The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

ABERYSTWYTH HURAL DISTRICT COUNC, Monday, Feb- ruary 28th.—Present: Messrs LI. J. Lewis, Erwbarfa-u, chairman; R. L. Thotaias, Brysgaga, vice-chairman; Daniel Jenkins, Brynearnedd; David Jones, Troedrhiwfronfrech; David Jamen. Fronhaul; J. Bunce Morgan, Glanfread; David James Penrhyncoch; W. T Lewis, Borth; William Thomas, Parcel Canol; Thomas Jones, Llanfi- hangel Upper; J L Powell, Cwmrheidol; John Roberts, Uchayndre; E. L. Jones, Vaenor Upper; Evan Hughes. Issayn- dre; J. G. Stephens, Llancynfelin; J. M Jones, Llanilar; Hugh Hughes, clerk; Owen Morgan, assistant clerk; James Hughes, sanitary inspector; and the road surveyors. Unfriendly. Mr. Daniel Jenkins said it was reported in the papers that members of the lown Council complained at a recent meeting that unfriendly remarks were made at the Rural Council meeting in connection with the footpath at Clarach. As far as ha knew, there had been no unfriendly re- marks and the matter was discussed in quite a friendly spirit. There was there- fore no justification for the complaint made at the Town Council meeting. Travelling Expenses The Local Government Board wrote offering no objection to the Council's pro- posal to allow travelling expenses to the Sanitary Inspector for journeys under- taken in connection with works of water supply carried out under his supervision. The expenditure, however could not be regarded as part of the office's salary. Motor Speed. Representatives were appointed to attend an inquiry to be held by the Local Government Board into the objections lodged against the regulations proposed to be made by the County Council to limit the speed of motor cars through Tillages. Roadmen's Wages. Mr. David James, Melindwr, submitted the report of a committee who had con- sidered the roadmen's application for an in- crease of wages. The Committee failed to agree on a scheme of classification, but recommended that the men should all be allowed to leave off at one o'clock on Satur- days.—Mr. W. T. Lewis agreed that the question of classification was an exceed- ingly difficult task. He proposed as an amendment that a war bonus of Is. should be granted to each man.—Mr Evan Hughes seconded the amendment.—Mr. David James, Penrhynooch, said it was unreason- able to ignore the claims of old men who had spent most of their years in the Council's employ. As the roadmen were equal to any other roadmen, he believed they ought to be paid on the same terms as the men employed by the County Coun- cil. It was no concession to leave off at one o'clock, because that was done now.— Kr. Bunce Morgan aaid it was more im- portant that the men should start early in -the morning and gave an honest day's work —-The amendment was unanimously agreed to, which will increase the men's weekly wage to 19s. each.—On the proposition of .Mr. Bunce Morgan, seoonded by Mr G. Stephens, it was agreed to instruct the surveyors in future not to appoint new roadmen over forty-five years without the -Council's approval. Sanitary. The Inspector reported having visited dwelling houses and cottages, many of which were in need of repairs, and notices were sent to the owners. One of the houses condemned was Tanygraig, near Moriah occupied by an elderly woman and her daughter. Two cases of scarlet fever and a case of diphtheria were notified Glanfread Road. Mr. Bunce Morgan called attention to the state of Glanfread road which was full ef ruts. In his opinion the road was in a worse condition than he ever saw it owing to the damage caused by timber haulage.—The matter was left to the Surveyor.

