The Cambrian

PLAGUE OF ANTS AT NEATH. In the great heat of Tuesday swarms of winged ants descended upon Neath town. Mr. Albert Thomas, Cefndon Dairy Fa.nn, says he encountered myriads of the flying insects as he was driving into Neath in the afternoon. t afternoon. t

"WORN TO A SHADOW." MOTHER'S SUFFERING FROM INDI- .l GESTION ENDED BY BILE BEANS. "About 18 months ago I began to suffer from indigestion," said Mrs. Sarah Newell, ot 6. Swan Street, Lsleworth, London, to a London reporter. "Aftor eating I suffered much pain, and was frequently sick. My daily duties were irksome and greatly fatigued me. Night and day I had cruel pains across the chest, my skin became yellow and parched, and I was worn to a shadow. During a whole year I don't believe I ate one loaf of bread. "I consulted a doctor, and attended a hospital for six weeks, but the result Was very disappointing. I became terribly de- pressed, and began to despair of ever again being well. At last I tried Bile Beans. Since then I have improved rapidly. Now I am quiite cured, thanks to Bile Beans." Bile Beans 'or Biliouraiess, t he purest and most efficacious of all household medicines, may be obtained of ad chemists at 1(1'1 or 2/9 per box. The larger size contains three times as many beans as the smaller size.

LLANELLY UNEMPLOYED. HANDSOME DONATION FROM SIR ARTHUR STEPNEY. Last week we referred to the continued generosity of Sir Arthur Stepney towards the Free Library, and announced that he had forwarded another handsome gift of books. I On Wednesday he forwarded to the trea- surer of the Llanelly Distress Fund a dona- tion of JB50, and the amount subscribed up- to-date is J3250. Applicants for assistance or emplyoment have to appear before the committee on Friday.

INLAND REVENUE CASE AT SWANSEA. ANGLO-BAVARIAN BEER COMPANY PROCEEDED AGAINST. WHOLSALE LICENSE AND A RETAIL ORDER. At Swansea on "Thursday, the Anglo- Bavarian Brewery Company, Ltd., Shepton Mallet, were-summoned for an offence against the Licensing Acts. Mr. C. Simpson (Somer- set House), prosecuted for the Inland Rev- enue, Mr. J. Viner Leeder defended. Mr. Simpson said the breach lay in vho circumstance that defendants, who ha.d a beer dealers' licence at 10, Nelson-street, Swansea, having only a wholesale license, took an order for a retail quantity, a.nd passed on for delivery to Mr. Pearse, Mansel- street, who holds a retail license. Mr. Leeder said his defence would be that the order was not taken at the Anglo- Bavarian shop at all, and it would be a question for them to decide where it wis taken. Patrick Peter Leyden, Inland Revenue officer, said the defendant's license entitled them to sell in quantities of not less tl:an gallons. He had seen in the window a case containing bottles of beer, and a print' paper (produced), marked Is. 4d per gallon. The case and paper were displayed in the window for two months. Saw the clerk in charge, Mr. Burrows. Mr. Benner, super- visor of Inland Revenue, was also present. In reply to an inquiry, Mr. Burrows eaid that the case contained one gallon. Witness asked Mr. Burrows, "Will you send me a gallon of stout?" "Can t sell less than a dozen and a half bottles," said Mr. Burrows. Then, as witness was alxftit to leave, he added, "But we can get them through Pearse." Witness then askoa, "Will you take my or- der for a gallon?" and Burrows replied "Yes." The beer was delivered, four quart bottles, at 54, Bryn-road, and Is. 4d. was paid for them. At the Revenue Office on May 18th, Mr. Young, a director, suggested that the clerk had been pressed to sell the beer, but this was denied. By Mr. Leeder: Mr. Pearse had a free license to sell anybody's beer. Mr. H. Benner, supervisor of Inland Revenue, Swansea, stated that just before the previous witness arrived, he had also ordered a gallon of beer. The clerk had told him he could not be served in smal1 quantities, but they could supply him from their agents. Witness was present also when the last witness gave his order. He also saw Mr. Young, a director, who wrote a statement admitting that the order had been transferred to Mr. Pearse, and making the offer to remove the cases and notice from the window. Mr. Leeder, for the defence, admitted a technical offence, but thought a nominal penalty would meet the case. Defendant company was fined and costs £2 9s. Od.

LIFE A DAILY MISERY SICK, BILIOUS AND DIZZY, AD TOR- TURED BY HEADACHE, NAUSEA PAIN AND WIND. WHERE MANY HAD FAILED MOTHER SEIGEL'S SYRUP WON A COMPLETE VICTORY. Only those who have experienced the horrors of liver complaint can realise what it means. When the liver becomes dis- ordered life is a daily misery; all food becomes unpalatable, although you may feel ravenously hungry, you dread to eat and you suyer tortures if you do eat. This was the daily experience of Mrs. Sarah Middleton, of 6, Nursery-road, Mor- den-road, Merton, Surrey. Writing on Janu- ary 18th, 1906, she says — For many years I was a perfect martvr to liver complaint and indigestion. I felt sick and bilious, with a bad taste in inv mouth in the mornings, and a dizzy reeling sensation as though I were falling. After food I had violent pains across the stomach, while wind formed in such volumes as nearly to suffocate me. My only relief was to get the food up again, and this used to bo the almost invariable result of eating anything. The strain brought on torturing he:i/daches, and a heavy thumping sort of pain just over my kidneys. My life was a daily misery. Doctors and hospitals did me no good, so I turned to Mother Seigel's Syrup. Oh, the relief Before I had finished one bottle I was worlds better. Gradually all my pain vanished, and I found myself cured and rapidly gaining strength. 1 feel splendid now." WHAT MOTHER SEIGEL'S DOES. This shows what Mother Seigel's Syrup has done what it will do for you if yon will try it. It tones and invigorates the liver, stomach, bowels and kidneys regu- lates the flow of bile, sweeps impurities from the blood and establishes sound, vigorous, perfect health. The 2s. 6d. bottle contains three times as much as the Is. l £ d. size..

MORRISTON MISHAP. VEHICLES COLLIDE: OCCUPANTS INJURED. A trap driven by Mr. H. Bevan, Bryn- amman, collided on Wednesday evening with Messrs. Tunbridge and Sons' provision cart, near the Cross, Morriston, and the occupants, five in number, were thrown to the road. The shafts were also broken. Mr. Bevan sustained a- slight injury to his left leg, whilst Mrs. Oevan fractured a finger and received bruiees on the face and right leg. It apepars that the cart, which was driven by Mr. A. Bellows, Rodney-street, Swansea, I was going at a walking pace towards Swan- sea, in the middle of the road, whilst the trap was proceeding at a slow trot in the opposite direction, when the wheels of the trap caught. The injured persons were taken to a neighbouring house and medically attended to. A man named David Pugh, Fairfield, Brynamman, and a young woman named Gwen Kellier, of Fairfield, and a Mrs. Margaret Jones, of Ystalyfera, were all more or kss injured.

