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

BLINDED SOLDIERS IN THE WAR BUILTH WELLS EFFORT. Mr Sidney R. Phillips, Woodlands, Buiith Wells, JKJS received the following letter :— Dear Mr Phillips,—I was very pleased indeed to receive from Mr Meredith Jones a cheque for zC89 5s 3d towards the fund of zlic National Carol League, this amount being the result of your Carol'Lieague Campaign in Buiith Wells. I am very pleased indeed that yotr efforts have been so well rewarded, and I want to thank you and your helpers very warmly indeed for the practical and most sympaiahctic ÜJtereglC which you ;have, taken in the new arrivals in the strange wor\l of the blind, who have given their sight for the Empire. I am, indeed, grateful to the people of BuiVch Wells for the splendid response which they have made to your most able appeal on our behalf, and I would like I to take this opportunity of convey- ing to thean, my vexy warmest thanks a'nd ap- preciation of their most generous assistance. Whilst not in any way seeking to minimise the terrible blow that the gallant men at St. Dunstan's have suffered, and which they tare bearing with magnificent fortitude and courage, I think it will gratify the kirtlMielpei-s in youi town to know that at St. DunstanV'fche will to live ga.ily and bravely i's dominant. It is the home of men who, in learning to be blind, are. learning to live art the time independently, helped by the exterior aids which men and women similarly bereft of eight hare perfected in paO yearn. The help 'which has been given to us by the people of Buiith Weils to make as happy as possi-ble, first the re- education, and afterwiaadg the home lives of these brave men, is most, gracefully appreciated by all of us h ere. Youra sincerely, I ARTHUR PEARSON blOCl/47/383 (President).

DAVIES—POWELL.—March 22, at Neston Parish Church, by Itlm Rev. C. Brooke-Gwynne, Capt. Leonard Twiston Davies, E.G.A., younger eon of Mr and Mrs W. L. Davies, The Grey House, Neston, to Gwendoline Mary, only daughter of W. J. Powell, "Glanusk," Neston, Cheshire. blO-58/64/283 Heaths* GRIFFITHS.—On 26t.ll March, Charles Griffiths, of Eliusleigh, Hay, aged 86 years. 1063/63/283 -\IR. Talglai4ib, IR. FRED T. MORGAN, Regent Street, Ta]g1àúh, and family, wish to thank all the kind friends who sent floral tributes and letters of sympathy in their recent sad bereavement. 1057/64/283 The family of the late Mr John Evan-s, Glasbury, wish to thank all kind friends and neighbours for their sympathy, and those who attended the funeral and also for beautiful flora,l tributes. 636p/283 MR THOMAS DAVIES (London) wishes to thank his many friends for the messages of sympathy extended to him in his recent bereavement; also, for the beautiful floral tributes. M072/64/283

—— SPECIAL NOTICE. —— Owing to the Cambrian Mail Train leaving Brecon at 5.10 p.m., instead of 5.35, we shall from our next week's issue have to go to press earlier. Advertisements should be sent as early in the week as possible. We cannot guarantee to insert advertisements that reach us after 12 o'olock on Tuesdays for the "Radnor Express" and 12 on Wednesdays for the "Brecon and Radnor Express."

A BRECON SUGGESTION. A few weeks ago we commenced in this column on the work and usefulness of Chambers of Trade. That such bodies are of benefit to the trade and welfare of a town there as little doubt, and, we are glad that the newly-elected President of the Brecon Chamber in his presidential address last week :took the same view. With the laudiable desire that the Chamber should do serious and use- ful work during the ensuing year, Mr Jones Parry threw out various suggestions. One, if carried out, must materially benefit traders generally, namely, the idea that Chambers of Trade should arrange for winter courses of lectures by men from large- commercial centres, and who have been trained in their special line of business. It is a capkal suggestion and one from which only good can result. Such lectures, which would be open to all the tradesmen and their employees, in towns such as Brecon and Buiith, would prove of the highest educative value, since they would bring tradesmen into closer touch with the up-to-date method., adopted in the busier centres, and prepare them for the keen competition which must come in the future. Mr Jones Parry also drew atcen- tion to another matter, namely, the duty of the large and influential business men to undertake their responsibilities in 'the management of the town's administrative affairs. Everyone will agree with his views, but we scarcely think they are applicable to the Brecon Chamber of Trade. It has been the boast of that Chamber fc,lia;t of re- cent years the gentleman who has filled the Mayoralty has been one of their number. As a matter of fact the present muyor is a member of 'the Cl)-iiiiiber. Taking a hasty glance back we think that the trade of Brecon has had a very fair representation on the borough council. Wha-t we would like -to see, however, and what the Chamber of Trade might press for, as a revision of the elec- toral system so far as Brecon is concerned, by which the town may be divided into wards, as other towns are, for municipal electoral purposes. We believe that a more satisfactory representation would be obtained were this method adopted. The primary object of Chambers of Trade is the im- provement of a. town's business. In this the Brecon Chamber has done much good work since its inception. Under its new President-, who has drawn out a programme, each item of which can be discussed with profit, and with an increasing membership, the Chamber is likely to continue to thoroughly justify i\s existence.