Inquest Into Ouarry Accident. On Thursday evening of last week an inquest was held at the Corporation Offices, before John Evans, Esq., and a jury into the death of Mr. William John itooerts, Garth, Penrhynooch, son of Mr. Roberts, The Mill, Bontgoch, who was killed on Wednesday when raising stone in what is known as the Lion Field Quarry, on the hillside above the in- firmary and adjoining the Golf Links. The jury were Messrs John Williams, Bridge End Shop, foreman; Thomas E. Owen, High-street; David Lloyd, Penglaise-road Charles Benson, Custom House-street; John Jenkin Jones, Stanley-terrace; Thomas Davies. Baker-street; David Kd wards, Rheidol-terrace; David Jones, Riheidiol-pLace; Richard Jenkin Ellis, Cambrian-place; Thomas Lewis, Pc1 tland- street; Thomas Thomas, Cambrian-street; David Watkins. Elm Tree-avenue; and John Hughes Northgate-street. i. W. J. Stephens, Cardiff, inspector "f quarines, was present. John Roberts, carrier, Bontgoch, identi- fied the body of that of his son, who was a miner, twenty-six years of age, and had been living at Garth, Penrhyn- ooch. He had been recently .vorking as a quarryman at the Lioa Field Quarry for Mr Peter Jones. James Davies, miner, CVmerfui said he was working at the quarry in company with deceased until half-past three o'clock on Wednesday afternoon. They were work- ing an the north side of the quarry, where the face was of good solid rock from about the middle southwards and about half- way upwards. Afterward there was a good deal of loose stuff. He was bending down, using the bar to loosen the stone and Roberts was standing by with a sledge ready to strike when wanted. Heard a noise of falling stuff and on looking up saw that Roberts had run towards the road leading from the quarry and had been struck down by falling stuff. There were no large stones, but chiefly small stone and gravel from the top. Went to Roberts at once. He was covered with debris up to the waist and had received a severe injury to the right hand side of his forehead. He saw Mr. T. R. Jones passing and called to him, and he came at once. Between them they got Roberts nearly out before others arrived. He was breathing when taken out, but witness could not say when death took place. When the fall took place witness stood where he was.—By the Inspector: Was an old quarryman and had been working at Ponterwyd and other places. He knew it was his duty to examine the quarry. and he had done so for nis own sake and for the sake of his companion. He knew it was against the law to undercut in a quarry, but they did not cut much. Had not been working at all where the fall occurred and that part was as it had been left by those who worked before in the quarry. Mr. Thomas Richard Jones, Gwylfa, Bryn-road, said he was passing the quarry in company with his wife when he heard the previous witness callout" Go and tell the men down there (at the bungalow) that there is a man hurt here." He asked Mrs. Jones to go and tell the men and himself went to the injured man. He found deceased half buried under debris which had fallen from the top and saw that there was a severe injury to his fore- head. He was then! aliVe. He asked witness for his pick and got him out in about six minutes. In about two minutes afterward other people arrived. Both legs appeared to have been broken just above the ankle and one foot seemed to be hanging by the stocking only. Two men came on the scene and he directed them to go to the Infirmary for a stretcher and a doctor. They returned with the stretcher very quickly. They got deceased on to it as soon as possible and had gone alXtut ten yards towards the Tnfiirmary when Dr. E&fis arrived, who examined Roberts and said he was afraid he was dead. Witness thought he died in the quarry before they started to remove him. 1fr. Peter Jones, called at the request of the Inspector, said at present he paid a royalty for raising stone at the quarry and Davies and deceased were in his employ. Had been raising stone on the Golf Links side, but the stone there became exhausted and about six weeks ago the men went to work at that particular spot. He was not aware when opening a quarry that it was his duty to notify H.M. In- spector so that it mght be inspected. He simply wanted about a couple of hundred tons of stone and engaged James Davies, whom he knew as one of the most ex- perienced and steady men in the district. The Jury returaed a verdict of acci- dental death.

PRIVATE JACK PARRY. STOKER STANLEY PARRY. STOKER DAVID PARRY PRIVATE W. J. LLOYD. J

Aberystwyth Sailors and Soldiers. The above portraits are those of the three sons and of the son-in-law of Mr and Mrs Parry, Greenfield-street, Aberystwyth. Stoker D. Parry is on H.M.S. "King Alfred" and is 23 years of age. Stanley 1 Parry is on the same warship and is 21 years of age. Private Jack Parry, 19 years cf age. is in the 9th Welsh and took part in the famous battle of Loos. Private W. J. Lloyd was a time-expired soldier; but volunteered for active service at the outbreak of war. He served throughout the South African War. Was killed at Festubert. Mr Parry, the father of Private and Stckers Parry, also served j twelve years in the old 23rd (R.W.F.)

JOHN DANIEL THOMAS. THOMAS THOMAS. JOSEPH THOMAS. SAMUEL THOMAS. I

A Patriotic Mydroilyn Family. I The above are portraits of the four sons of Mr and Airs John Thomas, Ffynon- iwan, Mydroilyn, Cardiganshire, who have responded to their country's call. responded to their country's call. Thomas Thomas joined the Navy soon after the outbreak of war and has; been for about twelve months or more on patrol in H.M.S. "Digby." Some time before the outbreak of war he was on the ill-fated "Crecy" which was torpedoed in the early stages of the war. He is now in gunnery training at Chatham. He is thirty-four years of age. Sapper John Daniel Thomas joined the Royal Engineers Tunnelling Section during the latter part of last year and has been on active service since Christmas "Somewhere in France." Till about two years ago he was a farm servant in the Mydroilyn district, when, like many other young men, he left for the Glamorgan collieries. He is twenty-one years, of age. Joseph Thomas; the youngest son of the family, joined the Royal Naval Div- isicn about six months ago and is at pre- sent in training in Devonport. Previously, he was employed in the grocery trade with his brother in Porth, Glamorgan. He is, nineteen years of age. Samuel Thomas has just joined the Somerset Light Infantry and is in training at Plymouth. He was engaged previously in the grocery trade -in Porth, and before that as a farm servant in his native dis- trict. He is twenty-six years of age. 1

Gunner Morris Rowlands. Evan Owen Rowlands. Corporal Iorwerth Rowlands. ABERDOVEY BROTHERS. The portraits are those of three sons of Mrs Rowlands, Prospect-place, and of the j late Mr Humphrey Rowlands, Trinity pilot, Aberdovev. Bombardier-Instructor I Morris Rowlands, 3/4th Welsh Roval Field Artiilery, now instructor at an artillery training school. Corporal Iorwerth Row lands. l/7th R.W.F., served with th( telegraph section at Suvla Bay landing; now in hospital at Alexandria. Private Evan Rowlands, R.A.M.C., now on Salis- bury Plain.

