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

IMPRESSIVE BUILTH SERVICE. DEDICATION OF FONT. 1 BISHOP'S CONFIRMATION ADDRESS. A confirmation and dedication service was held at St. Mary's Church, Builth Wells, on Wednes- day. The Bishop of St. David's performed the ceremony, and several other clergy attended. There was also a large attendance of the public. A suitable confirmation hymn was sung, and, following, the Bishop offered prayer. He also gave a short address, in which .he pointed out that all soldiers of Christ were attested ones. Like the soldiers of our country to-day they had sworn they Would do their duty. They had taken a solemn oath that they would serve their king nobly. Duty Was the ruling principle of a soldier's life in Worldly and spiritual affairs. It was the Christ- ian soldier's duty to pray. Prayer was one of the most important duties a Christian had to per- form. About fifty candidates were then confirmed, and this number included representatives from most of the surrounding parishes. The number included thirty boys and twenty girls. I Following the ceremony the Bishop again ad- dressed the congregation. He explained that they required the Holy Spirit more and more, and observed that God had given them four special things for their use. They were air, light, food and work. None of them could do without either of these. If they were deprived of aid for a very short period they would die. God had, therefore, provided plenty of pure air. They should be I grateful to God ?for His mercy, and. whenever they prayed, they should always meditate for a f?B?v moments before they began. It would be well if they thought, of the verses Christ uttered while on Calvary's Cross. They should think where He was now, and that He was the same yesterday, to-day and for ever. Christ's was the way for them to follow, for, as they knew. He had said "I am the way-no man cometh unto the Father but by Me." Relative to light, the Bishop re- marked that this element was absolutely neces- sary. Christ had said. "I am the Light." This Light was to be found in the Bible, and. there- fore, he behoved them to make it a practice to read some portion of the Scriptures daily. Food was also indispensable to them all. Those, who need- ed .spiritual food, should attend Holy Commun- ion as often as they possibly could. The teach- ing mission, which was held in the town some weeks -ago helped greatly in this direction. Work. also, was something they could not do without. Continuing, he said they should all en- deavour to do something to help their church and country in this time of stress. He believed it would not cease until they, as a nation, acknow- ledged the sovereign rights of the Lord. They could be proud of the men who had gone forward and saved their country from destruction. Chris- tian soldiers should also go on active service and take the new point of view as regarded religion. One of the chief fruits of the mission should have been to set them thinking and help them to realise what their duty really was. The British sold- iers, on active service, were in constant danger, but thev -erÐ safe and could meditate without interruption. Finally, he asked for a stronger de- votion to duty, which would result in eternal joy. The .hymn, "Oh Jesus, I have promised," was then sung and this concluded the service.

CHILDREN'S CORNER—Continued. April Competition. Best essay on "Brecknock Beacons" or "Our Local -\Y e Us. Spen ?elementary school-children in Brecon a nd Radnor. 'iSude?ame, address, and age in your con- trfuution. tT SS' will be given as follow -Intelligence, 16?ngl? 80; spelling, 80: and hand-wr?ng, 80. Prizes.-Ist, 2/6; 2nd, 1/6; 3rd, 1/ The essays must not exceed 250 words. The compositions must also be the bonafide work of competitors themselves. The last day for receiving essays will be Satur- day, April 29th, and these should be properly stamped and addressed to Uncle Tom, care of "Brecon and Radnor Express," Brecon.

