The Cambrian

"l1 — SWANSEA COUNCIL'S WRIT. COMMITTEE DECIDED TO DEFEND INTERESTING CORRESPONDENCE. POSITION OF CLERK AND SUPERINTENDENT. At Swansea Education. Committee en Monday aitemoon, Aid. R- Martin presiding, the Clerk read a letter from the Town Clerk in reference to a writ served upon him by the managers of the Swansea Nat* rw I School, for payment of £ lo<J, alleged to be due to til a managers for monies received by the defendants for thj use of the plain- I toffs, and. enquiring whether it was desired it should be defended. Appearance would have to be entered eight days from the 13th iast. The Clerk mentioned that Dr. Williams {Superintendent 01 Education) and himseif "were cited itnoogst t rid piamtifi managers, but he wished to ooint out they were not parties to it. Re" (the clerk) received a notice of March 7th, giving notice ot a. maiiagers' meeting to concider ''recovery ot 40 per cent, of fees determined by the Boar of Education to be the proportion oi ^eee payable by the Local Education Authority to the managers, and resolution ao to in- structing the legal adnisers to take pro- «eedings to recover the same." When he received that he wrote tne lowing btter:— '"March 10th, 19C6.—Dear Sir,—-1 receipt of vour notice, register^' ol toe managers' meeting to be held m the town. I have an Education Committee on the same „afternoon, and it is unlikely that it wiM finish its business in time to let r..e tree to attend t.he rrarragers' meeting, but it I ftffi free in time, I do not see that adij good purpose will be served by my attending. "1 think I oucrht to state that I am some- what surprised at the course of action pro- posed to be taken by the managers respect- mg the question of the proportion of school fees, as I nresume they are aware tnat the president of the Board of Education has the ntatter under reconsKieraiion.-—Yours, etc., A. W. Halden. On March 15th Mr. F. P. Wood wrote stating that they bad had no intimation that the president of the Board of Education bad tiie matter under reconsideratioc., and there- fore they were not aware of the master re- ierred to in the letter front Mr. Halden. The Chairman said the co-mmumcaition to the oresident of the Education Depart- msnt pointed out to him that the Education Department had improperly arrived at their decision—improperly "because they^ had given us no opportunity of replying to the statement made bv the managers, and we had not reallv finished with the case. Mr. Cadwalladr asked if anything more had been done since the deputation had ■waited? The Chairman said they had toO tOO managers that the president ot the_ Education had consented to recer/e^ ^se- cond communication, and it had oe^ Until the president had had tame to corner the matter, he thought it has^e on the part of those gentle done what they had. • -v.—i MT. D. Harm said nnial the prendect gave his final decision, he W tber the plaintiffs had cause for MT. Cadwalladr complained that .he mana- j .-j PothiciI s action, gers did not know o- trie •nd he thought that should be • The Chairman said Mr. Bakien ,tne dak) bad written the managers before JIOT meet- ing, and they must have nad M*. D. Harris thought the Town Clerk should be instructed to put in an appear- ance to the writ Mr. Moy Evans thought firrwier step6 abouw be taken, and the Board of Educa- tion at once communicated with. The Mavor: And the writ sent to them. Mr. CadwaiJadr said he was under the im- pression that no action had been taken since the president stated that they must show a strong case before be reversed the de- cision of his predecessor. He would really like to know what had been done. Thereupon the Clerk read a. long letter dated March 9th, addressed to the president of the Board of Education. The letter stal.ed "that the Local Education Authority is stronglv of opinion that the decision of the Board of Education respecting the ap- portionment of the school fees is not a just -onm cue, and should be rescmded on tbe grounds that it was arrived at irregularly and upon incomplete information. In order fcbat, an equitable apportionment may be made, rt therefore claims that the question be re- opened, because (1st) the statements m the Board's letter of 25th October, 1905, are in- )c:, correct in the following respects (a.) The Inariagei-s ftrst brought up the question of the apportionment of school feee on Janu- ary 2nd, 1905; (b) no offer W36 made to the authority in April, 1905: (c) the only offer tnads was conveyed in the authority s letter to the managers, dated 22nd S^Ptc^ber, 1905, and was accompanied by an mvrfcartaon to submit a counter-proposal; (d) the mana- gers decline to make any counter-proposal, bat forthwith submitted their case to the Board of Education; (e) the authority de- nies that it is reswcsible for delay in con- nection with the matter; (f) no sta ■case for arbitration has been subnet* oy the authority to the Board. (2nd) So op- poartumtv was given to the authority to reply to the managers' statement oi óth October, 1905. Now, however, the author- ity is enabled to submit the following reply to that statement." The points are then dealt with seriatim, end the letter proceeds:— "The managers ptate that so far as they can and out, one- %>alf at least has been the proportion granted |)v authorities to the managers. This pro- portion no doubt has largely prevailed in oases where the authorities have abolished all echool fees, and where the amount of money involved was small one. This, however, is not the case where school fees have been permitted to be continued. Birmingham Affords a very excellent case in point. The managers ask for exceptional treatment on the ground that great expense will be in- rarrred involving the remodelling the school buildings, laying them under the oblige tdon of obtaining a loan and thus creating a Wvy annual charge. This claim as to an annual charge arising out of capital ex- penditure, the authority suomite, the mana- are not entitled to put forward as » g £ £ r a m>rtion of school fees. After a *ZZtnl consideration of the statement of the S^-erf^e Local Educon Authority for departing trom the prm- Se^et forth in its resolution of 20th Sep- Sbef, 1905, of which a copy is herewith SScbed, and which is submitted with every confidence to the Board, viz.:—That the Slv reasonable division of the school fees between the managers and the authority should be in accordance with their obliga- tions in respect of the maintenance of the school-house and the school.' The authority is not, however, wedded to the figures sub- mitted to the managers, and begs to repeat that if the managers can show that a larger VILM was spent in previous years on the school-house, it will be prepared to accept ifoe proportion shown by the average of such added years. A copy of the statement made on behalf of the deputation who waited on the presi- dent was also enclosed. P }jT. Cadwalladr said Birmingham was KK-ntioned by the Clerk in the letter. Tbe JJlerk might have given other instances. ù. Tutton moved that an appearance be entered to the writ, and the Town Clerk

