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

RED CROSS HOSPITAL, PENOYRE. I are very grateful indeed for the fol- lowing most welcome gillts :—Milk (40 gallons), vegetables and 6 lbs. butter, Mrs McClintock; vegetables and potatoes, Lord Glanusk; potatoes from a. well-wisher and an unonjinous friend; vegetables, !Mrs Garnons Williams, Mrs Jones (Tredurn), and Capt. Evans; eggs (40), Mrs Jones (AUtccrrig), 15 from Brecon Market, per Miss Best, and 170 from Devynock, Senny, Senny- bridge, Lla-ndilo'rfan, Blaenwysg and Cray, per Miss Llewellyn Davies. We also wish to thank Mr Hando very warmly for the beautiful prizes he so kindly gave for a whist drive. LUCY MAYBERY, I b 73 56 282 Com m an d a n t.

Brecon and Radnor Lighting. I Lighting Up. Subdue Lights. Thursday Feb. 28th 6-19 p.m. 7-49 p.m. Friday March 1st 6-22 7-52 Saturday 2nd 6-23 7-53 Sunday 19 ."rd 6-25 7-55 Monday" 4th 6-26 7-56 „ Tuesday" 5th 6-27 „ 7-57 Wednesday 6th 6-29 7-59 „ Thursday, 7th 6-31 8-1 Lamps on vehicles must be lighted half-an-hour after sunset, and the lights of factories, shops, hous- es, etc., shaded from two hours after sunset till two hours before sunrise. Times given include the allowance of 13 minutes later thau Greenwich for February.

SHOP HOURS. I A long contentious question was again broached at the annual meeting of the Brecon Chamber of Trade last week. The Shops Closing Order is a master that demands the earnest attention of trad- ers in every town where the Order has not yet been adopted. It is a question which more particularly affects them than it does the general public, and why it gives rise to so much controversy amongst shopkeepers themselves it is difficult to understand. The war has taught us many lessons 'which may well be practised not only now but when peace re- turns. Among these is thM of the length of hours in shopping, and the benefits which would accrue to shopkeepers if uniform hours of closing among the respective secjions'of trade were adopt- ed. It will be easier to bring such a system boutat the present time when business is of necessity less pushed, and with a clientelle more or less disciplined, than later on when peace will restore healthy competition and keen business en- terprise. As we liave said, it appears to us almost entirely a t-raders" concern. There are many things which the public will not expect, and will not want to go back to, after the war, and one is late hours of shopping. We note that one of the most enterprising Brecon tradesmen, in in- troducing the subject at the Chamber of Trade's -meeting, gave some cogent reasons for adopting the Order. He showed very clearly its economic value to the trade, and the indirect, but none the less important, result of shopkeepers acquiring thereby a more contented and efficient class of assistant. This phase of the question has a greater .bearing on trade in the future than it. may at first appear. The trade "wa-r," after the war, be- tween nations will be a. strenuous one, and will demand the best brains and stamina to wage it successfully on our behalf. The proper and necessary preparation of apprentices, improvers and assistants in business training can only be expected if the Ion. weary shop hours of the old days iare considerably curtailed in the future. Time must be provided in order that they may devote themselves to special study. Many Lon- don retail shops and stores have realised the necessity for siiel-i special training. It is sound sense. An expert assistant who knows all about his business is not only an asset of the greatest value to the trader, but is equally as essential to the nation's welfare. The future will demand fiometlung more than "a nation of shopkeepers, we inus't turn out real business men and women. There appears to be a strong objection on the part of some traders to making closing hours compul- sorv. The voluntary principle has been tned and failed. Unless such an Order is compulsory, it is next to useless. Besides, is there not a sort of "romDulsion" alreadv, where one or two traders refuse to fall in with the majority? The many are virtually compelled through business exigencies to fall in with the few who stand out. Would not such an Order too add to the dignity of busi- ness? It has proved .satisfactory in towns of all eizes where it has been adopted. Why should it -not have the same good ciTect everywhere?

CAN FARMERS BE RATIONED ? BRECON DISTRICT COUNCIL DISCUSSION. I AN UNKNOWN ORDER. I At the Brecon Rural District Council, on Friday, the Executive Officer of the Food Control Committee (Mr B. L. Pritchard) said that the forms, for rationing had arrived. He believed that was the first authority in the county to have the form. Rev. T. Griffiths: How are you going to ration farm- ers, who have cows, pigs, &c.1 had a thing I could not conscientiously eign to-day because I possess a cow! Mr B. L. Pritchard: To ration the producer is more or le-s* an impossibility. Mr Jenkin Williams (who presided in the absence of Mr Owen Price, chairman) said Mr Owen Price had writ- ten to Lord Rliondda on the- subject as follow, :As live stock sub-commissioner for this county and chair- I man of the Food Control Committee for the Rural District of Brecon, I should be extremely obliged if your lordship will please let me know what are the duties and responsibilities of the farmers and labour- er, of this county in the present crisis. It has always been the custom of farmers to feed and kill one, two, or three pigs every year, according to the ,ize of the farm and number of the .family, and Jlearly all labour- ers provide one Y)i,- for home consumption. The portion thus provided is used in the. course of the coming year. This system is most economical, and,, AS a. rule, very little beef or mutton is purchased by the farmers or labourers during the year. Some of these pigs have already been killed, and others will be killed during this month. Under the circumstances, can these men provide home-cured bacon for their families this year as usual without being considered guilty of making un- necessary preparations for the future?" The reply from the Deputy-Controller of meat sup- plies, dated 14th February, was a« follow,s :1 am to state that there is no Order of the Food Controller which prevents householders from killing their pigs and curing the bacon which they obtain from them. But all persons killing and curing must give notice to the Food Control Committee that they propose to do so." Mr Jenfcin Williams asked whether such Order had been adopted in this county? He had not heard of it. The Clerk: If they retail sucli portions of the, meal they must register.

