The Cardiff Times

oness Coutts's Will. WIDOWER'S INHERITANCE. Reversien of the Capital. have received the following communica- from Messrs Lawrence Graham and Co., iew-square, Lincoln's Inn. dated January In order to set at rest the various rumours ich have been circulated with regard to the 11 and property of the late Baroness Burdett mtts, we are authorised, as solicitors to the i. ecu tor of the will, to make the following satement:— (1.) That the Baroness by her will has left all the property at her disposal to Mr Burdett Coatts, M.P., who is made sole executor. (2.) That the Baroness, under the will of the late Harriet, Duchess of St. Albans, the widow of Mr Thomas Coutts, was only entitled to the income of the trust estate, which income was mainly derived from Messrs Coutts and Co.'s Bank. and that her Ladyship had no power over the capital which now passes under the provisions of the Duchess's will. and in which Mr Burdett-Coutts has no further in- terest. (3.) That in the year 1881. on her marriage with Mr Burdett-Coutts, the Baroness, in or- r to avoid litigation, effected a compromise successors named in the Duchess's will which compromise her Ladyship surren. ge portion of the income from the estate. (4.) That at various dates between 1881 and 1895 the Baroness conveyed to Mr Burdett- CouttsabsoJutcJy nearly aJJ the property which was at be.. own disposal. These conveyances included the Columbia estate in the East End, the Holly Lodge estate at Highgate, her Lady- ship's life interest in the leasehold houses in Stratton-street and Piccadilly (of which Mr Burdett-Coutts had bought the freehold from Lord Fitzbardinge in 1). and the contents of the last-named houses and of Holly Lodge as were her Ladyship's own property. The will is dated in the year 1888, and will be proved in due course. Early Love Romance. It is, I think (says a writer in The By- stander "), common knowledge that it was an early romantic attachment which kept the late Baroness Burdett-Coutts a spinster until she was nearly 70 years of age. It may not, how- ever, be universally known that the object of this romantic attachment none other than Count Alfred d'Orsay, poet. exquisite, sports- man, sculptor, And arbiter of the elegances. The handsomest man of his age (even Byron in verse admired him), the friend of Lady Bles- sington (whose daughter he married), and the companion and confidant of Prince Louis Na- poleon, little wonder if the late Baroness for so long fianntcd the willow for him. She might have done worse and. certainly, her romantic fidelity smrved to save her from falling into the hands of ciany a ^ii't'ne-bunter.

NOT WANTED AT CARDIFF GAOL. Maria Ridley and the Magistrates. Maria Ridley, who is well known at Ponty- pridd Police Coùrt, h34 a further complaint made against her at Wednesday's sitting for using obscene lajiguage.The constable with becoming modesty wrote the language on a sheet 01 notepaper, and handed it to the Bench. In turn it was handed to Maria, who admitted that it was bad language," though she could not read it. I am sorry for the gintleman," she re- marked, alluding to the Bench. She was sober at the time," said P.C. Thomas in answer to the magistrates, Oh. no, my dear," retorted Maria affection- ately. I was drunk. (Laughter.) I am Jivmg 1.11 gaol. your Honours." (Renewed laughter.) Aid. E. H. Davies And a very proper place for you, too. Defendant: Is it, sir ? Do you think so ? Dear me I don't think so. (Langhter.) The Clerk You had your Christmas dinner In gaol. Defendant: Yes, I did. And then she pro- phetically added And I suppose I will have my Easter egg there, too. ( Loud laughter.) Maria then pleaded that it was no good send- ing her to Cardiff Gaol, because they did not want to see her there. When the magistrates announced that they would give her another chance Maria got Voluble in retarning thanks to yer Honours," and hoped that" God would rest his blessing on the gintlemen."

A GUARANTEED QURE FOR PILES. Itching. Blind Bleeding, or Protruding An cbemistsare authorised to refund money if Paro Ointment fails to cure Piles. Cures ordinary cases in six 3avs. One application gives ease and rest. Pazo Ointment is a new discovery, and the onlvPile remedy sold on a positive guaran- tee. Price 2s 3d, ol all chemists, or frptn Paris Medicine Co., Temple Chambers, London, E.C.

KING EDWARD'S SYMPATHY. The King and the Foreign Office were on Wednesday officially apprised of the death of the Shah of Persia, and by his Majesty's command the Secretary of Stale for Foreign Affairs despatched to the Persian Court and Government, through the British Minister at Teheran, a telegram of condolence. Sir Edward Grey also offered the condolences of the British Government. The following official announcement was made in Liverpool on Wednesday In the name of God, Merciful and Compassionate, Giver of Life and Decreer of Death, the Im- perial Persian Consul at Liverpool desires officially to state that he has receiredatele. gram from Teheran announcing that his Im- perial Majesty Muzaffer Ed Din Shah passed away last night, the 22nd Dhuh Kaada, 1324 (corresponding with 8th January, 1907). Ar- rangements are being made for an official Jaauaza Nimaz in memory of the deceased Monarch, to be celebrated at the Mosque, Liverpool." The Shah was personally known in the British Court and Government circles, having paid a visit to this country a few years ago and stayed for several days at Buckingham Palace. The late Shah of Persia. I New Shah at the Palace. Teheran. Wednesday. 7p.m.Sbortly after the official announcement of the death of the Shah, Mohammed Ali Mirza, the heir apparent, proceeded to the Palace.where he arrived about 9 o'clock. He was at once formally acknow- ledged as Shah by the Grand Vizier, Ministers of State, and other Princes of the Royal Family and by numerous high Court and Government officials. This afternoon the body of the late Shah was removed with the customary ceremony to the Great Takieh, where it will remain until the funeral.—Reuter.

THE DEAD MONARCH. His Wives and His Treasures. Muzafer-ed-Din was born on March 20th, 1853, was Governor-General of a province when his father died a violent death at the hand of an assassin, but having been previously ap- pointed heir, he quietly ascended the throne and succeeded to the titles of Shah of Persia, King of Kings, the Shadow of God, the Centre of the Universe, Exalted like the planet Saturn, Well of Science, Footpath of Heaven, Sublime Sovereign whose Standard is the Sun, Monarch of Armies numerous as the Stars. The Shah's principal amusements at home were hunting and shooting. He could shoot a hole through a coin thrown in the air, or riddle a cap at three hundred paces. Extensive preserves, containing bears, leopards, and wild pics, were maintained for his pleasure round Teheran. The Shah had an exceedingly small harem for an Eastern monarch, having not more than 60 wives.

