Abergavenny Chronicle

DEEDS OF DARING BY NAVAL OFFICERS I It has been announced in the "London Gazette" that the Victoria Cross has been awarded to Squadron-Commander Richard Bell Davies, D.S.O., R.N., and the Dis- tinguished Service Cross to Flight Sub- Lieutenant Gilbert Formby Smylie, R.N., in recognition of their behaviour in the follow- ing circumstances: On November 19 these two officers car- ried out an air attack on Ferrijik Junc- tion. Flight Sub-Lieutenant Smylie's machine was received by very heavy fire and brought down. The pilot planed down over the station, releasing all his bombs except one, which failed to drop, simul- taneously at the station from a very low altitude. Thence he continued his descent into the marsh. On alighting he saw the one unexploded bomb, and set fire to his machine, knowing that the bomb would ensure its destruction. He then proceeded towards Turkish territory. At this moment he perceived Squadron- Commander Davies descending, and, fear- ing that he would come down near the burning machine and thus risk destruction from the bomb, Flight Sub-Lieutenant Smylie ran back, and from a short dis. tance exploded the bomb by means of a pistol bullet. Squadron-Commander Davies descended at a safe distance from the burning machine, took up Sub-Lieutenant Smylie, in spite of the near approach of a party of the enemy, and returned to the aerodrome, a feat of airmanship that can seldom have been equalled for skill and gallantry. In addition, a long list of names is given of awards of the D.S.O., D.S.C., and D.S.M., among the gallants especially singled out for mention being the following: D.S.O. I I Flight Sub-Lieutenant J. B. P. Ferrand, R.N. On November 28, 1915, accompanied by First Class Air Mechanic Oldefield as gunner, Ferrand attacked a hostile sea- plane, which was accompanied by three more seaplanes and a destroyer, off the Belgian coast, and brought it down by gunfire into the water, where it imme- diately sank. He then attacked the de- stroyer, and only abandoned the attack after coming under heavy shell fire both from the destroyers and the shore batteries of Westende. Flight Sub-Lieutenant T. E. Viney, R.N. On November 28, accompanied by le Lieutenant en second de Sincay as observer, he destroyed a German submarine off the Belgian coast by bombs dropped from an aeroplane. I D.S.C. I Lieutenant R. D. B. Haddon, R.N. On November 27, 1914, during a recon- naissance with two motor-launches near Jebassi (Cameroons), the native crews left their posts on coming under a heavy fire, whereupon Lieutenant Haddon, with Mid- shipman H. Beckett Anderson, R.N., and Richard R. Beauchamp, R.N., continued to manoeuvre the launches and engage the enemy with maxims for fifty minutes, finally silencing them. Midshipman Hugh Beckett Anderson, R.N. On December 9, 1914, during a recon- naissance in a motor-launch towards Jebassi, Midshipman Anderson's maxim jammed while he was returning the fire of the enemy, who were engaging him from both banks. Mr. Anderson not only handled his boat well, but personally cleared his maxim under a continuous heavy fire, and then swept both banks with it, the enemy suffering heavily. A number of the awards are in connection with mine-sweeping and mine-laying.

I LOUD SINGING IN CHURCH. I At the County Police-court, Kingston, James Wells, of Manor-villas, Thames- street. Walton, was summoned for behaving in a riotous manner in Walton Parish Church during service on November 17, 24, and 28. Evidence was given that defendant, who usually attended all the services, not only bawled out in all the responses, but did so quite out of time. He would bow to people in the church as well as to the pillars, the font, the organ, and to the trestles used for burial services. Once the vicar had to stop because defendant's shouting drowned his voice. Arthur Higgins, the verger, said that on Sunday morning, November 28, defendant went into a gallery, and there jumped about from one side to the other, as if trying to catch a cricket ball. On another occasion the organist came to witness and said "Higgins, if you don't stop that man I shall stop the organ." Defendant, a middle-aged man, now told the Bench that for two years he was parish clerk at Walton. and attended the church regularly. He denied bowing to the organ or the pillars of the church. He added that he had sung in a choir, and had been com- i n, by the late Sir plimented on his singing by the late Sir Joseph Barnby, who had advised him to take up singing professionally. The Bench bound defendant over in 6CIO for twelve months not to disturb the church services.

