Abergavenny Chronicle

—'— — VIVE LE GENERAL FRENCH. FIELD-MARSHAL'S GREAT RECEP. TION IN PARIS. field-Marshal Sir John French, Comman. of the British Expeditionary arrived at the headquarters of the Fro::ch army on Saturday morning having crossed the Channel from Dover in a British ciuiser. Shortly after midnight on Saturday the Field-Marshal arrived in Paris to call on the President, and was given an enthusiastic welcome by the It-Ople. The British Commander was received by many distinguished officers of the French General Stall, with Sir Francis Bertie, the British Ambassador. As Sir John stepped from the train, he was greeted with a roar of cheering for England, for France, for King George, and for himself. Over and above the cheering rose the strains of the English National Ant hem, sung with much fervour by the members of the British colony. The British Ambassador made a series of pesentations to the British commander. The scene that followed as Sir John drove t-o the British Embassy is thus described by the "Petit Parisien": "Then amongst this palpitating crowd, no longer able to restrain its enthusiasm, there arose a movement which broke down all barriers and forced the police to fall back. The English General's motor-car was sur- rounded. and a great clamour arose—the utterance from thousands of throats of cries of 'Vive le general French!' 'Vive l' Angle- t.?rre!' 'Vive la France!' And women and children held at arm's length, threw into the carriage flowers, tricolour cockades, minia- ture English flags. It was a scene of deep emotion." Sir John was frantically acclaimed all along the route. He rested at the Embassy, and on Sunday visited the Elysee Palace and had a long interview with President Poincare. 1,

FRENCH IN n ALSACE. I GERMAN ARMY CORPS DRIVEN BACK. TOWNS OCCUPIED. I On the Eastern frontier the French Army has advanced into Upper Alsace, driving back a Bavarian Army Corps after three days of fighting. The Official Press Bureau issued the following statements on Saturday and Sun- day Saturday, 12.30 p.m.—The enemy's offen- sive is for the moment arrested in Hauto Alsace, and there arc indications that the French have progressed on that side. The French troops arc advancing into the high Alsatian valleys of the Vosges. The occupation of the Saales region was announced yesterday. Since then French troops have entered the town itself, driving out the Germans and collecting the sets of kit abandoned by the fugitives. In Woevre, in the Department of the Meuse, the French fired at and brought down a hostile aero- plane which was hovering at a height of about 1.000 metres, and contained two Ger- man officers, who were taken prisoners. In the same district a battalion of light in- fantry (Cliasseurs-a-pied) put to flight a battalion of Landwehr, taking forty pri- soners. Belgian cavalry continues to be successful in the neighlxmrhood of Hasselt. Saturday, 3.20 p.in.-N--o news of special importance has come to hand, but indica tions are pointing to an intention on the part of the Germans to endeavour to en- velope the extreme left of the allied forces. There have been engagements at one or two points, but these appear to have been in the main outpost affairs. GERMANS FEAR THE BAYONET. I News from official sources continues to indicate that the French and Belgian artillery is proving superior to the Ger- mans', and also that the German infantry do not determinedly face the bayonet. Saturday, 8.15 p.m.: (1) In connection with the operations now in progress on the western frontier of Ger- many, it is learnt from official sources that French aeroplanes have obtained several successes. At IN-o-el a German aeroplane threw three bombs among French troops without injury to anyone. (2) The German authorities have expelled from Metz 2,000 people, and have driven them across to French territory on the ground that they would otherwise have had to be fed. (3) It has now become clear that the sur- prise attack originally contemplated in the direction of Nancy had, owing to the strength of the French advance, to be be abandoned. In addition, the resistance of tho Liege forts and the intervention of the French cavalry have had the result of detaining the Germans for eight days on the line of the Meuse. Consequently the French have been able to carry out their mobilisa- tion and concentration without hindrance. The fears which have at times been enter- tained as to the confusion into which a suc- cessful German invasion might throw the French system of concentration have been definitely set at rest. Sunday, 5.15 p.m.