The Glamorgan Gazette

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES & DEATHS. SILVER WEDDING. HARRy-PHILLIPs-At Coity Parish Church, Dec. 31st, 1892, Jane Harry second daughter of 31st- 1892, Jane HIaiig ? 6, Hill, to Walter William Harry, Kenfig Hill, to Walter Phillips, Assistant Vet..second, son of Henry Phillips, ooachbuikler, Bridgend. 1836 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. BEVA.V.—Mr. and Mrs. Beran and Family, 24 West Street, Maeeteg thaat all kind friends for their sympathy in recent sad bereavement, and hope they will accept this as the heart- felt thanks—as letters have been too numer- ous to answer each one—at the loss of their dearly beloved son, Willie.—Farewell, dear Son; like thousands more, you did your bit. 1845 IN MEMORIAM. DEARMAN.—In affectionate remembrance of my dear Father, who died Dec. 28th. 1911.—Brer iernembered by his loving Son, Arthur, Somewhere in France." 1850 DEARMAN.—In loving memory of my dear Hus- band, who passed away Dec. 28tli, 1913.— Never forgotten by Wife and Children. Just four years ago he left us, And we miss his smiling face, But he left us to remember None on earth can take his place. 1848 IIEALE.-In loving memory of Philip, the be- loved husband of Alice Heale, of 3 Sarn Villas, Aberkenfig, who died Dec. 31st, 1916. Through nights and days he bore his pain, He sought for cure, but all in vain; [ The Lord above thought it best To ease his pain, and give him rest. —Ever remembered by his loving Wife and Family. 1854

LOCAL NEWS. Fine Selaction 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 Promising Bridgend Vecalist.—Miaa Ethel Levine (Bridgend) is becoming famous as a con- tralto soloist. Numerous eisteddfodau successes stand to her credit, and in connection with the same, during the past year she has been the re- cipient of several ftrwt. class certificates of merit. She has willingly given her services at many concerts to entertain, our wounde d soldiers, and possesses talents that point to ft brilliant future. The Palace.-This place of entertainment is increasing in popularity, and no wonder, see- ing that only best films are exhibited whatever the cost incurred. On Boxing Night there was a'record attendance, and hundreds were turned away. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday next the speciality will be "A Modern Cinder- ella," in five parts, and on the three following evenings, The Scarlet Letter," featuring Stewart Holmes. Soldier and Spirit of Christmas.—David Thomas, an old soldier, and a single man, was charged on Monday at Bridgend—before Mr. D. H. Lloyd and Dr. E. J. Parry-with deserting from the 14th Lancashire Regimwit, since Dec. 18th.—Defendant: I have never been home be- fore for Christmas, and I wanted to stay over Christmas.—Inspector Rees Davies: The com- manding officer says if all were the same we should have n oeuldiqxs, as all would be home for the festive season. He has been nearly four years in the Army. His home is in Ogmore Vale. I'll see he gets a Christmas dinner, sir. —Mr. D. H. Lloyd (to defendant): We should like to send you to spend Christmas with your family. You are remanded pending the arrival of the escort, which is on the way.—The Clerk (Mr. Walter Hughes): We will make your stay as pleasant as we can. Yem are spoken very highly of. Ewenny School-Classed as "Excellent.-Rev. T. D. Bevan, Vicar of Ewenny, and the teachers are to be congratulated upon the report of Rev. A. J Holmes Russel (diocesan inspector in re- ligious knowledge in the Diocese of Llandaff), who classes the school as "excellent. In his re- port he saJS :-H Peanrth, 1917. The chilrden throughout this school have been very fully and very carefully taught, and passed in all respects a most satisfactory and creditable examination. The work of Division III. (Infants and Stand- aid I.) was particularly good. In the Upper Standards all the repetition and knowledge of the Catechism and Prayer Book was excellent, and the answering in Scripture both in- terested and intelligent. The written work was on the whole accurately and neatly done. The hymns were very well known and sung, and the tone and discipline was excellent." "Santa Claus" at the Tabernacls.