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LLANELLY MURDER
LLANELLY MURDER TRIAL AT CARMARTHEN. JUDGE AND A WITNESS. THI LINE OF DEFENCE. DEFENDANT INSANE: JUDGE'S SINTENCE. At Carmarthen Assizes on Wednesday, be- fc Mr. Justice Bucknill, Thomas John Lewis (30), plasterer, Cambrian-street, Llanelly, was indicted with wilfully mur- dering his daughter, Gertrude, aged three years and seven months. There was a crowded attendance, including a large num- ber of Llanelly people. Mr. Bowen Row- lands and M'r. Kelly (instructed by )lr. D. R. Edmunds) appeared to prosecute, and Mr. Lloyd Morgan, K.C., ^an<^ ^r" David Rhys (instructed by ^r- J- Le^s Phillips) appeared for the defence. On the charge being read over the prisoner broke down completely and wept bi'lerly- OPENING ADDRESS FO^ THE CROWN. Mr. Bowen Rowland said the crime of murder was a mosf serious one, being one of the few offelice-, for which the law in- flicts the penary of death. In conducting the prosecution he was aware of the serious resp-" .aibility which he was undertaking, f l'iu he would endeavour to place the whole ACCUSED, THOMAS JOHN LEWIS. I of the facts before them in as impartial a manner as possible. The crime of murder was at the best a shocking one. In this particular case there were some most revolting features. The crime was com- mitted under the most. terrible circcm- In coming to consider their ver- diet he asked the jury to arrive at a. deci- sion, apcrt from any sentimental (jonsicLer- ations of sympathy. Counsel then pro- ceeded to describe the circumstances under which the crime was committed. STEP-DAUGHTER'S' STORY OF THE CRIME. Christina Maud James, prisoner's step- daughter, said that on August 26th her step- father came home at 7.50 in the evening, and was asked if he wanted supper, when he replied, "I do not want youx —— food." Her mother was sitting down by the side of Gertie, who was near the fire. Her step-father then came near the fire. He took off his top coat and had a white coat underneath. After ti aing up the sleeves he took a knife out of his pocket and sharpened it on the doorstep outside, at the same time telling Gertie that she should have it before the night was out. At this time she stood on the side of the partition next to the street and could see what was being done. After sharpening the knife he laid his finger on the knife to see if it was sharp. He then shut the knife up and came back into the room, sitting next to the fire. Having sat by the fire he picked up the fender in order to strike her mother. Gertie was in the room and CHRISTINA JAMES (Sister of the murdered child). also Otatiie, her little brother. Her uncle I William, who was present ail the time, then intervened, saying, "Don i be so fool- ish, Tom. Her step-father then put the fender down, after which he picked up a fender down, after which he picked up a gtooi and struck Charlie twice in the back. He also pushed witness about. She had not done anything to annoy him. She said, "Don't you push me about if you do push my mother about. He again took the knife oat of his pocket and carried Gertie to the front room near the window-csilL Gertie sat by his side. He then twice said, "Do you like,- dadda?" and she replied, "Yes, dadda, but don't beat me again." He had previously taken hold of her by the throat. After that he stabbed Gertie in the neck with the penknife. She then screamed for mother who carried Gertie a.way. Her atop-father said to her mother, "Oh, Sarah Ann, I have done it." Before that witness -id, "OH, MAMMA, DADDA HAS KILLED GERTIE." After that he ran out of the house, but soon came back again and kissed Gertie. After that he stated that he was going to give himself up to the police. Mr. Lloyd Morgan Gertie was your step- father's pet? Witness: He loved her. William James, 2, Cambrian !street, la- bourer's plasterer, said tha.t he lived with prisoner and his wife, the latter being his sister. He sat. in the lower room on August 26th behind the partition. His sister and her three children were present. Prisoner came in sober, and his sister gave him a basin of broth, and after tjUrfrvT a couple of spoonsful he said "I don't want any more of your broth," picked up a stool, and going by the side of his son Charlie, said, "I will kill you, you litcle His" sister was in the same room, add he then turned to strike her wiih the fender. Up to this time i witness had not interfered. The little girl Christina could hear what was said. Pris- oner turned on the little boy, who ran to- wards the door. He fallowed him up and caught him by the threat. Them the child caught witness by the leg and shouted out, ft-" me, Win bach.y' After that witness left the house. JUDGE'S SEVERE QUESTION TO WITNESS. His Lordtehip: What on earth made you gn orat* The little boy was appealing to yon for mercy. Speak up like a man and say what yon have to say. James I dad not like to interfere between rrusn and wife. The Judge: Yoc. had a. sister and a little hoy appealing to yon for safety. You torn year back on them and leave them to the merey of this man. Shame on you Janwn was about to make an explanation, 1 wilen the Judge said ba did not want to Crop's -examined, witness said the prisoner j Was a.n awful drinker. J Prisoner now asked to be allowed to go J Prisoner now asked to be allowed to go I below, and was removed, returninS m a few minutes. I Elizabeth James, neighbour, said she came into the house after the little girl was wounded, and eaid, "Whatever have you doneand prisomer replied, "Oh, Mrs. James, I have done it." He went out, and on returning kissed the child, and left the house, saying that he intended to give him- self up. He was very fond of the child. Dr. Ward said he saw the little girl frit- ting on a woman's knee bleeding freely from the neck and fn a state of cohapse. blood issuing from two punctured wounds below the left ear. The upper one was half an inch ia length, running horizontally. The lower vound was a quarter of an inch lower, and three-eighths of an inch in length, ftoih wounds were clean cut and could Aave. been caused with the knife pro- duced. The only hope of saving the child was by means of a.n operation. On the ar- rival of a cab he took the child in his arms and set off for the hospital. The child died as the cab entered Tunnel-road. Death "was due to the bleeding from the wound. P.O. Walter Evans said prisoner gave himself up at the police-station and handed over the knife produced. He called thA superintendent, to whom the prisoner made a statement. At that time he was calm and quite sober. PRISONER'S STATEMENT TO THE POLICE. Superintendent Rogers said he saw the prisoner at the police-station, when he made a statement as follows: "1 wish to give myself up for putting the blade of the I knife to my child's neck. I cut her neck half an hour ago. I did it with the whole blade. I told my wife and she took the knife away. I kissed the child and went out, telling one of the neighbours to fetch a doctor." The prisoner was quite sober. Cross-examined: He knew Lewis well. The man was addicted to drink ,§nd had been twice convicted for drunkenness— once in 1903 and once in 1907. P.S. Britten said he went to the house and found Mrs. Lewis there a.nd a woman named Nicholas with the child in her arms. Dr. Ward arrived a few minutes later. At 10 p.m. he saw prisoner at the police sta- tion and charged him with murdering his daughter. He commenced to cry and said his wife was the cause of it all through drinking and making rows in the house. Lewis formerly lived in William-street, where his furniture .as sold eleven months ago by the landlord for rent. The house was poorly furnished. In reoent years the prisoner had been a. heavv drinker. EVIDENCE OF WIFE* NOT ADMIS- SIBLE. TlJi" concluded the case for the Crown, the Judge ruling that a question as to the character of the wife was not admissible. Mr. Lloyd Morgan said lie was not going to suggest that the prisoner was not guilty of the crime. The defence he intended to put forward was that at the time of the crime the prisoner was insane and not cap- able of knowing what he was doing. If the jury came to such a conclusion they could bring in a verdict to the ellect that prisoner was guilty of committing the act, but was insane at the time. William Jenkins, labourer, said Ue had known the prisoner all his lifetime. They recently worked on the same job for two months. Lewis was in the habit of talking to himself. One day Mr. Vivian, the owner of the hcuses where they worked, called wit- ness and pointed out to him prisoner's strange conduct. Lewis stood on the plank with a hammer held above his head and his face to the ground, remaining in that posi- tion for ten minutes. On August 26th he worked with the prisoner, wno talked to himself most of trie time. He was very. strange and did not appear to know -what; was going on. Cross-examined He never spoke to Mrs. Lewis or anyone else about the strange oon- duct of the prisoner. Lewis acted in a pe- i culiar manner 011 the first occasion three i weeks before the murder. lis Lordship: He had given away to draik' Witness: Yes. Was he drinking durmg the three weeks? did not drink on the job, and never appeared as if he had been on the booze. Mr. Bowen Rowlands questioned William Vivian, Church-street, Llanelly, as to whe- ther or not he had endeavoured to interview- some of the witnesses for the prosecution, and witness said he did send for Mrs. Lewis on Sunday night, but with the idea of giv- ing her some old clothes suitable for wear- ing in court. He did this merely as an act of kindness. The Judge You continue to do acts of kindness provided they are honest, and you will never regret it. David John Harries, James-street, Llan- elly George Ross, plasterer, Swanfield- place, Llanelly, and John EvaJis. contrac- tor, The Forge, Llanelly, spoke of the strange demeanour of the prisoner whilst at work. Edward Thomas, step-brother of the prisoner, said that a few nights before the crime he noticed that the prisoner was very strange in his manner. He kept fumbling his hands and