—The Germans in Bel- gium are suffering from a scarcity of horses, thousands of which have been killed or taken by the Belgians. They are unable to obtain more from Germany, and are greatly inconvenienced by the shortage. A state of siege has been officially pro- claimed in Bulgaria. Sunday, 7 p.m.—French and Bavarian troops engaged one another in an action of some consequence in the region of Blamont- Cirey-Avricourt. The French were com- pletely successful, capturing the villages of Blamont and Cirey and the heights of Andela. The Germans, who sustained heavy loses, were driven back, leaving their dead" and wounded. The French continued to advance to the Vosges, and hsvo reoccu- pied Thann. FRENCH ADVANCING. I Further French successes on the eastern frontier are reported in the official com- munique issued in Paris at midnight on Monday. The communique says: "The movement forward of French troops has developed all along the front, from Rechicourt to Sa,int«-Marie-aux-Mines. In the Vosges the French have captured Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines and advanced into the neighbourhood of Sainte-Blaise. The French troops which occupied Donon have moved forward. In the Schirmeck valley especially their progress has been extremely rapid. A thousand prisoners have been t&ken, in addition to the five hundred who were captured previously. Large quantities of equipment have been abandoned by the enemy. In this district, as at Saint-Marie, the French have taken some heavy artillery, field guns, and ammunition wagons. In the neighbourhood of Blamont and Cirey the French lines have bee/t carried forward up to Lorquin, and the convoy of a division of German oavalry, which included nine- teen motor-wagons, has been captured." VILLAGE PRIEST'S STORY. I It is announced officially that a further rapid advance of the French troops has driven back +he Bavarian corps which on Saturday had retired before them near Cirey. The positions now occupied by the French are beyond the frontier. The cure of Pillon, in the Metz district, has made a deposition conceruJÍng German atrocities (say* s the "Morning Post" correspondent). On August 10, fifteen Germans entered his house and pointed their rifles at him. He was dragged into the road and brought be- fore the General. On the way there he was hurried along with the butts of his captors' rifles. When he stopped they hit him. He took out his handkerchief, and they confis- cated it. He shouted: "You are a set of brutes! Take me before one of your officers who s peaks French." An ofifcer replied in French: "It is all up with you." A French Rh.pll burst not far from the German troops. The Germans tJhrc-v themselves down, but compelled the priest to remain standing. When they reached the General, he said: "I am well" aware that you did not fire on us, but you are the soul of the resistance, and I am going to burn the village." First fifteen houses were set alight, and then the rest. In the meantime the priest was kept standing for two hours in the sun. Privates and officers insulted him in French and in German. When he protested they covered him with their rifles. The officers said to him, "See how it burns. That is an excel- lent piece of work. The French are savages," and from time to time they added: "We are going to shoot you." Under his eyes the soldiers devoured ali they had stolen from the village, and gave him noth- ing to eat or drink. Finally an officer told the priest: "We shall take you with us." In fact, throughout the engagement ihe was kept in the German ranks under the French fire with a sentinel to guard him. At six o'clock in the evening the Germans were beaten, and fled. The cu-e succeeded in escaping, not without having seen a German soldier kill with a rifle shot a native of Pillon who was hiding behind a hedge. ——- 0-