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SWANSEA COUNTY COURT. MONDAY. f* Beieo Mr. Roogg, K.C.) I MORPJSTON PAINTER SUES SWAN- SEA HOTEL OWNER. Tliomas Phillips, painter and decorator, Morrist-on, sued Mrs. A. W. Rees, owner 'I of the "Ship Hotel." Wind-street. Swansea, for ±!7, amount of work done at the hotel. Mr. T. R. Harris was for the plaintiff, and I Mr. Stobo Andrews (Messrs. Andrews and Thompson), represented defendant. Mr. Harris said olaintiff received or- ders in March. 1904, from Mrs. Rees to paint the hotel, and this was carried out for JB5. Then a further eon-tract to replace some glass for JB3 was executed, making a total of £ 7. The defendant, however, con- tended that the tenant was liable to pay the amount, but his client woukl tell them he never saw the tenant and that the order ca,me irom the defendant. Answering Mr. Andrews, complainant said he asked Mrs. Mort, the tenant, for the money. She toid him it wasn't her I part to pay, and he then went to Mrs. I' Reee. Mr. Andrews: For nearlv two years you didn't ask her for the money?—Com- plainant: I thought I would give her time. <0 Had she asked for it?—No. sir. Mrs. A. W. Rees denied that she had given plaintiff instructions to do the work spoken of. By an arangement with her tenant, &he had nothing to do with the painting. )1r. Harris mentioned the des'rability of the tenant, who was now ill, being pre- sent, and Mr. Ruegg said he considered the case was rather serious, for one or the other seemed trying to conceal something. There would be an adjournment to the next court. BARNETT V. AUSTIN AND BRAYLEY. In re Sol. Barnett, Dynevor-place, Swansea, v. Peter Austin, Maeeteg, and the same plaintiff v. Mrs. Brayley, Mumbles, Mr. Edward Harris applied for the appointment of Mr. Trevor Evans, Salubrious-place, accountant, as receiver of the profits from defendant's properties. The applications were both granted. TUESDAY. Before Mr Ruegg, K.C. SEQUEL TO AN AUDIT. "Why won't you pay these costs." asked Mr. L. Richards of Picton Jones, Picton- terrace. Jones recently sued the Swansea Brickworks Company, having audited its accounts, and a verdict was given for the company, who had paid £ 15 15s. into court. The company's costs had been taxed at JE25, which Jones (the present defendant) now refused to pay. In reply to Mr. Rich- ards' question, defendant said his solicitor had taken the JE15 15s. in liquidation of his own costs, and he still owed him £ 7. \[r Richards: You are paid £ 2 2s. a day, aren't you?—Defendant: When I get work. Mr. Richards You told the judge you were a busy man !-Defendant: I was at that time. —He offered 21 a month, which Mr. Rich- ards characterised as ridiculous.—An order of 30s. a month was made. POUND A WEEK AND A MONOCLE. The monocle and smart Norfolk Bait a defendant wore were impressive. "What are you?" asked his Honour.—"A gardener, sir, earning about a pound a week," replied defendant, who, with his brother was sued by the Swansea Finance Company for £ 6. "And what are you do- ing?" asked his Honour of the brother who replied that he was a canvasser for the Na- tional Telephone Company, but was dis- missed for "a very curious rsason," but for no fault of his.—Two shillings a month was the order made. AN AMUSING INCIDENT. Mr. David Seline appeared in a judgment summons case for a creditor, and Be had also got consent to appear for debtor. Hie Honour: How will you appear in the dual capacity ? Are you going to give evidence on behalf of the plaintiff, and then on behalf of the debtor? (Laughter. )-M.r. Seline: A la Gilbert and Sullivan. (Renewed laugh- ter.)

WELSH COLLIERS' TRUCK ACT APPEAL. IMPORTANT FINA L DECISION IN THE LORDS. The House of Lords gave judgment on uesday in an important aopeal under the Truck Acts. Some men empfoyed in a Welsh eolliery absented themselves from their work in breach of contract The companv had ,50s. damages awarded them against each man for this breach and at the next pay-dav de- ducted10s. trom each wages with an intimation that there would be similar de- ductions on the two following paydays The workmen took action for breach r,f the Truck Acts and Justice Bucknill held the deduction to be illegal. The Court of Appeal upset this decision but the Lords now restored Justice Buck- nii's judgment with costs.

LLANDOVERY COLLEGE STEEPLE- ."1. CHASE. A cross-country steeplechase, confine:! to students at Llandovery College, took place OIL Saturday. Results Seniors: 1st, A. M. Griffiths; 2nd, D. P. Evans • 5rd, H. A. Morgan. Juniors: 1st. J. W. Lewis 2nd, Georgfe Jeffreys; 3rd, R..W. Williams. ===

MISS ROSN- A DAVIES AT LOUGHOR Miss 3Î"a. Da vies, the well-known evan- gelist, of Trehcrbert, is holding a fivEl days' mission at Horeb Welsh Congregational Church, Loughor. The chapel was crowded on Sunday. On Monday evening the placw was again <rowded. People came from all parts to hear the noted evangelist. She sings beautifully at the end of each sermon. Rev. J. Evans (Bryn), Llanellv, read Scrip- ture, and prayed at the commeocemeDt of the sorviews

r "HELPLESS AS A BABE." A LANDLADY CURED OF REEC. i MATISM BY BILE BEANS. A est Herts Post" representative has recently investigated a most remarkable cure of chronic rheumatism by Bile Beans. Mrs. Jane Bianchard, -.vite oi the landlord of the "Swan Inn," Bushey, said: — lor years I suffered from rheumatism. The whole of UJvlxKJv was tometimes af- fected, but my arms, Sfiouiclerr,, and back were particularly painful. I could not lift my hands up, not even do my hair, and for some time I was unable to dressmyself. I was as helpless as a newborn babe. During the daytime the pains were frightful, but a.t night they were worse, and I did not know what iu was to get a good night's sleep I simply had fitful dozing I scarcely knew how I got cut of bed in a morning, tor I could not L-,ewr to have my shoulders touch- ed. All this suffering wore me down, and i began to look liko a walking ghost. My neighbours said they never expected me to recover. I was medically attended by a local doctor, who told me he could do no permanent good. A week or two after commencing with Bile Beans I b-Pgan to improve. The use re- turned to my limbs, and I experienced great relief from the pains. I continued with the Beans, as I had received much encourage- ment, and I am now thankful to say that I am perfectly well again. The doctor saw me recently and told me' mine was a won- derful recovery. I attribute my cure solely to Bile Beans, Mid I am extremely grateful for what they have done." Bile Beans cured Mrs. Bianchard by ex- pelling the poisonous acid which bad accu- mulated in her blood. If you are troubled with rheumatism, Bile Beans will do as much for you as they accomplished for Mrs. Bianchard", and for thousands more. Bile Beans are Nature s rarest remedy, and can- not fail to remove all obstructions from your stomach, liver, and bowels. Bile Beans convert your food into pure, rich, warm blood, and keep all the functions of your body in perfect working order. Sold by all chemists, in sealed boxes, at Is. l^d., or 2s. 9d. for large family size (2s. 9d. siae contains three times as many beans as the Is. iid. siae).

AN IMPUDENT THEFT. SWANSEA RESIDENT THE LOSER. About seven o'clock on Saturday evening a respectably-dressed and well-spoken man was making the round of the houses on the Promenade, Swansea, begging. At the house of Mr. James West, after his sail, a door was heard to slam, and latterly the discovery was made that a fur boa and a gold chain worth about H5 were missing. The master was reported to the police, who subsequently arrested a person on sus- picion, but as neither of the missing articles was found upon him, and no one could identify him, he was discharged.

SWANSEA VOLUNTEERS. ARTILLERY ANNUAL CHURCH PARADE. The 1st Glamorgan R.G.A. Volunteers bad their annual church parade on Sunday after- noon, when to the number of 140 they marched from their headquarters to St. Mary's Parish Church. The officers present were Col. J. W. Williams, Capt. and Adju- tant G. Stratford Burton, Captains F. Brad- ford, T. Gregor, S. W. Thomas, and Captain and Quartermaster J. H. Davies. The Rev. W. Talbot Rice (chaplain) preached, dealing with the subject of temptation. To and from the church the band played, under Bandmaster Hanney. The parade caused large numbers to line the route.

