The Brecon County Times Neath Gazette and General Advertiser for the Counties of Brecon Carmarthen Radnor Monmouth Glamorgan Cardigan Montgomery Hereford

BUilth Rural District Council. Mr 'j'l «he m nomas Pugh, Wernfawr, presided over bistr!Ilouthly meeting of the Builth Rural ^ere Council on Monday, and others present ^°§er pR8rs Woosnam, E Aubrey Thomas, ^avies ^0'in Jones, James Jones, David e8ina'u Joshua Price, Thomas Richards, ■ J 0wen (clerk), and W Evans MR LNSPECTOR)- %^at *a^ ^een a9,Jed to draw the r 10,1 °f the Council to a sharp corner on j?a(^ leading from Llangammarch Wells in ^Ue8^recti°n of Llwynfynwent. The place in was near Aberanell Brook, and in the J naonths was passed by a large number Cef ?8 aQd other conveyances on their way ltllPr(a11 —the home of John Penry. The f^PejjVeiDen^8 reQuired would not mean much '0 gi^8e' as owner of Aberanell was willing 've the land for that purpose. ^ubTre^ Thomas said perhaps the St)kr8 °^ John Penry would be willing Scr,he towards the improvement of the Co^°We^ said if a collecting box was put on Mio they would soon find out what those Jlve 1 d Cefnbrith were willing to give. °*ie aIIy was agreed So have the work thar?kding the !and re(luire(i was given 1 the expense was small.

Hunting Fixtures. The Criekhowpll Harriers will meet on Wednesday, Jan. 7th, Llanarth (by invitation) Saturday, Jan. 10tb, Glyn Pddr, at 11.

Mr. Graham's Hounds Meet at Hay. One of the largest meets ever remembered in the district was that at the Town Clock, Hay, on Saturday morning last at 11 o'clock, when the hounds of Mr Graham, of Dorstone, were brought up-24 couples and in the pink of condition. Mr and Mrs George Price and Mr Dancy Price (" King's Head") etertained those intending to take part in the day's sport in a most hospitable man ner. Crowds of people assembled to witness the meet. Among those out were :—Mr and Mrs Graham, M r John Graham, Mr and Mrs V. Helme, Mr Burton, Mr Smith, Dr. and Mrs T. E. Hinoks, Mr, M rs and Miss Mavrojani and groom, Capt and Mrs deWinton (Maesllwch Castle), Mr and Mrs A Mason, Rev and Mrs Green (Vowchurch), Miss Jones (Hosfrey, Vowchurch) and groom, Rev Geo. Powell (Dorstone), Mrs H A Christy, Mr Tom Powell, Mr R T and Master T Griffiths, Mr Curr (master of the Radnor and West Herefordshire hounds), Mr Geo. Price (King's Head, Hay), Mr Dancy Price, Mr Breeze (Dorstone), Mr J. Hamer (Castleton), Mr T. Hamer, Mr R. Hamer, Mr E. Pikes (Dorstone), Mr W. Pike (Dorstone), Mr Stokes (Monnington), Mr James Combe (Dorstone), Mr J. Davies (The Bage), Mr Eckley (Llanavon, Dorstone), Mr David Watkins (The Priory Farm), Mr W. Watkins, Mr Geo. Brace (Penypark), Mr W. Brace, Mr John Jones (Hay), Mr P. Williams, Mr J. Cartwright, Mr Fagin, Mr C. J. Havard, Mr F. Goodwin, Mr Jas. Kilgwyn (Boughrood), Mr Jenkins Morgan (Glasbury), Mr David Wall (Mill Half), Mr Harry Sharp (Mill Half), Mr Meredith (Clifford), Mr Davies (Clifford), Mr W Vaughan (The Cumma Brilley), Mr Goodwin (The Park, Eardisley), Mr Griffiths (Eardisley Castle), Mr Jno Jones (The Chapel, Clyro), Mr A Jones (The Stowe), Mr E Yorath (Weston, Bredwardine), Mr Blake, Mr Wright (Priory Wood), Mr and Mrs Jones (Upper House, Eardisley), Mr Jones (Pener- worllod), Mr Williams (Blakemere), Mr Passey (Blakemere), etc. Many followed on foot and on bicyoles. The order was given to draw at the Ton Wood, Clifford, which proved blank. A move was then made to Stone Wall cover which also proved blank, but on going to Castleton Wood, to the sur- prise of all "Tally ho" rang out at once, and away hounds went in full cry by Lower Castleton, crossing the Hereford Road by Tything Barn, across the Dingle, up by Castle Field and straight up Merbage Hill. Then the line was over to Crofty Webb, turning to the right by New Farm into the green road above Penymore, Dorstone, straight-down this road passing King Arthur's Stone, bearing to the left down to Botrall and crossing here for Pentre Lane Bearing to the right again Reynard went up to Park Wall covers, straight through them, and through Moccas Park to Park Wall, thence with another right hand turn to Wilmer Stone, Peterchurch, across the dingle and straight up to Stookley Hill, where there was a slight check, giving those behind a splendid chance to get up. Mrs Graham, having a few hounds with her, got them on the go at once, Mr Helme being called to bring up the others. Away they went at full cry, leaving Mobage on the right, into Moccas Wood, and along the top of the Wood for some distance. Then he bore baok along the bottom of Mocoas Wood opposite Blakemere, down through the Village, across the Hereford Road, leaving Preston- on-Wye on the right, through Kinley Wood, into the Orchard, and on to near Preston Church, coming back to the left near Moccas Court Master Reynard was lost, to the disappointment of all. It was, however, very pleasing to see so many up at the finish after a ride of three and a half hours and through a most difficult country, I especially Moccas Wood. These hounds meet again at Clyro Court on Saturday next at 11 o'clock. By "THE MAN ON THE PONY."

