The Carmarthen Journal and South Wales Weekly Advertiser

LOCAL NEWS. Duties have been resumed at the Old Col- lege School, last Tuesday. For particulars see advertising columns this week. Repea-t Performance.—The children of St. Mary's R.C. School gave a repeat perform- anoe of their successful recent entertainment at the Assembly Rooms on Thursday in last week, when they did even better than at their first concert. There was a large and appreciative audience. The proceeds were in aid of St. Mary's Schools. Priordy Young People's Meeting.—On Thursday evening last, the 10th inst., Mr. Wm. Dyer, Priory-street, gave an interesting and well appreciated address on The Church." The large number present testi- fied to the continued popu'arity of these meetings, and the interest manifested in them seems to be ever on the increase. Ihe president was Mr. T. Alban Davies, Priory- street. Mayor's Prisoners of War Fund.—Zion. Presbyterian Church, JB2 6s. 3d.; Llanllwch Church. £ 1 10s.; Rev. J. Myrddin Jones, 1 Congregational Church, Mahogany City, P.A., 10s.; Children and Teachers of Pri- mary Dept., Zion Church, 5s.; Alderman >. Spurrell, 5s. G.W.R. Tempcrance Concert. — ine G.W.R. Temperance meeting was held in the Assembly Rooms on Sunday last. The chair was occupied by the Rev. F. Samuels, B.A. (pastor of the English Baptist Church), who delivered an address on Temperance. The programme was as follows: Solo, Corpl. P. T. Butler, Miss M. Rogers, Miss Lily Evana (encored); recitations, Miss James and Miss Jones; violin solo, Miss Averil Evans (eneored). The accompanist was Miss Terry Thornas,larid the programme was erranged by Mr. J. O. Hill (hon. see.). A Tip-top Treat.What was voted a tip-top treat" by the wounded soldiers was a social and whist drive given for them at St. David's Church Room on Thursday in last week and which was ably organised by the following ladies:—Mrs. Griffith Thomas, Mrs. Olive. Boar's Head Hotel; Mrs. J. F. Rees; the Misses Colby Evans, the Misses Olive, Miss Florrie Evans and Mrs. Waters. The room had been prettily decorated for the occasion, and the soldiers did full justice to the splendid tea prepared for them, after which they played whist, the first prize for the gentlemen being won by Pte. Gleaver .and the booby prize by Sapper Want, while Miss Owen, Nott's-square, won the first prize for ladies. A concert was subsequently held •fcwhen Kathleen Lewis and Gwyneth Thomas ^•delighted the audience by their remarkably clever acting. A farce, "Defeated," was given bv the Misses Sallie Walters and Fian-, ces Watson and Hubert Thomas and Tudor, Eric and Teddy Lewis, and it was highly appreciated by all present. The proceedings tended with three rousing cheers from the blue boys to all those who had afforded ¡them such a nice tea and a jolly time. Funeral.—The funeral of Mrs. Mary Evaintj, King's Arms, Priory-street (whose ,Seath was recorded in our last week's issue) took place on Thursday at St. Mary's 'Churchyard, Pencader. Rev. liar Edwards (curate of St. Peter's Church) officiated at the home and Rev. Evans, curate of St. Mary's Church, at the church and graveside. The chief mourners were :-Mr. John Evans (husband); Misses Ray and Beatie EvaRs (daughters); Mr. Jones, Llwyngwyn (father); Mrs. Thomas, Railway Inn, Conwil, and Miss Jones, Llwyngwyn (sisters); Mr. and Mrs. J. Jones, Troedrhiwmeiroh, near Car- marthen (brother and sister-in-law); Rev. B. Jones Evans, Vicar of Mynyddislwyn; Sergt. J. Jones Evans, Australian Headquarters Staff, London (brothers-in-law); Mr. David ,Jones, Penygraig (brother). Wreaths were .sent by the following :—Ben and Tom; from all at Ardwyn; and Mr. and Mrs. H. Tew and family. The bereaved husband and .daughters wish to thank all who sympa- thised with them in their sad bereavement. Old College School.—College of Preceptors Examination: Statements of the result has jUBt been received by the secretary, Rev. J, B. Thomas, headmaster of the Old College School, and the following pupils of the in- jstitution have passed in this order:—Class 1. Tom Williams, Gellywen, Banc Capel, W. .Jory, Chapel-street; G. S. Davies, Llwynteg House, Abei-Vwili. The above three only sat for the seViior certificates, who are now qualified to teach in elementary schools under the Board of Education. The old .jingle has been verified once again-No more pass, because no more was. The English is poor, but the meaning is lucid, which explains that no more pupils of the Old College could have passed this time because no more tried. The names of those that gained certificates in Class II.: Frances Nem Rees, Cloygen Fawr Farm, Llandereilog; R. M. Rees, Home Cottage, Abergwili: Addi- son Nicholas, Pharmacy Store, Llandovery; John Evans, Lampeter (Medical); Blodwen Thomas, Llanpumpsaint. Class III., three subjects oompleted: David Morgan, Cil-y- Llynfacli, Talley. Statement of results (Lower Form) will be published next week. For particulars re Old College School see advertising columns. Lecture on Russia.—Under the auspices of the St. David's Mutual Improvement Society, an enjoyable evening was spent at the Church Room on Monday evening, when Rev. J. Ll. Thomas, vicar of Aberpergwm, lectured on "What I saw in Russia." The rev. gentleman has travelled a great deal in Europe, having paid four visits to Russia. He said he did not think there was anybody who could give an intelligent forecast of the development of events in Russia. It was a Elizzie. They were, however, not without ope that Russia would yet recover hereof. They should remember that the deposition of the Tsar was an immense event in the history of that country and a rapid recovery was not to be expected. Whether she would make a separate peace or not they could not tell, and he thought that Russia might yet figure largely before the war was over. The lecturer described a journey down the river Volga and the exhibition of lantern slides added greatly to an interesting and instruc- tive address. The Vicar (Rev. Griffith Thomas) was chairman and also manipulated the lantern. On the motion of Mr. B. A. Lewis, seconded by Supt. J. E. Jones, the best thanks were accorded Rev. J. LI. Thomas for bis educational treat. A grand entertainment will be held at j Ptiiuel Schoolroom on Thursday next. A capital programme has been arranged. Minstrel Entertainment.—St. David's Nig- ger Minstrel Troupe gave a splendid enter- tainment on Wednesday at St. David's Church Room, which was crowded. The entertainment was repeated on Thursday night, a full account of which will appear in our next issue. Musical Success.—We are pleased to see lea the name of Miss Katie Evans, an old pupil of the Old College School, among the names of. the successful candidates of the R.A.M. and R.C.M. music examination, which was held at Swansea on Dec. 12th. Mayor's Belgian Refugees Fund.-Lam- mas-street Chapel, JM; English Congrega- tional Church, L2; Zion Presbyterian Church, £ 1 16s.; Union-street Chapel, £ 1 12s. ;'Mr. F. Soppitt, Llwyncelyn, £ 1' Prior- dy Chapel, Ll; Alderman W. Spurrell, 5s.; Roman Catholic Church, 5s. The Snowstorm.