SWANSEA HAY DEALER. FINED £ 5 FOR IGNORING A SUBPOENA At Monmouth, on Tuesday (before Judge Owen) it was stated that Mr. Thomas Jones, hay merchant, No. 34, Powell-street, Swan- 964, had ignored a subpoena. ) Jones had been served with a judgment summons by Messrs. Morgan Brothers, Itiy merchants, Monmouth, for failure to meet an instalment of L5 on a judgment debt, and had subpeenaed him to attend. Defendant did not appear, but sent a doc- tor's certificate that he was suffering from bronchial catarrh. His Honour observed that this was only a cold, which many of them had. Evidence was given by a Swansea County Court bailiff that he had paid defendant ample conduct money, and had seen him walking about tbe streets the previous day. His Honour fined defendant 95 for non- attendance, to be paid within seven days, or in default 21 days' imprisonment. He also adjourned the case, and, added his honour. Perhaps that will bring him here next time."

CWMFELIN WORKS DOCTORS' DISPUTE. CASE MENTIONED AT SWANSEA COUNTY COURT. The Cwmfelin Works (Swansea) medical officer dispute arrived at another stage on Tuesday when at Swansea County Court a question referred from chambers was argued, the point being as to whether the value of the appointment of medical officer to the works wa.s a partnership asset, and should be assessed in connection with the dissolu- tion of partnership. Mr. Leyson represent- ed Dr. Hubert Thomas, and Mr. Lleufer Thomas (barrister) (instructed by Mr. Bed- does Nash) appeared on behalf of Dr. J. Davies. The question had been raised before Judge Gwilym Williams at Mountain Ash bv Mr. Leyson, who, in the absence of his Honour, now now wished it adjourned. He submit- ted that Judge Williams had already decid- ed the appointment was not an assessable value. Mr. Lleufer Thomas It was only a strong expression of opinion. Mr. Leyson explained the whole trouble, and said that when the matter came before the Swansea Court defendant, Dr. Davies, set up a counter-claim, which was really a work of art as well as of ingenuity. (Laugh- ter.) Dr. Davies suggested that after three years of sitting down quietly and in satisfac- tion with the agreement, he wanted to call three arbitrators to rectify the agreement. The judge dismissed that counter-claim, and the plaintiff took an ordinary decree. Were his friend able to successfully contend he was entitled to have this partnership valued there would have to be a special term in the decree. His Honour You say I am not to try this; what am I to try then? Mr. Leyson: Nothing. (Laughter.) They know they would get short shrift from Judge and t.hey think to get more from vou. I am not going to allow you to reopen it, if 1 may respectfully say so. 'His Honour: I don't know where I am, hardly. (Laughter.) Mr. Leyson said it would be very foolish for him to have the matter reopened when he had a decision in his favour. His Honour: Shall I try it, then? Mr. Levson: I would rather you didn't. Mr! Lleufer Thomas I don't know why iny friend has come hers- if he didn't want my friend has come her if he didn't want it tried. (Laughter.) | Mr. Leyson Because 1 knew Mr. Thomas | would be here even if I were not; and, be- sides, it's on the list. The case is this, that defendant tried to get Dr. Thomas the cake and eat it. The matter was referred to next court.

N S Diu 7 THE VERY BEST WHEN WEANED. TO BE USED WITH htH_K.

I BRITON FERRY BLAZE. I SHOP PREMISES GUTTED. [ INMATES' NARROW ESCAPE. FIRE ALARM FAILS TO WORK, i Briton ecece of. a some-1 what alarming fire on Tuesday, about three a.m., the premises of Mr. Howells, photo-j grapher, Neath-road, Briton Ferry, and ad- joining the Post Office, ^eing completely gutted. it appears that Mrs. Howe!lb awoke, and it appears that Mrs. Howe!lb awoke. and I I fund the bedroom full cf sruoke and a strong smell of burnins. She at once aroused her husband and both got up and found, on opening the door, that the house was on fire. There being no possibility of escape over the stairs, which were in fime" My. Howells, unassisted, had to lower his wife out through the window, and aiterwaids handed his seven children down to her. Fortunately the window was only about 91 "eet above the street, and consequently no iniuries were sustained. Mr. Richards, the larilord of the An- chor Inn, opposite, seeing the sorry plight I in which the Howells family were lu, rushed out and rendered assistance. The family found shelter in his house, and he pro- ceeded to sound the fire alarm, which was situate some distance away, but found it would not act. Shortly afterwards the police arrived on the scene, and Inspector Bennett and men threw water on the flames, but with little effect. The members of the fire bri- gade, who had to be called separately, soon afterwards came on the scene, and the fire engine could not at first be got out because the horse gear was out of order and horses were not available. Buckets had meanwhi.e to be requisitioned from neighbours. Even- tualily the engine was drawn by hand to the scene of the fire, but considerable damage had by this time been done, and it was of little use. The house was gutted and the brigade bad to turn their attention to the adjoining premises. No internal damage was dOIl-e to the poet- office, but the roof of Mr. Berni's (confec- tioner) shop next to Mr. Howells' was burnt through, and the occupant, an Italian, who was fast asleep, was only with great difficulty aroukjed, And had to be assisted downstairs, having been overcome wit-h smoke. He was ta.ken to the residence of Mr. Stein close by. It is stated that the extent of the damage is about £1,000, and that the premises are not insured. EXCITING MOMENT: CHILD OVER- LOOKED. An exciting incident happened when the children, whose ages ranged from one to twelve, were being lowered into the street. At the last moment it was ascertained that one of the little ones had been over- looked, and for some time could not be found. Search was promptly made, and after much anxiety it was discovered and carried away in safety from one of the roo cut off by the flames. The cause of how the fire originated has not yet been made known.

BISHOP HUGHES AT RESOL VEN. REV. DAVID THOMAS (CRYNANT) INSTITUTED. At Resolven Parish Church on Saturday, the Bishop of Llandaff instituted Rev. David Thomas to the living. There were present Revs. J. C. Thomas, rural dean; J Ll. Thomas, Aberpergwm: L. H. Wal, ters, Aberavon; Llcyd Williams, Briton j ierry; Gilbert Williams, Skew en R. E. Williams (Congl.), Resolven; D. C. Davies (B.), Resolven; J. H. Searle (B.), Resolveu, and others. Ecng was intoned by Rev J. Dewi Jones, enraxe. The rural dean afterwards inducted the new vicar- Rev. David Thomas was edu- cated at Lampeter. and has held curacies at Pentrebach, Llwynypia, and Cadoxton- juxta-Neath. For the past year he has been in charge at Crynant. ■

WORK FOR WELSH COUNCIL. 1R. BIRRELL'S HINT TO LLANDUDNO DEPUTATION. A deputation from Llandudno Council ap- proached Mr. Birrell, Miniver for Educa- tion, to ascertain what relief could be ob- tained for the burden which Llandudno and other highly-rated towns bear. Mr. Birrell, it is understood, proposes to leave the question, in so far as it relates to Wales, to be dealt with by the proposed Welsh National Council. Mr. Brynmor Jones, M.P., who is draft- ing the Welsh scheme, has promised to listen to all arguments for more, equable rating brought forward at Cardiff conference this week. Mr. Allgood, Cardiff Liberal Association, declared in a series of meetings on Tuesday night, that he had been told by the mover of the resolution, which opposed the invita- tion to Bishops, etc., to make the covering letter as strong as possible, yet that gentle- man had called a meeting of the Executive Committee to enquire into his (Mr. All good's) conduct in the matter.