talking incoherently to him- self. He then Hew to the attic, and lay on the tioor while mumbling to himself. On the following morning he found prisoner again behaving very strangely, and picking ■up a bit of bread, which he said was his breakfast, in a large sheet of newspaper. He' did not attribute his conduct on this occasion to drink, although (in cross-exami- nation) he said he could not speak of that with certainty. PRISONER'S MOTHER GIVES EVIDENCE. Prisoner's mother, a homely-looking wo- man, who was so deaf that the interpreter was obliged to shout in her ear, was then called, and said that about six o'clock on the night of the tragedy prisoner called at her house, sat on the settle, and started crying. He seemed very strange in his manner. Later in the night he called at her house again, and his manner WM very wild and excited. He asked her to go down to his house, as he had put a knife into little Gertie. He said he would go and give him- self. up to the police. He looked wildly behind him, and imagined that the police ~e*v. ^ter him. The prisoner's grand- er on his father's side was a very silly woman, and used to go rambling about ?yJ 1uPeoplet^^to watch hlr. She had heard her mother say that her grand- mother had died in an asylum. Cross-examined, the witness aaid the pri- soner was her son by her first hushand. Mr. Lloyd Morgan said he was very sorry to have to put the question. Counsel asked if she had been addicted to drink at one time.. Witness replied, in the affirmative, and added that she had not tasted it for two years. THE WIFE IN THE WITNESS-BOX. Sarah Ann Lewis, wife of the prisoner, who was dressed in deep mourning, was t.hen called, and stated that a few weeks before the crime was committed she noticed that a change came over her husband. He looked very wild. (Prisoner at this stage uncovered his face, and glanced at his wife, this being the second time he had raised his head during the taking of the depositions). Proceeding, the witness said that her husband of late was very dtwvn- hearted, and used to get up in the middle of the night, walk downstairs aimlessly, and go back again. During this period his ap- petite was very poor. When asked whe- ther the prisoner liked the children, witness replied, "Yes, and he was always kind to them," whereupon she burst into tears. In enfes-examination by Mr. Rowlands, the witness said she could not suggest any reason why her husband should have said that he killed the child to annoy her, as there was no unpleasantness between them on the night in question. Prisoner used to drink, but this was the first occasion on which he had ill-treated the children. The. prisoner was about to strike her with a fen- der before attacking the children, but her brother stopped him. Mr. Bowen Rowlands Why didn't you go and give information with a view to pro- tecting these children when you found your husband was ill-trearting them?—No an- swer. Was it because these scenes had very often occurred that you did not take much notice of it?—No. In reply to Mr. Lloyd Morgan, witness said she- recansad a letter ■itxmt tho prisoner 'I from the gaol on September 2, but the coo- tents were not disclosed by order of the judge. PRISONER'S SANITY: EXPERT EVIDENCE. Dr. Richards, Joint Counties Asylum, Carmarthen, said on the previous day he examined prisoner. The physical examina- tion resulted in his opinion that he had been addicted to chronic alcoholic indulgence. He examined him with a view to discover the state of his mind, and then came to the conclusion that he was sane. (Commo- tion.) Mr. Lloyd Morgan put questions to wit- ness with a view of discovering the condi- tion of the prisoner's mind at the time he committed the act. Witness said there was a form of sanity which was known as alcoholic insanity, the characteristics of which were that there was a gradual change in the mental and physical condition of the person suffering. The change in the per- son's condition was due to the action of the poison, which affected the general nutrition of the body. Dr. Richards said alcoholic insanity meant that a man became morose, sullen, lacked vivacity, forgetful ness, in- capacity for doing work, not taking the same interest in his work, ;and loss of self- respect. A man in such a condition might have defasioiis. He might know where be was, or be might be absolutely lost. The most marked point about all forms of in- dulgence was the loss of self-control. Such depressions as spoken of by the prisoner's witneses were consistent with alcoholic in- sanity. It was quite consistent with alco- holic insanity for a man suffering front it to be perfectly sane three days after it. It was quite consistent with alcoholic insanity for a person to commit an act of violence I of which he would not be able to give an intelligent account a few days afterwards. Mr. Bowen Rowlands, before proceeding to cross-examine Dr. Richards, desired to know how far it was possible for an offence of drunkenness to be a defence of murder. His Lordship explained that drunkenness producing delirium tremens to such an ex- tent as to make a man a raving lunatic was one form of active alcoholic insanity, but there was another form of alcoholic in- sanity when a man did not know the dine-r- ence between right and wrong. Mr. Bowen Rowlands respectfully con- tended there was no judgment on the point. His Lordship I thought I knew all about it I ought to, at any rate. Mr. Bowen Rowlands But according to medical men everybody is insane. His Lordship Have you any authority for that? (Laughter). Mr. Bowen Rowlands The only difficulty is how far his opinion goes. His Lordship Don't attempt to say it. (Laughter). Mr. Bowen Rowlands: Do you think, doctor, that when the prisoner was cutting the child's throat that he knew he was do- ing wrong? His Lordship That is a question for the jury. On the judge's advice, Mr. Bowen Row- lands said he would not call rebutting medi- cal evidence. This closed the case for the defence. COUNSEL'S ADDRESS FOR THE PRISONER.' Mr. Lloyd Morgan suggested that a gradual mental change in prisoner's mind had been taking place for some time, and that all of a sudden a condition of mind came over the prisoner so that he was un- able to control himself, and did not know what he was doing whan he committed the crime. Let them not imagine that he was setting up a defence that drunkenness was an excu.se for crime. It was a disease which was brought on by heavy drunkenness. That was an excuse, and there was no doubt that the poor fellow's mind had become unhinged vthrough the excessive use of alcohol. (5>unsel did not suggest that be- cauw prisoner was now sane that he had recovered sufficiently to go back to society and his old associations. There could be 110 question about it that on the day of the tragedy prisoner was suffering from aloo- holic insanity, which culminated in this, as in most cases, in an excess of violence, i.\1R. BOWEN ROWLANDS RIDICULES DEFENCE. Mr. Bowen Rowlands, in his address to the jury, suggested that the defence set up in this case was of a most startling ch a raster, ajid one which up to a. few years ago would not have been allowed in the criminal courts. If the jury accepted a plea of insanity in this case, there was not a drunken reprobate who, after committing a crime, would not come to them and say, "True, I did it, but at the time I did it I was mad drunk." He characterised the doctors' evidence as not worth one-tenth part of the value of the pencil which he had in his hand. JUDGE REPROVES BROTHER-IN- LAW. The Judge, in summing up, said that the only question the jury had to answer was Was this man, the accused person, insane in the eyes of the law, and. therefore, not responsible for taking the life of the child, if he did take it, or was he sane? And, if so, it was conceded that their verdict must be one of guilty, because there was no doubt whatever that he did with his own hand take the. life of this child, of whom he ap- peared to have been passionately fond up to this time. The judge reviewed the evi- dence, and said it seemed a strange thing for a person to have done what the prisoner appeared to have done on this fateful night. At the same time, a man might have allowed himself to lose his self-control and become nothing else than a perfect beast. The jury had to decide whether the prisoner knew either of the quaJity of the act which he was doing when he cut the little girl's neck, or that 00 did not appreciate that he was doing anything wrong in other words, that he was a madman when he committed that rash act. It could not be suggested that Dr. Richards had come there to save the prisoner's life act tho expense of his reputa- tion. Dr. Riahaards only gave his evidence as an expert witness. The judge said that if Williaim James, the brother-in-law of prisoner, had stuck to his post this tragedy would very likely never have happened. It was clearly James's duty to stay. If his evidence was true, after what he saw pri- soner was not fit to be left alone on that night, and if he was in drink, he ought to have been looked after. To leave the pri- soner in the house with a defenoeieaB wo- man, a little boy, the little girl, and his stepdaughter, after what James had seen, seemed to him (the judge) to have been most callous. He considered this case in a sense the most difficult case he had ever had to try. Two verdicts were open to the jury (1) If they found he had not made out the defence of insanity, of course, the verdict was wilful murder; (2) but if they found that be was irresponsible of mind, then the verdict would be guilty of the act charged against him, but that he was in- sane at the time when he did the act. "GUILTY, BV7 INSANE." The jury retired at 5.20. After all ab- sence of twenty minutes they returned a verdict, amid a hushed silence, that "the accused is guilty of the act charged against him, but was insane at the time he did the act." The Judge thereupon ordered accused to be detained until his Majesty's pleasure be further known, and Lewis was literally car- ried down below, still crying.
