South Wales Daily News

TO THE EDITOR. SIR,—In your yesterday's issue your correspon- dent, Truth," challenges the correctness of statements made by Mr John Williams at Ty- newydd, Ogmore. As I was present, I can testify that Mr Williams did state that under the Act re would be no compensation for the first fort- night, and that under the old Permanent Fund the sick pay would commence at 4s 6d per week. For the apparent inaccuracies we must doubtless blame the drastic cutting down required to bring the speech of over two hours' duration within the compass of a paragrnph that can be read in two minutes, and the fact that these two items do not seriously affect the value of the different systems which the speech compares. Truth," who aspires to absolute accuracy, fails twice in the same manner—firstly, by neglecting to state that the 4s 6d per week under the Permanent Fund is after six weeks increased to 6s per week during the remainder of disablement, and secondly by omitting to state that the 10s per week under th,e proposed scheme only lasts for 26 weeks, and is then reduced to 8s. As for the invested funds, be they one thousand or half a million, uo inaccuracy in the amount can affect the plea put forward by Mr Williams that it is time they were out of the employers' hands and under their own administra.tion. I wish all workmen before contracting out would con- sider that the Act throws such burdens on the employers as would compel them to t&ke extra precautions for safety, or run the risk of bank- ruptcy. In contracting out we relieve them of that risk, and offer them a severe temptation to save expense by neglecting precautions, and thereby increase the death and accident rate.—I am, (fee., JAS. Ð. GRANT. Blaengarw, 24th September, 1898.

LATE SIR GEORGE GREY. The Earl of Selborne, Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, will attend the funeral of the late Sir George Grev at St. Paul's Cathedral to-day as the representative of the Govern- ment. The Colonial Office and the Secretary of State for the Colonies will be respectively repre- sented, as already stated.

MINES AND MINERS. WAGES IN NORTHUMBERLAND. The conference of Northumberland coalowners and miners' representatives met in Newcastle on Saturday to consider the application by the men for an advance of wages. Ultimately the masters consented to grant a five per cent. advance. CAMBRIAN COLLIERY AGENCY. The following is the result of the poll in the election of miners' agent for the Cambrian Collieries:— Mr John Williams 1,591 Mr Thomas James 1,567 Majority for Mr Williams.. 24 THE ALDERMAN DAVID MORGAN RECEPTION. A mass meeting of the workmen at Dowlais, Plymouth, and Cyfarthfa Collieries was announced to take place at the Union Tips, Merthyr, at 5 o'clock on Satur- day to consider the question of the demon- stration in honour of Alderman David Morgan, at Merthyr, on Thursday next. Only a few men put in an appearance, and it was not deemed ad- visable to do any business. Two previous meet- ings had been convened to consider the same subject, but both meetings were so sparsely attended that no action was taken, RELIEF MEASURES AT BARRY. The Barry District Soup Kitchen Committee which was in existence during the recent coal strike has just been dissolved. Its record of relief work during that period is a noble one. The secretary (Mr W. Reeves) reports that 18,977 free meals were given to children, 5,137 meals to adults, 12,945 quartern loaves of bread given away, and 750 grocery orders to families, while 10,620 gallons of soup were made. Beside this, 2,342 free teas were given to children on Satur- days and 1,364 teas to adults. The various sums col- lected towards the support of the kitchen amounted to 1224 16s 8jd. It has now been decided to form a permanent relief committee for the dis- trict, to be known as the Barry Dock Relief Association, and Councillor W. Thomas has been appointed chairman thereof, and Mr F. Huelin secretary. THE NEW ORGANISATION. ADVICE BY THE PROVISIONAL COMMITTEE. The Provisional Committee desires to call the attention of the workmen to the resolution unanimously adopted at the general conference held on the 31st August, that at the second pay at each colliery Is per man should be collected, of which 3d should be immediately forwarded to Mr Alfred Onions, treasurer of the Central Relief Fund, for the purpose of forming a nucleus of the fund of the new organisation. The workmen's officials at the various collieries are asked to take note of this and act upon it. CENTRAL RELIEF FUND. Mr Lewis Miles, Mr Alfred Onions, and Mr Beynon acknowledge the receipts on behalf of the Provisional Committee of the following sub- scriptions to the Central Relief Fund :— £ s. d. North Wales Quarrymen 16 0 0 Ox Hill, Durham 4 1 0 Wrexham and Acton 115 0 Norton Hard Coal, Derby 015 0 Thormley Lodge I 5 0 0 Liverpool United Trades, Litho 1 18 0 Amalgamated Society Engineers, Stockton. 0 7 6 Amalgamated Society Carpenters 20 0 0 Burnhope Lodge, Durham. 3 6 0 Amalgamated Society Carpenters and Joiners,Sunderland. 412 0 Honghton-Le-Spring, Durham 8 4 0 Dyllas Colliery, Aberdare. 25 0 0 Woolwich Trades Council 514 0 Boilermakers and Steel Ship Builders 250 0 0 Mr Wm. Thomas, Velindre 0 4 0 Beamish Air Pit, Durham 6 11 0 Operative Carpenters and Joiners, Liverpool 5 0 0 Sheldon Lodge 2 0 0 Deaf Hill Lodge, London 2 0 0 Billshall Branch, Lanark 6 0 0 Binchester Colliery, Durham 5 0 0 Scottish Foundry, Armley, Leeds 1 11 6 No. 1 Pit, Llanbradach 1 16 0 ABERCARN. At a general meeting of the Celynon Colliery workmen held on Saturday evening, Mr T. S. Edwards, of Newport and Abercarn, was ap- pointed solicitor to the workmen, a position ormerly held by Mr D. Evans, of Brecon. A GOOD START AT ABERCARN. The work of organising on the lines laid down by the Provisional Committee is showing good results as far as Abercarn Collierv is concerned. On Saturday, out of a possible 863 employed at the colliery, 593 paid their firstsu bscription on joining the Miners' Association of South Wales.

DEATH OF THE REV. JOHN REES, PONTYPRIDD. THE OLDEST WESLEYAN MINISTER IN WALES. It is with regret we announce the death of the Rev. John Rees, the oldest Wesleyau minister in Wales, which took place at his residence, Frooleu, Pontypridd, on Saturday morning, at the age of 88 years. The deceased was a most fami- liar figure in Pontypridd and Rhondda ministerial circles, and for many years conducted the church at Mertbyr. In 1873 he retired from the ministry, and afterwards took up his residence at Pontypridd Mr Rees took a most active interest in the work of the South Wales Mission at Pontypridd which was so successfully inaugurated by Eglwysbach. He had been identified with Wesleyanism in Wales for a longer period than the life of the majority of the present generation. He was universally respected, and sincere sympathy is extended to his sons, Messrs E. W. Rees, Penarth, and J. A. Rees, Aberystwyth, and his four daughters. A refined preacher, a successful pastor, an advanced super," a devout Christian, he will long be sadly missed. The Rev. John Rees was born on the 4th of March, 1810, in a farmhouse in Llangurrig, Mont- gomeryshire. He had the important advantage of an early religious training, but the turning point in his conversion he attributed to a sermon preached at Llanidloes by the Rev. Hugh Hughes, the grandfather of the Rev. Hugh Price Hughes. Soon afterwards he became a member of the Wesleyan church at that place. He began preach- ing in 1831, and became a candidate for the ministry in 1834. One noble trait in Mr Rees's ministry was the forming of new churches and extending the interest of his denomination. He was instrumental in establishing the cause in fifteen places, and the last of these was at Cil- fynydd, where a church of 70 members or more was formed with a good congregation and a con- venient chapel, now almost free from debt. The funeral takes place on Tuesday next at 2 p m. at Glyntaff Cemetery.

