Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder

BIRCH GROVE. Seaman Edward J. Parson, of H.M.S. • received a warm welcome home on furlough by the Birchgrovians on Monday evening. County Councillor T. J. Richards. on behalf of the Reception Committee, pre- sented Mr Parson with a Treasury note. The recipient suitably responded. Brief ad- dresses were delivered by Councillor T. IV- Watkins Mr. Edward H. Thomas (school- master) anj the chairman (Councillor Jas. Morris). Others who contributed to tha prosramm Katie HoweJls, Miss Linda, Morgans, lirfss Miriam Thomas. Miss Gretta Edwards, Mr .J :c k Jones i Morris- ton), Mv. Philip Ley, arifl Air. Wil I- Jas. Morris. The Birchgrove Children's Choir -imng the National Anthems of the Allies.

MAESTEG. I At a meeting of the Maesteg Lodge of the Colliery Examiners' Association an appeal was read by Mr. Arthur Hollietfer from the Caerau Ambulance Corps for funds to provide for maintaining the beds provided in South "Whales for wounded sol- diers, and it was decided to forward a cheque of £6 lis. Mr. W. Jenkins, Glyn- corrwg, presided. This is another ex- ample of the association^ generosity.

PORTHCAWL. I R. Donovan, Porthcawl, was summoned ar Aberavon on Monday for travelling on the Great Western Railway without a ticket on December 11th. Ticket lollector, Rawlins said that defendant tendertd a ticket dated the previous day. When | spoken to lie said he had no time to take ] a ticket out. He was fined 10s.

SKEWEN. Among the socials and watchnight ser- vices held at Skwen Were those at Horeb (Welsh Baptists), Mount Pleasant (Eng- list Baptists), and English Wesley. The report of the Skewen and Neath Abbey Nursin g Association for DMIE? 1b?,r, 1915, is as follows:—General ca.,set; on books. December 1st. IS; ditto, December 31 st. 17; result: convalescent or improved. 13; deaths, 4. New general cases m11, 15; sent by doctors, ] applied, 1; visits paid, 367. Midwifery branch: Confine- ments hooked during month. 8; confine- nwnts attended, 9: still on books, 213; Visits paid 159; midwiferv fees, X2 1&. Ge1. At the recent first-aid examination, con- ducted by Dr. D. Llewelyn Davies, Neath, members of the Skewen detachment of the British Red Cross Society paased as. follows (instructor. Dr. D. Siimiiel):-i First certificates: Messrs. E. Abraham. A. Daviee, D. J. Davies, D. LJ. Davies. G. Davies, L. Davies, T. Edwards, S. Gibbs, W. Kirk, H, Poole. W. H. Poole. W. H. PoTa?l, D. Richards, W. I'l?r J. Taylor, I. Davies, R. Gardiner, E.. C. Trott, F. Walker. E. Joshua, J. Richards, j W. J. Howells, R. Thomas, D. J. Davies, J B.A., T. Morris. Second certificates:! Messrs. W. J. Evans, ft. Griffiths, n. Griffiths, J. John, T. Williams. Pro- ficiency badges: Messrs. F. Bialkwill, T. Clarke, G. Lloyd, R. Price. D. J. Thomas, T. W. Thomas, E. Trott, J. H. Cole, D. J. Bowen, W. Davies, W. J. Florence. This detachment, which is most efficient, has volunteered for any service which the War' Office may deem neces- sary, and is at present in training for conveying the wounded from Court Sart Station to the new Neath Infirmary. At Skewen, on Monday evening, at the close of the usual Volunteer Training Corps drill. Company Commander F. R. Way distributed the prizes to the winners in the Christmas shooting competition, as per list already published. At the close, Sergeant-Major Cole proposed, and Sergt. Jones seconded, a hearty vote of thanks to the officers and the donors of prizes I generally for their kind interest in the I platottn, which was carried with aeclama- tih.

I SCARCITY OF FARM LABOUR. I At a meeting of the Carmarthenshire War Agricultural Committee, at Carmar- then, on Tuesday, Mr. Ben Evans (Pen- cstder) presiding, reports were considered from the various district sub-committees in the county emphasising the great scarcity of farm labour, and in some in- stances pointing out that it would be im- possible to maintain production with the farms understaffed, as at present. Sug- gestions were made for the employment of women labour and the relaxing of school regulations so as to enable children to be releaised to assist on the farms. The Llanelly committee stated that they had decided to ask the parish councils to make a boUse-to-house canvass in the rural districts so as to see how many men and women were prepared to work on farms. Rev. Wm. Thomas (Llanboidy) said women in the towns were not much good for farm work, and they should canvass the women who had been brought up in the country. Farming was skilled work. Mr. W. Harris (Llanarthney) said it would be more difficult to canvass women to undertake farm work than to canvass niel to join the colours. The Chairman said the scarcity of labour prevailed to some extent, but in a good many parts of the country he did not think it was very noticeable. The scarcity was more pronounced in the dis- tricts contiguous to the industrial centres. Mr. John Jones (Pontardulais) sug- gested that something should be done to control farm labour. In his district there were farms with three or four sons, but if the farmer had to pay for labour, two or three men would be found to suffice. Men who did not join the Army, should be asked to join the army of labour, and go to farms where they were wanted. Resolutions were passed asking that every occupier of a farin should be starred as being absolutely essential to the carrying on of the farm; that the school pge of children in the county 1)1. reduced during the war from 14 to 12, so as to relieve a good many from farm work, such children being recommended to attend evening classes, and that appli- cation be made to the Board of Agricul- ture for demonstrations in the county of labour-saving implements. It was decided that the secretaries (Mr Daniel John. B.Sc., and Mr. H. Jones- Davies) should address meetings ou the question of food production in different parts of the county.