EXAMINER'S COMMENTS. MARCH ESSAYS. Highly Commended. 13th, Miss Violet Watkins (Crickhowell, aged 13).—This essay was commenced very well, but .rather too much was written about the legends and not enough of the lake itself. Writing was very good and English also good. 14th, Miss Nellie Newlqve (Crickhowell, aged 12).—Writing, very good,, spelling, very good; English, fairly good; and intelligence, very good. 15th, Miss Barbara Jones (Crickhowell, aged 13).—Hand-writing was good. English would have been very good only for a few careless slips. It was a clear, bright essay, but a little more in- formation could have been given about the lake itself. 16th. Master Thomas Allen (Crickhowell, aged 12).—Writing good; English, fairly good; and intelligence, good. The essay could have been more descriptive. 17th, Master Frank Evans (Crickhowell, aged ll).-Spelling, perfect; and English, very good. The competitor bad a good style of writing, but some of the letters were not formed properly. The essay was scarcely descriptive enough. 18th, Master Daniel Oliver Williams (Crickad- arn, aged 12).—A most intelligent essay. Eng- lish was rather weak. Much could have been added to the style of the composition, but, with care. this competitor should soon become a prize- winner. 19th, Miss Marjorie Bruntnell (Crickhowell, aged 12).—A good, bright essay, but the English was rather weak. With a little more care and practice Marjorie should become a good writer, as she has the style. If slie only perseveres she will soon be. a prize-winner. 20th, Miss Gladys Clements (Crickhowell, aged 12).-English was rather weak. If simple sentences were used this difficulty would soon be overcome. In the writing the y" need attention. Always make it a point to finish each letter per- fectly. General intelligence was very good. 21st. Miss Hilda Brennan (Crickbowell, aged 11).—Hand-writing could be firmer-and more de- cided. There was not enough information given of the lake. English was not weak, but careless.

I Brecknocks' Sport. THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE. I PLAY WITH THE THERMOMETER AT 91. Sergt.-Major C. Green, l/lst Brecknockshire Battalion (S.W.B.), Mhow, C.I., writing under date the 25th March, says :— We are now back in barracks, after being broken up for some time. The detachment returned from Erinpura, the re- mainder of the Battalion in from camp, so we are at last able to proceed with the Regimental League (football), there being only a few games required to finish the competition. On the Regi- mental ground, Thursday, 23rd March, Nos. 7 and 8 Platoons (Hay) were at home to Nos. 3 and 4 Platoons (Talgarth). Teanis. Hay Goal, Woodley; backs, F. G. Cooke and H. A. Lewis; halves, Thomas, Bannister and Baldwin; for- wards, Carter, Nash Muddiman, Crompton and R. T. Lewis. Talgarth Goal, Hall; backs, Pugh and Humphries; 'halves, Samuels, C. Price and T. Webb; forwards, E. Webb, J. Davies, A. Webb, :S. Williams and W. Palk. Referee Sergt.-Major C. Green. Bannister lost the toss and had to face the sun, the game opened out very even and was some twenty minutes old when from some short passing on the right A. Webb got the ball between the sticks. Woodley played a great game in goal, saving time and again. Just before this half closed, T. Webb received a pass from Davies and notched the second goal for his side. Some good runs were put in by "D" Company. R. T. Lewis saw a good centre drop just over the bar, and a minute or two later, Muddiman flashed one past the wrong side of the post. Half-time "F" 2; "D" nil. The second half was not quite so good as the first half. A. H. Lewis playing well up the field put "F's" forwards off-side contiunually. "D" were always triers and only for the sound defence and a, little bad luck they should have scored several times. Carter centred well in this half. From a back pass by Palk, A. Webb notched the third point. Some minutes later Davies got his foot to the ball and sent in a hard drive. Some ten minutes later Price received from 25 yards out a.nd sent in a beautiful shot. From the centre kick Davies took the ball from Crompton, ran clean through the defence and scored. The clos- ing minutes saw Price miss practically an open goal 4 yards out. Just before the whistle went for time S. W illiams notched the 7th and last goal of the match. j The game was played with the thermometer re- gistering 91 degrees in the shade. The players seemed to keep much cooler than the spectators. Woodley could not be blamed for the big score against him. In five of the shots the was unsight- I ed. He brought off some remarkable saves. REGIMENTAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE I TABLE. ? c 6 Goals « ¡;¡ 0 ? ? a Teams ? ? ? ? 5 A c -w a M & ■a S <bs o O ? <Q -?  ? H 3 and 4 Platoons 12 12 0 0 59 5 24 I (Talgarth). 9 and 10 Platoons ..12 9 2 1 32 14 20 (Builth) 15 and 16 Platoons 12 6 2 4 24 21 14 i YstradgyTilais) I I and 12 Platooiis 12 5 1 6 27 25 11 (Cefn-Coed). I aiid 2 Platoon,.4 8 3 2 3 15 14 8 (Brecon) 7 and 8 Platoons 9 3 2 1 15 21 7 (Hay; 13 and 14 Platoons 13 1 3 9 17 51 5 (Brynmawr) 5 and 6 Platooi-is I 1 0 1 10 6 37 1 (Crickhowell). AMBALLA "ALL INDIA BOXING I TOURNAMENT." There were a very large number of entries in the above tournament, which has just terminated, the competition lasting ten nights. Some excel- lent sport wa.s provided. Many fights going to an extra round before a decision could be arrived -it. There were 9 entries from the Battalion, Pte. Jones entering both Light's and Welter's. Re- sults Bantam-Weight. I Pte. Tippins got beat in 1st round. I Pte. Jennings got beat in Final. 1 Light-Weights. I Pte. Jones scratched in the 1st round. Pte. Murphy got beat in the 1st round. I Pte. Watkins got beat in the 2nd round. Pte. Hoddinott got beat in the semi-final. Middle-Weights. I Pte. Powell won championship. I Welter-Weights. I Pte. Jones got beat in the 2nd round. Pte. Gregg got beat in the 3rd round. Lance-Sergt. Davies scratched in the 4th round, owing to a bad arm.