KNOCKED DOWN BY A CYCLIST. ABERAVON SEPTUAGENARIAN RECOVERS DAMAGES. At Aberavon County Court on Wednesday, Levi James, Great Western-terrace, Cwm. avon, sued J. J. Jeffries, Cross-row, Cwm- avon. for £S damages for injuries received by defendant knocking him down with a bicycle. Plaintiff, who was 70 years of age, had since the accident been under medical treat- ment and out of work for five weeks, it was stated. Judgment was given for plaintiff with costs.

.h. LOCAL WILLS. ESTATE OF THE LATE MR. J. RICHARDS, SWANSEA. Mr. John Richards, of 10, George-stpeett Swansea, coal merchant, who died on the 28th of June last, left estate of the gross value of £8,153 Is. 6d., including personalty of the net value of £7,805 9s. lid. Probate of his will, which bears date the 15th of October, 1904, has been granted to hia widow, Mrs Eleanor Richards, of 10. George- street, Swansea, to whom he left the whole of his estate absolutely. MR. RICHARD DEWSBERRY, LLANELLY. Mr. Richard Dewsberry, of Stepney-place, Llanelly, who died on the 24th of May last, left estate of the gross value of j31,557 3s. 4d., including personalty of the net value of £1,525 12s.. and probate of his will, which. bears date March 7th, 1902, has been grant- ed to his widow, Mrs. Mary Dewsberry, and his son, Mr. Thos. Dewsberry, 103, Sta- tion-road, Llanelly, coal merchant. The test- at or left his estate in trust for his wife, and, subject to her interest, he leifc the ultimate residue of his estate in equal shares for his sons Thomas and William, aud his daugh- ters Maud Williams, Mary Jones, and Annie Dewsberry and Ethel Dewsberry.

T SANDS TRAGEDY. TWO LADS DROWNED. BATHING NEAR THE PIER. As we go to press we are informal that two boys named Dai Joseph and John .Lewis; of Dyfatty-street, were diwn.xl on -the Swansea. Sands about 5 p.m. on Thurs- day. The 1 ads badrgone out to bathe near tfo*> «nd of the West Pier, and were not seen Afterwards. # Two boys named Robert McCarthy and "Harry Smith, of Tontine-street, who were "-on the spot at the time, thus described what they sa-w — "I saw the two boys, whom I knew, said McCarthy, "taking off their clothes and Itunning towards the water, playing as they • Went. 0 They left their clothes on the sands, t Hear the Fever Hospital, and went into the 1 prater near the far end of the pier. The "water was far out. We never saw them .Afterwards." Young McCarthy, who with his companion Iwas under the pier at the time, heard a com- panion of deceased lads screaming out that the boys had been drowned, as he could not see them, and was getting no answer "to his shouts. A Newfoundland dog, which !9Tas with the boys, and which belongs to the Josephs, was sent out, but came back ""Without them. BOYS' CLOTHES TAKEN HOME. A tragic scene of grief was witnessed at ""teix o'clock when the clothes of the two little lads were conveyed to their homes in Dyfatty-street by a boy. At 6.30 no news had arrived as to the recovery of the bodies. It transpires three boys went out to swim to a buoy, and only one returned, and it is believed the other two got entangled in the Jiets. One, of the lads is a son of Mr. William "Xewis, steward of the Dyfatty-street Club, and who is at an R.A.O.B. conference in Hull at nresent. I

PROSPEROUS BRITAIN. FIVE MILLIONS INCREASE IN ( EXPORTS. i, Board of Trade returns show the imports Hfor July amounted to JB48,609,674, com- "pared with JS44,741,838 in the correspond- log month of last yea.r, showing an increase of JB3,867,856, and exports for the month were £33,442,962, agairst JB27,821,051, an increase of £ 5,621,911.

j =* LORD GLANTAWE. f" "SWANSEA MAYORALTY QUESTION. m Lord Gluntawe, who has been approached Oy the Swansea Town Council with a view 'to an acceptance of the Swansea Mayoralty next year, considers that he will be in a better position in six weeks' time to give a /definite reply. His answer will be influenced by the state lbi his health at that time.

*( "A PERFECT PIGSTY." F HUNDRED-YEAR-OLD LLANRHIDIAN [ DWELLING REPORTED. i | Gower Council met on Tuesday, Mr. John j TEaylor presiding. Roads and Improvements Committee re- ported they had appointed James A. Smith, Clarence-terrace, Swansea, as clerk of works for the Gower roads improvements, at C2 I jreekly. I Medical Officer of Health reported that a & house at Llanrhidian Lower, with four F frooms, and accommodating eight persons, J !Wras a perfect pigsty. fe Mr. R. Bevnon said people had been liv- | ing at the house for the last hundred years, l And there had been no sickness there.* i The Council took no action in the matter, i Clerk reported that several pa|ishes had f iveglected to pay the full half-yearly calls, j' Llanrhidian owed £ 80, Bishopston £ 40, and 1 Penmaen £ 10.:—Suitable steps are to be token.

k SWANSEA MAN'S ATTACK ON HIS WIFE. "WHREATENS TO KILL HER: "OTHER MAN ONLY HAD SIX MONTHS." STARTLING EFFECT OF STRAND j MURDER DECISION. { William Da vies, no occupation or ad- -given, was charged with assaulting kis wife Rosina. Complainant said defendant met her in High-street on Monday night and asked fcr money. She refused, and he knocked her down and tore her skirt and blouse. He said that the other man had only got six months, and he was sure he wouldn't get "topped" if hr> killed her. She believed ne '.toeant that if he killed her he wouldn't get anything for it. He afterwards smacked her tace. She had not lived with him for years. There was a conviction against him. Cross-examined by defendant, witness said j ehe did not scratch his face nor hit him; neither did she drink with him in the after- laoon. Detective Roberts said the last witness Shad been a witness in the murder case. De- fendant came up, and after passing some uncomplimentary remarks about the Judge -of Assize, he said, "I'll kill that old —— of mine! If this fellow only had six months, I won't get more than ten years. I'll kill her, so help my God, I will!" The officer told him he had better be careful what he was saying, and that, if occasion arose, what he was saying would be given in evidence fcgainst him. Defendant repeated the words and after further conversation went away. Alfred Beaton said he saw defendant speak to his wife in High-street. She told him to go away, as she wanted nothing Jo do with him. He caught her by the neck, V they struggled, and she scratched his faoe. She had been drinking in defendant's com- pany on Tuesday. Defendant had on Tues- day said he was sorry for what he had done. By complainant: There was no hitting at lull. Bridget Silvey, for the defence, said that (complainant met her husband, and said, "Come on Billy; you haven't been with .ne for a long time." Witness supposed that because she couldn't have her husband 4o Bleep out with her she would have nothing to do with him. Defendant was sent to prison for a month and bound over in the sum of JD10 to keep the peace for six months. Defendant (angrily): I'll keep it; and F'1 keep her! This isn't justice, and I'd sooner be tried by a jury. The usual form of binding over to keep the peace was read out to defendant, who replied, "Yes, I'll agree to it." Then turn- ing savagely to his wife, went oy, "I'll do for you; take my tip, for wh.n I come out The sentence was unfinished. I