SERGT. DAVID DAVIES, Bontddu, Dolgellev, A.S.C., M.T., is the son of Mr and Mrs L. Davies, Alunau Cochion, Bontddu. He went through the battle of Neuve Cliapelle and for his conspicuous bravery was promoted to the rank of sergeant. i

———— ■ TALSARNAU, MER. Soldiers Fund.—A successful concert was held on Thursday evening in the Council School on behalf of the local lads now at the front. Mr R. Jones Alorris, J.P., Gwrach Ynys, presided over a full house and delivered an inspiring address, in which he warmly eulogised the noble efforts of the women of the district in their good work, pointing out that there Was but one word before us all now-.and that word was "Duty." He also urged all present to "Follow the King." especially in the matter of total abstinence-which he re- garded as a religious duty. The names of the soldier boys" were written on canvas in bold letters around the walls, shielded by the Union Jack. Among the items were songs by Miss Maggie Griffiths, Miss Evans, Llanfair; Miss Madge Jones, Mr J. D. Roberts, Air David Edmunds, Air Tom Griffith. Recitation. "0, carwn ein Gwlad" by Air Simon Hughes, several airs by the Ladies Choir, conducted by Mrs Simon Hughes pianoforte solos and duetts. the Misses L. M. and Kate Hughes, and Air Williams. Penrhyn, and two recitations (Welsh and English) by a little Belgian girl, Aliss Caroline Luig Knecht, who speaks five languages and was presented with a handsome bound volume by Miss Etffie Haigh. off Caerffynon. A hearty vote of thanks to the Chairman and artistes was proposed by Mr Jones Roberts, Cefntrefor Fawr. and seconded by Mr Griffith Roberts. Talsarnau. Mrs Haigh. Caerffynon, has kindly undertaken to send comforts to the "boys" as the result of the proceeds of the concert. I

PTE. ROBERT LEWIS, Gwyddelwern, was killed in action in Gallipoli shortly before the evacuation. He was attached to D Co. l/7th R.W.F. and served in the great Sui-la Bay battle. He was greatly loved by all and will be missed by his Company. Deceased was the son of Mr and Mrs Evan Lewis, Beuno-terrace, who mourn the loss of a worthy son at the age of 21. [A portrait of Private John Ellis Roberts, Glwyddelwern, will appear next week].

I The first taste of Rhubarb and BIRD'S Custard is the first taste of Spring! It is full of health, — from the appetising Spring Rhubarb, and full of nutriment, derived from the delicious and creamy Birds! f\ Custard. fv The children's welfare is safeguarded by the purity of So', d by all Grocers in packets. boxes el and large tins. C220

SERGT. T. J. BENJAMIN, Pontrhvdygroes. Pontrhvdygroes. Sen of Mrs Benjamin. Pantyddafad. Joined the G!oucesters when he was at Gloucester College and has been twice re- commended for the D.C.M. for gallant conduct on the field.

I PRIVATE WM. EVES, ABERDOVEY, l/7th R.W.F., son of Mr Eves, The Insti- tute, Aberdovey. Private Eves was wounded in the Sm-la Bay landing on August 7th and was invalided home. He is now in camp at Alanchester.

I' COR PL. JOHx HAYDN JONES, MACHYNLLETH. ¡ Corporal Jones was twenty-one years of age and joined the "Pals" some twelve months ago, rapidly gaining promotion to the rank of corporal. He was very popular locally where, prior to the war, he was in partnership with his father (Mr Daniel r Jones) as tailor and draper. Up to the time of his enlistment he had also acted as assistant scoutmaster to the local troop of Boy Scouts. He was also a good musician, and in the absence of the organ- ist frequently presided at the organ at Maengwyn (C.AI.) Chapel. The Rev D. Cunllo Davies. pastor of Maengwyn, re- ceived a. letter from him on Tuesday, written on the day of his death, in which he said he was going into very dangerous trenches, but jn the midst of danger there is One into whose keeping he committed hmself.