I A MISERLY PENSIONER. I Sam Rice, an old age pensioner at Paston. Norfolk, who died on Boxing Day. at the age of eighty-three, left hidden savings amounting to over X500. For many years he was a nurse, and returned to his native village in what was believed to be a state of great poverty. He occupied one of the parish almshouses. After his death the cottage was searched and E518 10s. in gold and X26 in silver was found in a box. The finders have deposited the money in the bank pending the .possible discovery of a I will.

I MACHINE GAMBLING. I Mr. Gillespie at West Ham Police-court heard half-a-dozen summonses against users and owners of automatic machines in re- freshment houses which were employed for gaming. Sergeant Pettett said that all the refreshment house keepers in the district had been told that the keeping of these machines were illegal, and these proceed- ings were the result of subsequent visits to the confectioners' shops. Similar cases were heard at Marlborough-street Police-court. Small fines were imposed. ♦

I CALLED AN ANT BATH. "Try an ant bath," says the Russian peasant to any afflicted with rheumatism. He believes in it himself immensely, and prepares the novel cure as follows:—An ant- hill is sought, and a sack is filled with ants, an to' eggs, and, if it be considered neces- sary, a certain quantity of the earth ?'hich composes the hill. The sack is then closed hermetically and carried to the home of the sufferer. A warm bath is already prepared here, and the sack is plunged bodily into the hot water. The sufferer follows, but he must not remain long. The action of the bath on the skin is one of intenoe irritation, followed by a disappearance of the rheu- matism.

Lord Methuen, Governor of Malta, has telegraphed to the British Red Cross Society his hearty thanks to the committee and staff of the British Red Cross for their ad- mirable organisation for the comfort of the men at Christmas. The Erith Urban District Council is applying to the Local Government Board for a provisional order to amend its Tram- ways Act so as to enable the council to run motor-omnibuses inside and outside the district.