"LIKE A PANTOMIME HERE." CANDID CONFESSION BY COCKETT COUNCILLOR. FFORESTFACH COLLECTOR GETS AN I INCREASE. Cockett Parish Council mat on Tuesday evening, Mr. C. H. Perkins presiding. Mr. J. Henry having resigned the repre- sentation of Waunarlwydd, Mr. Oliver Jones was appointed his successor. Mr. Browne, of Sketty, withdr«»w his resigna- tion. The Mynyddbach-y-Glo footpath was again discussed. Waunarlwydd ratepayers sent a petition urgmg for repair, as the path was a danger to children going to school.—Mr. T. Hopkins moved that the path be removed, but an amendment, moved by Mr. John Bevan, that the members for Waunarlwydd form a committee and con- sider the asking of the landowners to con- tribute to the upkeep of the path, was car- ried. It was resolved to write to owners of the Caergynydd Colliery asking them to fence in the colliery, as it was a danger to the j public. Mr. Ben Jones, assistant overseer, applied for an increase of salary. Mr. T. Jones moved the application be granted. Mr. Browne, seconding, suggested that it be raised to £ 140.—Mr. Tom Hopkin objected to any increase, and said the work only lasted three days a week. After discussion, in which Mr. J. Bevan, Mr. Thomas Williams, and Mr. D. E. Hop- kin participated, a vote was taken, there being for the increase: Messrs. o. Jones, John, R F. Browne, T. D. Jenkins, W. Jones, and J. Bevan (6); and against: D. E. Hopkins. T. Williams, T. Hopkins, and R. Powell (4). The official will be paid JE140 per year. Mr. D. E. Hopkins moved that the Coun- cil meetings be held m the respective wards alternately. Discussion ensued, during which the Clerk stated that the object for so doing was to deprive, him of attending the meetings, and pointed out that Mr. Hop- kins, the mover of the resolution, lived in the ward in which present meetings were held, but his Attendance was poor. If lie took such a keen interest in the Council he should attend the meetings ofteuer. Mr. Hopkins resented the statement, and said, "I had no idea of depriviilg the Council of its model." It was eventually decided not to change the venue of. the meetings. ° Mr. D. E- Hopkins' motion that the printing be let by tender was lost. Mr. T. D. Jenkins said he had been very quiet that evening. Chairman You have. Mr. T. D. Jen Kins It s like a pantomime I here. j Mr. T, Hopkins: No, circus.

NEATH WOUNDING CASE AT THE ASSIZES. PHOSECUTOR UNDERGOES EYERE CROSS-EXAMINATION. EAROX ALTKRSTONE BINDS ACCUSED OVER. At Glamorgan Assizes on Tuesday—before the Lord Chief Justice—a lad named Harold Harris, employed as greaser at Neath Gal- vanising Works, surrendered to hi", bail, charged with wounding Joseph G«-thing, en- | gineman at the same works, wiih a kmfc, on February 27tit last. Mr. Ivor Powen (in- strncted by MT. Trevor Hunt er) appeared for prosecutor, and Mr. Lloyd Morgan (in- structed by Messrs.. Morgan and David) de- fended. Prosecutor said accused came into the engine room and refused to go out. (prosecutor) pushed him, and tho boy, after falling over a heap of coal, pulled out a pocket-knife and stabbed him in the left side, though the wound was not a serious one. Mr. Lloyd Morgan put it that prosecutor caught hold of the boy by the t hroat and nearly suffocated him. Prosecutor denied this, but admitted tak- ing defendant by the throat about a month ago. Judge What was that for? Prosecutor Because he was shouting out between the machinery. Counsel Did you do that more than once? —I may have without knowing it. You are rather fond of taking people by the throat?—No, sir. Prosecutor admitted having assaulted men named Flaherty and Probert, but said he had reasons for eo doing, which he gave. Counsel: You are rather fond of assaulting people?—Oh, no, sir. You knew this boy was rather delicate?— I don't know about delicate, but I know he is rather different to other boys. You mean mentally—rather weak-minded? —A little, sir; I only knew that the other day. You had taken a great dislike to this boy ?—Not at all, sir. In further explanation, prosecutor ad- mitted rubbin-g his greasy bands in the boy's face. Counsel: What did you do that for ?— Only love or friendship. (Laughter.) Prosecutor also admitted putting oil in accused's food-basket because, he said, it was always in the way. Amongst other witnesses, Dr. Morris stated that, although the wound was not a dangerous one, prosecutor was too weak to return to his work. A fair amount of force must have been used. P.C. Michael said that when charged, ac- cused said "I did not mean to do it, and I am sorry for it." Witness was unable to produce the okod-stained ?hirt as he had left his bag in the -train to Cardiff, and had taken another bag instead. (Laughter.) Ac- cused bore an excellent character. On the suggestion of the Lord Chief Jus- i tice, the plea of "Not guilty" was with- drawn, and in binding the lad over in the sum of B5, said it was very unmanly to use the knife, but that he bad been provoked.

TELEPHONE RENTS. SEVERAL SWANSEA CASES SETTLED. At Swansea County Court on Monday— before the Registrar-—were several cases in which the Corporation were plaintiffs, the defendants being sued for rent of instru- ments. fr. W. A. Thomas represented tho Cor- poration. Most of the cases bad been settled. Judgment woo given for the Council in four cases, and thtce others were adjourned until next court. We understand that the- three defendants in question have offered the Corporation half the amount claimed-about £3. It will be recollected that the premise of prompt inter-communication (which defen- dants allege was not fulfilled) is the bone of contention.

IS SWANSEA'S SHORE GOING? LOCAL SCIENTISTS' OPTIMISTIC OPINIONS. WHEN SWANSEA BAY WAS DRY LAND. The recent scare anent the danger of Swansea's seashore being washed away does nOí unduly alarm local scientists. Lectur- ing on sea erosion at the Royal Institution, on Monday, Mr. Morgan Jones, B.A., said that local erosion was not very active, and for his address he would have to turn to other parts of England, where it was caus- ing great anxiety. The ordinary bb and flow of tides caused very little trouble, but when currents set in there was a friction on the bed, and, even in the little bays round the Gower ooa.st, some erosion was [he result. WTind waves, however, were the chief agent of destruction; in some cases they had, by measurement, been shown to exercise a force of two or three tons on each square foot. The hardest rock must give way to I such force as that in the end. The Gower coast was undoubtedly lower than it had been since the chalk period, and the, caves in which prehistoric men lived were now on thejevel of the sea. There was no doubt that Swansea Bay was once dry land, and that too, speaking geologically, at a very late period. The sand hills were much reduced, and for the London and North-Western Railway it was becoming s serious matter. Mr. Jones spoke of the conditions on the east and south coasts, where at parts as much as a yaid was washed away every few years. This aspect was not very comforting to the audience, and the lecturer spoke then on the means of protection. This was just as bad, in Yorkshire, he said, defence walls had cost as much as £10 per lineal yard. There are, however, cheaper means. such as by groynes^ and Mr. Jones men- tioned that if Swansea wanted to prevent that expense being necessary t hey must stop things being removed from the shores, not- only sand and shingle, b'ufc even seaweed. (Applause.) (Applause.) An interesting addition to the lecture was made by Col. Morgan, whose few remarks on the local coast were much appreciated He differed from Mr. Jones as to the age WHEN SWANSEA BAY WAS DRY LAND, and thought they must at least go back to the ice age. The question was, had Swan- sea Bay gone down since historical times? He believed that one foot was the total depth ÜlA land had sunk since Roman times, and as for the erosion spoken so much of lately, be did not think it existed. (Hear, hear.)

