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

LLANAFANFAWR. FUNERAL.-On Monday, the 9th in at., the mortal remains of David, the youngest eou of Mr and Mrs Powell, Tycwta, Llanwrihwl, were laid to rest in Llanafan Churchyard. Mnch sympathy is felt for the parents in their Bad and sudden bereavement, for the deoeased, who was only 25 years of age, bad only been ill for a few days. Among the monrnera were: Father and mother Mr and Mrs Dyke (sister and brother-in-law) Mr and Mrs Jones, Dol- lana (sister aLd brother-in-law) Mr and Mrs Richards, Dolcelli Shop (uncle and aunt); Mr Bnd Mrs Powell, Newbridge (nncle and aunt) Mr E. J. Williams, draper, Bailth (ooasin); Messrs John and Thomas Powell, Cefndunog (cousins); Mr and Mrs Laarenoe, Lletherdu (cousins); Miss Lucy Powell, King's Head, Bailth (cousin); Mis-) Powell, Newbridge (Cousin); Mr Powell, Brocbin (cousin). The bearers were: Messrs W. Evans, Oefncoed C. Jones, Erwbant; H. Lewis, Tyccoed A. Meredith, Rhosbedde; A. Thomas and T. Phillips, There were several beantifol wreaths sent by relatives and friends. The Rev. T. D, Jones, Newbridge-on-Wye, officiated at tbe fcnse, and the Rev. J. C. Owen (vicar) at the cp&rcb, Mrs Owen presiding at the organ. THB FARMER'S ANXIETY.—We are now in the third week of August, the greater part of the bay is still uncnt, and what has been cut is not of roach value, as we have not bad one dry day this month. Not since the summer of 1905, when the whole of the hay crop was practically rained, has the weather been so unpropitious.

DEYYNOCK. SCHOOL SUCCESSES. Four pupils from Devynock Endowed Sobool aat isa the Devynock district examination for scholar. ships at the Brecon County School, and three of them were successful. The total number of scholarships awarded was five

f MARKETS GUIDE. Trade and Prices. BRECON, General, Friday.—Chickens and ducklings LOW getting tit ior iiiaiciu.i. so large i numbers, and prices again tunned in the boyer's favour. Chickens 5s to 6s 63 per couple, ducklings 63 to as per coo pie egg5 and 9 for Is butter. Is 3j per lb abfiits, lid each wimberries. Is quart. BRECON, Cattle,Ta^scltty.—A very moderate supply and somewhat r-low trade. Prices Beef 91 per ih, store c-tttk- (limited supply) fl4 to X15, lamb lid. Wether mutton 9fd per 4 lb, pigs carters £ 1 to 259, stores 13a to 14s 6d per score, HAY, Stock Fair, Thursday.—Buyers were plentiful accS there was a good demand. Yearling cattle made from £13 to 217 and Mr I Jones, Llanthomas, realised £ 50 for two exceptionally good yearling steers. Cows and calves were io short supply aud recevtoprices were ruling. Wether sbehp made up to lOd per lb, lambs lid per ib. Small pigs were a drag on the market. HAY, General, Thursday.—Good attendance. Prices Batter Is 2d and Is 3d per lb, f ggs 10 a Is., ohickens 5s to 6s 63 per couple, ducks (dreseed) 58 to 6s 6d per couple, fowls 58 to 63 per couple, rabbits 7d and 8d eacb, tomatoes 4!d to 5d per ih, raspberries 4d per lb, red- currants 2d per ib, pears Id to 2d per lb, kidney beans Id to 14cl per lb, potatoes 5s per cwt. BUILTH WELLS, General, Monday.— Tbere was an average supply of dairy and I ferm prodijee. l and tbe demand was not met, owing tc s large number of the venders celling their buttee. eggE, and chickens to the visitors staying in tbe town. Chickens (alive) made lOd per lb, ducklings (alive) lOd per Ib, eggs 9 and 10 for a shilling, hotter Is Id to Is 2d per lb, musbrocmi; 44 per lb, redcurrants 2d per !b, blackcurrants 4d per lb, wimberries 9d per quart, kidiiey beans Itd per lb, apples 2d 2 per lb, potatoes lid per lb. BUILTH WELLS, Stock, Monday.-Aver. age supply of cattle, abeep and pigs, except that !:OWB with calves were conspicuous by their abstnee and several dealere were in con- sequence disappointed. High class store lambs (not too numerous) changed bands early in the day at from 34s to 86s eaab. Welsh store lambs made from 12ls to I63, fat lambs 5|d to 5il per lb, mutton 9|d to lOd per lb; cart pigs 223 to 25s each, pork 7d to 7d per 2 lb. The attendance of a number of dealers from a distance gave a fillup to trade. TAGARTH, General, Friday.—There was a good demand and prices were maintained. Eggs 9 and 10 a IP., batter Is Id to Is 3d per lb, dressed fowls 69 to 7R per couple (average Is per lb), ducks 7 B to 8a per couple (average Is Id per lb), gtese 103 and lid per lb, plums Id per lb, applef. Id and lid per lb, wimberries 10d per quart. HEREFORD Cattle, Wednesday. Short supply of fat cattle aod prices advanced d per 4 lb veal calves sold as last week. Fat sbeep a good supply, late rates maintained. Fat pigs met a good trade bacons 8d per lb. Store cattle not of good quality seconds sold up to jS16 each nice lot of yearlings averaged f,15 5s for first quality, 913 108 for seconds, and 112 for thirds. Store calves short supply; late rates maintained. Store sheep maintained last week's figures. HEREFORD. Poultry, Wednesday.-Dressed poultry dearer; chickens 5/- to 7/6 and ducks 6/- to 8/- per couple butter 1/3 per lb whole- sale, 1/4 retail eggs 9 and 10 a 1 wholesale, 8 retail. Live poultry sold as last week.

