The Brecon Radnor Express Carmarthen and Swansea Valley Gazette and Brynmawr District Advertiser

Llandrindod Wounded. I NONCONFORMIST SE VICES. In view of the fact that com- ments have appeared in the Press in re- ference to the provision of ministry for the Non- conformist wounded soldiers in local hospitals, it is well to recall the fact that the executive of Llandrindod F.C. Council, realising there was a duty incumbent in this matter, .instructed its ihon. sec. (Mr Morgan Morris) to communicate with the Commandant of the Highland Moors Hospital on the subject. Miss Venables replied in two letters, stating that she had hoped to ar- range for a Free Church minister to conduct a united service at the hospital once a month on a Sunday evening, and had been disappointed at not being able to do so. She thought it a great pity to divide the men up, but as she had not been able to carry out her own thoughts, she stated that a Free Church minister would be wel- come to hold a service for .the Free Church sold- iers on any Sunday evening. It appeared, how- ever, that these were at the time but very few in number, and with a view to avoiding any friction no further action was taken. Welsh wounded soldiers have been permitted to attend a Welsh Sunday school class at the Presbyterian Church, a.nd also the Welsh parade service. 'Noncon- formists have arranged many pleasant entertain- ments for the men at both the hospitals, and many of those who render voluntary service every week are Nonconformists. The Rector holds a service for the men at the hospital every Sunday evening, and his service is quite voluntary and is rendered at the request of the Western Head- quarters. He is very grieved that it should have been thought that he had placed any obstacle in the way of Nonconformists ministering to their own people, and assures us that such has not ibeen the case.

Alderman Mervyn Davies (chairman of the Bre- eion and Radnor Farmers' Union) further appeal- ed to farmers for support for the Agricultural Re- lief of Allies Fund at the last Executive Com- mittee's meeting. Farmers should, he observed, be prepared to help those who had saved them. They had already organised jumble-salea, etc., and he hoped they would not "overlook the claims of the Belgian farmers..

Builth Rural Appeals. I Farmers' Difficulties. I GRANDFATHER'S CLAIM. I Mr Roger Evans, Tynmaes (chairman) presided over a meeting of the Builth Rural Tribunal at the Board Room, Builth Wells, on Monday afternoon. Others present were Measrs David Davies (Poityn), J. Jones Hope (Llwynderw), Thomas Pugh (Wern- fawr) Roger Powell (Erwhir), and W. Walter Lennard (clerk) The Military Authorities were represented by Mr C W. Woosnam. Temporary exemption to the 6th of May was granted David Williams, Cefnbrith Farm, Llan- gammarch; temporary exemptions to May 31st were granted to Robert Jones (The Lodge, Garth), Thomas Morgan Hope (Grouse Inn, Abergwessin), Thomas Jones (Pantoily, Llangammarch), David Price (Penbank, Llanafan), Frederick Lewis Mere- dith (Maescwm), William Roberts (Vanog, Garth), Gwilym Cadwgan Price (Cefn Farm, Llangam- march), John David Jones (Nantyrodyn, Llanwrtyd), and Joshua Powell Price (Tybach, Llangammarch). Temporary exemptions were also granted to Sept. 30th to Walter Davies (Brynhowell, Garth), John Rhys Hope (Grouse Inn, Abergwessin), John Albert Jones (Llwynpiod, Garth), Albert John Williams (Maes-y-Cwm, Builth Wells), Joshua Price Jones (Bristol House, Llangammarch), and Thomas Evans (Tynmaes, Llanwrtyd) The claims for exemptions from Thomas Harold Jones (Cefn-y-maes, Llysdinam), Frederick Gwynne Jones (Victoria Stores, Erwood) and Morgan Wil- liams (Llawrllan, Erwood) were disallowed. Claim Disallowed. I David Williams, Llawrllan, who appealed on behalf of his son Morgan Williams, said that two of his sons, one of 27 years of age and one of 30, had already been exempted. He had three sons, two daughters and wife at home, and up to the present he had two workmen who were married men. Both of the workmen would be leaving as they had been called up. One of them if he were not to join the army was leaving for a situation near Swansea. The whole of the farm was fenced in, and he culti- vated as much as from 35 to 40 acres of land. He kept eight working horses and twenty-two other horses of different ages and sizes, and he had over 400 sheep. The Tribunal disallowed the claim. Kaiser Won't Wait. I John James Jones, Erwood Inn, who appealed on behalf of Frederick Gwynne Jones, said that the baking was depending entirely upon him. He did not wish to ask for absolute exemption, but his request was that they should exempt his son for six months, as he had another son of 16 years of age who would start learning the work, and in four months he would be able to carry on the business then. Military Representative: If you can get the Kaiser to wait four months for us to get ready, Mr Jones, we will wait the same time for your son. The Chairman We consider that baking is a work that can be done by a woman. Mr Jones: There is no woman to be had at Erwood who would do the work. Military Representative What family have you at home ? Mr Jones I have one boy of 16 years of age, my wife, and a daughter of 17 years of age. Military Representative What has the boy of 16 years been doing up till now ? Mr Jones He has been serving behind the counter. The Tribunal refused to allow the appeal. The appeal of Thomas Harold Pritchard Jones, of Cefn.y-maes, Llysdinam, was not supported, and therefore it was refused. Big Sheep Farmer. I In the case of Thomas Morgan Hope, Grouse Inn, the Military Representative said that on this farm there were three able bodied men, two of whom were of military age, and he felt that it was his duty to object to the younger of the two sons. If the Tribunal disagreed with him in their decision the case would be decided by the Appeal Tribunal. If the decision would go in favour of Mr Hope he would not be disappointed, as he would have the satisfaction that he had done his duty. Mr T. P. Hope, the father of the man on behalf of whom the claim was made, said that at present he was three men short of what he had been in the habit of keeping, and he had failed in his efforts to secure any more labour Military Representative You will have a chance to appeal to the Appeal Tribunal, even if your claim is disallowed to day. Mr T. P. Hope Men are very scarce now, and I cannot meet with any one willing to work on the land. I had a man sometime ago, and although I offered. him E36 and his food and home, he refused to stay, but took a situation under the Llanwrtyd Urban District Council as a carter. I occupy 3,000 acres of land, and I have 3,711 sheep. and to man- age the same I require several men. They have to gather these sheep together several times eviery year, and that entails enormous work. First of all we have to get them all together to mark the lambs, and later on for washing and shearing, and it takes us at least three weeks to shear. Later on, and on the top of shearing, comes the dipping. He him- self managed another sheep farm on which a shep- herd was employed. He could not say what acreage of his land was enclosed, but he had taken the acreage from the Tithe Map. The Chairman said that the Advisory Committee had recommended temporary exemption in this case to 31st of May, and they would agree to the same. Certificate Reviewed. j At the request of the Military Representative the Tribunal reviewed the certificate of Sydney Ewart Mason Owen, Fronlas, Llysdinam, owing to the fact that the particulars in the form of appeal were incorrect. Evan Mason, grandfather, who made the appeal, said that he bad nursed the boy from his birth, and he was the only able bodied man on his farm of twelve acres with rights on the hill. He had a few cattle and he would not have been allowed to keep the farm only that. the boy remained with him. He (himself) was now an old man, having been born in 1837, and his wife was 80 years of age. Not only did the boy do all the work on the land, but he also did all the house work, even washing their clothes. When he was not required at home he was employed by people in the neighbourhood for rabbit catching, hedging and shearing, and very few were equal to him at the latter work. The stock they kept on their land consisted of two cows, one heifer, one pony and twenty five sheep. He had a married son living within a quarter of a mile of Fronlas, but he regretted to state that his wife suffered from ill- health. His son could not help him as he had several children, and therefore they depended on their grandson. Military Representative: Are you in receipt of the old age pension ? Mr Mason: I am having 5/- per week old age pension, and my wife is having the same amount. s Military Representative: Then if your nephew joins you will be able to have separation allowance as well as the old age pension. Mr Mason I hope to keep him as long as I live. Military Representative: What wJUld you do in case your grandson got married ? Mr Mason: If he got married he would bring his wife to the house, and we would live with him. The Tribunal agreed to cancel the certificate.