lw :7:W ■ THE MOST ■ n PERFECT PAl-NT N ky Experience can make or mm H money can buy, is the D CAMBRIAN y BRAND Lg H (of Guaranteed Materia/3) H Lg IN 54 RICH STRONG COLOURS. |J Bj Ask your Ironmonger, or Nfl W I Decorator to show you 1 j J the Cambrian Paint j j Tint Card. ■ See that the name H ■ CAMBRIAN BRAND is ]■ W\ on the tin, and ensure pi [ 1 absolute satisfaction. 1,7 I I < «*MufACTUBED BY I j i JAMES RUDMAN^BRISTOL | -AV cr,4i& tih"

LIEUT. GEORGE AlcLEAN, Portmadoc. Royal Engineers, Welsh Division, now in France. The son of Mrs McLean, Gwynle, I P'ortmadoc. He was an architect at Cardiff when he jo ned the colours at the outbreak of war. His brother (Mr Walter McLean, of Paris and Liverpool), was one of those who went down in the "Lus:tania."

ABERYSTWYTH Comforts for Fighters Appended are extracts from the letters received by R.S.M. Fear:- Second-lieutenant W. A. Pickard writes —I feel very grateful to you for the amount of trouble you must have taken and to the many Aber. people who have made it possible for you to send a parcel to all Aber. boys who are taking their share in their country's struggle. Although so far away from home and with so many distractions in the way of new sensations and novel surroundings we never forget old Aber. associations and friends. I have seen plenty of change since I left England. With my battalion we first spent a few months in France. Then early in Novem- ber we went out to Salonika, from which place I was sent along to Alexandria, sick- ness causing me to have a short stay in l ov. ,:di,l t. is an ideal place to winter in as, with the exception of an occasional day's rain, we get a succession of warm summer days. I had the pleasure of meeting Alajor G. Pryse of the Welsh Horse, a day or two ago. Sergeant-major Ousack is here, too. in the Welsh Horse. though I have not run across him yet. Another Aber. boy I sometimes see is Charley Roberts, who is inVthe Engineers. /Drummer C. Ansley "writes—Please aoeept my thanks for the box of cigarettes from the kind and thoughtful people of Aber. Of course, you will Uldrerstand what it means to Tommy to be without fags. Whenever I give one away I give it on con- dition that they smoke the health of the people of Aber. I would like you to in- sert in the local press asking if anyone llp an),-Ad,melroion they could spare j'ust to pass the long dreary dark nights away ? We are allowed only a mile from our billet and we would very much appreciate some- thing to help to cheer one ana all. Private D. A. Hughes writes-The cigar- ettes arrived in their most needed hour, as there was not a cigarette in the platoon and all you could hear all day was "Give us a fag, or I think I'll die." We had done forty-eight hours in the line and you can imagine how we smoke there. If you are not bobbing your head down you are always smoking. How grand it is after you have cooked your breakfast to sit on the firing step and have, a jolly wiff before we commence to do any more strafing as we call it. We receive your gifts when always in the most need for a fag. T. J. Keane writes—A further large box of cigarettes reached me on Wednesday, and 1 again write to express my hearty thanks to you and those kind folks who have contributed toward the cost of the smokes. Not least do I appreciate the small cards which are enclosed in the parcels. Alcssages such as they bear are a source of comfort in the more trying hours. Unfortunately bad weather now prevails. During the past week we have experienced violent winds and drenching rain. It is on these occasions that one most appreciates the letters and parcels from home. With such practical re- minders not one of the Aber. boys can for a moment regard himself as a lonely soldier." Private J. Jones, of the South Wales .Borderers, writes from St. David's Hos- pital. Malta :—I received your welcome parcel in good condition. I have been here five weeks now and am getting on all right. When I left the other lads in Salonika they were all doing well. Your parcel of cigarettes came in very handy, for we had none at the time. Driver T. Edwards writes—Many thanks for the box of cigarettes which came quite safe. We had a very exciting time where we were stopping last time, being con- stantly shelled every day and men being killed every day. Fancy, our horses were billeted in an old shed that had been well punished with shell fire. As it does not often happen that they shell the same spot twice, we thought we were quite safe; but not at all. It was about one o'clock. dinner time, they started sending them over. One came through the roof of our stable and burst in a yard at the side, making a great hole in our stable wall. Luckily, the two horses that stood there had gone on duty fivet minutes before, or else we would have been a driver and two horses short I have the nosecap of the shell and, if I can get leave some time this, year, I will bring it to you, also several pieces of shrapnel. We had the Zepps. over here two nights ago; but they soon hopped