The Carmarthen Journal and South Wales Weekly Advertiser

Carmarthen has at last decided to, make seme fitting acknowledgment of her soldiers while they are still alive, instead of waiting to acknowledge their heroism after they arc dead. Those who have earned distinctions on the field of battle are to be offered fur- ther recognition at home in the shape of .freedom of the borough and certain gifts which no doubt will afford them some plea- sant proof of the esteem of their fellow- townsmen. There will still remain, how- ever, the absence of official or public wel- come to those of Carmarthen's soldiers who have not been fortunate enough to gain re- cognition on the field. Nothing, apparently, will be done to hearten and cheer them when they go back to the trenches after their leave as expired. The opinion seems to be that as Carmarthen has so large a number of young men fighting there are not sufficient funds .available for this purpose. Anyhow it ought 10 be done, and if the Corporation or any representative committee do not see their way to attempt it, the churches ought to do it. Here is a golden opportunity for the Church which ought not to be missed. At any rate, we are for the moment satisfied, and we are glad to think that we have not written so much upon this subject in vain. The Premier's masterly restatement of British "^var Aims has had an instantaneous effect in consolidating opinion among all classes of the community. Mr. Lloyd George has never shown finer leadership. In one bold, courageous speech, he has re- moved suspicions and misunderstandings at home, shattered the German-inspired calum- nies in the countries of our Allies, and forced upon the enemy the onus of the next move. Both Labour in this country and the Bolshevik Government in Russia appreciate better to-day than ever before that aims of conquest find no place in the British Govern- ment's peace conditions, and that we are fighting for a clean peace, a demooratic peace, a permanent peace. The declaration, too, is as authoritative as it is detailed; for the Premier, having consulted the Labour leaders, Mr. Asquith and others, spoke not merely the mind of the Government or in- deed the nation, but the mind of the Empire ar, a whole. The speech has made a deep and lasting impression. Will it 6ave Russia from the catastrophe of a separate peace? It may. The Bolsheviks have repeatedly claimed that what they seek is not a separate peace but a general peace on a democratic basis. The Russians have, with their own ears, heard the German heart of prey imi- tate the bleeding of the lamb, and that ex- perience, together with Mr. Lloyd George's frank and transparently honest declaration of policy may bring about a new situation.

Society and Personal The sad news of the unexpected death of Lady Lilian Beresford Pearse, The Vicarage, Middlesbrough, and daughter of the Coun- tess of Cawdor, has cast a gloom over the neighbourhood of Golden Grove, and the SincGrest sympathy of the inhabitants is ex- tended to the Cawdor family in their sad bereavement. In the New Year honours H-t iho noni-- appeared of Temp. Brig.-gen. Charles George Lewes, D.S.O., Essex Regiment, who has been appointed a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George for services rendered in connection with mili- tary operations in the field." He is the youngest son of the late Col. Lewes, of Llanlear, Felinfach, Cardiganshire. He has been twice wounded and four times men- tioned in dispatches in the course of the present war. The new C.M.G., who is .48 years of age, entered the Army in 1887 and previous to the present war had seen active service on the North-west Frontier of India (being mentioned in dispatches) and in the South African war, where he acted as adju- tant of the 2nd Battalion of the Essex Regiment. Mrs. M. K. Pryse-Rice. the wife of > Mr. John Pugh Carbery Vaughan-Pryse-Rice, of Llwyn-y-Brain, has just received an intima- tion from the Prime Minister that she is to j receive the honour of Dpme Commander of the Order of the British Empire by His Majesty the King, in recognition of the ser- vices rendered by her in connection with the war. Mrs. Pryse-Rice has held the position of president of the Carmarthenshire branch of the British Red Cross Society since the same was organised by her in the year 1910, and in consequence of the president's ener- getic efforts, the branch was able to offer the use of hospitals immediately war was de- claired. At the close of 1914, seventy-six beds were at the disposal of the War Otfice and now the number has increased to 150 beds. Red Cross hospitals have been cstab- lished at Carmarthen, Llanelly, and Llan- dovery, and for this achievement much credit is due to Mrs. Pryse-Rice. The military authorities have just applied for another hospital, and also extensions to the existing three hospitals, and it is gratifying to state that these are forthcoming. Mr. Pryse-Rice as county treasurer to the Red Cross Society, has renaered the president great assistance from time to time, and both have raised large sums of money by inaugurating Red ,r'ross sales in various parts of the county. Mrs. Pryse-Rice is the daughter of the late Captain James Stewart, R.H.A., of Allty- rodyn, Cardiganshire, and a. sister to Major W. E. Stewart, of Llanfairarybryn, Llatn- dovery. Mrs. Pryse-Rice enters into the work of the Red Cross with thoroughness and zeal, and the county must feel proud that this honour has been bestowed upon her.