TALYBONT. CHRISTMAS SERVICES.—On Christmas day holy communion was celebrated in the Mission Church at 8 a.m., and matins and Holy Com- munion in the Parish Church at 11 a.m. The number of communicants exceeded last year's total. Evensong was sung in the Mission Church at 7 p.m., when the oboir, under the conductorship of Mr William Davies, gave a very capable rendering of the anthem Behold, I bring you good tidings." ENTERTAINMENT.—The twelvth annual enter. tainment in connection with the Band of Hope was held in Bethania Calvinistic Methodist Chapel on Christmas Night. The Rev. Roderick Morgan presided, and the chapel was, as usual, crowded. Recitations were given by David Rees, B Williams, L Davies, Mrs Harries, and Miss Evans George and Barbara Harries were much appreciated in a dialogue songs we e rendered by M Rees, A Jenkins, G Price, Messrs S Rees, D Watkins, and W Morris a duet by the Misses Dolly and Anora Jenkins, and a trio by Mr J Morris and the Misse3 M Rees and G Price. The Children's Choir and the Chapel Choir, conducted respectively by Miss B Price snd Mr J Morris, also contributed towards a splendid programme. A vote of thanks to the Rev. R Morgan was proposed by Mr W Edwards and seconded by Mr H Harries.

BRYNMAWR. WILL OF MR THOMAS BAYTON.—Mr Thomas Bayton, of the New Castle Hotel, Brynmawr, licensed victualler, president of the Brynmawr Football Club, who died on February 25th intestate, left estate of the gross value of £ 2,223, of which the net personalty has been sworn at £ 1,798. "A COOL THING."—"This is the coolest thing I have beard of for some time," was the remark of Superintendent Hand at Brynmawr Police Court on Monday when giving evidence agairst Albert C^>lvill, Pentre Lodge, Abergavenny, who was summoned for leaving a horse and carriage unattended. P.C. Honeybun said thtl the horse was feeding with the bridle off out of a box in Beaufort street, Brynmawr, at 6 30 00 Saturday evening, at a time when there were hundreds of people about. Colvill did n*4 appear and was fined 10s and costs.

