Welsh Newspapers
Search 15 million Welsh newspaper articles
14 articles on this Page
[ALL RIGHTS REBKRVBD.] '-…
[ALL RIGHTS REBKRVBD.] l? 'TTH'jS MAN-HUNT 0 ffl) By TOM GALLON, ml Author of "Tatterley," "The Great Gay Road," &c. /a\ CHAPTER VIII (Continued). JARMAN DRIVES A BARGAIN. "How aid you get these rooms?" asked Slade abruptly. "I suppose you know to whom they originally belonged—they and everything- in them?" "Perfectly," answered Jarman. "I simply took them. dismissed the servrnt-—and here I am. How do they concern YOU" "I am acting for the late Mr. Rodney Manners," said Sl~de importantly; "and I shall have to give an account of everything he left behind. I shall probably have to account for you, if it comes to that," he added insolently. "I think I can manage to do that for mv- self," said Jarman calmly. "Let me know in rough figures what it is I have to pay for this place and its contents, and you shall be paid. Always supposing," he added, "that I have a full and proper authority from someone showing me that you have a right to deal with the property." "You shall have that all right," said Slade, though a trifle uncomfortably. "I suppose you're quite alone here?" he added abruptly. The big man spread out his hands. "As vou sec," he answered quietly. "Are you looking for anyone?" "I don't know," said Murdoch Slade un- easily. "Perhaps I may tell you that there has been an attempt made this evening to rob the office of the late Rodney Manners. The thief got clean away; but he had man- aged to get hold of some keys, which enabled him to get into the office; those keys will also enable him to get into these rooms. I thought I'd warn you, in case he pays you a visit." "Very kind of you; I'm sure I'm very much obliged to you," said Jarman, with a bow. "If you see him, and can find out any- thing about him, you'll be doing me a ser- vice if you communicate with me," said Slade. "Here is my card," he added, pro- ducing one. "I can't describe him, except to say that he's a tall man, clean shaven." "Which doesn't convey very much, does it? said Jarman, with a pleasant smile. "I'm very much obliged to you for your courtesy. By the way "—he pointed to Slade's face—"you've been getting into trouble." "I attempted to capture the fellow when he broke into the office--or let himself into the office-this evening; this is the result," said Slade savagely. "I'm sorry," said Jarman. "Be sure I'll let you know if he conies here. Does that conclude your business?" "You seem precious anxious to get rid of me," said Slade, with some temper. "I have already told you," said Jarman plaintively, "that I retire to bed early. May I wish you Murdoch Slade had another good look round the room, gave a puzzled glance at Jarman, then wei-it uut. Jarman courteously and carefully instructed him how to open 1 the lower door, and indeed listened at the head of the staircase until he heard that door slam. Then he closed the door at the top of the stairs, and went, back into the flat. "You may come out, Mr. Robert Marsh," he called. Manners came1 out of the inner room, and stood for a moment looking curiously at Jarman. To tell the truth, he could not understand why this man, who was a stranger to him, should have taken so much troubl e to hide the fact from Murdoch Slade that another man was in the place. "I'm afraid I heard all that was said," said Manners abruptly; "I couldn't very well help doing so. Why are you doing all this for me—why have you protected me in this way?" The big man etood locking at him curi- ouslv for a moment or two, something to the surprise of Manners. It seemed to him that Jarman's eyes were almost wistful and tender in their expression. "I'm going to tell you," he said slowly; "I was going to tell you when that man interrupted us. It's a long story, but I'll make it as short as possible. Perhaps, now that you know me better, you'll sit, down." Manners laughed and sat down. The big man, with a sigh of relief, seated himself at the other end of the table and stretched his arms out over it, gazed full in the face ai Manners, and began. He began surprisingly enough, as Manners felt at the time. "I have not seen Rodney Manners—not face to face, that is-Ginc.e lie was a baby. I didn't take mr-ch interest in him as a baby; it was his father I knew. Perhaps you don't feel interested in the story, as you were only a sort of friend of Manners?" he added wistfully. "I am deeply interested," was Manners' reply. "Please go on." "Arthur Manners—the father of this man Rodney-was a very poor man, just as I was a very poor boy, when I met him first," said Jarman slowly. "I lived in Lambeth, and I had got into a boyish scrape. I hadn't a friend in the world, and Arthur Manners came along and helped me and gave me a fresh start in life. I never forgot that—never. Here the big man, something to the con- stem.on of his listener, surreptitiously drew out a large handkerchief, and blew his nose violently, to hide the fact thai. he was wiping his eyes. "On the dav I left the country, and stood on the deck "of a ship looking at Arthur Manners—the one friend I had in the world -who had come to see me off, I swore that if ever the chance came that I could do any good to him or to anyone belonging to him, I would do it. If I stuck spade into earth it would be to turn the ground for him; if I made money it would be for him and for any belonging to him. And with that in my mind, and with that hope in my heart, I went out to the other side of the world, and I prospered. And having prospered I came zck/1 have waited a. great many years," said Manners quietly. "Yes I have waited a good many years," echoed Jarman slowly, and I'll tell you why. I knew that my friend Arthur Manners was dead but I managed to keep track of his son. The son prospered better than the father, and grew in time to be a rich man so that I knew that I could wait. There was no reason why I shouldn't wait, because the son didn't want me nor what I possessed just then. In due course I would come back, and I would pile on to his gold the gold I had made. And I came back, Mr. Robert Marsh, too late." The bitter irony of it! This