Priordy Young People's Meeting.—On Thursday, evening last, the 3rd inst., Mr. D. T. Davies. Richmond-terrace, gave an inter- esting and well appreciated introductory to the 51st Psalm. The meeting was ably pre- aided over by Mr. David Thomas, Priory- street. WiLL-Mr. David Henry Lewis, of Glyn- ycoed, Neath, retired draper, who died on October 1 last, aged 67 vors, left estate of the gross Value of JBl3,874, of which L7,105 is net personalty. Deceased was the bro- ther of Mr. Daniel Lewis, J.P., and of Mr. Th ns. Lewis, J.P., Brynglas. Call Accepted. The Rev. Frederick Samuels, B.A., pastor of the English Bap- tist Church, has accepted an invitation to undertake the pastorate of Myrtle-street Church, Liverpool, where the distinguished Welshman, the Rev. John Thomas, M.A., formerly ministered for a long period. Mr. Samuels, before coming to Carmarthen, was assistant pastor of Union Chapel, Manches- ter. He will enter upon his new charge in June next. Sacred Concert.—A very successful sacred concert was given at the Assembly Rooms on Sunday evening last by the Myrddin Glee Society (under the conductorship of Mr. Wil- liam Jones) in aid of the Carmarthen Sol- diers and Sailors' Welfare Fund. The pro- gramme, which was as follows, was thor- oughly enjoyed by the large audience:— Solos, Misses Mair Jones (encored), Hannah Jones, Annie Davies (encored), Lena Davies (encored). Corpl. Butler (enoored), and Mr. t Brinley Jones (encored); duett. Messrs. Tom Davies and Brinley Jones. The choir were highly applauded for their various render- ings, which included the Hallelujah Chorus and which was greatly appreciated. The accompanists were the Misses Dorothy Beynon and L. A. Jones, who carried out j their duties in a most satisfactory manner. Meatless Days.—The butchers of Carmar- then have decided to close their shops for the sale of meat on Mondays and Tuesdays. There was a great scarcity of meat at Car- martren market on Saturday. Snowfall.—There was a considerable fall of snow throughout South Wales on Tues- dav. At Carmarthen there was a hearty fall which, however, did not ilnterfere very much with the traffic. Lantern Lecture.—On Monday evening, a meeting m connection with* the St. David's Parish Mutual Improvement Society was held at the Church Room, when an interesting lantern lecture was given by Mr. H. Oscar Smith on the "Work of the Church Army among the SoldSers." Mr. iE'. Colby EVlins, >J.P., pflesidod. A collection was taken in aid ot the Church Army Huts Fund. A Journalist's Appointment.—Mr. W. Howells Jones, after being on the "North Wales Pioneer" for eighteen years, has been appointed secretary to the Live Stock Commissioner's Department for North Wales. Mr. Jones, who is the son of Mrs. Jones, 2G, Spilman-street, was one of the most popular pressmen in North Wales, was presented with a timepiece by his col- leagues. His brother is Sergt. J. Howells Jones, who was formerly at the Star Sup- ply Stores. Carmarthenshire Blacksmith's Union.— The annual meeting of the above union was held at the Park Refreshment Rooms on Jan. 5th, when there was a good attendance. The following officials were appointed ior the ensuing year :—Chairman, Mr. David Jones, R.S.S., Velingwm (re-elected); vice- chairman, Mr. Henry Evans, R.S.S.. Pant- yrhin, Llangain; treasurer, Mr. R. Davies, R.S.S., Blaenycoed (re-elected); secretary, Mr. W. Jones, R.S.iS., Bishop's Mill Forge (re-elected). A vote of thanks to their worthy chairman for his excellent work dur- ing the past four years was heartily passed. Many new members were enrolled and it was decided to hold a special meeting on the 26th inst. to discuss the present list. At the Y.M.C.A.—On New Year's Eve. Mr. Robert Thomas (who presided), and Mr. T. M. Thomas arranged a splendid concert at the Y.M.C.A. for the soldiers billeted in the town. An interesting and varied programme and competitions were gone through, and cigarettes and light re- freshments were given.—On Thursday e vening in last week, Sergt. Hannam got up a anlendid entertainment for the soldiers when over twenty-five items contributed to 6 first-rate programme. Lieutenant Evans ably presided. Sctrgt. P^rown proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the entertainers for their fine treat.-The usual Sunday evening service was held on Sunday last, when Tflr. J. J. Williams, Came Villa, who took the chair, was responsible for the excellent programme afforded. An item which was much appreciated by the soldiers was an address by the Rev. Fre- derick Samuels, B A., on "Christian courage in unexpected ways.'—On Monday evening some vonirig ladies arranged Yin entertainment. at the "Y M." The enter- tainment consisted of solos by Miss Edith Jones. Miss Gvladys Jones; and a duett by Acfe and James Jeremy, and recitations by Miss Nellie Chapman A farce, "An Unexpected Entertainment," was well acted by the following ladies:—Miss L. Powell, J. Jones, G Jones, G. Winter, Edith Jones, and E. M. Jones. The enter- tainment was thoroughly appreciated by the soldiers. THE TALK IS:- Thae there is a flourishing garden society at Pontyberem which enables allotmen holders to get seed at cost price. That bacon is as scarce in Carmarthen- shire as anywhere. That it is shorter still in Cardiganshire. That several weary travellers who went there to fetch some found that the Cardi cupboard was bare. That if there was not some bacon, there was some journey. That some members ot a certain local public body have made a New Year reso- lution not to talk so much. Other loqua- cious persons, piease copy. That there is considerable feeling among the county jiolice over the action of the Home Office in insisting upon the increase granted them by the standing joint com- mittee being treated as a war bonus. That the myrmidons of the law fully de- serve increased remuneration. That the determination of the Carmar- then Town Council to carry out their re- solution to oonfer the freedom of the borough on local men who have won war distinctions is belated. Better late than ever. That the women of the land army were- much in evidence at Carmarthen on Satur- day last, and that their spic and span ap- pearance when they came forward to be invented with badges and sdripeb at .the Shire Hall created a deep impression. That the provision of free drinks at farm sales in Carmarthenshire is on the de- crease. The' Liquor Control- Board state that on enquiry they failed to find facts to support the statement that the suplying of intoxicants at these sales is a prevailing practice in the county. That the new recruiting officer created a very favourable impression at the borough tribunal on Friday night. That the antics, of a crowd of boys in Richmond-terrace An Wednesday in. merci- lessly "snowballing' a bevy of the fair sex with slush went too far. There is a limit, even to frolicsome snowballing." That the soldiers in the town speak high- ly of the local Y.M.C.A. which they now look upon as a home from home. That the lurid language indulged in during a neighbours' quarrel in the, town recently was a reflection on the fair name of Carmarthen. The atmosphere, we are told, wa3 blue. That a certain talkative individual talks indignantly of a recent talk" in this column. Why does he talk so much, then? That the women on the land were in high glee at Carmarthen on Saturday, and that some of them were seen to thoroughly enjloy the weed that soothes. There is nothing like a good healthy pipe when you're about it! That a crying need in Guildhall-square at night is for the town clock to be illu- mined. People wishing- to know the time do not care to ask the policeman, but piously exclaim Let there be light."

