The Amman Valley Chronicle and East Carmarthen News

POLITICS FOR WOMEN. I BY WOMAN VOTER. I Women have done much towards winning the war, and the war has also done much for women so great progie.-s has been made towards the realisation of our ambitiona that we ourselves are naturally bewildered. The' vote, the much-coveted vote, is ours, and now there is to be the opportunity of using that vote, what use will the women of England make of this new privilege that theigoave given so much to secure? The only danger is, do they realise the great power that they have in their hands; they can make or mar the future of the Empire. The main question ifi, How can the women use their vote to the beet immediate advan- tage? Many women do not know to what a terribly depraved state the politics of this country have fallen, but it is hoped that they will realise this before they give their vote. Let them not believe what any candi- date tells them without good proof that he not only intends to do as he promises, but that he is "free" to do it. Many women do not understand the working of our political machine, therefore the Editor of this jour- nal, with keen appreciation of the import- ance of the subject, has considerately granted me space each week to be devoted to this urgent topic. I intend to explain as briefly and simply as possible not only how the political machine works, but how and where it is wrong; how enemy influence has crept in; why it is that a man who pro- mises to do to much and often really means to do it, find., that when he reaches the House of Commons he is quite powerless. It is not possible to deal with all these matters at once, space will not permit, but I will explain a section each week. and then per- haps by the time the Election comes my sister voters will know enough to be able to do the right, things with their vote accord- ing to their conviction. I want to explain the meaning of the Conservative, Liberal, Labour, and National Party—what they are and what they stand for. Briefly, I suggest that women must not pledge themselves to any of the old political parties, as if they do they will be ai power- less for good as these old parties thennjclves. It is a-Lwolutely essential that they retain a perfect- freedom so as to be able to force whichever party is in power to carry through those reforms which are to mean so much to the women of this country—better hous- ing, cheaper distribution of food (which means cheaper food), reformed public-houses, child welfare, and, above all and before all, no corruption in our public life, which means honest men in Parliament. These are the first things that women muajk secure with their vote. Of course, at the next election there is only one thing to do, that is, support Mr. Lloyd George in completing victory, but don't let that bind us for all time. Don't, I jv.3t because we wish to help the Premier beat the Huns, let us sell our souls to any political party, as most parties will claim to do this. The women must unite in one patriotic movement and support the right man, caring nothing for his party, provided be is honest, capable, and British-born. For this reason 1 should be pleased to hear from any lady reader who is in doubt as to how she shall vote. Every letter will be care- fully dealt with, and every effort will be made to secure the information asked for, and I shall be prepared to tell you what any candidate stands for: whether he is the right man, whether in the tast he has done the right thing without fear for his political advancement, or whether he has placed politics and personal aggrandisement before the interests of the country. OT course, as a general rule, we must all vote for the candidates who oup- port Mr. Lloyd George in order to get a real peace, but we must also be careful. Many a man will say he is in support of whatever he thinks will get him votes; therefore, any woman who has a vote and wants to be quite sure how to use it, should write me, addressing her letter, "Women's Vote," c/o Tho Editor of this paper. Next week I shall begin to deal with what women voters really want and how they can get it. o

