Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder

iWELSH ANTHRACITE MEN INTERVIEW WITH MR. J. 0. MORGAN. /By Our Mining Correspondent). Mr. J. 1). Morgan, J.P., Ystradgynlaia, the chief agent of the Welsh Anthracite miners, and County Councillor D. Daniel Daviag, the vice-chairman of the Anthra- i cite District section of the South Walesi Miners' Federating have returned from France, whither #ly had gone on a vi&it of inspection and to consult French miners and colliery officials regarding- a proposal to offer Welsh Anthracite men an oppor- tunity to work in French mines. A little over a fortnight ago, the British Government Coal Controller. Mr. Guy Cal- throp, and his Advisory Committee, after considering the question of sending miners to assist in the production of coal in the coal mines of France in the occupation of British troops, and wit-L the object of re- ducing unemployment in certain areas of the British coalfields, appointed a depu- tation (among whom were Mr. J. D. Mor- gan and Mr. Dd. Dl. Davies representing the South Wales coalfield) to meet repre- sentatives of the French Miners' ''edo.i- tioi. to see the conditions under which the men should go. On thei return, I had a remarkably in- teresting interview with Mr. Morgan ii,t,i his; experiences in France, in the French mines, with the representatives of the French Miners' Federation, and his own views upon the visit, the opportunities offered, and the possibilities and pros- pects. H We visited the headquarters of the col- lieries situated in the Bruay district, where 20,000 men were employed." said Mr. J. D. Morgan. We were met by the managing director of the company, the chief inspector of mines, the presi- dent of the French Federation and his executive. They wished to develop the eoihories to produce tlic, largest possible quantity of coal, which could be done if they only had a suf-ricient number of miners." The president of the French Miners' Federation (proceed ed Mr. Morgan) in vited the British miners to come over to work in the French collieries, and they would only be too glad to see that they shall have the support and protection of the French Federation, and will be treated equally with the French miners in every respect. We visited some of the leading collieries, and they were all laid out on the surface in such a way as to reduce manual labour to the lowest possible minimum. Asked as to the condition and character of the collieries, Mr. Morgan said: 1 have seen a large number of collieries in this country and other countries, but I have never seen a c-oiliery better laid out. The pit-head baths were good, and a veil-arranged hospital on the colliery premises is being run at the expense of the colliery company. Cleaner ami more comfortable wards are not to bo found in our town lu-.npitals. We visitd the colliery of Marne, which u raising over 2,00(1 ton of coal per day, and here it is proposed to employ the British miners. The British miners will be employed together in this colliery iiij two different seams. The depth of the! shaft is about 1.000 feet. The company proposes (be first batch of miners from this country to be loa. and then, after those have had a few weeks' experience, that another batch should come of 500, and that the first batch (one among very five) should give the benefit of their ex- perience to the second batch, etc. We descended the shaft, and we went into the 3-feet seam, which was up to i ?-I name in thickness. but the average thick- ness of coal was only about 2ft. Sin., as there was about inches of clod on the coal. The method of working was Long Wall with c?uveyors carrying the coal to the tram from a distance of from ?0 to 50 yards. The other seam was about 4 feet thick, but there was about b incites \}1 chxl in the middle of the coal. The method of working was the Top-hole sys- tem, the stalls were working straight \:p tho pitch, on a heavy gradient, and the coal was running from the faces down the tophole on sheets by gravity into tram-s at the gateway of the level. The coal to a oory large extent waa-r-e- l moved by blasting, fchougii the men were able to do so in some working places with the pick. The explosives were provided by the company, and paid for by the men. The rules as to blasting were similar to tho rules in the British coalfield. The average earnings in this colliery are 10.50 francs (6s. ÐJ.) per day. The British miners are housed tree, and will also get their house coal free. We have reason to believe that the British Government will step in to provide food for the men free of charge, bocau&o the wages are lower than what is generally paid in this country. The collieries are working with safety lamps, though no gas has ever been found in tho colliery, and the safety lamp is of a French type, which gives very good light. The ventilation is very good, and no coal dust is found on tho roadways. The coal is filled into tubs, holding 10 uwts. each, and the t 1] 00 are only allowed to be filled within 3 inches of the brim, eo that no coal is lost in transit. The haulage on the main roads is beiv done by electric loco engines, drawing a batch of 40 trams at a time. The main roads are lighted right to the face by elec- tric lights. The roads are beautifully lighted all tbo way. The men can walk either tiide of the road, passing the journey of trams when it is in motion. Tho sides Are being built of stone in oemenft, and iron girders of oval shape on top under the roof. The colliery is an ideal one under- ground, and the British cannot less than appreciate it. The roof is rather weak and has to be carefully timbered, The roof is not heavy, hence the timber used are comparatively light. The roof is held up in the falls by fiats and gears. Compensation will be paid to the work- men on the British scale, and a working arrangement will be made as between the M.F.G.B. and the French Federation. Some of the Brititsh soldiers, who were miners before the war. have now been able to learn the French language, and stome of these will be released from the Army and will be employed in the Marnes Colliery among the British miners, so as to act in all cases of necessity as inter- preters. The men work on the Dine hours' system, starting at 5.0 a.m., and finishing at 2.0 p.m., and this is followed by an afternoon shift of 9 hours. j

