The Glamorgan Gazette

p-r.1:r.<Ir_1" ENGLISH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH CHOIR, BRIDGEND. SUNDAY, DEC. 23rd, 1917. FOURTH MUSICAL SERVICE 8 TO 9 P.M. Organist Mr. W. LEYSHON. I Aberystwyth," with Variations. Barcarolle" (Offenbach). Soloist Miss EDITH M. GRIFFITHS, (Cardiff). Save me, 0 God" (Alberto Randegger). Beyond the Dawn" (Wilfred Sanderson). Violinist Miss FLOSSIE ILES, A.T.C.L., R.A.M. Andante" (Thome). Minuett" (Mozart). .Choir HALLELUJAH CHORUS." COLLECTION IN AID OF CHOIR FUNDS. I 1809 I

BIRTIIS, MARRIAGES & I .í DEATHS. DEATHS. HOPKIK.—^On December 19th, at Penyfai Road, Aberkenfig, Jenkin Hopkin. aged 53. Funeral j Sunday at LkinsantSraid AT 3 p.m. Gentle- men only. No-flowers. 1828 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. IBA.&HER.-Mis. J. G. Barber xAd Family thank all kind friends for their empathy in their racent sad bereave me at, aad iter ftoral tributes sent. 1815 IN MEMORIAM. HOWELL.—In loving memory of Sarah Howell, of Abergarw House, Brynmenyn, who lost her life in the Llynfi Hirer, Rear Tondu, Dec. 19th, 1911.—Fondly remembered by Parents and Sisters. "Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friend." 1830 .ANTHONY.—In loving memory af our dearly be- loved daughter, Margaret Hannah Anthony, who died December 22nd. 1916. Through nights andar-" she 1-.q)ro hQr pain, She sought for cure, but all in vain; The Lord above thought it best, To ease her pain and give her rest. --Ever remembered by her loving Father and Mother, Brothers and Sisters. 1832

LOCAL NEWS. Fine Selection of Christmas Toys and Fancy Goods at H. Woodward & Co's, Adare Street and Near Station. Inspection invited. 1741 For Shorthand Typists and Junior Clerks, .apply Bridgend Preparatory and Commer- cial School. Principal—Rev. T. Gwilym Jones, B.D. 1797 For Italian Allies.-lliss Jeanie McLellan, 10 Court Road, Bridgend (hon. secretary) informs us that the house-to-house collection in Bridg- end and district totalled S;10 4:i. Id. Bridgend Market.—Mr. D. C. Watts, F.A.I. (Messrs. John David and Wattst, on Wednesday afternoon held the first Christmas sale of fat ivnd store stock. The entries were not quite so large as at the last fortnightly sale, though the stock that was in evidence sold well. There were entries of 70 cattle, realising on an aver- -age, t55. Fat pigs fetched k20 10s.; ewes, 96/ and geese, 13/ There was a large attendance, and business was exceptionally brisk. Turkey Trot Nemesis.—Thomas Morgan and Roger Davies, colliers, from Caerau, were charged on Thursday at Bridgend with stealing two live turkeys, value £ 2 10s., at Coitre Bryn, Bettws, the property of Mrs. Loveday Jones, on December 8th. There was a second charge of stealing a live duck and fowl, thy property of William Williams, White Cottage, at the same place and on the iialne day. From what they saw in a field, thQ suspicions were excited -of Mr. Richard Thomas (Telaooch Farm, Bettws) and his son, who was with him. Tur- key's feathers were seeai obtruding from the -sack which'Morgan carried. Morgan tthrew -stones, whilst his comrade ran away. Dropping the sack Morgan likewise raR away. There were recovered from the sack two lire turkeys and a lire duck. After further evidence, a fine of £ 2 was inflicted in each case. Miners' Meeting.—The Stoww miners held their district meeting at Bridgend on Monday, Mr. Evan J. Thomas presiding. The official re- port states that Mr. Frank Hodges, miners' agent, reported upon the questions of income tax, food supplies, and prices, and said ,that the burden of taxation, both direct and in- direct, should be borne by the wealthy classes. No taxation should be placed on the working classes which attacked their pre-war standard of living. He advised the ifceiegates to get the men to vote at the forthcoming conference in favour of using the machinery of the Triple Trade Union Alliance to attain their ends of oompulsory rationing, cheaper food, and the re- lief of taxation as long as the wealthy classes made money out of the war. The district offi- cials elected were Mr. Evan David, J.P. secre- tary; Councillor Jenkin .1 ones, treasurer; and Ir. John Woolley, chairman. Orchestral Concert at Bridgend.—The Bridg- ,end and District Orchestral Society gave a splendid evening's performance at the English 'Congregational Schoolroom in connection with -the Guild. Mr. Bercley, the conductor, and Miss Elsie Roberts are to be highly complimen- ted on presenting such an interesting pro- gramme. Each number was well received by the audience. Variety was afforded by vocal numbers being interspersed. Mr. Piaggi, Mr. Gethin Hopkins, and Miss Atia B. Davies con- tributed items which were is keeping with the ,.high order of the instrumental selections. Miss Alberta Roberts, an excellent elocutionist, who should be heard more of in Bridgend, held the audience spell-bound by her rendering of "The Woman Known as Lu." Tir. L. Edwards acted as Chairman. Mr. Wyndham Jones thanked those who had contributed towards such a 'pleasant evening's entertainment, and also the ehairmam. for presiding. Bridgend Poultry Show.