FIGHT AT DINANT. I There was a sharp engagement between French and German advance guards at Dinant. The Germans were in force, they attacked the French position with quick- firing guns. The French artillery replied, and the Germans were drivefi back with great Ices. Many hundreds of horses were captured by the French, who afterwards occupied both banks of the Meuse. Dinant, which is well known to tourists, is eighteen miles south of Namur, and eight miles from the French frontier. An official communique issued in Paris on Monday night states that the German force; consisted of a division of the cavalry of the guard, the first division of cavalry sup- ported by several battalions of infantry, and machine gun units. When these forces were on the left bank the French, troops attacked them. The attack was pressed furwrad with splendid dash and soon forced the to retreat. They crossed over the Meuse in great disorder. Several of them were rn- able to reach the bridge and fell into the Meuse, which flows swiftly between steep banks. Some were drowned. Taking advan- tage of the disorder a French mounted Chasseur regiment crossed the river in pur- suit of the Germans and pressed hard on their rear for several kilometres. This regiment was seen to put in flight and drive before it a force of cavalry numerically very superior.

FIGHTING IN ALSACE. I FRENCH AIRMAN DROPS BOMBS ON METZ. The town of Saales, in Alsace, is still occupied by the French, says the "Morning Post" correspondent. The French artillery took the Germans in the rear. At Saales heaps of abandoned equipment, indicating a precipitate flight by the Germans, have been found. In the Woevre valley a German aeroplane was brought down by the French, and its two officers were captured, the motor of the machine having been hit. A French aero- plane met a German machine, fired on it, and put it to flight. At Woel, in the Fresnes canton of the Meuse district, a Ger- man aeroplane threw three bombs on the troops. The official communique issued this after- noon states: "The following are the details concerning the splendid exploit of two French aviators at Metz. Lieutenant Cesari and Corporal Prudhommeau, flying single- handed on their aeroplanes, left Verdun on Friday afternoon at 5.30 with instructions to reconnoitre and if possible to-destroy the Frascati airship shed at Metz. The aviators reached the line of the forts, the lieutenant flying over 8,000 ft. up and the corporal about 7,000ft. They were received by in- cessant gunfire. Surrounded by a swarm of bursting projectiles they stuck to their course. A short time before getting above their objective the lieutenant's motor stopped. Not wishing to land without effect- ing his' mission, the aviator made a vol- plane, and while doing so he dropped his projectile with perfect coolness. "Shortly after the motor picked up again. The corporal had also dropped his projec- tile. Neither he nor the lieutenant could observe exactly amid the smoke of the enemy's fire the exact point at which they fell. But the corporal belicad that he had reached his target. They continued to be fired on by the German artillery while they were flying over six miles of country. Several hundred projectiles were fired on the two aviators, who returned unharmed. The account of their exploit is to be read officially before the army." GERMAN GENERAL WOUNDED. I An important engagement has taken place in the neighbourhood of Blamont, Cirey, and Avricourt, on the Lorraine border, in which the French met one of the Bavarian Army Corps. The villages of Blamont and Cirey and the heights beyond have been taken brilliantly. At the moment the Ger- man columns are retiring, leaving behind them their dead, wounded, and prisoners. The French troops are continuing to ad- vance into the Upper Vosges, where the Germans are retiring. In Upper Alsace Thann has been recaptured by the French troops. The prisoners captured there stated that General von Deimling, who is in com- mand of the Fifteenth Army Corps, and had his headquarters at Thann, had been wounded at Sainte Blaise, in the Valley of the Bruche. A German flag has been cap. tured. GERMAN ARMY CORPS DEFEATED. I The official communique states that the engagement at Blamont and Cirey already referred to, was especially brilliant. On Friday evening one of the French divisions began the attack. The enemy was strongly entrenched by outworks in front of Blar mont. The German outposts have been driven back and the attack was not resumed until daybreak. At dawn the French re- sumed the offensive. In the morning an in- fantry action, supported by cavalry, cap- tured Blamont Viev. The German forces, believed to be a Bavarian army corps, occu- pied the heights commanding the north side of these two places. But the French troops carried out a double flanking movement, which forced the Bavarians to retire towards Saarburg. The engagement waE keen and the flanking operation was ex- cellently carried out. The Germans suffered severe losses both while defending Blamont and Cirey and in defending the heights. The moral of the Freuch troops is excellent. The keenness and spirit of the French wounded is beyond all praise. —— 0-

HOLDING THE PASSES. I The official Press Bureau has issued the following account of the fighting on the eastern borders of France: After a successful resistance of five days at the Passes of Sainte Marie aux Mines and Le Bonhomme, the French troops have occupied the region of the Saales Pauses, which commands the valley of Bruche, an affluent of the Rhine. At Saales numerous desertions from the German troops are notified.. The French have taken many prisoners and have cap- tured some machine guns. German cavalry patrols are now re- ported north of Montmedy. By their success at the passes the French troops hold the crest of the Vosges, the mountainous barrier between Alsace and France. Saales, where a whole German section, with machine guns, was captured, is a frontier village in Alsace. Montmedy is in France, near the Luxemburg border. A number of spies were caught red- handed during these operations. They were taken before a court-martial, and several, including the Mayor and the postmaster, of Thann, were shot. .—— —-

THE WAR IN THE AIR. I French official reports state that the air- men have been of incalculable service to the French forces. A French airman reconnoitring in Lor- raine was pursued by two German aero- planes. The German machines were manned by three soldiers with repeating rifles. Though they were stronger and faster than the French machine, the French aviator escaped, regaining the French lines safely. In the fighting near Diest three German aeroplanes were destroyed by Belgian fire. Two of the aviators were killed and the third was wounded. A German aeroplane flying the French I flag dropped three bombs over the station at Vesoul, about thirty-five miles to the west of Belfort, and two over the station at Lure, about twenty miles north-west of Bel- fort. The damage done was only slight.