THE NEW RULER. Biographical Sketch. Reuter's lepresentative had an interview this morn-ng with the Persian Charge i'Affaires, who communicated the following biographical sketch of Persia's new ruler :— The new Shah is 34 years of age, and ivas born at Tabriz, when his father was Viceroy of that province As a child the Prince showed sJgns of great intelligence, remarkable strength of character, and independence of will. The late Shah took great pains with the education af his children, and the Crown Prince not only acquired the usual Persian education-Persian md Al-abic philosophy and science-but he ilso received instruction from various Euro- pean professors engaged as his tutors. Thus, ilthough the new Shah has not been to Europe as a rule a Crown Prince cannot leave the ,ountry), he is well versed in the subjects taught in the schools and universities of Europe. He speaks French particularly well. md has devoted considerable time to the study )f political sciences and the political history of Europe. Among the literary men of Persia he lai gained fame for his excellent caligraphv md elegant style—two accomplishments much prized in Persia. His Majesty is. however. abore all. a military man, and has had a careful and thorough training in the art of war, and has commanded several regiments. Indeed, so lesirous were the late Shah and Nasr-ed-Din, ;he new Shah's grandfather, that his military ;raining should be as thorough as possible that the young Prince entered the army as an msign, and reached the grade of commander solely on his merits, and only after having served the full period fixed for each interme- iiate grade. His Majesty's military qualifica- tions found a wide scope in the administration )f the province of Azerbaijan. This is essen- tially a military province, and the majority of the best Persian troops are recruited among its inhabitants. This is one of the reasons why this province has the privilege of always being governed by the future Sovereign of Persia until his accession to the Throne. It was in the past deemed important that the ruler should, while Crown Prince, be enabled to gain the sympathy of the most important pro- vince of the country and of the flower of the irmy, so as to strengthen his position in the vent of any ris ug at the time of his accession bo the throne. No disturbances are expected now, as the country is tranquil, and the new Shah enjoys great popularity His Majesty is described by those who know him well as a serious and earnest man, energetic and fond of bis work. personally attending to every detail of his Government, and exacting from his Ministers and assistants accurate and efficient work. Indeed, his officials have often been heard to make complaints, not unmixed with admiration, of the zeal and exactitude with wh:cb he worked and made them work when he was Governor of Tabriz. It may be interest ing to Europeans to know that the Shah has not inherited from his Roval ancstors that Oriental love of pomp and dis- play usually associated with Persian monarchs. He is fond of simplicity, and the sumptuousneas of his Court does not exceed that which is abso- lutely necessary for the maintenance of his rank and dignity. Some, indeed, have been in. clined to assert that he is economical to a fault. He did much to improve the condition of the province of Azerbaijan and constructed many schools and hospitals. During his tenure of the governorship many intricate frontier and administrative questions arose with which he successfully dealt. It is ridiculous to say that he is opposed to the Constitution. He is. on the contrary, a most firm supporter and advocate of reform.

EARTHQUAKES PREDICTED. Mr Hugh Clements, of East Dulwich. whose meteorological contributions to the Press have made his name familiar, makes the bold prophecy that earthquake shocks such as have previously afflicted the continent of America will be repeated on Saturday next. He added that Algeria would yesterday feel a repetition of former earth quake visitations. Meteorologists are not usually so definite and so daring. It. will he interesting to see if the predictions are con- firmed. Etna Active. Catania, Wednesday.—Etna. Observatory reports that the Etna is showing renewed activ- ity. Shortly before the end of the year an eruption occurred, dense smoke and ashes being emitted from the central crater. During the first days of January smoke was seen to rise from the volcano, and the country surrounding the mountain was illuminated with flashes of red fire, caused either by emission of incandescent matter or by disturbancej inside the craters.— Reuter.

SUDDEN DEATH AT WESTON. Edwin Hewlitt-, of Barry, give evidence on Tuesday at the inqnest on the body of his father, James H. Hewlitt, who died suddenly at Worle, near Weston-super-Mare. the previous day. Witness said his father was almost 60 years of age, and a retired farmer. The land lord of the Newlnn.Worle.said deceased visited the inn on Sunday night and remained an hour and a half, but he only had one half-pint of beer and a little rum. Deceased, who occasionally drank to excess, was found dead sitting in an outhouse. Dr. Kemm said deceased was subject to chronic bronchitis and heart disease. He drank freely, and that aggravated his disease. Death was due to syncope, and the jury re- turned a verdict accordingly-

DOG ACT EXEMPTIONS. 114 Allowed at Rhayader. At Rhayader Petty Sessions Wednesday no fewor than 114 alrli-ations for exemptions under the nog Act, 1906, were presented by the magistrate's clerk, and allowed.

BOMB IN A BANK. TWO KILLED; MANY INJURED. Assassin One of the Victims. Philadelphia, Saturday.—A bomb explosion occurred here to-day in a building occupied by the Fourth -street National Bank, one of the largest institutions in the couutry. It ap- pears that an unknown man entered the bank and demanded money of Mr Richard H. Rush- ton. the President. On meeting with a refusal, he took a bomb from underneath his coat and hurled it at Mr Rushton, who, by an extra- ordinary chance, e-caped uninjured. The man himself and an assistant cashier were killed, however, and several other persons were in. jured, two of them fatally. After the explosion Mr Rushton. though very much shaken, was able to go to his club and narrate his exciting experience to his friends. A shabbily dressed man, giving the name of G. E. Williams," he said, called at the bank and asked for the loan of 5,000 dollars. I was busy looking over some papers, and paid but little attention. He sat on a chair looking at me very curiously, until I suspected that he was a crank, and I asked him to excuse me a minute while I went to another office. As I eft the room the man rose and went to the cashier's window. I noticed him talking with the cashier, but I do not know what he said, The bomb was thrown without any warning. and my cashier, William Z. McClear was killed outright." The scene of the explosion was the main banking office. and at the time the vaults were open and the books and papers were piled on the desks preparatory to being put away for the day. The glass and wooden partitions were demolished, the desks destroyed, and iron rail- ings twisted bv the force of the explosion, which threw everyone in the room to the floor. The alarm of fire was raised and the fire brigade were promptly on the spot. The cashier's body was badly mangled, while the body of the bomb-thrower was torn into frag- ments, the head and shoulders being found to. gether with his overcoat in the president's office. The only thing found to identify the bomb thrower is a bunch of keys bearing the name of R. Steele," Gainer, Iowa. It is learned from that, place that a man of that name is known there and that he is o driver of a patent medicine van. Altogether ten persons were injured. One of these, who is not expected to recover, is William Crump, the president's private messenger, who tried t< disarm the man when he was in the act of throwing the bomb. —Reuter.