CARDIFF SYNAGOGUE. FAST OF ATONEMENT. The meetings in connection with the festival of the New Year were continued at the Cardiff Synagogue on Sunday, when the solemn Fast of the Atonement was observed. Exceptional interest is manifested in these celebrations, which attract even those who are generally lukewarm and indifferent to the rites of their religion. Sunday, which was the 10th of the Jewish month Tishri,was observed as a day of fasting in obedience to the Scriptural injunction thus interpreted by the Jewish Church. The attendance was exceptionally large, and a spirit of devotion permeated the whole service in which a large number of additional prayers and special hymns were introduced. The Rev. H. Hamburg conducted the service, which was in Hebrew, and the Rev. J. Abelson, B.A., Rabbi, preached an English sermon. The rev. gentleman based an eloquent and practical discourse on I. Kings, iii., 11. Commenting on Solomon's choice, the rev. gentleman observed it was not of a grasping nature. God loved humility in man and moderation in the requests they made of him. On that great day the Hebrew community sought to forget all materialistic in- terests for the space of one day they thought only of praising God with fervent hearts. Solomon, the speaker observed, did not make a special request for long life, yet he was blessed with that and many other gifts. They, on the contrary, that evening had a desire for life uppermost in their minds. Many had sought to prove that the advantages of life were outweighed by its disadvantages. All that was quite foreign to the Jewish spirit. Though long and cruelly perse- cuted, their ancestors never lost their hope their faith always bade them look forward to a future that was bright; there was to be no eternal damnation, no everlasting punishment according to Jewish theology. God searched their hearts to see if they bad an earnest resolve to lead a higher life. Far better not to accept the gift of life than to make an improper use of it. He expected each one of them to maintain the good name of his people, to deal honestly and honour- ably, and to beware of over-reaching and a desire for unholy and unjust gain. Let their prayers at that season be not mere mechanical lip worship, but an outpouring of a true heart. To-day (Monday) work will be prohibited, and there will be services at the synagogue all day.

CARDIFF MUNICIPAL ELECTION. LABOUR CANDIDATE FOR ROATH. A special meeting of the executive of the Cardiff Trades Council was held on Friday evening, Mr James Graham in the chair. It was decided to recommend the Council to contest the Roath Ward at the next municipal election, and it was resolved to invite the president of the Council (Mr W. R. Thomas) and a resident of the ward to accept the candidature. A deputation was selected to wait upon Mr Thomas.

SUCCESS OF A NEWPORT BAKER. Mr E. G. Nicholl, baker and confectioner, Newport, Mon., was on Wednesday successful at the Royal Agricultural Hall, London; in winning the "Baker and Confectioner "Challenge Trophy, open to the world, consisting of a silver cup, value 50 guineas, to be held by the winner for 12 months, for the best collection of fancy bread.

SUICIDE OF A KINGTON MAN. I j A man named Charles Ruff, of Kington, com- mitted suicide by throwing himself under the New Radnor triin on Saturday. His head was cut off and carried several yards, and his two arms were also severed from the boefcy.

RHAYADER WATER WORKS. TURNING THE RAILWAY POINTS. A GANGER'S FOOLISH FREAK. At a special Police Court on Friday (before Messrs C. C. Rogers, chairman, and Edward Oldbury) Statelier, described as a ganger," was brought up in. custody charged with feloniously diverting certain points belong- ing to a railway on the Birmingham Corporation pipe track, on Tuesday. 20th September, with in- tent to endanger the lives of persons travelling thereon. Thomas Hoskins, the engine driver, said that about half-past 5 in the afternoon he was bringing batches of men from their work. He had drawn up at a certain place on the road and prisoner was standing by. Afterwards witness went down as far as Heartsease for another batch. Returning about 10 minutes to 6 he saw prisoner in the Milebrook Firs standing by the lever which turned the points. Witness stopped the engine because he could see the points were against him. He was travelling at the rate of six or seven miles an hour. Prisoner had not got hold of the lever and was standing close by. Witness asked who turned the points, but re- ceived no answer. Several men stood by. Had he (witness) gone on the train would have been thrown off the rails, and there would have been a serious accident. When he stopped prisoner got up on the engine, but he (witness) ordered him down again. Prisoner then got in the waggons along with other men and was brought on to the end of the journey. The rope runner got down and put the points right. Witness did not see the prisoner again that day, but the next morning he saw him, and prisoner then told him that he was going to pitch him off before night.—Charles Rice, rope runner, also gave evidence, and spoke to prisoner declaring when asked who had turned the points, We've stopped them, so jump up, boys, and have a ride."—Ernest Davies, a labourer on the pipe track, stated that he saw prisoner turn the points. Prisoner said, Now they will have to stop for us."—The Chairman said that they had carefully considered the case and decided to dismiss it, for if they did not do this they would have to send it for trial at the Assizes. They did not think it was the prisoner's intention to do his fellow-workmen any bodily harm, and they hoped it would be a warning to him not to in- dulge in jokes of this nature again. It might easily have resulted in a serious accident.

A_U. TINPLATE WORKERS' UNION On Saturday a meeting of the executive of the Tinplate Workers' Union was held at Swansea. The finances of the Union, which are in an unsatisfactory state, were dealt with, and matters that excited considerable interest were reports whch went to show that in various parts of the trade a desire existed among millmen and tinhousemen to have two separate organisa.tion8. It was known that this feeing had long existed among millmen, but that it existed widely among tinhouemen was a surprise It was decided to convene a joint meeting of delegates of both branches to deal with this important matter at once. EAGLE TINPLATE WORKS. The men at Eagle Works, Neath, have been about the best paid men in the trade and most unfavourably known among their fellow-workmen. A demand for 15 per cent. reduction has been made at these works, and a notice to cease work was given to enforce the reduction. This notice terminated on Saturday. Much dissatisfaction exists. The men claim that if they are to submit to the same reduction as others they also should work on the same conditions as others—the Eagle men working on six hours shifts instead of eight hours, as is the general custom. On Saturday it was thought no stoppage of work will take place. RESTARTING OF THE WORCESTER AND UPPER FOREST WORKS. Now that it has become known that the com- pany that recently purchased the Worcester and Forest Works, Morriston, is to be floated as a limited liability company, the fear exists that this will cause a delay in the restarting of the works. There is good ground for saying that this will not be the case. Preparations are in the course of being made that will enable the restart to take place within a short time. October 14th is the date on which the concern comes into the hands of the new company. LEFT FOR AMERICA. Another batch of tinplaters have left Morriston and Clydach for Liverpool en route for the United States. The number was 15:

STONEYARD RELIEF. —— A POINT OF LAW AT MERTHYR. At the weekly meeting of the Merthyr Board of Guardians, held at the Workhouse on Satur. day, Mr D. P. Davies, J.P.. presiding, the Deputy Clerk (Mr Arthur James) read a letter from Whitehall approving of the action of the board in giving work to the iron and steel workers upon the understanding that there will be an interval of an hour in the middle of the day for the men to dine." The communication was greeted with hearty laughter. Mr James also r8ad a letter from the Local Government Board, which acknowledged the receipt of the lists of able-bodied men empolyed in th^ stone yards, but stating that as the lists were rf61t sent to White- hall within 15 days, in accordance with article 6 of the order of 1870, they were peturoed, as the Hoard was precluded from giving the employment their sanction. Mr James had replied to the effect that the cases set out in the lists did not come within the order of the 1st of October, 1870, but were governed by the labour test order, which applied to the Merthyr Union only, and pointed out that their Lordships bad to sanction the lists, as the Merthyr Boa.rd had done every- thing in accordance with the law. Another reply came stating that the Local Government Board were unable to concur in thc views submitted by the clerk, and the lists were again returned. Mr James again wrote saying that the Merthyr Board was still of opinion that notice was given to the Local Government Board of their intention to depart from the order mentioned, and that he considered that through Mr Bircham, the Government inspector, the Department had approved of the departure from that order. Mr James also said that owing to the difficulty in dealing with the transfers from one yard to another it was impossible for him to have got the lists out earlier. That was how the matter stood at present, no further reply having come to hand. The Local Government Board had sanc- tioned a portion of the expenditure incurred in the stoneyards, but so far refused to sanction the other portion.