-As the result of a heavy snowstorm on Tuesday night, traffic in the Carmarthen district on Wednesday was con- siderably interfered with. Telegraphic poles and wires were damaged, and Carmarthen was cut off from outside districts so far as .telephonic communication was concerned. Wife's Application.—At the Carmarthen County Court on Tuesday before His Honour J'udge Lloyd Morgan, K.C., Mr. H. B. White, solicitor, on behalf of Mrs. James, 7, St. Catherine-street (daughter of Mr. Yeo, a plumber) applied for the disposal of JMOO which had been paid into court by the Federation as compensation in respect of the death at sea, through enemy action of her husband, Second-Engineer Leslie Gwynne James. The Judge thought enquiries had better be made to ascertain whether the woman was entitled to a pension. He be- lieved the Government something in such cases. The case w oj!p (/'journcd to the February court. 1e, The Trade.—A meting of the Carmarthen and District Licensed V ictuallers' Associa- tion was held at Carmarthen on Tuesday, 8th inst., Mr. Burgess, Nelson Hotel, occu- pying the chair. Mr. Taliesin Morgan, of Cardiff, attended aind suggested the forma- tion of a Trade Committee of the Carmar- then Parliamentary Division with a view to defending the trade against what he de- scribed a.s the insidious attacks of its enemies and to watch and guard trade interests in future Parliamentary elections. This met with the unanimous approval af all present, and a strong committee was formed consist- ing of an equal number of wholesale and retail members of the trade. Mr. J. B. Maddocks, of Penarth, afterwards addressed the meeting, explaining the necessity of unity among all those interested in the trade. The attacks of teetotal .zealoes, lie said, should not be allowed to pass unchallenged or unanswered. The trade, it was pointed out, was a legitimate and necessary one, and had always been held to be so by both Government and the community, and it should be protected by all lovers of freedom and liberty. Hitch at a Funeral.—A peculiar hitch oc- curred at the funeral on Thursday in last week of Miss Vera Davies, a munition girl, the eighteen-year-old daughter of Mr. Arthur Jas. Davies, Island Wharf, who died from septic meningitis. The funeral pro- ceeded to St. David's Churchyard, attracting a good deal of attention, as a number of munition girls attended in khaki coats and trousers. On the arrival of the cortege, however, the clergyman refused to allow the burial to take place, as no burial certificate was forthcoming, the only document pro- duced being a doctor's certificate. 4%e body was left in the church and the funeral ad- journed till Friday morning, when the curate (Rev. J. Gwynfe Jones) and Mr. R. Bythel Davies (lay-reader) officiated. The chief mourners were:—Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Davies (father and mother); Carrie and Alice Davies (sisters); Mrs. Proaser (sister); Mr. and Mrs. Wilson (uncle and aunt); Mr. David Davies, (uncle); Mr. Tom Price (uncle); Alice and Lena Davies and Agnes and Willie Barnett (cousins). Floral tributes were sent by the followingMother, father, sisters and bro- thers; Mrs. Davies, Blue-street; Mrs. Crabb, Jubilee Hotel; Mrs. Walter Evans; Florrie and Rosie, together with several from de- ceased's fellow-workers. At the Y.M.C,.A.-All soldiers billeted in the town were entertained to tea at the Y.M.C.A. on Thursday in last week by the members of Water-street C.M. Church. Over 100 soldiers partook of a sumptuous tea, which they thoroughly enjoyed. Col. Lewes and Lieut. Evans (Agricultural Department) were also present, the latter on behalf of the soldier# proposed a very hearty vote of thanks to the donors of the tea. for their generosity. After the tables were cleared, an exhibition game of billiards was given by Pte. A. Smith and Pte. Byrne, and various competitions such as hat-trimming, etc., were indulged in and which elicited roars of laughter from the audience. A splendid concert was then held, over which the Deputy Mayor (Aid. John Lewis, J.P.) presided. Those who took part were:—Solos, Misses Gwen Jones M. Evans, Florence Nightingale, Mrs. H. B- Ellis, Mr. J. Emrys Thomas, Pte. Lynch. Recitations were given by Miss Timothy, Mr. A. 1. Jones, Lieut. Iorwerth, and Ptes. Cassons and Gammon. The mysterious read- ing of cards by Sergt. Haman was thor- oughly enjoyed. There is always something good to expect at the Y.M.C.A., under the leadership of Mr. Her- bert R. German, who is heart and soul in Y.M.C.A. work and who spares no efforts to make the "Y.M." a real home for all sol- diers. On Monday a concert party consisting of Madame John Thomas, Mr. David Harry, Mr. Jack Davies (of Llanelly), and others, who have been touring in Pembrokeshire giving concerts for the benefit of soldiers, were passing through Carmarthen on their return to Llanelly, and Mr. German in- duced theriji to stay a few hours at Carmar- then in order to sing to the soldiers. This they readily agreed to do, and thus the sol- diers at the Y.M.C.A. on Monday afternoon were given a grand musical treat. Madame Thomas, who sang before King Edward and Queen Alexandra, the Kaiser and Kaiserin at Windsor Castle some years ago, gave superb renderings of "The Cuckoo and "March OH," and sang Daddy's Sweet- heart" and "The Blackbird" as encores. Mr. Jack Davies contributed two solos and sang duetts with Mr. Dd. Harry. Mr. German was the accompanist. Sergt. Harrington in his usual "sporty" style, proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the artistes, which was seconded by Mr. German, and the vote was carried by three hearty cheers.—The usual concert was held at the Y.M.C.A. on Sun- day evening last, over which Chaplain W. Vaughan King presided: A capital pro- gramme had been arranged by Mr. I. Un- goed Thomas (solicitor), who also acted as accompanist. Solos were sung by the Misses Olwcn Jones, Ena Davies, Dilys Lewis, and; Messrs. Tom Davies and Livingstone Thomas. Miss Ray Davies gave a recitation. Hymns were also sung together by all pre- sent and a very enjoyable evening was spent. —Mr. George Eyre Evans (senior hon. sec. of the Carmarthenshire Antiquarian Society) gave a lecture on "What to see at Carmar- then and how to see it at the Y.M.C.A. on Friday evening. The Mayor (Aid. Wm. Evans) presided, and he was supported by the Mayoress and the Deputy Mayor (Aid. John Lewis, J.P.). There was a large re- presentative gathering including a number of wounded soldiers. The lecture throughout wa's tery interesting and was highly appre- ciated by the audience. A very hearty vote of thhnks was accorded the lecturer. In seconding the vote of thanks to the Mayor, whichv had been proposed by Mr. George Eyre Evans, Mr. Herbert Hilton, the Head Constable, said that aLA a newcomer to the town. he was. particularly interested in the lecture* Hfftd,s,Caxmarthen would certainly be of far more interest to him after hearing all about its tdstory. Mr. John Hinds, M.P., and Mrs. Hinds entertained the young people attending the Castle-street (London,) Welsh Baptist Church at a New Year's party on Sunday night. A most enjoyable time was spent. Musical Success.