There's an end to all dangers bucolic Which threatened our holiday frolic We may fill to the brim Many glasses with "STYM" y Because it is non-alcoholic I STY JYT — THE QENUINE —— Wlieatleg's lfop Sitters SHEFFIELD. Of Bottlers, Refreshment Houses' and Licensed Trades everywhere.

r SOLICITOR'S ACTION AGAINST LORD SWANSEA, COMPENSATION CLAIM RESUMED AT ASSIZES. ALLEGED DILAPIDATION OF A FARM. ABSTRUSE POINTS AT ISSUE: "VERY CURIOUS" CUSTOM, JURY FIND FOR PLAINTIFF: ARBI- TRATION FOR DAMAGES. The action against Lord Swansea, for £ 311 odd, claimed as compensation as out- going tenant by Mr. A. T. Williams, solici- tor, Briton. Ferry, was resumed, before Mr. Justice Jelf and a special jury, at the Swan. sea Assizes on Thursday. There was a counter-claim for £136, with respect to alleged arrears of rent and damage to Lletty- rafei farm, in the Vale of N eath, which plaintiif occupied for about four yeajts. The claim was chiefly in respect of monies expended upon improvement of the land, but for about three years plaintiff was prac- ticably in occupation as tenant at will, ow- ing to a dispute as to the title of the land. The evidence aduced after we went to press on Wednesday evening was as fol- lows :— The Judge did not think that either side would consider they would be influenced by such a circumstance. He should haw thought it was almost a. slur both -to Swan- sea and Neath. Mr. Evans I object to the slur on Neath in particular. (La-ughter.) The Judge: The mere fact they come from the neighbourhood I do not think is enough. Mr. Tudor Howell: I do not pr»j6s it. The Judge: If you dó not press it, I shall assume that you accept the jury as it is. The case was then proceeded with. Mr. S. T. Evans opened at some length, and in the course of cornaspondence between the parties that was read plaintiff offered to submit the whole dispute to any competent person, but this eminently reasonable sug- gestion was not entertained, and a writ was threatened. Later on Mr. Upton Strick, the agent of the defendant, was instructed to levy a distress for the rent—a somewhat ex- traordinary thing to do. A writ had been threatened, but to put a bailiff into the house was a high-handed course which Mr. Williams they would hear after- wards resented. Plaintiff was away in London, and the bailiff was actually in without Mr. Williams or his family knowing anything about it. When he did discover it, he tele- graphed for the distress to be paid out, and JB74 5s: 8d. was paid under protest. To show the harsh nature of tha procedure, it might be said that the bailiff distrained in the front room, the second room, five bedrooms, and the kitchen, and it was one of those cases by which one could take the law into his own hands, so to speak, which some people thought ought to be done away with, though that was not the place to discuss that point. The final letters passed between plaintiff and Lord Swansea. Plaintiff re- viewed the wholo position, pointing put that Uettyrafel was so bleak that repairs were absolutely necessary, and he had no alterna- tive than to do them. However, he had no desire to enter into litigation with his lordship, despite the fact that a distress had been levied—the first time such a thing had ever occurred to him in his life. Lord Swansea simply replied acknowledging the receipt of the letter "whic- I have handed to my solicitors." Mr. A. T. Williams, the plaintiff, was then called and said with regard to a coun- terclaim that he had dilapidated certain cottages, that these were practically in ruins, and to save buying new materials he had the materials from the cottages. When he took the farm there was not a single whole gate on it, and the condition of the fences was very bad, some of them absolutely down, and he had to rebuild them. Timber that had been cut down prior to his going there and drawn all over fcL-3 place was the cauas of a great deal of the mischief. TTte landlord njver spent a farthing during the four or five years he was there. He always refused to do it, and the repairs that he ^plaintiff) did were only those that Were ab- solutely necessary. There was during the whole time some dispute as to title between Lord Swansea a.nd Mr. Venables Llewelyn as to the land. Mr. Meager, who was examining, was pro- ceeding to put the amounts involved m re- pairs, when The Judge said that if it came to a ques- tion of figures, it must be reported upon. Mr. Howell: We suggest that ill the mat- tar of responsibility and amount. Mr Meager did not think the figures were a matter for his lordship if they were liable. The Judge: That is why I do not see what the value of the jury is. Mr. Meager: There is the question of cus- ^The Judge: Then I shall have to decide any question of law, the jury any question of custom.. During further argument, in which JVlr. Meager quoted an authority bearing on cus- tom in such matters given as far back as 1334 the Judg.3 said that it seemed to him they were in for a long business. "Has it been considered between you, he asked, "as to some arrangement that would not necessitate a question of law, which might have to go tip to the House of Lords because certainly some of these points are so ab- struse that may lead to a lot of further htMTU°Tudor Howell, in reply, suggested that the jury should be withdrawn. Mr Mpa-ger I cannot do that. The Judre: Some people like to bo in a leading Cáoo. I do not know whethor Lord Swansea is one of them. (Laughter.) Mr Meaner: I cannot answer for him; I know Mr? Williams is not. (More laugh- ^On the case resuming Mr- Abel Thomas, K C. M.P., who led Mr. Tudor Howell for the defence' interposed whilst plamtifi was continuing his evidence, and asked the Judge to say what the oontract was. He suggested that if it was a oontract, it was terminable either at will or by a weeks notice a.nd he thought that if it was prao ticallv from day to day no custom coald possibly be proved as to such a tenancy. If his Lordship ruled it was a day to day tenancy, then the only custom of the oountrv would be that which was relevant to euioh a tenancy. The Judge said he had suggested a com- promise, not because it seemed to be a very long case, but because there were very difficult points of law which might probably lead to a. lot of litigation. He was quite willing to go on with the case, but Mr. Thomau' point was a vital one. Was it a tenancy, whatever it was, terminable on either side? Mr. Abel Thomas thought it was. The Judge: If that is 60 then your client, with a tenancy of this kind and receiving j350 a year which might be terminable at any moment, is at the end of the time en- titled to the benefit of the seeds. It seems a very curious thing. I have never heard of the custom of the country being applic- able to other than an ordinary tenancy. Mr. Villiers Meager contended that there was a custom attached to the occupation of the land. The Judge: Did you ever hear of a case where the circumstances were like these? I never have. After further argument his Lordship said he would like to hear the witness on the question of custom. Plaintiff, in answer to Mr. Meager, said there was a custom providii.g for compen- sation to a tenant for any new fence or other work. Cross-examined by Mr. Abel Thomas: He knew that Lord Swansea was thinking of sell!*« the property to Mr. Venables Llew- elyn, and that there was some dispute as to" title. And when he continued the ten- ancy Mt. Upton Strick, defendant's agent, said he (plaintiif) must be satisfied with a week's notice. He replied that he would give up when required. Counsel here read a letter by Mr. Upton Strick, in which he said he was quite will- ing to make some arrangement by which the Agricultural Holdings Act would not apply. Have you ever known a. farm tenancy from day to day?—I do not know that I have. Have you ever known a faorming tenancy from week to week ?—No, I do not think I have. I have known one from month to month, and there are plenty of quarterly tenancies. Do you say that this Neath VaJley is such a. happy valley that a tenant who c mends a fence Oh, no; where he puts in a new fence. Well, whenever he puts in a new fence you say he is entitled to clakii from the landlord?—Yes, for the unexpired value. Without giving notice of what be is doing7-Yes. Y On whatever he may put the fence?—Yes, in the ordinary course of husbandry. Then I may take it that the Vale of Neath*-is the happiest place for custom that you know of ?—lit applies in the next valley—the Dula-is Valley. Mr. Abel Thomas, during a suggestion that the details of the claim and counter- claim should be referred to arbitration, said that there were various customs in Wales but the defence said that even if the cus- tom of the country applied in some cases there was no such custom in this valley. It was decided to confine the evidence to the question of qustom. Wm. Morgan, farmer, Dula.is Valley, said there was a custom with regard to perman- ent improvements, by which the landlords were liable. By Mr. Abel Thomas: The shortest ten- ancy that he knew of was terminable at six months' notice. He held under Mr. Llewelyn, and was born on the estate. Have you ever claimed for fences?—I have never left. (Laughter.) Mr. W. B. Trick, estate agent and valuer, of Neath, said the fencing, manures, feed- ing stuffs, seeds, etc.. all come within the custom. Except bone manures, artificial manures did not apply. By Mr. Abel Thomas: He had never known an agricultural tenancy from week to week, but he did know of one from month to month. David Morgan, auctioneer and valuer, Neath, also said that the custom in ques- tion applied in the Neath Valley, and was regardless of the length of the tenancy. By Mr. Thomas: He never knew of a weekly tt nancy, but he was the valuer for the monthly tenancy at Resolven referred to. Supposing he put a palace there, could he claim for that?—I cannot say that. It was done here. Who was the landlord?—I believe it was Sir John Llewelyn. Richard Davies, Ynistawe farm, said that out-going tenants were paid for drainage, dry walling, seeds, tillage, farm-yard man- ure and fences, but his experience was only of twelve months' tenancies. John Powell Jones, farmer and landlord of the Angel Hotel, Glvn-Neath,, said the custom applied to all tenancies in the Neath Vanev where the holdings were held under custom and not the Agricultural Holdings Act. This was plaintiff's case. Mr. Abel Thomas asked the jury to say whether there was any such custom on a weekly tenancy, when it was known that Lord Swansea, had sold the property and could not reap a single farthing from what had been put into the land by the plaintiff. Mr. W. J. R^es, J.P., estate agent and vaJuer Swansea, said he was afppointed agent of the Ynisgerwn estate in the Neath Valley m 1875, and he knew of no shorter tenancies than yearly. Outgoing tenants u0!.?- t'^r under the Agricultural odings Act, and he had never heard of custom. In cross-examination by Mr. S. T. Evans, WJtDe6s admitted that tenants had always for dung, and in-going tenants paid for improvements before the passing of the Act. Founded on what?—If you put it that I suppose it is custom. Am Thomas: Exoepfc under the Act he had never paid for fencing or un- exhausted improvements. tnomas Hopkins, farmer, Crynaiut Valley, was also called. Asked in cross-examination whether Mr. J. Rees had asked him to come there, WItness said, "No, Lord Swansea." Mr. b. T. Evans. Not Lord Swansea, now? Witness: Well, the agent. You have nevi?r seen Lord Swansea—few people have this way?—I have seen the old lord many times. Mr. Evans: Oh, I daresay, and voted for him. (Laughter). Owen Price, valuer, Nantyrharn, Brecon, stated them were now no tenancies in the Neath Valley under a. year, and as to custom, agreed with the evidence of Mr. W. J. Rees. Wm. James, auctioneer and valuer, Swan- sea, was also called and gave similar evid- ence, but said thjt he had heard of the cus- tom applying to the tillage in the Vale of Glamorgan. This was all the evidence. In addressing the jury for the defence, Mr. Tudor Howell said that neither custom tiff and Lord SSvansea. The Judge suggested that the questions he should put to the jury were as to whether was a stop-gap arrangement between plain- nor the Agricultural Holdings' Act was contemplated in the present letting, which there was a custom in the district' for an out-going tenant to be paid by his landlord for various acts, and assuming there was a custom, was the benefit lost because of the shortness of the tenancy? Mr. Villiers Meager, for the plaintiff, tskcd the jury to infer there were customs, because Lord Swansea's agent had not been called to deny it. I In summing up the Judge said in regard to the repairs which were not carried out by the landlord during the definite term of tenancy, tlhey would be assessed by an arbi- trator. As to thij indefinite tenancy when plaintiff was liable to be turned out in a week or a month, or otherwise, was plain- tiff to lose the benefit of a custom, if it existed, by which tenants were compen- sated for improvements ? After, three-quarters of an hour's retire- ment the jury answered the questions put them in favour of plaintff, and it was agreed to refer to arbitration as to damages, in- cluding the damages for the breach of cove- nant in regard to the first nine months of the tenancy, and also the amount that arose under the jury's findings for the remainder of th»? tenancy, and, further, whether or not the defendant established his counterclaim. The case to come back to the Judge, who said he would then decide what was to be done. Judgment was accordingly reserved.