shabby out- cast; this man with no name and no place in the world, sitting facing the man who would and could have saved him. Rodney Manners had cast himself out of life, and lay hidden under anot her name, and this man who would have benefited him could never know, and must never know, who he really was. While those thoughts were passing through his mind, and while his eyes were bent moodily on the table, Jarman made a remark more startling than any that had pre- ceded it. My friend Arthur Manners—dead and gone these many years-vias a clean-shaven man." Startled out of his self-possession, Manners looked up quickly. What do you mean by that?" he demanded. I don't mean anything by it," retorted the other steadily. Having lived a lonely life for many years, I've probably got into a way of speaking my thoughts aloud. It was only a casual remark, concerning a man whose face I'm not likely to forget. It can't concern you, can it, Mr. Robert Marsh?" Of course not," said Manners quickly. There was silence between them for a mo- ment or two; it was Jarman w ho broke it. He spoke gently, with his fingers beating time to the words softly on the table. "When I reached England, hoping that I was to see the son of my dead friend—long- ing to look into the eyes of the man that would have grown to be no like his father-I was told that he was dead. He had com- mitted suicide to get out of his troubles. That's what I was told and I said then, and I say'iiow"—the big man rose surprisingly to his feet. and brought the flat of his hand I down on the table with a li bang that threatened to break it-" it'R a lie!" Manners had risen to his feet also: he looked at the other man white-faced. What do you mean? he stammered. I mean this," said Jarman, in a very white heat of passion, "that no son of Arthur Manners was ever a coward, or ever would have done a thing like that. He might have thought of it, as a last resource, but when it carace to the point he never would have done it. I don't believe it—and I won't believe it. The man's alive Manners cleared a dry throat, and got out his words with difficulty. You don't seem to realise, Mr. Jarman." he said. "that the body of Rodney Manners was taken out of the river at the spot he himself had indi- cated: that the clothing and papers in the pockets were recognised by those 'best qualified to know who the man was. Men act on sudden impulses that sweep away precon- ceived ideas entirely; Rodney Manners must have done something of that sort. The man is dead." "The man is not dead," said Jnrman obsti- nately. "There has been a gigantic con- spiracy, of which I am merely touching thi fringe; and I mean to find out what that conspiracy is. I have money, and I'll i spend every farthing of it, if necessary, to discovei what has happened. And I will say with my last breath that Rodney Manners is not dead." You will find it difficult to prove what you say," said Manners quietly-" more diffi- cult still to prove the existence of any such conspiracy as you suggest." Listen to me," said Jarman, (, speaking excitcdlv. and walking about the room as he Excitedly, I've figured it all out; I've read more newspapers in the past week than I've done in the whole of my life before. And I'm convinced that a man who had made the fight of it that Rodney Manners had made, and had risen up from nothing to be what he was, would never, when it came to the finish, have given in, however much lie may have meant, it when he wrote that letter to the girl he was to marry. Listen to me again," he went on, stopping before Manners, and laying; the palm of one hand on tlio palm of the other, and beating the two softly together, "and understand clearly what is in my mind. On the night that Rodney Manners disappears, and goes off to carry out his threat, a little, humble clerk of his is killed in quite another part of London. That was said to be merely a coincidence; I say emphatically it was not. I say that if the police had cared to follow up that business, and link the one with the other, they would know as much about it all as I intend to do before many days are past. So far as I can see at .present, there is only one part of the story I do not quite understand." "And what part is that?" asked Manners. The big man stroked his beard thoughtfully For a moment, watching Manners the while. What I don't understand," he eaid slowly at last, is where you come in exactly, Mr. I Robert Marsh." I don't see how I affect the question," said Manners. You affect the question in this way," was the other's retort. You confess that you were a friend of the lat-e Rodney Manners; you know so much about him, and were so intimately connected with him, that you are able to gain possession of his keys, and to t go to his office; because you must remember  that it was at his office this evening that you had a little trouble with our friend Mr. Mur- J doeh Slade, and left your mark upon him. l Those keys doubtless brought you in here, Mr. Robert Marsh. Hew did they come into your possession?" I-I can't tell you," stammered Manners. And I refuse to be cross-examined in this fashion What do you suspect?" I suspect nothing- said Jarman quietly in reply. I am onJy here to find out things. I take it that Rodney Manners was a rich man; he lived in fine chambers, as you sec here, and he knew rich and fine people. I wouldn't wish to be offensive in the least, Mr. Robert Marsh; but how comes it that you, who do not look too prosperous by any means, were a friend of his?" I said a sort of friend, Mr. Jarman," re- torted Manners. So close a friend that you have his keys even after his death. And those keys were stolen." Ai I will answer to more (auesions," said Manners. "I will ask no more questions," said the big man. Come, Mr. Robert Marsh—I should like us to be friends." He stretched out his hand as he spoke, and there was a smile upon his face. I need no friend in this world: I have all I want," retorted Manners. I want to bQ friends with vou," persisted Jarman. I have already told" you that I do not believe that Rodney Manners is dead, and I do believe that there is a gigantic conspiracy afoot against him. Even