Spinal Trouble and Wasting Helpless Child Completely Cared by Dr. CasselFs Tablets MIB. Watkin, if, — Edward-street, Heøù., never cease to praiwe Dr. Cameiia Tablet. /rW for the cure they Mb effected m my bttte M-W& jjKki A Gladys. She uaed. to KWA VI JWElfeft suffer dreadfully with stomach pains and violent heaxlache, and she e,te so little that she wasted away to a little frame of bones. JKBKBBFii. iTro«^ She was very nervous, } Mtss WatAins. ( too, and would wake — screaming with terror. Then she went quite helpless. lost all powsr. I had to carry hex" np and down stairs. We were advised to take her to hospital, as it wae spinal trouble she had. This we did, but as the treatment did not benefit Gladys we had her home again, and commenced giving: Dr. Gaseell's Tablets. She' improved wonderfully, soon she walk a little, and PO it went on till ahe was quite cured. She is now seven and ever so bright and active." Dr. Cassell's Tablets. Dr. Omoril'a Tablets axe a genuine and tcstod zemsdy for sS forms of nerve or bodily weakness in old or young. Compounded of nerve-nutrient* and tonics 01 indisputably proved efficacy, they are the recognised modem tiorne treatment tor NERVOUS BREAKDOWN KIDNEY DISEASE NERVE PARALYSIS INDIGESTION SPINAL PARALYSIS STOMACH DISORDER INFANTILE PARALYSIS SIAL-NUTRITION NEURASTHENIA WASTIN6 DISEASES NERVOUS DEBILITY PALPITATION SLEEPLESSNESS VITAL EXHAUSTION ANAEMIA PREMATURE DECAY Specially valuable lor Nursinc Mothers, and daring the Critical 'Periods of life. Ctuemisfa and stoires in all parts of the world srfl Dr. Osswllls Tteble/ts Prices: 101(2Ci.. 1/1 Yid., and 2/9—the 2/9 size being the most Boonamioal. A Free Trial Supply will be seat to yoa. on receipt of name and address and 'two peony stamps for postage and packing. Addros: Or. OMMH'S Ool, Ltd 418, Chester-road, Manchester,

LLANDEFAELOG. I CHURCH STJKDAY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION.—Tbe annual meeting of the Brecon Roral DEanery (No 1) Sanday School Association was held at Llandefaelog on Wednesday last week when the incumbents and Sunday sobool teachers from thefcllowiag paiiBhas attended :—Brecon, Llanddew, Garthbrengy, Llandefaelog, Llan- defalie and Trallong. At 3 o'clock a con- ference, presided over by the Archdeacon, took place on tbe Rectory lawn, when important business in connection with the Association was transacted. The following were elected members of the Diocesan Couincil:-Arch- deacon Bevan, Rev A E Evans (Garthbrengy), Miss Powel (Oastle Madoo) and Miss Jane Downes (Brecon). The Archdeacon, in intro- ducing the Rev J. S. Longdon (vicar of Cadoxton-jnxta-Barry), who addressed the conference, obsevved that they were aware that a special effort was now being made to improve and reform the method of Sunday Sobool teaching and that a special visitor had lately been appointed for this purpose. Mr Longdon's address proved very interesting and instructive and he waF4 warmly thaoked for bis helpful end t-uconragiug words. Through the kindness of the Rt-ctor and Mrs Francis tea and refreshments were provided for all the company, who afterwards pro- ceeded to tbe churcb, when evensong Was said and a devotional address was given by the Rev J Longdon. A collection was made towards the expenses ri the Association. The day was most propitious and thoroughly enjoyed by all the company, who were chatmed with the piotatesqae sarronndings.

