Abergavenny Chronicle

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9 NOTES ON NEWS. It would probably not have occurred to most of us before the war that in the event CENSORED WEATHER REPORTS I of hostilities a censorship would be exercised over weather reports. Such a censorship has, however, been in operation for some tme, and it would appear to have been amply justified. Germany has just lost two more of her much-vaunted Zeppelins, and, if report speaks truly, their fate is directly due to the weather report censorship. The two airships were cruising above the North Sea, doing their best to assist in the submarine blockade of our coasts. They would prob- ably have dropped a bomb or two upon peace- ful merchant ships if the opportunity had come their way. It did not, however, and the Zeppelins themselves were overtaken by a snow squall. The weather was fine when they left the German coast, and, owing to the lack of English weather reports," the wind and the snow which met them over the North Sea came as a very unpleasant sur- prise. If our weather reports had mentioned, as in the days before the war, the direction of the wind, the airmen would have known what to expect; and would not have put to sea, for it is well known that bad weather spells disaster for Zeppelins. In a number of counties farmers cffcve decided to increase the wages of their labourers from one to threj FARM LABOURERS' WAGES. shillings per week. It is much to be hoped that farmers in all parts of the country will do likewise, for labourers and their wives and families must be feeling the pinch of war prices very badly. The question of the labourer's wage came up in the debate on food prices in. the House of Commons, and an assurance was given that the Board of Agriculture is using its influence to raise the statue and the wage of the agricultural labourer. There was some straight talk from Mr. Austen Chamberlain, who had something to say about low-paid labour, which, he urged, is never economical, to whatever purpose applied. The vety low wages paid in some places were insufficient to enable men to maintain themselves at full physical efficiency, and he WJUJ convinced that it would in. the long run prove profitable to farmers to pay higher wages. Mr. Chamber- lain is, of course, a Birmingham member, and Birmingham is not precisely a rural con- stituency. Nevertheless, in urging the claims of the farm labourer he has set an example which members from county divisions, who have labourers among their constituents, may very well follow. There does not seem to be any enthusiasm at the War Office with regard to the Volun- teer movement. The official VOLUNTEERS AND THE WAR OFFICE. attitude seems to be one of I frigid tolerance. The Volun- I teers may go on drilling if I it interests them to do so; the War Office does not object to that, so long as the conditions it lays down are strictly observed. The Volunteers are told with official curtness of several things which cannot be permitted, but no indication is given as to how the members of the organi- sation may be of use to the country, though to be of some use, and to play some part in the general scheme of defence, is what of all things they most desire. Men of military age must not be members unless they agree to join the Regular Forces if called upon to do so. Members must not wear dress which is not clearly distinguishable from that of the Regular Forces, and the accepted military ranks and titles must not be used. No arms, ammunition, or clothing ar3 to be supplied to them from public sources. Recruiting officers may visit corps at any time to recruit any member found eligible for Army service. These regulations and restrictions may be necessary and proper, but it does not seem unreasonable to suggest that the Volunteers, tiwjM- enthvuiia&aj and .patriotic feeling, should receive some more aelfiIfte recognition, so that they may feel that their efforts are not wasted, but are beings directed to some definite and useful object. No doubt the inclusion in the corps of men of military age presents a difficulty. If the ar Office insisted upon these beingl excluded, and then gave the Volunteers a recognised place in the scheme of home defence, it would be more satisfactory than the present condition of things. "I regard it as most unfortunate, says Sir John French, "that circumstances have HEROES OF THE WAR. prevented any account or many splendid instances of courage and endurance, in I the face of almost un- paralleled hardship and fatigue in war, coming regularly to the knowledge of the public." That is the pity of it. It is right that our rewards for valour, the Victoria Cross and the D.S.O., and the rest should not be made cheap and awarded by the thousand, as Iron Crosses are be- stowed in Germany; but there must be por- formed in Flanders every day, nay, every hour, deeds of heroism unnoticed and unre- corded which, if they were only known, would Jpin for the doers honour and the pride and admiration of their countrymen,. Among thOSe deeds which are recorded are some which, even in the cold official report, are as ?°S as any ever recorded in a boy's book ot F adventure. Take, for instance, the case of ?geant Michael O'Leary, of the Irish Guards who carried a barricade single? ?hand?ed killing five Germans, and then at- tacked a second barricade, sixty yards further on, and captured it, killing three more Germans and making two others pri- soners. Shaw the Lifeguardsman, who per- formed deeds of valour at Waterloo, and has been a circus hero ever since, must give place now to Sergeant Michael O'Leary, of the Irish Guards. I Germany, according to Mr. W. J. Maiden, the well-known writer on farming topics, is FIGHTING on POTATOES. fighting this war on potatoes. In the course of a very in- teresting letter in the "Morning Post," Mr. Mai- den says he pointed out ten years ago that they would do so in their next war. "The Germans harvested the pro- duce of 8,000,000 acres of potatoes last autumn, and for more than ten years they have been storing away enormous quantities of potato products. They are using them now, EO that other foodstuffs shall not be short; they have known they would do so for far more than ten years. And they are using large quantities of alcohol for mechani- cal, lighting, and other purposes. Germany is not going to be starved yet, and the -potato will play a big part in preventing it." Mr. Maiden says he gave this information to our Government at request many years ago, when urging the value of the potato as food in time of war and as a means of motive power-alcohol derived from potatoes being used as motor spirit. Our Government, he says, ignored his advice, while the Germans have long ago recognised the Value of the potato. Mr. Maiden declares that in issuing their orders for the use of potato products, they are nob admitting to snort supplies of food, but are simply bluffing us. The letter is on the subject of sugar-beet growing, and for this to be successful, says Mr. Maiden, it must be worked with potatoes groira for in- dustrial purposes.