CWMWYSG. COMPETITIVE MBETING.-On Christmas night a competitive meeting was held here. The room was crowded to its utmost capacity, in spite of the boisterous weather, and the pro- ceedings were very successful. A good pro. gramme had been prepared and a large number of competitors innterel for each icem. The officials wc-re-Chairman, Rev J J Williams, Trecastle adjudicators, Mr Wm Davies, Red Lion Inn, Trecastle (music); and Mr J Handel Junes, B.A., Blaenaa, Treoastle (literature) secretary, Mr W Morgan Watkins, Brynmaio treasurer, Mr E Evans, Meutyfawr, Traianglas. Appended is the list of prize-winners :-Alto solo, under 10 yearR-M A Davies, Tycornel ditto, nuder 16 years—M Davits, Pencae, Motbvpy; recitation, under 11 years-Mar. garet Elizabeth Evans, Meutyfawr; ditto, under 16 years—Ceinwen Davies, Peucaa Mothvey; tenor solo—Daniel Jones, Blaeuan, j TrecaHtle baas Bolo-Daniel JOUHH, Bl&enau essay—Johnny Jones, Dorallt duet for female I vofcfs—Annie Georgr, Ctstell-du ard Gien Prioe, Pwlluchaf, Cwmwysg; champion I ôulo-Mr Wm 0 love letter-Miss Price, Ffyuouwrgau, Sptiiiyhriogp hymn tune for those over 50-Mr D svid Price, U:-Ii Mill, Cwmwysg; impromptu speech—Mr Tudor Jones, Blaenaa, Trecastle; answers to 6 questions relating to Breconhire-Mr Wm Davies, Penrbiw, Trecastle qaait.^tts— i divided between Mr J Handel Jones and friends and Mr Daniel Jones and friends; j tbCitaSion for adults—divided between Messrs Johnny Jones, Dorallt and Dauiel Jones, I Blaenaa, Tr casth. story-Nir Wm Davies, Penrhiw, Trecastle; chief odural compe-ition- Cwtuwysg Choral Society (conducted by Mr E Evaus, Meutyfawr. The various competi- j tions wero moat interesting and were greatly enjoyed by the large audience.

LLANWRTYD WELLS. TERRITORIAL DINNER AND PRIZE DISTRIBUTION. The annual dinner and prize distribution in connection with the Llanwrtyd Wells and Llangammarch detachments, Brecknockshire Territorials, took place at the Neuadd Arms Hotel, Llanwrtyd Wells, on December 22nd. The spacious dining room was tastefully and appropriately decorated for the occasion, and great satisfaction was expressed by all with the spread, appropriate to the season, catered by Host Hope-Davies Amongst the company were Councillors Saunders-Morgan and W Jenkins, Col.-Sergt. Evans (Builth Detachment), Messrs W Hope, Arthur Jones, Jack Graham, Jack Watkins, Tom Morgan, J Jarman, Fred Davies, Tom Thomas, Corpl. Trumpeter Hope, and Mr George Devies. A letter was received from Lieut. Woosnam expressing regret at his inability to be present, and stating that the medals won by Lance-Corpl. Stanton and Pte, T G Powell in the Marathon Race at the last camp would be presented at a later date. The handsome silver cup, presented by the town and county of Haverfordwest to the best marching battalion out of five comprising the South Wales Brigade, and won by the Breck- nockshires at the last camp, occupied a prominent position at the head of the table. Dinner over, Councillor Saunders-Morgan occupied the chair, and before distributing the prizes made a touching reference to the memory of the late Major Penry Lloyd. He alluded to the presence of the deceased gentleman at their last gathering, and said that a loyal and faithful friend bad been lost to the district. (Applause). The following received cash prizes :—S J Jarman 91 points, H Jones 89, T J Richards 88, Lce.-Sergt. T Davies 86, Lce.-Corpl. G W Evans 85, Lce.-Corpl. D T Stanton 85, J Watkins 83, W S Farmer 83, T G Powdl 82 J C Powell 79, W H Lewis 79, J Williams 75, W C Puddy 74, E H Watkins 72, W D Thomas 69, A Thomas 68, J T Jones 67, C Ball 66, T R C Jones 65, W Lewis 55, L Ingram 40, W Davies 37. At the conclusion of the prize distribution a convivial evening was spent, songs being ren- dered by the following :—Miss Jessie Williams, Messrs Tom Tbomes, W R Davies, G Davies, J Watkins, C Ball, and Corpl.-Trumpeter Hope (cornet solos), Miss Jessie Williams, with her usual ability, presiding at the piano. Col.-Sergt. Evans proposed a vote of thanks to Councillor Saunders Morgan for presiding, and the singing of The King closed a most enjoyable evening.