SAVE YOUR HAIR AND BEAUTIFY IT I WITH "DANDERWE." Dandruff Disappears and Hair Stops Coming Out. Try This! Hair gets Beautiful, Wavy and Thick very quickly. If you care for heavy hair, that glistens with beauty and is radiant with life; has an incomparable softness and is fluffy and lustrous, try Danderine. Just one application doubles the beauty of your hair, besides it immediately dis- solve every particle of dandruff; you cannot have nice, heavy, healthy bair if you have dandruff. Titia destructive scurf robs the hair of its lustre, its strength, and its very life, and if not over- come it produces a feverishnees and itchirig of the scalp; the hair roots famish, loosen, and die; then the hair falls out fast. If your hair has been neglected and is thin, fadStl, dry, scraggy or too oily, get a bottle of Danderine, apply a little as directed, and ten minutes after you will say this was the best investment you ever made. Sold by all chemists and stores lin and 2/3. No increase in price. We sinter elf: believe, regardless of Everything else advertised, that if you desire soft, lustrous, beautiful hair and lots of it-no dandruff—no Itching scalp and no more falling hair--vou must use Knowlton's Danderine. If eventually— why not now?

A large quantity of timber, copper bolts and other materials has been washed ashore at Crymlyn Burrows during the oast few daj«s.

