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

Brecon and Radnor Lighting. 1 Lighting up. Subdue Lights. Thursday, July 19th.. 9.52 p.m. 11-22 p.m. Friday 20th 9-50 11-20 Saturday ,,1st.. 9-49 11-19 Sunday 22nd 9-47 11-17 Monday" 23rd 9-4G 11-16 Tuesday,. 24th 9-44 11-14 Wednesday 25th 9-43 11-13 Thursday 26th.. 9-42 11-12 Times given include the allowance of 17 minutes later than Greenwich for July.

3lcknai»lsugtncn»s» MR. AND MRS. PRICE, Cwmerirog, wish to thank sincerely their numerous friends for letters and kind expression of sympathy; also flowers re- ceived, during their recent sad bereavement. 1886p/19-7 cat tl!s On July 13tii, 1917. a"G Monks Weir. Rhos-on-Sea, Colwyn Bay. Catherine Hiarriett Straffen (late of Glenanore, BuiLth Wells). Interred at Colwyn Bay Cemetery, Tuesday, July 17th. b70/17/19-7

A -VIMELX- PROTESR,.i Commenting on the timely protest of the Hon. Secretary of the South Wales and Monmouthshire Federation of Chiambers of Trade, our eontem. porarv, "The South Wales Daily News," very poiiit-edly and properly s.tates :—The policeman's lot is not a happy one, and it would be a, pity to stone any of his friends. It is this motive, com- bined with a strong sense of fair play, which has prompted the Hon. Secretary of the South Wales and Monmouthshire Federation of Chambers of Trade to make a dignified protest against (the resentful attitude of the Breconshire Joint Committee towards the suggestion of the Brynmawr Chamber in favour of increased pay in the county. Surely this is a matter upon which the County Authority should welcome an expres- sion of opinion from the trading community? To dismiss such a petition in the offensive language used by the Chairman of the Breconshire Quarter Sessions is to show contempt for public opinion, and no public authority can afford to adopt such an autocratic attitude. Apart from the fact, which Mr Rees Edmunds emphasises, that traders (are closely interested in the efficiency of the police system, they are also the people who pay the piper. If the Breconshire police get a further war bonus the ratepayers will find the money, and, therefore, they have a perfect right to communi- cate their views and to claim for them respectful consideration. The fact that this consideration wa.s not given suggests that the people of Brecon- shire might profitably consider the introduction of new blood at the next County Council election, and other counitiee in Wales would also be well ad- vised to take a keener interest in county govern- ment, which is lamentably inefficient in many areas. In the case of the police there is a further reason for public solicitude. They cannot organise themselvesro protect their-interests to the same extent as other classes of workers. As the guardians of law and order, their discipline pre- vents them from pressing their grievances, and this means that very often they have to wait for whafc they want until some public body takes up cudgels for them. We hope that the Breconshire Joint Committee will recognise, on second thought, that it owes to the trading oomraunity a greater meiasure of respect than was shown at its last meeting."