Popular Wedding at Trecastle. A popular wedding took place on Boxing Day at tho Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, ] Trecastle. The contracting parties were Miss 111 D Hughes, of l-.o,th, Cardiganshire, and Mr Albert Dalies, < i Skewen. The bride is a cousin of the Rev. D H Williams, pastor of the chapei, who tni-de himself very popular in the district, ami ^reat interest was taken in the event. Early in vhe morning people were aHtir, making preparations to celebrate it, and the village was gay throughout the day. The bride was accompanied by the Misses G Hughes, London (cousin), and Sarah Davies, Skewen (sister of the bridegroom), as bridesmaids the groom's men were Messrs A H Williams, London (cousin of the bride), and A Clement, Skewen. The bride was given away by her cousin, Mr J H Williams, Ban wen, Neath. The officiating ministers were Revs. J C Evans, Borth, Cardiganshire, and D H Williams, Tre- castle. The wedding breakfast was held at the Black Horse, Inn, where Mr and Mrs Evans served a sumptuous repast on beautifully decorated tables. The customary toasts were given and speeches delivered, the principal speakers being the Revs. J C Evans, D H Williams, and J J Williams, the Bridegroom, and Mr A Clement, Skewen. The newly wedded couple were driven to Devynock Station in the evening to meet the train for Newport, en route for London, where the honeymoon is being spent.

LLANGAMMARCH WELLS. DAME JONES'S CHARITY.—A meeting of the trustees of Margaret Jones's Charity was held at the Abercuros Inn on Saturday, the Rev. J. Evans in the chair. The list of eligible partici- pants was presented and approved of. FOXHOUNDS.—The local pack met at the Cammarch Hotel on Friday. Through the hospitality of Miss S Price (proprietress) the company were supplied with refreshments prior to leaving for the day's sport. Three foxes were disturbed, and two fell victims. Miss Price was presented with one of the masks as a token of regard and esteem for her neverfailing kindness and geniality. EISTEDDFOD.—A largely attended eisteddfod, promoted by the Nazareth C.M. Church, took place in the Alexandria Hall on Christmas evening. The chair was occupied by Mr J J W Winston Waters, Maesderwen, and other officials were as follows :-Adjudicators, for music, Mr D Wylor Owen, Llandrindod Wells, and for literature, Mr Isaac Williams, Llan- wrtyd Wells; accompaui&t, Miss M J Jones; secretary, Mr J P Jones. There was much interest manifested in the chief choral competi tion, "This is the day which the Lord hath made" (John Price, Beulah). Two choirs competed-Beulah (conducted by Mr Wi liam Davies, Gwynebyrbaul), and Llangammarch (conducted by Mr E Jones, Cefnserwydd). The latter was awarded the prize. Other awards were :—Party, eight voicas, "Angels" (John Price), Evan Jones, Cefnserwydd; quartette, not awarded solo, feTale voice, Kate Jones, Cefnserwydd solo, male voice, divided between Herbert Richards, Llanwrtyd Wells, and Etnrys Jones, Tynypantyr, Llanwrtyd Wells; solo, under 15, 1 Trevor Evans, Gorwydd, 2 Gertrude Jones, Bridgend, Llangammarch; duet, under 15, 1 divided between Maggie Jones, Cefnser- wydd, and May Herbert, Llangammarch, 2 divided between Gertrude Jones, Bridgend, and Gwyneth Davies, Glasfryn recitation, under 15, 1 Trevor Ev<\ns, Gorwydd, 2 May Herbert, Llangammarch recitation, under 10, 1 and 2 divided between Myfauwy and Mabel Herbert; open recitation, D Davies, Petilanwen poem, "Eppynt Shepherds," Alfred D Jones, Maendy, Beulah. The proceeds were in aid of Nazareth Sunday School fund. FANCY DRESS BALL.-A fancy dress ball was held in the Church Institute on Boxing night, when there was a very large number present, notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, Garth, Llangammarch and Llanwrtyd Wells were well represented, and the various dresses presented a charming appearance and elicited general admiration. Prizes were given by Miss Coulthard, Llanwrtyd Wells, and the following were the winners :—Ladies—1, Miss Davies, the School House, Llangammarch Wells 2, Miss Evelyn Arthur. Station House, Llangam- march Wells. Gentlemen—1, Mr Cecil Ball, G warallt 2, Mr George Jackson, the Rectory, Llangammarch Weils. Mr S S Davies acted as M.C., and Mrs Evans, the Rectory, played the accompanimeuis. Dancing coutiuued till 12 o'clock.