-On Thurs- day night last week, in the Tabernacle Hall, the children of the Sunday School gave an excellent performance, in character, of "Santa Claus at the Sunday School"—an eminently appropriate production. The chair was taken by Mr Walter M. Powell, Picton Court, who, in a suggestive address during the interval, spoke of the value of confidence as a very neceesary thing in these days. The pastor (Rev. H. E. Rogers, B.A.) thanked the chairman for his presence, for his address, and for a liberal donation towards the funds.—Cowing to the performance, the conduc- tress was Miss Kate Williams (Council School), who, it was manifest, had' trained the children admirably. The little ones were assisted by a few adult friends. The stage was nicely decor- ated, and the scenes "Autumn" and "Winter," were very pretty and effective. There was a highly attractive Christmas tree, from which toys were distributed by the members of the ladies' committee. The accompanist was Miss Gertie Williamc,Proposing a vote of thanks to the Chairman, the pastor said Mr. Powell had not been very long a resident of Bridgend, and they were glad to see him throwing himself with such energy into the public life of the town. The Fourth Musical Service at the Congrega- tional Church was given on Sunday evening last. From a musical standpoint, it was one of the best. As the services are given in the in- terests of the town, it is a pity that music- lovers do not attend in larger numbers. Mr. W. Powell, J.P., as chairman, in a few remarks, expressed the church's thanks and appreciation of the choir's efforts in improving the musical part of the service, and hoped their efforts would be still further devoted to this object. Mr W. Leyshon wa-s at the organ, and it goes with- out saying that his two solos, "Aberystwyth" (with variations) and Barcorelli" (Offenbach), were played in a masterly manner. Miss Edith M. Griffiths, a young vocalist from Cardiff, sang with much feeling and expression, "Be- yond the Dawn" (Wilfred Sanderson) and "Save me, 0 God" (Alberta Randeggar). Miss Flossie lies, of Penarth, charmed the audience by her exquisite rendering of two violin solo, "An- dante" (Thome) was superbly played. A "Mirmett" (Mozart) was listened to with rapt attention. There was wonderful sympathy be- tween the organist and instrumentalist, and it will not be easily forgotten. Unfortunately, the "Hallelujah Chorus" had to be omitted, owing to so many members of the choir being out of town. All the friends who have contributed to the success of these services have done so gra- tuitiously. Presentation to Veteran Friendly Society Worker.—A pleasing incident of the twenty- fifth annual meeting of Bridgend Yearly Divid- ing Society, held on Saturday night last in the Club Room, Bridgend, was the presentation of a handsome gold watch to the worthy secretary, Bro. Edward Rich, in recognition of his zealous services and steadfastness to duty during the lengthened period of his association with the Society.—Mr. Peter Vincent, who presided, re- viewed the past history of the Society, and then went on to say that Mr. Rich, having been in their service for 25 years, they thought they could not allow the occasion to pass without some recognition of the valuable assistance re- ceived. A committee was appointed to carry out the arrangements, a sum of money had been allocated, and the remainder had been made up by the voluntary contributions of the members. Mr. Rich, he reminded them, framed the pre- sent rules, and when the National Insurance scheme came into force, the increased duties also devolved upon him. He, at the time, re- ceived no recognition, and it seemed only fit- ting that on this 25th anniversary they should recognise his services. Fifty-six members had joined his Majesty's Forces since the declara- tion of war, and although the Society had been badly hit, they had every faith in the manage- ment and the secretary, and in their ability and power to carry on with the nearly £ 1,300 that had been invested. After the war, he predicted they would again be flourishing. (Hear, hear.) Theirs was not a benevolent society, but a society conducted on hard and fast lines. By paying so much, so much was paid out, and what was saved came from the management.