off and went further down the line where they saw a) train going along. They dropped some bombs, but did not hit the mark-a good job, too, as it would have been hard for the chaps. it was the leave train going to Boulogne for "Blighty." Lance-corporal W. Joseph writes—The cigarettes reached me when in the trenches without any hopes of getting any, except our weekly issue, for about six weeks, so you can guess how welcome they were. 1 believe the chaps here are jealous of me having Eo many parcels of cigarettes. I am sure that we Aber. boys are better looked after by our native town than any- one out here, and the best of it is you seem to know when we are running short. We are back amongst it again after having a good rest. and I may say we are amongst it this time, both sides shelling all day and night, a continuous bombardment; but we are well used to it now. Corporal W. Thomas writes—I must thank you and the Aber. friends very much for you ever welcome parcel of cigs. which is now well known to all my unit. If any of them are short they come to me for a few "Aberystwyth ciga,rettes," as they are called by my comrades. Everyone that has smoked them vote them t.res bon. I also thank you very much for your kind words of encouragement. I sincerely hope that all the Aber. people are keeping their spirits up as things are at their blackest just at present; but a little longer patience and the dawn will be here before long. If I were allowed I would tell you something that is in store for Fritz, but mum's the word, which perhaps is best owing to the enemy being so unscrupulous. Trooper W. Lloyd writes—Alany thanks for your parcel of cigarettes, which I re- ceived quite sofe. We were in the trenches at the time and were all run out of cigarettes. We had been about two days without a smoke, so you can guess what a fine reception the box had. I had several exciting experiences and I am very thankful I came out alive and well. Sapper R. D. Jenkins writes—I do not know how to thank you again and the Aber. friends for sending me these fags, which are highly appreciated by all my friends. All I wish is that I had a few Aber. boys with me in this company. I have met several Welsh fellows, and the other day, when in the trenches, I heard two chaps talking Welsh. It fills my heart with joy to talk a bit of Welsh. Acknowledgments have also been re- ceived from Privates G. Ll. Edwards, Ernest Worthington, J. Alassey, H White, Eynon Price, W. S. Davies. J. W'. Leach, W. R. Williams Drivers R. Davies, W. Pugh. Gunner M. Edwards. Rifleman J. D Jenkins, Sergeant S. Gurney. Seamen E. A Jones, E. D. Davies, David Lewis, and j J. Hughes. R..s.M Fear acknowledges the following eontributilons :-Principal T. F. Roberts .(second contribution), 10s. 6d.; Mr. A. J. Hughes, town clerk (second contribution). 10s; Mr R. Geddes Smith, solicitor (second contribution), 10s.; Mr. B. Ellis Morgan (second contribution), 10s.; a friend (eighth contribution), 3s.; Mr. J. D. Edwards, Gwynfa, Llanbadarn (third con- tribution), 2s.; Professor C. R. Chappie, U.C.W., 2s.; Special Constabulary Drill Class, Aberystwyth (thirty-fifth contribu- tion), 13s. 6d. Central Foundry employees (third contribution) 9s.; Gas Company employees (third contribution), 8s. 2d.; Corporation employees (fourth contribu- tion) 6s Id., Brewery employees (fourth contribution). 5s. 4d.; "Cambrian News" employees (eighteen contribution), 4s.; Electric Works employees (fifth contribu- tion), 3s. 9d.; 6th Cardiganshire V.A.D. Drill Class (eighteenth contribution), 3s. 9d.; Cambrian Locomotive Department (sixth contribution), 3s. 2d.; Laundry employees (sixth contribution). 2s.; Air. Teviotdale's employees (sixteenth contribu- tion), 2s.; Cambrian and G.W.R. em- ployees (second contribution), Is. lid.; Mr Teviotdale's Tea Rooms (third contribu- tion). Is. 5d. The amount previously acknowledged was L161 18s. 5 £ d-, making a total of P,167 10s. d. Twenty-six parcels, with the Battery and Ammunition Column parcel, have been sent this week at a cost of R5 17s. 8d. The amount of contributions received during the week was B5 lis. 7d. Tlie contributions received up to date for the weekly parcels fund and the Christmas parcels total L313 15s. ü-}d. Since the commencement of the weekly parcels in June, over 1.500 parcels, includ- ing Christmas parcels, have been forwarded to the brave boys from Aberystwyth in the war regions on land and sea. In addition, fifteen weekly parcels have been sent to the Battery and Ammunition Column for 162 men, each parcel consisting of five pounds of tobacco and 5,500 cigar- ettes, carriage free via Southampton per military authorities. The parcels sent to individuals in other units consist of 250 cigarettes to each cigarette smoker, half a pound of tobacco to pipe smokei-s and a cake, or fancy box of biscuits, packet of Oxo. tubes, sweets, is sent to each non- smoker. Parcels are sent bv return with a. letter enclosed to every man who acknow- ledges the previous parcel sent to him. ow-