Michaelmas Daisy.—The tops of these tian now be cut down near to the ground, and in the case of large clumps may be taken up I and divided if the weather is mild and open. The ground should always be well cultivated for them, and firm planting is essential. # Hardy Heaths.—These are very attractive in wild parts of the garden, and tFey can be planted at any time in mild weather. Heavy ground should have plenty of leafsoil added before these plants are introduced, and then they will succeed. Ornamental Bramble.—The various kinds of rubus can now be pruned. This is very simple, as it is only necessary to cut down the old growths close to the ground. It is only requisite to take the tips out of the longest of the young canes where they are very tall. # » • Hardy Bamboos.—These always look well in winter, and little is to be done to them now, although any dead canes should be cut out. If any of the plants are very ex- posed, place mats around them to keep off cold winds, but the mats should not be too close to the plants. Pruning an Allamanda.-While the plant is at rest in winter the branches should be pruned. Sufficient wood should be cut away to allow of the new entirely filling up the space again next season; but in all cases some portion of the past season's wood must be left; b shows half a plant pruned, and a th- other half unpruned. The branches should be cut off at the dark lines. » Planoting Vines.—This should be done at once, as the border should now be ready. Shake the soil from the roots carefully, and disentangle them by soaking in a bucket of warm water, so that they can be spread out evenly when planting. Place some fine soil over the roots, and make it firm. but do not plant too deeply. Water afterwards. Pruning Vines.—Now the leaves have fallen this should be done. Prune back the laterals of matured vines to two plump buds at the base. Fresh planted vines should be cut down to six inches from the ground the first year, and subsequently shorten the canes to about three feet each year, and prune the laterals as just described. The Vine Border.—Lightly fork over the surface soil and remove the top part; then apply a dressing of new loam with a little old mortar rubble and charcoal added, and beat this down firm. Wood ashes and bone- meal can also be added with advantage. Water the border afterwards and keep the house cool until it is time to start the vines. o. < Horseradish.—A new plantation may be made at any period, but if time permits the present is as suitable as any. The ground must be deeply dug—eighteen inches—and the pieces to be planted, each three or four METHOD OF REPLANTING HOBSBKADI8H. I A, A, A, sets planted and oovered. B, position the set occupies in the trenr h. C, ground to be turned over. inches in length, may be set as the work proceeds, placing them about ten inches below the surface, when the growths will shoot straight up, without any loss by fork- mg. < Pruning Standard Apples. The chief thing is to keep the heads carefully thinned out, by removing weak growths and cross branches; also shorten the longer growths to keep the heads symmetrical in shape. Young trees should be pruned fairly close for a year or two to form sturdy heads. » • • The Week's Work. — Plant bushy young rhododendron shrubs with good balls of roots in a healthy, active condition. Soil should consist of either sandy peat or good loam free from lime, at least two feet in depth. Make the compost firm. The hardy deciduous A. mollis and Ghent azaleas make attractive groups or beds. Planting may be done now in sandy peat, seeing that the compact balls of fine roots are thoroughly moist. The soil worked round the roots should be made as firm as possible. Trench borders for future planting or sowing of perennials and annuals two spits deep, add- ing decayed manure, wood ashes, leafmould, or fresh loam to improve the staple. Vines pruned a month or more ago may be started, giving little heat at first, it sufficing to keep the house closcd. Then afford a tempera- ture of 50deg., rising to 55deg. when buds swell. Occasional syringeing will assist the buds to break. Complete the pruning early this month, and prune back old vines on the spur system to two buds. Prune back long canes of young vines to three feet. This will give more strength to the side spurs in course of formation. Clean rods with a solu- tion of soft soap, sulphur and petroleum. Select an open position for the onion crop and dig or trench deeply, working in liberal quantities of rich manure. Stiff soil may be left rough, for frost to act freely upon it and break down the particles for ready working in the spring. On a warm, shel- tered border sow a few rows of broad beans. Double rows nine inches between each line, and two feet between each double row may be allowed, placing the seeds four inches apart and two inches deep. Collect heaps of dry leaves and plenty of stable manure for forming hot beds. Mint in Boxes.-This is in great demand at all periods. Put some roots in boxes now, and they can be put into heat in succession to ensure a constant supply of young, green shoots. • • • is a demand Broad Beans.—Where there ia a demand for these, a few rows should be got in with- out delay. Choose a hardy variety, such aa Taylor's or Early Mazagan; this, though small, is useful for an early crop. Currante.-In the case of red and white varieties the procedure is the same, and the side shoots must be cut back annually. In the case of black currants the branches should be thinned by having the old ones cut out near the base, so as to keep the bueher furnished with young growths. < The Rhubarb Bed.—If the work has not yet been done, fork over the bed, burying all the weeds, and then put 011 a heavy dressing of good manure. To make a rhubarb bed and then leave it to itself, as far as feeding is concerned, is an error for which the ouTtxvafcor win assuredly hava to pay sooner or later.

Sergeant-Major Witt, of the York and Lancasters, who has just come home wounded from the Dardanelles, tells a story of a Turkish woman sniper. After a number of British soldiers had been shot, Witt, who had been watching a fig-tree, saw a puff of smoke come from it. He fired, and later found a. woman there, shot through the head. She was about thirty-three, was dressed entirely in green, and was in pos- session of forty-three identification discs, presumably those of her victims.

