The Glamorgan Gazette

BY THE WAY. From -all parts of the district reports are to "hand of cases where rents have been raised, .and of threats to raise them. In normal times probably little would have been said, and the only discontent and indignation would have been found amongst the tenants affected. But in times of war, such dishonourable and "shady" tactics have aroused such a storm of i ndignation throughout the country that Gov- -ornmect action is promised at an early date. The large property-owning class, with utter disregard of the morality of their action in seeking to rob the family while the bread- 'winner is away, is beginning to realise that a hornets' nest has been disturbed, but in the -true horse-leach manner they are indicating by the continuance of the imposition that they -do not intend to depart from their blood-suck- :ing campaign until they have got as much as is possible out of their victims before the 'Government steps in and cries "enough." I Can such men be labelled with any name that -can adequately express the contempt of all people out of their own ranks? The dic- tionary does not provide it, for tactics of this kind are tactics of men that would sell their -own brothers for a mess of pottage. For if they steal from the families of men who have .gone to save our country and our Empire from ruin, to keep those at home free from the fear of invasion, and to lay down their lives to protect the property of these soul- less money-grabbers, what action would be too mean for this class to stoop to? True, our social system has been responsible for much foul wrong, and it is probable the sys- tem that has lowered the standard of morality in this country and all over the world, that is partly to blame for such a condition of things to-day. But in face of the terrible crisis that has come upon us, will not those people who believe in crushing and squeezing the 'workers to add to their oftentimes dishonest gains, look to a higher code of honour and live up to it until the soldier's wife and the bairns can turn round and fight him on more equal terms? Let their men come home, at any rate, to take up the cudgels on their be- half. Don't strike the woman. Can we make this appeal on behalf of those left be- hind by the patriotic bread-winner, with some hope of success? If not, then we are afraid that the moral code of the landlord class is no higher than the code of our enemies who have trampled civilisation, honour, and everything else that was good in the dust. But -not only on sentimental, or moral, grounds do we ask landlords who may read this to leave the "dagger to be used in the dark" alone, but on grounds of justice and fairplay. Even the Land Union—described on its own letters .as "a national organisation for the protection of all interests in land, buildings, and house property" in fact, a friend of the landlord, «avs (and in fairness to landlords, we give the full extract which deals with the matter):— As regards house owners, no one having any knowledge of the -subject can deny that heavy burdens have fallen on them owing to the in- crease in the cost of repairs, extra premiums for insurances, and other causes, which in nor- mal times would justify an increase of rent, but the Land Union has no hesitation in ask- ing owners to refrain from raising their rents during this war, and it cannot too strongly condemn attempts to shift the burdens of per- sonal taxation on to their tenants. As re- gards mortgages, the Land Union recognises that money has become dearer since the war, that lenders are often borrowers themselves, the bank rate has risen, bankers charge higher rates of interest, and mortgagees, especially those who have lent money on small house property, are often themselves comparatively poor people. Notwithstanding these facts, it ,Dons i d4ors ti, oonsiders t'he present time most inopportune to disturb existing mortgages or to raise the rate of interest, the consequent effect of which must be to cause a rise in rents or to give a plausible excuse for raising them. The Land Union is therefore well aware that the oourse it advises will in some cases involve consider- able sacrifice, but in these times sacrifices have to be made by us all." At Bridgend Council on Tuesday the matter was raised, and the names of the "rent raisers" were asked for- These will undoubtedly be forthcoming, and forwarded to the Local Government Board. Jt is cot only the landlords that are ex- ploiting the working classes. There are others who are, with all the feigned innocence that they can command, impudently shifting their own share of taxation and duty on to the shoulders of their poorer brethren. Amongst them can be named ooal-sellers, bakers, provision merchants, and nearly all wtio are sellers of food or goods necessary for the maintenance of domestic life. A coal merchant this week defends coal merchants. Perhaps they are not to blame for the in- crease in the price of coal sold to privat-e con- sumers. He talks about reductions; we would be more satisfied if he stated the price paid for coal to-day and the selling prim. It would be readily admitted that he was en- titled to an adequate profit for the upkeep of himself, employees, and business. As we say, it may not be the coal merchant. But these are facts that cannot be eluded. The Bridgend Group of School Managers have ac- cepted tenders for the supply of coal for the period ending 31st May, 1916. The contrac- tors are large firms, undoubtedly having heavy maintenance charges to meet, with a large number of employees and other expenses connected with a large business. They lire content with the profit which the sale of coal up till the end of May, 1916, produces at 29s. 3d. per ton (the tender price), delivered in Bridgend. Householders in Bridgend pay at the rate of 31s. Sd. per ton for coal sold at Is. 7d. per cwt., and still higher rates, and the coal supplied to the schools is one of the best coals to be obtained. So a big profit is being made somewhere. Where? We have alluded to the price of bread-7 d. and 8d. per 41b. loaf supplied to householders, and 51d. supplied to Bridgend Workhouse. Oil is delivered at schools at 6d. per gallon; it is sold to householders at lid. per gallon. Butter is being-sold at from Is. 6d. per lb. up to Is. lOd. and more; yet there are provision merchants who can afford to sell equally good butter at Is. 3d. and Is. 4d. Farmers, too, have done good business out of the war; cattle have been able to graze out, and the cost for keep has been propor- tionately decreased; yet they ,arerclaiming the highest prices for butter, and there is talk of raising the price of milk. And to have benefit in every way they want the Govern- ment to pay the highest prices for hay. But the Government can dictate its own terms. Why eggs should rise so considerably in price -up to 2s. 6d. per dozen—is hard to under- stand. Food is very little dearer than when eggs were sold at Is. 6d. per dozen. So it will be seen that in every way the working classes, who have to bear the legitimate taxation im- posed by the State, have been saddled with the taxation--or a large part of it—which the trading class ought to shoulder as their own special burden, and willingly carry it as an honourable duty to the country and their fellow-men. Are they shifkers, too?