SKIPPER OF THE "BRITISH KING." HOW BRAVE CAPT. O'HAGAN DIED. WELL-KNOWN IN SWANSEA SHIPPING CIRCLES. there is no more inspiring page of lartry in the history of the mercantile marine than the account of the death of Capt. O'Hagan, of the ill-fated British King, which foundered in the Atlantic, with tha loss of 23 lives. Capt. O'Hagan sustained injuries during attempts to repair the damage done to the hub of tho vessel.-—On Saturday the ship had sett-led down noticeably, and realising the necessity for quick action, the captain hurriedly descended into the hold, but while IIp. was working at the spot where the most damage had been done. he was struck bv a heavy barrel, which fractured his leg in two places. Notwithstanding, however, the fact that the bone was protruding and that he had sustained internal injuries as well, the captain refused to be carried to his cabin, a-nd, after the injured limb had been bound up, he resumed the work of plugging the hole. Capt. O'Hagan is well-known in Swansea, and for some years traded regularly to the port in the same steamer, in the tinplate carrying trade to the States; a sister boat, the British Queen, being also a frequent visitor. The utmost sympathy is expressed over the melancholy end of so brave a skipper.

SWANSEA EDUCATION COST. The amount required for elementary and higher education in Swansea for the coming half-year is £ 18,060. A halfpenny rate will be required for intermediate, and a penny rat? for technical purposes. rat? for technical purposes.

GERMANS AND KIDWELLY COAL. POWERFUL SYNDICATE MOVE. Hamburg, Satuiday.—I have made careful inquiries regarding the negotiations, which are rapidly proceeding, for the purchase by a. German syndicate of the Gwendraeth aai- thracite field in Carmarthenshire. The firm of De Freitas, which bought the Whitworth field, is not concerned tnl-he present deal, but the shareholders include ti.e powerful Rhemisch-Westphalische Koh- len Syndicate, and the Kohlen Depot Gesell- schaft. The latter has already established coaling stations at numerous strategic points, and Ú; about to build a vast depot at Hamburg. The desire for Welsh mines, which will render them independent of the British markets in supplying these depots, is natur- ally keen. Some English capital has been invested in the new syndicate.—"Daily Mail." PRIME MINISTER AND THE RE- PORTED KIDWELLY DEAL. In the House of (Commons on Monday (308 briefly reported in our green edition last evening), Mr. Lonsdale (U., Armagh, Mid) asked the First Lord of the Treasury whether the Government had any information of the con- clusion of negotiations for the purchase of two anthracite collieries in Wales by a German syndicate, and whether they pro- posed to take steps to prevent the aliena- tion of the sources of supply of a com- modity essential to our naval supremacy. Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman: The Gov- ernment have no information at their dis- posal. A similar question was addressed to the late Prime Minister on more than one occasion towards the close of the last ses- sion, and I can only repeat what he said on August 1, viz., that we have no reason to believe that there is a German syndicate in treaty for any area of the same coal which is used by the Navy. With respect to the second part of the question, the Ad- miralty aTe satisfied that there is no neces- sity for taking any steps in the matter, and in that view the Government generally con- cur.

STABBING CHARGE AT SWANSEA POLICE COURT. BARGEMAN-ROW LABOURER'S ALLEGED USE OF A KNIFE. WAS IT JEALOUSY ? GIRL MISSES AN APPOINTMENT. At Swansea on Wednesday Dd. Thomas, labourer, Bargeman's-row, wae charged with catting and wounding Bertie Williams, Fox- holo-road. Complainant said he was on the corner of Betbesda-street, talking to a young woman named Martha Davies, when defendant met them, pushed the female away, and told her to go home. Defendant then took out a knife and stabbed him in the side. He fell to the grotuid, and de- fendant kicked him when on the ground Bo til were sober. They had both known Martha Davies for many years. Clerk: Do you know whether defendant had been courting her? Complainant: 1 don't know. Were you courting her?—Only for that night. Clerk: Oh, a short courtship. Defendant: You didn't hit me, did you? Complainant: No. Defendant: That's a lie. Co-mplainamt responded that he only pushed him away. Martha Davies, single, Bethesdo-street paid she had made an appointment to meet defendant, but didn't fulfil it. Whæ1e she was taking to complainant defendant came up and asKed her if she was going home. Then he went across to complainant a.nd they quarrelled. Bertie Williams struck the first blow and they fought together. Both fell, and defendant kicked Williams while on the ground. She and girl suc- ceeded in separating them. Clerk: Did you see a knife in the hand of Dd. Thomaa? Witness No, sir. When did you hear Williams had been stabbed ?—When they came to the house for me afterwards. In reply to defendant, witness denied that complainant had also kicked him, but de- fendant persisted that he did. Louisa Payne, Tohn-street, corroborated. She said she heard prosecutor say that pris- oner had a knife, but there was no knife in his hand. She knew, because she had hold of his coat, and must have seen it if he had. P.C. Balsdon found prosecutor bleeding from a wound in the stomach. He made a complaint, and witness arrested defendant. "I used no knife," said defendant. "I ad- mit kicking him in self-djefence. If lie says I used a knife, it's a lie! hard lines on a man if he can't walk the streets in peace, he remarked, white on the way to the station. A small penknife, with only one small blade was found on complainant. There were no marks on it. Dr. Marks, Swansea Hospital, found a clean cut wound an inch below the end of the breastbone. It was half an inch deep. The shirt and waistcoat were cut. A ack wcruldn t have done it. The cut could have been made by the knife produced. COMMITTED TO QUARTER SESSIONS Defendant, who said there had been a fight and complainant had kicked "him but he used no knife, was committed to take has tnal at the next Quarter Session, being bound over on his own recognisances in the sum of £10. 1

OPENING UP "SWANSEA" COAL. RAILWAY DEVELOPMENTS IN THE DISTRICT. The Landore Hoop compJeted, the G.W.R. are taking in hand the construction of the direct lines authorised in 1904 to connect Poaiardulais with Dynevor. At present ooal from the Amman Valley and Mountain Branch must reach Swansea either by the L. and N.W .R. from Pontardulais or by the roundabout route via Llandilo Junc- tions. The new authorised railways wiH give the coal a direct run in one hand, that of the G.W.R., into the Swansea Docks. In February of last year the sliareholders of the G.W.R. voted for this line, but tho start has not yet been made. Last month the shareholders gave their assent to the expenditure, of £50,000 for doubling the line betwee- Pantyffynon and Llanelly, and the directors state "that this doubling is preliminary to the construction of the Swansea direct line. This doubling will no doubt take 12 months, so that it may well be 1907 before the contract is let for the new direct line. It is said there are now good prospects of an early start by the Neath, Pontardawe and Brynamman Company to tap the Am- man Y alley, and provide it with an even more direct route both to Swansea and Port Talbot. If they can do this they should have their railway opened and at work weJH ahead of the G.W.R. new line. Whichever is first, completed will confer great bene- fits on the people in the Amman Valley, where improved connection with the ports is urgently wanted.