CHINA MISSIONARY AT SWANSEA.
CHINA MISSIONARY AT SWANSEA. An interesting lecture was given on Tuee- day Evening' at Bible Christian Chapel. Ox- ford-atreet, by the Rev A H Haimau, ten yeara missioner at Wenebow, in Cliina. Mr Uhos. Harrison (Preeidemt Band of Rope Union), presided. The lecturer, in the coarse of his address, said that one of the Chinese great fSaUiu^jd was their love of the past— the past to them aeema the "golden age." Mr Hainjaji gave his audience an insight into mission iife hi China and spoke of the pre. gent craving of the Chinese for Western learnings—a good sign for Cthri/Jtianity in China
[No title]
-= DlaneUy Education Committee on Thurs- day received 14 applications for an unoertafi- cated teaobershop (some certificated). Miss Gath«rine Thomas, Llanelly, was chosen. The death has occurred of Mr. Jotm James, Whyndham Hotel, Merthyr, for- merly fcrwruan of the late Councillor T. Rees, contractor. Swansea. Deceased when at Swansea resided for years at darenoe-ter- race, where his maiden sifter 'ives. Ilia funeral takes place on Monday at Dany- grar. g. Mis. James, deceased's wife, is vary ill.
CARMARTHEN ASSIZES.{
CARMARTHEN ASSIZES. { VIRT HIAVY CALENDAR. The winter assizes for the joint counties of Carmarthen, Pembroke, and Cardigan opened at the Guildhall, Carmarthen, on j Tuesday at 11.15 a.m. before Mr. Justice BuckniU. His lordship arrived in the as- size town by the 4.51 from London express 1 on Monday, and was met at the Great e,i- tern Railway station by the High. Sheriff of Carmarthenshire (Major Dowaesweii, Liian- 1 stephan), the Under-Sheriff (Mr. D. E. j Stephens, solicitor, Carmarthen), the High Sheriff's chaplain (the Rev. J. M. James, B.A., vicar of Llanstephan), and a posse of county police, in command of Inspector John Jones, Llanelly. The calendar is an exceptionally heavy one, and includes Z1 cases of a criminal character. There are no eivil causes at this assize. Chief interest is centred around the murder and attempted murder trials from Llanelly. The calendar includes two charges each of arson anÖ per- jury and housebreaking and larceny from Cardiganshire; two charges each of sacrilege and indecency, and one each of larceny, per- jury, murder, and attempted murder from Carmarthenshire; two of housebreaking <uid one each of manslaughter, forgery, cutting and wounding, and burglary from Pembroke- shire, and one of bigamy from the town and county of Haverfordwest. The assizes are expected to last the whole week, and it is possible that a commissioner of assize will be appointed to assist his lordship in disposing of the cases. Mr. Mervyn L. Peel was foreman of the grand jury. CHARGE TO THE GRAND JURY. Mr. Justice Bucknill, in addressing the Grand Jury, stated the work which they had to perform was rather more than that which usually falls to grand juries "in this port of the country. He read in the papers that there was a record list. Most of the cases, however, were of a trivial character, There was also a case from Llanelly in which a plasterer named Lewis was charged with the murder of his child, whom he stabbed just below the ear, and then gave himself up to the police. They would, of course, find a true bill. It was an extraordinary case, and appeared to have been the act of a man who did not know what he was doing. UNSATISFACTORY ACCOMMODATION The general arrangements were of a most I unsatisfactory character, and there was not sufficient accommodation for the barristers, whilst many other persons doing business at the court were much inconvenienced. His Lordship said that on account of the large number of cases to be dealt with he hoped counsel would be as brief as possible. LLANELLY COLLIER SENTENCED. Thomas Henry Harry (25), collier, Llan- elly, was charged with stealing a ooat, value 7s. 6d., the property of Joseph Jenkins, and a gun, two silver brooches, and other ar- ticles, value JB3, from John Jones, Llanelly. Mr. D. Rees prosecuted. Prisoner was sen- tenced to six months' hard labour on each charge, the sentences to run concurrently. LLANDOVERY WTDOW: NO TRUE BILL. The jury found no true bill" against Jane WaJl, w-.o was indicted for perjury at Llandoveay. His Lordship said that if in the jury's place he would have done the same. HAVERFORDWEST BIGAMY. James Jones (37), ship's cook, charged with oigamously marrying Ellen Augustus Watkins at Haverfordwest. was sentenced to three months' imprisonment. THREE YEARS FOR INCENDIARISM. John Cooler (25), for setting fire to a barn, vaJue JE120, at Aberystwyth, was sent to penaJ servitude for three years. JUDpE "ALMOST HORRIFIED." Judge expressed "almost horror" that Alfred Johnson (28) and George Wilson (27), charged with stealing a shirt, etc., and breaking into Gibeon Chapel, Mydrirn, should have been waiting their trial since August 1st, especially as there was nothing against Johnson before. Johnson would be discharged, and Wilson sent down for two months, although his Honour said he had t intended it to be six months. j BOY ADDICTED TO DRINK. | John Jones (18) was sentenced to six months for stealing a watch and key at New Quay. It transpired that the boy was ad- dicted to drink, and the Judge expressed horror and advised him to keep awav from the "beastly thing." "DON'T LET YOUR T'— ODE WAG." "Don't let your tongue wag," said the Judge to Evan Owen Davies, Aberporth, who admitted throwing a match away care- lessly. resulting in a rick and shed fire* He was discharged. PUBLICAN'S MONEY. John Dorkan (28), labourer, La.m;peter, re- oeived two months for stealing JB55 from a publican. BREAKING AND ENTERING. William Marshall (36), tramp, went down for three months f»r breaking and entering at Llandyssul. Judge: "Don't go back to; your old ways."—Hy. MiMer (43), fitter, re- ceived three months for a similar offence at St. Issell's. SELF-DE-pEN Ch*. James Owen, an Abercych fisherman, who wounded Benjamin Williams, was found to have done it in self-defence, Judge concurr- ing. LLWYNHENDY COLLIER'S LAPSE. Thomas Henry Harry (25). a colHetr, plead- i ed guilty to stealing a coat, value 7s. 6d., r the property of David John Jenkins, Llwyn- hendy, IJaneJly, and a grin, two silver brooches, and other articles, value £3, the I property of John Jones, Llanelly. Mr. Dd. Ehys was for the Grown. There were pre- vious convictions. The Judge remarked that drink was "at the bottom of it." There was not the slightest shadow of doubt aixxut I that. The sentence woidd be six months' hard labour for eadh offence, each term to run concurrently. NO TRUE BILLS. No true bills were returned in respect of the indictments for perjury from Llandovery (Carmarthenshire) and XJanbadarn (Cardi- ganshire).