— Bro. Alec Mark, also making some apprecia- tive remarks, said the management expenses were practically nil. Their money had been well invested-tlianks to Mr. men, wno in- spected every property, and if any property was not all right, he did not hesitate to advise them to that effect.—Mr. John Thomas, as the oldest member, made the presentation, expressing the hope that the recipient might have a long and a prosperous life.—Mr. Rich, in reply, said he had done his best for everyone. He sketched the crises through which the Society had passed, especially in the colliery districts, and referred to the possibility of his resignation, stating he did not intend to retire. He had a great in- terest in the society, and so long as his health would permit, he would stick to it. He supposed he would die in harness, like his father. Be- tween them they sat for 75 years at the same desk in that room, which they would agree, was a. good record. It had always been his pleas- ure, as it was his duty, to promote the interests of the working classes in the friendly societies. —The routine business of the society was car- Tied out, and a special vote of thanks was parsed to the committee.—The watch (suitably inscribed) was supplied by Mr. Gilbert Williams (Wyndhm Street, Bridgend). Well Done, "En Avants.At the concert re- cently given by this popular company of artistes at the Palace, Bridgend, in behalf of the tobacco and comforts fund for the wounded soldiers at Bridgend Red Cross Hospital, the success was so pronounced that, after payment of expenses, a sum of ;= Mb. 3d. has been forwarded to Miss Olive Nicholl (Commandant). R.A.O.B. Memerial Service.—A memorial ser- vice to brethren who have fallen in the war was held on Sunday afternoon at St. Mary's, Nol- ton, and conducted by the Rector (Rev. T. F. Price). Tie heroes so honoured were Primo C. Corbett, llrd. A. Morris and E. T. Powell. The lodges represented were the Lord Kitchener (Bridgend), Sir Charles Nicholls (Tondu), Pioneer of Wales (Aberkenfig), and W. Wale (Coytrahen). There was a muster of about 60, the brethren walking in processional order, and in full regalia, from the Ship Hotel, which is the headquarters of the district. Successful Eisteddfod.—Bridgend Twon Hall never has bu., and never could have been, more crowded than on Wednesday night, nor could enthusiasm have been more spontaneous or more sincere. The occasion was the eistedd- fod-an all day "performance"—promoted by Rev. G. H. Griffiths, the popular pastor of the Welsh CongrwRatiorfal Church, Coity. Mr. W. A. Howell (Penceed) was the genial' and re- sourceful conductor, and the adjudicators—Mr. W. Howells (Treorky), Mr T. Gabriel (Bargoed), music, and for literature, Mr. L. Davies (Cym- mer)—accompanist, Mr. Willie Leyshon (Bridg- end) and Madame Jeanes-Thomas (Aberkenfig). The following were the principal awards :—Chief choral Nantymoel. Children's Choir: Nanty- ffyllon. Champion solo Prize divided between Miss Lizzie Davies, Tonypandy, and Mr. Tom Williams, Blaengarw. Tenor solo: Mr. David Daniels, Pontardawe. Bass solo: Mr. Tom Williams, Blaengarw. For the Wounded at Beaupre.—Mr. and Mrs. S. H. Byass have given many pleasant after- noons and evenings to the wounded soldiers at Beau pre Red Cross Hospital during the summer months by extending an invitation to them to Llandough Castle. What can be more helpful towards an early recovery than an afternoon in the beautiful grounds, indulging in various healthy games, such as clock golf, croquet, etc.? The winter comes, however, and then this good lady and her husband entertain the men indoors. One of these gatherings so thoughtfully con- ceived took place on Thursday, the 20th inst. The servant*' hall was arranged in quite concert style, and Mrs. and Miss Byass were most enter- taining at the piano. Numerous songs and reci- tations were given by Messrs. W. T. Gwyn (Town Clerk of Cowbridge) amd D. J. Gwyn, Bridgend. Mr. Byass proposed a vote of thanks to the brothers Gwyn, and after the National Anthem had been sung, the whole of the party adjourned to the dining room, and partook of an excellent tea. Before darkness set in, the boys left for Beaupre, but previous to their de- parture gave hearty cheers for Mr. and Mrs. Byass.—We regret to have to report that Mr. Geoffrey Byass, the eldest son, has been wounded in the recent fighting in Palestine. He is an officer in the Glamorgan Yeomanry. We wish him a opmed-y recovery. Christmas Festivities at Dunraven Castle.