Mysterious Complaint. I FOUR DAYS IN BED. I SINGULAR LLANELLY CASE. J At Brynmawr, last week, Thomas William Jones, -colliery labourer, Llanelly, Breoonshire, was summoned by his wife for desertion. Complainant said they were married at the Re- gistry Office, Abergavenny, in June, 1914, and there was one child. For the first three months witness lived with her parents and defendant con- tinued in lodgings, but both had their food at her parents' house. At the suggestion of her hus- band. they went to live together with her par- ents, but defendant would not work half his time, though there was nothing the matter with him. About a month before Christmas he went to bed one Saturday morning, and, apart from a bout an hour-and-a-hal'f, remained there until Wednesday morning. Her mother suggested they shbuld find a place elsewhere, and the defendant packed up all his belongings and went. He had not given her a penny since. Defendant handed in a medical certificate, stating he was unable to follow his employment, but it was pointed- out that it did not set out what he was suffering from. An order of 10/- a week was made. Defendant I want to know where I am to get it from. I am not able to work.

I Trade in Horses. I I HEREFORD SHOW AND SALE. j THE PRIZE-WINNERS. For upwards of eighteen months there has been a severe dra.in on the horseflesh of thes country, mainly occasioned by the war, but there are still some left, as shown by the entry for Messrs. Jack- i son and McCartney's Hereford show and sale on Saturday. In the four sections there was a total entry of 240 animals, the majority being of the some left, and the major portion reflected the utmost credit upon the breeding capacity of the agriculturists of Herefordshire and adjoining counties. This well-known firm of auctioneers are constantly extending the area of their clientele, through sound business methods and a ready mar- ket, and both vendors and purchasers are much indebted for the medium, which is second to none in the horse marts of the West of England and the Midlands. Buyers come from all parts of the British Isles, and they represent the leading manu- facturers, contractors, railway companies, corpora- tions, and other local governing bodies which re- quire strong animals for heavy dray work. The judges were as follows :—Heavy and lurry classes Mr A. McLennan and Mr W. Gumming, representing two large Scotti4h carting contracting firms. Parcel, vanner, and light horse classes Mr Davies, Warrington, and Mr G. Price, The Homme. Ross. They were delighted with the general all-round quality, and did not cavil at the keenness of the competition, which was especially strong in several instances. The Prize List. Class I.—Cart gelding or mare, suitable for town work, 4 years old or over. 1st prize, cham- pion silver cup value P.10, Mr Jones, Yazor Court, bay gelding, 4 years old, 17 hands high; 2. R4, Capt. Hinckes, Mansell Lacy, bay gelding, 5 years old. 17 hands high; 3, £ 2, Mr Stedman. Yarkliill, brown gelding, 5 years old. 16.2 hands; r. Mr James, Lower Broadheath, bay shire mare "Star- light." sired by Cathorpe Damion, the dam being Regina by Regent II. Class II.Gelding or mare, suitable for lurrv work 1, X5, Mr Wathen, Bridge Court, black gelding, 6 years old; 2, £2, Mr Rogers, Mon- achty, brown gelding, 5 years old; 3, £1, Mr Hawkins, Staunton Court, Gloucester, black shire gelding, 6 years old. Class III.—Gelding or mare. suitable for gun- ner or vanner 1,£5, Mr Firkins, Bishop's Froome, brown mare, 4 years old, 15.3 hands; 2, £ 2, Mr Farmer. Withington, brown gelding, 4 years old: 3. £1, Mr Thomas, Kentchurch, chest- nut gelding. 