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

EDUCATION QUESTIONS. Development of Manual In- struction in Breconshsre. A meeting of the Staffing and Salaries I Sub Committee of the Breconshire Education Committee was held at Brecon on Friday, Prof. Joseph Jones presiding. TEACHERS' SALARIES. » The framing of a provisional scale of salaries by a joint committee representing the County Councils Association, the Education Committees Association, and the National Union of Teachers was reported; and the Chairman remarked that in view of the provisions recom- mended, they had no cause for regretting what they had already done. A com- parison showed that they had struck a very good balance they had met the teachers' request in a very reasonable way, without overburdening the rate- payers. The Breconshire minimum was a little lower than that in the scale just now recommended, but in some other respects their teachers were better off. Mr D. Fisher thought there could be no objection to bringing the Breconshire minimum up to that provided in the joint committee's scale. The Chairman One step is enough at a time. The Rev. W. Llewelyn Hear, hear. NOT A CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR. Brynmawr District Committee asked that application should be made for the release from the Army of a teacher who was stated to be of German origin and who was serviug in a non-combatant battalion. The Secretary (Mr A. Leonard) said ths arrangements for the release of teachers from. the Army had now been cancelled. Col. H. R. Jones-Williams Is he a conscientious objector ? Mr E. Griffiths No. On the motion of the -Rev. W. Llewelyn, seconded by Mr Idris Davies, it was decided to offer this teacher his old place and to apply for his release from the Army. MANUAL INSTRUCTION. The Secretary presented an informing report on the development of manual instruction in the county. He pointed out that new regulations by the Board of Education made the grant conditional on their being satisfied that due provision had been made for the teaching of practical subjects in the schools. Mr A. Taylor, handicraft sub-inspector for Wales, had recently been to Brecon and on learning what had already been done and was proposed, said the programme would go a long way to meet the require- ments of the county. After discussing the question of premises in various districts, Mr Leonard went on to suggest that provision be made as soon as possible for instruction in handicraft in the Ystradgynlais district, at Cefn Coed, Builth, Llanwrtyd, Talgarth and Hay. Arrangements had already been made for the Brynmawr district, and in considering the grant for the current financial year it was possible that, provided the work was commenced at once at Brynmawr and the Brecon Centre was re-opened, the Board would be satisfied with the provision made but they would expect an extension in the near future. There was sufficient work for one man at Ystradgynlais and the needs of this district might be met by concentrating the work at the County School Centre, but it would be more convenient for the children, especially in the upper part of the district, to utilise the cookery room at Caehopkin, and it would also be more convenient for the children in the centre of Ystradgynlais to receive instruction at the Ynyscedwyn School. He assumed that where a whole-time instructor was appointed he would also give instruction to pupils froni the Secondary School in his district, and one man could thus be fully employed at Builth, Llanwrtyd, Hay and /Talgarth. The needs of the more remote; country schools, where the boys could not attend handicraft centres, might be met by training the teachers at Saturday morning classes and providing light equipment. The Rev. E. Rowland pleaded for some consideration for Crickhowell. We have (said lie) no county school, no evening classes, nothing for the young men we are deteriorating sadly. The proposals made by the Secretary were generally approved and it was decided to ask the Crickhowell and Devynock District Committees to con- sider the question of manual instruction as affecting their districts. PHYSICAL INSTRUCTION. The Medical Officer (Dr. E. Colston Williams), reporting on physical in- struction, stated that the result of the inspection of all the elementary schools in the county showed that the whole subject required overhauling and that as soon as possible Saturday classes for teachers should be organised. So many of the teachers had never been to college or had any training ib physical education, that unless they could be trained in the county the system could not be reformed. He suggested the following as sound lines of advance :— (1).—The appointment pf an organiser experienced in the training of teachers and in the methods of a larger authority that has been re-organising this depart- ment of education. (2) That all teachers should be en- couraged to attend such classes as would be %nged for Saturday mornings and that their railway fares be paid. (3) That in all new schools and spch as will have to be remodelled, sufficient !I covered space be provided for exercises in wet weather. (4) That.each school not possessing a I piano should be supplied with a gram- ophone and sufficient records for march- ing, musical driii and dances. (5) That where there is a sufficient school population a central playing field should be provided and in rural schools, where there is an adjacent level field, a suitably sized piece should be rented for play. (6) That as very liberal facilities for physical education and games will have to be provided for continuation schools, correlation of their needs along with those of the elementary schools should be considered. (7) That the 1919 syllabus of physical training of the Board of Education should be introduced as soon as possible for the teachers to deal with it. Dr. Williams added that the majority of the children in the elementary schools were not taught games s efficiently, and in consequence the girls could not walk with grace and dancing, a natural aptitude in childhood, was unknown to them until later life. The boys at 14 could not as a rule play cricket or foot- ball or swim. It was only by a reasonably graduated training in exercise I and play that a sound physique could be developed. Idleness of mind arid slack- ness of body were the handmaids of vice and inefficiency, and the neglect of either would entail regrettable consequences on j the State. Owing to want of time consideration I of this report was deferred to the next meeting. )