Brecon Lad Charged. I ALLEGED THEFT FROM GARAGE. I At the Borough Police Court on Thursday, a lad named Thomas John Edwards, of Courtymoor, Brecon, was charged with breaking and entering into the G. W.R. motor garage at Brecon and stealing a luggage receipt book. G. H. V. Williams, motor omnibus conductor, said the 'bus was put in the garage at 2.5 p.m. on Wednesday. On returning to the garage in an hour's time he found someone had broken in and burst open the cash box. The tickets had been removed from the box to the seat and the cash bag was hanging out from the box. The receipt book was also missing.—F. G. Harris said he saw accused coming from the direction of the garage.-Wm. Morris, grocer, said defendant .bad not been working for 'him on Wednesday until 6.30 p.m.—P.c. Pearce deposed to examining footprints in the mud near the garage, and said there was a distinot mark of a slmd in the centre of the right foot. This corresponded with a stud in one of the boots of the accused which he ex- amined the samo evening. Defendant denied having been near the place and said he had been working for Mr Morris from 8.30 to 1 o'clock and from 2 to 6 o'clock. Witness found 9d in cop- pers on him. No trace was found of the missiag receipt book. Accused was committed for trial to Quarter Sessions.

Health of the Schools. I I County M.O.'s Report. I I INTERESTING DETAILS. I Having regard to economy the annual report of the Breconshire School Medical Officer (Dr Rhys Davies) has been issued in a more abbreviated form than in past years. Nevertheless it contains some interesting and instructive information. There have been many changes in the Medical Inspection staff. Dr. Williams and three whole- time nurses left for military service, and another nurse resigned on April 24th. The three part-time nurses anc* the clerk continued in the service of the Education Committee throughout the year. The vacancies caused by the departure of the four whole- time nurses have not been filled. These nurses had the supervision of about 8,700 children. The three part-time nurses supervised during the year 17 rural schools with an average attendance of about 800 To form an idea of the character of the schools and of the work done by the doctor and nurses in the county, it is necessary to keep in mind its physical features, and the distribution of population. There are in the county 84 schools, varying in size from an average attendance of 13 to one of 1100. On its outskirts there are in addition three small temporary waterworks schools—Blaenycwm, Llwyn- onn and Pontsticill. The county is thinly popu- lated, and consists almost entirely of agricultural and pastural land. It has on its confines three in- dustrial centres Ystradgynlais, Brynmawr and Vaynor. These three centres have 20 schools, with an average attendance of 1400 more children than are to be found in all the other schools of the county. Owing to the hilly nature of the county the schools vary greatly in their altitude above sea j level, and consequently in their weather conditions. These in their turn affect the school attendance and the characters of the scholars. Without entering into particulars, I consider these points of so much importance that I have compiled a table showing the altitudes of the .schools in the county, and the number of children in average attendance at the various elevations. Nature study in school should, I think, be ex- tended to include the study of the winds, rainfall, snowfalls, sunlight and temperature. The study of these records would enable us to some extent to realise the difference between a mile's walk to school at, say Merthyr Cynog and a mile at Llan- gattock, on a stormy winter's morning, and what it may mean to a delicate child. Work Done. Before leaving in March, Dr. Colston Williams inspected seven departments out of a total of 107. I commenced work on the 1st June, and thus had only half a year to do the work. To cope with this difficulty I stayed for seven weeks at Brynmawr, Brecon, Ystradgynlais, Merthyr and Hay. The first examination was finished in October. The re-examinations had to follow after a short interval; this only allowed some of the schools a brief period in which to have the children's defects treated. It is seen t that 1508 entrants and 1008 leavers were inspected during the first examination. Over 2000 extra children were sub- mitted to a vision test. The exact number of "specials" and "defectives" examined is, I re- gret not available. At the re-examination 481 boys and 542 girls were inspected for 1508 defects. I felt it a great waste of time and money to travel longl distances to rural schools to examine a few children. This induced me to db some extra work in these, and in some of the larger schools. As stated above, the eyesight of over 2000 extra children was examined, and it was found that 206 of these required spectacles. I also inspected the heads, teeth, clothing, boots and pocket handker- chiefs of all the Standard" children of these schools in the playground. This playground in- spection and talk usually took about 20 minutes. Several