The Cambrian

THE PAUPER POOR AT SWANSEA, The demands upon the payers of poor rates are increasing every year at Swansea, and the increase is out of proportion to the growth [ of population, or to the destitution arising from trade depression. It would be substan- tially correct to affirm that the increase is principally due to the spirit in which applica- tions for relief are treated. Fifty years ago the administration of the poor laws in this country was generally discreditable to humanity. It invited and practically col- lapsed under the attacks of writers like Dickens. George Eliot, and Kingsley, who in varied keynotes preached the doctrine of the duty of the rich to the poor. In conse- quence. chiefly of the influence of the litera- ture of the period contributing to the growth of a humanitarian spirit, no man nowadays is encouraged to publicly stand for severely economical views in relation to the poor. On the contraiy, old age pensions are in sight, and the average guardian, dependent for his seat upon a popular vote, is less affected by the reproach of being extravagant than that of being parsimonious in his treatment of the pauper poor- The disappearance of the ex- officio Guardians, who were independent of Demos, has aggravated the tendency to be sympathetic always to the applicant for re- lief, and to forget the hundreds of ratepayers who may be really worse off than the person seeking the dole. In Swansea this tendency in recent years has been most pronounced. and it is practically manifested in a steadily rising poor rate. Each annual estimate dis- closes the same symptom of inflation. Next year it is estimated that the expediture upon outdoor relief will be at least £500 more than during last year, when the outlay was the largest on record. What accentuates the sense of dissatisfaction aroused by this au- tomatic rise in the absence of any exceptional depression in trade, is the knowledge that among the recipients there are scores, if not hundreds, wholly undeserving of help, but who cannot be detected because of the inef- fective character of the means available. The Guardians are dependent largely upon the information furnished by the relieving officers, each of whom has a large district and hundreds of cases. The greater part of their time is taken up with routine duties leay- ing little leisure for thoroughly investigating special cases. Furthermore, the men are well known, and the class. from which infor- mation might be drawn have, as a rule, a strong prejudice against relieving officers. The truth is imperfectly realised, or not real- ised at all, that everybody contributing di- rectly or indirectly to the rates, has a personal interest in weeding out imposters. But so predisposed are the public generally to take the side of the weak, against the presumably strong, that a ratepayers known to be vol- unteering information to the relieving officers would, in most localities, suffer in the esteem of his neighbours. The consequence is that undeserving people swarm in the pauper list, and it is the most difficult and unpleasant task to remove them from it. Either there must be a drastic change in the system of dealing with poor law cases, chiefly in the direction of a more effective supervision, or the poor rate will continue to ascend. In some coun- tries the work is entrusted, not to elected Guardians, but to civil servants possessed of special qualifications. Change may proceed in this country towards an approximation to the Continental systems. At any rate there is urgent need of reform, as much in the in- terest of the deserving poor. whose allowance might be appreciably increased in conse- quence, as in the interests of the ratepayers. The existing arrangements are unquestion- ably unsatisfactory, as most of those engaged in the work must admit.

SWANSEA ORPHAN HOME. Annual Subscribers' Meeting- and Report. The annual meeting of subscribers towards the maintenance of the Home for Orphan and Friendless Girls, Swansea, was held in the Council Chamber of the Guildhall, on Thurs- day afternoon. There was a very satisfactory attendance, and amongst thase present were the Rev. and Hon. Talbot Rice, Mr. Edward i Daniel (High Sheriff). Mrs. J. Aeron Thomas, Mi.->s Thomas. Mrs. Picton Tnrberville, Col. Llewelyn Morgan. Miss Brock. Rev. Oscar Snelling, Alderman Howel Watkins, Mrs. Ebtnezer Davics, Mrs. Austin Williams, Mr. Joseph Hail, Mrs. Palmer Bowen, Dr. and Mrs. Latimer. Miss Cook. Miss Owen, Mrs. Alex. Andrews, Mrs. Ernest Davies, Rev. Seldon Morgan. The matron of the Home was also present, and her pupils looking per- fectly happy and well-cared for. and wearing bright red little coats and tam' hats. Colonel Morgan presided, and the Vicar: opened the proceedings with prayer. The hon. secretary, Mr. E. Palmer Bowen, read the letter of apology, which included one from the Mayor, who regretted his inability to attend, being in London. He. however. placed the Council Chamber at the disposal of the committee, and provided light refresh- ments. Expressions of regret were also re- ceived from Sir Algernon and Lady Lyons. Mrs. Richardson, Mrs. M. B. Williams, and others The fortv-thud annual report was then read. It showed that the present num- her in the Home was 51. The Local Govern- ment Inspector's report was highly sati.sfac- tory, as also was tlwit of the hoi), rneuical officer, Dr. Arthur Davies. The legacies to the home included £ 50 from the late Mm H. J. Bath, and £ 100 bequeathed bv the late Mrs. E. J. Phillips, a sister of the late Dr. J. G. Hal!, of Swansea. The financial report showed that the balance of currentaccount was £59 10s. 5d.. and of the deposit account £3?O. The Rev. Oscar Snelling moved the adoption of the report.—Rev. Seldon Morgan seconded, and this was unanimously carried. The Vicar of Swansea moved that the lion, officials should be re-appointed.—Mr. Edward Daniel seconded this proposition, which was passed On the proposition of Col. Morgan, seconded by Mr. Joseph Hall, a vote of thanks was passed to the honorary officers, subscribers and donors, the Board of Management, and the matron. All the speakers referred to the invaluable services rendered bv Miss Walliker. the matron, and snoke in eulogistic terms of the manner in which the Home was conducted. At the conclusion of the business part of the meeting, Mrs. Edward Daniel presented prizes to the successful pupils. The list was as fol- lows :—Housework: 1st Division. Gwenny Evans. Jenuv Jenkins. Miaud Stirrup; laundry-work. Annie Ridlar and Sarah Lhomas: cookery, Ellen Rees; method, Millie Townsend; needlework (1st division). Flossie Addis. Evelyn Jenkins. Maiulie frriffiths. '2nd division) Winifred LKivies. Lilv Be-.iyis, Hetty Griffiths. Schoolwork: Bella Addis, Fannv Jenkins, Amelia Davies, Dolly Goss. 01 wen Llovd. Maiy STHiIJlr. Minrie Tib- bat, Esther Williams, Maudie Palmer. Naomi Unto". Florrie Edwards. Gwennie Palmer, Gerty David, May Thomas. Dr. Latimer proposed a vote of thanks to Mrs. Daniel Col. Morgan, and the Mayor; Mr. H. Watkins seconded, and the motion was carried. Mr. Edward Daniel acknowledged the vote on behalf of his wife. and Col. Mo] nan having briefly returned tharlis, afterwards tea was serverl to the company. 1 ft

The funeral of the late Mrs. Penrose. Gran- ville Villas, Walter-road, Swansea took place on Thursday morning at the Ovstemiouth Cemetery. Those present included Mr. Pen- rose (husband). Mr. Bradley and Mr. Lingard (sons-in-law). Mr. F. W. Richards. J.P.. Mr. A. J. Richards, and Mr. Lawrence Richards (nephews). Mr. Hackney (grandson) was un- able to be present, having only arrived in Southampton on Thursday morning from abroad. There were a number of beautiful crosses and wreaths sent by friends. The Rev. W. Seldon Morgan officiated at the graveside. Mr. D. C. Jones carried out the funeral arrangements.