LOST FIVE POUND NOTE. TORN TO PIECES, PUT TOGETHER AND CASHED. A Neath butcher named Madge, return- ing home from Skewen, lost a five pound note. On discovering his loss he informed P.S. Jones, Skewen, who discovered near Coed- franc Schools—some distance from where could possibly have been 106t--a. portion of the missing note with the number on. P-S. Jones visited the schools and ques- tioned the children. One youngster barely six years old recognised the portion pro- duced, and said he had cat up the other part to paste on his spinning-top. He pointed out the place where this had been done. P.S. Jones was able to collect most of the missing parts, and paste them together, and the owner was able to cash the note.

¡ STORM CLOUDS AGAIN. SECOND RUSSIAN RISING. OFFICIALS' STERN PREPARA- TIONS. St. Petersburg, Sunday.—The hopes that the convocation ot the Duma would restore tranquility and assure political reforms m Russia have been counteracted by the extra- ordinary military preparations which arc being in all parts ot the empire. L Durnovo, Minister of the Interior, is strengthening the garrisons in many large towns which are regarded an revolutionary centres. Large quantities of ammunition, together with machine guns, have been shipped from the principal arsenals, and Irtish Cossacks are steadily pouring into Europe from the south-west provmceb. Reports received by the Ministry oi the Interior from every part of the country point unmistakably to the organisation of another aTmed rising. Instead oi treating these warnings with contemptuous indifference, as in the past, the Government has determined to crush the rising art, the outset. M. Durnovo has ordered the military authorities to show no mercy. Every man or woman found in possession of a, bomb, or any kind of explosives, is to be summarily shot or hanged. Bomb factories are being constantly raided, especially in Moscow, Kieff, and the Baltic provinces, and revolu- tionary prisoners aTe as constantly "dis- appearing," after having been taken into custody. IÆ-tt-ish newspapers state that in the Baltic provinces, from December 14th to February 14th, there were hanged 18 rebels, shot 621, flogged 251, killed fighting 320, and 97 farms were burned. Four schools and two town halls were destroyed.—("Daily Express.") THE EXPERIENCE OF GLASGOW. Glasgow went into the telephone busi- ness to help tho then Government," says a memorandum quoted by "The Electrical Times," "and the telephone system had achieved an unexpected degree of success. The object aimed at was not profit, but a cheaper and better telephone service for the citizens. About £150,000 per annum was now being saved to the community through the competitive cheapening of rates. The Corporation took up its telephone license in the belief that although nominally termin- able in 1913 it would be extended as a mat- ter of counse, provided it were properly exercised. There was no doubt that the N.T.C. would be willing to take over the system at full capital value, but this would be departing from the purposes of the Cor- poration. Should the Government not de- sire to take over the svstem, the Corpora- tion would much prefer an extension of their license, when the existing one expires in 1913. It was believed that the competition of the National Company was carried on at a loss. Glasgow had soent £360,000 on its municipal telephone system, and the Cor- poration wa.s certainly not prepared to hand it over for a. penny" less than it cost the community. The Government had offered to take over the Brighton, Swansea and Ports- mouth systems at a price involving a loss of 20 to 28 per cent. on capital expended. On such a basis the losses to Glasgow would amount of £ 90,000."

SWANSEA HOSPITAL. VACANCY CANVASSING NUISANCE. COL MORGAN SUGGESTS A "PERSONAL LEAGUE." Swansea Hospital Board met on Wednes- day, Mr. H. Macdonell presiding. Arising out of the House Committee's minutes re Casualty Department, Col. Mor- gan moved deletion of the words after "out patients" in the following:—"The depart ment to be worked by the Casualty Sister, E-nd tho Out Patient nurse. The sister to take full charge of the Casualties, Out- patients, and the proposed Electro Thera- peutic Room, and to a.ct as the deputy Theatre Sister." He said it was a small question. The Casualty Sister was given certain work to do at the recommendation of the Medical Staff and House Committee. Is was found to be utterly impracticable in working it out. In justice to the Matron, &lit, from the beginning, thought it could not possibly be worked. All practically agreed that the change was necessary.—The motion was carried. With reference to canvassing for appoint- ments, 24 replies were received from various Hospitals, 7 only of which prohibited can vassing. Col. Morgan said they could not I aUer it. He did not think the Board cou'd prevent it. Mr. Howel WTatkins Not even the new Government. (Laughter.) Col. Morgan said as the choice between two evils it would be better to leave the mat- ter alone. Dr. Brooks said people who subscribed would certainly endeavour to exercise in fluence. The only way toO check it would be by all appointments going to a Selection Committee. A member In Birmingham canvassing is encouraged. MT. Payne moved as an amendment: "That in all future advertisements, it should be stated that canvassing would be a dis- qualification." He would vote against any man who was known to have canvassed.. Mr. Howel Watkins thought the amend- ment impracticable. An "honest" man would not canvass, but he get relatives of influence to do so on his behalf. Col. Morgan offered to form a "personal league" against the practice. The amendment was eventually carried by 14 votes to 8. The resignation of Dr. Groves, house sur- geon, was accepted. Dr. Marks, assistant surgeon, was appointed to the position.—The question of appointing two House Surgeons was relegated to the House Committee. The tender of Mr. H. Billings, Swansea, of £255 for painting the inside and outside of the institution was accepted. Four other firms had tendered. The tender of Mr. Arthur Evans, Heath- field-street, Swansea, for electric lighting, was accepted at JS61. There were three other tenders.

R. E. JONES, LTD., SWANSEA. ISSUE OF £15,000 OF 5 PER CENT. FIRST MORTGAGE DEBENTURES. Messrs. 11 E. Jones, Ltd., the well-known Swansea hotel ajxl restaurant firm, have de- cided to issue the above debentures, £4,800 of which has been allotted to present share- holders, leaving £10,000 to be issued. The £1 ordinary shares have received 10 per cent. dividend for eight consecutive wars, and the present price is about 25s. 6d., whilst the 6 per cnt. preference shares stand at about 21s. 6d. It only requires JB750 per annum to pay interest on these debentures which fonn a first charge on all the property or the company. Messrs. L. H. Price and Co., the well- known firm of Swansea and Port Talbot stock and share brokers, have been in- structed to invite tenders for the debentures, which are undoubtedly a well secured, sound I investment.

SWANSEA PENNY BANK. HOW THRFT IS ENCOURAGED. With too object of encouraging thrift among the young and all those who could onlv put by small sums of Id. and upwards, a penny bank was opened at the Swansea Savings Bank on Monday evening, Ma.roh óth, 1905. The first night 60 deposits were made, amounting to £1 7s. There is now an average every Monday evening of nearly 400 deposits, totalling JB15. During the year 1,200 accounts have been opened, and £ 447 hsus been deposted in 11.500 sums, while JB177 has been repaid in 522 18s. has been transferred to the Swansea Savings Bank, representing fourteen accounts. The above figures prove how much the object of the penny bank has beec realised, and its great utility in fostering habits of thrift among the young, which will un- (jouibtedly be of incalculable value in after years.