COCKETT COUNCIL.
COCKETT COUNCIL. IS A PAROCHIAL COMMITTEE REQUIRED? Cockett Parish Council met on Tuesday, Mtr. C. H. Perkins, J.P., presiding. Mr. T. Jones, Masons' Arms, Waunar- lwydd, sat for the first time in place of Mr. W. John (disqualified on account of irre- gulaff attendance). Mr. dement: What about the atteaad- anoe of Mr. Trevor Hopkins? (Laughter.) The tender of Mr. W. Davies, Ystrad, ] Waunarlywc&d, of £8 for repairing Ystrad Gate footpath was accepted. Clerk Martyn reported damage to Black pti-U footbridge. The Chairman promised to report. The Parochial Carmrtittee met prior to the anncBJ meeting and discussed whether to meet monthly or quarterly. Mr. G. L. Thomas presided, and Distract Councillor C. S. Thomas was present. Several members criticised the represents- taves of the parish on the District Council. Others disapproved of the committee meet- ing at all, as no business was delegated them. It was however, decided to write the District Council asking that the parish r&- preeectativee should attend the ParochiaJ Committee. Mr. C. 8. Thomas announced that the Local Government Board had refused to sanctton the Sketty drainage scheme.
LLANELLY SHIPOWNER'S PURCHASE.…
LLANELLY SHIPOWNER'S PURCHASE. The wooden screw stealer "Muriel," lying at Kilrush. has been sold to Llanelly owners for .£S7S. She was built at Montrose in 1878, and is fitted with compound engines (new 1885). and received new boiler in 1902. She carries forty tons.
PONTARDULAIS MURDER CHARGE.
PONTARDULAIS MURDER CHARGE. Mr. Ellis Griffiths, M.P., and Mr. Law- rence will prosecute at the next Swansea Assizes for the Treasury in the charge against Evan and David Jones, Pontardu- lais, for the murder of William Hughes. The »Cv-used will be defended, but their counsel has not yet finally been decided upon. J
ASPHYXIATED BY GAS.
ASPHYXIATED BY GAS. SWANSEA COAL-TRIMMER'S DEATH. SON'S TRAGIC DISCOVERY. A sad <:3088 of asphyiiati in occurred at' Swansea on Sunday morning. James Protheroe (60), widower, by occu- pation a. coal-trynnaer, No. 7, Cambrian- place, went to led a.bout half-past eleven o'clock on Saturday night, and presumabl;, after turning fhegaa off ■wici.d en tally turned it on again, for 0, Sunday afternoon he was ciscovered the room being filled with gas £u111ffi. Joseph Proth&n.e, roll of the deceased, said his father occupied a room at the top of the house, where he slept by himself. Fin4~ ing his fatld die not get up to dinner at half-past two, he went up and found the btdroom dooff '°cfcod, also a strong smell of gas. He burst tl^ door open and found the gas-jet turned Oti, and his father lying on the bed undiTesse<} as if asleep. He opened the window, and tried to rouse his father, without avail- 111 this connection it may be stated that tile police report states that it is believed the leased went to bed with tba jet turned 0" but not lit. P.C. Barry (106) was called at 3.50 p.m. on Sunday, fouud Dr. W. Morgan in attendance, the doctor having been called twenty minui66 earlier. There was at that time a to"trong smell of gas. Judging from an examinatiQl, death had taken place soma hours pievici)^y> as the body was qu.te cold. Deceased well known around tne docks, and hail been a member of the Na- tional Labouxds Union for many years. He has a. brotben- Joseph, who is connected *vith the Gw*ancaegurwen Colliery Com- pany. Inquiries at the house elicit that the gas was not turned off at the meter on Saturday night, which, is will be remembered, was tho case in the thr^ deaths last Christmas Day in Orange-street
=--= REV. OSCAR SNELLING.…
=--= REV. OSCAR SNELLING. PROGRESS OF THE TESTIMONIAL FUND. Mr. W. F. Michael, Russell-street, Swan- sea, treasurer of the Rev. Oscar Snelling's testimonial fund, has received the following a.II1ounts :— Already ackonvf^ged, £94 4s. 7d. £2 2s.—MT. W. J. Rees. £1 Is. each—Mf- &amuel Taylor, Mr. Howel Watkins, J.P..Mr. Richard Lewis, MT. and Mrs. W. Salter. jBl each—Mr. and Mrs. Cutclifle, Mr. John Dyer, Mrs H. A. Chapman (second dona- tion). 10s. 6d. each-Mrs. J- Saunders, Ivydene, West Crass; Mr. a.nd Mrs. Tucker, St. Thomas ananymoOS- 10s. each—Mrs. Johns, Mr. Francis (second donation), Miss G. Davies, Mr. T. Islay Young. 5s. each—AnonyrO°us> Mr. W. Tovey, Mr. John Davies (High street), A Friend. Smaller sums—4s. 6d. Total, JS106 6s. 7d. The fund will be open until the New Year.
-.........:::::::=.::.---—----LATE…
.=. — LATE MB. J. DViR LEWIS, JUNIOR FUNERAL AT MUMBLES CEMETERY. The funeral took pl^ at Mumbles Ceme- tery 011 Monday of the late Mr. John Dyer Lewis, junr., aged 18, eldest son of Mir. J. Dyer Lewis, H.M. InSP^or of Mines, who died at Glanrnyd, Sketty, on Thursday, a. proniising young life being nipped in the dcceasod having bean a brilliant scholar 0k the Grammar School. A funeral service was held at Christ Ua'*rch, Rey. J. H. Wat- kin Jones officiating. There were many flora.! tributes- Princi- pa.l mourners were Mr- J. Dyer Lewis (father) and deoeiased's three young brothers, Messrs. John Daviag. I'hcarias Davies, Wal-, ter Davies, Wm. Parsons, William Thomas, ad William John (uncles), David JoTies, Tom Jones, A. J. Jenkins, Wm. Jenkins, Arthur TVansaS) John Idris Davies, Garnet Davies, William Evanfi, Evan Thomas (fcou- sins), Messrs. D. g. Morgan, —. Boyer, C. D. Richaards, —. Richards (Mayals), F. N. White, etc. The list of wreaths Wa.; as follows: Father, Mobhea-, Brothers, Sister Maary; John, Tom, and Waiter Davies( uncles), and Aunt Rachal; Rev. II. T. and MTs. Lewis Hirley (uncle and aunt); HeV D. W. and Ma-s. Lewis, Fifehead^ Nevill (uncle and aaint); Afr. and Mrs- Byrne and Children, Newcvastle-on-Tvne; Mr. and MIs. Fred A Gray, Penarth; M<r. 3*°^ Mrs. Harry Gibbin. Cardiff; Mrs. Stephens, Cardigan; Rev. T. and Mrs. WaJyters (aunt-), Full Sutton, near York; Swansea G-nvrnin>ai School; Mr. F. H- Glynn Price, 5 Mis. Simpson arui family, Cardiff; Mrs. J. M. Sims and family) 8, Gwydj-cra&ceDt., Swansea; Ylrs. peters., Swansea j Mrs D. EL Morgan, Eaton Oeeofot, Swansea; M-f. a^d Mrs. Walter P. David. Sketty-rood, SwaDFea. Mrs. David SiImS, Eaton-cresoent, Swansea; George and Arthur Edwards, and Fred Davies, Cardiff j friends).; Members of Swansea Grammar School, 6th Form; Miae Wills, Taambon; Mr. F. Napier White, Swansea.; Mr. and Mrs. SneQ, Swansea; Mi^s A. Wills, Braffer- ton, Darnngtoo Misses C. Neal, E. PbappK, aad E. Lewis; Mr. E. Jenkins (master S.G.S.), Swansea; Nant Gwyn residents, penygraig. Aunt Mary and family, Porth, G'lam. Mr. Philip Richard, The MayaJs, Blackpool. Meesrs. Ben Evans and Co., Ltd., carried out the arrangements.
