evans (chairman), R. Jones, E. E. Lewis, R. D. Jones R. Edmund, R. Williams, G. Williams, D. Price, J. A. Davies, D. J. Williams, E. Price, J. Carey and Rees Williams. The Clerk explained that he had been asked to convene the meeting owing to the importance of assisting the food production of the country, and he thought that with assistance of the farmers within the urban area, a few additional acres might he arranged for supplying the need of the town with potatoes. Large numbers already had small gardens, but this was insufficient to provide the families with all the potatoes required. Mr J. T. Evans stated that when lie was tirst ap- proached lie was not enamoured by the idea, but latterly he thought it possible, and the scheme could be worked, and it was worth trying owing to tiie probability of serious shortage of potatoes in the near future. He suggested obtaining a few acres of land, and for the farmers to prepare the laud ready for the cottagers to plant the potatoes. Probably other farmers would give assistance if nece-sary. The plots would then be distributed among the applieants, and the occupier of each plot to clean and do all the labour after the planting was completed. Mr J. A. Davies approved of the scheme, and stated his parents carried out a similar scheme for the cottagers of a neighbouring village. After considerable discussion, Mr D. Williams pro- posed that a committee of four be appointed to draw out a scheme and report to another meeting on Satur- day week next. This was agreed to. and the follow- ing were appointed; Messrs R. D. Jones, J. A. j. Davies, E. Price and J. Carey.

BronHys Wedd!ng. i STOKES- -PROSSER. I PRETTY CEREMONY. I The marriage was solemnised at St. Mary's Church, Bronllys, on Tu'sday, of Mr Tom Lilwall Stokes, only surviving son of Mr and Mrs T. L. Stokes, Monning- ton Court, Vowchurch, Herefordshire, and Miss Gwenllyan Mary, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs J. 1'. Prosser, Trevitliel Court, Breconshire. The officiating clergy were the Rev. T. 11. Bevan (vicar of Bronllys) and the Rev. 1, W. WLitrield (vicar of Vowchurch). The bride looked charming in a navy blue costume and beautiful white fox furs. She was given away by her father. The bridesmaid was Miss Kitty Prosser (sister of the bride) who wore a brown costume with hat to match. The bridegroom was attended by his cousin, Mr W. James, Cilgwyn. There was a large congregation to witness the cere- mony which was choral, the church being beautifully decorated. Arches were erected by the workmen of Trevithel Court and by the parishioners. The reception was held at the bride's home, where a number of relatives foregathered. Merry peals were rung on the church bel's during the day. The pre- sents were very numerous and beautiful. The happy pair left by car en route for London. The toasts of the bride and bridegroom were given by the Rev. T. H. Bevan, the Rev. E. W. Whitfield and others ably supporting. Several telegrams of congratulations w. re received

I Hay Marriage. I TODD-HINCKS. The marriage was solemnised at St. Mary's Church, Hay, on Monday, of Miss Dorothy Hincks, only daugh- ter-of Dr. and Mrs T. S. Hawkesford Hincks, M.D., of Hay, and Dr. Francis Richard Todd, son of the late Dr. and Mrs Todd, of North Petherton, Somerset- shire. Rev. J. J. de Winton (vicar) officiated. The bride was given away by her father, and was attended by Miss Joyce de Winton and Master Roger de Winton. Dr. Evans, of the Sanatorium, Pontywal), acted as best man.

Brecon Rural Tribunal. I FARM SERVANTS' EXEMPTIONS. I A meeting of the Brecon rural tribunal was held on Friday, when the numbers present were Mr Jenkin Williams (chairman). Rev. T. Griffiths. Rev. T. C. Richards. Messrs. Dl. Watkins. Phillips (Penpont), J. Jones (Merthvr C'vnog). T. Morgan (Libanus), J. F. Ricketts, T. Bevan and J. Smith (Greenway). The applications were on behalf of agricultural labourers, and the majority of these were given eX- emptions till Mav 1st. One application was refused. \n applicant said only he and his nephew were the occupants of the farm. Replying to questions as to how they got on without the help of women, applicant- said they did all right. They baked their own bread ( and so forth.

MARKETS. I Brecon, Tuesday. Fairly good supply, but trade rather ,low in all de- partments. Cows and calves made from 24 up to 37: beef, best quality. 13d lb., inferior lid to 1/ Maiden heifers and' bullocks from 13 to 14. No store cattle on offer. Sheep rather small supply and slow trade, except tegs, which were making about 1/2 to 1/3 lb. Welsh mountain wethers from 1,1 to 1/2. Porkers t-ell- ine well form 20/- to 21 6 per score, bacon from 19'- to 20.- score, small pigs scarce and dear. Hereford, Wednesday. At Hereford to-da the attendance was larger than for some time past. Good supply of cattle sold well. Keen demand for beef and practically a full clearance. Best quality beasts sold remarkably well, a* much as £ •50 realised in some eases, average thirty-five to forty. Fair demand for good supply of sheep, best shilling, thell tenpence to elevenpence. Fat pigs plentiful and dear.