COCItETT COUNCIL QUIETER. L.G.B. LETTER: FFORESTFACH RE- CREATION GROUND. Cockett Council met on Tuesday, Mr. C. H. Perkins presiding. Local Government Board wrote stating thoy had been informed that the Council had withdrawn their objection to the apportion- ment of the cost of the water supply pro- posed to be carried out by the District Council, and asked whether that was so. Mr. Bevan saidwno letter had been s?nt to the District Council withdrawing the appeal; and he could not understand why the letter could have been sent from Mr. Edward Harris (the clerk) to intimata that the overseers had withdrawn. Chairman ruled the matter out of order, and asked Mr. Bevan to bring the matter up at the next meeting. Regarding tho proposed recreation ground for Fforestfach, the chairman said the com- mittee considered the site now occupied by the Vicar of Cockett to be the most favour- able. Sir John Llewelyn, the owner, said he would support the matter to the utmost of his ability. (Hear, hear.) The difficulty Sir John saw was whether Mr. Roderick would be willing to give up the piece of land. Mr. Oliver Jones draw attention to the obstruction caused by the G.W.R. Co. at Waunarlwydd by erecting an undimbable fence. The fencing was, it was stated, an obstruction to a right of way which had existed for 100 yea.rs. The railway com- pany is to be asked to remove the obstruc- tion.