Cross Hands and District Head Teachers' Association. On Tuesday evening of last week, the annual meeting of the Cross Hands and Dis- trict Head Teachers' Association was held. Mr. W. Evans, Llannon Church of England School, the president, gave an address (re- produced below in a much condensed form), on Some Aspects of Education," and an interesting discussion /allowed. Mr. W. Lewis, Cefneilhm School, was appointed vice-president; Mr. D M. Jenkins, Llechy- fedach School, seer: tary; and Mr. W. Lewis, treasurer. In the course of hit "id dress, the President said:—" The Spirit of Right as between man and man, and between nation and nation, has been allowed to be overborne by spirits of a very different hue." This was the reason, recently given by a wtiter, for the present strife and unrest going on both at home and abroad. This land is going to be full of problems—wages and hours and education and health and housing and good government. People of this country ought not just to blunder into these things. They will be vital. We must think about them. and it would be well, at the present time, that we should consider some aspects of our educational system. The work of the teacher is im- perfectly done; it could be ten-fold better done than it is were teachers properly paid, were classes smaller, were instructors taught the necessity of studying each individual scholar, and given the time and the pay which would make this possible. But, in spite of these limitations and obstacles, schools are doing a marvellous wor k for the State to-day The success of the new educational venturt- is dependent on the aihaction into the ser- vice, in sufficient number, of men and women of the type best fitted to train character and to develop thought. I believe these can be obtained, but only if salaries and conditions of service generally are made sufficiently attractive. I mean that they must be com- mensurate with the importance, delicacy, and difficulty of the work, ahd must have regard to the conditions in respect to status and salaries prevailing in other professions. Under the proposed new scale of salaries recently promulgated by the Minister of Education, the standard remuneration of all teachers has been improved and levelled up. Up till now every educational authority has been a law unto itself in this respect, and, to a certain extent, will be so. This has led, and will lead, to glaring anomalies—one man in one area doing exactly the same work as another man in an adjoining area, but drawing, per- haps, a smaller salary. Again, when the Teachers' Superannuation Bill becomes law, teachers in the less favoured areas will be further penalised by the grant of a lower pension. Competition among Education Authorities is not desirable, and as there is a recognition in the Teachers' Superannuation Bill that the teacher is a State servant, his salary-as such-should be paid directly by the State. It is a fact to be deplored that, of those examined by the military medical authorities, only one-third attained the normal standard of health and strength. Various causes are given for this direct loss to the country, and in the latest Education Act an attempt is made to remedy this evil. But much of the work will devolve on Local Authorities, and it is the duty of all who think of child welfare and the future man- hood of the country to use their influence in seeing that the provisions of the Education Act are fully carried out. That we shall emerge from this war," says a writer, a much poorer nation is granted, that the most rigid retrenchment must be exercised by the nation and by individuals is plain. But it seems to be also agreed that not one penny can safely be deflected from the support of education." Sir George Toulmin, at a meet- ing of the National Liberal Federation, said that it was vital that the party should support the principle of the workers sharing in the determination of industrial conditions, and it would certainly benefit all if Education Authorities recognised this principle, and allqwed teachers' representatives at their meetings. A healthy sign of the times was the passing of a resolution, in September last, by the Cardiff Welsh Free Church Council: To pay profoundest attention to the training of the young," and Bible Teaching in Day Schools was indicated as one means of fur- thering that end. An advantage would be gained by the abolition of our present dual system of education (Voluntary and Council Schools) and the setting up of one class of schools (State Schools), in all of which schools religious instruction should be given. Education is too important a matter to be merely a branch of local administration. It should be carried out by a body elected for that purpose only, and independent of County or Borough Councils, and it is not beyond the bounds of probability that at no very distant date we may see:— 1. The whole cost of education borne by the State. 2. Buildings erected and kept in order by Local Authorities. 3. T eachera paid directly by the State. 4. District and County Boards of Educa- tion, the members elected ad hoc. 5. More efficient medical examination of school children. 6. Teachers represented on Education Boards. 7. Religious instruction in all schools. 8. Dual System abolished, and one class of school established. 9. Each child-in the words of Sir Oliver Lodge-given a chance of becoming a noble specimen of developed humanity.

Brynamman Hero's Death. The poignant news has reached Mr. and Mrs. James Evans, Waunhen, Brynamman, I from a chaplain that their son, Priv. David J. Evans, has died of wounds received in action. He was buried on the 23rd October. Previous wires stated that he had been seriously wounded in the left side, and visits were strictly prohibited. Priv. Evans was just 20 years of age, and enlisted about six months ago, and had been at the Front for about six weeks. His comrade, Priv. Pugh, Tycroes, Pantyffynnon, was alongside of him when he was struck. He is the thirtieth lad to fall for King and country from Bryn- amman. The parents are the recipients of general and sincere sympathy in their sad and bitter trial.