of the teachers are of opinion that this was of more value to the children and their parents than the ordinary routine work. The scholars were asked to give an account of the playground inspection at home, and in some schools it formed the subject of an exercise in composition. Following-Up Work. I reget very little following-up work was done in 1915. The four whole-time nurses did some 1914 work before leaving-and Nurse Lewis worked until the end of July. The three part-time nurses visited 17 rural schools monthly throughout the year in the districts of Llwynmadoc, Llanwrtyd and Devynock. The is no indication at present that the ordinary staff will ■soon return. Some other means ought therefore to be found of carrying out this important work. Can the attendance officers assist ? Some of the teachers ? Members of the Red Cross Society ? Inspectors of the N.S.P.C.C ? or some voluntary helpers? At present there is no intermediary except the attendance officer between the Education Authority and the homes. The Re-Examination. The re-examinations throw much light on the views the parents take of the ailments of their children. During the year they were informed, by means of printed notices, that 1508 defects requiring treatment had been discovered by the medical in- spection they were asked to obtain treatment, and told of the object of the"re-examination which was to take place later in the year. I regret that less than 25 per cent. of the defects had received any treatment at the date of my second visit. This compares very unfavourably with the results ob- tained in some other parts of the country, as shown by the annual report of the Board of Education for 1914. In Anglesey, 70 defects out of every 100 were treated in Gloucestershire 81 in Newport 57 in Swansea 61 in Wrexham 75; in Burton- on- Trent 82; in Acton 85 in Boctle 89; in Torquay 95. It is well to remember that many of the defects found, such as dirty beads and bodies, can, and ought to be, treated by the mother. Thus, out of 217 dirty heads and bodies notified, only 92 were cleansed. Most of the dirty heads occurred among the older girls; and these, one cannot help remarking, had attended school for eight or ten years. Surely, such a lack of self-respect is a poor compliment to the moral teaching of our schools, churches, and homes. Treatment. I From the following extracts from a letter written by Mr Leonard, and from the last paragraph, the arrangements for, and the amount of treatment will become clear. No arrangements have been made by the Education Committee for sending children suffering from nose and throat troubles to the Brecon Infirmary. You will perhaps remember that Dr. Colston Williams reported to the Com- mittee before he went away that the Staff of the Infirmary had complained to him that as a result of the Medical Inspection the number of children treated for minor ailments at the Infirmary had considerably increased The Committee paid the Infirmary Y,10 as a contribution towards the cost of cases treated in 1914 and previously and it was in- tended to enter into a definite arrangement with the Infirmary for the treatment of cases sent in by the School Medical Officer, but owing to Dr. Williams' departure the plan has not matured. The position as to treating eye cases at Swansea and Hereford is much the same." Mentally Defective Children: No arrangements have yet been made for sending these children to special schools. The Provision of Meals' Acts: No action under this Act was neces- sary in 1915. The Juvenile Employment Act: The Committee has not adopted this Act. Physical Training: More attention is paid to this than formerly. Infant Welfare: This, I fear, has suffered in consequence of the release of our nurses for war work. I Pfaygrounds. I I Many of the playgrounds are too small for ordinary school games. The older children have to seek additional room on the roads and in the fields j| to the annoyance of the public and the farmer. Too often they monopolize the playground and rob the younger children of their rights. In this way a J spirit of selfishness is easily engendered in the older, :d of submission to an injustice to the younger. The surface and under drainage are often unsatis- factory. Drains are placed in the middle and not at the sides of playgrounds. These fail to carry the water away quickly enough, and large pools form in the centre. Loose stones, heaps of cinders, and parts of old desks are often seen. It is not an UJi- | common sight to find nettles, brambles, docks and thistles forming a wide and bold border along the boundary walls or hedges. The playground water- tap, from which the children drink without the use I of mugs, is a source of danger. lid a few schools the drinking water is obtained from an open well at the roadside, and in one instance from a well in the churchyard. Filters are expen- sive, and are not recommended on other grounds. In some schools a canful of fresh clean water is pro- vided every morning, and the children are taught the proper use of drinking cups. The playgrounds might be much improved without incurring any