SAD ACCIDENT. I TIMBER-FELLER'S FATAL INJURIES. I INQUEST AT BRECON. I An inquest was hld at Brecon, on Thur-day, by Mr Jones Williams (deputy corontir), toucliing the tUatli of Thomas Bowcptt, a timlwr-feller, who died at the Hrecon Infirmary on the previous day as the result of injuries received- in an accident whilst engaged in his work of timber-felling. Sarah Ann Morgan, Victoria. Inn, LI¡¡nfrynacJ}" said deceased, who was 52 years of age, a widower with two children, lodged at her hon.se. Albert John Osmond, a timl>er-feller, said deceased and himself were engaged at Penpont on the 15th inst., timber-felling. Boweott was a strong, healthy man. and very capable at his work. They were in the act of felling a tree, witness holding the rope and deceas- ed driving a wedge in at the butt. The tree, in falling, caught the branches of another tree. One of these branches, which was 7 ft. long and 3 inches thick, broke- off and fell. He did not see it strike deceased, but when lie "looked round he ,<aw Boweott lying on the ground. Llewellyn Joseph. Red Lion Inn, Sennybridge, said he happened to be watching the men at work when he wa -passing that way. Boweott was driving a wedge, into the tree, and he remarked it would fall alright. He then came hack to witness's fide. As the tree was "coming over," it caught in an adjoining tree, a branch broke off, fell from a considerable distance, and struck deceased on the forehead, and he fell across witiiessVs legs. He put his hands around de- ceased's .-boulders and lifteit him. but he was knocked clean out and lileil from the month and nostrils. Everything possible was done for him, but he never regained consciousness. He was taken to the Brecon Infirmary. Answering the Coroner, witness "aid he had had ex- perience in timber-felling, and, in his opinion, the tree fell in quite a proper manner. Dr. ltee, said the result of the blow on the forehead caused a fracture of the base of the -skull and injury to the brain. Death was the result of tho-e injuries. The jury returned a verdict- of accidental death, and expressed the opinion that no blame attached to nn, one.

"SHEEP & SNUFF." FARMERS WHO WENT "HALVES." CASE AT CRICKHOWELL COUNTY COURT. For over three hoiiri, on Thursday, His Honour Judge Hill Kelly was engaged at Crickhowell County Court hearing a case in which Will. Walter Hughes, of Upper House Farm, Llancllv, sued Thoma.s H. Eaton, of Vedw Farm. Llangattock, for £ ,'16 15s, beinir the value of 21 eWt' i);trt. of a number of 58 ewe- which were sent by the plaintiff to defendant's land on "halves." This, it was explained, meant that the owner of the sheep re- ceived half the number of lambs, and the agista the remaining half. Mr S. J. Micklethwaite (instructed by )r D. Gibson Harries, Brynmawr) appeared for plaintiff, and Mr St. John Francis Williams (instructed hy Messrs. Powell, Hughes and Jones, Brynmawr) for defendant. The case for the plaintiff was that the defendant had not taken reasonable care of the sheep, and, owing to his negligence. 21 were not accounted for. The sheep went to defendants farm in October, 1916. Hughes tle- nied all knowledge of the sheep suffering from ""nuff," or having been informed by defendant. Defendant "tat-cd that, after the very hard winter of 1016, the sheep disease, known as "snuff," became pre- valent in the district, and plaintiff's ewes contracted it. The ewes were about three or four years old, and were in very poor condition when they came on the land, and 21 of them died from the disea.se. He and his wife treated them, and plaintiff knew that the ewes were suffering. Cross examined by Mr Micklethwai.te, he repudiated the suggestion of selling meat in June and July la,t, and Mrs Eaton corroborated. A large number of witnesses were called on both sides, and the Judge said plaintiff had failed to establish his case, judgment- being given for defendant with casts.

Crickhowell Guardians. I RATIONING DIFFICULTIES. Mr Gwilym C. James presided at the fortnightly meeting of this Board on Monday. The Master said lie was being placed in great difficul- ties regarding the feeding of the inmates. Meat- was unobtainable, except in small quantities, and the officers felt they should he met in view of the reduced allowance in the dietary which, he pointed out, was part of their salaries. Mr A. J. Thomas: You are not worse off than the rate pavers who have to take what they can get. The matter was referred to a special committee. The Finance Committee recommended the following bonuses to the officers named: Clerk, £ 10 a year; Mr J. 1'. Turner, R.O., £ 10 per annum and Mr D. ,1. Evans, R.O., £ 7 10s per annum, and the recommendation was. adopted unanimously. The Bedwelltv Guardians wrote asking whether the Board would take some of their indoor paupers into the workhouse, as their Institution was required for military purposes. The Chairman: Unfortunately our In,titution is quite full. The Master: Yes, we have no spare accommodation.