:&t & meeting of the Municipal Reform Party on the London County Council Mr. Cyril Jackson resigned the leadership, and r. R. C. Norman waa unanimously elected alt his place. .Three coaches of a passeager train from lverpool overturned at the points on the Worth-Eastern Railway near Leeds, and four Paaecngera were injured. Some naval and "tary officers in the train were unhurt. The Danish National Bank lias received bk in gold from the Deutsche Reich <- bank, Germany, receiving paper jnflsej in

j WILHELMINA'S CARGO. I SIR EDWARD GREY'S REPLY TO AMERICA. Sir Edward Grey, in his reply to the American Note on the subject of the grain ship Wilhelmina, says that at the time when the Government gave directions foi the seizure of the cargo of the Wilhelmina as contraband they had before them the text of the decree made by the German Federal Council on January 25, under which all grain and flour imported intc Germany after January 31 was declared deliverable only to certain organisations under direct Government control or tc municipal authorities. By a subsequent decree, dated February 6, the above provision of the previous decree was repealed, it would appear for the ex- press purpose of rendering difficult the anticipated proceedings against the Wilhel- mina. The repeal was not known to our Government at the time of detention of the cargo. Sir Edward proceeM:- "How far the ostensible exception of im- ported supplies from the general Govern- ment monopoly of all grain and flour set up by the German Government may affect the question of the contraband nature of the shipment seized is a matter which will most suitably be investigated by the Prize Court. "It is, however, necessary to state that the German decree is not the only ground on which the submission of the cargo of the Wilhelmina to a Prize Court is justified. The German Government have in public announcements claimed to treat practically every town or port on the English east coast as a fortified place and base of operations. "On the strength of this contention they have subjected to bombardment the open towns of Yarmouth, Scarborough, and Whitby, among others. "On the same ground, a number of neutral vessels sailing for English ports on the east coast with cargoes of goods on the German list of conditional contraband have been seized by German cruisers and brought before the German Prize Court. "This could only have been justified if, among other thingft, the cargo could have been proved to be destined for the British Government or armed forces, and if a pre- sumption to this effect had been established owing to Dublin or Belfast being considered a fortified place or a base for the armed forces. "The German Government cannot have it both ways. If they consider themselves justified in destroying by bombardment the lives and property of peaceful civil inhabi- tant of English open towns and watering- places, and in seizing and sinking ships and cargoes of conditional contraband on the way thither, on the, ground that they were consigned to a fortified place or base, d fortiori his Majesty's Government must be at liberty to treat Hamburg, which is in part protected by the fortifications at the mouth of the Elbe, as a fortified town, and a base of operations and supply for the pur- poses of article 34 of the Declaration of r London." I BRITISH REPRISALS. I Sir Edward concludes: "If his Majesty's Government should hereafter feel con- strained to declare foodstuffs absolute con- traband, or to take other measures for in- terfering with German trade, by way of reprisals, they confidently expect that such action will not be challenged on the part of neutral States by appeals to laws and usages of war whose validity rests on their forming an integral part of that system of inter- national doctrine which as a whole their enemy frankly boasts the liberty and inten- tion to disregard, so long as such neutral States cannot compel the German Govern- ment to abandon methods of warfare which have not in recent history been regarded as having the sanction of either law or humanity."