HIRWAIN. I QUAHRYMAN'S 14ATAL INJURY.—Evan Davies (50), cf Rose row, Hirwaiu, died at the Aber- dare Cottage Hospital on Sunday following injuries received whilst at work at the Llwyn I Onn Stone Quarry of Messrs Powell and (Jo. at Penderyn on Saturday. It appears that deceased was taking two horses with a load up an incline, when one of the animals shied and knocked him down. An arm was crushed by a tram wheel aud he sustained a sevtre cut on his head. He was medically atkadef-i by Dr Thomas, Hirwain, and later taken to tbe Aberdare Hospital, where the limb was amputated. Death, however, supervened later. Deceased was a married man,

MR. CONWAY LLOYD Fully Restored to Health. Mr J. Conway Lloyd, of Dinae, Brecon, protective Unionist candidate for the County, who recently underwent a slight operation is now fully restored to health, and has resumed his customary outdoor activities.

CRICKHOWELL. YOUNG HELPERS' LEAGUE.—On Thurs- day evening Mrs J J Watkins, of Green- hill, Crickhowell, entertained the members of the Crickhowell Branch of the Young Helpers' League to an enjoyable tea at the Percy Davies Institute. A number of adults also partook of the good things provided. Subsequently there were games, and the little ones shared the contents of a Christmas tree generously given by Mrs Watkins. During the proceedings, the boxes of the collectors were opened, and it was ascer- tained that considerably over jE5 had been collected, a large increase as compared with last year. Prizes of 2s 6d each, one given by Mrs J J Watkins, and the other by Major J J Watkins, were handed to Nita Rowland and Gertie Addis, two of the most successful collectors. A silver badge was presented to George Rowland. It was stated that Mr W Parry, Talybryn, had very kindly sent a subscription of 11. Mr Thos. Vaughan, treasurer, referred to the great kindness Mrs Watkins had shown in entertaining the children and presenting them with a Christmas tree. This year the League had done better work than ever, and they would be able to send a good sum to Dr. Barnardo's Home. (Hear, hear). A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mrs Watkins.

CHRISTMASTIDE AT CRICKHOWELL. Another Christmas season has come and j gone, and as far as local events go it has I not been a particularly eventful one. The market last week, which was held on Tues- day instead of the usual day, was quite up to the average. An excellent display of poultry was tabled, and prices were dis- tinctly "up." There were plenty of buyers, notwithstanding, and everything was sold. The prize distribution in connection with the Territorials was held at the Drill Hall the same evening, and attracted a large crowd of spectators. The G.W.R Motor service felt the pressure of extra traffic on the day before Christmas Day, and it was found a difficult matter to run to time. Besides bringing home a large number of relatives I and friends to spend the holidays, the motors also took away an equally large number on pleasure bent elsewhere. The parcel traffic was also heavy. Three services were held at St. Edmund's Church on Christmas Day, and were fairly well attended. The Rev. H P Somerset, Rector, officiated, The special music included Stainer's anthem "The hallowed day hath shined upon us," in which Master Hector Parson took the solo in an exceedingly creditable manner. There has been almost an entire absence of carol singing this season. Some amuse- ment, nevertheless, occasioned in many houses on Christmas night by the visit of what might have been a Japanese family on the look out for lodgings. They knocked at the doors, but were unable, apparently, to state to the occupants what they required. This was not because they bad been too festive. But being Japs, they of course did not understand English-nor Welsh-at least they pretended they did not. After waiting a few moments, during which a lot of gigling was going on behind the masked faces, one of the party, in what might have been Japanese, urged the "father" of the little band to own up and tell who they were. The translation of the remark made J was "Speak up, Bill, and tell 'em who we are." "Father" could restrain himself no longer, but burst out with a hearty laugh and in good "cockney" said "how are ya," whereupon the "show" was given away. Masks were removed, and a merry and bright half an hour was spent. Boxing Day did not provide many attrac- tions. The weather was as bad as it could possibly be, and interfered with out-of-door pleasure. As the day progressed it got worse until the evening, when a violent storm of wind and rain raged. The Crick- howell Harriers met as usual on this day at the Table Mountain. This meet is always looked forward to by a large section of the community. This time, of course, the attendance was much below the average owing to the stormy weather, but the more plucky ones who braved the storm were rewarded. They not only had a good "blow," but also some excellent sport, inter- mingled with not a few existing experiences for which the high wind was responsible. An excellent entertainment was provided at the Clarence Hall on the evening of Boxing Day, and was very largely attended, despit6 the storm that was raging. The chair was taken by Major J. J. Watkins. Songs were sung with considerable success by Miss G. Morgan, Miss H. Loam, Mr Arthur Isaac, and Mr Ben Jones (Beaufort), and the comic element was provided for by Mr Eddie Jones, who was as usual very amusing. Miss Clara Meale also caused much merriment by her recitation, "The groom's story." The entertainment con- cluded with the humorous farce entitied "The wrong flat." Those taking part in the play were Miss Clara Prosser, Miss E. L. Meale, Miss Clara Meale, and Messrs R. H. Stevens, Edgar Prosser, W. T. Gwenlan, and Eddie Jones. The farce was thoroughly enjoyed, the only complaint being that it was too short. The places ofv business in the town were closed on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. On the latter day the weather improved, and made up for the experience of Boxing Day. The town, however, presented a deserted appearance, very few people being about. A fall of snow took place on Sundav morn- ing, covering the country to the depth of a couple of inches. We cannot close this resume of local events during the Christmas season, without complimenting the post office staff on the excellent arrangements made to cope with the additional work always in- volved in their department at this time of the year. Mr J R Jones, the obliging post- I master, is deserving of congratulations. ¡