"QUITE INDISPENSABLE." I TRIBUNAL AGREES. J CRICKHOWELL CASES. I At Crickhowell Military Tribunal no Monday, Mr E. Pirie Gordon presided. The case of the contractor to the Cricktiowell R.D. Council who removes all the refuse in the parish of Llanellv, came up for review at the request of the X.S. Representative, Air Gwilym C. James, who stated the man. 39 years of age, had been graded 1. Mr T. TJ. Jones said it was imperative ill the interest of the health of Llanelly that tlii., man should be re- tained. There wa.s a case of typhoid fever in that dis- trict now. and if this man were taken the result would be disastrous. Llanelly had suffered severely from typhoid in the past, and they did not want to court an epidemic by sending this man into the A-my. He was the only man who had been able to cope with the scavenging problem. Had lie known this case, was coining forward lie would have seen that the District Council was represented. Mr W. G. James (who is chairman of the R.D. Coun- cil): This man is quite indispensable, and if he goe,s the health of the district will be endangered. The Tribunal unanimously contirmed the conditional exemption previously granted. A gardener, groom-gardener, painter. wheelwright, all in grade 3. were conditionally exempted. A chauffeur, employed in Munition Works, married. With delicae twife and 2 children, elapsed 111, and who .stated that he had fl brothers in the Army, 5of them serving in France, was exempted until April 25tii. He had been combed out andappeattdou personal grounds.

I The new County Court judge, Mr Ivor liowen, is the author of the very interesting volume, "Statutes of Wales." which. despite its strictly legal character, has won close scrutiny and high appreciation far beyond legal circles, it being a collection of Acts of Parlia- ment from 1275 onward, introduced hy a preface which admirably condenses Welsh history.

FRESHWATER FISH. I AS FOOD SUPPLY. I MR. SIDNEY ROBINSON'S QUESTION. I I In the House of Commons on Thursday last, Mr I Sidney Robinson, M.P., asked the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether any, and, if eo, what steps were being taken to make available for the nation's food supplies an additional amount of fresh- water fish dnrin" the coming season, sport for the time giving way to the national need? Sir Richard Winfrey: The Freshwater Fish Commit- tee, who have carefully examined the question, are clearly of opinion that little relief could be afforded from the freshwater fisheries of England and Wales. Difficulties. of labour, transport, and other facilities for collecting these scattered supplies art- such that to brin" the freshwater fish to the markets in commercial quantities appears to be practically impossible. In certain cases the Hoard have been able to assist local operations for increasing supplies from this source. A leaflet on the subject of the various methods of pre- paring and cooking freshwater fish has also been issued. The Board hope to receive very shortly from the Freshwater Fish Committee recommendations as to the extension in suitable cases of the open season for catching various kinds of freshwater fish. The commit- tee have also submitted to the Board a scheme for in- creasing the output of eels, aud the Hoard hope shortly to put their recommendations into effect. I

THE FARMERS' UNION. I BRANCH SECRETARY'S POSITION. J SPEECH BY BRECON AND RADNOR PRESIDENT. I Farmers in Brecon and Radnor will exceedingly regret to learn that, owing to a movement in Herefordshire to secure the services of Mr J. P. Griffiths as whole- time secretary for the county, the Brecon and Radnor Branch of the Farmers' Union is likely to lose his very valuable services. Both the South Hereford and the North Hereford branches have agreed upon this course, and, much as Mr Griffiths regrets the severance with the Brecon and Radnor Branch, it seems that he will find it to he in his interest to acquiesce. Speaking at the North Herefordshire meeting, which was held at Leominster, the President of the Brecon and Radnor Branch (Mr 0. W. Davies) said that he thought the great thing they should consider wa- mem- bership. That ?as the fir t thing they should COI1.' sider in their Union, as without numbers they cou!d do nothing. How could one-seventh of a great industry dictate to a Government? They only had one-seventh of the farmers as their members. Ihat was a. position which should he altered. He had away" thought that they hegan their Union on too low a memlversliip fee. Fancy asking a man to give 2/- a year to protect him- self. when the labouring man gave up to 30/- a year! They ought to have put the minimum at 10/- to start, and they would have thought more of it. (Hear, hear.) They wanted money badly—they could not do proper work without it. He agreed with what they were do- ing that day, as amalgamation would strengthen them very much. When they were one strong united body they would do wonders. They in Brecon and Radnor would be very lSorry to lose their Secretary, who wa.s also the Hereford-hire secretary. When he took over the duties. Brecon and Radnor had a membership of 300. now it was 010, thanks to the energy of Tr Grif. fiths. (Applau.se.) If every one of them would put his heart and soul into the matter they would make rapid progress. At those meetings they talked and did a good deal. and then forgot all about it till the next meeting. They should he working between the meet- ings He quite agreed that they should have a whole- time secretary for each Union, and. much a." he would regret losing the services of Mr Griffiths, lie would not say a word if it were for the benefit of the- Farmers' Union. (Applause.) He was glad North Herefordshire was going in for Parliamentary representation, a policy- lie had always advocated. From what he had heard they had selected an ideal man. He would be return- I'd "Ü they would ,q¡pport him loyally. Tllt'y IDlbt pllt their politics on the one side and work unitedly for their own cause. (Applause.) If they had been pro- perly organised before the war began, they would not have been dictated to as they had been. They were treated like a lot of little children. What other in- dustry. he asked, had been treated as they had been? If they had been organised matters would have been very different in regard to recruiting. He quite agreed that all young "A" men should fight for their country, hot the men in lower categories should not have been taken from the farm- to do work which they had not teen Used to. lie had no genuine labour on his 400- farm. He had to depend on -soldier labour. First of all he had a. grocer and a weaver from Manchester, and then he had a hairdresser and a carpenter. He- cently he had a communication from the War Office, asking him if the latter could plough, and if he were doing agricultural carpentry. After he had replied, the carpenter was taken away and a fisherman sent to him, and he had tried to teach him how to ploiigli-lie still had a bit of the plough left. (Laughter.) They must look to their interest after the war, for. unless they did. they would he put on the high shelf in the House of Commons and left there. Unless they help- ed themselves no one else was going to help them. They wanted to go in for more educational work at their meetings. But the one great thing at the present time was to get members. The first question to every farmer thev met ought to be, "Are you a. member of the Union." and. if the reply were in the negative, they should not. leave that man until he had become a member. (Applause.)