SWANSEA OOUNOIl EMPLOYE'S…
SWANSEA OOUNOIl EMPLOYE'S OONDUor. At Swansea, Works Oommittee on Tuesday, Alderman. Dd Willi3"013 Presiding, Mr Hy Thompson drew attention to the caae of a corporation workman, who had gone on with bcme work, in Myaydd-atreet, making a loud noise, after he had been asked by the occu- pier of a house to desist- as his wife was seriously fli. Mr Thompson thought such conduct yas most reprehensible. Surveyor had, however, started that the workman had completed his taflk before being spoken t.o. Deputy Surveyor said the workmen on the job complained ae the householder used some coarse language to them. Had they kwn the condition of the lady earlier they would not have gone on with the work.—Mr Ivor Gwynne said whether the men weoe under the corporation or not, they should not have been spoken to ae they werei.—Hie T&ajor said he happened to live in the UP- lands. yiet a. few days ago there had been a hammering. at tbe wails of his house. But be didn't go out a^id use coarse language to the workmen.—Oh airman agreed if the men were guilty of the conduct attributed to thetn it wafl most reprehensible.—A Com- mittee was appointed to consider the mat- Iter.
I ! KINGSBRIDGE LADTS FUNERAL.
KINGSBRIDGE LADTS FUNERAL. The fonerail of Mrs. A. E. Hiles, Tavern- y-Trap, Eingsbridge, Gonseinon, took place at Gowerton on Monday, and was lairgcfly attended, the mourners being Mr. A. E. Hiles (husband), Harry aaid Willie Hiles (sons), Mrs. Mailiphant and Miss Hiles (daughters), Mrs. Johnson (Christopher Hotel), Mrs. Thomas (Coliseum Hotel), and Mir. Porad-ybe (L. and N.W. Railway Hotel) (sisters and brother); Mr. Jaxvis, Hfuydaings Hated (brothernin-law), MI8 West Williams, Bristol (niece), Mr. aod Mrs. Trott, Harry and Jack Johnson, Mrs BrazeJ, Mr. Jones (Hafod Inn) (neptbews and nieoes), Mr. and Mrs. Long, of Llanetlly (sisterrin-law), Mr. Edwards (Birmingham), and Mrs. Sarah Boaven i8wansea). There were a latrge rram- ber of beautiful wreaths, including one from tbe Swansea Licensed Victuallers' Afwocia tioc.
A COLD ON THE CHEIT.
A COLD ON THE CHEIT. HIDDEN DANGERS CONQUERED BY PEPS. Fully three-quarters of the fataJ illnesses to-day begin with a chill or cold. la- deed, a cold on the chest is a very serious matter and demands prompt and proper treatment. Chronic bronchitis, asthma, < p-ieurisy, pneumonia, and even the dreaded <on.sumption generally owe their beginning to thoughtless neglect. "Oh 1 a-m only a bit hoarse," folks say; or "That pain or I tightness about my chest. it will pass away." tightness about my chest. it will pass Not merely the aged, but those in youth and middle age should attend sharply to these simple, yet alarming symptoms. Happily, a novel and natural medicine, in the form of Peps tablets, has now been placed within reaoh of everyone by means of which the dangerous coid on the chest IS quickly dispelled and more serious con- sequences thus averted. And what is also of great importance is that the Peps treat- ment is wonderfully simple .and handy, while ite advantages are exceptional ana manifold. Immediately a Peps tablet, divested of its preserving silver wrapper, is placed in the mouth it commences to dissolve, and certain rare volatile essences which are concentrated 'in the tablet are released and carried into the lungs with the air we breathe. The thiroat, which has been made sore and irritable with incessant coughing, is soothed; phlegm is loosened and ex- peiled, breathing is made easier, and the in- flamed membrane lining the bronchial tubes and lungs is ooothed and healed by direct contact with the medicinal fumes. Thus the healing influence of Peps is felt in places beyond the reaih of any liquid medicine; and a "cold on the chest" is shorn of all its hidden perils and is itself readi'y cured. Tne germs that are said to cause colds and influenza oftrn lodge m the tissues of the lungs and throat, but in Peps we have an effective germicide and destroyer. As we breathe in the disease, so we must breathe in the cure. Peps con- tain no opium, morphia, chloral, laudanum, or any of the narcotics often found in li- quid cough-mixtures and cheap lozenges, and they are, therefore, safe and invaluable for young and old. Of all chemists, at Is. 1.21 d. or 2s. 9d. per box.
DID PAUL VISIT WALES?
DID PAUL VISIT WALES? CHURCH LECTURE AT BRITON FERRY. Councillor M. G. Roberts gave an interest- ing lecture at the Church Institute, Briton Early, on "The History of the Chuirch in this country dunrig the first ten centuries." The lecturer said the tradition that St. Paul visited this country was based on a letter written by Clement, Bishop of Rome, a contemporary of the apostle It was cer- tain that the Christian religion was estab- lishtud in tlliis country in the second century, probably ea/dier. In the sixth century the first Bishop of IJand .fi occupied the See. The present bishop was the seventy-sixth in succession.
FIRE AT PORT TALBOT.
FIRE AT PORT TALBOT. FURNITURE CARRIED INTO THE STREET. A fire broke out in tOO residence of Mr. W. Trounce, insurance superintendent, Courtland-place, Port Talbot, on Monday afternoon. The occupants were vway from the house at the time. Mrs. Roes, a neigh- bour, observed smoke issuing, and rushed to the police station, and Inspector Canton dispatched constables to the house. The door was forced, and it was seen that the fire was chiefly oonfined to a pantry beneath the staircase. J. Rosser, another neighbour, attached a hose pipe to the water pipe, and with this and buckets of water the constables soon subdued the fire. Most of the furniture was carried out by the neighbours, and considerable damage was done to household effects and staircase.
SKETTY DRAINAGE.
SKETTY DRAINAGE. RURAL COUNCIL SCHEME IN JEOPARDY. It was stated at the Cockett Parish Coun- cil meeting on Tuesday that the Looal Gov- ernment Board had declined sanction to borrow £ 13,000 for sewerage amd disposal works for that portion of Skotty in the Oockett Parish, but the stafcemcait is not quite oorroct. Mr E. Harris, clerk to the Swansea, Dia- triot Council, states that what has been re- ceived is a oominunieatkm from the Board of Trade raising points to be considered at a special meeting of Sketty Drainage Com- mittee on Thursday. The inquiry was held in August and it will be rec-alled that the scheme provides for drainage from Tyoocji-road down to sewage works near Cwmfarm, the effluent to be then conveyed to an outfall on the foreshore opposite Sketty lane. lord Swansea, Mr W. Graham Vivian and others offered opposition to the scheme.
! SKEWEN LAD S BRILLIANT CAREER.
SKEWEN LAD S BRILLIANT CAREER. PROFESSOR. RICHARD RICHARDS, DYNEVOR. Mr. Richard Richards, Dynevor House, Dynevor, Skewen, has been appointed pro- fessor of mining at the Mining and Technical > College, Wigan. Mr. Richards had a brilliant college career, after securing a two years' scholar- ship, and obtained (1) dipJomas in mining, engineering, and metallurgy, of South Wades University (2) bronze modaJlist of Board i of Education in principles of mining, (3) first-class honoursman in mining (first in or dior of merit in Wales); (4) honoursman in geology (final), Board of Education; (5) pie- j rrtios" student of the department of surveying and mining (University College, Cardiff); (6) finst-oktss nna.S surveying "(Min. Civil and j Engineering of the Uunveraflty Collage in 1936); (7) first-class final rminsng engineer- j ing, University College, 1908 (8) first^-class J metallurgy, University College,^ 1908; and (9) first-class final geology, University Col- lege, 1908. Before his appointment Mr. Richards was successful as lectarer on mining, geology, surveying, under the Glamorgan County Council—his classes at Neath, Seven Sisters, Re^olven, a<nd Skewen being faithfully at- tended, the Neath class exceptionally so. MT. Richards hais already corrwnenoed his duties at Wigan.
SWANSEA WHARF EXTENSIONS.