Notes and Notions. I Suts seem likely to he an abnormally good crop this year. Radnorshire small-holdings are reported to be pro- ducing excellent crops. Radnorshire teachers are asking for increases in salar- ks equal to those granted in Bcon5hire. ? ? ? ? The Rector of Vaynor (Rev. J. Davies), commenting on reprisals, says:—"I am quite in sympathy with re- prisals, and I think the time has now come when we should do something in the nature of reprisals." The Bishop of Swansea- has just confirmed at his home a young invalided soldier, Mr W. E. Price, Pen- canlan, Llanliliangel-Abergwessin, who joined the Breck- nockshire Battalion at the outbreak of the war, when only 16. :< ifi [ Caterpillars have stripped the leaves off large num- bers of gooseberry trees in many parts. especially in the neighbourhoods of Cwmtaff and Llangynidr. A field of barley, near Llangynidr, is also reported to be affected. '4< 0;: A very useful chart has been issued f>v Messrs. Christopher Thomas and Brothers (Limited), Bristol, the makers of First Aid soap. By means of illustrations and letterpress, the chart shows what should be done in cases of accident, wounds, and other emergencies. A copy can be seen in our Office window. Dr. Mary Phillips aroused keen interest by remarking, when giving a vivid description of the country near Salonika, that one of the most beautiful of thL? val- leys nea'r where she was stationed always made her think of Wales. The hills, too, that were overlooked from the height on which the hNpital stood reminded her in contour of her loved Brecon Beacons. Nlin3, Welsh people are now anxious to visit the Balkans. j It 11M; been brought to the notice of the Ministry of Pensions that a number of pensioners arc appealin9 to the charitable on the ground of insufficient means. The Local War Pensions Committee, whose address is obtainable from the nearest Post Office, have ample pow- ers for dealing with all deserving ca.ses of this nature I from public funds, and the charitable public are there- fore urged to refer such applications to this body. Dr. Mary Phillips, who was the first woman medieal student at the South Wales and Monmouthshire Univer- sity College, and who has been working among the Ser- bian refugees, i.s this week touring Mid-Wales, relating at a series of drawing-room meetings some of her ex- periences. with the object of helping to raise funds for the Scottish women's hospitals which have taken over the medical work among the refugees in parts of South- ern Europe. The ChameUor of the Exchequer, on Monday, an- nounced the decision of the Government regarding a request made to him by a deputation of members that the existing scale of old-age pensions should be increased during the war. The deputation urged that. an addition j of half-a-crown a week should he made to the pensions of all those old people who are not earning wages or receiving Army allotments or allowances, and it is be- lieved that, in view of the high cost of living, Mr Bonar Law will accede to this suggestion. The Board of Directors of Barclay's Bank., Ltd.. have declared, out of the profits for the half-year ended 30th ult., an interim dividend of four shillings per share on the "A" Shares," seven shillings per share on the "B" Shares of sixteen pounds each (four pounds paid), and one shilling and ninepence per share on the "B" Shares of four pounds each (one pound paid), being at the rate of ten per cent, per annum on the A" Shares, and seventeen and one-half per cent. per annum on the "B" Shares, subject in each case to deduction of income tax. The statement of account issued by the London City and Midland Rank. Ltd., shows the following figures at June 30th. 1917. compared with those of 30th June, 1916: Current deposit and other accounts. £ 180.417,249 against 9157,539.256: acceptances. £ 7,516,980 against £ 7,659,641; cash in hand and balance at Bank of England. R36,477,713, against £ 38,888.013; f money at call, £ 857.918 against £ 850,085: British Govern- j ment securities, £ 33,399,534 against £ 33,437,708; other

Mr. SIDNEY ROBtMSQM M.P. I AND RESTRICTIONS OX HORSES. I Mr Sidney Robinson, M.P., in the House of Commons on Thursday, asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he would state what regulations had been made with regard to the sale and purchase of ag- ricultural and other horses, and whether these re- strictions referred to horses of all age.? Sir Richard Winfrey, in his reply, said Regulation 2 T, under the Defence of the Realm Act, provided that an occupier of an agricultural holding in Great Britain should not sell or part with the possession of any horse used, or capable of being used. for the cultivation of a holding, except with the authority of a licence grant- ed under this regulation. The Board had issued the Sale of Horses' Order, 1917, under this Regulation, and he would send liis. hon. friend a copy of both Order and Regulation. No age was mentioned in either docu- ment. The words, "any horse used, or capable of be- ing used, for the cultivation of a holding," would, as a general rule, be considered to include unbroken horses, suitable for farm work, of 2 years old and up- wards. The important paragraphs of the Order reads as fol- lows,- The Order prohibits an occupier of any agricultural holding selling or parting with the posession of any horse used. or capable of being used, for the cultivation of the holding, except with the authority of a licence, which may be granted if the Executive Committee or other authority named in the Order is satisfied that the cultivation of the holding will not be thereby prejudiced, or that for any other reason the issue of such a licence is necessary or desirable, and any licence so issued may contain such conditions as the Executive Committee or other authority may think desirable. For the purposes of this. Regulation and Order "agricultural holding" means any piece of land which is wholly agricultural or wholly pastoral, or part agricultural and as to the re- sidue pastoral, or in whole or in part cultivated for the purposes of the trade or business of market gardening, and "occupier" includes any person for the time being having the management of the holding." "The expression "any horse used or capable of being used for the cultivation of a holding" should, as a general rule, be considered to include unbroken horses, suitable for farm work. of two years, old and upwards, and, in view of the urgent need for horses for agricul- tural purposes, such horses should he broken in forth- with.