5 years old; r, Mr Farmer, brown mare, 5 years old. Class IV.—Harness or saddle gelding or mare 1, silver cup value t3, Mr Bassett, Cardiff, chest- nut mare, sired by Hywel's Polonius, the dam be- ing Wild Minnie; 2, £ 2, Mr Jones, Yazor, dark brown gelding, 5 years old 3, Cl, Mr Gittoes, Boughrood, black gelding, 4 years old: r, Mrs Allen, Upton Bishop, bay mare, Village Pride, sired by Delham Confidence, the dam being Bet. She had won prizes at the Wrexham, Boutunydd and Aberystwyth shows. Altogether X60 in cash and cups were offered, there being additional prizes of £10 for the best pair of cart geldings or mares, realising 180gs. or over, with second and third prizes of X5 and £2 respectively, and £ 5 for the best pair of saddle geldings or mares realising 120gs. or over. None of the special prizes were won. Mr Colin Maclver, of Blaisdon Hall, sent two beautiful shire fillies, the brown Blaisdon Wy- Lass II.. sired by Moor's Kitchener, the dam be- ing Blaisdon Wy-Lass, winner of many prizes, her progeny not having been shown before, and the bay Blaisdon Queen, sired by Blaisdon King, the dam being Ruddington Glory. This filly won the second prize at the Welsh National Show two years ago. The Sales. The sales were of a highly satisfactory nature, the majority of the animals changing hands. Ap- pended is a list of local vendors, animals a.nd prices :— Cart Geldings and Mares. Light Yaniner and Lurry Horses, Parcei Carters, Etc. Mr Davies, Llowes, brown gelding, 82 gs.; Mr Rogers, Monachty, brown gelding, 2nd prize, 80 gs.; Mr Davies, Whitney-on-Wye, bay geld- ing, 73 gs.; Mr Rogers, Glasbury, bay mare, 68 gs.; Mr Cheadle, Kington, bay gelding, 65 gs.; Mr Prosser, Whitney-on-Wye, bay gelding, 59; Mr Davies. Llowes, brown mare, 58 gs.; and Mr Morris, Talyllyn, dark bay mare, 35 gs. Ponies. Mr Gittoes, Boughrood, black gelding, 3rd prize, 39 gs. For the May 20th show and sale at Hereford the sum of £ 70 is offered in prizes. The best cart gelding or mare wins £ 20. Entries close on Saturday, May 13th.

Lianspyddid Council School. DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES. The annual distribution of prizes for attend- ance, granted by the Education Committee, took place at the Llanspyddid school on the 13th inst. Rev. E. Davies (Illtyd) presided. There were present Mrs W. S. Miller and Miss M. Miller, Rev. and Mrs T. Griffiths, Mrs Davies and Mrs E. Davies, and Miss E. D. Thomas. Very suitable addresses were given by Mrs Miller, Revs. E. Davies and T. Griffiths, interspersed with songs and recitations by the school-children. Mrs Miller, Miss Miller and Mrs E. Davies distri- buted the prizes to the various classes. Mrs Miller also, according to her usual kindness, presented each child on leaving with oranges and sweets, which were highly appreciated. The usual votes of thanks to Mrs Miller for her kindness and generosity and the singing of the National An- them brought a very pleasant afternoon to a close. The following children received prizes :—Class 1. (a), Mary Eluned Price, Elizabeth G. Lewis and Sarah A. Davies; 1. (b), Olwen M. Jones and John J. Prosser; I. (c), Catherine A. Williams, Gwilym Jones and W. R. G. Wil- jiiams; Class II (a), Lena. G. Jenkins; II. (b), Elizabeth A. Jenkins, Maggie fThomas, Wm. C. Hirons, Edwin J. Morgan, Alec. P. Jones and Thomas J. Williams; II. (c), Gwladys A. Pugh, Enid B. Davies, Evan T. Lewis and Howell T. Morgan; Class III. (a), Dorothy M. Fox; III. (b), Mary Thomas; and III. (c), Catherine D. M. Williams, Eleanor M. Probert, Edgar J. Williams, Tudor E. Haines and Alfred Ll. Pugh.