BRECON AEROPLANE WEEK. PREPARING FOR A BIG EFFORT. Brecon is to have its Aeroplane Week, to pro- 1 mote local investment in War Bonds. The District War Savings Committee, who were asked by the authorities to hake the matter in hand, have appointed a special War Bonds Sub- Committee to make the arrangements. This 6ub-committee met for the first lime on Friday evening last in the Council Chamber and uilaiv :ino!?]y elected the Mayor (Mr W. F. Parry de Winton) 'as their chairman. After a free discussion as to the best daires, it was agreed to have the Aeroplane Week from Friday, April 12th, to Saturday, April 20th, and to hold two public meetings on the opening day, one for dw COUlt-ry people at market in the after- noon, and the other for townspeople at night. Mr Sidney Robinson, the member for the countv, has promised to attend, and a. special speaker -ivl'll a lso be obtained. There is also good ground for be- lieving that an aeropade m-l'i be sen1, here to fly over the town. We understand that Brecon is expected to find £ 25,000 in its "week," equal to the cost of a squadron of ten aeroplanes of a certain 'type. Those informed say that there is no doubt about the £ 25,000. But X25,000 is not going to satisfy the War Bofids Sub-Committee, nor do we believe fr will satisfy the public. The example of Abergavenny alone will be sufficient to make Breconians determine to go a long way beyond the exact sum expected of them.

I SMASHED THE WINDOWS. LLECHFAEN WOMAN'S OFFENCE. At Brecon on Monday, before Mr W. F. Parry de Winton and Dr. Rees, Esther Clam Parr, formerly living at Pendovery Cottage, now at Llechfaen, was brought up charged with stealing two augurs, value ()8., the property of D. R. Meredith, New House, Llanwern, and also with doing malicious damage to the windows of his property to the extent of 12s. Mr Meredith said he was a farmer, and now was tenant of the house at Pendovery, which the defendant occupied till the previous Thursday. The augurs with some sacks of seed oats were left in a spare room at Pendovery. He missed them on Sunday last. Whilst he was waiting for the police constable at Llechfaen on Monday he saw defendant with a bag. Asked what she had in it she said Nothing." He took the two augurs from the bag, saying they were his property. She replied, "I If it is your property you can have them." Prosecutor said since he had recovered them sliemight go free, whereupon defendant said I shall smash every window you got." When he got back to Pendovery lie found that this had been done, ten panes of glass haviug been broken. Defendant said, I will have a bit of my own back." P.C. Morris, Llanfihangel-Talyllyn, gave evidence. Defendant, who, by her manner in court, appeared to be a very excitable woman, strenuously denied that she had stolen the augurs or smashed the windows. She was bent to prison for a calendar month.