OMNIBUS NOTES 1 The late Mr. Keir Hardie left personal property valued at E426. Sir Alexander Henderson, oae of the New ¡ Year Peers, will take the title of TVjrd Faringdon At Pentonville Prison, Lee Kun, a Chinaman, was executed for the murder of Elsie Goddard at Limehouse. Forty-six British missionaries belonging to the Universities Mission are still prisoners in German East Africa. ) The women I-K-st-nien of Norwich include one who has had a distinguished university career and has taken the B.A. degree. The inquest upon Inspector Brian, of the Metropolitan Police, who was found sbct in his house at Britton, wCl be held by the Ijainbeth coroner. News has reached Glasgow that a Ross-shire factor, his wife, and three chil- dren have been killed in an accident. No details are yet to hand. A band oi women bellringem, who, under the instruction of a ringer ineligible for the Army have become experts, rang in the New Year at Pen it Church, Bucks. The whcei of a four-wheeled gig slipped down the conduit slot of th? tramway lines in Westminster Bridge-road, London, on Wednesday, and delayed tha cars for seme time. Lord Braesey hAs given to India hifi famous steam yacht Sunbeam, which is lying at Bombay fitted as a, hospital ship. The Vicerby has expressed his warmest gratitude. While on his way to wort at Waltham Abbey on Monday morning, Samuel Berry, a munition worker, caught by a sudden gust of wind, was blown into the river Lee and drowned. Mr. Thomas Gibson Bowlos has decided to seek election for St. George's, Hanover- square, in succession to Sir A. Hender- son, who has vacated the seat on his elevation to the peerage. The massive flagstaff, a gift from Bri- tish Columbia, which is to be placed in Kew Gardens, was towed up the Thames on Monday from Limehouse, and is now lying alongside the bank. Starting to walk into Exeter after a hearty dinner at his home, Mr. W. Beer. of Rolls Bridge Farm, was found lying dead in the hedge at the top of a steep hill ¡ fifteen minutes afterwards. Messrs. David Mclver and Co.. of Liver- pool, announce the arrival at Montevideo of their steamer GaSoony. Some wreckage believed to belong to the vessel was re- cently picked up by a coastguard. Sir Lrgl oott Bobertson. K.C.S.I., Liberal M.P. for Central Bradford since 1006, died at his residence in London, It, Cheyne-walk, Chelsea, on Sunday, from heart failure. He was in his 64th year. I More thfUl 2,000 students in London and the province- have been taught Russian directly or indirectly by the Russia Society and its teachers during the last few months, and it is hoped greatly to increase the jjumber. The X-rav equipment of the No. 1 Canadian Hospital at the front is now being utilised in experiments directed being litili.,?ed iD. e, towards the cure of frozen feet, and sur- geons believe the experiments will prove to be a success. The youngest major in the British Army is said to be Major Greg .son, of the 3,3rd Monmouthshire Regiment, 11 I stationed at Oswestry. He was promoted to that rank when he was under twenty- three years of age. Archdeacon NN-Iittkins, of Durham, speak- ing at a meeting in the diocese, said he had asked Lord Bryce if his report on the German atrocities was true, and the reply was that they had not dared to pub- lish all the terrible facts. After making a tour of the world when 70 years of age and visiting the We6t Indies and Brazil when 85, Mr. John n'l Meredith, one of the oldest freemen of the Citv of London was buried at Norwood on Saturday in his 95th year. A Russian picture dealer, Nicolas Ria- bouchinsky, of Moscow, ha6 arrived in New York with thirty famous paintings. valued at L-WOIOOO, from the collection of the late Count outousoff, which are to be sold in ot-der to bitt munitions of war. If ther-5 are any considerable number of Jews who ought to be with the colours but are lagging at home, we shall welcome the measures that -may be devised to compel them to a duty for which they ought to have vohinteered," says the 'Jewish World." It is now obligatory for every stranger arriving in 8I spia to present his passport at the local^ioiice station, with details as to his business and ultimate desti- nation, before the expiration of eight hours. Infractions of this law are punished with imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year'. It is no wish of mine," said Bishop Welldon at Manchester Cathedral, that actors and actresses should cease to prac- tise their art in time of war. On the con- trary, I think the nation needs some re- lief. if only occasionally, from the over- shadowing darkness which hangs like a pall over so many homes." Of the 1,224,162 males between the ages of eighteen and sixty who have been re- corded in the Australian war census, 775,419, or 63.34 per cent., have been classed as "fit," 380.232, or 31.06 p" cent., ds "doubtful." and 68,511, or 5.60 per cent., ae unfit." Just under 41 per cent, were single men and 56.62 per cent. married men. Before the war it used to be said that Lord Kitchener had only one ambition left to be satisfied—to be Appointed Viceroy of India. The post becomes vacant in March, and will be about the last oppor- tunity likely to present ite-elf on which he can hope to realise this ainbition.- I/ondon Opinion." Mr. Christopher Horne. of Ashton- under-Lyne, a Crimea and Mutiny veteran, has made four recent attempts to re-enlist in the Army. He is as hale and hearty as many a man of forty, but his papers show that he first: joined the old 31st Regiment of Foot sixty-nine years ago and that he was then fourteen years old. Rendered deaf. dumb, and blind at Fes- tubert. Corporal Joseph Freckleton, 7th King's Liverpool Regiment, gradually re- covered his sight and hearing, but re- mained dumb until December 31 when, after dancing at a wedding at which he was best man, he yawned, and recovered hi3 full speech. He then sang a song, to the pleasure of the wedding party. It is impossible not to bo truck by the change in Mr. Lloyd George's appearance of late. Ho now looks very much more than his age, and this effect is heightened by his flowing grey locks, for which he hae such a strange affection. The geniality of his manner has also given way to a hasty impcriousness and an ii-tability to tolerate opposition—evidently the results of prolonged nervous strain and overwork. —" London Opinion." It now transpires that Fred Dyer, the well-known Cardiff boxer, who recently left Australia for the United States, is forced to retire from boxing, owing to an old injury i-bakir-g its reappearance. Dr Bullock furnishes him with the follow- iag certificate :_u This is to certify that Mr. Fred Dyer has displaced the semi- circular cartilage of the right knee-joint, and it will render him unfit to enter into any strenuous physical exercise." Surgly amongst those to be high exalted when better times dawn should be a widow in Wellington, New Zealand. On applying for a pass to enable her to be on the wharf when one of the recent re- inforcements left the capital cdty she was asked: "Are you next-of-kin to a soldier?" She answered simply: Yes, I have only one left. I had eight boys. seven have already gone, four are killed, three are wounded, and now I am sending my last. L There is onlr me/' i