LOCAL NEWS. ——— 4b ——— D. Thomas, Decorator, Nolton Street. Pine Art and Antique Dealer. Best Pricee Given. The Celebrated Lipton's Teas and Provi- sions may be had of the Apent for Bridgend- T. Woodward, near The Bridge. HERMON C.M.—Preacher next Sunday, Rev. Thos. Williams, Briton Ferry. Morning, 10.30 (Welsh); Evening, 6 o'clock (English). 8429 H. Woodward & Co., Ltd., Adare Street and near Station, Wholesale and Retail Tobac- conists. New Season's Indoor Games, and Fireworks in great variety. Browning's Dancing Class will be held at the St. John's Schoolroom, Aberheniig, an Saturday, October 30th, and continue throughout the.Sea- son on Saturday Nights. Dancing, 7.30 to 10 p.m. Ladies, 6d.; Gents, 9d. 6432 PAINLESS DENTISTRY. REPAIRS (any make) in a few hours. MARTIN FINN, BRIDGEND.

PENYBONT RURAL DISTRICT COUN- CIL.—Mr. G. Jeanes presided at a meeting of the Penybont Rural District Council on Saturday. A letter was received asking the Council to appoint representatives to a con- ference to be held in the City Hall, Cardiff, for the purpose of taking in hand the detailed organisation, of civic survey work in South Wales and Monmouthshire. Funds were now available for the work, and it was hoped 110 set to work a small number of architects whose professional work had suffered gTeatly by the war, and to employ them under the guidiance of an advisory committee of local authorities at work of direct service to local authorities. Mr. Rees John volunteered to represent the Council, and he, with the Sur- veyor (Mr. E. Jenkins) was appointed to at- tend.—It was agreed, in the interests of economy, that in future the meetings of the Sanitary department be held on the same day as the Highway meeting. HERMON LITERARY SOCIETY.—The opening meeting of the above Society took the form of a social, and was held at Hermon Vestry on Wednesday of last week. An enjoy- able evening was spent. The President, Mr. Morgan Morgan, The Mount, occupied the chair. Solos were given by Mrs. Roberts and Miss Hilda Davies, whilst Miss Nandy and Laura Jones rendered a pretty violin and pianoforte dtuet. There were some competi- tions and a sketch by Robert John, Edgar Tee and party. On Tuesday, the Rev. Jas. Llew- ellyn delivered an excellent address, entitled "Originality." There was a splendid attend- ance of young people, who took part freely in the discussion which followed the paper. The vice-chairman (Mr. Alfred Thomas) was in the chair. Rev. James Llewellyn is honorary President, whilst Mr. Morgan Morgan, The Mount, acts as President for this session. The vice-president is Mr. Alfred Thomas, Miss Cassie Jenkins as treasurer and the secretaries are Miss Kate Thomas, "Glanwenny" and, Mr. Thomas Bevan, B.A., Merthyrmawr j Road, Bridgend.

BRIDGEND MAN JOINS THE WELSH GUARDS. Mr. Griffiths, a member of Ruhamah, Brid- gend, has joined the Welsh Guards. He left for Caterham, near London, on Monday with the good wishes of all his acquaintances. Eulogistic references were made at Ruhamah Chapel on Sunday evening, and we under- stand the church intends making Mr Griffiths a suitable present.

BRIDGEND LIEUTENANT. I Second Lieutenant D. E. Rees, youngest I son of Mr. and Mrs. E. Rees, Gadlys, Llan- gynwyd, who left Sandhurst, and was gaz- etted on September 10th of this year, has proceeded with the Expeditionary Force to France. Lieut. Rees has been only two months with his regiment, and during that time had become very popular with officers and men. A host of friends gave him a hearty send-off from Bridgend Station on Monday. Lieut. Rees has an only brother serving with the Yeomanry.