Borough Tribunal and Conscientious Objections. The borough tribunal under the Alilitary Service Act sat for the second time at the Town Hall on, Friday morning. The Mayor. Alderman John Evans, presided, and all the other members of the tribunal were present, namely, Aldermen Edwin Morris, E. P. Wynne, Councillors Capt. Doughton, David Davies, T. J. Morrison, Rhys Jones, Mr. D. C. Roberts, Mr Henry Bonsall, the military representative, and Mr John Evans, de- puty town clerk, as secretary. Twenty- seven cases were dealt with, seventeen being attested and ten unattested. Of the unattested cases, four were on the ground of conscientious objections. It was agreed to meet every Friday morning until the duties were completed. The Deputy Town Clerk read the follow- ing letter from the Local Government Board:—"It is possible that some men (or their employers) who have not been at- tested and come under the Alilitary Ser- vice Act and in respect of whom applica- tion has already been made, under the previous instructions to local tribunals, to be treated as starred, may think that it is not necessary to make fresh application for exemption under the Alilitary Service Act, though they wish to be exempted. It is advisable, therefore, that the local tribunal should secure full publicity to the fact that under the Alilitary Service Act fresh application must be made in respect of any unattested man for whom exemp- tion from the provision of the Act is desired, and that it makes no difference in this matter if any application has previously been made to a local tribunal, even though the application has been decided in his favour. Likewise applicaton must be made even though the man has been starred." The applications heard were of a varying nature, being based on the grounds that the applicants were engaged in work of national importance, that there would be serious hardship, and that they were engaged in certified occupations. In four. teen cases exemptions were granted on condition that the applicants remained in their present positions. Four exemptions were granted until March 25th. one until April 1st, three until April 25th, two until May 25th. Mr W. P. Owen. Mr Hugh Hughes, Mr T. J. Samuel, and Air D. Emrys Williams were engaged as solicitors in support of a number of the applications. There was a large attendance of the public. A market gardener pleaded that if lie were taken away the business would col lap pe, his father and ssters who were dependent on it would be without means of livelihood, and customers would be de- prived of vegetables. A tobacconist and fancy goods dealer stated that if called up it would mean fin- ancial ruin to him. Mr Samuel, supporting an application on behalf of a vanman in the employ of Mr J. R. James. said seven of Mr James's employees had joined and he had to employ inexperienced persorus to fill the vacancies. No other employee could do the applicant's work. He was the only support of his widowed mother. His brother had joined. Mr James did not apply on behalf of any other employee. Two of the applicants were engaged in boot-repairing, which Mr Emrys Wil- liams submitted was an essential occupa- tion, as boots were now repaired which would formerly be discarded. The father of one of the applicants had -served the country for thirty years, three of his brothers were in the Cardigan Battery, another brother had attested, and a brother-in-law had also joined. Mr Bertram Jones, the Laundry, who applied for his son's exemption, said two of his sons were in the army. The son for whom lie applied had attested, but was medically rejected. Air Emrys Williams said Mr Jones had done all he could to replace male Labour by female labour and, if deprived of his son's services, would have no alternative but to close the Laundry, which would throw thirty women out of employment. The Director of Education applied on be. half of an assistant teacher at Alexandra- road Schools. In the opinion of the Edu- cation Committee the teacher was indis- pensable. The school was the largest in the county and it was necessary that there should be one male teacher in addition to the Headmaster. The other teacher would be allowed to go. Experience showed that female teachers could not manage boys in the upper standards. There were forty- two teachers of military age in the county and the Committee wished to retain four only. In the case of a monumental sculptor, it was stated that letter cutters were difficult to obtain even in peace times. Mr Isaac Rees, the employer, said that being an invalid he was dependent on the appli- cant's skill. His only son had been with the colours for the past twelve months. Applicant'g brother was also in the army and his father, being a lamp-lighter, had lost his employment. Mr T. R. Jones, partner in the firm of Thomas Ellis and Co., Terrace-road, applied on the ground that since Lieut. Ceredig Ellis left in November, 1914, he had had the entire responsibility of con- ducting the business. Seventeen young women were employed. He was the only male person on the spot. (Laughter). Replying to Mr Rhys Jones, applicant said to show he was not a shirker he and Lieut. Ellis tossed up when the war broke out and his partner won the toss and joined the army. Mr Jones added that it was almost impossible to obtain a woman to manage the business in his place. After advertising for seven weeks, the only application received to fill a vacancy at the head of one of the departments was from a woman in the fish and fruit trade. (Laughter). The Mayor did not sit on that case. Mr Loveday applied on behalf of an employee on the ground that he was engaged in the provision and distribution of water, which was of vital importance and he submitted that it was a certified occupation. Nine of his employees were with the colours, six being on foreign ser- vice. He did not intend applying for ex- emption for any of the other employees. Mr Watkin James, applving on behalf of a wool-stapler and fell-monger, said without him it would be impossible to carry on the business. Four of his em- ployees were in the army. Welsh wool was made into khaki, for which English wool was no good. The first of the conscientious objectors to be heard was Dr. D. J. Davies, teacher of modern languages at the County School, who applied for absolute exemption. To him, his application stated, all life was sacred, even of plants and animals, and T-<"k' he could not take on himself the responsi- bility of depriving any human being of it. He would rather a thousand times give his own life than take that of another. They had all received their lives from God and none but He had the right to take I them a,wa:y. He endteavoured to be a true and faithful follower of Jesus Christ who enjoined them to love their enemies. To him all war was wrong. It was a sin against the solidarity of the human race and the brotherhood of man. To show that he had held those views for years and that they were not a sudden impulse on his part since the war began, he produced articles he had written as well as personal testim- onies. He also contended that his work as a teacher was of national importance. Air Henry Bonsall—I am sure you are a brave man and you would be prepared to die for your convictions? Dr. Davies-I hope so. I am quite pre- pared to take any consequences that will happen to me. Would you object to go on a mine- sweeper?—Yes. I cannot take part in the military machine n any way. Would you go in the R.A.M.C., and help to save life ?-No. In helping to save life I would be helping to kill at the same time. Mr D. C. Roberts—Are you not helping the war by not fighting the Germans?—I cannot say that I am. Capt. Doughton-If you look at it in a proper light you will see that you are assisting the Germans. Supposing the Germans came over here what would you do? Would you allow them to kill vou p- I cannot fight against them. I would not resist them. Mr Morrison- nat nationality are yen ?—I ama Welshman, born and bred in Cardiganshire. Mr Bonsall—Supposing the Germans cut your mother's throat and outraged your sister?—I do not say I would not try to defend them; but I would not go so far as to take life. The Deputy Town Clerk said he failed to see that anyone present could not say Amen to the views expressed in the application. There were thousands of men in the field to whom killing was equally repugnant in ordinary circumstances. Where did the difference come in?—I suppose my convictions are deeper. It is simply a question of degree?—That is the only conclusion I can come to. I do not judge any man. But are you not putting yourself on a I pedestal ? Mr Morrison—I hope he does not teach these doctrines in the County School ?—I teach no doctrines there. The Deputy Town Clerk-I am sure Dr. Davies is a better man than his views show him to be.—I cannot take human life. Mr Bonsall-You do not object to enjoy- ing the security the men are fightine for? —I do not ask anyone to give his life for me. You would not like to preach your gospel in Germany?—I would if I were in Germany. But it would be at the peril of your life. The other conscientious objectors were a railway clerk and two ministerial students who submitted that it was im- possible for them as Christians to under- take service in the furtherance of war which in any circumstances was diametri- cally opposed to Christianity. Replying to Mr D. C. Roberts, they said they would not object to attend the wounded and alleviate suffering so long as they did not have to take the military oath. Mr Roberts-I respect your views; but I do not understand your position. Un- less we can beat the Germans there will be no necessity for anybody in this country to do anything except under them. Our first duty for the moment is to fight for our country. The Deputy Town Clerk said that taking the military oath merely meant putting into words what everybody was assumed to be—loyal to the throne of England. Unless the applicants were prepared to repudiate that allegiance there seemed to him no objection to take the military oath. It seemed to him to be pinning conscience down to a small compass. t In the case of Dr Davies, exemption was granted as long as he remains a teacher. In the other three cases, exemption were granted except from service in the R.A.M.C.