BATTLE OF HAELEN. I HEAVY GERMAN LOSSES IN CAVALRY I ENCOUNTERS. German cavalry, supported by horse artil- lery and machine guns, made a dash upon the villages of Diest and Haelen, in the en- deavour to break through the Belgian force barring their way to Brussels. They were repulsed with heavy loss. At Eghezee the Belgians captured machine guns mounted on motors. The "Times" correspondent says It seems that near Diest the Germans lost three-fifths of their effectives. To reach Diest the enemy had to cross either the Gethe, near Haelen, or the Velp, neaT Cortenaeken. The Belgians occupied both places, putting in position their horse artil- lery, building barricades, and digging trenches. Towards eleven o'clock in the morning the enemy appeared on the road from Stevoort to Haelen. The Belgians allowed them to advance, but the Belgian artillery was far better served than the German. At two o'clock the Belgian cavalry charged in small detachments across fields, the nature of which was not suitable for deployment. The encounters were of remarkable violence. Time parsed and the Germans made no pro- ? gress. They had already lost many men and disdained to take cover. The Belgians manoeuvred against them, and they, for their part, did not seem at all inclined to change their formation to suit the circum- stances. The Germans without hesitation sacrificed their men and they were continu- ally replaced by others. There followed then a terrible attack against the barricades, which the German cavalry attempted to remove by force. The Belgians methodically decimated them. The attacks on the bridges of the Gethe and the Velp were as savage a.s those on the barricades. The officers pressed their men forward. Corpses were piled on the bridges. ? this moment on the road from Herck to aclen a long column of German cavalry showed itself in front of the Belgian mitrail- leuses. Men and horses fell like flies until the order was givjn to retire. Cortenaeken was attacked by the Germans with the same fury and the same result. At 6 o'clock the discomfiture of the Germans was complete. At Haelen the 4th Lancers charged the Ger- man mitrailleuses, thus allowing the Belgian infantry to take the enemy in the flank. I OFFICIAL VERSION. I After to-day's meeting of the Belgian Military Cabinet the Minister of War issued the following statement: — The victory gained by our troops yesterday is officially confirmed. There were engaged only one division of cavalry and one mixed brigade. The German losses were such that about three-fifths of the effective troops were killed or wounded. On our side the losses were comparatively slight, some soldiers being killed in the cavalry division. To-day there has been reported an offensive movement on the part of the troops beaten yesterday, probably with the object of taking back the wounded and the dead, and the aban- doned arms. We now fear no surprise. If there should be a fresh attack on us it would be victoriously repulsed. The Cabinet state also that Uhlans, accom- panied by automobile machine-guns, making a raid on Brussels from the south, were beaten this morning near Eghezee (ten miles north of Namur). The German losses were very severe, and the Belgians captured the automobile machine-gun. Brussels has no longer any need to fear a raid, as the Germans to the north were de- feated yesterday and in the south to-day. Be- sides. every approach to Brussels is protected by the Civil Guard. I MURDEROUS BELGIAN FIRE. I Mt. M. H. Donohoe, the Chronicle" cor- respondent says: The advance of the German cavalry was covered by a heavy artillery fire, to which Belgian guns, advantageously posted, re- pied, causing considerable loss to the in- vaders. A force consisting of Dragoons, two fluid guns, and four machine guns, made a bold dash upon Diest, hoping, no doubt, to surprise the town. They would probably have succeeded but for the splen- did bravery of the military, assisted by the Civil Guard. The German column, advancing at full gallop, reached a small village about a mile and a half from Diest. Here had been erected a barricade of farm wagons, while the road immediately in front had been torn up, making the advance of cavalry im- possible. Behind this hasty fortification a mixed force of Belgians with machine guns was entrenched. A murderous fire was opened on the Prussian dragoons, who were absolutely without cover of any kind. Under the rain of Belgian bullets the force was speedily decimated. The surviving Germans, be it said, fought with great bravery. They entrenched themselves be- hind the rampart of dead horses and dead comrades. They fought with desperate courage, as will men who are driven tQ. bay and bent on selling their lives as dearly as possible. A VERITABLE MASSACRE. I The Belgians, believing the enemy's re- sistance was at an end, impulsively rushed from behind their barricades, and were im- mediately subjected to a hot fire, which occasioned some losses. However, a field gun was brought up and trained on the enemy, and in a few minutes all was over, the surviving Germans being killed or wounded or put to flight. Eight wounded cavalrymen attempted to escape, but their already exhausted horses were unable to take them quickly enough out of range of the Belgian bullets, and they were speedily shot down. This last phrase of the fight had been a veritable massacre. MOWED DOWN BY MACHINE-GUNS. I The Soir," a Brussels journal, publishes a vivid account of the battle at Haelen. The Germans evidently wanted to carry the Bel- gian positions by slieer numbers, attacking again and again, in spite of the losses, in dense formations. As one row was mowed down another took its place from behind. The enemy's difficulties were increased by the lack of roads and the consequent necessity of always advancing in deep masses. The losses of the Germans were enormous, but they continued to press their attack, so that at one moment the Herck-Haelen road presented the sight of a veritable hecatomb. A long column of German cavalry, trying to turn the flank, suddenly found itself fcce to face with the Belgian machine guns and rushed forward recklessly. They met a veri- table butchery. Men and horses fell like so many flies until the force was decimated and the order was given to them to withdraw.

