The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF WALES A meeting of the College Council was held at Aberystwyth on Friday afternoon, Air. D. C. Roberts presiding. Professor R. H. Yapp, who has been at Aberystwyth for eleven years, has resigned on his appointment to the professorship of botany in Belfast University. Five can- didates were interviewed for the vacancy and Dr. J. Lloyd Williams, Bangor, was appointed. Dr. Lloyd Williams has up to the present been adviser in agricultural botany in North Wales. He was born and educated at Llanrwst, and later became a pupil-teacher in the elementary schooL there. Subsequently he had two years' training at Bangor Normal College and proceeded to the headmastership. of an elementary school at Garn Dolbenmaen. During his stay there he took up as hobbies the training of school chairs, and acted as conductor and adjudicator at eisteddfodau. all over North Wales. The most important hobby adopted by him was that of field botany. Tie became thoroughly acquainted with the flcira of North AA'ales. Leaving Cam. he spent four years in London study- ing at the Royal College of Science, where he held the Marshall, scholarship for re- search, and subsequently became a, teacher at the Pharmaceutical Society's School of Pharmacy in Bloomsbury-square. While pursuing his ordinary work at Bangor Col- lege Dr. Williams was asked to undertake the musical work of the College, which he did with marked success, givinc a promin- ent place to Welsh national music. The search for Welsh music for the use of the College choir inspired Dr. Williams with the idea of a Welsh Folk Song, Society, which was inaugurated at the Carnarvon National Eisteddfod of 1S06. The AVelsh drama, too, has claimed his attention. among his published works being "Aelwyd Angharad." written in collaboration with Llew Tegid. In recognition of his research work and discovery, the University of AVales conferred on him the degree of doctor of science. The appointment of Air. J. L. John as agricultural organiser in Montgomeryshire was confirmed. Air. Thomas Jones, Rhym- ney, was appointed physical instructor and director of the gymnasium. Mr. Mat- tfiigley, London, was appointed assistant lecturer in the law department. The arrangements made to help students who are with the colours by retaining their academic status, privileges, and emolu- ments were confirmed. It was stated that members of the staff had applied for com- missions. Aliss Al. Brehner, formerly lecturer in German, and Professor Norman Jones, of the Theological College, were' appointed to take the place of Dr. Ethe, professor of German and the oriental professor of German and the oriental languages, who has not returned from Ger- many, his native eotiiitrv. The war ha also interfered wirii the school of instrumental music recently founded by a generous donor. M. Gaston ]e Feuve, who has been appointed head of the school, is serving under the Bed Cross with the French Army. It has therefore been decided to defer the inauguration of the new school until January and teL further consider the matter at the end of the pre- sent term. i The Board of Agriculture wrote inti- mating their intention of making grants to the College in aid of agricultural econ- omical and zoological surveys. It was reported that Merioneth Educa- tion Committee had decided to continue the contribution of £ 40 in aid of tutorial classes.

SHIRE HORSE SOCIETY. The annual meeting of the North Cardi- ganshire Shire Horse Society was held at the Lion Hotel on Monday afternoon. Mr. R. L. Thomas, Brysgaga, chairman for the past year, presided over a large attend- ance of members. The statement of accounts showed that there were sixty-nine nomination fees at £ 2 10s. each, making a total of 9172 10s. thirty-two assisted nomination fees at 25s. each, £40; grant from Board of Agricul- ture in aid of the assisted nominations, £ 40; direct grant from the Boar,£40. The payments totalled L321 6s. 5d., includ- ing £ 315, The hiring fee of Bayham Gallant." Though there was a small de- ficit, tho financial position was considered satisfactory. The deficit of t5 16s. 5d. was paid by Sir Edward Pryse to whom a vote cf thanks was accorded. The Management Committee reported that eighty-eight members were enrolled during the year and that subscriptions of 5s. each were received from four honorary members. The Selection Committee made arrangements with Sir Edward Pryse, for the hire of his shire horse, Bayham Gallant," for the season at a fee of 300 guineas. A service fee of E-2 10s. was Charged to members, and the fee to non- members was fixed at L3 163. Assisted Nominations," at a reduced fee of 25s., were awarded to thirty-two members. One hundred and one nomination/tickets were issued to members, but none was issued to non-members. Eight members did not apply for a nomination, but two nominations were granted to nineteen mem- bers and three to one member. The Committee accepted with thanks an offer of a Cup, generously made by Mr. E. E. Hughes, Falcon Hotel, Llanilar, to the owner of the best mare covered by the Society's horse during the season, and arrangements were made for the competi- tion to take place at Llanilar Show. The cup was handed over to the winner, Air. Isaac Jones, Cefnllwynpiod, at the meeting. The Committee's recommendation that the Society should continue