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UNDER MOTOR LORRY. j Eye Witness's Story of Burryport Fatality. I On Thursday morning Mr. W. W. Brodie (coroner), Llanelly, held an in- quiry at Bethany Schoolroom, Burryport, into the death of Mr. Black, landlord of the Butchers' Arms, Burryport. Mr. D. C. Edwards, solicitor, represented the family and relatives, Mr. Edwards, Swan- sea (factory insj)eetor), being also present. Before the jury were sworn the coroner said that according to a new Act he could hold the inquest with eight jurymen in future, instead of twelve. If anyone wanted to gJ, he was at liberty to leave. Four of the jury availed themselves of the offer and left. Mr. John W. Black. Manners-street, Glasgow*, said that the deceased was his son. He was 39 years of age. and resided at the Butchers' Arms, Burryport. He was also a chemical plumber. Mary Evans, a travelling hawker, said she was coming from Llanelly on Jnly Hi. When -soar Moreb Farm a steam lorry passed her, also going to Burryport. It was going at a slow pace—about four miles an hour. After the motor had passed she saw a man riding a bicycle, holding the lorry with his left hand on the corner of the vehicle. After the lorry had climbed the hill ahe saw the man let go and try to pass on the right side. There was plenty of room for him to pass. She next saw the front wheel of the bicycle wobble, and saw the man and bicycle fall under the wheel of the lorry. She shouted out. The lorry stopped at once. She fall forward and saw the man and the bicycle under the engine of the lorry. One of the men fetched a "jack" and the body was taken out. In reply to the coroner witness said she could not say what made the bicycle swerve, or how the man lost control. Dr. Vincent Williams. Burryport. said he had a tended the deceased for about a month previous to the accident, and gave him a certificate shoving that he was suff- ering from lead poison. He had examined him before giving the certificate. He ex- iiiiiine(I the body of the deceased after it had been taken from under the lorry. The cause of death war, fracture and disloea- j tion of the spinal column. The fact that the deceased suffered from lend poison did not, in his opinion, help the accident. David John Lewis said lie resided at 18, Major-street, Swansea, and was a riK'tor- man a^istant in the employ of Messrs. D Jones & Co.. Swansea. On July 16th they conveyed a load of provisions. He sat on the left sick of the lorry. The total i weight of the lorry and load was about five tons. They were going at about Jour miles an hour. The driver could not do anything to avoid the accident. He was keeping a look-out, but the man came from behind, and the driver stepped at OlHX). Thos. Rogers, IlLfod, Swansea, said he uas driving the lorry. His mate shouted to him to stop, and he did so at once. In returning a verdict: of accidental death the jury exonerated the driver from blame.

"T"7 l? REFUGEE3 EJECTED. L A remarkable scene was witnessed in Dynevor-place, Swansea, on Saturday, when, under an ejectment order, the be- longings of a Belgian refugee were placed in the street-be(lding, children'a cots, etc. There they remained for several hours. Crowds gathered round them, and at times there were persons who seemed likely, without going into the I I rights and wrongs of the matter, to inter- fere and make a row. Tho facts of the matter, as given to us by Mr. Tunbridge, hon. secretary of the Kri e Committee, are as follows: A Belgian, his wife and six children, had been in rooms at the house for 12 months. The tenant of the premises had desired them to leave, as. in addition to his hav- ing a tailor's shop on the premises, he had his own family and the 8 refugees. He asked the Belgian to leave, but as he did not do so, applied to the magistrates fbr an ejectment order. This the magis- trates granted, and the police carried it out on Saturday. The family had wished to get accommo- dation in the Hefugee Homes, but there was no room, all the houses being fully occupied, and tho Poplars at Morriston having been closed by order of the Edu- cation Committee, who required the house for other purposes. The Belgian family are fishing folk,, the father and the son being engaged on trawlers, and in receipt of good wages. A third man is engaged at the Fish Wharf. It was felt, therefore, that this family had sufficient rheans to take a house, and this was being arranged by offi- cial refugees in the pay of the Belgian Relief Committee. It appears, however, that ".e man would not agree to pay the rents asked, and therefore they had no hour-e to go to when their goods were put on the pavement. Mr. Tunbridge was informed of the circumstances on Saturday night, and visited the scene, had the furniture re- moved to the old Y.M.C.A. premises im- mediately, and the family housed just opposite at a house belonging to the committee with a brother-in-law. who is oue of the wealthiest Beliia iu Swansea. I