DECORATED BY THE KING. Capt. Knollys's Timely Deed. Captain Edward Knollys. a, nephew of Lord Knollys( private secretary to the King),attended at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday and received at his Majesty's hands the Albert Medal, awarded for saving life. Sir Mackenzie Chalmers, of the Home Office, was present on behalf of the Home Secretary. Tbe gallant act for which the medal was awarded was performed in India, where Captain Knollys, while on service, saved at great personal risk persons who had been overwhelmed by, and would undoubtedly have become victims to, an avalanche. His Alaiesty pinned the medal to the gallant officer's breast, and warmly congratulated him upon his pluck and resource. The Court Circular details the incident aa follows:-On the 19th December, 1905, a party consisting of Captain R. W. E. Knollys, the native assistant at Chitral, a clerk, a Chitrali orderly, and two or three servants, accompanied by the Subadar of Dir and a few Dir villagers, were crossing the Lowarai Pass under consider- able difficulties owing to the heavy snow. The snow was then about six or seven feet deep and stili falling. About half a mile from Gujar levy post the last four of the party, includ- ing Captain Knollys and the Sirbadar of Dir, were suddenly caught and buried by an avalanche, which fell from a hill on their right. Captain Knollys' Chiltrali orderly, Hasel, and a villager of Dir, named Muhammed Ali, who were in front, immediately rushed back and succeeded in pulling Captain Knollys out, who with their help at once set to work to dig out the other three men, who were completely buried. After about half an hour's hard dig- ging in several directions all the three men were successfully extricated from 1 he snow. During this half an hour the three rescuers were in im. minent peril of their lives, as the spot in which they were is notorious for the frequency of the avalanches which fall upon it. On the day before this occurrence a succession of avalanches had fallen at another point in the same pass and overwhelmed a number of men, 22 men and 11 ponies being killed.

A CRIMEAN VETERAN. General Sir Henry Percival De Bathe, Bart., K.C.B., who succeeded his father, Sir Wil- liam Plunkett De Bathe, the third baronet, in 1870, was born in 3.823, at Ma'ta. Having been present at the coronation of Queen Victoria as a page, he entered the Army in 1839, and served with distinction in the Crimean War with the Scots Fusilier Guards. Throughout the siege The Late Sir Henry De Bathe. I operations before Sebastopol he was second m command of his battalion, was wounded and mentioned in despatches, received the medal and clasp. the Turkish medal and the Fifth Class Order of the Medji- dieh. In 1864 he was promoted colonel of the Scots Guards, and subsequently, when promo- ted to general officer's rank, he commanded the Northern District irom 1874 to 1878. He re- tired from the Army in 1883, holding the colo- nelcy of the King's Shropshire Light Infantry, to which he had been appointed in 1877. He married Charlotte, daughter of Mr W. Clare, Mrs Langtry. and is succeeded in the baronetcy by his son Hugoh Gerald, who was formerly a lieutenant in the Gloucestershire Militia, and who married in 1889, Emily Charlotte, widow of Mr Edward Langtry, and daughter of Dean Le Breton. Thus Mrs Langtry, the well-known actress, makes another addition to the list of titled actresges. and becomes Lady De Bathe. The new baronet, Sir Hugo do Bathe, is now at Agra.

MENAI SUSPENSION BRIDGE. COUNTY COUNCilS WON'T HAVE IT. Government Offer Refused. The historic suspension bridge connecting Anglesey with Carnarvonshire was on Wednes- day offered by the First Commissioner of Works as a free Government gift to the two County Councils conditionally on the County Councils undertaking responsibility for its future maintenance Lord Penrhyn spoke strongly against accept- ing the bridge, which be described as a white elephant. It was notorious that the present in- come from bridge tolls fell short of the indis- pensable expenditure upon maintenance. When the bridge was first built the Government charged an extra penny on postage for every letter crossing the bridge. In course of further discussion it was stated the condition of the bridge was now very dan- gerous, and vehicles crossing it were compelled to proceed at a footpace. A severe storm a few years ago had displaced supporting chains, and another storm might necessitate the complete abandonment or rebuilding of the bridge. Lord Penrhyn thought the Government should couple with the offer of the bridge a Treasury grant for contingent reconstruction. Other members fixed the required minimum grant at £ 100,000. A proposal to appoint a committee to con- sidcr the whole question with the view of ob- taining better Government terms was lost Lord Penrhyn's motion declining the Com- missioner of Works' proposal was carried by an overwhelming majority. This bridge is the only means of communica- tion for foot passengers and vehicles between Anglesey and the mainland.

RUN OVER AT GARTH COLLIERY. Patsy Day, of Llwydarch Cottages, Garth, was shifting loaded coal waggons under the screen of Elder's Nagivation Colliery. Garth, one of the waggons became unmanageable. In trying to stop it Day slipped and fell under the waggons, which ran over his legs, crushing one above the knee and the other below. Drs. Sommeras, Kirby, and Gabe were in attend- ance on him. and found it necessary to ampu- I tate both legs. He lies in a critical condition,

