The Amman Valley Chronicle and East Carmarthen News

AMMANFORD. I We regret to record the death of rtIr. Tom Rees, aged 26 years, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Morgan Rees, 5, Wernddu Road, as a result of influenza. Signaller Ike Evans, of Wind Street, is on a visit to his home after his recent un- pleasant experience in France, when several of his company were killed by a German the!! and Evans was given' a severe shaking. The Rev. t). J. Llewelyn, vicar of Beau- fort, Mon. (an old native of Ammanford), officiated at St. Michael and All Angels' Church on Sunday morning. Mr. Llewelyn preached an impressive and appropriate ser- mon. Gunner Albert Ewins, whose home is in Margaret Street, has just been home for a few days' leave from the Royal Navy. He has seen several years' service. Another Gunner home on leave is James Shaw, a son of Councillor J. C. Shaw, Devonia. Gunner Shaw is attached to the R.F.A., and has seen several years' service in France. On Sunday and Monday last, the Rev. J. H. Williams, of Portmadoc, officiated at the anniversary services held at Elim Chapel, Tirydail. The rev. gentleman delivered elocaent and powerful discourses to crowded congregations. Mr. Williams was one of the special preachers who officiated during the Convention held in Ammanford some time aLQ. TK2 influenza epidemic still continues to spread in the* town and district, and it has already claimed several victims. The Sunday Schools were abandoned on Sunday last in -•some parts owing to th, seriousness of the ,comphint and :uso as a"precautionary measure. The local doctors are overc wded with work, tun large crowds attend at their surgeries at a!1 houts. At the Talbot Road English Congrega- tional Church, on Monday evening last, a reception in honour of Priv. Benjamin Prout was held. The guest of r- h rvening has been in France for three years, i ] has been fortu- nate enough to have come through without a single mishap. His friends rejoice to see him looking so well and fit after participating in some of the most fiercely contested battles of the war. The chair was occupied by the Rev. D. E. Harris. Solos were rendered in excellent style by Messrs. Jonah Williams, T. F. Rees, and W. T. Rhys. All had to respond to several encores. Mr. Harold Fox gave a finely executed solo on the violin. Mr. Gwilym R. Jones accompanied with his cus- tomary grace and ability. Congratulatory speeches were delivered by Messrs. George Phillips and Samuel Waters. Mrs. Brinley Morgan presented Priv. Prout with the usual cheque, the recipient responding. Messrs. W. Washer and A. Penhale voiced the thanks and appreciation of the Reception Committee and the audience to the audience for their presence and services. Several local boys have recently returned home for good from the Army, and are now awaiting their discharge, one of whom is Bombr. T. H. Watkins, of Florence Road, Tirydail. He took part in several thrilling encounters in France, where he served for several years. He was, unfortunately, gassed on one occasion in consequence of which he has been incapacitated from serving any longer. He was attached to the R.F.A. The members of St. Michael and All Angels' Sunday School and Choir met on Sunday afternoon, when a presentation of a beautiful Bible was made by Mr. J. Henllan Jones, of High Street, to Mr. Owen Davies, of College Street, on the occasion of his marriage. Mr. Jones referred in glowing terms to the good work Mr. Davies had ren- dered in connection with the church, especially the Sunday School, of which Mr. Davies is the superintendent. Mr. Morgan Morgans, of Tirydail Lane, a lso made appropriate reference to Mr. Davies' good qualities as a Churchman, and the good wishes of the mem- bers were conveyed to Mr. Davies in a few suitable remarks. Mr. Davies responded, and thanked all present for their good wishes and also for their valuable gift. I he I-ree Church Council propose to hold a reception in honour of the local discharged soldiers and sailor; Our sisters who have lost their husbands in the wax, together with their children, are also invited. The recep- tion will be held at Bethany