BRIDGENDER IN HOSPITAL. I Writing to his cousins at Barry, Private T. Connelly, a native of Bridgend, who is now in the Royal Infirmary, Manchester, says:— "I have had the nerve of one of my legs shot away, and the foot fractured, but I suppose I must be very thankful to get away as I did, as many of the boys' went on the day I got my little lot. It was awful; talk about hell on earth-I don't think hell could be half as bad. But I am glad to say we managed to move them a bit. You will have seen in the paper about the village of Loos. It was there I got wounded. We were making a charge with fixed bayonets, and I got as far as the barbed wire in front of the village, and down I had to go. I had to creep on my hands and knees back to our trench—a distance of about 400 yards. I thought it was 400 miles. When I got their a fellow cut the leg out of my trousers, so as to bandage the wound, and I had to take my boots off as my foot was swell- ing from the fracture."

I ST. BRIDE'S GUNNER KILLED. I Gunner Edward Jones (4046), 106th Batt., R.F.A., B.E.F., has been killed in action. He was a son of Mr. Jones, Laurenny Cot- tage, St. Bride's Major, and was married. He leaves a daughter. Gunner Jones for 18 years prior to 1902 was in the Royal Marines, and he joined the Army on the outbreak of war in August, 1914. I Gunner Edward Jones. I Writing to Miss Jones, the deceased sol- ,dier's daughter, one of his comrades says:— Miss J ones,I hope you will excuse me taking the liberty of writing to you, but under the circumstances no doubt you will. It is a painful duty for me and my comrades to inform you of the death of your father, 4046 Gunner E. D. Jones, of my battery, who was killed in action on the 28th September, 1915. I hope you have been informed before this reaches you by the War Office. I have not had an opportunity of giving you a line before, for we have had a very trying time, but myself and my comrades have come to the conclusion that you would like to know a few particulars of his death. I can assure you he was killed instantaneously by an enemy shrapnel bullet, which pierced his heart. At the time he had a tableknife in his breast pocket, and the bullet took a piece clean off it. He died with such a pleasant smile on his face, and was respectably buried at a place called Vermelles. I must tell you that one and all, from officers downwards, feel the loss of him, for he was a good and faithful soldier. No man could say a word against him, for he was known and liked by everyone. Please accept our deepest sym- pathy in your sad bereavement. Believe to I be, yoursrespectfnlly, G. LAILEY. I 11th October, 1915. G. LAlLEY. I

ABERKENFIG PRIVATE HOME. I In spite of the inclement weather, the public of Tondu and Aberkenfig turned out on Saturday afternoon to extend an official welcome to Private Edward O'Brien, of 4 Mount Pleasant, and of the 5th Connaught Rangers; and Private Edward Prescott, Broad View, Tondu, of the 2nd S. W.B. Both are home from the Dardanelles, the former convalescent, and Private Edward Prescott suffering from slight wounds. A procession, headed by the Bryngarw Volunteer Training Corps Band, under the leadership of Mr. J. Barton, paraded the main street, and later public speeches were delivered by Mr. T. Prescott, of Bryn Road, and Mr. J. H. Gar- rett, of Meadow Street, upon the' need for all men to join the colours.

LLANGEINOR SOLDIER WOUNDED. I Mrs. Moore, Ffrwdd Villa, Llangeinor, has been informed that her son, P-rivate Charles Mosre, 9th Royal Sussex Regiment., has been wounded in the back, and is now is a con- valescent home in France.

LLANTWIT MAJOR SOLDIER'S DEATH. I Intimation was received by Mr. William Hopkin, Colhugh Street, Llantwit Major, on the 22nd inst., that his son, Private Albert Hopkin (No. 19420) 9th Welsh Battalion, had died in hospital at Rouen from bronchial pneumonia on the 19th inst. In a letter dated the day before his death he stated :—" Just a few lines to let you know I am still in the land of the living. I have been gassed and have had an attack of pleurisy. After being gassed I lost my way in going back to the dressing station. When I reached the station I was treated by the Red Cross Corps and went to Rouen, and hope to be better soon so that I can come home." Captain G. M. Rees, in his letter announ- cing Albert's death, says he died a peaceful death, and was prepared to meet his God a good soldier and a christian. The nurse from the hospital also bears witness to his patience and quiet submission*