-Tk.,it birds may be profitably kept, and successf ally shown in war time, as in the old pre-war days, was fully demonstrated by the Bridgend and District Members' Poultry Society, whose annual exhibi- -tion was held on Saturday afternoon and eve- ning in the large room at the York Hotel, Brid- -end. The quality was excellent, and so was the attendance. The chairman was Mr. W. Welbury (electrical engineer). The arrange- ments were again admirably carried out by the indefatigable secretary, Mr. Charles Woolls. There were upwards of 60 entries. The utility stock was one of the leading features. The re- sults were as follows:—Legharns and Anconas: 1, W. J. Dyer; 2, C. Weaver; 3. C. Curtis. WVmdottes: 1, 2. and special, C. Woolls; 3, W. J. Dyer. Orpington: 1, 2 and 3. S. Pitt. Rhode Island Reds: 1, J. C. Hitt; 2, ditto; 3, W. Mad docks. Or la 3s and Indian Game: 1, C. Wools; 2 and 3, W. Welloury. Any other variety: 1 and special,. Batt: 2. Welbury; 3, Tubb. Bantam (open), hard feather: 1, 2. 3 and special, Messrs. Mason and Edwards, Nant- ymool. Ditto, soft feather: 1. 2 and 3, Messrs. "Mason and Ed wards. Eggs: 1, J. C. Hitt; 2 and 3, Whitchurch. Speielas:—Orpingtons Hitt; Leghorns, Dyer; Rhode Idand Reds, J. < C. Hitt; Any other variety, W. Welbury. Seasonable Benevolence.—The good people of 1 St. Mary's, Nolton (headed by the Rector, Rev. T. P. Price) are raiding a fund to provide cloth- ing and contorts for the children of the men ?<erving in his Majesty'# Forem. The appeal that is being made (which collectors are en- gaged in promoting) is one that must come with special force to every thinking and feeling per- son, especially at this season, when the peace for which we are now hoping and longing was on the first Christmas Day so auspiciously pro- claimed. The Palace.—Films appropriately eonable and highly attractive will be the order of the day over the Xmas holidays, the enterprising management having spared nothing that pains- taking effort and expenditure in money may ac- complish. So look out for the Palace, and its unparalleled festive features. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday Dec. 24th, 25th, and 26th, will be filmed Theda Bara in Her Double Life," whilst on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, December 27th, 28th, and 29th, the speciality announced is "Romeo and Juliet," tlw great Shakepearean drama, as witnessed on the London stage, is a spectacle none should miss. Eisteddfod.—An eisteddfod in connection with the Guild of the English Congregational Church was held on Wednesday evening last week. The principal awards were as follows:—Chair poem Mr. Eustace Bevan. Essay: Mr. H. P. Wil- liams. Contralto solo: Miss Violet Francis. Tenor so lo Mr. W. leython. Bass solo: Mr. Rhys Williams. Open isolo: Mrs. Leyshon. Champion Welsh solo: Mr. J. Simon Davies. Quartette X-r. Leyshon's party. Chief choral: Miss Ada B. Davie*' party. Pianoforte solo: Miss Nina Jones. Art: Miss May Power and Miss Nina Power. Sewing Miss O. M. Peat. Hymn tune composition: Mr. T. Davies, Llan- dilo. Debate subject: Yr. Wyndham Jones. Oratorio Performance at the Town Hall.- Christ Church United Choir gave an excellent rendering of the oratorio, "David and Jona- than" (Dornton), at the Town Hall on Wednes- day evening. The spacious building was well filled. The choir was assisted by the following | well-known artistes: Soprano, Madame L. Harcombe, Penygraig; contralto, Madame M. [ Sombrook-Jones, Bridgend; tenor, Mr. Tom Bonnell, Pentre; bass, Mr. Jenkin Rees, Maes- teg, whose efforts were re-demanded, and had time permitted would have been repeated. The whole reflected credit upon the conductor, Mr. Willie Davies, and those present went away with the happy consciousness that they had assinted at a musical performance rarely sur- P-t,P-ffl, if ever equalled, in Bridgend, and at the same time had given a. helping hand to the good work of Rev. D. S. Jones, the popular pastor of Christ Church. Late Mr. John G. Barber.