SWANSEA CORONER BUSY. BRYNHYFRYD WOMAN AND DINAS- v' ROAD BABY, f, i. aatiiri. Swansea Borough Coroner (Mr. J. VineT Leeder) held inquests on Tuesday after- noon. The first two were held at the Dillwyn Arms, Brynhyfryd, on the bodies of Hannah Evans (52), wife of Geo. John Evans, smelter, Fern Cottage, Quar, Tre- boeth. and David Thos. Harris (4 weeks), son of Margaret Hannah Harris, single, living at 86, Dinas-road. In the case of the former her daughter, Margaret Hannah Evans, said her mother complained of being tired on Saturday night, which was usual. She went to bed and the next morning was found dead in bed, with her arms crossed as though she was sleeping. Deceased had been treated for her chest about a month ago. Dr. Parrnan, Mansel- ton, attributed death to heart failure.—■ Verdict, "Natural causes." The evidence j. the second case showed the child had been ailing—no doctor had been was found dead in bed on luesdav mornang. Margaret Hannah Harris, the mother, said her brother went ior the doctor on his own accord. Asked as to whether she acquainted the father of the child, the mother replied in the negative. She also said she did not know who the father of the child was. The death*" Wa& &en^ *or about two hours after Sarah Da.vies who lives next door, at f „ .,said deceased was suffering wW* 1 Tn?.uth' <>n Monday, and if he on Tuesday1 Th* f°r -a doCk? p i, -f" mother was crying piti- °f « ?re> said the child was and bonL.^Taw?r^fcic^ly Si learnt the deceased had i 111 stomach for three days, which would: accouilt for convulsions, which, 1n hIS oprmon, \Va6 the cause of death. In witness's opinion the child required medi- cal attenda.nce. m" apparently the poor as it was ShT chiId 36 listd tw ^,11 •ootdd flot explain why 6he m,a doctOT. but they must Jl*! m°ther was not in so strong a mental state as the average. returned 1C+J deat^ ^rom convulsions was should tvivo SJM m 'alSS"8 ,athcr ^="M«c50N14. A+ G BURNS. -S Buildi^> Alexandra-road. Swansea, an inquest was held on John Flynn at 27, Charles^street! m°tW' a widow' WOTk a^d^'t^tLeZenia% deoe™ed went to work and Teturned home early on Thursday morning and said "Oh 7 u >> • • n> mother: my leg is burnt, explaining that it h he was drawing the firo ,3^ He had his leg dreLed S Lt? and his mother described how kn his <=Wn TV»tTr 6W he m«aned in ms sleep. IJeath took plaoe early on Sun- day morning. J Timothy Lynch, 23, Charles-street, engine cteaner, said about 3.30 on Thureday moIS- thegfur2Sf7J W3K Cari^ill £ Jive coals from the fpnaoe to an engine. There was a pile of cmders outside the furnace door and deceased stepped on to them when his trou- sers caught alight. The flames were ™t out by water, fhe burns were dressed 2d deceased came to work the next night. 1, +u Hafod, said he was called y, ?^her on FridaJ. and wts told the lad had diarrhoea and was vomiting' itness prescribed and saw him next morn- mg, when the temperature of the boy had risen to 104, and he had pneumonia. He was delirious. When he called on Sundav nwrning it was the first time witness heaid of the burns. There was no doubt the soen- tic pneumonia and the other symptoms were brought about by the bums. A verdict was returned accordingly Mr Tom Merrells, of the Docker? Union watched the case on behalf of the r»h,' tives. 1*1~ BRYNMELL BABE'S DEATH An inquest was also held at the Cricketers' Arms, on Lilian Honor HeleTwi Shapton (four months), daughter of Albert Samuel Shapton, 1, I&ngdon-street Brv-n mill, house decorator. Last Tuesday she was vaccinated. Sne was well r i Saturday night, but became ill on Sunday. A doctor was consulted. The child was well up to vaccination, and had been fed on condensed milk. Dr. C. S. Anderson said the vaccination marks were quite normal, and the crust drying up. On Sunday morning the deceased had a sharp attack of diarrhoea. The cause of deatTI was due probably to diarrhoea, followed by exhaustion.—Verdict accord- ingly.

THE LORD OF LUNDY. REV. MR. HEAVEN RELATES THE ISLAND'S STORY. PURCHASED THROUGH READING "ROBINSON CRUSOE" Some interesting details of the Rev. W. Heavens' connection with the island of Lundy have been given by that gentleman iu an interview. Eighty-one years of age, he has lived on the island for over 40 years, solaced by the possession of a huge library. Mr. Heaven now proposes to retire in a few months to Pilton village, in Somersetshire. Lundy was known to the Romans as Her- f cules Island, and to the ancient Britons. In 1190 it was granted by the Crown to Sir Gordon de Mariseo, whose son built' a large eastle, the ruins of which still exist. The Mariscos led turbulent lives, one of them plotting to assassinate King Henry. The island reverted to the Crown and succes- sively the Knight Templars, Lord Gower, and latterly Admiral Sir John Borlase Warren were the owners. The latter built the ex- isting mansion. An Irish baronet became possessor of the island, but sold it to defray a gambling debt. In the time of William of Orange a French privateer landed her crew under Dutch col- ours, and created great havoc on the island. In the Parliamentary wars. Lundy Island held strong to King Charles, and did not capitulate to Parliament until the King sent an order to Major Bishell, commanding the garrison to surrender. Mr. Heaven recalls several terrible galed off the island, and spoke of the wreck ot the Royal Charter in the fifties, when seven ves- sels were lost on the island in one day and night, and only four bodies were recovered. On another occasion several boatloads of emigrants landed from a wrecked enigraiil- ship which had struck the Hens and Chickens, Before lighthouses and fog signals were established there was an average of seven wrecks a year and hundreds of lives must have been lost without the islanders knowing anything of them. Mr. Heavens' father bought the island in 1836, and died there in 1883. aged 84. In his time there were granite quarries on the island, employing 400 men, and some of the stone was used in the Thames Embankment and Westminster Bridge. The Church on the Island was consecrated in June, 1897, an Ilfracombe builder erecting the edifice. Church records are preserved containing the names of seven rectors in- stituted to the island from 1270 onwards. Mr. Heaven mentioned that graves had to be blasted in the rock, and several grave- stones, one dated 1720. had been discovered. His reasons for leaving are medical. Mr. Heaven has accepted a provisional offer of £30.000 for Lundy. He had a letter from a gentleman in Kent who was acting for one of those religious societies turned out of France. I should not be willing" (he added) to sell the island with the know- ledge that it was going to be turned into a gambling hell." They paid no rates or taxes and had no poor. All on the island were farmers, ex- cept the postmaster. Lloyd's signalman, and two fishermen. The climate was remarkably mild, fuchsias growing in the open. Water was obtained from springs connected with distant Dartmoor. My father" (said Mr. Heaven in conclu- sion) said that in reading Robinson Crusoe' as a boy he made up his mind that he would have an,, island ot his own. so that I be really bought it as a fad. He was one of those unfortunate West Indian traders who were almost ruined by Free Trade, which let in slave-grown sugar on the same terms as free-grown sugar. He was very much hit by the Act of Emancipation, and that led him to make up his mind to come and live here." MONTAGU SALVAGE: BELATED ADVICE TO ADMIRALTY. Mr. Donald Maclean. M.P.. wrote last Saturday to the Admiralty with reference to the salvage work on H.M.S. Montagu urging that the work should have been left wholly in the hand of the Salvage Association. Mr. Edmund Robertson has written in repl ythat the Admiralty acted throughout I on the best advice obtainable, and he waS j convinced that everything had' been done which could" make the operation sucessful.

