Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder

NETH AND DISTRICT B £ LL-POSTINCa CO. ADVERTISING CONTRACTORS* Owners of all the Principal Hoardings in NEATH and District. For Terms, &c., apply:— Manager, 453 London ¡ Road, Neath,

BRILLIAHT MEATH BIOSIGIA^ The Christmas performance of The -XLessia-h by the Welsh Choral Union at Liverpool was a great triumph, says the "Musical Standard." To the "guest" conductor, Mr. T. Hopkin Evans, no tribute could be too high. Mr. Hopkin Evans is possessed of the fie-ry enthusiasm and effervescing emotionalism which is in- ] lierent in his race, but in him it is allied to, and renderro. stable hy, thorough musicianship and alert mentality. His reading of ihe oratorio was fresh and arresting without being marred by those' exaggerations with which "guest" con-1 due tors fro sometimes wont to make j their presence felt. Hie was a broad con- j cpption revealing tho fact that this score had long since become subconscious knowledge, and naturally there followed an uplifting performance. To those who ha? imagined the Welsh Choral to be in a comatose condition— still staggering, as it were, under the blow received by the death of its Into chief—the performance was a gratifying surprise; and the uppermost thought was that if Mr. Hopkin Evans could be acquired as a permanent possession then x the traditions of the union would be faithfully maintained, its lofty ideals; fostered, and its usefulness and activity j greatly increased. Miss Emily Breare sang the soprano I music with sunple reverence end great beauty of tone, while Mr. Herbert Brown employed his fine voice with wonderful j effect. In the tenor solos, Mr. Webster Millar's work was marked by a perfect command of tone-colour and artistic de- livery. Of the cbon's it i6 only necewary to Fay that they share the praise bestowed upon tho conductor; for the measure of his achievement was but the measure of the choir's possibilities. Altogether it was a. memorable performance.

Mi'm HEROES HONOURED ■ The soldiers' -welcome meeting, held at the Skewen Lower Schools, on Friday I evening, under the auspices of the local reception committee, was one of the most successful of the series. The Rev. D. Morris, L.D., Vicar of Skewen, presided, and gave a warm greeting to Air-mechanic Christmas Evans, of the Royal Flying Corps; Private Sidney Johy.,A, of the Rifle Brigade; and Driver Sidney Aehby, of the R.F.A. The chairman also presented them respectively, on behalf of the com- mittee, with handsome silver-mounted walking sticks and silver cigarette case. The Rev. J. C. Beynon, B.A., senior curate, also spoke. Solos were rendered by Mr. Walbridfjc, Mr. Ben PolGY, Mr. E. L- Boddvcombe, Mr. Goulding, Master Lewis Jon.ee, Master Joseph W. -Jones, a,,(i r--t-itations by Miss M. H. Jones and Mr. Tom John The meeting opened with the National Anthem, and cloeed with' n God be with you till we meet again."

A seagoing engineer named John Briggs was at Southampton on Tuesday fined S20 for being absent from hie ship without leave.

ABERAVONS NEW HOSPITAL FORMAL CPtliirili EARLY IN FEBilllABY. A general meeting of the Governors and Management Board of the Aberavon and Port Talbot Hospital was held at Port Talbot on Tuesday, Afr. C. Rout ledge (chairman of the House Committee) pre- siding. The appointments of matron and etafT nurses were confirmed, and the hospital being now in a practically compete state they will take up their duties at the end of the present month. A committee was appointed to arrange for the opening ceremony, which will take place early in February, and it was de- cided to thro'v the institution open for a week to give the public an opportunity of looking over the buildings, which consist of male and female wards of 14 beds and two cots for children; matron's, nurses' and caretakers' rooms, laundry, mortuary, and all the necessary appointments of a really up-to-date hospital. The operating theatre is considered to be one of the be-it of its kind, and the table has been presented by the Majasol workmen, while the employes of the Port Talbot Steel Co. are presenting the whole of the instruments.

COLLIER-BOY'S CLAIM A claim for Z6 in lieu of notice was de- cided by the Neath County Justioes on Friday. The plaintiff was Arthur John- son, a Glyn Neath collier boy, and the defendants the Aberpergwrn Colliery Com- pany. Plaintiff alleged that a dispute arorte between 'him aDd the fireman over tlae measurement of his work, and the follow- ing morning he was stopped, on goinif to his work, by the fireman. Mr. Jefferios contended that that action was tanta- mount to a dismissal, a.nd constituted a breach cf contract. For the defence, it WM allegoo that Johnson had used threatening and abusive language towards tbe fireman, and the latter suspended him until he had seen the under-manager. The claim was dismies.ed with costs.