LLANWRTYD WELLS. LOCAL WILL.—Mt John White Martin, of the Askomel Hotel, Llanwrtyd Wells, coal and lime merchant and hotel proprietor, who died on the 15tb December last, left estate of the "toss value of 22,152, of which £1,127 is net personalty. The testator left bis interest in ,is business as a coal lime merchant to his sons Williams and Albert, 1;600 upon trust for his son William, f600 to his son Albert, and his stock-in-trade, furniture and business at the Askomel Hotel, 9250 to bis daughter Adelaide Mary Rice, payable in sums of 308 monthly, and the residua of his estate to his son Albert. MILITARY.—Mr Wm. Williams, son of Mrs Preece, Cross House, left Llanwrtyd on Wednesday last week to join the training corps for despatch riders at Bisley. ROAD ACCIDENT.—About noon on Saturday last, whilst riding with a side car and nearing Llanwrtyd, a somewhat serious accident befell Mr Ernest V. Rew, of West Cross, nr. Swansea. Mr Phillips, o* Builth Wells, who was near at the time assisted him, into Lknwrtyd, where it was found he was suffering from fracture of the right leg. Later in the day, and under the care of Dr. P. R. Tarbet, Llanwrtyd, Mr Rew was motored to his home. POLICE COURT, Thursday-Before Dr. Black Jones (in the chair) and Mr Nathaniel Erans— James John Davies, of Lampeter, was sum. moned by Police-Sergeant Edwards (Llanwrtyd) for failing to produce his license whilst driving a motor at Llanwrtyd Wells on the 26th June last. Sergt. Edwards stated that the defendant, when asked to produce his driving license, said "That is the second time I have been asked for it to-day, I have a license, but am not aware I was supposed to carry it with me." Defen- dant did not appear, but wrote the Bench stating that he bad been fined 10sin Llandovery for a like offence on the same date. The case was dismissed.—For allowing four pigs to stray in the village of Llangammarch Wells on the 31st of July last, Maria Johns, The Bungalow, Llangammarch, was fined 7s-6d including costs.— Jane Bowen Jones, Cefn Gorwydd, near Llan- wrtyd, was summoned by Margaret Jenkins for assault on July 2nd last and was fined 20s including costs. Defendant was also sum- moned by Mr Rees Jenkins, landlord of the "Cross Oaks," Cefn Gorwydd, and husband of the previous complainant, for an assault on the 5th inst., for which offence she was bound over for six months in the sum of 95.

CRICKHOWELL. PETTY SESSIONS.—Friday, before Messrs A. Beckwitb (chairman), E. Pirie-Gordon, and R. G. Jannes-tbe license of the Bridge End Inn, Crickhoweli, was transferred from Mrs Ann Williams (deoeased) to Miss Sarah. Watkins. -Mr T. Vaughan, who made the application, said that Miss Watkinp, who was now the owner and occupier of the premises, had for several years resided there with the deceased landlady. The police bad no objection to the transfer to Miss Watkins.—W. E. P. Davies, of Tretower Court, farmer, was sum- moned for allowing four cattle to stray on the 22nd July last.—It was stated by the police that the defendant had been previ- ously fined for a similar offence, and had also been cautioned several times.—Fined 10s.- Sidney Powell, of Dardy road, Llangattock, carpenter, was summoned for riding a bicycle without a light at 10 p.m. on 22nd July last, and fined 6a.—A Gilworn public health case and cross-summonses for assault by two farmers are reported in separate articles. OBITUARY. Considerable regret was ex. pressed in the town on Saturday evening last when the unexpected news was received that Mrs Irvine Blennerbassett had just passed away at her residence at Abergavenny. The deceased bad not been enjoying good health for the past six months, but her indisposition was not con- sidered to be of a serious nature, and the end came with almost painful suddenness. Sincere sympathy is felt for the family. The funeral took place on the 17th instant at St, Edmund's Church, Crickhoweli, The chief mourners were Mrs R Roberts, the Misses Gwendoline and Eva Blennerhassett (daughters), Mr Rowland Blen- nerhassett (son), Mr David Williams (father), Mrs Merrick (aunt), Miss Maria Jones and Mr J W Jones (cousins) and Mr A Fisher (brother. in-law). There were also present a large number of the deceased's personal friends, and residents of the town. The service was taken by the Rev. Mowbray Smith, in the absence of the Rev H P Somerset (rector). Mr G L Loam (organist) presided at the organ and played 0 rest in the Lord" (Mendelssohn), and Chopin's "March Funebre." The floral tributes were very num- erous and beautiful. VIISITORS.-The town has received the atten- tion of a large number of visitors recently. On Saturday the employees of Messrs A Buchan and Co, Brewers, Rhymney, paid us a visit, and spent a most enjoyable day. The party travelled in four large motor char-a-bancs. Again on Monday the place was pratioally invaded by visitors. There is so much evidence as to this beautiful valley attracting the public attention, that it is regretted by many that nothing is done to develop it as a holiday resort. GRUMBLES.—A couple of weelcs ago we had a paragraph of thanks" which residents by the main road uttereJ when they discovered a ccuple of men come on the job filling the holes in the road. We are reminded by several per. sons that the paragraph was a little premature, for the nuisance of being splashed all over by water when a motor car passes is as bad as ever it was-some suggest that it is even worse. There are some people who grumble at anything, but those who grumble at the nuisance referred to have a real grievance. There is at present no representative for Crickhowell on the county council, and this has been the case to a certain extent for twelve months, owing to the indis- position of the last member. Ratepayers are suggesting that on that account perhaps a repre- sentative of the neighbouring parishes, and a user of the road, might be inclined to place the well founded complaint in its proper quarter. WE:DDING.-The wedding of Captain Cecil A Bradford, Prince of Wales's Own Yorkshire Regiment, and Miss Mildred Hillyard, the daughter of the Rev. A. and Mrs Hillyard, took place on August 5th, at St. Mary's Church, Upton Pyne, Exeter. The officiating clergy were the Rev A Hillyard, father of the bride, and the Rev Oliver Bradford, brother of the bridegroom. The bridesmaids were Misses Mary and Beatrice Hillyard. sisters of the bride. The presents numbered nearly two hundred. Owing to the War and the absence of the bride's only brother at the Front, the reception was attended only by near relatives. The bride- groom/ was well known in Crickhowell in his boyhood days be is the son of Colonel and the late Mrs Bradford. His grandfather was Colonel Hutchinson, R.E., and his grandmother (Mrs Hutchinson) was sister of the late Archdeacon Bevan and of Miss Bevan, Glannant, where Captain Cecil Bradford spent much of his time. He has been on active service for the last eighteen months in West Africa, and after a short leave returns to the front.