Impressive Buihh Funeral. I THE LATE MR JOHN JAMES. I An old and respected townsman, in the person of Mr John James, Lansdowne, Garth Road, Builth Wells, passed away on Friday. Deceased had suttered indiffer- ent health for some two years, when he retired from the managership of the Builth Depot of the Radnor- shire Coal and Lime Co., Ltd. Mr James was well known and widely beloved, and a more straightforward man, especially in business matter, was. not to be found in the district. The late Mr James usually at- tended Llanelwedd Church on Sundays, and was keenly interested in the welfare of the toy.-ii, especially in its progress and development as a visitors' rc-ort. He serv- ed, for many years, as a member of the old Town Im- provement Committee. The funeral, a very large one, took place on Tuesday afternoon. Rev. Lewis James conducted a brief ser- vice at the house, and the Rev. S.H.Wenhamotn- ciated in church and at the grave, where, also, the hymns, "From heavenly Jerusalem's towers" and "Peace' perfect peace," were rendered. The chief mourners were Mrs James (widow), Mr D. Lewis (father-in-law), Air, Bicknell (daughter), Misses Mary, Maggie and Emily James (daughters), Miss Mary Evans (niece), Pte. \V. H. Bicknell (son-in-law), Master Harold Bicknell (grandson), Mr and Mrs. D. Evans (W ye Terrace), Mr and Mrs Williams (Maesybwlch, J.,lan- dovery), Mr and Mrs Davies (Hirlwyn, Llandovery), Mr and Mrs Jones (Bertliddu, Llandovery), Mr Lewis (Cefnbryn, Llandovery), Mr Lewis (Llwynworm-y-wood, Llandovery), Mr 1). O. Davies (Glyntowercli), Mr Davies (Tyncoed), )lr" Jones, Miss Horsey and Miss Bradley. The bearers were Inspector W. Bowyer (Xoddfa), and Messrs. W. Williams (Crossway), Hamer (Glanbran), Watkins (West-bourne), J. Stephens (Smitiifiekl Road) and Davies (Hampton House). The inscription on the shield of the coffin was "John James, died July 13th, 1917, aged 58 years." Messrs. J. Matthew Jones and Sons were the undertakers. Wreaths were sent follow:- in loving memory, from his sorrowing wife and dit ligilt,rs. "In fond remembrance." from his brother and sister and children. Wye Terrace. "With deepest sympathy." from the Directors, Xfan- agement and Staff of the Radnorshire Coal « Lime Co., Ltd. "In loving memory," from Mrs Jarman, 3. Groe Street. "With deepest sympathy," from Rhoda and Wm. Jones. "With deepest sympathy," from Mr and Mrs Pritchard, Essex Cottage. "With heartfelt sympathy," from Mr and Mrs Egerton, Hardwicke. "With deepest sympathy," from Mr and Mrs Bowyer and family, Noddfa. "With deepest sympathy," from Mr and Mrs Hamer and family, Glanbran. "With deepest sympathy," from Mr and Mrs Bowles, Caer-Beris Lodge. "With deepest sympathy," from E. M. and F. Bradlev, Market Street. "With deepest sympathy." from Mr G. H. Churchill. "With deepest sympathy," from Mr S. Morgan, Glan- rhyd. "With kind remembrance," from Mr and Mrs Walters and family, Glansevern. "With deepest sympathy," from Mrs Price and family, Oriel Villa. "With deepest sympathy." from Mrs Horsey and Em. "With much sympathy and regret." from Rev. and Mrs Lewis Davies, Llanelwedd Roctory. "With deep regret," from Mr and Mrs S. Davies and family. Ww Terrace. "With heartfelt sympathy," from Mr and Mrs Davie* and Alice, Ivanhoe. "With diepy sympathy," from Rev. and Mrs- s. H. W t'nham, Builth Vicarage. "III kind remembrance," from Mr J. Stephens, Smith- field Road. "In deepest sympathy," from Mr and Mrs Protheroe. Oaklands.

Britain—Not Prussia. A Timely Rebuke. TO THE EDITOR OF THE "EXPRESS." Sir, Will you allow me to refer to a statement made at the Breconshire Standing Joint Committee on Friday last 'r The Breconshire police applied for an increase of the war bonus, and a letter was read from the Brynmawr Chamber of Trade in support of such application. The Hon. R. C. Devereux is reported to have stated tha+ the Chamber had no right to interfere, and that it was damned cheek" for them to do so. I would remind Mr Devereux that the Brynmawr Chamber of Trade consists of tradespeople who have banded them- selves tog-ether to look after the interests of the town and trade of Brynmawr. Chambers of Trade and Commerce are recognised throughout the country by tlie local authorities, and are in frequent consultation with various Government departments, and their views are invariably received with courtesy and. respect. I would also remind Mr Devereux that the Brynmawr Chamber of Trade, by making the application it did, were well aware that if the Council acceded to the application, the members of the Chamber, in coipinon with all other ratepayers in the county, would have to pay the increased war bonus, and they had the right to express their opinion to the Council as ratepayers regardless of the Chamber of Trade.. The Hon. Mr Devereux is apparently a gentleman by birth and not by words, for lie has no objection to attending a meeting of the Breconshire Committee and condescending to immoderate language in decrying a body of responsible ratepayers because they had the "anducity" to make an application to the committee. It is not necessary to remind the ratepayers of Brecon- shire that we live in free Britain and not in Prussia, and that anyone who tries to interfere with the "Gov- ernment of the people by the people and for the people" has no right to any part or portion in the control of our destinies.—I am, etc., W. R. EDMUNDS, Hon. Sec South "Wales and Monmouthshire Federation of Chambers of Trade. Central Chambers, High-Street, Merthyr Tydfil, 14th July.