RURAL TRIBUNAL. The first meeting of the local tribunal for the rural district was held on Thursday of last week at' the Market Hall. There were present Messrs. J. Bunce Morgan, Glanfread; E. J. Evans, Cnwcybarcut; Daniel Jenkins, Brynearnedd; David James, Fronhaul; Thomas Jones, Cwmystwyth; David Edwards, Dolfor; John Roberts, Uchayn- dre: Thomas Jenkins, Tanllan; Ll. J. Lewis, Erwbarfe; John Richards, Tynpyn- farch; David Lewis, Pengraig Hall; W. Lewis. Borth: Hugh Hughes (clerk), and Owen Morgan (assistant clerk). Mr Percy Wilkinson, Wenallt, was present as military representative, and was accompanied by Colonel Brewer and Major Mathias, recruiting officers. Mr. David Edwards was unanimously appointed chairman. The Clerk announced that there were between 350 and 400 appeals to come be- fore the tribunal. Mr Wilkinson and Colonel Brewer sug- gested that the tribunal should not grant absolute but only conditional exemptions. That was done by all other tribunals in the county, as it gave them the right to in- quire further into cases. Conditional exemptions also ensured the men remain- ing on the land. Otherwise, having got absolute exemption, they might go to the coalfields. Colonel Brewer pointed out that if a man was exempted to the end of March he could not be called up for two months after. In reply to Mr Bunce Morgan and Mr John Richards, Mr Wilkinson suggested that in cases where postponements were granted to farm labourers the postpone- ments should be till June 15th, by which time all farmers would have their turnips in. Colonel Brewer added that when a con- ditional exemption was granted a farm worker it would practically be absolute exemption as long as he remained in his occupation. All men, whether starred or not, had to appeal to the tribunals if they wished to get exemption. The tribunal then proceeded to consider about forty appeals. Most of them were by farmers, who claimed exemption for their sons or other workers. Applicants were questioned as to the acreage of their farms, the extent of arable land, the acre- age ploughed each year, the number of horses, cattle, and sheep, and the number of workers on the farms, both male and female. In most of the cases conditional exemptions were granted. In several cases Mr Wilkinson pressed! farmers to employ females instead. He knew what the wives, sisters and daughters, of Welsh famers could do. The fact that an applicant was joint tenant of a farm did not entitle him to exemption. A Borth sea captain applied for exemp- tion for his son who managed a farm which-, he (the captain) had purchased. Applicant said there were 300 sheep on the farm; but he did not knew the difference between a ewe and a wether. (Laughter). The Clerk-You know more about the sea than the land?—Yes. A petition sijrned by 100 farmers was put- in, in support of the application of a Llatl- rhystyd saddler for exemption. The- petitioners stated that if the saddler was taken it would be impossible for them to comply with the requirements of the Board of Agriculture to produce more food Ktuffs. Postponement was granted until April 15th. Three members of the tribunal applied for exemption. Air Thomas Jenkins, Tanllan, was granted a conditional exemp- tion for one of his farm workers. Mr John Richards, Tynpynfarcli, app- lied for exempticn for his son, a horse, man. and cne of his employees, a shepherd. Mr Richards said he had put more land; under the plough since the outbreak of war. He therefore c'aimed that he was. doing his bit to feed the nation. Mr Daniel Jenkins-And to feed your own pocket as well. Mr Richards—Well, do you think I am a bigger fool than yourself ? Mr Jenkins (warmly)—I object to that remark. I have two sons in the army, and I have to pay ineligible men to do their work. Mr Richards is here to save h's own skin, and I am here suffering. Our cases are quite different. Mr Richards said before the war he employed four men. Now he had three only. Postponements were allowed till April 15th. The Chairman also applied for exemp- tion for his son and for one of his work- men. Mr Wilkinson said he adv:sed Mr Edwards who was one of Lord Lisburne's tenants, to come before the tribunal, so that people could not say he had let off a friend. He had suggested to Mr Edwards that he should try and get an ineligible man to take the place of the eligible sen. vant. The son was granted conditional exemption and the servant a postponement till April 15th. Tho Headteacher of Cofadail Council School applied for total exemption on the ground that he was the only child and the sole support of his widowed mother. He was granted exemption until March 15th. It was decided to hold further meetings of the tribunal yesterday (Thursday) and Saturday at the Workhouse.