v CATERING FOR SPAS. I A RATIONING DIFFICULTY. I LLAXWRTYD WELLS PROPOSAL. I A meeting of the Llanwrtyd Wells Food Committee was held last week. Mr R. 1). Jone* presiding. Others present were Councillors 1>. I. Williams, J. Carey, Pughe Jones, J. Hope Davies, J. I>. Davies, G. Price, 1). J. Price and G. Davies. Mr Saunders Morgan proposed and it wa, se- conded by Mr D. I. Williams that in view of the ration- ing questions and owing to the similarity of the method of catering for the visitors at the Mid-Wales Spas, that at the earliest possible date a joint committee represent- ing Llandrindod Wells, Builtli Wells an(1 Llanwrtyd Wells, assemble to discuss the question of food supply and rationing of the visitors.

PRACTICAL GARDENING. I GLASBURV-ON-WYE LECTURES. I GROWING AND COOKING. I Two excellent lectures on horticulture were delivered by Mr Dudley V. H owells, F.R.H.S., of the Lniversity j college of Wales, Aberystwyth, at the Assembly Rooms, Glasburv-on-Wve, on Mondav and Tuesday evenings, the 18th and l!)th inst. The chair on each occasion \\a, taken bv Col. Fielden, lion, secretary Food Pro- duction Society. Though the attendance was. not so large as the impoitance of the subject and the able treatment of it by Mr Howells deserved, yet the lec- turer succeeded in greatly interesting tho.e who at- tended. At the close of each -lecture questions on practical gardening were fully answered. In the first lecture the speaker dealt with the sub- ject of how to produce the most out of the garden. He divided his subject into rotation, succes.-ion, and intcr- cropping. The rotation should be for three years: Potatoes, roots, such as carrot, beet, parsnip, onion. leek and celery; then greens, such as peas, bean*, and the cabbage tribes. In gardens early potatoes should have the preference and they should be planted about the middle of March, the Hoed having been sprouted nrst. an<) they ou?ht to be cleared about tl« middle of June, to. be succeeded by roots. If fros? ?hou)d be feared it wa.s a good plan to water the haulm early in the morning after a night of frost before the sun caused evaporation. It was also a .successful remedy to light a tire in the evening at four corners of the patch if frost thrtatened; any garden rubbish would do. straw, etc. the wind would cause the c-moke to be blown over the patch, and if carefully done the frost would he harm- less It was important to sow beans or cabbage be- tween rows of potatoes. Also in growing runner beans, if the plants were nipped as soon as they began to run a dwarf bean would result, which would do away with the necessity of providing stick-. The yield would in niustca.e.s be equal and even better than that secured in the ordinary way. These runner beans should he planted a foot from seed to seed, and the rows inserted between the potato rows which would of course be ar- ranged about 21 to 3 ft. apart, according to the height of the potato haulm. Valuable recipes were given to deal with the carrot and turnip flies, mildew in onions, and all garden pests. On Tuesday afternoon Mr Howells gave a demonstra- tion on urfit pruning and apple-treespra "ing at the Villa garden and orchard. ) On Tuesday evening the lecturer dealt with garden pests and how to deal with them. Votes of thanks I to Ali- Howells were proposed and seconded by Councillor Bayliss, and Mr McCormack and Rev. D. C. Lloyd. Col. Fielden invited members to join the Food Pro- I duction Society recently formed, and showed the ad- vantages to be. secured by cottagers and allotment holders who became members. The Cookery Van. The Cookery Van is at present at the Woodlands, the residence of Capt. and Mrs Synge. Miss Randall, 1 who is the able instructress, gives lessons to the school girls for a fortnight, their attendance heing reckoned as .school attendances. Much good work is being done in this way. The girls who have* gone, through the course, not only learn the best way of cooking, but are taught how to manage the utensils, and economist} in food material. Some girls have merited the warm appreciation of their employers, when in service, as the result of the instruction they have received. It -should be added that it is to the Radnorshire Edu- cation Authority the i,illage io, indebted for both the cookery and horticultural lectures.

A CALLING UP QUESTION. BRECON STUDENT AND THE MILITARY, At Brecon, on Wednesday, W. J. Roderick, a theo- logical student, was brought up charged under the Military Service Act, with being an absentee from the army. P.S. Evans said he received a warrant on Tuesday, and made enquiries at the Memorial College. De- fendant was not at home. About 1O-1,} on Wednes- day morning he saw him at the police station, and told him of the warrant, and detaiued him. Sergt. Duffy, of the National Service Offices, pro- duced documentary evidence to show that Roderick was called up to report at Forth in June, 1917, and was absent on that date. He was notified as an absentee to the police on 11 th July. Defendant, who said his permanent address was 12, Hill Street, Treherbert, said he had never" been properly called up. In 1915 he was engaged at Port Talbot in Y.M.C.A. work. Before the Tribunals he objected on conscience grounds, but volunteered for Red Cross work, and he understood he had been re- commended for that work. He subsequently reported himself at Cardiff, and was sent home, and later a letter was addressed to his house, but was not in his name. A policeman called at his house, and his mother said he was out preaching. He had heard no more about it. He was ready to do Red Cross work outside the army. Mr Morris (a magistrate): Do I understand that you refuse to do anything in connection with the mili- tary -That would not be exactly true. I am willing to do Red Cross work. The Mayor: We see there is no course open to us I tli.,tn to hand you over to the military. The Clerk And they have the option of course of putting you in a non-combatant corps if they wish.