MAIN COLLIERY GBANùEi We understand that there- is a "shuf- flin,, of cards in connection with the management of thre-c of the local pits of the Main Colliery Co. Mr. Thos. James, M.E., who has been, manager of the Bryn- coch Pit for some years, is in future to he in charge cf the Nos. 3 and 4 (New Pit) Skewen, while Mr. Evans, M.E., the present manager, goes to No. 7 vice Mr. Samuel Davies, M.E., who is transferred to Bryncoch. The general manager of these important collieries, together with the Owrt Herbert Pit, is Mr. Vaughao Price. Some 2.000 men axe employed locally by the Main Colliery Co. Tho bulk of the coal used is shipped to France.

I ABERAVON SUNDAY TRASHtS CASES At Aberavon County Police Court on Monday. John Mainwaring and William Davies, two young Cwmavon men, were summoned for aiding and abetting John Berlin, Cvanavon, in Sunday trading. Berlin was fined os. Mainwaring and Davie* said they wore ignorant of the law. and the latter stated that he had only just returned home from France, where he was wounded and had since been discharged from the Army. Mainwaiing said he had been attested. and was being called up in Group 3. Both cases were dismissed.

HEAIii VOLUNTEER EX-H.C.G. The death of es-Sergt.-Major John Jones has just occurred at his residence, Major Jones served 21 years in tho Royall Garrison Artillery, < and left the Army with fQ exemplary character. Later Ike performed err-eelient service as inotrnctor to the Briton f erry Vohii'teer Artillery. Of a gonial disposition, he was highly respectc-d in Neath and neighbourhood. He was 56 years of age, and leaves a wife a.nd five children to mourn their loss. j

A CLYNE SEPTUAGENARIAN At Clyne, near Neath, on Monday, Coroner L. M. Thomas investigated the circumstance3 attending the death of Mary Rees, aged 77 years, of Rdee Cottage, Cil- frew, who was found dead in bed on Sat- urday by her niece, Mary Hopkins. It was stated tha.t deceased had a srtroke about eight months ago, from which she appeared to have recovered. Dr. Lewis (Neath; attributed death to apoplexy, and the jury returned a verdict accordingly.

A SATISFACTORY EXPLANATION Ernest Hale, head ostler at the British Rhondda Colliery, was at Neath on Fri- I day charged with stealing 28 lbs. of horse provender, value 3s. ¡l The Bench accepted defendant's expla- nation that the fodder was intended for one of the company's horses and dis- dlliec.-

I SUB-CONTRACTOR FINED I I WHY AN OFFER Of S5 WAS MADE TO SETTLE THE MATTER. At Neath County Suasions on Friday, j Charles Williams, lOrai Exchange Inn, Hirwain, described as a sub-contractor at ¡the i>r:itish Rhondda Colliery,was charged with stealing a sack of horse provender, value fe., the property of the colliery com- j pany.—Mr. Leyson prosecuted, and Mr. Edward Powell defended. James Evans, manager of the colliery, said accused was la the habit of driving to ) the colliery every day, and on the night of the 17th Decemher he went to accused's cart and found r. sack of feed covered with a rug. He questioned Williams, but could not get a satisfactory answer, and on the following day he said his driver was responsible for it, and he had dis- missed him. He further stated that it was "feed" taken from under the manger. At a further stage accused made him an offer of £5 to settle the matter. I Why Offer Was Made. ) Mr Powell: That offer was made because Mr. Williams is a licensed victualler and would rather pay E5 than jeopardise his j license. I Accased pleaded not guilty, and said j that Jones, his driver, called his attention to some old "fd" under the manger with the remark, Our horeo will eat that." Under the impression that it j' would only be wasted, he consented to the I suggestion of Jones to sweep it into the sack. He denied robbing the manger. Mr. Ley son: Where is Jones to-coy? Accused: I don't know; I dismissed him that night. Mr. Loy.?on: Why didn't you bring him hero to-day? Mr. Powell: A man who has been sacked would be the last man an employer in trouble would call. Defendant was lined £2 or 25 days.