I TEACHER ASSAULTED. I Irate Mother Fined. I ——— j BRECON MAGISTRATES' WARNING. I I At the Brecon borough police court, on Monday, I I before Messrs James Morgan (in the chair), William Williams, J. C. B. Morris, Evan Morgan, W. J. Nott, and Dr Francis, Esther Lewis, Mill Street, was summoned by Miss E. M. Morgan, headmistress of the Girls' Postern School, for assaulting her. I Mr A. Jolly, who appeared for complainant, said this was a charge of assault which was somewhat different to those which had occupied the attention of their worships reeently, being of a much more serious character, not from the injuries sustained by com- plainant but owing to the circumstances under which the assault was committed. Mr Jolly outlined the facts and said it was absolutely necessary that a firm hand should be kept over children if the education they were receiving was going to do them any good at ¡' all. Teachers had very difficult tasks to perforin and they were doing their best to carry them out and they should be fully supported and protected. Miss Morgan said Mary Lewis, aged 12, a daughter of the defendant, was a pupil of the school. Her ex- perience was that as long as she kept a firm hand over her she had little to complain of, but if she relaxed in any way she got more insolence than any teacher could put up with. On Wednesday evening last she • received a message that the girl was not coming to school. In the afternoon she asked her the reason for her absence. She replied very insolently,which led her (Miss Morgan) to punish her, not for her absence but for her insolence. She gave her a cut on the hand with the cane and the child immediately started shouting at her before the two classes in the room. That meant that the discipline of the whole school was gone if she allowed such conduct to pass. The child refused to again bold out her hand and she caned her on the arm. She then sent the girl to her (the mis- tress') room until four o'clock, when she demanded an apology and sent her home. When complainant waa at home about 4.30, a knock came to the door and she answered it. Defendant was at the door and asked her if she had struck her child in school ? She replied that she had punished the child for insubordination. Defendant thereupon struck her in the face. She called Mibs Bennett, who lived with her, to the door. Defendant used threats and abusive language, and she ordered her from the door. Atter some little delay she went. Complainant reported the matter to the Education Office. She had had nothing to do with defendant before in any way and had re- ceived no comp'aints as to the manner in which she had enforced the discipline of the school. [ Cross-examined by defendant, complainant said she simply told her to go from the door. She told defend- ant that if the child was insubordinate she would punish her again. j Miss Bennett said she heard the blow struck by defendant, and also heard her threaten Miss Morgan ¡ several times. Defendant was very abusive. Mary Lewis, called by defendant, said that when Miss Morgan told her mother she:would cut" her again, her mother smacked her across the face. Miss Morgan spat at her mother. Mr Jolly: I don't propose to ask her any questions. She simply corroborates complainant's evidence. Defendant, in a statement to the bench, said "that when she was coming down the street she heard her child crying, and upon her asking what was the matter, she said teacher has just kilt me." (Laughter). When she went to see complainant she alleged that Miss Morgan spat in her face, and said she would do it again. I only smacked her across the face," said defendant, "and called her a cheeky The Chairman said the bench decided to fine de- fendant £ 1 5s., or intdefault one month's imprison- ment, and to bind her over for a term of six months in the sum of 45 to keep the peace. If ever she came before them again on a similar charge they would send her to prison. They were determined to support teachers, who had a very difficult task to perform, as defendant's child's unruly conduct showed. Defendant: For taking my child's part, and for her spitting in my face. The Chairman: I don't believe your story at alL Defendant asked for time to pay the fine, and was granted a month.

I CRICKHOWELL RESIDENT. t I The Late Mr John Evans.. I I FAMOUS OLD MARKSMAN. I The death occurred on Friday last, of Mr John Evaus, for many years an ironmonger and who latterly carried on business as a tinsmith. lie was of Crick- howell and had attained the age of 77 years. The late Mr Evans was well known and highly esteemed in the district. He was the eldest son of the late Mr Daniel Evans, ironmonger, and his only brother is Mr D. D. Evans, school attendance officer. A few ?n's ago he celebrated his golden wedding, and his^fe died a little over a year ago. Deceased was an old Volunteer of repute, and in his day a noted marksman. He won the County Bronze medallUld several trophies, and invariably found a place in repre- sentative shooting teams. On his retirement with the rank of Quarter-Master Sergeant, he was presented with a sword of honour by the Crickhowell Company. Mr Evans was a familiar figure at the annual Court Leets and will be much missed from the life of the town. Tj'he funeral took place on Monday, at St. Edmunors Church Cemetery, the Rector, the Rev. H. P. Somerset, M.A. officiating.