Vestry, Wind Street, to-morrow evening from 5 to 7 o'clock. The Council desires, through the medium of the Chronicle, to notify all whose addresses they may have failed to secure, and who therefore have not received « formal invita- tion, to be good enough to present them- selves at the reception. At 7.30, at Bethany Chapel, under the chairmanship of the Rev. John Griffiths, B.A., B.D., president of the Council, a public meeting will be held, when several well-known artistes have promised to contribute musical and elocutionary items. The meeting will also be addressed by mem- bers of the local Discharged and Demobilised Sailors' and Soldiers' Association and others. It -is to be hoped that Bethany will be filled with townsfolk interested in our discharged men, who have so valiantly stood between us and the foe, and who have severely suffered thereby. The mortal remains of little Nancy Waters, the beloved eldest child and daugh- ter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Waters. Tudor, Terrace, were laid to rest at the Christian Temple burial-ground on Tuesday afternoon last. Nancy was in her tenth year when she fell a victim to the influenza epidemic that rages so furiously throughout the country. She was ill less than a week, when she fell on sleep. The funeral was largely attended, prominent in the procession being Nancy's Sunday School friends, bearing in their hands the numerous floral tributes sent by sympa- thising friends. A sad feature of the funeral was the fact that little Nancy's parents were unable to attend through a severe attack of influenza, aggravated by their enforced at- tendance on their children, who were all stricken at the same time. Mr. and Mrs. Waters have the deep sympathy of a large circle of friends in their bereavement. The service was held at the English Congrega- tional Church, and was conducted by the Rev. D. E. Harris. The chief mourners were Messrs. John and Elijah Brace, Ebbw Vale (uncles) Mr. and Mrs. Albert Waters, College Street (uncle and aunt) Mr. and Mrs. John Waters, Station Road (uncle and aunt) Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Waters, Elwyn, Phyllis, Olive, and Violet Waters (cousins). Flowers were sent by the following:—F ather and Mother; Mr. and Mrs. Albert Waters, College Street; Mr. and Mrs. John Waters, Station Road; Mr. and Mrs. Sam Waters; Masters Wilfred and Tommy Roach; Misses Iris and Flossie Jones; Miss Annie George and friends; Mrs. Evan Morgan, Talbot Road; Misses Olwen and Cissie Prout; English Congregational Church Sunday School; and Mr. and Mrs. Evan Thomas.

I BRYNAMMAN. I News has reached Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Lewis, Amman Road, that their son, Priv. Willie Lewis, has been wounded in action, having been shot through the left hand. He has been brought over to England, and now lies under medical care at a Bristol hospital. We wish him a thorough cure. On Saturday next, at Moriah Chapel, the pastor, Rev. L. Rhystyd Davies, will deliver a lecture on the popular and enticing subject, Hedd Wyn." The subject is one that must necessarily touch the tenderest heart strings of all who are poetically inclined, and a lecture by a national poet-preacher on same should attract a great deeply-interested crowd. On Saturday, at Pontardawe, an interesting and popular wedding was solemnised. -The contracting parties were Mr. Willie Lewis, a discharged soldier, and son of Mr. and Mrs. John Lewis, Station Road, and Miss Marion Jones, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Morgan Jones, Blaencwmteg, Brynamman. Consider- able interest was centred in the affair, the parties being of well-known families. Good luck to Mr. and Mrs. Lewis. The Brynamman and District Fanciers' Association are at it busily preparing to hold another poultry show. The proceeds will go this time towards forming the nucleus of a fund to erect a memorial to the fallen heroes of Brynamman. A magnificent object, indeed, boys. You deserve every support. This is the first step taken with that object as a goal. The Association has already handed £ 60 odd to the Soldiers' and Sailors' Society. Efforts are being