LANCE-CORPORAL WALL. An Old Cowbridge Grammar School Master. Not the least of the tragedies arising out of the war is the death of Lance-Corporal Ronald Wall, of the Northumberland Fusi- liers, in the Military Hospital at Warminster, on October 14th, in his 24th year. He had been associated with Cowbridge Grammar School as a boy and as junior master for some years, and played an important part in the life of that institution. Of boundless energy and sympathy, he made himself beloved by all, and was a tower of strength among the smaller boys, who had always a sure refuge and a "father confessor" to run to in time of stress and trouble. One of the weekly diver- sions was a walk out into the country on Tuesday afternoon with Mr. Wall, when the physical geography lesson of the day was illustrated by visits to spring or quarry. It was not unusual to see him bringing home one of the weary on his back. His parade for 'the swimming bath in the summer term with the boys, all decorated in uniform style with their towels, was a familiar sight, and many stopped to watch it as it swung through the town. Last July, with an enthusiastic send-off, he enlisted in the Northumberland Fusiliers, and, as was expected, threw himself with all his accustomed energy into his new life, and had in a few weeks gained his stripe as lance- corporal. The strain, however, of very hard work in inclement weather proved too much for him, and he had to go into hospital, where he died two days after being admitted, in the presence of his relatives, who had been summoned to his side. He was buried with full military honours, at Sutton Veny on October 16th. The military chaplain wrote: Wall was a fine character, a splendid type of young manhood, and his death was all the more pathetic from the fact that in a few weeks he would have obtained his commis- sion." It will be long before his memory fades away among Cowbridge schoolboys. Only one month divides his death from that of his greatest friend and companion, Lieut. J. T. Edwards, of the 1st Liverpools, who fell in France.

GLAD TIDINGS. Dramatic Sequel to a Comrade's Report at Llantwit Major. On Wednesday last week Mr. John Hopkin, engineer, Llantwit Major, received a letter from Private Rogers, Royal Sussex Regi- ment, informing him that his son, Private Ivor Hopkin, of that regiment, had been killed in the great charge on Sept. 25th.: Private Rogers wrote It is my sad duty to inform you that Private Ivor Hopkin, of the Royal Sussex, was killed in the great charge. He was my pal, and used to call me Father,' because I am 45 years of age, and have sons older than Ivor. We ex- changed addresses and arranged if one fell and the other survived, to write the fallen comrade's family. I came through safe. Ivor fell, and I have made enquiries of our N.C.O., and find he was no doubt killed in that charge. I feel his death very much. We had been together since we came to France in January last. He was a nice boy, a good little soldier, and a splendid bomb-thrower." Private Rogers also wrote Ivor's brothers to the same effect, and on Thursday his two brothers and his married sister came to see Mr. Hopkins at Llantwit, Ivor being an adopted son of Mr. and Mrs. Hopkin (uncle and aunt). The meeting of the family was a sad one. In the group was another brother belonging to the 19th Welsh (the Bantams). The brothers and sister were returning 'home with an evening train, but at 3.15 p.m. the postman brought a letter, which, on being opened, proved to be a noti- fication from the record office that Private T. Hopkin was wounded, and in St. Bartholo- mew's Hospital, London. A telephone enquiry to that institution brought the welcome reply that Private Hop- kins was progressing as well as could be ex- pected. This young lad holds a record hard to beat. He enlisted in September, 1914, was at Dover until January last, when he left with his battalion for France without having had one day's leave, and without having seen any of his family. He was in the trenches during the winter, and on the 1st day of April-, 1915, celebrated his six- teenth birthday in the trenches "somewhere in France or Flanders." He took part in all the battles his regiment fought through the long winter, spring and the last summer without a scratch, but had a slight attack of frost-bite in the winter. As he is the youngest soldier at the front from the Vale, the news that brave little Ivor was not killed but wounded and in hospital in England, was received with joy by all the inhabitants of the old town.

AN ABERKENFIG HERO. Private Albert Cartwright (1567), 2nd Bat- talion, Welsh Regiment, B.E.F., France, was one of the British heroes who died on the battlefield, fighting for his King and country. He was a young man of 24 years of age, and was well known at Angelton, where he had been an attendant for about two years. From there he went to Ogmore Vale, where he worked for about eighteen months. He enlisted in August, 1914, and went out to France in November of the same year. On January 28th this year he was wounded, in action at La Basse, France. On February 1st he was transferred to the Metropolitan Hospital, London, and remained there until March. Then he went home to recuperate at Whitchurch, Salop. On April 24th, 1915, he was married to Miss Priscilla Hopkin, 189 Bridgend Road, Aberkenfig, at Penyfai Church. A few days after his marriage he was again drafted out to France, and on September 26th he was seriously wounded, and died on September 27th. A letter was received from the chaplain of West Riding Casualty Clearing Station stating that Priv. Cartwright bore his wounds with the greatest patience, and "died as bravely as he fought." He was the son of Mr. Elias Cartwright, Ty Broughton Farm, Whitchurch, Salop. Young Mrs. Cartwright, being well known at Aber- kenfig, has the sympathy of a large number of friends in her great loss.