Lady Grenfell is quite well again, and re- turned with her mother last week to the Royal Hospital, where she is entertaining a small house party. Lady Grenfell's ball will take place on Thursday night, and their Excellencies will give a small dance on Friday, to conclude the Castle season. J

| £ 200 DAMAGES ASKED FOR. j ACTION FOR TRESPASS AND j ILLEGAL DISTRESS. ¡ SWANSEA BUILDING SOCIETY AND BAILIFF SUED. JUDGMENT FOR XÜO: HIS HONOUR AND rH. A. B. DAVIES. At Swarnsoa County Court on Wednesday (before Mr. Ruegg, K.C.), a claim of £200 damages for trespass and illegal distress was heard, plaintiff being Eleanor Harries, Tra- falgar-terrace, Swansea, and the defendants the Swansea Building Society, its secretary (Vfr. A. B. Davies), and W. L. Evaite I (baiiiff). Mr. Davies Williams (barrister) represented Mrs. Harries, and Mr. Villiers Meager (barrister) appeared for defendants. Mr. Williams said the action was one for trespass committed by the defendants m levying a distress upon the and the story leading up to tbe distress would involve reference to several documents. [n 1898, 40, Trafalgar-terrace, where plaintiff lived with her husband, was assigned to George Josiah Harries. In 1900, Harries mortgaged the house to the building society to secure £350 and interest; on March 9th, 1902, he got a second mortgage from one Evan Griffiths for £21, and on July 26th of the same, year Harries was made bank- rupt. On May 1st fohnving the Official Receiver, who remained trustee, assigned the equity of redemption to the plaintiff, Mrs. Harries, for a consideration which was not large. She was also owner long before this of all the furniture, and as she had. been m the habit of boarding theatrical com- panies, she had depended for years upon that means of livelihood. Mr. Viriers Meacer interposed with a reference to an attornment clause in the building society's mortgage, and said he ad- mitted that to have a hold on the goods and chattels this should have been registered. Mr. Davits Wilims said the only right against Mrs. Harries could be against the property. He should have stated that be- fore the bankruptcy, a composition was put forward, and Airs. Harries raised some money on a bill of sale. On the 25th November, 1905, the bailiff went into pos- session, but on the 28th, Mr. Stanley Dor- rell, writing on behalf of his mother, who heid the bill of sale, to Mr. Davies, asked him to withdraw the bailiff and promising to pay £9 4s. 3d. due as rent. The holder of the bill had previously sent down for an instalment, and Harries went to see Mr. Dorrell, who agreed to accept £1105. That J31 10s. was paid, and the instruction was then given to have the bailiff withdrawn. His friend would suggest that the society did not take possession as someone was there already, but this was not so. The building society in September decided to sell the property; on the 12th October an adver- tisement appeared inviting offers to be sent to A. U. Davies, and one was eventually accepted for £350. This was three weeks before the distraint was made. That sum would have cleared the whole of the prin- cipal and interest due to the society as well as the second mortgage, and still leave a littte balance. Three weeks afterwards, however, the society put in the distress. His Honour: On what ground was this distress made? Mr. Davies Williams For JS9, subscrip- tions due to the society. Mr. Villiers Meager And the attornment clause makes that rent. Mr. Meager ad- mitted that he had no right to distrain on the mortgage. Mr. Davies WTilliams: Very well, that clears it. The entrance was not made on a legal warrant. Mr. Villiers Meager Yes, sir, so we have paid JB5 into court. There has been a mis- take. Mr. Davies Williams suggested that it was very wicked and unwarrantable. There was no doubt Davies was the villain of the piece. (Laughter.) His Honour (languidly): Who is the villain oi the piece? Mr. Davies Williams, Oh, Davies. (Laugh- ter.) It was perfectly clearlhe said, that the seizure was not for the J39 it was an attempt to get a speedy possession of the propertv. He asked the court to say this was a class of proceeding that took the matter into an exceptional category. As for damages, it was hard to assess the exact loss consequent, but Mrs. Harries had lost two constant boarders and also was now unable to take in theatrical companies. Mrs. Harries went into the box and said the bill of sale was given for an advance of £105, on which interest was to be paid at the rate of B22 10s. per annum. Cross-examined She had paid some sub- scriptions to the society since she became owner of the equity of the redemption. She would not dispute that she had not paid anything since August, 1904. when she was £19 in arrears. In September the society gave her notice that they intended taking possession. 0 Mr. Meager Have you ever paid any rent?—Plaintiff No, no one has ever made any arrangement. The present owner of the house is Mr. Barker. Has he not tried to get possession and failed?—Witness les. Mrs. Harries admitted that when the rates were due distresses had been made, but in reply to Mr. Davies WiSliams .she said she had had a considerable struggle in making a living. George Josia-h Harries, plaintiff's hus- band, and Win. Davies. Cardigan, who formerly lodged with plaintiff, gave evi- dence. Mr. Meager, for the defence, said he was in a difficult position. Ho expected Mr Dorrell would have attended, but as he .had not, they had subpeeaed him. Would his Honour Adjourn until Mr. Dorrell His tb"«kou7 said he would take the case on as far as possible. Mr. Meager said his defence for the Build- ing Society was that all that took place was j between plaintiff and the holder of the bill ox sale. The Society came out of possession immediately the holder undertook to pay the rent. A. W. Evans. bailiff, said he received in- structions from Mr. Dorrell on Nov. 22nd, to obtain possession. He had served distraints upon three or four occasions before for ar- rears of interest. Mr. Davies Williams cross-examined at length. His Honour sa-id the bailiff acted in a very erratic fashion. Mr. Stanley Dorrell called, said he bad put the bailiff in on two previous occasions for arrears of interest. He did not tell Harries he would withdraw the distraint on his paying thirty shillings. In cross-examination witness said he had had a general authority from liis mother to act. He could not say for certain that the payment of 30s. was on the footing that there should be so sale. There were, however specific instructions to sell. He told Evans, bailiff, t-hat if Mrs. Harries paid off £5 offpnn- cipal and arrears of interest, he would with- draw from possession. He was getting a good interest 22* ptr cent. on £105. Ac cording to his book, t.he arrears on Sept. 2B were only 6s. 4d. He didn't intend to sed this poor woman up so long as she con- tinued paying instalments. There was a different arrangement with his mother on the last occasion possession wa.s taken. The distress for £9 had no influence on witness I mind. He would have sold in any case. He had no recollection of having written Davies any letters, only with the under- taking. Wilfred Evans, the bailiff, was next put in the box, and produced nia diary, iqto which a record had been entered of his days in possession. „ Cross-examined: Roberts e he put m possession, a.nd G. Davies on tho Saturdav after the time of sale. Abraham B. Davies, auctioneer, secretary of the society, eaid he gave notice to Harries in September, 1905, that he was in pos- session for monthly subscription arrears. Tiie property was sold to Mr. Barter for £350. There was due to the society and oosts about £ 322.. There were further in- cumbrances upon the property-Griffiths £ 21, and Puntan .350—of which he had re- ceived notioe. He acted as mortagee in possession, and subsequently levied a distress for £ 9—three months' arrears of rent. There was no truth in the suggestio that he was anxious to get hold of the property. He know of no secret correspondence. The purchase WiLl'> convicted on 16th December, 119\. "1. Cross-exalfiiifed: He cairied out mstrafi tions of his directors. Ho did not act 14 the interests of the second or third moite gagee. Did your solicitors tell you it was vouf duty to distrain, because the said the cond or third mortgagee was in possession? —I cannot remember. May I take it that they didnfc do it? You must have acted on your own initia- tive1-o not on my own initiative. There was a specific contract three weeks before this to sell, which actually covered you. Was it not cruel to levy under the cireurnstairiccs ?—I do not see it -was cruel at all. [Wlli) advised to distrain. His Honour: The purchaser was very friendly with the tenants. I cannot imdeav. stand why you should have distrained in the face of the contract. Yon seem to ba-vp done a serious thing to them. You had contract. Who suggested this step? W itness: Whether it was my suggestion or the solicitors I cannot .o.ay.. The peop18 paid no rent at all. His Honour: Why distrain arterwanxfe? Witness: I had to account to the second and third mortgagees. For absolutely no other reason. I had no feeling against these people at all. I had to get in all that was possible. This closed defendant's case. Mr. Meager, addressing the count, said i.hat so far as the society was concerned Mrs. Dorrell was in. and he asked the judge to accept this witness's evidence. The society could not. help themselves in the matter. The bill of sale holder exercised his legal right in the matter, and there should be no damages. His Honour: If by your mistake or mis- conduct you induced him to exercise it. Mr. Meager persisted with his view of the matter, and wished to deal with the case as a. matter of fact and not one of law. During the course of his remarks Mr. Meager poanted out that there had been aC attack upon Mr. A. B. Davies' bona fides. The Judge: But we have an assurance now from Mr. Davies and other witness^. Mr. Meager: Quite so, sir. Mr. J. Davies Willms, in reply, alSked: his Honour to deal with the question ot damages under the curcumstanoes, and commented upon Davies's conduct in tht matter as unjustifiable. He must have act- ed on his own responsibility. Counsel ajef quoted cases in which substantial damaget were awarded on practical1 y .similar oond. tions. His Honour, detaibng the circumstances which led up to Evans going to Harries* nouse, said bo believed he went there tJOi' make a seizure under the bill of sale. As to whether the bailiff conveyed very clearly to Mrs. Harries that his intention was to make a serious seizure, his Honour was ex- tremely doubtful. He rather thought not. He believed the evidence given by Mr. Har- ries—that an arrangement was made to this effect: "That if you can get me 30s. and bring it to me, that will put you right for a time." There was only one guinea in arrear for interest, and there was no neces- sity to levy a distress, which eventually proved illegal. Hard measures were adopt- ed in doing 00, and there was no reason to proceed to sell up and destroy this woman s bouse. They stood to lose nothing by the transaction. Mrs. Dorrell was not at all clear with dates. Harries was quite clear, and his Honour found they had had an in. terview. The home was broken up, and, whoever was responsible for it, the damages suffered were very serious. Harries could not take boarders, and there was no furni- ture. She lost two gentlemen who were. paying seven shillings a week for rooms, be- sides theatrical companies. Those who sold the goods were not defendants at all, i.e., the bill of sale holder. The question he had to consider was a difficult one. Were defendants responsible? They were. De- fendants prompted the bill of sale holder to take steps which she would never have otherwise taken. But for their illegal seiz- ure there would have been no sale at all. It was directly caused by the action of the Building Society. He would name the damages at JE50, and gave judgment for plaintiff for that sum, together with costs.