—The funeral of the late respected Mr. John G. Barber took place on Saturday at Coity, when there was a represen- tative attendance, and many expressions of sorrow and of sympathy for one who was an old resident, and had many friends associated with him in various undertakings and enterprises. The officiating clergy were Rev. T. P. Price (Rector of Coity) and ReT. E. J. Lawrence (curate). The chief moumen were Misses Ellen, Florence, and Margaret Barber (daugh- ters) and Miss Evelyn Duke (niece). Deceased's fellow sidesmen at Nolton attended (and sent a beautiful wreath), and there were also present the members of Bridgend Yearly Dividing Society, of which deceased was a prominent member and in whose affairs he took a keen in- terest. Many Coity friends joined the funeral cortege at its destination. Tuskar House Entertainment—Recently "The Skeeters," of Bridgend, visited Tuskar House, Southerndown, in order to give the wounded soldiers a musical evening. The concert took place in St. Margaret's Schoolroom, where a large and appreciative. audience had gathered. Great credit is due to Miss Elsie Roberts for drawing, up a programme of such an interest- ing character. The chairman was one of the sergeants, while Mr. Dan Howells (organist of St. Mary's, Nolton) acted as accompanist. After a few introductory remarks by Miss Booker (the Hospital Commandant), the pro- gramme was proceeded with. The opening item was a quartette by the Skeeters, "Annie Laurie"; solo, "My Old Shako," Mr. Gethin Hopkins; solo, "My Ain Folk," Miss Ada B. Davies; monologue, The Reflections of a Penny," Miss C. M. Adams; solo, "Break o' Day," Miss Elsie Roberts (encored); duet, "The Singing Lesson," Miss Ada B. Davies and Mr. G. Hopkins (encored); humorous song, "Jimmy Law," Mr. P. Piaggi. This item caused much amusement, especially among the younger see- tion and an encore was demanded. Mr. Piaggi kindly gave The French we Speak at Home." Duet, In Spring-time," Miss Elsie Roberts and Miss Ada B. Davies (encored); recitation, Miss Connie Adams; solo, "The Floral Dance," Miss Elsie Roberts (encored); aolo, "Where the Hills dip down to the Sea," Mr. Piaggi; duet, "In the Dusk of Twilight," Misses Elsie Roberts and Ada B. Davies (encored); solo, The Grey North Sea," Mr. Gethin Hopkins; .solo, "Mother Earth," Miss Ada B. Davies (en- cored) finale, "In Absence," The Skeeters. The 11 concert terminated with the Welsh National Anthem. The Chairman, in a few well chosen words, proposed a vote of thanks to the Skeeters for providing such a pleasant evening's entertainment. A Well-Merited Honour.—News has just reached us of a fine piece of work done by a young officer with interesting local associations. The officer is Lieut. Clifford W. Morgan, the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur E. Morgan, of The Mount, Llanclaff, who has been awarded the Military Cross for distinguished service in the important second battle of Gaza on Novem- ber 4th last. It was this battle that broke the morale of the Turkish troops in Palestine, and opened up the way to the capture of Bethlehem and Jerusalem. The following account of the incident for which Lieut. Morgan received his reward has been received by his parents from his Coinniantlin.- Officer:We have just had new:- that your dear and worthy son, Lieut. C. W. Morgan, has been awarded the Military Cross for his bravery. He fully deserves it by his coolness and tact. He saved the situation in our battle on the 4th inst. It was a very hot corner; the fire was withering. He came by and found a number of men shocked for the time. By his skill and coolness, he pulled them together, and kept the enemy from advancing on us. His award is a very popular one in the regiment. I am personally elated. He is such a noble fellow. None better than he is in our regiment." At the outbreak of the war Lieut. Morgan gave up his appointment as assistant manager at the Dowlais Works, and joined the Public Schools Battalion. Upon completion of his training, he accepted a commission offered to him by Col. Hancock in the 1/5th Battalion of the Welsh Regimen*. In September, 1915, Lieut. Morgan volunteered for active service in Gallipoli, and was one of the indomitable troops which succeeded in landing in Sulva Bay. Upon j I abandonment of the Peninsula, Lieut. Morgan was transferred to Egypt. He took part in several engagements of minor importance, which led up to the decisive battle of Gaza. Such an account as we are able to reproduce from the official report augurs well for the future military career of Lieuf. Morgan. His only brother, Lieut. Mansel Morgan .has been on active service in France with the Royal En- gineers since 1915, and has had the honour of being mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig's des- patches. In May of this year he was trans- ferred to the Flying Corps, and was severely wounded in an aerial com bat some 10,000 feet up in the air. These gallant young officers are grandsons of our much respected fellow towns- people, Mr. W. J. Lewis, J.P., and Mrs. Lewis, of Caederwen, and nephews of Mr. D. H. Lloyd, J.P., of The Heath to whom we offer our con- gratulations.