its operations next season, and that application should be forthwith ma for a grant under the 'live stock scheme was agreed to. It was agreed that the fee to be charged to members for nomination to the sire to be hired next season should not exceed £ 3 3s. including the membership subscript tion of 5s. Sir Edward Pryse was elected honorary president with Messrs. J. G. Morris Davies, Hafcd, and Percy Wilkinson, WenaIIt, as honorary vice-presidents. It was also agreed that landowners and others should be approached with the view of be- coming patrons of the Society. A rule was adopted prohibiting the trans- fer of nomination tickets by members to non-members. The Chairman thanked the members for co-operation extended to him during his of office. Of course it was not an easy matter to start a new movement; but he felt assured that all the members did all they possibly could to make it a success and he was gVateful to them for their sup- port. The re-election of the Chairman wns pro- posed but he declined it and said he be- lieved in sharing the honours. Mr. W. Lvke, Lodge Farm, Crosswood, wa's appointed chairman for the ensuing year and the following officials were re- appointed:—Treasurer, Mr. J. R. James. Peithyll; secretary, Mr. J. L. Morgan, Noddfa, Cambrian-place, Aberystwyth; auditor. Mr J. J. Griffith, U.C.W. The following were elected members of the Alanageinent Committe(- Edward James, Caergywydd: Atorsran, Pwll^las; Davies, Penrhyncerwin; John Richards, Tynpvnfarch: Richard Jones, Ynvshir: Isaac Jones, Cefnllwynpiod: E Hughes Davies, Ystrnd Teilo: John Jones, m Ole; Rhoseellanfawr J. James, Abercw mdole; Richard Jones, Nantybenlog. As a. result of a ballot, the following were elected members, of the Selection Committee, Messrs. W, Lyke. Lodge Farm; Richard James, Btynllys; Richard Jones, Ynvshir. The procedure to be adopted in award- ing assisted nominations was referred to the Management Committee.

The War THE BATTLE OF THE AISNE. GERMAN PRODIGALITY OF LIFE AND AMMUNITION. Up to Monday there had been no material change of the situation on the River Aisne on the French frontier where the German army holds a strong en- trenched position in the hills over a front extending beyond 100 miles with the allied French and British armies in close contact. The allies have now been rein- forced by the arrival of native troops from India and during the past week efforts have been made by the allies to outflank the German right wing, commanded by General Von Kluck and to cut of its com- munication in the rear. To counteract this attempt the Germans concentrated j large numbers of troops on their right and made desperate efforts to defeat or break through the Allies' left wing. All those efforts were frustrated by the allies, the German masses having been repulsed with heavy losses. The Press Bureau in a statement issued on October 2nd, gives a graphic description of the prodigality of Germany in ammunition as well as in life. The general situation, it says, as viewed on the map, remains practically the same as that described in the previous letter; and the task cf the army has not changed. It is to maintain itself until the general re- sumption of the offensive. No ground has been lost, some has been gained, and every counter-attack has been repulsed, in certain instances with very severe loss to the enemy. Nevertheless, the question of position is only part of the battle; and there has been a considerable improvement in the situation in another important re- spect. The recent offensive efforts of the enemy have been made without cohesion, the "assaults being delivered by compara- tively small bodies acting without co- operation with those on either side. Some of them, indeed, evince clear signs of in- ferior leadership, thus bearing out the statements made by prisoners as to the great losses in officers suffered by the enemy. Further, the hostile artillery fire, has decreased in volume, and deter- iorated both in control and direction. The first is probably due to a transfer of metal to other quarters, but the two latt-e,r may be a direct result of the activity of our j aircraft and their interference, with the enemy's air reconnaissance and observa- tion of fire. Recently the Germans have been relying to some extent on observa- tion from captive balloons sent up at some distance in rear of their first line, a method which, whatever its cause, is a poor substitute for the direct overhead reconnaissance obtainable from aeroplanes. As a consequence, the damage being clone to us is wholly disproportionate to the amount of ammunition expended by the eneiny- For; the past few days it has amounted to"1 pitting certain areas with largje craters and in rendering some vil- lages "unhealthy"—as the soldiers put it. Narrating events from Friday, Septem- ber 25ch, to Tuesday, September 29th the report adds Friday, tho 25th, a Ger- man aeroplane fiew high over the interior of our lines, but drew a general fusilade from below, with the result that the pilot was killed outright and the observer wounded. That Friday night a general ntiiack was made against the greater part of the Allies' position, and it was renewed in the early morning of Saturday. The Germans were everywhere repulsed with loss. Indeed, opposite to one portion of our lilie where they were caught in mass by our machine guns and