- One hundred lads in blue awoke on Christmas morning under far different and happier circum- stances than most of them experienced last Christmas. No sand bags, mud, or dreary out- look at Dunraven, and beds-beds are infinitely softer than a trench board. The decorations on which so much time had been expended were carefully placed in many pretty and varied de- signs round the castle walls. This Christmas was akin to those remembered in peaceful times. Gifts from the Earl of Dunraven, Lord and Lady Ardee, Mr. and Mrs. Randall, the Hospi- tal Committee, and the inhabitants of the sur- rounding districts were graciously presented by Lady Ardee. With the kindness shown and the untiring work of the Commandant and staff, the boys quickly forget their troubles, and long before dinner-time, everyone had caught the real Christmas spirit. The concert and dance in the evening were a great success. A most enjoy- able programme was provided. Miss Lloyd, Nurse Hughes, and Pte. Russell gave delightful j renderings of popular and sentimental songs. Lance-Corpl. Elgie, in "rag time" songs gained great applause. The comedy sketch, entitled, "Patching up by Mr. and Mrs. Chugwater," was extremely well played by Sister A. S. Hawkes and Pte. Jennings, and caused much amuse- ment, while the humorous songs, sketches, and clever acrobatic performances of Pte. Jennings kept the aniiience in a constant uproar. Pte. H. Reynolds ably accompanied at the piano.— After supper, dances and games, in which the guests, staff, and "the hundred" joined freely, brought the festivities to a close. "The hun- dred" went to bed tired and happy, thanks to the friends who helped to make their Christmas happy and memorable.

1 I <. ■ ?07VCE/ It NOT ICE! -;t V .J.. "1.<:1' v I 4 .t ALL BANKS will be CLOSED on TUESDAY, JANUARY ■ "1st, 1918. v v i,

JE5 FOR POTATO DEAL. I Lecal Farmer's Explanation. Before the Bridgend Magistrates on Saturday, Thomas Jones, Picket Farm, St. Andrew's Minor, was summoned for having on NOT. 24th, ae a grower of potatoes, eold of the 1917 crop to Albert Maddox, 70 Eastgate Street, Cow- bridge, at a price exceeding the maximum price of JS6 10. per ton, viz., 2 cwt. at 8s. cash.—Mr. Vivian Gwyn (Cowbridge), prosecuting for Cow- bridge Food Cejntrol Committee, said this was a breach of the Potato Order, defendant having sold at 8s. per cwt., whilst the maximum price was 6s. 6d.—Defendant: I am very sorry; I was quite ignorant of the Order, and I was misled on that particular day. A man saw me, and asked me if I had some potatoes, and I said I had. He caiil, "I want them for my own con- sumption, and I am supposed to pay 8s." I asked, "Can you pay 8s. as a consumer?" and he said HTeL" I then said, "Are you certain," and he replied, "Perfectly certain; I have the regulations." Defendant, in reply to the Bench, said he farmed 262 acres, and had ploughed a good bit of land this year.—He was fined X5.

DEATH OF MRS. GRIFFITHS, BRITANNIA I HOTEL, PENCOED. I "Silurian" writes:-We sincerely and deeply regret to record the death of Mrs. Anne Griffiths, the widely knowir and highly es- teemed and beloved hostess of the Britannia Hotel, Pencoed, who passed peacefully away after an illness of some months' duration, on the 19th inst. The Britannia Hotel is one of the beet appointed and best kept hostelries in South Wales, and it is no exaggeration to state that it was the deceased lady's exceptionally strong personality, sterling worth, and scrupu- lous straightforwardness which made it so. Businesses are simply reflections of their con- ductors, and the Britannia Hotel, built for and entered by Mrs. Griffiths and her late beloved husband 64 years, ago, soon became what Mrs. Griffiths herself was—a model of order and in- tegrity. Mrs. Griffiths was one of seven child- ren, and we believe, the third of the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Morgan, Caecrwcca, one of the most esteemed couples in the district, and of these seven, Mr. W. Morgan, Glynogwr, and Mrs. James, Caecrwcca, only survive. Mrs. Griffiths was married when 19 years of age, in 1854, to Mr. David Griffiths, builder, Maesteg, and in the same year the young