Teachers' Salaries. I THE CASE FOR SMALLER SCHOOLS. I Sir,-It would appear that certain changes are im- minent in the salaries of teachers in the county of Brecon, and with a view to the adoption of an im- proved scale of -salaries, a certain number of teachers have been invited to confer with nominees of the Local Education Authority. In the past, no Education Anthority in the country rseems to have appreciated the true position and cir- cumstances of small and medium-sized *ehoote, espec- ially in the rural districts. The usual procedure seems to. have been to fix a certain salary for the larger schools, and then work down through an almost microscopical series of grades until a grade wa.s reached low enough to be allotted a .salarv as near to zero as possible. -Ii!A3. 1 be allowed to suggest that such a minute dif- ferentiation into so many grad, s is unjust and indefens- ible, if payment is to be commensurate with hard work and weight of responsibility. Let us consider (1) that in the smaller schools the ltead, teacher js not .simply responsible for the school a* a whole, but also i.s constantly in personal charge of a divi-ion (comprising often two or more standards). It tl):t) I)c incredible hut it is true, that there arc many cases of assistants in large schools, responsible for only one class, who earn more than some head-teachers in small and medium-sized school-. Yet there are those who wonder why small headships in the county often go a-begging. (2) The great majority of the head- teachers in the smaller schools will have to remain in these schools, as the number of larger schooUs available for promotion is hopelessly cut of proportion to the number (.f efficient and successful teachers qualified to applv for them. Why then penalise these teachers for the accident of their position. Their work is as arduoiKs and exacting as. that of teachers in a large school, while incentives in the way of" pay, social inter- cour-e iiiiii relaxation are less. (3) The teachers of small schools, although situated in rural districts, have to pay "up to the hilt" for commodities. It is quite all exploded myth, that for an ordinary pe;son. the cost of living in the country is lower than in the towns. In most cases it is higher. It did not require the War to demon-Irate this. Now- Nir Editor, it is up to the gentlemen above re- ferred to, especially t,he teacher representatives, to champion first, the caiise of the smaller schools, re- membering that "it is the little things that count." :tvl,l til at "if we take care of the pence, the pounds v.ill take care of themselves."—Yours, etc.. Fe'iranry 25th, 1918. Bucouc.

I HAY AND WAR SAVINGS. J COMMITTEE l-ORMED. At the Drill Hall, Hay, on Monday evening, a conference in connection with the National War Savings Association was held. The chairman was Councillor T. E. James, and the speakers, Miss Ashton Jones, who represented the National War Savings Committee and explained the functions of the Com mittee, and Mr A. Leonard (Brecon), County Secretary. After the addresses a discussion took place and the following resolution was adopted —" That this meeting having heard the statements made on behalf of the National War Savings Committee, decides to form a Representative Local Committee for Hay and district to encourage saving during the war and to promote the formation of War Savings Associations wherever possible in the district. It was decided to form a Committee in this town and the following were appointed to act on this committee with power to add to their number:— Treasurer, Mr W. O. Price (Broad Street), secretary, Mr Samson, Hon. Mabel Bailey, Mrs Lilwall, Miss Marwood, Rev. Idris Davies, Rev J. J. deWiuton, Rev W. E. T. Morgan, Messrs T. E. James, H. Morris, C. Jones, J. Cater, E. Stephens, II. R. Grant, A. Gwilliam, and T. Bonbow. At the close Councillor T. E. James proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the speakers who had given such excellent adresses.

Rector's Bereavement. I THE LATE IR". RICHARDS. LLAXFillAXGEL- I TALYLLYS. j With the deepest regret, we record the death of Mrs Richards, wife of the Rev. T. C. Richards. Rector, which took place on Friday afternoon last, after a pro- longed and painful illness. The deceased lady was very much respected in the neighbourhood, and for years had taken a very active part in parochial and churel; work, but of late, through, failing health, she wa.s obliged to refrain from duties of thi- chraacter. Her many kind and thoughtful acts to the and needy- will he long cherished by the parishioners. The deep- est- sympathy is expressed to the Rector and his two children in their Sorrow. The funeral took place on Tuesday and a public service was held at the Parish Church at 11 o'clock, after which the body was con- veyod to Cefn by the 12 train, for interment in the fam- ily vault.

Russian Finns I BEFORE TALGARTH MAGISTRATES. I At Talgarth, on Monday, before Mr E. Bntler and Mr W. Thomas, Auttie Himmarcn and Anvid Grangvist were brought up in custody and charged with being drunk and refusing to Iuit the Swan Hotel on Saturday night (Feb. 23) about 9-45. The two defendants are Russian Finns from the encamp- ment at Velindre, where they arc- engaged in timber- felling. Both defendants admitted the offence. Evidence was given by the landlord of the Swan," and P.s. Ren(U. The bench warned the defendants that if the same offence was repeated they would be more severely • dealt with. In this case they were fined 30s. each. I = I