Anarchist and King. SENSATIONAL ARREST RECALLED. STRANGE CASE IN LONDON. An Anarchist who was arrested with a re- volver in his possession when the King last visited Gibraltar, appeared at Bow-street on Tuesday. The accused was Siegfried Wacht, an Aus- trian. described as an electrical engineer, and giving an address at Edward-street, N.W., and he was charged on a warrant with threats against Morris Beer, a journalist, of Pages-lane, Muswell HU1. The prosecutor said be was in the British Museum when the prisoner accosted him. Knowing him as an anarchist witness de- dined to have anything to say to him, but about half an hour later, as he was leaving the reading rocm. the prisoner again went up to him, called him a scoundrel, a scamp, and said, You are a man without convictions." He added, I shall wait for you and give you a good thrashing." He had known the prisoner since 1901, having made his acquaintance in London. At the time the King was at Gibraltar the prisoner was arrested there with Ii. revolver in his possession, and witness then wrote an article about him in his paper, the Vorwarts," a German Socialist publication. Inspector Bulch said the prisoner had been known 100 the police for some years as an Anarchist. The prisoner said the prosecutor was a club aquaintance of his, whom be had employed to translate his testimonials in order to enable him to get work. At the time of the King's visit to Gibraltar he (the prisoner) had just arrived therefrom Spain, where he had been '• ravelling, and as he was found to be in possession of a revolver he was arrested and kept in custody until the King had left, when he was liberated. When this incident occurred the prosecutor wrote an abusive article in his paper, which had caused him considerable annoyance, and on meeting him at the British Museum he spoke to him about and called him a scoundrel, but denied having used any threat of violence The case was put back for the attendance of someone from the British Museum Later in the day a clerk from the British Museum was called, but he was unable to throw any light on the matter. The magistrate ordered prisoner to find a surety for £20. and enter into recognisances for a similar amount to keep the peace for six months.

JERSEY CORNFIELD TRAGEDY. Trial of Brother and Sister. At the criminal Assizes at Jarsey on Monday, before the chief magistrate and a full Bench of j urats and a jury of 24, Thomas Connan and Marie Leguen. his sister, were charged with the murder of Pierro Leguen, the female prisoner's husband, in a cornfield at Jersey last July. No witnesses were called, the evidence ariven in the lower court, where both accused pleaded not guilty, being read by the Solicitor-General for the Crown. The Mayor of St. Helier's detailed the cir- cumstances which led to the arrest of the male prisoner, owing to two chains found near the body of the murdered man being identified as his property. Witness also deposed to Con- nan's alleged confession. Connan was stated to have said We were together when we did it," meaning his sister and himself. He added. She wanted her liberty, and for a long time had pressed me to do it." The case was ad- journed. On Tuesday evidence for the prosecution was read by the Solicitor-General. According to this Mr Percy Cooke, a member of the honorary police,stated that in his- confession Connan said when he and his sister met Leguen, the latter was drunk Huswife (the female prisoner) led him a cornfield, and when he was asleep they both struck him. Connan said he exchanged his own boots for those of deceased, whose wife searched the body but found nothing. The female prisoner, on being arrested, denied being present, but said her brother killed her hus- band. Witness produced the woman's blood- stained skirt and boots. A neighbour of prisoners said that sabsequent to the discovery of the body the female prisoner said to witness, I cannot sleep. I cannot endure it. It seems as if I always see him walking before my eyes." The official analyst deposed that a. stone weighing over 41bs. submitted to him was blood- stained, and had hairs upon it The female prisoner's skirt had been washed. The medical evidence was to the effect that death was due to shock and hemorrhage caused by. severe injuries to the head. The injuries could not have been accidental. A great deal of violence bad been used. Judg- ing by the surroundings deceased must have offered a considerable amount of resistance The court again adjourned.

SAVED BY A POLICEMAN. Timely First Aid at Cardiff. An Italian seaman named Paolo Giuseppe owes his life to the vigilance and timely first aid of P.C. Chedzey, of Cardiff. The officer early on Wednesday morning noticed blood on the pavement near Wood-street Bridge, and followed the sanguinary trail to Harpur-street, where he found the man lying in a collapsed state and fast bleeding to death from a severe cut in the right wrist. Chedzey promptly bandaged the arm and stopped the bleeding, and then conveyed the man to the Central Police Station, where his wound was dressed by Dr. Buist. He was afterwards removed to the Infirmary. where Dr. Dobbin and Dr. Watkins attended him. They discovered later on that the man could not speak English, but he knew German, and informed Dr. Watkins, who speaks that language, thathis name was Carl Giuseppe, and that he wis an Italian, and came to Cardiff on Tuesday from Hamburg, and that he had cut his wrist with a piece of glass. Further information than this he would not volunteer, and he was in such a weak condition that it was thought inadvisable at the time to press for further particulars. In the course of investigations Police-Inspec- tor John Davies discovered a quantity of blood on the front window of No. 20, Gough-street, Temperancetown. The window was smeared with blood and the sill bespattered. The occu- pier was called and his attention directed to the matter. All he could say was that about midnight a man. whom he did not know, broke his window, and in doing so cut his arm. According to Dr. Buist there is no doubt that if P.C. Chedzey had not come to the aid of the Italian he would have been dead before he reached the police station. Giuseppe is reported to be recovering.

ARMY REFORM. Letter from Sir Evelyn Wood. Sir EvelynWood.in a letter to the "Times" on Mr HaMane andtbeArmy. 33ys: As adjutant- general I pointed out frequently from 1897 to 1901 the inadequate numbers of our regular Army. During the war one officer had to com- mand and pay 850 men, quartered half at Aldershot and half at Hounslow, and for 4,500 artillery men we had only seven duty officers and seven lads just joined. At the conclusion of the war the War Minister considered the possi- bility of reducing a certain number of newly- raised batteries to two guns. but soon realised we could not then train the reserve. I trust our legislators will read the evidence of Lord Elgin's Commission before voting on any question of Army establishments.

JAPANESE PROSPERITY. A Good Budget. Tokio, Tuesday.—The Japanese Government is expected to present to the Diet on January 21st the next fiscal year's Budget. The total ex- penditure provided for is equivalent to £61,100,000. There are in addition supple- mentary Budget outlays amounting to which will be met from the current year's sur- plus revenue. The country's foreign trade and domestic commerce and industry being pros- perous, the revenue for the current year greatly exceeds the estimates—" Times," per Press Association.

THE TOOTING SLATE CLUB. The governors of the Church Institute. Tooting, held a further meeting on Tuesday afternoon for consideration of the affairs of the Slate Club and Savings Bank. It was decided that both branches of the Slate Club, that at Upper Tooting and that at Battcrsea. shall continue to be carried on, but on a new basis, and safeguarded for financial purposes. The governors have decided to put au end to the Savings Bank, The depositors will get their amounts back with fair interest, bat not the 8 per cent. which had been the rule. The educa- tional work of the institute has been resume J.