THE LABOUR UNREST COMMISSION ISSUES ITS FliiDlilGS. Some interesting and significant state- ments regarding labour troubles and their remedies am contained in a report, issued to-day of the commission ap- pointed on June 12 to inquire into t i-ie causes of industrial unrest. The commission, whose inquiries ex- tended from June 15 to 25, was divided into eight sections, covering England, Wales, and Scotland. A summary of all the reports has been made by Mr. G. N. Barnes, M.P., who A comparison of the report ehows that there is a strong feeling of patriotism on the part of employers and employed throughout the country, and they are determined to help the State in its present crisis. Feelings of a re- volutionary character are not enter- tained by the bulk of tho men. An important section of Mr. Barnes's report, going deep into the roots of the trouble, says: The great majority of the causes of industrial unrest specified in the reports have their root in certain psycho- logical conditions. Want of confidence is a fun damental cause, of which many of tho causes given are merely manifesta- tions. It s hows itself in the feeling that there has been inequality of sacrifice, that the Government has broken solemn pledges, that the trade union officials are no longer to be relied upon, and that there is a Woeful uncertainty as to the in- dustrial future. The reports abound in instances of the prevailing feeling that pledges are no longer observed as they were in pre-war days. Allusions to 'scraps of paper are painfully numerous. Per- haps sufficient allowance has not been i made for the difficulties which have beset { all in authority through the ever-chang-, ing phases of industrial conditions owing to the war." The Commissioners' recommendations are as follcwe:- (1) Food Prices.—There should be an im- mediate reduction in price, the increased price of food being borne to some extent by the Government, and a better system ot distribution is required. (2) Industrial (-t(-Tlie, c-iple of the Whitley Report* should be adopted; each trade should have consti- tution. (3) Changes with a view to further in-I crease of output should be made the sub- ject of an authoritative statement by the Government. (4) Labour should take part in the affairs of the community as partners, rather than servants. (5) The greatest publicity possible should lie given to the abolition of Leaving Cer- tincate?.  (6) The Government should make a state- mcnt ?M to the variation of pledges I:i ready given. (7) maximum under the Work- men's Compensation Act should ho I raised. (8) Announcements should be made of policy as regards housing. (9) A system should be inaugurated J whereby skilled supervisors and others I on day rates should receive a bOll us. (10) Cloaer contact should ? set up be- rween employer and employed. j (11) Pensions CQmmittpes ?ou!d have at, larger discretion in their treatment '0? men discnar?ed frcm the Army.  ?12) Agricultural wages in the Western Area. now as low as 14s. to 178. a week, should he raised to 23s. a week. (13) Coloured labour should not be em- ployed in the ports. (11) A higher taxation of wealth is urged by one Commissioner Causes of unrest which are reported as acute in certain districts, but are not universal, inc11!de:- Tit-a want of sufficient housing Secbrftnlo- dation in congested areas—especially in Scotland, Wales, the North-East and eer- tain parts of the North-West and South- West areas. The liquor restri-.tions, which operate as a cause of unrest in some districts, but not in others. For example, in the West Midlands area the need for a further supply of beer of an acceptable quality is urgent, and to some extent the same is true in London and Swansea; on the other hand, in Scotland the subject was' never mentioned. Lack of Communal Sense.—This is noticeable in South Wales, where there has been a breakaway from faith in Par- l i a mc n t a r v re p r esen t at 1 on. The Commissioners draw attention to the marked contrast in the character of the reports submitted by the Soiitli-Weqt. -iud Wales Commissions respectively. J which reflect a great many manor causee ,)f unrest local in character.

THE WELSH REPORT. I It is understood that the report of tho. special Commission for Waleo and Mon- mouthshire which comprised Mr D, Lleufer Thomas (chairman). Mr. Thomas Evans, and Mr. Vernon Hartshorn, shows that, while there is no acute unrest in Wales at the present time, there is a possibility of it developing immediately after the war. The report opens with an interesting historical introduction by the chairman, Mr. D. Lleufer Thomas in which he deals with the industrial de- velopment in Wales, showing how one industry has developed out of the othr-r. This introduction brings cut the result that the most discontented and turbulent areas in South Wales are those which are most densely populated. It is pointed out that the physical conformation of the South Wales industrial district makes the housing question one of exceptional difficulty. The Commissioners suggest removing the residences of workers as far as practicable to the lowlands and seaside resorts of South Wales, where suitable houses should be built. This raises the question of transit, and tlw Commissioners suggest that a Royal Commission should be im- mediately appointed to go fully into the problem of the social conditions in South Wales. In the light of facts revealed at their inquiry the Commissioners attribute a certain amount of unrest to lack of sym- pathy on the part of works officials in their relatione with the workmen, and evidence was given that officials used language of objectionable character in dealing with their workmen. Dealing with the propaganda of the Syndicalists and Independent- Labour Party, the Commissioners point out that this is permanent symptom of unrest not attributable to war conditions, but part of a continuing movement which has for its object the full control of industry by the workmen. They suggest that thi6 should be met by a scientific scheme of in- dustrial councils in which the workmen and employers should be associated in the control of the industry, and that work- men should have an equal voice, for in- stance. as to the dismissal of workmen and foremen. They suggest, further, that membership of a Trade Union should be made com- pulsory as a condition of employment.