if he is dead, I mean to clear his name, for the sake of his father. Will you help me? "I?" Manners stared at him in amaze- ment. You were his friend, you know; is it too much to ask that you should help me in such a business as this?" But I know nothing about it," stam- mered Manners. Besides—I have no money —no influence—nothing." I can give you all the money vou want for this purpose," replied Jarman, with a quick nod. In my own mind I believe that, somewhere or other, hiding or hidden in this world, is Rodney Manners—and I mean to End him. Will you help me?" Manners stared at him in stupefaction. But what can I do? he demanded, As you see me—so I am. I am a mere homeless wanderer, of no use to anyone in the world-II Of use to me," broke in the other quickly. "Will you help me?" Since you insist, I suppose I must," said Manners helplessly. You will find clothes and liMn here which should, I imagine, just about fit you," said Jarman, regarding him steadily. We shall be able to rig you out, and to- gether you and I will pursue our inquiries Is it a bargain ? Manners looked round about his old home; understood the position in which he was so unexpectedly placed; and for the life of him could not forbear laughing at the idea of thus so strangelv being called upcn to search for himself. lie looked at Jarman's outstretched hand, and finally laid his own in it. "Yes," he said quietly, "it's a bargain." I CHAPTER IX. I I MR. LITCHFIELD SEES A GHOST. I In his after impressions of the events of that strange night Manners remembered always one thing, which even to this day he regards almost as part of a queer dream. He remembers that he sat and talked for a long time with Jarman, and that Jarman spoke always of the days, far back in the past, when the elder Manners had befriended and helped him; he seemed to dwell only too willingly on his gratitude. And in the end, when it was getting well into the small hours of the morning, Manners went to bed. I have it from you, Mr. Robert Marsh— as a solemn pledge-that you and I have struck a bargain together, and that you are not going to back out of it. You see you're a gentleman—and I never was that at the best of times." You put me on my honour—and I stick to my bargain," said Manners. "Though I warn you that I shall be of no use to you in any investigation you hope to make." That remains to be seen," said Jarman, holding out his hand. The impression that was like a queer dream came to Manners long after that. He had undressed and got to bed—chuckling to him- self at the thought that he was actually in his own bedroom again; for the big' man, for some extraordinary reason, had chosen the smaller room that had been occupied by Kirby, the man-servant. Manners found that nothing in his room had been disturbed; almost it seemed to him that, save for the loss of that beard and moustache, the latter part of his past might have been blotted out, and I he back again 'in his old life. And then he woke, as it seemed, from a troubled dream, 'I and lay with eyes partially closed looking about him. It seemed quite incredible, but he thought that, looking into the room, he saw the big man, enveloped in a huge dress- ing-gown, come in quietly, and switch on the light, and then move across to the bed. And in that dream Manners thought that he lay perfectly still, and waited to see what would happen. The big man bent down, and looked close into the sleeper's face; and then, with a gesture as tender as that of a woman, pulled the coverlet up over oiite uncovered shoulder. Manners thought that, as he bent again over him, Jarman whispered a phrase. Arthur Manners' boy It was, of course, impossible; and, when he struggled to consciousness, he was alone in the room, in bed and in darkness. He sat up, and rubbed his eyes, and looked about him; laughed a little at the absurdity of the notion; and presently lay down and went to sleep again. He awoke next morning very late, and for a moment or two had the queer thought that he ought to have been up long ago, and that all sorts of things had to be done in the City, and should have been done a long time be- fore. He jumped out of bed; and the first thing he saw was the shabby suit of clothes that had belonged to an unknown tramp. The thing flashed back upon him at once, and he knew where he was and what had hap- pened. He knew also that he had started on another great adventure, and that he hadn't the faintest notion where it might end. It was first borne in upon him that he was not alone when he heard the growlings of a deep bass voice in the tiny kitchen that opened out of the hall. He opened the door of that kitchen, and put his head in; and there was Jarman in his dressing-gown, busily preparing breakfast, as though that had been his occupation all his lifetime. "I say—you shouldn't be doing that?" suggested Manners. Mr. Robert Marsh, I happen to be hungry, and I'm in the habit of having my breakfast earlier than this," retorted the other, without looking round. Also, I have been in the habit of cooking my breakfast on a few occasions in my varied career, and I don't mind doing it now. It'll all be ready in five minutes." It was with a curious feeling that Manners presently sat down at his own table, with Jarman opposite. He found himself looking at the big man, over and over again, a little resentfully, as though after all he had no proper place in the picture; and then sud- denly remembering himself and the part he had to play. Jarman seemed more grave than on the previous evening; perhaps he had had time to think more carefully about matters. I'm glad to see you've got on some better clothes," he said to Manners, "and I must say that they seem to fit you uncommonly well. They might have been made for you, in fact. But I don't suppose," he added, that there's anv money in any of the pockets, is there ? I have a little money-a very little," said Manners, flushing uncomfortably. "But you can't do my work and earrv out my ideas if you haven't got money to 'do it with," said Jarman gently. "It'll all have to be accounted for, so vou needn't worry on that score. I'll see that you have enough for any