I BRITISH IN ACTION. "MARKED SUPERIORITY" OF OUR I TROOPS. The following report from Sir John French was issued from the Press Bureau on Tuesday: "The Field-Marshal Commanding the British Forces in France reports as follows:— "1. The enemy continues to show consider- able activity in the neighbourhood of Ypres, and several attacks and counter-attacks have taken place. "At six o'clock on the 21st the enemy ex- ploded an elaborate series of mines, which destroyed one of our trenches. A new line was prepared a short distance in the rear and was immediately occupied. Any attempt at further progress have been completely frustrated. "2. Near Givenchy our infantry, after a suc- cessful bombardment, captured an enemy's trench and blew it up. An attempted attack of the enemy along La Bassee Canal was easily repulsed by our artillery fire. "3. South of the River Lys there has been an increase in artillery and rifle fire, in which our troops have shown marked superiority. "4. Along the remainder of our front only artillery duels have taken place. "5. Thick weather has handicapped the work of our aircraft."

Fire has destroyed the "Star" Paper Mills, Nunhead-lane, Peckham, the property of Messrs. G. Church and Co. The damage is estimated at £ 30,000. At the trial of Sir James Herbert Renals, Bt., and Henry Mather, who were charged with obtaining credit by false pretences, the jury at the Old Bailey disagreed. Both de- fendants have been released on bail pending a new trial. Mr. Harcourt has assured the chairman of the Commercial Committee of the House of Commons that there is no danger of South African wool finding its way to Ger- many. Councillor J. Rankin, of Liverpool, the prospective Unionist candidate for the East Toxteth Division, has enlisted as a private in the Royal Army Medical Corps. Mr. William Redmond M.P., for East Tyrone, and son of Mr. John Redmond, has joined the cadet corps of the Irish Brigade. Commander Bellairs (Unionist) has been returned unopposed for Maidstone. Dr. Scott Keltic, secretary of the Royal Geographical Society, has received from Dr. Page, the United States Ambassador, the Cullum Gold Medal for long and eminent service to geography awarded by the Ameri- can Geographical Sottety. Orders to provide ten million sets of dominoes, chess, and draughts for the armies of Britain, France, and Russia have been given in this country, said Mr. Marcus Beresford, at a meeting of the Mansfield Chamber of Trade. Mr. Herbert Samuel has appointed Lord Sandhurst to the membership of the com- mittee formed to consider employment for disabled soldiers and sailors. The "Loard oi Trade Journal" announces that, according to "Stahl und Eisen" (Dus- seldorf), the output of the, German Coal Syndicates in 1914 was the lowest since 1910, and only amounted to 84,810,000 metric tons, as compared with the record figure of 101,652,000 metric tons in 1913. During 1914, the output of coke amounted to only 14,816,000 metric tons, as compared with 21^252,000 metric tons in. 1913.