Brecon Sports Club J 1 WILL KEEP THEIR FLAG FLYING. ANNUAL MEETING. The annua,l meeting of the Brecon Sports Club was held at the Guild Hall, Brecon, on Tuesday evening. Mr C. W. Best was voted to the chaiir and those presen/t included Mr Parry de Winton (hon. secretary), Aid. H. t. Rich, Councillor J. W. Hedger, Councillor P. P. Williams, Mr Sam GarraOt, Mr H. Bond, Mr E. H. S. Hughes, Mr W. T. Isaac, and others. Mr Garratt gave a report of the bowls section. They arranged matches only with Dowlais and Merthyr last season, but several scratch games were arranged at home including a match with wounded S.W.B., who were subsequently enter- tained to tea by the committee. (Hear, hear). The chie'f effort was the enlargement of the green, 'the work of which cost £ 37. This was paid for principally by the members who made a. special subscription of X15 16s., and £10 was handed to them. by Mr Bond, the proceeds of a. fete arranged by him. There was now only £3 owing to this special fund for enlarging the green. They had had a successful championship tournament and on the strength of the dub continuing he had arranged fixtures with the Dowlais and Merthyr 'teams for the ensuing year. Mr Garratt further stated for M.r Hando (who was unavoidably absent) that although no regular football (team had been run this year several char- I ity matches had been played with the military which resulted in about £ 15 being handed over to various charities. The football ground had been used chiefly by the Yeomanry, who had paid for the use of it. Mr Parry de Winlton, who the chairman said had kindly taken over the, hon. secretarial duties I last July, the secretary (Mr Vaughan) having joined the forces, gave a detailed statement of the finances of the club which showed an adverse balance of R16. The chairman observed that in comparison with the balance sheet last year the receipts had drop- ped by £ 8 or £ 9. < They had done better than he feared. The statement of accounts was adopted sub- iedt to audit. Future of the Club. I Considerable discussion ensued as to the ad- visability of continuing the club, the general op- inion being that it should be continued on a limuted scale as last year, namely, without cric- ket. Mr Parry de Winton said there was quite a, reasonable sum in subsoript,ions which had been offered and not collected, and his impression was that 'the adverse balance ought to be found in these which had ndt been paid simply because they had not been asked for.—Mr P. P. Wil- liams said that if a commiittee consisting of each .section be formed to collect the money it would be effective and on his proposition, seconded by Mr Bond, this was agreed to. Mr Bond then proposed that the club be con- tinued on the lines of last season. With strict economy, he said, and by everyone trying to do their best he believed they would end the season as successfully as that gone by. Personally he felt sure that 'the club could safely venture on another year. Mr J. W. Hedger seconded, remarking that there were plenty of young people in the town who might be induced to join the club and thus increase 'the subscription l,ist. If the different sections induced their friends to join it would increase the memlbership considerably. It was unanimously agreed to continue the Club. Election of Officials. The chairman in moving the xe-election of Lord Glanusk as president said they owed a debit of gratitude to him for initiating the club. They were all sorry he was abroad although they knew very well that he was doing his duty to his coun- try as so many others were doing. They hoped that he would soon be back again to take the in- tercSt he had always taken in the sport of this county. (Applause.) Mr H. C. Rich seconded, and the motion was carried with applause. The general committee were re-elected with the addition of the following Messrs. Bond, H. C. Rich, Hoy Parry, R. J. Powell and Parry de Winton.—Mr James Morgan was re-elected trea- surer. Mr Parry de Winton was asked to be good en- ough to accept office as lion, secretary for 'the en- suing year, Mr P. P. Williams saying that the secretaries of the several Sections would render Mr de Winton all the help he needed. Mr de Winiton .accepted the post amidst applause. Mr Hedger in moving a vote of thanks to the chairman, said the amount of work Mr Best had done wa4s not light, as those who followed the work as committees could vouch for. Their thanks were due to him for" the very able assist- a nee he gave the club. Mr Parry de Winton seconded, observing he realised the extraordinary, painstaking care Mr Best had taken in the club's affairs. Mr Best responded and this concluded the business.

j Builth Red Cross Hospital. I i Mrs E. M. Spencer (commandant) wishes to thank the 'following for contributions (in collect- ing boxes) 'to the funds of Builth Red Cross Hospital :-Mr J. Ward, 10/24; Mr Davies, Bris-tol House, 7/8J; Mr Eadie, 2/11; Barley Mow, 2/11; Geiri Restaurant, 2/7J; Mr Jones, fruiterer, 2/1; Mr Howard Lewis, 1/3; Greyhound Shop, 1/3; Greyhound Hotel, l/a; Crown Hotel, Bid; Smith and Sons, 7d; Mr Wilding 6d. Twelve shillings came to hand from Maesmynis School (Salem) from sale of needlework and flags, sent by Miss M. E. Davies. b632

TO CORRESPONDENTS. I Owing to (the late arrival of the mails on Wed- IDesday-due to Monday night's storm and the dislocation of railway tmffic-we are obliged to hold over certain news correspondence, &c., till next week.—ED.