—We offer our hearty congratulations to Miss Irene Tarr on ob- taining the Diploma of L.T.C.L. in Piano- forte playing at the first attempt. The young lady's success is all the more credit- able, as she is only seventeen years of age. A Considerate Action—Mr. T. E. Brig- stocke, J.P., took a party of wounded sol- diers round St. Peter's Church on Tuesday afternoon, and explained to them all the points of interest in connection with the fine old church. The soldiers were deeply interested in all they saw, and warmly thanked Mr. Brigstocke for his kindness. Women's Guild. — The opening of a Woman's Guild in connection with Lam- mas street Congregational Chapel was cele- brated by a social and concert, which was held at the schoolroom on Wednesday night. There was a large jiumber of ladies present, and a very enjoyable time was spent. Butchers' Association.—The looal but- chers met at the Y.M.C.A on Wednesday ev;enirfg and decided to form a Buyers' Association according to the terms of the new Order. The following officials wera elected:—Chairman. Mr Geo. Lewis, King- st-eet; treasurer, Mr. Tom Lloyd, Dark- gute; hon. sec., Mr. W. A. Evans, Priory- street. It will be the duty of the Associa- tion to buy in the markets, and to allocate the meat among the different retailers. Empire Theatre.—The renowned picture, "A man for all that," is being shown at the Empire on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of this week. It is a World Brady film in five parts, teeming with interest from start to finish. For Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week, "Chums" will be screened, in which the world-famous man-monkey is seen to great advantage. "Consul III." will also be shown, which is a film that made even the Censor laugh. For the latter part of next week, "Mr. Meeson's Will," by Rider Haggard, tops the bill. The tweltfth epi- side of "Pearl of the Army," together with the latest War Films, will also be shown.. Mart.—The usual mart was l.eld on Wed- nesday, when there was offered nearly as many fat cattle as at the corresponding mart last year, the majority being of very fair quality, most getting into Grade 2. Sheep were short, and were sold under con- trolled price. Great difficulty was experi- enced in allocating the cattle to the huge number of buyers present, there not being half the cattle required by the different buyers. Cows and calves were again a very good trade. Owing to the severe wintrv weather not as many were offered as has been, but the trade was very good. Calves were offered in much smaller num- bers. No pigs at all. Fat stock is badly wanted, and it is 'hoped the- farmers will make every effort to bring forward every- thing they have ready for slaughter. The Housing Question.—At a meeting of the Carmarthen Town Council on Wednes- day night, Mr. Dd. Williams urged that the council should take steps to select sites in readiness for the housing scheme after the war. Unless the council took action, others in the town would do so. We have had one of the leading preachers brave enough to speak on the question," he said, "and I think it is time for others to do so. '—Aid. J. B. Arthur suggested it would be time for the council to proceed with the scheme after the war.—Mr. E. V. Collier agreed, and pointed out that even the Minister of Recon- struction said it was very doubtful what help oouncils would get from the Govern- ment.—On the motion of Mr. J. Crossman it was decided to defer the matter until the council knew what help the Government would give. More to Receive the Freedom.—At a meeting of the Carmarthen Town Council on Wednesday night, Mr. E. V. Collier for- mally moved that Carmarthen boys who had won war distinctions be given the freedom of the borough as they came home on leave. It was only a barren honour, but now it had been decided to open a Welcome Home Fund, they hoped it would be a little less barren.—Mr. John Jenkins seconded.—Aid. L. D. Thomas said there were one or two men home at present.—Aid. J. B. Arthur said the council should confer the freedom upon them at once, and thus disabuse the publioomind that there was any favouritism. It had been said this week that favouritism had been done.—It was stated that Sergt. Burnhill (now at Llanelly) and Sergt. Henry Evans, Richmond-terrace, were both Car- marthen men, and had been discharged from the army, and the Mayor (Aid. Wm. Evans) and Mr. Collier were asked to arrange the meeting to confer the freedom upon them. THE TALK IS:- That a talk in this column last week has resulted in the Guildhall clock being illumined at night That there i!t plenty of land in the borough to provide more allotments. That the minstrel entertainment at S David's Church Room on Wednesday night was a bumper success. A repeat perform- ance was given on Thursday (last night). That the St. David's troupe" intend to give an entertainment to the wounded soldiers at the Red Cross Hospial. That a poor woman who went to a but- cher's shop this week for a chop was told that she must take the whole joint, worth fifteen shillings! That although the butchers of the town close their shops on Mondays and Tues- days, Carmarthen people do not observe them as meatless days. That the borough member in espousing the cause of the conscientious objectors has offended many of his political supporters. That the movement to estalish a Sol- diers' Welcome Home Fund" at Carmar- then, although belated, is a step in the right direction. That the Vicar of St. David's made a fine sprint in the snowstorm Oil Tuesday night, and easily captured a man who, after Smashing four panes at Christ Church, tried to give him "the slip. That the Carmarthen Rural District Food Committee take little heed of the claims of the consumer, and that their decision oin S'aturday last to abolish he (fixed priced for butter was a very foolish action. Was it done because nearly all the mem- bers are farmers? That it is not at all seemly for residents of Carmarthen to disparage the value of the freedom of their own town. That the honour is a very practical one, given not by individuals but by the Mayor and Corporation to persons of distinction," and that, therefore, it is the most public possible acknowledgment of the virtues ot the recipient. That if there are men who. when re- ceiving that honour, do not understand its value, the'aim should be to educate them to a proper appreciation of it. That it is a very poor compliment to former recipients of the Freedom to call it names. That the lady who abstracted the SIIK stockings, boots, money, etc, from a resi dence at Carmarthen, although she resides in a mental hospital, displayed rare skill in the process of abstraction.