l BUTTER PROSECUTIONS AT BRIDGEND. j At Bridgend Police Court on Saturday— before Alderman William Llewellyn and oiaer Magistrates-—there were several prosecutions upon the initiative, of the Maesteg Food Ccntrul Committer. Alderman Evan E. Davies, solici- tor, prosecuted in behalf of the Committee, and evidence in the cases was given by Mr. H. G. Roberts, food control inspector at Maesteg. In the fir6t case, David Williams Sons, grocer*, Bridgend (represented by Mr. Walter Williams) were summoned for selling butter wholesale to David Thomas, David Howell, and Thomas Broe., grocers, Maosteg, at a price ex- ceeding the fixe-d maximum. Defendants pleaded guilty.—Mr. Walter Powell David de- fended.—Alderman Davies, in stating the facts, psecifiically explained the bearing and effect of the various Orders under which proceedings had been taken.—The Inspector (Mr. Roberts) having given evidence, Mr., W. Powell David for the defence, said these were not in any sense cases of profiteering. His client purchased the butter for retailing, and had they retailed it they would have made a higher profit. An ur- gent request came from Maesteg for a supply of butter, and they sold it at wholesale prices. Defendants made an error in fisting the prices, owing to the difficulty of interpreting the Order, and they inadvertently overlooked the fact that the wholesale dealers from whom they pur- chased the butter hod already charged whole- salers' commission. It was not (he repeated) a case of profiteering (only a few shillings being involved), but a case in which a genuine mis- take had been made. In the next case, Messrs. Bevan and Lloyd, grocers, were summoned for supplying butter to Griffith Howells, grocer, Caerau, at a price ex- ceeding the fixed maximum. Mr. Leoline Lloyd, a mem ber of the firm, appeared, and pleaded guilty. He accepted responsibility for the error, which had been made through a misunderstand- ing of the Order, and through pressure of work. in his office staff, which had been greatly de- pleted. His firm, he added, allowed a discount of Sd. in the X, which, he thought, should be deducted from the amount taxed.—Inspector Roberts, in reply to lIT. Lloyd, admitted that the butter had been retailed to the public at the price fixed by the committee. William Powell and Son, wholesale provision merchants appeared to a like summons in re- spect of butter supplied to Emrys Davies, grocer, Maesteg. Mr. Dapho L. Powell de- fended. In this case again a plet of guilty was entered.—Alderman Davies said the distinctive feature of this case was that the butter sold was in 41b. roll*, whereas in the Order provision was only made for the sale of J-lb., lib., and 21b. packets.—Mr. Roberts having stated the facts, Mr. Dapho Powell put it to him (pointedly) Do you call it pro fit-etring P-Witne It is over the scheduled price; I call it profiteering.-Alr. Dapho Powell explained that defendants did not supply 4lb. rolls, but only 21b. rolls, and assum- ing the contention for the prosecution to be cor- rect, at most only a mistake had been made. The margin of profit was infinitismal, viz., 4,1d., and under those circumstances, he submitted it was an abuse of the procedure of the Court to have taken these proceedings. A new Order had since been made (under which the items in question need not be included) and entitling the defendants to charge interest.—In evidence, Mr William Powell, J.P. (principal of the firm) said the butter was sold in 21b. rolls. The price was fixed on that basis, and he considered the charges were in accordance with the Order. There were summonses against all the defend- ants for not suppying proper invoices showing the charges for transport and cold storage in re- spect of the butter sold. The Magistrates retired for consultation. On their return, the Chairman announced that David Williams and Sons would be fliiod k5 on each of the four summonses—J-20 in all; Bevan and Lloyd, .£5; and William Powell and Son, The charges for not delivering proper in- voices in each case were dismissed on payment of 5s. costs. John G. Marsh, provision merchant, Whit- church, Cardiff, was also summoned for an alleged breach of the Butter Order. Mr. T. Bryant (Pontypridd), for the defence, said the charge, if any, was very technical, certain charges having been inadvertently omitted from the invoice.—The Chairman said the Bench had decided that this was a purely techniacl offence, anid the summons would be dismissed on pay- ment of costs.

BRIDGEND RECRUITING STATION. I Now Re-openei. I Under the new scheme of re-organisation, the Recruiting Office at Barry, which dealt with the Bridgendrub-area, has been closed, and an office has again been established at Bridgend at No. 2 Market Street. Lieut. H. J. Ward (who ie unfit for service) has. been appointed as officer in charge, and communications in future will be addressed to this officer, and not Colonel Hughes, as hertofore. prior to this appointment, we understand that Lieut. Ward acted as assistant to Col. Hughes at Banry.

I DEATH OF MR. H. DAWKIN WILLIAMS. [ Late Surveyor of Cgmore and Garw Council. We regret to state that Mr. Hugh Dawkin Williams, Yaysybwt House, Blackmill, died at his residence in Park Street, Bridgend, on Sunday, after a long illness. The deceased gentleman was a well-known figure in the Og- more and Garw Valleys, having been for 3U years engineer and surveyor to the Ogmore and Garw Urban District Council, a position from which he retired a few years ago. Mr. Dawkin Williams, who was in his 64th year, was a native of Aberdare, and was articled to Mr. Hall, surveyor to the Aberdare District Coun- cil. He removed to the Ogmore and Garw dis- trict 33 years ago. He was responsible for im- provements carried out in that district over a long period when the district was developing from a semi-rural into a thickly-populated in- dustrial area owing to the coal developments, and he supervised important schemes of sewer- age. Yr. Williams married Miss Thomas, Llandovery, who predeceased him by 31 years. There are two sons, Mr. J. M. Williams, who is serving with the Army Ordnance Corps in Egypt, and Mr. Windsor Williams, solicitor, Neath. Mr. Dawkin Williams recently re- moved to Bridgend.

j I MR. J. G. JENKINS ON HIS DIGNITY. I What is "Radically Wrong"? Mr. J. G. Jenkins, chairman of Bridgend U.D. Council, who is one of the oldest deacons of the English Congregational Church, Bridgend, was' deputed by the deacons of that church to speak on theix behalf at the recognition service of their late pastor, Rev. William Evans, B.A. (Wil Ifan), the crowned bard, as the new pastor of the Congregational Church in Richmond Rd., Cardiff, in succession to Rev. W. Cadwaladwr Parry. At the recognition service on Wednesday afternoon Rev. William Evans was handed a letter from Mr. Jenkins (who has been head- master at Penybont Boys' School at Bridgend for 55 years) expressing his regret that he was unable to be present, as leave of absence had been refused him by the Director of Education, although his application was ciii-firnied and signed by three of the School Managers. Mr. Jenkins adctal: "1 cannot help thinking that there is something radically wrong in an edu- cation system which precludes one of the oldest teachers in the county from being absent from school on one afternoon to pay a tribute of re- spect to his late pastor/' At the recognition service in question there were present from Bridgend Mr. Wm. Powell, J.P., and Mr. John Lewis.