emergency, and later on I'll lay before you exactly what I want you to do; I mean, I'll tell you my idea of the best way in which to set about making inquiries concerning Rodney Manners. For to-day I want you to feel that you're quite free to come and go as you like. Because," he added impressively, "I want you to understand that I trust you." Jarman insisted on giving him a matter of seven pounds, despite his protests, and pre- sently Manners went through the singular experience of walking down the stairs from his rooms, clad in a suit of his own clothes, and with his own keys and that money in his pockets. He had an uncomfortable feeling, as lie passed into the streets, that he was I certain to be recognised; until, on reflection, he remembered the change in his appearance, and the fact that anyone who might think for an instant that this man was something like Rodney Manners would instantly recol- lect that Rodney Manners was dead. The more daringly he tor¡k the risks the more cer- tain he felt of suceres. His mind was full of Hester Wake. She had run every risk for him, and since their parting-, early on the previous evening near the City, he had, of course, seen nothing of her. She would want to know how he had fared, and what had happened; he, on his eide, was frantically anxious to know what had happened to her. For the theft of the keys had been discovered by Murdoch Slade, or he would never have come to Rodney Manners' old lodging and how would it fare (villi Hetty if a man like Murdoch Slade knew, as by this time he must know, that she had tricked him? Manners felt that he must find her without delay, even though he daroo not go near Wedgwood Square. He made straight for the British Museum, with a superstitious feeling that Hettv would in all probability go there, also in the hope to meet him. But only a few country visitors were lounging about, staring dully at the monuments; there was no sign of Hetty any- where. He waited nearly an hour, and then made up his mind to return and consult Jarman. Meanwhile, it becomes necessary that we should return to Hetty, standing alone at a street corner on the previous afternoon, and watching Manners going on his uncertain errand. Her belief in him and her love for him tore her this way and that; now assur- I ing her that he would succeed, and now I pomting out the desperate risks he ran. When at last she turned awav she wished with all her heart that she had dissuaded him from ever using those keys at all. And then, as she turned towards Kensing- ton, a new fear crept into her heart and chilled her. She remembered the exchange of keys that had been made, and how her own bunch, useless to anyone but herself, had been given into Murdoch Slade's hands. She had succeeded in carrying out what she had promised to do; now she had to count the cost to herself. And Murdoch Slade was not the best person in the world to meet, if one had played a trick upon him, as ehe had done. (To be Continued). I
[No title]
Bolton I own Council has added the name of Mr. Lloyd George to the burgess roll of the borough, ail parties paying tribute to his work. Mrs. Ann Morrison, of Strath Gairloch. who has past celebrated her 102iid birthday, has only once travelled in a train, having gone from Emgwall to Nairn about 50 years ago. The Shah of Persia has- arrived at Taranto 01 route to Ponie and Eondon,
THE KINDLY SNAIL . I
THE KINDLY SNAIL I According to Professor Thomson, in his book, "Secrets of Animal Life," it has not been definitely decided whether a snail can smell or not. The Professor also says that it is not even known in what part of its body a enail has its sense of smell. At the same time, he regards it as "likely enough" that the scent of its slimy trril may help a snail to find its way. fenaiis are sluggards, but an in- stance cited by Professor Thomson of a snail which disappeared for twenty-four hours, leaving bcLind a sickly companion, -,icklv conipanion, while it searched for food, illustrates a kindly thought an<? feeling not generally known.
[No title]
American forces in France total 32,686. Flintshire will not employ policewomen. Sedan anniversary was celebrated in Ber- lin. General Smuts has formed a new South African Government. In the Vacation Court Mr. Justice Greer made absolute C2 divorce decrees. Liverpool and Bootle decided not to rein- state the police strikers.
MYSTERY OF A LAKE. I
MYSTERY OF A LAKE. I YOUTH AND GIRL FOUND DBOWNED I NEAR ASCOT. Another mystery tragedy is reported from Sunning hall Park, near Ascot racecourse, where a young man and a girl, identified a9 William Edward Sarney and Emily Mason, both 18, were found floating, in a lake. Sarney had lived with his parents at Woodside, Winkfield. The girl was formerly employed at an Ascot hotel. The discovery was made by Charles Cor- dery, a garden boy. On the edge of the lahe were found the girl's hat and the man's cap, the latter oontaning X6 in Treasury notes. Beyond evidence that the couple were acquainted, there ie nothing to throw light on the mystery.
! PUSSYFOOT' IN NORTH ENGLAND,…
PUSSYFOOT' IN NORTH ENGLAND, I Mr. "Pussyfoot" Johnson is announced as one of the speakers at the forthcoming annual meeting of the General Council of the United Kingdom Alliance to be held in Manchester on October 21, although the champion prohibitionist* has declared: "I have nothing to do with that darned cam- paign." "Pussyfoot" activity is revealing itself in the North of England, from Manchester to Newcastle^on-Tyne. Conferences and meet- ings have been arranged in connection with the inauguration of the campaign on October 5 11 in Manchester and Liverpool, and the Alliance is receiving invitations from all parts for American speakers to tell how America went 41ry.
[No title]
Eighty-two new War Savings Associations were formed in August. Weevils, worms, and rust have seriously affected the American cotton crop. A row of 40 sunflowers, all over 7ft., is growing in a Marylebone allotment. Field-Marshal Allenby arrives home next week. Llanellv Corporation has refused the use of the Market Hall for boxing. Record price of 1,600 guineas was paid at Lincoln for a long wool ram.