SWANSEA JOTTINGS. f LIFEBOAT FUND. On Thursday the Mumbles Lifeboat Dis- ] asterFund stood at the splendid total of £4,137 5s. 7d. The collecting boxes outside the London Mansion House realised £20, and the Swansea police have contributed £10. SWANSEA DEATH-RATE. The Registrar General reports the annual rate of mortality last week in the 76 great towns of England and averaged IV per 1.000. The rate in London was 17 Bristol, 13; Newport, 18; Cardiff. 14; Rhondda, 18; Meithyr Tydfil, 24; Swansea, 19. PAINTER'S NASTY FALL. A painter named George Jones, 50, Cae- bricks, Cwnubwrla, in the employ of Messrs. Jones, Price and Rees, decorators, Swansea., whilst engaged in painting at No. 13, Calvert street, Swansea, at 2.30 p.m. on Mondav, feil off a ladder a distance of 32 feet- to the ground, sustaining serious injury to one of his hips. Jones was on the top of the ladder holding on to a shoot, which gave way in his hand. He wa.s taken home in a cart by his fellow work- men. HAFOD LAD'S CLOSE SHAVE. About 3.50 on Tuesday afternoon, a little boy about three years of age had a narrow escape of being run over by an electric car at the Hafod, near the spot where the fatal ac- cident occurred a few weeks ago. The child ran right across the line as the ca,r was ap- proaching, and but for the promptitude of the driver, who pailed up instantly, the chances are that a serious accident would have hap- pened. The wonder is that moie children are not run over, and parents are greatly to blame for allowing their offsprings to wander abcut in the vicinity of the tram tines. Y.M.C.A. RECITAL. In order to liquidate the exper.se of a new piano, the Swansea Y.M.C.A. held a recital on Tuesday evening, when a large number at- tended. Mr. Hugli Bellingham presided. The vocalists were Mrs. Frickcr, and Mr. JoJ.n Roberts. Miss Isabel Davies gave violin solos and Miss May B. Griffiths, L.L.C.M., A.L.C.M., R.A.M., a.nd R.C.M., played a couple of pianoforte puces. The bright par- ticulan' star of the evening was Mr. W. H. Jones, whosp. live recitations were so varied and well selected, (hat iliev led to encores. Mr David Richards, A.R.C.O., accompanied in his u&ual clever way. It is anticipated the proceeds will be satisfactory. MISSING FROM SWANSEA. Mrs. Catherine Troy has lodged information at High-street Police-station, Swansea, that her husband, Patrick Troy, aged a.bout 55, height 5ft. 9in., a.nd of light complexion, with grey hair and moustache, has been missing since the 14th insit. The missing man has been in American (Arizona) for the past fifteen years, and only returned to Swansea s-even months ago. His wife fears that some harm has befallen him, as his trunk-a. large one— remains unopened at Oak-Terrace, and he had no object in leaving the town. Mr. Troy had recently completed a patent process of copper and steelplate welding which might have—and may still be—productive of important results. DEATH OF MRS. C. PENROSE. The death took place on Monday at 96, Walters-road, Swansea, of Mrs. Catherine Penrose, wife of Mr. William Penrose. It was only the previous Monday that Mr. and Mrs. Penrose celebrated their diamond wed- ding. Mr". Penrose was the youngest daugh- ter "of the late Mr. Richard Richards, archi- tect and builder, of Swansea. Her brothers, now dead, were Mr. Richard Richards, West Cross; Mr. Edwin Mathew Richards, M.P. for Cardiganshire, and Mr. W. Richards, architect. Mrs. Penrose, who was in her 88th year, was the grandmother of Hacknev. Sir Henry Irving's leading ladv, and the aunt of Mr. W. F. Richards, J.P., Mr. L. M. Richards (barrister), Mr. Lawrence Richards (solicitor), and Mr. A. J. Richards. LONDON CONSTABLE'S BRAVE ACT. The London press this week record a plackv act on the part of P.C. Ivor Nash, attached to the Shepherdess Walk station, N. He was on duty near the Angel, Islington, when ho noticed a pair of runaway horses attached to a 'bus rushing wildly down the High-street. Eight in their path was a woman pushing a perambulator which contained two children. Without a moment's hesitation he threw him- self at the horses' Leads, and managed to grasp the reins and check the horse. but the pole of the 'bU.5 caught him on the eliest, and down he went under the horses feet. He was taken to St. Bartholomew's hospital suffering from internal injuries. The mother with her children did not know of her du.n^er until lt had been averted by the constable's plucky act. Otficer Nash is a Swansea boy, his par- ents residing at Benthall Terrace. St.'Thomas. He has only been two years in th,3 Metropoli- tan foroe. SALVATION ARMY SELF-DENIAL. The total results of the self denial week in the Swansea Division are now to hand. Of the two Swansea Corps No. 1. realised JE72 10s.— £7 10s. more than the "target" aimed at— and Swansea II. £ 28 10s Id. The life assur- ance staff in the division collected J328 7s. 6d. The total for the division was j3672, as against J3615 last year. Sums collected by the various corps in tlie division were as follows :—Aber- aman, £21.1s.; Aberavon, £24 10s.; Aber- clare, £43 j Aberkenfig, £8 lis. Aberyst- wyth, £49; Blaengarw. JB50 10s. Bridgend, JB25 8s. 5d. Carmarthen, £21; Clydach. £7 18s. Gilfach, £24; Glanaman, i;15 5s. Haverfordwest. £ 19 Llanellv, £26 Is. 5d. Maesteg, £ 37 14«. Mitford. JB12; Morriston, JC16 4s. Nantymoel. £ 14 lis. Neath, £23; Pembroke..315 5s. Pembroke Dock, J344 4s PontycyrriTllèl" £29; Skewen, £35; Swansea 1.. J372 10s. Swansea II.. £28 10s. Id. Plas- mari, £3; Tenby, JD25 15s. 4d. SWANSEA SHIP-REPAIRING SUIT. In the King's Bench on Tuesday Mr. Justice \Valton gave judgment in the action of the Victoria Dry Docks Company v. Le Boulanger and Pansy Steamship Company, Swansea. Plaintiffs claimed J3299 for work done on the boiler furnace of the steamer Swansea. De- fendants admitted the greater part of the claim, but counter-claimed damages on the ground of the alleged negligence of the plain- tiffs in doing the work. Plaintiffs denied negligence. — His Lordship found that the plaintiffs had not caused a crack in the fur- nace, but gave judgment for the defendants on the issue that a new furnace was rendered necessary by the plaintiffs' defective work- manship. The figures were left to be adjusted between the parties. Judgment was entered for the plaintiffs on the claim for £244, with costs, and for the defendants on the second issue, with costs, but not costs as regarded the alleged fracture of the furnace. Defendants were ordered to pay the costs of the issue as to the fracture.