made to secure the use of the Upper Schools for the occasion. Everything should be made subservient to facilitate such a noble movement. The members of the Association brought over ten prizes from Ystalyfera Show, several of the birds ex- hibited winning distinctions. It is obvious that this Fanciers' Association has not been foimulated for the sake of netting personal benefits. Not only do they cast the takings of each occasion on the altar of good causes, but they are prepared to share their experi- ences in poultry breeding free of cost. We regret to understand that among the victims of the ill-fated Leinster," recently torpedoed, was a young acquaintance of ours, in the person of Mr. George Swanson, only son of Mrs. Swanson, of London, and a nephew of Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Jones, late of London House, Brynamman. Practically all the boys of 26 years of age and there- abouts at Brynamman will remember young Mr. Swanson, as he invariably spent his summer vacation at the place. He had seen a great deal of fighting both on land and sea, ;1d latterly was a major in the Flying Corps, holding a high position on the Headquarters Staff at Dublin. A fortnight previously, his sister returned from Vienna to her mother's winter residence in Cornwall, and presumably the brother was travelling on the Irish boat on type of English boy, tall—standing 6ft. 3ins.— a visit thither. Major Swanson was the finest straight, clean-minded, courageous and kindly. We desire to extend our sificerest sympathies to his mother and to his sister. We under- stand also that Ralph, the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Jones, has seen considerable fighting. He was at Cambrai with the 38th Division, and has just been admitted to a hospital in France, having been gassed. His brother Reggie is at Aberystwyth in the Officers' Technical Training Department, and is at present unfit for service, having been wounded on the Somme. We wish them both a speedy and complete recovery.— Well- Wisher. In aid of Willie Griffiths, Llandilo Road, who has been unable to follow his occupation for a long time, i benefit concert was held at the Cinema last Wednesday evening, when a number of district artistes gave an excellent account of themselves. Mr. A. R. Williams, The Gem Confectionery, who is a champion comic and sentimental singer, and a great favourite with an audiences he entertains, literally brought down the house with his remarkably artistic and lucid vocalisations. He was repeatedly recalled. The penillion singers of National fame, Miss Llinos Thomas (Llinos Cwmamman), who captured the premier honours at Neath National and several other National gatherings, together with Mr. Arthur Wyn Williams, another Neath National winner, as usual pleased the audi- ence immensely, and had to re-appear each time. Mr. Willie Edwards, violinist (gold and silver medallist), was at his best, and his brilliant executions were highly admired. He is an adept with the bow and catskin. Mr. Garfield Roberts, the successful local tenor, and the possessor of a rare sweet voice, was in fine form and gave effective renderings, which were haiied.with pr^at app'-use. Miss Ceinwen Smith, GwaUl; -gin w-n's popular) elocutionist, g&ve a lood account of herself as usual; while Miss Hannah Hopiin, rne • promising Brynamman contralto, treated the I audience with melodious renderings. Miss Sarah Evans, Garnant's sweet soprano sang I magnificently, and received a fine ova'ion. Mr. Herbert Morgan pr .sided, and Mr. T. J I Morgan, A.L.C.M., accompani-d.

I CROSS HANDS. 1 The influenza epidemic is raging in the locality, and the local schools have en closed, the attendance being seriously affected. A performance of the drama, Y Briodas Ddirgel," was given at the-Public Hall, Cross Hands, on Saturday evening last, by the Pontardulais Amateur Dramatic Socety, under the conductorship of Mr. E. Lewis.

GORSLAS. I A committee of the Carmarthenshire Edu- cation Authority met the inhabitants on Thursday last with regard to their request for an infants school for the place, and will submit a report to the Education Committee.