I Builth Wells Funeral. i THE LATE MISS A. PRICE, ST. CLARIS. I The funeral of the late Miss Ann Price. St. Clare's, Garth Road, took place at Knighton Cemetery on Tuesday. Several We,~leyans and others met at the house to pay a last tribute of respect, and where also a short .service was held before the cortege left. Mr H..1. Garland conducted^ and Rev. Lewis James read the tfuth Psalm, Mr haMlld al-o .engaging in prayer. The well-known hymn, ".lesu, Lover of my sou! was sung with much feeling. Among those present at the house were Mr and Mrs Tulk, Mr .1. Hamar (BrOad Street). Mr J. Duggan, J.P., Mr Xiblett. Mrs J. Probert, Mr.s Nicholls, Mrs J. Morris (Holwood), Mrs A. Lewis and Mrs Owen. The remains were conveyed hy motor, tho-e following in the second car being Sir* Lloyd (St. ClareV, cousin), Mrs (Inspector) Evans (Oswestr>), Mrs Boulter (Cefny- bedd). Mrs Tulk and Rev. R. j. (iarland. In a third car were Inspector" I). Evans, Mr Frank Mills (Llan- driml.xl Well.-). Mr J. Newman (Builth Road), Mr Alfred Lewis and Mr Frank L. Morris. At Knighton Cemetery the cortege was met by Mrs Allc(,el,. )Tr, Al-ool (Ilrooint,), Mrs Cadwallader. Mr John Llojd (builder, Llandrindod), and Miss Sarah Lloyd (Knighton). Mr Ii. J. (iarland read the committal service at the grave. The coffin was of polished panelled oak with brass casket fittings, and, on the .shield, Mas inscril»ed. "Ann Price, died 20th February. 1018, aged 82 years." Mr Walter Lewfc conducted the funeral arrangements. Wreaths were placed on the grave as follow — "In loving memory of my dear cou-in." from Xancy. "In loving memory of our dear cousin." from Edie and A. M. Morgan, Hereford. "I" affectionate remembrance from all at Regent House. Llandrindod. "lit loiin, memory," Mr and Mrs F. L. Morris and little Gerald. "III loving memprv," from Mr an.1 Mrs Nicholls, Craig- las. "In loving memory." fr-sm Mr and Mi-s Jones. St. Ives. "In loving memory," from Sunny side.

I HEREFORD MARKET. Wednefday. A bright spring like morning favoured Hereford cattle market to-day, aud there was considerable activity. There was a fair supply of fat Vasts, ill- cluding several bulls, and South Wales dealers were prohibited buying. Some in-calf cows fetched good prices. Sheep were not very numerous, and good prices were obtained for ewes in lamb. Very few pigs were on offer.

I A Hint to Farmers. Owing to increased farm cultivation work. 3fareg in Foal will have to be worked harder thM year than ever, and there will be more risks of chills, &c., so better insure in any of the sound Insurance Companies. Ask for particulars, prospectuses, &c., &.s., to W. WILLIAMS, Accountant, Insurance, Estate, &c., At, Agent, Bryncchn, Scnnvbridge, and at 14, Ship Street. Brecon. b 711/58/313

i JUDGES' REMARKS. I i f INTERESTING COMPETITIONS. I Ploughing competitions, open to Builth Agricultural [ Show District- and the parish of Merthyr Cynog. took place on Llanelwedd farm (by permission of Mr H. T. Price, C.C.), on Wednesday. About 20 teams co nr- peted, there were numerous spectators, and ploughing generally was of a high standard. Judging was effect- ed by Mes-rs. Thomas Davies, J.P. (Vronolau), Isaac- Thomas (Caerau) and Edward Owens (Pencaerhelem). The whole cf prize-money was given by Mr H. T. Price. and secretarial dut.ies were discharged by Air J. A. Evans (auctioneer). Stewards were Messrs. Isaac Davies (Flora Villa), T. Jones (Cwmnantgwyn), A Jone, (Hafodranker), O. Morgans (Erwhelem), E. Janer; (Cnwchlloe) and T. Edwards (Park). Mr Pryce Dav- ies (.Caepandy) acted as general steward, and the pro eeeds were devoted to the funds of the Red-Cross Hospital.