Plays at the Theatres. "The Fatal Wedding" has scored a success at the Grand Theatre, this week, probably to the strong "child interest" which forms the outstanding feature. Miss Ida Valli fills the principal child role, and her acting is, for a little girl of but ten a remarkable achievement. The main male parts are well taken bv Misses Mary Allestree and Houslev and Messrs. Payne and Henry. The play swings smoothly along from start to finish and the "cake-walk" dance, in which over 30 children participate, is one of the prettiest and most pleasing incidents of the kind seen at Swansea. At the Star Theatre Mr. Abbott has been giving a fine character study of Lord Nelson in the "Mariners of England, Robert Buchanan's play, which describes itself. Messrs. Doughty," Clifford and Lester prove capable assistants, and the final tableaux, depicting the historical scene at Trafalgar is well mounted. Next week the popular drama. "When the Lights are Low" will be staged. At the Grand Theatre, Miss Ada Molesworth (who has toured with Irving. Alexander, and Forbes Robinson) plays "Cigarette" in "Under Two Flags." the drama founded on Ouida's famous storv of Anglo-French military life. Oil Fridav night she plays "Lady Ursula,' the title role of Mr. Anthony Hope's charming comedy.

IRISH PROBLEM. Government's Great Land Bill Introduced. Grant of Twelve Millions to be Made. Mr. Wyndham introduced the Irish Land Bill in the Commons on Wednesday, and the measure was read a first time. The Bill pro- poses to enlarge the credit of the Congested Districts Board and add to its capital. In future advances will be made in cash, and not in stock. A new capital stock is to be created, to 00 called "Guaranteed Two-and-'i'hree- quarter per Cent. Stock," which will not be redeemable for thirty yeans. The stock will be guaranteed by the Consolidated Fund, but that fund will be protected by a fund consist- ing of annual payments from the Exchequer for Irish local purposes, which can be stopped in case of default. These payments amount to £2,548,460 per year, which will secure ad- vances of £152,907,600. The loan is not to be floated before the winter, and not more than five millions a year is to be raised during the first three years, after which the pace is to be increased so as to finish the operations in fifteen years. Losses resulting from issu- ing the stock below par are to be met by charges on a. grant equivalent to £ 185,OUU a yean- which is due to Ireland owing to last year s vote of £1,400,000 for a purelv Eng- lish purpose, viz., education. Cash aid to the txtent of £12.000,000 is to be given, but the maximum annual charge is to be £39.),000. Against this reductions in the Irish Estimates amountirg to £250,000 are to be completed in five yeais. It will take thirty years to reach the maximum bonus of £ o90*,000, so that the ultimate result will be a gain to the Imperial Exchequer. The interest on the advances for the purchase of holdings is fixed at 3A per cent.. one-eighth per cent, to be retained perpetually bv the Government, to prevent the holdings falling into the hand.; of money-lenders. The following have con- sented to serve as Commissioners:-—Sir Fre- derick Wrench, P.C. for Ireland and a Land Commissioner; Mr. Michael Fimicane. C.S.I.E., Commissioner of the Presidency oi Bengal; and Mr. W. F. Bailev. an Assistant Ccniu>-vsif>-ier und^r the Land Commission. Mr. John Redmond, amid Nationalist cheers, remarked that the tone of the Chief Secretary s speech was the tore of a man who realised the gravity of the situation in Ire- land, and who was anxious to mate a sincere attempt to grapple with it. No one could question that the proposals now before the; House was an enormous advance upon those put forward at t.his time last vear. The fact that the Government had proposed this bonus of 12 millions was a clear proof that they were in earnest ill t1wÚ' desire to settle this question, and that they had made up their minds to deal with it in a courageous spirit. The British taxpayer would suffer no loss, but would. make a good bargain. Everyone inter- ested in Ireland must feel intensely gratified in the way in which the suggestion of this bonus had been received bv all parties m Great Britain. But he was not satisfied that the bonus should be distributed in the inverse ratio to the amount of th3 purchase money. Mr. Wynrtham said his object was to give the greater relief to the men who needed it most, out it did not follow that because aai estate was small therefore it was the poorest kmd of estate. Then t;> the large landlords such a very small bonus would be given that it would be no inducement to sell at all. He hoped Mr. Wyndham would consent to recon- I sider that part of the Bill. Mr. Timothy Healy observed that onlv ons British member out of 670 had risen to object to the very moderate proposals made by the Chief Secretary. A ration could not play the hypocrite. (Loud Nationalist cheers.) A new light had been borne in on the minds and the hearts of the people of Ireland. Mr. WVadham, who was loudly cheered, then brougat in the- Bill, and it was read a first time. The second reading was lixed for April 22nd.

Press Views Generally Favourable. The "Irish Daily Independent" (Dublin), commenting on the Irish Land Bit!, says: "Regarded as a whole, the proposals of the Chief Secretary mark a great step in advance < towards the statesmanlike treatment of 1I1.ol1 difficulties, and we trust, it may be it Hind pos- sible to so mould them as to render f hem really effective for securing the great and laudable purpose their author had In view." TENANTS AND THEIR LiABILIIIKS. The I reeman s Journal" says "T1.Ie ques- tion is whether the tenants can undertake the liabilities imposed by the schema with a rca- sonab'e hope of living and thriving, preserv- ing the credit of the country, whose mamstiy is the industry of Irish farmers." FIRST IMPRESSIONS FAVOURABLE "Northern Whig" (Belfast).—The first im- presMon produced by Mr. WyudbamV state- ment is decidedly favourable. The grant of £ 12,000,000 w;l! go far towards bridgin" the gap between landlord and tenant, and if will be recognised throughout Ireland as a eener- ous contribution towards the final settlement A GOOD MEASURE. "Constitution" (Cork).—Though the Bill falls short in several particulars of what land- lords and tenants have been led to expect, it, nevertiieless, seems to be a measure well worthy the acceptance of both. SMALL DEMANDS MADE. lush limes (Dublin).—People generally will be surprised at the comparatively small demands that it makes either upon the cash or the credit of the taxpayer. The Chief i Secretary may be congratulated on the recep- tion his scheme met with from Irish represen- tives of all colours. "Dailv Express" (Dublin).—This is the first time that any Government has recognised the light of Irish Landlords to compensation. The sum is small, barely 10 per cent, of the total purchase money, but the landlords will wel- come this recognition of a principal for which they have been contending for many years.