HAY APPOINTMENTS. URBAN COUNCIL'S ANNUAL. LIGHTING ECONOMY. Present at the annual meeting of Hay Urban Council, on the 17th inst., were Messrs. J. Cater, T. E. Jones, D. Morgan, J. Evans, T. J. Stokoe, E. George, Mr R. T. Griffiths (clerk), and Mr J. E. Hiscox (surveyor). Mr Cater was voted to the chair pro-tem. Relative to the inspection chamber in Bear Street, Mr John Morgan said he and the vicar had discovered that a water pipe passed through it. Following discussion, the council directed the sur- veyor to call the Works Committee together to inspect it and report. Mr James Evans proposed, and Mr Cater se- conded, that Mr David Morgan be appointed chairman for the ensuing year, and the proposition was carried unanimously. Mr Morgan thanked the members, remarking he had been associated with the council-one way and another, since 1881. ,Mr Cater proposed Mr James Evans be elected vice-chairman. This was seconded by Mr Stokoe and also carried. Various committees were appointed as follow :— Works and Streets Committee, whole council; Finance Committee, chairman, vice-chairman and Messrs. F. Cadman, J. Morgan, E. Powell, T. J. Stokoe and J. Cater; Water-Works Committee, chairman, vice-chairman, Messrs. E. George, T. J. Stokoe, E. Powell and J. 'Morgan; Markets and Fairs Committee, chairman, vice-chairman, Messrs T. E. James, F. Cadman, J. Cater and E. George; Fire Brigade Committee, chairman, vice-chairman, Messrs. J. Cater, E. Powell, John Morgan and T. E. James; Isolation Hospital Committee, chair- ) man, vice-chairman, Messrs. J. Cater, T. J. Stokoe, F. Cadman and J. Morgan; Horse j Management Committee, chairman and Messrs. E. George and F. Cadman; and Hay Burial Joint j I Committee, chairman, vice-chairman, Messrs. F. Cadman, E. George and J. Morgan. The vicar was thanked by the councillors for his services, as chairman, for the past year. The clerk stated that the Midland Railway Com- pany had appealed against their assessment in most of the parishes in Hay Union. Their ap- peal had been allowed and they now asked for the balance overpaid. The council agreed to pay. The chairman and Messrs. J. ■ Cater, T. J. Stokoe and T. H. James were appointed to ar- range a Welsh Hospital Flag Day. Mr Price's tender for the supply of horse-fodder was accepted. Mr Cater, speaking with regard to the Bon Marche property, said they should bave ma-de ar- rangements to pay so much off each year. He wished to know if they could pay RlO a year? Mr Cater proposed and Mr Evans seconded that the rent be raised £6 per annum, and this was agreed to. The surveyor was instructed to order 4 trucks of stone for Forest Road. One truck of chippings was also allowed. Mr Stokoe brought to the Council's notice the fact that no steps had been taken relative to the lighting of the town, and proposed that the pub- lic lighting be stopped, that people be asked to keep their lights as dull as possible, and that the surveyor go round the town to see that it was carried out. The motion was agreed to.