SWANSEA WHARF EXTENSIONS. MeeErs Topham, Jones and Bailton, oon- tractors for the extensions to the Swansea fiah wharf, South Dock basin, are experi- encing difficulty in ooping with an influx of water through the dam which had to be constructed during the conversion of the old Globe Dry Dock into the extension por- tion. Considering this, the progress made is eatis £ a«c(tory.
[No title]
At Llandilo on Saturday, Wm. Rees, col- lier, Penybank, Ammanford, was fined 5s. and coste for being drunk on the G.W.R. Station; James Clarke, South Bank, Llan- dilo, was for dmnkercness fined 2s. 6d. and costs; Thomas Pugh, Caledfwlch, Manor- dilo, for keeping a dog without a licence was ordered to pay lis- inclusive; David Davies, Tylwyd, DhsnHawddog, Manpump- sainfc, for not sending his boy to school was j fined 2s. 6d. and 7s. 6d. costs.
i SWANSEA POLICE FORCE QONGEKT.
SWANSEA POLICE FORCE QONGEKT. Preparation* a.re being actively made to rria.ke the Swanfl60 poiioe concert at the Albert Hall on December 19 even more HUe- cessful thaji its predecessors. The hail will be specially decorated and the artistes in- clude Miss Amy Castles, soprano, who makes her first "pmrance be"; Miss Winifred Lewis, contralto; Mr Trevor Ev&as, 1-cnor; and Mr Robert Radford. baritone; while Mr T. D. Jones. Morriaton, will be the organist and accompanist. It is needless to add that the police baud are to perform special ae- lections and that they are djlxgently re- I hearsing them.
NEATH COUNTY SCHOOLS. [
NEATH COUNTY SCHOOLS. [ HEADMASTER'S SPEECH ON PRIZE 1 DAY. Neath County Schools prize ai&tribution was held on Thursday last. The proceed- ings are reported in another page, but sub- joined is the address of the headmaster: — HE A D MASTER' S REPORT. The headmaster, in his report, stated thai there were 126 candidates at the en- trance scholarship examination. The fol- lowing ha-fl been avv,U'<!ed .-cho!ars.np^ this yo&r:— Entrance Scholarships—C-ertrude Bowen, C-adoxion iCa.ioxtou School), M. M. Hopes, Neath (Gnoll Scnooi), G. l^ewiis, lliyncoch, (lirynoooh School], G. Roes, Neath (Gnoll Scnooi), H. Carter, Neatn (Herbt/rt-road' SJJiooij, H. Edwards, Neatn (.Gnoll Scnooi), j D K. floweds, iSkewen (Uoeutranc School), C. Where&t, Keaodven (nt^oiven Mchcoi).. Probationer V., M. Ellio Court Sari; 8. Jocciau, i ji»n.-a.miiet; SJ. J. Tayjor, Bryncoch. Junior, H Bald- | ww, Neatn (Aid. Davleis, Scnooi), M. j Bronham, Briton Ferry (Neath-road i>'hooi), _\1. Davies, i-laiisamiol, church of England Svhool), E. HaJl, NeatJii (Gnod Scnooi), P- A. Hams, Neath lGnoll School), G. fiop- kins, Neath (Gnoil 8chooi), r'. Joncts, Union berry (Neath-road School), M. Rogers, Couix Sart (jNeatii-road school, Brrton Ferry), G. M. ivnunons, Nea^h (Gnoll School)., E. M. Thomas, l"an.amlet (Church of England School), G. E. Der- rick, Ljiiuisanue-i (Chin-oli of EngiaJid School), H. Evans, Aberdtuuis (Aberciulats School), W. Griffiths, Skewen (Coociiraiic School), T. Morgan, Skewen (.Uoedfranc School), A. Noot, Sikevven (.Coedfranc School j, A. Salter, Briton Ferry (Vernon-plate School). internal ScLiotareitiipis—M. Collins, Giant's Grave, G. Hopkins, Resolven; U. Maasey, Neath; G. ttees, Neath; A. D. Evans, Neath Abbey, W. Jonto, NeathE. Mor- gall, Crynant; VV. R. -Morgan, Sikewen. Tne following pupds had been successful thiis last sow-aon. Central Yv e1511 Board Examination — j Honours Certificates—J- Jones, T. H. lii^i- j aids. Senior Certificates R- Pickreli, D. J. Yv alters, VV. E. Aldm, M. H. Bowen, H. M. Buahell, A. D. G. Evans, VV. J. How- eils, D. Hughes, G. Jamas, J. H. Parry, D. Rees, J. Davies, T. J- Edfwairds, xi. G. Griffiths, M. A. Hughes, K Morgan, H. Morns, A. S. Reed, T. C. lay lor, B. G. Thomas, J. M. 'l'iiama»s, W. D. ihomas, D. M. Watson. D. Watson, R- Pickreli, D. J. Walters, J. H. Parry, D. Rees, E. Mor- gan, D. Thomas obtained certificates equivalent to Welsh Matriculation; Zl ob- ained certificates qualifying them to be un- certificated assistant teachers U1 primary schools.. Junior Certificates—J. B. Creighton, W. T. Jones, F. G. 1 weaker, M. Morris, 1. G. Reed, E. J. Rees, E. Vanstone, M. Zeiiler, A. D. Evans. D. J. Joshua, b. Parsons, D. Thomas, G. C. Davies, M. Davies, C. J. Llewellyn, E. M. Morgan. London Univorsity Matriculation Exam- ination—-A. M. Esmond. Waltali University Matriculation Examin- ation—D. Rees, W. D. Thomas, D. Wil. ^leum,s- -on Seiiior Oxford Local Examination.R. O. Davies. County St/udentahip University College, Cardin-F. C. Morris. Board of Education (jSouih Kensington) Examination—Mathematics First olass, L. G. Evana, M. Morris; second class, P. Col will, D. Joshua, E. Parsons, D. L. Rees, J. D. Simimons. D. J. Tlaomas, S. H. Thomas, W. M. Thomas. Theoretical Inorganic Ciiemistry-Firl-It class G. C. Davies, A. D. Evans, D. J. Joshua, M. Lewis, E. M. Morgan, M- Mor- ris, 1. Reed, D. L. Rees, R. G. Richard, J. D. Simmons, R. H. Snook, D. Thomas, J. Thomas, JS. H. l'homas, H. Vanstone, M. Zeoler; second ciass, M. Bediord, P. Colwul, M. M. Thomas, C. R. Wiuiiams. p,raa,tical Inorganic ChemaBtry—First class, J. B. Cremnton. G. C. Davies, J. D. Simmons, 1. Thomas, S. H. Thomas; second class, W. T. Jones, A. L. Morgan. Boaud of Education Examination ot Can- didates for Pupul Teachersuips—Senior grade, G. Derrick, Llajisamlet; L. G. Evans, Cadoxton; M. Williams, Aberdu- lais. Junior grade, V. M. E'iJis, Court Salt; S. Jordan. Llansamlet. Preliminary Ceriihcate ExamJ.uiAion—S. Lewis, Neath, witli distinction Li history V. AiulLer, Neath, With oisitiai-Uon in geo- graphy E. Benjamin, Neatii; G. Gregory, llansamlet; G. James, Briton Ferry; R. Lewis, LLuiaajulet; A. Lloyd, Neath; C. Morgan, Skewen; J. B. Paxry, Liansam- let; E. A. Rosser, Liansamilet; 1. J. Way, Briton Ferrv. Past Pupils—B.A. (Wales) with Honours, E. M. G. Hdill, Briton Ferry. Intermediate B.A. (Wales), A. J. Kickard, Briton Feny. "Ordinary" Examination, B.A. (Waies), A. J. Heale, Neath. County Scholarship, Ruskin College, O. T. Hop- kins, Orynaiit. With regard to the OentraJ Welsh Board certificates (continued the headmaster) the Honours Certificate, wW> cannot be taken untiii after the Senior, is of tpocial value to Uio^e who iiKtend proceeding to college to take their degi'ee, whdiie on cerain oon- ditioiis tiie Senior Certificate is accepted by the University of Wales, the general Medical Council, the Howard of Education, as qualifying the holder (1) for the post ot aaesistant teacher, and (2) for admission to a. Training College as King's Scholar, be- sides by various important public bodies. This recognition by so many public bodies shows that these certificates are valuable, but it also means that they are not easy to get. It is in the work to be done at home that the pupils learns to rely on him- self, and to applly by himself what he learns in the asKroom. And while speak- iflig on home work I should lake to say how much one appreciates f." ('fi-ooøration of parents in seeing that their children can [I and do work at their less the the evenings. Such co-operation is a.s val- uable as it is welcome. But the vaiue of the mental work done is not oonfined to the passing of examinations. The value of a subject, lies to a. large extent too in the traillin.g of the mind so that some subjects which appear to be useless may after all be among the useful. There is another side—the moral side. The building up of character, of tone. This side is of the greatest importance. It is the "tone" of the great public schools of EngJand that has made them of such influence. There remains the physical side. The sound body at least helps towards the sound mind in these day- when competition is so keen I and life so strenuous, a good physique is of the utmost importance. Still it is possible to have too much of a good thing, and gaanes I should not fill up the sum totatt of one's interests. There has been an improvement in the length of time pupils stop in the school. As the Chancellor of the Ex- chequer said the other day, "What had made Germany was not her army but her schools. That was the mistake we were making. We talked about. Germany's army and navy, but what was making Germany great was her educational system. It was education likewise that was going to maike I Wales gtreot." I shouid not forget tha.t this year the Count-y Authorities have built us a new lecture room and that a master for commercial subjects has been added to the staff. Two pleasant duties re- main for me to perform. I wish to take thd's opportunity to thatfifk my colleagues on the ftaff for the services they have again rendered the school this year. I wish a-lcx) to thank the governors for their kindness, and for the readiness with which they en- tertain any prpject for the good of the school. (Cheers.