?LLE?) ? A8?8? -«L-» I SWANSEA MAN FAILS FOR HIS COUSTSY I Mrs. Price, of 47, Catherine-street, Swan-I sea, has just been notified of the death in! action, of ber :-on, Sergeant. Ben Price, of the 16th (Church Lade' Brigade) Bt- talion, King's Royal Rifle Corps. The bad news came from Ser- geant Bryn Eichards, trie son of Inspector, f'ichardii,. of the Swansea Post Office, j in tho loi ter (which is J elated January 8th) -ays: I am writing these fev; lines to in- torm you that poor Ben, whilst bravely defending his trench e;ferday received a nil sty hit, and died j instantaneously. I am deeply grieved, out honoured, to write this letter, for 'wo Swansea boys were always in close friendship with one another. Sergeant Benny (for it is as U Benny jj he is known amongst his large circle of! friends) had a c lose, connection with the Church Lads' Brigade in Swansea, he j having served at least 11 years in the. St. j Gabriel's Company. He won various trophies whilst in their rank", and held; the Brigade medal and clasp, together j with n long-service medal. Sergoanti Bryn Richards, who was also a member of the Church Lads' Brigade, was, up to a few years ago, holder of the silver cup for being thp b shot in the company. It fell, however, to Benny's lot to. take the cup later, owing to the former being too old to shoot again. He held it for a conFddera.Mo time. Shortly after the outbreak of WT, he joined the Colours, and, still loyal to the C-hl,,h T!n, Brigade, found himself in the ranks of the 16th, whose members are all Church Lads' Brigadeites. He gained rapid pro- motion. and at the time of his death held the rank of sergeant. Sergeant Price was employed for seven years in the office of Messrs. Frank Thomas and Andrews, solicitors, Llanfair ■ Buildings, Swansea. He has two other I brothers ;erring the King—Private Harry Price, of the 2nd Devon Regiment, and Driver Stan. Price, of the Royal Field Artillery. Private Harry Price, who, up to the wnr, was a member of the U Herald of Wales" staff, has during the H months of hostilities visited France on three occasions. Some months ago he was wounded, and in-rnlirkd home, and was ialer home again with rheumatism. He is now on his third visit.

LLASOABSGK LECTURE Mr. T. W. Jr.ine9, solieitcr, S'vans-ea, lectured at Llaagadock on Monday, tho Rev. — Thomas pre.^dir. The subject of the lecture was Sea Power of tiia a vy." A collection amounting to = £ 1 3d. was taken in aid or the H-ed C'rosa Society (Carmarthen Branch). The meet* ing was in (wery way a success, a large audience attending to hear a most in- structive lecture. Printed and Published for the Swapgua Prese, Limited, by ARTHUR PAHNBLI. HIGH AM, ft Leader Buildings, Swaoseft.

A SOLDIER writing from the trenches says:— "The I Heraid of Vfales I is a weekly comfort.

ABERAVCH WORKMEN SUMMONED At Aberavon on Monday summonses1 were down for licaririg by Messrs. Bald- wins. Ltd., Bryn Navigation Colliery, a 19 of their workmen for alleged breach, of contract. Mr. Richard Evans, one of the. defendants, at the outset ap- plied for an adjournment that the matter might be placed in the hands of their agent. The eases were thereupon adjourned on the condition that defendants paid three guineas, costs of the day.

..# THE ACTOR'S PASSPORT. Frohin Street, an actor of American nationality, was again before the Neath magistrate.s on Saturday on a charge of being an alien in a prohibited area with- out a passport. Defendant said he hM1 been allowed a provisional passport by the American Consul at Swansea, and with the permis- sion of the Bench would go at once to London to see the proper authorities. The Bench imposed a nominal fine of £1.

CYMES COLLIER AM HiS FAffiiLY At Aberavon on Monday, Griffith Bcw on, collier, Oyormer, was charged with neglecting his wife and two children, who. said Warrant Officer Gabriel, had been relieved hy the Union to the extent of £:37. The warrant, however, was for the £ 10 8s. in respect of tho last six months. Defendant admitted to tne Court that his average earnings were S2 lis. a week. He was ordered to pay 20s. a week.