SWANSEA. I Friday.—Before Messrs. GwiJym Morgan, I Dd. Griffiths, J. Devonald, and Dr. Nelson Jones. t John Jones, labourer, admitted having been drunk and incapable in a lane off Alexandra-road, on Thursday night, and was fined 5s. Thoma^f Cadogan was citarged with being a deserter from the 3rd Battalion Welsh Regiment since December 1st. He wa sremanded to await an escort. William Thomas wae charged with being a deserted from the 12th Welsh Regiment since August 2nd. He also wa.s remanded to await an escort. The Chairman $aid the magistrates l thought the oncers in both the dca&rting ) cases were to be commended for their smart work, and awarded them 108. each. Monday.—Before Messrs. Richard Martin, j. H. Rosser, H. Goldberg, J. W. Jones, J. Wignall, and T. Williams. Mary Ann Davies, and Thomas H. Phillips, a sugar boiler, were each fined 10s. or seven days for drunkenness. Henry McDowell, labourer, had to pay 20s. for' drunkenness and indecency in William-lane on January 1st. John Shea, of the 5th Welsh, was charged with having been drunk and dis- orderly, and with assaulting P.C. Wil- liams. The officer said defendant struck him in I the mouth and face. With the assistance of a civilian, he was conveyed to the police station. Defendant was fined 40s. or a month. James Payne, 3rd Battalion Welsh Regiment; George Harris, 23rd Battalion Welsh Pioneers; Edward Hoare, 3rd Battalion Welsh Regiment; Dd. Griffiths, I 2nd 1st Brecknock Battalion—all ab- sentees—were remanded to await escort. Stephen Jonos, cabinet maker, who had been drunk and disorderly in Richardson- street. was fined l(te. Harold McKew was summoned for using obscene language, samples of which were handed to the magistrates.—The Chairman said they were determined to put down this sort of thing, and fined defendant 20s. Samuel Ernest Jeffreys, hairdresser, was charged with failing to enter in his register particulars of two Belgian atien., who stayed at his house, 15, Martin- Ktreet.—He pleaded that he was unaware or the necessity for doing 00, and was fined 10s. Ernest Morgan, driver, was summoned for assaulting his sister-in-law, Franees Morgan, wife of William Morgan. She said he had struck her and kicked her. This defendant denied. Both parties were bound over to keep the peace. Tuesday.—Before Messrs. J. W. Jones, W. Lewis, J. Devonald* R. Lewis, and D. Meager. Thomas Gillespie, engineer, was fined 7s. 6d. for having been drunk and dis- orderly in Thomas-street, St. Thomas, on January 3rd. Edward Jenkins, labourer, and Thomas Simmonds, labourer, charged with allow- ing their sons to street trade, one of the sons being nine, years of age, and the other not wearing his badge, were dis- missed on promising not to let it occur I again. Sophia Hurlow was charged with using obscene language in a bedroom of a house in Northampton-lane, and was fined 10s. She had her head out of a window, and Jcwo special constables heard her, and handed up to the chairman samples of the language. Harry Morgan, dock labourer, was charged with assaulting Lena Caiii on October 20th. Sho said he had lieaten her and gi a her a black eye. It was. she said, the after-effects of a judicial decision last autumn. Defendant said he had done nothing but pass the door, and I they ran after him with a poker. They had a grievance against him because lie wouldn't join the Army; He was, he said, working under Government. They were always abusing him and rsing offensive language. Defendant's landlord told how lie had pulled defendant in when they Wero after him with a poker. He was compelled to keep his doors closed day and night because of complainant's people. The Chairman said they were not satisfied with the evidence, and dis- missed the case. Wednesday.—Before Mr. A. H. Thomas, J. H. ltosser, and Mr. Harries, Pont- ardulais. i Alice Williams, who pleaded guilty to riotous conduct in High-street, had been charged with drunkenness some time ago, and promised to leave the town. She got only as far as Aberavon, when she was locked up, and sent to prison for a month. She was again gent to prison for a month. William John Owen and William Mort, labourers, were each fined 15s. for having been drunk and disorderly on Christmas Day in t.he parish of Llangyfelach. William Brice and John John, charged with using threatening language, were each fined 10s. Thursday.—Before Dr. J. A. Rawlings. Messrs. Lovat Owen and B. Jones. Wm. Fitzgerald and Wm. Morris, fire- men, and Patrick Collins, trimmer, were charged with stealing and receiving a case of Blue Cross safety matches from near B Warehouse, King's Dock, value IC6, the property of Sidney Watkins, on June 5. They were remanded till Mondav. Karl Henning, charged with having been drunk and incapable in Bath-lane on Wednesday night, was fined 5s. John Thomas Meese, cook, an absentee from one of his Majesty's ships since Jilly [1st. told Detective Eynon, when arrested, that he was very sorry, And was going I back next day. He was ordered to be taken on board ship.

PONTARDAWE. Friday.-Before Messrs. G. H. Strick, F'II E. Phillip&, D. T. Williams, and H. J. Powell. Richard Vowlee, mason, Clydach, was summoned by his wife Mary for persistent cruelty. Mr. R. A. Joues appeared for complainant. The ease was adjourned for a fortnight to see if the parties could eOnie together. Thomas Jories, collier, Gwaun-cae- Gurwen, wag summoned for neglecting his two children, who were chargeable to the Union. Diivid Jenkins said defendant's whereabouts had not been known for some time.—Defendant said that lie only came out of Carmarthen Jail last Feb- ruary, and if he had been an old jailbird I he had now turned over a new leaf. He bad worked on a transport. He had also I done a few good job for his country. He w?a? quit? prepared to support hi6 chil- dTeD and he wa? willing to enlMl.—The case was adjourned. David Ma?on. a fu?man. of Ynismeudw. [ was fLned Sl for stealing three oennywortt? of coal, the property of Messrs. Gilbertson 1 and Co.—P.C. Hughes gave evidence.