Cardiganshire Conference VILLAGE LIFE REFORM. Cardiganshire teachers met members of the Women's Agricultural Association at Lampeter on Friday, and discussed the prob- leur of rural development. Councillor Ll. Bankes-Price presiding. Mr. Jenkin Jones, M.A. (director of education), said the ob- ject of the conference was to organise young men and women in rural areas to meet the national needs of the moment, and secondly to consider the possibilities of the movement after the war so that young men and women could be relied upon to stay on iarms. Teachers would agree with him that there was little in the villages to refine the miud. The one universal institution was the public- house, which was more successful than the church or chapel. Their members were more faithful in attendance, and there was warmth and comfort at their meetings. There whs room for an institution like the one proposed to unite all classes to work for the common good. He believed the attempt was worth making, and now-was the time to try it. Mrs. Abel Jones said that under the auspices of this movement there were 34 in- stitutions already in Wales-29 in the North and five in the South. The clubs would arrange lectures and demonstrations on dif- ferentpjects desired by the districts. The meeting unanimously approved of the scheme, and appointed a sub-committee to draw out a programme.

The New Head Constable WELCOMED TO CARMARTHEN BY THE BOROUGH BENCH. Mr. Herbert Hilton, Southe,nd-on-<Sea, made his first appearance at the borough police court on Monday on taking up his duties as the new Head Constable of Car- marthen and was introduced to the bench by Mr. H. B. White. the magistrates' clerk. The Mayor (Aid. Wm. Evans) ex- tended to Mr. Hilton a very warm welcome to Carmarthen. He thought the appoint- ment was a wise one, and he hoped Mr. Hilton would carry on the duties in the same manner as his predecessor had done. —Mr. Hi!ton thanked the Mayor for the very kind welcome extended to him, and Said he would endeavour to carry out his duties to the best of his abilitiv. From what he had heard, he did not- think he could improve on the way Mr. Mayall, his predecessor, carried out the duties, but if he could attain his standard he would be satisfied. He hoped ilhat with the help of the magistrates, which, of course, he would need, he would be ai success in his new ill ere. At a meeting of the Town Council on Tuesday night, the Mayor extended a hearty welrome to the new Head Con- stable.—Aid. John Lewis said they were glad to see Mr. HJiton present. He thought Mr. Hilton would find that the council were a body with whom he could work very well. and he wished him every success in his new office. They hoped the new Head Constable would get health and prosperity in the town.—The Head Con stable acknowledged the welcome, and said that since coming to the town he had re- ceived many good wishes foir health and prosperity, and that their relations would be cordial. He c.ould only say that he would endeavour to do his duty.

-40 Carmarthen County Police Court THE FLASHLIGHT NUISANCE. Saturday.—Before Mr. F. Dudley Drum- mond (presiding), Messrs. L. Puxley, Llethr- llestri; H. E. B. Richards, Carmarthen; Thos. Lewis, Brynglas; H. Jones-Davies, Glyneiddan, and J. Ll. Thomas, Ferryside. A youth in the Pontyberem district was charged with obstructing the highway.— P.S. Jones said that at 10.30 p.m. on Satur- day, 16th ult., he was riding a bicycle down Bankffosfelen Hill in the district of Ponty- berem, where he saw some persons coming towards him. Suddenly one of them flashed an electric lamp in "his face which caused him to swerve and almost fall. He caught defendant, who first denied and then admit- ted flashing the light. He produced an electric lamp and said he was sorry he had done it, but did not mean any harm.—Supt. Jones: Is this a common occurrence at Pontyberem?—It is. There are continual complaints about flashlights.—Defendant was fined £1. HOME FROM FRANCE. Gunner Henry Jones (31), Machine Gun Corps, was brought up as a deserter. P.C. Thos. Roberts, Llanarthnev, said he chal- lenged defendant for his pass on Llanarth- ney Road. Defendant said, I have lost my pass. I came over on leave from France on Hhe 26th Oct., 1917, and I have not re- turned." Witness added that defendant, who was native of Carnarvon, enlisted in Oct., 1914, at Carmarthen, when he was em- ployed on a* farm in the district.—Defendant was remanded in custody to await an escort.

Meat Supplies in Carmarthen COUNCILLOR SUGGESTS RATION TICKETS. At a meeting of the Carmarthen Food Control Committee on Monday night Mr. Dd. Williams brought forward a motion to ask the Food Controller to make regulations so that the local butchers would have the first claim for their quota from the local cattle mart. He pointed out that this would save transport. He stated that but- chers came from other districts and bought up nearly all the cattle in Carmarthen mart and that Carmarthen butchers had to travel elsewhere to get cattle. He believed local butchers had the power to have the pick of the market if the committee only enforced it. It was stated that local butchers had to go so far as Wolverhampton to buy cattle.—Mr. W. J1. Martin said one local butcher had told him that the butchers' association intended sending a petition to the committee on the matter. Mr. Martin agreed that Carmar- then butchers should hafe preference to cattle in the local market.—Mr. Dd. Wil- liamg: Pressure will have to be put on far- mers to bring their cattle to the market. We cannot do what we like with our sons and they ought not to be able to do what they like with their cattle.—On the motion of the Rev. Fuller Mills, seconded by Mr. W. J. Martin, it was decided to ask the local butchers to attend a conference with the committee on Monday next.—Mr. Martin said in order to secure equal distribution of meat he thought it was time they should have ration tickets. Different people going, to butchers now would be getting more than their share and others would have to go without. It was a disgrace to see the queues at Cardiff, and to avoid having them at Carmarthen was the reason he suggested there should be ration tickets.—The Chair- man (Aid. J. Lewis) said he was happy to say there were no queues in Carmarthen so far.—Aid. J. B. Arthur said he'did not think they should ration in Carmarthen until the position was more acute than it was at pre- sent. They should keep it back so far as they could.—The Chairman liointed out that butchers had decided to close their shops on Mondays and Tuesdays.—Rev. Fuller Mills They never have much meat on Monday and Tuesday.—Mr. Dunn Williams said it did not mean that because shops were closed there was no meat to eat.—Mr. John Jen- kins: I may have meat in my house, but I am not supposed to eat it on those days.—No action was taken. UNEQUAL DISTRIBUTION. Rev. Fuller Mills said there seemed to be something very grave about the distribution of commodities in the town. Some days there was butter in one place and none in another place. Supplies seemed to go to ore ehop one day and then to another shop on another day. It seemed to him that to have butter in one place would be the beginning of queues.—Mr. Dd. Williams said their exe- cutive officer could commandeer it and distri- buteit among the shops.—Mr. John Cross- man said he recently received only two boxes of margarine instead of twenty-four.—Mr. Herbert Hilton, the new Head Constable, was appointed food control inspector. Ack- nowledging the compliment, Mr. Hilton stated he would endeavour to carry out the duties in such a way as would give general satisfaction.