PENSION PROBLEMS: HOW TO SOLVE…
PENSION PROBLEMS: HOW TO SOLVE THEM. I By AN EXPERT. Detailed Information About the Nev) Pensions Rates and Allowances—Scale for the Varying Degrees of Disablement —The Re-adjustment of Atternative Pulsions — Concerning the New Scale of Allowances for Disabled Men Receiving Industrial Training. I FREE ADVICE TO CUR READERS. Although the new scale of ]>ensions tales effect as from September 3, it has been found impossible to coiruneuco paying the increased rate to all pensioners on that date. The adjustment is made on the re- newal of the allowance book, which in many casas will take place we-elis later, but arrears will be paid with the first issue of pension at the new rates. The contents of my post-bag last week tell me that the following detailed informa- tion about the new s-cale of pensions and allowances will be read with widespread in- terest. The ifgures quoted are for pri- vate.s:- 100 per cent. disablement, 40s.; married woman's allowance, 10s.; first child 7s. 6d., second child 6s. 90 per married woman's allowance, s.; first child 6s. 9d., second child 5s. 5d., each subsequent child 5s. 5d. 80 per cent, disablement, 32s.; married woman's allowance, S. first child 6s., second child 4s lO-d., each subsequent child 4s. lOd. • ■ 70 pey cent. 288. married. 70 per cent, disablement, 28s.; married woman's allowance, 7s.; fir6t child 5s. 3d., second child 4s. ?d., each subsequent chi1d 4s. 2d. 60 per cent. disablement, 24s.; married woman's allowance, 6s.; first child 45. 6d., second child 3s. 7d., each subsequent child 3s. 7d. 50 per married woman's first child 3s. ¡dr ?' !? ild 3s. second child 3s., each subsequent child 3s.' 40 per cent. disablement, 16s.; married woman's allowance, 4s.; first child 3s., second child 2s. 5d., each subsequent child 2s. 5d. 30 per cent. disa blement, 12* married woman's allowance, 3s.; first child, 2s. 3d., second child Is. 10d., ea.ch subsequent child Is. 10d., each subsequent child 1. lOd. 20 per cent. disablement, 8s. married woman's allowance, 2s.; first child Is. 6d., second child Is. 2d., each subsequent child Is 2d. Where no wife's allowance is payable the ailowauees for children are slightly higher. It should be borne in mind that "the new rates will continue for- at least three years. After that the new raves will be subject to re-adj ustment, according to the cost of living, but in any case they will not be lowered by more than 20 p=r cent., or under the present rates, including bonis. Alternative pensions now in payment will be revised without application as from September 3, upon the following principle: the ascertained and pre-war earnings will be increased by 60 per cent., and the pension will be based on the' full pre-war earnings thus increased, up to a maximum of £.5. Thus a man whose pre-war cariiing- are assessed at 60s.. and whose present earning capacity is assessed at 30s.. will be entitled (instead of his present alternative pension of 25s., plus 5s bonus), to an alternative pension of 66s., which is arrived at as follows: pre-war earnings, plus 60 per cent., I 96s.; curning capacity, 30s.; difference, Sir Robert. Home, Minister of Labour, re- cently circularised the trade unions of the country, and outlined a scheme for the absorption of all crippled men by a distri- bution of them among the several industries they represent. About 5 per cent. of them ¡;;tilÍ require work, one-ha-lf of them being in hospital. Meanwhile the provision ci train- ing facilities ig. being: pressed on. It i-3 I likely that a further announcement res pect- ing the whole question of the employment of the partially disabled will shortly be made. After September 6 a new scale of allow- ances comes into force for disabled men re- ceiving industrial training. The new scale for ex-privates will be as follows: single man, married man, with wife, but 110 children, 50s.; married man, with wife, and one child under 16, 57s. 6d., aivd Gs. for each additional child under 16. Extra ailow- auees are made fer ex-iion-ttoromisisoncd officers and ex-warrant officers. # Two other improvements affecting ex- Service men are to be noted. From Septem- ber 3, ex-Service men in receipt of disability pension, who have drawn out-of-work dona- tion for 26 weeks, will, subject to the approval of the Looai Employment Cum- in it tee, be eligible for a donation for a further 20 weeks. Men with 20 per cent, dis- ability pension, but no allowance for chil- dren, will receive an additional allowanoe of 4s. per week when in receipt of donation at the rate of 20s. per week. t War gratuities are t.o be awarded on a g-enerous scale to members of Queen Alex- andra's Royal Naval Nursing Service, the Royal Naval Nursing Service Reserve, and Voluntary Aid Detachment Nursing Mem- bers, and Red Cross Association Nurses serving in naval hospitals, ete. An Army Order has also been issued pro- viding for the grant of a bonus by way of extra remuneration to certain members of the Q.A.I.M.N.S.R., Territorial Force nursing service, and to certain V.A.D. nursing members, special military proba- tioners, assistant nurses, and temporary nursing staffs of military families' hospitals necessarily retained on military service. Fuller particulars can be provided on appli- cation. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. I W. J. N.. Merts.Lam.-If yoa hear nothing within the next week, see or write to the secretary 01 your Local War Pensions Com- mittee, whose address you can obtain at the Post Office. All the alterations that have recently been introduced have placed an undue strain on the staffs concerned, he-ice some unavoidable delays. B., Colvendon.—Not from the Govern- ment, but your serving son can surely make you a small allowance if he is unmarried. F. O., LYill.-A new scale is to come into force as from the firsts week ending after September 1. It is not probable that the increased rate will actually be made on that date, on account of the tremendous amount of extra work involved in the revisions, but any arrears which mav accrue will be paid as from that date. The present flat rate pension without bonus will lie increased by about 40 per cent. (2 and 3.) Put these specific points to the secretary of your Local War Pensions Committee. My own opinion is that a man must have been married when he enlisted dr join up to get this benefit. Don't forget that on the termination of training a man receives 5s. for each week oi such period, plus a bonus up to ;tlP, for tools, if required. 9 W. L. R., Sandhurst.—"Write to your Local War Pensions Committee (the Post Office will give you the address), and claim a dependent's pension under Article 22. G. T., Lenham Heath.—Report the faots of the case to the Minister of Pensions. Ministry of Tensions, Millbank House., Westminster, London, S.W.I. Make your letter as brief as possible, but give all neces- sarv regimental facts. etc Our Pensions Expert is anxious to assist Bailors and soldiers and their wives and de- pendents in dealing with intricacies of th* War Pensions System. Address your queries to Pensions Ex- pert," c/o Editor of this paper. All essen- tial facts should be stated as briefly as poo- sible, such as name, number, rank, regi- ment of soldier, name and rating of sailor, particulars of families and separation al- owance and (in inquiries concerning civil liabilities) pre-war or pre-enlistment in- come, present or war income, and full lia- bilities. Do not scid any documents, birth certificates, or discharge papers, etc