LENS STRIKE RIOTS. NEARLY 60,000 MEN OUT. MINERS ATTACK GENDARMES. Paris, Tuesday Night.—The mining strike in the Pas de Calais is spreading, and this evening 57,000 men are reported to have refused to go to work. At Lens, the crowd, singing the" Inter- nationale," and headed by a lady, made a savage attack on the mounted police, and broke tb-ough their ranks. The police in turn attacked their assailants, and a free fight resulted, in which the parties on both sides were badly maulied. The lady who carried the red flag, after she had attacked a Kounted gendarme, "lS knocked down melee, and the flag itself wtured and torn up. At one moment it was thought that the angry revolutionaries would succeed in carrying the building by storm and so dis- pers the gathering inside. They cried, "Eight hours' work and eight francs a day! Death to the assassins! One crowd carried a trumpet, and over and nver again this sounded a rally to the beaten revolutionaries, who returned with fresh courage to the charge, using sticks and their fists. The gendarmes laid about them with tha flat of their swords, and, ultimately making a determined rush, succeeded in arresting M. Broutcboux, the fiery leader, five of whose companions were also captured.—" Daily Chronicle."

NEW MERCHANT SHIPPING BILL BRITISH REGULATIONS FOR FOREIGN VESSELS. SIR ALFRED JONES'S "ADMIRABLE IDEA." Mr. Lloyd-George introduced into Parlia- ment on Tuesday the Merchant Shipping Acts Amendment Bill—a measure based on the reports of three committees appointed; by the last Government. Its provisions are, in brief, to apply to foreign vessels British safety regulations regarding overloading, unseaworthiness, undermanning, stowage of grain, etc., to make our passenger laws ap- plicable to foreign emigrant ships, and to ensure that no foreign seaman be emploved. on a British vessel unless he understood English. The Bill also provided for a mini- mum scale of food, in place of the present scale or skeleton, of the Board of Trade, thati was too often made the living scale. Cooka were also to go through two training* Other provisions were intended to modernise existing regulations passed under past con- ditions. In the course of his speech introducing thet measure Mr. Lloyd-George referred to the advantage which the absenca of anv regula- tions regarding overloading, etc., that were applicable to foreign vessels, conferred upon the owners of the latter. Some foreign ves- sels had arrived in this country 3D, 12 and 19 inches overloaded. As to the question of the employment of foreign sailors in the British mercantile marine, whilst there were in 1870 200.000 British and 18.000 foreign seamen, in 1904 we had 176,000 British seamen, and 39,000 foijeigRens, besides some 42,000 lasoars- He considered that the Navy, which in that period had increased from 64.000 to 123,000 men, had taken the cream of the men, that British owners had no option but to employ foreigners, in view of the scarcity of their compatriots. The British ship, owners seemed as anxious as anyone to get British seamen. Sir Alfred Joraes, speaking at Swansea, had suggested t scheme of set- ting up in everv port inrtitatlncai for train- ing British sailors. H. that was an admirable idea, and if seaport town in the kingdom were to taJte np the matter shipowners in a very short tin* would nofc be driven to resort to foreign seamen. Messrs. Geo. Wyndham, HawaWJt Wilson and Brace discussed the measure, which was generally welcomed, and passed its second reading. Printed and Published for the "South Wale* Post" Newspaper Company, Ltd., oy DAVID DAVIES, at the Officer of tiw "South Wales Daily Post," 211, 3igA« street, Swansea. S