I ABERGWESSIN. CHRISTMAS DAY.—Services were held in St. Michael's Church and Pantycelyn Baptist Church on Christmas morning. There was a celebration of the Holy Communion at St. Michael's, and appiopriate sermons were preached at both places of worship to large congregations.

0 S LINDSEY PRICE'S LTD., GREAT 21 DAYS' I FURNISHING SALE JANUARY 7th to 28th. HIS Sale is the Furnishing event of the year. After our I j Rebuilding comes the inevitable reorganization and our stock must be cleared, and wise householders who avail themselves I of this opportunity to secure bargains will find REDUCTIONS IN PRICES FROM 15 to 40 PER CENT. Again, Lindsey Price, Ltd., purchased at Valuation a large assort- ment of GEO. HOLLOWAY & WEBB'S furnishing stock, and this can and will be cleared at unheard-of prices that cannot be 11 repeated. BEDROOM SUITES TURKEY AND SIDEBOARDS OTHER FOREIGN j BEDSTEADS] CARPETS SETTEES AND ENGLISH CARPETS & RUGS UPHOLSTERY BRITISH (AXMINSTER) LINOLEUMS By Purchasing at this time splendid economies can be effected with the assurance that all goods are of Lindsey Price's well-known quality. ALL GOODS DELIVERED FREE. SEE OUR SALE WINDOWS. Terms to suit Purchasers as far as I possible, consistent with Sale Prices. | I All goods purchased STORED FREE till required. II Fares refunded to Purchaser^ of X5 and Upwards. J Lindsey Price Ltd. (Late Geo. Holloway & Webb), J 16, Commercial Street, Hereford. II II