MR. FRANK HODGES AND THE MINERS. I Bridgerri Fcod Control Committee. I i Vvelcomes New Labour Members. I The Garw miners, at a meeting held in Bridg- end on Monday, passed a resolution placing on record tlie (Íeep appreciation of the district of the services rendered by Mr. Frank Hodges, I and expressing disgust at the unwarrantable attack made upon him and the miners in general by members of Bridgend Council. Mr. J. U. Jenkins, J.P. (chairman of Bridgend Food Control Committee) presided over a meeting of that body held un Monday night at the Public Library. The members in attendance were :— -•.iessrs. George Harris, Morgan Stradling, Wm. Jones, J. T. Hitt, Henry Abbott, with the fol- lowing co-opted members: Mrs. Herdman, Messrs. Walter M. Powell, W. H. Petty, Robert Roberts, together with the Labour nominees: Messrs. Frank Hodges, Peter Vincent, and J. F. Ling.—The Chairman, in welcoming the new members, said he hoped they would prove to be ,)t great assistance to the committee in dealing I with the difficult matter of the proper distribu- tion, and economising, of food. He hoped they would work amicably. He did dot wish them to take any side following the recent discussion in the Council, which he hoped would soon be entirely forgotten, and that they would do their btst, individually and collectively, for the good of the town.—Mr. Frank Hodges, in reply, said they wer<il grateful for the welcome ex- tended to them, and whatever had happened in connection with their election, he ventured to say, on behalf of his colleagues, that they would .;a y -n behalf of his col' not carry any of the animosity or ill-feeling that might have been created into the proceed- ings of that committee. On the contrary, they would endeavour to co-operate with a view of making the work as easy and as effective as possible, and if they answered the charges levelled at them, it would be in another place. Milk Distribution and Prices.—A letter was read from the Food Controller re the reported diversion of certain milk from Bridgend to Pon- tycymmer, and stating that the committee had power to direct any retail dealer to deliver milk to any consumer or class of consumers, and to give priority where necessary. The Food Con- troller endorsed the action of the committee in stopping the supply of milk to ice-cream ven- dors, and was surprised that action had not be- fore been taken in that direction.—Mr. Abbott, in view of the "terrible shortage" in Bridgend, proposed to take further action to keep milk in the town. Mr. Harris seconded.—Mr. Morgan Stradling supported, and the executive officer was instructed to take the necessary steps—Mr. W. H. Petty suggested that the rationing of the nation was the only means likely to prove effec- tive in putting an end to the queues which were the subject of much adverse comment, and moved a resolution to that effect.—Mr. Walter M. Powell considered that the time was ripe to 1 formulate a scheme for the more equitable dis- tribution in Bridgend of butter, margarine, and other provisions.-—Mr. Hodges, in seconding Mr. Petty's motion, said in Swansea he was almost paralysed by the large number of men and women in the queues, in which he recognised the elements of revolution and civil war. In Bridgend they had only ,a queue at one shop, and what was wanted was to remove the ca-us-es of the queues, which were inadequacy of supply and unequal distribution of the existing supply. Compulsory rationing was the only way.—The resolution was unanimously carried.—By ar- rangement, a representative meeting of local milk vendors attended, and was for some time in consultation with the committee. They said that, so far as they knew, no milk had been diverted from the town, though there was a grave danger of a diminishing supply through land baring to be ploughed up. They agreed with the committee that preference should be given to infants and invalids, and acted accord- ingly. On the proposition of Mr. Henry Abbott, seconded by Mr. Morgan Stradling, the commit- tee passed a resolution totally exempting small holders of up to 70 acres who are milk producers and vendors, from the obligation of ploughing, as at present they are getting the utmost value out of the land, the resolution to be sent to the County War Agricultural Committee.