SEQUEL TO A SKIRMISH. Serpent's Arrest for Alleged a Cowardice. In the King's Bench, on Wednesday, be- fore Mr Jostice Lawrence and a special jury, Mr. Robert EdnioiuLson brought an action for false imprisonment against Major-General Sir Henry Bundle (who commanded the Eighth Division in the Boer War), Viscount Valentia, Major John towle, and Capt. James Enson for false imprisonment. Defendants admitted the arrest, but pleaded that it was not illegal. Mr. Brozholnie, for the plaintiff, said his client was Squadron Sergt.-Major of the Royal 55th Company Middlesex Imperial Yeomanry. During operations to surprise the Boer force at Senekal in which the Middlesex and Staf- fordshire Yeomanry, and Brabant's Horse took part, the British force got into a Boer trap near lalliefontein, and was nearly sur- rounded. Orders were given to the men to find shelter as best they could, and plaintiff, who was at the rear, escaped with seventeen of his men, to Ventersburg. He reported himself to the officer in command, and was then placed under arrest by order of General Rundle. He was kept in rrison for eight months without trial, and was then released, greatly damaged in health. He afterwards served in five engagements, and was subse- quently reduced to the lanks. Plaintiff ap- pealed for a court martial in vain. He said "If I am charged with cowardice let me be tried. If I am found guilty, let me be shot, I have no wish to live. A Court of Inquiry had been held after the arrest, but it was ad- journed for production of fuither evidence, and it was not a proper investigation accord- ing to the Army Act. Plaintiff, on giving evidence, said he told his men he w as not going to be cut up or cap- tured, and was going to take the responsibil- ity of making hIS way to Ventersburg Ro id. Tlte action was going on all the time. Wlun asked at Ventersburg how the action had gore, plaintiff said he did not know, as he had been driven away. He took upon himself the sole tespousibilty for the retirement. The jury returned a verdict for defendants with costs.

Of the seventeen candidates nominated for the Urban District Council Election at Cyster- moutji, Mr. Roger Beck has retired. There are consequently sixteen candidates for the six vacancies.

When He Saw the Charges. On Wednesday n-ornin^ the fork Herald" (Paris elition) published the ( o!- ornbo despatch bearing upon ais case which had appeared in the London paiper>. together with an excellent portrait of the Geneial. He was seen to rtvd the "Heaald" at the hotel and to display strong emotion--in fae,t ',c' actually burst into tears. Later in the morning the "Matin" published an extract from a lull-.r Colombo telegram to one of the London m..ir:i- ing papers. This also Sir Hector was seen to icad carefully in one of the public rooms IiI the hotel.

IN LIGHTER VEIN. The funniest picture puzzle—Lord Rose- be rv. Whitaker Waighit wants to be "left" in New r ork. Tinned whelks are announced from London. Sneyd Thou are avenged. One of the Swansea City papas will in course of time become to be known as Mr. Tnt-tut-on. Cablegram from Waunarlwydd Station :— President Castro has declined the chairman- ship of the Penderry Parish Council. Some Liberals don't appear to regard the <lllthor of a recent letter to the "Daily Mail" a* among the party's desirable "perks." e don't wish to do anything unChristian- like, but the next vocalist who comes UlJ- derneath our window warbling "O-hio!" will find the "Oh a rather prolonged one. A little boy was nearly run over and killed ill High-street on Wednesdav night. He was in the house, but there- no telling what might have happened had he come out An old cynic says that after listening to a loving couple's soft somethings near Bracelet Bay. he understands why tlie district is called the Mumbles. There is no satisfying some people. Alter ail the lovely lain we've been having, some i'olk in the north part of the town want to know why thev can't have the water tarned on longer! Those Liberal barristers who persist in ad- vocating the claims of publicans at licensing sessions are to be invited to stop the practice. Jf they decline, tkey will find the beer militating against the booths next election. it It isn't quite 'de rigger"' as our friends at the Docks would say to escort two young chorus ladies home and invite them in to a repast of fish and chips. Quite a respectable iellow. too; Dr. Gomer Lewis boasts of his accent. There is no other like it. Londoners who hear it listen for houis to it with the expres- sions of men in a delightful trance. Gomer quoting Shakespeare is the treat of a lifetime. A confiding, individual whose knowledge of horse-racing is a- limited as his "nemo," hied him to a- local "bookie" on Tuesday, and wanted to put half a crown on "Margam Boy'" for the Lincoln Handicap. He of the gold chain smiled expansively, and said a, few words. A party of Italian seamen, who strayed into an hotel in one of the main streets of Swansea, on Monday night. spent the intervals between drinks in singing Neapolitan love ditties to the landlady, whose blushes made the electric licht look tired. He was a devout Catholic, but absent- minded. Last week he paused in tHe middle of a. succulent pork-pie. and gasped "Good Heaven's it's Friday;" The street urchin who had the rest oi the dainty remarked "Mv it's good The photography reason is upon lis. This is the time when the lady who pays the wash- ing b;11; finds that two yards of black satin at 2s. 0 £ d. the yard, has been used to help con- vert a pantry into a dark room, and when paterfamilias refuses his supper-beer for feax he's drinking pvrogallic acid and things. A Mumbles poet went out on ye cliffs to outrage the muse the other day. A frivolous gust hopped along, and took the first sonnet with it over to Ilfracombe. A frugal house- wife was making jam, the sonnet new in. set- tled on a pot, and she promptly tied it up with string. remarking: "Not art." ;\ext: W hat > in a name. 4-H. sometimes there's a lot sometimes there isn't; but when one gazes on a bmek-funnelled steamer, reek- ing with coal dust, and redolent of oil and things, and looking about a.s beautiful as a tomato can—when urn's wanders to the bow and reacts the name "Apollo. one thinks hard. Look at that five month old infant. How large it's mouth is. and how widely it opens it. Listen also to the range of its vocal ef- forts. See how red its face it. and how dis- torted it is. Yet in sixteen short years, ,<I. young man, with a high collar on. and stiaj soap-suds in both ears, will be on his knees imploring one word, one look from tne same child. „ The visit this summer of Buffalo Bill's "Wild West" reminds us that we have some very fair rough-riders in Swansea. Stand in the middle of the Mumbles Road any even- ing. and you will, in about four seconds, get jabbed in ihe back with a bicycle tyre, and someone will explain to you that vou are an untamed idiot of the most perverse and re- pulsive type. Dyfatty Field—Park has one advantage over the other open spaces of Swansea—that is in picturesque surroundings. The slaugh- terhouse. crowned by the quarries at the rear, presents a picture of quiet beauty un- surpassed in the town, and one can sit on a dahlia-bed and listen to the sweet strains emanating from some expiring porker across the way for hours at a time. In one of the towns of West Wales there is a photographer of the perigrinating type, who wanders like the busy bee—not exactly from flower to flower, but from town to town, taking pliotgrapha of various degrtees of weirdness. One licensed house he never will call at again. The landlord posed like Ajax. ora, near relative, the usual ceremony of re- moving the focus cap, hand-waving, and pay- ment was received. It transpired afterwards when Boniface had waited three patient weeks for his photo—that the wily and beary one had not a slide, shutter or anytljing else in his camera, and the "results" squandered themselves on the pure sunlight This is XOT oiie of the prize essays on "Nelson, but the youth who brought it up to this office will be disappointed if something doesn't come of it. "Lord Nelson woz a nero wot lived in the hayteeiiith sentry, and lotst his arm at the Ball of Baddajos in the Crimea, lie begun as a middy and finished as a korps, and everv boy as a clianst to do likewise. He wore a patch on his eye. and mid-e ins officers d.) the same. After living some tiint he was killed at Trafalgar, in Xew South Wales, on the dek of the Viktry, and his 1 trst words wur: 'If I had seived my country as well's I served my ping-pong I shud not now be at the Star Thayte-r dyin to .10, music."