During' the business of the Swansea Police Court on Saturday the Bench highly oomplimonted Det.-constable Clif- ford for his recent capture of a German in Swansea.

ITHE PREMIER'S REPLY. I JUaKcBDOa MUST Be STOPPED. | Mr. Lloyd George attended the Belgian i National Fete, at the tiueen's Hall, on | Saturday attei-nooll, and delivered a stirring repiy to the new German Chan- cellor's speech in the Reichstag. The Prime Minister was received with im- mense enthusiasm, the whole audience rising to their feet and cheering fumultuously as he appeared on the plat- form in company with M. Hymans, the Belgian Minister. Appropriately to the occasion Mr. Lloyd George began his ad- dress with an eloquent tribute to the splendid part which Belgium has taken and is taking in the war, and then he proceeded to a critical survey of Dr. Michaelis'.i oration. The most striking points in the Prime Minister's speech were as follows:— The deliverance of Belgium is surely coming, and, when it comes that deliver- ance must be complete. The Junker has thrown the old Chnn- cellor into the wastepaper basket with his scrap of paper. You will not have to wait long before Junkerdom will folio* The Chancellor's speeoh is a dexterous speech, a facing-all-ways speech. It is the speech of a man waiting on military dispositions. But for the moment it means that the military party has won. 1 see in it a sham independence for Belgium, a sham democracy for Germany, and a eham peace for Europe. Europe has not sacrificed the millions of her gallant sons to set up a sanctuary for shams. Democracy is in itself a guarantee for peace, and if you cannot get it in Ger- many then we must secure other guaran- tees. Gradually we are increasing our pro- ductions and diminishing our losses at sea. April was the height of the piratical triumph. In the last two months of this year we shall turn out as many ships as we did during the whole of last year. And next year we shall turn out 6ix times.as many. So far from our starving, our food su]>- j ply for 1917-18 has already lJe;-n t-ecured.. And we are now making arrangements for a programme of cultivation which will make the supply for 1918-19 secure, even if our losses are increased. Dr. Michaelis knows America as little as the Germans knew Britain, and they are going to make exactly the same mis- take about America as they made about Britain. We could make peace with a free Ger- many, but a Germany dominated by autocracy we cannot make terms with.

PILGRIMS' CHURCH. The thirty-sixth annual, memorial ser- j vice was held in the ruins of the old Pil- j grims' Church, Lianfihangel Abercowin, Carmarthenshire, on Sunday afternoon. I The service continues to be as popular as ever, people from far and near and of all creeds being present. And this periodical gathering has the laudable purpose oi keeping the people alive to the fact that the Christian faith had hc.en a livinH J'orce in the district from the very earliest ages. Besides that the old place is hal- I lowed by the dust of generations of oui foreiatiiers, and has a tendency to^nake .ill, revere the spot and do what they can to keep up the walls for a future genera- J tion. The service, which was bi-lingual, ( was conducted by the vicar (the Kev. W. Davies). The Rev. T. Twynog Davies (vicar of All Saints', Cardiff) delivered very practical and appropriate sermons in English and Welsh at the new church. The first was had on Joshua xxiv., 13, I and the preacher dilated most impres- sively on The inheritance of the past. The second w;is ba-oed o-n Revelations ii., 40, being. A call to the (,hiirqli to fulness." The collection, which realised a substantial sum, was for the Cannar- thenshire Infirmary. 1

AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. The Llandovery Board of Guardians, presided over by Mr. Lewis Roderick, held their monthly meeting on Friday. An anonymous letter, in which the writer alleged that a relative of a certain de- pendent was a very rich farmer and in a position to make a substantial contribu- tion weekly, led to a discussion, in the course of which the Chairman said that in some parts of that Union there was quite a crop of these, anonymous letters. There wore little plots here and there infected with this mania for spreading anonymous reports. Aldermun YViikins said this was hy no means the first occa- sion that memliers had felt called upon to comment upon this cowardly practice. If the writer had proofs to substantiate his assertions he should in fairness come before the board to lodge his oomplaint. He moved that they should take no notice of the communication. The Chairman said those who represented the parish should make inquiries and inform the board at the next meeting. Agreed.