couple opened business in the Britannia Hotel, built for them, and there Mrs. Griffiths, who survived her hus- band 30 years, remained to the end of her hon- ourable chapter, and never once was even re- ported, much less convicted for any contraven- tion of any of the licensing laws. Deceased saw the opening of the railway for traffic to Bridg- end, and the development of the ooal trade of the district, of which her father and grand- father were the pioneers, from an output of tens of tons per week, to that of several thousands of tons per week. Meanwhile the population of the district grew from a few hundreds to several thousands, and so grew Mrs .Griffiths' popular- ity and deserved esteem. She was generous to a fault; no one knows the good she dispensed un- ostentatiously, and in her lamented death the poor of the district have lost a friend in deed, to whom they n ever appealed in vain. Mrs. Griffiths was a lady of considerable erudition, and had read English and Welsh extensively. She leaves to mourn the loss of one who filled the character of mother and counsellor to the briin four daughters and two sons, viz., Mrs. James, Newchurch Rectory; Mrs. Edwards, Pencoed Farm; Mrs. David, Ilaesyderi Mrs. Thomas, Britannia Hotel; Mr. D. Griffiths, New House, Treoes; and Mr. T. M. Griffiths, Britan- nia Hotel, and with them in their bereavement a host of friends far and near deeply sympath- ise. The burial took place at Llanilid, the esteemed family's Macphelah, on Monday, the 24th inst. Next week we hope to publish an account of the funeral, which, as was meet and to be expected, was one of the largest ever wit- nessed in the locality.

WHOLESALE HARNESS ROBBERIES. Laleston Men's Losses. At Bridgend Police Court on Thursday last week, Illtyd Stewart, aged 39, a farrier, of Caer- philly, was charged with stealing a set of trap harness and other articles, valued JE14, from Parca leaf Farm, Laleston, the property of Evan Thomas, between 11 p.m. on December 5th and December 6th. There was a second charge of stealing and receiving a set of harness from Parca Uchaf Farm, Laleston, the property of David Edwards, value JE4, on the 6th Decem- ber; and a third charge of receiving harness, value X4, from Turnip House, Laleston, the property of Jenkin Jones, on Dec. 6th.-The first witness was William Morgan, timber merchant, 17 Station Terrace, Caerphilly, who said he knew defendant, and saw him ten days ago at the office. He invited witness to his house to buy a set of chain harness. He went and saw the chain harness and a couple of bridles, and made a deal.—John Zigmond, general dealer, Caer- philly, also deposed to a purchase from defend- ant of harness which he said he had bought at an auction sale.—Inspector Rees Davies said on the 17th defendant was brought from Caerphilly to Bridgend. The following morning he said he wanted to see witness, and in the charge room, after being cautioned, he stated: "I did not steal them; I received them from two men who called at my house on the Tuesday. I was in drink at the time. I don't know what I gave for them. I can't remember anything. I have since sold them all." He also gave information where the articles might be found, and the pro- perty was discovered at the place indicated.- Isaac Thomas, bailiff to Mr. David Edwards (Laleston) and other witnesses gave evidence of losses sustained; and were followed by P.C. Stockford, who went to Caerphilly, and conduc- ted investigations, upon the successful accom- plishment of which he was highly complimented by the Beiieh.-Defen.(Iant (bursting into tears) now said he would "take the burden upon him- self." It was his first offence; he had a wife and three little daughters dependent, and he asked for leniency. "I cannot say more," he added in a voice broken with sobs.—Inspector Rees Davies: It is his first appearance for steal- ing. He is a farrier by trade.—Defendant (pointing to the witnesses against him) said, "These gentlemen know me at Caerphilly. Two of the witnesses testified to his respect- ability, and said they were surprised to see such charges formulated against him.-Defendant: But for the drink I would not be in my present position.—The Bench passed sentence of one month in respect of each of the three charges- three months in all.