AUSTRIAN CRUISER SUNK. I The Official Press Bureau issued the fol- lowing statement at half-past three on Monday afternoon: The French fleet in the Mediterranean have made a sweep up of the Adriatic as far as Cattaro, and a small Austrian cruiser of the Aspern type was fired on and sunk. The Aspern and her class are vessels of 2,400 tons, with a speed of about 18 knote. They carry eight 4.7in. guns, and are pro- tected with a 2in. armoured steel deck amid- ships. They were built about fourteen years ago. .—— ——

JAPANS ULTIMATUM TO GERMANY. It was announced on Sunday that Japan had sent to Germany an ultimatum demand- ing the withdrawal of all German warships from the Far East and the surrender of Kiao-Chau with a view to its restitution to China. Kiao-Cliau has been German terri- tory since 1898. The Press Bureau issued the following° statement on Monday night: The Governments of Great Britain and Japan, having been in communication with each other, are of opinion that it is neces- sary for each to take action to protect the general interests in the Far East qontem- plated by the Anglo-Japanese Alliance, keeping specially in view the independence and integrity of China, as provided for in that Agreement. It is understood that the action of Japan will not extend to the Pacific Ocean beyond the China Seas, except in so far as it may be necessary to protect Japanese shipping lines in the Pacific. nor beyond Asiatic waters westward of China Seas, or to any foreign territory except territory in German occupation or on the continent of Eastern Asia.

RUSSIAN OFFER TO POLAND. I A proclamation has been addressed by the Tsar to the Polish population of Russia, Germany, and Austria, declaring his inten- tion to restore the territorial integrity of Poland, with complete self-government. Poland came to an end as an indendent state in 1772, and the territory was divided among Russia, Austria, and Prussia, the final adjustment being made in 1815. Poland is nearly five times tho size of Eng- land ancl IVades.

HOW THE GOEBEN ESCAPED. I INVITATION TO SINGLE COMBAT REJECTED. The official Press Bureau states that there is no reason to doubt that the Turkish Government is about to replace the German officers and crew of the Goeben and Breslau with Turkish officers and crews. The ships are in the Dardanelles. The Telegraph" correspondent at Malta sends an interesting story of their pursuit and escape. WTier. the German shins were hugging the Italian shores (says the message), a French army corps had to be transported from Africa to France, and, our ships being allotted the duty of warding off any sort of interference with this all-important opera- tion, were assigned a position between Italy and the line of transportation. The German warships must have won- j dered why they were left alone, although the plucky Gloucester got a smack at the Breslau, and would have sunk or captured her had not the big Goeben hurried to the rescue. The operation rf conveying the French army corps from A frica to France having been most successfully carried out, our Fleet in part could now give its attention to the German vessels. It was learned that the Goeben and Breslau were at Syra, and the British vessels directed their course thither. The Germans, however, hid themselves amongst the Cyclades and Sporad es Islands. Our ships, scattering, searched for them, but it was like looking for a needle in a bundle of hay. Intercepted messages presently proved that they weT discovered, and they fled in a very prudent fashion, believing tha-t our whole Fleet was at their heels, whereas only small vessels, which they could have scat- tered and dropped to the bottom of the sea, were after them with bulldog temper and tenacity. The purpose of capture was baffled by the Germans' entrance into the Dardanelles. Before this, however, the Goeben is said to have been given an opportunity which she rejected, of single combat with one of our big ships.