AIR-RAID OVER ESSEX. I GERMAN AEROPLANE DROPS BOMBS AT COLCHESTER. VERY LITTLE DAMAGE. I A German aeroplane made a raid on Essex on Sunday night. Bombs were dropped at Colchester, Braintree, and Coggeshall, but very little damaae was done. This occurred at Colchester, the bomb falling in the garden of a house in Butt-road, which is close to the Artillery barracks. The backs of some houses were smashed, and a family had a narrow escape. One bomb was dropped at Coggeshall and two near Braintree, but these failed to explode. The aeroplane appeared over Colchester soon after 8.30 in the evening. A bomb was dropped, and fell in a garden at the rear of No. 4, Butt-road, a house occupied by Q.M.S. Rabjohn, of the 20th Hussars. This cottage was damaged, as also were the adjacent ones. No personal injuries were caused, though the Rabjohn family had a miraculous escape. The rear part of their cottage was wrecked, but the front sitting room and bedroom, where a baby was asleep, were only slightly damaged. Mr. and Mrs. Rabjohn were in the sitting room at the time. The bomb blew a hole in the garden about I eight feet in diameter and two feet deep. The garden wall was partliy broken down and the windows for some distance were shattered. The furniture in Mr. Rab- I john's back room was smashed. The explosion brought down some telegraph wires passing over the spot, and soldiers hurrying to the scene were entangled in them. After leaving Colchester the aviatortt flew inland, and a bomb was dropped at Cif>gge6- hall, nine miles away. It failed to explode. The streets of Colchester were crowded with Sunday-night promenaders, including thousands of soldiers, and there was some excitement, but no suggestion of panic. The noise of the aeroplane engine could be heard quite distinctly, and the explosion was distinctly audible at Chelmsford, over twenty miles distant. At Braintree, also, the beat of the motors was heard passing over the town, and a light was seen to fall from one of the aero- planes. This is believed to have been an in. cendiary bomb. It fell into a field without exploding. Police and special constables throughout the district, were called out, and every pos- sible precaution was taken at once. FAMILY'S NARROW ESCAPE. I Certainly the occupiers of No. 41, Ser- geant Rabjohn and his wife and baby, had a narrow escape. They did not hear the sound of the machine, but the explosion more or less blew in the back of the cottage, and the sergeant is carefully preserving a piece of the bomb, which missed him and his wife by inches as they were at supper. The fragment pursued a curious course, penetrating into the front room, and, striking a side wall, smacked against the door and ricochetted back. Passing close to Mrs. Rabjohn, it struck a picture, splinter- ing the glass, and then fell to the ground. The baby's pram was wrecked, a shed was smashed, windows were cracked, and part of the ceiling of the room in which the child was sleeping in a cot fell down, but the baby did not even wake! Next door, at No. 39, where the wives of a couple of soldiers on active service live, the damage was also extensive, but the two women were, away. At No. 37 Mrs. Wil- kins, the occupier, was just entering her front door when the back door was forced from its hinges by the bomb, and she re- treated into the street.. Later she found that a fragment of the bomb had pierced the lintel of the door, struck the wall over the fireplace, and plunged into a birdcage, the wires of which were bent. The stove was dislodged and the walls and ceiling chipped. The largest fragment of the bomb was caught in the ivy over No. 35, in which house Mrs. Starling was writing by lamp- light a letter to her sailor son. The rush of air from the explosion blew out the lamp, and a fragment of the bomb hit the wall so heavily that it dislodged a brick; in its flight it tore the bark from a tree. "I thought the side of the house was coming in," said Mrs. Starling, and confessed that the experience had left her "in a tremble."

AMBASSADORS TO INVESTIGATE. I Americans are greatly excited by the re- port from the Consul at Bremen that the steamer Evelyn, bound from New York to Bremen with cotton, has been sunk off the German coast, near Borgum. Mr. Bryan has instructed the United States representatives in London and Berlin to investigate the matter and report with- out delay. The Evelyn is insured with the Federal Fund. This first sinking of an American vessel (says the "Chroniclo" New York correspon- dent) has brought home to people the possi- bilities with which they are faced. A touch of nervous feeling bad only just been re- lieved by the safe arrival of the Philadelphia at .Liverpool when. the new shock was cabled. Everyone argues that the position of the Evelyn when she met with disaster places responsibility with Germany. It is not stated whether the vessel has been struck by a mine or submarine, the cable merely notifying that she was blown up. It is argued that no British mines could possibly have been planted in the estuary of the Ems or thereabouts. ■