Builtn's Co-operative Scheme. UNION OF FARMERS AND WORK-MEN. Co-operative schemes have been discussed by mein- bers of the Builth Branch of the Brecon and Radnor Farmers' Union for years, and, about a fortnight ago, they decided to consider the old topic in conjunction with the working-people of Builth. Therefore, on Monday, a meeting for the purpose was held at the Swan Hotel, when Mr Walter Williams (Brecon, and representing the Agricultural Co-operative Society) and Mr Griffiths (Stafford, and representing the Man- chester Co-operative Union, Ltd.) were present. Mr O. W. Davies (Aberduhonow) was elected to the chair, and free discussion ensued. The representation of the working-class was rather small, owing to the fact that the meeting was held at a time when they were unable to he present. The'ehairnian referred to letters which had appeared in the Press, opposing the movement. Mr Walter Williams said it was the first time for him to have the privilege of meeting the representative of the Co-operative Union, the greatest organisation of the kind ever known. He observed that, if the towns-people once started the movement, the farmers would soon come in. It was quite possible for the farmers and working-men to work hand in hand, and lie had been told tlieve was in Ireland a society, which was worked jointly by the farmers and working-men and that it was a great success. (Applause). They were all free agents, and, if they went in for a co-oper- ative stores,it would benefit the producer and the con- sumer. The farmer was the second line of defence, and he believed the producer was now going to save the British Empire. (Applause). Mr Griffiths gave a full history of the co-operative movement, and showed how it would benefit the working-classes, and how, also, it was possible for working-men and farmers to move hand in hand.

A Builth Hero. I QUESTION BY MR. SIDNEY ROBINSON, M.P. Mr Sidney Robinson asked the Minister of Munitions in the House of Commons to-day (Wednesday), whether his attention had been called to the case of Mr Ivor Pugh, who, when working at a munition factory in South Wales, noticed a bucket of explosives catching fire and carried it into the open, where it exploded, seriously injuring him, and whether in view of the fact that many lives were saved by this action and also much property, adequate compensation would be awarded Mr PllgIt for injuries received. Mr Pugh is the son of Mr J. P. Pugh, Crystal House, Builth Wells, and was a prominent footballer in pre-war days.

NEWBRIDCE-ON-WYE COUPLE CELEBRATE THEIR GOLDEN WEDDING. Mr and Mrs Thomas Collins, The Mount, New- bridge-on-Wye, celebrated their golden wedding on Tuesday, and received numerous weil-wishes and con- gratulations from a hot of friends. The favoured couple wero married at Llanelwedd Church on July 7th, 1867. Mr Thus. Collins has ,Nlr us. Collins has acted as secretary to Court Pride of the Wye" (A.O.F.) for 22 years. When he entered upon the duties the membership was 156, but to-day the num- ber is 290, and the funds have more than doubled in the same period. Mr Collins worked on Doldowlod Estate for 16 years as the leading mason, and retired some three years ago. He still carries on the work of the Club, notwithstanding his age and the intricacies of the Insurance Act. Mr and Mrs Collins have had nine children, and four. survive, viz., Mr Robert T. Collins (Trealow (formerly a member of Llanwrtyd L'rban Council) Pte. W. A. Collins (2nd Batt. Welsh Regiment): Mrs Jones (Howey), and Mrs Jones (Newbridge). Singularly, the two sisters bear the same name, and are twins. Other members of the family, in the colours, are Sapper J. T. Collins, R.E. (grandson to Mr and Mrs Collins, now iu France and went through the Gallipoli campaign), Pte. Fred Collins (now in France, and son of Mr R. T. Collins), Pte. J. 1'. Jones. R.F.A. (son- in-law to the aged couple), and Corpl. H. T. Powell (Giliaeh, Newbridge, now in l'ranee, and a nephew).