BASELESS RUMOURS. The Press Bureau on Friday night issued the following:— The public are warned against placing the slighest reliance on the many rumours that are current daily regarding alleged victories or defeats and the arrival of wounded or disabled ships in this country. These are without exception baseless. The public may be confident that any news of successes or reverses to the British arms will be communicated officially without delay.

GERMAN ARMED SHIP CAPTURED. The Official Press Bureau issued the fol- lowing on Friday night:— The Secretary of State for the Colonies has been informed by the Governor of Nyasaland that on Thursday morning the N vasa-land Government armed steamer Gwendolen completely surprised the Ger- man Government armed steamer Von Wissman at Sphinx Haven, on the eastern shore of Lake Nyasa. The engines and guns were removed from the Von Wiss- man, and the master engineers and mechanics taken prisoner.

PRINCE OF WALES'S FUND. The Prince of Wales has intimated that he will be responsible for the whole of the working expenses of the National Relief Fund which he has organised, so that the whole of the contributions, without deduc- tion, will be available for the relief of dis- tress. The Prince's announcement is made in a letter to those who are working for the fund. In this communication His Royal Highness expresses his thanks, and adds: The splendid gifts which are being received from rich and poor alike, and the touching letters and telegrams by which the offerings are accompanied, have moved His Royal Highness more than he can say.

IRISH LOYALTY. I MR. REDMOND AND THE VOLUN. I TEERS. Mr. John Redmond on Sunday presented colours to the Maryborough Corps of the Irish Volunteers. In addressing the men afterwards Mr. Redmond said recently he took the liberty of saying in the English Parliament that for the first time in the history of the connection between Ireland and England it was safe for England to-day to withdraw her armed troops from our country, and that the sons of Ireland them- selves would stand shoulder to shoulder to preserve the good order and peace of Ire- land, and defend her shores against any foreign force. From every part of Ireland he had re- ceived assurances from the Irish Volunteers that they accepted his suggestion, and they were ready to fulfil the duty that he indi- cated. It would be possible very shortly to present the volunteers with several thou- sand rifles, and in addition to that, he had information to the effect that the Govern- ment-which had withdrawn its troops from Ireland, and had refused to send English Territorials to take their place, and had publicly declared its intention to entrust the defence of Ireland to the Irish Volun- teers—were about to arm and drill large numbers of Irish Volunteers. With the rifles which were being supplied from various other quarters, and with the arms which would be supplied from the Government, the day was near, he believed, when every Irish Volunteer would have a rifle in his possession. That meant a grave responsibility. A body of men armed, if it was not steady, sober, disciplined, and obedient to orders without questioning, was a danger to itself and a danger to the community. They could only be of assistance to their country if they were a steady, sober, hard-working, and disciplined force. "You ought to be proud," concluded Mr. Redmond, "you, the sons and grandsons of the men who were shot down for daring to arm themselves, ought to be proud of the fact that you have lived to see the day when, with the goodwill of the democracy of England, you are arming yourselves in the light of heaven, and when in all your actions you can feel that you have at your back and on your side the sympathy of every nation in the world, and the goodwill, at long last, thanks be to God, of the people of England an d Great Britain."

When the Dutch steamer Kangean arrived at Amsterdam on Monday from Hamburg the captain stated that on leaving the Elbe he and his crew were sent below and the vessel was navigated by German officers and sailors until clear of the river