|SWANSEA PROPERTY SALE.
SWANSEA PROPERTY SALE. Messrs. James and James conducted a. pro- perty sale at the Hotel OBJOOTOTIJ Swansea, on Monday. Details —Gainsborough Villa (at the entrance to Clyne Common from the Mayals), 81 yeairs unexpired JB600, MT. Stobo Andrews. 31a., 32, 33,. Kilvey-terrace, St. Thomas (83 years unexpired), JB550. A I freehold ground rent of P,6 7s., together with St. Thomas (83 years unexpired), £ 1550. A freehold ground rent of £ 6 7s., together with a leasehold ground rent of la. a yeax, se- Cured upon Nos. 90 and 93, Pentre Estvll- street, £ 170, withdrawn.
I—.= , MORRISTON INSURANCE…
— = MORRISTON INSURANCE AGENT. 'HOPELESS DIPSOMANIAC: SATUR- ATED WITH ALCOHOL." PITIABLE NEGLECT OF HIS TWO CHILDREN. At Swansea on Wednesday, Caleb Thomas, 8, Plasycoed, Morriston, insurance agent, 'was summoned for neglecting his two children, aged twelve and nine. Mr. Leeder prosecuted for the N.S.P.C.C. Mr. T. R. Harris defended. Inspector Arnold, N.S.P.C.O., said de- fendant, who was addicted to drink, had been under the society's supervision since March, 1906. The children had been ragged, dirty, and miserable, and the home j dirty. Receiving a police complaint, wit- ness went again to the house with Dr. Rice Morgan and found the children dirty, no fire and no furniture, except an old chair and two beds. Neighbours had helped to feed the children. Defendant was a hope- less inebriate. Bv Mx. Harris: Defendant's promise in June, 1907, had been kept, and untilNovem- ber this year witness had not called -again. He was a teetotaler?—I heard he joined the Salvation Army for a time. There was an arrangement between him and a neighbour as to the care of the chil- dren?—I didn't know that. Witness added that defendant had been a widower three years, but could afford to keep a housekeeper if he worked. Asked as to defendant's health, witness said he was making himself ill through said he was making himself ill through drinking. Dr. Rice Morgan said it was one of the worst cases he had experienced. Defen- dant was a hopeless dipsomaniac, with his system saturated with aloohol. The younger boy particularly had suffered from neglect and want of food. Witness had once to send defendant to Bridgend through the effects of alcohol, and he was now near the same condition again. It was ahso- 1 lutely necessary that defendant should be put away to get rid of the effects of aloo- hol. By Mr. Harris: He thought defendant had not intended to neglect his children, and that he had the instincts of a parent. Inspector Morris, asd Mrs. Anne Osborne, a neighbour, gave evidence. Mrs. Osborne said she had SEEN THE CHILDREN EATING CABBAGE STUMPS, and had often given them food. Other witnesses said defendant fre- quently had women of bad character in the house. Mr. Harris said other members of the family were willing to take the children, and appealed for a month's adjournment to give defendant a chance to reform. The magistrates sent defendant, for his own benefit., to prison for three months' hard labour. Offers by Mrs. Thomas, a sister-in-law, and Mrs. Hannah Evans, a neighbour, to take the children were accepted.
MUMBLES LIFEBOAT'S "CALL."
MUMBLES LIFEBOAT'S "CALL." About eight o'clock on Tuesday evening the Mtonbles lifeboatmen had a "surprise call." They promptly got the boat out and everything» passed off satisfactorily. Sur- prise calls are made four times a year.
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Neath Debating Society had an interest- ing discussion on "Do charity organisa- tion societies do harm?" Mr. Handley took I the affirmative, and such societies were de- fended by Mr. Morgan. Those present ex- pressed their opinions, and ,Ir. Morgan I eventually won the day by a good major- ity.
LLANELLY MAN STABBED
LLANELLY MAN STABBED HIS COMPANION ARRESTED. QUARREL DURING DRINKING. Yet another sensation is reported from Llanelly, and in the Seaside distaact. Two men, William Henry Grey, a. steel worker, living at Old Castle-street, and Robert Jen- kins, of Waterloo-street, were together for some time at the Albion Inn, Marine-street. A dispute occurred over payment for drink, but this seems to have been settled, and both men left the house by a back way. In the lane, however, the quarrel was renewed, both men fighting. Two other men passing by were attracted, and heard Grey calling out, "Take the knife away." Upon making an examination they found that Grey had been stabbed in the back in three places. Dr. Brookes was immediately caMed, and, after doing what he could, he ordered Grey's removal to the hospital. The police were then communicated with, and Jenkins, who was considerably the wcrse for drink, was arrested by P.C. Thomas. The injured man late 0:1 Fiiuay rig.it vas going on as well as could be expected. ACCUSED AGAIN REMANDED: BAIL REFUSED. At Llanelly on Monday Robert Jenkins, Waterloo-street, was again charged with causing grievous bodily harm to Henry Grey, Old Castle-road. Mr. Jennings de- fended. Dr. Brooks said the injured man was still at the hospital and unfit to attend. Jenkins was remanded for a week. Mr. Jennings applied for bail. Supt. Rogers opposed. Mr. T. Jones: Are the wounds serious? Dr. Brooks Two are very serious indeed. Mr. Jennings said there was no previous charge against accused. The Bench refused hail. Mr. Jennings asked if the man could re- main in custody at Llanelly instead of Car- marthen. There was no objection to this.
SWANSEA HOSPIT. -
SWANSEA HOSPIT. PRESENTATION TO SISTEK LLEWELLYN. Sister Llewellyn, who has been six years at the Swansea Hospital, was on Tuesday ths recipient of preeents on leaving to be- come matron at Llanelly Hospital. The gifts she received were a silver tea service and case of silver teaspoons from the medical and nursing staffs; silver spirit kettle and butter dish from the patienta 0ast and present of Llewellyn and Patti vY Eurdu, and silver sugar tongs and salt spoons from the domestic staff. Dr. Brook presided over the gathering, and amongst tfcose who testified to Sister Llewellyn's worth and popularity were the chairman, Drs. Roberts and Nelson Jones, and the matron.