I PRESE?Am 18 C8LUERY WAGER. f ¡ An interesting meeting was held at the Garngoeh No. 3 Colliery Office, Gorseinon, on Saturday evening last, for the purpose of presenting Mr. D. J. Price, M.E., man- ager of the Nos. 2 and 3 Collieries, with Westminster chimes, with ornaments to I match, a silver flower spray, together with a case of cutlery, on the occasion of his marriage. The chair was filled by Mr. A. James, M.E. (Messrs. s eol- lisrv rsrenfi. The spacious building was ) well filled with representatives of th^ various departments. Suitable songs were rendered to enliven the meeting by Messrs. I D. E. Jenkins, Joe. Rees, and Richard Wil- liams, No. 3 Colliery, the oldest workman prE"Sent-n ye3. r" d acre. Tb? pre''pntat?on was made on behalf of the clerical staff and o?cial? by Mr. T. S." | Thomas, clerk No. 3 Colliery, and for the Thoma, c.,erl;: No..3 <<)Ilierv, ,-iud for the by Mr. David Evans, No. 2 Colliery, an d for No. 3 hauliers by Mr. Edwin Anthony. Mr. Pries suitably acknowledged. Advan- ta.ge was also taken of the occasion to present the agent (Mr. Times) with a new violin, inad ° entirely of local wood by I Mr. Richard Williams. The constructor him?elf played a few solos upon the instru- ment. The meeting was enlivened by numerous) gramophone solos, duets, etc., manipu- lated by Mr.. John George (ifreman) hndl rr. On Owen (ostler). Sympathy was Ii ?ex.tpnfl;,d to Mr. Peter Jcnes (un?e?- manager) in his present trouble. I

HE STOPPED THE WS I It was" P,,oxing Day, aue, tract too much whisky," was the excuse of Rees Williams, collier, Onhwyn, to tha Neath County Justices on Friday, when charged with making use of a communication cord on the Neath and Brecon Railway without reasonable cai?.-?. railwa?v com- Mr. Jamss RcT?ll. Mf ti? raibray com- pany, clw.raderiæd the case as ? serious one, because it allowed passengers to leavo the train without payment of fares. Fred Samuel, a guard on the train, said that after ieaving Cryiiant, Station the train was brought to a standstill. Ho entered the compartment in which defen- dant travelled, and the latter admitted pulling the communication cord, adding that it was a mistake. Defendant was fined fl.

I KiiOCKEO OOWN BY MOTOR. I Mrs. Catherine Frowd (ii), a widow, living at Hunter-Street, Britoaferry. was on Sunday evening knocked down by a motor-car owned by Mrs. Merchant, Globe Hotel, Aberavon. The unfortunate ll:dy, who had juat Côill" out of chapel, was very badly injured, sustaining compound frac- tures of both legs, with facial and internal | injuries. Dr. Harry. Dr. Morris, and Dr. Flynn were in attendance, and after a j consultation it was agreed to remove her to Swansea Hospital. On Monday morn- ing Mrs. Prowd was reported to be in a I critical condition.

I SMtTS WirrE ASSAULTED I At Neath Police Court on Monday, Kate OJ! J" .r. Hooper, wife of a soldier, of Gasworks- I road, summoned Jane Taylor, of the same j locality, for a¡osaül- I Complainant said that ever since ehe gave evidence against Mrs. Taylor in the j pc 1ïc(>- court she had had the life of a dog, I and on Friday Mrs. Taylor caught her by the hair, kicked her on the leg, and struck her in the face. Mrs. Taylor, who denied the offence and taid she ras led into a trap. was fined £1.

LEAtHtlC AGAINST THE NEATH TOWN HALL Jane Reynolds, a respectably dressed woman of Church-place, appeared before the Neath magistrates on Monday on a charge of drunkenness. I found her leaning against the Town Hall," said Pohc?-sergeant Evans. She was too drunk to stand up, and I locked her up." Defendant, who said she was sorry, wae fined 10s.

I SIR JOHN LLEWELYN'S NEPHEW j  SufFering from EhrapB?l wound in the I j face and thigh, Lieut. Venabies Llewelyn, of the Coldstream Guards, a grandson of Sir John T. D. Llewelyn, is in hospital somewhere in France." He is only 19 years of age. The general of his division I 1100 written to the colonel of the battalion highly commending the young officer for his plucky work.

I AN EXPENSIVE TEMPER I When charged at Neath on Monday with using indecent language, George Ball, Wind-street, said he was not accus- tomed to swearing, but did it because he was in a temper.—The Chairman; That i bad temper will cost you 10s.

MUMBLES MEN ON SERVICE I Mr. and Mrs. Thomas, of 1, Clemen t's-row, Mumbles, hava four I sons and or.o adopted con serving with M. Richards the Colours. Pte. Ed?dn Thnmaq, v'?o is 31 yonrs of age, before joining the A.P.C. in-as in the eiiioloy of Mr. Laugiiarne Morgan. Pte. W. Thomas; joined the A.S.C. in June, 1815, and was in the employ of f Mr Atkins, mineral water manufac- iure r. Mumbles. Stall Thomas joined the Nary in inae, 1015. Ke is 20 years of age. Mr Richards (the adopted eon) is 18 yealS of age. He joined The Navy al?ou' three yars ago. Pte. T. J. Thomas r?nt out t? Australia m 1913. a?d spt',Ied in Jamestown, He joined an Australian rc?i'?pn? ?""? l bdwin Thomas, W. Thomas. according to a report in the Jamestown Review," dated October 29th, 1215, a fare- wr-Vl meeting was held at the Institute] Hall, -st which tho mayor of the town j T. J. Thomas. Stan Thomas. I (Mr. R. E. Humphri?) preaid?. and 11TI'-¡ s?nt-?d Pt?. Thoinpa with a wristlet wakh on behalf of the Cb?pi'-up Society, and :1 parcel from the Church of England Friendly Society.