I A FREE BOOK FOR CYCLISTS. 1 Every cyclist or potential cyctist ought to know something about the construction of his or her bicycle. and the Raleigh Cycle Co., Ltd., as the largest cycle manufacturers in the country, give a spkndid oppor- tunity of this in the "Book of the Raleigh" for 1917, which has just been published. The Raleigh, as the all-steel bicycle, contains many special and unique fea- tures, and these are fully described in tha book in ques- lion. It is supplied, free on application, to anyone who will send a post-card, givrtig name and address, to the Raleigh Cele C-o., Ltd., Nottingham.

Talgarth C.F.S. TIk- member- of Talgarth G.F.S. have been traiiu d during: the winter month* by Mrs C. Thomas and Mrs Jayne, who are certainly worthy of credit for the high state of efficiency to which tin- young people had attained. The performance on Wednesday was evidence of careful training and throughout was admirably conceived.. Part 1 was an operetta entitled "Jack Frost" (in char- acter). Part 2 was miscellaneous and included a song by Miss Chipchasc, who sang "A little bit of strir.?, Miss Enid Williams saug, "My caravan is rested." An action song by the candidates entitled "Wax house wives." concluded this part. Part 3 was a play en- titled "The sleeping beauty." The accompanist throughout was Mrs Thomas. The other associates of the local branch are Mrs Mil's and Mp? Williams, The Vicarage.. The programme wa as fellows:—Overture. M's 'i1! Operetta. "Jack Frost" (G.F.S. candidates). Jack Frost., Nancy Moserop; North Wind, Frances Howis: Fairy Sunshine. Rose Peprell: Peggy Summers, Thurza Wil- liams: Dicky Wood, May Cuddigan: Sally Waters, Gwynfa Owen: Bobby Barker. Doris Leighton: Tommy Tiffin. Hilda Ocock; Polly Perkins, Sybil Sperrins; in- terval. Solo, Miss ChijKha.se; solo. Miss Enid Williams; I action song, G.F.S. candidates. Interval. "The steep- ling be ut, characters: King. Mrs Jayne: Queen, MHs Given Evans; princess, L. Portingale; Baron Factotum, M. Parry; Jester, E. Leighton; Prince, L. Harper; Dandy, O. Jones; Lord-in-waitíng. n. Hargest. L. Price; Ladies-in-waiting, S. Sperring, G. Powell, M. Milton, F. Howis, M. Moserop: Fairy Gracious, E. Hughes; Fairy Previous. M. Davies; Fairy Spiteful. J. Watkins. National Anthem.

BRECONSHIRE War Agricultural Committee A Eli AN GEM EN TS have been made by the Board of Agriculture, for a 'limited number of women from Breconshire to,attedd a. four week's course of training im farm work (free of charge) at Jthe University College, Cardiff. The Course will extend from March 5th to 31st, 1917. Applications for nominations must reach the ,tuidersigned on or before Monday, February 26th, 1917. DAVID THOMAS, JBuilth Wells, Agricultural Organiser. February 19th, 1917. b574/232

Builth Red Cross Hospital. I Mrs B. M. Spencer (commandant) desires to acknowledge, most gratefully, the following very acceptable gifts to Buil,th Bed Cross Hospital Mr Bryans, Goose. Mrs Woosnam, goose. 1 0 pt-,r Mr J. Morris, Grocer, 10. per month. Buiith Wells Jumble Sale, X60. Pheasants from Major W ood. ilIrs Black Jones, soup. Mrs Painter, Woodlands, cakes. iMrs Vaug-frciii, The Castle, blocks and marmalade. Mrs Ingiis, preserved ginger. Vegetables, C-aer-Beris. Mrs Owen, Brentwood, X'mas pudding. His Majesty's Government, X'mas puddings. Mrs Ingiis, jar of ginger, oranges and nuts. Mrs Jones, Wellingtonia, 1 cake. Mrs Lewis Da vies, oranges, dates and socks. Vegetables from Caer-BeTis. Mrs Davies, Garthfelin, 10' Mrs Thomas, Noyiaddryn, Mai'smynis, 5/ Master R. Pressor, cigarettes. January 4th, Mrs Ingiis. cake. January 10th, Mrs Ingiis, cake. M'rs Painter. Woodlands, spare-rib. Mrs Ingilis, cake. Mr Morris, Grocer, 10/ Balance from Jumble Rev. A. Thomas, :Jilasmyni¡8; cigarettee. Mrs Woo&nain, eggs and milk. •Caer-Beris, oatmeal and tapioca. Mrs Ingiis, rabbits and cake. b575/237