SI m n E Alft ACRIFICES SBME SACRIFICES ENSURE SUCCESS] Does it pay to offer Suits under cost price P It Does if the quality of the cloths is backed up with exclusive cut and style, and the suits are well tailored by expert hands. §1 n c r e a sed patronage from   ?*?? numerous recommendations ?? ,?? in the period which follows JL? *?? the sacrifice of profits, ??r?  B?\ makes up for ?\ ? f?\ losses entaHed ? ? \?N J? by offering ? m ?/ suits at less ?f?/lM) \t/ than cost price. ??'?' ? THAT'S ??i?S?i? D WHY.. P' ??by?? PALMER'S t OFFERING ?! ?? 500 50 Suitings  ,r- (, ????    s -f ? ? 30/- ???§?? ? f M ? <B t ????? ?m JB F i-i t   ?B? ???/ ?"  J to measure. N? to the first 500 customers during our you m B MUST NOT DELAY YOUR SALE VISIT TO SECURE ONE ??m?N? M OF THESE EXTRAOR- ?A?M?TmT??HNB_ __Nt tNtt? DINARY BARGAINS AND SAVE 20 Commencing Saturday. THESE SUITINGS Are new designs in Brown Tweeds, Oxford Greys, and Light Yorkshire Tweeds. Worsteds, aud Cashmeres in Brown and Grey. Order YOURS SAVE 20/ yo-?orro!? ?Mcf Os\i mu ZAJf RALIERSY 12 Castle St. SWANSEA'S SAIARTEST TAILOR,

LLANSAWEL. I Thi" monthly Petty Sessions at Llan- sawel was held before Mr. Morgan Davies, Froodvaie; Mr. Meuric Lloyd, D^lfryn; Mr. Davies, Gelly; Mr. T. Roes, Glan-i rafonddu; Mr. Williams. Pen arreg; and Mr. T. Williams, Cwmllynfe. A protection order was granted Mre. Sarah Thomas re the Cart and Horses Inn, Rhydycymerau. Alfred Taylor, of North Bank. Lam- petx-r, was summoned for drunkenness. Defendant, who did not appear, was fined 5a. Mr. William Thomas. Tremafon House, Pumpsaint, charged Isaac Davies, Bwlch- yeo-ed House, with assault. The offence was alleged to have taken place on the 2nd December. Complainant now in- formed the Bench that subject to their Worships' approval, the case had been settled out of court. The Bench consented to the withdrawal of the summons.

YSTRADGYNLAiS. I At Ystridgymlais I-Iolice Court on Tues- day, before Mr. Morgan Price and others, it was announced that February 8th had been fixed as the annual Licencing Day. Ivor Evans, collier, Hhiwfawr, was summoned for travelling on the Midland Railway on November 27th without a ticket. —P .C. Edward Morgan gave evi- dence of seeing defendant alighting from a train at Gwyc, and walking up the line. A fine of £1 was imposed.

AN AMAZING CHARGE. I At Bow-street on Wednesday extradi- tion proceedings against Robert Mills Simpson (48), surgeon, a lieutenant- colonel of the Canadian Army Medical Corps, were further adjourned for a week, the necessary documents not hav- ing arrived. Accused was charged under the Fugi- tive Offenders' Act with stealing and re- ceiving 100,000 dollars, belonging to the King, in the Province of Manitoba. Mr. Walter Frampton stated that accused could in no sense be regarded as a fugitive. For twenty-five years he had held very high positions in Winnipeg. He was at a loss to know how the charge on which he was arretted came to be made— a charge of conspiring with a number of equally well-known public persons. There could be no question of any attempt to escape. Bail was allowed in S500.

LONDdN CITY AND MIDLAND BANK I The directors of the London City and Midland Bank, Limited, report that the profita for the year ending ;31-*4t December last, including £ 421,285 brought forward, anaount to' £ 1,552,262. They rec-ommend a dividend for the last six months at the rate of IS per cent, per' annum payable on the 1st February next, which, with the interim dividend at the same rate paid in July last amounts, less tax. to « £ 7+5.8A4. applying < £ 642.S6# to writing down invest- ments, £ 30,000 to building redemption fund, and £ 20.000 to officer?' pension fund. leaving Æ113.. 10 be carried forward. The dividend for the year 1911 was At the same rate. £ 2fl.ftfift wa? applied to officers' pension fund, anii jC421,285 carried forward.

MEASURING THE EARTH. Professor H. H. Turner continued hi. lecture to juveniles on "Wireless Measures from the stars" at the Royal Institution on Tuesday, and delighted the children. with experiments showing how the lrize of the earth and other bodies is measured. He quoted Gulliver's account of how the, Lilliputians made his clothes, the seam- stresses making a mathematical calcula- tion—" twice round the thumb, once found, the waist." and so on-and with the aid of his old shirt providing him with a i new one This," explained Professor Turner,. in pretty much what we do with the earth. We measure a small piece like the thumb, and we have to depend on mathe- matical calculations. Of eouree/' ho added, amidst laughter. we haven't got an old earth for a pattern." After many centuries of hard work only a small portion of the earth had been. surveyed. It might not lie that the earth was a sphere or orange—indeed, there wero many indications that it was set. The surveys ought to be very much more complete, and RIO: we had no old shirt to go by we did not really know whether we were constructing an earth by these sur- veys which was quite accurate. Pointing to a white cap on a drawing of Mars on the sc reen, he said genially that quite possibly it was ice, and added—to everyone's delight—that it was alco just possible that Martian Polar explorers were making similar investigations to those being made by Sir Ernest Shackle- ton at that moment. There was cheering at that. At another point Profeafor Turner made an unexpected confession of the failure to solve the problem of why the ran appears to be larger when low on the horizon. There was no doubt, he admitted, that it looked very appreciably larger, but so far no adequate explanation of this had been, found. Some people thought that fhe, illusion was e to the comparison, pos- sible when the sun was low, between it and other objects, such as tand build- ings. But such a comparison, in these- days of high buildings, oould equally well be made when the etm was high. Other theories, such as the effect of atmosphere, were quickly dismissed, itnd the size of the run as it appears at the end of a street or sinking beneath a hill, w left a mystery.