MYSTERIOUS MURDER. I WOMAN'S MUTILATED BODY FOUND I IN HYDE PARK. The dead body of a middle-aged woman I was discovered in a ditch at the north- I western corner of Hyde Park late on Friday night. » The spot where the tragedy occurred is not far from the Magazine, and it is close to Hyde Park police-station. There was a wound in the throat which nearly severed the head, and in addition there wae a deep wound in the abdomen and another in the forearm. It is stated that the wounds are such as might have been caused by a bayonet. The following statement has been issued by the police authorities from New Scotland Yard "About 7.45 p.m. on Feb. 19 the body of a woman, since identified as Alice Elizabeth Jarman, a known frequenter of the park, was found in a ditch bordering Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Her throat was cut, and there was a wound on her right arm and two cuts on the body. "It is probable that her assailant was splashed with blood, and his or her clothing badly blood-stained. From the condition of the ground it is equally probable that her assailant's clothing would be in a dirty, muddy condition."

Board of Trade statistics published re- cently show that in 1800 the "Gazette" average price per quarter of British wheat in England and Wales was 113s. 10d., and last year it was 36s. lid. Mr. Primrose (Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs) informed Sir J. Lonsdale in the Commons that it had been decided to institute proceedings in the prize court in connection with the cargo of the Wilhel- mina. No proceedings would be taken against the vessel- In a case heard at the City of London Court a witness said that lie paid ten shil- lings a week to a firm of tailors for their khaki eweeffings, and made a profit of Xio a week out of them when they weie picked to pieces for the wool. The Swiss Post Office haa transmitted to German prisoners in France from Septem- ber 1914 until the end of January 1915 86,291 postal orders, amounting to £ 66,000, in addition to 403,000 parcels and 6,950,Üï2 postcards.

I DRESS OF THE DAY. I A SMART NEW NIGHTDRESS. I The charming and most dainty new under, wear, which is such a feature of the spring fashions now displayed in profusion in all the West-End shops and showrooms, must surely appeal to the heart of every woman who sees it. Never have I seen prettier or more thoroughly satisfactory lingerie than is shown this year. Practically all the best new models are quite simple in shape, are made of fine material, are exquisitely sewn, and are sparsely trimmed with very good lace or embroidery. Quite a large number of undergarments are carried out in coloured fabrics, pale blue, pale rose, or delicate mauve batiste, cambric, or chiffon, but the majority of the new models are made of finest white lawn, cambric, or nain- sook. Here and there an ultra-smart example is made of striped chiffon or batiste, broad stripes of colour on a white ground, but these are as yet comparatively few in number, and it remains to be seen whether or not they will "catch on with femininity in general. The most luxurious undergarments are made of strong and unusually thick chiffon, which, I believe, is specially woven for the purpose, but they are the height of extravagance, for they are very costly in the first instance, do not wear f A SMART NIGHTDRZSIL, I [Refer to X 573.] nearly so well as batiste or cambric, and must be cleaned instead of washed every time they are soiled. The daintiest under- garments, in the real sense of the word, are those that can be properly laundered when they need it, and which are carried out 1% such practical fabrics as cambric, moda- polam, batiste, or nainsook. Our sketch shows a delightful little nightgown of this type. It is made of very fine white cambric, and will wlaah and wear admirably. There are no fastenings, for the nightgown is simply slipped over the head and drawn into place on the shoulders by a ribbon. The neck is cut round, and is edged by narrow Valenciennes lace. A short distance below the lace a number of small slots are cut and neatly whipped with embroidery thread, and these are threaded with narrow ribbon, which is tied in a small bow in front. In the middle of the front two small revers of embroidered lawn are turned back and are edged with tiny Valenciennes lace. A sort of deep, round yoke is suggested in the nightgown by a band of plain beading, which is inserted in a huge semi-circle that runs over the top of the sleeves, and below the line of the bust in front. The rather wide sleeves are cut in one with the gar- ment; they just reach the elbow, and aw edged with the Valenciennes lace. A couple of embroidered slots are worked on the left side, both back and front, and these are threaded with broad ribbon, which is finished with a long-ended knot in front. A SMART LITTLE FROCK. I The practical mother has long recognised the great economy to be effected by the home manufacture of children's garments, whether for outer or under wear. The actual outlay of money for the home-made garment is much less than that for the ready-made article, the home-made dress wears decidedly better than the ready-made one, and, in addition, there are plenty of A PRETTY FROCK. I [Refer to X 574.] 1 nice pieces of material left over' for altera- tions or repairs when the small garments are made at home-a. most important matter, as every mother knows. In these hard times, when the price of food is steadily mounting, every little economy in the household counts, consequently, hun- dreds of women are setting to work upon little frocks, petticoats, and nightgowns who have hitherto bought all such garments from an outfitter. Our sketch shows a very smart, but quite plain frock, which is suit- able either for everyday or for best wear according to the material in which it is car- ried out. Serge, cashmere, lightweight tweed, Bedford cord, and worsted materials are the most practical fabrics for the hard- wear frock, whilst velveteen, velvet, wool- len crepe, thin cloth, crepe-de-chine, gabar- dine, and fancy woollen. materials are the nicest fabrics for a best dress. This little frock fastens down the back. A broad box- pleat is carried down the front of the frock and has a small flat pleat on each side'of it; these pleats are fastened down as far as the long waist-line, where they are released. The dress is held to the figure at this long waiet-line by a broad, stitched band of waist-line w(bhy ich is passed through a large, plain buckle. The sleeves are set into the frock in Raglan style; they are gathered at the wrist, where they are finished by stitched bands. A pretty little hem- stitched collar of white organdy muslin turns back from the neck. It is made in two pieces, to allow *4 the fastening at the back, and is shaped to a point on each side. This pattern is in six sizes—5-10 years. It will tafe 3 yards of 36-inch material for the Paper patterns can be supplied, price 6Jd. When ordering, please quote number, enclose remittance, and address to Miss Lisle, 8, La Belle Sanvage, London, E.C.