MOTHER AND HOME. Two women were discussing woman's ad- vantages and the married state. "And now," said one, as they sat over tea and much-buttered muffin6, "what a bout hus- bands? Does every young man over twenty- five gain equal advantages by entering the marriage state?" The other woman glanced round furtively as though she feared some masculine, open-eared ghost might be haunt- ing the room—then she bent forward and whispered: "No, my dear, he doesn't!" "Oh! how humiliating:" the first speaker exclaimed. "Yes, it is, rather, and, of course, this is a truth never to be breathed outside a feminine circle; but, nevertheless, it is a truth!" and with this woman num- ber two went on to explain on what facts this ungallant theory was formed. She began by quoting an example of a man they both knew. This man's wife had just re- covered from influenza as the baby sickened for measles and the servant gave notice. Three years before the man was a pro- sperous young bachelor with sole control of his comfortable income, and living in rooms with a congenial chum, where the landlady looked after their needs and clothes like the best of mothers. He went everywhere, to dances, parties, dinners, without being called upon to make any return excepi occasional offerings of flowers, theatre tickets, etc. Then they contrasted the pic- ture of the man's present with the past, and gave the matter careful thought and con- sideration. THE OTHER PICTURE. I The income which had been lavish for one, now maintained four (husband, wife, child, and servant); the cosy, well-ordered rooms were exchanged for a small house which seemed in a continual state of domestic up- heaval large houses, which opened their doors to an unencumbered young bachelor, almost closed them to a married couple from whom reciprocal hospitality must be de- manded, but who in return for a smart dinner could offer only tea, talk, and cakes, and girls no longer saved dances and smiles for somebody else's property. "Yes," the first woman went on, "putting aside the con- temptible race of fortune-hunters, a man very rarely gains anything by marriage except—love!" "Well, love is everything!" the other murmured romantically. "Of course it is," agreed the nnst speaker; "and when love's lamp continues to burn with the unabated brilliance of courting days, all questions of gain or advantage are for- gotten. Lovo equalises everything. But" (here a sigh) "hut the most insistent senti- mentalist enn't quote many instances of a love which has been all the lover hoped." NOT THL CHIEF GAINER. I Then the other woman urged that if the wife possessed or earned a private income, circumstances were altered. But her friend did not agree. "In my opinion," she said, "a bachelor with 2350 a year has a better time of it than the same bachelor married to a woman with a yearly income of .£500 and-but enough of such views, which would get me lynched if they were over- heard by an army of suffragists or women- righters! I know they sound out-of-date, and not a bit go ahead, but sometimes one must be frank with oneself and fair to that ingenious animal who can rarely escape traps laid by feminine fing-erg-that much- abused animal called Man!" Yes, they are exceptional circumstances when woman is not chief gainer by entering the maniage state. ADDRESSED TO WrYKS. I A clever authoress, whose views on matri- monial matters carry weight, has given the following advice to wives: "Try to share your husband's troubles with him, but do not be for ever making him a partaker of yours. The man who has constantly served up to him at meal times the complaints and fault findings that have accumulated during his absence in the day-time is not only ren- dered miserable, but is tempted after a time to find his recreations outside his home, and to remain away on the plea of business. If it is necessary to take him to task about any faults—and no husband is without them —select a proper time, and, above all, let it be in private. Only a foolish woman will upbraid her husband in the presence of others, especially of his children or servants. And when the matter, whatever it be, is talked over and threshed out, it is wisdom and good manners to let it drop. A nagging woman will exhaust the patience of the best of husbands. A wife should be very jealous of her reputation in this respect. A woman who berates her husband or denounces him to others acquires a most unenviable notoriety amongst her husband's friends and her own; for in this, as in other matters, people are less ready to excuse the wife's shortcomings than those of the hus- band. SUPERFLUOUS HAIB. I To remove superfluous hair one cannot do better than use 'the following depilatory powder. It is only for the few minutes of treatment. Barium sulphide, 'oz. zinc oxide, I*z. starch powder, loz. Mix a very small quantity into a paste with a few drops of cold water, and spread on the affected part. In two minutes, or directly the skin begins to tingle, scrape off the paste with the flat handle of a tooth-brush; the hair will come with it. Then apply at once a little boracic ointment to prevent redness. If not quite successful the first time, repeat treatment again in twenty-four hours. THE SICK ROOM. I Always prepare a new dressing before removing an old one. Medicines for females should not be so strong as those for males. Never omit to hang up a sheet damped with some disinfectant outside the door of an infectious room. The normal rate of the pulse in adults averages about 70 per minute; in bad fever it may rise to as much as 140. Water may be purified, without filtering, by means of alum—one teaspoonful of alum to four gallons of water. A. person struck by lightning should have cold water dashed over him im- mediately after experiencing the shock. By omitting to give notice to the local autho- rity of an infectious disease, the head of a family renders himself liable to a fine not exceeding £ 2. Do not visit the sick when you are fatigued, or when in a state of perspiration, or with the stomach empty- for in such conditions you are likely to take infection. LINES UNDER EYES. I Do not massage the fine thin skin under the eyes, but apply a little pure cold cream every night at bed time. This it will be found keeps away lines better than any- thing. If the eyelids are red or puffy they may be soothed immensely by bathing them with elderflower water for a minute or two; and if you happen to have a quarter of an hour to spare, and can lie down with a soft, folded handkerchief steeped in warm milk on your eyelids before dressing for dinner you'll be surprised how comforted and rested they will feel. DON'T STOOP. I .Never allow yourself to stoop over your work; not only will you get tired very easily if you do, but the stooping habit will be- come a confirmed and permanent one, and your chest will get contracted and your shoulders round. Try to take a short rest in a darkened room each afternoon, taking care that you are not disturbed, and infuse system and order into your work. It is the ] work that seems to hang over you all day through lack of system that is the moat try- ing. Well-organised work can be made not only a pleasure, but a splendid medium for physical culture as well.