BRECON PUBLIC WORKS. At the monthly meeting of the Public Works Committee of the Brecon Town Council, held on Saturday evening, there were present the Mayor (Mr W. F. Parry deWinton), Aldermen T. Wil- liams and David Powell, Councillors Miss Philip Morgan, J. W. Hedger, C. W. Best, E. M. Meredith, J. J. Williams, W. Williams and G. T. Jones. There was some discussion as to the steps being taken to improve the state of the cattle pens in the Cattle Market by concreting a certain portion, following a complaint by Colonel Williams Drum- mond, live stock commissioner, and arrangements were made with a view to meeting the graders and auctioneers on the spot. Councillor Meredith made strong com- plaint of the state of Conway-street, and the Surveyor (Mr H. LI. Griffiths) reminded the meeting that before the street was taken over he suggested that the Council should require it to be properly made up by the owners, but the suggestion was not acted on. As this street had been used by County Council motor wagons, he had written to the County Roads Surveyor stating that this extraordinary traffic was causing damage, and Mr Harpur had offered to haul and roll in stone to be paid for by the Town Council. Councillor Best considered this a very reasonable offer and it was decided to accept it. Alderman Powell pointed out that there had been a good deal of timber traffic on this road, and said the Council were paying the penalty for not insisting on its being made up before they took it over. COAL AND GAS PRICES. As fuel overseer, the Surveyor re- ported that the reduction of 10/- per ton on the price of coal had occasioned a great deal of work. He took it that the Council would be protected from loss on their reserve stock by the Coal Con- troller. Control had been removed from gas coke and anthracite. One could order anthracite anywhere. Alderman Powell said he understood the removal of control over gas was only for household purposes. Councillor Meredith I suppose we shall get a reduction in the price of gas. The Mayor Several of the big gas companies have asked that question and they say they do not see any hope of reducing it. Councillor Meredith They very soon I found a hope of raising it. The Mayor Gas companies are not making money now.

Armistice Day at Llan- I fihangel Talyllyn. COMPLAINT TO EDUCATION COMMITTEE. At a meeting 6f the Staffing and Salaries Sub-Committee of the Brecon- shire Education Committee on Friday, Mr Garnet Morris said he had been requested by some of the parents at Talyllyn to ask if it was with the Education Committee's sanction that the Rector of Llanfihangel Talyllyn took the children to church on Armistice Day. The Secretary (Mr A. Leonard) said a parent might withdraw his child from school on any day set apart for religious instruction by the denomination to which he belonged but a clergyman would not be in order in going to a school and taking the children away. The Chairman (Prof. Joseph Jones): Will you point that out to the Rector, Mr Morris ? Mr Morris No, the Secretary should write him a letter. The Rev. W. Llewelyn observed that such an action as that complained of was I absolutely wrong. The Chairman; Do you move that a letter be sent to the Rector saying that the action was irregular ? Mr Llewelyn Yes and a strong one, too. It was resolved to send a letter. (