MARRIAGE. King-Cromwell Jones.—On the 8th Janu- ary, at Cyfarthfa Church, Merthyr Tyd- vil, by the Rev. E. R. Davies, B.A., vicar. Captain George C. King, R A.M.C., eldest son of Dr. and Mrs. Thacker King, Sandfield House, West Kirby, to Hester Beatrice, third daugh- ter of Major D. T. Jenkins, B.D., and Mrs. Jenkins, Netherton House, Wishaw, and niece and adopted child of Dr. and Mrs. Cromwell Jones, Merthyr Tydvil. (S598—i9:3

Local Obituary t MRS. ELIZABETH JONES. The death occurred on Thursday, 10th inst., of Mrs. Elizabeth Jones, .1, Friar s- park, widow of the late Mr. Richard Jones. Mrs. Jones, who was 68 years < f age, had been living for some time with her •iaug'^er, Miss Jennie Jones. Deceased, who had been ailing for a considerable time, leaves to mourn her loss two sons—Mr. Daniel Jones, Under Avon-street, Cymmer, and Sergt. R. G. Jones, Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry, who is at present in hospital in SlOTBeld. Her two daughters are Mrs. W. Fergurson, Winnipeg, Canada, and Miss Jennie Jones, 11. Friar's-park. The funeral took place on Monday at Tabernacle burial ground, Rev. E. U. Thomas, minister of Tabernacle Chapel, officiating. The chief mourners were:—Mr. Daniel Jones (son); Miss Jennie Jones (daughter); Mr. J. Lewis (stonecutter), 5, Francis-terrace (cousin); Miss E. Lewis, 5, Blaengwastod Cottages, Llangunnor (cousin); Mr. J. Rogers, Maesteg (nephew); Miss M. A. Davies, 5, Francis-terrace (niece). Wreaths were sent by the family and Mrs. Davies, Blue-street. MISS M. A. JONES. A well-known and highly-respected in- habitant of the town has passed away in the person of Miss Mary Anno Jones, of 48, Lammas-street, Carmarthen, at the age of 72 years. Deceased had been taken to the Infirmary to be operated upon, but died on Friday last before the operation had been performed. She was a faithful member of Christ Church, and one of the oldest members of the G.F.S. The funeral took place on Tuesday, interment being made at St. David's Churchyard, when the Vicar (Rev. Griffith Thomas) and the Curate (Rev. Gwynfe Jones) officiated. Floral tri- butes were sent by: Sisters and nieces; Fred and Elsie; St. David's Branch of the G.F.S.; the Misses Hancocke, Wimbledon; the Misses C. and J. Jones, 88. Lammas- street Mrs. Thomas, 89, Lammas-street all at 47, Lammas-street; Mrs. Charles and family, 65, Lammas-street; Mrs. Cooke and family, 52, Lammas-street. The family wish to thank all those who sympathised with them in their bereavement.

Local Weddings TUDOR—JAMES. A quiet wedding was solemnised at Beth- ania C.M. Church oil Monday when Engineer C. R. Tudor, R.N., of Cardigan, was mar- ried to Miss S. A. James, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James, Trefais-fawr, Newcastle- Emlyn. Mr. B. F. Richards officiated. HUMPHREY S—EDWARDS. A wedding of much local interest took place at Llangunnor Church on Tuesday morning when Miss M. Edwards, 2. Llon- gunnor-road, was married to Mr. W. D. Humphreys, of the Railway Operative Corps, who is home on leave from France, where he has seen considerable service. The Rev. Canon Lloyd, Llanpumpsaint, assisted by Rev. J. Jenkins (vicar) officiated. The bride, who was charmingly attired, was given away by her father, Mr. D. Edwards, and was accompanied as briaesmaid by her sister, Miss L. Edwards, Conwil-Elfet. The best man was Mr. H. Humphreys, Landore (bro- ther of the bridegroom). After the cere- mony the wedding party partook of a sump- tuous wedding breakfast at 2, Llangunnor- road, which had been prepared by Miss Gibbon, of the Refreshment Rooms, Llan- gunnor. Among those present at the break- fast in addition to those already men- tioned were:—Miss Gibbon, Mrs. Gibbon, Llanstephan- Miss Bessie Rees, Bryntowy; Mrs. Humphreys, Landore; Mrs. Hum- phreys, Aberystwyth (mother of the bride- groom) Mr. W. J. Edwards and others from the Llangunnor parish; Mr. and Mrs. Hum- phreys left by the mid-day train for London, where the honeymoon is being spent. Both were the recipients of numerous presents.

Carmarthen Officer's Distinction Major John Francis, R.E., of Myrtle Hill Carmarthen, has been mentioned in a dis- patch from Gen. Sir Archibald Murray, K.C.B., late commander in chief of the Egyptian Expe- ditionary Force. He is well known throughout West Wales, and is a member of the firm of John Francis and Sons, auction- eers and estate agents, Carmar- then, an exten- s i v c business founded by his father, the late Mr. John Fran- cis. For many years before the war he worked hard to foster the Volunteer and Territorial movement in Carmarthen, and when war broke out he was Captain in the Welsh Field Co., Royal Engineers. He has been on service since August, 1914, and was at the Dardanelles, where he gained his majority. For the ppst two years he has served with distinction in Egypt and Pales- tine. In civil life he took great interest in agricultural affairs, being a leading member of the United Counties Agricultural Society and United Counties Hunters Society. He is an ardent rider to hounds and is lion, secretary of the Carmarthenshire Hunt.

1 Capt. Charles E. Williams, O.B.E. As reported in our last week's issue, Capt. Charles E. Williams has been honoured by the King, having made an Officer of the British Empire in recog- nition of his success as a Director at the Headquarters of the Ministry of Munitions. He is the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. D. E. Williams, the esteemed host and hostess of the Ivy Bush Royal Hotel, C a r m a rthen, who have two other sons, both on active ser- vice, one being Capt. H. B. Wil- liams, A. V.U., in France, and the other, Lieut. Gordon Williams, Welsh Regiment, in Palestine. O.B.E. FOR CARMARTHEN MAN. A recipient of the medal of the Order of the British Hmpire for war services in rvl connection with the Royal Naval Coast Watch is Mr. D. J. W. Edwardes, former- ly of Rhydygers, Carmarthen. Mr. Ed- wardes is the eldest son of the late Capt. Brown Edwardes, of Rliydvgora, and grandson of Capt. Edwardes, who fought at Waterloo. His family, one of the oldest in the county, has been oonnected w'tb. the town of Carmarthen for many cen- turies, and members of tli'e family held the office of mayor as early as the sixteenth century. ?