Mr. John Moses, of Newport, Mon., who has died, aged "eighty-seven, had been a shipowner for sixty years. Mr. Evelyn Cecil, M.P., has been ap- pointed Secretary-General of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem in England, in suc- cession to the late Sir Claude MacDonald. Two bodies washed ashore at Wexford have been identified as those of John Murphy and Thomas Moore, who put out in a small boat on Boxing Day in quest of floating timber and were carried out to sea.

SIX NEW PEERS, THIRTEEN BARONETS, TWENTY-EIGHT KNIGHTS. I MR. WILL CROOKS, P.C., M.P. Many well-known names are included in the New Year's liS1; of honours. Lord Curzon and the Duke of Devonshire are appointed Knights of the Garter; Lord Mersey is raised in the peerage, becoming a Viscount, and there are six new Peers, the recipients including Lord Charles Be res- ford, M.P., and Mr. W. W. Astor. Mr. Will Crooks, M.P., and another Labour M.P., Mr. G. N. Barnes, become members of the Privy Council. Thirteen baronetcies are bestowed, and there are twenty-eight new knights. Among the new baronets are Sir William E. Goschen, late Ambassador in Berlin, and Vice-Admiral Sir Doveton Sturdee, the victor of the Falk- land Islands. Two of the new knights are Mr. Thomas Beecham, the famous conduc- tor, and Mr. Robert Wallace, Chairman of the London Sessions. The list follows: KNIGHTS OF THE GARTER. I Earl Curzon of Kedleston, G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E Lord Privy Seal (without salary). Duke of Devonshire, G.C.V.O., Civil Lord of the Admiralty. He is the ninth Duke Each of his eig-ht predecessors has been a Knight of the Garter. NEW VISCOUNT. I Lord Mersey, formerly President of the Probate, Divorce, and Admiralty Division, and since his retirement has rendered public service as head of various important Com- missions. NEW PEERS. I Admiral Lord Charles Beresford, G.C.B., G.C.V.O., M.P. Sir Alexander Henderson, Bt., M.P., Chairman of the Great Central Railway Company. Sir Thomas George Shaughnessy, K.C.V.O., a distinguished figure in the commercial life of Canada, and president of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Mr. William Waldorf Astor, born in New York in 1848, and became a naturalised British subject in 1899. Capt. Cecil William Norton, M.P. Mr. David Alfred Thomas, Managing Director of the Cambrian Combine and other colliery companies. Has rendered and continues to render to the Government valuable service in connection with supplies of munitions from the other side of the Atlantic. N PRIVY COUNCILLORS. I Sir Frederick Banbury, Bt., M.P. Sir Daniel Ford Goddard, M.P., has sat for Ipswich since 1985. Mr. George Nicol Barnes, M.P., Labour M.P. for the Blaekfriare Division of Glas- gow since 1905. Mr. Will Crooks, M.P. With a short break, has represented Woolwich since 1903 in the Labour interest. > Com. Frederick Leverton Harris, M.P. Mr. Donald Maclean, M.P., Deputy-Chair- man of Committee in the House of Com- mons. IRISH PRIVY COUNCILLORS. I Major-General Lovick Bransby Friend, I C.B. Mr. Walter MacMurrough