7- Red Cross Hospital, Penoyre. I Sir,—We acknowledge with very grateful thanks the following generous gifts received last week :— Calendars, Mrs Senior; whist prizes, Miss Wil- liams, Struct House; apples. Mr Jones, The Gae-r; but/ter, Dowager tindy Glanusk; milk (daily), Mrs McClintock and Hon. Mrs de Win ton; eggs (94), from Sennybndge. Senny, Devynock, and Llandilo'rfan, per Miss Llewellyn Davies; butt-er and eggs, from the Market, per Miss Best. And we also wish to offer our very warmest thanks to Mrs and the Misses Powel iCastell M-adoc), and Mr Oldham, for one of the most delightful enter- ta-inments ever given 'at the hospital. LUCY MAYBERY, I b73/233 iComma.il dan t).

Lady Clerks. "DEQULRED in the KegiOration. Office, The Barracks, Brecon, Lady Clerks. Apply to The Officer Commanding, The Bar- racks, Brecon, m own hand-writing, stating quali- fications and enclosing references. b577/224

Utarrlmges. STOKES—PROSSER.—On February 20th, at St. Mary's Church, Bronllys, by the Rev. T. H. Bevan, assisted by the liev. E. A. Whitfield, vica-T of Vowchurch, Tom LilwaJl, only surviv- ing son of Mr and Mrs T. L. Stokes, of Mon- nington Court, Vowchurch, Hereford, to Gwen- lljlan Mary, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs J. P. Prosser, Treviithel Court, Three Cocks, Breoonshire. -580/238 Heaths. IATHIAS.-At the Ponybout, Inn, Ystradgynlais, on the 8th inst., Htonali. widow of the late William Mathias. Interred Monday, February 12th, at the Parish Church. 1450p -\IRS. THONIAS A-D ,NIECE, Sc,'Iiool House, MRS. THOMAS AND NIECE, School House, Tairbull, desire through this medium to tender their sin- cere thanks to alll kind friends who sympathised with them and sellit wreaths, flowers, and letters of condolence in their recent berelavemenit. 1462p Mn. AND MRS. JOHN JONES, Pentregwyn, wish to fhiank all friends and relatives for their kind sympathy, letters of condolence, also floral tri- butes, sent to them in their recent sad bereave- ment. b578/237

æ æ ffl TO ADVERTISERS. ffl B ES gg OWING TO THE PREVAILING WAR gg CONDITIONS, POSTAL DELAYS, ETC., gg m ADVERTISERS ARE URGENTLY RE. gg CO QUESTED TO SEND ADVERTISE. gg gg MENTS AS EARLY IN THE WEEK AS gg gg POSSIBLE OTHERWISE INSERTION gg gg MAY NOT BE SECURED. gg a a I

Brecon and Radnor Lighting. Lighting up. Subdue Lights. Thursday Feb.22nd fi-7 p.m. 7-37 p.m. Friday 11 23rd 6-9 „ 7-39 Saturday 2-Hh.. 6-10 7-40 Sunday" 2>th P>-I2 7 42 Monday 11 26th 6-13 7-43 Tuesday 27th 6-15 9 1 7-45 Wednesday, ,28tli 6-17 7-47 Thursday, March 1st.. 6-22 p.m. 7-55 p.m. Times given include the allowance of 13 minutes I later than Greenwich for February, and 14 minutes for March. I

FOR SALE, Governess-Car, suit pony, lamps, cushions complete, bargain, room wanted.- Davies, Goachbuilder, Buiith. 581/226

One of the Worst Cases." I BKVKMAWR CHILDREN NEGLECTED. I George Davies,a colliery labourer, of Brynmawr, and his wife, Susan Davies, were summoned at Brynmawr on Monday, for neglecting their three children, age 11, 9 and 2 years. It was stated that the case had been under observation since January, 1916. Inspector Evans had paid a number of visits to the house, which he found exceedingly dirty. The children, also, were in a wry dirtv state and ragged, though well nourished. The male defendant was able to earn £2 a week. He frequented public houses, and his wife was described as a lazy woman. The chairman (Ald. W. Robert) said the case wa? ?hout one of the worst they had had ?hpd- fore them, but they decided to give defendant another chance, and fined them 20/- each.