THE AWARDS. Awards were:— Ploughing. Champion class One -third acre in mo-t workmanlike manner in 5 hours;.—1, £ 2, J. Parry, Llwyncadwgan. d d. 3. 1 0 divided Garth: 2. i-I. W. Davies, Dolinwydd; 3. 10/ divided between T. Williams, Penybont, Upper Chapel, and T. Pugh, rpper Chapel. Farmers, farmers' eons and waggoners, who had never won a first. prize, except in boys' cla-k-).aere in 5 hours.—1, £ -2, and 2, £1, divided between J. B. Jones, Pwllgwyn, and T. Rees, Court, Builth Road; 3, 10/ J. Griffin, Penlan, Upper Chapel. Boys under 20 (one-third acre in 5 houns).—1, JH II). Denni- Morgan, Cefngarth, Gwenddwr; 2, 15. Albert William-, Maescwrn. Live Weight Competition. Sheep (61 lbs.).—i and 2, divided between Evan Jonee, and A. J. Williams, Builth (61 lbs. each): 3, divided between Messrs. T. Davies. Vronolau. R. Price. Builth, and R. Williams, Builth. The. three last-named competitors returned their prize-money for the Red- Cross funds. A feature of the match were ploughing exhibitions of two lady land-workers, who were introduced into the district by :\1 is,. Hilda Vaugnan (organising ^ecretary for the county of Brecon Women's Labour Committee). One of the ladies had only ploughed for 5 days prior to her exhibition on the Llanelwedd ground. Distribution of Prizes. The prizes were distributed, at the Greyhound Hotel, in the evening, Mr H. T. Price, C.C. teliairman of or- ganising committee) presiding. The stewards, whose names are already mentioned, also acted as members of the committee. Immediately the prizes were handed to the success- ful competitors, Mr H. T. Price, C.C., expre^ed thank* to the- judges for taking up their responsibilities and discharging their duties in such an able manner. Be was also extremely thankful to the competitors who had tumid out that day in such a large number. < Ap- plause). It would he an omission on his part. if he did not also express thanks to the stewards for the part they had taken in the work. Four years had elapsed f-ince they had the last ploughing match at Builtli, owing to the war, and, as a favour to him, many of the competitors turned out that day. (Applause). He would not detain them any longer, but would call up- on the judge,. to deliver their remarks on the work. Ir J. Meredith Jones (London City and Midland Bank) said he wished to thank the committee, on be- half of Builth Wells Red-Cro^s Hospital, for devoting the proceeds (taken at the pate) towards the hospital. No balance-sheet had been i-sued in the past, owing to the expense that would be incurred in printing. The accounts, however, had always been audited by the mili- tary authorities, but, in future, things would be al- tered and he hoped to publish the accounts at an early date". Mr H. T. Price felt they should do what. they could to help such a worthy object- as the Red-Cross Hospital. Judges' Remarks. Mr Isaac Thomas remarked that the competition, on the whole, was a very good one. The winners of the first and second-prizes, in cla-s one, were excellent ploughmen and their work looked well. There were several good ploughmen, in the waggoners' class, and four or five of them ran one another very closely, but, in their opinion, t.wo of the competitors stood out con- spicuously above the others. Number 9 (class 2) pl011gh- ed very well, but his cop was rather wide and sonit- of his furrows somewhat .ha II ow. They had a. good deal of work in judging this class, and they found they were obliged to divide the first- and second prizes. The ploughing, in the champion class, w^ very good, end the more they looked at the work the more they liked it The winner of the chief-prize was a clear first, and did the very class of ploughing required. There were, however, a few weak furrows. The winner of the second prize, was, perhaps, a little more cloudy, and his cop was not so clean as that of the first. The plough- ing was very good, except in a few places. Mr Edward Owen concurred. lr Thomas Davies said the work was very satisfact- ory, and considered that. at present, they were in a very critical age, as the use of modern implements was becoming so general. Therefore, deep copping would militate against the use of machinery. The champion ploughman copped excellently, and cut out his work very cleanly, but, in the finishing up. he nearly spoiled himself for the want of time or using a little more judgment. Proceeding, Mr Davies referred to the wcrk done by a -soldier ploughman, and, -also, l,y the two women, and. after a few observations on their work, he said farmers were asked to increase production, and. if the land were not properly ploughed up, they would not secure an adequate yield. He was a member of the. Radnorshire War Executive Committee, and he had pointed cut how important it. was to keep skilled ploughmen on the farms. Farmers were now looked upon as the. second line of defence, but, before the war wa- over, probably they would be the first.

Brecon Borough Tribunal. A SHORT SITTING. Thrre A-it a sitting of the Brecon borough tribunal on Monday evening. :\1.emb(r pre.nt were the Mayor (who presided), Messrs. G. T. Jones, John Davies and James Morgan. There wert. eight eases. Charles Hy. Jenkins, compositor, etc., was granted temporary exemption to the il,t May. Charles Walters, King William Hotel. agricultural engine driver, who was represented by Mr Lewis W. H. Jones, said lie had heen rejected three times by the Medical Board and was now placed in Grade 3. Mr Jones contended that as applicant, was doing work of nat ional importance he should be left where he was. as if he were taken away he would not be able to look after hi" business. "r Best said according to a recent regulation a man must have been engaged in work of national impoitance before the commencement of the year. Temporary exemption was given to 30th April. Wm. Evan Williams, Rock and Castle, mast-er tiier and plasterer, for whom Mr Jones. Williams appeared, was given conditional exemption on condition- that lie confined himself to work on farm buildings for which lie had several contracts to carry out. The ease of Wm. Davies. hairdresser and tobacconist, grade 3. was adjourned for a month to give him the op- portunity of finding work of national importance. Applicant: ('an you give me any idea what work I am expected to take up ? The Major: I expect von will get some idea. Wm. Thomas Watkins (30), plumber and house df- corator. grade 3 (previously discharged unfit), Wius granted three months exemption. W. T. Jones (39), master printer, grade 3, was granted three months exemption. Arthur Boxall (41), build-r and decorator, for whom Mr Lev*is Joins appeared, was given conditional ex- emption. .kllwr-t Barrington (40). house decorator and plumber, was granted two months exemption.

Talgarth Funeral. THE LATE EX-P.C. DOYLE. The funerai of the late Ex-P.e. Dovle (of the Breeon- .s'nir^ Police) look place in the Talgarth Churchyard on Monday afternoon. A ditachnunt of the police, under Supt. Steven Jones, were present and acted a" bearer* and carried out the arrangements. The chief motirnere were the widow and three children. Very much sym- pathy was felt for the !>ereaved. The deceased was verv highly esteemed among all who knew him.