Kavanagh. Mr. Robert Thompson, M.P. BARONETS. I The Rt. Hon. Ignatius O'Brien, K.C., Lord Chancellor of Ireland. The Rt. Hon. Sir William Edward Goschen, G.C.B., formerly Ambassador at Berlin. W The Hon. Charles Russell, the well-known solicitor. Vice-Admiral Sir Frederick C. D. Sturdee, K.C.B., G.V.O., C.M.G., who commanded the British squadron in the battle of the Falkland Islands Sir John Jardine, M.P., formerly Judge of the High Court of Bombay. Sir George Bullough, of the engineering- firm of Howard and Bullough, which has rendered conspicuous services in connection with the war. Sir Charles Johnson, ex-Lord Mayor of London. Mr. Alfred Allen Booth, Chairman of the Cunard Company. Mr. Richard Burbidge, Managing Director of Harrod's Stores. Mr. Samuel Eruest Palmer, Director of Huntley and Palmer's. Col. John Rutherford, M.P. for Darwen. Lt.-Col. Henry Webb, M.P. Since the outbreak of war raised and trained the 13th Gloucesters, and is now raising the 14th Worce.sters. Mr. Alfred Fernandez Yarrow, head of the well-known naval firm of shipbuilders. KNIGHTS. I Mr. Frederick Gorell Barnes, formerly M.P. for Faversham. Mr. Thomas Beecham, the musical con- ductor and promoter of opera. Mr. George Andrias Berry, the distin- guished Edinburgh oculist. Mr. Arthur William Black, M.P. for North Beds. Mr. John Boraston, Joint Secretary, Parliamentary Recruiting Committee. Mr. Frederick Samuel Augustus Bourne, C.M.G., formerly Judge of H.M. High Court at Wei-Hai-Wei. Mr. William Henry Bowater, six times Lord Mayor of Birmingham. Mr. James Bruton, six times Mayor of Gloucester. Mr. Harcourt Everard Clare, Clerk of the Lancashire County Council. Mr. Francis Henry Dent, General manager of the South" Eastern and Chat- ham Railway. Mr. Owen Morgan Edwards, Chief In- spector of Education for Wales. Dr. Lazarus Fletcher, F.R.S., Director of the Natural History Department of the British Museum. Mr. George Franklin, Pro-Chancellor of Sheffield University. Mr. John Howard, a Brighton philan- thropist. Mr. Thomas John Hughes, Chairman of the National Health Insurance for Wales. Mr. Robert Keith Inches, Lord Provost of Edinburgh. Mr. Francis Edgar Kearney, of Limerick, who has taken a leading part in the recruit- ing movement in Ireland. Mr. Horace Woodburn Kirby, President of the Society of Chartered Accountants. Mr. Hedley Francis Le Bas, has rendered valuable services in connection with the recruiting campaign. Mr. Daniel McCave, Lord Mayor of Man- chester. Mr. William Middlebrook, M.P. for South Leeds. Mr. Henry O'Shea, Lord Mayor of Cork. Mr. Thomas Wright Harkinson, Esq., M.D. The well-known London physician. Mr. Milsom Rees, C.V.O., F.R.C.S. A distinguished laryngologist. Mr. Richard Atkinson Robinson. A former chairman of the London County Council. Mr. Patrick Shortall, High Sheriff of Dublin. The Very Rev. George Adam Smith, D.D. Principal of Aberdeen University. Mr. Robert Wallace, K.C. Chairman of the County of London Sessions. The foregoing is the Prime Minister's List; others were issued by the Foreign, Indian, and the Colonial Offices.

