WESTERN MAIL FRIDAY DECEMBER 3. 1926.   No. 285. DOCTOR'S FATE AT NEWPORT-Presumed Dead For Two Days.   Dr. John W. D. HYDE, aged about 35, a member of the staff of the Medical Officer of Health for Monmouthshire, was found dead in bed in his house, 56, Upton-road, Newport, on Thursday evening.   The doctor was stated to have been found in bed in a gas-filled bedroom, and it is surmised that he had been dead for two days.   Mrs. HYDE, the doctor's wife, who is recovering from a serious illness, went away to London to recuperate about a week ago.   Dr. HYDE had not been seen about for the past two or three days, and on Thursday a sister arrived from London to look after him during the absence of Mrs. HYDE. When the sister arrived she went to the house and found it apparently locked up . She went to a neighbour, Mr. D. J. PHILLIPS, with whom the doctor had been on friendly terms. Mr. PHILLIPS not having seen the doctor for some time gave information to the police. Whilst this was being done Police-constable GODWIN happened to pass, and, on his attention being called to the matter, he affected an entrance into the house and discovered the doctor in bed.    Dr. HYDE came to Newport after the war, in which he served as an officer of the R.A.M.C. LADIES' CHOIRS.-Adjudicator's Praise At Pontypridd. One of the chief competitions at a semi-national eisteddfod at Pontypridd on Thursday night was that for ladies' choirs. This competition was very keen, and the adjudicatior, Mr. Matthews WILLIAMS, F. R. C. O., Chester, remarked that it was quite olympic. He had thought that he could apply this remark only to male choirs, but the latter would have to look to their laurels, otherwise they would be put into the shade. The more successful choirs were:- DOWLAIS-93 marks,  BARRY WELSH, 89, KENFIG HILL, 86, PONTYPRIDD and PORTH. Other results were:- Soprano Solo: Madame Bessie REES, Tonypandy. Contralto Solo: Miss Maggie JOHN, Tonypandy. Junior violin solo; Master Gwynfryn MORGAN, Ferndale. Pianoforte solo under 11: Muriel LEWIS, Treforest. Solo for boys or girls under 16: Master Dilwyn DAVIES, Ferndale. Pianoforte solo under 12: Miss Augusta HOPKINS, Abertillery. Junior recitation: Ivor John THOMAS, Glanamman. BUILDER'S FAILURE.-Deficiency of £1,495 At Bridgend.   At a meeting of the creditors on Thursday of William Thomas DAVIES, builder, 70, Cowbridge-road, Bridgend. Liabilities were returned at £1,898, 13s.1d. and estimated assets at £402, 18s. 4d. with a deficiency of £1, 495, 14s, 9d. The causes of failure alleged by the debtor were underestimating contracts, lack of capital, and deprecation in property values.    The official receiver remains trustee. BRAVERY REWARDED.-Tribute To An Aberdare Official.    An interesting event preceded the transaction of business at a meeting of the Aberdare Education Committee on Thursday evening. It involved the presentation of the Royal Humane Society's vellum certificate to Mr. A. J. CLARKE, organiser of physical training under the Aberdare and Mountain Ash committee, who, in co-operation with a young man. Eric D. WALLIS, of Woolwich, saved James Elias THOMAS, of Cwmcoy, Newcastle Emlyn, from drowning at Aberporth, Cardiganshire, on August 19.   Mr. Ben BRACE, who presided over to the meeting, read a letter from the Rector of Aberporth (the Rev. D. J. EVANS), which recounted the circumstances of the rescue.    Several of the members warmly congratulated Mr. CLARKE upon his heroic deed. In associating himself with the tributes, the Director of Education (Mr. T. BOTTING,B.A., B.A.,) remarked that Mr. CLARKE was a most efficient officer, who had always displayed a keen interest in teaching swimming to the children.    In acknowledging the certificate and the commendatory expressions which had accompanied its presentation. Mr. CLARKE ventured to refer to the need for more adequate conditions for bathing locally. LORD MAYOR'S FUND. Some names and addresses of those who donated. Mr. and Mrs. Leighton SEAGER, Hill Crest, Rumney. £2. 2. 0. Dr. Gilbert I. STRACHAN, Windsor-place, Cardiff. £2. 2. 0. Mr. Harry COUSINS, J.P., Glynne Tower, Penarth. £2. 0. 0. Dr. Athol PEARSE, Cathedral-road, Cardiff. £1. 0. 0. Mr. Arthur G. HOWELL, Diocesan Registry, Charles-street, Cardiff £1. 0. 0. Mr. and Mrs. Charles TAYLOR, Whitefriars, Partridge-road, Cardiff.  0. 10. 6. Mr. Campbell Mc KENZIE, 13, Senghenydd-road, Cardiff. 0. 10. 0. Mr. George YOUNG, 94, Penylan-road, Cardiff. 0. 10 0. John Patrick