Hints on Farm Manuring. Cbrj8roa8tiàe is a dull time of the year for farming. The days are too abort for much threshing to be done, ploughing on the best of cultivated farms is about finished, and there- fore wo can once more turn our attpntion to manuring the land. Fertilisers on the whole are becoming cheaper every year. In the pre- sent condition of farming it is imperative that the best of all kinds of crops be grown, and one of the most noticeable development of the times is the steadily increasing use of artificial fertilisers. Many men manure practically every crop. A lasting manure, that is, one to benefii; a suc- cession of crops, is an exploded idea. Little and often," is the motto. A farmer must look for a cheap and quick return, a quick acting manure that stimulates his first, crop, leaving succeeding crops to look after themselves. Amongst cheap manures, phosphates are the cheapest. Basic slag in its different qualities is exceedingly low, and on lands h suited (aud there a.r many in this district) it is the most profitable investment at a farmer's disposal. It is cheaper than superphosphates and bones. Even for root crops and spring corn, where clover is sown, it is most reliable. It j said, and with truth, that it tends to check that very s( riour disease finger-and-toe in turnips, as also do raw and steamed bones, whilst on the other hand supers aud dissolved bones en- courage it. This is a point to be remembered. The greatest feature of interest amongst the niirogeuous manures is the increased use of nitrate of lime. In the North of England it has done remarkably well. Its unfortunate teudenoy to become moist, sticky, aDd pasty as soon as exposed to the air renders ib somewhat lh "greeable unless care is exercised. It is a most popular manure for wheat and oats; being more soluble than nitrate of soda it is ie"g liable to be washed through the soil because of the free lime it contains. It is also Bervice- sl le on land where lime is naturally deficient. The tendency of this manure is to improve sweetness and the mechanical condition of the soil. Fish meal or fish guano is rich in i)itrog>.a, equal to 9 per cent, of ammonia and 16 to 20 phosphate of lime. As a turnip manure it often does well. Kainit is most I uneful, and no crop of swedes abould be risked without it or sulphate of potash and mariate of potash, whichever is the most popular for j the district. Kairnit contains a large per- centage of salt, an advantage in its favour when sown in the drill on farmyard manure, keeping it moist and drought resisting to a » certain extent, and thereby helping the plant. The qaestion of manuring is a perennial one ¡ atid is worth study by a farmer, whose one j aim should be to. produce a full crop. This I can only be done by continuously providing the land with plant food, and if a cheaper I manure can be used than farmyard maoure with its expensive application, it is wQJtby of I trial. Artificial manures can be cheaply I applied. This is the time to apply Basic slag to pastures and for tceadow and root crops. At the rate of 5 cwt. ptr acre it is not expensive a large acreage can be completed in a day from the railway station direct to the land. A few tons of hay turned into Basic slag or super- phosphate give a ten-fold increase, even at the prioe of hay at the present time or swedes or mangolds, whichever a farmer can spare, can be profitably returned in th. parchase of these manures. Half the failures of manures are due to the fact that they are not applied at the right time, so that the crop can take up its food when in its early growth and be helped to supply its own nitrogen when the dry seeson commences. Farming iB full of interest to those who make it a study. It pays to do so, in manures particularly so, for an increase in crops means I an inorease in stock and a farther application of green manure from increased dropphjgo. No farmer can afford to keep bis land half stocked. Close grazing ia au advantage that benefits the land rough pastures will produce lean stock. Mowing lJch ptaes and apply. ing artificials will not only improve the her. bage and the geeeral appearance, but fi I the rickyard with a saleable article. T. MIDDLETON, Talybont-on. Usk.

LLoCvES. APPROACHING END OF LONG SBRVICB.—We understand that the R6V. Preb. T. Williams, after over 50 years' service as Vicar of Llowes, has intimated his intention of resigning the living.

BUILTH GUARDIANS. An Old Custom Dropped. Mr Thomas Davies (ohairman) presided, at the fortnightly meeting of the Builth Board of Guardians held on Monday Hst and others present were the Rev W 0 Wi Hiding, Messrs C W Woosnam, E Aubrey Thomas, Evan Bufton, J L Davies, John Price, William Prothero, Roger Powell, Isaac D«VI.-B, J Jones, r Thos Pugh, John Jones, David Levies, Joshua Price, Thos Pugh (New Buiiàiog), J J Hope, James Jones, J B Riohards, Thomas Riohards, and Reginald J Ovreo (clerk). The Master (Mr D J Ricbarris) vtportal ohat 56 vagrants bad bttu relieved atiring too past fortnight as compared with 83 for the corre- sponding period of last year. The number in the house was 32 as compared with 34 for the same period last year. The Chairman said that there was no more business for discussion that afternoon, but he understood that the Christmas pudding was ready. Mr John Jones (Builth) moved that the pudding be given to the inmates on New Year's Day instead of being eaten by the members of the Board. Mr Isaac Davies seconded the prcpisition and the old custom of tasting the Christmas pudding was abandoned.

GARTH LECTURE-Oo Christmas night M interesting lecture was delivered at the Council School by the Rev. J Evans, rector of Llangammarch, on "The First Christmas." The lecture was illustrated by lantern slides, and appropriate hymns were thrown on the screen and suug by the audience. LLANLLEONFEI,.—A service, followed by a celebration of the Holy Communion, was held at Llanlleonfel Church on Christmas morning. An eloquent address was given by the lv-ctor. BRICKWORK.—Tne lease od the local brick- work expired on the 25th uli., and it is under- stood that the leaseholder (Mr Watts) does not intend seeking a renewal. The e-npiojees are at present out of work.