The liner Adriatic has reached Liverpool I Those on board, says Mr. Albert de Cour- ville, who was among the passengers, took the German blockade threat calmly, but as a measure of precaution very few undressed on the last night of the voyage, and most of them stayed up all nighty I.

OUR CHILDREN'S CORNER. I BT I UNCLE RALPH. I r My DEAR CHILDREN,— I A great number of my little nieces and nephews have asked me in their letters for weeks past what I think of the dreadful war. I cannot tell you aU I think about it, but I believe you will be interested to hear of a recent visit which I paid to one of our hospitals for the wounded. I was greatly impressed by the resolute cheerfulness of the brave men who are tak- ing some part in the struggles of their country, and the gentle care and kindness which both matron and sisters extended to them. All the evidences of thoughtfulness proved to me that one cannot wish for the happiness of others for long without finding some means of contributing to it, and that is what I really want you to bear in mind. Now that they are back in the homeland of their sunny days, breathing a more peaceful atmosphere, I am sure these brave soldiers must more than realise thdt life is indeed a splendid gift, and no one could possibly grudge them the feeling of unex- pressed triumph in the knowledge that their zeal to win has brought them through the difficulties and dangers of the field; injured it may be, but still undaunted, for they have proved their strength of will and pur- pose in the face of the adversary. One little incident during the evening made me think of our "C.C.U. and that was when one of the wounded men pre- sented a great bunch of the most lovely yellow tulips to the Matron. I remembered how much you all love the flowers, both wild and cultivated. Big men love them, too, and it was really a pleasant little scene, though one of simplicity. These fine fellows gave me the impression that they enjoy every moment of the pass- ing hours, and are always happy and bright. There is no characteristic so pleasing as a merry disposition, and if they can be happy after all their trying experi- ences, surely we should be happy too, in our sheltered homes, away from all the danger and horrors of war. Just let us try to forget ourselves in the endeavour to bring gladness into the lives of others. How we love to play at soldiers—Don't we, boys? Shall we each try to be' one ? And now, I am sure, you are anxiously looking for the result of our Word Square Competition No. 3, so I will not keep you longer. You will find the names of the for- tunate winners below. This week I am giving yon another Dia- mond Puzzle, and when you have finished your entries address them in the usual way. on or before March 18, to "Uncle Ralph," 8, La Belle Sauvage, London, E.C. Once again, good-bye. With much love o all. Ever your affectionate, UNCLB RALPH. THB CHILDREN'S CORNER UNION. FOUNDED BY UNCLE RALPH. (Open to Boys and Girl* under 15 yean ) Pleaie enrol me as a Member of the "CCU," My age ia years. Name. .A ddre Date When tigned poet to UNCLE RALPH, 8, LA BILLS Bactaok, London, B.C. Members detirinc u illuminated membership card, suitable for framiat. should enclose ptanjr stamp with this form. I ANSWERS TO LETTERS. I ADELAIDE FRANKISH So glad to know your membership card arrived