——— CARMARTHEN MEDICAL OFFICER AND PERSONAL HYGIENE. Referring to tuberculosis cases, Dr E. Cfimtiria ThortJus. acti'ng county medical officer, at the Carmarthenshire Health Committee on Tuesday urged the impor- tance of more attention being devoted to personal hygiene and the need of disin- fecting the clothing of infected persons. It was decided to ask the local authorities to make arrangements to send such clotihing1 to the borough disinfoctor at Carmarthen.

ST. CLEARS LICENSEE. FINED. At St. Gears Police Court on Tuesday, David John Jones, licens of Pienrheiol Inn, and his wife, Margaret! Jones, were fined 2Cs each for supplying beer during restricted hours. David Morris. Gate- fawr, Trelech, was fined 10s. for aiding and abetting.

r Carmarthen Bjorough Police Court. NEIGHBOURS QUARREL. Monday, Dec. 7th.—Before the Mayor (Aid. Wrn. Evans), and Messrs. T. E. Brig- stocke, Daniel Lewis, H. E. B. Richards, John Lewis, James Davies, J. B. Arthur. Rees Davies, and Thomas Dayies.-A full transfer of the Sheaf Inn was granted to Thomas Campbell Evans.—Lena Thomas, wife of J. N. Thomas, 1, Prospect-place, Lammas-street, summoned Rose Burns, 2, Prospect-place, Lammas-street, for using obscene languag-e. Defendant pleaded not guilty. Lena Thomas said that on January 1st, about 10.30 p.m., her husband, Mrs. James, Emilv Davies and herself were having supper in her house when the win- dow of the room was hit and the door also knocked. She then heard the defendant., whose 'voice she recognised, shouting and she was making use of obscene language and calling her (complainant) all manner of indecent things. Witness went to fetch a policeman, to whom the made a complaint, but the officer could not go at once. When I' she returned Mrs. Burns was still shouting and usin# obscene language in connection with complainant and her husband. De- fendant could be heard from the street. By fendant could be heard from the street. By and by her husband returned with the policemen, and she then went into her house. Mrs. Burns "k^pt on" until 2.30 in the morning. Annie James, Magazine- row, said she was at supper with the last witness when the window and the door of the room were knocked. She heard Mrs. Burns fhouting something in an angry voice, but, she could not say what she actually said. May Jenkins, 1, Prospect- place, gave corroborative evidence, and added that when she went out to the door Mrs. Burns made use of obscene language to her. Evidence was also given by Mrs. Hopkins, 4, Mason's/vard, who spoll-, to having been called to Prospect-place by complatinant's husband' when JMrs. Burns was using obscene language to Lena Thomas. She also used obscene language towards her. J. N. Thomas, complainant's husband, corroborated his wife's evidence, and added that she had not given defen- dant any cause for using obscene language. Mrs.. Burns denied having usetty obscene language, and said that at that time she was confined to her bed upstairs. She did not go out at all. She had lived eight years in the same house. Complainant and his wife had been living in Prospect-place only fifteen months, and they were always "at her." She was continually under great provocation through them. Kathleen Burns and' Eileen Butns, ctompifair^ints c daughters, gave corroborative evidence, and added that they did not hetar their mother using1 obscene language at all. A line of f" was imposed, and defendant was bound over to be* of good behaviour for twelve months. Rose Burns summoned Lena Thomas for Rssllult committed on December 21st, 1917. Defendant pleaded not gfulty. Com- plainant said that on Friday, Dec. 2lst, about 6.30 p.m., Lena Thomas came to her door with some weat)on in her hand with which she bettt her (complainant) into the house. She was hit in the eye, and was stunned, by the blow and could not see as blood was running from her nose. Defendant struck her more than once, and her eye. was black that day from the blow. Defendant's husband was encouraging her (Thoma.-I to beat her, and was at tine same time calling her filthy names. Eileen Burns said that she was home at the time the assault was committed on her mother. She saw Mrs. Thomas coming out from her house with a weapon in her hand with which she hit her mother. Defendant came into her mother's house. Lena Thomas (defendant) said that when she came back from town about 7 *p.m. on Dec. 21st she found defendant had hold of May Jenkins (her lodger) by her hair and complainant's daughter urged her to try and get her mother to leave Jenkins alone, and then she (defendant) struck Burns with her hand, but she did not use any weapon as she had come straight from town Burns said that. defendant was swearing lies. May Jenkins said that as she was going to empty some dish water into the yard on the night in question, Mrs. Burns came out and as she knew Burns wanted to '"grab" her she threw water ov-lr iier in self-defenoe. Com- plainant then had her by her hair and de- fendant then came back from town--and hit Burns on her face with her hand in order to get her to leave her alone. Rose Burns also summoned J. N. Thomas and Lena Thomas for assaulting and beat- ing her on Dec,. 29th. Complainant stated that about 9 a.m. on Dec. 29th her door Was kicked. She went to the door and found Mr. and Mrs. Thomas, who came inside the passage and into the room. Mr. Thomas oaught her by the arms, and Mrs. Thomas had a hunting crop in her hand, with which she tried to. hit her. Mr. Thomas said, "Come out, you drunken cow, I'll kill you He then held her down on a chair, caught hold of her head, and bumped it against the wall. If it had not been for her daughter. she v. ould ha\'e been killed by defendant. Jenkins then came in with a dishful of water, which she threw in the house,1 ind she then took her (complainant's) umbrella, and tried to hit her with it, but failed. Thomas was at the same time using obscene language to her. Defendant Thomas said that as he and his wife were going out of Burn's house. Burns caught hold of his wife, and as he thought that she was going to hit hisi wife, he oaught hold of her (complainant's) wrists, and he received a kick from Mrs. Burns. She (complainant) also threw a jupr after them as they went out, and the jug hit •Ibnkins Kathleen Burns corroborated her mother's evidence, and said that she ordered defendants to go out of the house and thev refused. Asked if the went to get #tFsiF!iance she replied that she was afraid to leave her mother in the hands of defendant Thomas. Eileen Burns gave corroborative evidence. Bc^h cases were dismissed on payment of costs, end Mr. nnd Mrs. Thomae and Mrs. Burns were bound over in the sum of £ 5 to keep the peace for 12 months.

