Cook dates, water and brown sugar until soft. Set aside to cool. Sift flour, soda and salt. Add rolled oats and cut in butter. When all is blended and resembles coarse crumbs, press half the quantity in greased 8 x 12-inch pan. Cover with date filling and top with the remainder of the mixture. Bake for 25 min. at 325 degrees F or until delicately brown.