BLAENGARW CORPORAL WOUNDED. Corporal Edward Morris, of the Army Ser- vice Corps, has been wounded in France, and is also suffering from pneumonia. His home is at 19 Queen Street, Blaengarw.

PONTYCYMMER LANCE-CORPORAL. Lance-Corpl. Davies, 5th Batt., S.W.B., I B.E.F., writing to his sister, Mrs. E. Price, Tymeinor Farm, Pontycymmer, says:—It is awful out here. You can't hear anything but firing day and night. I don't think the war will be over for a long time yet, but I think we are having the best of them now. I go up to the trenches with the waggons, and it is dangerous. We are about 400 yards from the German's front line. I have been out now three months and a week. I am doing my best, and I am not down-hearted.

CAM BUCKINGHAM PALACE. TO MY PEOPLE At this grave moment in the struggle between my people and a highly organised enemy, who has transgressed the Laws of Nations and changed the ordinance that binds civilised Europe together, I appeal to you. I rejoice in my Empire's efiort, and I feel pride in the voluntary response from my Subjects all over the world who have sacrificed home, fortune, and life itself, in order that another may not inherit the free fmpire which their ancestors and mine have built. I ask you to make good these sacrifices. The end is not in sight. More men and yet more are wanted to keep my Armies in the Field, and through them to secure Victory and enduring Peace. 1 i* In ancient days the darkest moment has ever produced in men of our race the sternest resolve. I ask you, men of all classes, to come forward voluntarily and take your share in the fight. In freely responding to my appeal, you will be giving your sup- port to our brothers, who, for long months, have nobly upheld Britain's past traditions, and the glory of her Arms. I  ?<?<  1' y ?- ??T?"—???????-??=  -===.

1 TWO PONTYCYMMER "PALS" I Killed in Action. The sad news has arrived at Fontycymmer that Privates Nicholas and Kear, both of the Black Watch Regiment, have yielded all. They were well known, were always together, enlisted together, trained together, left for France at the same time, and both fought for the last time in the great battle of Loos. Mr. and Mrs. W. Nicholas, of 23 High Street, 'I Pontycymmer, received the sad information on Saturday morning. Private Nicholas worked as a collier at the Ffaldau Colliery prior to enlistment. He joined the Army three weeks after the outbreak of war, and left for France four months ago. He was an all-round athlete, and a well-known pigeon flyer. Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas have received the following letter from the Army chaplain: Dear Madam,—In all probability you have already received an official intimation that your son, Private William T. fvieholas, was killed in action on September 25th. I have I seen his body, and we buried him on the battlefield, just where he fell. He was a bright boy and a great favourite with all the men of his company. We all miss him very much, but are proud to have known him. I fear your sorrow must be very great, but I hope when time has helped to wear away a little of the "bitter edge" of your grief, you may be able to realise what a proud and happy woman you are to have been the motllei- of so heroic a son. May God bless you, and give you strength and courage to bear your grief.—Yours sincerely, H. J. COLLINS, Chaplain. Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Kear, 169 Oxford St., Pontycymmer, received the official notifica- tion from the Record Office, Perth, on Satur- day, stating that 4184 Private Peter Kear, 9th Battalion, Black Watch Regiment, had died from wounds in the left arm, on Wednes- day, 20th inst., at the base hospital, Rouen, France. He joined the Army in Septem- ber, 1914, and left for France four months ago. He worked at the Ffaldau Colliery as a collier prior to enlistment. He was in- terested in pigeon flying, and an all-round athlete. A letter from the matron of the hospital at Rouen states:— Dear Mr. and Mrs. Kear,—It is indeed with a sad heart that I write to tell you that your dear son passed away to-day at 12 mid- night. I told you yesterday how very ill he was, and what a serious state he was in. He was a little better last evening, and to-day the specialist saw him, and said his only i chance was to amputate the arm. It was 1 becoming gangrenous. He was so brave over it, and just before the operation he said he would no longer fight for his King and country, but he would fight for his mother. In spite of all his suffering his chief thought was for his mother and all at home. They found that the big blood vessel in the shoul- der had been severed. He felt the shock very much, and never regained conscious- ness, so that he suffered very little pain at the last. I was with him till the end, and the chaplain saw him in the morning. He will be laid to rest in the cemetery here by the side of so many brave comrades who have given their lives for their country. You may well be proud of your son.

PONTYCYMMER SOLDIER DIES FROM I WOUNDS. Mr. Thomas D&ries, late of Adare Straet, Pontycymmer. and now residing in Bridgend Road, Maesteg, .as received the sad news that his son, 16963 Private Stanley Davies, C Company, 9th Batt., Welsh Regiment, who was wounded on September 25th, has died at the Base Hospital in France. He worked at the Glenavon Colliery, Blaengarw, prior to enlistment. He joined the Army from Pont ycy m mer at the outbreak of war, and left for France on July 15th. He was a nephew of Mr. John Davies, overman at the Ffaldau Collieries, Pontycymmer. Mr. Thomas Davies has another son serving with the colours—2249 Private W. J. Davies, 5th Welsh Regiment—who was wounded in the foot in France, and has since been wounded at the Dardanelles.