I. " !DIE. ON THE SOFA.
DIE. ON THE SOFA. SWANSEA WOMAN'S FATAL ATTACK OF EPILEPSY. Mrs Harvey (57), No 11, Recorder-street. Swansea, complained of illness early OIl Thursday morning and went downstairs aDd expired on the sofa. A medical man was called, but was unable to certify tbe cause of death. An inquest was held at the Hospital, when Jane Steward, 28, Ifceoorder-street, step- daughter, said Mrs Rees. who lived with de- oeased, rushed across and told her her step- mother was dying. Witness found deceased roaminer at the mouth and her hands twitch- tnc. She never spoke. Margaret Rees said deceased told her die was very ill and aeked for cold water. Wit. new ran for the previous witness. Dr Roberts attributed death to an epilog tic fit.—Verdict accordingly.
I !BRITON FERRY PUBLIC HliI.
BRITON FERRY PUBLIC HliI. HANDSOME LIbi uF DONATIONS ¡ PROMISED. At a meeting held at Briton Ferry on Tuesday night, Aid. Jenkin Hill, J.P., pre- siding, in connection with the public can project, it transpired that the following amounts were offered towards the object in view :-Mr. H. Eccles, J.P., £.500; Coon. M. G. Roberts, £ 100; Mr. Lewis Jenkins, J.P., £ 100; Coun. T. Gwynne, LW; Aid. Jenkin Hill, J.P., £ 100; Mr. W. D. Jones, £ 50; Mr. H. F. Taylor £ 50; Mr. A. T. Williams, £ 50; Mr. J. Morris £5; Rev. H. Hughes, L5; Mr. Oswald Jones, JE1. The representatives of Mr. E. Evans Bevan, Neath, said that Mr. Bevan would be glad to surrender his lease on ground at present occupied by house property and hand it over. In addition he would also give JB250 towards the project. (Cheers). It was decided to thank Mr. E. E. Bevan for his generous offer and gift. Messrs. T. H. Hunter and W. H. Hum- phreys were appointed joint secretaries, and Mr. Davies (Capital and Counties pank) treasurer.
ZLGAR'S "THE KINGDOM."
ZLGAR'S "THE KINGDOM." IMPRESSIVE RENDITION AT GARDIFF. SWANSEA CHOIR. CONDUCTOR DESCRIBES THE PERFORMANCE. Additional local interest is attached to the performance of Elgar's "The Kingdom," by the Cardiff Musical Soctety on Wednes- day night as the work is to be performed for the benefit of the Swansea Hospital by St Paul's Choral Society on March 15. A Swansea choir conductor, who attended the Cardiff performance, contributes the follow- ing account of it:- A very large audience lavishly showed their high appreciation of the artistic choral singing throughout. The excellent results obtained are due to their enthusiastic con- ductor, Mr Aylward, who succeeded in ob- taining from his singers aJtd players a, poetic interpretation of the music. The choir sang with much beauty of tone and certainty of execution and depth of expres- sion. The choir and quartette were heard to great advantage in the opening chorus "Seek now the Kingdom of God," and the. chorus "0 Ye Priests" was vigorous and impressive in its force and grandeur. The choir were ably assisted by Miss Agnes Nicholls (contralto), Miss Dilys Jones (eon. tralto), Mr Walter Hyde (tenor) and Mr R0- bert Tyndall (bass), who came forward at short notice instead of Mr Burnett, who was. unfortunately, indisposed. SpeciaJ mention may be made of the so- prano solo, "The Sun Goeth Down." the ar- rest scene for the contralto, and the tenor solo "Unto you that Fear." Previous to the work there was the familiar orchestral suite. Peer Gynt No 2 (Greip, which was given in a finished and solid style, and needless to say the orchestral music was brilliantly interpreted by an or- chestra which included several Swansea musicians. The concert was most successful through- out, and, judging from the high apprecia- tion shown at the cloee, all present would b? delighted to hear this masterpk-00 of Elgar again at an early date, although this was the second performance at Cardiff.
DECEASED WELSH KNIGHTS FAILURE.
DECEASED WELSH KNIGHTS FAILURE. "Tondon Gazette" of Tuesday, contains the following announcement under the head "Bankruptcy Acts—Receiving Orders" :—"Sir John Henry Pules ton, 2, Whitehall-court, in the City of Westminster; creditors' petition: date of filing, March 3rd, 1908; date of re- ceiving order, September 30th, M., -.EUr J ohrn Puleston died a few weeks ago.
[No title]
It has been decided to revive the Port Talbot Homing Society, re-naming it the Port Talbot Flying Club, and to fly the North route.
COST OF SWANSEA STREETS.r
COST OF SWANSEA STREETS. r LARGE SUM SPENT IN EXCESS OF ESTIMATES. HIGH-STREET CONTRACT: THE DATE UF COMPLETION. Swansea Streets Committee met on Tues- day, Mr. T. Merreils presiding. Chairman suggested that to rave cost the details of the road repair fjbould be typewritten for members of the committee only, and not printed on the agenda. That would mean, he said, about ten minutes' work for the clerk. Mr. Livingston asked would it mean less publicity. Mr. Dcvonald thought as tliis was an im- portant committee it was very necessary a summary of cost should appear on the agenda. The matter than dropped. It was decided that in future all property owners should be called on by the surveyor to make necessiixy private street improve- merits; if they did not, legal notice should be aerved, after which the Corporation should do the work, and chaise to the owners. Surveyor ga.ve a summary of expenditure to October 31st. Tlie approximate expen- diture was JB18,841, the estimate in pro- portion to the whole of the year for the seven months was £ 17.874. 'The amount spe-nt over the estimates amounted to £ 1,272; the amounts under the estimates, £ 505; total net excess of expenditure £ 966. £ With reference to the paving of a. foot- • —vn-stroet, .surveyor reported that he had been in communication with i owner <>f the property adjoining, who stated that it was not in- adjoining, who stated that it was not in- cumbeait on him to do the paving, but he oiferod J310 towards the cost, which he (the surveyor) estimated at £30. Mr. T. J. Davies (Mcrriston) remarked that hrmd-eds of people were walking through the footpath every day. Its pre- sent condition was a scandalous shame. Morritston was the most iniilortint ward in the borough. It was as important to Mor- J ripton as Castle-street was. (Cries of "No. no.") He thought Dr. Davies' offer was a handsome one. It was decided that the chairman, vice- i chairman and town clerk visit the rpot and report. A proposal of the surveyor to allow the narrowing of the footpath nea>r Prince of Walcs-road corner, for the purpose of the ( Tramway Co., was discussed, and it was decided not to agree to it. j Chairman complained that good channel- ling was being broken up by the contractors, a,nd on the projxisition of Mr. Colwill, it was decided to take note of the amount of was decided to take note of the amount of channelling destroyed and deduct it f'-om the contract price, the contractors t be informed of this decision. It was decided to adopt a recommenda- tion of the surveyor for paving m High- street, at a cost of about £ 200. Chairman asked when the wood-paving work was likely to be completed? High- street tradespeople, and the town in general, were anxious to see it. Surveyor: You see the progress that is going on. I don't think it oould be im- proved upon. There was a delay of two weeks at the start. This is what is known as a big little job, and the contractors could more easily have got 500 or 1,000 tons of rails than the 100 tons wanted. He under- stood they couldn't get a quotation in this country and had to go to Belgium. Mr. Morris remarked with respect to the time clause in the contract, that if they were one day over the time he would press for the penalty. Chairman: Order! Order! Keep your good resolves till opportunity occurs. Mr. Dd. Davies asked whether it wafl expected that the work would be done in the stipulated time? Surveyor: No, I don't. Mr. Davies thought thev should make it clear the contractor would have no mercy from them, because there was nothing more likely to facilitate the work. It was resolved, on the motion of Mr. Dd. Davies, that the Surveyor make an examina- tion of the sleepers, and assure himself that red pine ooJy was being uaed. Surveyor *oported that 18,182 tons of refuse had lieen dealt with by *he Dust Destructor in October. Plans for a new footbridge Yvw the Morriston canal, submitted by Mr. Saun- ders, engineer of the G.W.R. Co., were approved.