p I B R 10 G-E N 0. 1 i.,

I BRIDGEND PROTEST MEETING. I » Who Are the Expleiters? At the Town Hall, •* CkristMas Eye, a public meeting, wrftUMeed fey the Ganr. Dis.trict of the Miners' Federation and the Trade Unions of Bridgend, was held for the purpose of protesting againtft the attacks made by certain members of Bridgend Council on the millers and Mr. FTank Hodges (the Garw dis- trict agent). Mr. Evaii David, J.P., Bla-engarw (secretary of the Garw District) presided, and said there was a splendid maxim, "Mind your own busi- ness." (Applause.) The observance of this moral would prevent a lot of unpleasantness. ('Laughter and applause.) The miners had the right to show that they were not guilty of the charge of exploitation which had been made against them in a rather insulting fashion. Mr. irank Jtlooges, J.F. (miners agent), who had a rousing reception, said he wished to in- troduce the people who had come there from the valleys and surrounding districts to a township which was a classic example of private mon- opoly, where the Town-hall (which was cold), the water supply, the gas supply, the land, the birds of the air, and the fish in the se-a near by, were privately owned, and where there was no recreation ground or public park. He hoped they would appreciate the significance of these facts. There were plenty of good men in Bridgend, the only regrettable thing about them being that they had not taken the trouble to organise themaelves, but now there was the nucleus of a strong. Labour party in the town. The members of Bridgend Council had been invited to attend this meeting. He no- ticed that Mr. J. G. Jenkins, the chairman, was present, and he invited him to take a seat on the platform. Mr. Jenkins accepted the invitation, and as he walked up to the platform he was given rounds of applause for the attitude he had taken up at the Council meeting. Mr. Hodges, continuing, said he had also re- ceived a letter from Mr. Henry Abbott, another member of the Council, regretting his inability to attend, and expressing his opinion that the "exploiters" were not the miners, but the "freighters, shipowners, colliery proprietors, landowners, mining magnates, manufacturers, and wholesale and retail dealers, whose doings were winked at by the Government." (Ap- plause.) Mr. Hodges remarked that there were evidently food elements, even among the Bridg- end Council. (Laughter.) Continuing, he said that the miners of the coalfield had been des- cribed as "exploiters of the public," and this meeting was the only opportunity they had to repudiate this charge. After indulging in un- seasonable personalities, Mr. Hodges, ooming to the crux of the question, said when the war broke out the average wage of the miners was 7s. 4d. per day. It was now 12s. 21<1. per day—an increase of 66.47 per cent. But the increase in the cost of food was 106 per cent. The increase in the cogt of living as a whole was estimated by the Board of Trade to be 80 per cent. If this latter figure were taken, it showed that the miners, in spite of their increase in wages, were 13J per cent. wo-r4, off than before the war. In July, 1915, Mr. Robert Smillie, cn behalf of the Miners' Federation, told the Gov- ernment that if they would prevent the price of coal being raised against the consumer, the miners would not ask for any increase in wages, but that if the coalowners were allowed to in- crease the price the miners would not allow the increase to go entirely into the pockets of the owners. Returns by 29 colliery companies in South Wales showed that in 1916 these compan- ies increased tTieir profits by nearly a million pounds as compared with 1915, and showed an increase in dividend of at leaat 7 per cent. Pits in the neighbourhood of Bridgend had had to close down because of extortionate royalities. The average labour cost per ton of coal (large and small) was only 13s. 4d., including the driv- ing of headings and sinking of shafts, but house- holders in Bridgend had to pay X2 per ton. If royalties and wayleaves were abolished the price to the consumer could be reduced 5s. per ton at once. Owing to the sinking of our ships by enemy submarines, the owners of woods in this country had put up their price for pitwood 500 per cent., and collieries were stopped for want of timber. He knew of one farm on which the timber was sold at a price which exceeded the whole of the original value of the estate. If timber in this country were reduced to pre-war prices, the price of coal for the consumer could be reduced a further 3s. -per ton. On the motion of Mr. Mervyn Payne, secon- ded by Mr. Meth Jones, a resolution was unani- mously carried expressing "disgust at the con- duct and language of certain members of Bridg- end Council towards the miners and Mr. Frank Hodges, and declaring that the charges of ex- ploitation could only be laid at the door of the landed and capitalist classes." The Chairman, calling upon Mr J. G. Jenkins (chairman of Bridgend Council) to propose a vote of thanks to the speakers, said that he wished that the cheers with which Mr. Jenkins had been received by that great meeting of Trade Unionists could reach the ears of the edu- cation authorities, who had meanly refused Mr. Jenkins, after all his years of public service in the teaching of the children of the people, a paltry half-day to attend the recognition ser- vices of his late pastor. (" Shame") Mr. Jenkins said he supported the proposal that Mr. Hodges and other Labour members should be elected to the Bridgend Food Control Committee because he thought that they would render useful service. He added that the sugar card return., showed that Bridgend supplied food for 20,000 people in the town and the neigh- bouring mining districts, and it was therefore important that the miner should be represented on the Food Committee. Councillor Woods, seconding the motion, re- marked that the two most unfair attacks on miners in that district since the outbreak of the war, came from land agents. (Applause.)