I Builth Magistrates I Discuss Drink Restrictions. I CONFERENCE DELEGATE APPOINTED. j NEEDS OF AN AGRICULTURAL AREA. I Mr C. W. Woosnam (chairman), Dr. Black Jones, and Messrs. C. G. Inglis, J. T. Evans, T. Williams and G. Eadie, Ia.t Builth Wells police court, on Monday, received a letter from the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic), in connection with the local inquiries which they were undertaking at two or three centres in Wales and Monmouthshire relative to the control of the liquor traffic. Delegates of the Board would attend at Aberystwyth the following Tues- day, and the justices were asked to send a re- presentative to the conference from the. licensing division of Builth. Discussion among the justices revealed the fact that Builth hotels and inns were now open from 6 a.m. till 11 p.m., and, in the rural area, from 6 a.m. till 10 p.m. Mr Gilbert Eadie said restricted hours would be very detrimental -to Builth, especially in the season, on market-days, &c. Mr Inglis wondered whether, if anything were done, special arrangements could not be made for market land fair-days. Mr Vaughan Vaughan Orders are usually is- sued for uniform times, because of the difficulty in carrying them out. Dr Black Jones If the houses were not open till 8 o'clock iin the morning, people could get tea, coffee, &c., and a drink later onI mean those people who arrive in town early on market days. In .reply to a further question, Mr Vaughan Vaughan remarked that the military order in munition areas, &c., allowed houses to be open from 10.30 a.m. till 9 p.m. Dr. Black Jones considered the invitation of the Board should be iresponded to—if only from the economic point of view. Some 160 millions of pounds, or more, were being spent on drink. The Government, he knew, had a, considerable sum back .in taxes, but, to say the least, some 100 millions were now spent in drink. This was not in the interests of economy, but, to a great ex- tent, waste. The financial position of the coun- try was now such that they should all economise in every possible way. Russia, for example, had prohibited the sale of spirits, and that step had been of material help to the country. If she had not adopted prohibition she would not have done j so well as she had. He was of opinion the. pri- vilege of restricting licensing ;hours should be ex- tended to their own county as well as other parts of the country. Where restrictive measures pre- vailed the drink-bill had been .reduced at least 40 per cent. Proceeding, Dr. Black Jones moved that a delegate be sent to Aberystwyth with powers to support the limitation of hours for the sale of drink and thus bring Breconshire into line with what 'had been done in other parts and munition areas. Mr J. T. Evans Munition areas are very dif- ferent to Builth. Mr Vaughan Vaughan The military order now in force in the adjoining county is from 10.30 a.m. 'till 9 p.m. Dr. Black Jones What are the hours in the rural parts of the county? Mr Vaughan Vaughan The same all over the county, excepting Llanelwedd Arms, which is re- garded, for the purposes of the Order, as part of Builth. Mr Gilbert Eadie observed that he had listen- ed to Dr..Black Jones's remarks and did not agree with them. Builth district was purely ag- ricultural, with no billeting, no munitions. The town felt the. restrictions imposed last year severely and suffered a great deal of hardship thereby in the season. The Urban District Council .then took ways and means of getting the Order removed. It would. he was sure, be a great loss for the town to be restricted in this way again. There was hardly any drunkenness in the town, and very few came before them for that offence now. Restricted hours were quite uncalled for in Builth and district. He fully agreed a representative should be sent. but his mission should be to leave matters as they were. Continuing, Mr Eadie said he also protested against restrictions on the grounds of the incon- venience that would be caused to farmers coming into the town (carly on market and fair days. Oc- cupants of motor-cars, charabancs and other vehicles-passing through the town—would be un'able to get refreshments and the townspeople would thus be hard hit. The season would also be spoillt again. The chairman thought they should—if they de- cided to send a representative to the conference— state clearly what course they wished adopted for their own county, and, particularly, the division. Mr Ðadie: I don't think we should interfere with matters as they are now. Mr J. T. Evans I understand Dr. Black Jones and Mr Eadie would both send delegates—one to restrict and the other to leave things as they are. Mr Vaughan Vaughan Yes. The chairman remarked that whilst there might be some force in the economic point of view, they could not drink tea and coffee without spending money. What they wanted to ,arrive at was a reasonable view, and, perhaps, restrict- ion from 8 a.m. till 10 p.m. would meet the case in their district. He did not think they should interfere with the legitimate agricultural needs, of the locality. Aga-I u, they did not want to affedt Builth's visiting season. Some consider- ation should also be given to the people who con- ducted the business, seeing it was a. legitimate trade. Personally, -lie thought the conference might, with advantage to all concerned, adopt a modified Tesoiqtion, providing for the hours to be from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dr. Black Jones Why not from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.? Mr J. T. Evans Builth, we must remember, is peculiarly situated—being an agricultural dis- trict. 'Mr T. Willtiams Would 9 o'clock in town I mean 8 p.m. in the country? Mr Vaughan Vaughan No, 9 o'clock all- round. The chairman considered there was no need for legitimate drinking before 8 a.m., unless farmers or others came some 5 or .6 miles into town from the country with stock on market-days. This was entirely. different to the case of men who, obtain- ing drink between 6 and 8 a.m., were rendered useless for their day's work. Mr Gilbert Eadie believed early closing brought aboult more drunkenness. When the houses clos- ed at 9.30 he knew of cases where people obtain- ed 4 to 8 gallons of drink, congregated in build- ings and drank the lot before the night wa-s out. If the houses were open they would have a glass or two and go about their business in the usual way. Mi S. G. Inglis It would not be agriculturists who would be drinking at 10 o'clock? Mr Eadie The townspeople. There is, how- ever, no drunkenness in Builth now. The Chairman There is, I know, very little drunkenness in Builth, but I think we should show our sympathy with the movement, but the point is whether this is a district for any strin- gent means, that is, since it is so purely agricul- tural. I think if the .houses were open from 8 a.m. tiN 10 p.m. the case would bt met reason- ably. Mr J. T. Evans Is there anything happening in drinking to be corrected by the restrictions, apart from munitions and billeting areas? If not, why the restrictions, and, ii so, what actually needs correction. This, to my mind, is where we Want to get. The Chairman I think that is a very proper view to take. Mr J. T. Evans You say that in Builth there is no drunkenness to speak of?