HECTOR MACDONALD'S SUICIDE. Painful End to a Remarkable Career. Shoots Himself in a Paris Hotel. Paris, Wednesday.—General Sir Hector Macclonald committed suicide to-day at the Hotel Regine here, says a, confirmatory Router telegram. The General, who has been in Paris since the 20th ir.st., signed the register in his own name, giving his age as 43 years, and adding that he was from London. About 2 o'clock this afternoon when one of the at- tendants came to prepare the room occupied by Sir Hector Macdcnald on the first now, he found the general lying on the ground. h "f; head resting against the dressing table. wittI a revolver wound in his temple. The ?om- missary of police at the Rue des Bons En- fants was sent for, and arrived shortly after at the Rue de Rivoli, where the hotel is Situ- ated, accompanied by a doctor. The suicide is supposed to have been committed between 1 and 2 o'clock this afternoon. No valuables or papers were found in the luggage of de- ceased. On the table were two short notes m English. It is stated that they have no con- nection whatever with the suicide, lhe pre- fect of police immediately communicated with the Minister for Foreign*Affairs, who inform- ed the British of Sir Hector Macdonald's death. The general's body was laid out on the bed in the room where it was found.

Sketch of his Career. "Fighting Mac" was in the prime of hie. having been born 50 years ago. He enlisted in the famous 92nd "Highlmuers, now the Gordon Highlanders, in 1870. and served nine years in the ranks. He first attracted the attention of Lord Pvoberts on the inarch to Kabul, in 1879, for the way in which, as col- our-sergeant, he handled a detachment of the 92nd. He was present at the battle of Kan- dahar, and for his services leceived a neda!, and was promoted second-lieutenant. iMac- donald took part in the Boer war of 1881. was under Colley at Majuba Hill, and was men- tioned in despatcivss. Transferred to Egypt his advancement was rapid. He served in all the Soudan campaigns. In the Dongola expe- ditionary force of 1896 he commanded the iind Infantry Brigade, and gained the brevet-col- onelcy. At Abu Hamed he had the charge of the Egyptian Brigade. In the battle of Um- durman his cool brain and steady nerves served him in good stead when handling hit black troops during the crisis of the Dervish onslaught. He received the thanks of Parlia- ment, and was appointed A.D.C. to the late Queen. In 1839 he went to India, and from there was called to the command of the High- land Brigade in South Africa on the d<ath of Wauehope. This bony Scotsman with the bulldog jaw pvt. fresh lieirt into the sorelv stricken brigade, and led them to victory at Paardeberg = wbeie he was wounded. iris services were rewarded by a, K.C.L., anti in 1901 he took up the command in Southern Tndin. No one in Africa during the campaign seemed to understand just why Macdonald, who had been Kitchener's right-hand man m Egypt, was not allowed to play a b:gg,»r part in the Boer war than he did play. Every- body felt that there was a screw I.o.se some- where, though no one knew just wi at was the matter. He was a man who never tired himself, and vet had the ready tact to know when his troops had had enough tight ing or marching. He won the hearts of all the Col- onial troops he came in contact with partly on account of his bluff, manly bearing, find partly because of his insight into human na- ture. A; a rule, when a Bnksh general en- tered a Colonial camp, Colonial troops lined up and received the distinguished guest in respectful silence, but when ever Maccon- ald put in an appearance he "as gree;d with tremendous applause. The Canadians, Cape Colonials, a.nd Australians all swore, by lian as a soldier, and never faned to give him a greeting which even Roberts or Kitchener might have envied.

WELSH COAL TRADE WAGES. Three Years Truce Assured. At last the negotiations for a new agrteJ"05'1- in the coal trade have been finally <lun<_ _■ South Wales may o.ice more breathe • for all danger of a rupture is now p^'s .• 1 for a. period of at Last three years in ute coalfield is practically assured. I-1^ ing official report of tlie ,r'> sued at the close of the pioceednigs )} r- Dalziel -A meeting of the Joint Commiut was held to-day, and after a discu.-sion. ■» > las-ted from 11 a.m until 10 p. m.. III t I course of which all tlte clauses in which an agreement had not bc:en Hl"ye at w,ve consideied. the result was that the v ho .e of the clauses have now been agr&e*1 1 • Owing to the lateness of the hour i n,g<5 to a nna.il «b«-° tabulate the clauses preparatory ° 1' e. ing of the agreement. The su )"^ m^ will meet at 10.30 on Wednesday mooning foi this purpose."