SHOT DEAD WHILE ASLEEP. f Staff Sergeant-Major Ruxton, of the Army Veterinary Corps, stationed at Woolwich, has killed his wife and himself with a re- volver in their lodgings at South Ealing. He shot his wife while she was asleep. A letter which was found on the table suggested that the sergeant-major, who was forty-two years old, was jealous of his wife, who was twenty-one.

John Richard Lowndes French (elder eon of Viscount French) has been appointed second lieutenant, London Brigade, R.F .A. (T.F.), and seconded for service with a Pro- visional Brigade, R.F .A. His promotion to temporary captain is aleo gazetted.

OUR CHILDREN'S CORNER. BY UNCLE RALPH. My DEAR CHILDREN,— I have just spent a really enjoyable time opening letters from my little nephews and nieces, and I am so glad to see by them that the majority of you have had a very bright and happy Christmas, and I expect at the present moment many of you are having a jolly time, out playing with your friends, or romping with father and mother or perhaps dear old grandad. It pleases me to know that you often think of the soldiers at the Front, and realise what brave men they are, and I hope with you that 1916 will see this dread- ful war ended, when I trust that you will all have your fathers, brothers, and friends with you again, safe and well. How are you getting along with the new competition? I know that you all take a great interest in these puzzles, and I am pleased that my idea occupies your time, and gives you something to do during the dark and long evenings we are having at present. Before closing I must thank you all very heartily for the good wishes you sent me for the New Year, and I sincerely hope that 1916 will prove a very happy year for all Imy little nephews and nieces. With love from your affectionate. UNCLE RALPH. THB CHILDREN'S CORNER UNION. POUNDED BY UNCLE RALPH. (Open to Doy. and Girl. under 15 years.) Pleaie enrol me at a Member of the C. C. u." j My age is year*. t<ame 4ddress Date When tigried poet to UNCUS RAXPH,9, LABK-iJ 4 SADVAOB, LOXDOX, B.C. Members dtflrlnz an lUnmloatcd membersbilp earl suitable tor framing, should tnelett ptaar ilanw with this form. ANSWERS TO LETTERS. WINIFRED WALL: Thank you. for YOU' letter. I am glad you liked the chocoia??" and I wish you many happy returns of ~° birthday. DOROTHY WEST: I enjoyed ]??"d" iug your letter, and am very pleased 00 know you are trying hard with the new competition. GRACE O. FRENCH: was indeed glad to receive your interestIng letter and pleased to know the postman brought you a lovely surprise. You must have enjoyed yourself at your concert- I remember when I was at school, how I looked forward to them. IDA FoTSERGiLL: I am so glad to know that you like the chocolates, and I must say I think }ou deserved them, for the knitting was beauh fully done. DOROTHY RAMMELL: Illiank.9 for letter. So glad you liked your F^lze* CONSTANCE ASHWOOD I was very P^ca^.