PENCOED. I Preaching Services. The -Christmas Day preaching services in connection with Salem C.M. Church were held this year as usual. The young people of the church, who have instituted these services, secured Revs. T. C. Lewis, Llwyn- brwydran, and Wilson Roberts, Ynyshir, as offi- ciating ministers. The collections were towards the expenses of the meetings and the St. Dun- stan's Hostel for Wounded Blind Soldiers. Bi-Centenary Celebrations.-DIlTing the pre- sent year Wales is celebrating the bi-centenary of its great hymn writer, Rev. W. Williams, of Pantycelyn. The only effort in the village in this direction has been made by Salem C.M. Church. The young people of the church are to be congratulated upon securing for the occa- sion the services of two such distinguished men as Rev. E. Rees, M.A., known throughout Wales as Dyfed, and Rev. J. Hughes, M.A., late of Liverpool, now of Bridgend. Those who atten- ded were well rewarded in listening to two ex- cellent addresses. Mr. J. Edwards-Evans pre- sided, and discharged his duties admirably. Reception.—A public reception was given on Christmas Eve to two local soldiers. Mr. J. Edwards-Evans presided over the meeting, which was held at the Public Hall. An excel- lent programme of music was gone through, to which Misses S. J. Lewis and Olwen Pearce con- tributed a. duet; Miss J. O. Pearce a recitation, and Miss Blodwen Jones, Mr. Evan Samuel, and Mr. Tom Jones "o los. In addition to the open- ing address of the chairm-in, addresses were de- livered by Mr R. Roberts and Rev. R. Williams, B.A. The presentation to Cadet D. R. Williams and Pte. 1. Wooloff was made by Miss Susie Evans, who prefaced the presentation by a ftir appropriate remarks. Both soldiers replied in suitable terms. The proceedings terminated with the sinking of the Welsh and English" National Anthems.

I SMALL TALK. Blwrddyn newydd dda i chwi gyd. We have learnt things from the enemy Haas, fend may asBimalate a few tips from our Ameri- can cousins the mo#t democratic; of all our Allies.  etery wb-c In American Courts of Justice ererybody wbc feels so disposed smokes tobacco, or ch$ews it, and expectorates into a spltsoon. « i* The man Murphy who was fined at Bridgend Police Court for epitting on the floor of the Court, in America would have escaped the pen- alty because, as a "dacant Irishman," he would have spat at a spitoon. At Bridgend on Saturday two men had keen summoned to appear, but only one stood in the dock. The Chairman (Alderman William Llewellyn) asked, "Where is the other <fe4tnd- antr" "We have eent for him, sir," replied In- spector Rees Davies; "we know where he is." 'Twas ever so. The Englishman's home (and the Welshman's) always was his castle, and as may be imrmised, the absent defendant was "at home" in The Castle" In another case a policeman drew a 4iSer- exco, which is about ae fine as that between Tweedledum and Tweedledee. He testified, "I did not say ko had had too much; only that he had had enengh!" On Sunday two ministers in Bridgend preached from the same text. It was not the same øermon-of course not—though, by a cari- ous coincidence, such a thing has happened at least once to our certain knowledge. "But when and where?" Tut, tut! Wild horsee shall not drag it from us! Suffice it to say that the text on which last Sundays two sermons was founded—and which ran on parallel lines, so to speak—was St. Matt. 2, v. 6, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art net the leasr among the princes of Juda, for out of thee shall oo-me a Governor that shall rule my people Isrnel." At Hope, in the morning, Rev. Themae Davies (pastor), and at Hermon, in the evening, ReT. Wm. Williams (Broughton), from the sanse text, drew the same deductions. They both re- ferred to the leading part taken by Walsh troops—particularly the Glamorgan Yeomanry— in the capture of Bethlehem. This Christmas, from the meteorological standpoint, has been the finest in living memory, and the most pregnant potentially, since that great day when