Our Poultry Column. I INTENSIVE OPERATIONS. There is no doubt but intensive work will last, becajise it means an increase of eggs above what can be had from birds which have an open air run. Much depends upon the type and style of the birds as to whether they jvill be good layers, and then the way they are managed. Those chickens which have had a free range for the summer are best for the purpose, because it means a change of living and conditions, which brings the bird quickly into maturity. This is why the ordinary farmer should go in for intensive poultry keeping, as his circumstances are such that would help him considerably. For in- stance, where pullets have been out on the stubble, they can be brought in and will soon lay. Although in the South most of the corn is in, those in Northern districts have not been so fortunate, and there is still some out; so that where the birds have been put on the land they should be left to clear up an the loose grain. The weather is now getting cold, and with the wet the birds will becomf uncomfortable, and then Aiit not make much headway. Take these chickens and put them into the intensive house, and you will see a change at once. The warmth and comfort will soon force them along, and often within fourteen days will have started laying. If the land has been heavy or at all inclined to clay, the mud may have stuck to the legs a good deal, in which case they should be washed, which even with fifty birds will not take long; it will then prevent them getting scaly leg. An important feature of the intensive system is to have a good house, one which can be kept perfectly dry and yet properly ventilated. There should be a floor without any cracks, otherwise the litter will drop through; and the house raised slightly from the ground to allow air underneath and pre- vent damp striking up. If it can be put up a foot or two, so that a dog can get under- neath, you can prevent rats from settling there. The inside of the house must be kept clean, free from insects, and as free from droppings as possible. This can best be done by having under the perch a board about two feet wide, which will catch the droppings; then they can be raked off clean every other day. On the floor of the house put about two inches of sand or fine dry earth, and then on top of this put some short cut straw, bracken or dried leaves for the birds to work amongat. Nest boxes will be needed in number According to the house and birds, and they should be put in by the door, or on the outside of the house with holes for inside, but so that the eggs could be collected with- out opening the door. In any case, see that they are weatherproof and free from draught. The nest should be well dusted with insect powder and keep down pests, and the nest changed as often as necessary. Besides, there must be a table nine or ten inches from the floor on which to set the water vessel. also some boxes fixed up, one each for shell and grit, and if another be added for char- coal it will be better for the health of the birds, because this keeps the system clean and in good working order. When birds are kept like this, it should be remembered that, being prisoners, every- thing they need must be supplied. The idea of litter is that the com can be thrown down amongst it, and so make the birds busy scratching for it. They soon learn to move the stuff about, and this will keep them active and ensure a proper circulation of the blood. Almost any kind of corn can be used, only see that the birds know what it is. Wheat and maize will be all right, oats the same, but an occasional feed of dari or buck- wheat can be given, the first lot being put in troughs for them to get used to it. To get the best results one meal of soft food can be given each day, but this must be put into troughs, otherwise it will be lost amongst the litter. It will be necessary to add about 10 per cent. of meat or fish meal, the latter for preference, because it is a little cheaper, to make up for the loss of animal food. Green food of some kind must be given each day, or hand up a cabbage inside, and a fresh one when this is gone. t

"To POULTRY KEEPERS. Give Your BENS SPICK GRIT The New Shell Grit. Sold by all Corn Dealers. Write for samples and name and address of nearest Agent. SOLE MANUFACTURERS: .LIVERINE LIMITED, GRIMSBY.

WELSH CROP REPORTS. I The Welsh Commissioners' reports to the Food Production Department fofm depressing reading. In South Wales the condition of the outstanding corn is described as deplor- able," and as becoming worse day by day. The loss is enormous." The lifting of potatoes has so far been impossible in most districts. Farm work generally is much behind. The root crops still look well, but the grass keep is disappearing. Most of the straw is of reduced value, and the hay crop being unusually short, the outlook for winter feeding is far from bright. In Mid-Wales, the ruin of some of the crops, which was only partial up to a fortnight ago, was prac- tically completed last week." A large per- centage of corn is still out on the upland farms, much of it uncut, and reports of damage by sprouting, shedding, and flooding are numerous. There is some potato disease. Roots look good, especially mangolds, and so do the meadow pastures and clovers, but stock are not thriving. In the phrase of one of the Commissioners, The outlook is very serious, and a large proportion of the magnifi- cent crops is already ruined.

—in Bill »■!■! i—as—■«——a————i Cat oat and keep this notice. Show it to everyone in your household. Notes on Saving No. 5.—How to save on Soap and Polish. Never leave the soap in the water. Melt down all the tiny bits and turn them into soap jelly. Soap lasts twice as long if you harden it by storing in a cool, dry place. Finely sifted ashes are better than soda for cleaning saucepans, steel, and the sink. Powder and save broken gas mantles for cleaning silver. Turn boot-polishing paste into a larger tin and mix with a little vinegar. It will last longer and not dry up. Fine ashes mixed with vinegar make a splendid metal polish. Use remnants of candle-wax for floor polish or to add to starch. E????jj  ? WA?":? S?-SJ? mœ War Savings Certi- ficates are a British Government Invest- ment backed by all the wealth and power of the nation. Their purchase price is 15/6 each. and their value in 5 years' time ;f I each-this is equi- valent to compound interest at 51 per cent., free of In- come Tax. You can met your money back in full at any time with any in- teract which ii due. You can buy War Savins* Certificate. from any Money Orcier Poet Office, Bank, or Shopkeeper acting at Official Assnt. Saving on Soap means Saving Money. s "V Invest your Savings in War Savings Certificates £ 1 for 15/6 £ 50 for £ 38:15:0 £ 500 for £ 387:10:0 If you have not yet joined a War Savings Association, it is k your patriotic duty to do so. Apply to the Secretary of your Local War Savings Committee, or write to the National War Savings Committee, Salisbury Square* London, LC, 4. Every Shilling saved and lent helps to win the War.