BUTCHER EXECUTED. STRANGLED HIS PARAMOUR IN BED. i Thomas Aoomb Mouncer (25), butcher, was executed at Wakefield on Thursday morning for the murder of Elizabeth Bald- win, at Middlesboro'. The pa-rties lived together, and prisoner became jealous of another man. On May 12th t.he parties were drinking together. Mounoer and Baldwin returned to their lodgings at 11 o'clock, and in the night the woman, was heard to cry Ia Next Mouncer himself up to t'h" noliop, saying he had stranded Baldwin, and this statement was found to be correct. Mouncer passed a restless night, and ate practically no breakfast in the morning. He showed some agitation when Pierpoint, the executioner, carried out the pinioning operations. Death was instantaneous. Mouno3r, when told there weut no hope of a reprieve, broke down completely.

"LODGING HOUSE" AT NO. 15. GUARDIANS' PROTEST AGAINST CASUAL FAMILY VISITORS. Swansea. Guardiaoas met on Thursday, Mr. Wm. Williams presiding. A committee recortimended that a mare at the Workhouse be shot, as it was no more capable of working. Mr. Dd. Griffiths: Perhaps we will get another "Spanker." The recommendation was adopted. The number of children at present in the Cottage Homes Î6 132. Rev. E. O. Evans mentioned that four families were admitted to the Workhouse on Wednesday. He thought there was a laxity of proper investigation. When any- thing went wrong at a home there was a refuge at the Workhouse. They should try to put a stop to such tilings. Mr. Devonald moved, and Mr. Peacock seconded, that a sub-committee go into the matter. Mr. W. A. Thomas said it was for the Relieving Officer to satisfy himself that there was destitution. Mi&s Dillwyn said the Workhouse was made a sort of lodging house. When a wife was going to add to the family the husband sent her to the Workhouse. If a sub-committee could do anything to remedy the matter she would support it. Mr. Dryden did not favour a sub-com- mittee, and the proposal for one was loct

J1 — -3 BURIAL IN SWANSEA CHURCH- YARD. MISS DILLWYN TAKES PART IN THE SERVICE. The burial took place in St. Mary's Churchyard, Swansea, on Wednesday after- noon of Miss Gertrude Challioombe, aged 30, only daughter of Mr. W. H. Challicombe, hairdm:6er, Orange-street. Interments in the old churchyard are un- usual. the last being that of Mr. Morgan, an old sexton, in October last year. The last burial in the Challicombe vault was that of a little girl in 1881. Miss Challicombe belonged to the court "Amy Dillwyn" of the Oddfellows, and the funeral was attended officially by officers a.nd the Court. Miss Dillwyn took part in the service, which attracted a large attendance. The pall-boarers were Miss Dillwyn, Miss Ran- dall (secretary of the Court), Miss Flynn, Miss Turtle, and Mrs. Perryman. Miss Challicombe was a member of the Primitive Brethren, meeting in George- street, and several of their leaders were present, but the service was conducted bv Rev. J. W. Jones, curate. Amongst those present were Mr. Philip Jenkins, BandimasteT Sims, Dr. Howel Thomas, Miss Thomas, and Mr. Aubrey Thomas (Mumbles), Inspector Nicholas, P.C. Willis, Mr. G. Turtle, and Mr. Dd. Harris (secretary of the Lord Swansea Lodge of Oddfellows.)

SWANSEA SHIPPERS AND THE HARBOUR TRUST. REOOMMENHAYIONS FOR ALTERATIONS IN THE ACTS. A special meeting of the Swansea. Chamber of Commerce was held on Wednesday after- 11<9, to consider reccmmen-davtioEjs of their Council for alterations m provisions of the Swansea. Harbour Act. These provide:- That no person shall be qualified to be elected proprietory trustee uniess he have in his own right a share or shares of the value of at leaet £2.0:0 in a colliery or works with- in 15 miles of the port of Swansea, and pay- ing not less than £50 yearly in respect of goods, import or export, or bo registered at Swansea, as owner of shipping value at least £1,(X)(); or be possessed of a wharf or ware- house in the Harbour of Swansea or aggre- gate interest in any dock, canal, or rail- way c-mmunioating wfth the port of Swan- sea- of the value of at least £ 2,GG0. That the time of office of proprietory trus- tee be limited to three years unless no-elected. Any firm entitled to six votes may nomin- ate any one of its members, shareholders, or only one representative at a time, one to &ix votes for £5 to £50 routes, shipping one to six votes for 100 to 600 tons or £ 1,0X1 to £ 6,000 value. Pro-vision to be made to confer on the Chamber the privilege of electing annually two of its members to serve as Trustees for the emsuimg year, and for the appointment of a shipowners' representative on the local .Pilotage Board. After a desultory discussion the meeting was adjourned.

YORKSHIRE AUTHORITIES "REVOLT." RELIGIOUS TEACHING PROBLEM- HIGH COURT APPEAL. The Appeal Court on Wednesday gave judgment in the case of the King v. West Ridin.g County Council, which raised the important question whefeher a. local education authority was bound under the Education Act of 1902 to pay for denominational reli- gious instruction in non-provided schools. The West Riding County Council alone amongst education authorities took up the position that. they were responsible for secular instruction only in tiiese schools and they deducted from salaries amounts which, as they said, fairly repre- sented the cost of religious instruction. The appeal was against the decision of the Divisional Court, which made absolute a writ of mandamus directing the Council to pay the balances of teachers' salaries due. The appeal was allowed. The Master of the Rolls, in giving judg- ment, said it was, as it seemed to him, clearly consistent with the intention of Parliament as expressed in the statute that, while re- ligious instruction might be given in non- provided schools, ancf while, if givi;n, it must be in accordance with the provision of the trust deeds, the liability to pay foi it should rest with those in whom tho "statute vested control out of such funds as might. be at their disposal. For these reasons he I thought the uppeal ought to be allowed,

HEARTS OF OAK. EXECUTIVE MEMBERS AND SICK VISITING. The Hearts of Oak Benefit Society ad- journed delegates' meeting resumed on Thursday, when discussion was continued on sick visitation. A resolution proposed on Wednesday by Mr. Richardson (Cardiff) was submitted pro- hibiting members of Executive Council from acting as official sick visitors. An amendment was now moved deferring consideration of subject until after tl1t? re- port of General Purposes Committee had been received. This was carried by an overwhelming majority, and adopted as a substantive re- solution.

SWANSEA COUPLE. SEPARATION ORDER:TEN SHILLINGS A WEEK. At Swansea on Thursday, Wm. James Lewis, Eben«?zer-street, applied for a separa- tion order from his wife Margaret on the ground of her drunkenness. The case had been adjourned in hope of settlement, as both husband and wife were very young. Complainant said his wife, after leaving the court last time did not come to his house for a week. On the following Saturday he saw her drunk speaking to men. He again saw her last Friday under the influence of drink. She told him she was getting 8s. a week, and didn't want him nor "any money" from him! A separation order was made, defendant to pay 10s. a week.