SWANSEA GUARDIANS. Finance Committee's Increased Expenditure. A meeting of the Swansea- Board dians was held in the Board Room. road; on Thursday afternoon, r- r Lewis presiding.. MOTHERS AND PALGHTERS. A letter was read from Miss arT Southampton, urging that motheis s iou held responsible for their daughters up o ie age of 16, and that neglect to protect gn s from going wrong should be an indictable offence.—The letter was laid on the table. A-RISE! Mr. Frank James, relieving officer, also Mr. and Mrs. John Elliott, master and matron of the Cottage Homes, and a nunse, applied for increases in their salaries, The matter was referred to the General Purposes Com- mittee. FINANCE. In the report of the Finance Committee presented by Mr. W. H. Mills- it was stated that the committee had passed accounts amounting to £1.322 19s. 5d. Dealing with the estimates. Mr. Mill said that the increased expenditure amounted to JS650. and was ac- counted for bv extra salaries. The increased rateable value would more than cover this. The rate in the £ would depend on the balance- in-hand of the overseers of the different parishes. — The Chairman did not think it would exceed 9d. in the Borough. there were in the Borough one pauper to every MX families. There was a large population in Swansea earning a very precarious livelihood. Qir. David Davies pointed out that the Mi- crease in poor relief had already eaten up the increased assessment, and that in one ha.1f- ypar. That was a very serious matter for Swansea. There was a want of greater super- vision and better detection of impostors. ilp- did not say it was anybody's fault, but it was a defect in the system. They ought to make a serious effort to reduce the undeserving cases on their relief lists, and he thought a, small committee should be appointed to do so. —The Chairman agreed. — The re- port was adopted, as was a proposi- tion of Mr. Davies that a small committee be formed to inquire into the possibility of im- proving the existing means for exercising su- pervision. over the pauper lists and the Aveed- l ing out of case-; undeserving of relief. The committee isi to b? composed of the chairmen of ,tlve various committees, w'th lYIess.rs Davies, Dcvonald, and Rev. E. O. Evans adckxl.

NEATH NOTES. Mr. Hall Hedley and Swansea District. Will he be a Candidate? Observer Interviews Him His Intentions. Gloomy Outlook for the Pay-no- raters. The next Parliamentary struggle'ii Cle Swansea District promises to prove very in 'I teresting. Already the Labour Pai-ty have pinned their faith to Mr. Little joiin and. of course, official Liberalism clings to Mr W Brynmor Jones, K.C.. the sitting member" Perhaps I should not have used the word "clings." for even official Liberalism is dis- satisfied with its inanimate member. And what is more, official Libeialism savs so. This astonishing result is the product of Mr. Jones' apathy and indifference. He has treated Neath very cavalierly indeed, and Neath being inordinately proud of itself, strongly lesents it. But what I nm leading up to is this. Dur- ing the past few months I have heard men occupying responsible party positions in the local Liberal camp openly avow what they would do if a good Liberal' of the independent type came out. Some have even gone so far as to siiy they would support a sound Labour candidate of the stamp of Broadhurst or John Burns in preference to the present member. while others have cast fond glances in the direction of Mr. E. Hall Hedley." who is known to be not only a good Liberal, but an energetic and capable man. This week I made it niv J^usiness to see Mr. Hedlev. and I found that ne views with favour another try fjl* Parliamentary honours. But let him speak ior himself. "There seems to me to be no great hurry in the matter, for the present Government is likely to last a long time yet. I gee the La- bour party have selected Mr. Littlejohn. I should not think they had much chance of success with him as a candidate. Then, of course, there's Mr. Brynmor Jones. He still liYe", I believe." "That is a popular superstition," I rejoined. "Well, from my previous experience, I shouldn't- think that the Labour man would have much chance against him for the Lib- erals will be likely to go solid for Iiiiii." "I don't think they will. There is it good deai of dissatisfaction with him at Neath and Aberavon. He is accused of neglecting the constituency." "Oh. is that so? Well. as far as I am con- cerned. I have not yet given verv serious thought, to the matter, but I can" tell you this: I .should not mind entering the lists again, and dont know but that I shall do so. However, I will let you know directly I have definitely decided." Now, should Mr. E. Hall Hedley decide to fight in the absence of a Conservative candi- date, he would get the solid vote of the con- stitutionalists, a goodly proportion of the Labour vote. for he's a very popuar em- ployer while a number of Liberals who are tired of their invertebrate member, would actively assist him in the campaign. The signs of the times suggest danger ahead for Mr. Brynmor Jones. What, haven't you heard of the celebrated Parker pen? No? Well, perhaps its a good job for you that you haven't, ior a number of Neath people have, with the result they have lost 10s. 6d. about five shillings in stamps, and threepence in pens and ink. And it happened just like this. The Parker Pen Co¡. advertised their wonderiul pen, and offered £1 a week for writing letters extolling its virtues at the rate of ten a day? But, of course, there was a condition precedent. You had to send 10s. 6d. for the pen, and with the article they ptomised to send you a speci- men letter which the purchaser had to copy and send at the rate of ten a day to friends recommending the celebrated Parker pen. For so doing the writei was to receive £ 1 a week. The letter itself was a long epistle, which would take most people twenty minutes to write, which would mean more than three hours' labour a day. Well, a lot of Neath pejple sent their half- guineas to the company, but in return only received the specimen letter with the promise that the order for the pen would be executed as soon as the makers could meet tiie great demand. Meantime the purchaser could write extolling the praises of the Parker pen with a common, ordinary or garden steel weapon if they liked. Several did like. and set about earning the £1 with a will. But as the time rolled on and they saw no signs of the Parker pen they became apprehensive and went to a local solicitor who wrote to the cmpany. He received a reply asking for the correspondent's number, coupled with the statement "Please note the change in our address." A few davs later the company was in the dock and got nine months. () ni the extensive premises of the Company (winch consisted of one room) were lound thousands °f letters bearing the mystic word*: En- closed please find 10s. 6d. ior the celebrated Parker pen." But the ten and sixpences were not there. Now you have only to ask a certain local bank clerk how the Parker pen goes to be immediately surrounded by a. Ceru. lean haze. Meantime the company is domg time and rejoicing in the knowledge that when they come out they 11 have a few Hun- u dreds to go on with. Thus ended the tragedy of the Paiker pen. ODE TO THE PARKER PEN. Of all the pens a man ever pos*ess'd. The Parker pen-() the Parker's the best; It glides o'er the page so smoothly and well. And without exertion the tale will tell. A gay young bank clerk, very tond of self. Loving collars and cuffs, but scorning pell, Sent to town the ten and six. a pen to seek, And wrote hours a day for a pound a w eek. But davs pass'd by. and no pen cameJ.o him, So he curs'd and he swore till steeped in sin. And if you want to "touch" him now and then, Just say: "Well. old chappie, how's the Parker pen?" A clerical error of m8,000 in the half- year's calls sounds very serious. Aind it would have been very serious if it were not bound to be detected. Mr. W. H. Ealden started the hare at Tuesday's meeting of the Guardians, and rated about bringing the official to book. Now the particular official concerned is Mr. James Gandv, who is clerk to the Assessment Committee. I have had an opportunity of seeing the books since the pronouncement was made. and the error oc- curred in the simpest manner possible. The clerk who entered the calls in the book pre- pared for that purpose, transposed the figures in connection with the Parish of Michaelstone Lower, making £13.000 to read £ 51,000. For an obvious reason the mistake could not have gone undetected, and no harm could have been done. However. Mr. Ealden had a flut- ter, and no one will begrudge him a little en- joyment. especially on Lincoln Day. X- "Pay your rates." "You must pay your rates." Thus the opinion of" the overseers and of the vestry. In days gone by too much con- sideration luus been ^Jtnvn to ceituin local ladies and gentlemen who could keep up moderately expensive establishments dress well, live well, and keep a utihtaiian for the house work, but n(,f possibly afford to pav their rates, lime after time tliev were excused, and the poor but honest worker had to pay through the nose to keep up the style of those who caught the ear of certain vestrv men. Many persons actually owning the houses in which they lived, and having other means of maintenance, were able to get out of their obligations. But things have gradu- jilh changed, and those who ride bicycles, diess fashionably, and go to balls and theatres have to pay their rates. Personally I was very glad to hear Councillor Hopkin Morgan, who presided over tlie last vestry meeting at Neath, state that the overseers had deter- mined not to view with favour applicants who owned the houses in which they lived and sought to be excused And the position thus taken up is not only logical but necessary in the general interest. Take for instance a person owning a house worth. *ay. £ 250. Should he or she be excused and allow the succcessor to the property to have the full benefit thereof? Certainly not. Again, j would anyone having £ 250 in money be likely to apply for such relief? No; and the con- ditions are not remote from each other. WAIL OF THE RATE STRICKEN LADY. Those overseers are a cold-hearted lot, Devoid of sympathy are they; Our rates they would not abate one jot, When we applied the other day. So now our bicycles we must sell, And our pretty balldresses too; Else to the police court go pell-mell Which iu our position would never do. | And Fit/william must sell his horse, And Richard his retrievers, too; For the law must be obeyed, of course, And we must all find work to do. But the day will come-let it be soon. When all "this much changed will be When beauty'll enclave, some moaiey'd "spoon," Who from our debts will set us free. Lady Maud Silvia Carnateon D'Raty. The erection of Xeatn's new theatre will be commenced at the end of May or the begin- ning of June. The teachers under the Llantwit Lower School Board are having a very rough time. I hey are suffering from an absence of salary. It appears that the grant due to the Board has lost its way. or more likely the hands of the Board of Education are securely tied with red tape, which is far stronger than the At- lantic cable. Anyhow, the position of the teachers is a very serious one. Elementary tea-oners are not too well paid, and conse- quently many of them are unable to meet their obligations. The Board itself is fear. jullv haid up. for on Wednesday their cheque for rates was dishonoured. What a grievous signt it would be to see them in the police court. I really thought they had exhausted all their claims to notoriety*