Vicar Gives Chase SOLDIER' CHARGED WITH BREAK- ING CHRIST CHURCH WINDOWS. ) At Carmarthen Borough Police Court on Wednesday (before the Mayor and Mr. E. Colby Evans), Pte. John Deginhard (2Q), of 'the Land Labour Battalion. was charged with wilfully damaging four panes at dhnst Church. Carmarthen.—Rev. Griffith Thomas, vicar of St. David's, said about 8.30 on Tuesday night he was conducting a confirmation class in the vestry of Christ Church when suddenly two panes at the bottom of the window were smashed. He naturally concluded that some mis- chievous boys were having a game with snowballs so he took very litte notice of it. There were nine girls in tiie vestry and were frightened. A minute or two after- wards two other panes at the top of the window were smashed with, terrific force. The forco suggested that there was some- thing in the missile more than snow, be- cause the glass was not very thin. He im- mediately ran out, and down thei street in the distance saw a man throw a snow- ball right across Lammas-street. He 'mp.de for him," and caught hold of him, and charged him with throwing snowballs at Christ Church window. Defendant ad- mited, and said, "I was only doing it for a lark." Witness took him back to the yistry. and after finishing the confirmation class-told defendant to come with him to the police. When they got outside defen- dant gave him the slip," and giving chase th? vicar caught him some distance up Parcmain-street. Defendant was then handed over to P.C Walters. The Vicar added that a few yards from the smashed windows was a coloured window worth 2100.-Tlie Head Constable {Mr. Herbert Hilton) sait defendant was born at Bow, an the East End of London, and at ten years of age was sent to an industrial schol At 16 years of age he was sent to a farm at Gorseinon; he enlisted in the army when 17, and had been five months in Carmarthen. -Lieut. Evans said defen- dant had a clean sheet in the army, and was quite a useful lad on the iarm.The bench let ddfendant off GIll payment ot the damages-4s.

A Farmer's Failure EXAMINATION AT CARMARTHEN BANKRUPTCY COURT. Before Mr. Registrar D. E. Stephens- Davies at the Carmarthenshire Bankruptcy Court oil Wednesday, David Williams, farmer, Maeelan, Llanfihangel-ar-arth, came up for his public examination. His statement of affairs showed gross liabilities at B410 16s. 5d., and deficiency £333 16s. 5d. Replying to the Official Receiver (Air. H, W. Thomas),, .debtor attributes his failure to "bad harvests, death of animals, and ill-health." In 1893 he commenced farming at Hafod, Green'' Castle, Carmar- then, by hiring cattle at J39 per head irom in the owner of the farm. He carried on until September, 1899, when he went to Clynglas, Alltywnlis. In September, 1911, he went to Maeslan He said he had been insolvent since he was at Clynglas. ihe examination was closed.

Carmarthen Borough Police Court. t CONTRAVENTION OF POTATOES ORDER. Monday, 14th inst.—Before the Mayor (Aid. Wm. Evans), Messrs. John Lewis, Walter Lloyd, J. B. Arthur, T. E. Brig- stocke, Walter Spurrell, Daniel Lewis, '1. Bland Davies, Jas. Davies, and Henry Howell. „ • Margaret Barnet, 3, St. Catherine s-court, St. Catherine-street, was charged with being drunk and disorderly on the 11th inst. P.C. Rees said that at 10 p.m. on the 11th inst. he was called to Lammas-street, where he saw defendant drunk and disorderly and making use of obscene language and causing a crowd to collect. Her friends tried to get her to go home, but she refused. Witness then told her to go home and she refused and said, "Lock me up." She was then locked up and afterwards bailed out.—Defendant, who pleaded guilty, saidshe had had a few glasses and that she had a farewell glass as her bro- ther-in-law was going back to France that evening. She added that she was very sorry and that she would not touch the drink again.—Head Constable Hilton said that there were two similar convictions—in 1009 and 1916.—A fine of 15s. was imposed, the Mayor warning defendant that if she came before them for a similar offence she would be sent to prison. Jane Jones and Jane Saers (mother and daughter). 3, Island Wharf, were summoned Sr using obscene language on Jan. 8th. efendants pleaded guilty.—P.C. LI. Rees said that at 11.30 p.m. on the 8th inst. when on duty at Guildhall-square he heard some shouting in the direction of Mill-street. He went there with P.C. Llewellyn, and d both defendants quarrelling and using filthy language.—P.C. Llewellyn spoke to having heard obscene language spoken by the two defendants.—Both defendants denied using obscene language, but said they did have a, quarrel.—They were fined 5s. each. NO PRICES EXHIBITED. Sidney Bradshaw, manager of the Carmar- then Fruit Co., was summoned, on two -charges, for not displaying the prices of potatoes in the shop and for not keeping a record of his dealings in potatoes.—The firm wrote stating that owing to their previous manager leaving at a very inopportune time they were obliged to send Mr. Bradshaw, who was a commercial traveller, down to manage the shop as he was the only man who knew anything about the retail trade. Unfortunately, he had not been in the retail trade for some considerable time, and conse- quently was not quite so adapted as one who had had a life-longexperience.-The Head Constable (Mr. Herbert Hilton) said they were not technical offences because it was on the price paid by defendant that the' retail price was fixed, and unless they could find the aipoxint paid by defendant the police could not check the retail price. These were the oases under the Potatoes Order brought before the bench.—P.C. Walters said that on the 7th inst. he saw a basket of potatoes octside the shop with nothing to indicate the price. He went inside the shop and there saw a quantity of potatoes for sale with no price exhibited. He told defendant, You know you are supposed to display promi- nently at your shop the price at which you are selling potatoes." Defendant replied, "I have the order here, but I have not seen anything to that effect in it, but I will comply with your instructions." When ques- tioned defendant said he kept no record of dealings in potatoes.—Replying to the Bench, defendant said he had been manager of the shop since Nov. 13th.-The Head Constable said defendant called at the Town Clerk's office and asked for information and was given a copy of the order. Evidently he was not in ignorance of it.—Defendant said he had not studied the two paragraphs in it, otherwise he would have exhibited the price. He received the potatoes only that day and there had not been time for him to make any record. The invoice was on the file. It was the first purchase of potatoes he had made since he had been in Carmarthen.— The Bench imposed a, fine of B2 log. on each of the two offences, the Mayor remarking that the Bench looked upon them as rather serious.