LICENCE COMPENSATION FUND. Radnorshire Applications Discharged. At Rhayader Petty Sessions on Wednesday Mr G. W. Moseley, solicitor, Llandrindod Wells, who appeared on behalf of the Radnor shire Compensation Authority, explained that applications for reduction of the Compensation charge in respect of the Lion Hotel, Rhayader, and Elan Valley Hotel. Cwmdaud- dwr, were previously adjourned, pending the decision of the High Court in identical cases. The decision had now been given, and. on its result, he-asked the Bench to discharge the applications. Their Worships agreed to this.

NEWPORT MILK-SELLER SUMMONED. At Newport, on Wednesday, Ellen Brunnock, Bald win-street, was summoned for selling milk deficient in milk fat. Mr Abbot prosecuted, and Mr Hornby appeared for defendant. Mr Hornby, for the defence, said that unless ther was evidence of adulteration by either adding water or abstracting fat. the Bench could not convict on the fact that, the sample was below the standard. So long as it was cow milk it did not matter how poor it was. The case was adjourned for a week.

LIVERPOOL'S SERIOUS LOSS. Southampton's Immense Gain. 'A Liverpool correspondent is 'officially ad- vised by the Cunard Company that the change of port of departure from Liverpool to South- ampton of the White Star mail boats, will in no way change the programme of the Cunard sailings to New York: The Cunard are ready to acknowledge that for the first class passenger traffic Southampton possesses advantages beyond those of Liverpool, and sooner or later they will avail themselves of these advantages. The matter is possibly only one of time but the Cunard Company's present intention is to adhere to-Liverpool for the New York sailings- The same correspondent adds that it is com- puted that the transfer of the White Star Line mail boats to Southampton means a loss to Liverpool of half a million per annum. Each steamer carries 400 hands, whose families will be transferred to Southampton. The leading hotels will feel the effects, though perhaps not so keenly as might be anticipated, conse- quent on the steamers' passengers going direct from the riverside station to the mail boats. Both the chairman and manager of the Liver- pool Docks express the opinion that the action of the White Star is to larger share of Continental and London traffic. The Mayor of Southampton has telegraphed to the chairman and directors of the London and South-Western Company heartily congra- tulating them on the success of their negotia- tions with the White Star Line. It is, expected that the South-Western Company will proceed with their new dock directly the plans, which include a reclamation of a portion of the river Test. have received the approval of the har- bour board. There is a rumour, which has some founda- tion, that two other lines are contemplating transferring some steamers to other ports. Queenstown Perturbed. The monthly meeting of Queenstown Urban Council on Monday considered the question of the proposed alteration of the weekly sailings of the White Star liners, by which they are to start from Southampton instead of Liverpool, and not call at Queenstown with mails or pro- ceed to Liverpool on the return journey. It was pointed out that the suggested changes as regards mails would, if carried into effect, cause considerable inconvenience to at least two-thirds of the business people of England, andt 0 the whole of those of Scotland and Ireland. This applied specially to the carriage of mails direct to Southampton from New York instead of. as at present, via. Queenstown and Liverpool, by which latter route, owing to the geographical stiuation at Queenstown. mails shipped at New York are constantly being delivered in the midland and northern parts ofEnlandánd the whole of Scotland arid Ireland before mails, shipped at New York from Southampton on the same date and by equally fast lines, are even disembarked at Southampton. Subse. quently a committee of the whole Council was appointed to consider the entire matter and to co-operate with other public bodies in England and Scotland whose interests may be affected by the proposed changes. Joy at Southampton. News of the impending transference of four mail-boats of .the White star Fleet from Liver- pool to Southampton has been hailed with the greatest satisfaction in Southampton. Although rumours to the effect that both the White Star and Cunard companies intend to divert part of their traffic to the southern port have for some time been in circulation, nothing was officially known before on Monday. Untiltheproposed new dock is completed, the resources of the port of Southampton will be severely taxed, for the influx of new shipping daring the last J2 months has been quite remarkable. As a result of the impending change, a British line will now enter into direct competition with the mid-weeldv North German Lloyd service- Lo- cally it is thought that the transference has only been made possible by the spirited policy of the London and South-Western Railway Company, who have spent several millions ster- ling on Southampton docks and brought them thoroughly up to date. Various rumours prevailed in Liverpool on Tuesday regarding shipping developments, the most probable having reference to the C.P.R. Linej which, it is rumoured, is likely to run a line of cargo steamers between Manchester and Canada. This will in no way affect the class of passenger and freight steamers known as the Empress steamers, but embrace some older and smaller ones taken ovgr from the Beaver Line, which the C.P.R. bought out some years ago when they first started running from Liverpool to Montreal. The Press Association's Southampton corres- pondent telegraphs The announcement that the Cunard Company will sooner or later follow the example of the White Stair line in detach- ing part of its fleet, to Southampton is con- strued at the latter port into a determination of the Cunard directors to avail themselves of the advantages enjoyed by Southampton as soon as the necessary arrangements can be made for the reception of the vessels. The recent series of announcements has pro- voked the utmost enthusiasm at Southampton, which seems on the eve of developments un- paralleled in the history of the porti Further proof of the prog' essive policy of the Royal Mail Company is furbished by the acquisition by that company of an hotel for the accommodation of their officers. The president of the Southampton Chamber of Commerce has sent a, message to the directors of the South-Western Railway to the effect that the chamber views with the liveliest in- terest and satisfaction their decision to buiid a new large dock at Southampton, and offers its warmest congratulations on the successful negotiations with the White Star line.