safely, and that you are pleased with it. JOYCE SALE: I am pleased to hear you are delighted with your book. A certificate has been posted to you, Joyce, and I hope it has now arrived. EDITH HUTCHINSON: I shall look forward to receiving your entries in the Competitions, and your sister's too. I am glad to know you are so interested in the "Corner." JACK GRAHAM: I am very pleased indeed to wel- come you as a member, Jack. I am posting you a membership card. NORA SMITH: What a nice time you and mother must have together. I am glad to hear you are groud of your prizes. Try again. DONALD BREEZE: I am glad to welcome you as a member, Donald. So sorry to hear you have been ill, but hope you are now very much better. DOROTHY RAMMELL: Yes, you are quite an old member. Your number is 408. GWEN RAisoN: Thank you for your letter, Gwen. Your number is 1,146. RUBY PORTER: Yes, Ruby. If you send back your certificate I shall be pleased to have it framed. LIST OF PRIZE-WINNERS IN. WORD I SQUARE COMPETITION Xo. 3. Volumes: Anna Poland, Harold Young. Boxes of Fry's Chocolates: Evelyn Page, Lance Hood. Blotters; Edward Pinckard, Jeanie Addison. DIAMOND PUZZLE. I No. 2. 1. A letter. 2. To impair. 3. Companions. 4. One who loves his country, 5. To rule. 6. A male descendant. 7. A letter. THE TEMPER OF BRUTUS. I Brutus, the Wooden Horse, had a very fierce and naughty temper, especially when he was harnessed to the wooden cart to carry his mistress to market. And one morning he felt much worse than usual. For a very long time he tried to keep his temper in himself, but at last he felt so very cross and disagreeable, that he had to do something, and let it out. So he started to jump up and down on his wooden stand. His mistress became very frightened and shouted for help, and Tinker, the dog, barked at the top of his voice. They made such a noise that brave Bobbie the Policeman came Tunning along to see whatever was the matter. And as soon as he saw how badly Brutus was behaving, he made a rush for him, and he caught hold of the bridle, and he pulled at it and pulled at it, till Brutus had to stand still. And then he unharnessed Brutus from the cart, and he led him away to the dark and gloomy prison. And he locked him up for a whole day and a night, so that Brutus had heaps of time to get rid of all his temper. And ever after Brutus was always very good and obedient, for he had left his fierce and naughty temper behind him in the dark and gloomy prison.

I' WHEN BERLIN HAS BEEN CAPTURED I Berlin has seen foreign troops enter its gates no fewer than three times- in the last two hundred years. The first time, curiously enough, the conquerors were Austrian troops under General Haddick, who entered Berlin in 1757, when Frederick the Great was engaged in fighting the French on the Rhine. During their stay the Austrians imposed a fine of £ 30,000 on the city, as well as commandeering a huge quantity of provisions and equipment for their troops. It was only just over three years later when both the Russian and Austrian troops, then allies of one another, entered Berlin. This time the city was fined JB300.000. The time that will be best remembered, however, was the entry of Napoleon into Berlin after the victory of Jena. Napoleon inflicted a very heavy fine on the Germans, and forced them to feed hie troops.