LLANDILO. I The death has occurred from influenza, and meningitis, at the age of 5 years, of the son of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Rees, Towy Terrace. The death has occurred of Mrs. Richards, wife of Mr. Evan Richards, Craven Farm, Trapp. A son predeceased her only by a week. The greatest sympathy is felt for the family. She was a victim to influenza. A memorial service to the late Priv. Gwyn Griffiths, of Wedgewood House, Rhosmaen Street, who was killed in action in France on October 8th, will be held at the Ebenezer Baptist Chapel on Sunday next, at 3 o'clock. The influenza epidemic is levying a heavy toll on Llandilo and district. A very large number of the inhabitants were confined to their beds by the scourge, and there have been several deaths. The places of worship were very sparsely attended on Sunday, and the same remark applies to the week-night ser- vices. Day and Sunday Schools have been closed. We learn that official news has just come to hand of the death in action in France of Lce.-Corpl. Llewellyn Jones, son of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Jones, Penybank, Llandilo, which is reported to have taken place on the 8th inst. Lce.-CorpL Jones only returned to the Front after having been on leave on the 3rd September last, and the news was shordy after received that he had been awarded the Military Medal. Much sympathy is felt for the bereaved parents and relations. On the motion of the pa&tor, the Rev. W. Davies, The Walk, the members and congre- gation worshipping at Capel Newydd have passed a vote of sympathy with the Rev. Trevor Williams, B.A., B.D., missioner at Landis, Sask., Canada, on the death at an early age of his wife (a niece of the late Colonel Morris, Brynffin, Ammanford). The rev. gentleman, previous to his departure for the m'ssion field, was pastor of Upper and Lower Congregational Churches, Brecon. The rev. gentleman began his ministerial career 1 V T 11 II 1*1 at Lapel iNewyaa, L-ianauo. Meetings in connection with the Feed the Guns Campaign have been held at Siloh, Penybank, Salem, and Capel Isaac. The speakers were Ald. Wm. Davies, The Walk; Councillor John Stephens, London House; Councillor A. E. Harries, J.P. (Chairman of the Llandilo Urban District Council) Councillor J. H. Rees; Mr. Gwyn Jones, County School; Mr. G. W. Jenkins; Mr. Tom Davies, B.A., County School (the energetic secretary of the movement) Rev. Stephen Thomas, and the Ven. Archdeacon Robt. Williams. The results, we are given to understand, were very encouraging. The death took place on Friday last of Mr. Thomas Jones, tailor, at the age of 74 years. The deceased was a native of Senny- bridge, Breconshire, and came to the employ- ment of Mr. Henry W. Jones, of Sartor House, New Road, after the outbreak of war. He was a member of the famous Caradog's Choir, which won at the Crystal Palace in the competition between England and Wales m the sixties. The funeral took place on Monday last, the place of burial being the Llandilo-fawr Parish Churchyard. The Rev. G. Edmund Williams (B.) officiated at the house, and the Rev. W. Arthur Jones (curate) in the church and at the graveside. The death took place on Saturday last of Mr. Herbert Jones, of Gelligroes, Llandilo, after a short illness, from double pneumonia. The deceased was 33 years of age, and. had served with the R.A.M.C. with the Serbian Army, and had been taken prisoner, and about fifteen months ago was released in ex- change. The funeral, which was largely at- tended, took place on Wednesday, the pl..r, of burial being the Llandilo-fawr Parish Church. The funeral cortege was met at the churchyard gates by the Rev. W. Arthur Jones (curate), who officiated throughout. The chief mourners were Mr. E. Jones (father), Miss Jones (sister), Mr. Herbert Jones, Garngoch (uncle), and a large num- ber of other relatives. There were several beautiful floral tirbutes. Last Thursday, harvest thanksgiving ser- vices were held at Ebenezer Baptist Chapel. The Rev. G. Edmund Williams presided. At the close of the services, Miss Bronwen Bowen, of Rhosmaen Street, who is leaving the town to take on a teacher's post at New- port, was presented by the church with a wallet containing Treasury notes as a token of respect and appreciation of services to the church as organist, Sunday School teacher, and assistant at the Band of Hope meetings for many