NEATH DENTIST. COUNTY COURT CASE AND A HONEYMOON. At Neath County Court on Thursday, Mr. Meyrick, jun., artificial tooth manufacturer, Windsor-road, appeared to answer a judg- ment summons issued by Mrs. Llewellyn, Briton Ferry, for whom Mr. Trevor Hunter appeared. It was stated defendant had not paid 35s. for which plaintiff had obtained judgment. Mrs. Llewellyn had paid for a set of artifi- cial teeth, which when supplied she con- sidered did not fit. She returned them and asked for the money back. Mr. Hunter said defendant had been mar- ried a fortnight ago, and surely this was evidence of means. His Honour committed defendant to prison for 14 days if he did not pay the amount due.

WENT A BIT TOO FAST. NEATH CHAUFFEUR FINED AT ABERAVON. At Aberavon on Thursday Henry Lloyd, chauffeur to Mr. W. R. Evans, Neath, was charged with furiously driving a motor-car on Saturday, July 9th. Mr. Powell, Neath, defended. P.S. Phillips said he saw defendant com- ing from Port Talbot at a rate of 16 to 20 miles an hour. He was unable to see "he registered number of the car. There were a large number of people in the street, and a little child had a narrow escape. He tele- phoned to Briton Ferry and asked Inspector Pict-on to stop the car. It was the fastest car he had ever seen go through the town. Lloyd was tooting the horn as he went along. Mr. Powell I put it to you that he was only going at a speed of six miles an hour?— No. Will you dispute that it was the strongest car in the county? Witness: I should think it was. Do you know the relative power of cars and their speeds?— No but I know that this car was going something like 16 to 3D miles an hour. P.C. Harris and P.S. Morris also corro- borated. Defendant was fined £1 and costs, but the Bench desired that defendant's license should be renewed on the next occasion.

LUNDY AS A MONTE CARLO. FOREIGN NOBLEMAN'S REPORTED INTENTIONS. It is reported within a. certain circle, writes the Newport correspondent of the "Shipping World," that the aspirations of a wealthy foreign nobleman, who lives for a considerable portion of the year in London, but devotes himself largely to yachting, run in the direction of snapping up Lundy as soon as it is fairly in the market, and turning it into a gaming resort. An English Monte Carlo, within certain limits, might be established in the Bristol Channel within a dozen miles of one of the Devonshire headlands. Such a place would probably appeal to yachting men and their friends. It 16 geographicallv immune from espionage; it is a delightfully. cool and bracing retreat; and it would be easily accessible either from London or the South Caaot by yacht direct or from the Bristol ChAnnel (after a short rail journey) by packet.

MISS TALBOT'S ACTION. IN CONNECTION WITH SOLICITOR'S ESTATE. In order to complete the Receiver's security in the estate of the late Mr. Charies Cheston, solicitor, of Great Winchester- street, E.C., and to secure the benefit of an Order in Chancery in the action brought by Miss Talbot against the estate, particulars of creditors' claims, describing t-lie nature of the security held, were lodged on Wed- nesday in the chambers of Mr. Justice Swinfen Eady and Mr. Justice Neville, at the Royal Courts of Justice. The proceedings were private, a.nd noth- ing could be obtained either from the soli- citors acting for Miss Talbot or from the solicitors acting for the estate. It is understood that nothing of a definite character will be done until after the long vacation, the courts rising at tbs end of the current week.

LLANELLY SENSATION. MR. RICHAELIEU SHOOTS HIMSELF. LITTLE HOPES OF RECOVERY. Quite a sensation was caused at Llanelly on Wednesday morning when it was report- ed that Mr. Irdan Miguel Richaelieu, t.he well-known Llanelly jeweller, had attempted to commit suicide by shooting himself. The circumstances under which Mr. Rich- aelieu gave up business are probably well- known to our readers. For many weeks past he had resided at Leonard's Temper- ance Hotel, Llanelly, which is only a few yards away from the premises which he formerly occupied. These premises are now in the hands of the contractors, being renovated after the recent fire, and therefore I unoccupied. It is here that Mr. Richaelieu was found. Early on Wednesday morning—about 1.45 —Sergeant Samuel Jones was passing the building, when he was startled to hear a revolver report, and on entering the pre- mises found Mr. Richaelieu lying in a. room upstairs near an open window, riid with a revolver wound in the right temple. The police ambulance was summoned, and he was conveyed to Llanelly Town Hos- pital, but could not be accommodated there, and was- therefore taken to the Workhouse Infirmary and attended by Drs. Roderick and Brooks. 'A'e bullet up to time of writing had not been extracted, and little hopes were enter- tained of Mr. Richaelieu's recovery. The revolver was tied to his hand, and as the window near which he stood was open it is believed that he intended to drop into the street below as welL Soon after the affair happened he was visited by his wife, with whom he had not recently been living. Mr. Richaelieu had carried on a jewellery business in Llanelly for the past eight years, under the style cf Imr and Co., and some of his eccentricities have frequently caused commotion in 'the town and got him into trouble. ] is said be has, since a recent action "■n the courts, threatened suicide on more than one occasion. Later.—Mr. Richaelieu, who was con- scious when admitted to the infirmary, iS now unconscious and much weaker. EXTRAORDINARY MESSAGE WRITTEN OX THE WALL. P.S. Jones, upon examining the walls of the place in which he was found, discovered numerous sentences writtin ir. lead-pencil. The following are a few:— "It is after working 21 years for you, Mrs. Richelieu, to have everything taken up by a legal clique and lose you also. I care nothing hr money. You, —— and —— know that. If Lou would only let me see my darling child it would not be so bad. I have done nothing by word, deed, or thought to turn her against me like this. I would have done more and won you again. Now you wont let me see you or my child. I do hope my friends will clear my name and expose those who have lied to make you so bitter to the man whose worst fault was his love for you and his child. Now you -— and —— have ruined uc and driven me to death. I think I hear police seeking me. I may be wrong, ior there are always queer noises in this empty house—rats, I think." Richelieu was a fancier of birds, and has won .numerous prizes with his counts. He was once described as the "Cavey King." The revolver, with which he made the attempt on his life, was obtained in an in- genious manner on Tuesday from Mr. W. Williams., Church-st.noat. Quite early he called on Mr. Williams and asked to be supplied with a revolver. The latter snid the ones he had in stock were out of repair, and as he was observing that day as a holiday he could not be supplied. Mr. Richelieu made urgent representation why he should be supplied, but Mr. Williams remained firm, and he left. He called again later on wit.h no better results, and made several visits to Mr. Williams's premises both morning and afternoon. On the occasion of the last visit Richelieu gave fuller details why be wished to be supplied with a weapon, stating that as he had nothing more to remain in Llanelly for. he was joining a syndicate which was proceeding to Australia, „nd which was sailing on Friday. He went so fa.r as to mention the niinie of the ship. Mr. Williams says that his manner was quite calm, and in fact he chatted continu- ally about his journey "1d is future pros- p*cts, so that he was pervaded that the story was true, and that he really intended travelling that night. Eventually, in order to oblige him, he opened his workshop and repaired a revolver he had in stock. Writing on Thursday afternoon, our Llan- elly reporter eays:—Mr. Richelieu has again became conscious. He ie, however, still very weak, and the prospxrts of re- covery are considered hopeless. The 6ight of both eves has oompletelv gone, GUARDIANS AND THE CASE. At the meeting of the Llanelly Guardians on Thureday the assistant nurse applied for leave of absence. Mr. W. B. Jones stated that there was an important case in the house, and he did not know what they should do under the circumstances. The Clerk: You refer to the Richelieu' case ? Rev. D. Davies: How is he to-day? The Clerk: Better. The holiday was granted.