I ix ? THIS WEEK IN THE GARDEN.?…
I ix ? THIS WEEK IN THE GARDEN.? /? v W "The ripest peach is highest on the tree.Anon. Narcissi.—Varieties to grow include Paper White, Snowflake, Snoweail, and Poeticus arnatusw good Daffodils are Emperor. ( 'den f u Golden ."spur. Empress, Henry Irving, Hors- fieldii, Sir Watkin, Barrii Conspicuous, Mrs. Langtry, and Double Telamonius Plenus. These should be planted three bulbs in a 5- iiich pot and five bulbs in a 6-inch wide pot. » » St. Brigid Anemones.—These charming [lowers require a good Icam, enriched with decayed manure and leaf-soil. The tubers, sften distorted, are planted 2in. to 3in. deep and about Sin. apart. Owing to many summer flowers not yet being over, start the tubers singly in small pots and plant out when the ttower beds bcecme empty. Crocus.—Baron von Erunow, purple; Yellow Mammoth; Mont Blanc: Sir Walter Scott, blue and white striped; and President Lincoln, purple, are excellent varieties of the crocus. Put six bulbs in 4-inch pots and ten bulbs in 5-inch wide pots. # Hyacinths.—Plant Early White Roman, Blue Eoman, and "White Italian Hyacinths: three bulbs in 5-inch pets and five bulbs in 6-inch wide pots. Good Dutch Hyacinths ,ire: La Gr?-,u d es,,?e, are: La Grandesse, white; Garabaidi, red: Grand Maitre, dark blue: Regulus, pale blue; Gertrude, pink; and Yellow Hammer. Place one bulb in a 5-inch pot or three bulbs in 6-inch, wide pots. # Loganberries.—The berries will now have been gathered and the old growths should be cut away as opportunity can be found. This will allow more air and light to the young growths, which should bear next year's crop. Unless these young shoots have reasonable care they cannot be expected to carry heavy crops of berries. < Wall' Trees.—It should be remembered that trees growing on hot walls rarely re- ceive all the moisture they require, either at the roots or on the foliage. If they could be thoroughly washed after the fruit has been gathered they would be greatlv benefited. The water ought to be directed to the undersides of the leaves. ♦ Late Vines.—Do not allow lateral growths to grow freely at this season. They must be properly pinched and regulated or the house will be unduly shaded, and it will be impossible thus late in the season for the main growths to become matured. At the same time attend to the borders, and make sure the roots do not suffer from a lack of mciisture. Protecting Fruit. — Choice pears and plums on walls will be liable to be attacked by birds, and will need protection by net- ting or other means. When pecked by birds pears arc useless for storing, and it is very disappointing to have fine fruits spoiled in this manner. Plums cf the choicest forts may be gathered just before they are quite ripe, and will keep some time in a cool, dry store. Bulbs-.—Hyacinth. Tulip. Narcissus and Crocus bulbs flower from Christmas to April and are invaluable in the cool and cold greenhouse. It is desirable to pot the bulbs during September, preferably during the first part of the month. Ordinary loamy potting soil is suitable, with a little leaf- mould and coarse sand added. It is not de- sirable or necessary to bury Hyacinth, Tulip, and Narcissus hulbs; all tlwt is required is to cover about two-thirds of the bulb to hold it firmly in position, as roots are cnly pro- duced from the bottom. The Crocus bulb is small and can be covered with soil. When potted stand on a bed of ashes and soak with water. Leave for a day to drain, and then cover with old coal ashes. Failing these, use flaky leaf-mould. It is desirable to stand the bulbs outside to keep the soil moist, in preference to putting them in a shed or cellar. After an interval of six weeks examine the bulbs, taking out those that are growing an inch or two. with pots filled with roots. Repeat the examination at intervals of ten days. Tomatoes in Pots.—Where the plants have been grown in small pots or shallow boxes the roots will have exhausted all the inanurial propr-rties the soil contained. A top-dressing 2in. thick of half-decayed manure, or equal parts fowl dung and turfy soil, is (??od. Press this firmly upon the soil, is c, (, s giving a good watering. surface, a f -,erv? -rd n ,ii-in- a Er?-.(, d watering. Apple Mildew.—There appears to be a good deal of trouble from this pest in plan- tations recently examined. Where there are not many trees affected much can be done to stop this pest from spreading by cutting out the shoots and burning them. The whole of the shoot should be cut below the point of infection. On a larger scale Bordeaux mixture applied at half strength will be f4auiid to check in a great measure the disease. How Deep to Plant Buihs.-In planting bulbs for spring decoration in the open there is no real standard of depth for plant- ing them, as the nature of the soil is an important factor. If light soil is planted in, deeper planting is necessary than in heavy soil. As a general guid, large bulbs, such as daffodils, about 3in. deep, may be planted at twice their depth-6iii. Small bulbs which measure under lin. deep, should be planted about three times their own depth, and others of about 2 like tulips, three to four times their depth. < » Summer Pruning.—This work must be finished off now or will be of no practical value. Where the work was done very early young shoots will most probably be grf)"- ing, and these will be best removed. Do not allow any overcrowding. » Carrots-.—This year the late-sown rows will be of groat value. Thin out during favourable weather. Water freely if the soil is dry. Vegetable Marrows.—On no account allow these to suffer for want of water. A good soaking twice week and frequent overhead spraying will keep foliage healthy and stimulate further root action. Leeks.—Keep the t-oil between the rows frequently stirred with a hoe: a cracked or hard surface not only prevents the leeks getting full benefit from manurial applica- tions, but often arrests growtli. ♦ Onions.—Lift all bulbs, even those which are not LIlly dried off. These will ripen far better if laid out thinlv on mats or boards, leaving the tops still on and thus making bunching or roping easier and mere satis- fadon. Tomatoes in the Open Air.— Gather all fruits as seen as they approach the ripening stage. If left too long on the plant birds ( rats often play havoc with them. and if once these start it will be a difficult matter to keep them away. Asparagus Beds.—Rough winds do a lot of damage to beds of this, more especially where the garden is exposed. It will greatly assist the plants if. during the next few days. a few stout stakes are driven into the bed, from which strong twine or wire may be taken in such a mannor as to support the heavy growth. • Potatoes.—As soon as the main crop show signs of drying off, steps should be taken to lift the crop. If this is delayed and a wet period follows, even the most healthy-look- ing tubers may be affected with disease. If at the time of lifting any already show signs o-l' tlis, 1, ec, p ?L. lie tubers separate, Using these at the earliest opportunity.