I Llanwrtyd Wells Chapels. I TEAS AND ENTERTAINMENTS. I SCRIPTURE EXAMINATIONS. On Good Friday teas and entertainments were held at the various chapels at Llanwrtyd. In connection with the C.M. Chapel Sunday School, a very enjoyable afternoon was spent at the Victoria Hall, when a record crowd gathered to partake of tea given by Mr and Mrs Edwards, Temperance Hotel. The tables were beautifully decorated, and were presided over by the follow- ing ladies, viz., Misses Pritchard (Cloth Hall), Misses Richards (Lisburne House), Misses In- gram and Misses Jones (Minyrafon), assisted by other ladies. Oranges and sweets were given td every individual. In the evening a concept was held, Rev. R. Evans presiding. Recitations, solos and dialogues were given by the children, assisted by several adults. During an interval, books were presented by the Young People's Guild to those who 'had regularly attended Sunday school, and, also, for Scripture examination. The result is as follows :—1 'Rhodd Mam," for chil- dren under 9 years of age (possible marks, 50), Beatrice Price 50, Eleri Williams 47, D. J. Phil- lips 47, Haydn Price 44, Willie Sutton 44, Helen Pugh 44, and Cyril Price, 30; children under 12 years (possible marks, 60), Olwen Price 60, Catti Davies 60, Myfanwy Phillips 60, Myf anvk-y Price 59, Katie Price 57, Edith Ingram 57, Mag- gie Davies 55, Todd Pugh 54, W. Cyril Lewis 54, and W. Pugh, 54. 'The following made the full attendance at Sunday school, viz., Misses Olwen Price, Cassie Sutton, Myfanwy Price, Willie Pugh and Beatrice Price. A Bible was given to each. The superintendent (Mr Edgar Pritchard) thanked Mr and Mrs Edwards for their kindness in giving the tea, and also, all those who had as- sisted. A tea was held at the Congregational Chapel, and, in the evening, a concert was given. Rev. R. James presided. The accompanist was Miss Lizzie Williams (The Carlton). The following took part :—Mixed choir (conductor, Mr I. Wil- liams); recitation, Master Bryn Morgan; song, Miss Bessie Parry; recitation, Miss Nora Wil- liams; song, Miss Katie Williams; recitation, Mr Ceridwen Edmunds; song, Mr Emrys Jones; song, Mr Emlyn Davies; duet, Messrs. R. E. Davies and E. Jones; recitation, Miss L. M. Evans recitation, Mr Morgan Jones song, Mr Avan Jones; song, Mr Morgan Thomas; recita- tion, Mr T. Jones; male voice party (conductor, Mr R. E. Davies). The chairman proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the kind artistes for the treat, and Mr Saunders Morgan seconded.

I BY "UNCLE TOM." I • Brecon, April 25th, 1916. My dear nephews and nieccs.-I sincerely trust you enjoyed your Eastertide, and that you will aJl enter April's interesting competition an- nounced ibelow. Essays must reach me by Sa,tur- day, and I am looking forward to bumper posts between now and then. Appended you will see further comments on the efforts of March essayists, and space has been al- lowed for the compositions of the "fourth" and "fifth" (in order of merit), who were very highly commended. With kindest regards to you all. Your affectionate, UNCLE TOM.

A conference of representatives of the counties of Brecknock, Cardigan, Carmarthen, Pembroke, and Radnor was recently held at Carmarthen, to support the Welsh national scheme promoted by General Owen Thomas for safe-guarding the in- terests of Welsh soldiers and sailors during and after the war.