STRANGE DIVORCE CASE. PARLIAMENT CANDIDATE AS CO-RESPONDENT. In the Divorce Court on Wednesday Mr John Sidney Williams, medical man, Lon- don, was granted decree nisi, on the ground of his wIfe: bigamy and adultery with Mr. Charles Laird, described as a private gentle- man. ° Petitioner said when he secretly married respondent m 1899 at the registry office, M .was a student and she was a hospital She told him she was a widow. In 1902 she went to Australia to some friends, saying on her return she bad met Mr. Laird. In the following year petitioner went through a marriage ceremony with respondent ill church, and in 1904 she told her husband she had married Mr. Laird, ^'hich petitioner found was true. Since then he had not seen her. Evidence showed that respondent and co- respondent had gone to New Zealand, occu- pying the same cabin. Respondent told one witness that Mr. Laird had been a Par- liamentary ca-odidate. There was no de- fence.

"SATISFACTORY ARRANGEMENT" NEATH RURAL DISTRICT COUNCILS SCHEME, At Neath Rural District Council High- way Committee on Wednesday, the Clerk read satisfactory correspondence with the G.W.R. Co., in connection with a scheme for a bridge at Cwrt-y-Clafdy, instead of the present level crossing, and the con- struction of a subway at Springfield instead of the level crossing there. The Council find the land on the south sidfc of Cwrt-y-Clafdy, and contribute £200, the Main Colliery to find the land on the north side, end contribute £250, the G.W. Railway to carry out all the work. Chairman and others said it was a very satisfactory arrangement.

NEATH NOTES. 1 Sweltering Neath! Smart Gymnastics at Castell Nedd Sports. i ■ i Vi Beaultiful weather 1"—^ hat a giorioub summer we are having."—"Yes, better late than never. We have been a long time waiting." The above were samples of the resmarbs we heard on all sides on Monday. 'I uesday. "Fearfully hot."—"WeH, it has oome so suddenly. That is the worst of this wretched climate. But I suppose we must, put up with it." Wednesday.—-Pliew How long is this going to llébSt. h's killing. Ltash it. I'd rather have rain. You can manage to keep cpol. i quite agree with you. This wea- ther is most trying. I've been nearly dead ail day. Really, 1 cannot stand this swel- tering heat. It's too awful for words. I wonder how much longer it's going to last. Oh for the winter." How changeable are we all. We sigh for the brilliant sunshine, and when we get it we dash it and long for something else. But really it has been cruelly hot. rm speaking as one who never sighs for brilliant sunshine, and tlferefore am consistent. To those who have to bear the burden of 15 stone, brilliant sunshine, with its results, is a thing to be hoped against. Give me thr wintrv frost, hard a-nd dry, when one can exercise himself and send the blood tingling through his veins in pleasing heat. But take. 0 take from me the excessive heat, which saps the energy and makes one feel work to be one of the most horrid necessi- ties of all times. There a.re undoubtedly many who revel in bright., sunshiny weather, with the heal, at 90 in the shade. But they are not the bee in the human hive, but the drones. Sometimes, in my evil moments, I think that this universe was created mostly for the dTones. "Lord Fitznoodle, Lady Fitznoodle and family have left for a two-months1 cruise in the Mediterranean." How such Society announcements grate on the senses of those who can't even get a modest fortnight. And there are millions who cannot. But then, wouldn't we all like to be Lord ^■d Lady Fitxnoodles? And shouldn't uo j ust t ti«6 if w«0 were ? 1 think 00. The 2s eath sports on Monday were a success, from a financial point of view, but the racing was of the most common- place and disappointing character. Had it not been for the presence of the boys øf the Reformatory Schools and the really splendid eymnastic display they gave, the Bank Holiday event would have been a miserable farce. The boys weTe fine illustrations of physical culture, and the writer, who has had the pleasure of seeing many similar dis- plays, was agreeably surprised at the all round excellence showed. The lads knew their work to the letter. Their programme was divided into two parts. In the first, they gave u& an admirable exhibition of general physical exercises, and in the second we viewed with admiration a series of tableaux, executed with skill and precision, worthy cf the best trained athletes. Then we had a number of exercises with the vaulting horse, the whole performance winding up with figure marching (to the aouble.) It waj a really fine performance, and Instructor Blake and Superintendent ooode must have felt gratified by it, and the spontaneous, pdiasidits of the bisr crowd. Wednesday's meeting of the District Council showed that a most satisfactory arrangement had been arrived at between the Great Western Railway Co.. the Main Oolherv Co., and the Council itself, with reierenoe to the building of a bridge in lieu of tlie crosamg. and the construction of a sub-way instead of -the level crotsmg at Springfield. Skewen. For a WMig time these two crossings have proved a source of danger, particularly to tIle children of the village. Very soon this dan- ger will be removed. The Great Western Kailway Co. h-ave made generous terms they only want the Council to find the land on the north side of Cwrt-v-Clafdv and contribute J3300, and the Ma.in Collierv Co to provide the land on the south side and Eire £ 250 They will do all the rest S2 work will involve a great deal of expense, the lions share of which will be bonie by the Company, wlw have behaved m the most public-spinted way in connection with the affair. t Qu!te_a treat was provided for the people or Neath at the ictona Gardens on Tues- day evening, when tlie Abeiaman Band gave a grand concert- in aid of the funds of that most excellent local organisation—the eath Nursing Institute. Hundreds of the townspeople patronised the concert and I am told that the funds of the Institution are likely to substantially benefit, although the actual sum is not yet known. On Wednesday the Xeath Rural Distriêt Council made another appointment. that of accountant, at a salary of £100, The Cottn d selected Mr. David Sims for the position" and their choice could not have beenbetter ma^ Mr Sims is a man of unquestionable probity and of marked ai/lity. He will J" r ?? f<>r h]K salar^- in the Pino tJw irn will find the ment a remunerative invest- a. Neatb showoo how to play victory-. a very eaey +-- :.Mr. Trueman is known local1-y b'Y 111. new' htle. He is called the "Post dmi. Kin.- t t t ( inT l'^€ ^^ath Corporation appeal m the Gik.11 water case ? home people don't think thev will. "ouId they be foolish if they did? Probably. There was little drunkenness at 1\ea.tJI over the Bank Holiday. So many were away, you see. Neath Coroner has developed quite a habit of tilting at the Press. One thing, tlie Press is well able to stand it. "OBSERVER."

———„ 1 WIFE MURDEROUSLY ATTACKED. M»s. Edward Autigen, of Stockport, who was attacked on Tuesday night by her hus- band, a labourer, -with a hammer whilst she lay in bed, has succumbed to her in- juries. The man was brought before the magistrates on Wednesday morning aharged with the -urder and retpapdad.