Lord Derby's circulars were posted at Bridg- j end yesterday aftemoou, They will be in I your hands to-day..

RECEPTION OF DARDANELLES HERO AT BLAENGARW. On Monday evening a large crowd gathered at the Station approach at Blaengarw to pay honour to a wounder soldier. Private E. Bridgeman, returned from the Dardanelles. The Blaengarw St. John Ambulance Band, under the conductorship of Mr. W. J. Lewis, played patriotic selections as the train steamed into the station. On behalf of the inhabitants, Revs. David Davies and J. Davies and Messrs. Evan David, J.P., J. Thomas, and C. R. Heycock. received Priv. E. Bridegman. After cheers for the wounded soldier, the large crowd wended its way to No. 3 Marion Street, headed by the band, which played inspiring selections en route. At the soldier's home, Rev. David Davies and Mr. C. R. Heycock delivered speeches of welcome and appreciation of the services rendered to his country by Private Bridgeman. A vote of condolence with the bereaved relative of soldiers killed in action was passed, which the crowd acknowledged by uncovered heads. References were made in eulogistic terms to the members of the band for their services and readiness to receive the wounded heroes home in a patriotic manner. Private Bridegman belongs to the 8th Bat- talion, Welsh Regiment, and was wounded in the right leg and left shoulder in the landing at Sulva Bay. He joined the colours on the 15th October, 1914, and left for the Dar- danelles on June 15th. He spent five weeks at the Red Cross Hospital in Torquay, and four weeks at a hospital in Plymouth before returning home.

GARW HEROES. I Letters Home and News of the "Boys." I THE OLD K.R.R. Mr. C. F. Hills, Pontycymmer, has re- ceived an interesting letter from Rifleman A. Saunders, 2nd K.R.R., France, in which he says:—J ust a few lines, hoping this will find you in the best of health, as I wish to say it also leaves your son well. I met him last night, and he was telling me when you were in the K.R.R. It's a pity you could not get into them again, otherwise you would have been sergeant-major or lieutenant at the depot, by the way they have been making them. The officer you were soldier- ing under visited us, and gave us a speech when we were called upon on the Reserve. That was Sir G. Hutton-when you were sol- diering, I believe. Major Hutton. I must tell you that this battalion has seen some had fighting, and been in every big battle since it started, and through the retreat from Mons, and there wasn't above three men out of the battalion fell out. They have fought like Britons, and won honour, and have come right through this campaign. They were selected out of about 132 regiments to fight the Prussian Guards, the Kaiser's beet men, which they did, and gave them a fine doing. If you could only read Sir John French's speech. I have it myself at home in England. I had it type-written, and if God spares me to come through it the same as he has for the last 14 months, I will send it to you to read, seeing that you are one of the old regiment. I am sorry that your son could not get in them. to have kept up the name of his father's regiment. I must close, with my best wishes to you and an your friends, hoping that war will soon come to an end, and we shall prove victorious once again. Then we shall wear another badge, as we have nowhere to put the honours on the other, as you know we have 42 now.

OGMORE VALE GRENADIER. Sergeant T. W. Thomas, of the Grenadier Guards, has arrived at a London hospital suffering from severe wounds. He took part in the storming of Hill 70, and he speaks with pride of the part played in that action by the Welsh Guards. Sergeant Thomas is a native of Ogmore Vale. BLAENGARW SOLDIER BADLY I WOUNDED.

Mr. and Mrs. David Harris, of Katie St., Blaengarw, have been informed' that their son, Private Albert Harris, 8th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, has been badly wounded while on service in the Dardanelles, and is now lying in a hospital at Liverpool.

"A GOOD 'UN." Interesting glimpses of life in the trenches, not untouched with humour, are afforded in a letter written home to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Williams, of 17 Herbert Street, Blaengarw. by Private A. Williams, who is "somewhere in France." Someone is sure to be funny under the most heavy fire. You hear remarks such as That's a good 'un, Fritz, send another,' and when oone of ours bursts among them some- one shouts, Divide that among you, Fritz.' How calmly the women and children take it. Of course, they are not near the firing line, but they are within shell distance. When we come out of the trenches, they d what they can for us. There husbands and sons are somewhere in the army, so they feel a bit for us as well. They put a lot of faith in the English soldier. You hear them remark, Soldat Anglais, tres bon,' and they fill us with pears and apples, which grow in abundance here."