k BRYNCOCH. I A large concourse of people assembled st the funeral on Monday of Private Isaiah Edwards (R.A.M.C.). whose death from dysentery was recently reported in our columns. The remains, enfolded in the Union Jack, were conveyed to Dyffryn Churchyard by a detachment of the Neath V.T. Corps, under the direction of Sergt.- Major Percy, who were preceded by the firing party, formed from A Company of the 50th. Provisional Battalion, com- manded by Sergt. T. Rees. The officiating clergy were the Rev. J. C. Thomas (vicar of Dyffryn) and his colleague, tho Rev. A. R. Davies. The usual Welsh and En?l?sh hymns wero sung, and the church organist, Mr. Joseph Thomas, played a requiem and the Dead March" in Saul." After the Benediction, three volleys were fired over the open ivy-lined grave, and the Last Post of the bugler followed. The mourners included the widowed mother (MIa. Eleanor Edwards), Messrs. Morgan and Tom Edwards brqthere.), Mrs. W. Bailey, Mrs. J. Bailey, Misses Rose and Doltt-e Edwards, and Mrs* Caesie Pipe (sisters), Messrs. W. and T. Bailey' (brothers-in-law), and Mrs. D. and T. Ed.wards (sisters-in-law). Amongst the wratlli; was one from the Bryncoch Soldiers' Reception Committee.

BRITONFERRY. I Miss Ethel Morris, of 24, Church-street, I Biitonferry, and Miss Lilian Jones, 26, Church-street, Britonferry, both passed the Higher Division R.A.M. and R.C.M. exaiiiination in piaji^f-ofte playing re- cently held at Swansea. These young -ladies are pupib, of Mr. Edgar Morrip, Short-street, ('url Sart, and reflect credit on both pn-il,, and teacher. At a recent examination held in con- nection with the Associated Board of the R.C.M., Olive Prosser, of Dulais Jlouse, Rockinglmm-terrace, Britonferry, was successful in obtaining a ccrtificate I in the rudiments of music, and has again now passed with a high percentage of marks and gained the certificate, local centre, intermediate grade, in pianoforte I' jdaying." This young lady. who is a pupil of Mr T. Hopkin Evans. Mus.Bae., Neath, is now the possesor of five certificates from the Associated Board, and a brilliant future is in store for ,her as a. musician. The Christmas dinner table envelope collection at Briton-ferry on behalf of the in Belgium, which has just been completed, is expected to realise a,bout. When the deputy doekmasfcer of Briton- ferry Dock was passing along the dock- Jside on Sunday morning about 16 o'clock, he noticed the body of a man lying on the slag bank near the water's edge. Police Inspector Morris was called, and the man was identified as Edward Brock, 35 years of age, copperworker, of 3, Neath- road, Britonferry. Deceased leaves a wife (and six children.

CWMAVON. I Bibles, Testaments, and Hymn Books, in P.nglish an d Wel s h English and Welsh; Common Prayers; Key of Heaven and Vesper Books; Scrip- ture Texts for Presentation; Sunday School Registers; ioeal Depot for the British and Foreign Bible Society.—H. S. Lkrn-old, High Street, Cwmavon.

GLYN-NEATH. I A concern was recently given by Cwmdare SOY! Ohoir. winners of the Mountain Ash lami-natiorail eisteddfod prize. The con- inctor was Mr. J. Howells. The choir was assisted by Madasne Eynon, Llinos A.man (soprano), and Mr. Fred E. Harries. Cwmdare (tenor). The elocutionists were Mr. Richard Evana and Master Robbie Jones Tb;' clftir was accupied by Mr. Wm. Davies, J.P., Pla^yfelin. There was a good attendance and the proceeds were in aid of the funds of Capel-y-Glyn Congregational Church. As the result of a social tea at Betlvinia Vestry, a substantial sum was realised to- wards the funds of this church The -annua' singing festival of the various iehominations w" well attended, and the singing reached n. high level. The con- ductor was Mr. Emlyn Davits, A R.C.M., Rnabon. The morning meeting was held at Bethania. and presided over by Rev. A. Evans, Owraewrach. The -ifternoon meet- ing at Bethel was presided over by Mr. W. T. Rowlands, Brynavon, and in the evening at Bethania, Mr. Henry Bevan was in the bhair. Oil Monday, the various denominations of Glyn-Neath and district held their annual singing festival. The conductor ■was Mr. Eihlyn Davies, A.R.C.M., Ruabon. The congregations throughout were large, and the singing reached a high level. The presidents were: Morning, Rev. A. Evans, Cwmgwrach afternoon, Mr. W. T. Row- lands, colliery manager; evening, Mr. Henry Bevan, Glyn-X e-tth. The officers of the organising committeo were: Rev. J. T. EVárl chairman, Mr. Samuel Morgan attendance officer, and Mr. Rowland Hughes.