years. She has been a faithful member of the church, and her departure is regretted. The presentation was made by Councillor J. H. Rees in a very appropriate address. Remarks also were made by the pastor of the church, who thanked Miss Bowen for all the services she had rendered to the cause, and wished her God-speed in her new surroundings at Newport. Miss, Bowen left the town on Wednesday. At Ebenezer Baptist Vestry, last Tuesday week, a social tea was given on the occasion of the opening of the season of the Young People's Guild, at which a large number assembled. The tables were presided over by Mrs. Ivor Davies, Blende Road; Mrs. Edmund Williams, Berwyn; Miss Morris, Fron, Alan Road; and Miss R. Richards, New Road. After the tea was over, a short ove h the Rev. entertainment was held, over which the Rev. G. Edmund Williams, pastor, Eresided.. The following programme wa& gone through:- Pianoforte solo, Miss Davies, Blende Road; recitation, Master Jack Jones, Sartor House; solo, Mr. D. J. Davies, Towy Terrace, Llandilo; duet, Misses G. Davies, Salutation, and Jennie Jones, Black Ox; recitation, Mr. R. A. Evans, Devonshire House; solo, Miss M. Davies, Pistillgwyn; pianoforte solo, Mrs. Winnie Rumble, Rhosmaen Street; solo, Miss R. Richards, New Road; solo, Miss Maude Williams, Rutland House. The vestry was crowded, and a very enjoyable evening was spent. The prolamine for the season is a very interestinr one, and all are looking forward to a veri- -iiccessful season. The death took ,ace 0-5 Th ■n-day !art week of Mr. Thomas Edward son o; VJrs. Edwards, of Chapel Mouse, Fc:jrfach, all r a-1 illness of short dur'tion, at the age of 27 years. ue deceased iiad leer, in t he Army since the outbreak of W¡.. aJ.J had seen active service up to about nine months ago, when he wis discharv 1 as unfit. The funeral took place on Mcnday last at trl" Tabernacle Independent fKapel.. !7:airh\.¡. there was a large and rffntet-ntft:v ga-.h« • ing to -y th,- h.i>t oi "aspect to vi.v- H-pai :c, A large number or discharged 5D.diers and 5^ to 'elcnging to the Llandilo Bran on of th- as well as several so'dieis home on ie ve, were in attendance. i Le coffi, w-.s covered wih the Union Jack, a- the :• 1/lier f as as Liters. The r)i.tox n £ the chapel, j nssisioa LJ) th Rev.. Ed". ,J Williams ;)3.)., oificiatcd. The" Las, Post was sounded at the graveside by Mr. Alcwyn j He,-ells, son of Mr. Wm. Howells, band- n'.asttr, Llandilo. The chief mourners were Mrs. Edwards (mother), Mr. John Edwards (brother-, and uree sisters. There were several beauid-jl \k1.1 tributes.

I PENYGROES. I A reception concert was held in the Peny- groes Congregational estry, on Tuesday evening, in honour of Priv. David Uoyd lughes, Cae'rbrynfnch. The chairman" for the evening was Mr. .ev, is Thomas, grocer and draper, with whom the guest of the evening was employed before his enlistment. The Chairman spoke of Priv. Hughes in glowing terms as a good and faithful servant. It is worthy of note that the thiee sons of Mr. Thomas Hughes have served since the commencement of the war. One died from fever contracted whilst on service, another had his discharge owing to shell shock, and the third (Priv. David Hughes) has been through the thick of the fray on the Wes- tern Front. He has been gassed twice, Lut now looks hale and. hearty and in the best of health. The artistes for the evening were: Pianist, Mr. D. W. Hughes; soloists, Mrs. John Griffiths, Miss Rachel Anne Jones, Miss Jennie Jones, and Miss Lilian Hughes, who has a promising future in the musical world. The usual presentation on behalf of the Com- mittee was made by Mrs. Clutterbuck. The Penygroes Silver Band was in attendance as usual, conducted by Mr. David Williams. Mr. T. Morgan, M.E., Emlyn Colliery, pro- posed a vote of thanks to the artistes, and Mr. John Davies, Brynyreithyn, seconded. The concert was terminated by singing the National Anthem, Mrs. John Griffiths taking the solo.

PONTBRENARAETH. I Thanksgiving services were held at Pont- brenaraeth on Friday last, at which the Rev. G. Edmund WiUiams, pastor, conducted. Gunner D. R. Jones, of Bank Farm, Manor- avon, who was home on leave of absence from France, was presented by Pontbrenaraeth Baptist Church and neighbouring friends with £ 7 in Treasury notes. Speeches on the occa- sion were made by Mr. Watkin Edwards, Tynewydd, and Mr. Thomas Davies, The Bridge.