SOUTH WALES PRINTING WORKS SICK AND PROVIDENT FUND. The 30th half-yearly meeting of this society was held on Saturday evening at the South Wales Daily News Office. In the unavoidable absence of the president, Mr J. Duncan, J.P., Mr W. R. Thomas was voted to the chair. The committee reported that the sickness for the half-year ended June 30th, amounted to £24 lls 8d. and this had been met by a deduction of 2s 2d per share. Withdrawals from the provident fund had been rather heavy, amounting to £246 18s 2d, but the income had been well maintained, and from all sources amounted to £313 2s 2d. The result of the half-year's working had been an addition of £ 16 12s '8d to tbe capital of the society, which now amounted to £1,957 17s lid. The officers and committee for the ensuing year were elected, and the meeting terminated with votes of thanks to Messrs Duncan for their donation to the funds, which amounted to £44 2s for the half-year, to the retiring committeemen, and Mr H. J. Forrest, who had held the office of auditor for many years, and to the chairman.

THREE MONTHS FOR A BLAENAVON MAN AT ROSS. At the Ross Police Court on Saturday (before Captain E. M. Alien, in the chair, and other magistrates) William Walby (62), of Blaenavon, was charged with begging at Ross the previous evening. Superintendent Cope said the prisoner was a professional beggar, and when in the police cell on Friday night he tore up his trousers, and said he did it bccause he wanted a better pair. The defendant pleaded guilty, and this being his 68th conviction he was sent to gaol for three months with hard labour.

THE HEN AND THE KITTENS. A very curious incident is reported from the village of Brockenhurst, in the New Forest. A few days since a cat, belonging to Mr G. Foot, the landlord of the Morant Arms Hotel, gave birth to five kittens in a hay loft. They were removed to a crib in a stall, in which a broody hen had been sitting on some china eggs. The hen resented the interference, and on making hell way to the nest promptly drove the cat away from her charge, and ever since has remained in possession, gathering the kittens under her wing as if they were chickens. To enable the cat to suckle her offspring the hen has to be forcibly removed and the door locked against her, but as soon as the door is opened she returns to the kittens, and pussy is obliged to beat a hasty retreat. Should one of the kittens topple over the side of the box in which they are placed on to the floor the hen instantly misses it, and leaves the others to search for it.

FASTING AT THE AQUARIUM. Mrs Christensen, who is endeavouring to fast for 30 days at the Royal Aquarium, spent Fri- day resting in bed. Her pulse was 66, soft, and regular, and her temperature 96.9. The weight of her body continues falling steadily, and was on Friday night 9st. 121b. 8oz., the loss for the previous 24 hours amounting to lib. 8oz.,and since the commencement of the fast 121b. 4oz. She is beginning to look somewhat haggard. Friday was the ninth day of the fast.

INCORPORATED LAW SOCIETY. Mr Justice Vaughan Williams has intimated his intention of being present at the banqnet to be held at the Albert Hall during the conference at Swansea of the Incorporated Law Society next week. His Lordship is likely to be the guest of Mr J. C. Woods (Messrs Comns and Woods,- solicitors).

STABBED TO THE HEART. James Neal, a youth, aged 18, was stabbed naar the heart on Friday in the public thoroughfare at Barking, and shortly afterwards expired. The police have arrested a foreign sailor, who. it is alleged, was being annoyed by some boys, when he turned upon the deceased and stabbed him.

LICENSING SESSIONS. BRIDGEND. < These Sessions were held on Saturday (before Mr R. W. Llewellyn and several otifaer magis- trates). NEW LICENCE AT TYNEWYDD.—Mr R. Scale applied on behalf of Annie Lewis for a full pro- visional licence in respect of premises about to be constructed on the present site of the King's Head beerhouse, Tynewydd, Ogmore Vale. The matter was before the Bench at the previous Sessions, but on that occasion the application was refused owing to a certain defect in the accom- modation as shown on the plans. The Magis- trates now granted the application. GROCER'S I.AlCENCE.-i\Ir Allen (from the office of Mr E. T. David) applied on behalf of Thomas Langdon, grocer, of John-street, Porthcawl. for an Excise licence to sell wines and spirits. For- mal evidence having been given, the licence was granted. THE NEW HOTEL AT BRIDGEND.—Mr Thomas Morgan, of Pontyclun, applied through Mr Rhys Williams (instructed by Mr W. R. Randall) for the renewal of the provisional licence for the new hotel which he is building at Bridgend. This re- newal was refused at the last annual meeting as Mr Morgan had neglected to acquire a certain piece of land as required by the magistrates. Mr Rhys Williams contended that the Bench had no jurisdiction to deal with the piece of land at this hearing as in the notice sent out to the appli- cant by the superintendent of police the grounds of objection stated were that the house had not been built in accordance with the plans approved. This objection, however, was overruled, and Mr Rhys Williams argued that the magistrates could not do otherwise than grant the renewal as they had no right to raise a question as to the building of the house until the final licence was applied for. On the advice of the magistrates' clerk the licence was re- newed, but a rider was added that the building must be in accordance with the plans before the licence was finally confirmed.