SHOCKING TALE OF SQUALOR AND CRUELTY. Coal-Trimmer Summoned for Child Neglect. Wife's Passion for Drink. At the Swansea Police Court on Wednesday Jesse. Wilson, 27, .Sebastopol Street, coa1- tiimmer, and Ann Wilson, his wife, were charged with wilfully neglecting their chil- dren on January 23 and divers other dates. Mr. Dormer Andrews, in pioseeutang on be- half of the Society fr-r the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, said that this was abso- lutely the worst case of the sort Le had ever had to deal with, so far as drunkenmessi WiLv concern. Inspector P arse spoke of being called on by till male defendant on 25th November, who c.tme voluntarily and made the following statement:—"My wife is much addicted to drink, and neglects the children. She was drinking all day yesterday, and has been winking more or less evtry dav. She lias pawned everything she can "lay her hands on for orink. I have given her 40s. ev-err week, and don t know what she does with it u-iie-M she drinks it. And she must drink it. I pay tii- rent. I have tried everything to make her different, and last Saturday week I beat her so much that I nearly killed her. That little one has got the measles, and lias been left sitting in the chair all day long without being drtssed or; looked after. Tlie children are broken out all over their bodies with sores and it is all through notliing but neglect. 1 am afraid I shall murder her mile-is son> thmg is done, and I am afraid for tieem little ones. She is a, 1110st violent woman, and Iget anybody into the liruse to ]-K>k aftee th:in. The husband produced eighteen pawn tickets for clothing, etc., pawned out of the house. Witness spoke of the woman's condi- tion when he went to the house. The door was locked, and he waited till the woman re- turned. She had bel n drinking and was ex- cited. She showed him over the house, which lie described as being fairh- clean, but the beds were filthy, and the children neglected and unclean. (hie had notliing on but a petti- coat one of the boys nothing but a pair of trousers, and all were insufficiently looked after. The woman said to witness. "It's ail through him. He has got another woman. She was then. the worse for liquor but on his seeing her two days later she was sober, and somewhat frightened because she had received summonses from other sources. A fortnight later he called and found that she had broken her promise regarding the children, but was then quite sober. Shortly afterwards, when he went to the house, Jesse Wilson said "She's drinking again, and is like a madwoman." The baby's bad. and I'm afraid something will happen to it. When I got home from work this afternoon I found tiie babv in bed alone, and covered over with a pillow. She'd not been washed or dressed, and had been in bed all day. I called in P.C. Williams, and he saw the child's condition. Next dav he went to the house with P.C. Taylor, and found the four children in the kitchen. The baby had on only a long cotton chemise, and the house, especially the beds, was filthy. He then called ill Dr. Evans. Witness went on to de- scribe the several other visits, and finding the female defendant drinking again. Witness said that Wilson himself was a steady, hard- working man, earning P,3 and JM a week at times. In answer to Mr. Thomas (for the male de- fendant). Inspector Pearce said he attributed the wreck of the home to the woman, who was very excitable. Valuable articles, costing £5 and more, she had smashed to atoms. She had pawned the children's clothing, that of her husband, his boots, and so on in order to get drunk. She had involved her husband into over JE20 worth of debt. Sergt. Evans (9) corroborated the last wit- ness as to Mrs. Wilson's drunken habits. Mrs. Wilson You've never seen me. ex cept when my husband has put you on to me. (Excitedly.) It's a polite way of getting rid of me, gentlemen. He wants to get quit of me. Sergt. Evans (to the Bench) She goef- about all day long with five or six other drunken women, all dav long.. P.C. Taylor (22) and P.C. Porter (84), a^o deposed to the woman s habits. Botn asked her to give up drink, and had reque. publicans not to serve her. T Mrs. Wilson (to P.C. Porter)nJ speak to you one mornmg ft't "J!5.. slid I was locked out? A»d didn tjou spit .i V i „o,r "tTirh! woman? And on the floor and say, -t ,.j t -inct as clean as voui ^vife S he'fhad bottles of brandy and bits of tobacco from a. bribes. Bribes, that s "what it is It. s a way ^Inspector EJston (School Board) also said he bad seen the female defendant under the influence of dunk. He did so oU March 17th. Mrs. Wilson (fieicely) R s a made up thing. Iheyve made it up, one with the other. At this point the magistrates discharged the male defendant, and Mrs. Wilson was com- mat- the Quarter Sessions. J.U a i Davies-. 1 think it's a scandal that such a state of affairs should exist. Here have we been sitting for hours trying this poor woman who for years has been obtaining drink from publicans in St. Thomas <under the knowledge of the police, and yet while she was going to ruin the publicans got off Scot- free and had not to appear before the magis- trates. I think it's disgraceful."