howitzers, it is estimated that they left 1,000 killed and wounded. Further ineffectual efforts to drive us back were made on Sunday, at eight a.m., and in the afternoon, and artillery fire continued all day. The Germans came on in a T-shaped formation, several lines shoulder to shoulder, followed almost im- mediately by a column in support. After a very few minutes the men had closed up into a mob which afforded an excellent target frout fire. An incident on Sunday serves to illus- trate the type of fighting that has for two weeks been going on intermittently. It also brings out the extreme difficulty of ascertaining yhat is actually happening during an action, apart from what seems to be happening, and points to the value of good entrenchments At a certain point in our front our advanced trenches on the north of the Aisne are not far from a village on the hillside, and also within a short distance of the German works, being on the slope of a spur formed by a sub- sidiary valley running north and the main valley of the river. It was a cilm, sunny afternoon, but hazy; and .from a point of vantage south cf the riverit was difficult exactly to locate on the far bank the well- concealed trenches of either side. From far and near the sullen boom of guns echoed along the valley and at intervals, in different directions, the sky was flecked with the almost motionless smoke of anti- craft shrapnel. Suddenly, without any wa.ning (for the reports of the distant howitzers from which they were fired could not be distinguished from other distant repoiltiO, three or four heavy shells fell into the viil,-t(-,e,. -sending up huge clouds of srnokje. aiid dust, which slowly ascended in brownish grey column. To this no reply was made by our side. Shortly afterwards there was a quick succession of reports from a. point some distance up the subsi- diary valley on the side opposite our trenches, and therefore rather on their flank. It was not possible either by ear or by eye to locate the guns from which these sounds proceeded. Almost simul- taneously, as it seemed, there was a cor- responding succession of flashes and sharp detonations in a line on the hillside, along what appeared to be our trenches. There was then a pause and several clouds of smoke rose slowly and remained stationary, spaced as regularly as a line of poplars. Again there was a succession of reports from the German quick-firers on the far side of the misty valley, and—like echoes-- the detonations of high-explosive; and the row of expanding smoke clouds, was pro- longed by several new ones. Another pause, and silence, except for the noise in the distance. After a few minutes there was a roar from our side of the main valley as our field guns opened one after another in a more deliberate fire upon the position of the German guns. After six reports there was again silence, save for the whirr of the shell as they sang up t the small valley, and then followed the flashes and balls of smoke-one, two, three, four, five, six, as the shrapnel burst nicely over what in the haze looked like some ruined buildings at the edge of a wood. Again, after a short interval, the enemy's gunners re-opened with a burst, still further prolonging the smoke, which was now merged into one solid screen above a considerable length of trench and again did our guns reply. And so the duel went on for some time. Ignor- ing our guns, the German artillerymen, probably relying on concealment for immunity, were concentrating all their efforts in a particularly forceful effort to enfilade our trenches. For them it must have appeared to be the chance of a lifetime and with their customary prodi- gality of ammunition they continued to pour bouquet after bouquet of high ex- plosive Einheitsgeschcss, or combined shrapnel and common shell, on to our works. Occasionally, with a roar, a high- angle projectile would sail over the hill and blast a gap in the village. One could only pray that our men holding the trenches had dug themselves in deep and well and that these in the village were in the cellars. In the hazy valleys, bathed in sunlight, not a man, not a horse, not a gun, nor even a trench was to be seen. There were only flashes, smoke, and noise. Above, against the blue sky, were several round white clouds hanging in the track of the only two visible human souls—repre- sented by a glistening speck in the air. On high also were to be heard the more or loss gentle reports of the bursts of the anti-aircraft projectiles. But the deepest impression created was one of sympathy -for the men subjected to the bursts along that trench. 011 inquiry as to the losses sustained, however, it was found that our nwn had been able to take care of them- selves and had dug themselves well in. In that collection of trenches on that Sunday afternoon were portions of four battalions of British soldiers—the D.vsets, the AArest Kents, the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, and the King's Own Scottish Bord erers. Over 300 projectiles were fired against them. The result was nine men wounded. On the following day 109 shells against them. The result was nine men wounded. On the following day 109 shells -I_ were fired at the trenches occupied by the AVest Kent Regiment alone Four officers were buried, but dug out unhurt. One man was scratched. The village itself was unoccupied.