Brecon and Radnor Farmers' ¡' Union and Their Estate Sales Policy. To the Editor of the COUNTY TIMES. Sir,—On behalf of the above branch of the N.F.U. I would be very thankful if you would kindly insert the Estate Sales Policy as given below, adopted by the Executive Committee at their last meeting held at Builth Wells on Monday, November 24th, 1919. This policy was drafted by the Shrop- shire County Branch and was sent out to the various county branches in England and Wales, requesting their support, with a view to getting the Council of the N.F.U. to adopt the same. It is the desire of the Executive Com- mittee that the public should understand exactly the policy which they, as the local official body of the National Far- mers' Union, support. Yours, &c. W. WILLIAMS, General and Organizing Secretary. ESTATE SALES POLICY. This Union has decided that the constant injustices to which its members have been subjected, by reason of the difficult position in which they are placed on the public sale of their farms, cannot any longer be tolerated. Tenants in very many cases in the past have, owing to the disadvantageous circumstances in. which they find them- selves, been saddled with farms for the rest of their lives at figures far beyond their true commercial value. Where farm properties have been submitted for public sale, without tenants having been given first option of pur- chase by private treaty at a fair market value, the tenants have in almost all cases been placed in an altogether unjust and inequitable position. They have either to buy regardless of price, or suffer other direct financial loss by quitting their farms and giving up their whole means of livelihood. Equitable tests of the true commercial value of land are not arrived at by the forced bidding of the unfortunate occupiers. The whole ten- dency of the times is for the land of this country to pass into the ownership of the individual occupiers. It will therefore be the policy of the Union for the future, before farms are submitted for public sale, to bring every influence and pres- sure to bear in securing for the tenants first option by private treaty at a fair market value. I Profiteering in Land Values, whether by syndicates or individuals, the evil effect of which invariably falls upon the unfortunate ultimate occupiers, will in future meet with active opposition from this Union. All members desiring the Union's assistance will in every case be required to give definite and satisfactory assurances that the proposed purchase is for the continuation of their own and their family's occupation only and not for the purpose of re-sale. The Union will therefore over the sale of their farms in future endeavour to preserve its members from exploitations similar to those which have taken place in the past, while at the same time doing nothing that can be considered prejudicial 1 to the legitimate interests of any fair-minded owner of land."

War Savings Certificates. The National Savings Committee notify that the number of War Savings Certificates sold during the week ended November 22nd was 1,434,416, bringing the total to that date up to 373,991,338.

South Wales Jams and Marmalades. PURITY GUARANTEED. South Wales Jams and Marmalade Co., Cardiff CAMBRIAN RAILWAYS COMPANY TO BE SOLD BY PRIVATE 1 TREATY the SEVERAL STACKS of Well-harvested HAY, of the growth of 1919, standing at the undermentioned Stations on the Cam- brian Railways, and estimated to contain the respective quantities, more or less, also undermentioned, viz. Es'ted Es'ted Stations. Weight. Statins. Weight. Tons. Tons. Talsarnau 5-1 Abererch 5i Afon Wen 6 Criccieth 3-1 For further particulars, and to treat, apply to THE SECRETARY, Cambrian Railways Co., Oswestry. Oswestry, Dec., 1919. Gwillim's Mole Poison. is. 6d. PER PACKET. Easy to use and certain to kill Moles, Rats or Mice. No Trouble. Only requires a few minutes of your time. Obtainable only of GWILLIM, CHEMIST, BRECON