GARTH, MILITARY. Corpl. Sidney Jar man, 2/lat Brecknooks, Lance-Corpl. Frank Prioe, 2nd London Welsh, and Pte. Trevor Evans, Welsh Guards, have been here on furlough during the week. All appeared to be splendidly fit. MART.—The fortnightly mart was held on the 11th inst., and proved to be the most snccesBfnl sale yet recorded. Business was very brjRk, and practically all the stock was sold. There was a keen demand for fat and store lambs, which realised op to 38s. and 35s. respectively. Fat wethers in fait condition were sold tt 35s. Several lots of yonng pigs were sold at prices ranging from 29a. 6d. to 36s. 6J., older pigs making up to 46s. A numLcr of calves were readily bought at ¡ figntc3 ranging from £8 10s. to X7 10s. Heifers and beef made record prices.

CEFN COED. TEA P ARTIEs.-The annual Sunday school tea party in connection with Moriah Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, was held at the Church Tavern, Vaynor, on Tuesday, the 10th inst. On Thursday last the annual tea party of Ebenezer Congregational Sunday school took place at the Church Tavern, in very favourable weather. DEATH.-On Saturday the death occurred from pneumonia of Mr Thomas Rees, of Holford street. Deceased was a bachelor, fifty- one years of age, son of the late Mr Thos. Rees, wheelwright. He worked for many years at Cyfarthfa Works as a fitter, but recently bad been working at Blaengarw. He was secretary to the Penbryn Lodge of the Loyal Order of Aucient Shepherds. The funeral took place on Wednesday at Vaynor Parish Church, Rev. J. Davies (rector) officiating. WEDDING.—A very pretty wedding was solemnized at St. John's Church on the 10th inst., between Mr Leonard Pavev, Hanley-on- Thames, and Miss Dora Marion Riddell, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs Riddell, "Devonia," Cefn Coed. The bride looked charming in white, carrying a beautiful bouquet of pink and white flowers. Her sister, Miss Eva Riddell, also dressed in white, acted as brides- maid. She was given away by her father who is an inspector on the Cardiff Corporation Waterworks at Llwyn on, Cwmtaf, and also a churchwarden at St. John's. Mr Pavey was attended by his brother as best man. The Rev. John Davies, rector of Vaynor, performed the ceremony, while Miss Bowen presided at the organ. After luncheon at the home of the bride's parents, the happy pair left for London for the honeymoon. They were the recipients of several presents, both useful and costly from their many friends at Cefn Coed and at Newport where Mr Pavey is employed on the railway. VAYNOR SCHOLARSHIP DISTRICT.—A meet. ing of the governors of the Vaynor scholarship district was held on the llth inst., Mr Morgan Thomas presiding, to receive the examiner's report, to award scholarships, and to renew existing scholarships at the Brynmawr and Aberdare Intermediate Schools. Two scholar- ships were awarded in the Penderyn district, to Richard B. Jones and William W. Davies and four at Cefn, to David J. Davies (Holford street), William Richard Jenkins (Ffrwd Isaf), Emrys Morris (High street), and Nellie Edwards (Pontycapel road). Thirteen existing scholarships were renewed. More scholarships would have been awarded had funds allowed, for several of the unsuccessful Cefn candidates were remarkably close to those who were allotted scholarships. SMOKING CONCERT.