MUSICAL SUCCESS. Miss Winnie Richards, of Bryn ¡ Nedc-, Lewis-road, who rr ce-ntly sat for an exa miration in I connection with t h c: Associated Board of t h 3 Royal Academy and Royel -College of Music, was I successful in pass- ing the Advanced Grade examina- tion with honours —a. r?nlly bril- liant i?t for I such a y<t?T;? lady. 'Mj RiC-h-! a,rd? was coached b: Mr. T. Hopkin Evans, Mus. Bac., Neath, who predicts a brilliant future for I her.

?f PANIC I?! THE PIRATES' PANiG i I I .1. I ■ ■■■! HOW THE BARALOiiC DEALT WITH A U-BOAT Allegations 'have been made by the Ger- man Government that the crew of H.M. auxiliary cruiser Baralong murdered tain isembars of a German eubmarine crew. The following is the story of a gunner who was a member of the crew at the time, and who took part in the events of the day. The Nicosian was, it appears from other narrati,, attacked off Lundy Isle. On August 19, at 2 p.m., we received a Ylrelrss message from Cho steamer Nicosian to say s -cas cliascd by a Gorman submarine. We accordingly altered our course, and proceeded at full speed to her assistance. "At 3 p.m. we sighted the Nicosian, which was being shelled by the sub- marine whilst the crew were getting into thoir lifeboats. We got plenty of ammunition ready on the poop. and at 3.30 p.m. the Marines took cover behind the bulwarks on the port side of the after deck with their rifles. The gunners also took cover be- hind their grins. '4- p.m., stand by.' By excellent sea- manship our captain brought our ship upon the starboard ido of the Nicosian, the submarine being on the port side, so that for a few minutes we were hidden from the submarine's view. During that short interval we r cleared for action,' and trained guns outboard, set sights for 700 yards, and hoisted the White Ensign. As soon as we appeared round the bows of the Nicosian, the submarine fired one shot at us, which went wide, over the bows of our ship. The marines then opened iire with a well-aimed volley, which swept the deck of the submarine, and seemed to de- moralise her crew, for they immediately left their guns and rushed for the con- ning tower, several going overboard, but whether they wore shot by rifle fire or whether they dived over from panic, I cannot say. We then opened fire with our port and stern guns, but the first shot was a bit short—however, I should say it hit the submarine beneath the water lino. T'he next shot hit the conning tower, which appeared to split in half, sanding two men flying high into the air. The next and successive shots all hit the sub- marine, which gradually sank^ every one of her crew being either drowned or shot, and only a few parts of bodies and a large quantity of oil remained on the surface. The action lasted 4min. 30see., during which time we nred 37 rounds between the two guns. The submarine was one of Germany's latest and largest, being 300ft. long and about 1,000 tons. She had two guns fore and aft, of a slightly larger calibre I than our own. We then took aboard the crew of the Nicosian, who numbered 107, not one of whom was injured or killed. We then went alongside the Nicosian and dis- covered that the damage caused by ih-c German shells was comparatively slight, and that she could proceed slowly under her own steam, on her original course to Avoniuouth. "Our casualties were nil, but we were all abeolutely disgusted at the cowardice displayed, by the crev of the submarine, who were more heavily armed than our- selves. Not only were their two guns of a heavier calibre than our own, but in addition they ht?-d several torpedo tubes, whereas we could only get two guns to bear upon tham. If thc-y had stuck to their guns they would at least have stood a sporting chance, but apparently the German, cub- marines (although always ready to at- tack defenceless merchant ships, and kill and maim their passengers and crews) have- no stomach for fighting armed ships of his Majesty's Navy, even when the odds are in their favour."