Welsh Lady Doctor. DR. MARY PillLLIPt'S SPLENDID WAR WORK. Dr. Mary Phillips, who is relating her experiences in Fraw.c, Malta, Serbia, and Corsica, in an appeal for the funds of the Scottish Women's Hospital, is one of the foremost women doctor.' in her record of war work, of which Wales generally, and Merthyr Cynog, Breconshire (her native place), in particular, n IV, iiiderjii, be proud. She was the first woman medical student at Cardiff University College, beginning her course there in 1X96, and completing and taking her degrees at the Royal Free Hospital, London. Every year, though practis- ing in various parts of England, more especially in Yorkshire, she visited Wales for holidays. In November, 1914, Dr. Alice Hutchison and Dr. PhiLips were the first two doctors to go out with the Scottish Women's Hospital section to Calais in o- vellllJtT 1914, and they worked at the typhoid hospital among the Belgians until April, 1915. At the end of that month they set sail for Serbia, aid on theit way there they were commandeered by Lieutenant-general Lord Methuen to attend to the first convoy of wouaded from the Dardanelles, which included some of the South Wales Borderers. Their experiences between Salonika and Nish, where a broken railway held them up for eight days, were most interesting, and included the sight of a slava held in honour of King George. Later her work took Dr. Phillips to Corsica, among the Serbian refugees, conveyed thither by the French Government. Oftentimes professional visits necessi- tated long drives, which in summer were lovely, but in winter were very much (he reverse. Details of the excellent relief organisation at Corsica, including a sanatorium for students who became tubercular in France, read like au absorbing, sympathy-evoking romance. Thi" sanatorium was un old lazarette. Dr. Mary Phillips lectured at Builth in the earlier part pf last week.

Foot of the Sugar Loaf. MYSTERY OF A SMASHED MOTOR-CAR. Od Friday evening a motor ear. smashed to atoms, was found at the foot of the Sugar Loaf, a precipice 190 feet high, eight miles from Llandovery. The police from Llandovery and Llanwrtyd, on being ap- prised of the discovery, at once proceeded to the spot and made' a thorough search of the ground, expecting to find a mangled body, but there was none. What they did discover' was a pannier containing pills, Wearing apparel, and other articles. Of these the police took possession. The number of the. car was CY 90-5, and investigation showed the owner to be a Swansea resident, and that the driver was believed to have returned by train from Llanwrtyd to Swansea, without, however, acquainting the police of the smash. —

Brecon Carden Fete. HELP FOR BLIND «OLDIERS. The delightfully picturesque and historic grounds of Ely Tower, Brecon, the residence of Miss Bevan, were kindly thrown open to the public for the occasion of a gift sale and garden fete on Wednesday. The effort was in aid of an extremely worthy object, viz., St. Duust-an's Hostel of the National Institute of the Blind, and the British Prisoners of War Food Fund, and the huge success of the undertaking reflected great credit on those who were responsible for the carrying through of the programme. There was a crowded attendance and a very pleasant time was spent in the grounds which were gaily decorated witli I flags, etc. The stalls, which were well patronised, included fancy goods, fruit aud vegetables, refreshments, "pound," "white elephant," and tiower stolls. Mr W. J. Price (auctioneer), ably assisted by two local comedians (Mr Ewart Wise and Mr Jack Clarke), offered, for sale, goods at the various stalls, and con- siderable amusement was caused. The band of the South Wales Borderers, by kind permission of Col. F. C. King-Hunter, played choice selections during the evening. I Large numbers indulged in dancing on the lawn at the close.

HEREFORD MARKCT. I Wednesday. Hereford cattle market to-day was remarkably empty and trade was over early. There were a few ripe cattle on offer, and these were quickly disposed of. Store cattle were not much in evidence. A few calves made good prices. The sheep trade was not bright and late rates were realised. Only a score or so of young pigs were sold.