MEY'SWATCH SPRING CORSETS THE MOST SHAPELY AS WELL AS THE MO.-T DURABLE IN THE TRADE. Once tried always worn. DEPOT— RHYS THOMAS. 81, OXFORD STREET, SWANSEA. The Cardiff steamship Powyscourt arrived in Swan sea, Bay by the afternoon's tide from Carlo Port. When the pilots prepared to board her. the master signalled that he had small-pox on board. The ship i" liow await- ing the instructions of the medical officer ot health. We understand that the chief matt is suffering from the disease.

A series of cliaractar sketclie? ef "Great Criminal Judges." sLarts in tlie April "Pall 1 Mall Magazine" from thE: pen 01 Mi-. E. B- Bowe-n Rowland.*?, son of the Recorder of sv.-amea.

I The stated preference of the Candanian Manufacturers' Association for Welsh an. -thracite has already created a fillip in inquir- ies from the Dominion. It is whispered in several quarters that the presence of an exalted personage is being confidently looked forward to in connection with the cutting of the first sod of the new Swansea dock. So mote it. be. Efforts to induce Mr. W. Redmond. M.P., to visit Swansea, are not being as actively pursued as some local Irishmen would desire. As in every other branch of politics, there is a split—small, 'tis true; but, nevertheless, a split. Swansea has been looming large in the shipping papers of late. This kind of adver- tising is bound to do the port good. The ef- fect, in fact. is already seen in the suggestive letters being received at the Harbour Trust regarding accommodation. The condition of the Gower Roads is a matter that is just now seriously affecting cyclists. Last season it was no pleasure to cycle beyond Parkmill, and there is no doubt that the surface of the roads in this part of the country is greatly inferior to that of the rural districts in England. Such opposition as is threatened against the G.W.R.'s new anthracite district line will come solely, it seems, from the neighbouring ports whose share of the trade will be ab- sorbed by Swansea, thanks to the new line's facilities. Swansea influence will be pitted against that of Llanelly and Port Talbot. Sir John Llewelyn, in his capacity as a director of the Great Western Railway, has received a novel compliment. An engine now building at Swindon is to be christened after him. This is not the only inanimate thing to which the Squire of Penllergaer has stood godfather, though the other baptism was of a very different nature. It is difficult to square the verdict and sen- tence in the Pentre murder case with ordinary I logic. Either the girl was the victim of a peculiarly brutal and unprovoked murder, or .her death was self-inflicted. It was a case for a verdict of wilful murder or acquittal. The jury appear to have compromised with their consciences, with the result that the accused has either to suffer too little or too much. The Devonshire footballers who were at St. Helens last week created a very favourable impression on the spectators, and the general opinion is that the Albions deserve more re- cognition from the English Union authorities than they have had this season. Still it is evident that the best Welsh Clubs are more than a match for the best team in Enogland, and although Swansea did not play up to form, they thoroughly deserved to win. The Anthracite Coal Combine movement has progressed a stage, but it would be a If i¡¡- take, nevertheless, that all the difficulties have been overcome. They have not. The crucial test will come when the moment ar- rives for financing the "Trust." Sume at least of the colliery proprietors will not be content with "scrip" in the undertaking !Ot" their property, but insist upon the consider i- tion for transfer being current cash. The reflection provoked by the details of the Pontardulais breach oi promise case is that something is to be said for the French view which holds as ridiculous the principle that money may serve as a suitable solatium for a bruised or broken heart. When elderly folk with children old enough to be parents j submit themselves to the ordeal of an action, the law itself stands in danger of being con- sidered an absurditv. Civil actions from Swansea concerned with the merits of the work done have greatly oc- cupied the judges recently. In the result, the legal profession have reaped abundantly. Would it not have been better for the litigants to call in an arbitrator to adjust the disputes and thus avoid the enormous costs. A tri- bunal for dealing expeditiously and unexpen- sively with commercial suits would be a great blessing for our industries. I The tragic ending of General Hector Mac. donald has produced a popular sorrow, with the poignacy of a personal grief. His rise from the ranks to be Major-general had con- stituted him an idol with the masses. The beclouding of his life, after so much sterling service to his country—whether due to slan- der or to a failure to withstand temptations which so often prove irresistible to men -called unexpeeterly to a position of great power—is the subject of acute regret wher- ever British people foregather. Swansea School Board shows no disposition to recede from the decision in virtue of which the ratepayers are to contribute in the imme- diate future the equivalent of a halipenny rate in order that the exterior of the Hafod Schools may have a slightly better appear- ance. In its virtual irresponsibility as a moribund body, the Boa id does not scruple rto set public opinion at defiance. Indirectly the attitude taken up must operate against the principle of co-option, in so far as the new education authority is concerned. If Swansea is to have a. surface contact system it must be the Dolter. That much was settled at the last meeting of the Council, but the decision merely enables the Corp.na- tion to get at close quarters with the J iftciu- ties. The principal of these is the obje 'in of the Tramways Company to have to pay rental upon and work a system not contem- plated when the agreement to lease the n-v lines was made. On Tuesday next some idea will be obtained of the nature and -eilii-y of the reasons upon which the objection is basri for Mr. Tegidmeyer. the chairman is to meet the seven members appointed to represent the Corporation at the conference proposed. The latter is to be held at Swansea. The fixed price of JB50 which the Parks 'Committee exacts for the us of Victoria Park by such exhibitions as Barnum and Baileys •does not strike one as being excessive. The damage to the "complexion" of the park in one sense is nil; the two great stretches of open land' will never be frequented but by small boy teams, who use their piled-up coats impartially for wickets or goals. On the other hand, the crowds who attend these shows invariably wear away the ground, ■ trample the grass out of existence, strew orange-peel and paper everywhere, and gen. jerallv contrive to render the park, as an open space and not as a park proper, a pain to the eye- Then the watering arrangements of the circuses, etc., invariably result in the exis- tence of patches of mud, and the tout en- semble reminds one of the stretches of waste ground behind Swansea's mean streets, where the inhabitants dry their washing. For all this JB50 is not an exorbitant complication, and the cost of putting the ground into order absorbs a part. at least of the balance which .18 a not inappreciable addition to the funds of the Parks and Open Spaces Com- mittee.