WHITE STAR'S NEW MOVE. Official Statement. On Wednesday evening the White Star Com- .pany issued an official disclaimer of hostility to any other company in diverting their mail steamers from Liverpool to Southampton. They have no desire, as has been suggested, to forestall and prejudice their neighbours, nor is the competition at Liverpool too severe or likely to be too severe to enable them to employ profitably New York and Liverpool tonnage. They assert that the proposed change has been undel" comnderahon sevea] years and, is how made to meet the pressing demands of an im portant sectipn who desire to travel by ships calling at either English or French Channel ports. Great Dock Enterprise. The Devon and Exeter Gazette to-day claims authority for stating that the plans for a new wet dock which the London and South Western Railway Company propose to con- struct at Southampton, will provide not merely for the simultaneous reception of four ocean going steamers, bat for seven and probably eight of the largestliners afloat. "Starts the Ascendant" At the meeting of the Southampton Borough Council on Wednesday afternoon, the Mayor, alluding to the transfer of the White Star liners to that port, said that Southampton's star was at the present time certainly in the ascendant They most heartily welcomed the new line of steamers. They could not tell what prosperity it might bring, but they knew, it must be great. They welcomed the White Star Company and trusted that their flag and the flags of many other steamships sailing; from the. port would float proudly there for mnyyears. to come, bringing commerce and prosperity to the town

INTERPLEADER ACTION AT SWANSEA. A Dressmaker's Claim. At Swansea County Court on Monday even- ing, Judge Bryn Roberts opened an inter- pleader case remitted from the High Court, in which the claimant was Miss Edith Emily Chambers, dressmaker, of Abergavenny, tbe execution creditor David Jokes, of Wernfawr, Killog. and the execution debtor William Chambers, the father of the claimant. Mr Alex. Andrews was for the claimant, and Mr Leyson for the execution creditor. The claimant claimed a stallion named L6rd Donni- thorne which had been seized. This, she said.she purchased for £45 of which she obtained by selling her piano. She said her father managed the horse, but she re- ceived the fees for the maintenance of the home. She had entered the horse in her own name for the Bedwellty Show, and sfae herself paid the fees. In cross -examination she ad- mitted that at the same show the horse was entered for an event and won a prize in her father's name but this, she explained was a mistake of the secretary's, she receiving the prize money. Mr Leyson asked the claimant when she began to exhibit this great love for horses and the replied that-he was always fond of animals. Mr Leyson suggested tha.t the horse was the father's, who, he said, did all tne correspondence relating to the horse, but claimant replied That is an absolute fib." The hearing was adjourned. At Swansea County Court on Wednesday Judge Bcyn Robear an interpleader action remitted from the High Court, in which Charles Hayes, of the Bridge Inn, Landore. was the claimant, Hallett and Thomas, trading as the Equitable Money Society, Cardiff, the execution creditors, and Charles Furze, mana- ger of the Bridge Inn, execution debtor. Mr Meager (instructed by Messrs Leader and Morris) was for the claimant, and Mr Pocock (Cardiff) for the execution creditor. The goods seized consisted of stock in trade at the Bridge Inn. It appeared that Furze took the inn first, and then as difficulty was experienced in getting the licence. Messrs:CrQ&<?weH.the lessees. took the inn from him by arrangement, and put in Hayes, who took over the licence and bought Furze out. It was. npw stated thatfeora that timeeverlthing was carried on in Hayes's name, but Furze, in cross examination, admitted that he had subsequently maù payments for stock out of his own banking account, ex- plaining, however. that that was because Hayes was too ill to sign cheques..For' the execution creditor it was submitted that the transaction was a bogus one made in favour of Furze, who was Hayes's son-m-law. The Jvidge found that this was a, colourable transaction made solely for the purpose of getting over a difficulty about the magistrates declining to give a licence to Furze. He gave judgment for the execution creditors on a' points.