Strawberries & Sugar. Food Control Case at Brecon. IMPOSED A CONDITION. At Brecon Borough Poiice Court, on Monday, before Councillor Wm. Williams (mayor), Alderman David Powell (deputy mayor), Aid. H. C. Rich and Messrs Jas. Morgan and Evan Morgan, Mr William Morris, grocer, Bridge St., Llaufaes, was summoned by Mr G. Hyatt Williams, town clerk, for imposing a condition on the sale of sugar. t Mr Jones Powell, appeared to prosecute on behalf of the local Food Control Committee. Mr J ones- Powell stated that the Brecon Corporation, as the local Food Control authority were prosecuting in the case, which was an offence undertht Defence of the Realm Regulations. The Mayor, at the outset, asked Mr )Iorr if he had any objection to the Bench, who were members of the Town Council, the prosecuting authority, adjudicating in his ease. Mr Morris Xot in the slightest, gentlemen. Mr Morris pleaded 14 guilty." Mrs Charlotte Morgan, Talbot House, Brecon, gave evidence to the effect that on the 22nd ult., about 3 o'clock in the afternoon she went into Mr Morris's shop and asked for a pound of strawberries. The assistant served her and witness then asked for a pound of sugar. The assistant replied, You can't have a pound of sugar with the strawberries." Witness then replied, You must not talk like that, now, you know." The assistant said she would ask Mr Morris about it. The shop was fairly full and Mr Morris was busy, so witness (Mrs Morgan) called out quite loudly, Mr Moms, can I have a pound of sugar Mr Morris replied, Yes, under the usual conditions." Witness then asked, What are the conditions r Mr Morris replied, If you have 2s. 6d. worth of goods you can have the sugar." Aid. David Powell (to witness): Did you expect to have a pound of sugar with a lnnd of strawberries r "W asn t the request a rather unreasonable one ? Mrs Morgan No, I thought 1 had quite a right to have a pound of sugar. Mr Jones Powell: Mr Morris could have said that he. couldn't spare it. Mr David Powell Y es, that is the unfortunate part of it. The Chairman Is Mrs Morgan a customer of yours, Mr Morris'r Mr Morris A very casual one. Police-Sergt. Evans said on the 22nd ult.. he visited Mr Morris's shop, and told him about the complaint having been received, and, in reply, he remarked, "I do not deny it." Mrs Morgan is not a customer of mine, and only bought half-pound of strawberries." Mr G. Hyatt Williams said the Food iControI Com- mittee had met and considered the complaint, and had decided to prosecute. Mr Morris handed to the bench a number of letters from customers, stating that they had been fairly dealt with by Mr Morris in regard to their sugar supply. The Mayor These letters are to the effect that the customers appreciate the way in whicli yon have divided the sugar with other goods r Mr Morris Yes. Mr Morris, in defence, said he thought it much better and fairer to go on as he was as his arrange ment had been a perfectly satisfactory one. The bench retired to consider their decision, and on returning, the Chairman said, We are sorry to see you in the position of defendant here a gain,Mr Morris, in regard to the sugar question. The bench have given the case mature consideration, and have come to the conclu.,ion-as the costs are rather heavy-to fine you zC5, including costs. If you come here on an- other future occasion, we shall have to deal with the matter more severely. We are rather snrprised that a respectable tradesman like you, Mr Morris, has prac- tieally suggested you intend to violate the law, and it is under these circumstances that we warn vou that we shall then have to deal more severely with you. Mr Morris: May I point out the alternative? The Mayor: We do not object. Mr Morris: Well, it means to say that if a casual customer comes in we have got to sav that we have got no sugar. Captain Bathurst, in the House of Com- mons, distinctly told the trade that they could refuse to supply sugar. So it means to say that they are making my assistants liars The Mayor: You can say, "we have no sugar for you."

Crickhowell Guardians. OFFICIALS' SALARY INCREASES. Mr GwiJym C. James presided at the fortnightly meeting of Crickhowell Guardians on Monday. The Board appointed Miss J. McDonald (Cardiff School of Midwifery), nurse at the Crickhowell Intirmary.at an annual salary of £ 40 per annum, rising by tl annually to S4,5 with £ 5 added at the end of each year of service for uniform. The guardians decided to increase the the salary of the Matron, Mrs Goodehild, by £ 10 a year, the relieving officer of the upper district, Mr J. T. Turner, by X12 a year,and the clerk,Mr ThomasVauglian by t10 a year. The clerk said he was unable to meet all the liabilities of the board, as a numljer of parishes were still in arrears with their calls, despite requests to pay up to date. Mr W. G. James said they had already written to a number of Assistant Overseers and he proposed that the Overseers of the defaulting parishes be communi- cated with and informed that if there were further de- lay the Guardians would take steps to get the money in. This was unanimously agreed to. The beard continued the action of the clerk aud chairman in sending a testimonial to Mr D.W.Beavan now serving in H. M. For. es, and who is being en- couraged by his officers to apply for a Commission.