REVISION COURTS. FOREST OF DEAN. A BREEZY START. The revision of the lists of voters for the Forest of Dean Division was commenced on Saturday before Mr E. Annesley Owen, revising barrister. Mr G. Kent represented the Conservatives, and Mr George Docwra the Liberals. Mr Kent at once proceeded to address the Court on what he thought was a matter of very great importance. His friend Mr Doewra had thought fit to address an objection to the claim of Mr John Laud Hope, of Hunt Hill Villa, Westbury-on-Severn, in such a way that he intended it not to be delivered to him. It was addressed to Mr John Laud, Hunt Hill Villa," and there it stopped short and more- over, and what made it worse, the objection was sent away to Falmouth to be posted. Many new claimants had informed him (Mr Kent) that no objection bad reached them, and it might be that it was a consequence of this conduct of Mr Docwra, and he asked the Barrister to order Mr Docwra to furnish him with a list of all objections so posted. He denounced what he termed the improper and tricky behaviour of Mr Docwra, who a'one, even amongst the Radical agents, could be guilty of such a thing. Mr Docwra explained that only this one notice was posted in Falmouth, and the object of it was to test the work of the Post-office. His clerk, Mr W. S. Coward, bore this out. The Barrister said he was willing to sacrifice his own time and convenience when it seemed desirable to do so, and he had allowed this discussion to go forward in the hope that both time and temper would be benefited. He felt that there was nothing in the objection, and expressed regret that there had been such a scene at the opening court. If this temper were going to prevail throughout the division, every sitting would be- come a personal nuisance to himself, He was pained at these scenes of dis- courtesies, and felt keenly the discomfort which they created.—Mr Docwra referred to the number of ownership duplicates occurring in the con- stituency—there were some 200—but Mr Kent said there was great danger in removing them, or persons might be entirely disfranchised.—The Barrister regretted that the agents could not come to an understanding. This was a work which a village postman or the local police-sergeant, or an elder scholar in a lower class, could perform.— The agents having referred to one ass stant overseer who copied last year's list, ruling out deads," etc., they were advised to go round the parish themselves, the unfortunate officer saying he got no salary. The Barrister added a sovereign to his salary.—The vote of Mr Michael Biddulph, M.P. for Herefordshire, was in peril owing to alleged insufficiency of value, but the Barrister said he would hear Mr Carew, the agent, before removing the name. Object away and be d were the words written in red ink across an objection which Mr Docwra. had sent to Mr John Laud, of Syden- ham, London, who claimed for tithe rent charge (unregistered).* Mr Docwra complained of the endorsement, but Mr Kent said it was the result of tha impertinent questions which were put. The claim failed, the Barrister observing that it was not either of them but Mr Laud's claim which was damned. PONTYPRIDD. The voters' lists for the parishes of Pontypridd, LlaTHwit Vardre, Llanvabon, and portions of Ysttaftyfodwg and Llanwouno parishes, within the Enst Glamorgan Parliamentary Division, 'were revised by Mr Arthur Lewis, B.L., at the Pontypridd Police Court on Saturday. There were a large number of claims put in by the Con- servatives as weU as the Liberal party, th former being represented by Mr Jeffery and the latter by Mr Charles Morgan. A remarkable feature of the court was the questionable evidence given in support of claims put in by the Conservative party. In one case, that of a man narafed Phill- pot, of Blaenllechau, Mr Sam Thomas was put on oath and swore that the claimant had occu- pied the rooms for the qualifying period. The assistant overseers denied this, as also did Mr Charles Morgan. The Barrister temporarily ad- journed the case, and subsequently, after he had made inquiries into the matter and found that the overseers were right, reprimanded Mr Thomas and told him he could go. Mr Thomas still per- sisted in saving that his evidence was correct and that there was a mistake somewhere. CARDIFF. Mr Lushington Stephen (revising barrister) continued his revision of lists of voter s for the county borough of Cardiff at the Town Hall on Saturday. Mr Allgood appeared for the Liberals, and Mr Waddington for the Conservatives. The vote of Mr William Morton, draper, of Queen- street, who claimed as an occupier of his business premises there, was objected to by the Conservatives on the ground that the business was a joint-stock concern, and the vote was dis- allowed. A number of Liberal lodgers in the St. John's parish, who were on the list last year, were now struck off, as the number of the floor was omitted from the description of the apart- ments occupied by them. The Barrister re- marked that without wishing to be disrespectful to the law the disqualification by reason of this omission was a regular trap into which very many lodger claimants fell. On the application cf Mr Allgood, however, the Barrister undertook to reconsider the claims upon the lodgers being called to give evidence in support later O'll. LODGER CLAIMS DECISION IN FAVOUR OF THE LIBERALS. After the adjournment on Saturday the Revising Barrister decided that if a lodger claim was dated within the period such a claim should be dated— namely, between 15th July and 20th August— it did not matter whether the claimant or his witness filled up the dates, or whether someone else did so, in the presence or absence of the claimant or witness. This decision practically affects 144 lodger claims furthered by the Liberal agent. It has not been represented by the latter that the dates were in all oases filled in by the claimant or witness, nor has it been de- nied that in many instances the clerical omissions in question were remedied at the Liberal Central Offices. Mr Waddington gave notice of appeal. He had asked to be allowed to call evidence to show that the dates were wrongly inserted and the Revising Barrister, complying with the re- quest, a witness named James, an erstwhile Liberal canvasser, was called, who said some- times the dates were filled in two days after the forms had been signed.

BARRISTERS AND PUBLICANS. AN APPEAL TO WELSH M.P.'S. At the annual conference of the North Wales Temperance Association held on Friday at Den- bigh Mr E. Jones on behalf of the Executive Committee, proposed the- following resolution which gave rise to a lively discussisn —" That this association urges members of Parliament who "profess to be in favour of pro- hibition and limitation of the drink traffic not to take the cases of publics,ns who appear before the licensing sessions." Mr Gee proposed as an amendment that th6 resolution be set aside, and that a private letter be sent from the association to the members of Parliament on the subject. He would not care to do anything which would place their members of Parliament who hap- pened to "be barristers in this unenviable posi- tion.—(Oh, oh). The Rev. S. Owen supported the view taken by Mr Gee. This was certainly the most rational action to take. It was quite legal for a barrister to appear on behalf of publi- cans. Let not the association tread upon ground which did not directly come within the sphere of its work. (Hear, hear.) The barristers referred to would, in the long run, be indirectly starved into surrender in this matter. (Laughter and cheers.) The Rev. W. Foulkes. Colwyn, proposed as an amendment that not only should these bar- rister members of Parliament be urged to desist from pleading the cause of the publicans, but that they should also be condemned for doinfc so. (Hear, hear.) Dr. Rowlands seconded Mr Gee's ammendment. Personally he thought the association were taking an extreme course in passing such a resolution. The next thing would be to prohibit medical u:, en who were temper- ance reformers from attending a sick public- honse keeper. (Laughter and applause.) The meeting then divided when Mr Gee's amendment was lost and the resolution carried by a large majority.

COMMERCIAL FAILURES. According to Kemp's Mercantile Gazette, the number of failures in England and Wales gazetted during the week ending Sept. 24th was 90 The number in the corresponding week of last year was 80, showing an increase of 10, being a net increase in 1898, to date, of 170.

A TRI JMPH of the Tea Blending Art—Phillips's Is63 Tea. Have you tried it? It is distinctly superior to the so-called finest teas.

CARDIFF. MISSIONARY MEETINGS.—To-night (Monday) in Richmond-road Congregational Church, the Mayor presiding, Miss Craven, Madagascar, and two other missionaries will speak on foreign missions. To-morrow evening in Bethlehem, Splotlands, the Rev T Rowlands, Madagascar, will deliver a Welsh address, Mr W. Rees being in the chair; and in the Engbsh Conegational Church, Barry, Mr Moxey presiding, the Rev. W. J. Lawrence, Bangalore, will speak.

MERTHYR. CHURCH LADS' BRIGADE.—On Sunday the Cyfarthfa detachment of the Church Lads' Brigade, under Captain Crawshay, attended Divine service at Christ Church, Cyfarthfa, both morning and evening. Sermons were preached by the Rev. H. Kirkhouse, M.A., vicar.

LOUGHOR. THE NATIONAL SCHOOLS.—These schools were re-opened on Friday afternoon after having undergone renovations costing £450. Those present at the ceremony included the Ven. Archdeacon Pryce, M.A., Lady Llewelyn and Miss Llewelyn, and the Rev. Chancellor and Mrs Smith (Swansea). Mrs Jones (wife of Dr. T. M. Tones) performed the opening ceremony, and the Rector (Rev. T. D. Jones), Dr. T. M. Jones, Mr T. Jones (Llanelly), H.M. Inspector of Schools, the Rev. Chancellor Smith, and Arch- deacon Pryce (who took occasion to praise the work done by the Roard schools) gave addresses.

BARRY. LIBERAL CLUB DEBATES.—On Saturday evening at the Barry Dock Liberal Club and Institute Mr J. Kelly read a paper on "The House of Lords," advocating abolition owing to its being a hindrance to real reform. Mr J, Murphy occu- pied the chair. A brisk discussion took place.

ABERAMAN. APPOINTMENT.—Mr W. Rees Williams, B.Sc., son of Mr John Williams, Rock Inn, Aberaman, has been appointed assistant master of the Towyn Intermediate School out of 16 applicants at a salary commencing at £100 a year. Mr Williams only recently took his B.Sc. degree at the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire.

BRIDGEND. BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—At the usual meeting on Saturday a letter was read from Mr David Treharne, agent for Sir A. Mackworth, inquiring when the board were likely to make the purchase of the acre of land required for the purposes of extending the Workhouse. It was decided to reply that plans were being prepared for sub- mission to the Local Government Board.