FOOTBALL TOPICS. I EAST v. WEST. Teams comprising the Eastern and Western districts of the newly-formed Rugby League met at the Cross Inn Field, Ammanford, on Saturday last, in un favourable weather, before a good crowd of spectators. The following were the teams:— West.—F ull-back. W. Jones; three-quarter backs, Ned Thomas, Evan Davies, Llew. Bennett, and Randel Wheelhouse; half-backs, Ivor Jones and Ike Fowler; forwards, Frank Davies, Gilbert Edwards, E. J. Thomas, Barrett, D. J. Fowler, W. J. Morgan, W. Rogers, and J. Rees. East.—Full-back, G. Thomas; three- quarter backs, T. M. Jones, Trevor Jones, Elphin Davies. and Dai Williams; half-backs, Maybery Williams and W. Rees; forwards, Mog. Williams, W. Thomas, W. J. Thomas, Jack Styles, S. Jeremiah, D. James, and E. Hughes. Referee, Mr. E. Davies, Cwmgorse. When the teams fielded it was found that the East were a man short, who failed to turn up at the last moment. The West kicked off, and after give-and-take play the game settled down in the centre. The first incident of note was a brilliant dribble on the part of Ike Fowler, who went clean through his opponents, and would have scored bad he not been heavily charged when he had the line at his mercy. It was not a deliberate foul, so the referee ordered a scrum in front of the East goal. From here the East worked back to mid-field, when Fowler cleverly got the ball away to Ivor Jones, who started his backs in motion, Randel Wheelhouse ex- periencing hard lines in not scoring. Not to be denied, the West forwards, who were heeling the ball out finely, again gave their backs a chance, with the result that after a brilliant bout of passing Ned Thomas scored a fine try behind the .posts. The kick at goal failed. After the kick-out, the East for- wards, who were playing a great game in the open, rushed away down the field, and for a time looked dangerous, until Bennett relieved with a fine kick, which found touch in the East's 25. From here the ball came loose, and Ike Fowler, picking up, smartly dropped a fine goal, amidst great cheering. Half- time arrived with the score:—West, 7 points; take character, the East forwards, despite the East, nil. On resumption, play was of a give-and- fact that they were a man short, playing a brilliant game in the open. Jack Styles and Mog Williams were prominent amongst them for smart following up and tackling, but they were beaten in heeling the ball, and this gave the West backs plenty of chances to bring off some pretty passing bouts. Ned Thomas, after brilliant inter-passing between him and Evan Davies, had very hard lines on several occasions in failing to score. The game continued to be very exciting right to the end, and some very clever play was wit- nessed, but nothing further was scored, the result being that the West were winners of a good game by 7 points to nil. REMARKS. The game was chiefly noticeable for the fine play of the West backs and the East forwards, who played splendidly in the open; and had it not been for their quick following up and keen tackling, the clever backs of the West must have scored oftener. The West forwards were better in the scrums, and heeied out more frequently than their opponents, who seemed to excel in the open. J. Styles, Morgan Williams, and W. Thomas were particularly good for the East, whilst for the West Frank Davies, Gilbert Edwards, and Barrett were about the pick. E. J. Thomas was more prominent than ever before, and seems to be improving; whilst D. J. Fowler followed up splendidly, but would do well to have a little more deter- mination and not hesitate when about to tackle a man. The finest back on the field, in my opinion, was undoubtedly Ike Fowler. Both at the base of the scrum and in the open he worked hard, his dribble in thi- first few minutes of the game being one of the finest individual e fforts of the matrh, whilst his dropped goal was a beauty. Ivor Jones also played a good i.,e. He was very close ) watched, but managed to make .ver;tl n ° openings. T: ? We, three- uarter wer° far better than the East' s, vho utemptea to br.ng ff gl passing bout, whilst time and "gam the West b icks were responsible for several brilliant efforts. Evan Davies combined splendidly with Ned TI- .11 as, and gave the spectators some nice 'Vhitions of ir.'ei passing; mist B- :nett kicK-ic finely and playei a ver, useful jame. Randell Wheel- house was always a trier, and whenever he had a chance was dangerous. His effort in I the first half deserved a better fate. The best of the East backs was Trevor J ;:s. He worked very hard, and kicked and I tackled witN advantagr to his side. Maybery Williams also played a very useful Rame and did several smart things. Cornier to the full-backs, Jones, for the West, was on the day's play the best. He kicked with advantage to his side and was responsible for some smart work, and played a sound useful game. Thomas was not so good as I have seen him, but he brought off one fine tackle in the second half. Taking the game as a whole, it was very interesting, and the score about represents the difference between the teams. It must be added that special prairc should be given to the East forwards, who played like Trojans, although one man short, and are in no way to blame for the defeat. A word of praise also to the referee, who conducted the game splendidly. Next Saturday, Gowerton are the visitors to Ammanford, and another fine game should be witnessed. The kick-off is timed for 4 o cloak. SrLC i AIOR.