I RATIONING. I Brecon Urban and Rural Scheme. The Brecon Urban and Rural Food Control Committees have adopted a scheme of rationing for Butter, Margarine, Tea and Meat, and forms of application are now in the hands of the public. Householders are earnestly requested to carefully read the instructions on page 3 before filling in the forms. This is most important—and the forms should be returned without delay to the Food Control Office of the district in which the householder resides. 937-02

SUPPLY OF RABBITS. I BUILTH RURAL FOOD COMMITTEE. I Present at a meeting of Builth Rural Pood Com- I mittee, on Monday, were Mr T. Pugh (in the chair), Mrs S. M. Bligh, and Messrs D. Davies, T. Mapp, James Jones, David Jones, D. Wooding, and W. W. Lennard (executive officer). Mr W. W. Lennard reported that the appointment of executive officcr to the committee was a little out of order. He had been appointed by the council, whereas the appointment should have been made by the committee, and suggested that the error be recti- fied by a formal appointment at that meeting. The committee unanimously agreed to Mr Lennard's suggestion, and he was then formally appointed. A letter was next read in respect to the Rabbit Prices Order, when the Ministry of Food asked that the committee should send a statement (as nearly correct as possible) concerning the number of rabbits from the vicinity which entered the local markets. Mr Pugh: They are not very plentiful just now, and it is nearly the end of the rabbit season. The matter then dropped.

BRECON F. C.C. I Popular Lectures. I VISIT OF REV. T. FERRIER IIULME. I The third of a series of lectures, under the auspices of the Brecon Free Church Council, was given to a crowded congregation at the Lion Street, Wesley Chapel, on Tuesday evening, when Rev. T. Ferrier Hulme, M.A., Bristol, lectured on Venture and Adventure in the 18th Century." It was altogether a brilliant lecture—clever and instructive. Mr Hulme, a whole-hearted admirer and disciple of John Wesley, gave delightful" snapshots" of the great evangelist's life and times, from which he drew many a valuable lesson applicable to the present day. If the religious revival of Whittield and Wesley had so great and im- portant an influence upon the national life of those days, how much more needed was a revival in these days. With industrial revolution and reconstruction, regeneration and a regenerated nation were needed.. They had a goodly heritage. He hoped those who had entered into it would not be satisfied in these days in living upon their reputation, but that by the blessing of God they would live and act up to it. Mr Eviiii Morgan, J.P., presided and extended on behalf of the Free Churches of the town and congrega- tion hearty thanks to Mr Hulme for his instructive and inspiring lecture. The meeting was opened with the singing of a hymn, and prayer offered by the Rev. D. J. Henry. These series of lectures have been immense- ly popular. The laf-t takes place .on the alth prox. when the Rev. R. R. Roberts, Cardiff, will lecture.

The Late Dr. J. F. Herring. HIS BUILTH ASSOCIATIONS. The older inhabitants of Builth and neighbourhood will near, with regret, of the death of 1)1-1. F. Herring, which took place on' the 27th ult^ at the aue of 7rt. The' doctor, was a native of Sunderland, and received hi-s medical training at Edinburgh. After some ex- perience a- an assistant in North W¡II. and elsewhere, lie ca'nie to Ituilth as a young man to take over the practice of Dr. Jones, whieh he extended and carried Oil with much success for many years. He was also joint medical officer to the Huili.il Union. I)r. Herring was. a very able, versatile ami genial man, who gave his .enke.; freely to promote the public welfare, and enjoyed the confidence and respect of all classes. He wa.s a prominent Freemason, was associated with the management of the Endowed School, and took an active part in the affairs of St. Mary's Church. In politics he wa*S a Liberal, and was an excellent public speaker on political and other topics. He was concerned in the organisation, about 1S79. of some of the most notable concerts ever held in the town, in which Mr James SIUN-agv, Miss Mary Davies and other leading r-inger- of that day took part. He wa.s also one of the promot- ers of several successful dog and poultry shows, and wa." himself, an exhibitor of poultry. Mrs-" Herring died in 1885, and, in the following year, the (loetor removed with hi.s three children to Ather- stone, where he entered into a partner-hip practice j anii-earricol on his work until failing health compelled him to retire a little time ago. He leaves a widow and j a grown-up family.

Grounds of Exemption. I BUILTH RURAL TRIBUNAL. I Mr Roger Evans presided over a meeting of the I Builth Rural Tribunal on Monday. Others present were Messrs T. Pugh, D. Davies, R, Powell, J. Jones, D. Davies, J. J. Hope, 0. Samuel (agricultural repre- sentative), C. W. Woosnam (National Service repre- sentative) and W. W. Lonnard (clerk). Mr C. W. Woosnam sa:d that he had been asked by the Director of Recruiting to make an appeal to the Tribunal that in all cases, where decisions were made by them, that they should mention the conditions and grounds of exemption, and not to give any decision to men who had not troubled to till in their papers coriectly. This the tribunal agreed to do. Conditional Exemptions. I Condittonal exemption was granted to the following I men under grade A (work of National importance), providing they remained in their present occupation, and in cases where applicants did not hold the usual voucher, conditional exemption was only granted on the understanding it would be applied for :—David Lewis, 18, single, waggoner and shepherd, Penbank, Llanwrtyd William Dean, 18, single, waggoner, Nantgwyn, Llysdinam Rees Price, general farm hand, Caerau Charles, Evans, 18, single, waggoner and ploughman, Llwycynnr, Newbridge-on-Wye David Arthur Evans, 24, ploughman and waggoner, Llanafan. Garth: Edward Brown. 18, single, wagT; goner, Cefn poeth, Garth; and David Cyril Richards (grade 3), age 27, general farm worker, Dolalle, Llanafan. The appeal for Amos Worthing, age 21, single, waggoner, Llanafan, Garth, was not dealt with as the tribunal had no jurisdiction to accept an appeal out of date. Conditional exemption was also granted to A. J. Jones, Bridgend House, Erwood, carpenter and wheel- wright, and to Albert Edward Jones, butcher, Sunny- bank, Builth Wells.