AUXILIARY MILITARY RED CROSS HOSPITAL, CARMARTHEN. The Secretary wishes to acknowlodge with many thanks gifts of vegetables, fruit, .flowers, eggs, money, poultry, etc., from the following:—Captain Bailey; St. Peter's Church; St. Mary's Church, Whitland; Caio H. Festival; Mrs. Evans, Greenhill; Mrs. Lloyd, Pare Henri; Mrs. Robert Lewis, Ferryside Lady Dynevor; Mrs. A. Soppitt; Llandilo H. Festival; Mrs. Williams, Llan- fair; Mr. Williams, Lammais-street; Mrs. Barker; Mrs. Bath; Mrs. Lewis Phillips Mrs. Davies; Mrs. Rudman Saun- ders; Mrs. Jones, Llanmiloe; Lady Owen Philipps; Working Party, Uan- egwad and Llangathen parishes; Mrs. Trivbshaw; Mrs. Dan Williams; Mrs. Wil- liams, Carne Villa; Mrs. Gwynne Hughes; The Hon. Mrs. Hunter; Mrs. Stephen- Davies; Miss Jones, Ammanford; Mr. Carver; Major Morris; Mrs. Howell, Pen- rheol; Mrs. Nichol, Spilman-street; Mrs. iEecles, Broadway; Mrs. Peel; Mrs. Grif- fiths, Pensarn; Major Stewart; Mr. Howell, Penbigwrn; Mr. Hinds, M.P.: Mydrim Council Schools; Mrs. Jones, Parcyronen; Trelech Concert; Employees of Messrs. Collins, Birmingham; Mrs. Pryse Lloyd; Mrs. Blagdon Richards; Mrs. Walton; Mrs. Burge; Mrs. Elliott, Portiscliff; Mrs. R. Thomas. Parce; Mrs. Aslett; Misses Mansel; Major Morris, Castle Pigyn; Misses Saun- ders, Court Henry Mrs. Rudman Saunders; Mrs. Harris, Bryn Towy; Miss Harris, Drys- lwyn; Megsns. Jones Bros.; Mr. Jones, but- cher, Monsel-street. (L570—11 ;1

Carmarthenshire Quarter j Sessions THE COMPENSATION LEVY AGAIN POSTPONED. J The Carmarthenshire Quarter Sessions were held at the Shire Hall, Carmarthen, on Friday, Mr. F. Dudley W. Drummond pre- siding. The other magistrates present were: Col. Lloyd Harries, Llwyndewi; Messrs. C. P. Lewis, and Thos. Roberts, Llandovery; T. G. Brigstocke, H. E. B. Richards, Car- marthen; A. E. du Buisson, Glynhir; Thos. Roberts, Llandovery; — Williams, Llany- byther, and lL H. Hammond. Burry Port.

THE COMPENSATION LEVY. The court considered the question of the licencing compensation levy. k)ji behalf vi Messrs. Buckleys (Limited) and others inte- rested in tne compensatIOn aund, Messrs. Roderick and Richards, solicitors, Llanelly, -wrote urging, in view oi existing restrictions on the traue, tnat the levy should not be jaxed until next year, or at any rate till the summer.—A letter was also read from the Licensed Victuallers' Defence League advo- cating postponement of the levy till alter the war, and stating that the licence-holder was already treated with exceptional harsh- liess. kie was s'injected to trade restric- tions of unreasonable and unjust nature which seriously diminished hit income.— The Chairman said at present tHe court had no estimate of the numoer of licensed housee likely to be referred for compensation, and he suggested that consideration ot the levy be deierred till they had more facts before them.—Mr. H. E. B. Richards stated that the compensation fund had been exhausted, and laijt year the licensing committee were able to deal with only seven houses out of thirteen reierroo to tnem. He felt disposed to move that 50 il-)er cent. oi tne levy be fixed.-The Chairman said the Court should be guided by the practice. A note to the section stated that as the compensation charges were not collected until October in each year, there was no reason why the authorities should fix the levy in January.— On the motion of Mr. Thomas Roberts (Llandovery,), seconded by Mr. C. P. Lewis tltaiidovery), it was decided to defer the matter till the summer sessions in July. There was no seconder to an amendment by Mr. H. E. B. Richards to defer it till April. ONE CASE FOR TRIAL. There was only one case in the calendar. Thomas Henry Millard (161, farm labourer, pleaded guilty to stealing a mare and bridle from his employer, Mr. Llewellyn Thomas, near Llandovery.—Mr. Griffith Jones (in- structed by Mr. Rhys W. Price, Llandovery) said defendant and the mare were missed from the farm and the mare was subse- quently found in a by-lane. When charged with the offence, Millard told the police that he intended to ta.ke it to Llandilo to be sold and then to join the army. Counsel added that it was a peculiar kind of offence. After taking the mare courage seemed to have deserted him and he turned the animal adrift. He had been convicted twice at Bristol, where he came from, for stealing money from his mother. Millard had also served six months modified treatment at Borr,tall. -Accused was sent for three years' Borstal treatment