I Sennybridge Welsh Society. I I mn-L DEWI SAXT CELEBRATION. I Owing to the fact that there swas an eisteddfod held on the 1st March in the locality, the members of the Devynock, Sennybridge and District Welsli Society had to make arrangements to celebrate the festival of the Welsh patron taint on the 14th inst., when the presi- dent of the scciety, Mr Evan Davies, Post Office, pre- sided in a very able manner. His opening address was full of Welsh national spirit. The Welfh harp was one of the great attractions of the meeting, it being played in a ma.-t able way by that clever young well- known harpist, Mr Tom Ikvan ("Telynor Amman"), Glanaman. The ^xiety had been fortunate in Myurinp some of the finest penillion singers in South Wale* in the persons of Mr Edgar Thomas, Pontardulais, and Mr James, of Pontlottyn, who kept the huge audience, which tilled the hall, to its utmost capacity in it very happy mood all through the evening. A little maid. Miss Rachel Davies, of Pontlottyn, a pupil of Mr James, greatly entertained the erowd singing Wels-h folk-lore <song.s with the harp, and dre«(id in Welsh costume, while Mr James Davies ("lago Dafydd") and Mr G. T. Jcne> ("Madog Fyehan") gave excellent. bardic addresses. Mr Jones also recited two classical WetsJi cGmpo5itiGn, The soloists were Mr Evan Evaw, of lire-coii, and Mr Rhys Thomas, of Pontardalais, who rendered in fine style some of the fine,t WeWi solas and drew the highest approat from the audienee in t'ne-cre, In an interval a very pleasant function was perform- ed In the way of a presentation to Pte. Melvilto Evan. of the M.T.C., son of Mr and Mrs Alfred Evans, Sennybridge, who was home cn leave from Franec. He was presented with the u-sual guinea which is given by the Devynock and Sennybridge Presentation Fund Committee to every soldier from the district who mtum; from the front. The presentation was made by Mr Jenkin Williams, J.P., Trephilip, who expressed his plea-sure at having such a pleasant duty to perform, and Dr. Jones also spoke. Private Evans returned thanks in a most suitable manner. The general feeling of all who attended the celebra- tion was that there never was. held in the place Mich a patriotic celebration and of such a high order. The haH was decora ted hy ?tis? "VCnifam-s. Tr?phUtp (?r?e also ably and willingly pre.sided at the piano). 11m k Williams, Devynock,-Mills, Miss Davies, Post Offlee, "Mis-s Jones, Blaenaii, and Mr James Davies, Devynock, and the work had been most artistically earned out. The Welsh mottoes, of which there was a large sum- her put around the walls of the hall, were made by Mr James Davies. A Tot-e of thanks to those who had taken part was proposed hy the Rev. Ogwen Davies, Cray, seemded by Miss Jones, Blaenau, and a similar vote WSJS (oLC- corded the chairman, proposed by Dr. W. R. Jeaes, and seconded by the Rev. Owen Evans. g

HEREFORD MARKET. I » 1111 ■ » WJ There wns a very small market at Hereford to-day. As is usual the week before Easter, most of the eattle were stores and two-year-olds went at thirty down to twenty pounds. Cows with calves made good prices. Sheep trade was not active, stores selling at fifty-five to sixty-five. Good calves made about four pounds. Small store pigs realised round about fifty shillings each, and very small ones, thirty-lire.