—A smoking concert took place at the George Inn on Friday last, Mr James Davies in the chair. Amongst the many who contributed to the excellent programme I were Messrs Dan Prioe-Williams, Thomas Lewis, John Jones, John Prosser, John Evans, and Private Phil Beynon, while Mr Joe Mainwaring fulfilled the duties of accompanist. A collection was made by Mrs Price, the landlady, for Private William Hughes who has now returned to the front after his short leave of seven days. Private Hughes has been in most of the great battles, having been in France since the commencement of the war, and be gave his friends an highly interesting account of his varied experiences. He has been twice wounded, once seriously at Neuve Chappelltf, when he was offered relief, but chose to stay in France, preferring that to being sent home and I having to return again. He has had a trying time, but he said there was always plenty of good food to be had, though not always volun- teers to leave the trenches to get it, but I volunteers galore offered to go and bring in the hot rum and coffee in the mornings. VAYNOR AND PENDERYN RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL.—The monthly meeting of this Council was held on the 11th inst., Mr Morgan Thomas presiding. A letter was read from the Clerk of the Breconshire County Council with regard to elections at Penderyn. A mistake appeared to have arisen concerning the desire of the committee of inquiry to have the parish divided into wards. It was agreed that the Clerk of the County Council should should be informed that it was the desire of the Council that the register of voters should be divided into two parts to meet the convenience of the electors of the parish.-The Clerk (Mr F. T. James) submitted the draft grant of easement between the L. & N.W. and B. & M, Railway Companies and the Council for the sewer ex- tensions on Lower Vaynor Road and a letter from the Companies stating that they could not agree to the deletion of Clause 5 (as suggested) as the Company could not undertake the cost of removing the sewer when required by them, The meeting agreed that the clause remain and that the agfeement be endorsed. A circular letter was read from the Local Government Board with regard to the study of economy owing to the war. It was agreed that all street lamps within the district be extinguished at 12 p.m., and that the Surveyor be instructed to curtail expenses as much as possible also that a report be made upon the cost and number of roadmen in the Council's employ.—With regard to the Cefn water supply, the Surveyor submitted a quotation from Messrs Glenfield and Kennedy Ltd., for a meter stand-pipe, amounting to C14. It was agreed that the Merthyr Corporation be asked whether they would allow the Council to use the removable meter stand-pipe in which case the payment of X15 per annum would cease. Letters we're read from the caretakers of Hirwain and Cefn sewage works applying for a war bonus. The request was declined as the applicants had already been granted 2s. increase since the out- break of war.—The Surveyor reported five cases of scarlet fever at Cefn, one at Hirwain, and one case of erysipelas.

I SENNYBRIDGE. FORTHCOMING FOAL SHOW AND SALH.— Having firmly established a cattle and sheep market, the Sennybridge Voluntary Market Committee are now bent on building up a horse fair, and with that end in view, and with the support of the Sennybridge and District branch of the Brecon and Radnor Farmers' Union they intend to hold a foal show and sale on Tuesday, Oct. 12lh. A good classification has been arranged, and the distriot, having a reputation for horse breeding, tbere is every prospect of sncceBS. Mr W. Williams, Brynoelyn, Sennybridge, is the hon. sec.

LLYSWEN. FARM FIRE.-At about 5 a.m. yesterday (Wednesday) morning a fire was discovered by the baffiff in a French barn on the Dderw Farm, Llyiiwen, owned by the Hon. F. Morgan, of Boughrood Castle, The Hay Fire Brigade were sent for and arrived at 7-30, but by that time the fire had practically burnt itself it, two bays of hay being destroyed. The damage is estimated at about jjlOO, and the outbreak is attributed to over-heating.