HARRY ORB ELL. As a n-ieiiiorial to the, It-fe Mr. Barrv Orbell, who was the chief organiser for the Dock. Wharf, Riverside and General Workers' Union, and ejient the greater part of his life in Swansea. Mr. Bell Til- let, the general secretary of the union un- veiled a red granite headpiece over the grave in the Tower Hamlets Cemetery, Bow, E. Xtr. lien Tillett said that they were ¡' glorifying a man Who lived eve-ry moment of his life for the workers, and who gave that life willingly for them. God rest his soul," exclaimed Mr. Tiliett, and called for Wiree cheers for the social re- volution—cheers," ho declared, which they could well hope their dead comrade I would hear." Cheers were then given, j many of the men waving their hats. I

WELSHMEN AT MESSINES. I Private Stanley Coslett. a machine- gunner with the Welsh Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. Coslett, of Xo. 2, Ritson-st., Britonferry, writing home to his parents, states that he was about 50 yards away from the great mine explosion at Moesinee. We thought we were going underneath for the time being," lie writes, but we soon got over it. and were at the enemy. You should have seen their hands going up and hear them shouting for mercy. We gave them an a wful hiding, and nothing could stop the Welsh boys. It was a treat to see them laughing apcl singing, and when you get boys like that it gives the rest heart to go on. T didn't mind it a bit, as it was the fourth big battle for me to be in, and I fed good enough for another one if I am wanted. I was never happier than I am now, doing a bit for King and country and the loved ones at home." Adverting back to the great blowup" he says:—" There were two companies of Germans in the trenches when the mine' went up. Of course there was nothing to' be seen of them afterwards. The pris- oners told 116 they were just going to be i relieved when the- explosion occurred." fa this engagement Private Coslett dis- tinguished himself. Under heavy fire of .shot and shell he went out into No Man's Land to search for his ('aptain, who had fallen. Having found him. he carried him back to safety. His gallant conduct was not unrecognised";ftid" lie has just received the following letter from the major-general commanding the division:—"The general officer comman- ding your brigade and your commanding officer have brought your gallant, and sol- dicrly conduct on the 7th of Junc. Ii)]7, j to my noti. I have read their reports with much pleasure."

7- Adniii,al oii Saturday ilk- I viewedoOfi Naval Brigade boys at Rich- j mond G-reea.

I ^nrn-i- —=■ -fArm1—* 'T r nr1 mini iimiiiiiii I   B?9BtnBmwmW?  1 11 sJ11 ?!! in 111 ^CV^ out I HEN sugar is liquefied in the cream like fluidity of BIRD'S lliplllr Custard, the sweetening power is greatly increased. If therefore you ( always serve BIRD'S Custard with steamed puddings, ag stewed fruit of with boiled rice, the absence of the !s usual amount of sugar in these dishes is made good, and you get ample sweetness. I gS Used in this way, the 2 oz. of sugar in BIRD'S Custard 11 S§ has far greater sweetening power than the same quantity 8 S Et used directly in cooking. This is a simple but impressive a 1 lract- try I)t t ?F? ? WV Birds jj Nutritious Cusrard g g so creamy and delicious, transforms the plainest pudding into i a delightful treat MakesWar Íoods palatable and appetising. Stlld iff tiHs d C275

MINERS' COUNCIL. I (By Cur Mining Correspondent). At the meeting of the Council of the South Wales Miners' Federation, held at Cnrdiff, on Friday, Mr. James Wins tone presided, and among those present were: Messrs. J. D. Morgan and J, J. James) (Anthracite District), D. R. Grenfeil (Western), W. Jenkins (Port Talbot), W. Davies (Enginemen) and others. Mr. Evan Thomas, in the absence of Mr. T. Richards, M.P., acted as secretary. In addition to the report of the chair- man on tho alien miners' question at Abercrave (given by us on Friday) several important matters were dealt with. A deputation from Rhondda Main Col- liery, Ogmore, complained of the charac- ter of the safety lamps in use there, and Mr. F. Hodges was appointed to investi- gate and report. An application from the Reynaldtown Colliery, Pembrokeshire, for permission to tender notices in consequence of a dis- pute regarding the bonus of surfacemen was referred to Mr. Noah Abblett to report upon. It was decided to convene a South Wales Miners' Conference for the 2nd of August to consider the Order issued for the comb-out of unmarried miners bü- tween the ages of 18 and 25, and also to consider a motion on a workmen's peace movement. I From the Western District camp. an ap- plication (supported by Mr. Grenfeil) for I out-of-work pay for the men of New Pool Colliery, upon which Mr. Tom Smith is to report to the next counci l meeting. I