I BUILTH WELLS FUNERAL, r THE LATE MR JOHN ROBERTS. A familiar figure in Builth Wells was laid to rest on the 10th inst., 1B the person of Mr John Roberts (Maes-y-graig), who died on Tuesday week, after only two days' illness. A short service was conducted in the house by Rev. Lewis Beynon before the cortege left for Horeb Congregational Church burial-ground. Rev. Lewis Beynon, assisted by Revs, R. A. Howells and Lewis James, officiated at the funeral service. The following well-known hymne, were sung to favourite tunes of the deceased gentleman, "Guide me, 0 Thou Great Jehovah," "For ever with the Lord," "Jesn, Lover of BIJ: soul," and "Lead kindly light." As the cortege entered the church. Miss M. J. Pugh (organist) played "0 re-st in the Lord," followed by the "Dead March in Saul." Rev. Lewis Beynon. who spoke from the wotdi, "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord," said the loss to the Church and Sunday School, through the death of the late Mr Roberts, was very great, but that it would be a -source of great comfort to the mourners and friends that they could always think of the departed as having been faithful until death, and that there could be no"80ubt about his having passed to his reward. The following were the chief mourners, viz., Miss L. Roberts, Mr* A. Spounetr and Mrs Ernest Jones (daugh- ters), Rev. D. J. Roberts, Bristol, and Mr John Roberttt, London (sons), Mr Ernest Jones (son-in-law), Mr B. Riberts, Rev. John Gregory, Mrs Thomas Gregory, and Mrs Isaac Gregory, Swansea. The bearers were Messrs. W. Powell, T. Jones, F. Davies, D. Samuel, J. Rice and Edward Davies. Wreaths were sent as follow:- "With affectionate remembrance and deep sorrow," from the children (a harp with broken string). "With deep sorrow and great sympathy," from Mrs (Captain) Abner Roberts. "With grateful remembrance and much sympathy," from Horeb Congregational ehurch and Sunday School. "With sinoerest sympathy," from Mrs Meeson and Miss Powell (King's head). "With deepest sympathy," from Mr and Mrs Tom Jones and family, Brook land House. A bunch of flowers to "Dear Mr Roberts," from Arthur. The late Mr Roberts was a well-known figure in Builth and was, for a number of years, deacon at Horeb Con- gregational Church, and teacher in the Sunday sehool. His death will be very much deplored by a wide circle of friends and is a distinct loss to Nonconformity. Three of his sons, who r- a.icay Irving King and country, were unable to attend the funeral through the exigeu- cies of military duties. The coffin was of polished oak with brass fittings, and had inscribed upon the shield: "John Roberts, died March 12th, 1918, aged 75 years." The duties of undertaker were most efficiently carried out by Mr Percy Davi", (Glantroyddin). An Appreciation. A correspondent writesTouching references to the late Mr John Roberts were made at Horeb weekly prayer meeting on Tuesday night, where he was a regular at- tendant, and often took part. He greatly enjoyed the singing of the hymns (Moody and Sankey) and would often, at the finish, repeat the last chorus and particul- arly did he sing in the spirit the Tuesday night before be died, leading off for the 4th time the refrain, "Hiding in Thee, hiding in Thee, Thou blest Rock of Age!, I'm hiding in Thee." There was a marked feeling amongst everyone present that Mr Roberts wa6 in the spirit, but little did they think it was the last service he would ever attend. After, his death one to the other remarked of his great earnestness in prayer and how sincerely and meaningly he entered into the devotions. The correspondence con- rlmd,es:- "In praise did he worship. The great King of Love, NVw he sings with the Angels, In the Eden Above.

WESLEYAN CIRCUIT. MARCH QUARTERLY MEETING. The March quarterly meeting of the Llandrindod Wells and Brecon Circuit was held at Brecon. The superintendent minister, Rev. J. Reeves Brown, pre- sided. There was a large gathering. The financial statement, as touching the circuit as a whole,, was considered satisfactory. Temperance re- turns and Sunday school statistics were also encourag- ing. A hearty welcome was accorded to Pa-,tor C. W. Senior, who has come to take charge of the Hay Wes- leyan Church. To the great regret of the company, the Chairmaa signified his intention of retiring from the active minis- try at the enduing conference, after 49 years' ser- vice in the Connexion. It is probable that Mr Brown wiil be succeeded at Llandrindod Wells by the Rer. J. Wesley Hughes, of East Cornwall. Mr and Mrs Wm. Morris, with their wonted generos- ity, entertained the meeting to tea, and, on the pro- position of the Rev. J. R. Brown, were accorded the hearty thanks of the company.