PORTHCAWL HERO. I The Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, Porth- cawl, was crowded on Sunday when a memo- rial service to Sergeant Evan Roberts, who was killed in France, was held. The service was conducted by the Rev. E. W. Pearce.. Special hymns were sung, and the organist rendered the "Dead March" in Saul.

THEY YIELDED ALL. j In this column we propose I to publish the names of local men who have yielded all they I had to give for their country. Relatives of men who have fallen I are asked t-o send the name, rank, regiment, regimental num- ber. and private address, so that I a complete and reliable list can be obtained. It is intended to keep a permanent record of all the names sent to us. Private Nicholas, Black Watch, son of Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas, 23 High Street, Ponty- cymmer killed in France. Private KeaTs, 169 Oxford Street, Ponty- cymmer. Black Watch, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Kears killed in France. Private Stanley Davies, C Company, gth Welsh, son of Mr. Thomas Davies. late of Adare Street, Pontycymmer, now of Bridg- end Road, Maesteg. Gunner Edward Jones, R.F.A., of St. Bride's Major killed in France. mm loll I

I RAISING RENTS. ¡ BRIDGEND COUNCIL TO MAKE I ENQUIRIES. At Bridgend Urban Council on Tuesday, Mr H. Abbott (the Chairman) said, in spite of his request at the last meeting of the Council, be heard that certain landlords in Bridgend had raised their rents. It was a most abominable thing to do, in face of the reducticfn in the rates. Mr. J. G. Jenkins: What can we do in the I matter? It is disgraceful that the working man should be exploited in this way. f The Chairman We must report the matter I to the Local Government Board, who are tak- I ing the matter up. j Mr. Jenkins: In fairness to the Council and to the tenants the landlords ought to keep their rents the same as before the war in face Ii of the reduction of rates. It was decided that enquiries be made as to the landlords who had raised the rents, and I to forward their names to tha Local Govern- ment Board. SCARLET FEVER PARENTS' RANK i CARELESSNESS. Mr. Jenkins referred to the report of the Medical Officer to the Penybont Council (Dr. Wyndham Randall), in which a quotation was given from the report of the Birmingham Medical Officer to the effect that scarlet fever patients were only isolated for a period of four weeks, and that the danger from infection was less after that time than if the patients remained in hospital for a longer period. Mr. Jenkins said Dr. Randall had explained to him that he did not agree with the opinion of the Birmingham Medical Officer of Health, his experience being to the contrary, as he considered it better to keep patients in the hospital till all danger was past. The Surveyor reported that since the last meeting of the Council 14 cases of scarlet fever and one case of erysipelas had been no- tified, making a total of 19 cases of scarlet fever for the quarter. Owing to the hospital being full eight cases had been isolated at home. The Chairman said it was a matter for re- gret that there were 14 fresh cases of scarlet fever. Mr. Bevan inquired whether the medical men could not recommend some form of in- noculation to prevent the spread of scarlet fever. It appeared to him they were waiting ) for Germany to do something. Mr. Jenkoins said Dr. Randall did not won- der at all at the spread of the fever in the town. The doctor told him that when the hospital ambulance came down to fetch a case from a certain house in Bridgend, the child was found dressed, ready to go to school. He knew another e where a boy who had been isolated at home had a friend to see him. and i this boy caught the infection. Those were two cases of rank carelessness on the part of the parents, and he was strongly convinced that the spread of the fever was due in a great measure to parents' carelessness. The cases were very mild, and this probably caused the parents to be less careful than they should have been. He suggested that pamphlets be circulated in the town calling attention to this danger. Mr. Loveluck seconded. He believed when cases occurred :n the Rhondda notices were placed in the windows of the house to the effect that there was infection, and that those who did not strictly adhere to the regulations were liable to a heavy penalty. It was agreed to fall in with Mr. Jenkins' suggestion with regard to the pamphlets, and the question of the window cards is to be con- sidered. ¡ COAL MERCHANTS' PROFITS. ) A letter was read from the Board of Trade ) asking if the Council had taken any steps to j induce coaJ merchants in the district to limit 1 their profits. | It was remarked that the scheme was for the Council to meet the coal merchants, and ask them to come to some arrangement for I the limitation of profits. Mr. Bevan: We cannot compel them. It would only be an act of grace on their part. Mr. Jenkins remarked that there was only one middleman in Bridgend. It was- u-nderstcod arrangements will be j made to call a meeting as suggested.