I Appeal Tribunal I ADJOURNED TILL FRIDAY. I MEMBERS STORM-BOUND. Owing to the blizzard and the dislocation of the railway service, the County Appeal Tribunal which should have met at Brecon on Tuesday was adjourned until Friday at 11.30 o'clock. On Tuesday morning there was a large attend- ance of the general public in the Counciil Cham- ber of the Guild Hall, Brecon, where the meet- ing was held. The only members of the Tribunal present were -:Messr,s. W. S. Miller, W. F. Parry de Winton, and E. T. Hyde, with the clerk, Mr H. F. W. Harries. Capt. Mavrojani, county military representative, and Mr Best, local military representative, were also present. After consultation with the other menfbers present Mr W. S. Miller said We have deter- mined to adjourn the meeting. There are only three members here, and we do not think it fair to any party to proceed with the business. We mean to meet here at 2.30 o'clock in order to see if any of the members turn up-a sufficient number of members at any rate to constitute a fair Tribunal. Meeting again in the afternoon there were no additional arrival of members and Mr Miller said they had come to the conclusion that it would be better to postpone the meeting until Friday at 11.30 o'clock. As it was a postpone- ment of the meeting the clerk informed them that it was not necessary that any special notice should be given, further than that he would send a notice to everyone interested to attend at the hour stated on Friday. It was very desirable, Mr Miller proceeded, that not only the employ- ers but also the other applicants who might be interested in the cases should -as far as possible comet to the Tribuna!l. Tbey would see quite well that this would give the military representative and also the members of the Tribunal, a fairer opportunity of arriving at the true facts, when the person for whom the application is made and the employer were both present. We understand there were about 27 appeals for consideration on Tuesday.

CRUELTY TO A DOC. I BEATEN TO DEATH. I FARMER AND HIS REASON. Joseph Thomas Penyffyddlwyn Farm, Llen- elly, was summoned at Brynmawr recently for for cruelty to a dog.—Mr D. G. Harris, who de- fended, pleaded not guilty. Mrs Ann Eynon, Llanelly Hill, stated that on Tuesday, February 29th, she had a puppy sheep dog about three months old. About 11.30 a.m. she fed the animal, which was afterwards taken out by her daughter. Two hours later she saw the dog. which had been beaten to a pulp. It could not stand or move its head, and died the same day. Witness sent for the police, and in- quiries were made.-By Ir Harris Her hus- quiries were. nia d e.- B y -v band had sheep, but she did not know that he kept 20 on half an ac.re of land. Thomas had not complained to her of the sheep being on his land. She had seen sheep which had been worried by a dog. and agreed that it was not right. Witness would do her best to prevent cruelty to animals. and while she would kill a dog which worried sheep, she would not do so brutally. Mrs Mary Ann Jones, Llanelly Hill, deposed to seeing Thomas catch hold of the dog. He drew something from his pocket, with which he beat the animal. He held it by the neck, beat the dog to the ground, afterwards throwing it down and leaving it there. The animal tried to get up, but was unable. Henry Hill (10) spoke to Henry Thomas catch- ing the animal by the back of the neck, .strike it several times, dash it to the ground, and throw it in the air. P.c. Parker also spoke to seeing the ani- mal unconscious and in pain. Thomas said, "The boys were sending the dog after my sheep. I admit I ibeat the dog, but I didn't think I had done much- harm." By Mr Harris Thomas reported the death of ten sheep in the lambing season last year, and had suffered considerably through dog worrying. He was a man of good character, and had helped the police when 'they had been in difficulties. Joseph Thomas, defendant, stated he had lost about 45 sheep during the past three years through their having been worried. One night he lost seven lambs, all of which had been torn to pieces. He felt justified in killing a dog which worried his sheep. The chairman (AM. W. Roberts) said defend- ant would be fined 40/ The bench realised his position in regard to sheep worrying, for which, however, he had another remedy.

Penoyre War Hospital. I Dear Sir,- "Vill you kindly insert, this letter of gratitude to our kind friends. Mrs McClintock adds to her already many gifts, 2 flags and flag- staff at the lodge gates; Mrs F. Dickinson, trout, most appreciated by the sick; Miss 5/ Miss Dowding, 2/6; bananas, 'Mrs Jones, Tyfry; 3/6, Mrs Rees. Abercynrig Mill; potatoes, Mrs Buf- ton; vegetables and eggs, Mrs Napier Sturt; vegetables, Mrs Garnons- Williams, Mrs Walters, Mrs Randall; eggs and potatoes, Mrs Price, Tre- gare; eggs, Miss Davies, Owmwysg; collected, eggs and butter, Miss Best, in Market; eggs and books. Mrs Strong; tea, Mrs Lermon bananas. Mrs Edwards.—Yours truly, ALICE M. deWINTON, I b73 Commandant. I

THE NAME I Bonner Morgan I In Connection With I Sight ^Testing Ce Spectacles) M Is a Guarantee of the Highest Quality ¡ B and Absolute THOROUGHNESS at All Times 1 g 101 QUEEN STREET CARDIFF t Park Hall Buildings g j \.æ"- <