Playing in a criafeet match at Briton- ferry on Saturday between the Steel- workers and Skewer. Edgar Cooper, thA county player. scored 102 not out. wliilt; Harry Arundale. the steehvorkfrs' old nro fessional, got 54 runs. The final Pnoreu were: Britonferry Steelworks 205 for Hv" vickete. inninjrs declared Skewen 109 all! out. »

I 600 NEW HOUSES. A special meeting of the Burryport Urban Council was held on Thursday; evening to consider what steps tie Coun- cil should take in connectioD with the drainage scheme seeing that the Treasury had promised a grant of £ 30,000 towards the ejection of 6CO bouses at Burryport, 13tîO houses to be pr.?ccded with immedi- ately. It was mentioned that a sub-committee ot the Council had been appointed to visit the Local Government Board next week, and seeing that an appointment had been made, some of the members thought it would be desirable to bring the drainage scheme before the Local Government Board at the same time. After a discussion it wat, resolved to ap- point a committee to ask the Local Gov- ernment Board to sanction the drainage scheme, and the following were appointed to go to London to wait upon the Prf,i. dent of the Local Government Board in addition to Dr. J. N. Williams and Mr. H Bowen Jones (the surveyor): Mr. D. Arnold (chairman), Dr. Owen Williams (medical oijieer of health), and the clerk- iMr. J. Lewis Phillips).

[GRAIN AND FLOUR TRADES. i Weekly Revew by J. K. Carthew (Grain Expert). During the past eight or ten days- the weather has continued seasonable-alter- nately fine and showerv. distinctly favour- able for agriculture. Cereals ace kerninv I nicely; the hay harvest is making steady progress; roots and potatoes are doing re- markably well; green vegetables and fruit are plentiful, and live stock of all kinds ar6 healthy. The filt stock markets are rather quieter at unchanged prices. Beef. Is. 4d to Is. 7d.; mutton, 1. 4d to Is. 7d.; porK. Is 3d. to ls. 3d, per lb. The wool trade is still hampered by Government regulations, but quotations are about maintained. The winter wheat harvest in the United AtHtes is practically over, the yield being: a fair one of good quality: but reports of spring wheat in Xorth America are not so satis- factory owing to climatic conditions being somewhat unfavourable. Ii spite of the war agricultural pros pects in Europe are about normal for the season, and harvesting cereals is onward. Reports of the growing crops in the Boutb- ern Hemisphere continue excellent, end In. dian shipments are fully maintained. StJip. nients of wheat from foreign countries. t. Europe are fairly large, but deliveries bv farmers are small; warehouse stocks unal- tered. THE FLOATING GRAIN CARGO TRADE. w neat quiet; prices unchanged from last week. Maize arm: American. 69s. to 738. a Plate, 75e. to 77s. Barley quiet; American and Persian 71s. to 74: Indian, 76s. 6d. to 77s. Gd. Oate quiet: Plate and American. 60s. to 64? SPOT PRICES AT MARK LANE.. Wheat quiet; prices for Loth fcngnsh and foreign same as last week Maize firm: American. 69s. 6d. to 72s. 6d.: Plate, 76s. TO 76s. Barley quiet; Prdian, 77s. to 78s. fdi American and Persian. 71s. to 74s.: malting. 82s. to 85s. Oats quiet; foreign a Eng- lish. 61s. to 66s Feeding cakes qoiet; limited demand FLOUR. With warm. unappetising weather and potatoes, green vegetables, fruit, etc., still more plentiful, the oonsumptioi of bread his further eased, and the flour trade la quieter; war giade. 60s. 6d to 62s. 6d.: American patents. &ls. upwards: America spring bakers. 78s. upwards. WHEAT FORECAST. Harvesting winter wheat in the un:tci States is practically finished. :i;id a faitl crop, in bulk and Quality has burn so- cured: but spring wheat in North America is. unfortunately, not doing so well owing: to unfavourable climatic conditions, and it will be a critical time between this and the harvest which is now drawing near. The growing crops in the got-thern Hemi- sphere continue to make satisfactory pro- gress. Business in this department is qiiieik being penerally confined to present reo. quirements. As regards the war, it is being waged, most strenuously, and in the main with advantage to the Allies. FEEDING STUFF FORECAST. with IVarm weattier ana mcrcasea «niv plies of green fodder, the consumption of dry food has further eased off. hut Vrices of feeding-stuffs keep fairly-firm..