HUNTING APPOINTMENTS. The Neuaddfawr Foxhounds will meet on Monday, Jan. 21, atj Penffordd Cross Roads, and on Friday. Jan. 25, at Ffosy- ffir;; each day at lC.w.

Carmarthen Honours its heroes FREEDOM OF THE BOROUGH CON- FERRED ON CAPT. ISAAC. M.C. There was an interesting ceremony at the Guildhall on Monday morning, when at a special meeting of the Carmarthen Town Council the freedom of the borough was conferred upon Dr. Ernest E. Isaac, a captain in the R.A.M.C., in recognition of his having won the Military Cross wtih a bar. The council have passed a resolu- tion to thus honour all Carmarthen boys who have won distinctions in the war. Capt. Isaac is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Isaac, Stepney House, Carmarthen. There was a large attendance, including the staff and scholars of the Grammar School, and the entrance into the assize court, where the function was held, of the Mayor (Ald. Wm. Evans) and Capt. Isaac and his wife and others, was the signal for an enthusiastic outburst of applause. The Mayor presided, and was supported on his right by Capt. Isaac and on his left by the M.C.'s wife, whilst on the plat- form also were a number of aldermen, councillors, and magistrates. In an appro- priate speech the Mayor said they had gathered together to honour the brave Capt. Isaac was an old St. Peter's boy, brought up in the town where his parents were highlv esteemed. He had upheld the traditions of the town on the battlefield, and they hoped he would be spared many years to wear the decoration he had so gallantly won (applause). The Mayor read extracts from the "London Gazette, CAPTAIN ISAAO. M.C. I which described how he won his distinction. He was granted the M.C. For conspicu- ous gallantry and devotion to duty during operations at Delville W ood. He tended the wounded in a very exposed position for twelve hours, some of them being again wounded and one actually killed by shell fire, at his aid post. At one time he had worked unceasingly for thirty-five hours witnout food, drink, or rest, having divi-/ ded up his food and water amongst those of the wounded who most needed it" (loud applause). He gained the bar to the cross at Miraumont for an act officially described a follows: The colonel of the regiment having been wounded badly was left in a very exposed position. Captain Isaac wont out to him and remained with him for six hours, under a severe barrage fire from the enemy, .41 ie whole time, and brought him in Safely (renewed (ap- plause). j/ Aid. Walter Spurrell congratulated Capt. Isaac- on winning a double honour—the M.C. and a bar. It was very gratifying to hear, he said, that Welsh boys had greatly distinguished themselves in all theatres oi., the war. and had received special mention, and they in Carmarthen were proud to think that their own boys had taken part in the stirring events of the war manfully and bravely, as become good soldiers, and that several of them had won high distinc- tions. The least the town oould do was to honour them so far as lay in its power. To confer the freedom of the borough was the highest honour the town council could give anyone. He was sure it would be very g-ratifying to their first freeman, the V.C. hero of Dolaucothi—(applause)—to know that Carmarthen had decided to thus extend the list headed by 'himself. Capt. Isaac had every reason to be proud of his noble achievements, and in his pride the town ought to take a share. In granting him the "freedom," they wished to thank ihim most sincerely for what he had done for the cause and for the town, and they for the cause and for the town, and they hoped he would live many years to enjoy hM distinctions (applause). Aid. J B. Arthur said he had known Capt. Isaac almost from his infancy; he was -a true St. Peter's boy, and they were. proud to think that the freedom of the borough was conferred upon him, a dis- tinction which they in Carmarthen valued very highly and zealously guarded as one that would not be bestowed lightly. It was a distinction that had only once before been conferred, and that on that estimable noble gentleman and splendid old warrior, Lieut.-Gen. Sir James Hills-Johnes, V.C., G C.B. (applause). As a close and ljfet- long friend of his father,' Mr Wm. Isaac, he (Mr. Arthur) was glad of the oppor- tunity of publicly congratulating Capt. Isaac on the distinction conferred upon him that day in recogition of very splen- did. bravery and superb devotion to duty displayed on the field of battle. They as Welshmen felt proud of the part their countrymen were playing in this terrible war. Wherever Welsh regiments had fought thev had acquitted themselves most nobly. After the first Expeditionary Force went out to the Continent to withstand the German hordes it was not long before they had convincing eividence that the spirit of Glvndwr ftill lived in the ranks of Welsh bovs, and "Stick it Welsh" would ring down the ages aId the memory of n those men who helped to stem that tre- mendous German rush in those early days of the war, and the valour they displayed then and on subseqeent numerous occa- sions, would never fade. A striking tri- bute to the Welsh was paid in a soldiers rest home at Cardiff the other day. Four Canadians were sitting round the fire when a party of Welsh soldiers entered, where- upon the Canadians at once saluted, and remarked. It is Tiats off to the Welsh at all tim" (applause). They explained that tihey did this in honour of the bravery of the Welshmen who fought at Mametz Wood. Much as they in Carmarthen were proud of the Welsh troops as a body, their pride was greatly enhanced when they found lads bred and born in the town winning coveted distinctions such as the Militarv Cross. They were proud of Capt. Isaac and of the noble deeds he had done, and they gloried in the fact that when his day of test came, he was. not found want- ing (cheers). Mr. Arthur expressed the hope that when this cruel war was o\ er, Carmarthen would rank as bigh in the number of its men who had won distinc- tions for conspicuous bravery as any other town in the Principality, if not in the whole kingdom (applause). Mr T Bland Davies, J.P.. referred to Capt. Isaac as his neighbour for many years, and said he had the advantage over most peonle present in having seen him grow from childhood to manhood. "I have noticed his obedience and thoughtfulnees to his parents, with a feminine kindness to his mother." added Mr. Davies amidst ap- plause. I believe this kindness to parents, especially to the mother, is a trait ,-in the character of all great heroes (cheers). The Town Clerk (Mr H. B. White) said he felt sure Capt. Isaac must feel very proud on receiving the great distinction of tfne Tionarary freedom of the county of the borough of Carmarthen, and to know that the gallant services he had displayed I (Continued at foot of next column). 1