!!M SCHOOL BUILDiHGS AND HIGH PRICES. Long Meeting of Breconshire Sub-Committee. The Buildings Sub-Committee of the Breconshire Education Committee lpac-t a very long agenda for their meeting at Brecon on Friday, having been prevented doing much business a month previously by a long sitting of the Staffing and Salaries Sub-Committee. They sat from 11-30 till late in the gftertiooti, and it was now the lot of the other sub-com- mittee to have to postpone some of its business. Questions of minor repairs and painting and colouring, of no public interest, took up a good deal of the time, The most important matter dealt with were a proposal to close Llangasty Taly- llyn Non-provided School (a separate report is given of the discussion on this question) and the need of a new school at Cwmtwrch. A number of estimates for repairs, painting, and colouring, showed very great advances on pre-war prices advances which the County Surveyor (Mr C. W. Best) represented Oil --be average as three times the old figures. A Member Profiteering On the other hand, tenders for colour- ing one school showed a difference of f59 between the higest and the lowest— f,95 against JE36. A resolution passed by Palleg Western Ward Parish meeting asking for a new school at Cwmtwrch was read. The resolution asserted that the -present school was unhealthy and a nursery of disease. It was further reported that a public meeting held on the school ground had failed to find a better site than that of the existing school, and that to prevent overcrowding it was proposed to exclude children under five years. The com mittee were invited to appoint repre- sentatives to meet local people on the spot. The County Surveyor stated that at present prices it would mean an expendi- ture of from £ 15,000 to £ 17.000 to build a school to accommodate 350 scholars. There were 300 names on the hooks now, and it would be necessary to allow for some growth of population. The old building could be reconstructed and modernised and if that wen decided on, a new infants' school would be required at a cost of from £ 6,000 to 17, 000. The* reconstruction of the old building would cost £ 3,000 to £ 4,000. Mr James Powell said the inhabitants wanted an entirely new school, but they were prepared to consider the recon struction of the present building1 and the provision of a new infants' school. If he had a child he would not allow it to attend the school in its present condition. The average attendance was constantly low, there was a great deal of ill health, and the teachers were also affected and lost time. Professor Joseph Jones. Colonel H. R. Jones-Williams, Mr Idris Davies, and Mr H. M. Lloyd were appointed a deputation to visit Cwmtwrch, and it was decided to approve the proposal to exclude children under five. What Professor Joseph Jones described as a serious position has arisen in connec- tion with Breconshire's partnership in the Hirwain joint area, the other partners being the Aberdare and Glamorganshire Education Authorities. A new school lb required owing to growth of numbers of the children, and there is a suggestion from the other side of the border that Breconshire should provide for its own children. This would be a very expen- sive matter at present prices. Professor Jones said he beleived every chapel vestry in Hirwain was being used for classes.. The Secretary (Mr A. Leonard) and the Organiser (Mr Emrys Evans) were asked to make a report to the next meet- ing, and it was also resolved to endeavour to ascertain the views of the people in the locality. Consideration of several applications from school cleaners for additional remuneration was deferred to the next meeting.

Crossing Fatality at New bridge-on-Wye. A verdict of Accidental death was returned at an inquest held at Llandrin- dod Wells on the 3rd inst. touching the death of William Mcrris (40), agent for the Radnorshire Coal Company at New- bridge-on-Wye, He died from injuries received through being caught between the buffers of a shunting goods train at Newbridge Station. While taking bags to some farmers who were unloading cider apples he apparently did not notice that the goods train was shunting on a line which he attempted to cross. He died at Llandrindod Wells Hospital some hours after the accident from extreme shock and internal injuries. The Coroner (Mr Powell Careless) said that the engine driver and guard were free from blame.

No More Rheumatism. Budden's Rheumatic Blood Salts, the certain remedy for Gout, Rheumatism,. Gouty Eczema, Lumbago, and Kidney Diseases, caused by the presence of uric acid in the system. This salt purifies- the blood and drives out of the system the uric acid. For constipation and its attendant evils it's an excellent remedy. Bottle Is. 3d.; post extra. Prepared only by Budden and Co., Limited, Chemists, Liverpool, and sold by Mr Tudor, Chemist, Brecon, and Mr Lloydi Chemist, Carmarthen.