Farmers Union and Co-operation In furtherance of the above there have recently appeared in your columns interest- ing reports of meetings held in different parts of the county, and the old bones of aJ subject much discussed at one time at our Chamber of Agriculture have again risen with signs of life. It is several years since an excellent paper on the subject was read before 4he above Chamber at Carmarthen by an experienced farmer (a brother, I think, of the well-known agricultural family of Mr. Thomas, of Maesyprior), the main point of which being the formation of an agricultural union to help and protect the oldest and largest industry, agriculture. This meeting was very well attended, and the address listened to with much interest, but the movement never took definite shape then, though some of the measures which formed the programme of the National Agri- cultural Union on which this paper was based have since passed into law. Of these, that beneficent Act for providing old age pensions for working men is one, while an- other for relieving agricultural land from the unfair share which it bears of the local burdens of the country, by placing upon the national income charges which, like the poor rate, the highway, and education rate, corre- spond to national duties, and requirements have to some extent. been met. In these reports of the meetings in Carmarthen I have read, there appears rather an absence of some important measures which come within the scope of the Farmers' Union, and I would submit for their consideration the following:—First, as regards railway facili- ties greater concessions in their charges on agricultural produce, and they should be restrained from giving preference to foreign produce over our own. Second, to obtain for Wales the same proportionally generous treatment in the bestowal of money grants as have been given to the sister province Ire- land. Third: Facilities for the purchase of their holdings by sitting tenants. If our representative members are supported by the different agricultural bodies in representing and urging agricultural Beform as a subject of paramount importance, we may hope that the organisation of a Farmers' Union throughout the county will be attended with useful results.. It is felt then that more acti- vity and push in this respect should be shown, and Wales obtain as fair and just a treatment as Ireland by combined action-has secured. Our aim at this momentous na- tional crisis is to make Great Britain self- supporting and independent of foreign sup- plies from across the seas. By this alone can we meet the perils of starvataion by submarines and to ensure which it is, as pointed out by the Minister of Agriculture, the duty of every patriotic farmer to place under cultivation every acre of available arable land. From Carmarthenshire 50,000 acres is expected, and the farmers as a body will, I believe, loyally respond to the call and thu6 prove that as in the past Wales will ever loyally do its duty to King and country. W. GWYNNE HUGHEB, Ex-President Carmarthenshire Chamber of Agriculture. Glancothi.

.CARDIGANSHIRE MAIN ROADS. The Rev. Dan Evans, Hawen, presided over the quarterly meeting of the abotve committee held on Wednesday the 2nd, at the Salutation HoteJ, iNewcastle-Emlyn.— The roadman of the southern division had sent in a petition asking for an increase in their wages on the ground that the cost of all commodities had so gone up that they could not get both ends to, meet. The committee were unanimous in favour of granting an incrense, and decided to recommend the Finance Committee that the wages be raised to 30s. weekly.—Mr. Vaughan Davies, M.P., wrote with regard to the case of the roadman Watkin Davies, in connection with whom there has been a great deal of correspondence, that the army authorities had decided to release him from the army, and that he be allowed to return to work on the Council roads. The Clerk was asked to write to Mr. Vaughan Daviea on behalf of the committee, and thank him for taking the matter up.—On the proposi- tion of Mr. Josiah Jones, it was decided to appeal to the G.W.R. Co. that they should run lighter motor vehicles on tihe iroad during the winter in view of the manner in which heavy ones broke up the roads.— The Surveyor's estimate of £1,750 for the current quarter was approved.

Carmarthen Borough Tribunal CONDITIONAL EXEMPTIONS RE- DUCED TO SIX MONTHS EXEMPTIONS A meeting of the Carmarthen Borough (Tribunal was held at the Town Hall on Friday evening. The Deputy Mayor (Aid. John Lewis) presided, and other members present were: Prof. Philemon Moore, Mr. Walter Spurrell, Mr. W. V. Howell Thomas, and Mr. John Davies; together with the Clerk (Mr. Price Williams). The National Service representative was Lieut. Iorwerth, J.P.—Dan Phillips, 43, Water-st. (34), married, and four children, Class A, appealed for exemption on the grounds of hardship. He was employed at the Emlyn Colliery, Penygroes, Landebie. Rev. Gri- ffith Thomas, vicar of St. David's, suppor- ted the appeal of Phillips, who was referred for medical examination immediately.—Mr. Joshua, 19, Quay-street, apptviled1 for his son, W. T. Joshua (19), single, Class A, a haulier emploved with Mr T. Bland Davies. One of his sons had been killed whilst in tjhe army. The youth was ordered to join forthwith.—Mr. F. Dudley Williams-Drum- mond appealed for a renewal of exemption for T. A. Swindell (33), Cl, architect and surveyor to the Cawdor Estate. Mr Drum- Jnd stated that Mr. Swindell was in charge of continuous and extensive repairs and building developments on the very ex. tensive estates under his control, and also the surveys and maps relating to the im- portanto mineral, agricultural, and timber interests, upon which there were frequent calls at the .present time. Owing to the Government's demand on his (applicant's) time, it was quite impossible to carry on the bare necessities of his work without at least two men in his offices as he had con- trol of 70.000 acres of land in three coun- ties. The retention of Mr. Swindell was a matter of supreme urgency to him. His staff had been depleted from six to t-hrfle, and another man was likely to be called upon at any time. Six months' exemption was grantd.—Mr. J. W. Nicholas appealed for a renewal of exemption for T. B. Bowen (31), Class A, married with two children, local tjaxation officer, employed by the Carmarthenshire County Council. Ap- pellant stated that Bowen was the officer responsible to the County Council for the collection of the Excise Duties on male servants, .armorial 'bearings, carriages, motor-cars, motor-cycles, dog, gun and game licenses. It was of national importance for him to remain in civil employment, for unless the collection of licenses, the pro- coeds from which during the last financial year amounted to over £ 10,000, was done properly, the result would be a serious loss to the county, and therefore would mean a Substantial addition to the rates. Eigh- teen men had joined up from the County Offices. Mr. Bowen had been granted ex- emption on condition that another clerk joined up, and he bad done so. The appli- cation for a renewal was refused.—Miss M J. Lewis, 143, Priory-street, applied for exemption for her brother, D. L, A. Lewis (13), single, Grade 3, .employed in the grocery business with her. He was the sole support with her in tne business, which was a large one. Six months' ex- emption granted and Lewis was ordered to ioin the V.T.C.—-An appeal bp Mr. Wil- liapi-i. Castle, Priory-strrtet, far this son, W. Williams (19), single, who was em- ployed by him as a timber haulier, and who was formerly working on a farm, was dis- missed.—Rev. R. T. Williams, Welsh Wes- leyan minister, Carmarthen. Two moiitjis' exemption (final). CONDITIONAL TO TEMPORARY. Lieut. Iorwerth said that in view of the seriousness of matters at the present time the military authorities found that it was advisable in all cases which came up for re- visian, and where appellants were granted conjrtional exemption, for those exemp- tions to be reduced to temporary exemp- tion for six months with the condition that aopellants ioined the V.T.C. If a man were granted conditional exemption he might think lightly of the serious demand for men for the Army, whereas if he were given three months to think the matter over he would see that the matter was of a very serious character.—The members of the Tribunal agreed with what Lieut. Ior- worth had said, and in all the following" cases conditional exemptions were reduced to temporary certificates for six months with the condition that all the appellants joined the V.T.,Ci. --J. Davies, Llain, Alltvcnap; D. L. Jones, Alltycnap Road; E. Prynne, 4, Chapel-street; J. Thomas, Bwlchnewydd, Peii'el; W. Stephens. 66, Wat.or-street; D. Evnns, 86, Priory-street; R. Lewis, 8, St. Catherine-street; P. G. Davies, 7 The Quay: G. Owen, The Palace, Abergwili. and D. Francis, Myrtle Hill. The result of the private cases were: Fred Brigstocfle, six months' exemption; S. J. Nicholas, clerk with Mr. W. J. Wal- lis-Jones, solicitor, three months' exemp- tion; Llewellyn. Arthur, Don Stores, Priory-street, six months' exemption.