I CHRISTMAS TREE AND SALE OF WORK I AT NOLTON INSTITUTE, BRIDGEND. Record Takings-9160 4s. 6d. I The Rector at Coity (Rev. T. P. Price) and I his parishioners and co-workers, have every reason to be congratulated upon the 36th annual Christmas tree and sale of work held on Wed- nesday last week in the Nolton Institute, which was in every way an unprecedented success, in regard to the attendance, the proceedings, and the delightful transformation in the appearance of things, wrought by the busy hands of willing folk as resourceful as they were artisrtic. The Rector, always at home as an organiser of any charitable object, was fortunate enough to secure the services of Mrs. Stanley Clay (daugh- ter of the Ven Archdeacon Edmondes) to per- form the opening ceremony, which she did very graciously and very fluently. The Rector, in introducing Mrs. Clay, said the latter's presence revived many happy memories of similar anni- versaries, The objects of the present venture were, he pointed out, threefold—(1) to clear the debt on the Rectory; (2) the maintenance of the Institute; and (3) the special fund towards which £ 20 will be given for providing comforts for the children of local heroes serving in His Majesty's Forces. The Rector proceeded to specially comment upon the enthusiasm of the Nolton people, who helped splendidly in all matters connected with the furtherance and suc- cess of the sale of work.-In her happy speech declaring the bazaar open, Mrs. Clay gave some interesting reminiscences of former sales, men- tioning the names of the clergy associated with the can-te.-Ilr. W. Al. Richards proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mrs. Clay, which was seconded by Mr. Lucas, and endorsed with cor- dial acclaniation.-The Venerable Archdeacon Edmondes concluded the opening ceremony with a few words in acknowledgment of the vote of thanks passed to Mrs. Clay. Each of the speakers made reference to the absence of Mrsr J. M. Randall, and expressed the fervent hope that she will be speedily restored to health.— The gross taking's- totalled £ 160 4s. 6d.—a con- summation that all had striven for but in these times had hardly hoped to realise. A hearty welcome was given to the new curate, Rev. E. J. Lawrence, and Sirs. Lawrence (late of Pentre). A choice programme of music was dis- coursed by a talented orchestra, under the baton of Mr. W. Morris. Appended are the names of some of the principal workers, with the stalls: to which they were attached:—Parish Stall: Hon. Mrs. Vivian. Mrs. Lucas, Miss Lucas. Plain Sewing Miss Stuclibery, Miss Williams (Cheriton), Miss Davies (Holywell). Fancy Stall: Miss Ivy Price, Miss Thomas. Dairy Stall: Miss Hopkin, Mrs. Jenkins, Miss Rees (Newbridge). Flower and Fruit: Mrs. Cooke, Miss Cooke, Sergt. Martin (Welsh Guards). Provision Stall: Misses Verity, Mrs. Graham VeTitv. Christmas Tree and Toy Stall; Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Hitt. Hoop-la Miss Elsie Hawkins. Bran Tub: Miss E. Seeley. Refreshment and Tea Room Mrs. Price, Mrs. John Evans, Miss Llewellyn, Miss Webber, Mrs. Hatherley, Mrs. Scott, Mrs. Strange, Mrs. Rowe, Mrs. Seeley, Mrs. Buckle, Mrs. Watkins, Mrs. Moggridge. Raffles: Mr. Wm. Evans. The tableaux vivants were a source of great fun, under the manage- ment of Messrs. J. T. Hitt, Horrocks, Bertie Loveluck, and Phipp. Yr. W. M. Richards was the treasurer—pre-eminently the right man in the right place. The Institute was beautifully decorated by Mr. Evan John.

I COWBRIDGE SIFTINGS. I I (by Velox.) I News readies us that more of our boys are ¡ '-oing through it"; aye, and going through ,ji'av":y, that we "old crocks" (and others .who ire not old crock.) may live in safety and com- fort at home. Pte. Willie Evans has been .vour.ded in Palestine, but we are glad to hear s doing well. He is the- youngest &on of Mr. W. I avails, of Eastgate Street, Cowbridge, and son- in-law of Mr. J. Whitney, Mount Pleasant Farm. Cpl. Pell has also been wounded. How we think of the old days in Cowbridge when he was "pro" for the Cowbridge Cricket Club! and one of his most promising pupils has also been hit, Pte. Jack Bishop, for the second time (son of Mr. Bishop, Westgate Street, who has Another son still fighting). Last December, Mrs. Williams, of Miskin Manor, oiiered prizes for the best essays on "Loyalty," by boys and girls at Cowbridge Council School. The prizes were presented on Wednesday of last week by Mrs. Franklen—the first prize to Percy Ralls, second to Halcot Roberts, and third divided between Florrie Goalden and Ernie Lane. Mrs. Franklen, in making the presentations, remarkeod that the work had been very well done. Alderman Ed. John and Mr. E. W. Miles, two of the local Managers, were also present, and addressed the children. a • • • Cowbridge Fire Brigade will not again be called to Llanblethian, should a fire OCCUT. When Sir Edward is home, he will extinguish it free of ckarge. We are pleased to know that the several War Savings Associations of Cowbridge and District are doing well. Perhaps when we are able to give a few figures, those who are indifferent now, will realise how much can be done when there io a will to do it. On Friday last a concert was given at the High School for Girls in aid of St. Dunstan's Institute for Blind Soldiers. The large audi- ence was delighted with the girls' dancing, from the stately Minuet to the uprightly Scotch Reel and the gay Gipsy Dance of one of the yout pupils. The chief items were the "Trial Scene" from The Merchant of Venice," and a farce, "Ici on Parle Francais," and it would be hard to say which was most successful. The difficult roles of Portia, Shylock, and Antons were especi- ally well interpreted by the members of Form IV. The lighter characters in the farce were equally well filed by members of Form V., the acting of "Mr. Spriggins" giving unbounded delight "0 the patients of Ash Hall and Beaupre Red Cross Hospitals—the guests of the afternoon. The girls had aimed at securing the sum of < £ 5, and were highly delighted to find that the proceeds amounted to nearly .£17, in- cluding a cheque from Mrs. Homfray, of Pen- llyne Castle, one cf the Governors of the School.