BELGIAN REFUGEES. A contingent of Belgian refugees reached Aberystwyth en Saturday evening by the express train from Euston and received a hearty welcome by the inhabitants. The Station precincts were crowded and the visitors were cheered on making their appearance. The majority of them were women and children, some of the children being orphans. It is stated that the adults are distinguished professional teachers, musicians, and painters of a high station in life. They were evidently pleased by the reception. Particular in- terest was taken in the children who were kissed and fondled by the onlookers as they were taken from the train to the convey- ances. The Bov Scouts under the direc- tion of Scoutmaster Phillips assisted in re- moving the luggage to the Queen's Hotel. In tho evening a large crowd of students and townspeople assembled in front of the hotel and the visitors joined in singing the national anthems. On Sunday evening the Rheidol Choir gave a concert at the Queen's for the entertainment of the Belgians and the singing, particularly of the Belgian National Anthem, was greatly appreciated. Dr. Fleure who accompanied tho visitors from London, issued a statement on Mon- day that the party was not the party for which arrangements had been made. The other party may come later on. As far as possible, those who have offered board and apartments are being considered in allo- cating the present party, hub in view of special circumstances some changes may bj necessary in detail. The visitors convey their thanks for tho kindness shown to them. There was disappointment that the arrangements made for the reception of the visitors had to be abandoned. Several hostesses were in waiting at the Railway Station to receive the parties allocated to them. It is understood that the mainten- ance of a large number of the refugees has been undertaken by a generous benefactor well lyunvn in AVales. The arrangements in connection with the hospitality offered were decided at a meeting of hostesses held on Friday evening at the Presbyterian schoolroom. The prices were arranged as fellows:—-For every man and boy over fourten years of age, 14s. per week; for every woman and girl over fourteen years of age, 12s. every boy and girl. 10a. in- fants, 5s. each. A draw was made for the allocation of the guests. Among those who have interested them- selves in the movement are Miss Fewings, Mr. Thomas Jones (secretary of the AVelsh Insurance Commissioners). Dr. Fleure, Mr. AV. J. Evans (Llandinaui). the Chief Con- stable, Professor and Airs. Barbier, Mr. Ernest Jones and Mr. Emile Evans, Brvnteg. When the Belgian •editprr: visited Aber- ystwyth early in the season and were en- tertained at the Queen's Hotel it was not expected that so many of their countrymen would follow so soon under as. the result of one of the most terrible devastations of a country in the history of the world.

IN THE KANT-S OF GERMANS. Mr. John Morris, of 3, Portland-tstreet, Aberystwyth, arrived home on Friday after oxciting experiences and cruel sulftruig in Germany. He was mate on the Cardiff steamer "Glyndwr." when the war broke out the ship was at Memel in East Prussia, seven miles off the Russian border. Tho ship was laden with coal from Blyth and the cargo, of course, was commandeered, but not being suitable for the navy was sold to a neighbouring paper manufactur- ing firm. The crew were also deprived of their possessions. They arrived at Memel on July 29th. At four o'clock in the morning of August 5th armed soldiers came on board and said they were going to take away part of the machinery. They did so, after saying that if objections were raised they would use force. They also told the crew to consider themselves prisoners of war, and that anybody leaving the ship would be shot. The crew were kept en board in that way until Septem- ber 4th, when, in the evening, soldiers came on board and told them they were to leave the vessel. They were allowed fifteen minutes to get ready, and were told that they were not to take anything away but what they could carry in their hands, as I no one would be alluwed to assist them. The soldiers followed them to their cabins with fixed bayonets, and they had no sooner began to open drawers and boxes than the soldiers commenced shouting, "Como on." That was apparently done to excite them, and cause them to leave behind their valuables. In relating the adventures of the crew tho Chief Engineer (Mr Perrott of Cardiff) states We were marched through the rain to the police-station, where our names were taken down and our pocket-knives and matches taken away. Then wo wore lighted to a ceil by a warder with a para n lamp, and immediately we were inside the doors the bolts were drawn and we were I in complete darkness. The accommodation was terrible. At four o'clock nexo morn- ing a female warder brought us a cup of coffee and a piece of bread which it was impossible to eat. A male warder followed and told us that we had to pay 2d. each for the coffee, but we had no money. Again we were marched through the streets of ATenieT to the station on exhibition, the Ül- habitants sneering and jeering at us. About 40 Polaks.