New Industry at Newcastle- Emlyn. The value of Newcastle Emiyn as an agricultural centre cannot be over- estimated and gradually its suitability as such is being recognised by business men. Hitherto, dealers and others have only attended fairs and markets, and latterly the marts. A gentleman who took away an enormous quantity of butter weekly from the district was Mr. Evan Rees, of Swansea, a native of Henllan. Mr. Rees has seen the value of this town as a central place for a depot, and he has just pur- chased the well-known old hostel-tile Salutation Hptel. Mr. Rees, in conjunc- tion with Mr. Owens, manager of the Llan- dyssul Farmers' Co-operative Stores, axe going to open a large Butter Factory, Bacon-curing establishments, and Egg-col- lecting depot on the newly-acquired ex- tensive premises, which are most suitable for the purpose, and convenient for cus- tomers. It is understood that the place will be fitted with the best of modern machinery and appliances for turning out the produce to the best advantage. This new undertaking will be under the manag- ing-d'i rectorship of Mr. Owens, who has had considerable experience in all branches of agricultural requirements. A little over 14 years ago he became manager of the Llandyssul Co-operative Society, which was then being opened. At that time, organisa- tions of this nature were new to the country, and Mr. Owens had much diffi- culty in getting farmers to invest in the undertaking at all. He was obliged to start the society faced with two most for- midable difficulties--small capital and old- established oppositions. In spite of every- thing, he has made the society one of the most flourishing in South Wales, with an annual turnover of 927,000.. Mr. Owens was also the organiser, and is still secre- tary of the Llandyssul Cattle Mart, which mainly through his efforts has been a great success from the start. It is unnecessary to say anything of the integrity of Messrs. Rees and Owens, as both are sufficiently well-known throughout the districts. They are also going to open branches at 1..1all- dyssul and Cardigan, at which places Mr. Owens will attend personally on fair, mar- ket, and mart. days. Undbubtedy in the hands of such energetic and proved excellent business men, the undertaking wili develop into a concern which will be of the greatest advantage to the producers. It is expected that the establishment will be ready for business towards the end of February, which date will be announced later on in our advertising columns.

BIRTH. Thomas.On January 8th, at 8, Richmond- terrace, C^ym art hen, to Mr. and Mrs. William Thomas.-a daughter

li Next week will appear in this column a continuation of the fieooilections of a beptugenarian which were read with such relish a few weeks ago. -0.

FARMING IN CARMARTHENSHIRE. I Sir,—Through the medium of your popu- lar paper, I have followed with great inte- rest the movements of the farmers m Car- J marthensinre. This is with regard to the forming of a Farmers' Union" in the county. What surprises me mostly is the fact that the organiser appears to be the agricultural organiser of the county. If this is so, the mining lecturer for the county may as well be the organiser of the Miners' Federation. Generally. I think he could be- lar better employed elsewhere, aay, explain- ing to some of the farmers Elementary Principles of Farming, etc. In the past the sole aim of the majority of the farmers seemed to be to sell as much milk and manure as they possibly could- The cultiva- I tion 01 blackoerries and 1urse bushes also seemed to take a great part of their time. Most of the farms 1 Know look well in spring and early autumn. In spring the whole land looks like a portion of heaven itself, all being a golden yellow, the furse being then in tlower. In autumn again the I lands present a busy scene, the whole coun- it try being thickly dotted with people bent on picking blackberries. According to .he re- ports of the various meetings, the intention is to benefit the consumer. If ever there was "a white one," that was one. 1 have yet to learn that any body of people unite together for the benefit of somel oUy elsc-. The farmers seem to be under th iwjies- sion that in the past they li..ve been dl¡ b- bily treated, and point to the "Miners' Union" as an instance of successful org*'risa- tion. They also complain ot the r -Ii,tL', iiity to strike. hat atxiut the not. to ltunine last season when most of them wou'd not sell any of their stock for setting- purposes: Those who did sell sold quietly at 3Us. a hun- dredweight. What about the farmers who will not cell milk at the fixed rate., Again, with regard to butter. It k being openly said some of them have stocks of butter, even now, when women and children have to wait all day in queues for substitutes. Still they say they are no profiteers. No. they are not. "Bioocisuckers' would apply better. They say they cannot supply as much butter in winter as in summer. Quite true. The shortage should be gradual and not sudden in that case. How many farmers are taxed on their profits, I wonder? The majority are untaxed, while the miners' wage is got from his employer. The farmer labours in health and safety, while the miner's lot is quite to the contrary. One farmer said farmers only earned 15s. weekly before the war. In reply, I have known brmers retiring after 10 years' farming, while their sons are educated in some of our best schools, These sons are also being ex- empted from military service on account of mdispensability. All on 15s. weekly, I sup- pose? In my opinion, what is really wanted is an inspector of far mis, to make farmers clean their land or leave them to somebody else who will do so. A VOICE FROM THE QUEUE.