THE 'PHONE. A defendant at Bridgend Police Court on Saturday denied that he used bad language. It was "natural language," he -aid. So now we know the difference. < They are rolling in. This week recruiting has been brisk, and the officers at Bridgend are looking happier. Lieutenant-colonel J. 1. D. Nicholl sent a letter to nil the clergymen and ministers in the town r. si ing them to appeal for recruits on Sunday. With few exceptions the appeal was heeded. t* W W The rector of Coity (the Rev. T. P. Price) preached a sermon which, judging by the re- marks heard after the service, touched a lot. of young single men who have not yet res- ponded. Their sweetheari-s were cross. • • • Bridgend Council is on the track of those who have raised their rents. They will wel- come names: so tenants please oblige. Then w I k we will know who they are. At the harvest festival at A" Saints Mission, Church, Blackmill. the harmonium, which was played by Miss M. Prichard, was the one played by her grandmother at Glynogwy Parish Church fifty years ago, when her grandfather was vicar of the parish. w Says the "Evening Express" to a regular reader, Pontycymmer —The population of the Garv, Valley, including Bettws and that part of Brynmenin which lies within the Ogmore and Garw Urban District was in 1911, accord- ing to the census returns, 13,399. » The population of the Ogmore and Garw area before the war was nearer 30,000. » • Judge Bryn Roberts made some strong com- ments at Bridgend County Court on Thursday respecting tradesmen who met the conveni- ence of their female customers by dividing an account. His Honour characterised this procedure as a very undesira ble one, as it al- lowed wives to contract debts without their husband's knowledge. They showed the hus- band the second account, and he was therefore in ignorance of the fact that a latger,amount was owing. This was simply intended to de- fraud the husband. • • « Who are the shirkers who go for country walks early on Sunday a.nd return after Are they afraid to be seen? w The Rev. T. Davies preached two stirring sermons at Hope Baptist Church on Sunday. Reference to Nurse Cavell's death was made in passionate terms at many of the churches and chapels in the district. » • There was a rush of recruits at Bridgend on Saturday and Monday. Many of them who presented themselves for the medical test were rejected. Are there.any single men, physically fit, who have taken the place of married men in any] schools in the district who still remain behind?, If so have they reasons? The word has gone forth to unmarried teachers asking them to join the colours* Their president says there are greater things than education at stake now. It is reported that the great majority ofl men now joining are marriet1. men. But the single men's time is coming he cannot escape* Our columns are always open for the pub- lication of news from our beys at the front, So send their letters along. They will be re- turned after publication. The majority of solicitors in this district are on the "unstarred list." Perhaps they will have an opportunity to lay down the lu .v to the Germans.

■ ■ I —— i ■ —■ PERSONAL. Catherine Lady Edwards, The Cottage, Knighton, who died on June 10th, wife of SirI Francis Edwards, Bart., M.P. for Radnor- shire, left £ 37,917. Lady Edwards was a sister-in-law of the late Mr. Lhoyd Edwards, county surveyor, and aunt of Mr. Arthur Edwards, architect, Bridgend: also a cousin of Mr. Chas. Price Davies, late of Bridgend. now of Bath. » • St. Peter's Church, Pet erst on-super-Ely, has been adorned by a beautiful stained-glass window, the gift of Mr. Charles Radcliffe, Cardiff, to the memory of his father and mother. The Archdeacon of Llandaff (the Ven. J. R. Buckley) performed the unveiling ceremony, and gave a short address. Tha village choir rendered the service, and Mad- ame Clara Noveno Davies's party (consisting of Madame Fairburn, Miss Sybil Vane, and Mr. Laurence Leonard) ably contributed solos* Mr. R. A. Bailey, organist and choirmaster of the church, was at the organ. » • Mrs. Eliza Anne Fox, of St. Anne's, Porth- cawl, who died on August 5th, formerly of Eaton House, 183 Cathedral Read, Cardiff, left unsettled estate of the gross value of £ 3,259. Testatrix left .£100 to Richard Percival Norerre; her residence to the use of Harriet Edwards, settled funds over which she had power of appointment subject to her husband's interest should she leave no children, as to .£50 to Alice Skelton, and the balance as to one- half to Dorthy Brunton and Winifred Gibbins, and one-half to Annie Fox, tIOO to Joseph Gib-i bins, and the residue of her estate to her hus- band. ¥-

COITY WALLIA COMMONS. PETITION NEARLY READY. Representatives of the parishes of Peneoed, Coychurch Higher, S*. Bride's Minor, and Coity Higher, met at Bridgend on Tuesday to consider what further steps should be taken in opposition to the proposed Provisional Ordqr for the regulation of the Commons of the manor of Coity Wallia. It was reported that the petition which is to be presented to the Board of Agriculture against the proposed Order was being signed by the inha,bitayits of the various parishes, but that the signatures from the Coity and Bryrioethin districts were not complete. On the motion of Mr. John Evans it was decided to agk Coity and Bryin cethin to deposit their signatures with Mr. Ivor Howell (clerk to the joint committee) by, Saturday week, and that immediately after*" wards the petition be forwarded to the Board of Agriculture. Mr. John Evans moved that Mr. W. Brace, M.P. and Mr. Hugh Edwards, M.P., be asked to support the petition, and this was agreed to"