vEAGHERS AS TRIBUNAL CLcfiKS At Monday's meeting of the Education Committee, a letter was read from Major G. S. Harries, the military representative of the Advisory Committee dealing with exemptions under Lord Derby's scheme, asking tho Education Committee if they would grant him the assistance of one of their teachers to act as clerk. The Chairman said it was obvious there was a shortage of teachers. A letter was also read from Mr. Coose, assist ant master of Morriston BoJ' School, stating he had been appointed by one of the Advisory Committee, and ask- ing permission to attsnd the meetings when they were held at a time which would interfere with his attendance at the afternoon session of the school. Another lelter was read from Mr. Ben Bottomiey, of the .Swansea Parliamentary Recruiting Committee, thanking the Edu- cation Committee sincerely for the help it had rendered in supplying assistance under Lord Derby's scheme. Dealing with the application from r Mrs. Williams said they wanted to afford a.11 the assistance pos- { sible in the circumstanceii. but they had to take into considerariorn the children who were attending the schools. Aid. Colwill: Does the lettfr imply that we shall have to pay this teacher ? The Chairman: Oh, yes- Aid. Vv B. Miles moved that owing to the depletion of the male staff they were the (leplel,Ioji of the iiiale rtalt thcv were request. aicat wi-Cli Mrs. Williams seconded. Mr. Laugharne Morgan moved that the request be acceded to, and pointed out the immense amount of work done by Major Harries and others for the benefit of the country. The Chairman pointed out that Major Harries was entitled to clerical assistanco, and he was anxious to get the assistance of one cf their teachers. Aid. B. Jones seconded Mr. Morgan's :\m"ndrnent. Aid- G. Colwill said that although the W,r Office granted clerical assistance, the Education Authority had to foot the bill, Mr. P. Molyneux th aught they should let Major Harries have this assistance. There were several things they could drop from the school curriculum if they were short of teachers.. They tried to cram the children too much, and he was entirely at variance with the present system of edu- cation. The whole system of education w&s, in his opinion, entirely wrong. The Chairman said they could not do as Mr. Molyn-eux suggested. He thought they -night offer Major Harries a female teach er. On the matter being put to the vote the request of Major Harries was not acceded to. I

WEST MMM RESULT The result of t.h? by-election at TTcai Newin?ton to fill ?e vacaDcy ca'-?od by ¡ the elevation of Captain Cecil Norton to I the peerage was announced on Monday i night as follows-.— Mr. J. D. Gilbert (L) 2,646 I Mr. J. Terrett (Ind.) 787 1 Majorat 1..8-59

MR. LL WILLIAMS' PfiSsYsiSE ¡;> LIVELY MEETING AT LLASELLY, Ii A lively meeting was held at the Llan-) eily Liberal Club on Monday evening (Mr. Dd Williams, J.P., presiding, when Mr. Yt*. Llewelyn Williams, K.C., M.P., de- fended in a vigorous spoecli hÜ.; attitude to- wards the Compulsion Bill. He chal- lenged anyone, in ssite of the vile misre- presentations that had been made against him, to quote a single sentence u'luch j sliowed that he had done nothing in sup- port of the w::< r. He was no friend of the shirker. (Laughter and applause). Let them show him a single word from beginning to end to enable anyone to prefer such a charge as that against him. Ha had never said a word in support of the shirker. If he did not come to the colours he (Mr. Williams) was not one who would say the shirker was not to rIA compelled to come. The question of the shirker was a small one, and far greater issues were involved. It was be- cause of these vaster^ greater, profounder and eternal issues that were at stake that bw» had taken up such a stand. He objected to the Bill for two reasons. In the first place because it was pre- mature; and secondly, the voluntary system had not been given a fair triai. He agreed with the voluntary system as a great principle, but even great principles! such as this could not stand in the way of national safety—(applause)—and if, therefore, a fair trial had been given to Ixu-d Derby's scheme, and it had failed, ho for one would have stood aside and said, You are right; I am wrong. You can carry your views into execution." The Government had brought in a Com- pulsion Biil before the actual facts and the precise figures were- known, and that was not dealing fairly with House of Commons or the Country, and he pro- tested against it. This trumpery little Bill would not excite his passion or anger for one moment if it stood for itself and there -was no previous history behind it. But we knew that there were men in the Cabinet who had been life-long Con- scriptionists, and they approached this question, not from the point of view of Liberals or Tories, for there were a great number of Tories, of whom Mr. Balfour was one. who believed in the voluntary system, but from the poin tof view of Conscription. He had made his protest against it, and having done so, would say no more about it, but, as a Liberal, he felt it incumbent upon himself to have made such a protest. The Derby group- ing scheme had now been re-opened, and ho ventured to prophesy that at tho end of seven weeks there would not 1)-a a single unmarried man left to conscript. Thy would all attest excepting those who were exempt under the categories mentioned in the Bill. He had never heard from the Prime Minister or from anybody else that a military necessity required this Bill. He saw the risk, and the reason why ho maoo his protest was tha.t he wanted to b- free, as he was afraid this was only the beginning, and knowing the men that were behind this agitation, he had his suspicions, which he thought were well founded. They were out to get Con- scription not to get this erthyl they had now pa-oduced; they wanted the whole thing. Several prominent Liberals, including th? president, expressed their disap- proval of the attitude taken up by th I Borough Me)er on the qUéstlon of Com- pulsion, and in reply to a question, Mr. Llewelyn William-s said that having as- certained the feeling in the boroughs ho would not take any further part in the diccrtssions or divisions on the Compul- sion Bill.