LLANSAMLET. I As the result of negotiations conducted by Aid. John Jordan, a postcard day for the National rund for Welsh Troops will be held in Llansamlet on Saturday next. The effort will be continued for three or four days.

NEATH. I Miss Winnie Richards, of Brvn Nedd, I ly^wis-road, Neath, who recently sat for, &n Pxa?iination in connection with th'I' Associated Board of the Rwal Academv ) and Royal College of Mu?c, was success- ful in pMSing the Advanced Gr?dp examination with honours, a really hril- liintf?at for ?ch a young ladv. Miss Aichurd& was coached by Mr. T. H(1)Jr [ Evaps, Neatb, wlio predicts a brilliant I future for her. I A scries of interesting presentations to l soldier lad* was made at the Builders' Arms I Hotel. Melincrythan. No-ith, on Wednesday evening. in connection with the Mclyn Soldirs' and Sailors' Reception Committee. The president. Councillor John Da vies, oc- cupied the chair, and presented £ ergt. Hy. Llewellyn with a walking stick, Corpl. Wag- otftff with a pipe in case, and I'te. Arthur Hope, Pte. A. Williams, Pte. E. Grooves, and I Gunner Bwidon'each with a silver citrarette case Selections were rendered by the Melyn Glee Party (conductor. Mr. Joe Pick- erell). anc songs by Mr. Griff Griffiths, Mr. II. Llewellyn, and Mr. Wm. Thomas. At Villi's Palace, Neath, on New Year's Eve, representatives of France, Belgium, Rus-sia, and Australia, pat aroundlthe fes- tive board, presided over by Mr. Edwin Gilley, the manager. During the evening Lance-Corporal Horace Gilley, Army Ser- vice Corps, son of the manager, was pre- sented on behalf of the staff with a hand- some birthday gift. Mr. W. James pre- sided at the piano, and an excellent pro- gramme was contributed to by members of the staff, and the professionals, which in- cluded Mr. Henry Slivoni, tho Australian basso. BOARD OF GUARDIANS. At a meeting of the Neath Board of Guardians on Wednesday, Mr. E. J. Hop- kins presiding. letters were read from the Local Government Board accepting tlie resignation of Mr. M. Morgan, Aberdulais Lower. and approving of the appointment of Dr. W. Harry as district vaccination officer. A letter was read from the Local Gov- ernment Board, pointing out that before official function could be given to. the ap- pointments of Dr. McClure and Dr. Scott, the Board desired that the opinion of the local Medical War Committee he ascertained as to whether it would or would not be con- sistent with the needs of the civil popula- tion that they should undertake military service. It was stated that Dr. Scott was over military age, and that a letter had been received from Dr. McClue stating that he had offered his service to the local mar Committee. It wa", decided to ask the Local Govern- ment Board to further in-struct them in the matter. A circular letter was read from the Local Government Board suggesting that the weekly returns of the relieving officers be made monthly, and if the Board de- sired they could substitute monthly in- stead of fortnightly meptinge. Mr. W. B. Trick said the alteration of meetings was impracticable in the in- terests of the poor, and nothing was done in the matter. The Chairman announced that the pro- ceeds of the recent concert for the War Hospital amounted to £ 75, and the Board passed a vote of thanks to the promoters- Mr. Levi James and Mr. Moss (financial clerk). A liejrty vote of thanks was accorded Mr. and Mrs. Moore-Gwyn, Duffryn, for entertaining the staff and inmates of the Cottage Homos in the eve of Christmas. The dinner was a substantial one. and thoroughly enjoyed. Mr. and Mrs. Moore- Gwyn, together with Miss F. C. Curtis, the lady guardian, personally superin- tended the feast—a kindness on behalf of the Duffryn family which extends over a period of forty years. DISTINGUISHED MEN. At a meeting of the Neath Town Coun- cil on Thursday, the Mayor (Councillor Thomas Jones) presiding, a letter was read from the Secretary of State thanking the Council for their loyal and dutiful message to the King respecting his recent accident in France. Tho Mayor aaid he was sure the Cor- poration heard with great satisfaction of the election of Ald. Hopkin Morgan to the position of chairman of the Glamorgan County Council in succession to the late Mr. John Blandy Jenkins, of Llanharran. On behalf of the Corporation he offered him the sincerest congratulations upon so high a distinction being conferred upon him by his colleagues of the County Council. (Applause.) j Ald. H. P. Charles, Mr. Da,n Harry, Mr. W. B. Trick, and Dr. D. LI. Davies joined in the congratulations. Replying, Ald. Hopkin Morgan aid he fully appreciated the great honour. To him it came as a great surprise, because it was unsolicited. Whatever ntight be said, he could say he never afcked a single member of the County Council for a vote. (Hear, hear.) Aid. H. P. Charles proposed: That this Council desires to very heartily congratu- late Sir John Milsom Rees, a native of Neath, upon flip great honour of knight- hood conferral on him by his Majesty the lung in recognition of Iris dis- tinguished services as a specialist in tli, medical profession, and at the same time to compliment his parents and his sister. Mrs. Pemberthy, on the brilliant and suc- cessful career of their eldest son and brother." Continuing, Aid. Charles said he remem- bered many years ago a yood deal of dis- cussion at a private meeting of the Coun- cil when Mr. John Rees was elected mayor, and he ventured then to say that Neath would one day be proud of the birthplace of Miss Eleanor Rees. Sir John's sister, who promised to be one of the most distinguished singers in the country. And he also predicted that one day they would be proud of the boy-whom they knew thpn as Jack Rees m the medical pro- fession. Both daughter and son owed their position in life to the care and thrift a.nd to the economy their parents prac- tised in their early days to give them the education they did. HA (Ald. Charles) was happy to make these observations, because Sir John Milsom had never forgotten the ladder and the people wko had placed his foot upon the first rung. He had climbed to dazzling heights in 'the medical pro- fession, and the irople of Nellth were proud of him. (ApplauscO Mr. Walter Rees seconded, adding that Sif John Rees was an old schoolfellow of his. and he had been intimately connected with him during his brilliant career. Dr. D. LI. DaA "ies offered his congratu- 1 lations to Sir John Rees on behalf of the medical profession. Councillor J: Morris said he played foot- ball with Sir John in the early days, and every time he went to London with the Neat.h football team Sir John always wel- comed them. Mr. Matthew Arnold referred to the distinction won on the field of battle by Sergt. Joe Davies, of the Kind's Royal Rifles, and proposed that a letter of con- gratulation be sent to him and also to Ms parents, who lived at Penydre. Mr. W. B. Trick seconded, and it was unanimously agreed to. ————— 46