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Health of Builth. Medical Officer's "nnual." SOLUTION TO LOW BIRTH-RATE. CREDITABLE INFANTILE RECORD. Appended is the Medical Ofifcer' s report of Builth Urban area for 1915 :— "To the chairman and members of the Urban District Council of Builth Wells.—Gentlemen, I have the honour of submitting to you my annual report on the public health of the district for the year ended December 31st, 1915. My predeces- sor, Dr. W. W. Baldock Fry, resigned the post of medical officer of health in 1915, since when I have discharged the duties of that office. As the vital statistics for the year. 1914. are, not available, this report is necessarily incom- plete. The number of inhabitants in the district is estimated by the Registrar General to be 1602, and, at the last census, the population was 1710. Births—Table T.Tlie number of births, re- gistered in the district, was 30, of whom 15 were males and 15 females, there being 5 illegitimate births. The birth-rate is 18.72 per thousand in- habitants, and is higher than the average rate for the year. 1910-13, viz., 17.98. but lower than the rate for England and Wales, which wa.s 21.8 in 1915. Deaths—Tables 1. and III.-Tlie number of deaths, registered in the district, was 41. which gives a death rate of 25.59 per thousand inhabi- tants. Six non-residents died in the district and two residents died outside the district, and. al- lowing for these, the total deaths, belonging to the district (i.e.. the. corrected death rate), were 37. or a rate of 25.09. This is much higher than the average for the years 1910-13. which was 14.6. The rate for England and Wales was 15.1 in 1915. This excessive rate is due to the fact that a large number of very old people died in 1915. Of the whole number of deaths (41). there were 20 (or 49 per cent.) deaths of persons aged 65 and upwards. Of those 65 years of age and under 75 there were 6 deaths, of'75 and under 85 there were 8, and of those of 85 years and under 95 there were three deaths. In 1913 there were 8 deaths of persons 65 years of age and over, or 33 per cent. of the total deaths. Builth is a town to which many people retire in their declin- ing years, and this will account not only for the deaths of aged persons, but to some extent for I the low birth-rate. Infantile mortality—Table TV.-It is satis- I factory to have to record that there were no deaths of infants under one year of age. The average for the years, 1910-13, was 2.75 deaths. The in- fantile mortality rate is a very good index of the sanitary condition of a population. Various legislative measures, which have been enacted during the past generation, have materially re- duced this death-rate in the United Kingdom, and it is to be hoped that, in the future, much more will be done to conserve the lives of the com- ing generation. Cases of Infectious Disease—Table II.—There were 41 notifications, of which 36 were for diph- theria, 1 for erysipelas and 4 for tuberculosis. Diphtheria was very prevalent in the urban dis- trict in the winter of 1914-5. and, also, in the adjoining hamlet of Oaklands, which is in the rural district of Builth. During the first quarter of 1915, 14 cases were notified in the urban dis- trict, of whom two died, but, in the autumn, a fresh outbreak occurred, when 22 cases were noti- fied, but there were no deaths. During the latter epidemic, the methods adopted to deaJ with the outbreak were as follow :—(1) The Council sohool was visited by the Medical Officer of Health daily, and the throats of all the children were examined, and. in suspicious cases, swabs were taken and a bacteriological examination made, a few cases of infection being at once recognised; (2) the homes of all absent children were visited and the. cause of absence ascertained, and again infectious cases were discovered; (3) the infected children were isolated in their homes as far as possible. and. in certain cases, prophylactic doses of antitoxin were given to other inmates: (4) swabs were taken from the infected children, and they were kept isolated until, after repeated ex- aminations, it was found that the infecting or- ganism was absent, the infection in one case lasting for nine weeks; and (5) children in the school were not allowed to drink out of the com- mon mugs or use the water taps. All the cases were mild, so that after a few days' illness the patients felt perfectly well and it was difficult to persuade the relatives that the children were still a source of danger to the public. If Swabs hool not been taken from these children, they, no doubt, would have been allowed to mix with others before they were free from the disease, and others would inevitably have become infected. It is probable that some child, who had suffered from diphtheria in the winter epidemic, still had the germs of the disease in his throat and thus acted as a "carrier. The public drains were all examined and found to be in excellent condition. The sanitary inspector, Mr W. J. Morris, re- ports that he made 300 visits. He found 13 nii sances. all of which were abated. He also disinfected 20 premises after cases of infectious diseases.—I have the honour to remain, gentle- men, vours obediently. W. Black Jones. Medical Officer of Health. 23rd March, 1916."

Colwyn Tribunal. FARMER AND HIS SONS. At Colwyn Tribunal, on the 17th inst., Major I Aubrey Thomas (military representative) said that the Radnor AppeaJ Committee, after dealing with the case of Worthing, Hirnant (an appeal I from the Elan Valley), said the father, Mr Wor- thing, Dolgorred, would have opportunity to select between two or three brothers. To deal with the case he would have to ask for perm I ssion to review the certificates of the two eons at home, who had been awarded "absolutes." Mr Worthing said he was quite willing as he would prefer to spare his son, Charlie, than the one up the Valley, who was acting as shepherd. He did all the sharing at Dolgorred, and had to bring the sheep down for that purpose. He kept over 1,000 sheep at Hirnant, and sheared them at the end of July, and could not manage with- out his sons till after the shearing. The tribunal varied the certificate of Charlie from an absolute, to the 31st of May, which would mean July 31st, he being an unattested I man. I Mr William Da vies. Forest Farm, Hundred House, appealed for an exemption on behalf of I Ivor Price, being one of two men of military age on his farm, and absolute exemption was granted. Alderman William Price, Glanwve, appealed on behalf of Price Charles Powell, waggoner, at Blaenmeilow, for exemption, and temporary ex- emption to August 15th was granted. Mr Matthews, Howey, appealed on behalf of I his (baker, William Davies, stating he baked from 800 to 900 loaves of bread every week, and I that he himself was unable to do the work, neither could lie get any one above military age. A con- ditional certificate was granted. j Lloyd Price. Llansantfread House, made a per- sonal appeal for exemption to May 13th, being the end of his year. The Tribunal refused < to vary the certificate already granted to April 21st. but Ma jo rThomas promised that he should j have another ten days before he was called up.