the angels sang for joy, and the lowly shepherds saw that wonderful visien on the plains of Bethlehem. And the star of Bethlehem is in the ascen- dant, as never before, and in every land where the name of Christ is known, there is joy ever the capture of the holy places from the inMels in possession. Mr. W. A. Hcwell (Pencoed) is a funny man, and not knowing anything of the root of bitter- ness, his pleasantries leave no sting behind them. At the last meeting of Bridgend Beard cf Guardians many of the ladies who applied for a clerkship trotted out their capacity to write "short hand"! "Perhaps they have long tongues," suggested Mr. Howell-a remark that drew forth cries of "Oh, oh." Of course, Mr. Howell chivalrously withdrew. But, joking apart, ladies who write "long hand," have some times (of course, unfairly) aiv been charged with possessing "long tongues," and it is a matter of history that be- fore handwriting ever was, ladies were already noted for volubility of speech. The tallest story told by Mr. Howell at the Eisteddfod in the Town Hall on Wednesday night was that concerning a wounded soldier in hospital, who had six times been operated npen without success. For the seventh time he was about to be put upon the operating table, when he said to the attendant surgeons, "If this time you can't find that piece of shrapneL, pleaæ don't sew me up again, but put in a couple of buttons." Owing to the evening dance in the Town. Ball the latter stages of the Eisteddfod competitions had te be transferred to the Congregatioatoal Schoolroom. This was too much for Mr Howell, who couldn't resist the opportunity of having a dig at the "light fantastic toe"! "Only fancy," he said, "the national institu- tion of Wales having to make way for a dance. There is more in the throat than in the toe. You can get soul out of the throat, but not out of the toe!" Half a mo' Mr. Howell. The sole is not very far from the toe, and when there is anything to boot, the toe produces music of a sort from the subject. The crowd of colliers who attended Mr. Hodges' alleged protest meeting at the Town Hall the other night (promptly taking thcir leader's advice) quickly "made use of their ad- versary («»o-called( whilst they were in the way with him." They repaired to the "cosy inn" called the "Angel," and over copious draughts of ale, and a few glasses of grog, soon forgot their simulated hostility, and were seasonably at peace with all men.

VALE NOTES. (By Pelagius.) On Friday evening last, the third gold watch and chain were presented by the committee. The Chairman of the Parish Council, Mr. E. T. Lloyd, J.P., presided. In opening the proceed- ings, he congratulated Pte. D. Jones on the bon our he had gained in being awarded the Mili- tary Medal, and wished him a safetireturn to wear the watch, and long life to bear the Mili- tary Medal as a mark of his bravery. Mr. Williams (headmaster of the Council Sehool) congratulated the recipient on being one of a comparative few. British honours were not given broadcast like iron crosses. District Councillor J. Williams, J.P., said how pleased he was cO be present on the third occasion at which a mark of the admiration they had for Vale boys who had distingui.-ed themselves in the war was shown. Many had fallen, and it behoved them to make some permanent monu- Uleut to their memory. Rev. B. T. Evans, Eev. J. G. Davies, and Mr. T. Morgan added words of congratulation. Rev. Owen Davies, in making the presenta- tion, said he felt in the position of a foster father to Pte. Jones, who had lost his father when very young. He (Mr. Davies), as a mem- ber of the School Board, had watched over him when a boy, and as superintendent of the Bap- tist Sunday School and minister of the church which he attended from childhood, felt it a proud evening for him in being honoured to make this presentation of a beautiful gold watch and chain to one whom he had loved from boy- hood. j i Pte. Jones suitably responded, and the meet- ing concluded with the National Anthem.