IEARTH TEMPERATURE.
EARTH TEMPERATURE. A simple yet novel method of measuring earth temperature has been successfully tried at a depth of 5.302 feet, that of the bottom of tne bore-hole of Saint Jeitli d'ilerl il,, the. deepest in France. Two exactly similar centigrade thermometers were cut off at 40 deg., and compared with a tnird thermometer to show that the indi- cations were net affected. The shortened instruments were fixed in opposite positions —one inverted and the other ei,ec,t-iii a simple sheath. Lowered into the hole, they were then kept one hour at the bottom te acquire the rock tem perature, and ay this was aoove 40 eieg. some of the mercurv iN-a, forced from the tubes. On being withdrawn, the tubes were gradually heated in a water- bath until the mercury just filled them, which the standard thermometer showed wac at 62.5 deg. in each. The surface tempera- ture being 12.5 deg., the oarth increase wai one degree for each. 10S feet of depth.
AN ICELESS REFRIGERATOR.
AN ICELESS REFRIGERATOR. The following particulars of an iceless r& frigerator that any one may set up will, nc doubt, be of general interest, especially sc to anyone who is handy with tools. Tlrt contrivance depends on the principle that evaporating water has a cooling efteet. It is simply an open framework of shelves sur- rounded by wet cloth, and should be kept in a shady place where air is in motion. The shelves, the bottom and the four sup- portr-i"; posts should form an open frame- work covered with wire screen. The tcp if solid wood, and supports an enamelled pan. The whole rests on the four short legs 01 the framework in another similar pan. The front is hinged as a door. All four screened sides are covered with Canton flannel, flan- t?ides are -overe d nelette, or coarse cotton material, buttoned on. The buttons are sewn on a tape, which is tacked on tij the frame so as to engage the buttonholes in the cloth. This plan of buttoning permits the use of a duplicate cover, and allows for a wkly washing. Fastened around the top are four flaps of cloth, which extend up over the top into the upper pan of water. They serve as wicks or syphons to keep the cover moist. If practicable, the whole affair should be white, as that refracts heat and light. The screening should be of a non-rusting wire, such as copper or zinc. Fcr a size of 4ft. Sin. high and 2ft. square, with shelves llin. apart, the following materials are required- three yards of 24in. wire screen, one pint of white paint for first coat, and one pint of whitt, enilmel, 50 linear feet of f by 3in. stuff for framework, 16ft. of lin. wood 1ft. wide for shelves (unless shelves are made of wire), and 46 linear feet of moulding; hinges, catch, buttons, tape, nails, tacks, and 13 yards of 30in. material, which will make two covers. This form of refrigerator will naturally not cool things to anywhere near freezing point, but in the hottest days last summer a. temperature of 54deg. was maintained, which is at least relatively cold.
SAVE THE WALLS. j
SAVE THE WALLS. j In order to avert the evil of making holes in a wall through continuous pounding with a door handle, an excellent suggestion is that which provides for two thicknesses of linoleum, one cut in a circle and the other four inches square, to be tacked to the lath over the spot where the door-knob will strike, before the house is plastered. The surface of these pieces will come to the out. side of the plaster when it is put on, and, when papered, it is not noticed and will stand a lot of pounding. Another good method is to put on a layer of cork the thickness of the plaster and fasten it to the lath in the same manner. If the walls are to be painted it will work equally as well.