South Wales News. Church Work in Canton. There was a good attendance at Rawden- flace Hall, Canton, Cardiff, cn Wednesday afternoon, when an excellent entertainment, entitled "Fairir-ana," was opened in aid of the funds of St. Cadoc's Church. Wells-street. The inaugural ceremony was performed by the Ven. Archdeacon Bruce. and others present in- cluded the Rev. W. A. Peters and Messrs Sid- ney Rees and George Williams. The affair in eluded a sale of work, Christmas tree. concerts, etc., while fairies and goblins, including Father Christmas and Santa Claus, evoked great wonder among the merry youngsters present. Prominent amongst the lady workers were Miss Peters, Mrs S. Rees, and Mrs Johnson. Mr S. Rees, one of the churchwardens, stated that the entertainment was got up with the object. of still further reducing the debt on St. Cadoc's Church. Archdeacon Bruce referred to the great needs of the parish, and spoke of the good work that was being done there. St. Andrew's (Cardiff) Whist Drive. A whist drive and dance in connection with the St. Andrew's parish took place at the old Town Hall assembly rooms on Wednesday evening, the secretarial duties being discharged by Mr J. M A. Thomas. The winners of the prizes. which were distribnted by the Rev. S. Owen, were as Miss M. W Evans 2, Miss H F. Vaugh. Consolation award—Miss Burney; gentlemen—1 Mr Arthur Silcocks 2. Dr. Cyril Lewis. Consolation prize —Mr A. W. Pitcher. Dancing followed the card-playing, the music being supplied by Mr Johnson's band. Cathays Wesleyan Church Concert. A concert crga.nised by the Cathays Wesleyan Brotherhood was given at their church in Crwys-road, Cardiff, on Wednesday night There was a good attendance, The artistes were :—Soprano, Miss Nora. Meredith (London and Provincial Concerts) contralto, Miss Rachel Thomas (Mountain Ash); baritone, Mr EmIvn. Davies (A.R.C.M.. London) violin, Mr Edgar Squire. oMr Norman Kendrick was at the organ and Mr J, Owen Jones at the piano- fore. Gelligaer Council. At a meeting of Gelligaer District Council at Hengoecl on Wednesday, Mr Jones, J.P.. in the chair, it was decided to convene a special meet- ing at Deri to consider what action should be taken relative to the Barry Company's pro- posed new line connecting the Rhymney with the Fochriw Valley. The medical officer, Dr. W. W. Jones, reported a death rate for De- cember corresponding to 18*1 per 1,000. The Britbdir schools had been closed for 14 days in consequence of an outbreak of measles. Barge Building at Barry. Messrs. Thomas Hall and Co.. of Barry, have completed, ready for delivery, a lighter huilt specially for carrving fresh water at the Sey- chelles Islands. Mr Thomas Hall designed the craft, which has met with the entire satisfac. tion of the owners. The Oldest Inhabitant. Mrs Phoebe Hill, recognised as one of Cly- dach s oldest inhabitants, has just died in her 88th year. She was a native of Somerset- shire, and came to Clydach 50 years ago. She was the mother of Mr William Hill, Ystalyfera, and Mr John Hill, Pontypoo). Fell Into Dry Dock. In the early hours of Wednesday a French sailor, belonging to the brigantine Fecie, fell into the Harris Dry Dock whilst trying to beard the ship. He was picked up in a semi- conscious state and was attended to by Dr. Morgan. Pontypridd Ttwnways Employees. The first annual dinner of the employees of the Pontypridd Council's electric, tramways department took place on Wednesday night at Mr Hopkin Morgan's restaurant. Mr T. Taylor, vice-chairman of the Council, presided, and on behalf of the employees presented Mr Teasdel, the resident manager, with a silver cigarette case, a matchbox, and a cigarette-holder, a nd Mrs Teasdel with silver serviette rings. The chairman expressed the opinion that the manager would make the undertaking a suc- cessful one. Rhymney Footpath Dispute. At the monthly meeting of the St. MeUons District Council on Wednesday a further letter was lfead from Messrs Wm. Ware and Williams on the Rhymney footpath question, submitting that there was no right of way. It was stated that the obstruction had been removed by the parishioners. The Council decided to take no action. Death of an Old Llaneliyite. The death is announced, at the age of 84, of Mr Norman, Union-terrace, Llanelly. Aberystwyth Paupers' Dinner. Captain Roberts informed the Aberystwyth Board of Guardians at their meeting on Mon- day that the inmates desired to thank the board for the splendid dinner on Christmas Day, which one of the inmates informed him could not be beaten in the best restaurant in Europe. (Laughter, and hear, hear.) Crushed Between Wagon and Wall. On Monday, a young Polish Jew named Morris Viner was crushed between a wagon and a wall at the Cast House, Dowlais Iron Works, receiving internal injuries to which he succumbed before medical attendance could be procured. Deceased lodged at No. 20, Green- field terrace, Penydarren. Early Lamb. A lamb has just been born Dn the Llandafen Farm. Llanelly, the property of Mr Thomas Jones, J.P., Brynman, Llanelly. Shop Fire at Barry. Shortly after 1 o'clock on Wednesday a fire was discovered at the shop occupied by Messrs Martin Brothers, outfitters, in Holton-road, Barry Dock. The alarm was given by some men who noticed smoke issuing from the door- way. The police were quickly on the scene with hose and reel, and promptly subdued the flames, which had secured a firm hold on the back part of the shop. Much damage was done by the fire and. water. I appears that Mr Martin had only just left the premises when the outbreak was discovered. Lantern Lecture at Dowlais. A lecture of absorbing interest on V The Land of the Pharoahs was given on Tuesday evening at the Wimborne Hall, Dowlais. by Mr H. Hartley Southey. Merthyr Express." Merthyr. Mr J. Ferguson, Merthyr Education Committee Offices, had charge of the lantern, and Mr Gwilym Lewis. Merthyr, played piano- forte selections. Mr F. S. Simons (Mayor of Merthyr) presided. Llanerch Haulier Injured. At Llanerch Colliery on Tuesday Evan James, of Cwmfrwdoer. fell under a journey of trams, and was taken to the Pontypool Hos- pital suffering from severe injuries to his back. GorseinonStationmaster Promoted. Mr S. W. Thornhill, for 25 years station- master at Gorseinon, has been appointed stationmaster at Knighton. Wild Geese in the Rhondda. Just after da.wn on Monday a flock of wild geese, to the number of about 15, Were seen llyipg over Tyntyla Mountain and were going westwards. Their movements offered an in- teresting sight, rarely witnessed in this popu- ous valley. Health of Magor. At the monthly meeting of Magor District Council on Wednesday Dr. W. E. James, medical officer of health, reported that the death-rate fur the past quarter corresponded to 11*2 per 1,000 per annum, and the birth rate 21'6. No cases of infectious diseases had been notified during the month. Influenza had been very prevalent. Pharmaceutical Success.—Tom Harris, of Seven Sisters Hotel, Seven Sisters, was success- ful in qualifying as a chemist and druggist at the recent examination beldin London by the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.

REFUSE ON ABERAVON BEACH Together with Swansea Invoices and Letters. At a meeting of the Highways Committee of Aberavon Town Council on Wednesday, Mr p. Jacob presiding, the Town Clerk read the minutes of the Beach Committee, reporting the washing up of Swansea refuse. He said he had written to the Swansei Town Clerk and had received a-reply stating that the, refuse from Swansea, was taken out to sea and was always in charge of, on behalf of the Corporation, an experienced man who had been nominated by the Channel pilots, and the refuse was deposited outside the prescribed limits, and he could not see how it could find its way to Aberavon beach, He would, however, submit the question to the Council. The Mayor said he had read in the Press that the. Swansea Corporation were send- ing up a committee to inspect the beach. The Mayor There is no doubt it is Swansea re- fuse, as-there were a lot of invoices and letters addressed at Swansea amongst it." MrF. B. Smith: Only to-day a. post card was picked up addressed to a Swansea gentleman, ordering a load of coal." At the suggestion of the Town Clerk, a committee was appointed to meet the Swansea Committee.

FE L U N TO TWC A N A L Newport Man's Narrow Escape. On Wednesday George Webster (30). of 72, George street, Newport, a navvy employed by Messrs Eaton Gibbs and Co., contractors to the Alexandra. Dack extension works, was admitted to the Newport Hospital sufferinllt- from the effects of immersion in the water. W hile walk- ing. along the canal near the North Dock to work he feH into the water. He shouted, and two dock guards being, attracted to the place by his eries found him tloiting in the water. They rescued him by means of a shunting pole. George Osborne and Dock-constable Green, two ambulance men. then came on the scene, and resorted to artificial respiration. After 20 piinutes Webster began to breathe, and he was then wrapped in blankets and conveyed to the hospital, where he was detained. <