PENCOED. I An Italian Flag Day was held in the village, on Saturday last. The total amount collected came to « £ i2 ISs. 9d. (expenses, 4/6), and a cheque for Æ12 145. Sd. has been forwarded to the Italian Red Cross Society. Funeral.-Th,e death of Mrs. Jenkins, of Coed- mawr Farm, Llanilid, removes a lady whose family has been connected with the locality for many years, The funeral took place at Salem Chapel Graveyard. Revs. T. Williams, Ponty- clun, and R. C. Lewis, B.A., officiated. The chief mourners were Mr. Jenkins (father), Mas- ter Jenkins (son), Mr. W. Edmunds, Crofta (brother), Miss Richards, Hendreowen (sister), .Miss A. Edmunds (sister), Air. W. Jenkins, Rhiwfelen; Mrs. Rees, Garth; Mrs. Rees, Coedy- mwstwr. I Reception.—On Wednesday a public receptiop was given in the Public Hail to welcome 110m", lie. L Williams, lcoyal Welsh Fusiliers, and Signaller C. Wallis, lsth Welsh Regiment. 1\11. W. A. Howell presided. A short musical pro- gramme was contributed by Miss May Davies, Alisses Florrie Jones and Mattel Davies, Ali» Gertrude Williams, and Mr. h. Leis. An address was given oy Mr. Jonn Williams, Dur- ban Villa, bignaiier Wallis was home on leave irom tne front. He was in Bourlon Wood tor three days and three nights, and nis story oi tiie great events ot tnese uays is a stirring one. Concert.-On Wednesday evening a concert was held at the Public Hall in aid of King Edward Vil Hospital, Cardifi. Madame Mary iOcnards, of Cardifi, has a concert fund in aid ot the hospital, and she A-as responsible lor tne choice 01 artistes. rlhe holding of the concert was due, we understand, to 1)r. E. B. Muc- donald Atkins, his daughter (Miss Atkins) dis- charging with real efficiency the duties of hon. secretary. A fine audience came together to listen to a musical programme with excellent items, and to some variety turns as well. In the unavoidable absence 01 Dr. Macdonald Atkins at the beginning of the evening, Air. W. A. Howell presided temporarily. The following programme was gone through :— Welsh National j Anthem; song, "Mine," Mr. Stephen Jenkins; I song, "Glory of the Sea," Miss B. Francis; song, "Shipmates o' -Mine," Mr. G. Skym; song, "There's a Land," Mids Willmitt; duett "Tenor and Baritone," Messrs. Jenkins and Skym; duet, "Bare-arolle," Misses Willmitt and Francis; song, "Angus Macdonald," Miss G. willwitt; Devotion," 'Kitty," Mr. S. Jenkins; song, The Lover," Miss B. Francis. Interspersed with other items were variety turns by the three Brothers James, Miss Maud Williams, and Vera and George James (of the Novello Davies and Sybil Vane Concerts). In the interval between the two parts of the programme, Dr. Macdonald Atkins j delivered an address, drawing attention to the needs of the King Edward VII. Hospital. He pointed out that at the end of the first six months of this year the Hospital was t4,000 in debt, with every prospect of an additional in- debtedness of < £ 4,000 by the end of the year. To- wards that amount about £ 5,766 had been re- ceived. In addition there is an overdraft at the bank of about 125,000. Then there is a great scheme of extensions. This will mean an addition oi ISt) beds, and for this purpose a fur- ther sum of is required. The patients waiting never numbered less than 1,000 at a time. At present it costs about X26,000 a year to maintain the hospital; that is, .£500 a week; £ 72 a day; £3 an hour; an(i l,- a minute. In the existing building there are about 322 beds, 1(H of which have been handed over to wounded offioers and soldiers. Counting Cardiff, Swansea and Newport there ar from 1,500 to 2,000 beds short. There is no district in the kingdom so badly off for hospital accommodation as South Wales. The doctor's comparison of the hospi- tal accommodation of Cardiff as compared with Dublin and Cork was a striking one. It was as follows:—Cardiff, 1 hospital, 322 beds; Dublin, 10 hospitals, 1,566 beds; Cork, 3 hospitals, 287 beds. The suggestion was put forward that in Cardiff and the surrounding districts if 500,000 workers would subscribe a half-penny a week each, sixpence on Easter Sunday, and another sixpence on Christmas Day, a sum of over £ 104,000 would be realised. In 1916 not a pemiy was subscribed from Pencoed, but there were several patients from the locality in that period treated, at a cost of £10. At the close of the programme, Dr. Atkins proposed a vote of thanks to Madame Richards and her party. Mr W. A. Howell seconded, and coupled with the names already mentioned that of the chairman (Dr. Atkins) He also eulogised the work done by Miss Frances Atkins in her capacity of hon. secretary. At this juncture a pretty incident took place. Madame Richards came on the stage, and handed Miss Atkins a lovely bouquet of flowers. Dr. Atkins then responded on be- half of himself and his daughter, and referred appreciatively to the excellent assistance ren- dered by a committee composed almost entirely of working men. The singing cf the National Anthem brought the evening to a close.