—Russian and Prussian refugees—were marched with us. We were taken to Konigsberg, and the Rus- sians came within three miles of the city, but afterwards retreated. In Konigsberg again the Germans jeered and sneered at the "Englanders" and laughed at us be- cause we were placed in the company of the low class—Polaks. In the fortress of Konigsberg they gave us straw to lie on, and the treatment accorded to us was again of the most wretched character. There were 100 German prisoners of a low type in the fortress, and these were given better food and accommodation than we were. < In the mornings we were served with a little bread and skilly, which con- sisted of flour and water. "Ve had nothing in which to mix the skilly, and were jeer- ingly told to use our hats. The German prisoners were allowed to have tin pans, and some of the prisoners lent us these after they had done with them. Another thing the German prisoners were allowed was coffee, but when we asked for some the officials allowed it to run to waste rather than give it to the ''Englanders." At midday we were supplied with some soup, and in the evening with two ounces of bread and skilly. For eleven days we were detained in the fortress, during which time the number of prisoners increased to nearly 600, consisting mainly of Russian soldiers and Polaks. Even the Russian soldiers were better treated than the "Englanders." The sanitary arrangements were too vile to talk about. One of the least of thei evils was that all males and females had to wash and cleanse them- selves at a water tap in the centre of the yard. When the time came for our re- lease we were again marched to the station under an armed guard with fixed bayonets, and kept marching around the streets. They kept us on the platform for hours, waiting for the train, and we had to go through a trying experience on the very long journey. Many times we begged for a drink of water, but were not allowed it. At Konitz we had a most painful experi- ence. Our carriage drew up opposite a tap on the station platform. On the plat- form were a number of male and female Red Cross nurses. We beseeehed them to give us some water. AVhat they did was to spit in cur faces, jeer at us, and turn on the tap to tantalise us. It was seven o'clock on the following morning when we got to Stettin, and wo had then been thirty-eight hours since we last had bread and. a drink of water. At Stettin, we were put in a pig pen near some slaughterhouses, given a little straw to lie on, and served with about three ounces of bread at eight a.m. They gave us a small plate of soup at noon, and another three ounces of bread at, four p.m. That completed the first day's food. On the three following days we were also given half a pint of coffee at four o'clock. During the whole of our imprisonment we were given no meat. The American Consul, who had be- come aware, of our arrival, came to see us. and said he would do everything pos- sible on our behalf. After a. few days he came and told us that lie had succeeded in getting a passport for four of us who were over forty-five years of age. and supplied us with money to travel to Sweden. Accordingly we took train to Sarsnitz, still in charge of Government officials, were i J conducted to a cattle shed, previously oc- cupied by Polak refugees, and told to lie down and sleep. Next morning an official arrived, and when we presented our pass- port he said it was not worth the paper it was written on, as it had only been signed by the commissioner of police, and that we would have to get one signed bv tho military authorities. After being put off for two days we were told we wouid be released, and then next day were given our passport without any addition to it. Again we were detained for two days and a half out of spite. Eventually we got from Sarsnitz to Trauleberg, and then to Malmo, where we saw tne British Ccnsul, who pro- vided us with money. At the saple time we telegraphed to tile owners, who tele- graphed us money with which to come home. We came home through Chris- tiania, in Norway, and from there to 1!I:iZ'I"" j I Liverpool, arriving in Cardiff on Thursday I without anything but the clothes on us. Feeling against the British is very bitter indeed. AVe would ask them to treat us better, as we were sure Germans were not treated as badly in England. Their reply was, -'English people torture Germans. Nothing is too bad for Britishers. They will do anything in their spite. There are five behind in Stettin—two engineers, two stewards, and one sailor. Their plight is a bad one, and unless something is done they will have a severe struggle to survive the winter." 0<"0 Our of the four Britishers on board tho ship. four only were released, because they were not of serviceable age. Mr. Morris has been heartily congratulated by his friends en his fortunate escape and safe arrival home.

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