° hear how much you liked your prize* ??e thank your father for the lovely Chr?t? card, and good wishes he sent me. MAGGIF, THOMSON: Thanks for vour intertlOg letter. You do live in a ;?ee little STELLA ROBERTS: Well, Sfella, I <? ??k you are a lucky girl to have a lovely little canary. I hope Santa Clause brought you your doll. BRAVE LOBELA. Dreadful thill-'?i Af,-iI iam  Lobela's home. Kobbers nad come down from the mountains and surrounded the village, and unless help came everyone in the village, would be robbed of all they owned. But no one except little Lobela could think of a way to fetch help, for they were all closely guarded. The robbers didn't think a little girl could do any harm, you see, so they let Lobela play about, and even get into one of the canoes by the river an^ They laughed at the clumsy way she tried to paddle it, but presently they got tired of watching her efforts. Lobel a didn't stop watching them, though, and when she ?w thev were looking another way 6he paddled the canoe swiftly and quietly down the river, and was far away before she missed. Then two of the robbers set out in another boat to overtake her, but although she had pretended she couldn't paddle, Lobela knew how to manage a canoe as well as a grown-up person could. Faster and faster she paddled, and at last reached the next village before she could be overtaken. A rescue party set out at once, and so Lobela's own village was saved by her cleverness and courage. THE VOYAGE OF THE BOOK BOAT. Thev were playing at ships ana sanois- Ronnie, Nan, and the twins; and just as they grew tired of pretending the magic begil n. Slowly the nursery faded away, until M children were standing on a sandy shore, while towards them skimmed a strange ship. Books of all sizes were piled upon the deck, and on them stood a number of wee sailor boys. The children laughed with glee and waved their handkerchiefs.. "Coming for a sail?" shouted the captain, as the ship touched land. "Please!" cried the children. Then they scrambled up the rope-ladder, and away they went in the Book Boat sailing over the wide, wide sea. When the captain had shown them all over the ship he said "Now, if you feel hungry, tap on the books, and the good folk will bring you whatever they've got inside." Then he hurried away, and Nan tappe-fl on the first book. Loud growls came from inside, and out popped the Three Bears, each carrying a bowl of Steaming porridge! They set their bowls on the deck and trotted back into the book. • Ronn i e,, -w  l?-n "I'm still hungry!" said ? Ronme. w}wn they had eaten all the porridge, and he tapped on another book. Suddenly the Book Boat shook from end to end, and three enormous giants strode forth The children screamed. "Oh! why did you touch that boOkY" cried the captain.. "Jack! Jack!" shouted the sailor boys, and the next moment Jack the Giant Killer leapt upon the deck. ,I thought I "More giants?" he cried. I *?t.,????ht ?I had killed them all!" Then ^d^n§his sword he rushed at fi^ giant and drove sword he esecond jumped £ £ K BrtSfthW ca^t Ronoie up in his great arms. < Ronnie, u "Oh! oh! oh!" cried poor Ronnie, struggling hard. "Hulloa, kiddie? Whatever's th matter?" cried Father, throwing open  nursery door. The children stared in amazent. 7^ Book Boat, the sailor W tW^nts had Book Boat the sailor boys. t??n? all disappeared, and the four ? '7? ? a heap on thetr make-beh?e? Mup. ?- .? when they had told hiza all a ut it and Nan ran for "Jack th? Giant 1 JKJiJllL er.» Nan ran There stood J? g? ? the fimt pi- tnYre? ?J a?u?o cut 2En2?h £ £ It certainly was a strMge adventure.

In commemoration of his he?m   Piper Laidlaw, V.C., K.O.S.B., has bc.en publicly presented with an address at Aln- wick. ™ The "Zurich Gazette" states that tho German and Austrian Governments havo confiscated 8,000,000 rabbits with a view to utilising their skms A severe crisÏ8 in the Teutonio hat trade has been the iJ11.medlate result of this action.