Veteran Stationmasters. LOCAL MEN RECOGNISED. Grants of £ 10 each have just been awarded to three well-known stationmasters in Brecon and Radnor bv the Cambrian Railways Company in recognition of 50 years' continuous service, viz., Mr G. W. Jones (Rhayader), Mr S. R. Hammond (Newbridge-on-Wye) and Mr Evan Jones Yonnerly of Builth, and now of Oswestry. Mr G. W. Jones is well-known in the Rhayader district, and a great favourite with ail classes. He is closely identified with Wesleyan Methodism. Mr Evan Jones did a great deal of useful public work while he was stationed at Builth, was a keen supporter of the ambulance movement, and always gave "a hand," where needed most, for the general welfare of his friends and neighbours. Mr S. R. Hammond is also highly respected in and around Newbridge. He has been in the Company's service 52 years, including 8 at Oswestry and 15 at Newbridge;

Llanspyddid !nterment. LATE MR REES WATTS, LLANFAES, BRECON. As briefly announced in our last is.sue, the funeral I took place at Llanspyddid Church, on Wednesday, of Mr Recs Watts (son of Mrs Watts, Penpentre, Llanfaes). Deceased was 51 years of age, and much beloved and respected by all who knew him. Rev. R. 3. William6 (Plough Chapel) officiated at the house, and Rev. T. Griffiths at the church and graveside. Mr S. Perry, Brecon, supplied the hearse and mourning coaches. The chief mourners were Mrs Watts (mother). Mr Lewis Watts (brother), Mr and Mrs David Watts (brother and sister-in-law), Mr Llewelvn Watts (brother), Mrs D. Jones. Mrs Jennings. Mrs Clempson and Mrs Barnes (sisters), Mr. Llewelyn (uncle), Miss Morgan (cousin), and Mr T. Williams (cousin). Wreaths were sent from the following:- "In affectionate remembrance of my dear son and brother," from Mother, Sisters and Brothers, "In loving memory of our dear brother." from Gwen and Tom. "With deep -sympathy," from Aunt Bessie. "With deep ympathy," from Mr and Mrs Llewellyn Powell. "With deepest sympathy," from Mrs Durham and Mrs Chambers. "With deepest sympathy," from Mr John Evans and daughters. "With deepest sympathy," from Mr and the Misses Powell. "In loving memory of dear Rees," from Dillya Frost.

Farmers ana Soldier Labour. To the Editor uf the Express. Sir,—According to the report of the meeting of the Talgarth District Sub-Committee of the Breconshire Agricultural War Committee, which appeared in your last issue. a letter was read there from the Board of Agriculture complaining that fanners had not more readily taken up the soldiers sent for harvesting. Lest the public, who do not know better, niilht think we are refusing something worth having, let me say the reason for it is, not that men are not needed, but that they have sent us the wrong sort. 1 myself have sampled two, both of whom were muddlers as far as farming matters were concerned, and made a mess of the little (very little) they did. After a week of patience, which puts Job second, I had to return them as being of no value in pushing on the work, despite the fact that I was then and am now greatly in need of men. Other farmers I know have returned theirs and others again are keeping theirs in the hope that some miracle may happen which will convert what they admit now is of very little use into something better. Meantime the season is moving on and work accumulating. It this is the best help the Government can give us, I think it would be just as well if they never started to give any, .and certainly there can be no increase of production on many a holding, even if there were it would only be an increase left to spoil. uo.. Yours, &,c., Mil brook, nr. Brecon, W. D. SMITH. July ltitb, HHï.

Crickbowell's Council. ROADMEN'S FURTHER INCREASES. Mr W. u. Jamec presided at the monthly meeting of Crickhowell Council on Monday. The council accepted the tenders of Mr John Hicke for haulage, ó;c., at Llanelly, and Mr George James for haulage and removal of refuse at Crickhowell. By a majority, it was resolved to grant 16 roadmen, in the council's employ a further increase of 1/- a week. a proposal to make the increase 1/6 weeklv be- ing defeated. On the suggestion of the surveyor, it was decided to pay the roadmen's wages by cheque fortnightly. Hither- to the surveyor had had to travel long distances to pay the men, and thus a good deal of time was lost. The medical officer of health, Dr. Hill, advised the council to placard the district with posters urging the inhabitants to destroy flies, which, he 6aid, had bt- come a dangerous pest. No action was taken. The chairman was appointed to represent the coun- cil on the County Committee for the Control of Road Material. Llanelly Parish Council wrote enclosing a communi- cation from the Brynmawr U.D. Council regarding the repair of a bridge at Cwmnantgam, Llaneliv, the in- habitants complaining bitterly of their treatment by the responsible public authorities, who did not repair the bridge, and others prevented them having coal brought to their houses. The surveyor was instructed to report on the matte-v Mr E. Pirie Gordon suggested that a stock of coal should be obtained from local merchants to enable the council to supply the poor people of the town and dis- trict with coal in the coming winter. Coal was going to become scarce, and prices would urobahly rule high. Mr Gwilym C. James I think prices will be easier by the winter. It was decided to defer the matter for a month. Mr T. Ll. Jones drew attention to the dangerous state of the 'Jenny' Road from Clvdach to Darrenfelen. In place- there was a drop of 50 to 60 feet and no fencing. He would move that a fence be constructed. Answering Mr A. J. Thomae, the chairman said potato -praying could now be carried out in the district on application in the proper quarter.