Builth Competitive Meeting. INTERESTING PROGRAMME. An interesting competitive meeting, in connection with the League of Young Worshippers, was held at Alpha Presybterian Lecture Hall. Buiith. on Wednesday evening. There was a large attendance, and a very pleasant and instructive evening 6oon clipped awaj. The programme was a bright and original one. Home of the items being a little out of the ordinary run. These included car tests and reading of music at first sight, and, as the adjudicator remarked, it would be a good thing for the Churches if such competitive items were more frequent than what- they were. Adjudicators were:—Music, Mr W. H. Hughes (L]aB- drindod), and literature and music, Rev. Stephen George, B.A. (Llandrindod Wells). The proceedings were conducted by Rev. Lewis James and Mr A. P. Morgan. The awards were as follow:- liest ktter, written to a soldier at the front- Divided between Miss D. Richards and Miss. EiletI Eadie. Children"* recitation, "Tale,IIt. Master Ralpji Weatberley; 2nd, prize divided hetween Misses Ena Meeson, Mona Weatherley and Nellie Pugh. Ttisre were 21 entries for this item, and the adjudicator con- gratulated the children upon the very creditable man- Iter in which they recited. Reading music at first sight.—Miss Gwyneth Edward*. Ear left (or musical clietation).-I, Miss Gwynetfc Edwards; 2, Master Jack Vest. Ghildrell's recitatioi, "There's something good to 1M IiWd. "—1, )IiAA Gwyneth Edwards; 2. divided be- tween Misses Violet Jarman and Agnes BuftoJt. Children's solo, "The lamb. "-1, Miss Gwyneth Eè, wards; 2, divided be-tween}Iif! Eva and Dorothy Ua.()n. Six questions on the "Life of Nehemiah."—1. Miss E. James; 2, Miss Gwjneth Edwards Juvenile choir. "There is a green hill far awav.J, Junior Children's Choir, conducted by Miss Gwynetfe Edwards; 2. Senior Children's Choir, conducted by Miss Emily James. Unpunctuated reading.-Master Wyuston Richards. Children's recitation, "Don't trouile tro-uble.I, Master Willie Pugh; and 2, Master Willie Buftoo. Solo (adults), "I love to hear the story."—1, Mis* Olive Weatherley; 2, Miss Vest (Oakland), Impromptu speech, "The League of Young War- hij}jJers. "1 i." Eileen Eadie. Solo, were pleasingly rendered by Miss S. PuilC and Mrs Williams. Miss Rhoda Jones presided at the piano. Mr A. P. Morgan said he would like to thank tile adjudicators for the very able manner in which ttiew had carried out their duties. He wais pleased with tit* good things which they had said about the different competitors, and they were much indebted to them far their presence that evening. Rev. Lewis James, in seconding, wished to thank all those that had contributed to the success of the evea ing. and added that these meetings were not arranged merely to win prizes, but for the sake of good mifci* and literature. A very successful event row closed with the sinjrimg cf the National Anthem.

I The Late Mrs Eleanor M. Horner. FUNERAL AT BrILTH WELLS. We regret to announce the death of Mrs Eleanar Maud Horner (daughter of Mr and Mrs Hamar, Glaa- bran, Buiith Wells), who passed away at Hereford op the ]0th inst., after It lingering illness. The remains were conveyed from Hereford to Builtfc en the 15th inlt., and were met by a large numtwr tttf friends and townspeople, who accompanied the fnneral to St. Mary's Church. The cortege was met at the south gate by Rev. S. H. Wenham and the church choir, whilst appropriate music was. played an the organ by Mr Sydney R. Phillips. The 39th Psalm was chanted, and the well-known bymn, "Peaoe, perfect peace" (one of the deceased's favoured hymns) was also sung. Rev. S. H. Wenhium conducted the service both in church and at the grave- side. Several floral tributes were placed on the gTave,.chiefly from the mourners, viz., Mr Horner, Hereford (buf- band), Mr and Mr! Hama?(fathfr ?nd mother). Messrs. Stanley, ]rt, J?ck and* Harry Hamar (i,rothe"), Misse.s Peggy and Elsie Hamar (sisters), Mr and Mrs Griffiths, Eardisland (sister and brothcr-in law). Mr and Mrs Ray Willis (lister and brother-in-law), Mrs Mainwaring (sister), Mrs Horner (mother-in-lawl, Mr Hamer, Rhayader (uncle), Cousin Jennie, and Mr$ Thomas, Talgarth. The bearers were the deeeased brothers, viz., Messrs. Stanley, Bert, Jack and Harry Hamar. The cof- fin was of polished oak. with brass fittings, and had inscribed upon the shield, "Eleanor Maud Homw, died 10th l-Iareh, 1918, aged 24 years." Mr Walter J. Lewis tarried out the funeral arranea- Keats the Builtti end.