RESOLVEN RUNNER'S W..S. At Cardiff Stadium on Saturday, the 50 yards' dash was won by Idria Divim E-et scilven (lif yards) in 6;; pec woii the 220 yards' handicap in tol sees, off the 45 yards mark

THE UNYmITTER LAW mRL ACilUITTfD OF MURDER AT SYtAtISEA i At the Swansea Assizek;" on Fri- day (before Mr. Justice Sankey), Alice Roberts (16). de-scribod as a domestic ee-r- vant, was indicted for the murder of Arthur Stokes at Pontypridd on June 23. Mr. Liewely-n Williams. K.C., M.P., and Capt. Stanley Evans (instructed by Messrs. Morgan, Bruce and Nicholas) prosecuted, and Mr. Ivor Bowen and Mr. Hugh Jones (instructed by Mr. T. J. Thomas) defended. Prisoner, a pretty little girl, appeared to be perfectly composed in the dock. Her hair was hunging neatly from her head in thick long curls, and she wore over her dress a mackintosh. When the case was proceeded with, Mr. Llewelyn Williams, in openiae, aakl that prisoner and the deceased were in the employ of Mr. and Mrs. Evaas, of Pcay- wern Farm. Pontypridd. At the time of the alleged murder, Mr. and Mrs. Evans were not at home, but Mn;, Evans, an oM lady and a relative of the family, was in the hoTMe. Immediately a.ftfxr breakfast, Mrs. Evans proceOOêd to clear the table, and went to the back kitchen to wash the dishes, leaving prisotior and Stokes in the kitchen. While ?he was engaged in the back kitchen. Mrs. Evans heard the noise of a shot. She immediately returned to tie kitchen and met prisoner coming out. Prisoner said "Arthur ia thot; I did it. I pulled the trigger." Some time later, when she was chained with murder, she replied thmt she hart done it to save her honour Counsel asked why prisoner did not tell Mrs. Evans that at the time of the affair. Mrs. Evans, as soon as she, saw what had occurred, went to a. neigh- bouring farm where there lived a Mr. and Mrs. Ball. Prisoner nccomparned her, and told Mr. a.nd Mrs. Ball: "Arthur's been at me again. I have shot him." On the way back she eaid to Mrs. Ball: Arthur threw me on the floor and tried to get over me. but I would not let him. I told him that if he did n-ot let me alone I would go and fetch the police. He got tip and asked me to give him the giin. I gave him the gin. Tie asked me for a cartridge from the cupboard. I gave him a cartridge. I thought he was going for a rabbit, but he gave me the gun to use it. and he Mid. If you love me show guilty; if not. shoot me!' and I shot." Prisoner was subsequently arrested. When charged she said that fhe had done it to save her honour, adding that as soon as bresakfast wag over deceased got hold of her. eoueezed her and kissed her. Then he got hold of her. threw her on the floor, and commenced to disarrange h?r clothes. She told him if he did not let her go she would tell a policeman. Proceeding, counsel said there was no doub that this girl had told Mrs. Ball that deceased had molested her on the previo'us Wednesday night. She told Mrs. Ball, and the latter told Mrs. Evans (prisoner's mistress) in prisoner's pre- sence that on the Wednesday night de- ceased got into her bedroom and tried to get into bed with her. Prisoner, and & little child who slept with her, screamed, and deceased left the bedroom. When she wa6 asked why she had not told her mistress, prisoner replied that deceased had asked her not to say a word, and had promised to go away. As a matter of fact be went away, but returned on the Friday night. Counsel asked the jury whether the prisoner's story of the shoot- ing was a reasonable and credible one. Assuming that deceased had endeavoured to molest her on the morning of the tra- gedy, yet on prisoner's own admission he bad ceased to do so when she shot him. Evidence in support of the case for the prosecution was called. Mrs. Lilian iiall said that prisoner canic to her house after the tragedy, and when she saw witness she said. Oh. let me in." Witness asked what had hap- pened. and she replied, I can't tell you; something terrible has happened. Give mo a drop of water." Prisoner was very excited, and witness gave her the water. She then said, H Arthur has been at me nsjaiii," and put her hands to her face. Then she added, I shot him." In reply to counsel for the defence, witness eaid prisoner's hair was disar- range1, and she (witness) thought she had been meddled with." Deceased was t6 years of age and was deformed. Pris- oner had complained to witness prior to the tragedy. On ono occasion prisoner .told her deceased was always asking her when she would be sixteen. Prisoner also said that he had threatened to have her in the same condition as the last girl that left (meaning prisoner's predecessor, at the farm). As a matter of fact this girl when she left her employ at Penyweru Farm proceeded to take out an affiliation eummonfl against deceased. There had also been complaints about deceased by other girls. Mrs. Elizabeth Evans, prisoner's mis-I tress, gave evidence of a corroborative character. Replying to Mr. Ivor Bo wen, witness said that on the night before the murder prisoner went to bed before deceased i came in. As soon as deceased came into the house witness went to prisoner's bed. room and told her to lock the door. She did that because of the oomplaint Mrs. Ball had made. After further evidence counsel on both tides addressed the jury. For the defence Mr. Ivor Bowen said there could only be one verdict, and that a verdict of not guilty. Prisoner had done wh&t every woman would do, and was en- titled to do. The man had passed to a place where no human criticism could reach or affect him, and counsel did not propose to say very much. But when the hving counter-part oi the awful tragedy -t,ac, taking her place in the dock on the pcrioue charge of murder, it was his place to point out, not in extravagant terms, what character of man deceased was. lie had to tell the jury what kind of a tMMScal deceased had been, how he had forced his unwelcome and wicked attentions on the little girl." His lordship, in summing up, referred to the right, of woman to defend her hon- our—. Speaking slowly and with great deliberation, his lordship said: Gentle- men, for a woman her virtue is the pearl of greatest price, and it belongs to the humble, little domestic servant 86 much, as it does to the queen upon her throne. A woman is entitled to protect her virtue. und she is entitled to defend her honour. If, at the moment when her virtue is being assailed or her honour is being at- tempted to be taken from her, she kills the person who is attempting to take her honour and deprive her of that honour, then that is not a murder." If the jury thought that prisoner committed the act tv defend her honour and save her virtue, j then they should return a verdict of not j' guilty. The jury, without leaving the box, re- turned a verdict of Not Guilty." The verdict was received with a burst f of applause from the gallery. The Judge called the prisoner's mother to the witness-box, and addressing her, said, Take your girl away." Subsequently there was an affecting scene in the rear of the court, where the mother clasped her daughter to her and passionately embraced her.