RED CROSS HOSPITAL, PENOYRE. S'r,-Tli s week we have to thank the following kind friends for gifts to the hospital :-c.apt,ain. Evans. 'Mr Llewellyn Davies and Mr R. Wood- man, for vegetables; Mrs McClintock, vegetables, 10 lbs. butter, and 48 gals, of milk; Lord Giaoiusk, vegetables, fruit, eggs and butter; Mr Litchfield, potted fish Mr Hyatt Williams and Mis* WJ1- liams. Penpont, troth; Messrs. Morgan and Lewis, and Mr Sha-pland, materials for patients' work; Mrs Price, Wat-ton Villa, 3 lbs. butter; Ca.pta.in Rose, S.W.B., cigarettes; by Miss Best, from Market stall, eggs and butter: and the dis- tricts of Senny, Devynock, Llandilofan and Senny- bridge, for 150 eggs.-Yonrs, etc., C. M. PARKINSON, bï:1 T1 19-7 Con t rn an d«i. t.

TO CORRESPONDENTS. "0 Terapores 0 More*—Your letter ..1Ja]J apptar next »*ek.

NOTES AND MOT! ONS-Continued. j investments, £ 3,285,494 against £ 4,460,557; bills of ex- change, £12,52.66 against on cur- rent accounts. loans. etc., £ 69.322.513 against £ 65,159,660; advances on War Loan, £ 22,978,581. a Farmers are beginning to realise the seriousness of the new Order restricting the sale of shot gun ammunition. In various parts of South Wales, Monmouthshire es- pecially, the number of wood pigeons shows an alarming increase, and one wonders what will happen later in the year when the birds begin to flock.' All along the Wye Valley hundreds of pigeons can be seen feeding in the fields with perfect immunity—plump-breasted birds that should augment the food supplies of the' district in- stead of feeding upon the young turnips. Encouraged by the absence of keepers, the wood pigeon seems to come nearer to the farm buildings than hitherto, and a correspondent was ,-hown a nest built in an ivy-clad tree situated within a dozen yards or-o or a dwelling- house near Ross. Pte. Comer Thomas (Seven Sisters), writing from Franco after the last big push, gives some very in- t *< <ing items. He writes:—" I suppose you wit read by now about the last big push. Well, I have just returned from what is called 'No Man's Land.' It is our, now, but everything is in ruins, every yard of the '<! being shell holes. All kinds of trees have been blown to bits. You can see stumps here and there. It is pitiful to think cf such a beautiful country in such a state. Our artillery is enough to blow anything to shreds, and, if the Germans don't give in soon, we'll blow them all th wav back to their dear fatherland. The weather is simply scorching, and I am as yellow as a Chinaman. I am writing this in a farm-house, and I can see the shells dropping-the- are all sizes. It's a wonderful sight I can tell you. The guns are opening out now as one. Here's a sight, Twrn-baeh. you ought to see it once in your life-time. We are giving the Germans now what they thought of giving us in 1914. but it's trebled, of course. Remember me to all, and tell them I am in good health." The extraordinary visitation of caterpillars of the ermine moth variety continued to attract considerable attention at Cwmtaf last week, and numbers of people from the Merthyr and surrounding districts have jour- neyed to the affected area during the recent fine weath- er. From a spectacular point of view, the trees which, at. reported in our la.st issue, were covered with a white silvery web, have lost much of their beauty, and it is now felt that, so far as the present season is con- cerned, there will he no serious extension of the plague. A well known naturalist who has inspected the ravages of the caterpillar has declared that he did not regard the danger to other trees as of any economic importance. The outbreak, he found, was confined mainly to trees of the wild bird-cherry, though a few of the mountain ash species had been slightly attacked. The pest was of that nature usually associated with cherry trees. Dr. William E. Hoyle. director of the National Museum of Wales, who has inspected specimens of the pest, agreed that the caterpillar is cf the small ermine moth species, and pointed out that it presented itself in large numbers at intervals of a few years. Fortunately. how. ever, it was kept very much in check by the ichneumon fly which laids its eggs on the caterpillars. The result was that instead of producing a moth they gave rise to a number of ichneumon fliae.