ALLTMAWJR. SUNDAY SCHOOL TREAT.—A large party of the Sunday School and other parishioners con. nected with Alltmawr Church were entertained last Friday afternoon to an excellent treat given at Alltmawr Farm by the kindness of Mr and Mrs Thomas Jones. Mrs Thomas Jones, the Misses Jones, Mrs Williams, Bridgend, and Miss Williams, the Fedw, served at the tables. The weather kept fine until the beginning offthe games, which were arranged to follow ine bountiful tea. Prizes were given to the winners of the few games which were indulged in. At the close a hearty vote of thanks was proposed by the late vicar of the parish (the Rev. David Owen), to all who bad contributed to the treat, and was'seconded by the present vicar (the Rev. W. E. Jones). The kind contributors were the following :—Lady Paget, Abetnant; Mrs Powell James, Chapel House; Mrs Jones, Alltmawr Farm; Mrs Nelson, Llanelly Mrs Weale, Court Farm; Mrs Williams, Bridgend; Miss Williams, The Fedw and others.

WARSAW. Few cities have been the cause of so much bloodshed as Warsaw. For centuries, before its capture by Russia in 1813, the Polish capital was contended for by Swedes, Bus- sians. Germans, and.) Austrians. against wliom^ indivkluaUy or collectively, the Poles had to fight almost continually for possession of their beautiful city. Both Germany and it may be noted, have held possession of Wiii'-a-w. The city was awarded to Prussia at the third partition of Poland, and held until Napoleon entered it 111 180G. The Aus- trians seized "Warsaw in April. 1809. but were turned out of it in the followi.iyi -Jui:e.

ST. SWITHT-S DAY. Somewhere in the dim aJcl distant past there was a fifteenth of July on which no rain fell, and it was followed by a prolonged drought, says the Daily Chronicle. There- upon a 'contemporary meteorologist reared a spurious reputation for wisdom by inventing the legend that has come down to us in the popular form St. Swithin's Day, if thou dost rain, For forty days it will remain St. Swithki's Day, if thou be fair. For forty days 'twill rain nae mail- It is pretty safe to say that though there may have been long droughts on many occa- sions .at this time of the year, there have never been forty rainy days in July and August in these islands, except./ perhaps, in the Lake district. Some years ago a painstaking person in- vestigated the ra,infall records for a period of twenty years, and found that the greatest number of rainy days after St. Swithin's Day had occurred when July 15th was dry. But another twenty years might very well give an opposite result. Still, it is sufficient proof that there is nothing in. the superstition, though, curiously enough, it exists' in France as well as in England.

ABOFT OPALS. There are three varieties of this famous gem. Ranking first comes the Oriental, second the fire, and lastly the common opal. The affection for this treasure, as expressed by the ancients, can hardly be believed. Non- nius, .a Roman senator, absolutely preferred exile to parting with a brilliant opal of the size of a filbert, which was earnestly coveted by Marc Antony. An opal ranking as third among the finest in the world is described as having three longitudinal bands of the harle- quin kinds from the top of which rose perpen- dicularly the most resplendent flames. it measured Din. by 6in. In the last century a very round and brilliant opal was the pro- perty of the amateur Fleury. Another, said to be fascinatingly vivid, was owned by a noted French financier. These two were re- garded as marvels of beauty among gems. On account of the thousand fissures of the stone, engraving is always difficult and often impos- sible. A head of Sappho engraved upon a "presumable opal," an antique, has been very highly valued by experts.

ANCIENT PAPER MONEY. The celebrated traveller, Marco Polo, of Venice, was the first person to announce to Europe the existence of paper money, in China, under the Moguls. The fact has in- duced the belief that the Moguls were the originators of it. But in the history of Tchinghiz-Khan, and of the Mogul dynasty in China, published in the year 1739, the author speaks of the suppression of the paper money which was known to be in use under the dynasty of the Sung, who reigned in China previous to the Moguls; and he also mentions a new species of notes which were substituted for the old in the year 1264.

TEMPERANCE 5,500 YEARS AGo. There is still in existence all Egyptian papyrus of the date 3,500 years before the Christian era, which contains the following caution: "My son, do not linger i-ii the wine- shop or drink too much wine. It causeth thee to utter words regarding thy neighbour which thou rememberest not. Thou fallest upon the ground, thv limbs become weak as those of a child. One cometh to trade with thee and flndeth thee so. Then they say, 'Take away the fellow, for he is drunk. This is be- lieved to be the oldest temperance lecture in existence.