Welcome Rome for Soldiers CARMARTHEN BOYS TO BE RECOGNISED. A public meeting, in connection with the Mtritorieus Service and Welcome Home Fund, was held at the Shire Hall on Tues- day evening, when the Mayor (Aid. Wm. Evans) presided.—The Mayor explained that tilie object of the meeting was to make arrangements for the opening of the above fund, so that every soldisr or sailor who wins a distinction in the war should m addition to being given the Freedom of the Borough, be presented with war bonds or some tangible form of recognition of their services, and that every soldier and sailor who had served in the war should also be given a present of war savings certificates or bonds. The fund was to be raised by public uscriptions, and was to be called "The Meritorious Service and Welcome Home Fund for Carmarthen Soldiers and Sailors." He hoped that with the kind co-operation and assistance of those present that their efforts would 'be successful, so that when the boys came home they would all feel that the thoughts of ttlose at home had been, with them when they were fight- ing, and that the noble sacrifices they had made for their King and Country were not forgotten by those at home.—In proposing the resolution to form the fund, the Rev. Fuller Mills said that the movement was a little belated, and should have been started two years ago Every soldier or sailor who had won a distinction in the war would be granted the freedom of tihe borough, flnd he was sure that every one who would be given that honour, although it was only a scrap of paper, they would treasure it very much, and not deal with it as the Huns had handled the scrap of paper in the past in International Affairs. Twelve l men had already won distinctions, and all who had gone out to fight were heroes- those who had been wounded and disabled or were undergoing suffering—they were all heroic noble lads, and something should be done in order to give them something as a recognition of their heroism.—Rev. B. et Parry Griffiths, in seconding, traced the history of such privileges as "freedom of the city," and pointed out that so feur back as the time of the Romans, St. Paul saved his life through 'holding the freedom of the city of Rome —Councillors J. B. Arthur. E. V. Collier, and D. Williams supported the resolution.—The question as to whether the Welcome Home" Fund embraced the reception of men on leave who had not won distinctions was raised by Mr. Walter Lloyd and Mr. Lewis Giles. The latter argued that if it did not do so it left itself open to the reproach that to him who hath shall be given," and that to leave such recognition until the *ar ended was to run the risk of missing some of them altogether.—The point was pursued by Mr. T. E. Brigstocke and others, with results which seemed to favour official recognition of all in some form or other irrespective of whether they had earned distinction or not.—After a long discussion an executive committee, composed of the following, was formed :—The Mayoress, Mrs. Blagdon Richards, Mrs. Griffith Thomas, Miss Rich- ards, Miss Stacey. Miss Florrie Evans, the Mayor and the deputy Mayor; Rev. B. Parry Griffiths and Rev. Griffith Thomas, Rev. Father Young, Rev Fuller Mills, Councillors D. J. Davies, E. V. Collier, Daaid Williams, J. Jenkins, W. J. Martin, J. B Alrthtv. and Messrs. Lewis Giles, Evan Jones, John Phillips, Harry Wade, T A. Jones.

Kidwelly Heroine B.E. MEDAL FOR PLUCK AT MUNITION WORKS. A young Kidwelly girl, Ida Jane Fisher, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wil- liatn Fisher, Tymawr, Water-street, Kid- welly, has just received a communication from the Home Secretary stating that the King has conferred upon her the Medal of the Order of the British Empire for services in connection with the war. The letter goes on to state that she will hear further from the Lord Lieutenant of the countv—Mr. J. Hinds. M.P.—on the mat- ter. Miss Fisher, who is 18 years of age, is employed at a munition works, and some time ago, when a fire broke out in the department in which she was engaged within the danger zone. she and another young girl employee stuck to their posts and at once got out the fire hose and at- tacked the flames with excellent results. -W

CARMARTHENSHIRE ROADS. It is understood that the Government has now agreed to compensate the local autho- rities for damage done to Carmarthenshire roads by the haulage of timber over them for destinations outside the county. The concession, it is believed, applies to parish as well as to county roads.