How a Littie Lad Lost His Life by Drowning. On Saturday an inquest was held at Burryport on the body of Jack Pulinan, aged 7, who was drowned at Hurryport on Thursday night. The father, Robert Pulman, said he last saw his son alive at 6 p.m. on Thurs- day evening. The body was brought m on Vrilay evening. Eleie May -Slieiluni said she was on the Pier on Thursday evening, near the watch house. Deceased and Alfred Butt were with her sitting on the breakwater, The two boys stood up about two yards from her when a wave came and carried the two boys into the sea. She herself caught hold of a bar of iron, and was consequently saved from being washed out. A man jumped into the sea and caught hold of Butt. Pulman was carried away by the tide, Frank Isle, Woodbrook-terrace, said someone shouted that there were two boyt, in the water, and he immediately jumped in. He succeeded in secuTing the boy. The tide was strong, and he was not able to come to shore, but a man in a boat came to help, and he and the boy were put into the boat. Enoch Davies deposed to recovering the body on Friday. The Coroner (Mr. W. W. Brodie), sum- ming up. paid u high tribute to Frank Isle. It was very regrettable that a pro- mising young life was lost when the country needed all their children, and be congratulated Mr. Isle on jumping into the water and saving the other young lad, who he was glad to hear was now re- covering. The jury returned a verdict of acci- dental drowning.

_n n_ II The fvelshmants favourite. IMABON Sauce. cø- A s good as tsN ame. DON'T FAIL TO GET IT. S B

IS IT WAR BREAD? Pontardawe District Council met on Thursday, Mr. D. T. Jones, J.P., presid- ing. Hegarding the condition of the county road between Neath and Gwaun-cae-Gur- wen, the County Council wrote that there was considerable difficulty in obtaining repairing materials. In his annual report, Dr. W. J. Lewis, M.O.H., said that the birth rate during 1916, was the lowest on record, and L'O per cent, lower tJLn during fho Boec. War. The de-ath rate had also been lower than for a number of years. He drew atten- tion to the dangerous state of certain roads in the district, and to the fhet that six fatal accidents had occurred on the street;. Proceeding, lie said that a num- ber of complaints had been received in regard to war bread. Personally he did not believe that the bread was the cause of the indigestion and other complaints which people suffered from. As a matter of fact people had been without potatoes for some time, and now they were eating potatoes which were not fully matured as well as eating unripe fruit. CARMARTHEN DIVINE EATS IT WITH GRATITUDE, I am prepared to accept-conditions as they are, and to thank God we are so well Gii," said the R-ev. Fuller Mills regarding war bread discussed at the Carmarthen Town Council on Thursday evening. He and Alderman J. B. Arthur considered that the resolution from the Aberavori Council urging that only wheaten flour should be baked for bread was aeking to-o much. Mr. David Samuel said if we could carry maize from South America we could carry wheat from Australia. The Rev. Fuller Mills said that according to a letter he had received from his son they were suffering in Australia just as we were in this country. The Mayor (Alderman J. Lewis) had previously expressed his wil- lingness to endorse the Aberavon resol u- tion, and this was agreed to.

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