SWANSEA ADVlStSiiY COMTTEt I The nrst meeting of the Advisory Com- mittee for Swansea was held at the Guild- hall on Monday. Major Harries presided, as representing the War Office, and he was supported by Messrs. Ivor Gwynno, J.P., Richard Martini, Coose, W. E. Harris, and J. Hillard. Messrs. W. J. Crocker. B. Bottomiey and W. L. Jenkins, of the Parliamentary Recruiting Commit- tee, were also present, but they had no power to vote. The committee sat from 3 o'clock until a quarter to y, and considered about 200 claims. Compared with the number who have enlisted under the group system, the number was thought to be very few. The applicants were mostly in the employ of controlled works or engaged at the docks, and their rvíGes were absolutely indis- pensable. Most of the cases were put back ten groups, which is the mannaum number, and as groups are called up these will be dealt with later if necessary. In cases I where the applicant's claim is not ac- cedod to he will have the opportunity of stating bis claim to the local tribunal. The Parliamentary recruiting agents have these cases in hand, and are now busy making inquiries. The Advisory Committee for vn/s rural districts.c-f Swansea was held on Tuesday afternoon. pi I. 11 i. i ■«

RillK fsiASE FROM PJWDE? At a meeting of the Carmarthenemre public. Health Committee on Tuesday, Mr. W. J. Thomas (Llanarthney) presid. ing, Mr. D. Roderick, inspector under the Food and Drugs Act, reported that ho had found at a certain milk establishment in the county a quantity of milk powder, which tho manager admitted was used to make milk when sufficient milk was not iorthcomi'Bg from farmers to sell to his customers. No proceedings could be taken ugaiiWc the firm under the Food and Drugs Act because the powder would on analysis show the same constituents as pure milk, but he thought it possible that the Board of Agriculture might institute proceedings under the Merchandise Maiks Act, because the milk WâtS scld as new j miik. Mr. W. J. Williams (Brynamman) said he thought that Carmarthenshire would be the last place in the world to import milk powder for the purpose of mixing it up with water and turning it out as fresh or new milk. They had read that the Germans had invented some chemical, or discovered some means, to make illW from' giass without the cow, but it seemed to him that tho question had been solved at this particular place in Carraartnen- 5hire through the aid of a vat, a pole, a girl, and u cask of white powder. it was decided to draw the attentioll of tho Board of Agriculture to tiin case ro- ported.

PAINTER'S FATA1 FAIL An inquest was held at Swansen. on Mon- day, upon the body of Charles Lades (44), painter, of 53, Holloway-road, Bath, who died at the Hospital the result of a f-.Il iiom a suspended plank. Mr. Hilditcli un- sr-octor or factories) was present. I Mrs. Ar1.t Eadss '(widow of deceased) gave I ovidenc. She. oold that he lodged at 4, J Byng-strect, Swanoea, and was employed as "1 painter by Messrs. Bagnall and Co., Ship- ley. York A vrdic'. of accidental de&th w-as re- turD.if,