.1 SURGEON PROBATIONER JOHN HUGHES, BLAENAU FESTINIOG, on the Mine Sweeper" Arabis" which waa sunk by the Germans. John Hughes was saved; but died from exposure. He waa given a military funeral. He had been dispenser for Dr R D. Evans and was a young man of promising career. His father,, Mr Robert M. Hughes, of Manod-road, is with the miners at France and was re- cently home for a few days leave.

PENRBYNCOCB. Funeral.—The funeral of Mr W. J. Roberts, Garth, who was accidentally killed in Aberystwyth took place on Sun- day afternoon and was one of the largest attended in the neighbourhood. The Rev- Henry Evans, Horeb, took the service at the house and the Rev J. Sinnett Jones, Elerch, and the Rev R. Williams at. the church and at the graveside. Miss Jones, the organist, played the Dead March as the body was being carried out of the church. Wreaths were sent by, Lady Pryse; Penrhyncoch Church Sunday School; his widow and two children; B. and. Lizzie Jones, and Margaret Jane and Esther Anne Goldisworthy. The family very much appreciate the kindness and sympathy of their neighbours and those from a distance. The deceased was a sidesman and a regular communicant at St. John's Church and a member of the Sunday School. He was of a quiet and kind disposition, always willing to do hia best for the Church and Sunday School. He will be greatly missed.

In connection with the national Welsli festival the annual London service was held at St Bride's Church. Fleet-street, London, on Tuesday night, the preacher being the Rev. Llewellyn R. Hughes, M.A., senior chaplain to the forces, Welsh Army Corps. At the City Temple a Nonconformist ser- vice was held, the preachers including the Rev. M. P. Morgan, Blaenanerch.

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