._p-ill1 THE POULTRY YARD
p- ill1 THE POULTRY YARD m) Helpful Hints for" Backyarders." By "COCKCROW." ) )t In response to many inquiries, I intend this weeji to deal with many of the difficul- ties by which the poultrv-keeper is beset. He h5 to copc with many difficulties, but it, i-. oft-en the that a- little foresight wca id have tur c'i his failure into success. Tcr instance, he mav have courted failure by a careless select.on cf breeds when stock- ing ground. Seme breeds are best as effs"i:,ro<^llcers« it is clearly wrong to stock these birds to supply the table. Simi- larly, birds wwhich excel in meat properties are not to be selected if a large egg-vield is i-ecjuired. Tiius it is important for the pcultry-Jcooper to decide exactly- which fowls best suit his special requirements. Other errors can a!o be avoid*d if a plan is de- 1 j .oed up-ou at nrst and systematically ad-  b. How To STOCK. Two courses are open to the poultry- keeper seeking a stock. Firstly, he may purchase eggs in th-e spring of the breeds he has chosen te rear, and hatch his own birds. Secondly, lie may purchas? a pen of birds in the late summer. The hr:'r course is. perhaps, the better, in spite of its larger initial cost, since it avoids the hazards at- tendant on the use of an incubator. If good laying pullets are bought, preferably of one of the heavier breeds, such as Orpingtons, yaudottes, or Plymouth Rocks, and mated with a vigorous male, speffiy results will accrue, with an immediate supply of eggs. It is advisable to pay a good price and en- suie getting good birds, for if fowls which were hatched too late are bought, their eggs win not be fertile, and the ultimate expense will quite swallow up the original saving. OVER-CQOWDINO FALLACY. Another frequent cause of failure is the tendency to over-crowd. If the run is small, and the fowls are allowed full occupation, the ground will become impure. A great deal of space may be saved, however, by systematic manipulation of the accommoda- tion. If a part of the run is covered, and the fowls spend some of their time in the covered section, it is possible to stock a larger number of birds than would other- wise be the case. Plenty of employment may be provided for the fowls if the floor of the covered run be well-strewn with litter. Poultry in close confinement suffer more from want of exercise than from any other cause. ABOUT BBEBDS. I A few words also regarding varieties will not be amiss. The Gold Pencilled Ham- burghs breed is a small blue-legged bird, having a bri lliant n comb ending in a spike. The plumage is principally a rich golden [Jay marked with hlack. which edges the wing. The cock's tail is usually black, and the "siekia- and side feathers edged with broii: e. The hen is always lighter, gene- rally approaching a chestnut. This bird hardly ever shows any disposition to sit. They will lay nearly every day except at moulting time. UNRIVALLED LAYERS., I Anconas may be looked on aa a variety of the Leghorn family, with which it conforms in most "points." The comb is arched, with fc-w and broad spikes. The ear-lobes are white to cream. The beaks areyellnw, and the legs inottkd velkrvv and black. The hackles are black edged and white, and plumage mottled or splashed black and white, UB in a Houdan. Anconas are hardy, and are almost unrivalled as layers, some- times reaching the rate of 200 eggs per annum. The cocks are very vigorous, and the eggs are most fertile when each cock is mated w»th about nine hew. The chickens grow quickly, and lay at live months. The full-grown birds are be-,t f,<)d but if full-fed make plump and delicate, though small, t-ole fowls. Splash&d Anconas are wild and nervo.is. «nd the chickens, though hardy in the matter of exposure, frost, and snow, require vpr.ee, and fresh, pure ground. The- are apt to die off quickly in confine- meLt. L 01 I THE N OKLE SPANIARD The most notable feature of the Spanish breed is the white face. This must extend in an arch, high over the eye to the base of the coins-. except a narrow line cf feathers, and be wide and deep, reaching to tne v, nttles -iii and ear lobes behind. all ot it Doing Ilice "white kid." The car lobes are Iar^e and deep, acd should be free from wrinKie-- Tne cock should be upright and stately, with breast projecting and tail high. The plumage is jet black and, 111 the c-oek, glossy. The comb is single and large in bfotn sexes, the cock's upright, and the hen's failing 0n cue side; spikes large and regular. The legs are blue or lead colour. The weight -of the birds is womething under 71b. for a enck and Glb. for a hen. The breed are non-sntei>, and lay white, large eggs. I TURKEY BEESI IXG. .Alany poultry rearers look upon turkeys as a side-line, and consider that ■"any old thing wiil do." That is quite an erroneous idea to hold, for turkeys require quite as good a house to live in a,4 fowls, and they certainly need a good-sized house. Thev re- quire an almost unlimited quantity of fresh air, and ail keepers of turkeys know, for they wiil have seen, how, when the house is opened in the morning, the birds all rush to get out in their eagerness to breathe f reel v. Rememher that a" turkey's home should never be built facing towards a cold aspect. The front cf the iioiit-e should be open, and the front ci the shed somewhat higher than the back. The perches should be erected as near the back v-ail as possible, for then the turkeys can secure all the shelter thev re- quire. FEEDING A SITTZH. ittir; a turkey hen is very little trouolc-. Mie .-at* so close and constantly, in fact, that it in nearly every case neces- sary to lift her off the nest so that 6he can feed and exerebe and the eggs be allowed to C"ol.i Ho net throw the food down in front of where she is sitting and tell yourself that she y.-ill., erne 011 tiie Jl06t when she i, hungry. she will not, but wouii rather starve ti-an Icove the eggs, unless she has made ncr nest away from home in a planta- tion o» <c-r:iu ■ ,-bery. Turkeys are verv forget- ful, hon e.c-i. ai-o you must take rare to have her bnc-ic 011 the eggs .when she is due to letuiix that i. at the end of twenty minutes. A sitting hen when lifted off the nest, it allowed Ireedom of range will en- tirely 101 get the eggs, and the chances are they womd get r-potied. Therefore, he sure 11^r ljaCi: at the end of the time stated. It is best to allow her to roam over only a little patch of grass, or, in other 1 words. to curtail her liberty. Brides giving her the necessary daily food. it i", best tc have within her reach 'a bowl of soft food, and you must always have clean water at hand for her. Do' not allow anybody whe wishes to enter the place where she is pit-tinLet yourself be the only one. for otherwise the 'heri is apt to become startled and break the eggs.
[No title]
Vicar of Aldershot (the Rev. F. O. D. Hawes) has been appointed vioar of Lam- beth.