KENFIG HILL. ACCIDENT.—Last week Mr Thomas Rees, of Cefu, met with a serious accident by a horse which he was driving bolting when passing through Penyfai, near Aberkenfig. Mr Rees sustained severe cats on the head and also injury to the ribs.

BRIDGEND. COMMITTAL FOR TRIAL. — Robert O'Leary, labourer, hailing from Cardiff, was charged on remand with stealing, with violence, from a mason named Charles, of Maesteg, a half-crown, a bottle of beer, &c., and was committed for trial at the Assizes. LICENSING OFFENCE.—Edward Thomas, land- lord of the Lamb Inn, Bridgend, was summoned for keeping his house open for the sale of intoxi- cating liquors on the previous Sunday. Mr Hughes appeared in support of the charge, and Mr J. H. Jones watched the proceedings for the owner. P.C. Evan Thomas visited the house at 11 o'clock on the morning in question, and found three men there with beer in front of them. Two of them were bona fide travellers, but the third, David Llewellyn, resided in Bridgend. The defence was that he went to the house in respect of some meat, and was given a glass of beer.—The Bench fined defendant 5s and costs, in all .£2.

PENYBONT.. CHARGE OF BIGAMY.—At Penybont on Friday, Richard Owens, mason, of Crossgates, was brought up in custody charged with marrying a girl named Sarah Lewis while already married to another woman. Evidence was given by P.C. Pugh of the results of inquiries made, the officer said he heard defendant say, "1\ am a married man, and my wife is alive; I am sorry I have made a fool of this woman" (meaning the woman Lewis). Defendant was remanded in custody in order that the police may complete their case. CBUELTY TO A HORSE, — Henry Millward, builder, Llandrindod Wells, was charged with causing a horse to be worked while in an unfit state, and a man named Price Bowen was charged with working the horse. Bowen was fined 2s 6d and costs, and the chaige against the owner was dismissed.

THEATRE ROYAL, CARDIFF. Local playgoers have a rich treat this week in the shape of a visit to the Theatre) Royal, Cardiff, of Mr Wilson Barrett and his talented company, which includes Miss Jeffries, fresh from her triumphant tour in Australia. Mr Wilson Barrett will appear in The Manxman this evening. On Tuesday and Wednesday the Silver King will be played, and on the last three nights of the week the famous actor manager will appear in The Sign of the Cross."

GRAND THEATRE, CARDIFF. A Spin for Life will be staged at the Westgate-street theatre during the coming week. The piece is a new one, but the receptions hitherto accorded to it point conclusively that it has come to stay. Much ingenuity and dramatic resource have been employed in the development of the story, and many of the situations are startling and effective. The play, which abounds in humorous passages, is capitally staged, and its representation is in the hands of a distinctly able company.

THE LYCEUM, NEWPORT. Another London success, the modern farce"; A Night Out," is to be produced this evening at the above theatre. The management ij to be con- gratulated on having secured a succession of first-rate plays performed by competent com- panies. Mr Edward Lockwood's name is sufficient to ensure that everything will be done to make a most diverting performance as telling as pos- sible. The scenery is fresh and novel, and the costumes renewed and artistic.

THE EMPIRES. CARDIFF. Dutch Daly visits the Cardiff Empire this week. As a story-teller Daly is inimitable, and his entertainment, which includes selections on the concertina, should attract large houses. The popular Darnley Brothers, men of comic ideas, are also down, together with the famous Frantz Family of male and female acrobats. Those matchless comedians on the trapeze. Rezene and Robini, pay Cardiff another visit, which will doubtless be warmly welcomed. There is a lot of other diverting turns in addition. SWANSEA. At Swansea this week the Two McNaugbtons head the bill, and their performances are sure to provoke merriment. Alice Lloyd, fresh from her success at Cardiff, is included in the bill, which also contains turns by the Harry Boxing Comedians, the Channings, Bert Collins, and an amusing sketch by the Clayton Twins, and the Misses Wood and Willis.

D'ARC'S WAXWORKS. At this well known place of entertainment Madame Satanella, the celebrated lady palmist, continues to draw large numbers of patrons. Her delineations of character have given such satisfaction that the management propose to extend the period of her engagement.

CRICKET IN AMERICA. POOR SHOW BY THE ENGLISHMEN. NEW YORK, Saturday—Owing to the bright sun of yesterday following the storm of the night before last, the wicket was rather crumbly this morning on the resumption of the match between Mr Warner's eleven and 19 colts of Philadelphia. The Englishmen were all out for 133, the last seven wickets falling for 60 runs. C. J. Burnup scored 24, C. 0. H. Sewell, 25, F. Mitchell 13, and V. T. Hill 23. Adams took six of the Englishmen's wickets for 23. The Colts in their second innings did much better than in their first venture, and when stumps were drawn had made 136 runs tor 13 wickets. Their chief scorers were Evens, 17 Honson, 17 Adams, 28; Baker, 19. The wicket wore much better than was at first expected, and the weather was fine throughout.—Iiewter.

GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY. TRAIN TIME ALTERATIONS. The Great Western Railway Company in our advertising columns notify the public of a number of train and boat alterations for October. The 1.3° p.m. steamer from Weymouth to the Channel Islands, the 4.30 p.m. train from Paddington to New Milford on Tuesdays, Thurs- days, and Saturdays, and the 6.30 a.m. train from New Milford to Paddington (above Landore) will be discontinued, but in the case of the New Milford train a through carriage for London will be attached to the train due at Paddington at 1.15 p.m. For further particulars see adver- tisement. I

3tatt for (Klasstftcatimt WANTED immediately, a respectable Youth, aged about 16, well educated, good writing necessary.— Apply by letter, stating age and salary required, to W. X. Davies, Solicitor, Porth, near Pontypridd. 372n GROCERY.—Wanted, two smart hands, nsed to soli- citing and counter; also experienced storeman.— B. Williams and Co., Maesteg. 375n LOST. from field. Cwmclydach Colliery, six big fat sheep, two lambs scissors mark left side, paint left side. Finder rewarded.—Thomas, Buteher, Clydach Vale. 369n WANTED, a Housemaid must be able to iron.— • Apply, stating reference and age, to Mrs J. S. Thomas, London Provincial Bank, Merthyr. 368n WANTED, Nurse, experienced, for 5 children;, thoroughly clean and reliable plain sewing.— Thistle, Llwynpia. 571n GROCERY.—D. C. Evans, Dowiais, has vacancies on the Grocery counter for an experienced Assis- tant and few Juniors references; outdoors. 373n /'1 ROGERY.—Wanted, Assistant, accustomed both VJ counters, used to soliciting; Welsh; indoors.— Rlohards Bros. Pentr*. SMn