[ Recollections of a Septuagenarian In my contribution to the "Journal" of November 30th I referred to two old charac- ters—Dai Fflach and Dai Guinea Cock- whom we knew only by their nicknames. This week I intend recalling two or three more of them who were well known in the town in their day. To begin with, there was Bill y Matches. Old Bill was quite a dif- ferent character from the two named above; I they were both fond of their glass, but, apart J from that, they were quiet, inoffensive men, but as for Bill the Matches he was looked f upon as a vicious, savage brute, the terror of I all children, and the sworn enemy of all I dogs. As for us children, our fear of him was so great that if we refused to obey I orders, for our mothers to shout, "Bill y I Matches is coming was enough to send us | flying into the house. And as for dogs he I dogs. As for us children, our fear of him was so great that if we refused to obey I orders, for our mothers to shout, "Bill y I Matches is coming was enough to send us | flying into the house. And as for dogs he had no fear of them; he would fearlessly face any dog, no matter how ferocious, and would manipulate the short shillelagh which he carried to such good purpose that the dog would invariably get the worst of it and would soon beat a retreat and run yelping away with his tail between his legs. He was not a native of the town,—where he came from I do not know—but he paid his periodi- cal visits with his bundle of matches. They were not in boxes like present-day matches, but pieces of wood from six to eight inches long with the ends tipped with some ignit- able substance. In the course of years Bill disappeared from the scene. Where he went to and how he fared Nobody knew and nobody cared." Now another old character of a diametri- cally opposite kind was Twm-me" (the "e" sounded like "a" in made). He was one of the innocent, harmless ones of the earth, a Welsh friend described him as "un o wir- ioniaid bach y ddaear," and so he was. There was no vice about him, everybody liked poor Twm, and were kind to him. He was a comical little figure to look at, very short of stature with an ugly but pleasant countenance. I can picture him now trudg- ing along with his little tin jug in hand blaok as his hat to carry the tea which was freely given him, dressed in an old frock-coat which had once been black but was now turned brown with age, and about two sizes too large for him, reaching down almost to his ankles, a trousers much too long for him turned up halfway to his knees, and on his head an old bowler or jimcrow hat of a colour to match the coat. If you looked at him from behind you would think it was some misohievous boy rigged up in his father's clothes, but when you had a front view of him you saw an ugly little man whose age it would be impossible to guess. Twm was one of the poor, innocent, homeless wanderers of the pre-asylum days. It seems he had a sister in Swansea, which the follow- ing story confirms. A friend of mine met him one day at Pensarn and asked him where he was going to, and Twm said he was going to walk to Swansea. What are you going there for?" asked my friend, and he replied, I am going to my sister to have my shirt washed." I wonder how long it was since that shirt had been washed before. I was told by one who knew that Twm was a great favourite with the late Capt. Grismond Philipps, of Cwmgwilly. He was always certain of a good feed there, and he was often there especially on a Sunday, when he would sit and enjoy his dinner with the dogs around him. Poor innocent Twnj, his wan- derings have ceased long ago. He has gone to the land where the wicked cease trom troubling and the weary are at rt." Coming down to more modern times, there was another character who was well known in the town and who- has left us not so long ago. I refer to Fred yr Hen Wâd- or in English Fred Old Blood." Fred wa* quite a character in his Way. His nickname he inherited from his father, who was known as Jemmy'r Hen Wad. At the time when sports" were popular in the town and foot races were in great vogue, Fred conceived the idea that he was a great runner, and he invariably entered for the foot-race. Need- less to say, he never won a race although be was generally allowed a good lead and was rewarded with a "special" or "consolation prize on the same principle as Bardd Velin- wen was rewarded at local eisteddfodau for his poetical (?) effusions. Fred had a special costuino for tfbeae rapes, a tantastio garb which was made for him by the young ladies of the Commerce House. This costume was like Joseph's coat, "of many colours," like a patchwork quilt: it was a sort of omnium gatherum of odds and ends of all sizes and colours, and I venture to say that no clown on a pantomime stage cut a more grotesque figure than Fred in his motley suit on a sports day. Fred would spend hours in training for the races and would talk with delight and enthusiasm of his racing qualities and the prospects for the coming day. On one occasion a friend met him, when the following conversation took place between them:— Friend—Well, Fred, are you going in for the race this time? Fred Yes, I am, and I am going to win this time too. Friend—You know, Fred, great runners are very particular what they eat vhen in training. What do you eat now you aie training? Fred—Oh, I am eating !JCef now; inat's the best thing. Friend—Well beef is very good, but I don't think it is the best thing for a i unner. You see, beef comes from a cow, end tho cow is not a very fast runner, you know. Fred—What shaH I eat, then? Friend— ell now rabbits can run very fast, very much faster than cows. I shoeld recommend you to eat rabbit. Fred- Very well, then, I'll try it. From that day Fred gave up beef and took to rabbit, but I never heard that the change or diet improved Fred's racing power. I said that he never won a race, but on one occasion ho was actually within an ace of coming in victor. The sports were held on this particular day in Penllwvn Park. The race was a quarter mile, and Fred (as was generally the case) was given some 200 yards start. Throughout the raco Fred kept in front, and although the other runners were fast gaining on him, he was still in front, when within a very short distance of the tape. The crowd cheered him on, the Sports Committee held their breath, for to have Fred win the race would be an eternal disgrace, but it was evident that be would, for he was now close to the tape while the others were some distance behind. So near was he that he could actually trot in, when alas! all of a sudden the band struck up!; the shrill blast frightened poor Fred, he stood stock still; he was staggered and could not move. the other runners passed him, and he lost the race! I am told that his wife was there with a bottle of beer for him, but when she saw what happened, instead of giving him the beer to raise his now fallen spirits she actually emptied the precious liquid on the ground. Fred was no financier. He had no correct idea of the value of money as the following incidents will prove. On one occasion he was given a job at the Foundry, and Mr. Isaac told him he should have three shillings, but no! Fred would not work for three thiUings-he must have half-a-crown! An- other time he was engaged to turn the print- ing machine at the Journal Offioe-this was in pre-power-driven machine days-and was told that his pay would be three and sixpence, but the offer was not good enough for Fred. He told them he must have half- a-crown for the job or he would not take it! One day Fred was seen carrying coal into ft certain clergyman's house. Some rogue who knew his weakness asked him how much he was getting, and Fred replied, Two and sixpence." "Oh," said his friend; "that's too little; it's well worth half-a-crown." No sooner was this said than down went the shovel and Fred demanded his half-a-orown. The clergyman, I believe, had some difficulty in persuading him that the two and sixpence promised and the half-crown now demanded were of equal value. In passing this reminds me of an incident which occurred, at my home many years ago. the only difference being that poor Fred's mental confusion had to do with money and my story has to do with time. There was an old woman living in Ffynonddrain called Mari Senny. She was an expert at making balls (a mixture of culm and clay). She had been hard at work all day, and after the job was finished she called my miter to see the pile she had made. "Well done, Marl," said my sister to her in Welsh, mae 1M ddigon am gwarter blwyddyn." "0 iiayos, nagos, Miss H ddim digon cyd a hyny." "Well wir," said my sister, 'na ddigon am dri mieh." O os, ma 'bm ddigon mo r^gor na hyny hefvd, md Man* (To be continued^

(Continued from preceding column). on the battlefield in alleviating the suffer- ings of our brave soldiers who protected our hearths and homes, had not been allowed by the townspeople of Carmarthen to pass unnoticed. They sincerely hoped that his life would long be spared to enable him to continue in the good work of alleviating the, sufferings of those men. The oath I am about to administer to you is a very ancient one,'p said Mr. White addressing Capt. Isaac, "and it be- hoves you to be obedient to the mayor of Carmarthein of the time being, and also to be obedient to the aldermen and council- lors (laughter) We cannot say that there is any great claim to any of the advan- tages that may have been in the borough, because you are not immune from the pay- ment of any rates—(laughter)—but when you come to sign the roll I feel sure you aue honoured by the knowledge that your name will be the very next on the roll to that of the illustrious soldier who gained the distinction of the Victoria. Cross—Lt.- Gen. Sit James Hills-Johnes (applause). The Town Clerk then read out the oath, and Capt. Isaac appended his signature amidst loud and prolonged cheering. On rising to speak. Capt. Isaac was greeted with 'vociferous applause, all' present rising to their feet. He stated that he hardly knew what to sav or the honour they had conferred upon him. In his opiniQt,1, the conferring upon him of the freedom of his native town was the greatest honour that could be conferred upon him. He and all members of his family were extremely proud that they had found him worthy of the honour. The honour and parchment would always be valued as a heirloom in his family. He was extremely proud also of the decoration he was wearing. While one witnessed so many excellent examples of heroism and devotion to duty at the front it was quite easy to submerge one- self and endeavour to do one's very best. The fortitude and cheerfulness of the troops were simply amazing; their deter- mination and tenacity of purpose were so fine that they at home need not fear as to how the war was going to end. They would stick to the bitter end until the Hun was ready to throw up his hands (applause). Any personal glory he might have contri- buted was but a tiny reflection of the glory those men were earning; for themselves. You are Tonferring this honour not only on myself," concluded Capt. Isaac, but on all the good lads out there, and on their behalf as well as my own, I thank you very heartily indeed" (loud applause). The proceedings terminated with the inging of "God Save the Kiag." Captain Isaac was formerly medical offi- cer at Colney Hatch.