I FARMERS9 COLUMN. The first farmer to employ women on the land J in the Builth district was Mr O. W. Davies, of Aberduhonow. Brecon and Radnor farmers are now paymg. more atteittion to horse-breeding—an agricul- tural feature due to the demand for well-bred- carters. Prevailing rates at Erwood market, on Thurs- day, were :—Butter, 1/4 per lb.; eggs, 9 for 1/ chickens, 1/- per lb.; rabbits, 1/- each; turkeys, 1/2 per lb. and apples, ld. Although the lambing season is late, 04PSUItB are satisfactory. Large numbers of ctobiea are to be seen on many fields, and, in a Mw cases, three lambs have been born to one ewe. Fairs in Brecon and Radnor for Aiy^ ?? ?— 1st, Presteign: 13th, Knighton and ?y; 14th, Rhayader; 17th, Builth Wells and L ndovel"J; 18th, Talgarth: and 27th, Knighton. The last 3 or 4 weeks' weather has proved very trying for lambs in Wye Valley, and some losses, especially on the Radnorshire side of the Wye, are reported. Prices at Builth produce market, on Monday, remained unchanged. Ruling rates were Eggs, 9 for 1/ butter, 1/3 and 1/4 per lb.; fowls, 4/- to 4/6 per couple; trussed ditto, 1 per lb.; and rabbits, lOd each. The market at Knighton on Thursday was small, but there was a brisk business done. 4ils sold at 8 and 9 for 1/ butter, 1/4 per lb.; fowls, 5/- to 5/6 per couple; chickens, 5/- to If- per couple; and rabbits, 2/- to 2/2 per couple. Llandovery March fair was held on F?d&y. Trade was exceptionally quiet, and, in the ea:a; department, cows with calves averaged from -115 to X20, and yearlings, X10 to X12. A few horsefl of the carter type were disposed of at prices rang- ing from £ 45 to X50 a-piece. Mrs S. M. Bligh (Cilmery Park) and Miss Hilda Vaughan (Castle, Builth Wells) havebew appointed by Breconshire War Agricultural Com- mittee on the County Ladies' Committee to or- ganise women labour for the land in the Builth district. Rhayader market, on Wednesday, was char- acterised by average attendance, moderate sup- ply and quick sale. Prevailing rates were :— Eggs, 7 for 1/ butter, 1/4 and 1/5 per lb.; live fowls, 5/- to 6/- per couple: trussed ditto, 1/- per lb.; and rabbits, I, each. Talgarth produce market, on Friday, was characterised by a, fairly large attendance, aver- age supply, and moderately brisk demand. Rates were:—Eggs, 7 and 8 for 1/ butter, 1/7 per lb.; trussed fowls, 1/ apples, 2d; and rabbits, 1/- and 1/1 each. There was a poor supply of stock at Builth market on Monday. Very few sheep were on offer, but mutton made 5id per lb. Cows with calves realised tl8 to S,24, and there were prac- tically no yearling-heifers in evidence. Yearling- bullocks changed hands from zElO to X12 each. Communications with respect to the improve- ment of live-stock (horses, cattle and pigs) should be addressed to the Live Stock Officer, University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, that is, for the counties of Brecon, Cardigan, Carmarthen, Gla- morgan, Monmouth, Pembroke and Radnor. At Hay produce market, on Thursday, there was but a small supply and only average de- mand. Rates remained practically unchanged, the principal ruling prices being :—Eggs, 8 for 1/ butter, 1/6 per lb.; live-fowls, 9d per lb.; trussed ditto, 1/- and 1/1; apples, lid and rab- bits, 1/- and 1/1 each. A meeting was held at Llandovery, on Friday, to organise a supply of women-workers for the land. Interesting addresses on tbe subject were given by Miss Strachen (Cardiff), Mr D. John (agricultural organiser) and others. The meet- ing resolved to form a register for the district, and a number of canvassers were appointed. Messrs. J. Davies and Co. (auctioneers. Llan- 1 dovery and Llangadock) conducted their fortnight- ly mart at the cattle market, Llandovery, on the 21st inst. The supply of cattle showed a slight decrease, but trade was brisk. Fat cattle aver- aged m3 10s to calves Y,2 to £ 7, pigs £3 to £ 5 13s, and sh(,,ep .:Cl to £3 15s each. Business at Presteign produce market, on Wed- nesday, was rather quiet, and the attendance somewhat smaller than usual. Comparatively scant supply met with early clearance. Prices were :—Live fowls, 4/6 to 5/6 per couple: truss- ed ditto, 1/- and 1/1 per lb.; eggs, 7 and 8 for 1/ butter, 1/5 and 1/6 per lb.; and rabbits, 1/- each. Mr A. M. Pugh was unable to attend the re- cent meeting of the Brecon and Radnor Farmers' Union to give his impressions of the annual gen- eral proceedings of the National Union in Lon- don. Mr J. W. Jones (Sheephouse), owing to in- disposition, was unable to attend the London meeting, and could not enlighten the meeting-so the usually interesting report had to be postponed. While tbe Board of Agriculture is glad to give any assistance possible through the Agricultural Commissioner for Wales (Aberystwyth), farmers are strongly urged to make use of the facilities provided by the College and Agricultural Insti- tutions for giving expert assistance and advice. Communications, in this case, should be sent. either direct, or through the county officer, to the Professor of Agriculture, University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, i.e., for the counties of Brecon, Cardigan, Carmarthen, Glamorgan, Monmouth, Merioneth, Montgomery. Pembroke and Radnor. The President of the Board of Agriculture is informed that the Central Labour Exchange De- partment of the Board of Trade are prepared to try and obtain Danish labour for work on farms in England and Wales, which are outside pro- hibited areas, provided the department are assured that engagements for not less than twelve months can bo guaranteed, and that the third-class travel- ling expenses of men from Denmark will be .ad- vanced by farmers on the understanding that such advances may be recouped by dechictions fr*O wages. Farmers who desire to obtain Miish labour should apply before the end of March to the Secretary, Board of Agriculture and Fisher- ies, 4, Whitehall Place, London, stating ty number of men they would engage and wages of- fered At the last meeting of the Brecon and RadW Farmers' Union Executive Committee, Mr J. • Jones wished to know, in the. case of a father a«na son farming the same place, if the a?bateBa?"? income-ta.x (?120) would be allowed botb 2 V r J. P. Griffiths Yes, if they are ?oimt occ'ipi^ Alderma.n Mervyn Davies If the b-Jain'g is as- sessed on one rent the answer would be m ga.tive. Mr J. P. Griffiths I know ? a case oi three bro&bers where, as each had cql,.l ?h.re. in the farm, they were individually. entl' -to Me abatement of X120 in their uDder?iDg. » ne tQ the war member Supposing a man has g?e to ? and left his farm to the charge of ???X? then? Mr J. P. Griffiths: I i would make any difference-he w? E;tlU be -Bn- titled to his ?foment. Mr J. Bjc?^ Doe" this principle apply to ? w.dow and son?? Mr J. P. GriSths Yes, if the œcupa wn J joint one.. There was a remarkably fine arrav of heavy horses with a good number of useful i'lcrlit, laorges at Hereford on the 18th inst. Upwards of 300 were catalogued, the occasion being fese!s. Jackson and McCartney's monthly event, which continues to grow in popularity despite keen competition in other quarters. There JS no gain- saying the fact that the Hereford Repository is now firmly established, and stands amongst the. leading horse emporiums of the British Isles. Buyers were present from all parts. iiacludidg re- preventatives of Corporations and Urban District brewery companies, railway cjmpa.nies, and other manufacturing firms and carting agents of repute. Horses were drawn from a very wide area, a fresh source being animals from the 'Per- short district. Appended is a list of local vendom and prices realised :—Brown mare, Mr Jones, Grlasbory, 75 guinea-s: black geldiug, Mr Davies, ralyilyn, 76: dark brown mare. Mr PoweK, Jlyro, 27; and. mare, Mr Lloyd, Kington, 30.