SATURDAY'S MATCHES RUGBY. CARDIFF v. DISTRICT UNION. METROPOLITANS IN FORM. A HALF-BACK FOUND IN INGLEDEW, [BY OLD STAGER."] In brilliant summerlike weather the Cardiff Club opened the season, playing an experimental team against a XV. selected from the District Union. There was a large crowd, the attendance being quite as high as it was for last year's similar match. With a punctuality which observed the season through would gain him many friends, Gwynn Nicholls led out his men amid ringing cheers, and the popu- larity of Selwyn Biggs was manifested from the repeated applause which hailed his appearance as referee. The players lined out as follows :— POSITIONS. CARDIFF. DISTRICT. Back T. J. Thomas J. Buhr Three-quarter.. V. Huzzey M. O'Connell Three-quarter.. E.G.Nicholls(cap) C. Burrows Three-quarter.. W. Jones J. Grey Three-quarter.. W. Morgan W. G. Usher Half-back J. Heaven J. Lewis Half-back C. M. Ingledew. W. Jackson Forward T. Dobson L. Doyle (capt) Forward G. Dobson ». J. James Forward J. Blake A. E. Harding Forward W. M'Intyre J. Wiltshire Forward W. W. Hughes R. Grey Forward J. A. Wilson T. M'Carthy Forward M. Falcon J. Connell Forward J. W. James W. Rogers Referee Mr Selwyn Biggs. The elder Dobson and vice-captain kicked off for Cardiff from the Racquet Court end. McConnell, on the right wing, replied to touch, and a num- ber of interesting movements followed in the visitors' 25. The tackling was good, but it was beaten by a pretty round of passes started by Heaven, and after Ingledew and Jones had handed the captain must have made the initial try of the season had he not knocked on. Relief was gained by a smart dash by Usher, the left wing, and a sprinter of no mean ability. Nicholls and Huzzey staved off a general advance led by McCarthy, and after T. J. Thomas had shown he was likely to maintain his high reputation of last year by scooping up admirably and punting well he followed up smartly, and Buhr was penned in his 25. Lewis and Jackson now did well at the rear of the District scrum and soon Jackson almost landed a field goal, Grey following up and compelling Thomas to concede a minor. The Cardiff pack then bucked up. and their packing, which had been very ragged, improved a great deal Their halves now had a chance in attack, and soon Wayne Morgan scored after a series of quick transfers. No goal resulted. The recruit a minute after- wards elicited general plaudits by his dash and pluck, and after the other back on trial, young Ingledew, had brought off a straight dash through after the style of Selwyn Biggs, Gwyn Nicholls scored finely and Huzzey converted. The defence of the visitors was good to this stage, several rounds of neat passing ending without tries, simply because the backs went man for man. Then was witnessed a really brilliant bit of work by the captain. Nicholls received the ball direct from Heaven, and made a grand run over the li*e. Huzzey converted this try, and did ditto withHl- other soon afterwards obtained by the forwards. The Dobsons had broken through a scrum, and Hughes led the way over the line. The speedy ex- Llanellyite kicked a bit too hard, but Wilscn and another were handy, even if the kicker had not re- covered the ball a few inches from the dead ball line. From thence to the finish the Premiers had matters practically their own way, the District combination being quite upset, and the side being badly preju- diced by the fact that Burrows, who is a fairly smart half for Roath, had been called in to play in an unac- customed position at centre three-quarter, owing to the inability of Rees, of Canton, to turn up. Ten minutes before half-time Harding, one of the heaviest of the visitors' pack, had a kick in the head, and retired. Just on the interval a scramble took place within a few yards of the District line, and a score was lost through George Dobson losing a pass from his brother. Half-time Score— G. T. M. Cardiff 3 11 District 0 0 1 -I- Doyle, the District captain, wisely made a change in his back division before he kicked off for the second half, Burrows going to the rear of the scrum and Lewis taking his place at left centre. Ingledew coolly carried the ball into touch from the kick-off, and though the improvement at centre was at once apparent Cardiff reopened their pressure. George Dobson, with Blake and Mclntyre close behind him, dashed for the line, only to be collared by Usher, and then after passinghad sent the ball to the other wing Jones gave Wayne Morgan a pass, which, though it was by no means easy, the Pontypriddian took in fine style, and handing off his opponent with consummate ease, he scored a fine try wide out, which Huzzey goaled with a grand kick. Buhr got out of a difficulty with credit, but after a few minutes had elapsed, and Nicholls and Huzzey had shown what fine and safe kicks they are. George Dobson scored and the right winger goaled five out of six tries. Ingledew next came into prominence, and proved he had dodging powers as well as pluck by winning his way close into the line. Then Jones, who had not done much running, as he was lamed a bit after the Llanelly v. Bridgend game, made his contribution to the score by dropping a goal. Thirty- seven points to none the score was taken to by Nicholls, who, receiving a cleverly-made pass from Ingledew after the half had beaten one centre, galloped right oyer, Huzzey again doing the needful. Heaven got a cheer for smartness a minnte after- wards, and then Ingledew gave him a, tricky pass under the legs and Wayne Morgan was only pulled down by sheer weighta couple of yards off scoring. The next point-a try-which ran the score up to 40 points, was gained by George Dobson, who with James and Wilson, was all but over a minute later. For once-in a while Thomas received the ball from a long punt, but he returned it with advantage. The forwards carried play over the half-way line, and there Thomas again got the ball, and being hemmfed in dropped a magnificent goal. With a run in by Nicholls, Cardiff, equalled the number of tries they made in this match last year, when the goal- Kicking was not nearly so good. Huzzey looked like adding to his credit by getting a try, but kicked too hard, the ball going into touch-in-goal. Then Ingledew, with a strong run, put Wayne Morgan In' possession, and a judicious pass to H«AT«D, when the three-quarter was surrounded, put the half-back over with a try. Hughes of the pack was. most often in the eye after this, and the game ended in a 52 points to love win. Final Score— G. T. M. Cardiff *9 3 2 District Union 0 0 1 *Two Dropped. District Union 0 0 1 *Two Dropped. REMARKS. There was a big crowd, and all were delighted with the game, which was not altogether as one-sided as it would appear to be from the tall score. The grati- fying feature was that the club is likely to hold its own forward in the best of company, and that the difficulty as to the half-back to play until Selwyn Biggs turns out again has been removed in Ingledew. He was far more severely tested than Chislett was was last week, and being many years the nomad's junior he has many advantages over the only other candidate who has yet appeared. Except that he was a tritle slower in picking up. Ingledew demon- strated that he is Chislett's superior at all points of the game. Of course, no one would claim for him that he is now the half Cardiff must have, but it was obvious that he is of the right stamp, and ought to repay for care in coaching. Certainly he was head and shoulders better than any of the threa menplayed by the District, and presumably their strongest representatives, and the Reserves have not the equal of Lewis, a man with a promising future. The only experiment in the three-quarter line was the playing of Wayne Morgan on the left wing. He did capitally, and impressed me with his strength in handing off and general play. However, as I have already indi- cated, he J'i not fast enough for a wing player in a team which meetsso many sprinters.Hadhis opponent been as last as Usher on the other wing, I am afraid he would have been left. Last week I stated that if Jones was leaving for the North, as ruinour said, Morgan s physique and kicking powers would be of inestimable service to Cardiff in the centre. As things are, I am still of opinion that Rickett's will be given a chance before Morgan is allotted the posi- tion as a permanency. Should Jones's lameness not be considerably better Morgan might be tried at centre next week with Ricketts as his wing. As to the Cardiff forwards, with Cornish replacing Falcon, much worse might be done than their selection en bloc for the Bristol match. Hard workers were numerous in the District pack, but no scrummager showed decided claims to recognition. On the whole the team has made a gratifying start, and given a fair amount of luck should make the year's record a striking one. NEATH v. LLANELLY. These teamsgmet at Neath in summerlike weather. Llanelly were greatly