TEACHER PROBATIONERS. No Room at Aberdara County School. A month or so ago the pupil teacher probv tioners from the Aberdare and Mountain AsM districts selected by the Glamorgan County Council to enter Abordaro County School re< ceived intimation from the clerk of the, school governors that they could tiot be admitted aS the schoCll wa. full. OrL Monday evening, a6 already reported, the parents held a protest meeting, and a deputation from that meeting waited upon the Aberdare Education Committee on Wednesday. The deputation was intro- duced by Mr R. h. Berry, who complained of the great injustice done by the governors to the parents, who had been called upon to sign a binding agreement to keep their children in the County School and to allow them to become pupil teachers. By the action of the governors, also, the probationers were debarred frompro- ceeding with their careers. The action, too. would prove a great injury to the cause ol education in the district, as it would limit that Council to the choice cf suitable candi- dates. Rev. J. Morgan Jones, M.A., chairman ol the Education Committee. said he was sure every member of the Education Committee sympathised with the probationers and the if parents in the matter and when be heard of it first he at once asked their clerk to write on the matter, and in reply the clerk of the County Council had written expressing the hope that the Aberdare Governors would be able to put up temporary buüdingst and in that way continue the present arrangements, The Board of Education had, however, written the governors of the Aberdare school that it was overcrowded and would hava to be taken from the register as a grant-earning school. The governors felt that the parties at fault in the matter were the County Council; Mr D- P. Davies, J.P., chairman of the Board of Governors, said the County Council had sufficient warning, the Board of Education having a year ago drawn attention to the fact that the school was overcrowded. The Abe" dare district had been very badly treated by the County Council all through in the matter. It was resolved to write a strong letter to-thg County Council on the matter. and also to ask the governors of the County School to maka arrangements to receive the probationers,Ab lea^t temporarily.

EDWARDS MILLIONS REDIVIVUS NEWPORT VOCALIST AS CLAIMANT. Another claimant has put in an appearance for the Robert Edwards estate in New York. which, as previously explained in our columns. came into possession of Edwards a few genera- tions ago, when it was marshy land, and upon which one of the principal quarters of New York new stands. The estate is estimated to be worth nearly 50,000,000 dollars, and there have been quite a number of claimants from South Wales and other parts of the country. Mr Kinsey Morgan, solicitor, Newport, has investigated, the claim of a number of people. The latest claimant ia Madame Maggie Purvis, the popular mezzo- soprano singer, who recently appeared before a Newport audience, and who has a number of relatives at Newport and Llantarnam. She has received information from Mr Morgan. the family soiiritor. that upon certain evi- dence being forthcoming she would be entitled to participate in the distribution of this estate. Mr Morgaun has commissioned a Newport gentleman, who has just left for New York, to make various inquiries with the object of arriving at something more definite as to the nature of the evidence required to establish. Madamc Purvis's claim. He is notxpecteci back for about a month.

HIGHER ELEMENTARY OR HIGHER STANDARDP Aberdare School Problem. At a meeting of Aberdare Education Com- mittee on Wednesday, R--v-. J. Morgan Jones. M.A., ia the chair, discussion took place as to the advisability of utilising the new school now in course of construction at the Gadlys as a Higher Elementary School instead of 4 Higher Standard School." It was resolved to obtain the views of the Board of Education thereon.

A POWERFUL AND DRAMATIC NOVEIj BY AN EMINENTLY POPULAR AUTRO. THE CROOKED WAY, BY WILLIAM LE QUEUX±; Author of Whoso Findeth a Wife," Whato soever a Man Soweth." "10. White Raiment," Of Royal Blood," The Day of Temptation," &C..&C., í WILL BE COMMENCED IN TH9 > > CARDIFF TIMES AND g OUTHW ALES WEEKLY NEW8 JANUARY, 19th, 1907. In introducing a new story by, such a prolifta writer as ir Wrn. Le Queux it becomes in- creasingly difficult to say anything sufficiently novel or striking to be worthy of the work. In The Crooked Way," however, our task- is made easier in that Mr Le Queux has turned over a new leaf, so to speak. While retaining all his former keen faculty for the dramatic and mysterious, the author has apparently devoted especial attention to the psychological aspect. the interplay of character. The story opens with the meeting of two old friends. Arthur Inwood has invited Roy Boy. 3ton to dine with self and wife at the Savoy, Royston was in a state of financial embarrass, ment and had determined to cut the Gordiau knot by self-destruction. Inwood, however, generously comes to the rescue by handing his friend notes to the value of £ 10,000. Dinner is partaken of by Royston in company with Inwood and his wife Helene. Roy had known and loved Helene before" she was married. But now that she is married to his friend he becomes reconciled to the inevitable his friend. ship for Mrs Inwood is a purely platonic one. He wishes to give her tidings regarding a secret in her past life-news which he thinks will be a great relief to her. But after dinner Inwood is unexpectedly caUed away, and their intended visit to the theatre is abandoned. Mrs Inwood accompanies her husband to their home in Cumberland Place, and Roy is left disconso- late-for a time. Late that night Royston makes up his mind that it is essential that Helene should have his news at the earliest possible moment, and so he decides to call on her at once, notwithstanding the absence of hef husband. Ah, had he but known." writes the author," what strange and dramatic adveit. tures awaited him that night Certainly the situation, potentially -dramatio enough in itself, develops amazingly, and the reader is rapidly brought face to face with < crisis pregnant with consequences to tbrot lives. Even this first episode shows the hand of the master no-velis,-the student of hunua nature, the moulder of circumstance. TbLa husband, who considers himself injiujsdt shatters the friendship of a lifetime in a fp^ tense and passionate seconds. So far we hotvc. not dipped deeply into The Crooked Way," but we hope we have succeeded in arousing-ths reader's interest and in grying some ideaol what to expect. Few stories of recent tintug grip the reader's attention so quickly,or s9 soon sound the depths of human passion., 7 READ TJ1HE QBOOKED BY Iff ILLI AM QUEUap. :Jt.J -.F.- IT WILL APPEAR JANUARY 19 t, b IN THE c ARDIFF fJIIMES AND OUTHALESWEÉY ■——— Waterproof your Boot* and Harness 5 Make them soft and as good as new by n using the best of all leather preservatives. Ilold DALES'J:IDUBBIN; All.- j>oIishmo;. Pleasant odour. 92 Exhib- ttton Hltfheot Awards. Tins—9d„ ed., 1/- and a/a, of Bootmaker?. Saddle* Iron- rooDgers,Stores,&c. t