———————————————————————————————— Timber for Fuel. I USE ALL WASTE WOOD IN GARDENS. In many, if not most, gardens there are trees which cumber the ground. The cutting of them down has become a duty at this time of coal shortage. The Coal Controller makes an appeal to all who have the command of the timber in their gardens to fell, lop and use it for fuel. At present many people by so doing are saving almost the whole of their coal ration, but the practice is capable of a very great extension which in the aggregate would secure an immense coal saving. It is notorious that many of our English and Scottish gardens are over timbered, and thinning is a positive advantage alike from the hygienic and horticultural point of view. Dead and decrepit trees should be ruthlessly felled. They are a harbour and a refuge for the pests and parasites of the garden. In any event the sacriifce, if any there be, entailed by the use of the axe is one which the national interest demands. Italy, to keep the war going and to stop the Austrian invader, has felled and is still felling her olive groves and classic woods. The woods of France have been devastated to keep their home fires burning. The use for fuel of the timber at one' s own door has this also to commend it—it helps to relieve transport which, both by road and rail, is very much over-taxed.

OLD COLLEGE SCHOOL, CARMARTHEN. Last Thursday, those pupils of the Old College School that were successful in the College of Preceptors' Examination, held last June, received their certificates. They were distributed by the Headmaster at the close of the morning J^ssons.-—I.: Miss Sarah Lloyd, Blaenquarre; Idris Wainwright, Gwyn Villa, Whitland; Lewis Evans, Spilman Street; S. V. Evans, Spilman Street. Pharma- ceutical: George Evans, Fern Villa, St. Clears; George Howells, Shop Farm, St. Clears; Ethel Jones, Penygroes; Rachel Thomas, Abergwili; Nancy Rees, Water Street, Carmarthen; T. A. Nicholas, Phar- macy, Llandovery.

"For the Blood Is the Life." 1 If it is any such Disease Eczema, Scrofula, Bad Legs, as Abscesses, Ulcers, Gland-ular Swellings, Boils, Pimples, Sores and Eruptions, Piles, Rheumatism, Gout, .fc" don't waste your time and money on lotions and ointments which cannot get below the surface of the skin. What you want and what you must have is a medicine that will thoroughly free the blood of the poison- ous matter which alone is the true cause of all your suffering. Clarke's Blood Mixture is just such a medicine. It is composed of ingredients which quickly attack, overcome and expel the im- purities from the blood, that is why so many truly wonderful cures stand to its credit. Over 50 years' SUCCCS& success. ?? TAKE ^a Pleasant — to take. c s Blood ] J\ Mixture J Sold by all Chemists AND BE CUBED. and Stores, 2/9 per rttle. RefUaa AN EVERYBODY'S I Substitute. BLOOD PURIFIER."

I POTATO DISTRIBUTION SCHEME. The Food Controller, on November 1st, will take control of the whole potato crop of England and Wales. The arrangements in respect of the Scottish and Irish crops will be announced later. The prices to be paid to the growers have been fixed by a Commission. The price per ton in Wales and Monmouth- shire, free on rail, during November and December, for Grade I ptatoes (King Edward, Golden Wonder, Langworthy, What' s Wanted, and main crop varieties) is 17. Prices for Grade 2 potatoes (which in- clude all other varieties then those mentioned above) are in all cases 10s. less. Grade 1 potatoes will, until the end of December, be retailed at a uniform price of 1 |d. per lb., grade 2 at a uniform price of Id. per lb. Lower prices will be fixed for large retail sales. In January the retail prices will ba raised to I Id. per lb. for grade 2 and ljd. per lb. for grade I potatoes. Small growers who have cultivated less than one acre of potatoes altogether in 1918 may sell freely without licences, subject to the maximum price applicable to the sale.

Liver Trouble Is the cause of much suffering. Headache, Biliousness, Constipation, Sour Stomach, Indigestion, Flatulency, Wind, Despondency, and much Ner- vous Excitement follows derangement of the Liver. HUGHES' BLOOD PILLS Have a most beneficial and immediate effect upon the Liver, though acting upon and eradicating every vitiating elements from the Blood which cir- culates through it. NOTE.—Bad Blood disturbs the action of every Organ in the Body. I have suf- fered agonies from Lumbago or Rheumatism in my Back and Limbs, a lso Piles. Hughes's Blood PUls cured me in a short time. Also my wife from Headache asd Liver Trouble. The People from all parts testify te the wonderful power of these Pills m restoring sufferers from Skin Disease. Rheumatism, Backache, Constipation, Piles, Skin, Liver, Stomach and Kidney Troubles. TRY THEM. They will soon prove their great vaiue. Sold by Chemists and Stores at 1/3. 3/ 5/- (including War Tax). Ask for HUGHES' BLOOD PILLS with the trade mark —s h ape of a heart, '¡., thus- Take no other, or send value in stamps or P.O. to- JACOB HUGHES, M.P.S., LB.S. MANUFACTURING CHEMIST, PENARTH, Cardiff. J