weakened by the absence of Ben Davies, and W. Morris, D. Walters, ,iad R. Thomas, three of their best forwards. S. Thomas supplanted Ben Davies at half-bacli. Neath were without J. Thomas, who has gone north, while other absentees were Steer and J. D. Davies. It will be seen. therefore, that in the three-quarter line the homesters were weak. The teams were as fol- lows POSITION. LLANEIiliT. NEATH, Back J. Jones J. Davies Three-quarter. M. Williams W. Jones Three-quarter. Griff Williams O. Harris Three-quarter. Ned Jenkins C. Morris Three-quarter. Evan Lloyd H. Jones Half-back D. Davies C. Powell Half-back S. Thomas C. Hopkins Forward D. J. Daniels. S. Davies Forward J. Jones J. Thomas Forward W. J. Thomas D. H. Davies Forward D. Thomas D. Evans Forward Ben,James J. Edwards Forward Watts E. Arnold Forward H. Davies W. Johnson Forward Dan Davies J. Lennard Mr Gil Evans. It was after 4 o'clock when the teams entered the field. Daniels started for Llanelly in the face of the sun before a capital gate, and Hopkins making a bad return play went to the Neath 25, whence a run by the home pack took play to near the centre and thence over to the Llanelly end, where Edwards made a mark, but failed at goal. Morgan Williams returning to near the centre. Some smart play by Hopkins enabled Neath to get on the aggressive again, and they forced play to the Reds' 25 line. From here the Llanelly pack took play to the centre, and here the Neath backs got off, only to be stopped, however, and Ned Jenkins punted back to the centre line. Neath were getting the better of the tight scrummages, Powell, who was working the scrum- mage, having repeated chances of getting the ball out. Loose play in the centre followed, but at length Harris got a pass and the Neath left-winger punted judiciously inside the Llanelly 25. At this point there was a brief interval, the referee promptly cautioning one of the spectators whose re- marks were forcible rather than Parliamentary. Llanelly now rushed play to the home 25, but Harry Jones got away capitally and passed wide to Harris, who dashed back, Neath attacking once more. Several scrummages followed near the centre, the Neath backs getting off. At last Powell, handing on to Hopkins, who sent to Harry Jones near the Llan- elly 25, he passed to W. Jones, who was hauled down by Evan Lloyd close to the line. For the next few minutes Neath hemmed the Scarlets inside their quarter line. At length D. Davies brought relief to Llanelly by dribbling down the field to the Neath end, where Hopkin pluckily stopped the rush. Ned Jenkins put in a useful punt, which took play to the Neath quarter line. H. Jones, by a lofty punt, took play over the centre, and D. H. Davies following up charged down the attempt of the Llanelly custodian to return. Danger was averted, however, and play settled just outside the Llanelly quarter. Here Llan- elly got a free. Neath soon got the ball back, how- ever, and Hopkins very nearly got in, the Llanelly custodian being,lucky to clear his lines. A long kick by Morgan Williams took play back to neutral terri- tory, but from a scrummage here Sam Davies got off and dribbled finely close to the Neath line, where Morgan Williams punted up, and running right round cleared with a high punt, the best individual effort yet made in the match. Sensational play followed. The oval had travelled over the halfway line when a cross kick from one of the visiting backs was rushed for by Davies and Morgan Williams, The Llanellvite, fielded finely and crossed the Neath line, but "the referee disallowed the point, presumably considering Williams off-side. Half-time was now called. Half-time Score— n- rp M Neath o* 0 0 Llanelly 0 0 0 On resuming, D. Jbvans started the ball, Jenkins making a poor return. An exchange of kicks between Morgan Williams and Joe Davies resulted in Llan- eUy having the better of the argument. The Neath backs ran back to the centre, but the Scarlets punted back. Further play by the Neath backs saw Harry Jones running back over the centre. Several scrum- mages ensued, the Neath backs getting the ball, but they mulled repeatedly, the result of getting too, much in advance. At length Morris punted high to the Llanelly quartan* Imtv and Bill Jones, rushing up, the Llanelly quartan* Imtv and BM Jones. rushing up, hauled Jones down before he could return and plaj settled at the Scarlets' end,eath pressing for a umg- Presently excitement ran high, and Powelt ell but crossed the Llanelly line. At length Da! Davies found relief with a punt, but Joe Davies made a mark. His shot for goal missed. and Llanelly touched down. The drop-out found the Llanelly pack rushing play over the halfway Then followed the prettiest passing yet shown W the Neath backs. The net result of the whole waS the play taken to the Llanelly quarter-line, where & series of scrums saw Torn Hopkins dashing f_8! line. Evan Lloyd hauling him down in the nick of time. Hard scrummaging by Llanelly took play to the centre, whence a fine run, in which all the Neath backs handled, saw Harris hauled down a couple ot yards from the Llanelly line. The Neath pack now put a lot of devil into their work, and gave their backs repeated chances, but the Scarlet defence was excellent, and with great determination j they forced play back outside their quarter line and j thence ran over the centre where Joe Davies mulled j in a. fashion unusual to him. The Llanelly pack noW made matters warm for the Neath backs, rushing H play within a few feet of the home line. The home- sters forced play back, but Morgan Williams getting a pass from Jenkins, ran finely and punted high. The Scarlet pack followed up fast and nothing but good j luck saved the Neath line. Again Neath got overtbe centre, thanks to a long punt by Joe -< Davies. Play was taken to the Scarlet j quarter-line, when the visitors got a free, j The Neath backs now got off and pressed hotly, and j a fine bout of passing on the left saw Harris cross the Llanelly line, but the ball was called back as his j a fine bout of passing on the left saw Harris cross the Llanelly line, but the ball was called back as his j foot had been inside the touch line. By short dribbling Llanelly worked them to near the centre where play ruled when the whistle blew. Final score— Q. T. M. Neath 0 0 1 3 Llanelly 0 0 0 ] F BEMARKS. It was a keen, well-fought-out game. Neath had the pull in the tight scrums, and if only their backs had shown more combination they must have scored on two or three occa- sions. Neath had more of the play than the visitors, but the Llanelly tackling was beyond reproach. To judge by this display, they won't be the team that they were last year, and the sooner Ben Davies gets back into harness again the better for them. Neath went on to the field having had next to no training, but the play of the pack showed that in the course of a few weeks they will i be one of the hottest vanguards in the Principality. ] Their halves are a capital pair, and everything rests with the three-quarter line. On present j form, Harry Jones, who it will be remembered was disabled last year owing to < an injury received in the Cardiff match, was the best three-quarter on the Neath side. Both halves did well, and of the pack Sam Davies and Edwards were 1 the most prominent. Edwards is an old Neath player, who for the past three years has been away, but will assist Neath regularly this year. Of the Llanelly backs Morgan Williams was the most pro- minent on the aggressive. and on the defensive Ned Jenkins and Evan Lloyd did useful work. J. Jones, the julanellv custodian, kicked well but was a little slow in fielding. Of the Llanelly pack, who dribbled well in the open, all played a hard game, Daniels being as prominent as any. ¡ SWANSEA v. BRIDGEND. At Swansea, in splendid weather, the ground beInI in perfect condition. Much interest was centiedjn the match, bacause it was really the first trial 6f strength with the first fifteen, the game of the pre- vious Saturday being a very one-sided affair. With the exception of Jackson, Swansea had their strongest team, whilst Bridgend were without the j services of Jones, the International. Otherwise! ¡ they played a full team. Teams :— POSITIONS. SWANSEA. BBIDGBBtD* Back W.J.Bancroft. W. Pennell Three-quarter.. F. Gordon J. Jones Three-quarter.. Dan Rees. T. Matthews Three-quarter.. G. Davies C. Cummings Three-quarter.. W. Trew F. W. Brown Half-back D. James T. James Half-back E. James D. Davies 1 Forward W. Parker J. Matthews I Forward F. Serines G. Davies Forward A.Jones T. Hayuaan Forward B. Thomas D. Baylis Forward H. Davies M. Bevan Forward L. Davies R. L. Davies 1 Forward D.C.Thomas T. Bennett Forward D Harris. H. Davies At 3.45 Matthews kicked-off for the visitors wittf the sun dead in their faces. The home forwards rushed ahead, but were soon stopped, and then Bridgend, by exactly similar tactics, rushed into the | home 25. D. Davies kicked over and Bancroft touched 1 