SMALL TALK. Nadolig 11 aw en i chwi gyd. Not long ago (says the "Lyening Standard") a letter relating to food grievances reached the Minitry of Food, addressed to Lord Rhondda, from three miners of South Wa les. It was evi- dent that the three signatories had been per- plexed as to their mode of address. First they had started their letter with "My Lord," but the "my" had been crossed out and the word "our" substituted. "Our Lord" evidently did not look quite right, and it was, in turn, crossed out. But it must have been a counsel of des- pair that finally substituted "0" for ow." For with "0 Lord" the letter began. Sir W. J. Thomas presents two gold medals annually to mining rtudeTi-s, atid Mr. Sheni J. Davies, of Ogmore Vale, has this year won the medal for mine-surveying, having attained the highest position in the county technical examin- ation. Miss Picton Turbervill, Ewenny ("capable of holding her own with any of the dignitaries of the Church) has another article in the "N ine- teenth Century," in which she advocates that the laity should be entrusted with a great deal more power than is at present the case. «• hi • r Mr. D. C. Watts, F.A.I. (Mesa-s. John David and Watts), a man of "push and go," is hinting it off all right with his fortnightly sales of stock at Bridgend Cattle Market. The first Christmas sale on Wednesday this week of fat and store stock passed off with re- sults hopeful and encouraging. Hanging about cn so cold a day was, ia the language of the Tribunals, rather a "sedentary occupation," though the situation was occasion- ally relieved by incidents that were diverting and exhilarating, as, for example, whfcM a bellicose bull became restive, and stood apon his native dignity. I Cheap athletic sports (ma^hear&ed) afforded exercise and pastime for youths, attached and unattached, and in the streets there was many an exciting chase after more or lesss refractory cattle, or silly sheep, whose only ambition would seem to be to go and get lost, and (if they can help it) never be found again. Other sheep there are (two-legged), who will not hear the shepherd's voice, and as wilfully despise the shepherd's fold. As the grand reeult of the recent pageaiit in the Town Hall, Bridgend, the Rector of Coity and the Vicar of Newcastle have forwarded a cheque for t67 9s. 10d. to the South Wales Fund of the Church of England Waifs' and Strays' Society. Good beys! Everything may now be said to be HU at Lloyds" at the Bridgend Y.M.C.A. Soldiers' Hut. Lloyds Bank having kindly presented the wooden structure—the kind of "snug" in which one finds oneself on entering-let the wind howl ever so mightily, and however cold it may happen to be—the hut is unaffected, and i-a al- ways cosy and warm. It would not be easy to "carry on" without the services of the ladies, who work con amore, and it is only right that they should be protected from discomfort during the long hours of waiting. People who are prone to depreciate Bridgend and the ministrations of its workers, are re- minded that there are only 14 towns in Great Britain that have risen to a hut. Twe of these huts are in Scotland (at Edinburgh and Glas- gow), so that Bridgend according to its popula- tion, stands out well in comparison with many another place more advantaegously situated and with far more favourable conditions. Mr. Jenkin Rees, the famous bass from Maes- teg (one of the soloists at the performance of the oratorio, "Daid and Jonathan," by Christ Church United Choir, at the Town Hall, Bridg- end, on Wednesday night, is a cousin of Mr. Morgan Stradling. The last-named is also not without musical talent, and in his day, as well as being a "sport" and able to "put 'em up" (a pastime he has by no means forgotten), he was much sought after as a comedian, with his "shillelah," his Hiber- nian habilaments, and his "brogue" which was indistinguishable from that of the "bhoy*" of Cork and Connemara. A good story is told of the appearance of Mr. Stradling -w, an "artiste" at a charity concert got up in connection with the Bridegnd Catholic Church one winter long ago. It is still told how at the close the then priest (Father Tunney), not knowing the "Irish comedian," would not I be disillusioned, and told everybody who said otherwise to go to "the Marines." That sweet bhoy," said he, "could never have forgotfce* the musical tongue of hi§ own country." 1. I I Mr. Stradling's only hobby is now public work, and he sets about it with becoming seri- ousness. If Mr. Stradling's colleagues on the Council doubt his abilities, let them ask him one day to give them "a turn." I I • • • • .» • l • I • I It is said that in the multitude of councillors there is wisdom. And really if there is any- thing in numbers, Bridgend Police Court ehou.d be the v^ry fount of justice Every Saturday there are always about a dozen J.P.'s in evidence. Last Saturday there were fourteen, so that the "Bench" was uncom- fortably crowded, and extra chairs had to be brought in. After they had been at it for six hours an l incident happened which showed what an ac- I quisition a truly human, experienced, and tact- ful officer may be in the administration of jus- tice, and al¡,¡o-in saving their Worships' time. In the last case four ladies were at logger- heads. There was, as usual, a summons and a I cross-summons, and every appearance of an in- coming tide of verbal wrangling and of ¡ unctiously pictistic asseverations. I The weary Chairman (Alderman Llewellyn), I appealing to Inspector Rees Davies, asked him if he would kindly step outside with the four liti- | gious ladies, and try to "settle it all out of Court." The Inspector promptly complied, and in the course of a few minutes returned, and said he had effected a reconciliation, and all had consented to be bound over. An officer who can thus mollify four irate women, stay the striie of tongues, and send them on their way rejoic- ing, has much of the missionary in his make- up, and is an acquisition everywhere, above all in the Police Court.

I PYLE FAT STOCK SALE. Mr. Hopkin D. Morgan (Messrs. R. J. Francis and Morgan) conducted his Christinas Sale of Fat Stock at Pyle on Monday. Bidding was exceptionally brisk. There was a fair supply of sheep and cattle. Ewes realised 107s., and average prices of from 50s. to 80s. were easily obtained for lambs. Heifers sold at £ 4H. I and steers made from £ 2S to £ 34. No pigs were* on offer.