OUR CHILDREN'S CORNER. BY UNCLK RALPH. My DEAR CHILDREN,— I expect many of you are still away oiL your holidays, but once again I would remind you not to forget the Holiday Com- petition, which promises to be a real success, and which is open to all members of the.- Children's Corner Union until September- 17th. Remember, I have six beautiful prizes waiting for the fortunate winners. I feel quite proud of some of our members for the way hi which they have most un- selfishly shared their boxes of chocolates with their brothers and sisters, and school chums. This is just what I expected of you. Here is another Puzzle Story Competition, which I am sure will please you, and those who are not successful with the first story will have another opportunity of winning one of the three prizes that I am offering each week. The closing date for this Com- petition is August 27th. There are -still quite a number of our members who have not asked me to send them a Membership Card, and as I so much want you all to have the rules before you, I hope those who have not yet secured one wil: send a stamp for postage when they nexf write to me. With love to all, Ever your affectionate UNCLE RALPH. THB CHILDREN'S CORNER UNION. FOUNDED BY UNCLE RALPH. (Open to Boy* and Girl. under 15 years ) Please enrol me as a Member of the CCU." I My age is years. Name Addres* Late When eigned poet to UNCLE RALPH, 8, LA BZLLS SAUTAGE, LOUDON, B.C. Members desiring an illuminated membership card. suitable for framing, should enclose penny stamp with this form. I ANSWERS TO LETTERS. MARY WILSON: So glad to hear you re- ceived your prize safely, and that you are sharing same with your friends. ELSIE BARKER: I am glad to have your letter, Elsie, and to know that your brother and sister are now eo much better. Your mem- bership card has been posted. I am sorry I have not room for any more riddles at present. G WEN ARBER Thank you very much for your letter, Gwen. Your number is 257. You are quite an old member. NORA GOLIGHTLY: So glad to hear from you once again Nora. I thought you had forgotten me. Thank you very much for your kind wishes. WINNIE SADLER: Thanks very much for your nice letter. I hope you will enjoy your holidays. Your membership number is 1188. ESTELLE WILLIAMS Glad to hear you were so pleased with your prize. Yes, you must certainly try again. KATHLEEN LINE: So glad to hear you liked the chocolates. I hope you will have a good time with your cousins, and shall look forward to your entry for the Holiday Competition. CHILDREN'S CORNER UNION. Founded by UNCLE RALPH. Open to all Boy* and Girla under 15 yaari of age. RULES OF MEMBERSHIP. 1. To do a good turn to someone every day. 2. To be bright and sunny from morning till night. 3. To be kind and considerate to others. 4. To be truthful, honest and diligent. 5. To be unselfish in thought and action. 6. To be kind to all animals. UNCLE RALPH'S I PUZZLE STORY COMPETITION. No. 2. I xxxx the cat's cradle I know, With pleasure and price xxxx ago— It xxxxxx such a wonderful thing, Contrived from a xxxx piece of string t. The cat's xxxxxx brings to my mind A time that is left xxx bchind- A pleasure, dear children, I xxxx When I was as xxxxxx as you! I LETTERS FROM MEMBERS OF THE CHILDREN'S CORNER UNION. Dear Uncle Ralph,—I received your very- nice box of chocolates this morning quite safely, and thank you very much for same. I intend sharing them with the choir on Wednesday evening at practice. If ever you come this way I shall be very pleased to show you through the church, and give you a very hearty welcome at our cottage. Be- lieve me, dear Uucle Ralph, Ever your affectionate niece, MARY WILSON. Dear Uncle Ralph,—It is several weeks since I wrote to you, but I have been ill, so have not felt up to letter writing. I am better now. We broke up for our holidays last Tuesday for five weeks. I will write and tell you all about them in a few weeks' time. As I write I am thinking of takings Daddy's tea, which I do every afternoon. I hope this letter will find you quite well. Your loving niece, GWEN ABBEB. Dear Uncle Ralph,—I received my choco- lates on Saturday morning, with many thanks. I gave my father and mother some, and my sisters and brothers as well. They all said how nice they were. I was not ex- pecting them this morning. We are having very wet weather here, but when it was fine a little while to-day I went to pick up some corn off the field for our chickens. We generally call it gleaning. When I took my lot I gathered home, then my sister Elsie brought a lot home. I like gleaning very much, and I am going- to gather a lot more on Monday now we, have got five weeks' holiday. Now I must close. With best love from Your affectionate niece, ANNa: AVES. Dear Uncle Ralph,-Thank you very much for the Fountain Pen. I was very delighted to receive it, an d think I am a very lucky- little girl, as it is the first time I have tried T ior one. iL am writing this letter with it. I like your letters and stories in the C.C.U., and look forward to having the paper every week. I hope you will have a nice holiday. My pen wants to go on writing, but I am afraid you will be tired of reading, so I will close. With love from Your affectionate niece, CHRISTABEL NORTHCOTT. New Members: 2598, Alma Turner; 2599, Henry Fearon; 2GOO, Nellie Olds.

Hull Fish Merchants' Protection Association have decided to forward a guarantee to the Government undertaking that they will make no attempt to corner supplies, and will not purchase fish to place in cold stores with the object of enhancing prices. It was stated at a meeting at Bromley, in aid of the Red Cross Society, that a string of hospitals was being organised throughout Kent, with rest stations to supply stimulants to the wounded as they passed. Mr. Wheeler Bennett offered his house as a hospital and 45M.