PORT TALBOT. I Th? death haO occurred 6f Mr. Jas. 'Wb?&l?r, the proprietor of the Grand Hotel, Port Taibot. whh took place early on Sunday morning, after a short illness. The deceased, who had kept hotels in Mountain Ash and Conway, well known throughout. Sotith Wales as a keen sportsman and a scrupulous gentleman. Deceased leaves a widow and otie Pon- The shipping returns for the last week of the year for the Port Talbot Docks were somewhat below the average over the war, but this waA, accounted for through the extremely bad weather which prevailed- The aggregate tonnage dealt with was 30,684 tons, made up of 25,830 tons exports and tons imjjorts. com- pared with the corresponding period of [ last year this was a decrease of 5,815 tons. On Monday at the Lodge room of the Victoria Lodge, 889, United Ancient Order of Druids' Friendly Society, Atoer- avon, a very interesting function tQúk I p!aoe, nz., the presentation to their late medical o i?ccr and prc<?nt hcnorary member. Dr. R3ddiff0, of a Mmpl?tf setJ of Charl ? Dickens' works, as a token of rp?pept and esteem, and a??o to com- memorate his recent nmrrin?e.—Ald. J. M. Smith, J.P., made the presentation, and in a few well chosen remarks, voiced j his appreciation and respect for Dr. Rad- cliffe, and the pleasure it gave him to; band over on behalf of the Lodge the valuable collection of books. He was sure he was only voicing the earnest wish of every brother present that Dr. Radeliffe j and Mrs. Radcliffe would be long spared to enjoy the contents of the beautiful books.

LOCAL POLICE COURTS I AMMANFORD, I Mond.-ty. Befoix) Messrs. A. E. Du II Buisson (in the chair), Wm. Williams, and the Rev. J. Edrvd Jones. For drunkenness. AVm. Jones. High- street, was fined 9s.; Thos. Evans, near Old Star, Cwmgorse, 12s.; Daniel Davies, Maesbach, Tycroes, 15s.; Wm. Evans, Bryngwynisa, Penygroes, 12s.; Thomas Thomas, Sunny Hill, Penygroes, J5s.; and Thomas Parry Jones, Pioce Cottage, Llandebie. 13s. The Chairman told the last defendant that personally he would like to put very much heavier ifnes on persons who had been îound drunk and disorderly, especially at this time. Everybody ought now to behave themselves. I

A YEAR'S RED CROSS WORK. A fine n-eord of work stands to the credit of the Amman Valley division of the Car- marthenshire branch of the Red Orosa Society. A detailed list of the warm comforts made, egg, ind money supplied and col- lected in th< different districts during the year, has just been prepared by the Tice- president (Mrs. W. N. Jones) and the h6n. secretary (Miss F. M. Jones). It makes -in- teresting reading. There are brdnebee at Blaenau Brynamman. Penygroes, Anumit. ford and Bettws, isaron and Oapel Boadt% and Tycroes and Penybank. The ehiMrrafc at the Tycroes C.E. School and the boys and irirls at the Ammanford Intermediate School have also supplied comforts. Egg* have also been ooJlected at the Ammanford School 8 i41{! Parcyrhun (1601, Bett-ws C146j, Blaenau flWi. PenygToee <225). and Tycroe* Council School (25 and 16s. 6d.). "m chil- dren's carnival at Penybank realimd £ 10 for the Carmarthen Hospital, and £6 2s. 64- for Handover j- Hoit.a.J..