NATURE'S PROTECTIVE PLAN. One of the most interesting studies under- taken by naturalists is what they call pro- tective "coloration." This means that con- cealment which makes it possible for animals possessing it to remain hidden from the searching eyes of their aremies. Some of the effects are so wonderful as to be almost unbelievable. For example, among the moat gorgeous of the creatures of the air are tshe sun-birds of Africa, and yet even the keen eye of a hawk will fail to see these birds when they are flit- ting in a field of flowers. Most species of the East Indian sloth, which lives in trees, have an orange-coloured spot on their backs which makes them very conspicuous when they are seen out of their ordinary surroundings. But when they are clinging to the trees the colour of their hair looks very much like withered moae, and the orange spot on their backs so closely resem- bles the scar made by the breaking of a branch that even great hunters are deceived by it. The colour and stripes of the tigei- some- times make the Mrimat invisible in bright. sun- shine amid the dtried yellow grass of a jungle. One hunlter tells of following a wounded tiger which he failed for at least a minute to see in the grass at a distance of only twenty yards. And the jungle was an "open" one. But the natives saw the beast, and eventually the hunter made it out well enough to shoot it, but he could not see, at which part of the creature he was aiming. Perhaps the most wondarful effect of colour- ing in concealing large animals is that of the zebra and the giraffe. In the case of the latter, the large blotch-like spot on the skin and the strange shape of the head and horns, like broken branches, all make for its con- cealment, .so that even the keen-eyed natives have been known to mistake trees for giraffes and giraffes for trees. As to zebras, the black and white stripes seem to take away the idea of a solid body altogether. The two colours blend into a grev that is hard to distinguish, while at close quarters the effect is like bars of light seen through the branches of shrubs.

THE LIMIT OF HUMAN SIGHT. What is the furthest limit to which the un- assisted human vision can reach? Power, in his book" The Eye and Sight," gives the ability to see the star Alcor, situated at the tail of the Great Bear, as a test. Indeed, the Arabs call it the Test Star. It is most excep- tional to be able to see Jupiter's satellites with the naked eye, though one or two cases are recordecl, the third satellite being the most distinct. Peruvians are said to be the longest-sighted race on earth. Humboldt re- cords a case where these Indians perceived a human figure. eighteen miles away, being able to recognise that it was human and clad in white. This is probably the record for far sight.

SKULLS ON GATE-POSTS. Hundreds of suburban houises have stone balls and pillars on either side of the gate. It is doubtful if the owners realise the mean- ing of the symbol. It takes its origin from the barbarous habit- of long ago of placing the skulls of one's enemies at the gate-post of the b-ouse--a pleasant custom that still survives among savages.

PROLIFIC OYSTERS. A single oyster has been said to be able to produce 16,000,000 young. If all lived and produced in tiiek turn, the second generation would number about 256,000,000,000.000 By the time the fifth generation was reached tihedr number would be so prodigious that they would make a bulk equal to more than 131 masses the size of the world. But young oysters have many enemies. Starfish eat them in thousands, so do crabs and sponges, while millions are swept away by the tide I 8* fbtore need be no low of an oyster glut.

-==-=.- WAR LATEST. J A German submarine fired several she Parton, Harrington, and Whitehaven, °° jjii Cumberland coast, early on Monday raOrLil. f No casualties were reported, and no 11,8 damage was done. I The Secretary of the Admiralty lllakeS,tl following announcement :—The Bel gf transport "Royal Edward" was sunk bY rdJf t enemy submarine in the lEgean last Satu morning. According to the information a sent available, tbe transport bad oa military officers and 1 350 troops,.in to the ship's crew of 220 officers and men troops consisted mainly of reinforcem0Dr J tbe 29th Division and details of the Army Medical Corps. Full informatioll not yet been received, but it is know" about 600 have been saved. M

Local Will. Mr Thomas Perkin, of Penrhyn Nantybwch, who died oa July 1st, intestate estate valued at £ 1,046 gross, with net Pers0°?ge( £ 999. Letters of administration ba*^ granted to his widow, Mrs Margaret Ehzab Perkins.

Fallen Brecknocks Honoured. t r W&11 A memorial service fcr the Brecknock* died in the recent cperatiers near Aden, held at the Priory Church, Brecon, yestef ■ afternoon. A further report will be giv0° ■ our next issue. ■