Carmarthen Rural Tribunal A meeting of the Carmarthen Rural Tri- bunal was held at the Shire Hall on Wednes- day Mr. John Jones, Plaa. presiding. Lt D. M. Iorwerth, J.P., was tie National Ser- vice representative.—Dd. Jones, Abernant, Cross Hands C2 (38), married and three children, collier and also a small-holder: three brothers in the Army. Conditional ex- «nption.—John Williams, Gwynfa, Conwil (*>) K.I, married and five children, collier and timber-feller employed by the New Dynant Colliery He also had a small-hold- V.?.^nal eatemption.— Henry donee, Handfi <24>. married and one ii? i cclher> f°r whom Mr W. J \Vallis-Jones appeared, said he was subject to fife. He told the Medical Board so. Con- ditional exemption.-W. A. Phillips, Ffyn- noneiddon, Llandefeilog (18), single and Class A, carpenter and wheelwright, applied for a renewal of exemption. He also worked two days a week at the Silica Brick- works and helped on his father's farm. He presented a petition signed by 33 farmers of the district. He was the only carpenter in the district. Mr. W. J. Wallis-Jones, solici- tor. supported the anneal. Lt. lorwerth said it was the first petition he had seen for a man of 18, single. Class A. (To appellant): Do you i know that we are sending married men with six and seven children to the Army/ The renewal was not granteo.-In the cases of tta Williams, Pantypwll, Pont- antwn (391, married and seven children, and Dd. Williams, Frogmore House, Pontyates (39), married and seven children, both col- liers. Llewellyn Jones, checkweigher at the colliery, said that all miners were supposed to have been exempted in 1916, but these two men were passed over because they were UI j ■I T a £ e" was an oversight, and he had been advised to tell the tribunal the circumstances. Both men had been working at the colliery since they were boys. There were dozens of single men still work- ing in the collieries. Mr. Williams: Send them out, then. Both applicants were ex- empted.-Frank Brown, Strand, Laugharne a' timber haulier (43), married. Grade 3, with seven children, said' he had been rejected three times. His eldest girl was at the munition works, and two other daughters were gathering cockles. Conditional ex- emption.-R. Williams, Blaok Lion, St. Clears, cattle dealer (34), married and one child, said he had been to the medical board, but had not had his classification card. Lieut. Iorwerth: Is there anything wrong with you Appellant: No. (Cries of "Hear, hear ) Appellant was willing to be consi- dered as a Class A man. Conditional exemp- tion granted.—Ben j. Jones, Walter Mill, Conwil (37), single and Grade 2, a flour miller and stone mason, said he was the only flour miller in the parish of Conwil. Lieut. Iorwerth: You never tried to join the Army? Appellent: Dim ond fi si." Lieut Ior- werth: The V.C. (Laughter). Exemption until lfifc May was granted.—In the caee of Dd. John Vv llliame, College Bank, Uangun- nock, married (40), GraJe 3, blacksmith, Lieut. Iorwerth asked the tribunal to alter appellant's conditional exemption to tem- porary exemption. Conditional exemption was granted.-D. T. Richards, King-street, Laugharne (31), C2, married, with one child, a carpenter, was granted exemption until May 1st.—In appealing for exemption Benj. Owen. Llwynon, St. Clears (37), married1 and Grade 3, said there were four other saddlers in 8t. Clears. Lieut. Iorwerth: Four sad- dIeta in a little place like St. Clears are too many after three years of war. The time will soon come when business men will have to. combine in order to satisfy the needs of the Army. Men are wanted for the Army, and business men would have to go like other men. We must finish the war and must get soldiers to finish it. A petition signed oy 120 names was presented. I Mr. Williams, The Grove, supported appellant's appeal. Exemption till March 1st granted.—W. G. Lewis., Central Stores. Mydrim, farmer and grocer (34), married, said he would join the Army it he were a single man and had no obligations. Lieut. Iorwerth: Do you be- lieve in other people fighting for your wife? Appellant: That is a great question which requires time to answer. It was at a great inconvenience that I came up here to-day. I have nine cattle at home and no one to feed them. Lieut. Iorwerth: Could not your wife feed tbern?-No. She is not used to farm work. Exemption until May 1st was granted,—John Aubrey, 6, Mynachlog- terrace, Pontyberem (27), married and one child, Grade 1, was exempted till March lsty^

Mr. John Hinds. M.P. (Lord Lieutenant of Carmarthen), who presided at the inter- p' cession service at Cattle-street Welsh Bap- tist Church,. London, on Sunday, protested agtfinst the War Aims Committee sending out to the bishops, clergy, and Noncon- formist ministers of the country instruc- 'tions or suggestions as to what they should do on that day. The people of the country did not want to be instructed as to wiliar, they were to pray about, or for, and he objected to the course taken by the Com- mittee.