clown. After the kick-out the game was most evenly | contested, neither side gaining any material advan- J tage. Then the home three-quarters began to paff* 1 with effect, and got a few yards from the visitors' J goal-line. D. Davies was just in time to eheck the I advance. M. Beavan kicked out of danger and J> J Jones put in a good ran. but lost the ball. Bancroft a got possession, and returned with interest. Bridgend were awarded a penalty, but nothing was gained. by the kick. The game again became of a give and take nature in the Bridgend naif- By dint of hard forward play the St. Helen's men assumed an aggressive attitude, and Trew made It gallant attempt to get over ,but D. Davies confronted him. However, the homesters now kept up a strootf siege about eight yards down from the visitors' croSS" bar, and in this favourable position Swansea WfJItJ awarded a penalty, but Bancrolt failed to convol- After.the kick-out G. Davies and Trew essayed to psflft but lost ground in the attempt, and Bridgend took advantage of another mull in the three-quarter uøe. by rushing into the home territory, J. Jones, 0aJØ' mings, and Matthews being prominent. It W>* evident the visitors were carefully marking thefr opponents, as attempts at passing by the St. Helows men were frustrated time after time. So far only • minor had been scored, both sides being most eveWj matched. Bancroft replied to a kick by Brown, found touch near his opponents' 25 flag. After the line out Bridgend came away with a burst crossed the division line. Bob Thomas had to retire owing to a slight injury. A fine rash by the visitors, headed by Bevan, drove their opponent* back pell mell into their territory. Gordon made hb mark, which he allowed bis side to clear, and a s was formed in midfield. Bob Thomas now returned. Trew ran and kicked, but Cummings pickedOfe punted,and regained the lost ground. Dan Rees a pass from Evan" James and looked like scoring he passed several of his opponents, but fell near goal-line. Swansea were awarded a penalty, but V* was the result. d Half-time Score- G. T. JIll. Swansea 0 0 1 Bridgend 0 0 M The. game restarted on equal terms. BanCPji Dane's partly1 returned. hi. evidence and got into the home half. Bancroft, had been doing an immense amount of in consequence of the poor play of the th*~T quarters, kicked back, Geo. Davies passed to who nearly got over, being fairly held up. A later, however, the same player scored a well-meri»e» > try in the corner. The place-kick failed. made a shot for goal, but the ball went wide, j a minor resulted, Swansea now played hard, aggressive game and would not 3 denied, out Bob Thomas scored; Bancroft COB* j croft converted. Then Swansea led by 8 points to nl^ The St. Helen's men were now playing up to thetf old form, and gave their opponents a lot of trouble to keep them out. A penalty awarded Bridgend vras appreciated, as it allowed them to relieve. HlIoyroan was here ordered off the field by the referee for some irregularity not tully apparent in the Press box. However an intercession was *■ once made by the homesters and he was allowed to return, to the evident satisfaction of the spectators. Swansea now passed with so 0 semblance of efficiency, which was the means of making their opponents crowd by their own goal line, Several dashes were made by the homesters, Gordon and Dan Rees being in evidence,but Bridgend defended splendidly. A couple of minors were conceded to Swansea, one from all attempt to drop a goa. George Davies made his mark in front of the posts, but Bancroft was evidently not in form, as he failed to send the ball over the cross-bar. Swansea another minor, and subsequently had some gõod openings given them, but failed to take advantage of them. Some erratic passing by the AbertavvO men allowed their opponents to get well intp neutral ground, and time was soon afterwards called. Final Score— G. T. M. Swansea 1 1 5 Bridgend 0 0 1 REMARKS. Unless the Swansea XV. play up better than they did in the present contest they will make a very poo* show against powerful organisations this season, as the passing and general combination of the back division was frequently at fault, and good chances of scoring were missed by slovenly and erratic passing The men on whom the homesters generally rely did not come off, whilst Bancroft was most unfortunate with his place kicks. Otherwise he did a lot of use- ful NyorIL The brothers James did well, but their passes out from behind the scrums wet* ■ not taken effectively by the third line, j and hence their efforts were often abortive. In the first half the game was most evenly contested and Bridgend fairly held their own, but somewhat felll away in the second portion, appearing to have outplayed themselves. The game was not a good ex- Ijibition of football, being of a scrambling nature throughout. For the visitors Fennell at back was really good on the defensive, otherwise the score would have been larger. Cummings and Jack Jones in the third line tackled very effectively, and fre- quently spoiled the Swansea passing. D. Davisg showed good form at half, whilst J. Matthews, BeVEAN and L. E. Davies were conspicuous for sterling play j forward. AN EXPLANATION. ] With reference to the incident which ended in -1 Hayman, Bridgend, leaving the field, the referee askS .1 us to explain that he had occasion to warn this i player during the match, and he construed this into J ordering him from the field. In justice to the player. Mr James thinks it right to inform the public ne did not consider Hayman's conduct such that he should be prevented from taking further part in the game* Further, he adds that had he felt compelled to order Hayman off he should not have allowed him W resume playing during this match. FINAL PRACTICE AT NEWPORT, The second of the two practice matches which precede the opening of the legitimate season at Newport was played on Saturday on the ground of the Newport Athletic Club. The afternoon was sunny and warm, but a cool breeze was blowing down the ground. There were several alterations iø both teams, the principal being that Jenkins (vice- captain) was compelled to stand out through j injury to his ankle, sustained at a practice earlier iO the week. Smithson was also, absent, and it wa0 stated that he did not intend to turn out again fot some time. W. Parsons, the sterling forward, was also represented by a substitute. J. Rust of Chep- stow, took Smithson's place on the wing. The teams uro. °- POSITIONS. BOUCHER S TEAM. NEXT XV. Back A- g- Pearce R. Jones Three-quarter.. J. Bust s. Jenkins Three-quarter.. K. l. bkrimshire W. R. Jenkins Three-quarter.. Hudson E. M. Linton Three-quarter., a. Jones J. B. Stratton Half-back L. A. Phillips G. Williams Half-back W.Harvey A. Rowe -jj Forward A. W. Boucher. W. H. Williams » Forward j. jj. Dunn C. D. Phillips 'M F° £ Ward G. Boots A. G. Brown — M.Price J. E. C. Partridge Hodges P. J. Prctcbard H- W. Finlinson. A. E. Jones Forward J- Evans J. Holman Forward W. Parfitt A. C. Morris lieieree, Mr Arthur Gould. 5 Premiers' skipper started operations toward^ the Ballast end, and Stratton, on the wing ready to receive, unaccountably failed to secure the return due from him, and play at once threatened the Next XV's territory. Their forwards made a com- bined rush up the field, where they remained for brief interval, but a loose dribble was brought off by the opposing pack. Boucher picked up and carried away to the far side, where he handed to T. Jones, and the Chepstow man galloped over the line, with Jones, the full back. npon him. The place-kick was high and true, bid short. The Premiers continued to attack after the kick-out, and had rare luck, for in the next five minutes, with the game well within the Next's terri- tory, Harvey picked up as one of Sthe defenders lost the ball and ran over beneath the posts. Bouchef converted from an easy place. G. Williams, the St. Mary's man, made a fine sprint in succeeding play, but the pass was lost by his colleague, who vrafl following well, and the game became be and open. rolling from 25 to 25. The captain's team seemed destined to do all the good things, and Hudson, the Blaenavon man, getting a pass from Skrimshire, rao and feinted to pass to the wing man. This feint was cleverly done, with the result that the opposing back went for the wrong man, and Hudson ran in with the third try of the (game. After some give-and-take play Rust distinguished himself by a fine punt over the head of Jones, the Next XVs back. and Price, following the ball over the line, fell adroitly on it- Boucher's team continued to press their opponents, and L. A.Phillips, the haaf-back, getting the ball from a scrummage, made the run of the day, and was pulled down by Linton only when .he had reached within two or three yards of the line. Partridge made one or two fine efforts to head up the field, but was not supported adequately. Half-time Score: G. T ML Boucher's Team l 3 1 Next XV. 0 0 1 i