Health of the Schools--Continued. I expense. A hint from the head teacher to the older boys, and the provision of a spade or two, would clear the ground of nettles ind 'brambles, docks and thistles in a very short time. One school concert would furnish enough money to buy shrubs, roses and flowers for a new border, and ivy and creepers for the walls. The school and its surroundinlls would, in a year or two, become bright and cheerful, and not, as at present, bare and depressing. Over-Garbed Children. I Thelelothing of the children was very satisfactory, though a few were ovcrclothed. One delicate little girl had nine layers of clothes on her chest, the lowest being a layer of wadding. The dangerous habit of leaving the knees of little children bare is not common in this county. The heads of many were not clean, though in a few schools no nits were found in the hair of a siagle child. It is instructive to compare the condition of the heads of Breconshire children with that of some other counties. In eight county areas having an average attendance of 157,001 children, the percentage having nits in the hair is 8'9. In towns it is much higher, and in Loudon reaches the high figure of 19-9. In Breconshire it is 9 6. The cloakrooms are seldom under properly organised supervision, and are generally very dirty. Clean towels and soap are seldom provided. The washing basins are too few, and the water supply often inadequate. Nutrition, I The children are very well nourished. The table shows that over 98 per cent. are classed as nor- mal" and "excellent," and less than 2 pe cent. "below normal" and bad." These figures are exceptionally high, and it was a relief to find them corroborated in Dr. Colston Williams' report for 1914. We differ by less than -1 per cent. The average percentage for nutrition throughout the country is—"normal" and "excellent, 90 per cent. "below normal" and "bad," 10 per cent. I have no means at hand for comparing the nutrition of children in the industrial and rural parts of the county, nor of the children of the uplands with those of the lowlands. Taking the tables as a whole, we are justified in concluding that in nutrition, in acuteness of hear- ing, and the sound state of the teeth, Brecoushire children are better than the average and they are not below the average in other physical conditions.

BUILTH MAGISTRATES—Continued. I The Chairman Yes-is there any increase in drinking ? Mr Vaughan Vaughan No, there is no in- crease, but a decrease. Very few people are brought up now. We now want to adopt a rea- sonable view or work on common ground. Even if they did not think the restrictions were neces- sary in BuiMi and district 'they would gain more weight and consideration at the conference by a reasonable view. Mr Eadie I believe most people would be agreeable to close at 10 o'clock. Dr. Black Jones said he was quite prepared to modify his resolution to the effect that they ap- point Mr C. W. Woosnam their delegate to at- tend the conference and that he should support the restridttion from the present hours to from 8 a.m., till 10 p.m. < Mr T. Willi aims seconded, aiding that he would like to see the closing hour for the country dis- tricts fixed at 9 o'clock. Drunkenness occurred at night in the villa,ges-not in the mornings. Mr Inglis I believe the object of the confer- ence is to get the prevailing views from the dif- ferent divisions of the several counties, and then, if 'possible, arrive -at a fair and happy medium. Mr Vaughan Vaughan, in reply to a question, said they had power to prevent "treating." The Chairman If we could stop people running up what are called "ticks," we should do well. Mr Inglis Nothing can be had in the London clubs after 9 o'clock. This, of course, means ruin to them, bnt they take the matter in the right light, and, as an example, make the sacri- fice. Mr Vaughan Vaughan Treating, I should say, applies mostly to areas where there are soldeirs. I should not be surprised if a general order is issued on "treating." Mr T. Williams suggested they should give their delegate 'a free hand. Mr Inglis We should, perhaps, give him our idea. of 8 a.m to 10 p.m., and then let him use his discretion. The resolution was now agreed to, the chairman observing he would not support any very drastic proposal, that was, having regard to the agricul- tural nature of their division. •