BUILTH WELLS. RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL AND NATIOIJS W REGISTRATION. — A special meeting 0 Builtb Rural District Council was held on & day, Mr Thomas Pngh (Wernfawr) presid' to consider a letter from the Hon. J Devereux, acting for the Lord Lieutena0 the County, askiifg for voluntary canva3,>t (who need not be members of the D's 0{ Council), to personally interview all IIlell tbe military age who are registered under National Registration Act There were 0 fl six members of the Council present tberel it/was decided to take no action iu the AN EARLY MORNING CATCH.—At the P° 8. Court, on Monday, before Messrs C. W. nam (chairman) and Gilbert Eadie — °°Li Pugh, Market street, Builih Wells, was c^iTs0t with an offence under the Poaching Prevent Act. P.C. Evan Williams stated that defendant on the Hay road at 6 a.m. on So° the 8th inst., with a frail which appeared t° j rather bulky. Witness examined the fra Apt found two rabbits and 15 snares. Defefldj, told witness that he had had permission Mr John Watkins, foreman at Mr Lant's who said he had obtained permission frotn Thomas Hamer, grocer, Defendant the offence, but said Watkins had asked h'?1^ catch some rabbits for him. The Clerk of J Bench (Mr H. Vaughan Yanghan) said be 7 j. received a letter from Mr Thomas Hamer p°l^ ing out that he bad not given anyone to catch rabbits on his h'H The defen^f admitted that he caught the rabbit? on which Mr Hamer was the tenant. Sergt. &e0% Davies stated that there was no previous viction. The Bench fined defendant 6s, ordered the snares to be confiscated. + APPOINTMENT.—DB W B Jones, of TyØ¡øØ Berllan," has been appointed certifffcj surgeon for tbe district of Bnilfeh nndefy Factory and Workshop Acts, iu succepBiOO Dr H Bennett resigned. VISIToRs.-In spite of the wet weata»r number of visitors iu the town is up ft" pectation. Tbe asaal eisteddtodaa ar« "y? held and tbe oompetitiona are well fillei' of an enjoyable nature. FisHiNG.-Local and visiting anglers tlÎ been very bosy during the past week, several fine catches have been made.. flnsb of water in the livers has brought w fresh supply of fish.. J THE NATIONAL REGISTER.-Tbe NatiOd Registration work in the parish of Llandalgld Cwift bas been carried out by Mr E J Vaughan, and Mr Tclfer Smith and Mr Morris, Holwood, have been responsible tot work in tbe Bailth Urban distriot. h#s NEW CURATE—Tbe Vicar of Bniltb secured the services of Mr D Hugbes Ricbftf-p of Lampeter College, as carate of Bailth. Richards is a native of Aberystwyth, jp expected to take up doties in Builth ear" September. fl WAR NOTES,—Mr Edgar Powell, son ot David Powell, of Brynbyfryd," who has at the Front for nearly ten months, bas 0 e at home for a few days. H» is attached Jj Sanitary Service. Another son of Mr po to bas joined the Canadian forces and expectS of be at the front very soon.—The Committe0ig' the Builth Wells branch ci the> Church P*o0 Brigade has this week sent all the memberS ¡d foreign service a present consisting of firSA,0 boxes with instructions and eigaret.te. too Evans, Builth Road, who has joined t 0 Canadian Expeditionary Force in Canads, -01 formerly a member of the Builtb Corapaoljjj the C.L.B.—At the meeting of the g Goardians labt week one of the officers brought up a case of an aged who had supplied four sons for the Army now required a little assistance. The ( pointed put that one of the sons had died his country "at the front. Tbe mother *$ receiving separation allowance, bat was not a very big sum, and .et sent weekly parcels of clothes to of sons which reduced the amount of at her disposal. It was stated that the oØ lady ought not to be left to spend money clothes for her soldier sons, which should* provided from one of the relief funds; and it' understood that a looal committee would ( formed to see that such cases get Pr°Ld attention. Another instance has been rep"r of a wife who out of her separation 1 sends a weekly parcel of food to her who is a prisoner in Germany. bfg PERSONAL.—The Rev. R. Kershaw, who been, in oharge of the Wesleyan oause at Wells for the past twelve months, has removed to the Canton circuit, Cardiff. DatI f8 their stay at Builth Mr and Mrs KershaW bftf made a large cirole of friends, and they °* with them a host of good wishes.

LLANGAMMARCH WELLS.FL MILITARY.-Private Jack Stanton, R.A.' has been here on a short furlough. T p., "THE 12TH." —Mr R. S. Griffiths, Clydach Vale, secured a fiDe bag of groUse his ground here on the 12th. the SPORTING.—A fine salmon was canght io io Lake Hotel water a few days ago. )0 somewhat unusual, as at this season of the year salmon are rarely found so far up Itfon.

LLANGYNOG. F SUNDAY SCHOOL TREAT. — On afternoon last the Llangynog Sunday °c.fl0d and several of the parishioners were enterts to a very nice treat, given at Pencarreg by the kind hospitality of Mr and Mrs V Parry. Mrs W, E. Jones, Daneslea, Mrs X and Mrs Davies, Cwmhiudda, served at tables. The weather kept fine tbTO°%a0itt fortunately. After partaking of a sump o(Je tea, the party engaged in the usual games 1° 0{ of the adjoining fields, at the conclnsio^ which a hearty vote of thanks was Pr0P^8uf the vicar-of the parish, and was seconded "0 giving three cheers for the kind friends provided the excellent treat. Printed and Published by THH BBBCON TUCKS LIMITED at the Bulwark and Li°D Brecon, in the County of Brecknock, „ THURSDAY, AUGUST 19th, l^re *S and registered at the General Post Offli- newspaper.