ts FILL UP ???hn I if I THIS FORM JmF* ^L-. ■ }! ANDPOST?  ??- I I IT TODAY ^g^- I To the Recruiting Controller, Q.M.A.A.C,, pp i I í; I ? Please sen d me full particulars and form of application ||j i H ||| for enrolment In Q.M.A.A.C. ?? ?y ?am€?.?.?.?????,,??,?,,???????????? M?Z I :=-=:=- I: y I !j Five Questions I TO WOMEN OF TO-DAY. I ? 1 Can you do Clerical Work ? I 1 Can you Cook ? } I ? ? Can you wait at Table? I Can you do Domestic Work? 1 || 1 If not, are you willing to try? f I 1 These are the questions J II QUEEN MARYS ARMYMXMAEY CORPS I is asking to-day, I | Their requirements are II 30,900 Women jg 1 to join the Colours immediately. t S You will be well housed, ma t g Well fed, well clothed, ™ | I WeU paid, and have T. D'OYLY snow, Liomt.- G oneral. C mmauding4a-Chis s I I time for recreation. WeeternaCommand. m

NATIONAL KITCHENS AND RESTAURANTS. IGOOD FOOD AT LESS COST. I By SPENCER LEIGH HUGHES, M.P., I Most people must have noticed that during the last year or two our ordinary talk is con- cerned to a great extent, if not mainly, with food, cooking, and eating in general. No one need feel ashamed of taking Ml interest in such matters; indeed, I think the last word was said on the subject by that grat a in typical Englishman, Dr. Johnson, when he declared that some people have a foolish way of not minding, or pretending not to mind, what they eat. For my part, I mind my belly very studiously and very carefully, for I look upon it that he who does not mind his belly will hardly mind anything else." There is rough and sound seme in this ai irny time, but it must appeal with peculia: force during a war, and particularly to the inhabitants of an island. The German? are plentifully endowed with that sort ol sense that is not far removed from cun ning, and they have therefore for a loin time aimed at cutting off or seriously re ducing our food supplies. And or- the other band, have been convinced; gradually at first, but now fully, of fne im- perative need of using our food economically. Let us at once get rid of the foolish notion that economy in food means eating a very little and means nothing else, for this is not the case. To reduce the consumption of plain and strengthening food below a certain standard, especially for those who do the hard physical work, and above all in the case of growing children, would be to play the enemy's game by lessening our power of endurance as a nation. It is a recognition of this simple fact that led to the creation of the Ministry of Food. A New Departure. I I he abject of the department is not, and never was. to half starve people, though any- thing of the nature of waste is frowned upon. What the department aims at doing, and what it is doing with iuoreasiin; success, is tc make the most of what we have, and the eetablishment of National Kitchens and Restaurants is, I am convi,cd, the most helpful and practical new departure it has undertaken. Whether the experiment would or would not have been tried had there been no war is An open qnc:ti:-n. T r';ueeaj that modern conditions of ;:fe wo^ld hav^ led to something of the sort ev-a in p"ace time, but thu movement would h^ .e beer: delayed, and could not have been taken up with such Treasury and Local Government support as has been inspired by v ar conditions. It is, however, as çcj tain anytLHg can be that while National Kitchens and Restau rants are the immediate outcome oi the war, such institutions* have come to stay and will not ended by peace. Peace bgs its appe- tites no less pro?iouuoed than war, ard ptiop!c, who have been accustomed to' get good food, l well cook,-d and decently served, at a H ry reasonable pri'o;, wiH not willingly relapse into the old condition of things. Practical Men at the Head. I There is no taint of patronage and no sus- picion of compulsion about the National Kit- chen and Restaurant movement. It does not preteoid to be a philanthropic undertaking, ftnd is not directed by well-meaning but Ull- iBstructed enthusiasts. On the contrary, a" a. movement, it is prepared to, and indeed it must, stand or fall on its merits, and the technical directors are practical men" he understand catering, and there are others who are well trained in that best school for teach- ing,public service-local government. The Director of th?