MORE DRUNKENNESS CAHMARTHENSHIRE COMMITTEE HEAR OF tiCBEASEB QFFtHCES At a meeting of the Carmarthenshire Standing Joint Committee at Carmarthen .on Tuesday, Mr F. Dudley W Drummond (Hafodneddyn) presiding, the Chief Con- stable (Mr. W. Picton Philipps), in his quarterly report, stated that criminal and other offences dealt with by the magis- trates showed an increase of 317 as com- pared with the corresponding quarter of last year, the figures b(ing 1.1,82 as against 1,165. The increase was principally noticeable under the following- heads:- Drunkenuess, 115; Education Acts, 133; assaults, 1(1; railway offences, 3* un- licensed sale of beer, 26; aliens restriction order, 16. There was a decrease in larceny of 12, sleeping out 15, fishery laws 17, light on vehicles 21. The increase in drunkenness was due to the incursion of the large number of navvies to the Pem- brey Works. The influx of this class of workman into a district was without ex- ception accompanied by a higher figure in respect of drunkenness, but in fairness it should be stated that in proportion to ther number the increase did not nearly ap- proach what might have been expected, 39 estimated by previous experience, and it was satisfactory to note that the cases in which drunkenness was aggravated by disorderly behaviour showed no material difference to what prevailed under normal conditions. The state of the weather was an im- portant factor, wet weather interfering with regular work, invariably reacted un- favourably on the number of caees, and this had special application to Burryport, where housing accommodation was inade- quate, leaving licensed premises about the only convenient available place of shelter, and not the most desirable for navvies- earning high wages. One inspector, four sergeantf;, and 50 constables had been attested under Lord Derby's scheme, and transferred into the Army Reserve, Section B. None of them would be called up unless they could be spared. Mr. C. P. Lewis (Llandovery), reforms to the increase in school cases, said no- did not think the magisterial benches re- ceived the support of the Education Com- mittee as they should- Mr. David Evans (Manordaf) said the Education Committee on the other hand had been complaining that the magis- trates in certain districts did not give the necessary help. Mr. John Jones (Pontardulas) asked iig the increase in school cases was not dilev to children being kept home to work on farms owing to the shortage of labour. Mr. Mervyn Peel (Danyrallt) said' where children were allowed to work ork farms there would be no procekb-na taken. It was decided to call the attention <. the Education Committee to the increase tin school cases. Mr. W. J. Williams (Brynamman), re- ferring to an increase in drunkenness, said it was quite clear that the majority of the people got drunk in public houses, and it was strange that not a single pul). lican was proceeded against in the county. The Chief Constable said he did not think the majority of the people found drunk got drunk in public houses. They got the liquor inside the public houses and became drunk outside when they got into the fresh air. Whenever a pub- lican was detected of an offence, proceed- ings wer, taken at once against him. There was a lot of drunkenness at Burry- port, but the publicans could not be more particular and careful. They were really doing the utmost in their own in- ,tercitf. There was hardly one public "house in Biirryport about whioh. the policy were doubtful. The publicans did every- thing possible to assist the police.

BATTLE OF WORDS* At Neath County Sessions on Friday, Thomas Murphy, Glyn Neath, rued the Aberpcrgwm Collieries Company, Ltd., for the sum of £3 12s. which represented damages for alleged wrongful dismissal. Mr. Jestyn Jeffreys appeared for plain- tiff, and Mr. To"looD, Aberdare, for the tin and Mr. TovlsoD, Aberdare, tor the defendant company. Plaintiff said he was engaged as a shunter under the Aberpergwm Colliery Co. at the rate of 9s. per day. On the 2nd October the manager, Mr. Roes Howell, complained that he had bec, i L keeping the colliery idle owing to lack of empties. He resented it, words passed which ended by the manager giving him the sack. lIe was out of employment eight days, and then obtained work at the Rock Colliery. Mr. Jeffreys: I believe the manager made the observation that you were not going to boss the colliery? Plaintiff: Yes; and I told hiui that if he thought he was going to boss the vil- lage he was making a big mistake. For the defence, it was contended that plaintiff sought dismissal by asking tho manager for his pay, and it was empha- sised that (lwiní to plantiff's action there was a congestion of trucks at the screens which interfered with the work at the colliery. The Bench gave a verdict for the de- fendant company.

"STSiiiKG UP BY THUMBS. At the close of a discussion in the House of Commons on Monday night on the suppression of the Glasgow .news- puper Forward," Colonel D. r. Camp- bell. member for orth Ayrshire, an. Il i -rt- ,I Ti office'/ who was severely wounded while serving with the Black Watch at the front, entered an indignant protest against that which he' termed the voluminous verbiage" of a group of mem- bers below the Ministerial gangway. "Get on with the war," lie demanded, and finish everything that interferes with the progress of the war." If I had the member for Hanky (Mr. Outliwaite) ia my battalion," he added, he would t been strung up by the thumos, before k had been there half an lioui." Mr. Outliwaite sarcastically inquired; U TIew man, of your battalion would it take to do it? Colonel Campbell replied: I would kave that task to myself, even though ( have only one arm, having lost the use the other in a task which the member for Hanley would (not think of attempt- ing or daring to risk." This wf-s loudly cheered. The rising ot the House brought the incident to a closes.