Every box of ENGLAND'S GLORY" Matches used means MORE WORK for Britiso Work-people.—Moreland. Gloucester. Furnish your Home Direct from the Makers. Furniture, Save Middlemen's Profits. E' !• Bedsteads, Mil ""fir EpTjJ  L e a est  r" Cornets ?? are the Largest Furniture i???????m ??L? ,??     ?.-??  Linoleum and Manufacturers in the Provinces ■_ ?i?E???I?==J?S??- .i Drapery. doing Direct Trading. O?jj?0Jh F   China, Glass? illle r/ I JRf tt?B? eddt. ogof?eMry I Station Road, BUILTH WELLS. V— 1

VERY HIGHLY COMMENDED. I ELAN VALLEY WATERWORKS. I To the west of Rhayader are the high Cwm- dauddwr Hills, and. through the valleys, run the rivers Elan and Claerwen. These have been taken over by the people of Birmingham for their water- supply. The land in the Elan and Claerwen dis- trict is very poor and has very few inhabitants, but has pure water running in its streams, so it was very well suited for gathering the water. The area taken over is about 71 square miles. There are six reservoirs altogether, but all of them have not been completed. The drive through the valleys is very beautiful, and there are excellent roads alongside the reservoirs. Even before the lakes were made Shelley wrote of the scenery as "divine. The nearest point to the reservoirs is only four miles away from Rhayader. In going to see the lakes we pass the Elan Valley Hotel, and the nea,t little village to house the workmen. On our right are some of the great filter beds. Only a short distance farther is the largest of the reser- voirs. It is formed by a dam which is a large mass of brick-work. Under the deep water is the site of a Baptist Chapel. The Birmingham Waterworks supply of water runs near to where I live. It runs near Nantmel, through the Vron, near Penybont, Dolau and Knighton. The pipes often burst near Knighton. I read of a burst that happened there in the paper about a week ago.—Master John Jones, Llan- dewy &hoo1, Penybont, aged 13. I LLANGORSE LAKE. I Llangorsc Lake is the largest sheet of water in South Wales. It lies in a, hollow about six miles from Brecon. The nearest station to it is Taly- llyn Junction. The lake was explored in 1867 by Rev. E. N. Dumbleton. M.A., and lie has given valuable in- formation about it. Within a short distance of the low shore on the north end of the lake is a small island nearly square in shape and about 90 yards round, now covered with trees and brus-h-wood. j People believe that, at one time, a lake-dwelling j existed here. Bones of the horse, pig and red- deer. fragments of pottery and a stone, bearing marks of tools on it, were found in the island, all of which prove that there was here a human dwell- ing. It is very likely that the surface of the lake was lower then than it is now. Many also think there is a sunken city beneath the lake. The scenery around the lake is very beautiful. On the east the hills of Llangorse rise with the peak, called Mynydd 'Troed, forming the north end Looking past this we see the Black Mcun- tains and the fine country around Talgarth. The river Llynfi, which rises in the hills to the south, flows through the lake and out at the other end, and joins the Wve at Three Cocks. The lake is two miles long, one broad, and a walk around it would mean five miles.—Miss Lilian M. G. Williams, Council School, Upper Chapel, aged 10. Acknowledgments. "lihulan School, near Builth Wells, April 19t,h, 1916.—Dear Uncle Tom,—Many thanks for postal order for 2/6, which I received to-day. I am very pleased to find that I am the successful winner of the first prize.—With best wishes, from your af- fectionate niece, Gwendoline." "Cefngarth Farm, Gwenddwr, near Erwood, April 20th, 1916.-Dear Uncle Tom,—I have re- ceived the P.O. for 1/6, which you awarded me for my essay in March competition. I wish to thank you very much for it.—I am, your affection- ate niece. Hilda May Morgan." "The School, Upper Chapel, near Brecon, 19/4/16.—Dear Uncle Tom,-Tkanks very much for P.O. of 1/ which I received this morning and which was third prize in the March competi- tion. Thank you also for your kind congratula- tions. Very best wishes.—I remain, your affec- tionate niece, Eleanor G. Evans."