&e kitcns and restau- I rants, Mr. C. F. Spencer is an Alderman of Halifax^ one of the best-governed towns in the l kmgdoin? he is "well "known in municipal life. a nnancial &uthority, and a? to his blisisne.s status, it is enough to add that he wM asso ciated with the late Lord Rhondda in many commercial undertakings, Any man who ob- t&ined the confidence of Lord Khondda had to show character and capacity-tliere was no ether way of doine it. Thí Kitchen and estaurant movemenJ may be described as Mr. Spencer's ehlld? ,and in developing it he has shown h.? it is possiMe for a man to be ao expert without being a faddist. And I m add that he has placed his experience ajid energy and enterprise at the service of the public entirely voluntarily. He understand the needs and the ideals o? the worki classes, hence the fact that the movement directs has the support of the trade unionaj and of labour organisation generill This is- a welcome fact. for I doubt if anything cam succeed to-day that is regarded with hostility or even with indifference in those quarters. i? Wholesome Meals. I But while the workman's wife will find the National Kitchen a boon and a blessing, the benefits are by no 'means confined to that class, or to any one class in particular. Inl all homes of moderate dimensions and modest n eans it is becoming increasingly difficult to provide wholesome meals made attractive by variety of menu with good food, well-cookea. I should say that the bothered and badgered housewives of the land, many of whom are doing splendid public work in addition to managing their homos, will bo the most enthusiastic supporters of these kitchens. I have already point-eel out that economy in food is one of the advantages to be obtained- making the same amount f!O further than would otherwise be the ease. That, however, is only one form of economy involved. There is the difficulty of providing ihe h- .:t fnr cook- ing—whether by coal, gas, or electricity. This difficulty is bound to increase, and it must be obvious that an enormous saving can be made in this direction under the new scheme. And the same may be said of labour, for halt a dozen women can manage the buying, the cooking, and the serving out of 1,000 portions n, day—and a much greater mnnio. r if needed. In this way hundreds and hundreds of coal fires and gas and electric stove6 are saved, while by expert carving—an art that is all too rare-pounds upon pounds of good food are saved also. Again, the most thoughtful and enlightened men and women are to-day looking forward to the creation of a Ministry of Health, a consummation devoutly to be wished. This is not the occasion for .me to enlarge upon the benefits that will follow such a step, but I may say here that the more this Kitchen and Restaurant movement is encouraged and ex- tended the less there will be for a Ministry of Health to do. Foundation of Good Health. Good food is at the foundation of good health—that may look (-ot-,iTnon- place, but like other generally accepted truths it is often ignored. But food "may be, and often is, spoiled, or at least reduced in value, by bad cooking. It is futile to blame the houses '.fe for this; indeed, it wc-nld sriev- ouaiy unfair to do so. She cnnnot at any time, and above all at such a time as this, wln hampered by all sorts of necessary r^strictk.as as to food and fuel, compete with i-he National Kitchen. And the fact is that in most she would welcome an opportu- nity of being relieved from the necessity of having to do so. There was a time when some of our ancestors thought that a desire for tasty food was a weakness, if not a sin. It was thought that especially in the case of children ir were hardened :nd their characters .improved by giving them that whi.^h they did not like. To use one of Charles Lamb's phrases, I may dismiss this as a vile cold serag of mutton sophim." That which is ,ty, that. which appeals to the toste and is relished by the eater, will in a general way do him more good than that which is forced down not because the eater likes it, but because he feels he must eat something. It is upon these general principles that the National Kitchen aiid Restaurant movement is based. It is an attempt to fill a long-felt want, if I may use a venerable phrase, and it is off'nvd on its merits and on nothing else. The -• "d authoritiea have done and are doing splendid service to the country during the war—they have a fine opportunity of adding t. that service, and c' 4 *>eir claim to puttie gratitude V- • i1' '=

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